A big thanks to Engadget, CrunchGear (MobileCrunch) and GDGT. A big sorry to Gizmodo… hang in there guys!

App store… HTML5… blah blah blah… Netflix streaming on iPhone/iPad free? Now that is some news!

I could go on listing everything the new iPhone 4 has, but why bother when you can check out the lists at Gdgt, Engadget, CrunchGear, Gizmodo, c|net and other sources. Here is what I think…

1. Apple has some of the best engineers to make the new iPhone thinner, smaller and faster.  The new antenna system is very innovative and should be better than what is currently available.
2. Apple has also made everything that can be done on previous phones (not necessarily from this country) easy: FaceTime (video chatting has been around on phones in Japan before here… the EVO has it and was released before iPhone 4… albeit 3 days earlier), multitasking, picture taking, video editing (for an extra $5)
3. Not thrilled about Apple sticking with AT&T.  Here are some more bullet points!
   1. AT&T is allowing people who have contracts that expire within the next 6 months to get the special pricing.  Why? To lock them in because something better is going to come out.  It is the same for those who don’t have the special pricing.  It is still lower than the price without a contract ($399/499 upgrade; $599/699 no contract).
   2. New AT&T customers are subjected to at $25/mo data fee that only allows up to 2GB of data a month.  For an extra $10, you get an extra 1GB… which is nothing!  OH! And add another $20/mo for tethering (which means you can hook your phone up to your laptop and use it as a modem).
4. I want one…
   1. My iPod touch is busted which means a 32GB iPhone 4 is the same price as a 32GB iPod Touch.
   2. I currently pay $60/mo for a broadband data plan.  Price of iPhone with tethering? $85 ($95 if I use up to 3GB).  That is only $25-35 more a month for a fully functional phone/surfing device and I can tether.
   3. HD videos.  I record a lot of videos.  It would be nice to film with just my phone at games, concerts, etc.  Nice and handy esp. with iMovie for the phone.
   4. I will cancel my AT&T contract next June once Verizon gets their 4G phones in line.  I will suck up the $205 termination fee ($325 – $10/mo for each month while on contract)
5. Speaking of 4G, the next iPhone next year will be the iPhone 4G… for Verizon…

But now, in comes Apple, owners of almost 26% of the smartphone market with the iPhone.  The iPhone… one of the most revolutionary tech devices out there.  And then there is HTC, makers of cell phones and smartphones primarily Windows and Android based.  With the latest HTC phones such as the Nexus One, Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile subscribers have been tempted to leave the omnipotent iPhone for the Google Nexus One, which is also available for AT&T.  And for good reason too as the iPhone does not yet support multi-tasking and/or Flash-based applications.

Users are moving from a “closed source” platform to an “open source” platform but not if Apple has anything to say about it.  Apple has recently filed a lawsuit against HTC on 20 patent infringements.  20!

So what I have done to day is compiled a list of links from the start of the lawsuits, to the 20 patent infringements, to HTC’s response.  Next week, I hope to have a roundtable podcast on each of the patents.  Read up now so you can follow along next week!

The Lawsuit:
CrunchGear (MobileCrunch)
Engadget
Gizmodo

The Patents in Question:
Engadget
Gizmodo

HTC’s Response:
Engadget
Gizmodo

Google’s Response:
Engadget
TechCrunch

OH! What was that Steve?
Gizmodo

Other related lawsuit posts:
CrunchGear
Engadget
Gizmodo
HTC now hiring – Engadget

• Vizio VBR100 Blu-ray player. To get one, currently only available at Wal-Mart. [Engadget]
• A look at the Motorola Morrison Android phone. [Engadget]
• RF remote without wall limitations [Engadget]
• Here is a video on the Zune HD inferface. [Engadget]
• Toshiba went Blu-Ray… finally! [CrunchGear]

1. The “S” in the iPhone 3GS is for the support for the faster 7.2 Mbps 3G standard or in Apple’s case… “speed.”  The problem is that AT&T’s network isn’t quite ready for the 7.2Mbps (see prior post).  While some cities are already experiencing this, the majority of the US won’t see it until 2010 or even 2011 in some locations.  Again, with Verizon’s LTE due out next year, these speeds will exceed 7.2Mbps which would not only make for a better “network gaming” platform, but for better download speeds and tethering.
2. Tethering… AT&T still isn’t ready for this.  It should be something as simple as plug and play like BlackBerrys have, but I think AT&T is pondering the idea of charging an additional $70 for unlimited data tethering on top of the already exisiting phone and data plan of roughly $70.  And when I say unlimited, it usually means a cap of 5GB/month.  Wouldn’t it be easier to just get a wireless broadband card instead? [BGR via Gizmodo]
3. MMS is another built in service with most cell phones now, sending pictures, videos, songs or even sexting if you are adventurous… but again, this service is delayed with AT&T.  As Gizmodo puts it “MMS [has] been around for literally years” but for the 3GS, not until later this summer.  Rumor has it that:
   

   “According to BGR, the reason AT&T isn’t going to be ready with MMS at launch is not because of any new pricing plan—it’s because of Opt-Out MMS codes. Apparently, because people were using MMS with the iPhone 3.0 betas, AT&T put an opt-out on all iPhone accounts. So, theoretically, if AT&T manually (yes…manually) removes all of these opt-outs, MMS would work just fine.”

   This should have been resolved before the 3GS release and if I were Apple, I wouldn’t be too happy about not giving our biggest customers (the United States) the best and fastest service available.

4. And the cost?  AT&T is desparate for new customers.  Verizon still has the biggest subscriber pool after absorbing Alltel.  So of course AT&T would have lower prices for the new 3GS for new customers.  Prices of $99 for 8GB version, $199 for 16GB version, $299 for 32GB version would entice anyone… even me (except for the fact I have will power and will wait until next year).  But what about your faithful customers who have stuck by you for so long?  You know, those early adopters of the iPhone 3G?  Well, if you fall into this category, you are screwed!  From Apple’s website:
   

   “For non-qualified customers, including existing AT&T customers who want to upgrade from another phone or replace an iPhone 3G, the price with a new two-year agreement is $499 (8GB), $599 (16GB), or $699 (32GB).”

   … awesome!

Don’t forget, these are just my opinions and theories just like Tom.  Take a read of what he has to say about this too!

[Flickr]

With a faster network, Verizon will be able to sustain downloads of music, videos and other stuff the current iPhone can do, only much faster.  And I think Verizon learned it’s lesson by not going to the iPhone in the first place…

[Thanks to Gizmodo and CrunchGear with Image from BloggingStocks]

Oh yea… and the Verizon/iPhone rumors can be found here, here, here, and here.

Hit the bump to read the AT&T press release.

AT&T TO DELIVER 3G MOBILE BROADBAND SPEED BOOST

Initiatives will Deliver Faster Speeds, Enhancements to Mobile Broadband Performance, Availability

DALLAS, May 27, 2009 – AT&T* today announced plans to upgrade the nation’s fastest 3G network to deliver considerably faster mobile broadband speeds. The network upgrades are slated to begin later this year, with completion expected in 2011.

The upgrade to High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is part of AT&T’s plan for continued investments to deliver the nation’s best mobile broadband experience – the ideal combination of speed, coverage and best device line-up. AT&T today has the nation’s fastest 3G network and has attracted more than twice the number of smartphone users than any other competitor.

With its network built on the 3G UMTS technology that is commonly deployed throughout the world, AT&T can boost the speed of its mobile broadband network and offer a wide variety of devices to take advantage of it well in advance of 2011-2012, when most industry observers expect 4G LTE networks and device availability to scale. AT&T plans to begin LTE trials in 2010, with deployment beginning in 2011.

In addition to the planned speed upgrade, AT&T is enhancing its mobile broadband coverage by nearly doubling the wireless spectrum dedicated to 3G in most metropolitan areas to deliver stronger in-building reception and more overall network capacity. Also, AT&T is adding thousands of new cell site backhaul connections to support the higher mobile broadband speeds enabled by HSPA 7.2 and LTE.

“AT&T’s network infrastructure gives us a tremendous advantage in that we’re able to deliver upgrades in mobile broadband speed and performance with our existing technology platform,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With the array of smartphones, laptops and emerging devices taking advantage of AT&T’s 3G network today, we know that customers are excited to experience higher mobile broadband speeds, and we are deploying the right technologies at the right times to help them get the most from that experience.”

The upgraded network platform could allow for theoretical peak speeds of 7.2Mbps. Typical real-world downlink and uplink speeds experienced by customers with upgraded 3G will be less than the theoretical peak and will vary based on a number of factors, including location, device, and overall traffic on the local network at a given time.

AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband network is now available in nearly 350 U.S. major metropolitan areas, with about 20 additional metro areas planned for deployment in 2009. The HSPA 7.2 technology will be deployed widely in the network, with the benefits of the network upgrade to be announced on a local basis as the faster speeds are turned up. AT&T will introduce multiple HSPA 7.2-compatible laptop cards and smartphones beginning later this year.

The speed upgrade is one of several ongoing initiatives to expand and enhance AT&T’s mobile broadband service. Other key projects in 2009 include:
• Near-Doubling Radio Frequency Capacity. In 2008 and 2009 to date, high-quality 850 MHz spectrum has been deployed in more than half of AT&T’s 3G network footprint to improve overall coverage and in-building reception, with additional markets planned for later in the year.
• More Bandwidth to Cell Sites. We are adding fiber-optic connectivity and additional capacity to thousands of cell sites across the country this year, expanding the critical connections that deliver traffic from a cell site into the global IP backbone network. These upgrades will support the higher mobile broadband speeds enabled by both HSPA 7.2 and LTE.
• More Cell Sites. Deployment of about 2,100 new cell sites across the country.
• Wi-Fi Integration. Many AT&T smartphones will be able to switch seamlessly between 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity. AT&T customers with qualifying smartphone and 3G LaptopConnect plans have access to the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network – more than 20,000 hotspots, including locations in all 50 states – at no additional charge. AT&T’s global Wi-Fi footprint covers more than 90,000 hotspots, and AT&T also can create permanent or temporary extended Wi-Fi zones in areas with high 3G network use, like a grouping of hotels or a festival.
• MicroCells. Customer trials leading toward general availability of AT&T 3G MicroCell offerings, which utilize femtocells to enhance in-building wireless coverage.

Capital investment for these projects fits within AT&T’s previously outlined expectation of total capital expenditures for 2009, targeted toward the $17 billion to $18 billion range. AT&T matches this network investment with unsurpassed choice in the range of devices, services and applications compatible with its 3G network. AT&T offers a wide variety of devices from more than a dozen manufacturers, including handsets that are compatible with six different operating systems and five different e-mail applications. Our Media Mall 2.0 offers more than 90,000 content options, and customers can download additional applications over the Internet. Additionally, AT&T supports a community of more than 20,000 application developers via its devCentral portal.

HSPA 7.2 is part of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies, which include GSM and UMTS. Emerging LTE technology is also part of the 3GPP technology roadmap, enabling AT&T’s network to offer backward compatibility, or the ability for users with qualifying devices to seamlessly switch among 4G LTE, 3G and 2G service areas to maintain the fastest-available connection. This availability will be critical for customers in the early years of LTE deployment across the industry, when access to LTE service will be geographically limited.

*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 wireless 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.

• Next time you go on a trip, maybe this cigarette charger will come in handy! [engadget]
• The world’s oldest carmera [gizmodo]
• ASUS introduces on-the-fly overclocking station [engadget]
• A look at Samsoung’s 8-inch digiframe monitor [engadget]
• Dell Studio XPS 13 with Ubuntu installed! [engadget]
• AT&T first Android phone [gizmodo]

Well soon enough we may not see anymore Alltel commercials, and there goes my drinking ga.. I mean mini-game! As of earlier today, Verizon has announced it will adopt Alltel’s “My Circle” as “Friends and Family” in Verizon-speak.

This is great news for the legacy Alltel customers, and as the news was released: all current and future Verizon customers. I’m sure most of the Alltel users were afraid that THE drawing point Alltel had on the market would be digested by the tasty Alltel merger meal. This actually is a great move as now both T-Mobile and Verizon both have a Favorite-based feature (MyFaves vs. My Circle).

There is no word yet as to when the My Circle option will be available, but at least its out there. Even though the Storm hasn’t hit the market as well as they hoped (though those damn commercials aren’t stopping anytime soon), this move can only help Verizon continue it’s push to be the largest (non-3G speed) 3G network.

Thanks Engadget

But again, the price… You can pre-order the Storm from Best Buy for $50 but as to the actual price, it should be anywhere from $199 to $299. Sounds great right? Well it should as RIM and Verizon need to keep up with Apple and AT&T’s competitive prices with the iPhone. But there are other speculations that the phone’s retail value is $549 and that the price would be a bit higher than $299 at worse.

To create a rumor of my own: The price will be $199 with a 2 year contract. They need to keep up with the competition and they need more users. But I don’t think that will be a problem. And as for discounts for people with Verizon’s “Every Two,” if AT&T didn’t do it, I wouldn’t expect Verizon to do the same. With a bad economy, they need to make every buck they can.

And in other news, Circuit City has just filed for Chapter 11 (bankruptcy). We’ll see what happens to the huge franchise. I think they should stay as Best Buy needs competition. And don’t forget, competition means lower prices!

UPDATE (11/11/08): Pricing has come out for the Storm and it is listed at $219 with a 2-year contract. Not a bad deal! Check out the picture below: Thanks to HowardForums via Engadget

One can only hope that this “test run” proves useless, because otherwise AT&T subscribers can probably expect this pattern of behavior to spread throughout the country.  We here at TNMS aren’t shy about our disdain for limiting what used to be called unlimited Internet.  Shame to AT&T as they fall in line with the other desperate broadband companies who choose bandaids to solutions that require surgery.  Until these behemoths of comm start laying down new infrastructure, we will probably continue to feel the squeeze.

Gizmodo – AT&T Monthly Bandwidth Caps Are Here

• BlackBerry Bold for AT&T launch date set for October 27th… at least that’s the rumor… – Gizmodo
• Speaking of AT&T, they want to make sure you are always connected to the internet with their new “internet-connected gadgets division” – Gizmodo
• And while we are on the topic of cell phones, if you’ve gotten a ticket for driving while on your cell phone without a headset, headsets.com will be giving free headsets for the first 734 claims – CrunchGear
• The SlingCatcher is out! The device lets you watch anything connected to it from any TV – Engadget (see SlingBox for more info)
• Panasonic is working on new fuel cells to power your portable electronic devices using highly concentrated methanol – Engadget
• Windows Vista SP2 Beta invites are out (but only if you are special) – Gizmodo
• Dell Inspiron 9s have some problems with their hard drives – Gizmodo
• MacBook Pros have less battery power than the previous version – Gizmodo
• New MacBooks use new video processing power for HD video instead of CPU – Gizmodo
• New iMacs in a few weeks? Rumors are flying out! – Gizmodo
• And finally for the geek in you (especially in me since I was in a league), Star Wars bowling balls! If I was still bowling in my league, I’d totally get one! – Gizmodo