It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people will go to in order to protect their property. Three Maryland women have been charged with “attempted murder, assault, conspiracy and other offenses and are being held without bail,” all over a stolen iPod. “Thursday night and an argument began. Authorities say 23-year-old Derak Seward of Barclay

When the masses speak, ngmoco listens.  Tons of gamers became a bit upset after ngmoco announced that Rolando and Rolando Lite would be removed from the App Store to “make room” for Rolando 2 .  Apparently ngmoco wasn’t too dead set on that idea because they have announced via their Twitter feed that not only will  Rolando remain in the App Store, but Topple would also be making a comeback. “You’ve roared and we’ve listened. Rolando will stay put on the App Store. Topple is coming back. That’s how we roll.” Congratulations Internet outrage, you win! So here is how it all breaks down: Rolando remains in the App Store at the price of $5.99, Rolando Lite remains available for free, Topple is back in the App Store for free, and finally  Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid will be available in the App Store on July 1st at a yet to be determined price. Related Posts New Rolando 2 Walkthrough Video Ngmoco Releases New Rolando 2 Gameplay Trailer WordFu And Dr. Awesome On Sale To Celebrate Release Of Rolando 2 Topple 2 Now On Sale For $.99 Sega Of America President Simon Jeffrey Leaves For Ngmoco

O2 the exclusive carrier in the UK have sold out of all iPhone 3GS models both online and in store. From O2’s website: iPhone 3GS is currently out of stock: Due to the phenomenal demand for the new iPhone 3GS, we’ve temporarily run out of stock online, over the phone and in our retail stores. We expect additional stock

You can never have enough chat app options for your iPhone or iPod touch.  Today another push-capable chat app was released in the App Store called eBuddy , and the best part is, it’s free. The app allows you to chat with all of your friends even if they use different IM networks, like MSN, Yahoo, AIM, ICQ, Gtalk, and Facebook.  All you need to do is register for a free eBuddy account, which you can do via the app itself, and all of your friends from all of these different networks are placed under one buddy list.  The app also contains quite a few other useful features, including the ability to stay online when you exit the app, push notifications, the ability to easily switch between chats, group chat support, and support for multiple IM accounts for each network. One of the eBuddy ’s most notable shortcomings is that it doesn’t allow you to type in landscape mode.  The developer has stated that this feature will be arriving via their next update, however.  They also state that eBuddy should be receiving many free updates in the future, so they would like your feedback.  The app actually contains a feedback form under the “more” tab for you to voice your opinion quickly and easily. Not only is eBuddy now available in the App Store for free, but it also doesn’t contain any ads, at least not any that we have seen. eBuddy has also been added to our Apps That Push You AppList . [Thanks to lillerik for the tip!] Related Posts Developer Warns Push Apps Not As Useful On iPod Touch Remember The Milk - First To-Do List App To Feature Push Apple Removed Hottest Girls, Nudity Not Allowed In App Store BeamME Pro 3.0 Update Adds Peer-To-Peer Beaming, Subscription Service Dad: Made By Apple

As I am sure all of you have noticed, there has been a recent trend of price drops happening ever since the new iPhone 3GS was released. Whether that has anything to do with it or not, some extremely big named titles have dropped their prices dramatically. In some cases down to $2.99 and with others, all the way down to $0.99. For the consumer this is terrific news, right? Just look at the top 25 list in the app store. Over half the games on there are priced at $0.99. In most cases they have dropped from either $4.99 or $9.99. At a quick glance this seems like really good news, apps lowering their prices left and right. I have a question though: When did $4.99 become an expensive price to pay for a game? It’s like nobody wants to pay any price other than $0.99 for a game. Or in other cases, not buy the game and just wait for the price to drop. I know I’ve purchased some apps that have lowered their prices or became free after a few weeks or in other cases, days after being released. That’s extremely frustrating to pay for something and then watch the price go down significantly. What’s even worse is the indie developers. They have a hard enough time competing against the big guys like EA or Gameloft for example. Now that they are lowering their prices what are these indie devs suppose to do? Basically they have to lower their prices as well. However, what if they already have their app at $0.99 and let’s say The Sims drops to that price. You have a buck, what do you buy? The app that’s been marketed like crazy and is in the top 25, or the unknown? I feel your pain indie devs, I do. On a more serious note, I feel Apple needs to do something about this. What exactly, I have no idea. I’m not even sure you can, at least from a legal stand point that is. The app store to me is a lot like the old Wild West. For the most part anything goes and until somebody does something drastic about it, it will continue along without anything changing. Let’s hear what you guys think. Gamers and developers a like. Are these drops a good idea, or is this just getting out of hand? App Pick of the Week Funny that I talk about price drops and now I’m recommending an app that has recently dropped it’s price to free. It’s called “I Am Ninja” and I don’t think it needs much of an introduction, but I’ll give you one anyway just in case. This app is based off of the wildly popular I Am Ninja website that features a ninja that answers funny and ridiculous questions from viewers of the…show? I guess you can call in that…webisodes maybe? Either way, he talks about funny ninja stuff, etc. The app has links to all of the videos and also comes packed with mini-games and lots of other fun stuff as well. Retro Game of the Week Last week’s game was Sewer Shark on the Sega CD and was guessed by Adam. Nice job Adam! I still say we should lobby for that game to be ported to the iPhone, but I digress… So as always, here is another screen shot for you. No real prize in awarded other than bragging rights and/or kudos points. Use them as you like! Maybe one day I’ll start giving away something, but you guys guess them so quick there really isn’t much of a challenge. Oh, well. Maybe this one will stump you for a while. So here you go and see you next week… Related Posts Apps That Require iPhone 3GS Magnetometer Hit App Store iPhone 3GS: The Gaming Difference And You Thought It Was Just A Phone… Assassin’s Creed - Altair’s Chronicles Now Available A Better Best Buy App?

Lately I have gotten to wondering whether or not I am the first humor columnist/glorified space filler to compare the feelings one develops for a phone, to the feelings one develops for a significant other. For example, one of the more obvious similarities is in the way new couples (real ones and phone/owner ones-hereafter referred to as ‘ phowner’ couples) can hardly resist engaging in some unabashed PDT (public displays of touching). Numb to the world around you and its trivial concerns, you are drawn to the sensory satisfaction that only surreptitously touching your significant other/phone can bring. (It is likely painfully obvious to the reader at this time, just how hard up the author is for some affection.) But, there are of course differences between these types of couples as well. For example, in the techlationship of the phowners you have the oppurtunity to upgrade to a new model about every three years or so…wait, never mind, seems to be mostly similarities. Regardless of whether I am the first to suggest such a tasteless association or not, I am certainly the first to suggest couples counseling for these trans-organical relationships. At least, if I am not the first, then the world is a lot worse off than I feared. Let’s be honest; the road from awkward, touchy brand new phowners to seasoned, comfortable life partners is one that has its fair share of bumps. From that initial nervous touch as you unwrap it from that stylishly designed container; to the first fingerprint stains as you realize just how boldly finger grease stands out on these things (which happens precisely at .3 seconds upon opening)-its a fascinating journey. And an organic, constantly shifting one at that. One second you love it for the truly stunning touch screen display, the next you hate it as typing on that stunningly flat surface can be truly frustrating. One second you love it for the wealth of games and other apps right at your fingertips, the next you hate it for the fact that you can hardly afford any of them. And so it goes. But as with any relationship, there are things that you can do to strengthen it and to make sure that your phowner relationship does not sour and turn stale. Respect is key. As is true with anything, if you do not treat it nicely then it will undoutedly fail you at the times when you need it the most (calls, texts, e-mails, the final level of Eliss when you have two planets left to stick in the quasar before the swirling black hole comes and sucks them towards one another to deplete what little life you have left and right at that moment your stupid phone decides to…see, there I go.) It’s far too easy to slip into a disrespectful tone towards an inanimate object, but just remember…its your inanimate object. Empathy. This one is a little harder. See, as humans we have a rather difficult time wrapping our minds around the concept of being a complicated piece of electronic equipment. For us its hard to empathize with, say the intricate processes involved in processing thousands of concepts near simultaneously in a matter of milliseconds (well, at least its difficult if your a man.) But next time you go to party and goof off with your friends, just remember who it was that gave you directions to get there, contacted your friends to let them know you were coming, entertained you all as the conversation got boring, etc. Consent: Here’s a crazy thought…next time you want your iPhone to do something for you, try asking it nicely… (and for those hoity-toity 3Gs owners out there that is not just whimsical hyperbole.) Loyalty; for heavens sake, do not forget about loyalty. When the time eventually comes that someone you know has that ‘Palm-device-whose-name-we-do-not-utter,’ and you feel the savage prick of curiosity mixed with a slight tinge of jealousy; do not , even for a moment imply that it might be better than what you already have in your pocket. Even marginally following these simple principles, I promise that you and your phone will overcome many of the problems standing in the way of having a mutually beneficial phowner relationship; and if you follow these principles to the letter …then that is probably the only relationship you will ever have. Related Posts Both Sides Of The Coin Learn Some Control! iSociety My iPhone Is Pretty Cute Spare Change?

Overview A new and unique pinball experience where you play on six different interconnected tables as you try go for the highest score possible. For $3.99 you’ll get some stunning graphics and sounds, but that price is a little high compared to the gameplay of other pinball games out there. Features As I mentioned above, the game has six interconnected tables included in it to keep things interesting so you’re not on the same table for the entire game. The game runs at 60 frames per second, which gives you some very smooth gameplay. The game also features the option to pause, save, or resume any game that you are playing. Other than the touch controls on the flippers, there is also an accelerometer tilt feature as well. The game has local and online high score boards too. The Breakdown The Good: As the app states, the gameplay is very smooth and works really well. The graphics are very vibrant and stunning to look at. They really look great here. The sounds do a great job of giving the game that “realistic” feel as you play it. The six interconnected tables are a great feature here and easily the best part of the game. Instead of the usual one table pinball play like most games. this one has six that you can keep climbing up on as you play the game. It really makes things more interesting and it’s a lot of fun trying to get to the next table. The Bad Although the six table feature is “good,” it’s also got some “bad” too it as well. At times it can get confusing as you go from one table to the next and sometimes you lose a ball and others you go down a table. It becomes a little jarring at times. Again, there is six tables and that’s great. However, each table doesn’t have that much to on it so there isn’t really a lot to go after in terms of where to aim the pinball. The Verdict I really liked this game a lot. It’s very fun and looks great. However, the price is a little high for the fact that there isn’t much content here. There are six tables, but they don’t have much on them. Related Posts Review: Jungle Bloxx Review: Let’s Golf Review: Sally’s Spa Review: Ragdoll Blaster Review: Brick Breaker Revolution

Overview: Jungle Bloxx is a physics puzzle game, making the player think which way blocks will fall in order to get the diamond safely. The monkeys are supposed to be the guardians of the diamonds, and seek your help in attaining them to unlock forbidden cities. The game is for anyone who enjoys puzzles and simple click games. It’s fun for all ages and all genders. To destroy the blocks all you have to do is simply click on the one you wish to destroy, but be careful some may tip. The blocks change in each level making the following levels increasingly more difficult. In the fire level, a rock can destroy those adjacent to it. In the rock level, the rock divides, and in the ice level if you hit a rock they crack and are destroyed. Between each level you must attain the map of the city by sorting through a puzzle and gathering three or more of the same stones at one time. The game has some 90 levels, across 10 cities. Features: Game Play : This game is simple in the fact that you only have to touch the rocks to destroy them, the difficulty is figuring out where the diamond will fall. The physics of the game will keep you retrying the game ensuring you can get the diamond to land safely. That’s the beauty of this game if you stuff up, you can restart the level. Medals : At each stage they give you an estimate of how many rocks you will have to destroy in order to have the diamond land safely. For example a gold will be 5X, silver 6X or bronze 7X, there is also ‘no medal’. You can complete the puzzle in less than the gold estimate also. But, really the medals don’t mean anything in going to the next level, it’s simply to show how many rocks it should take to get the diamond. Rock Features : The rock features provide a variation in the game, by having rocks with different features you can never guess which way the diamond might fall. It creates for a more interesting game. Match-Three Mini Games : These are a little easy, but provides something different between each city. It allows you to unlock the city and attain the map needed. Breakdown Jungle Bloxx is a great puzzle game and the variations in the blocks provides something new every level. Good: There are lots of variations of rocks and levels. The fact that you can replay every stage in order to get a small number of takes, or if you simply stuff up is a great feature. If you’re struggling with a level, a young girl in the top left will say “well done” or “great” if your headed in the right direction - so inspiring. Also, the loading time is really quick if you wish to retry the level. Bad: It’s a jungle theme, so it matches whats going on, but nothing to be excited about. The mini-games are too easy, match-three games have been around a long time and they can be fun, but these are just way too simple. Verdict: A great puzzle game that has plenty of levels and variety, maybe not worth the full $2.99, but a great game if you love puzzles. Related Posts Review: Perimetros Review: Blocked Review: Sally’s Spa Review: Ragdoll Blaster Review: Bomberman Touch - The Legend Of Mystic Bomb

I have recently discovered another great source of content for my iPhone, which comes in the form of the Audiobook Player app. Coincidentally, this app has also received an update, which brings it up to version 1.1. Anyway, the Audiobook Player app does just what the name implies, it plays audiobooks. The nice part here is

The Skype app for the iPhone has recently been updated to version 1.1 and along with the new version number we now have support for SMS messages, voicemail as well as “improved dialing help when calling phones.” First up, I am really not sure what the “improved dialing” really entails, personally I have been able