Google has just announced the Nexus S, a pure Android 2.3 Gingerbread-powered, Samsung manufactured smartphone aiming to take the Nexus One into generation two and set the standard for a legion of subsequent devices in 2011. Our sibling site, Android Central has got your full Nexus S and Gingerbread coverage, and they’re even giving away a free Nexus S in their Android Forums, so go check that out. What interests me, however, is that like the Nexus One, Nexus S shows that Google is one of the few companies that really know how to counter-program Apple and iPhone.

Apple sold 14 million iPhones last quarter. Released in June. On one US carrier, with controversies real and imagined about the antenna, and with one of the two models — the white one — delayed until next year. Other phones that were announced around a similar time either got overshadowed, lacked brand power or distinction, or suffered carriers meddling with and defiling them at every turn. Aimed at mainstream consumers who probably had little idea what version of Android they ran or whether they were Galaxy S behind all the different names, as often or not they were probably sold as “like an iPhone”. They’re one of an unremarkable many at this point. A me-too. A memory.

Nexus S will be different.

Like the Nexus One, it’s released far outside Apple’s iPhone cycle, when early adopter, influencer types just might be getting bored with iPhone 4, or the latest from Motorola or RIM or HTC. It’s marketed to geeks and power users, the type of people who want unlocked devices and unmodified software. The ones who want the latest hardware that’s guaranteed to get the latest updates first. Sure, the T-Mobile/Wind/Videotron only 3G bands at the moment are a colossal fumble, but only for the moment.

Now don’t get me wrong, given those limited 3G bands and Google’s demographic there’s no way Nexus S will put a dent in Apple’s iPhone 4 numbers. But far removed from WWDC’s iPhone debut, it will make a huge impact with bloggers and those who read blogs, technologists and those who love technology. Nexus One was the talk of CES 2010 and it had 3 months in the spotlight before Apple could preview iOS 4 and 6 months before Apple could respond with iPhone 4.

There’s every chance Nexus S with its curved screen, near field communications, and other bar-raising features could do the same thing at CES 2011, leaving Apple again unable to respond until their yearly cycle allows, with an iOS 5 event in March/April and an iPhone 5 debut at WWDC 2011.

Howard Stern, at the height of his radio popularity, was asked how other stations could counter-program him. Many had tried — and failed — at using shock jocks of their own, so Stern’s answer was as sensible as it was surprising — go music only. You’re not going to get his audience, you’re going to get the one he’s not reaching.

Google gets that. They aim the Nexus line squarely at that audience and so far, they’re doing it well.

[Android Central Nexus S coverage]

Google Nexus S once again shows how to counter-program iPhone is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

In a recent survey by Consumer Reports, US iPhone exclusive carrier AT&T ranked the worst in a whopping 8 out of 9 categories. The survey took into account the top four carriers – Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. it also looked at a few of the bigger regional carriers as well. Verizon came in at number one out of the four nationwide carriers. It only fell 2nd next to US Cellular.

The survey also ranked smartphones satisfaction. As far as AT&T smartphones went, the iPhone 4 tied the Samsung Captivate as far as customer satisfaction went. I personally wrote a comparison of the iPhone 4 and the Captivate. I thought the Captivate left a lot to be desired as far as UI and ease of use went, but it was certainly one of AT&T’s more capable smartphones.

When it comes to overall satisfaction, AT&T had this to say –

We take this seriously and we continually look for new ways to improve the customer experience. The fact is wireless customers have choices and a record number of them chose AT&T in the third quarter, significantly more than our competitors. Hard data from independent drive tests confirms AT&T has the nation's fastest mobile broadband network with our nearest competitor 20 percent slower on average nationwide and our largest competitor 60 percent slower on average nationwide. And, our dropped call rate is within 1/10 of a percent – the equivalent of just one call in a thousand – of the industry leader.

If AT&T really has the coverage they claim to have, why are customers still so dissatisfied?

[BoyGeniusReport]

iPhone-exclusive AT&T ranked worst carrier in the US by Consumer Reports is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

This week I got to try out the Griffin Elan Passport Case for iPad and I really like it! The Elan Passport is a leather flip case with a soft microsuede interior. When closed, the Elan Portfolio resembles a book. When you open it you have immediate access to the touchscreen on the right and the left has four slots for credit cards, business cards, etc. or other similarly shaped items and a sleeve to tuck additional paper into such as receipts and more.

The four slots on the left of the case easily accommodate a drivers license, credit card, Starbucks card, business cards or any other type of “card” you might want to place there. When a card is placed in the case sleeve, the card will stop with just enough room for you to remove it with your fingers. I always felt these items were very secure, and they would not easily fall out. The sleeve lies underneath the slots. It is roughly 4 inches deep and can accommodate some miscellaneous papers, but nothing the size of an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper unless it’s folded.

The iPad is protected on all sides as the device easily rests about a .25″ from each corner. The microsuede is a nice touch and breathes a quality finish. The iPad is held in place by four corner straps. On the right, the straps are sewn into the case. The two on the left are elastic and allows for easy placement and removal of the iPad. When the Elan Passport is closed, it is secured by a tab closure across the top. It does not lock, but it is securely held in place and is there to simply keep the cover from accidentally flipping open.

Overall I really like the Griffin Elan Passport Case for iPad. It’s light, looks good, low profile and does a good job of protecting iPad; a very professional case. It’s available now from the TiPb iPad Accessory Store.

Pros

• Compact
• Leather and microsuede
• A couple of pockets to stash receipts, etc.
• Good job protecting the deivce for accidental bumps

Cons

• Though secure, if dropped, the iPad could fly out and damage is possible
• Additional Card slots would nice, four is a bit limiting

Griffin Elan Passport for iPad – accessory review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

A lot of people are curious how to theme their iPhone’s — not just change the wallpaper but customize the whole look of the interface, including icons, menu bars, fonts, and more. Enter Winterboard, a free Jailbreak app you can download for free via Cydia.

Winterboard is a necessary utility to install themes and most customizations. Many veteran jailbreakers will remember the days of Summerboard as well. Winterboard took its place a few years back and improved upon several things. When you install a theme, all the components will show up in Winterboard.

Depending upon how a theme developer decided to bundle their theme, you may have only one package in Winterboard, or you may have several. I personally prefer when developers separate theme elements. Since Winterboard works as a hierarchy, I can select a theme and if I don’t like the sounds, I can download a sound pack I “do” like and apply that in Winterboard. The key is to move it above the main theme so it overrides the sounds you don’t want.

I highly suggest jailbreakers become familiar and comfortable with Winterboard. If you do, there is no limit to what you can do to your phone and you’ll be able to tweak and customize even the littlest details of your springboard.

If you want to more, check out our complete guide to Jailbreak basics. If you need help, head on over to our Jailbreak Themes Forum! If you’re a veteran themer already. let us know some of your favorites!

How to theme your iPhone with Winterboard [Jailbreak] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Curious how to use your voice to dial or control your iPhone 4 or iPhone 3GS? Apple has built Voice Control right into the phone and while it’s still limited in functionality, it’s very easy to use. We’ll show you how after the break.

To activate Voice Control on your iPhone 4 or iPhone 3GS just press and hold the Home Button (or the middle button on your headphones or Bluetooth headset if you’re using any). When you you hear a beep and the Voice Control UI appears on the screen, speak your command. Available commands include:

• Dial [Number]
• Dial [Contact Name] [Work, Home, Mobile, iPhone, etc.]
• Call [Contact Name] [Work, Home, Mobile, iPhone, etc.]

• FaceTime [Contact Name] [Work, Home, Mobile, iPhone, etc.] (iPhone 4 only)

• Play Music

• Play Playlist [Playlist Name]
• Play Album [Album Name]
• Play Artist [Artist Name]
• Pause
• Next Song/Track
• Previous Song/Track
• Shuffle
• Genius/Play More Songs Like This

• What’s Currently Playing? What Song Is This? Who’s Singing This?

• What Time Is It?

• Stop
• Help

So, for example, you could say:

• Call mom, home
• Dial Steve Jobs, mobile
• Play music, the Beatles

If you’ve made a mistake and the iPhone has recognised it wrong, it will ask you to clarify.

• Call Steven Jobs, Home

• Call Steven Jobs, Mobile, work, or Home?

You can say “No, Not That One, Wrong” or anything else of that nature that feels natural, and it will go back.

Bonus tip: The music and miscellaneous commands (everything that doesn’t involve a phone call) also works on the 3rd and 4th generation iPod touch. (Though strangely not the iPad…?)

Voice Control works no matter where you are in the iPhone, Home Screen or app, and even when you’re iPhone is locked. Now just imagine if Apple adds system wide, Siri-powered Voice Control throughout iOS 5…!

I hope this helped you guys with the Voice Control feature on your device in case you didn’t know what the controls were. Test it out now, by just holding the home button and if you have any questions, let me know in comments.

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you'd like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com. (If it's especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we'll even give ya a reward…)

Daily tip: How to use Voice Control on your iPhone is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

We have all heard the rumors of the iPhone going to Verizon in early 2011 but today we are hearing word from Analyst Shaw Wu with Kaufman Bros., that Verizon is not only interested in obtaining Apple’s widely popular iPhone but they may be willing to pay a price to keep it out of the hands of Sprint and T-Mobile.

We are hearing that (Verizon) does not want iPhone, the hottest selling smartphone, available on T-Mobile USA and/or Sprint and may be willing to pay for exclusivity to itself and AT&T,” Wu wrote. “For these reasons, (Verizon) could be more willing to give in to Apple’s terms.

Wu also told investors that Google’s Android operating system has begun to lose some of its luster with Verizon and gaining a device like the iPhone could greatly increase subscribers on their network.

If true it seems as if it just creates the same situation we are in now in the U.S. except we will have one other option. What do you think about Verizon possibly being willing to pay to keep the iPhone off of the Sprint and T-Mobile networks?

[ AppleInsider ]

Verizon willing to pay to keep iPhone off Sprint and T-Mobile? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Fei Lam, the 17 year old who made a decent amount of change selling white iPhone 4 conversation kits has shut down his website.

According to an email Cult of Mac received from Lam, he stated "We have closed the site, possibly permanently". While it’s highly probable that Apple had a hand in closing down whiteiphone4now.com, the teen did not give any hint to what caused his websites demise but it may have something to do with a shady parts supplier he was accused of using to get a hold of the white iPhone 4 parts.

If you were thinking about purchasing the parts from Lam’s site never fear, there are other sites out there that sell the parts or you can simply wait until Spring of 2011 for the official device direct from Apple.

[Cult of Mac]

Teen who made $130,000 selling white iPhone 4 conversion kits shuts down site is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

The long rumored Google eBooks service appears to have gone live today… somewhat. The service allows you to not only read books on an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, but on the web or on Android phones, Nook, and Sony devices. The iOS webpage boasts over 8,000 titles already available for download.

The only problem right now is the fact that the native app isn’t currently available for iPhone or iPad yet. (I’m getting the “The item you’ve requested is not currently available in the US Store” error but we’ll update when that’s sorted out.)

Also, Google is using Adobe DRM for their eBooks so while they won’t be compatible with iBooks (FairPlay) or Kindle, they will be compatible with other stores and readers that support Adobe Content Server 4.

If any of you guys have tried out Google eBooks, let us know what you think!

Update: Looks like the app is now available in the US app store under Google Books

[Google eBooks](http://books.google.com/ebooks) via Android Central]

Google eBooks start going live for iPhone, iPad is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

iFixDirect is an iPhone repair company based out of New York and one of their services is an aftermarket white iPhone 4 conversion. Included in the swap is replacement of the front glass, back cover, home button, LCD screen, and flash diffuser. Additionally, they boast of being the only company that replaces the speaker mesh to ensure nothing can get trapped inside and damage your phone. The conversion takes less than 24 hours and it is shipped back overnight.

When Steve Jobs first announced the white iPhone 4, I was in love and couldn’t wait for one to be in my iPhone-loving hands. But my heart was soon crushed when it was delayed at launch. This wound got increasingly worse as the white iPhone 4 was delayed further and further. It wasn’t long before the white iPhone 4 became nothing but a mystical device to me – until now. My black iPhone 4 has been converted to white with iFixDirect.

How is it? Photos and hands-on impressions after the break!

iFixDirect did an excellent job converting my phone. All the parts look amazing and there is no evidence that the phone was taken apart. It looks particularly beautiful with Apple’s blue bumper case. One thing that should be noted is that with a white front, you can see how light is passed through the glass at the speaker and home button. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest, but it’s there and you should be aware of it.

Remember the rumor that the reason for the white iPhone 4 delay was because of light leakage? I believe this may be true. With the conversion of my iPhone to white, a little bit of light does leak from the edges of the back. It’s not noticeable in a brightly lit environment, but if it’s dark enough, it’s obvious. I do not consider this a flaw of the the service, but a consequence of the see-through nature of the material. With that said, I use a bumper so the light leaks do not bother me one bit.

Another rumor for the delay was that the camera’s flash did not behave well with the white back. I’ve tested many photos and have not run into a single issue. All my pictures look great.

If you’ve been dying to have a white iPhone 4 and plan to use a case, I recommend the iPhone 4 white color swap with iFixDirect. They do great work and offer excellent customer service. The basic conversion runs at $249 and for an additional $50, you can have the dock connector and headphone jack also switched to white. However, the good folks at iFixDirect are offering TiPb readers a 10% discount on the iPhone 4 white color swap. Just use the discount code whiteTiPb at checkout.

If you decide to get the iPhone 4 white color swap, please let us know what you think!

The iPhone 4 color swap voids your warranty with Apple. iFixDirect offers a warranty for $4.99/mo.

[iFixDirect]

Hands-on: White iPhone 4 conversion from iFixDirect is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Have you ever been on a call on your iPhone when an SMS or email or push notification came in only to experience a terrible vibration right in your ear? iPhone has a setting to enable and disable vibrate both for silent mode (ringer switch off) and in general so you can set it up to ring, ring and vibrate, or just vibrate. What you can’t seem to do is set it up not to vibrate when you’re already on a call.

What’s curious is that not everyone seems to complain about this, and some people seem to only notice it after a firmware update. Forum member iErick as well as others have all been experiencing this issue ever since they made the upgrade to iOS 4.2.1.

Every since updating to iOS 4.2.1, when I am on a call and have the phone held up to my ear…the phone vibrates for SMS notifications and such.

This occurs if the phone is on the silent setting and when the phone is set to ring and vibrate.

I recently Updated to iOS 4.2.1 on my iPhone 4 and while on a call I received 6 emails and every single time it not only made the tone but it vibrated right into my ear. It is quite annoying and my phone wasn’t even on vibrate. It is set for vibrate and ring.

Some members have never seen this issue until now and other have said they have seen this issue with other iOS firmwares. CrackBerry Kevin has been complaining about it since iOS 2 or 3.

Is this is a bug? Is this the way Apple thinks vibration mode should work? Why can’t they use the same motion and proximity sensor that turns off the screen when you’re on a call to turn off the vibration? If you’ve experienced the vibration in the ear let us know your thoughts in the comments.

iPhone Forums and let others know your experiences.

Why do iPhone notifications vibrate in your ear when you’re on a call? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog