Dropped Calls Plague New 3G iPhone

Finnish cell phone maker alleges copyright infringement

(NEWSER) - Nokia, the world's biggest cell phone maker, is suing Apple in US federal court for alleged copyright infringement, saying it has 10 claims on the technology used in the iPhone. The Finnish company said Apple used "fundamental" patented technologies concerning wireless data, speech recognition, security, and encryption. It has reasons to be concerned: This week Apple posted a blazing 47% jump in quarterly profits, while Nokia swung to a loss. More»

Cardboard protection can be yours for just $1

(NEWSER) - Hard times no longer mean iPhone users who blew all their cash buying one can't afford a protective case for their new favorite toy, Mashable reports. Case-Mate has introduced the iPhone 3G Recession case, priced at just $1. The sturdy cardboard case, which assembles with locking tabs, will cushion your phone against falls and defend against scratches, but makers don't recommend getting it anywhere near fire or water. More»

(NEWSER) - Even a gadget as good as the iPhone isn't without its annoyances, although luckily bigger geeks than you have cooked up workarounds for most of them, Jared Newman writes in PC World. Some major gripes:

• AT&T: The carrier's stranglehold in the US is becoming even more irksome as foreign iPhone users start to enjoy better tethering and multimedia messaging services.
• Weak email management: An update has added bulk email management, but there's still no simple way to delete or move batches of messages.

(NEWSER) - Lost amid the hoopla over the new iPhone 3GS is an annoying flaw: its battery rarely gets through the day without pooping out. Apple's website now advises users to temporarily shut down certain features, including the 3G network itself, to prolong battery life, reports the Los Angeles Times. Battery life depends largely on how many gizmos are running; Luddites who use their iPhones simply to talk can figure on about 7 hours. More»

Deal could come through when AT&T's exclusive rights expire next year

(NEWSER) - Apple is in talks about developing an iPhone for Verizon’s wireless network—with possible deployment next year, USA Today reports. Currently, the iPhone is only available on AT&T’s GSM network, which is incompatible with Verizon’s CDMA operation. AT&T has exclusive US rights to the iPhone into 2010, and analysts expect AT&T to try to retain them for at least another year. More»