In the patent, the inventors elaborate on the difference between proximity detection and touchscreen systems. Unlike the latter where the user is required to be in physical contact with the sensors, proximity detection systems may recognize user inputs simply by their actions in the proximity of the device. This is done with the help of a variety of techniques such as capacitive, electric field, inductive, optical shadow, etc.
The implementation (more…)

With that statement, AT&T seems to have shifted the blame on Apple for the rejections, but as
of Daring Fireball points out, they haven't flatly denied it.
In another probably related development, Google's CEO Eric Schmidt has resigned from Apple 's Board of Directors. Apple and Google have clarified that the main reason for Eric Schmidt's exit was to avoid “conflict
of interest” due to Google’s entry into mobile operating (more…)

such as Voice Central and GVDialer have also been removed from the App Store for the same reason.
According to John Gruber of Daring Fireball it looks like the real reason for rejecting the iPhone apps is due to pressure from AT&T.
That might be possible as these iPhone apps give you features for free such as ability to send and receive free SMS, place free calls in the US, for which AT&T charges its customers.
However, OM Malik of GigaOM Network (more…)

Google Voice (formerly GrandCentral) is a free and innovative service that uses voice over internet protocol to link customers' phone numbers together. Users of Google Voice are able to select a single U.S. phone number, from various area codes. When a Google Number is called, any or all of the user's phones may be set to ring based on the calling number or on the contact group (e.g. Family, Friends, Work, etc), and/or based on time of day (more…)