TomTom kit delayed; Apple Store robbery; Time Capsule troubles

TomTom iPhone kit delayed until October

TomTom spokesman Kevin Carter confirmed to AppleInsider that the company's iPhone hardware kit will not be available for its previously announced summer release deadline, though no specific reason was given. The accessory is a cradle that will interface with the iPhone and provide enhanced GPS capabilities.

"I can confirm that we have decided to take some extra weeks in order to deliver the highest quality on this innovative product," Carter said. "So, the car kit will become available for purchase this October on www.tomtom.com."

Additionally, the official FAQ section on TomTom's iPhone page has been updated to reflect the new release date. While the hardware is not necessary to use the software that is currently available in the iPhone App Store, it will amplify the GPS signal for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. In addition, the original iPhone and the iPod touch, both of which do not have a GPS receiver, will be able to use the hardware kit.

The TomTom kit will act as a basic suction cup mount for the dashboard or windshield, and will also support hand-sfree calling and music through the stereo system, as well as charge capabilities through the vehicle's 12-volt port.

Marlton, New Jersey Apple Store robbed

Five thieves were captured on tape as they smashed a plate glass window in front of a New Jersey Apple store and ran out with tends of thousands of dollars in merchandise.

The local ABC 6 has footage of what they called "smash and grab." The video shows the men quickly enter and grab 23 MacBook Pros, 14 iPhones and 9 iPod touches in 31 seconds. The men gestured to a guard they saw that they were carrying a handgun.

Two suspects were spotted in black sweatshirts, and a third in a red vest with a long-sleeve shirt underneath. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 856-983-1118, or the anonymous tip line at 856-988-4699.

AppleInsider photographed the store in 2007 when it was promoting the then-upcoming launch of the iPhone.

Users report Time Capsule troubles

Numerous users in various threads on the Apple Support forums have voiced complaints about Time Capsules allegedly dying in a spontaneous manner. Many of those posting reportedly purchased the hardware in early 2008.

Various reports from users suggest the problem could lie with the device's internal power supply, which cannot be replaced. The complaints first began to crop up in July 2009, and have continued since.

Users have said that Apple does not cover the loss of data if the item is replaced under warranty. However, opening a Time Capsule to retrieve the internal hard drive voids the warranty, placing some in a difficult situation to access their data.

In July, Apple updated the Time Capsule's capacity to a maximum of 2TB. It is available from Apple for $499, along with the $299 1TB model.