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In one example of a dramatic reversal of App Store policy, Apple has finally accepted two third-party Google Voice iPhone applications after rejecting the apps over a year ago. The apps are named GV Mobile+ and GV Connect, each available on iTunes to US users for $2.99.

The official Google Voice app remains in limbo, with Google claiming in a letter to the FCC that Apple rejected the app. Apple stated that it was reviewing the app but the company hasn't updated the status of its review in the past year. Google Voice duplicates dialing and telephony features built into the iPhone.

Sometimes for whatever reason an iPhone firmware upgrade ends up being counterproductive or causes issues with your individual phone. Maybe you're experiencing battery life problems with iOS 4.1 on your iPhone 3GS. Updates can even happen by accident with the wrong click of a button, wiping a jailbroken device.

If you have already saved your SHSH files for one or more earlier firmware versions on Saurik's server, you can follow these steps to downgrade from iOS 4.1.

Apple's free iPhone 4 case program and app may have smoothed over any lingering doubts over the new antenna design with consumers. Consumer Reports, however still has a bone to pick with Apple over the end of the program, scheduled for September 30. Starting in October, Apple will no longer offer third-party cases to iPhone 4 users.

The company will continue to offer free Apple Bumper cases, but only to those customers who contact AppleCare support with antenna problems. Those purchasing an iPhone 4 by September 30 will still have 30 days to claim their free case under the original program using the iPhone 4 Case Program app.

Two months from now Apple will release iOS firmware 4.2 for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and 3G. The new operating system unifies the iOS mobile operating system and iPhones and iPads (with the exception of the original iPhone) will finally be running the same version. Several new features are coming to the iPhone with the iOS 4.2 release.

The beta version was released to developers by Apple today. One new application is the multitasking Print Center. Print Center will allow the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS to print wirelessly with AirPrint. As long as a Wi-Fi network and a compatible networked printer are available, photos and other documents can be printed directly from the iPhone.

Now those looking for some good apps on jailbroken iPhones can participate in one-stop-shopping. The two jailbreak app stores known as Cydia and Rock Your Phone are merging into one entity. The resulting app store (to be known as Cydia) will be the largest independent iOS app store.

Rock Your Phone has been providing apps to the jailbreak iPhone community for 18 months, with $3.3 million in sales. Saurik over at Cydia explains that the merger is really more of a strategic reorganization of the two companies to foster cooperation.