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Filed under: Software , Apple As always, Apple is busy at the patent office this week, with two recently uncovered filings to make life just a little bit easier for Mr. Joe Person Man. The first of these is a system to track how far away you are from a cell tower, and to warn you via your phone when you're about to drop your call -- with similar applications for GPS and WiFi devices. The other patent is a Bluetooth-based system to track down lost objects like keys or your Bluetooth headset via the age old method of "you're getting hotter" and you're getting colder." Sure, Apple's version might have a fancy readout on the phone display, but it's the same basic principle -- no triangulation going on here. Of course, Apple patents all sorts of crazy stuff that never makes it to market, but at least these two have a semblance of possibility. [Thanks, Mark] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

While this isn’t exactly a quick-fix solution, any iPhone users experiencing Bluetooth device-pairing problems after updating to the new iPhone v1.1.3 firmware will probably be glad to have any solution. Reports seem to indicate that iPhones armed with the v1.1.3 firmware are having trouble pairing with some Garmin navigation devices (at least those devices with Bluetooth-enabled speakerphones) and integrated in-car Bluetooth systems. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to stumble across this firmware-related issue, then there’s hope. A restoration of the iPhone’s firmware should do the trick - but there’s a catch. You’ll need to make sure that you restore your iPhone and choose “Set up as new iPhone.” This will completely wipe any calls logs, text message history, and custom settings, but hey, it’s worth it to get your Bluetooth back in working order. Right? [Via: iPhone Atlas ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Problems with Apple's iPhone v1.1.3 firmware; wacky SMS text messaging bug with iPhone v1.1.3, Bluetooth sync bug, mail problems, iBricksBluetooth 2.1 Gets OfficialSprint LG Rumor gets firmware fixApple Bluetooth Headset Reviewed!Official Apple iPhone accessories unveiled

Filed under: Apple , OS X The iPhone 1.1.1 update has a hidden little surprise for y'all: Bluetooth audio streaming is now available off of your iPhone for whatever you darn please, meaning you can finally listen to music from the phone wirelessly. Oddly enough, this "function" has been unleashed by a Visual Voicemail bug that leaves Bluetooth audio on even after you've left the Voicemail interface. Of course, it's only mono audio, and the audio keeps playing out of your built-in speaker -- if you plug in headphones to cut off the speaker you'll lose Bluetooth streaming as well -- but it's nice to see Apple forking over some "should have been there in the first place" functionality accidentally to go along with all that stuff of the same ilk 1 .1.1 took away from us . Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

If you’re thinking of picking up that recently released Apple Bluetooth Headset to give your iPhone some company while it charges, you might want to do your research to see if the wireless headset is right for you - because, at $129, it ain’t cheap. The guys over at iLounge have posted a review of the Apple Bluetooth Headset, and it’s everything we expected from the iPhone accessory. The Bluetooth headset doesn’t score any “wow” points on the audio quality or battery life, but it’s definitely “average.” It seems that the biggest thing the Apple Bluetooth Headset has going for it is it’s integration with the iPhone and the included dual-charging iPhone/Headset dock. Seriously though, having a visual indicator of the headset’s battery charge-level right on the iPhone’s display is so cool it hurts. But, is that worth $129? We think not. Still, we’re sure there are plenty of people out there willing to shell out the dough for the super-slick Apple-made headset. So, check out the iLounge review , it might just help you pull the trigger, or fight the temptation - either way, it’s a good thing. [Via: iLounge ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Apple confirms iPhone dock will include Apple Bluetooth Headset charging port!Apple iPhone Dock with Apple Bluetooth Headset port spotted!Official Apple iPhone accessories unveiledFCC green-lights Apple's Bluetooth headset for iPhoneAftermarket Apple iPhone dock will also charge Apple Bluetooth Headset

Apple’s newly minted Q&A page shows us confirmation of a genuine Apple iPhone dock that includes a port to charge the Apple Bluetooth Headset! It turns out that picture we spied earlier was actually the real thing! The dock that is included in the Apple iPhone box will not include the Apple Bluetooth Headset port, but a simple $120 purchase of the Apple Bluetooth Headset will buy you the dual-charging dock! Now we don’t have to worry about having to get some Chinese aftermarket dock , or double-up on our use of charging cables. [Via: TUAW ]

Pocket Lint has the lowdown on a Chinese, 3rd party, aftermarket (is that enough descriptors for you?) Apple iPhone dock that can charge your iPhone and Apple Bluetooth headset at the same time. Leave it to the Chinese aftermarket, um, market to launch an iPhone dock (of dubious compatibilty) a week before the [...]