Native (beta) AIM client comes to iPhone...

The first known AIM client for Apple's iPhone has been released, allowing users to send instant messages to friends and co-workers on-the-go. The software, which is currently described as "a first buggy version," was released primarily as a usability test, according to the developer. The author has yet to implement suspend functionality, but that feature is planned alongside vibrating the iPhone when an IM is received. "The idea is to provide an 'Adium' for the iPhone, and we're moving towards it," the developer said. Programmers skilled with Objective C and UIKit are welcome to contact the author about helping with the project, as well as users familiar with libPurple who can provide guidance with implementation.

Slim USB travel charger, iPhone case ship

USBFever.com has launched its Ultra Slim USB Travel Charger that works to charge an iPod or iPhone on-the-go. The charger measures 42 x 70 x 15mm and weighs 43 grams, charging devices with 5V 1A output. A retractable power plug eases the charging process, and the entire charger is shorter than a credit card and only half as high as a SIM card (1.5cm). The company today also unveiled its iPhone Aluminum Case, a protective cover for iPhone owners filled with neoprene lining that ships with a 360-degree swivel belt clip. USBFever.com's device charges an Apple iPhone or iPod, most PDAs, cellular phones, and USB-powered MP3 players. The Ultra Slim USB Travel Charger is priced at $12, while the iPhone Aluminum Case is available for $20.

iPhone UPnP client coming to SourceForge

One iPhone user who holds a full-time day job as a Java developer has created a UPnP (Universal Plug-and-Play) client for Apple's iPhone that provides access to streaming audio and video content. UPnP is designed to simplify network connectivity of PCs and intelligent devices -- such as the iPhone -- by using TCP/IP and the Web to enable control as well as data transfer among networked devices. The software, which is in an early alpha stage but is "very usable," will show up on SourceForge.net in the near future, according to the developer. Apple's iPhone currently offers built-in support for YouTube but lacks access to UPnP content out-of-the-box. The software will allow iPhone owners to access their own UPnP services as well as remote locations over the internet with a simple proxy configuration.