After many discussions around Apple’s policy of banning third-party developers to produce iPhone compatible applications, Steve Jobs agreed to change the policy. As Apple announced before, this was a measure o security. Being the most advanced phone on the market, the iPhone would have been a serious target for malicious attacks.

However, Apple’s engineers have launched 200 applications for the iPhone’s browser. Even the restriction was lifted, the kit for developers will be available on February, as the company works out how to open up the phone without exposing it to malicious programs. In other words, Apple tries to upgrade the operating system to avoid future problems caused by third-party applications. Nevertheless, the iPhone won’t accept any kind of programs, but only the ones accepted by Apple, suggested Steve Jobs. I think they try to use only signed programs like Nokia does for some mobiles.

via Reuters

Griffin Technology has launched recently a new wireless sound system. The product was released on BestBuy.com, an online shop. The Evolve Wireless Sound System features a base unit dock, two wireless speakers and a RF remote control.

The dock station is compatible with iPod video, iPod photo and 1st- and 2nd-generation iPod nano. The unit recharges your iPod too, as it streams digital stereo sounds. The wireless speakers are powered by built-in lithium-ion batteries, which deliver up to 10 hours of functioning. Evolve Wireless Sound System has auxiliary audio in RCA jacks for alternate audio sources like other MP3 player for example.

You can buy it for $299 at BestBuy.com. (via iLounge)

The ultimate version of Leopard OS will debut in stores on October 26, four months later than it was planned. The new operating system has 300 new features and costs $129. As Steve Jobs said, the Leopard OS is “the best upgrade we’ve ever released.”

Besides the regular functions, Leopard has an application that automatically backups music files, pictures and everything a person will put on his/her Mac. Another new feature is the tool that creates widgets for favorite sites and places them on the desktop. Leopard allows users to remotely search for files on all computers connected to their network. The iChat application was modified so the users could share slide show presentations, distort their pictures or insert fake backdrops.

The release was delayed due to iPhone launch. Originally Apple planned to release the new Leopard at Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco in June. But its engineers worked for the iPhone’s big launch.

Apple launched iPhone Web Apps Directory which contains 200 applications for Safari browser. The applications are specially created for the 3.5″ touchscreen, so the users will have an amazing experience.

Web apps can be used on iPhone or iPod touch. There you will find entertainment (Sudoku, Bejeweled), social networks (Digg, Facebook), utilities (calculators), blogs, videos and music. You would better see yourself at Apple’s website. Browse the library and when you see an application you like tap the screen, follow the link and bookmark it for later. Great idea!

If you ever imagined a MacBook Pro made out of gold, Computer Choppers has it. I wonder what will all those Apple fanatics will think about this one, because not many will afford to, at least, touch it. In fact this is an old MacBook Pro that has been modified and covered in 24-carat gold along with a big diamond Apple logo.

Don’t expect it to go into mass production because these guys mentioned they are only doing unique laptop customization. Still this new 24kt Gold MacBook Pro is a beauty and I might get in touch with them to get my Acer, some wheels.

Yesterday I’ve heard some nice Apple news, from Jonathan Rentzsch, that said the new metallic keyboards (he bought one) have something against Caps Lock. The first thing that came into my mind was that this would be a manufacturing problem so I started to read about it and I found out that lots of people have the same problem.

To make it clear, the new Apple keyboards are taking ages and require a good bear press on the button to turn Caps Lock on, and will only need a you blow air upon it, to turn off. The matter was confirmed by so many other consumers so that brought me to the idea of an anti-Caps-Lock campaign that Steve Jobs is doing. I wonder if people scream at the office!
I am not saying that Caps Lock is a good thing, but if you think that you get to pay $47 for the wired version of the keyboard, and $79 for the wireless, wouldn’t you want all your keys to work perfectly?

There is demand for Apple’s iPhone and that’s why the production will almost double from 1.54 million pieces they make right now, up to 2.7 million iPhones by the fourth quarter of 2007. TheStreet.com mentions that Apple decided to produce by the end of the year 4.8 million which makes it a good idea if you think that it will be launching it in Germany and England very soon or if you consider the $200 price drop.

I think they’ll make it. What do you think?

Bowers & Wilkins has 40-plus years of experience and know-how in speaker design in a single package. A new creation was announced on their website:

Bowers & Wilkins prepares to launch a new speaker especially designed for iPod. Called Zeppelin, the speaker will provide a level of sound quality usually available only through dedicated hi-fi separates. Zeppelin is certified “Made For iPod” and is designed for use with the current model range. The name was chosen due to its design line. The concept was created by Native Design, London.

Zeppelin will be available from September 2007 in Apple Stores or online (http://store.apple.com). The manufacturer recommends a retail price of $599.00.

Press release here.

Steve Jobs, Apple’s boss showed today their new series of iMac desktop computers. The company decided to go just for 20 and 24 inch displays with no 17″ version. However you now can get a 20″ iMac with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1 GB of RAM and 250 Hard Drive for just $1,199. So here are the three new options as they appear on Apple’s website:

The new 20-inch 2.0 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US), includes:

• 20-inch widescreen LCD display;
• 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
• 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive® with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB GDDR3 memory;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• 250GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• the new Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse and infrared Apple Remote.

The new 20-inch 2.4 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

• 20-inch widescreen LCD display;
• 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
• 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB GDDR3 memory;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• the new Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse and infrared Apple Remote.

The new 24-inch 2.4 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US), includes:

• 24-inch widescreen LCD display;
• 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
• 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB GDDR3 memory;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• the new Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse and infrared Apple Remote.

Dear iPhone users, we know that the biggest and the most annoying problem with your phone is that you are afraid your battery will let you down and you don’t feel like paying $85 for it. If you have some personal tech skills or at least you like to do things on your own then I have a solution for you. It’s a do it yourself kit, from Brando, to replace your iPhone’s battery in just a few easy steps.

The price for the iPhone battery replacement kit is only $20 and includes a non-official 1400mAh 3.7 VDC battery, a screwdriver and instructions. Keep in mind that you may break your device or lose the warranty so unless you can live without them, don’t do it.

[Buy it on Brando, via Xataka]