AT&T has just posted a whole bunch of official iPhone 3G info on its site this morning as it prepares for the hoards of people waiting to snag the new Apple handset on July 11. First and foremost is the announcement that the iPhone 3G will be available for sale at 8:00 am next Friday. Wait, where have we heard that before? We’re guessing there are going to be some pretty early lines forming this year. Next comes the official plan pricing which goes as follows:

AT&T Nation (unlimited data included)

• $69.99 - 450 anytime minutes, 45¢ each addtl minute, 5,000 night / weekend minutes
• $89.99 - 900 anytime minutes, 40¢ each addtl minute, unlimited night / weekend minutes
• $109.99 - 1,350 anytime minutes, 35¢ each addtl minute, unlimited night / weekend minutes
• $129.99 - Unlimited minutes

AT&T FamilyTalk (includes 2 lines, unlimited data & night / weekend minutes, $39.99 each additional line)

• $129.99 - 700 anytime minutes, 45¢ each addtl minute
• $149.99 - 1,400 anytime minutes, 40¢ each addtl minute
• $169.99 - 2,100 anytime minutes, 35¢ each addtl minute
• $209.99 - 3,000 anytime minutes, 25¢ each addtl minute
• $259.99 - 4,000 anytime minutes, 20¢ each addtl minute
• $359.99 - 6,000 anytime minutes, 20¢ each addtl minute
• $259.99 - Unlimited minutes ($129.99 each additional line)

Add Text Plan

• $5 - 200 messages per month (individual plan)
• $15 - 1,500 messages per month (individual plan)
• $20 - Unlimited messages (individual plan)
• $30 - Unlimited messages (FamilyTalk plan)
• 20¢ per message if no plan is selected

Beyond all that, the contract price points were announced by Stevo at WWDC so there’s no news there. AT&T customers who aren’t eligible for an upgrade will pay a $200 premium ($399.99 for the 8 GB and $499 for the 16 GB) so the $200 subsidy rumor was indeed spot on. There is also an interesting note found on the site: “Coming soon, AT&T will offer a no-commitment option of $599 for 8GB and $699 for 16GB.” Re-he-healy?

[Thanks to all who sent this in]

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So you’re Canadian. You want an iPhone. But, you’re totally unhappy with Rogers’ pricing for the iPhone data plan which pales in comparison to our good friends at AT&T, right? And you’re totally tired of taking it up the bum bum. Well, there’s something you can do. As of post time, the petition to get Rogers to change the newly announced, non-unlimited iPhone plans has had over 11,000 signatures. We wanted to give it some attention so in the end, hopefully all those signatures will make a difference and our Canadian Rogers subscribers can buy an iPhone without taking out a second mortgage on their home. Wait, do they have mortgages in Canada? What you think guys, you going to sign it or what?

Thanks, to everybody that sent this one in!

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It’s Friday afternoon, it’s Summer and you’re itching to get home. We know, we know; it can be hard to keep focused. Since you’re spending your time this afternoon on BGR instead of working - as well you should - we figured we’d give you a nice little tidbit to take home with you this weekend. As if a sweet Nokia N78 NAM giveaway isn’t enough! How about a little something from one of our Apple ninjas? Would that do the trick? We just received unconfirmed word that Apple is going to be shaking things up a bit when it comes to iPhone 3G distribution here in the US. By shake up, we mean that Apple has supposedly secured deals with both Best Buy and Radio Shack to sell the iPhone 3G in their stores. Best Buy already offers other Apple products so this would hardly be a stretch. Again, this is definitely still tagged with “rumor status” but it comes from a ninja who has definitely done well for us in the past. No word if this will start from the July 11th launch date, or possible be a couple weeks / months out. Unlike you, our ninja can now go home and start enjoying his weekend a bit early.

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Sure, we knew the iPhone 3G was coming to Canada courtesy of Rogers Wireless, but the carrier has been keeping us in the dark in regards to their Data Plan pricing structure. No longer. Rogers has released 4 new iPhone 3G-specific plans on an unsuspecting public. The plans breakdown as follows:

• $60/month buys you 150 anytime minutes, 75 outgoing SMS, and 400 MB data
• $75/months buys you 300 anytime minutes, 100 outgoing SMS, and 750 MB data
• $100/month buys you 600 anytime minutes, 200 outgoing SMS, and 1 GB data
• $115/month buys you 800 anytime minutes, 300 outgoing SMS, and 2 GB data

All plans include unlimited nights and weekends, unlimited incoming SMS, and unlimited Wi-Fi at any Rogers or Fido hotspot. Yeesh! We can’t say we’re surprised to see these astronomically high tariffs, but it should certainly give comfort to anyone here in the US that thought the new iPhone 3G plans from AT&T were a bit steep.

Thanks, to everyone that sent this one in!

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Nicholas Woodhams, also known as the iPod Mechanic, is in a world of hurt. The Michigan man has made it his business to repair Apple iPods and other Apple products; not a bad idea since they do tend to break quite often. From what we understand Woodhams has done quite well for himself picking up the pieces with regards to iPod users’ woes. Apparently a bit too well, as he popped up on Apple’s radar several years ago and it was none too happy that the iPod name was being used in vain. Apple and Woodhams butted heads in 2006 and struck a deal whereby Woodhams would phase out the “iPod Mechanic” name by January 2007. Here we are a year and a half later and he has done no such thing. In fact, he even pokes some fun at Apple on his site with an “iPod Deathclock” where visitors can input their iPod serial numbers and usage habits to learn the approximate death date of their iPod. Clearly Woodhams was asleep when God handed down the eleventh commandment: Thou shalt not mess with Apple. The iPod moniker may be the least of Woodhams’ worries however, as Apple’s suit also alleges that he committed fraud in a number of ways. One such accusation, that Woodhams switched the back covers on out-of-warranty iPods in order to have Apple repair them under warranty. Hey, it was fun while it lasted…

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Check this out. New reports are coming in that a very interesting memo is currently circulating internally at AT&T. Said memo reportedly lists a variety of features that will supposedly be included on the upcoming iPhone 3G. Among them is an exciting new service that - get this - allows you to send SMS-like messages that include multimedia attachments. Imagine! The service, cleverly named Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) supposedly allows users to attach one or more image, audio file or even video and deliver the message along with text. The recipient of the message will then see and / or hear the multimedia on his or her mobile. Nutty. None of this is confirmed as of yet, but how sweet would it be if a mobile phone had functionality like this?! Oh Apple, you’ve done it again! Next thing you know we’ll find out that Apple has figured out a way to copy text from one place and paste it to another. Ok, that’s just crazy talk.

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So much for fairness, huh? It looks like O2 is joining the ranks of Optimus in Portugal (and perhaps Orange in other parts of Europe), planning to offer their version of the iPhone 3G on both post-paid and pay-as-you-go accounts. No details have been given in regards to pricing or feature options, but the sheer presence of a pre-paid option means that the iPhone itself will be available for purchase without a lengthy contractual agreement, setting the stage for rampant unlocking, modifications, and general lawlessness. Will AT&T be the only company to offer the iPhone without a pre-paid option? Seems unlikely, but with both O2 and Optimus/Orange jumping on the pre-paid wagon, it certainly makes you wonder.

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According to recent reports from iPhone Atlas, AT&T will not be offering a tethering plan for the iPhone 3G. Tethering of course, is the process whereby a handset is connected to a computer via cable or bluetooth so that the computer can make use of the handset’s data connectivity. Preventing tethering with the iPhone 3G is a pretty ridiculous move when considering that the rest of AT&T’s 3G arsenal can be used to tether. It’s a travesty, right? Wrong. Theorectically this issue shouldn’t be a big one at all. After all, tethering is sooooo 2004. Now that Apple has finally caught up to its competitors in terms of opening the OS X mobile platform to third-party development, lack of tethering should be remedied rather quickly. Just as apps like JoikuSpot Light and WalkingHotSpot transform an S60 handset into a pocketable WiFi hotspot, developers will likely attack this territory on the iPhone as well. Why bother with tethering when you can make use of WiFi and create multiple WEP / WPA-secured connections with a single device? Developers, the gauntlet has been laid.

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Take this for what you will, but one of our ninjas tipped us off to an iPhone ad currently being Portugal by wireless carrier Optimus, which is a subsidiary of Orange. According to the ad, Optimus is going to be offering the iPhone 3G with a monthly tariff on both post and pre-paid accounts. Yep, you read that one correctly. While AT&T has explicitly said that they will not be offering the new iPhone 3G with any sort of pre-paid options, it looks like other carriers are reserving the option to provide the handset without a lengthy contract. The ad doesn’t give any indication as to what we might expect the unsubsidized pricing to be, but we’re working hard to dig up that info. Unfortunately, we’re not expecting any miracles here on the US side of things, as AT&T has been very explicit about the contractual requirements of the iPhone agreements. Remember when the rest of the world was madly trying to import American iPhones? Things might be going the other way this time around.

Thanks, António!

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We’ve seen some pretty cool applications built from the iPhone SDK, but this one certainly ranks amongst our favorites thus far. CodeMorphic has put together a set of dev tools that will allow iPhone software developers to access satellite imagery, global weather info, time zone information, and more, all from the comfort of a multi-touch interface. The video above is merely being billed as evidence of a proof-of-concept, but if the real thing looks as good as the demo, we think they might want to consider dropping this as a full fledged application. Anyone as excited as we are for the 11th of July?

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There has been a whole lot of buzz about Funambol since the WWDC keynote, mostly touting the open-source offering as a wonderful free alternative to MobileMe. MobileMe, in case you’ve just awoken from a coma, is Apple’s sync everything everywhere solution. Syncing with MobileMe is seamless, instant and always active. You know, kind of like Exchange. So is this free Funambol offering really going to be a viable alternative to Apple’s new suite? There is an expression that almost always holds true, people: You get what you pay for. There’s a comment in the post on the other side of the read link that pretty much sums up our thoughts and experiences with Funambol quite nicely:

I played with funambol a while ago, and seriously was it rough… You pay for services like MobileMe because they’re seamless, intuitive and easy to use, not because they’re a ‘cheaper option’. Imagine what would happen if your mobile phone’s sms had the performance of Twitter.

The bright side, as mentioned above, is that Funambol is indeed open-source. While Funambol’s shaky free portal - which will only support contacts sync initially - is a possible option for those with low expectations, perhaps some developer will come along and put the Funambol sync engine to use in a more competitive and reliable offering. We shall see…

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By now even your grandmother knows what Apple announced today. But what about the fine print? What about the $199 and $299 pricing? Well, as some of you might have guessed, those prices are only with contracts with a carrier. We just got a hold of an internal AT&T email to store managers and it details almost every single detail of Apple’s iPhone 3G. Here’s a list of the most important/interesting points we found, followed by the entire email:

• iPhone 3G will be activated at point of sale when the device is purchased in store. 
• Return period has been changed from 14 days to 30 days
• $199 and $299 pricing is for new activations or qualified upgrades with a 2-year agreement
• 2G iPhone data rate plans will remain available for 2G device suntil further notice
• The new iPhone 3G data plan is $30/month and includes unlimited data and visual voicemail
• There is not a no commitment price. This means you can’t just walk in and bang $500 on your credit card and walk out. 
• If you are an existing iPhone customer in good standing, you will be able to extend your contract for two years when the iPhone 3G launches and get the ill-na-na $199/$299 price point. Doesn’t matter when you bought an iPhone either.
• AT&T and Apple stores “unbrick” the iPhone 3G at time of purchase, but for some reason if that doesn’t happen, you’ll be required to use iTunes at home.
• Pre-paid and Pick Your Plan will not be allowed on iPhone 3G
• Device purchase limit remains at (3) per customer in AT&T stores.
• 2G iPhones to remain as demo models in AT&T stores “until further notice”.
• AT&T stores will get rate brochures, 22 x 28 posters, and window banners
• Launch day will mirror last year’s launch. This includes extended store hours, crowd controls, etc. Security will be provided to stores requesting armed police or guards.
• AT&T is working with Apple to roll out GPS-enabled applications.

There you have, folks! Almost everything you wanted to know, and a lot of stuff you didn’t. Full email is after the break!

AT&T and Apple today announced that the iPhone 3G will be available in the U.S on July 11. iPhone 3G combines three products into one small, lightweight device: a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod, and it puts the Internet in your pocket with the best e-mail, web browsing, search and maps applications ever on a mobile phone.

The new version of the iPhone harnesses the power of AT&T’s broad and powerful 3G mobile broadband network, which offers 3G mobile phones download speeds of up to 1.4 Mbps. 

Key Device Features:

Operates on Wi-Fi, EDGE, and 3G networks
New enterprise e-mail capability with support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync
New iPhone software development kit (SDK) to support new innovative applications
Note: 2G iPhone customers will be able to download the iPhone 2.0 software from iTunes which enables new features such as access to corporate e-mail via Microsoft ActiveSync.

New Activation Process and BRE:
The iPhone 3G will be activated at point of sale when the device is purchased, in store.  The BRE period will change from 14 days to 30 days and will require the device to be returned to place of purchase before service is cancelled. 

Pricing and Plans
Device Pricing:
$199 8GB and $299 16GB for new activations and qualified upgrades with 2-year agreement.

Data Plans and Pricing:
The iPhone 3G will be activated on existing AT&T voice rate plans, but new data plans have been created for the 3G device.

All iPhone 3G customers are required to have one of the new data plans and qualifying voice plan.
Customers intending to use the iPhone 3G for access to corporate e-mail, business applications, or access to corporate intranet are required to activate with Enterprise Data Plan for iPhone.
The 2G data rate plans will remain available for 2G devices until further notice.
IRU service discounts for both voice and data pans will apply to iPhone 3G, but not 2G iPhone.
CRU service discounts for voice and data will apply to both 2G and 3G, when on a qualifying data plan.
IRUs will not get a discount on device purchase for 2G or iPhone 3Gs. 
Data Pricing will be as follows:
Consumer Data Plan (must be added to qualified voice plan):
$30 - Unlimited Data (E-mail/Web), includes Visual Voicemail

Enterprise Data Plan (must be added to qualified voice plan):
$45 – Unlimited Data with personal and corporate e-mail, web, includes Visual Voicemail

Upgrade Eligibility and Qualified Upgrade Pricing
Upgrade eligibility will be determined based on standard upgrade eligibility rules.  Customers must be upgrade eligible to receive the qualified upgrade pricing.  However, not all customers will be qualified upgrades. AT&T has not determined the price of the 3G device for non-qualified upgrades.

All customers will be required to sign a 2-year agreement.  There will not be a “no commitment” price for the iPhone 3G.

Note: When the 3G device launches, all active postpaid customers in good standing with a 2G iPhone will be eligible to receive the qualified upgrade pricing for a 3G device regardless of service tenure. (Customers that would not otherwise be eligible due to tenure will be made eligible at launch).

Activation Process
The new 3G device will be activated in store in both AT&T and Apple stores.  Customers must accept AT&T and Apple Ts & Cs, sign a 2-year agreement, and select the data plan for the iPhone 3G before leaving the store.  The current iTunes activation process will no longer be required for iPhone 3Gs, however a short tether process to unbrick the 3G device will be performed in all AT&T stores (tether cords will be provided).  Apple stores will also perform this tether process, however in the event that a customer’s device is not tethered in the Apple store, their device will be inoperable until they get home and tether through iTunes.  Prepaid and Pick Your Plan will not be allowed on the 3G device.

The SSK has been modified to allow customers interested in the iPhone 3G to enter their information, select rate plans and data plans, and print a document that will allow COR reps to quickly access the customer’s information in OPUS and save time for data entry in the activation process.

Note: In the interim, 2G iPhones will continue to be activated via iTunes - BAU.   This is also true for existing AT&T customers who receive a 2G device as a gift, hand-me-down, etc. and wish to activate the device.  Existing AT&T customers who switch to the 2G iPhone must tether through the iTunes process to begin using the device.

Compensation
Because the 3G device will be activated in store, compensation for the 3G device will be BAU.  COR reps will receive compensation for upgrades and new activations with a 2-year agreement.

Purchase Limit
The device purchase limit will remain three (3) per customer for iPhone 3G in AT&T stores.

Allocations
If allocations are required at launch, supply chain will allocate based on January-April sales rates applied on a store-by-store basis.

Direct Fulfillment
The DF tool will be available at launch in COR for iPhone 3Gs.  Customers will be required to pay for the device when the order is placed and the phone will be shipped to the store in the customer’s name.

Existing Stock of 2G Devices
We will continue to sell 2G devices until stock is depleted.

Return Policy
2G Devices
Customers who recently purchased a 2G iPhone may want to return their device once they hear about the 3G model and price point, but the new device will not be available immediately. Since the announcement and launch will be about 30 days apart, we could lose some customers who are within their BRE period and want to return their device before their 14 days expires and wait for the new 3G device.  We must acknowledge and address their desire to get the best device for them.

Here’s how AT&T will handle 2G iPhone returns:

If a customer purchased before 5/27, we will follow BAU processes – no device returns.   However, all postpaid 2G iPhone customers in good standing are upgrade eligible, so these customers will qualify to upgrade to a 3G iPhone when it is available.
If a customer purchased on or after 5/27 (within the 14-day BRE period before the product announcement on 6/9), we will let them exchange their 2G iPhone for an iPhone 3G before August 1.  This means that after we launch the 3G model they can return their 2G iPhone, pay the 10% restocking fee, and purchase a new iPhone 3G before August 1.
Note:  This modified return policy applies only to customers who purchase from AT&T stores.

3G Devices
The return policy for 3G is changing from 14 days to 30 days for both Apple and AT&T stores.

To cancel service within the first 30 days, the customer must return their equipment to the place of purchase (no exceptions). 
If the customer cancels service after 30 days, they will be charged the ETF.  The customer is not required to return the device to cancel after 30 days.
Special Notes Regarding 2G Devices

After the iPhone 3G launches, activations of 2G iPhones for new AT&T customers can be performed in COR stores or in the existing iTunes tether process.  COR reps will receive compensation for activations of new AT&T customers done in store.
2G upgrades will continue to be activated via the existing iTunes tether process.
Existing 2G data plans will remain available for 2G devices until further notice.
Note: 2G iPhones are out of stock in the DCs, and the Direct Fulfillment tool for 2G is turned off. 2G iPhones have been removed from the “myRewards” incentive catalog.

Merchandising/Marketing

Current 2G iPhones should remain on device fixtures in store.  Do not remove 2G demo devices until further notice.
3G demos will be pulled from stock when they arrive following BAU process for display devices.
Video loop content will be pushed to stores when it is available.
New docks and retrofit kits will be provided for existing iPhone fixtures.
The following merchandising elements will be in stores for launch:

Rate brochure and display rate card
22 x 28 poster
Window banner
Duratrans - will be available for markets to order
Coming Soon: Posters and banners are TBD
Training

Device training, including features and functionality, will be available via My CSP by 6/13.
OPUS training will begin no later than 6/20 and will be delivered via the Learning Edge.
Launch preparedness training, including last minute details, will be conducted the week of launch (if needed) via RSM or Centra sessions.
Communications/My CSP
All iPhone-related communications, inclusive of training announcements, will be posted to My CSP. Login and access are via the “Everything iPhone 3G” ad space.  Or search on either keyword “iZone” or keyword “iPhone 3G” to locate.

Launch Plans
Support logistics for launch day will mirror last year’s iPhone launch:

Letters will be sent to all landlords under VP/GM signature for advance notice of store hours, crowds expected, possible parking issues, etc.
Security will be provided for locations requesting armed police or unarmed, uniformed guards.
Manager checklists will be provided to support RSMs to set expectations and help them be prepared to complete all required actions.
Documents will be posted on iZone to let RSMs know when to expect delivery of launch support materials.
Job descriptions for key launch day functions will be provided for: Back Office Manager/Inventory Runner, Crowd Manager, Greeter, Product Demonstrator, and Security Support.

***Confidential AT&T Information. For Internal Distribution Only.***

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If you managed to stay awake through the beginning of today’s WWDC Keynote, which was no small feat, you’re probably already aware of the big news. Apple has officially announced the next generation iPhone. The iPhone 3G sports many of the enhancements that have been rumored for months, including 3G data, GPS, updated design, better battery life, and much more. It will also be much cheaper, launching at $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB. The 8GB will be available in black, and the 16GB will launch in both black and white. The new phone will ship with iPhone firmware 2.0, which will include support for Apple’s new “exchange for the rest of us” dubbed MobileMe. The phone looks like a fantastic update to the existing model, but sadly won’t be available until July 11th. Honestly, this killed our morning. What good is a shiny new iPhone if we can’t get our hands on it? Seriously. Hit the link for the official Apple page. Thoughts? Disappointment? Anger? Excitement? Bewilderment? Let us know, as we’ve got plenty of time to discuss the thing before it actually launches in July. Did we mention that this killed our morning? Right.

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Al Gore has been spotted in the VIP area at the WWDC keynote address. Logical conclusion: the rumored solar power for the new iPhone must be confirmed. Ok, so we’re probably completely full of it, but we have heard that Mr. Gore won’t go within 30 feet of anything that doesn’t draw its juice from a renewable energy source. Any bets on whether Gore will be invited up on stage to participate?

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MacRumors got sent a bunch of images of images. How do you like that one? They appear to depict the new 3G iPhone, and what’s the 3G iPhone got in store for us supposedly? IChat over 3G and Wi-Fi, a 32GB model, front-facing camera, MMS, video recording, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Supposedly. BGR buddy Ryan from Engadget and myself aren’t too convinced, though. Thoughts?

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Maybe so, maybe not. According to an Australian Apple fan site, an unnamed Australian reseller was the proud recipient of the box you see above. Apple shipped the package with the following warning script:

SUBJECT TO TERMS OF NDA DO NOT OPEN UNTIL TUESDAY JUNE 10TH, 2008

Yeah, sure…you get a mysterious package from Apple 4 days before WWDC and you don’t open it. Right. The Australian site believes that the box contains a promotional iPhone intended for display immediately following Steve Jobs’ keynote next Monday. We’ll wait to call this one until the Australian reseller decides to bite the bullet and open the package on camera, but real or fake, we’re gonna see some 3G iPhone love within the week. We can feel it.

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We just got this message from someone who works for AT&T. It was sent by upper-management to stores:

“Just an FYI that as of today, the only iPhones left to sell are those in your inventory rooms in store. There will no longer be any availability online or via direct fulfillment from either Att.com or Apple.com as I understand.

That means that you should leverage this and sell those you have ASAP as you are the ONLY place someone can buy an iPhone at right now!”

Not something we didn’t really know, but it looks like there will no stock of any iPhones until the new one is released. We’d bet it’s coming sooner than later, as in next week. Could Apple really afford to release it at the end of the month with no stock left at all now?

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In a move that should delight and amaze the Apple faithful in the United Kingdom and Canada, the company has announced that the iTunes Movie Store are now available in both countries. Both stores are launching with relatively anemic collections of titles, with the UK store debuting with 700 titles and the Canadian iteration launching with just over 1,200 moving pictures. Outright purchases will run you 10.99 Pounds in England and $19.99 Canadian for new releases,with library titles slotting in at 3.99 Pounds and $9.99 Canadian respectively. Rentals are also available for a 48 hour period in both countries, with Canadian leases running $4.99/$3.99 Canadian and UK rentals slotting in at 3.49 Pounds/2.49 Pounds. Great news but we all know that in the mighty world of online media sales, content is king. Will Apple have enough titles available to appeal to our friends to the North and East?

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We admit, this seems a bit unlikely, but TUAW is reporting that the next iteration of Apple’s OS X operating system could debut as early as next week. According to the site, Apple is preparing to seed developers with an early version of the new OS. 10.6 will reportedly focus “solely on security and stability”, with little to no emphasis placed on groundbreaking new features. The early seeding would apparently place 10.6 on track for a January ‘09 public launch, concurrent with Apple’s annual Macworld Expo. This will be Apple’s first Intel-only operating system, placing another nail in the PowerPC coffin.

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Not quite the formative years, but what better time to get people hooked on Apple products than while they’re in college? Besides, you need something to do while you’re sitting through those two-hour lectures right? Apple is currently running a slightly-early back to school promo for college kids looking to get their Mac on and truth be told, it’s a pretty good deal. Nuts and bolts: Buy a Mac, get a free iPod. The deal isn’t just for students either. Any student, faculty or staff member can purchase a qualifying Mac computer and get an 8 GB iPod Touch or 8 GB iPod Nano for free after a $299 rebate. Considering the MacBook starts at $1,000 now, and that’s before any student discount, this deal really is pretty solid. Don’t worry though, you have plenty of time to think about it as the offer is good from now through September 15th. Qualifying Macs include any MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or iMac model.

[Via gadget lab]

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Cewebrity Digg boy Kevin Rose has built an empire from the ground up, no question. Legions of fans get as excited for Diggnation as your girl got for the Sex and the City movie (our condolences for the loss of your manhood if you were dragged out to it). If it’s all the same though we’ll stick to our brokers for investment direction, thanks Kevin. Rose does love to dish an iPhone rumor here and there though, and a couple of things he tossed out in a quickie Seesmic video recently have piqued our interest. Well, not really, but maybe they’ll pique your interest. First off, Rose states that the 3G iPhone will be available next week. We’ve long since thought June 9th to be the official announcement date but according to Kev-o you can have your cake and eat it too. Secondly, rumors flew around for a while that the new 3G iPhone may be subsidized by AT&T and available for a measly $200 with a 2-year contract. According to Rose however, the 3G iPhone will come in around the current iPhone price point and the low-end iPhone (does he mean the current 3G-less model or a new low-end model? Your guess is as good as ours) will be subsidized and available at the $200 mark. Hmm.

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This one isn’t quite ready for mainstream consumption yet, but it looks pretty promising. If you’ve ever fantasized about running a version of Google Earth on your iPhone, your dreams may soon become a reality. iPhone Earth is a 3rd party application cooked up by a Colorado-based company called Earthscape. The program interacts with the iPhone’s accelerometer, allowing you to navigate through the Google Earth maps by simply tilting and contorting your handset. The program is currently in private beta, but the teaser video looks pretty promising. Now all we need is an integrated GPS receiver…

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As you can see, we didn’t really take this seriously. One has to wonder though, with the 5th Ave Apple store actually being closed right now, does it give this tip some credibility? We can’t imagine an iPhone being released tomorrow without hearing anything more, but we figured we’d post this for informational purposes. Thoughts?

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In move that would be very welcome over here in the States, it looks like Orange France might be offering incentives to attract current iPhone owners to the next generation device. Apparently, the company is offering current iPhone owners a new 3G iphone for 50 Euros if they trade in their old device. Current users wishing to upgrade and hold on to their current handset can expect “generous subsidies”. Orange hasn’t released any official statement on the matter, so we’re not sure how widespread the incentive program may be, but if any other global iPhone carriers want to jump on the subsidy bandwagon, we’d be all for it.

Read [Link is in French]

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[Via iPhone Alley]

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Back on Wednesday we told you about AT&T’s plans to drastically improve its HSPA coverage by the end of June. Needless to say, the move is related to the impending release of the 3G iPhone that we all hate hearing about. If you recall, EDGE speeds more than doubled just prior to the release of the first iPhone so the timing of these HSPA upgrades only make sense. But wait, why is AT&T so keen on stressing the addition of HSUPA with speeds up to 800 Kbps? Clearly it has something to do with the upcoming 3G iPhone, but what could eat up so much bandwidth in that direction? Ahhh, how about video calling? Rumors surfaced a while back that the new iPhone will sport a front-facing camera and 1 + 1 = 2 last we checked. This people, will be the true test of Apple fanboyism - if it’s true of course. Video calling has been around forever and it has hardly been the rage that many thought it would be years ago. If Apple can manage to get people not only excited about video calling, but also actually using video calling, then Stevie really can do anything…

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