Wow. What a year for iPhone fans. I thought 2007 was exciting, and 2008 for that matter, but it feels as if 2009 may have been the most exciting of all so far. An amazing new iPhone model, tens of thousands of apps added, App Store craziness, lots of groundbreaking stuff coming out of the jailbreak arena, so many funny stories, so many fascinating stories. Just an action-packed year all-round.
So this is our humungous rundown of the Best of Everything iPhone 2009 “ from the sublime to the ridiculous, from cardboard recession cases to portable chargers and rugged case torture tests, from App Store idiocy to the very best apps, from funniest quotes about the iPhone to some of our best rants about it.
The iPhone is such a huge phenomenon by now that I ‘m sure we ‘ve missed plenty, but we got to cover a whole lot of great stuff this year, and we ‘ll recap the highlights here.
A word of warning: this post is long. Very, very long. We found a lot we loved when looking back over the year. Over the next few days, we ‘ll break its content up into more bite-sized pieces by category and post those (still long but shorter than this epic) one at a time. If you just don ‘t have time for the epic length, wait on those “ but if you ‘re in the mood for a monster read and you ‘ve got some down time leading up to the holidays, please dive in after the jump
Best iPhone Apps 2009
Brandon on Sniper vs Sniper:
http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/review-com2us-sniper-vs-sniper-go-buy-it-now/
Go buy it. Now.
Google Reader web app beats all native app contenders: http://isource.com/iphone-software/google-reader-on-iphone-vs-native-rss-apps-like-marvin-hagler-vs-well-anyone/
Evernote 3.0 released:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/new-evernote-30-for-iphone-is-out-and-looking-very-good/
Steampunk Tales brings pulp fiction to the iPhone: http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/review-steampunk-tales-for-iphone
A great iPhone game from early in the year – Zombieville USA: http://isource.com/iphone-games/quicklook-zombieville-usa-zombies-beware/
Pandora gets huge download numbers:
http://isource.com/iphone-news/pandora-iphone-download-numbers-big-getting-bigger-faster/
Autostitch provides stunning panoramic photo effects: http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/review-autostitch
QuickOffice released for editing of MS Office docs on the iPhone:
http://isource.com/iphone-news/quickoffice-for-iphone-coming-this-month-ms-office-maybe-soon-too/
Josh loves Boxcar for push notifications:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/boxcar-app-review
Boxcar does what it ‘s designed to do, very well in fact. It pushes all my DMs and mentions to my iPhone, and when I view the notification message, it launches Twitterrific. That ‘s all I ‘ve been asking for. And Boxcar delivered And quit launching Tweetie or Twitterrific every 5 minutes to see if you have any new DMs or mentions. Just relax, Boxcar will let you know when you get something.
Baseball Slugger is a home run:
http://isource.com/iphone-games/review-baseball-slugger-for-iphone
Free Reign highlights some good free apps: http://isource.com/?s=free+reign
Appsfire provides a slick new way to share app recommendations: http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/review-appsfire-easiest-way-to-share-your-iphone-app-recommendations-with-friends
Apps that help us find good / discounted / free apps “ Bargain Bin adds push notifications:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/bargain-bin-updated-does-push-notifications-for-app-store-price-drops/
Thomas loves Lexic:
http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/review-lexic-2-0-for-iphone
I loved every spelling second with Lexic, and that ‘s really because the Kieffer Bros. have treated it as a labour of love. Lexic is a beautifully polished and balanced gameplay experience, and I think it ‘s much more than just a fantastic casual game, but a triumphant example of what premium iPhone apps can be ( ‘Word! ‘).
Apps aren ‘t rocket science, but NASA brings out a good one anyway: http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/iphone-apps-arent-rocket-science-but-nasa-has-one-anyway/
LogMeIn Ignition is a versatile remote access champ: http://isource.com/iphone-software/logmein-ignition-remote-access-to-all-your-pcs-macs-servers-from-your-iphone-and-it-works/
JotNot Scanner impresses:
http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/review-jotnot-scanner-for-iphone
Tweetie 2 is very good:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/tweetie-2-is-out-early-impressions-are-very-positive/
Canabalt is instantly gripping:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/like-iphone-games-check-out-canabalt-just-do-it/
The music pulsates and the man starts to pick up the pace. He clears the next three rooftops in half the time it took him to run the first and this is when the music and the world simply explode into action. Buildings rumble and collapse, airships scream as they fly overhead, and I realize that after a mere 20 seconds of gameplay: Canabalt already has me hooked.
My kiddo’s favorite app of the year:
http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/review-dolphin-experience-for-iphone/
Beautiful – The Louvre on the iPhone: http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/want-to-see-the-louvre-yup-theres-a-gorgeous-app-for-that/
iPhone RSS apps – some good choices:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/iphone-rss-apps-some-good-choices/
Moneybook – finance with flair:
http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/review-moneybook-for-iphone-finance-with-flair/
Nextstop is a kick-ass web app:
http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/nextstop-an-iphone-web-app-that-kicks-ass/
Joe ‘s in love with words, and Words with Friends:
http://isource.com/iphone-games/apps-we-love-words-with-friends/
gCalWall “ a handy app from our man Brandon: http://isource.com/iphone-software/new-apps-gcalwall-from-our-man-brandon/
Best iPhone Accessories 2009
Rivet Clip System:
http://isource.com/iphone-accessory-reviews/review-rivet-clip-system/
Before 2009 I thought you either had to put your phone in a case, attach a lanyard, or leave it naked. I didn ‘t know you could take little pins, secure them to your device with industrial strength tape, and then fasten them to your person with stainless steel clips. Did you know that?
It ‘s riveting, I know!
Sena Sarach Designer Flip case review: http://isource.com/iphone-accessory-reviews/review-sena-sarach-designer-flip-case-for-iphone-3gs
Musicskins “ put your favorite bands on the back of your iPhone: http://isource.com/iphone-accessories/musicskins-put-your-favourite-bands-on-the-back-of-your-iphone
Best (Dino) iPhone Dock ever:
http://isource.com/iphone-accessories/best-iphone-dock-ever
Squaretrade warranties cover drops, spills, all the stuff Apple plans don ‘t: http://isource.com/general/squaretrade-provides-iphone-warranties-that-cover-drops-spills-all-the-things-other-plans-dont/
Vaja iVolution GT leather case review:
http://isource.com/iphone-accessory-reviews/review-vaja-ivolution-gt-leather-case-for-iphone-3gs
If you worship your iPhone like a little plastic idol, then the ivolution GT is one of the most fantastic and beautiful altars that you can lay it on.
DIY rotating Lego dock:
http://isource.com/iphone-accessories/diy-rotating-lego-dock-for-iphone-looks-good
Recession Case – best damn $0.99 cardboard case ever:
http://isource.com/iphone-cases/recession-case-best-cardboard-iphone-case-ever
Joe gives an Otterbox iPhone case a torture test in Iraq:
http://isource.com/iphone-accessories/review-torture-test-otterbox-defender-series-case-for-iphone-3g3gs/
The dust here in Iraq is finer than powder and gets into everything “ and I mean EVERYTHING. One of the things I was most interested to see was how well the Otterbox would perform in keeping out the dust. After several dust storms and daily exposure to the elements, I am pleased to say that it has kept the iPhone virtually dust free, even when covered in dust itself.
Gorilla Tube carbon fiber carrying case:http://isource.com/iphone-accessory-reviews/review-gorilla-tube-carbon-fiber-carrying-case-for-iphone-3gs/
case-mate I.D “ wallet + case combo reviewed:
http://isource.com/iphone-cases/review-case-mate-i-d
Favorite accessories – iPhone coasters: http://isource.com/iphone-accessories/say-what-you-will-i-do-want-these-iphone-app-coasters/
Favorite accessories – Dexim P-Flip portable charger: http://isource.com/iphone-accessory-reviews/review-dexim-p-flip-an-amazing-portable-charger-and-dock-for-iphone-3gs
I ‘m ridiculously happy with the Dexim P-Flip and I think it ‘s one of the best iPhone accessories I ‘ve had the pleasure of using so far.
Accessories madness – rivet clip + Gorilla Tube holster thingie: http://isource.com/iphone-cases/possibly-perilous-probably-awesome-rivet-clip-gorillatube-as-an-iphone-holster/
Best iPhone Laughs 2009
iphone vs stone from 40,000 BC: http://isource.com/general/hilarious-headlines-apple-responding-to-windows-mobile-65/
Apple patent application shows a jailbroken iPhone – http://isource.com/general/hilarious-headlines-apple-patent-application-shows-jailbroken-iphone/
Pop Tart iPhone Case:
http://isource.com/iphone-cases/bizarro-iphone-cases-pop-tart-sleeve
New iPhone, The Onion style: http://isource.com/general/details-on-a-brand-new-iphone-the-onion-style
Steve Jobs follows us on Twitter:
http://isource.com/general/steve-j-and-i-twitter-pals
Pre owner smashes iPhone 2G, is a freaking moron -> http://isource.com/general/new-pre-owner-is-a-real-iphone-killer
Milo’s Gaseous brain guide to the iPhone: http://isource.com/general/recommended-the-gaseous-brain-guide-to-the-iphone
Some excellent iPhone math:
http://isource.com/general/some-excellent-iphone-math
Good reasons for app updates:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/good-reasons-for-iphone-app-updates
Finally … MMS arrives on AT&T and lemurs rejoice:
http://isource.com/general/recommended-hilarious-iphone-mms-spoof-ad-on-youtube
Top iPhone headlines: http://isource.com/general/recommended-man-taps-iphone-844683-times-proving-life-is-overrated-at-krapps
Man Taps iPhone 844,683 Times Proving Life Is Overrated
Real iPhone killer = a man with a gun in an Apple store: http://isource.com/general/all-those-reports-of-huge-iphone-customer-satisfaction-nonsense
Great iPhone or Droid cartoon:
http://isource.com/general/brilliant-iphone-or-droid-cartoon
The Fake Steve Jobs fake AT&T interview: http://isource.com/general/great-att-interview-conducted-by-fake-steve-jobs/
Funniest press release ever details an App Store failure story: http://isource.com/iphone-software/i-just-bought-a-cereal-app-i-blame-the-press-release/
After calculating that the royalties they earned would be enough for only the cheapest and most vile of malt liquors and Marroni ‘s girlfriend saying that he ‘d have to sell at least 30 copies before she ‘d let him touch her again, the devastation fully sank in.
Best New Features & What We’re Still Missing
Offline Gmail was demo’ed in February, how far it’s come!:
http://isource.com/iphone-news/offline-gmail-for-iphone-demo-ed/
Google Sync’s debut of contacts and calendar: http://isource.com/iphone-news/google-sync-brings-over-the-air-calendar-and-contacts-sync-for-iphone/
Multi Photo Email is now OBSOLETE:
http://isource.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=5948
Memory-freeing apps, before they were neutered / updated – iStat, Free Memory, others: http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/free-memory-app-no-longer-in-the-app-store-and-will-not-be-able-to-free-memory-when-it-comes-back/
Thomas misses MS Voice Command, iPhone Voice Control doesn’t really compare: http://isource.com/general/i-miss-microsoft-voice-command/
About how Notebook app can lock its orientation, Safari should learn from this: http://isource.com/iphone-software/appigos-notebook-can-now-lock-its-orientation/
Gmail swipe to archive ->
http://isource.com/iphone-optimized-sites/gmail-web-app-now-with-swipe-to-archive/
iPhone less ducking and more swearing: http://isource.com/iphone-os-software/iphone-os-30-iphone-os-software/iphone-os-30-now-with-less-ducking-more-umm-swearing/
Thomas’ quick thought – skipping app updates: http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/quick-thought-skipping-iphone-app-updates
Patrick on oleophobic coating, thinks it has something to do with Canada: http://isource.com/iphone-news/iphone-3g-s-newer-faster-packs-oleophobic-coating-say-what
Thomas wished for Evernote offline editing – he got it!
http://isource.com/general/offline-evernote-edits-please/
Joe on easier home screen management in 3.0:
http://isource.com/iphone-tips/iphone-30-software-has-small-but-useful-feature
Managing apps in iTunes = blah, letdown:
http://isource.com/iphone-os-software/managing-apps-in-itunes-first-impression-not-impressed/
Honestly, at least so far “ after having done a restore and update to 3.1 and actually using the new capability to re-arrange my apps “ it just doesn ‘t feel very much better than the nothing that preceded it.
Our favorite uses of push notifications: http://isource.com/iphone-accessory-reviews/review-dexim-p-flip-an-amazing-portable-charger-and-dock-for-iphone-3gs
Our Best iPhone Rants of 2009
Brandon’s epic rant on Apple, GV Mobile, and You:
http://isource.com/general/rant-apple-gv-mobile-and-you
Apple – Fix This Now. And by ‘this ‘ I mean all of it. The stupid non-published ‘we felt like it ‘ policies, the bad hair day policies, and the bow down before the deathstar policies. FIX IT.
Pre-Envious:
http://isource.com/general/im-pre-envious-of-palm/
Brandon rant about CRAPPS:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/rant-enough-is-enough/
Lamenting unavailability of Kindle app in Canada, took months to get here:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/still-no-kindle-app-uphere/
iWound magazine app – an escapee from the Worst of iPhone 09 list: http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/review-iwound-digital-magazine-for-iphone
iWound honestly feels to me like an advert (ha, that feels good and ironic) for how not to do an iPhone application. Clumsy and inconsistent navigation, large, bothersome adverts in a paid-for app, and no mention of when or how new content will be delivered (and whether it will be charged for).
Apple’s arrogance biggest threat to the App Store? http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/biggest-threat-to-the-iphone-app-store-apples-arrogance
Google Reader preventing Thomas from reaching stardom: http://isource.com/iphone-software/google-reader-preventing-me-from-reaching-stardom
JoeT thinking on CRAPPS and whether there’s a plan to filter them – there isn’t: http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/will-crap-apps-have-legs
Alicia’s pet peeves about iPhone OS 3.0: http://isource.com/iphone-os-software/my-5-pet-peeves-about-iphone-30
Ah, bet you thought I ‘d be a typical Apple iPhone fanboi, incapable of saying 1 bad word about the Jesus Phone and its wave-making 3.0 software update? Sorry to disappoint you. Even if I may be in love with iPhone and tout it as profoundly lifestyle changing, I do get frustrated at some of Apple ‘s decisions and implementation.
Thomas’ idiotic experience with Rogers trying to order a 3GS:
http://isource.com/general/did-rogers-lose-my-3gs-for-a-whole-week/
Patrick stirs up a hornet’s nest with hot-headed post on Tweetie 2’s lack of upgrade pricing:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/tweetie-2-new-app-will-spit-on-existing-old-app-users/
Developers Customer Service 101 “ if you don’t like our prices, you’re a whining moron: http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/ever-questioned-the-price-of-an-iphone-app-then-youre-a-whining-moron/
‘When the shit hits the fan’ approach for App Store reviews process does not work: http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/app-store-needs-to-change-the-when-the-shit-hits-the-fan-approach-to-review-process/
How NOT to promote an iPhone app: http://isource.com/general/how-not-to-promote-an-iphone-app/
Make it nearly impossible to find any clues about what the app you are ‘promoting ‘ actually does “ throw 5-10 paragraphs of marketing wizardry at us without actually providing a description of what the app in question does. We love a good mystery quest.
Best Lines about iPhone 2009
Right. You know who thinks the iPhone 3GS stinks? Steve Jobs. No one is working harder on an ‘iPhone 3GS killer ‘ than Apple.
John Gruber on most likely 3GS killer: http://isource.com/general/great-line-about-most-likely-iphone-3gs-killer
WinMo bashing bahaha –
http://isource.com/general/hilarious-headlines-apple-responding-to-windows-mobile-65/
Sprint boss says iPhone is in a separate category and compares it to Michael Jordan:
http://isource.com/general/sprint-boss-says-iphone-is-in-a separate-category
Microsoft suck at trash talk:
http://isource.com/general/really-bad-trash-talk-steve-ballmer-on-the-iphones-chances
Windows Mobile next generation’s browser will be better than the iPhone’s … yes of course, and Paris Hilton will replace Steve Jobs as Apple’s CEO: http://isource.com/general/more-big-talk-that-will-never-walk-the-walk
Ballmer says the internet is not designed for the iPhone: http://isource.com/general/microsoft-ceo-says-internet-not-designed-for-iphone/
Proud iPhone dad moment:
http://isource.com/general/a-proud-iphone-dad-moment/
Droid ad trash talks iPhone:
http://isource.com/general/iphone-killer-trash-talk-droids-a-blazing-fast-robot-iphones-a-clueless-princess/
Great compilation of hits: The iPhone is Dead, Long Live the iPhone: http://isource.com/general/the-iphone-is-dead-long-live-the-iphone
In spite all its flaws, this is THE best quote to sum up the App Store and Apple ‘s impact on the mobile arena: http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/a-great-app-store-quote-from-a-great-mobile-developer
I ‘m a big admirer of Apple for doing stuff they way they want. Of course I don ‘t agree with everything, and of course I hope they change some stuff, but on the whole, they ‘ve done more “ much more “ for mobile software in the last 13 months than everyone else put together has done in 13 years.
Best App Store Craziness of 2009
App Store hits 25,000 apps in March: http://isource.com/general/app-store-hits-25000-apps-passes-windows-mobile/
Another stupid, hilarious App Store story about dragons:
http://isource.com/general/latest-app-store-bannage-no-extra-dragons-allowed/
App store passes 1 billion downloads:
http://isource.com/iphone-news/app-store-passes-1-billion-downloads/
Apple apologizes for baby shaker app approval: http://isource.com/iphone-news/wow-apple-apologize-for-baby-shaker-getting-into-the-app-store/
Should the App Store reviews process be scrapped? http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/should-the-app-store-reviews-process-be-scrapped
App Store’s picture in the dictionary next to the word inconsistent? http://isource.com/general/recommended-daring-fireballs-look-at-app-store-consistency-on-age-ratings-for-wikipedia-ap
The 40 most overworked people in America: http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/iphone-app-store-8500-new-apps-per-week-40-reviewers-no-wonder-the-reviews-process-sucks
Wow, I feel sorry for those 40 reviewers.
Wow, I feel even more sorry for developers whose livelihood may depend on the whims of those hugely overworked reviewers.
Since every app apparently needs to be reviewed by two reviewers, that works out to around 80 apps PER DAY that each reviewer has to handle. 10 per hour if they work an 8 hour day.
That works out to 6 minutes spent per app, on average, even if they take zero breaks during their 8 hours. I ‘m sure some apps require less time than others and so on “ but any way you slice it, that just sounds ridiculous.
With these sort of numbers it is no surprise at all that we see crazy, dumb approvals and rejections of apps, that later have to be reversed.
It ‘s also no surprise that we see so much inconsistency in the decisions being made.
Champion of ‘less product value ‘ and ‘more monetization" shockingly has his spam apps banned from the App Store:
http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/spam-apps-developer-banned-from-app-store
App Store downloads pass 2 billion:
http://isource.com/iphone-news/crazy-big-iphone-numbers-app-store-downloads-pass-two-billion
App Store reviews process – untenable: http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/latest-very-fitting-term-for-the-app-store-reviews-process-untenable/
The App Store’s Most Embarrassing Moment? http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/the-app-stores-most-embarrassing-moment/
Developer banned for rigging reviews:
http://isource.com/iphone-news/developer-gets-ripped-from-itunes-store-for-ratings-fraud/
Best of the iPhone Jailbreak Arena 2009
Stroughton Smith ‘s concept of Dashboard from FEBRUARY! http://isource.com/iphone-software/dashbard-widgets-concept-for-iphone-looks-interesting/
Before there was Spotlight, there was QuickGold: http://isource.com/iphone-software/quick-look-quickgold/
When we were wondering if 3.0 was still jailbreak-able: http://isource.com/iphone-rumors-myths/evidence-of-more-than-one-new-model-in-iphones-latest-firmware/
Goodbye to Ripdev’s Installer app:
http://isource.com/iphone-modding/rip-to-ripdevs-installer-app/
Cydia store opens:
http://isource.com/iphone-news/cydias-store-for-jailbreak-apps-now-open
Purple Ra1n, Purple Ra1n:
http://isource.com/iphone-3gs/purple-ra1n-purple-ra1n
App organizing – Springsorter sorts by most used apps: http://isource.com/iphone-software/springsorter-re-arranges-your-iphone-apps-by-most-used-jailbreak-only/
3GS rocks when jailbroken: http://isource.com/iphone-3gs/iphone-3gs-jailbreak-after-3-weeks-stable-fast-not-feeling-it-with-themes
mQuickDo “ iPhone app switching = love at first sight:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/mquickdo-my-first-jailbreak-app-purchase-on-the-iphone-3gs
Our Top 15 jailbreak apps:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/our-top-15-iphone-jailbreak-apps/
Apps organizing – Stacks:
http://isource.com/iphone-tips/homescreen-re-organizing-using-stacks-to-group-similar-apps/
App organizing – 160 apps and just one home screen: http://isource.com/iphone-software/160-iphone-apps-and-just-one-home-screen-sweeeeet/
Blackra1n = jailbreakers’ best new pal: http://isource.com/iphone-modding/hello-blackra1n-welcome-back-jailbreak-on-the-iphone-3gs/
Apps organizing – Orbit and Overboard compared on video: http://isource.com/iphone-software/quick-video-comparison-of-jailbreak-iphone-expose-apps-orbit-1-1-4-and-overboard-1-0/
Our thoughts on why jailbreaking is / isn’t worthwhile: http://isource.com/iphone-jailbreak/our-thoughts-on-why-jailbreaking-is-is-not-worthwhile/
Jailbreak app adds support for Bluetooth keyboards: http://isource.com/iphone-software/jailbreak-apps-iphone-software/jailbreak-app-adds-support-for-bluetooth-keyboards-for-iphones/
ProSwitcher, Mother of all App Switching Apps: http://isource.com/iphone-software/proswitcher-the-mother of-all-iphone-app-switching-apps/
Jailbreak, the evil temptress:
http://isource.com/iphone-modding/o-jailbreak-you-evil-temptress-thou-ownest-my-soul/
Thomas’ iPhone makeover:
http://isource.com/iphone-themes/my-iphone-makeover-musicskin-illumine-and-matte-ui-and-a-bit-of-orbit-themed-overboard/
Best iPhone Stories 2009
Portrait of Steve Jobs, done on an iPhone:
http://isource.com/general/a-portrait-of-steve-jobs-done-on-the-iphone
iPhone apps start anti-piracy measures:
http://isource.com/iphone-news/iphone-app-adds-its-own-anti-piracy-measures
Alicia’s post on iPhone not replacing her iPod Classic: http://isource.com/general/why-my-iphone-wont-replace-my-ipod
Gizmodo ‘s comparison of app stores: http://isource.com/general/recommended-giz-explains-mobile-app-stores
iPhone 3GS is an Iron Man:
http://isource.com/iphone-3gs/iphone-3gs-iron-man-21-days
Thomas’ first video review…didn’t even know how to edit clips together, so spent whole afternoon trying to perfect 2 minute video review. Failed: http://isource.com/iphone-games/review-cronk/
Skype dl’ed over million times in less than 2 days – http://isource.com/iphone-news/skypes-iphone-app-over-a-million-downloads-in-less-than-2-days/
Coming Soon – C&C for iPhone back in May, turned out to real bust when reviewed by Thomas:
http://isource.com/iphone-games/coming-soon-command-conquer-red-alert-for-iphone/
Patrick tries iPhone handwriting, hates it: http://isource.com/iphone-os-software/first-impressions-of-iphone-handwriting-recognition-it-sucks/
YouTube videos spike with release of iPhone 3GS: http://isource.com/iphone-3gs/iphone-3gs-is-the-first-smartphone-ever-with-video-recording
AT&T kept us waiting for MMS: http://isource.com/general/recommended-dan-reminds-att-that-its-just-about-the-end-of-summer/
Stephen Fry on iPhone 3GS and 3.0: http://isource.com/iphone-3gs/now-thats-a-recommendation-stephen-fry-praises-the-iphone-3gs-and-os-30/
Patrick 3GS first day impressions:
http://isource.com/iphone-3gs/iphone-3gs-day-1-impressions-speed-demon
iPhone 3GS sells one million in 1st three days: http://isource.com/iphone-news/iphone-momentum-stronger-than-ever-3gs-sells-1-million-in-first-3-days/
Interview with Tweetie/2’s creator:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/tweetie-2-pricing-controversy-an-interview-with-tweeties-creator
The "race to the bottom" is inevitable, but only for a certain class of apps. I ‘d like to think that there will always be some higher-class apps that warrant a price greater than 99c. And it ‘s important that developers price their apps fairly: both fair for users, and fair for themselves. It doesn ‘t help anybody if a good developer with a good app runs himself out of business because he ‘s worried about charging more than 99c.
App Advice Daily Podcast:
http://isource.com/general/recommended-app-advice-daily-daily-video-podcast-on-iphone-apps/
What would make for new and improved App Store: http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/what-would-make-for-a-new-improved-iphone-app-store
Scoble offers 85,000 reasons why iPhone won’t be disrupted: http://isource.com/general/recommended-scobles-85000-reasons-why-the-iphone-wont-be-disrupted/
The Battle of the Home Screen – LOLs and LOLs: http://isource.com/iphone-tips/the-battle-of-the-home-screen-dramatic-cleanup-of-my-iphone/
The battle started off as well as could be expected, but I must remember to keep my own zeal in check, for not five minutes earlier I found myself holding the screen for longer than I intended. The apps literally started to tremble for fear of deletion, and it wasn ‘t until I pressed Home that they were re-assured that they were not the enemy.
The hardest working app in show biz: http://isource.com/iphone-software/simplytweet-the-hardest-working-twitter-app-in-show-biz-gets-another-update/
Why the iPhone rocks for multiplayer gaming: http://isource.com/iphone-games/quick-thoughts-why-the-iphone-rocks-for-multiplayer-gaming/
iPhone gains some serious gaming cred: http://isource.com/iphone-software/the-iphone-gains-more-serious-gaming-cred-with-cc-red-alert-and-doom-classic/
App Store success stories: http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/app-store-success-stories-lima-sky-tapulous/
App Store suggestion – sales should have dates shown:http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/app-store-suggestion-all-offers-sales-should-always-have-a-date/
A typical App Store story? http://isource.com/iphone-app-store/not-a-huge-success-story-not-a-failure-story-just-a-year-in-the-app-store-and-still-standing-story
Best iPhone Tips 2009
iPhone Tips – 10 minute project, giving your iPhone bezel a brushed look: http://isource.com/iphone-modding/10-minute-project-giving-your-iphone-bezel-a-brushed-look/
The whole process takes about 10 minutes, but your iPhone will come out looking just just a little sharper than it used to. It ‘s a subtle change, but the buffed bezel is not as prone to fingerprints and just looks a lot more hi-tech overall. I like it!
How to transfer photos and videos quickly from iPhone to Mac: http://isource.com/iphone-tips/iphone-3gs-tip-how-to-transfer-video-from-iphone-to-mac-quickly/
Early hack for 3.0 tethering: http://isource.com/iphone-tips/simple-hack-to-enable-tethering-on-iphone-os-30/
Spicing up iPhone photos:
http://isource.com/iphone-application-reviews/review-tiltshift-generator-my-favourite-tool-for-spicing-up-iphone-photos/
How to change the iPhone’s root password: http://isource.com/iphone-tips/how-to-change-the-iphones-root-password/
Awesome set of tips for Dragon Dictation:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/some-tips-for-dragon-dictation/
Say punctuation: period comma apostrophe open-parenthesis close-parenthesis asterisk open quote close quote. Note that you do not need to say apostrophe for possessive names such as ‘Joe ‘s ‘.
How to change or add icons to Winterboard themes: http://isource.com/iphone-tips/how-to-change-or-add-icons-to-an-iphone-winterboard-theme/
How to jailbreak with blackra1n: http://isource.com/iphone-tips/how-to-jailbreak-the-iphone-with-blackra1n/
Best Bizarre iPhone Apps 2009
Mystery Butt:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/bizarre-iphone-apps-iphone-software/bizarro-iphone-apps-fhm-hoops-dick-wgr-mystery-butt
An app to avoid bad hair days:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/need-to-avoid-bad-hair-days-theres-an-app-for-that
Hopefully not the start of an NFL players ‘experience’ apps trend: http://isource.com/iphone-software/proof-that-nfl-receivers-are-not-spending-too-much-time-on-twitter-the-ochocinco-experience-iphone-app/
An app for those who need to spend $500-1,000 on an app:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/burning-desire-to-spend-500-1000-on-an-iphone-app-theres-an-app-for-that/
WTF sounds of pain:
http://isource.com/iphone-software/bizarre-iphone-apps-iphone-software/bizarro-iphone-apps-sounds-of-pain
Roll on 2010
As dramatic as this year has been, I ‘d still bet on 2010 being even more interesting in the iPhone and smartphone arena “ with stiffer competition for the iPhone, a (hopefully) maturing App Store, tons of great new apps and continuing jailbreak breakthroughs to help push the platform forward.
I hope you enjoyed our recap “ and hope you ‘ll share some of your favorite iPhone moments of 2009 in the comments.
Continue reading:
- Everything New Apple Just Announced (Septembe
- Apple Watch Pre-Order
- Apple Research Kit launches with 5 Apps
- Apple TV now only $69
TAGS: Best of iPhone 2009
