The final step of upgrading the iPhone to the new 3.0 operating system is failing, as it appears that the iTunes Store has collapsed under the weight of millions of phones trying to authorize at once. (Complaints are trending on Twitter by the hundreds .) Without the final authorization from iTunes, the new firmware doesn’t activate—bricking the iPhones and leaving them only able to make emergency calls. I know this, because I’m staring at my own bricked 3G. It is advised to wait a few hours for the store to come back online before upgrading if you want to, you know, use your phone. Update : And mine just activated. I had to unplug and replug about half a dozen times.

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iTunes Store failure temporarily bricking iPhones during 3.0 upgrade

Filed under: Gadgets , Etc. , Tech , Volkswagen Vehicle infotainment systems, those all-inclusive interfaces controlling the myriad electronics on today’s modern cars and trucks, can make or break the driving experience. CNET is offering us a sneak-peek at Volkswagen’s latest iteration from the company’s Electronic Research Laboratory (ERL). Developed with Intel, the new system uses Global Open Research Infotainment Architecture, or GLORIA. Most systems today us a joystick-like device, touch screen, or hard buttons on the edge of the display (or a combination of the three) to control the inputs. Volkswagen’s new GLORIA system takes it one step further by making Apple iPhone-like “gesture control” possible. This means that users are able to navigate quickly by simply tracing single letters across the pressure-sensitive display. Another unique feature may allow users to import third-party widgets for the system, much like consumers currently load apps from iTunes onto their iPhones. As cool as it sounds, GLORIA is still under development and she isn’t expected to see showrooms for a few more years. [Source: CNET , Photo by CNET] REPORT: Volkswagen’s next-gen nav system to get Apple iPhone-like gestures originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink ?|? Email this ?|? Comments

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REPORT: Volkswagen’s next-gen nav system to get Apple iPhone-like gestures

Filed under: Gadgets , Marketing/Advertising , Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo Challenge iPhone game - Click above for a gallery What automaker isn’t trying to cash in on the iCraze? Most are scrambling to include iPod and iPhone integration into their newest vehicles, and many have tried to mimic the look and feel of the Apple devices with their latest concepts. The “people’s car” has as good a claim as any other automaker, and Volkswagen is looking to cement that with a new game for the iPhone and iPod touch. Developed by German mobile game studio Fishlabs, the Volkswagen Polo Challenge, like other racing games, works with the devices’ built-in accelerometer to control the car. Players can choose between eight different circuits to drive on while being serenaded by the music of Feinkost. When they’re done playing, mobile gamers can find the nearest VW dealership to check out the car in person. Just a month after its release, already 1.4 million people have downloaded the free game from iTunes. (Volkswagen’s Spanish subsidiary has also released a similar game highlighting the Seat Ibiza Cupra.) If you can read German, you can check out more info in the press release after the jump, along with the images in the gallery below. Continue reading People’s Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game People’s Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink ?|? Email this ?|? Comments

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People’s Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game