The Padded Cell

An aerial view of the iPhone

Remember those curious cellular signal boosting gizmos that were all the rage a few years ago?

Well, these dubious devices are back, this time for the iPhone, and ready to take in hordes of gullible Apple mobile phone users.

Really, they do work, the manufacturer claims.

Griffin says its ClearBoost is a $30 ‘protective cover’ for the iPhone that has a dinky aerial sticking out of the top. The aerial (it says here) results in fewer dropped calls, wider network coverage and faster Web browsing or downloads.

It will also be handy for digging fellow iPhone users in the ribs during digital workout
sessions (see below).

Or fending off officers of the law who are arresting you in Chicago for crossing the road and talking on your iPhone at the same time (see left)...
http://tinyurl.com/4cevle

More patents from the wacky world of Apple

Our thanks to website AppleInsider.com for revealing details of the firm’s latest round of patent filings.

‘Digital lifestyle’ software, it would seem, will be taking the iPhone to the next level.

The desktop-based software interviews the iPhone’s user about their general health and well-being, before setting a series of health goals – backed up with a strenuous workout
regime – that involves the iPhone telling you what to do.

As well as the prospect of the iPhone barking out workout orders to users (speech is standard on the software, we gather), the package interfaces with a Nike iPod add-on that Apple released back in 2006.

This beastie allows iPhone (and iPod) users to challenge their friends to workout competitions, and then keep track of their rank online with a
points system.

Revolutionary? The makers of Samsung’s Adidas handset and Nokia’s 5500 Sport may beg to differ...
http://tinyurl.com/2b948t

Coming soon: Crimetexters

Bill Griffiths, the Met’s Detective Chief Inspector who led the team that developed Crimestoppers back in the late 80s, is reportedly working on enhancing the service with
texting.

Speaking at a conference in Bermuda, Griffiths told delegates the same principles of
anonymity will apply.

“Texting is something we are trying to launch this year,” said Griffiths, adding what the development team are working on is ensuring the anonymous messages don’t appear
on customers’ bills.

Bills, schmills. The GSM audit trail was designed specifically so that all interactions were logged and placed on the telco’s billing system.

Truly anonymous text messages are not supported...
http://tinyurl.com/6r6bxe