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With the launch of the 3G iPhone thankfully behind us, the attention of Apple fans is now turning to applications developed for the device. Back in March Apple released a tool kit to help independent developers create innovative new apps. The company has kept a tight leash on third-parties, only allowing selected developers to access the API and charging a $99 fee as a type of “quality assurance” tax. Reportedly over 25,000 developers or groups applied to create add-ons for the new iPhone, but only 4,000 were allowed “behind the curtain.”

Whether Apple’s strict standards helped or hampered creativity, some surprising and innovative apps have emerged from the iPhone app store. Here’s a brief sampling of some buzzworthy products for your 3G iPhone.

Twinkle
This Twitter tie-in goes a step beyond the rest, giving users the ability to chat and get updates from friends nearby. Twinkle uses a location-aware network, and works for iPhone and iPod touch. The drawback? Users must sign up for the Tapulous (parent company) network in addition to their Twitter account.

Wikipedia
This optimized version of the popular online encyclopedia gives iPhone users easy access to articles and images. Users can save articles for offline viewing, too.

Texas Hold ‘Em
This gambling game allows users to not only play against a realistic opponent, but also against friends over a WiFi network. Multiplayer settings can handle up to 9 players, and Apple has even programmed in secret tells for users’ opponents.

Band
Band is a fun application that turns users’ iPhones into virtual musical instruments. Creator Mark Terry demonstrated Band at the Worldwide Developers Conference this year, which includes a drum kit, a piano, a complete blues chord structure + instrumentation, and the necessary bass guitar. The resulting music can be recorded and dubbed for a complete song.

Remote
Remote allows you to turn your iPhone into a remote control for the music on your computer or Apple TV. Using a WiFi network, an iPhone can show playlists, album art, and current song selections, mimicking the desktop environment.

eReader
eReader gives users a formatted-for-iPhone version of popular ebooks. It works with top ebook retailers eReader.com and fictionwise.com. The smart software lets users read in landscape or portrait, and even saves your place in the book.

Loopt
Loopt is getting a lot of attention from iPhone users. It allows friends to track and find each other on interactive maps. You can find out where your friends are to schedule meetups or simply to recommend a nearby restaurant, museum, or clothing store. Loopt acts as a “social compass”, and it ties in to Facebook and Yelp.

Superpages Mobile
This app allows iPhone users to access the Yellowpages online, on the go. Look up local restaurants, find businesses and phone numbers, and even locate friends’ addresses and phone numbers.

While it’s a short list of promising applications for the 3G iPhone, early adopters can find complete lists and pricing information on iTunes and Apple’s website. These and other innovative applications are transforming smart phones into so much more than just a means of communication. Users can organize and orchestrate their entire lives with a touch, pinch or tap.

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

By Haley January Eckels