Know iPhone | iPhone tips and advice

10 billionth iTunes download

Apple has announced that the iTunes store has hit 10 billion downloads - and the song that pushed them over the line was by Johnny Cash.

WTF? iPhone OS 3.1.3 kills 3G?

It comes to something when a software update kills a core feature of the iPhone for some people. But for many users the recent 3.1.3 update has done just that. Discussion forums are rife with talk that the update has killed 3G reception. Yes 3G reception. On the iPhone 3G / 3GS.  You could probably describe that as a core feature.

I myself had this problem and this was only fixed (for now at least) by getting a new SIM card for the phone. The network provider concerned noted that many people were having the same problem and 3.1.3 was to blame.

As usual we hear nothing from Apple, and probably won't until the next software update arrives to fix this. Or maybe not. Either way this is not a good week to be screwing up with a certain software company launching its new mobile platform.

SlingPlayer Mobile app now approved for AT&T 3G network

AT&T has announced its network will now support the SlingPlayer Mobile app. Previously it could only be used on wireless networks.

The app enables you to watch and control your home TV or DVR from your iPhone.

To use the app you will also need a Slingboxinstalled at home.

Apple updates iPhone OS to 3.1.3

Apple has today issued an update to the iPhone OS. Not hugely spectacular but it improves battery level reporting accuracy and fixes some bugs. 

You can get this by simply plugging in your iPhone to your Mac or PC - nothing more to it than that.

You'll also find that iTunes has been updated to 9.0.3. The most notable update is that it remembers your password so you wont have to enter it every time you purchase/download an app. Hooray!

While you're doing that why not check out the latest top free or paid apps? One that stands out for us this week is the Sleep Cycle alarm clock. Yes you can actually take your iPhone to bed!

iPhone cases and scratch protection - the best of the bunch

Apple has a great ability to produce wonderfully designed products that look amazing. The problem with owning one of these shiny products is that in the real world where you use your iPhone or iPod on a daily basis they do tend to be very prone to marking and scratching. Very quickly you will find that your treasured device does not look as shiny and glossy as it was out of the box.

You can either accept this as an inevitable fact of life or choose to protect your iPhone or iPod with one of the many products available.

Broadly speaking there are two types of protection out there - protective cases and scratch resistant film or skins. 

Protective cases come in all shapes and sizes and range from slim fitting covers to more bulky leather cases or rubber 'sports' style that offer some impact protection.

If however you would like to protect your iPhone but not have to hide its beautiful design under a bulky protective casing, then you do have some good options. The Incipio Feather Case for iPhone 3G/3GS offers protection for your iPhone's casing, whilst adding just a millimetre of thickness. It also comes with two film screen protectors.

It won't protect against major drops and impacts, but if you're looking for a case that keeps the look and feel of an iPhone whilst protecting against everyday scratches and scrapes, then this is one to seriously consider.  

If you prefer a more glossy finish, a good alternative is the iSkin range of covers which come in a range of colours and have a more glossy appearance. They are also non slip.

There are those that resent covering up their iPhone in any way - if you really want to enjoy the look of your iPhone as nature intended, then there is the option of an all over skin rather than a case. 

The best option in terms of protection is the invisibleSHIELD from ZAGG. It offers pretty much the best scratch protection you can get. The invisibleSHIELD is only 0.2 millimetres thick - the producers claim that makes it the slimmest iPhone 3G skin or iPhone 3G cover of its kind. It is also backed with a lifetime guarantee. It is also easily removed - if you ever need to take off the invisibleSHIELD it leaves no sticky residue. Installation can be a challenge, but if you devote the appropriate time to getting it right you really will get the best of both worlds - the iPhone in all its glory without the worry of scratching and scuffing.

These are just a few of the iPhone accessories available - however the choice is bewildering at times and if you want to protect your iPhone then you could do worse than check out one of the options outlined here. The Know iPhone Store also has some of the leading bestselling cases, covers and accessories for the iPhone.