Apple unveils iPhone 3.0 Operating System

Apple has unveiled the blueprints of iPhone 3.0 operating system which has more than 100 new features.

iPhone developers now have access to the updated software developer kit (SDK) with more than 1,000 completely new APIs. To join the iPhone developer program, it is $99 for the standard program and $299 for the enterprise program.

Some of the new features of upcoming update are:

• Search your Apple iPhone
• Cut, copy and paste
• Send photos, contacts, audio files and location via MMS
• Read and compose email and text messages in landscape view

You can watch the Apple presentation below.

Continue reading »

I want a Nokia E71 – Read the Nokia E71 Review

Yes, that is right. The sexy sleekness of it overwhelms my senses as I gaze upon its curves and petite buttons.

During my research, the Nokia E71 has been named the top PDA-phone by Cnet.

Basically the core strengths are,

• Strong battery life
• HDSPA and GPS
• Strong messaging and productivity tools
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
• RRP under $800

Continue reading »

Beware of iPhone 3G’s data usage costs

You might get stung by the excess data usage of iPhone 3G if you’re not careful with your data usage. That means phone bills hitting the three digit and even four digit mark!

Telcos such as Telstra are charging $2 per megabyte over the data allowance ($2000 per gigabyte) and Optus are charging $0.35 per megabyte over ($350 per gigabyte).

apple.com/au/iphone/home/images/main20080711a.png” alt=”Apple iPhone 3G” width=”302″ height=”262″ />

Google Maps on the iPhone 3G is not actually fully installed onto the device but rather downloads the data through the Internet. I have met quite a few people thinking that Google Maps usage is actually free.

Also with the massive closure of Starbucks stores around Sydney, Telstra will be loosing a big chunk of their free wifi hotspots. However, Telstra still has a big partnership with McDonalds that offers free wifi access.

There are rumours that the 3 network might be able to get their hands on the iPhone 3G as Virgin Mobile has already done so.

As more and more telcos are starting to enter the iPhone market, you should be seeing pricing plans dropping as the competition heats up.

It’s quite a big disappointment to see the three large telcos coming up with pretty crappy iPhone pricing plans and data allowance. I personally would wait another month or so and see if anything drastic happens.

But if you can’t keep your fingers in your pocket, then start heading over to the Sydney Apple store. It can take up to 2 hours to process so best bet to get in early.

Apple iPhone continues to “sell out”

I’ve been trying to get my hands on the iPhone 3G on the Optus network but it seems that every Optus store is sold out except for the Apple store. The last one I visited was at centre point and the guy said that it was sold out for another 3 weeks.

I never thought this would continue after nearly 3 weeks of the iPhone 3G official launch but it seems that Apple is trying to keep the hype up by keeping up the demand and reducing the supply to their Optus affiliates so that everybody can say, “Oh my gosh, the iPhone is still sold out. It must be so great! Yadi yadi ya…”.

However, the Sydney Apple store does have stock but they usually close registrations 2-3 hours before close of business to ensure everybody gets out of the building by that time.

Last week I visited the Apple store about 4 times after work and got there around 6.15pm, only to be turned down each time by their staff because registrations are closed. They suggested that I either come early in the morning (yes yes, they continue to remind me that the store opens at 8am but I can’t be bothered to wake up that early for a phone) or during lunch time.

Oh by the way, they also said that the registration process may take up to 2 hours. That is another factor that I cannot be bothered to get the iPhone just yet.

So I’ve gone ahead and taken up Vodafone’s unrestricted offer where you get a bonus $20 credit if you recharge by 31st July. Now I don’t even have to think about the iPhone for a month and hopefully by then will the stupid queue decrease and other Optus stores won’t be entirely sold out.

iPhones still available from Sydney Apple Store

With such a huge demand for the iPhone, it is not surprising that the most talked about phone gadget has been sold out at most retail stores.

I’m not entirely sure about Vodafone or Telstra, but over the weekend I visited two Optus stores and two Strathfield Car Radio stores and all have said that the iPhone has sold out.

They’re expecting new stock to arrive in the middle of this week but with such huge amounts of pre-orders by customers, they cannot guarantee availability after the first restocking shipment.

So if you’re planning to get your hands on the iPhone with the Optus carrier, best that you sign a contract first that connects your existing number to the Optus network to guarantee your iPhone when new stock arrives.

However, the Sydney Apple Store still has stock in hand for all three telcos, but despite visiting there twice already, they’ve said that the Optus network cannot handle anymore signups for the day and will have to wait until the next day.

Both days I visited were towards the end of the day, so if you’re planning to get it from there, best to get in and get it early in the morning.