Online Apple Store Philippines is up

Good news to all Pinoys, the Apple online store Philippines is now open for business. If you wanna start shopping check out this link http://store.apple.com/ph

They currently have all Apple product line available except for the iPhone which should be available at all Globe outlets.

Be sure though to have an AppleID ready for online shopping. I have an article in the past regarding creating one.

Beware of iPhone with Plastic Cracks

The new iPhone 3G 16GB version will be available in 2 different colors, that is black and white (Apple loves these colors on their product). I'm not sure if the white version will be available here but I hope it does. More iPhone users are reporting about their phones showing some cracks on the back part, this is most noticeable on the part where the buttons are located. The cracks are even more noticeable on the white version because of the discoloration of the hairline crack. If you happen to purchase an iPhone and notice a crack, immediately return it to the Place of Purchase and reference your return to US users who were able to exchange their phones at an Apple store and walk away happy. If you purchase it in Greenhills then goodluck.

3 more days to go and the iPhone will say hello. 

Posted by Rouge

reference: ilounge.com

What to expect inside the iPhone 3G Box

What to expect inside the iPhone 3G Box

iPhone 3G ships with the following accessories and in-box components:

• iPhone 3G
• SIM card from Globe
  
• Stereo headset with microphone
• Dock Connector to USB Cable
• USB power adapter
• Documentation
• Cleaning/polishing cloth
• SIM ejector tool

Take note that the iPhone 3G does not ship with a dock. You need to purchase this accessory separately. Due to the convex iPhone 3G shell, it does not fit in the original iPhone dock. In some countries, including the United States, the iPhone 3G ships with a redesigned USB power adapter. Offering a streamlined design, it does not feature a removable AC plug or retractable prongs.

In other countries, the iPhone 3G ships with a USB power adapter similar to the original iPhone, with a removable AC plug.

The version of the USB power adapter that ships with the iPhone 3G is compatible with electrical outlets in the country of purchase. The USB power adapter is auto-sensing and auto-switching, allowing you to use it with third-party power converters.


Posted by Rouge

How does the GPS work on the iPhone 3G?

GPS feature on the iPhone3G, a brief introduction

GPS is the acronym for global positioning system, a satellite-based navigation system that uses trasmitted signals and mathematical triangulation to pinpoint location. GPS receivers like the iPhone 3G passively receive satellite signals; they never transmit.




Your iPhone3G requires an unobstructed view of the sky, so they are used only outdoors and they often do not perform well indoors or near tall buildings. To get accurate position, the iPhone 3G must be seen by at least 4 satellites orbiting the earth. You can trace your current location using the Google Maps application. Some apps utilizes GPS on your iPhone by adding your location info (longitude, latitude) into a Photos metadata, or simply use that info to calculate progress if you're using your iPhone for outdoor activities, the process is referred to as "Geotagging."

Learn more about the technology behind GPS in this wikipedia entry

Posted by: Rouge

Globe banking on Apple’s stylish iPhone

More iPhone News

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom, Inc. is banking on Apple’s third-generation (3G) iPhone to temper the effects on profits of declining consumption due to rising consumer prices.

The iPhone, exclusive to Globe subscribers, will hit stores on Aug. 22 and will cost P42,000 for the base eight-gigabyte model — four times the suggested retail price of $199 or less than P10,000 in the US.

In a press briefing Wednesday, Globe President Gerardo Ablaza said the introduction of the iPhone, coupled with the launch of value-added services, would drive company growth for the rest of the year.

An analyst said the iPhone would be received well, saying the price "would not stop the wave of fanaticism of Apple users." "The iPhone craze is one thing [Globe] can take advantage of," said Astro C. del Castillo of First Grade Holdings, Inc. He said Globe could sell up to a million iPhones.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ablaza said the company was disappointed that a record increase in subscribers in the second quarter had failed to translate into a proportionate hike in wireless revenues.

Its subscriber base grew by 1.5 million to over 22 million subscribers in the second quarter mainly due to the strong performance of the network’s low-cost brand, TM. But wireless revenues dipped by 2%. Mr. Ablaza said sales would likely settle in the low single digit for the year. The company hopes to do better as prices stabilize. — Paolo Luis G. Montecillo, BusinessWorld


Source: GMANews.TV

iPhone software update 2.0.1 may cause issues on ringer volume

iPhone software update 2.0.1 on the original iPhone may cause issues on ringer volume. Users are reporting that ever since they've updated to the latest software version, ringer volume that has been set to max would suddenly go down to minimum. iPhone 3G users who have 2.0.1 does not experience this. If this happen to you, isolate the issue on your own by trying the following troubleshooting

1. Reboot your iPhone.
2. Try to check if you can feel a click when you press the volume buttons on the side. If the volume buttons feels like it doesnt resist and goes all the way up or down, then the problem could be on the volume buttons itself
3. Reset all Settings and check if issue still exist.
4. Remove all 3rd Party app and restart. You may also try to remove some other contents like music, videos and other iPod content.
5. RESTORE. Try using your iPhone without putting back any of your data except for the contacts.
6. If you already tried everything above and issue still persist, then the problem must be on the software update although the issue is not yet confirmed to be caused by the 2.0.1 release.
7. Pray and wait for the immediate release of 2.0.2



Rouge http://iphoneph.blogspot.com

Alam mo ba na... (Sunday Trivia)

Sa Amerika, pag wala na sa warranty ang inyong telepono at ito ay nasira, maari itong iparepair sa flat repair cost na $199.00. Kung gusto mo ng pahiram na telepono habang wala ang iyo ay dagdag ka pa ng $29. Hindi naman talaga nila iyon irerepair, papalitan lang naman nila yun ng kaparehas na modelo, yun nga lang ay refurbished na. At tsaka nila irerecondition yung orihinal mong celfon. Wala naman problema sa mga refurb na telepono, hindi naman yun lumang luma na dahil mukha naman bago ang casing, mga ni-recon lang naman yung laman loob.

Kung bibilhin mo naman sa Apple Store at AT&T store ng walang kontrata ang iPhone 3G, gagastos ka lang naman ng $399.99 sa 8GB na modelo at $499.99 naman sa 16GB. Nakalimutan kong banggitin na hindi pa kasama dun yung tax.

How to create an iTunes App Store account without a credit card

As with the recent addition of our beloved country Philippines in the iTunes store, anyone who already own an iPhone and iPod touch with software version 2.0 can now download a growing list of free apps in the iTunes Apps store. But in order to succesfully download an App, you must have an iTunes App Store account. No redeem code nor credit card is necessary. This tutorial will guide you in creating an "iTunes Account"

Please follow the step by step process as described below, keep in mind that iTunes 7.7.1 or later must already be present in your Mac or PC

1. Access the App Store for your country. Click here to launch the Free App store
   
2. Attempt to purchase a free appplication by clicking on "Get App"
   
3. A window will pop out. Click create new account.

   

4. Click continue.
5. You'll need to read and agree to the iTunes terms and conditions, make sure you check the box next to where it says "I have read and agree to the iTunes Terms and Conditions." Click Continue.
6. Enter in your email address, create your password, continue to create and answer your security question, then enter your birthday. Click Continue.
7. Select "None" as the payment option.
8. Continue to fill out the required name and address fields.
9. You'll then see a screen that says 'Verify your Account'. Click Done and then check your email for a verification email from "iTunes Store."
10. Open the mail, and click on the phobos link enclosed in the email to activate your account.

11. Once you click on the link, iTunes should then prompt you to sign in with your account name and password

12. You'll then see a "Congratulations" screen. Click Done to be taken to the App Store home page.


Create your account today

iPhone 3G: AppleCare Protection Plan

Like a Mac or iPod, an AppleCare Protection Plan (APP) is also available for the iPhone 3G.

Taken from Apple's website, APP is explained here

**start**

Every iPhone comes with one year of hardware repair coverage and up to two years of technical support.⁽¹⁾ The AppleCare Protection Plan for iPhone extends your repair coverage to two years from the original purchase date of your iPhone.⁽²⁾ Whether you use iPhone with a Mac or a PC, just one phone call can help resolve most issues.

Extend your coverage to two years of service and expert telephone support.

Peace of mind

Should your iPhone need service under the plan, Apple-authorized technicians will repair it or provide a replacement using genuine Apple parts.

We recommend that you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan with your new iPhone to take maximum advantage of the coverage the plan provides. This plan is available for iPhone within its one-year limited warranty, used with either a Mac computer or a Windows PC.

1. iPhone comes with up to two years of technical support during the term of your AT&T wireless contract. AppleCare Protection Plan benefits are in addition to any legal rights provided by consumer protection laws in your jurisdiction.
2. This plan extends your service coverage to two years from the date of your iPhone purchase. The plan must be purchased while your iPhone is still under its original one-year warranty. Service coverage may be subject to certain restrictions.

**end**

The only thing I'm not sure is whether you can buy the AppleCare from Globe or if you have to go to an Authorized Apple Reseller. In the US, APP costs $69+tax but lets see how much will it retail here in the Philippines. You can't really guess by converting it as taxes and exchange rates puts additional digits to the equation. Tech support for the iPhone is directly from Globe so I'm sure they're already on training.

iPhone 3G User Guide

iPhone 3G User Guide

View and get started reading that manual even before it comes out of the box.
You can download the PDF manual by right clicking on the PDF icon on the left and click "Save as" or "Download as" or whatever your browser will say to save it.

If you plan to purchase the Apple Branded Bluetooth headset for the iPhone, you may want to save the user guide from here.

Reserve now for the iPhone 3G and get 1,000 off your purchase

Globe has announced that users can reserve for the upcoming iPhone3G. The first 1,000 customers to reserve for the iPhone3G will get 1,000 off the purchase price. If you really are someone who can't wait, then I suggest you make your move to reserve. If you don't know yet, there will be a very limited number of iPhones to be shipped here. In the US, demand is really higher than what Apple can supply. The same situation can happen here. You can reserve for the phone by clicking here.

Why is the Price for the iPhone 3G like that?

Taken from Globe's FAQ about the iPhone 3G, Globe explains the reason for the steep price.

Q: How much is it? Why is the price like that?
A: The 8GB and 16GB are available under the Prepaid Kit offer. The 8GB retails for P41,899 and the 16GB retails for P48,899. While the price may be steep, the price is a result of increases in dollar exchange rates, as well as tax. This is why Globe is giving you P1,000 worth of load for every purchase. Plus, you even get P1,000 discount when you are one of the first 1,000 who avail via reservation!

Q: What's the Prepaid Kit offer?
A: Globe gives you the choice to avail of the iPhone 3G with a Prepaid SIM. It's not just a regular prepaid kit. This packages comes with P1,000 load value which will be sent to you over 5 months. That's P200 per month of load which you can use to browse the internet.

We encourage you to activate TIME browsing rate at P5 for 15 minutes by texting TIME to 1111. This way, you are able to maximize your web experience on the iPhone 3G without overspending. P200 worth of rebates is equivalent to as much as 10 free hours of internet time per month or as much as 50 hours of internet time over 5 months.

Source: Globe

Globe Telecom to Bring iPhone 3G to the Philippines on August 22

More iPhone news

MANILA – August 6, 2008 – Globe Telecom today announced that it will bring iPhone 3G to the Philippines on August 22. iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone plus 3G networking that is twice as fast*, built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs hundreds of third party applications available through the new App Store.

“We are very excited to launch iPhone 3G here in the Philippines. Beginning August 22, Globe is bringing to the Filipinos the best browsing experience through the revolutionary iPhone 3G on our 3G/HSDPA network,” said Gerardo C. Ablaza Jr., president and CEO of Globe Telecom.

Globe will be offering special post paid plans that will allow consumers to experience the exciting features of iPhone 3G. These special plans will come with free local mobile internet hours and free Wi-Fi browsing hours (in areas covered by Globe Wireless Internet Zones). This, together with Globe’s call and text rates, ensures excellent connectivity. iPhone 3G will also be available on existing Globe tariff plans.

Consumers interested in purchasing iPhone 3G with Globe postpaid and prepaid offers are encouraged to start making their reservations beginning August 6 by calling Globe’s 24-Hour Call-in Service via landline (632)7301000 or 211 via toll-free mobile or visiting www.iphone3g.globe.com.ph.

iPhone 3G operates on Wi-Fi, EDGE and 3G networks to give the best e-mail, web browsing, search and maps applications for a mobile phone. 3G provides the subscriber faster access to the Internet as well as the capability to transmit and receive data in various forms such as photos, video and audio.

Globe Telecom is a leading telecommunications company in the Philippines with more than 21 million mobile subscribers. As a pioneer, Globe continues to be a part of the revolution that’s connecting millions of people across the country and around the world. Beyond technology, Globe’s business is truly shaped by the bonds that tie Filipinos together. Communications is ultimately about relationships, and this drives the company to innovate and constantly find easy and relevant ways to enrich people’s lives.

Source: Globe