Obama iPhone Application Leverages Your Swing State Contacts

Once again (OK, I'm biased), Barak Obama has proven himself as a visionary leader who gets it. (OK, that was a bit over the top.) Bringing 21st century technology to the virtual campaign trail, the Obama campaign has launched it's own iPhone application; and, it does more than you might think. For example, it supports you to call contacts in your address book who live is swing states (but without violating their privacy). Pretty impressive stuff.

Details are here in this excellent NY Times write-up, "It’s Obama on the iPhone"

iPhone is Now a Light Sabre

I'm forced, due to time constraints, to wait for the lines to die down at my local Apple Store to get my first smartphone. Yes, me, your virtually favorite techno-dweeb has never owned a smartphone. That's right, no Treo, no Crackberry... But, just in case your confidence in my geeky authority is waning; and to underscore the sincere message that the iPhone is now the ultimate--at least for now--mobile computing platform (thanks to the amazing resources now available via the iTunes iPhone Apps Store)... not to mention just for the giggles... I wanted to make sure that you all know that the iPhone (even the old, slow ones) is now a StarWars-reminiscent light sabre!



Video courtesy of the wonderful geeks at their totally-hysterical super-estore:

New iPhone Videos Better Than Ever

I'll leave the commentaries on Apple's dramatic announcement of the iPhone 3G to others. I'll only say that after holding out on buying an iPhone, I'm glad I did. Because now I'm ready! Half the price for double the speed (and all those new applications!) I'm going to get an iPhone 3G as close to July 11th as possible. That's as strong an endorsement as I can make. And, I think the iPhone is truly the first, the leading and the most important mobile computing platform.

I also noticed that the videos of today's announcement are better than ever. For example, here's a nice little hightlight reel from the Wall Street Journal:



I also looked at a little of Apple's streaming Quicktime version of Steve Jobs' complete presentation, and the quality of that video looks better than ever at http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/0806wdt546x/event/

I also enjoyed and appreciated the excellent live blogging done by the TechCrunch crew. Their live blog posts included videos of key people and commentators pre-event (including a nice scoop that EBay would be announcing an application) as well as great photos during.

Cisco's Suit of Apple Over iPhone Name May Be Playing into Steve's Hand

Many folks are mystified by Cisco's suit of Apple over the name of Apple's truly sensational, hot new iPhone. And, by the way, I agree with many that this is a true "leapfrog" product that is literally years ahead of the competition and will have a huge impact on the market like the iPod.

I think I know what's going on with this lawsuit. It's just a hunch, but it rings true at least to me. Bottom line, I think Steve is one step ahead of Cisco.

First, think of all the free publicity Apple and Mr. Steve Jobs are getting as a result of the Cisco lawsuit. Second, remember that Apple's new AppleTV product was originally named "iTV." Get it yet? Third, remember that Jobs likes consistency in product names. For example, now and only recently, all the Mac portables are MacBooks.

So my educated guess is that Jobs knew he'd get sued. He anticipated the publicity boost. And, they will change the name of their awesome new product to the ApplePhone! It's got nice alliteration and they'll use the same Apple logo-included name treatment that they are using on the AppleTV product.

You heard it here first! Anybody else think this is true?