Third-party add-ons

We were all under the impression that Apple would be developing the majority of the software for the iPhone when it’s released in a couple of months time, but it’s becoming clear now that third party applications, authorised by Apple, will be coming to the iPhone.

The first third party application comes in the form of a widget that was “designed for the size of the iPhone’s screen”, that’s according to the Scenario Poker page on Apple’s website, which you can view here.

Apple has yet to remove this download, or at least edit it, and we assume they’ve already given it the once over because the fruit technology giant authorises each download featured on their website. It’s also worth noting that it looks as though the multitouch screen will come in to play in Scenario Poker, as you can “tap” the screen (we assume) to check your round in the game of poker.

[Via T3]

A big w00t w00t! to Jajah who announced that they will be providing VOIP to the iPhone via their Jajah Mobile product. According to their site, “iPhone users will be able to make free or very low cost global Jajah calls with a single click, without a special download, other equipment, wi-fi or broadband access. You’ll just need to be a registered Jajah user - and registration is free.”

To which I replied to myself, “Hell yes!” I like anything that promises single click, free, and free in the same sentence. It’s too bad that you can’t just buy a data plan with Cingular:(

[Via MacDailyNews]

Here’s a great tutorial on how to create your own iPhone-style icons. Similar in style to Mac OSX Dashboard icons, this tutorial will have you designing your own buttons in no time. You may notice that in the imagery for the iPhone, there are similarly styled icons for Phone, Mail, Web, and iPod.

[Via Tutorials 2.0]

Anyone who has been searching for the iPhone on Google (currently more searched than iPod) will no doubt have stumbled across blogs and news sites that promote both good and bad vibes for Apple’s brand spanking new device. A lot of people have been complaining about the lack of 3G, poor battery life (it’s not that bad) and limited storage. Some have even gone as far to say that having a closed platform is a bad idea, but with all the negativity surrounding the iPhone I thought it was about time we posted up some more positive stuff.

Leander Kahney, over at Wired.com tells us why he is all game for a closed platform on the iPhone. He basically suggests that Steve Jobs was more concerned with usability over aesthetics and extra cool features. The idea of allowing a Microsoft product to run on a mobile phone, for example, would no doubt draw in virus’s, as most Microsoft products do, thus putting the iPhones usability at risk. According to Jobs users “need it [iPhone] to work when you need it… more...