News

A new patent from Apple (#20090284476) describes a method in which a device might push it's user interface to a smart remote. The patent doesn't talk much about the device, describing it loosely as a small "accessory" with a touchscreen that changes it's UI to match that of the device it's controlling to control playback of audio or video remotely.

In spite of a slow sales start, China Unicom continues to hold high hopes for the iPhone with an unnamed senior executive citing that the handset will carry 10% of China's 3G users within two to three years. In addition, China Unicom Chairman Chang Xiaobing publicly said this week that he expects the iPhone to be the best-selling smartphone in all of China.

Closely following the announcement that Magellan's car kit and iPhone nav app, RoadMate 2010 North America [App Store, $79.99] TomTom has announced that they plan to release a second car kit geared directly to the iPod touch.

Google announced earlier today that they have launched a mobile-formatted version of Google News for viewing on smartphones, geared directly toward iPhone, Android, and Palm Pre users.The new version offers similar features to the desktop homepage, displaying more stories than the other versions, while still keeping with their distinctive style.

Virgin Mobile's Canadian division will soon carry the iPhone, according to an announcement delivered today. The company has currently revealed few details, except that it will sell both the 3G and 3GS models and that a launch should happen sometime "in the coming months." The device will also be the carrier's first HSPA-based phone, possible through an upgraded Bell cellular network.

Since AT&T's request to have Verizon's ads temporarily pulled from the air has been denied, AT&T has begun airing their own commercials to respond to Verizon. The ad features a quizzical Luke Wilson pointing out which company has the fastest 3G network, the ability talk and surf at the same time, access to over 100,000 apps, and more.

Honestly, I'm not too sure if AT&T should start throwing some of these claims around; they may have a counter-lawsuit coming their way. Maybe Luke should have just asked "which network has the iPhone?" Ad follows below!

A federal judge has denied AT&T's request to temporarily block Verizon Wireless from airing advertisements comparing coverage maps for Verizon's and AT&T's 3G data networks. AT&T argued that the ads were "misleading," as some would misinterpret AT&T's comparatively sparse 3G coverage map as a map of their actual network, making it appear that there was no service available in those areas not covered on the map.

Just under a year ago, we heard about iBreath, a breathalyzer accessory that attaches to your iPhone and tells you your approximate blood alcohol content, and even doubles as an FM Radio transmitter. The time for waiting is over, as the iBreath breathalyzer is now available for just $49.95, down from its normal price, $89.95.

Software giant Google is rumored to release its own custom-built Android phone in early 2010, allowing the company to control all of the facets of the software and hardware, much like with Apple and the iPhone. Per Michael Arrington of TechCrunch, the Google-branded phone has been "confirmed" through reliable, anonymous sources, and will be sold directly through retailers very soon. Though the handset was originally planned to release this holiday, it has slipped to early 2010. Albeit the device will be created by a major manufacturer, much like Microsoft did with the first Zunes from Toshiba, it will only have the Google brand on it.

Apple looks ready to expand the iPhone to South Korea after earning approval from the nation's telecommunications director on Wednesday. The Korea Communications Commission approved the iPhone at its meeting, which means Apple can now sell the device whenever it chooses
The handset is now expected to arrive in a matter of weeks, perhaps before the end of the month.