If the Duracell Smart Power kit looks familiar, then it’s probably because you’ve seen WildCharge’s conductive charging system. Duracell have seemingly licensed the WildCharge setup – which uses a base-station pad laced with power strips, and a selection of cases and adapters with studded contacts – and thrown in not only a selection of device-specific “Power Sleeve” cases (or “skins” as WildCharge calls them) but a few extra things that better align with the company’s own range.

These include a conductive-charging flashlight, a rechargeable battery charger and a number of portable power packs that can be used to top up standard NiMH cells, phones and PMPs. Most of these come with a USB to mini-USB adapter. Meanwhile there are the same Power Clip adapters – which bridge the conductive charger to the power port of BlackBerry, Motorola and Nokia phones, together with anything that hooks up via USB or mini-USB – and cases for the iPhone 3G/3GS, iPod touch 2G, BlackBerry Curve 8300 and Pearl 8100 smartphones.

One instant frustration is the lack of a micro-USB adapter anywhere in the box. With many manufacturers not only making the switch from proprietary connectors to USB, but to micro-USB specifically for its compact size, it seems strange that Duracell have made mini-USB their smallest plug. It’s nothing an adapter can’t address, but if you’ve picked up the myGrid starter kit for $79.99 it would be nice if it were compatible with a pretty mainstream port from the get-go.

Otherwise, the system works pretty much as we expected from our time with the WildCharge pad. Phones in the Power Sleeve or hooked up to a compact Power Clip attachment charged just as they would if using their regular, wired adapter, only without needing to do anything but drop them – studded contacts down – onto the myGrid base. You can charge as many devices simultaneously as you can feasibly fit onto that base, and we found no real disparity in how long our test phones took on the myGrid versus the wired route.

Duracell also threw in a couple of their other power products, which either charge up standard AA or AAA NiMH batteries, or supply juice directly from their own internal power-pack. Duracell supplied us with the Instant Charger ($29.99), a slim candybar-sized Li-Ion battery (that unfortunately doesn’t charge from the myGrid base) that offers up to 35hrs of top-up power to any mobile device with a USB or mini-USB connector, but they also offer the Pocket Charger ($19.99), an even smaller version with a flip-out mini-USB connector intended to add up to 60-percent more talktime to a cellphone, and the Powerhouse Charger ($49.99), a bigger external battery.

They also sent us the GoMobile ($29.99), an AA/AAA NiMH charger that takes up to four batteries at once; there are also four batteries in the pack. A smaller version, the GoEasy ($12.99), is also on offer, which takes two batteries at a time. Finally, they threw in an LED flashlight for us to test out the batteries, which worked as you’d expect an LED flashlight to do.

Perhaps the biggest complement for the Duracell system is that it’s easy to forget you’re using it. Dropping your device onto the charging pad is certainly quicker than fiddling with a cable, especially when you’re using one of the more integrated kits such as the iPhone 3GS case. The Power Clips – though useful in that they add myGrid compatibility with a far larger range of gadgets – are a less aesthetically pleasing solution, especially if the limited articulation of the connector – it rotates, but doesn’t bend or flex – means the conductive charge section won’t sit flat against whichever device you’re using it with.

Meanwhile the battery charger and the external power pack are no different from their non-Duracell counterparts, at least in terms of general use. It would be handy to be able to top up the Instant Charger from the same base station as your smartphone, though we can’t really say the same for the battery charger.  After all, with a footprint around the size of an iPhone it occupies a fair chunk of space and does just as well with a standard AC plug.

In the end, we feel the same about Duracell’s myGrid conductive charging system as we do WildCharge’s; namely, that we want to see far more device-specific cases on offer. The Power Clips do the job, certainly, but they lack finesse and feel like a workaround in order to tick compatibility boxes. As for the rechargeable booster batteries, as anybody who has cursed their iPhone for prematurely expiring after a particularly heavy day’s use will know, sometimes a shot of external juice feels heaven-sent. It’s worth noting, though, that the included USB and mini-USB connectors with the three booster batteries won’t be enough to hook up to your Apple device without another adapter.

A gimmick, then, but a potentially useful one. We assume Duracell are waiting on WildCharge to produce cases for a broader range of devices; if you’re an iPhone or iPod touch user (or a Pearl/Curve owner, for that matter) and you constantly forget to plug in your device, then the myGrid may be your salvation. Considering the $34.99 price for the Power Clips and adapters, though, anyone else could do well to wait for a dedicated rather than workaround option.

Other devices that support these headphones include the second-gen iPod classic, iPod touch and the fourth-gen iPod nano. The iEP515 is set to be a higher-end model with a translucent design and an ergonomic form.

The iEP 315, on the other hand, is much more basic and is expected to cost about $30. The iEP515 should cost around $60. Both headphone sets are expected to be available starting in August.

iPhone SDK 3.1 beta and iPhone OS 3.1 beta are now posted to the iPhone Dev Center. These versions are for development and testing only and should be installed on devices dedicated to iPhone OS 3.1 beta software development. Please read the iPhone OS Pre-Install Advisory and the iPhone SDK 3.1 beta release notes before downloading and installing.

iPhone OS 3.0 was just released 2 weeks ago, with the addition features like copy & paste, mms (depends on your regions) and landscape keyboard.

[via techcrunch]

Those 3D maps are automatically updated in the background, too, as are POIs and street names.  There’s also access to Yellow Pages, for business listings, together with online trip planning; users can set up their journey via their PC or Mac, and then have the route wirelessly delivered to their iPhone.

It’s all sounding great, aside from the price.  AT&T Navigator for iPhone is priced at $9.99 per month, which works out at around $240 if you subscribe for the lifetime of your AT&T contract.  With standalone GPS units going for bargain-basement prices right now, we’re not sure that’s cost-effective. 

Press Release:

AT&T Brings AT&T Navigator Application to Apple App Store

iPhone Customers Benefit From Turn-by-Turn, Voice-Guided GPS Navigation with AT&T Navigator, Powered by TeleNav

DALLAS, June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — You have arrived at your destination. For the first time, millions of iPhone customers can now experience one of the most popular turn-by-turn GPS navigation applications. AT&T* (NYSE:T) today announced the availability of its award-winning location based services app – AT&T Navigator – on iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. Using the latest iPhone OS 3.0 software the app brings full audible and visual turn-by-turn navigation service over the nation’s fastest 3G network.

Loaded with enhanced functionality and capabilities, AT&T Navigator provides a rich lineup of user-friendly features, including: map updates, speech recognition, ETA updates, more than 10 million business listings, real-time traffic alerts, one-touch rerouting, daily gas prices and more.

“AT&T Navigator has been one of our most popular and best-performing apps since we launched it last year,” said Mark Collins, vice president of voice and data products for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With the new iPhone OS 3.0 software, we’re expanding the advantages of true turn-by-turn navigation – both voice and on-screen directions – to millions more customers. We’re bringing greater convenience to drivers and travelers nationwide, including providing regular, automatic updates to map information at no charge so customers have the latest at their fingertips.”

Perfect for Parent and Professional

Gone are the days when business travelers are dependent on built-in car GPS devices. Same goes for parents managing caravans and car pools to overnight soccer tournaments. Built to accommodate road warriors of all kinds, AT&T Navigator maximizes the customer experience to provide:

Automatic Content Updates: No manual updates required. The latest map and navigating details are automatically available to subscribers at no extra cost.
Voice and On-Screen Turn-By-Turn Directions: Real-time voice and visual guidance, including street names, automatic re-routes, ETA and total mileage updates. Drivers can also choose among multiple route options, including ‘traffic optimized’; ‘fastest’; ‘prefer streets’;'prefer highways’ and ‘pedestrian mode’ to ensure the most customized navigation experience.
Speech Recognition: Touch and talk capability for instant turn-by-turn directions to destination.
Traffic Alerts: Real-time route monitoring and proactive searches every five minutes for traffic congestion or incident. Voice and on-screen alerts, plus faster route options provided.
3D Maps: Full-color 3D moving map brings navigation to life. Maps provide details on current location, plus streets and interstates within driving distance.
Business Listings: One-touch access to more than 10 million business listings from YELLOWPAGES.COM. Plus, access to business ratings, phone numbers and one-touch dialing.
In-Route Customization: Users have the advantage of finding convenient rest stops for gas, food and other needs along their current route – saving both time and mileage.
Online Trip Planning: Preplan trips, save addresses and manage travel accounts online at www.navpreplan.com. Save locations and send directions straight to iPhone.
Award Winning

AT&T Navigator was recently recognized by global growth and consulting company Frost & Sullivan as the 2009 Consumer Location-Based Service Navigation Application of the Year because of its aggregation of a premier list features into one intuitive application.

The app is available for $9.99 a month from Apple’s App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

As with AT&T Navigator subscriptions on other devices, the app will be billed directly by AT&T and included on the customer’s monthly statement. AT&T Navigator works within the United States. Customers can download the app through Apple’s App Store under the “GPS and Navigation” category. AT&T Navigator on iPhone requires iPhone OS 3.0 software.

Additional information, including other devices programmed for AT&T Navigator, is available at www.att.com/navigator.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. 

[via iPhone Buzz]

The usual range of solid and metallic colors are available, and you can have your earphones dyed to match too.  The basic process changes just the back-plate of the phone, but you can also customize the normally-chrome bezel, the home button and the SIM holder.

Pricing starts at $150 for the back, then add $20 each for the bezel frame and button, or $15 each for the SIM holder and earbuds.  Currently there’s only the option to send in your own iPhone 3GS (in the US); ColorWare aren’t offering the smartphone themselves at this stage.

Redsn0w will unlock an original iPhone, but not the 3G version, as well as jailbreaking both generations of iPod touch.  Together, the Team claim that they can now unlock any iPhone 3G or iPhone, even those that previously proved impossible.

However Ultrasn0w does not, as yet, work on the new iPhone 3GS.  This functionality is apparently on its way, but for the moment owners of the new smartphone shouldn’t attempt to use Ultrasn0w.

Apple haven’t revealed how many people picked up the iPhone 3G 8GB in the past couple of weeks.  Their previous-generation smartphone was reduced to $99 with a new contract after the iPhone 3G S was announced, offering a new point-of-entry to iPhone ownership though lacking the newer handset’s autofocus camera, extra megapixels, digital compass and other functionality.

For our hands-on first impressions of the iPhone 3G S, check out this post.  We’ll have our full review up later this week!

Press Release:

Apple Sells Over One Million iPhone 3GS Models

iPhone 3.0 Software Downloads Reach Six Million

CUPERTINO, Calif., June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Apple(R) today announced that it has sold over one million iPhone(TM) 3GS models through Sunday, June 21, the third day after its launch. In addition, six million customers have downloaded the new iPhone 3.0 software in the first five days since its release.

“Customers are voting and the iPhone is winning,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “With over 50,000 applications available from Apple’s revolutionary App Store, iPhone momentum is stronger than ever.”

The new iPhone 3GS is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, packed with incredible new features including improved speed and performance — up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G — with longer battery life, a high-quality 3 megapixel autofocus camera, easy to use video recording and hands free voice control. iPhone 3GS includes the new iPhone OS 3.0, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 100 new features such as Cut, Copy and Paste, MMS*, Spotlight(TM) Search, landscape keyboard and more. iPhone 3GS customers get access to more than 50,000 applications from Apple’s revolutionary App Store, the largest application store in the world where customers have already downloaded over one billion apps. iPhone 3GS offers twice the capacity for the same price with a 16GB model for just $199 and a new 32GB model for just $299.** And iPhone 3G is available at the breakthrough price of just $99 for the 8GB model — a huge milestone for the high end smartphone market.

*MMS messaging is available only on iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS; fees may apply. MMS may not be available in all areas. MMS support from AT&T will be available in late summer.

**Qualified customers only. Requires a new two year AT&T rate plan, sold separately.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

Elsewhere, Nokia’s long-awaited N97 finally reached North American customers’ hands, ours included, and you can find our unboxing and first-impressions here.  It’s a decent smartphone, and understandably the flagship of Nokia’s line, but can it hold up in the face of iPhone’s upgraded OS 3.0 software?  We’ll have our full review this coming week.

If it’s a QWERTY keyboard you’re after, but you prefer your phones berry-flavored, then the news that both Verizon and Sprint would be offering the BlackBerry Tour 9630 in the near future will probably come as some relief.  3G, GPS, for all the specs check out the official RIM video.  Finally, Samsung took the wraps off of the Omnia Pro B7610, complete with a glorious OLED touchscreen display and slide out ‘board.

It’s not all been smartphones, though.  SlashGear sat in front of a small screen, in the shape of Fujitsu-Siemen’s Amilo Mini Ui 3520 netbook, and a big screen (albeit a virtual one) with the Q-London 3D 80″ Video Eyewear.  Oh, and in the name of extreme destruction, we watched Lenovo’s ThinkPad T400s go head to head with a 26,000lb DOW truck.  If you want to see whether a slender ultraportable notebook can cope with getting comfortable between rubber and gravel, check out the video.

Finally, Microsoft confirmed that the Zune HD PMP will use NVIDIA’s Tegra chipset, making us even more keen to see what this potential-iPod-killer (yes, we know, a cliché if ever there was one) brings to the table.  And for your high-definition home entertainment, PopcornHour delivered their C200 Blu-ray ready media-streamer.  If you’ve ever looked at your media collection and wished there was a set-top box that could handle it all without breaking a sweat, this is the gadget for you.

read on for our iPhone 3G S first-impressions. Update: iPhone 3GS Review

Until you turn the 3G S on, you could be holding any iPhone 3G.  While there are a few physical differences – the most obvious being reflective text on the back panel, to match the Apple logo – the big changes are inside.  Turn on the smartphone and it loads quicker, while everything from swiping through different homescreen panes, loading native and third-party apps, and even just the 3G’s periodic lags has been smoothed out.  Our first-impressions of the impact on data-rich apps, such as a packed inbox or the always-thorny SMS messaging, is that the sluggishness as the handset churns through content is removed.

We’ll spend more time with third-party applications over the weekend, but the few graphically-demanding games we downloaded through the App Store show a marked improvement courtesy of the new video chipset.  Apple use the new PowerVR SGX graphics chipset, with support for OpenGL ES 2.0, and while it’s early days for titles that specifically take advantage of it, rendering speed and results for existing titles have improved.

Perhaps the next biggest feature after speed boosts is the new camera, a 3-megapixel shooter with autofocus.  There’s still no dedicated camera shortcut, though you can set a double-tap of the Home button to trigger it.  Touching the screen sets the focus, something not exclusive to the iPhone 3G S but admirable all the same, and the smartphone seems to do a pretty good job at locking on and then snapping shots a little quicker than the 3G manages.  We’re a little disappointed that there’s no macro mode, though, and that you’re limited to non-touch autofocus when you flip over to video-recording mode.

Still, we’re thankful that there’s even the possibility of recording video on the iPhone 3G S in the first place, something requested ever since the original iPhone in 2007.  The two modes are selected by a simple on-screen switch, and after that all you need concern yourself with is tapping record.  Our first-impression is that we wish there was more manual control over things like white balance and exposure; both video and photos are lighter than our tastes prefer, and there’s no way to change that apart from in post-production off of the handset.

Post-production is actually something Apple are encouraging people to do with their iPhone 3G S itself; while there’s not the mini-iMovie suite originally tipped, you can trim down clips to slice out the portion you really wanted.  Unfortunately there’s no way to join more than one clip together, nor to snip out an unwanted middle section, and all edits are final.  Perhaps it’s a storage issue, but we wish we had at least the choice to save raw footage and edit a copy rather than the original.  Once we’ve had a chance to sync the iPhone 3G S with our computer we’ll see just how the end results turn out; on the phone’s own display, playback is smooth and clear.

Getting footage off the iPhone 3G S needn’t involve synchronization with iTunes, though.  The smartphone can upload to YouTube or MobileMe, be attached to an MMS message if your carrier supports it, or send a .MOV format file via email.  It’s also clever enough to compress the file before it attempts it, though we’ll be playing with this to see exactly how long YouTube uploads take over 3G and WiFi.

Another new feature is the digital compass, which works pretty much as it does on HTC’s Android smartphones.  Now, as well as using GPS to pinpoint your location in Google Maps, you can also see which direction you’re facing.  Clever, though maybe a bit gimmicky right now, but this will come into its own with third-party turn-by-turn PND apps.

One of the things we’re most excited about is battery life, which Apple promise has been extended in the iPhone 3G S over the iPhone 3G.  We’re used to carrying around a Mophie Juicepack to top up the charge throughout the day; happily it’ll still be compatible with the iPhone 3G S, but we’re hoping it won’t be so necessary.

The physical design of the iPhone 3G S is still great – and the new oleophobic coating to the screen does a decent job of letting face-grease slide off with a single swipe against the nearest soft surface – though there’ll be fashionistas disappointed at no obvious way to flag up the fact they’ve the latest Apple device.  Of course, iPhone 3G owners have already been able to play with most of the new software features on the iPhone 3G S, thanks to OS 3.0 which was released on Wednesday.  That means cut, copy & paste support, horizontal QWERTY keyboards, Spotlight universal search, the new Voice Memos app, push notifications, MMS support (again, carrier dependent) and even unlocking the 3G’s Bluetooth to support the A2DP stereo profile.  Unfortunately neither the iPhone 3G or the new 3G S offer AVRCP, which means that even if your wireless headphones have play/pause and other buttons, you won’t be able to use them to control media playback.

You can bet we’ll be playing more with the iPhone 3G S over the rest of today and the weekend, in preparation for the full SlashGear review next week.  Until then, if you’ve any questions regarding the handset, let us know in the comments.

Full gallery after the cut

Unlike the sidewalk-spanning lines in 2007 and 2008, this time Apple only needed to cordon off their immediate area.  We’re putting all this down to a glut of online orders with people expecting a visit from their friendly UPS person sometime today; allowing iTunes activations at home might not lead to camera-friendly swathes of people outside your store, but it does make life a whole lot smoother for those working inside it!

Later on this morning we’ll be sitting down with Apple’s VP for a chance to ask some questions about the new smartphone and what they think about rival devices from Palm, Microsoft and others.  Of course, we’ll also have our own first-impressions of the iPhone 3G S itself, so keep reading SlashGear!

Unlike the iPhone 3G launch last July, reports suggest that there hasn’t been the same frantic queuing outside stores for this new device.  That’s partly because Apple have loosened up their activation procedure this time around; while the iPhone 3G had to be activated in-store (and in fact still does: if you give your old handset to someone new, they’ll need to take it into an AT&T store to activate it to their account), the iPhone 3G S is offered with home-delivery and can be activated via iTunes.

However many would-be iPhone 3G S buyers are still caught up in lengthy contracts, and don’t qualify for subsidized pricing on the new smartphone.  That, plus a feature-set that’s being seen as incremental rather than revolutionary, has led some analysts to predict that sales figures may not match those in the iPhone 3G rush last year.  We’re headed to pick up our own iPhone 3G S from Apple’s New York flagship store, and several other members of the team are expecting visits from UPS today; keep reading SlashGear for live photos and video!

The source also went on to say that MMS support on AT&T is expected in mid-July, earlier perhaps than the carrier led us to believe with their “end of the summer” promises.  AT&T have already confirmed that MMS messages will be charged the same as SMS messages.

Still, $55 per month to use your iPhone as a 3G modem is very steep, and there’s no word on exactly what sort of allowance you can expect for that.  UK carrier O2 charge £14.68 ($24) for 3GB per month or £29.36 ($48) for 10GB.

[via IntoMobile]

The store was selling the iPhone 3G S from midnight local time on July 19th, which basically means 6PM EST on July 18th.  RapidRepair couldn’t even wait to get home to get things started, so the first iPhone 3G S breakdown was done in a nearby Mac repair store.

It’s early days for identifying components, but already the obvious differences with the iPhone 3G have been spotted.  The LCD has a new driver package, and components on the end of the cable have been changed.  The battery in the new smartphone “looks very similar” to that of the previous, though compatibility is not confirmed as yet. 

The brains of the iPhone 3G S is its Samsung SoC S5PC100, with an ARM Cortex A8 processor and Toshiba NAND flash memory.  Previous leaks suggested it runs at 600MHz and has 256MB of RAM; for full implications of the changes, and what the new SoC brings, AnandTech have a summary.

If you’ve left things to chance, or find that the urge to pick up an iPhone 3G S sneaks up on you unexpectedly, remaining handsets in-stock will be available first-come, first-serve from the start of normal business hours; that’s likely to be 9am, but it’s worth checking with your local store to be sure.

Only one iPhone 3G S will be available per new subscriber, priced at $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model.  If you’re a current subscriber, it’s worth checking AT&T’s new subsidy scheme to see if you quality; otherwise you’re looking at $399 and $499 to upgrade for the 16GB and 32GB models respectively.  Existing customers can buy one iPhone 3G S per eligible phone number, while online shoppers can buy one per household.

With all that in mind, who is planning on picking up an Apple iPhone 3G S tomorrow?  Let us know in the comments.

iPhone 3G S distribution center:

Press Release:

iPhone 3G S Available at AT&T Tomorrow

Locations Open Early at 7 a.m. for Customers Who Preordered in Store

AT&T* begins selling iPhone 3G S nationwide tomorrow morning in its more than 2,200 company-owned retail locations. In addition, AT&T today will begin shipping devices to customers who preordered online for arrival beginning tomorrow. iPhone 3G S will also be available tomorrow morning at all 211 U.S. Apple retail stores.

“The time is finally here. We’re more than ready to open our doors tomorrow and begin selling the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets. “We understand that customers are eager to get their hands on this great new device. So we’ve worked hard to make the experience as easy as possible.”

EARLY HOURS FOR PREORDER CUSTOMERS

Many customers have chosen to preorder iPhone 3G S in an AT&T store or online.

AT&T Store Preorders: Customers who preordered in AT&T stores can return to the same store beginning tomorrow morning, with their receipt, to pick up their order. Customers should be sure to check the e-mail notification they received for their actual arrival date as some preorders will arrive after June 19; dates are based on when preorders were made and available inventory. All stores will open at 7 a.m. local time to exclusively serve preorder customers whose orders are expected to arrive on June 19. Any customer is welcome to visit beginning at normal business hours, at which point all customers will be served on a “first come, first served” basis.

att.com Preorders: Customers who preordered online will have their iPhone 3G S shipped to their home or office beginning tomorrow. Customers should be sure to examine their e-mail notification for their actual arrival date as some preorders will arrive after June 19; dates are based on when preorders were made and available inventory.

PRICING

AT&T will offer iPhone 3G S at a variety of attractive prices:

$199 (16GB) and $299 (32GB) for all new AT&T customers and existing AT&T customers who have fulfilled their previous agreement. In addition, AT&T yesterday extended this pricing to iPhone 3G customers who will be eligible for a full upgrade in July, August, or September 2009.
$399 (16GB) and $499 (32GB) for existing AT&T customers who have not yet fulfilled their existing agreement but would like an early upgrade to iPhone 3G S. This early upgrade option is exclusively available for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S.
Prices above require a two-year service commitment and approved voice and data plan. Options are available to purchase these phones without a two-year contract commitment.

Existing AT&T customers can easily check their upgrade eligibility at www.att.com/iPhone or by visiting any AT&T company-owned retail store. Customers can also call *NEW# (*639#) from their AT&T handset to receive a text message with information on upgrade eligibility.

CONSUMER PLANS

AT&T customers can choose from several monthly plans that start as low as $69.99 per month for voice and unlimited data (e-mail and Web browsing). All iPhone plans include nationwide long distance and roaming, Visual Voicemail, Rollover®, and unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling.

AT&T FamilyTalk® offers extra value for families who share minutes. Plans start as low as $129.99 a month for two iPhone lines with bundled voice and unlimited data. Up to three additional iPhone lines can be added for $39.99 each.

BUSINESS PLANS

Small business customers may qualify for AT&T BusinessTalk®, a shared minute plan specifically for small businesses. Companies can share up to 20,000 minutes per month between as many as 40 employees. In addition, business customers and employees of many businesses are eligible for discounted service rates. For more information, contact an AT&T business sales representative or visit www.att.com/iphoneforbusiness.

FEATURES

iPhone 3G S is packed with incredible new features including improved speed and performance — up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G — with longer battery life, a high-quality 3 megapixel autofocus camera, easy to use voice recording and hands free voice control. iPhone 3G S includes the new iPhone OS 3.0, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system.

Later this summer, AT&T will make multimedia messaging (MMS) available at no extra cost to customers with a text messaging bundle. And, in the future, AT&T will offer tethering capability for iPhone 3G S and iPhone 3G.

All iPhone 3G S customers receive access to more than 20,000 U.S. AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots. As part of the iPhone OS 3.0 software, authentication at AT&T hot spots is automatic, allowing customers to seamlessly switch from AT&T’s 3G network to an AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot without being prompted.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR CUSTOMERS BUYING ON JUNE 19

New AT&T customers who wish to port or retain their phone number from another wireless carrier should consider bringing a copy of a bill from their current service provider. Customers will be asked to provide account information as it appears on record with their current provider, including:

Account number
Name of the account holder
Account holder’s Social Security Number or Tax ID
Billing address
PIN or password (if applicable)
Initially, AT&T stores will sell one iPhone 3G S per person for new customers; existing customers may purchase one per eligible telephone number. Online shoppers may purchase one device per household.

Customers who inherit an iPhone 3G from a friend or family member will need to visit an AT&T store to activate their device. Customers who inherit an iPhone can request a SIM card from AT&T and activate at home using iTunes.

Customers should listen to voice mail messages on their current devices and write down any necessary information before purchasing iPhone 3G S, because existing voice mail messages will be lost switching devices.

AT&T will offer accessory bundle options specific to iPhone 3G S in its retail stores.

Additional news regarding iPhone 3G S will be posted in the AT&T Media Newsroom at www.att.com/iPhone_news.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verseSM and AT&T | DIRECTVSM brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T’s Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

One thing we know about iPhone users, though, is that if you show them a sign saying “no entry” they’ll work out a hack to enable it, and sure enough there’s now a simple way to turn on iPhone tethering no matter your carrier or tether-plan status.  All you need do, in fact, is visit help.BenM.at on your iPhone and install a new local carrier profile configuration file.

There are files for tethering on multiple carriers – not just the official Apple partner in each company, but rivals for those using their iPhone unlocked – and more apparently being added all the time.  Plus, there are install files for MMS support, including AT&T who have previously said that they won’t be officially enabling it on the iPhone until late summer.

This is one of those cases where “because you can” might not mean “you should”; carriers have been very clear now and previously as to the fact that tethering data is not considered part of an “unlimited” on-device data package.  If you do attempt it – and obviously there’s also risk in installing any software from an unknown site – then bear in mind your carrier will likely be monitoring data traffic to identify any unofficial tethering or MMS use.

Video explanation after the cut

That basically means that, if you’re a high-spending customer (e.g. you give AT&T more than $99 per month) and would generally be allowed to upgrade 12 or 18 months into a contract, you may be allowed to buy the iPhone 3G S 16GB for $199 or the 32GB version for $299.  That’s as opposed to paying $399 and $499 respectively, as is the “normal” early upgrade price.

If you’ve already pre-ordered the iPhone 3G S then AT&T will either reduce the price when you pick the handset up in store, or – if it’s shipped direct to you – they’ll email you with a credit code.  You’ll be able to find out if you’re eligible for the new pricing from tomorrow, either by logging in to AT&T’s site or calling them up.  More in the AT&T FAQ here.

Press Release:

AN UPDATE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

Some customers have had questions about our plans and policies for iPhone 3G S, and we’d like to provide you with answers. We’d also like to announce a change to the date when some iPhone customers are eligible for our best upgrade pricing to iPhone 3G S.

PRICING
Importantly, we want our customers to better understand our wireless device upgrade program. Like most U.S. carriers, we offer a variety of phones that we sell below our actual cost when customers agree to sign service agreements. In general, the more a customer spends with us, the quicker they become eligible for a price break on a new device. For example, iPhone customers who spend more than $99 a month per line with us generally are eligible for an upgrade between 12 and 18 months into their contract.
We also currently offer early upgrade pricing only for iPhone 3G S and iPhone 3G.

All of that said, we’ve been listening to our customers. And since many of our iPhone 3G customers are early adopters and literally weeks shy of being upgrade eligible due to iPhone 3G S launching 11 months after iPhone 3G, we’re extending the window of upgrade eligibility for a limited time.

We’re now pleased to offer our iPhone 3G customers who are upgrade eligible in July, August or September 2009 our best upgrade pricing, beginning Thursday, June 18.

If you’re one of the many customers who will benefit from this change, please note that our upgrade eligibility tools will reflect this change on Thursday, June 18.

We invite you to come to our stores beginning Friday during normal store hours, although please be aware that customer demand may exceed supply in some of our stores. You may also preorder online on June 18 at www.att.com/iPhone, and your iPhone 3G S will arrive in 7 – 14 days. Or you can purchase iPhone 3G S at Apple’s retail and online stores, as well as at other popular retailers.

If you’re one of the customers who benefits from this change, and you’ve already preordered from an AT&T store, we’ll adjust the price of the device when you pick it up. If you benefit from the change and you pre-ordered from AT&T online, we’ll send you an e-mail and issue you a credit.

If you pre-ordered an iPhone 3G S through Apple’s online store, your upgrade eligibility will be reassessed based on AT&T’s new upgrade policy for iPhone 3G owners. If you are eligible for the lower price, Apple will issue you a credit for the difference as applicable.

So, what if you still aren’t eligible for our best upgrade pricing and you still want iPhone 3G S now? You do have options:

· You may qualify for the iPhone 3G S early upgrade price of $399 (16GB) or $499 (32GB).

· You can pay full retail—and not have to sign a 2-year contract—at $599 (16GB) or $699 (32GB).

· You can wait until you’re eligible for our best upgrade pricing. We invite you to check your upgrade eligibility by visiting www.att.com/iphone, calling *NEW# (*639#) on your AT&T device (we’ll send you a text with upgrade information), or visiting any of our over 2,200 stores.

If you want more details on our pricing and upgrade policy, check out our FAQs (here). And as always, you may visit one of our stores to talk with a representative.

IN SUMMARY
We’ve listened to our customers — and hope our response helps answer some of your questions and concerns.

We are incredibly proud to be the U.S. carrier for the new iPhone 3G S and will work around the clock to be ready on June 19 to serve customers who are interested in the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet.

The upgrade is free for iPhone and iPhone 3G users, and will come as standard on the new iPhone 3G S when that launches this Friday.  It’s also available for iPod touch owners, but they’ll be charged $9.95 for the privilege.

As you might expect, Apple’s servers are currently under huge strain, and speeds are right down.  To update, hook up your iPhone or iPod touch to iTunes and hit the update button; we’re doing the same, so let us know how you get on in the comments.

Video demo after the cut

yellowsn0w will get its release shortly after Apple push out iPhone OS 3.0 – the Dev Team are being cautious, so as not to give Cupertino’s engineers any time to scupper the jailbreak/unlock setup – but ultrasn0w won’t see daylight until Friday at the earliest.  There’s no telling right now as to whether the iPhone 3G S can be jailbroken and then unlocked.

As ever, the tools to do all this will be free – if someone is trying to charge you, they’re not legit.  In the video below, skip to around the two-minute mark to see the actual unlock demo. 

Unlike the iPhone 3G, which had to be activated in either an Apple or AT&T store, the iPhone 3G S can be activated at home through iTunes.  That allowed many people to preorder their new handset online, rather than face queuing on Friday morning when stores begin to sell the iPhone 3G S.

There’s discussion now of whether buyers can physically go down to their local UPS depot and collect the package, or whether the courier will not release it until they’ve had confirmation from Apple.  It seems likely that the latter is the case, unless you can sweet-talk/bribe/blackmail your local branch.

If Apple isn’t your choice of platform, then we also unboxed HTC’s new flagship Windows Mobile smartphone, the Touch Pro2.  A slide-out QWERTY keyboard, huge touchscreen and more connectivity than you could legitimately ask for, we’ll have the full review this coming week. 

Meanwhile, we also reviewed Amazon’s latest ebook reader, the 9.7-inch Kindle DX.  Aimed at students, newspaper & magazine addicts and businesses, the big question is whether it offers a realistic leap over the Kindle 2 that’s around $100 cheaper.  Finally, we featured our review of Sleek Audio’s CT6 Custom earphones, individually molded to the wearer’s ear-canal and promising tailored audio. 

Elsewhere, we saw the Palm Pre jailbroken and running Doom, heard a glowing review of the Viliv X70 UMPC, and saw leaked details of Intel’s upcoming Atom CPU range.  There were also hands-on videos of Pixel Qi’s incredible 3Qi low-power display, leaked photos of Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X2, and confirmation that the Nokia N97 and N86 8MP were both arriving in stores across America.  Archos also held their long-awaited press conference, sadly not delivering the Android MID we’d been promised but dropping the Windows 7 Archos 9 UMPC instead.

The original iPhone and iPhone 3G both used a 412MHz processor, and each had 128MB of RAM.  These figures fit in roughly with Apple’s claim that the iPhone 3G S is around twice as fast on average as the last-gen hardware; it also slots the handset back into the number one spot above the second-gen iPod touch, which has a 532MHz CPU.

We’re still waiting for hands-on time with the iPhone 3G S to see exactly the extent of the difference that the hardware changes really make.  The iPhone 3G S lands on June 19th, priced at $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model; more details here.

[via MacDailyNews]

Video demo after the cut

There’s no actual battery in the case, like with the Mophie JuicePack, but a micro-USB port on the side of the Bluetooth nook charges both the headset and the phone at the same time.  According to MoGo the headset, which is a mere 5mm thick, lasts for up to 4hrs of talktime or a week of standby.

A small launch of the MoGo Talk will happen in July, with the iPhone version priced at $99, while a full-scale launch in AT&T and Apple stores is expected later in 2009.  Apparently they’re also planning versions for other phones in future.

[via GottaBeMobile]

OpenGL ES is the cut-down version of OpenGL, offering 3D rendering APIs, and in its 1.1 format is already supported by the iPhone and iPhone 3G.  ES 1.1 apps will run on the new iPhone 3G S, as 2.0 is backward compatible, but ES 2.0 apps will simply refuse to run on the older phones.  One workaround is ES 2.0 emulating ES 1.1′s fixed-function graphics pipeline using its new shader technology, but that will require developers to specifically code a dual-version app.

Apple have already quietly confirmed that the App Store will soon be made up of software titles that don’t necessarily run on both existing iPhones, seemingly presuming that many coders won’t bother to produce a dual-version app with the necessary shader emulation.  In their iPhone SDK documentation, they suggest developers consider whether they’re more interested in mass appeal or the advanced of the OpenGL ES platforms:

“When designing your OpenGL ES application, the first question you must answer is whether your application will support OpenGL ES 1.1, OpenGL ES 2.0, or both… Your application should target OpenGL ES 1.1 if you want to support all iPhones and iPod touches.”

Video tour of the iPhone 3G S after the cut

Nelson, star of the video (along with the new iPhone), apparently works at one of Apple’s retail stores.  He also has all the details on the new handset, “the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet”.

If you’ve been waiting to see the iPhone 3G S’ new 3-megapixel camera, video recording and digital compass, together with all the iPhone OS 3.0 features, then here’s the video for you.  The new iPhone goes on sale on June 19th, and is available to preorder now: it’s priced at $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model.

There are also POIs (points of interest) that can optionally be displayed along the route, and both portrait and landscape orientations for making best use of the iPhone 3G and 3G S display whether in the car or on-foot.  MobileNavigator integrates with the iPhone’s contacts, offering one-touch directions, and should a call come in during the journey the route will automatically resume once you hang up.

Both a Lite version (with no directions, but browsable maps and POIs) and the full version will go on sale June 17th, through the App Store.  No word on pricing as yet, nor whether there’ll be an optional car kit as with the TomTom system, but hopefully a little competition in the market will encourage each company to keep costs down. 

Press Release:

NAVIGON takes off first: MobileNavigator now also leads the way on the iPhone already in June

To turn the iPhone 3G and the forthcoming iPhone 3G S into an innovative navigator, you only need two “ingredients”: the new Apple OS 3.0 operating system and the MobileNavigator from NAVIGON. By June iPhone users will be able to turn their phones into a handy, convenient navigation device with the professional software from NAVIGON for the first time.

Hamburg, 9th of June 2009 – Lunch break. Time to eat and a chance to send private emails, make phone calls and to relax listening to songs from your own playlist. Now and again checking the status of online bidding, and taking a funny photo of a colleague. One thing is for sure, there’s hardly another smartphone on the market that makes multitasking so much fun as the iPhone. And soon users will be able to have themselves navigated from the office to the new Italian restaurant in town. All that‘s needed is an iPhone running on the new Apple OS 3.0 operating system – and the MobileNavigator from NAVIGON.

Before the end of this month iPhone users will be able to kit out their smartphones with the professional navigation software from App Stores across the globe. “With the new OS 3.0 operating system, Apple has made the use of navigation software on the iPhone possible, and NAVIGON has quickly managed to adapt the MobileNavigator software to the new firmware. The iPhone can now be transformed into a versatile, fully functional navigator”, quotes Egon Minar, CEO of NAVIGON AG.

Alternative in the App Store

When equipped with the MobileNavigator software, the iPhone 3G (with Apple OS 3.0 operating system) and the iPhone 3G S guide their users safely to their destination – with updated map material and intelligent navigation.

The package includes well-known functions such as Reality View Pro, Real Roadsign Pro, Lane Assistant Pro, Speed Assistant, Day & Night Mode, amongst others, as well as the option of displaying POIs along the route. With this range of functions, Mobile Navigator stands out from its competition on the market – also by the fact that the typical user functions of the iPhone have been implemented seamlessly in order to make navigation using the iPhone and NAVIGON software even more enjoyable. If you turn the iPhone 90 degrees, then the display switches automatically from portrait to landscape view. As well as this automatic display adjustment, and the intelligent address entry, there is also the option of navigating directly to an address from saved contacts. If navigation is interrupted by a telephone call then navigation is resumed automatically after the call has ended.

“This allows iPhone users to navigate wherever they are, whenever they want – conveniently and while on the move,” states Egon Minar.

Within this month MobileNavigator will be available in the international AppStore where iPhone users can choose between various options. One option is the LITE Version available for free, with no active route guidance, but with map material and the possibility to display POIs (points of interest) in the vicinity. Another option is the full version, which navigates users quickly and reliably to their destination.

The prices for the full version will be released by the AppStore at the launch.

About NAVIGON:

NAVIGON AG is a world-leading manufacturer of navigation systems. With its own portable navigation systems, and thanks to its partnership with reputable consumer electronics manufacturers, NAVIGON stands for high-quality GPS navigation on pocket PCs, PNDs and mobile phones. NAVIGON also provides professional navigation solutions such as driver-assistance features for the automotive OEM market. NAVIGON was founded in 1991, and employs over 400 workers in locations in Asia, Europe and North America. – NAVIGON. And the world is yours.

TomTom’s may have been the most memorable demonstration, but there were also iPhone OS 3.0 software appearances from Line 6, and ScrollMotion with their Iceberg ebook reader that supports in-app downloads of magazines, papers and over 1m ebooks.  Not all of the demonstrations went quite to plan, though, so if you have a dark, secretive urge to see Apple keynotes fall a little flat, then this is the video for you.

We’ll have hands-on time with Apple’s new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro notebooks in a few hours time, so make sure to check back later for all our first impressions.  As to the iPhone 3G S, are you considering upgrading?  Let us know in the comments.

Cut-price iPhone 3G 16GB details after the cut, plus 3G S upgrade costs

If you’d rather the larger-capacity 16GB iPhone 3G, then you’ve still got a chance to pick one up with a sizable 50-percent discount.  AT&T are selling the handset for $149 (with a new two-year contract), though because it’s “end of life” and Apple do not intend to keep it on sale alongside the 3G S, you’ll need to act pretty fast before stocks run out. 

All well and good, but if you’re currently in the grip of an AT&T contract – not just for the iPhone 3G, but for any device – then the prices for the Apple smartphones aren’t quite so appealing.  The 8GB iPhone 3G is $299 for those still mid-contract, while the 16GB and 32GB iPhone 3G S are $399 and $499 respectively.

Video demo after the cut

There’s also portrait and landscape modes, with the mapping automatically rotating to suite.  TomTom have given the app a night mode, which changes the colors to low-glare alternatives, and the car kit will support the iPhone in both orientations.

The kit also supplies power to the iPhone, and can be used to “enhance GPS data” presumably with some sort of integrated GPS antenna of its own.  Meanwhile it also has a speaker and microphone for hands-free calls.  We don’t yet know how much software or car kit will cost, though something tells us it won’t be all that cheap.

Tethering means that iPhone owners will be able to connect their handset up to their PC or Mac and use its 3G connection to get online.  Both Bluetooth and USB hook-ups will be supported, and no specific software is needed.  According to Apple, 22 carriers have announced support for tethering as of OS 3.0′s June 17th release, though frustratingly AT&T does not appear to be one of them.

Find My iPhone is a location service available to MobileMe subscribers, and allows a lost or misplaced iPhone to be tracked by GPS.  It can then be instructed to make a noise – even when set to silent – or display an on-screen message; if properly lost, not just misplaced, the iPhone can be remotely wiped.

As for Safari, that gets 3x faster JavaScript and the same HTTP audio and video streaming as in QuickTime X.  Autofill uses contacts information and stored passwords to fill in forms, and there’s also HTML 5 support including video and audio tags. 

Apple also announced that iPhone users will be able to rent and purchase movies on their handset, together with audiobooks, and download them across the 3G network.  iPhone OS 3.0 will be a free upgrade to original and 3G iPhone owners, while iPod touch owners will be charged $9.95 for the upgrade.

Specifically, messaging is 2.1x faster, games are around 2.4x faster, Excel is 3.6x faster, Javascript is 3x faster and the NY Times loads 2.9x faster.  Battery life is rated at 5hrs 3G talktime, 9hrs WiFi internet browsing, 10hrs video playback, 30hrs audio playback, or 12hrs 2G talktime.

Videos are saved in with photos in the Pictures app, and can be played, edited and sent by email or MMS.  There’s also a built-in digital compass and Nike+ support, while Apple have also boosted hands-free usability by introducing a voice control mode.  Holding down the home button calls up a new voice control menu, which allows voice dialing together with control of iTunes.  You can instruct the iPhone 3G S to play certain tracks, play “more tracks like this” and ask for a verbal confirmation of what music is currently playing.

The iPhone 3G S will go on sale alongside the iPhone 3G 8GB, which has a price cut – effective today – to $99 in the US on AT&T.  The iPhone 3G S arrives in US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and UK on June 19th; in the US, it’ll be priced at $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model.