Surprise! Apple to refresh iPod nano / touch, make tons of iPhones
June 29, 2008
Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio
Analysts love to come up with all sorts of conjecture based on history, numbers, and general guesswork. In this case, FBR Research analyst Craig Berger has a few predictions to give us regarding the future of Apple’s iPod and iPhone lines. We’ll keep them short and sweet here and leave the static mulling to you. First, he anticipates an updated, lower-priced iPod nano in the near future along with product refreshes for both the iPod classic and touch. That sounds about right, as Apple is nearly due for updates of those products anyway. As far as Apple’s production rate, he states Apple has increased iPod production around 15 percent and sees Apple shipping 15 million iPhone 3G by the end of the year (he’s a big fan of the number “15″). Nothing really surprising here, but if all this pans out, Apple will dig deeper into the smart phone market while tightening its stranglehold on the PMP landscape.
Treo 800w spec sheets and training materials reveal details, lack of MMS
June 29, 2008
Filed under: Cellphones
We’re not sure where our tipster got these pictures (nor are we going to ask), but they appear to be screens from the Treo 800w’s specification and knowledge training documentation. New tidbits include a 333 Mhz processor, 4.4.1 x 2.28 x 0.73-inch dimensions, 320 x 320 pixel screen, and a weight of 4.94 ounces. Windows Mobile 6.1 looks to be in full-force, the camera shoots at 2 MP, and the USB port is 2.0. As for other revealed features, you’re looking at threaded SMS chat, but MMS is mysteriously missing in lieu of Sprint Picture Mail, a trend that continues to confuse us. If all this pans out, look for the 800w to be available on July 13th for $249.99. Hit the continue link to see the rest of the juicy shots and details.
[Thanks, brian]
Continue reading Treo 800w spec sheets and training materials reveal details, lack of MMS
Surprise! Apple to refresh iPod nano / touch, make tons of iPhones
June 29, 2008
Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio
Analysts love to come up with all sorts of conjecture based on history, numbers, and general guesswork. In this case, FBR Research analyst Craig Berger has a few predictions to give us regarding the future of Apple’s iPod and iPhone lines. We’ll keep them short and sweet here and leave the static mulling to you. First, he anticipates an updated, lower-priced iPod nano in the near future along with product refreshes for both the iPod classic and touch. That sounds about right, as Apple is almost due for updates of those products anyway. As far as Apple’s production rate, he states Apple has increased iPod production around 15 percent and sees Apple shipping 15 million iPhone 3G by the end of the year (he’s a large fan of the number “15″). Nothing really surprising here, but if all this pans out, Apple will dig deeper into the smart phone market while tightening its stranglehold on the PMP landscape.
Nike+ gym equipment coming July — iPhone integration imminent?
June 28, 2008
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video, Wearables
24 Hour Fitness just announced that it will be the first to offer Nike+ iPod enabled gym equipment at choose clubs starting next month. The press release states the following:
“Nike and Apple worked with major gym equipment manufacturers to make their cardio equipment Nike + iPod compatible so gym members can easily track and record workouts on cardio equipment like treadmills, stair steppers, elliptical trainers and stationary bikes.”
The press release only mentions the iPod nano. In fact, that may be all that we’re speaking about here. Nevertheless, July is synonymous with the iPhone 3G, 2.0 firmware, and App Store launches and there’s that tiny ol’ patent application (the source of the picture above) which describes leveraging the iPhone’s sensors to turn it into a “lifestyle companion.” Nike of course, already confirmed that its Plus system would be extending to the iPhone and iPod touch sometime in the future. July seems as good a time as any don’t you think?
Virgin Mobile to buy Helio for $39 million in equity
June 28, 2008
Filed under: Cellphones
It’s official, MVNO lone survivor Virgin Mobile is picking up the struggling Helio from SK Telecom and Earthlink for a cool $39 million in Virgin Mobile USA stock. They expect the deal to shut in Q3 2008, pending regulatory approval. The acquisition comes as no surprise, but it’s still sad… Continue reading
AT&T’s Customer Service Has No Damn Clue What’s Going On With The New iPhone
June 28, 2008
Reader Micah is under contract with AT&T, and is interested in getting the new iPhone when it comes out. Unfortunately, Micah’s account is not currently eligible for an upgrade, so AT&T keeps telling him that he’ll need to cancel his phone, and pay an ETF in order to get the new iPhone. As far as we have the ability to tell, this just isn’t true.
Micah writes (to AT&T):
First… Continue reading
AT&T Refuses To Provide Unlock Codes, Feel Free To Complain To The FCC
June 28, 2008
AT&T is refusing to supply unlock codes for the iPhone, states reader George. He’s written in to ask other iPhone users to complain to the FCC and other pertinent regulatory bodies, AGs, and so on about AT&T: Hey Guys,
Well, updated to 1.1.1 and no brick, but lost all my apps.
As a lark, I did call AT&T Wireless to request… Continue reading
Rogers announces iPhone 3G plans, unlimited data isn’t one of them
June 28, 2008
Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, Portable Audio, Portable Video
Here we’ve it, iPhone 3G pricing for our better mannered, gun-toting friends up north. All the plans from Rogers Wireless require that… Continue reading
Rogers announces iPhone 3G plans, unlimited data isn’t one of them
June 27, 2008
Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, Portable Audio, Portable Video
Here we’ve it, iPhone 3G pricing for our better mannered, gun-toting friends up north. All the plans from Rogers Wireless require that… Continue reading
Apple Escorts You From The Store For Trying To Purchase An iPhone With Cash
June 27, 2008
As loyal readers already know, Apple doesn’t accept cash for the iPhone — a policy they state is designed to discourage resellers from getting their grubby tiny hands on the precious cellphone. This policy does have a tendency to backfire each now and then when a legitimate customer wants to purchase an iPhone with cash. Meet Alex Palen— he was refused an iPhone because he doesn’t have a credit or debit card and was escorted from the store when he asked another customer to accept cash in exchange for charging the phone to their card.
From The Buffalo News:
“She looked at my money and said, ‘We don’t accept cash as a form of payment for the iPhone.’ When I asked why, she would only say it was the store’s policy that I use a credit card,” Palen said.
Since he doesn’t have one, Palen asked another customer if he could give him the $499 plus tax to charge it for him. Store staffers stated that was against the rules, and then escorted him — and his pocket full of bills — from the store.
“I was so outraged. I was so humiliated. I just sat in the mall and couldn’t even speak for half an hour. I was so surprised this could happen in America,” Palen stated. “I’ve never been told that U. S. currency isn’t enough to purchase a product.”
Legally, neither Apple nor any other private company in New York Say is required to accept cash.
Apple responded to the news story with the following: ““We require a credit, debit or gift card as payment to discourage unauthorized resellers,” stated Teresa Brewer, Apple spokeswoman.” We wonder if they couldn’t have asked him to buy a gift card rather than resorting to tossing him out of the store? Oddly, Alex states the experience hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm for Apple… “I still want to buy the iPhone,” he stated. “Unfortunately, it’s the ideal phone on the market. Nothing else compares.”
What can cash purchase? Not an iPhone [Buffalo News](Thanks, Craig!)
(Photo: hanapbuhay )
