As many of you don’t know unless they’ve been to Egypt or are Egyptian, the famous Nokia n95 is banned in Egypt, the reason is because of its GPS capabilities.

Now, a reader left me a comment yesterday (Thanks Bassel) saying:

There is one little problem regarding the introduction of iPhone 3g into the Egyptian market through a legitimate channel such as being subsidized by Mobinil or Vodafone; it is GPS.

Owning a GPS device is illegal in Egypt. The N95 has been banned from entering Egypt. It has of course been smuggled and sold on the black market, but in no way been sold through any official outlet.

That is why I believe apple do still have a long way negotiating with the Egyptian ministry of communications before the iPhone can be released through mobile carriers.

Until then, if and when an unlocking trick comes out, iPhone 3G will be sold illegally on the black market as well.

Well, this is sad news! It is even common in all mobile stores in Jordan, whenever an Egyptian enters or they hear of someone traveling to Egypt, they recommend buying the n95 because it is banned in Egypt and you can probably sell it for a good price or give it as a valuable gift.

So let me get it straight, the Nokia N95 is not sold in Egypt neither the iPhone, none of the distributors have it on sale because it has been banned by the government because it has GPS.

All GPS devices are illegal in Egypt. Yes, lots of people own them and use them, but they are illegal. A lot of people have radar detectors which are illegal, yet they own them and use them.

Owning and using something is sometimes not relevant to whether it is legal or not.

Now this is messed up! Anyways, according to Apple’s website, the iPhone will be available at Orange (which is Mobinil / Orange Egypt) and Vodafone locations across Egypt. Which means there’s probably one near you.

Well, unless you’ve been trapped in prison lately, you should’ve heard about Apple’s new iPhone 3G. It’s twice as fast as the original and only half the price (as they claim…)

The new iPhone will run on several networks around the globe, Orange confirmed in Jordan, Vodafone in Egypt and Qtel in Qatar and it seems Zain won’t be getting any. iPhone will run on 3G networks (which we don’t also have in Jordan) alongside built-in GPS mapping, Microsoft Exchange support, desktop-class web browser, apps and Apple’s New MobileMe service. You’ll find Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, a 3.5 inch 480×320 pixel display, 2.0 megapixel geotagging camera, accessible SIM card and a slick new case.

The iPhone 3G will weigh 4.7 ounces and come in 8GB or 16GB sizes in black or white (16GB only). Now, here I have a question… I loved my previous iPhone and only sold it because It gave me headache and I accidently dropped it on the floor and scratched the screen. BUT! why would I need a 3G iPhone when networks in Jordan do not have that activated? The release in the US/UK in 6 days way and I can’t wait for it to come out..

Also, according to Apple, AT&T will offer it in the US for $199 for the 8GB and $299 for the 16GB (w/ 2 year contract) so I guess and according to Apple prices in the Middle East (calculating since a 350 KD macbook costs 500 in Kuwait and same in Jordan).

I think Orange’s offer is going to be for 250 JD for the 8GB and 500 JD for the 16GB (w/ 2 year contract), I hope they surprise me and release it for cheaper.

New Software Turns an iPhone Into a Guitar

Free software called PocketGuitar transforms your iPhone and iPod Touch into a GUITAR! Here comes the VIDEO! (props to Engadget and MobileWhack)

tooble | Download YouTube Videos directly to your iPod!

Tooble: Browse, Search, and Download YouTube Video directly to your iPod! In one easy step, tooble automatically downloads, converts and imports any YouTube video to play on your video iPod, iPhone, AppleTV, or even on your computer with iTunes. Now all your favorite videos are with you and ready to play, no matter where you are. (via superdeluxe)

Arabic programmers never fail to amaze me. Like this guy, I found his link by total coincidence. he developed a software that reads all of the Arabic SMS you receive.

Following his steps you need to:

1. Install the following from AppTapp Installer on your iPhone:
   • Apache (Can be found in Network Section)
   • PHP (Can be found in Development Section)
2. Follow the instructions here to configure Apache for PHP support. Alternatively, you can use my files:
   • Download my working files from here: Apache PHP Config.
   • Copy the file profile to /etc/
   • Copy the file httpd.conf to /private/etc/httpd/
   • Either restart your iPhone or execute the command: apachectl restart
3. Copy the file sqlite3 to /usr/bin
4. Download the font file arialuni.ttf that contains Arabic letters and copy it to
   /System/Library/Fonts/Cache/ replacing the existing one.
5. Copy the folder arabicsms to /Library/WebServer/Documents/
6. Copy the folder ArabicSMS.app to /Applications/
   This step will install an icon to launch the application.
   You can skip it and manually point Safari browser to http://127.0.0.1/arabicsms (No Internet connection is required).
7. Modify the permissions for following files & directories using one of these methods:
   1. Give permission of 755 to the following files:
      • /usr/bin/sqlite3
      • /Applications/ArabicSMS.app/openurl

      And permission of 711 to the following directories:

      • /private/var/root/Library/SMS
      • /private/var/root/Library/AddressBook
   2. Alternatively, you can execute the following commands using ssh client or from terminal application on iPhone:
      • chmod +x /usr/bin/sqlite3
      • chmod +x /Applications/ArabicSMS.app/openurl
      • chmod +x /private/var/root/Library/SMS
      • chmod +x /private/var/root/Library/AddressBook
8. That’s all, you should find ArabicSMS icon in iPhone Home. Just tap it & have fun. No Internet connection (Wi-Fi/EDGE) is required.

For more info check [link].

I can’t believe how fast I got my iPhone, I ordered it through a friend a week ago, I received it yesterday!! unlocked, worked on my Zain & Orange Jordan SIM Cards, and also works perfect on my Kuwait’s Wataniya SIM card. It has a stunning display, a nasty good looking design and a multi touch interface. The Safari browser is just awesome!! and the Wi-Fi is pretty cool.

It’s Absolutely pretty and easy to use, The touch screen is easier to use than I expected, also has a brilliant display, trim profile, and clean lines and no external antenna of course. I already got envious looks on the street toting the iPhone yesterday, It still felt smaller than I expected when I finally held it. Fits comfortably in the hand and when held to the ear, what I really liked is that the display is glass not plastic.

Oh and the best thing is the virtual QWERTY keyboard. I totally recommend buying it!

Rates 4.5/5 on my scale (just because nobody’s perfect)