The Numbers: Cell Phones Down, Smartphones Up, MobileSafari WAY UP

So while Apple is ramping up production of the iPhone 3G, it looks like the rest of the cell phone industry is in a serious slump. Kind of. According to the NPD, (via Ars Technica) only 28 million cell phones were sold this quarter representing a 13% year-to-year decline. But looking specifically at the model-by-model numbers, it looks like everyone is enjoying success on Motorola’s dime.

“Quarterly unit-sales of handsets fell to their lowest level, since NPD begin tracking the category in 2005,” NPD director of industry analysis Ross Rubin said in a statement. “Even so, most major manufacturers picked up market share that was lost by Motorola.”

But it’s not all bad news for the industry. Phones with QWERTY keyboards saw a 28% increase in sales and smartphones increased sales by 9%. The average price of a cell phone sold increased by 14% to $84 year-to-year. Consumers are more likely to spend more money on a handset since the iPhone was introduced and that feeling extends toward Blackberries, HTC devices, etc.

In related news, MobileSafari has been on an absolute tear since the release of the iPhone 3G. According to Analysts, (via MacDailyNews) MobileSafari has nearly doubled its market share to 0.31% since the launch. Doing rudimentary math, having more handsets on the market that are twice as fast as the old one, well, I guess it adds up.

And to top it all off, our friends at Engadget have created an iPhone specific web page. Why, you ask? Because in 2008, the iPhone/iPod Touch Family has accounted for nearly 96% of all mobile views on their full Engadget site. That’s just jaw dropping.

So that’s the state of the industry. Surprised that the iPhone 3G has had such an effect on the numbers? What’s to come?

Source:Theiphoneblog

How would you change Apple's iPhone 3G?

It has technically been available for three weeks today (and a few hours in the US, but who's counting?), although we're confident quite a few of you are still waiting to actually hold your very own iPhone 3G. Still, those that have braved the excruciatingly long lines and got lucky with AT&T's apparently random Direct Fulfillment approach surely have something to say. We've already confirmed that firmware 2.0 has some serious issues that need dealt with, and aside from elaborating on those, what else would you have done differently with Apple's second handset? Would you have changed the overall design more dramatically? Finally included a user-removable battery? Used a casing material that wouldn't crack for no good reason under pressure? There's still time for your input to be heard before firmware 2.1 arrives (ahem, Apple?) -- sound off below!


Source:Engadget

Steve Jobs: 60 million iPhone apps downloaded, confirms kill switch

Steve Jobs, presumably speaking from a hyperbaric chamber where he's being nourished with an infusion of liquefied developers-souls before his next public appearance, had a few interesting tidbits about the AppStore for the Wall Street Journal this morning. Namely, users have downloaded some 60 million programs for the iPhone representing sales of about $30 million since the launch last month -- a 30/70 revenue split between Apple and developers, respectively. "The thing's going to crest a half billion soon," Jobs added, "I've never seen anything like this in my career for software." He went on to say that phone differentiation is no longer about radios and antennas (or uh, battery life) but about software. Steve also confirmed the controversial iPhone application kill switch in the event that Apple inadvertently approves a malicious program for distribution. Jobs said, "hopefully we never have to pull that lever, but we would be irresponsible not to have a lever like that to pull." As to the $999.99 I Am Rich application, the dubious download that displayed nothing but a glowing red gem, pulling that from the store was a "judgment" call. Sure, but that doesn't explain how it made it through the vetting process to begin with.

Source:Engadget

Brando Telescope makes iPhone 3G photos 6x worse

We've seen these zoom lens add-ons before. Now Brando's slapped together this 6x "Telescope" for the iPhone 3G -- a phone not exactly revered for its image quality. Just snap the unit to the back of the iPhone 3G and get to work. How good is it? About as bad as the $19 worth of optics within. Seriously, 19 bucks and available now.

Source:Engadget

Apple iPhone 3G Cases : RoadLine - Slim Leather Cases

New RoadLine Slim reflects the fashionable and innovative side of BeyzaCases. RoadLine Slim brings a new way of using leather mobile cases and that will be exclusively first for iPhone 3G. The new concept includes “Strap” feature. Strap is a part of this new concept and will increase the ease of use. The strap will let you to take your iPhone 3G out of the case easily. Besides the technical use of the “Strap”, its look creates a contrast when you look at the other products in the market. Color of the strap is harmonic with the case and BeyzaCases logo is placed at the top of it. Just place your iPhone 3G in one of the amazing RoadLine series and take it out easily with the new "Strap" feature. Your iPhone 3G will come out slowly and easily when you pull the Strap. This beautiful satin strap with the leather on the top will be a phenomenon feature in the leather case market.

iPhone 3G is now in perfect fit with your Beyza Case to protect,to look more elegant & handy
Specifications:
• Your RoadLine Slim is designed and crafted to perfectly to fit your iPhone 3G
• Mid-band with the same color following the dominant color
• BeyzaCases’ new concept Strap feature*
• Ecru stitched
• Satin strap with Beyza Logo imprinted leather at the top
• Slim and padded design• Soft protective lining• Protects the device in an optimal manner

*Strap Feature:You can take out your iPhone 3G easily and securely by pulling the strap.

Source:Beyzacases

Apple iPhone Cases and Apple iPhone 3G Cases

The C.E.O. Premiere is a stylish, premium leather hip case for iPhone 3G.The secure flap holds the iPhone safely in place when not in use.

Executive leather hip case
The C.E.O. Premiere is a stylish, premium leather hip case for iPhone 3G. This classically designed case features textured, perforated leather with elegant contrast stitching and an ultra-slim permanent belt clip. The black C.E.O. Premiere uses a secure magnetic enclosure while the vanilla uses durable Velcro®. The black C.E.O. Premiere sold anywhere other than on Marware's website will use Velcro®.
Features
Soft leather iPhone protection with microfiber interior
Stylish perforated design accents with contrast stitching
Secure closure
Built-in, slim belt clip for bag and belt attachment
Easy access to headphone minijack and sleep/wake button
Push-thru access for easy removal
BONUS: Clear protective film and microfiber cleaning cloth included
Marware’s Lifetime Guarantee

C.E.O.™ Premiere for iPhone 3G

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The Sportsuit Convertible is the most versatile sport armband case for the iPhone 3G.

3-cases-in-1
The Sportsuit Convertible is the most versatile sport armband case for the iPhone 3G. The Convertible is really three cases in one: it transforms into an easily adjustable armband case, a clip-on case for a belt or shoulder strap, or a slim-profile sleeve for an extra layer of protection in a pocket, gym bag, backpack or purse. The Convertible includes one of the finest and most comfortable armband designs on the market, and as an added bonus provides a removable armband pouch that you can conveniently slip cash or keys into while you are out for a jog or jaunt around the neighborhood. The Convertible's neoprene skin and durable vinyl screen-cover completely enclose and protect your iPhone while giving you full usage of all screen functionality and buttons.
Features
A 3-in-1 case solution easily "converts" to an armband case, a clip-on case, or a slim-profile sleeve
Slim, lightweight, and stretchable neoprene skin with clear vinyl display protector
Ultra-soft and adjustable Velcro® armband fits many arm sizes
Includes removable armband carrying pouch that conveniently stores cash or keys
Includes Multidapt® low-profile belt clip for bag and belt attachment
Easy access to headphone minijack, buttons, speakers, microphone, and dock connector
BONUS: Clear protective film and microfiber cleaning cloth included
Marware’s Lifetime Guarantee

Sportsuit™ Convertible for iPhone 3G
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Protect the entire touchscreen against scratches, giving your iPhone 3G an invisible barrier against damage.

Description
The Marware Protective Film for iPhone 3G offers affordable front protection for your iPhone. The thin, clear film clings to the front of your iPhone and protects the entire touchscreen against scratches, giving you an invisible barrier against damage. Purchase as a stand-alone protection solution, use with a case you already own, or pick up extra protection with your current Marware product order. As an added bonus, a microfiber cleaning cloth is included at no additional cost. * Special Note: To keep your pricing as low as possible, and to help the environment, Protective Film and bonus cleaning cloth are shipped flat without retail packaging. Not designed for multiple applications.
Features
Thin, invisible protection for your iPhone
Covers display, Click Wheel, and Center button
BONUS: Microfiber cleaning cloth

iPhone 3G Protective Film

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The C.E.O. Glide for iPhone 3G strikes an uncompromising balance between slim profile, great protection, and quick access.

Our slimmest-profile leather sleeve
The C.E.O. Glide for iPhone 3G strikes an uncompromising balance between slim profile, great protection, and quick access. Designed as the ultimate pocket, bag or purse case, this snug, slim case is both innovative and appealing. Constructed of firm-textured Nappa leather, this snug sleeve exposes virtually none of the iPhone, providing total all-around protection. Best of all, the Glide uses an innovative dual-purpose strap system that both secures your iPhone and helps remove it from the case. Simply pull on the strap, and the iPhone slides partially out for easy retrieval. Push the iPhone in the case, and the strap recesses and folds over the top of the iPhone, with a secure Velcro closure system that locks it in place. The Glide adds virtually no thickness to your iPhone, and the microfiber interior helps keeps your iPhone clean and pristine every time you use it.
Features
Textured leather iPhone protection with microfiber interior
Secure premium Velcro closure system
Built-in, recessed pull-tab for easy iPhone retrieval
Ultra-slim profile – great for carrying in pocket, purse, or bag
BONUS: Clear protective film and microfiber cleaning cloth included
Marware’s Lifetime Guarantee

C.E.O.™ Glide for iPhone 3G

source:Marware

Smart backup battery pack for iPhone 3G

One of the biggest drawbacks of the 3G radio and GPS receiver in the new iPhone is the tax that it takes on the battery. Most people using the new iPhone have noted that it can be difficult making it through a full day on a single charge when using even a moderate amount of Wi-Fi, 3G or GPS.

Compounding the problem is that Apple makes it unnecessarily difficult to toggle iPhone’s various radios on and off. At minimum Apple should provide easy access to the radio switches by clicking on the battery icon, at best an enterprising developer will create a killer radio toggle app.

Sensing the problem, Richard Solo has stepped in to fill the void with their Smart Backup Battery Pack (US$50). Slightly smaller than an iPod nano the ingenious battery pack connects to the 30-pin dock connector on the bottom of the iPhone (2G and 3G) and most iPods. Simply keep the 1200mAh lithium ion pack charged, toss it in your bag and you’ve got backup power when you need it most.

The battery pack has three LEDs that indicate its charging status and capacity:

• A blue LED shows the current charge level
• A green LED illuminates when the iPod/iPhone is fully charged
• A red LED flashes when the battery has less than 10 percent of its charge remaining

The kit comes with the 1200mAh battery, retractable USB charging cable and a 110-240V wall adapter. As a bonus, you can connect the battery to your iPhone and charge both from A micro USB cable, convenient if you forget your iPhone cable. I’m told that it even charges the iPhone first, then the battery when plugged in. Sweet.

Source:Zdnet