Once you've decided to get a new iPad, picked out your color, and settled on your storage capacity, if you're going with the 4G LTE model of the new iPad in the US, the question becomes -- AT&T or Verizon, which carrier should you choose? For most of us, the decision will come down to two factors - coverage, pricing, and tethering.

Here's how it breaks down.

Pricing plans

Here's the pricing comparison chart that Apple displays on the ordering page for the new iPad. All plans are commitment free and paid month-to-month -- you can cancel at anytime.

So with regards to cost, you need to ask yourself how much data you plan on using. Realistically, if you have Wifi at home, work and school (if you're a student), you can probably get by just fine with AT&T's 250MB per month plan and save $5. On the other hand, for only $5 more, you can jump up to a full GB of data with Verizon.

The most popular plans will be the $30 plans, and at that price, AT&T gives you an extra gigabyte -- that's 50% more than Verizon's 2 GB. The $50 plans are identical on Verizon and AT&T.

In reality, these plans are fairly similar and pricing shouldn't be the sole-determining factor. It's more important that your carrier offers the data you want in the area you live your life.

LTE availability

In addition to price, you must also consider where each carrier offers coverage and if you're within that area. Here's a side by side comparison of Verizon's and AT&T's coverage maps (left is Verizon, right is AT&T).

Clearly, Verizon has much more LTE availability (green dots vs orange dots.)  If you live in an area where Verizon offers LTE and AT&T does not, your best bet is to probably go with Verizon, providing that their network is pretty solid in that area. If you're not sure, ask your family, friends, and coworkers who have LTE phones on Verizon's network.

If LTE is not available to you on either network, the next thing to look at is 3G coverage. If you live somewhere that only gets EDGE on AT&T (light blue on AT&T's map), Verizon is the way to go.

Most of you, however, will be in one of these last two categories: an LTE available area on both Verizon and AT&T, or, in a 3G, but not LTE available area on both Verizon and AT&T. For those of you in this category, I'm inclined to recommend AT&T, provided that the 3G network is stable in your area. Again, ask your friends, family, and coworkers for their experience.

Why AT&T, you ask? Because AT&T's HSPA and HSPA+ 3G networks are faster than Verizon's CDMA 3G network. It's all about the speed.

You can get a closer look at AT&T's coverage map here and Verizon's map here.

Tethering

If you want to have the ability to tether your iPad's network connection to your computer, then Verizon in your only choice. Verizon includes tethering in their data plans and does not come at an additional cost.

As of right now, AT&T does not offer this functionality.

Making the choice

So which one are you going to choose? Personally, since AT&T's LTE network is not available in my area, but Verizon's is, it was a no-brainer for me to choose Verizon (even though my iPhone is with AT&T). What about you?

• New iPad forum
• AT&T forum
• Verizon forum

Apple has been forced to remove almost all 3G-enabled iPhones and iPads from its online store in Germany, including the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPad 2 WiFi + 3G, but NOT including iPhone 4S due to an injunction won by Motorola Mobility. Foss Patents reports:

The leading German news agency, dpa (Deutsche Presse-Agentur), quotes an official Apple statement according to which the company has just removed, as a result of an injunction Motorola won in Mannheim over a FRAND-pledged patents declared essential to an industry standard, several 3G/UMTS-capable products from its German online store: the iPhone 3G, the iPhone 3GS, and the iPhone 4 (but not the iPhone 4S), and all 3G/UMTS-capable iPads.

This all stems from Motorola's December win around a FRAND (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) patent pertaining to 3G/UMTS standards. In addition, iCloud users in Germany will no longer have access to push mail over iCloud MobileMe, and will instead need to rely on manually pulling email messages from Apple's servers.

The iPhone 4S was not included because of the difference in the 3G chip configuration. Also, all of the affected units will still be sold through local retailers, including official Apple Stores.

The EU, however, is taking an interest in cases like this, where FRAND patents may or may not be being misused.

The enforcement of a FRAND-pledged standards-essential patent is a major issue. The European Commission is already investigating Samsung because it also "sought injunctive relief" (though unsuccessfully to date) based on such patents. Motorola could be investigated over the same issue, but since the EU is also reviewing Google's proposed acquisition of MMI, it presumably prefers to focus on the merger review, at least for the time being.

Like the injunctions Apple has won and lost against Samsung, this is far from over.

Source: FOSS Patents

[UPDATE]

SlashGear reports the injunction has been suspended, and all Apple 3G-enabled products, including iPhones and iPads, are once again available on Apple's online store.

”All iPad and iPhone models will be back on sale through Apple’s online store in Germany shortly” the company told us in a statement. “Apple appealed this ruling because Motorola repeatedly refuses to license this patent to Apple on reasonable terms, despite having declared it an industry standard patent seven years ago.”

iCloud is still unavailable in Germany, however, as the suspended injunction in question only pertains to the 3G/UMTS patents involved.

Source: SlashGear

Having speaker or cellular reception issues on your GSM/AT&T iPhone 4 and want to DIY repair it? iMore has you covered. We can guide you through the process and give you advice on where to get your parts and tools. Replacing the bottom speaker assembly or cellular antenna are both pretty straight forward repairs if you've got good instructions, the right tools, and quality parts.

Disclaimer: As with any repair, iMore nor PXLFIX can be held responsible for any damage you may do to your device. It’s also worth considering that opening up your device to perform any repair or modification can and will void your Apple warranty. If you don’t feel comfortable opening your device, don’t. Use extreme care and caution when performing a repair on any device.

What issues this repair will address

• Cellular reception issues - if your iPhone 4 can't hold a cellular signal, won't connect to 3G, or constantly says "Searching.." - you may need to replace your antenna. First try replacing your SIM or speaking with your carrier.
• Bottom speaker doesn't work when using speakerphone or playing music

What you need for a DIY speaker or cellular antenna repair

PXLFIX recommends using only quality and genuine parts from a reputable supplier like eTech Parts. They have quality parts, tools, and much more for all your repair needs.

Please note the speaker assembly is the same across all models of iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S but the antenna will be different.

• GSM iPhone 4 (please note there ARE internal differences between the GSM and CDMA models)
• New GSM iPhone 4 speaker assembly or cellular antenna (whichever part you are replacing) - iPhone 4 speaker assembly, GSM iPhone 4 cellular antenna
• SIM removal tool (or a paper clip)
• #00 Phillips screwdriver
• Pry tool or spudger
• Security screwdriver (only if your iPhone has 5-point security screws in the dock connector)

Power off your iPhone 4

Before performing any repair, always power off your device before removing any screws or parts.

Remove the back

1. First remove the bottom 2 dock connector screws in your iPhone 4. Use either your #00 screwdriver or the five point depending on whether or not your iPhone 4 has security screws in the dock connector. Almost all newer devices will have security screws.

2. To remove the back simply slide the back upwards and lift it off gently.
3. Set the back and 2 dock connector screws aside.

Remove your SIM card

Use a SIM removal tool or a paperclip to remove your SIM card and tray. Set them aside.

Remove the battery

1. To remove the battery you’ll need to remove the #00 screw holding the battery clip in place. Remove this screw located to the bottom left of the battery.

2. The metal clip on the battery is what clips the battery to the logic board. You’ll need to pop this clip up with your plastic pry tool. Simply stick the end of your pry tool underneath the clip and gently pull upwards until it unfastens from the logic board.

3. To remove the battery, I do not recommend using the plastic pull tab. There is quite a bit of adhesive underneath the battery and the tab will normally just rip off or you can bend the battery. Instead, run your pry tool along the right side of the battery and break the adhesive that way. Once the battery is free from the adhesive, you can pull the battery out of the phone. There are no other connectors holding it in.

4. You will notice a tiny grounding clip sitting underneath where you unscrewed the battery. Set this aside for replacement during reassembly. This is a grounding clip for your antenna. Make sure you put it back in place before reconnecting your battery.

Remove the dock connector shield and disconnect the cable

1. There is a shield held on with two screws covering the dock connector cable. Remove the two screws holding it in place and set the shield and screws aside, remembering where they came from.

2. Next, use your pry tool to pry up the actual dock connector cable. Be careful as there is adhesive holding the cable in place as well. Peel back the adhesive gently to free the cable.

Remove the top logic board shield

1. There are 5 screws holding the logic board shield in place. Remove the 5 screws holding it in place. Just be sure to remember which holes they came out of as the screws are different sizes. I always keep them in order of how they came out.

2. Next you'll need to remove the shield. There is a tiny clip built into the shield holding it in place. (Refer to the photo above.) Pop it up with your pry tool and you should be able to slide the shield up fairly easily. Just take care not to bend it or break off a clip.

Disconnect the 6 cables from the top of the logic board

1. There is only one connector holding the camera to the logic board. Remove this cable in the picture above using your pry tool. Gently lift upwards and it will pop right off.

2. Next gently lift the camera out of the device. You'll notice there is a tiny tab that is seated underneath the LCD and digitizer cables to the right.

3. Next pop up the LCD and digitizer cables to the right of where the camera cable was connected. You pop them up in the same direction.

4. The 3 cables further to the right will need to be disconnected as well. They pop up in the opposite direction.

Remove the logic board

1. Start with the 2 screws holding the logic board down in the middle and at the bottom left. Both use your #00 Phillips screwdriver. They are the same size. The one on the right of the logic board in the middle of the device has a water sensor over it you'll need to remove.
2. The second screw is located where the logic board meets the speaker assembly towards the bottom left of the device.

3. The third and final screw holding the logic board in is located at the top of the logic board off to the right. It is the only cross-head screw in your device. Use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully remove it.

4. You should now be able to remove your logic board. Holding it at the bottom, gently pull it upwards. I use my other hand to lift up at the top where the rear facing camera used to be.
5. Take note that there is a small rubber piece that sits at the top of the logic board. You will need this for re-assembly so make sure it doesn't fall off. If you lose this, you could see reception issues.

Remove the speaker assembly

1. To remove the speaker assembly you have one more #00 screw to remove. It sits to the right of the speaker assembly in the bottom right hand corner of your device. Remove it.
2. The second screw holding the speaker assembly into your iPhone you've already removed when you removed the logic board.
3. Gently lift the speaker assembly out of your device and set it aside.

Replace the speaker assembly

If you're replacing the speaker assembly, you'll just need to unscrew the cellular antenna and peel back the adhesive holding it in place. There are only 2 screws holding it in place. Place the cellular antenna carefully on the new speaker assembly and follow the instruction video for reassembly below.

Replacing the cellular antenna

Remove the 2 screws holding the old assembly down and peel it off the speaker assembly. From here you can apply the new cellular antenna to the speaker assembly. Most will come with adhesive already on them and ready for installation. Be sure to put any folds or creases where necessary as some come flat and you'll have to work it into place.

Reassemble your iPhone

Once you've gotten your new speaker assembly or cellular antenna reassembled using the steps above, you'll just need to reassemble your iPhone 4. We've put together a reassembly video you can watch above.

And... done!

Your bottom loud speaker should now work or your cellular antenna should be back in working condition. As a side note, once replacing the cellular antenna you may have to toggle 3G on and off in certain cases.

Have you done this repair yourself? Let us know how it went! Want to know how to perform another type of iPhone repair or modification? Send me suggestions to ally.kazmucha@imore.com or leave a comment in our brand new Mod and DIY Repair Forum!

For questions or to inquire about mail-in repairs through PXLFIX, please follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or e-mail us directly! Of course, you can like us and follow us just because you think we're cool too!

Earlier today, we posted a report from TNW that showed UK carrier O2, had been transmitting phone numbers to every website visited via their 2G or 3G network.

After the backlash on Twitter, O2 acknowledged and fixed the issue at 2pm GMT today, followed by an apology on their blog, including a Q&A to explain exactly what happened and who was affected.

We have seen the report published this morning suggesting the potential for disclosure of customers’ mobile phone numbers to website owners. We investigated, identified and fixed it this afternoon. We would like to apologise for the concern we have caused.

The issue occurred after a routine maintenance update on January 10th, that accidentally sent user phone numbers to website hosts, along with the standard log of technical information required from the device.

Q: Why did this happen? A: Technical changes we implemented as part of routine maintenance had the unintended effect of making it possible in certain circumstances for website owners to see the mobile numbers of those browsing their site.

Technical information is normally sent to websites so that servers can deliver a 'device-optimised' experience. Carriers add your phone number to this information, when sending data to 'trusted partners', to enable services that require; age verification, premium-content billing, and carrier specific services.

It seems that O2 have fixed the problem now, but after 15 days... is it too little, too late?

Source: O2 Blog

SuperSwitcher is a new jailbreak mod in Cydia that offers extended functionality and settings access to the Fast App Switcher on your iPhone.

Don't you just hate searching for your favorite app icon in between so many Springboard pages? Wish you could just "bookmark" your favorite apps in the multitasking bar? Now you can with SuperSwitcher!

With SuperSwitcher you can bookmark your 9 favorite apps in the menu above the multitasking bar, and the apps can be set through Settings. But that's not all! You can also change the system settings right from the menu above the multitasking bar!

• Toggle Bluetooth
• Toggle WiFi
• Change volume and brightness settings
• Respring
• Reboot
• Safe Mode
• Tweet, SMS, Mail or Call anyone on the fly

SuperSwitcher takes your multitasking bar to the next level!

This is a really great mod that adds a lot of value to the Fast App Switcher. You can customize your favorite apps for instant access, control brightness and other settings on-the-fly and then some.

If you run into any trouble you can always jump into our Jailbreak and Unlock forums or post it in the comments!

• $.99 -- Cydia Store Link

iOS 5.1 beta 3, which was released to developers today, restores the missing 3G toggle Apple removed in the initial 5.1 developer beta.

The restoration of the 3G toggle will no doubt be a welcomed return for iPhone users with inadequate 3G access in their area, or for users who just want to conserve a little extra battery life.

Still, this makes us wonder why they removed the 3G toggle in the first place. Could Apple be planning to make this optional between wireless networks with a per-network proprietary carrier update file?

Thanks: @funguyom!

TmoNews is reporting that some unlocked iPhone users may be picking up T-Mobile's 3G network in small areas of the Pacific Northwest -- specifically limited pockets in Nevada, Utah and California -- due to spectrum reallocation under the 1900MHz band.

Most unlocked iPhone users are relegated to 2G due to most of the T-Mobile 3G network running on the AWS spectrum of 1700MHz/2100MHz. We're not exactly sure what they're reallocating the spectrum for, however, multiple reports have surfaced from Howard Forums detailing a jump in speeds and, more specifically, the 3G network indicator popping up in the statusbar on their unlocked iPhone.

It's possible that T-Mobile could be testing spectrum allocation for new devices or simply to expand their network range for existing devices that already support the 1900MHz band, but again, there's no concrete evidence on what precisely they're up to. If you're lucky enough, however, you may be able to hop onto their 3G network depending on the area you're in.

Source: TmoNews via Howard Forums 1, Howard Forums 2

Trying to figure out how to watch high quality YouTube videos when you're on 3G? The iPhone is a great device for watching videos on YouTube. However, if you're on the go, the built-in YouTube app reduces the quality of the video to save data.

One common way of bypassing this quality-reduction is by jailbreaking and using an app like My3G, but what if you're not on #teamjaibreak? Luckily, there's a work around that works on any iPhone, and all it requires is the stock Safari web browser.

1. Open Safari
2. Navigate to m.youtube.com
3. Find the video you want to watch
4. Select "HQ"
5. Tap the thumbnail
6. Watch YouTube in its HQ glory.

Bonus: You can add the web app to your homescreen to replace the default YouTube app by pressing the +, and then "add to homescreen"

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you'd like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com.

Samsung's request to ban 3G Apple products was turned down by Dutch courts on Friday. We pretty much figured this would be the outcome considering 3G technology is covered by FRAND as an essential standards technology. Samsung can't refuse a license to Apple.

This will also make it harder for Samsung to win bans on Apple devices in the EU as well according to intellectual property expert, Florian Mueller -

"A win for Apple but also relief for the industry because the judge upheld widespread understanding of fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms in the use of patents,..."Apple will be taking French and Italian translations of the Dutch ruling with it. This makes it a long shot for Samsung that it could win an injunction in the EU based on its 3G patents,"

The judge simply ruled that the two companies should negotiate an agreement on the license and be done. Anyone surprised by this ruling? I know I'm not.

Reuters

As TiPb feared, This Is My Next says AT&T may indeed have plans to seize some competitive advantage over Verizon and Sprint by using a little faux 4G, just as they've been doing with Android for a while now.

the carrier is apparently “working with Apple” to change the indicator in theiPhone 4S (which tops out at 14.4Mbps, up from the iPhone 4′s 7.2Mbps) to show “4G” in the status bar as well.

Apple has a history of not allowing carriers to manipulate any aspects of the iPhone so hopefully AT&T won't get too far with this. Apple themselves don't even mentioned HSPA+ in their iPhone 4S specs, even though it technically qualifies as HSPA +. Likewise, Apple SVP of marketing, Phil Schiller mentioned during the Lets Talk iPhone keynote that Apple won't get into the business of determining what's true 4G and what isn't.

Given that Verizon and Sprint are only getting the same EV-DO rev A radio speeds as iPhone 4, it's easy to see why AT&T is pushing so hard. In fact, they've even put out a handy infographic to push the point:

Source: This Is My Next, AT&T PR

MacRumors received this screenshot from an anonymous reader today stating that it looks like Apple is preparing to take FaceTime over the carrier frequencies. It will probably be limited to 3G only, and not Edge. This is all speculation of course.

Unless you are apart of the jailbreak community, you are limited to FaceTime over wifi only, but if you jailbreak your device you are able to FaceTime over 3G via the MiFi app from Cydia.

Apparently it will be up to the carriers to allow or disallow it. What do you think, will AT&T and Verizon say yay or nay?

[9to5Mac]

Apple doesn't currently make or market an iPhone 4G but given recent North American marketing shenanigans by the carriers, they might just get one sooner than anticipated. There was a time when 4G applied to really fast, really next generation mobile connectivity, like fully implemented voice/data LTE approaching 100 Mbps. Then Sprint launched Wi-Max as 4G. Then T-Mobile rebranded HSPA+ as 4G. Then Verizon deployed early stage LTE as 4G. Then AT&T rebranded their slower HSPA+ as 4G. 100 Mbps got shoved aside, and 21 Mbps, even 14.4 Mbps became "4G". Canadian carriers, which had previously called their 14.4 Mbps and even 21 Mbps HSPA+ networks "3G" have recently rebranded them to "4G" as well so as not to seem old and outdated. (For more on what all these terms mean, check out our networking glossary.)

No doubt it's easier to change a name than change a network, and easier to slap the letters 4G onto a phone than actually getting a real, power efficient, lightning fast 4G radio into one. But that's no excuse.

Verizon is arguably the closest with their early stage LTE deployment and phone like the Thunderbolt that don't get great battery life but do get amazing speeds.

My counterpart over at Android Central, Phil Nickinson has done a review of the Verizon LTE HTC Thunderbolt (and also told the carriers to kindly cut out the 4G smoke in our eyes), while PreCentral.net's Derek Kessler has just reviewed the AT&T HSPA+ HP Veer 4G.

The iPhone isn't expected to go LTE until 2012 but iPhone 5 might just go HSPA+ this fall. (14.4 or 21 Mbps, who knows?) And guess what, AT&T will probably call it "4G"...

...Especially since the CDMA version on Verizon will still be "3G" EVDO Rev A for another generation.

That's a huge competitive advantage, but hugely confusing for users.

Boy Genius Report is claiming that the upcoming iOS 4.3.2 update should fix some of the connection woes Verizon iPad 2 users have been experiencing. The Verizon iPad 2 models seemed to be the only models affected. A dependable source has told BGR that the update should be available within the next week or so. It should also address a few WebKit vulnerabilities as well as a fix for some FaceTime issues certain users were having.

Hopefully this update will fix some extremely frustrating problems. Any of you Verizon iPad owners having 3G connectivity issues? Anyone having those FaceTime issues? How bad are they?

Boy Genius Report

iLounge was able to run a few tests on the microphone housed in the new iPad 2 and found there's a noticeable difference in quality between the Wi-Fi-only iPad 2 and the Wi-Fi + 3G models.

When using Skype and Garageband on the iPad, iPad 2 with Wi-Fi, and iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G, we found that audio from the 3G iPad 2’s mic sounded somewhat more muffled and echo-prone than with the original iPad’s or the Wi-Fi-only iPad 2’s mics

This is due to the microphone being moved from next to the headphone jack on the original iPad to a top-center position on the iPad 2. The Wi-Fi-only model is fully encased in aluminium whereas the 3G models have a plastic strip along the top which has an impact on recording quality.

Have you noticed a big enough difference in microphone quality between models for it to actually mean anything to you? let us know your thoughts in the comments!

[iLounge]

Instead of releasing separate iPad 2 models for AT&T/GSM and Verizon/CDMA, why doesn't Apple just use that new Qualcomm dual-mode chipset and support both GSM and CDMA on one device? That way users could not only swap microSIMs and move between different GSM/HSPA networks when they travel abroad, they could switch between AT&T and Verizon's CDMA/EVDO networks when at home. (For an explanation of what all those terms mean see TiPb's data and wireless networking glossary.)

Well, if the Verizon iPhone is any indication, Apple may indeed be using Qualcomm's MDM6600 dual-mode chipset, only enabling CDMA on the Verizon version. However, the radio is only part of the equation. The other part is the antenna. Supporting different frequency bands requires different antennas at different lengths.

The AT&T/GSM model supports 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz for UMTS/HSPA, and 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz for GSM/EDGE. That's 5 bands (pentaband) already.

The CDMA/Verizon mode supports 800 and 1900 MHz for CDMA/EVDO rev. A. That's 2 bands (dualband).

If -- and I'm no radio engineer so I don't know -- the same antenna could work for both GSM and CDMA on 1900, Apple would still have to add the 800 MHz band for a minimum of 6 bands (hexaband) to support both GSM and CDMA in one model. (It might also require more or different internal connections on a tiny, tiny motherboard.)

While it's never wise to underestimate Apple, they may simply not be able to engineer a hexaband antenna at this point. (No death-touch jokes please.)

Reading up on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Apple TV and wondering what all those data specifications and cellular networking terms mean? From 2G to WDCMA, 802.11 to Bluetooth, we've got you -- and every wireless term we can think of -- covered below!

For even more iOS and Apple-related terms see our complete iPhone and iPad glossary. And as always, if we're missing anything, add additions and corrections in the comments below!

[Special thanks to The Cell Phone Junkie, Mickey Papillon for help compiling this list!]

• 2G: Second generation data networking used by iPhone and iPad. Think of this like old-fashioned dial-up modems. (see EDGE.)

• 3G: Third generation data networking used by iPhone and iPad. Think of this like base level broadband Internet (cable/DSL). 3G is symbolized on the iPhone and iPad by 3G next to the carrier logo. (see HSPA and EVDO.)

• 4G: Forth generation data networking. Also a marketing term used by Sprint for WiMax, T-Mobile for HSPA+, and AT&T for HSPA+. Think of this as super-fast broadband Internet (cable/fiber). (See HSPA, HSPA+, LTE)

• 802.11: The standard used for WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), typically referred to as Wi-Fi, connections on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. While older models supported only 802.11b/g, 2010 models added support for the faster, longer range 802.11n standard. (Only iPad supports 802.11n on the clearer 5Mhz frequency, however.)

• A2DP: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile is a Bluetooth standard used to transmit and receive stereo music. Added to iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad in iOS 3. It's what lets you send iPod music to your wireless stereo Bluetooth headset.

• Airplane Mode: A Setting on iPhone and iPad that turns off all radios, including cellular voice, data, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Called Airplane Mode because these radios are typically required to be turned off while on an airplane.

• AVCTP: Audio/Video Control Transport Protocol allows for the transmission of basic music controls between devices and accessories. Only properly supported for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad since iOS 4. It's what lets you play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and skip through music and video via wireless stereo Bluetooth headsets.

• Bluetooth: Named after a Danish King (seriously), Bluetooth is a wireless technology used for exchanging short-range (under 30-feet) data between electronic devices. iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad support Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for better security and simpler pairing. Apple currently supports Bluetooth for wireless phone headsets, stereo headsets, keyboard connections, and data tethering.

• CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access is an underlying network standard and the common abbreviation for CDMA2000, the technology used by Verizon and Sprint in the US.

• CDMA2000: The networking technology used by Verizon and Sprint. A single CDMA tower typically has a longer range and thus provide greater coverage than a single GSM tower.

• EDGE: Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution, also called 2G, 2.5G or 2.75G depending on the data speed, is an older data network used by carriers like AT&T. The original iPhone was EDGE-only. Current iPhones can use EDGE when 3G is not available (or on T-Mobile in the US where 3G frequencies aren’t compatible). Real world EDGE speeds max out around 150Kbps and do not allow simultaneous voice and data (calls will not come through while using EDGE data). EDGE is symbolized on the iPhone and iPad by the uppercase letter E. iPhone 4 and iPad support EDGE on the 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz frequencies.

• EVDO: EVolution Data Optimized is the 3G networking technology used by CDMA carriers like Verizon. EVDO Rev A can achieve speeds up to 3.1 Mbps but cannot handle simultaneous voice and data, but does allow incoming calls to come through during an active data session. (Answering an incoming call will shut off the data connection.) EVDO Rev B can handle voice and data but is not planned for deployment by any US carriers. iPhone 4 supports CDMA EV-DO Rev. A on 800, 1900 MHz.

• GPRS: General Packet Radio Service is the oldest and slowest form of data networking available to GSM iPhones and iPads. Data rates are typically below 50 Kbps. GPRS is symbolized on the iPhone and iPad by the lowercase letter o.

• GSM: Global System for Mobile communication is the underlying technology standard used by AT&T and T-Mobile in the US and the majority of carriers in Europe and around the world.

• HSPA: High Speed Packet Access is a fast form of 3G data networking. The iPhone and iPad support HSPA up to 7.2 Mbps (AT&T currently supports up to 14 Mbps in some areas). Typically split into HSDPA (download) and HSUPA (uplink/upload). iPhone 4 and iPad support UMTS/HSPA on the 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz frequencies.

• HSPA+: Enhanced High Speed Packet Access is a faster form of 3G data networking, now called 4G in T-Mobile and AT&T’s marketing. Apple will support HSPA+ in 2011. Top speeds can reach 56 Mbps. Bell and Telus currently offer 21 Mbps HSPA+.

• LTE: Long Term Evolution is a 4G networking technology currently being deployed by Verizon and scheduled to be deployed by AT&T, Canadian carriers, and others. Theoretical speeds are measured in the hundreds of Mbps but initial implementations haven’t reached those yet. Likewise initial implementations only use LTE for data while future versions could be pure IP-based for both voice and data. Neither iPhone nor iPad yet support LTE.

• Personal Hotspot: Introduced with the Verizon iPhone and iOS 4.3 it replaces Tethering and, on iPhone 4, adds the ability to share cellular data over a Wi-Fi connection with up to 5 additional devices. Availability will depend on carriers and some may/will charge extra for it. Think of it as a built-in MiFi or the ability to turn your iPhone into a mini mobile Wi-Fi router.

• Tethering: Sharing your iPhone's cellular data connection with your laptop via USB (dock cable) or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Available since iOS 3 though AT&T only chose to support it with iOS 4. Not available on all carriers and some carriers charge extra for it. Replaced in iOS 4.3 with Personal Hotspot.

• UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System is a 3G, transitioning to 4G networking technology. WCDMA (including HSPA) is part of UMTS.

• WCDMA: Wideband Code Division Multiple Access is a UTMS technology which, while easily confused with the CDMA network used by Verizon, is actually associated with GSM networks like HSPA.

Hot off the heels of the Verizon iPhone announcement comes a report that Verizon Wireless will soon be offering Apple's iPad with an embedded CDMA chip to better compete with AT&T. From Bloomberg:

Verizon will get an embedded chip in the iPad for use on its network, Francis Shammo, chief financial officer of Verizon Communications Inc., the parent of the wireless unit, said today in an interview in New York. IPad users currently need an extra device to connect to Verizon’s network.

Apple began selling the iPad through Verizon back in October of last year starting at $629.99, but users were somewhat restricted by the need to carry Verizon's MiFi card wherever they go (unlike AT&T). Neither Verizon nor Apple have announced when a CDMA iPad will be available.

With all the Verizon iPhone news today it's nice to see Verizon taking steps to ensure a quality experience for iPad users, too. But with all those new iPhone users coming onboard, do you think their network will be able to keep up with demand - especially if they see an influx in iPad subscribers? Sound off in the comments below!

[Bloomberg]

Wondering if we're going to have another "Antennagate" with the Verizon iPhone 4? We obviously can't say until the device is released on February 10th, but what we can say is that Apple has redesigned the Antenna. Before you go and assume that suggests Apple thinks the original design was flawed, remember that Verizon uses CDMA for 3G, which requires a completely different radio than AT&T's GSM network and therefore requires a completely different Antenna. This also confirms that leak from last week, by the by.

In any case, if you take a close look at the image above you'll see a couple new black dividers in the external Antenna on the Verizon iPhone 4. Apple also removed the divider next to the headphone jack. Whether, as Apple says, they are just changes necessary for the switch to CDMA or, as the conspiracy theorists will no doubt spin any second now, they are changes to prevent the "Death Grip" remains to be seen. All we know is that it won't magically allow your to keep your data connection active when a call comes in. Tradeoffs, people.

DataMan for iPhone is a utility that allows you to monitor your data usage in a few unique ways that a lot of other data utilities don't. The app not only monitors your network usage, it will also monitors your wifi usage. You can view your usage on a map and it will break out where you are using data and what kind of data you were using. For people who want to save a bit of cash and use a lower data plan, this may be an app you would want to check out.

iTunes Link

When you first launch DataMan, you'll notice the app is dead simple to navigate through. The layout's pretty intuitive and easy to use. You can enter your usage period (billing cycle) as well. For me, my usage cycle starts over on the 4th of every month, so I set it to begin on the 4th and end on the 3rd of the following month.

DataMan also allows you to set alerts for different usage levels as well. This way, the app will send you a push notification when you reach certain data usage levels. I also really like the map feature. It will link together all the different places you've used data. Not exactly a "needed" feature for most, but it's certainly neat to see the trends and where you browse the most. The data will not only break up into a total amount, but into how much you're using each day of the month. As you can see in the screenshot above, it also lets you know how much of that data is downstream and how much is upstream.

Some of my friends or family members are on 200MB plans with the iPhones and like to monitor their usage pretty closely. While AT&T allows you to check your data via text, their numbers are always a day to two days behind. Since DataMan monitors data as you use it, you'll always know exactly how much data you've used in real time.

Pros

• Layout is easy to figure out
• Presents you with more information than most data monitoring applications
• Mapping data usage is a creative way to view your usage

Cons

• Sometimes push notifications don't always come through, hopefully this is a bug that will be worked out in an update

It looks like the 16GB 3G variant of the iPad is now being offered on T-Mobile for UK customers. Depending on what plan you choose, you can snag a bit of a discount on the actual iPad.

New customers can get 1GB of data + 1GB of quiet time data (data used between midnight and 10am) for £27.00/month which will bring the actual iPad cost to £199.00. Existing customers can get the same data plan for £25.00/month and receive the same £199.00 deal on the actual device.

If you'd prefer to go no contract, there are 3 pay as you go plans you can choose from -

• 500MB/day for £2.00/day
• 1GB/week for £7.00/week
• 2GB/month for £15.00/month

If you choose one of the pay as you go plans, the iPad will cost you £529.99. You can also add insurance to your iPad for £12.99/month.

Anyone out there on T-Mobile UK thinking about snagging one of these plans?

via T-Mobile UK

According to Wedge Partners anaylst Brian Blair, Apple appears to be developing a "world iPad" that would feature Qualcomm's multimode CDMA-GSM chips.

Recent checks…suggest Apple is going to be ratcheting down production of the existing 3G iPad over the next two months in anticipation of ramping up a new World iPad that is powered by Qualcomm and will run on both GSM and CDMA based networks around the world,” Blair writes. “Given our recent checks that suggest Apple is preparing to build approximately 48 million iPads in calendar 2011.

Blair also went on to report that the manufacturing process will be different due to the next generation iPad being possibly thinner and made of one piece of metal.

With a CDMA-GSM iPad possibly gearing up to hit production this could mean that either they want more people to be able to utilize the iPad on 3G all around the globe or that they have plans to make the iPad be able to run on Verizon's 3G network here in the U.S.. We already have seen Apple and Verizon come together to sell the WiFi only iPad bundled with their MiFi. This type of chip would eliminate the need to utilize a MiFi type device in the future.

We know people are tired of the Verizon rumors and speculations but would you like to utilize the iPad on their network here in the U.S.? If you are not in the U.S. is there a CDMA carrier you would like to be able to utilize for 3G use with your iPad? Let us know your thoughts below.

[ Digital Daily ]

HDR photography for iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G wasn't something Apple provided under iOS 4.1, but that doesn't mean 3GS and 3G users have to be left out of the fun (if you're jailbroken that is).  Redmond Pie has a great guide up showing how to enable the HDR camera option provided you've jailbroken them under iOS 4.1 and aren't adverse to SSHing and editing some files.  The process really isn't that difficult, but as always, if you're not comfortable altering files on your iPhone, we don't recommend it.  So hit up the source link for a detailed walk-through.  And if you're not sure if it's worth it yet, read our take on HDR photography on the iPhone 4 or our full iOS 4.1 guide.

[via RedmondPie, Thanks to Geo Coldz for sending this in!]

My iPhone 4 is getting pretty much the same 3G HSPA speed under iOS 4.1 as it was under 4.0.x, how about you? There was nothing overtly mention in iOS 4.1 that should have changed things, but you never know what gets tuned under the covers, never mind what your carrier is up to in your region.

One of our readers, Paul, swears his speed has tanked by a factor of 10 since the update.

So break out your favorite measuring tool (I used the SpeedTest.net app) and let us know where you are and what your speeds are like.

While iPhone 4 adds 3G HSUPA (high speed uploads) to preview HSDPA 7.2 (high speed downloads) and is giving many users much faster data, others are filling our inboxes with complaints their speeds are so slow they border on 2G EDGE... or worse.

I know when I upgraded my iPhone 3GS to iOS 4 I had some data issues but almost immediately my carrier, Rogers, pushed out an OTA (over the air) Carrier Settings Update, taking it from 7.0 to 7.1. After that, I was flying.

AT&T seems to still be on 7.0, could a 7.1 update fix the woes of those currently suffering from poor 3G connections? We'll have to wait and see.

iPhone 4 really is faster, but once again it's confusing when many people have no problem and get to enjoy that speed boost, and others have nothing but problems and speed bumps.

Let us know which group you fall into, on what network, and where.

AT&T still remains reluctant to introduce US iPhone customers to tethering and judging from their latest response to Engadget's inquiry, we wouldn't expect it anytime too soon.

"iPhone tethering has the potential to exponentially increase traffic, and we need to ensure that we're able to deliver excellent performance for the feature – over and above the increases in data traffic we're already seeing – before we will offer the feature."

Admitting their network is not up the challenge of providing tethering to iPhone users just yet gets them some points for at least being honest. However, with Verizon now offering MiFi-like free mobile hotspot service to all Palm Pre Plus owners, however, and Sprint intending to paid hotspot service for the EVO 4G when it arrives, the competitive ball is racing towards AT&T's court.

Here's an idea -- how about this June/July when the iPhone HD/iPhone4G AT&T gives us a mobile hotspot app for that?

[Engadget]

We've heard from a couple readers that they've received shipping notifications with tracking numbers for their iPad Wi-Fi + 3G so it looks like that Friday, April 30 release date is firming up.

For their part, AT&T posted a online PDF document that detailing their data plans for the new 3G equipped iPad.

Some of the highlights that you may not be aware of are as follows:

• Your service will automatically renew every 30 days to provide a more seamless data experience.
• If you choose to select the 250 MB plan and go over that amount of data in your selected plan before the 30 day period is over, you have the option to choose to purchase another 250MB of data, or simply select the unlimited plan and either choice will be good for 30 days from the date you activated the new plan.
• All data plans for iPad include access to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide at no additional cost.

If you've gotten your shipping notification, let us know in comments!

From the Forums is a great way to see all of the current hot topics within our forums are. In order to create any new threads of your own or reply to any of the existing threads, you must be a registered member. Becoming a member is a simple process that will only take a few minutes out of your day, so if you have not already already done so, head on over and register now!

• The buzz continues on regarding the design on the soon to be released iPhone. What are your thoughts on the new design?

• If you own a iPad you owe it to yourself to try the latest game from Ngmoco, GodFinger. [iTunes Link - Free] Once you get up and running and are in search of some friends visit this thread right here to find people to add!

• It seems as if a lot of our readers are currently being charged for their iPad 3G. Are you one of them?

• Once the new iPhone is released do you feel that Apple will drop the 16 GB models all together? Make your vote count in this poll thread!

See you in the forums!

AT&T CEO, Randall Stephenson, has been quoted in saying that the Apple iPad will be a "Wi-Fi driven product" so no customers should be concerned with poor 3G data. But it did not end there, he also went on to say the following.

"My expectation is that there's not going to be a lot of people out there looking for another subscription."

All of the above really makes those of us here at TiPb scratch our heads. Are those the type of statements you expect to hear from a company ready to successfully sell iPads in their corporate stores across the country? Or would you think AT&T's CEO would really want to hype up the product with positive comments to try and spark more 3G data subscriptions?

Your thoughts?

[Via TUAW via Reuters]

Apple's latest bulletin via the iPhone Developer News feed highlight how we really might see 3G connected SlingPlayer -- and even Hulu -- on the iPhone and iPad without melting the cell towers, courtesy of HTTP Live Streaming:

HTTP Live Streaming provides a state-of-the-art standards-based solution for streaming video over wireless networks. A key benefit of HTTP Live Streaming is the ability to dynamically adjust to varying network bandwidth conditions. It can store multiple video clips of different quality on a server, and then deliver the one that matches what the customer is capable of viewing on the network they are currently accessing.

Your application must use the HTTP Live Streaming protocol if it uses the cellular network to deliver video for any stream with a duration of 10 minutes or more. In addition, applications using HTTP Live Streaming over the cellular network must include a low quality stream of no more than 64 Kbps for your app to resort to when network conditions demand it.

The key here is that HTTP Live Streaming can dynamically increase or decrease video quality as you move from beefy Wi-Fi to 3G, standard or starved. Do we mind getting worse-looking video when the network is being strained? Years of putting up with blocky YouTube cat-on-piano videos likely points to "no"...

Chris Foresman over at Ars Technica spoke with Sling Media regarding AT&T's recent announcement that they'd now allow SlingPlayer to work over 3G, and general manager John Gilmore had this to say:

"We actually have been working very intensively with AT&T to get the 3G streaming approved," Gilmore told Ars. "Over the course of the last couple of months, they have been testing the app in their labs."

Gilmore said that AT&T was able to determine that SlingPlayer Mobile wouldn't significantly impact network performance after extensive testing. "We always felt comfortable that that wasn't the case," he told Ars. "As we built our relationship with AT&T, we were able to prove to them that our app wouldn't cause a negative customer impact. We always felt that our app was a 'good network citizen.'"

Gilmore further said Sling didn't change any code for AT&T but that they have, and will continue to improve it.

Huzzah!

For those of you holding your breath for Skype to work over AT&T's 3G network, you will soon be able to relax as Skype has told TiPb it's only a matter of time. From their blog:

You may have seen other apps offering calls over 3G, but we’re holding ours back for a little bit longer. Why? So that we can give you the very best audio quality we can. When our 3G-capable Skype for iPhone app is released, it’ll let you make calls in wideband audio, giving you greater clarity and fidelity – because that’s what you expect from Skype.

We've been waiting since way back in November, when AT&T decided to allow VoIP over their 3G network, and Apple's iPhone 3.2 SDK for iPad has now removed the last hurdle.

It's no surprise we heard earlier that AT&T has been working with Apple to improve their network before the release of the highly anticipated Apple iPad. Perfect timing don't you think?

More from Skype via video, after the break!

The past few days our inbox has been flooded with emails from you, our readers, letting us know that you've experienced significant increases in AT&T 3G data speeds. And this makes perfect sense if you consider that all of the reported claims have come from the 6 cities that AT&T recently flipped the HSPA 7.2 switch on.

Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami, with capabilities being turned up on a site-by-site basis beginning last month. Further backhaul deployment will continue in these markets and begin in additional markets across the nation.

Located in Chicago I've personally witnessed a slight increase in data speed but I am still nowhere close to the 7.2 that AT&T has promised. Drop us a line in the comments and let us know -- what speeds are you pulling from AT&T now?

[Thank to everyone who sent in their speeds!]

According to AT&T's latest commercial, their 3G network covers over 230 million people in the U.S. Finally they have addressed what they failed to address in any of the other countless commercials.

The last few AT&T TV spots seem to be getting a bit better than the previous ones but still in limbo is the commercial where they boast how they are improving their network similar to O2's network. While I personally have no complaints here in Chicago regarding the quality of AT&T's 3G, I have to ask, how is your AT&T 3G network?

Fire away in the comments below!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Look what we have here -- some great news for AT&T as it snags first place in Gizmodo's 12 city 3G data test. (Just like their latest commercial claims.) The 12 cities are as follows: Maui, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and Tampa.

When it comes to being number 1, AT&T hasn't always been this lucky (remember a little something called customer satisfaction?) Perhaps this is a sign of good things to come and maybe, just maybe, some of that anger and hatred AT&T has gotten in the past will turn into a positive vibe.

"It was measurably faster, however, download-wise, in 6 of the 12 markets where we tested, and held a significantly higher national average than the other carriers. Only Verizon came close, winning 4 of the 12 markets. For downloads, AT&T and Verizon came in first or second in nine markets, and in whatever location we tested, both AT&T and Verizon 3G were consistently present. If you're wondering about upload speeds, AT&T swept the contest, winning 12 for 12."

Personally, I've tested speeds with my AT&T and Verizon lines respectively and get the same results here in Chicago. AT&T's 3G data speeds always come out on top in both uploading and downloading.

Love AT&T or hate them, these results are somewhat impressive.

[Via Gizmodo]

It's sure getting entertaining to watch AT&T and Verizon duke it out, commercial after commercial. Today we have the latest from AT&T to show you and this one is all about download speed. It seems AT&T has given up on the fact that Verizon covers more of the U.S. in terms of 3G reception, and is now concentrating on the claim that AT&T has the faster 3G speeds.

We've said it before and we will say it again, AT&T just does not seem to get it and they are obviously ignoring most of your comments as a significant amount of our readers feel they should be spending all of these advertising dollars on some more 3G towers...

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

The RexRegina Hamilton Case [$44.95 - iMore Store link] is hands down one of the finest crafted leather pouches I have used to date. While this particular type of case may only appeal to a certain crowd, I can not recommend it highly enough for those of you who are fans of the pouch case. For the full run-down read on after the break!

This RexRegina Hamilton case is a perfect fit for any business man or woman out there that is looking for a classy yet simple case to keep an iPhone protected. It is made from the finest leather available directly from the Tuscany region in Italy. And once you get the case in your hands you can instantly feel it's high build quality.

With it's slim profile you can slide the case into a computer bag, briefcase, purse or pocket with ease. Within the first couple days of use the fit may feel a bit too snug for your liking but give it time, the leather will break in but not so much that the phone would easily fall out of the case. You can rest easy knowing that the fit is secure. Another nice feature is one that not many pouch cases actually have - access to the volume control and the ring/silent switch. The side height is designed to allow easy access to the controls, which is a welcome addition to a pouch case.

Like I mentioned early, these types of cases are not for everybody, but if you are someone who prefers high quality pouch cases it may be worth your while to give this case a try.

Learn more and purchase @TiPb's iPhone Store >>>

The S stands for speed, and the 3G stands for the third generation, HSPA (High Speed Packet Access - wikipedia link) data network, which is also supposed to bring broadband-like speed to your iPhone's internet connection. When you're on the 3G network, you can tell by the little 3G symbol at the top of left of your iPhone's menu, right beside the signal strength bars and the name of your carrier (AT&T, Rogers, O2, Orange, etc.).

There are several other symbols your iPhone might show instead of 3G, however, depending on the type of connection and reception available in your area and sometimes specific spot.

If you don't have a 3G connection, whether your area doesn't support it or you're just indoors or behind an obstruction that's preventing it, your iPhone might default down to a 2G connection, known as EDGE, (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution - Wikipedia link). That's the little E symbol, and If we keep the same analogy, this is older, slower technology -- dial-up to 3G's broadband.

If you're getting an E and you really think you should be getting 3G, try going to the Settings Icon and toggling Airplane Mode on and off. That should force your iPhone to re-connect with the network and give you the fastest speed available. Sometimes even moving to a different, less obstructed spot can make a big difference.

If even EDGE isn't available, the iPhone will still try to connect via GPRS (General Packet Radio System - Wikipedia link) an even older, slower 2G protocol shown with an O symbol (for outside chance?). To stretch our analogy as thin as this signal, GRPS would be the ancient 24K modems.

Of course, if you have Wi-Fi enabled and connected, you'll get the Wi-Fi fan symbol instead.

If you've turned all the radios off and gone into "Airplane Mode", you'll get the little airplane symbol and absolutely no connection to the internet whatsoever. (Turn Airplane Mode off -- and your connections back on -- via the Settings icon on your home screen.)

And yes, you can turn on Airplane Mode and still re-enable Wi-Fi if you really want to.

In a move designed to make even notorious Wi-Fi stripper Verizon seem liberal by comparison, China Mobile's outstanding demand that Apple strip the iPhone of both Wi-Fi and 3G if they want to sell to the worlds largest carrier just got an uncomfortable shot of "maybe" via Apple Insider:

while there's no concrete information to suggest Apple would agree to make such concessions, references to "ChinaBrick" discovered in betas of iPhone Software 3.0 leave room for debate.

Also at issue, China Mobile wants control of the regional App Store. Without 3G or Wi-Fi, would there even be a point?

And we'd joked about AT&T...

Welcome to From the Forums, a regular post here at TiPb that gives you, our readers, the chance to get involved in our ever growing community. To get yourself started please register, it will only take a moment of your time, we promise. Now that's out of the way, lets dive right into some of the better threads for today.

Our first thread today comes to us from iLoveiPhones and she brought up a good topic regarding data prices for our iPhones. Will the data prices rise, stay the same, or can we possibly see different pricing tiers? Personally we feel we may just start to see different pricing tiers. Granted high data prices don't seem to be slowing people from buying the iPhone but lower data prices could open the flood gates.

Next thread was started a while back by ExBBUser and he wanted to know, what are you top 5 App Store apps? This one has been highlighted here before but with the App Store hitting the one billion mark, why not toss this thread back into the mix?

Sticking with the theme of iPhone apps, cjvitek started a nice little thread titled iPhone CrApp List. It's simply a thread that you can go to and relieve your frustration on a app you may have purchased just to find out it is pretty pathetic... we have all had this happen at some point or another so share your experience.

Our last thread today is one that I started a while back but with the rumors of AT&T beefing up their 3G network in preparation for the next iPhone, how fast or slow is your 3G data speed? Test your speed out and feel free to post a screen shot in your reply. (Just make sure you have 10 posts to be sure you can post any images.)

See you on the forums!

We'd mentioned previously that AT&T is upgrading the ole rabbit-eared 3G network for Apple's upcoming next generation iPhone, and WMExperts covered it yesterday, but it's worth surfacing the details:

AT&T Mobility VP Scott McElroy says software updates will double the downstream speed to 7.2 megabits per second and are already being tested in two markets [...] But AT&T's looking past that and toward HSPA+, which will increase speeds to 21 Mb/s. And looking even further into the future, tests with the 4G LTE standard should begin sometime next year.

A helpful commenter, Will, gave us the skinny on those phat pipes after the last podcast:

• Plain ‘ol 3G refers to the original WCDMA specs which gives a max throughput of 384 kbps.
• 3.5G in the UMTS world commonly refers to HSDPA which is already up and running.
• "3.75G" - 3GPP Revision 6 - HSDPA (max of 14.4Mbps) and HSUPA (max of 5.76Mbps), known together as HSPA
• "3.9G" - 3GPP Revision 7 - HSDPA (max of 42Mbps) and HSUPA (max of 11Mbps), known as HSPA+

Thanks Will. Well, by any other name, we hope these upgrades not only give iPhone users blazing fast speeds, but better reliability. Doesn't matter how fast you go if you can't connect, right?

Lately the forums have been on fire and leading up to another iPhone release it is bound to be one wild ride. So now is a perfect time to get yourself registered and join in on the conversation.

Just yesterday Rene started a interesting thread, Are You Running Your iPhone 3G on EDGE and Why? While I understand why some of you may choose to EDGE over 3G, for me, I like to live dangerously, 3G or go home. How about you? Stop by and let Rene know what you think.

This next thread was started by Crackberry veteran forum moderator, Duvi. He simply wants to know, do you think the next iPhone will come with a flash for the camera? Feel free to speculate all you'd like on that one. I'm going with no, it will not have a flash.

Next up we have a thread that yours truly started, it's simply about the latest iPhone rumors. Is there an EDGE only iPhone in the works? How about a CDMA version for China? And before all of you Verizon hopefuls start to get exited - no, a CDMA version from China would not work on the Verizon network. They use different frequencies. Thoughts?

Poor RIM, I can't remember such a hyped phone that pretty much just flopped from the very beginning. Enter the BlackBerry Storm. It seems like the in thing to do these days is ditch your Storm for an iPhone 3G. Not a bad move in our opinion and we welcome forum member whsingleton to the good side!

You heard that the App Store is approaching 1 billion app downloads right? Well you could win a $10,000 iTunes gift card and Dizzy wants to know, what would you do with a $10,000 iTunes gift card?!

Our last thread for today comes to us from Ivoryplum. Ivoryplum wants to know what is the average sync time with iTunes? I honestly can't complain with my syncing. How about you?

So there you have it folks, some really good threads for all of you to check out. Just remember to register first!

See you on the forums!

Last week AT&T created quite a ruckus for altering their ToS, but after the backlash they ultimately decided against it. Well, we may be looking at round 2 here.

This time a tipster has told TiPb that iPhone 3G owners in the Atlanta and Austin markets who are not currently provisioned with an iPhone 3G data plan will receive an SMS message advising them that an iPhone 3G rate plan will be added to their line of service. These customers will begin receiving SMS messages today and the plans will be provisioned on the evenings of April 8th and 9th. It appears that AT&T just tapped these two cities as a trial run, the rest of the country should start getting similar alerts on April 21st.

So what does all of this mean? There are a few possibilities, depending on your mobile situation:

• If you are using an iPhone 3G and you snuck in one of AT&T's MediaNET data plans for $15 you will be forced on the $30 iPhone 3G data plan.
• For those of you who share SIM cards between an iPhone and Blackberry while using a Blackberry data plan, well it may be a bit more troublesome. Since your BlackBerry requires a BlackBerry plan to work, you'll need to make extra-double-sure you don't get an alert and if you do, you will want to call up AT&T right away and explain that you're a SIM-swapper and to leave your plan set to your BB plan -- which will hopefully continue to work fine on an iPhone.
• Lastly, with a PDA Unlimited data plan, expect minimal damage.  It's theoretically possible that MMS will not work since the iPhone currently does not support MMS, at least until AT&T flips the switch when iPhone OS 3.0 drops.  So check that.

The thing that really rubs TiPb the wrong way is that the BlackBerry, PDA, and iPhone data plans all are $30. Why not allow us to change our devices as we see fit and keep it simple by one data plan to rule them all.  BlackBerry users who try to switch their SIM to another device have long lived with the pain of not having a plan that easily works on non-BB phones.  For now, iPhone plans do work fine on other devices.

So to all of the SIM swappers out there or for those of you who flew under the radar, how are you feeling about this?  Isn't part the point of having a GSM phone being able to swap the SIM with minimal hassle?

Mike and Dieter discussed this newfangled tech being offered up by AT&T (and others) called Femtocell during the last Phone different podcast, and our sibling site, WMExperts has posted up the quick and dirty:

AT&T is joining the femtocell bandwagon with their 3G MicroCell. While pricing and availability aren't indicated on AT&T's site, we do know that it will cover up to 5,000 square feet, allow up to four simultaneous, secure voice or data connections, and will require a broadband connection to operate. It is also only compatible with 3G phones.

Gizmodo has an update as well, but basically if you have poor to no 3G reception, you can stick this box on your home broadband network and it will route all your smartphone connectivity (including voice calls) through your cable or DSL. Cell to internet adapter, in other words. Negatives will likely include an additional -- though hopefully small -- upfront or monthly fee. Positives could be free nationwide calling while your phone is on the home femtocell network.

Anyone in a bad area think they'll consider this? Would you rather pay $250 up front and no monthly charge like Verizon, or $100 up front and $5 a month like Sprint? Or is AT&T not scratching one more dime out of your already picked-clean pockets?

During his Macworld Keynote (see our MASSIVE Live blog!), Phil Schiller today announced the death of the iPhone (and iPod Touch) WiFi Music Store -- and the birth of the WiFi and 3G Music Store!

Yup, iPhone 3G users can now browser and directly download music over the data network for anywhere, anytime access to new music.

UPDATE: Daring Fireball says downloads work over 2G/EDGE as well!

It seems to already be working, and working in multiple countries (including Canada! Yay!)

Have you downloaded any music directly to your iPhone yet? How did it work for you?

For the love of Steve Jobs, leave Britney ehh... I mean the iPhone alone!

Back at the end of July, Casey reported on white iPhones having issues with the plastic housing cracking in certain areas. As most of you are probably aware of, there have been a few lawsuits filed against Apple regarding the iPhone 3G.

This go around a New York man, Avi Koschitzki, filed a 23 page lawsuit stating the iPhone is not "twice as fast" as the original and exhibits cracks in the housing of the phone.

Koschitzki is among several customers who've noticed hairline cracks form in the iPhone 3G's casing at or around the camera module, and adds that some customers have noticed similar cracks immediately upon opening their new iPhones' boxes for the first time.

Upon opening their new boxes for the first time? Gee... don't you think if you bought a new iPhone 3G and you opened up that box only to see some cracks in the housing that you would say hey, wait a minute! Common sense if you ask me.

There is a ongoing thread in our forums regarding cracks in the iPhone 3G casing. Sorry but I still think people need to take better care of their iPhones. And I'm sure for some people it is a legitimate issue, but more than likely, most of the cases are cracking from abuse.

[Via Appleinsider]

Back in August AT&T sent out a customer satisfaction survey to all iPhone owners. Well now it seems a new survey is being sent out to all of us on the AT&T network asking how the 2.1 firmware is working for us and what we want to see next on your iPhone 3G.

Now don't get too excited yet! Just because they are asking what we want does not necessarily mean we will get it. Keep in mind Apple has stated before that certain features such as copy/paste and directional GPS take a back seat to other issues that need addressing so on and so forth. But it is better than AT&T and Apple flat out ignoring us right? So at least it is a start.

Apple Insider states:

The questionnaire asks owners to pick the top five hardware or software add-ons they'd like to see and include many of the most prominent requests made in the community, including cutting and pasting text, built-in instant messaging, Flash/Java support and MMS messaging.

So when and if you get this survey, be sure to speak your mind and let AT&T what know what you want. This is our chance... they seem to be listening. (Or at least they are pretending to be!)

[Via Appleinsider]

No offense to any Wal Mart shoppers out there, but please Apple, say this is not so. The Radio Shack scare was bad enough, now you are threatening to bring the iPhone 3G to Walmart?

iPhone lovers really dodged a bullet when the Radio Shack deal fell apart but now Boy Genius is reporting that you will start seeing the Apple product in all Walmart stores as early as next month.

"Walmart will begin selling the iPhone 3G next month - on November 15th to be exact".

Keep in mind that this is just in time for the holiday shopping season. I'm not even sure Walmart sells any cell phones, but the last place I'd go to buy my Palm Treo Pro, iPhone 3G, or Touch HD -- wishful thinking I know -- is Wal Mart! Also keep in mind you can not walk out of a store without activating the iPhone 3G. How comfortable would you be letting a Walmart employee handle your prized possession?

Sound off in the comments...

[Via Boy Genius Report]

Let me first start off by quoting the iPhone-dev Team:

Disclaimer!! This is a purely technical post with no pragmatic use!

Sadly you will not read that they have unlocked the iPhone 3G. They have posted a few updates over the past few months giving us some idea of what is going on with the 3G unlock. It seems they have hit a snag while trying to use a specific exploit. They were able to get the baseband to stop responding to the OS. They then tried to restore the device multiple times to no avail.

Without getting too technical, they were able to fix the issue and even tried to reproduce the issue but had no luck. Reproducing this error would have been a Good Thing and possibly would have gotten the Dev Team one step closer to unlocking the 3G. So, "two steps forward, one step back".

For all of the technical jargon please check out this the Dev Teams Blog. Good thing is, we all know the iPhone Dev-Team is still hard at work for all of you looking to use your iPhone 3G on a carrier besides AT&T. Have faith, it should only be a matter of time.

[Via blog.iPhone-dev.org]

A few weeks back we mentioned a little blurb about 4G and when we may start to see it. Even though AT&T announced its decision to deploy Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology for its 4G network, they are confident they can get more life from their 3G network by tweaking it, and in doing so give them more time to perfect their future network. (I know what you are thinking... maybe they should have taken more time to perfect their current network!)

Yesterday at the 4G Executive Summit in Chicago, AT&T's VP of Architecture Hank Kafka spoke out and put to rest any perceived urgency on the part of the carrier to push out a 4G network saying:

The introduction of the 3G iPhone at AT&T Mobility has made a huge impact in showing people how to use handsets to connect to the Internet, but it’s just the beginning of wireless broadband. Now we’re on the verge of that creativity being unleashed.

Kafka said he’d be surprised if LTE wasn’t available "within five years". And within those 5 years, AT&T “has a lot of runway left with HSPA and HSPA-plus.” We can only hope.

So please, I beg of you, unleash that creativity on us all. I'm sure we are all ready for it.

[Via AppleInsider]

If this is not bizarre, I don't know what is. Customers looking to purchase a iPhone 3G in China will soon be able to do so. Just a little catch though, minus the 3G and toss in the omission of WiFi.

China Mobile does not have a 3G network so I understand them asking Apple to disable 3G but going a step further asking to disabling WiFi as well?! That leaves all of the owners of the iPhone 3G (don't forget to take away that 3G) with a slow 2G data connection. China Mobile might as well sell the iPhone 3G as a very nice paperweight to all of their customers. Exactly why China Mobile would disable WiFi is way beyond me.

Apple ships the iPhone all over the world, so it is highly doubtful that a hardware change would be made simply for China Mobile. So how would these features be disabled? Software... Which means potential customers could still turn to hackers to gain back access to at least WiFi. It would only be a matter of time...

(Via Gizmodo)

Yesterday at Goldman Sachs' Communacopia XVII conference, AT&T's chief technical officer John Donovan stated that iPhone 3G users have used much less data on the network than expected.

No explanation was given, but aren't the reasons pretty obvious? All of the connection issues along with 3G reverting over to the Edge network is what I'm guessing. Donovan later went on to say that the iPhone's 3g data usage is still "relatively higher than any other phone on the network". He also went so far as to downplay that AT&T just may have underestimated the network demand following the iPhone 3G launch on July 11th. He did say that improvements made since then were all planned to help meet the anticipated demand. Sorry folks, I'm not buying that one. How about you?

The last good bit of information came regarding AT&T's plans for 4G: it's coming and testing will begin sometime in "2010" with the service following soon there after. AT&T will be not be the first to toy with 4G but rather "leave early adoption to other companies". (Namely Verizon who has slated launch of their 4G network the same year.)

(Via Electronista.com)

A few weeks back Rene reported that starting September 7th Best Buy would be selling the iPhone 3g. Well that day is rapidly approaching and look what has landed on the cover of next weeks Best Buy's circular.

AppleInsider reports that Best Buy is having a promotion for customers who purchase one of four accessory packages. Packages start at $106 all the way up to $234. What great deal have they cooked up for you? Free phone and email setup! As Rene would say... ZOMG! Last time I checked, this is something that any Apple store will do for you for free.

Come on Best Buy, surely you can do a better than that?

Engadget, BGR, and reader reports all confirm: AT&T is having a serious data outage in the east. We just received a confirmation from Derek (Hi Derek, we hope you're not trying to read us over 3G or EDGE!) that it's out in Washington, DC. Other folks from St. Louis to New York are getting the same. AT&T is on it, though:

Location: NorthEast ;All Markets
Elements: 2G and 3G Iphones, as well as other data devices
Start Time: 09-03-2008 07:00 Eastern
Issue / Impact: Data Customers Cannot Send or Receive To and From Mobile
Customer Symptom: Data customers may experience slowness or latency in accessing web sites or transferring of data files or making business transactions due to outage.
ETTR: TBD
Status: Open
Issue & Customer Impact: All Data applications are experience connectivity issues in the NE region. This issue is impacting GSM and UMTS Iphone customers as well as other devices. Voice services are not impacted.

So how about it -- is your iPhone suddenly a very fancy looking iPod Touch that can also make the occasional call?

Thanks, Derek!

Here's the backstory to what you're looking at, above: Mobile Computing posted up a video showing that the iPhone 3G obliterated the BlackBerry Bold in a download & render test of web browsers (We just covered this, oh, hours ago). Fun stuff, except as our friends at CrackBerry noted (and MC added too) - it wasn't a fair fight. The Bold probably wasn't actually using WiFi and also most of the Bolds out there have pre-release ROMS on them, so the finals might be a stitch faster.

So a loyal CB reader pitched in and posted a video of the Bold loading the same page again, but this time actually using WiFi, it came in a little bit faster.

At TiPb, though, we figured it still looked slow. But since the Bold probably had a pre-release OS on it, we figured we'd hobble the iPhone 3G as well. So above, Loyal Moderator Bad Ash pits the BlackBerry Bold on WiFi against the iPhone 3G on EDGE.

Yeah, it's closer, but we're still ahead by 4 seconds or so. Tie the iPhone 3G's WiFi hand behind its back, fine. Tie it's 3G hand back there too, fine. The iPhone 3G still seems to win out -- and we look forward to being able to say that about the final Bold ROM too. Hey -- you guys still have (slightly) more reliable push email, so there's that.

Have you run into any 3G connection issues? Do you notice a slower tick than expected with your iPhone 3G? Well, take a part in Wired.com's global study so you can see if your iPhone is the slowest horse in the race or if it's just your area. Just point your iPhone Safari browser to TestMyiPhone.com and start a download and upload test and remember your location to import into Wired.com's interactive ZeeMap.

Maybe all this data won't amount to anything but it sure is cool to see how blazing fast 3G is in different parts of the world. Also, it serves as good reference to see if your iPhone 3G is part of the unlucky 2%. Click the Read Link for more info.

Read

UPDATE: Former Apple employee Chuq Von Rospach has just blogged about a meeting with an unnamed current Apple insider who let slip that:

90% of the disconnects are initiated inside the phone, which would exonerate AT&T. Most of the disconnects are being generated by crashes in the driver code for the 3G chip, which comes from the chip vendor, not something Apple written and outside of Apple's direct control. Complicating this -- even though Apple is handing over "here is the bug, here is the fix, update the driver", the turnaround from the vendor on driver updates is on the order of 2-3 months. Said, um, lack of urgency not exactly making people inside the projects happy.

Understated much? If he's not, as he says, being lied to, Chuq thinks this lack of responsiveness may be why Apple went ahead and bought PA Semi a few months back: to bring the chipset in house and more fully under their own control.

Remember that 3G network connection glitch we mentioned a few days back? The one that might be a hardware problem with a software fix? (Apple Insider weighs in today that this could, in fact, be likely). MacRumors is reporting that Steve Jobs, as he or someone acting on his behalf is sometimes want to do, has responded to an email inquiry about it, and provided the following:

We are working on some bugs which affect around 2% of the iPhones shipped, and hope to have a software update soon.

If this is authentic, and 2% is a solid number, given that the iPhone 3G sold 1 million units its first weekend, and may be over 3 million units now, that's a staggering 60,000+ users potentially affected, -- never mind 20 more countries set to launch later this week.

Unless Apple pushes out a 2.0.2 hotfix, firmware 2.1 has been in beta for a while already, and in general rumored to be heading towards a September-ish release (probably to coincide or follow up Apple's tradition fall iPod and Mac product Special Event, which last year introduced both the iPod Touch and the WiFi Music Store).

Casey recently posted that the current 2.1 beta removed support for the Push Notification services (Apple's conceptual replacement for multitasking functionality) to allow for more internal development, but perhaps also to fast-track the 3G fix?

That could leave the 2% in the slow lane for a while still...

Update: Daring Fireball points out that: "The 3G networking glitches may well be real, but it’s worth pointing out that Richard Windsor is the same jackass who issued a report a year ago about the supposedly faulty “film” on the iPhone touchscreen, when in fact there was no such film."

So add that to the "grain of salt" heap...

Yesterday we asked you if you were having any iPhone 3G network connection problems, and while some of you were fine, many of you were suffering. Well, MacRumors has jumped on the story, providing an interesting perspective (via MSNBC -- and yes, the MS stands for Microsoft) on what might be going wrong:

The report said the most likely cause of the 3G problems is defective adjustments between the antenna and an amplifier that captures very weak signals from the antenna.

Hardware would be bad news for Apple and for chipset supplier Infineon whose 3G chipset is now getting a real-world pounding beyond anything they could have given it in the lab. It's also bad news, of course, for users who'll be considerably more inconvenienced even if some type of fix is eventually offered. However, Business Week has others sources sticking with the software angle for now:

Apple programmed the Infineon chip to demand a more powerful 3G signal than the iPhone really requires. So if too many people try to make a call or go on the Internet in a given area, some of the devices will decide there's insufficient power and switch to the slower network.

They go on to say Apple and Infineon are already testing a firmware fix that should be rolled up into a larger update sometime in September (sounds like 2.1 to us). But here's the question, can 2.1 patches fix flaky chipsets? Can good software overcome bad hardware?

The day after I bought my iPhone 3G I went back to the local Rogers store to see how things were going, and a customer was there complaining that he couldn't get on the 3G network. The customer service rep tried fiddling with his iPhone, but the settings all looked right. Yet there I was, less than 5 feet away, with full, fast 3G speed downloading TiPb's homepage at that very moment. Later that night, I saw some chatter that others thought Rogers was down because they couldn't connect either.

Things had quieted down some for a while, but now more and more reports are spreading of transient 3G connection errors. MacRumors quotes Mark Siegel of AT&T as saying there haven't been an unusual amount of complaints about the iPhone 3G in specific:

How a device performs in individual situations depends on circumstances like where you are in the 3G coverage, how close you are to a cell site. Things like terrain and buildings all come into play. I'm not denying that people are having a less than satisfactory experience, but overall, the phone is doing great.

GigaOm, however, picks up some analyst rumors about potentially flakey 3G chipsets, while iLounge steps it up with T-Mobile and Vodafone laying blame on the same, with the Syndney Morning Herald claiming an unnamed source revealed that Apple only provided 3G test units to carriers the day before launch. Ouch. Any chip experts out there that could help identify what problem would cause reception problems for a fraction of users?

Mine, like I said, is rock-solid so far, only dropping to EDGE in areas where Rogers' coverage is weak to begin with. How about you? Any 3G connection problems?

This is it. We're in the home stretch. 5th round, time's almost up, and Steve Jobs is slapping on the arm bar. In 4 days we find out if Apple scores the submission, the two-peat for smartphone (even gadget) undisputed heavyweight title, or if they gas out with their mostly evolutionary, not so much revolutionary, next generation handset.

Saturday we mentioned one big change: the fast 3G data chip. Yesterday it was GPS. Today we're tackling the 2.0 Firmware update.

What is this and why should you want it? Read on after the break!

The original iPhone shipped with firmware 1.0, but was rapidly updated a number of times, topping out at 1.1.4. Many times there were significant features added with these updates, such as customizable home pages, Google Maps location services, the WiFi Music Store, and many more.

But we ain't seen anything like 2.0. The big news?

Enterprise functionality, including Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, 802.1x secure WiFi networking, Cisco VPN, remote wipe, and other big business demanded features have been baked right in (which will also benefit other large institutions like Universities).

MobileMe integration across iPhone, Windows, and Mac, for "Exchange for the Rest of Us".

New settings, like enabling/disabling 3G, choosing push vs. manual data sync, parental controls, secure erase, and others will increase the amount control we have over our devices.

The built-in applications are getting tweaked as well. Mail will be getting mass-move and mass-delete, and PowerPoint and iWork previews. You'll be able to geo-tag your photos and save images from email and the web.

And last but the opposite of least: the App Store, where everything from games, to business productivity tools, to educational references, to even Jobs-doesn't-know-what will be available right from the iPhone's home screen (more on the App Store as we continue counting down).

And the best news? On July 11th, the 2.0 firmware will not only be available on the iPhone 3G, but as a free download to all original iPhone (2G) owners as well!

If you don't mind getting your drool on, Apple has a Guided Tour flaunting showing off all the 2.0 "what's new" goodness. Check it out!

I know I can't wait. What new feature are you most looking forward to?

This is it. We're in the home stretch. Third period power play, clock's all but run out, and Steve Jobs is cranking back for the slap shot. In 5 days we find out if Apple scores the go-ahead goal, the two-peat for smartphone (even gadget) of the year, or if they bounce it off the goal post with their mostly evolutionary, not so much revolutionary, next generation handset.

Yesterday we mentioned one big change: the fast 3G data chip. The other big change? GPS. (Global Positioning System).

What is this and why should it matter to you? Read on after the break!

The original iPhone (now dubbed iPhone 2G) launched without any location aware services. While it might or might not have known where it was, it didn't share that information with you. When firmware 1.1.3 was released, however, that all changed.

Using Google's cell tower mapping (where Google is recording the GPS positions of cell phone towers -- AT&T, Verizon, Bell, etc. in North America and increasingly around the world), and Skyhook's WiFi router mapping (where Skyhook drove down your street and wrote down the position and unique ID of your wireless router), this let the Google Maps app in the iPhone 2G kinda-sorta get a fuzzy idea of where it was. Drawbacks? It was about as precise as a few city blocks, and if for example, you were in New York but the closest router had just been shipped there from LA, you'd just as likely show up as being in the router's last-recorded location, LA. In other words it ranged from good enough to potentially equal parts comical or disastrous. Also, since transmitting the map graphics required an EDGE connection, it wasn't exactly speedy.

With the iPhone 3G, location becomes as precise as a few feet. Using an array of some three dozen satellites constantly beaming their signals down to us, the iPhone 3G trilaterates (i.e. figures out) exactly where we are based on which satellite's signals it receives and the distance of each of those signals. (Typically four or more signals are required, as unlike triangulation, it needs to calculate the timing of the signals as well). Geeky much? There's more.

GPS isn't all roses. It can often take considerable time and can burn a lot of power. It's another radio to leave running, and depending on signal strength, it can take minutes -- sometimes a lot of them -- to acquire satellites. Then its got to spend more time and power to crunch all the numbers.

To help compensate for this, the iPhone 3G uses aGPS (assisted GPS). With aGPS, cell phone towers handle acquiring the satellite signals and pre-crunch down the location information. Since cell phone towers, unlike tiny handsets, can host very large radios and much more computational power, they can receive more and better signals and they can keep track of location much faster. This means, when your iPhone 3G GPS goes active, a lot of the heavy lifting has already been done by the nearby cell towers, and it can just fetch the data and do the final, specific to its own location, calculations. This consumes less power and requires much less overhead than the iPhone 3G having to do all the work itself.

Speaking of consuming less power, the iPhone (and Apps via the SDK), is also able to leverage all three of its location-based technologies in an elegant, escalating manner, using only what it needs and only when it needs it. If you only require location within a few blocks, cell and wifi are enough and there's no need to waste power spinning up the GPS. Need something spot on? GPS is there, passed on the information, and then powers down again when it's no longer needed.

Another drawback? So far, no turn-by-turn audible driving directions, but that may change.

Not everyone will need full aGPS. For some, the less they know about where they are, the better. But if you want to know exactly where you are, the iPhone 3G's aGPS will definitely appeal to you.

I know I want it. What about you?

This is it. We're in the home stretch. Bottom of the 9th, basebands loaded with 3G, and Steve Jobs is at bat. In 7 days we find out if Apple scores a home run, the two-peat for smartphone (even gadget) of the year, or if they strike out with their mostly evolutionary, not so much revolutionary, next generation handset.

What's the difference? The big one -- at least this time around -- is in the name. 3G, which stands for 3rd generation, but not for the device itself -- for the 3rd generation cellular technology that powers it.

Read on after the break to find out just why 3G will make a big difference to you!

The original iPhone is limited to 2.5G/2.75G mobile data technology, better known as EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which is analogous to a dial-up internet: SLOW. Even with their "fine edge" boost in anticipation of the original iPhone, AT&T's speeds topped out at a crawl. Another drawback is that EDGE did not allow for simultaneous voice and data connections. You couldn't talk on the phone and surf the web over EDGE at the same time. And while theoretically your iPhone should have elegantly quit surfing, for example, to take a call, all too often it would simply dump incoming calls to voice mail rather than switch.

The iPhone 3G, thanks to its In uses the 3G HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) technology, both HSPDA (Downlink) and HSPUA (Uplink), which is much closer to low-end broadband DSL speeds. While not yet as common or widespread as EDGE, AT&T (and other carriers around the world, especially in more advanced and populated areas like Europe) are rapidly building out their networks, and these speeds are, well... like a power walk. (We'll have to wait for 4G LTE in several years before we can get our run on). And the bonus? HSPA can handle simultaneous voice and data. So with the iPhone 3G, you can chat with your friend, hit up a webpage for an image, save it to your camera roll, and then mail it to the same friend before you even finish talking. That's next generation!

The drawback to 3G? It consumes more battery life. Using 3G, your iPhone is rated at only 5 hours talk time. Switch it off and degrade back to 2G and you get double -- 10 hours.

Not everyone will have a choice, of course. Many areas in North America don't have 3G coverage yet, but if yours does, and you value multi-tasking communications, the iPhone and its 3G power will definitely appeal to you.

I know I want it. What about you?

Current iPhone user on UK's O2 network eager to get your hands on the hot new iPhone 3G, yeah? Ready to act fast, are you? Willing to sign up for O2's premium £45 or £75 per month plans, eh? If so -- and for a limited time only -- you could qualify for a free iPhone 3G 8GB or 16GB respectively. Cracking deal, innit?

Bargain hunters looking for the £35 plan will have to fork over £99 or £159 for their handsets, as will any newcomers to the platform. Doesn't seem cricket, does it?

Chins up, though, unlike AT&T in the States, O2 will be offering Pay & Go options, though no details have been provided yet.

Take a right little look at the read link for more on O2's iPhone 3G rates and plans...

Read Via

With WWDC only a weekend away, is it any surprise the rumors are flying faster than ever?

First up is Forbe's Brian Caulfield [who kindly corrected a blunder and provided a direct link to his story with tons o'pics-- many thanks!] with word of yet more mysterious boxes, this time at supposed current iPhone manufacturer Quanta. While some are labeled "iMac", 20 others are in plain brown wrappers (no jokes!), with employees either unavailable or unwilling to dish the dirt. Of course, they could be anything... or they could be iPhone 3G's or iTablets!

Next up we have the Flickr posted WWDC banners, which show the newly re-named iPhone OS X, which means either it's the latest addition to everyone's favorite band of mutant superheroes, or its been rebranded to match it's big desktop banner (bannered no longer as Mac OS X, but as OS X Leopard... for now...)

Lastly is iDealsChina (also via Apple Insider), who previously leaked the Griffin "iPhone 3G" molds, now claiming Apple has made some last minute case changes making the next generation device 2mm (0.08 inches) shorter and 0.5mm (0.02 inches) thinner than the leaks previously showed. Anyone need a ton of suddenly scrap plastic?

"Inside Steve's Brain" author Leander Kahney of Wired magazine is reporting a programmer source inside a major software house has revealed that the next generation iPhone 3G will thinner -- we're talking Paris Hilton thinner -- by a whopping 22%.

Not only that, it will sport better battery life than the already impressive 8 hours talk time of the first gen model, and twice the NAND flash capacity, topping out at 32GB. (Paving the way for 64GB iPod Touch's?)

Still not enough, echoing Kevin Rose (historically not the most reliable of iPhone prognosticators), Kahney thinks the phone may be heavily carrier subsidized -- down to the $200 level in some cases -- in an effort to put the hurt on Blackberry.

Okay, fess up, who left the rumor mill jacked up to max?!

Read

Just prior to the original iPhone's release, AT&T's operation "Fine Edge" brought faster, stronger, better 2.5 / 2.75G speed to the GSM masses. This year, in a strangely reminiscent move, reports are coming in that AT&T is showing their 3G HSPA network the same type of love:

For the past few months we’ve been seeing average download speeds between 500 - 800 kbps with a spike here and there. This morning’s tests however, are yielding between 1400 - 1500 kbps.

Gee, could another iPhone release be on the horizon?

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If you hadn’t noticed, TiPb’s theme of the week is currently “Fixing the iPhone”. Rene offered you an extremely thoughtful and well-researched look into what the iPhone can learn from the competition. I reviewed a native app that added a much needed ‘Today’ Screen. And I’m back again giving you 10 Things Apple Should Fix in the iPhone. We don’t always crack jokes about Crackberry and mock iClones here do we?

Okay, to provide a quick disclaimer for this list: Understand that I’m completely ignoring the issues that are ‘mainstream problems’ with the iPhone. I’m not going to go off on the lack of a physical keyboard. I’m not worrying about 3G & GPS. Copy & Paste is a well-known pitfall of the iPhone. Natively saving images, likewise. Removable Battery? Recessed headphone jack? Push E-Mail? MMS? (Wow, that’s a lot)

As big a concern those previously mentioned issues are—many of them will likely become a moot point once the 3G iPhone comes out (Now somebody go tell Sprint that). This list suggests minor tweaks and fixes in the iPhone that may have been swept under the rug or just plain old forgotten. But fear not, I will happily remind Apple of the iPhone's shortcomings and offer a solution on how to fix them. As great as the iPhone is, it isn’t without its faults.

[Comment on this Wait-a-Thon post to qualify to win a $100 iTunes Gift Card]

Read on for the rest of the article!

10. Turn HTML E-Mail Off

Plus, not everyone uses HTML E-mail. I’ve encountered a lot of users who prefer the quick load times of basic e-mail a la Blackberry over the more data intensive, 'prettier' mail. A firmware update that adds a quick switch for HTML viewing in the Settings screen can easily solve this issue. If they add this in 2.0, power users rejoice!

9. Universal Landscape Mode

Many people would use the iPhone, soft keyboard and all, if it actually worked for them. The keyboard in landscape mode offers wider space and more room to operate under—it also utilizes a slick interface that has made the iPhone unique. Apple could potentially score more customers if they gave on-the-fence buyers the peace of mind of a larger keyboard.

8. Formatted Text

Perhaps a small digital button on the iPhone’s keyboard can allow users to access such formatted text. It’s already tough to convey emotion through technology, with formatted text we can at least try.

7. Embedded Youtube Videos in Safari

In 2.0, there are reports that this feature has already been implemented. But no, don’t get excited, it won’t be because the iPhone has flash support but rather a plugin will enable users to open the embedded Youtube clip in the iPhone’s native Youtube player. Let's hope so.

6. Calendar Weekly View

Idea: Utilizing #9 on the list (landscape mode) with the native calendar app on the iPhone—maybe Apple could develop the ability to display a weekly view horizontally. Let me explain, once you open up the Calendar app it’ll show you a List/Day/Month View but when you turn it to landscape mode, it’ll provide you with a week view. The length of the screen could effectively show your weekly day-to-day engagements and also be a nifty trick to quickly switch views.

5. Photo ID Calling

The current process of making calls to your Favorites is difficult because the buttons to access the option are on the bottom of the screen while your Favorites are on the top of the screen. This becomes a nuisance if you use your phone one-handed to make calls because there is unnecessary thumb straining to reach the desired person and sometimes an accidental tap might lead to the wrong contact being called.

(I guess these are the perils of having such a large screen. Sigh.)

4. Differentiate Outgoing/Incoming Calls

It’s not a 'life or death' 'feature’ per se, but is something so basic that being without it, seems like a huge oversight on Apple’s part. Fix it, be it by variance in color or an Apple-esque arrow, just let me know which calls fall under which category.

3. Ringer Profiles

This lack of customization is something I’ve grown used to with the iPhone, but it doesn’t make it better or even right. I remember my old Motorola RAZR had a bevy of choices to choose from and the Blackberry Curve also had some great customization in their ringer profiles, but with the iPhone I’m stuck with only Vibrate or Ring. As easy and intuitive as Apple makes things sometimes, in this case, Apple simplified things to a fault.

2. Notifications

There is no way to know you missed anything because there is no notification feature on the iPhone! One of my pet peeves about the RAZR was how annoying that missed call sound was, but it made sure I never missed anything in 5 minute intervals. And though the Blackberry had no notification sounds, its indicator light was piercing. As much as unlocking the iPhone makes me smile, it isn’t efficient to have to double-check your phone to see if you missed anything.

I would suggest Apple include an ‘invisible’ indicator light. It doesn’t have to be protruding like those in the Blackberry but rather be an inconspicuous part of the phone. I imagine Apple designing an indicator light that is only noticeable when there is something to notify the user about.

1. Improve the Phone Experience

Adding features like voice dialing would be a bonus, it'll certainly improve the one-hand capability of the iPhone. A better speaker would definitely help. The volume in incoming calls is much too quiet for my liking. In my own space, I can hear the conversation perfectly fine but then again I can also hear cars driving outside my house. In louder, more public places the iPhone isn’t as loud as it could be even at maximum volume.

It is important for Apple to be conscious of the iPhone's shortcomings because in the end, the iPhone will always be judged as a phone first. Sure it uses a slick interface and brings the web to our fingertips, heck, it even plays music and video really well but if Apple doesn't give a GREAT phone experience? For many, that's the biggest dealbreaker. 

Final Thoughts

So on June 9th, let’s hope that Steve Jobs wont announce just the 3G iPhone but also address the minor tweaks and fixes necessary. We can call it the 3G iPhone as desired by TiPb, if you wish. But to be honest, when Apple gets around to fixing some of the items on this list, we'll be happy. The iPhone is already a great device with these shortcomings, so when they fix them? Well, I wouldn’t want to own a Crackberry or iClone then..

Did I miss anything? What would you fix in the iPhone? Any tweaks necessary? Or will 3G be enough for you to upgrade? Tell us in the comments and qualify to win a $100 iTunes Gift Card in this Wait-a-Thon Post!

[Ed Note: Dieter butting in here. Folks have noticed we haven't been announcing the winners of the Wait-a-Thon. This is true and a flagrant failure on my part. We're updating the Wait-a-Thon and announcing a batch of winners tomorrow morning (and bringing back full forum action to boot!), so stay tuned...]

[Updated following Phone Different Podcast #19, see below!]

Way back in February, Apple's Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook said:

"We're not married to any business model."

At the time -- and it's scary how long ago it seems already -- the iPhone was only available in the US, UK, Germany, and France, with rumors of Ireland and Austria waiting in the wings. What's more, these were all exclusive deals, with Apple doing their best to lock the iPhone down to single carriers in each territory in exchange for lucrative -- and unprecedented -- revenue-sharing deals that some have estimated could be netting Apple up to $15 per month, per subscriber.

So, with a potential billion dollars on the table, while they weren't married to it, they no doubt felt more than a little lusty.

But in true Apple fashion, invoking perhaps the pirate mantra of old, and embracing the same mindset that has them run iTunes as a near-loss leader, price-cut the iPhone a scant few months in, and offer cheap family upgrade options on their OS and iApps, it looks like Tim Cook was serious.

Read on to find out just how serious he was...

Late April brought rumblings of carrier "discounts" in Europe. Apple claimed carriers could charge what they wanted. Pundits on various sides pointed to clearing stock in the face impending 3G, or desperation to nudge thus-far-disappointing sales.

Then the floodgates opened. Literally. What had been a scant 5 countries with official first generation iPhone deals, became a torrent of announcements, week after week, of dozens upon dozens more. Canada. Australasia. Africa. Latin America. The Middle East. Scandinavia and the Baltics. And more. Double, triple, quadruple, the numbers became near-exponential.

The strange part? Multiple carriers began announcing iPhone deals in the same countries or territories. Vodafone and Telecom Italia both claimed Italy in early May.

Carrier exclusivity was gone.

No doubt at Apple's behest, press releases were short to the point of single sentences at times, all with the promise of more details to follow, but Orange did let slip that there would now be non-exclusive deals (where no carrier had the sole rights to the iPhone and any GSM provider could theoretically support it), and co-exclusivity (where two or more carriers had sole rights and only they could officially support it).

Orange didn't stop there either. Rumor has it they are now calling up existing iPhone customers and offering them €50 upgrade paths to the next generation iPhone 3G. Talk about a subsidy!

So why, with so much money at stake -- and let's face it, cachet -- are Tim Cook's words suddenly ringing so loudly?

Steve Jobs has said that one of Apple's greatest failings during his absence was that other leadership chose to grab for money rather than grow market share. And Steve Jobs is known to think about products and positioning years into the future.

Our own Dieter Bohn has teased some of his thoughts on this, and promises to follow up on the next Phone Different Podcast. Don't miss it.

UPDATE: Dieter, having brainstormed with another one of our writers, Chad Garrett, is offering the following: Given the massive amount of carriers now announced for the iPhone 3G, managing activation via iTunes may get a lot tricker... unless Apple offers the iPhone unlocked, and iTunes simply provides a way to connect to one of the established carriers in exchange for a subsidy, or -- dream of all dreams -- lets you keep running unlocked if you're willing to forgo said subsidy. How's that for a new business model?

For my part, I'll mention this again:

Apple is alone among modern technology companies in enjoying near spherical integration. They make the iPhone hardware. They develop its software. They provide .Mac services. They market pro-level content creation tools. They own the high-end computer market that runs those -- and the developer -- tools. They sell content via the #1 music retailer in the US, iTunes. They have a toe in the accessory business with a headset, docks, cables, etc. They license 3rd party accessories. They get revenue sharing on subscriptions from current carriers. They are about to launch an App Store, getting a cut of commercial sales in exchange for putting product in front of every single iPhone user on the planet. They have an international online store, and their growing chain of retail Apple Stores make more per square foot than Tiffany's.

So, unlike many others who have to survive on platform licenses, hardware margins, service contracts, or any other single or small number of profit streams, Apple can choose to take hits in multiple streams (like revenue sharing) and still earn money hand over fist in many, many others.

In short, Apple isn't married to any specific business model because they can afford not to be. And come WWDC in June, and the long expected iPhone 3G announcement with it, Apple's plans may just result in a windfall for consumers as well...

Crikey! Add 3G speed to the list of beer-brewing, croc-hunting, and bum-booting that Australians claim to do better, stronger, and faster than just about everyone else in the world. Or so an anonymous Telstra exec would have us believe:

"We know what is coming we have seen the new device and it will be available on our network as soon as it is launched in the USA. By Christmas this phone will be capable of 42Mbps which will make it faster than a lot of broadband offerings and the fastest iPhone on any network in the world."

Hard to believe anyone outside the Jobspod has seen the actual device (remember AT&T hadn't even seen the first gen model until Macworld 2007), so this one sounds fishy from the get-go.

Also, 42Mbps is jaw-dropping, face-smacking fast, and would pretty much require the next-next gen, tippity-top end HSDPA technology, known as HSDPA+ or HSDPA Evolution. Right now Telstra maxes out at around 14.4 and while they reportedly claimed they will reach 21 by the end of 2008, that's a far cry from delivering twice that in half the time, which is what making the rumored June iPhone 3G launch would require.

I'm calling shenanigans. What do you think?

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One of the hottest and most persistent rumors for the next generation iPhone is GPS, either built in or via BlueTooth hardware module (the former favored by techies, the latter by battery-lifers). One of the most constant and most rewarding (at least sometimes...) factors of the 2.0 firmware beta is developers raking through the code to find every new string and buried screen setting.

Put them together and what do we get? According to some "private" updates delivered to "select developers" (check out the screen shots), we get Geo Tagging!

For the non-world traveling cameraphiles among us, Geo Tagging involves adding location-specific metadata to your photographs. For example, snap a pic of the Eiffel Tower, and the camera records not only time, date, camera, lens, etc. but the longitude and latitude of precisely where you were standing when you decided to take the 297 billionth shot of that ginormous mechano cliche...

Why's that important? Well, it saves you the effort of manually recording where you were when you took each and every snapshot, it allows social services like Flickr to search and sort images based on location information, and it enables freaky-cool next gen image manipulation and compositing technologies like Microsoft's Photosynth to positively blow our minds.

Now, reports don't actually indicate anything about GPS, only location-based services (like the current gen's Google cell tower mapping and Skyhook Wi-Fi router mapping), but these can sometimes only narrow location down to an area roughly the size of a town -- not always very useful. For real Geo Tagging, GPS (which gets down to under 20 feet) seems a must.

Of course, this also rather nicely dangles the question of what type of camera will the iPhone 3G sport? 2 megapixels like before? 3? 5?

Apple is hiring photo techs, after all...

What do you think?

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Kinda.

Seems the strings to set 3G preferences exist in the code of iPhone 2.0 Beta 5, but the GUI screen that was rumored to surface it was a mock-up, a photoshop, a con-job, a bamboozle.

The process used to determine that the screen was less "shot" and more "not" is rather involved and -- quite frankly -- convoluted but the bottom line remains:

We're getting a 3G iPhone. That 3G iPhone will have settings. We, as yet, have no idea what form those settings will take.

Now bring on the next rumor!

Adding further fuel to the fire that Apple Inc. will drop the 3G bomb on June 9th, during CEO Steve Jobs' Keynote address, InfoSyncWorld is claiming that, once announced, the 2nd generation iPhone will be made available via AT&T roughly 10 days later, on approximately the 18th or 19th.

InfoSyncWorld further speculates on HSDPA, GPS, Mobile TV, and other oft-cited iPhone 3G rumors.

And with the time left before WWDC growing shorter and shorter, when it comes to speculation and rumors, no doubt we ain't seen nothing yet!

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I'm not going to get off on another Rogers rant here. Suffice it to say, when it comes to Canadian telcos, I'm the rat who, having learned helplessness, now lies face down on the hot plate.

However, not content to let me lie there and wither in peace, now comes this report, determined to kick poor downed me with some hope:

Sources from inside Rogers claim that the device should be available the same month as an expected US release of an updated, 3G-capable model [...] currency values are likely to place the cost of the phone itself closer to the eventual US figure. [...] The sources claim that the iPhone will qualify for Rogers' $7 on-device browsing plan, which currently allows all phones offered by Rogers (excepting BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices) to access the web as much as they like through the carrier's officially-sanctioned browser. Whether Rogers will allow YouTube, the App Store, and other official but non-web devices to fall into the unlimited plan is unknown, though unlike with other phones Rogers will not have the choice of installing or customizing the web browser or other applications.

We'll see (or more likely, we won't see). The best indicator of future behavior being prior behavior, I figure the iPhone data plan will cost $100/month for 1GB. Prove me wrong, Rogers!

What do you think?

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Despite the iPhone's Mobile Safari browser rendering pages faster on Edge than many "competing" devices can on lesser browsers with faster connections, the race to speed the feeds continues, and AT&T has not only taken an early lead, but is positively driving towards the 3G finish-line.

Amazing what a little technology (and a billion dollars) can do.

WMExperts.com cites a recent survey where AT&T's HSDPA trounced EVDO Rev A., averaging 755kbps with bursts peaking at 1.6mbps(!)

In Apple-parlance: It's a screamer.

But wait, there's more: AT&T intends to increase its network speed by a factor of 5 by next year. That's a quintuple screamer right there, never mind the upcoming switch to 4G LTE speeds...

I see a 3G iPhone and it will be painted black
No more aluminum just plastic on the back
How do I know and why will El Jobso certainly freak?
Cause AT&T has once again gone and sprung a leak

Cat's out of the bag and there's no going back
Published on their website something called the iPhone Black
So 2.0 is coming and it'll be on one of them
While others struggle to iClone Apple's gone to the next gen

3G, business, gaming, and App Store fully packed
I look to June and I want my iPhone Black!

[To the tune of, and with profound apologies to, the Rolling Stones: Painted Black]

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Another day, another iPhone International rumor, this one from Ars Technica (via astel.be) pegging the iPhone 3G to arrive in Belgium sometime between May and June.

Quick check of the scorecard, should this be true:

Says Ars:

The report indicates that Belgian carriers Proximus, Mobistar and BASE are putting together special iPhone data packages which should include compatibility with the Visual Voicemail feature as well as unlimited data transfer. It's also noted that an exclusive deal like the one Apple has with AT&T in the US would violate trade laws in Belgium.

And a quick recap, as the lineup continues to grow with Italy, India, Singapore, the Netherlands and Mexico, and Australia also in the running for the next great iPhone release.

Who's your money on?

Engadget, via typically credible Italian newspaper La Repubblica, reports that a 3G iPhone will be coming soon to Telecom Italia, and what's more: without carrier or contract lock-in.

Ch-ch-ch-che?

First, a quick look at our scoreboard, if this be true:

Next, Apple Insider brings some details:

[A] formal agreement on the matter was signed last week when Franco Bernabè, chief executive officer of TIM's parent company Telecom Italia, met with Steve Jobs at Apple's Cupertino-based headquarters. Under the terms of the deal, TIM will reportedly receive a several month exclusive on sales of a 3G iPhone through its retail shops [...] Apple is also reported to have agreed to terms by which the new iPhone will be sold at a higher price than in other European countries, but without a carrier lock and two-year service agreement.

Apple Insider further notes that, given the high percentage of pay-as-you-go plans in Italy, this unprecedented arrangement would give both the carrier and customers multo-flexibility in selling units and either using them on TIM, or with other providers, with plans or with pre-purchased bundles/minutes.

No comment, of course, from either Cupertino or Roma, but we've repeatedly repeated Apple COO Tim Cook's comments on being open to other business models, and this particular one is very intriguing to say the least.

How does the idea of a contract-free 3G iPhone coming soon (albeit to Italy) grab you?