So, how’s your battery life doing under iPhone 3.1? If you jumped on it immediately last Wednesday, or had a few days to try it out at least, have you noticed any big changes? Much better? Much worse? Or is it pretty much the same?

Yeah, we ask this every time there’s a new firmware, but that’s just because Apple seems to be tweaking things every time there’s a new firmware.

So, win, lose, or draw, let us know how it’s working for you. And if you’re having battery problems, remember to check out TiPb’s How To: Troubleshoot iPhone Battery Life Problems guide.

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

How’s Your Battery Life with iPhone 3.1?

Novell has announced MonoTouch, which will let developers write C#/.Net applications for the iPhone and iPod touch and compile them ahead of time, instead of the usual just-in-time method specifically prohibited by Apple’s SDK.

Now, I’ll state my bias at the outset — I’m no more a fan of .Net than I am Flash, Silverlight, or Java. Code interpreters are historically more taxing on hardware and are far, far greater security risks than true native applications (most exploits target code interpreters these days). However, Monotouch compiling these ahead of time likely mitigates most of those factors.

That said, when TiPb first spoke with developers after the App Store announcement, many of them told us that, not only did they enjoy learning variant languages like the iPhone’s native Objective-C/Cocoa, but didn’t seem to be having too much trouble picking them up.

That said, no doubt there is a large, maybe even huge pool of .Net developers with no interest in stretching their programming portfolio yet still want to take advantage of the huge mobile platform the iPhone provides.

Bottom line, if they make great apps, and those apps work great on the iPhone, then more power to MonoTouch. Hopefully it easily earns back the $999 per year Enterprise subscription.

[Via InfoWorld. Thanks Fassy for the tip!]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Novell MonoTouch Brings (Gulp!) .Net to the iPhone

qStatus is the App Store subset of the qTweeter Jailbreak app, and Echofon is the new name for Twitterfon. Confused yet? Don’t be, we’ve got the basics on both these iPhone and iPod touch Twitter clients!

qStatus [$0.99 - iTunes link] is designed to quickly let you update your Twitter (and/or Facebook status), either with text, or by sharing your current song, a photo from the camera or library, or a video from iPhone 3GS. There’s no reading functionality, but there is the typical Gx5 attention to awesome interface detail. Unlike qTweeter for Jailbreak, of course, there’s no multitasking “swipe-down-to-tweet-from-anywhere” functionality either.

Echofon [Free - iTunes link] or Pro [$4.99 - iTunes link] is, as mentioned, the new name for Twitterfon and the new Pro version includes Push Notifications (with optional “sleep” period so it doesn’t bother you when you’re trying to get some shuteye), sync with Echofon for Firefox on the desktop (formerly Twitterfox). Non-Pro users get bug fixes and the name change.

If you get your tweet on with either, let us know how they work for you (or help me test them via @reneritchie).

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Quick Twitter Apps: qStatus and Echofon Twitter Clients for iPhone

So, today’s the day. Everyone who works for Microsoft is up bright and early, on their way to lineup at their local Microsoft Store for a chance to scoop up a brand new, shiny Zune HD before they sell out. If you’re in line, shoot our sibling site WMExperts a pic and let them know if you manage to snag one of Ballmer’s new beauties.

Speaking of sarcasm, for an even harsher look at the Zune HD, check out AppleInsider, who we’re not sure have had a hands on yet, but certainly give it a pounding. (Even we said, “ouch!”)

And then join us back here tomorrow night at 8pm ET for iPhone Live! where WMExperts own news editor, Phil Nickinson will be joining us for a special edition smackdown, Zune HD vs. iPod touch G3.

Will OLED blind our iSight, or will 64GB prove size does matter? Get to the chat room early tomorrow, the place might just burn down!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

The Competition: Microsoft Releases the Zune HD

In typical Apple fashion, they announced the new third generation iPod touch 32GB and 64GB as being 50% faster than the previous generation (the 8GB is the same old bag as last year), with nary a word on what chipsets made it so.

Well, some digging has been done, and some benches have been marked, and the early word is… zoom zoom.

Macworld’s tests show some impressive gains. Boot went down from 31 to 19 seconds. Launching apps went from 12, 20, and 10 seconds to 7, 15, and 5 for Peggle, HR Battle, and Rolando 2 respectively. Web page rendering for the NYT site was down from 34 to 15 seconds, and the Sunspider JS test went from 34.2 to 15.6 seconds.

So, yeah, about 50%.

TAUW, meanwhile, went to the heart of the matter, and discovered that the new iPod touch shares similar, if slightly incremented internals over this year’s iPhone 3GS. More plainly, same Samsung ARM Cortex A8 processor (S5L8922X, however, as opposed to the iPhone 3GS S5L8920X). No word yet on what may be different, if anything about the PowerVR SGX graphic core, but as we heard already, the 802.11n potential is in the WiFi chip.

The second generation iPod touch was faster than the iPhone 3G, so it’s not hard to imagine lack of cell-radio concerns and slightly new components could push the third generation iPod touch across the finish line before the iPhone 3GS as well.

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

iPod touch Speed Test: How Much Faster is 50%?

On tap for today’s TiPb Top 5, we thought we’d cater to all of our iPhone and iPod touch wielding readers who enjoy action games. Just like our TiPb’s top 5 must-have board games, all of these games are available in the App Store, this time under categories – games – action. And even better, all of them are very reasonably priced. For the full run down, follow us after the break!

DOOM Resurrection

This first game is based off of one of the first first person shooters (FPS) ever, DOOM. DOOM holds a place in the hearts of every hardcore FPS fan out there. With DOOM Resurrection, Id has raised the bar for all other developers to follow with their reincarnation of a classic action game. With a fresh story line, great visuals, and simple yet very effective control scheme this is one game you’ll want to take a look at.

• Advanced graphics engine designed from the ground up to take full advantage of the power found in Apples mobile devices
• Wield an arsenal of heavy-hitting weapons to defeat a variety of hideous monsters and bosses
• Innovative controls for fast-paced and accessible first-person action
• An all-new chapter of the DOOM saga that new players and long-time DOOM fans can enjoy

DOOM Ressurection is available for $6.99. [iTunes Link]

Wolfenstein RPG

This next game just so happens to have a lot in common with DOOM Resurrection – it too was created by Id and is based off of a classic first person shooter. Wolfenstein RPG is not your typical FPS or RPG for that matter, it is a perfect combination of both genres – FPS and RPG elements are blended in nicely with great controls and sharp graphics. And don’t forget, the chicken-kicking mini-games are here…

• Arsenal of 16 weapons including Spiked Brass Knuckles, a Submachine Gun, and Dynamite. Tap and swipe to punch, kick, and shoot. Use the accelerometer to take down the Axis Agents from a distance with a powerful sniper rifle.
• Fight your way through 9 levels and 8+ hours of Wolfenstein action!
• High-res graphics suspended in a 3D world immerse you in the mayhem.
• Face 32 enemies you’ll love to vanquish! Battle elite soldiers, zombies flaming skeletons, and other bizarre Id creations.

Wolfenstein RPG is available for $2.99. [iTunes Link]

Modern Combat: Sandstorm

Gameloft has really stepped up into one of the leading developers for the iPhone platform with 35 game titles. Their latest game, Modern Combat: Sandstorm, definitely does not disappoint. When I played Modern Combat: Sandstorm I immediately thought of the popular console franchise Call of Duty. And that alone speaks volumes.

• Use a wide range of authentic, advanced weapons (2 assault rifles, sniper rifle, RPG, shotgun, submachine gun, light machine gun, heavy machine gun mounted on a moving 4X4, explosive grenades, flashbang grenades, radiation detector) enriched with a leveling system that allows the player to progressively unlock weapons and use munitions from fallen foes
• Highly polished 3D graphics provide full immersion into the military experience and high intensity combat
• 10 missions featuring varied and highly polished Middle Eastern environments (city, hospital, sewers, port, lab, training camp, etc.)

Modern Combat: Sandstorm is available for $6.99 [iTunes Link]

Alive 4-Ever

For those of you who enjoy a good top-down survival shooter once in a while, Alive 4-Ever is a good pick for you. The object is simple – shoot and kill any zombie that gets in your way. Fight your way through 30 levels whether it’s slaying a certain amount of zombies or a simple rescue mission, the action never comes to a halt.

• 16 different types of weapons, which include AK-47, M16 etc. Players can also buy their favorite weapons with the gold they get after each mission. You would have to get the strongest weapon fast enough to save all the survivors!
• Alive 4-ever uses the Bluetooth function of OS 3.0 to connect you with your friends and families so that completing missions has never been easier!
• Alive 4-ever uses the best graphics with excellent battle, visual, sound and music effects that runs smoothly despite yours is an iPhone or iPod touch.
• Alive 4-ever provides 30 missions for players, which includes eliminating a given amount of zombies, rescuing survivors in a given time frame, getting vaccines, boss battles, etc.

Alive 4-Ever is available for $.99. [iTunes Link]

Resident Evil Degeneration

Capcom’s Resident Evil series has proven itself to be one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. Resident Evil Degeneration is a survival horror game based on the CG-animated movie of the same name. With that eerie Resident Evil feel along with great visuals and a slick control system you are bound to have an excellent survival horror experience.

• Use your in-game PDA to collect intel, manage inventory and access maps.
• “Laser targeting” allows the players to make aimed accurate shots.
• Backgrounds, character models and objects are all rendered in full 3D.
• Accelerometer features: Shake iPhone to “Shake of Zombie” melee attacks. Tilt back device to reload.

Resident Evil Degeneration is available for $6.99. [iTunes Link]

Conclusion

There you have it, TiPb's Top 5 Must-Have iPhone action games. Did we miss any of your favorites? Overlook any killer action game? Drop us a comment and let us know your list!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb’s Top 5 iPhone Action Games

Apple announced today that Bruce Sewell is joining their executive team as General Counsel & Senior Vice-President, reporting directly to CEO, Steve Jobs.

"We are thrilled to have Bruce join our executive team, and wish Dan a very happy retirement," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "With Bruce's extensive experience in litigation, securities and intellectual property, we expect this to be a seamless transition."

So looks like Apple’s chipset, patents and IP, and antitrust knowledge-base just got some formidable new muscle…

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Apple Hires Intel’s Top Lawyer – Chips, Patents, and Antitrust

Sorry. Had. To. Be. Memed. But as long as we’re being so predictable, we might as well make it a contest. A caption contest, of course. So let’s set the stage:

iPhone 3GS, blockbuster selling, uber-popular, satisfaction levels off the hook, has just won the smartphone of the year award, and is about to give its heartfelt speech, in front of proud Pappa Jobs, no less, when the boldest of Kanye West-inspired BlackBerrys storms the stage, speaker on full, auto-tune set, and just has to interrupt and say…

??

What? That’s where you come in. Head on over to our TiPb iPhone Forums and let us know. Be creative, be comedic, be original, and the caption we love best will get an iTunes gift certificate!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Caption Contest: KanyeBerry Says… What?

Repeat, the above video is disturbing and not safe for work due to language. If you choose to hit play, no complaining in the comments later. Some things you can just never un-watch!

Now, if you thought our brief foray into auto-tune was bad… Here’s Walt Mosspuppet with special guest Pogue’s-head-on-a-stick singing an ode to Steve Jobs and Apple’s 2009 music event. Quizzically, at no time does auto-tune sensation Kanye West rush in and demand Fake Steve get an ode as well, though that might be considered a mixed blessing at best…

[Via Fake Steve]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Tuesday Disturbing Video: Mosspuppet Goes Auto-Tune (NSFW-L)

iTablet rumors, paused for a week to allow some Apple Music Event rumors, are returning full force with a fresh batch straight from Taiwanese suppliers, who say the device will launch in February 2010. According to Taiwan Economic News:

The tablet PC features a 9.6-inch screen, finger-touch function and built-in HSPDA (high speed download packet access) module, and adopts a P.A. SEMI processor chip and long lasting battery pack, selling for between US$799 and US$999.

Given that Apple has a fairly regular product calendar, with iPhone OS Beta in March, WWDC and iPhone release in June, iTunes and iPod in September, and Mac events scattered in-between when new designs are ready, and especially considering Macworld in January is no longer on Apple’s calendar, but we’ve all gotten used to giant product events at the beginning of the year… a February date makes some sense.

Not being locked to Macworld also means no firm date for the rumored release, so Apple can wait until the last minute and, venue availability not withstanding, hold it whenever the product is ready. Meaning, even if the February rumor is solid now, it’s a moving target.

As to the specs, sounds like the rumors we’ve heard to date, though HSPDA does conflict with previous Verizon rumors (which still runs EVDO rev-A). It would be nice to finally see those Apple-spun PA Semi systems on a chip, however…

Enough of our rumor ruminations, what do you think? Sound plausible?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Rumors Return: iTablet to Launch in February 2010