With hundreds of iPhone apps to choose from the competition is fierce. But developers have managed to come up with some clever utilities that may be hard for some users to pass up. Among them: a simple audio recorder for note-taking, a database of cocktail recipes, a “social mapping” app, GPS software for runners, and a utility for doctors to vie…

From: MacNN | The Macintosh News Network

Korean OEM manufacturer Ripple has introduced an updated version of its Mac Mini clone using a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor in the Mini-ITX form factor. The Ripple Mini Chocolate uses the 45nm i945GC-Northbridge and ICH7Ssouthbridge chipsets, and supports up to 2GB of RAM. Intel specs show the low-cost motherboard with 2 USB ports, a pair of 3.0GBs …

From: MacNN | The Macintosh News Network

HP’s Voodoo PC business has been merged into its main business division and may discontinue the use of the Voodoo brand name as the company tries push the products through its mainstream and worldwide channels. HP said it would likely retain Voodoo as a brand name, but had not reached a final decision yet. Until now, HP had operated the Voodoo PC d…

From: MacNN | The Macintosh News Network

Three companies have released accessories for the iPhone and iPod, and one is also out with a fix for broken 3G headphone jacks. Grantwood Technology has unveiled its Tuneband armband for the iPhone 3G and iPod Touch, EzGear is out with an iPod video extension cable, and USB Fever has released several new iPhone accessories and a replacement head…

From: MacNN | The Macintosh News Network

Houdah Software has updated its popular search utility, HoudahSpot to version 2.2. The new version builds upon features offered in previous versions such as BlitzSearch, which combines the simplicity of Spotlight with the power of HoudahSpot. The update also improves AppleScript support as well as integration with third party tools PathFinder, Laun…

From: MacNN | The Macintosh News Network

Griffin Technology has recently released two new apps for the iPhone and iPod touch. Lucky 7 Slots and 5 Card Touch. Both of these apps are meant to bring a little bit of Vegas to your pocket. Lucky 7 Slots is a Vegas-style slot machine game, while 5 Card Touch simulates video poker. To play Lucky 7 Slots, one must simply place a bet and then start…

From: MacNN | The Macintosh News Network

Apple is already providing developers with a new iPhone firmware beta with enhanced location-finding that could lead to true navigation as well as the roots for background push services.

Those with hands-on access to the beta 2.1 code at Gear Live…

From: AppleInsider

Is GTA 4 a murder simulator? Probably not, but any game based on Showtime’s Dexter damn well better be. According to a tweet by TV squad, a Dexter game is on its way to the iPhone and will be detailed later tonight at the Dexter Comic-con panel. Will we be able to use the iPhone’s accelerometer to bludgeon victims? Or cut up body parts by drawing them (with multiple fingertips) on the screen? Only time will tell—because Dexter himself surely won’t. [TVSquad]

From: Gizmodo: Apple

Gear Live has word that Apple is beta testing iPhone’s 2.1 firmware and will add more GPS functionality to the phone. Specifically, the core location functions will be able to track what direction you’re moving, and how fast (for turn-by-turn navigation, maybe?). Also worth noting is that iPhone SDK 2.1 is also seeding to beta testers, but cannot be used with the app store. [Gear Live]

From: Gizmodo: Apple

What could be greater than a lightsaber duel between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs? A lightsaber duel where YOU get to control one. We don’t want to spoil the little touches of the game, so hit the jump and see for yourself. We’ve already said too much.

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From: Gizmodo: Apple