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Hidden Widgets References in iPhone?

A story comes out of Gizmodo/iPhoneology that suggests that Apple may have had plans for other widgets built into the iPhone.

References to 4 unused Widget names in the iPhone's "LocalizedApplicationNames.strings" file raise some possibilities. These names are listed:

key: com.apple.widget.translation
string: Translator

key: com.apple.unitconverter
string: Converter

key: com.apple.widget.phonebook
string: Business

key: com.apple.mobile.radio
string: Radio


The "string" name refers to the name that would appear on the iPhone home screen. So the phonebook widget would presumably be a "Business" directory. Coincidentally, there had been unconfirmed rumors that AT&T's Yellowpages.com would find its way onto the iPhone as a new application.

These strings have been known for some time, and may simply represent some left-over widgets references from Mac OS X itself. Apple's Mac OS X Dashboard features Phone Book, Translator, and Unit Converter on the standard installation of Mac OS X. This, however, would not easily explain the mobile radio widget reference.

One area of potential confusion for readers is that Gizmodo and iPhoneology published a graphic of corresponding widget icons. These icons, however, are not actually found on the iPhone itself, but are just a compilation posted for illustrative purposes.

Apple has long suggested that new iPhone applications would be coming in the future, with hints that new Google applications would also be arriving for the iPhone.

Top Rated Comments

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59 months ago
I always thought that the iPhone would be great if they implemented the program Dodge Ball that I believe Google purchased a while back. Basically it gave you the location of a buddy on your phone. Paired with google maps that would be a killer app on the iPhone.

Oh and GPS.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
59 months ago
Having the iPhone as a mobile radio would be very cool indeed!
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59 months ago
Translator, Converter, Phonebook seem like no brainers and a perfect fit.

Mobile radio could be the most interesting.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
59 months ago
4 apps > 4 icons > 1 free row / 4 free app spaces on iPhone display

Might be on to something. ;)

(or not)
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59 months ago

I always thought that the iPhone would be great if they implemented the program Dodge Ball that I believe Google purchased a while back. Basically it gave you the location of a buddy on your phone. Paired with google maps that would be a killer app on the iPhone.

Oh and GPS.


Like a Tom Tom buddy I guess?
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
59 months ago
Dang. Those all sound like good apps but I was hoping the last row would be filled with something a little cooler. Maybe once they are over flowing with widgets on the home screen we will be able to pick and choose what goes where.
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59 months ago
Once the iPhone gets Japanese support, I am getting one. A translator would be good for Europeans.
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59 months ago
Radio? Will Apple finally put this feature in it's iPod and iPhone?
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59 months ago
I'm guessing Radio would be web radio, since there's no AM/FM radio tuner built in, right? But web radio couldn't stream very well over EDGE. This would definitely be a great app for car audio, if it worked.
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59 months ago
It would be great if it supported XM or Sirius radio (via internet connection). I just downloaded the Sirius radio for OS X and thought it would make an amazing app for the iPhone.

The other listed "UNSUPPORTED APPS" can go away along with the Notes and Clock APP. Absolutely worthless.:p
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