Like a lot of other iPhone users, I am very excited about the prospect of having another web browser choice on my iPhone.  I like mobile Safari a lot, but I also like having another browser to use in case Safari can’t work well with certain web sites.  The developers of Opera have been demoing their Opera mini browser for the iPhone at various events over the last week.  While the browser looks like it will be a hit, there is just one small snag…

It hasn’t been submitted to Apple for review!

Why show it off unless it has been submitted?  It seems moronic to get everyone excited about the new browser only to later deliver the bad news that the approval process didn’t work out.  I can’t see Apple wanting to shoot it down, but you never know until it has been approved, and available on the App Store.  This is really bad timing.

Opera Mini Browser for iPhone Being Demoed at Mobile World Congress – Mac Rumors.

I love playing Chess.  Unfortunately, none of my friends play Chess, so I don’t get to play very often.  Mac OS X comes with a really good Chess app, but it’s not much fun playing against a computer that beats me every time.  Several months ago, I found Chess With Friends from Newtoy Inc. (iTunes Link) on Apple’s App Store.  Chess With Friends is offered in a free version with ads, and a paid version without ads.  It allows you to play Chess with your friends who also have the app, but also total strangers that you locate at random using the game’s random opponent feature.  Right now, I’m playing against 3 random people.  I have no idea where they are, or who they are.

Originally, Chess With Friends would notify me of new moves via email, or text messages.  Now, the game offers push notifications.  Using this feature, I am immediately alerted when my opponents make a new move.  This helps avoid exceeding my paltry, limited 200 text messages that AT&T charges me $5 a month for, and it avoids filling up my inbox with notification emails.  Chess With Friends also has a pass and play option which allows you to play against a friend in the flesh.  You make a move, and then pass your iPhone to your opponent.  Hopefully, he won’t run off with your iPhone.

Chess With Friends can be played in real time against remote opponents.  You know that your opponent has Chess With Friends open when you see the small eyeballs at the upper right corner of the Chess board.  Also, the eyeballs will display next to the game in your list of current games.  I have played several games this way, but if my opponent gets tired of watching the game, they can easily leave without bothering to say anything.  The game does have a chat feature, but I rarely use it.

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