Next-gen iPhone spotted by developer

There have been hints by an iPhone applications developer regarding the next iPhone version, writes TechTree

The developer, known as Pandav, appears to have spotted usage records of an 'iPhone 3.1' from analytics generated by PinchMedia for iBart, an application developed by Pandav. PinchMedia allows Pandav to check what devices its applications are running and figured the identifier 'iPhone 3.1' in its list of devices.

The surprising thing is that the current 3GS version is identified as 'iPhone 2.1', which obviously means someone out there might be using the next-generation iPhone already.

NetSecure Technologies' SmartSwipe credit card reader is a new device to help Internet shoppers or small business owners, reports Miami Herald.

In one swipe, the USB device reads a user's credit card and enters it into the Web site where they are shopping, but makes it difficult for hackers to monitor keystrokes and steal the account number. Unfortunately, it only works on Windows systems.

The installation is simple since users just load the drivers from the included CD and start shopping.

With gadgets like the iPod reducing radio usage to a minimum, there are a few who believe that with some ingenuity radios can be made favourites in no time, writes Ecofriend.

Industrial designers Wu Kun-chia, Wang Shih-ju, Chen Ming-daw and Liou Chang-ho have designed the Flexio - a solar-powered portable radio, which is printable and inexpensive.

The paper-packaged radio with a flexible speaker is designed to remain fixed on a single channel, which means listeners get country- and city-specific radios in the box. The device includes a flexible solar cell to charge the device with renewable energy.