OH Boy! With only a few days before the WWDC (WorldWide Developers Conference for Apple), rumors are out there about the new iPhone 4G being announced this Monday. Will it come to Verizon? Probably not… John Johnson, a spokesperson from Verizon Wireless said that the iPhone won’t be coming to Verizon anytime soon. But can you really believe him (video after the bump)?

And then there is the iPad and how Verizon has been testing them already. Is this going to be the announcement on Monday?

It is going to be 1 looooong weekend!

[beet.tv]

And that is the story! How did Apple “mishandle” something so important and valuable and have it “fall” into the hands of a tech journalist who is now facing some serious allegations? [By the way, this story will have a lot of cross-references so keep up!]

Let’s start back with Engadget. I first came across their story about proof that the iPhone 4G does exist. Time stamped at April 18th 2010 4:03pm. The following day, Gizmodo has their full release. This time stamp is April 19th 2010 10am, about 18 hours after Engadget’s story, only with video, more details and analysis of the said device.

Doesn’t this seem fishy to you? Two major tech sites publishing about a fabled device that could smash the other competitor to the ground. And who came out on top?

Sure Gizmodo got the page hits and ads, even though they deny it. And then there is the buyout for the prototype device. But of course, there is the cover-up and the person “responsible” for the device and why it was “not a leak.“

Eventually, Apple asked for the phone back after they disabled it. But apparently, that wasn’t enough for Apple with the resulting search and recovery of said Gizmodo journalist’s home.

As for Engadget, they didn’t get fined but they probably saw an increase in website hits… so good for them!

So is this still a controlled leak? Or did “it” really hit the fan? If Apple pursues this lawsuit and takes Gawker and Gizmodo to court, and slaps them with a heafty fine, then it is the real deal and there was no leak. If Gawker/Gizmodo gets away with a small fine (< $50k), then you’ll know it was a leak.  But where will this end?  Media outlets will continue to find scoops and will the lawsuits continue to rain upon our parade?

And here is Dilbert!

My initial thoughts are… why just a preview? Why make the announcement today even though the developer’s pack is available now? Summer release? Is this to coincide with the new iPhone in June?

Sure, you can now make playlists on your iPhone/Touch, digital zoom, home screen wallpapers, SMS while in Apps, and with multitasking, but shouldn’t that have been there in the first place. I’ve been frustrated for years now, not being able to make playlists on the fly.

But for multitasking… Apple admits they aren’t the first ones to the game, but they want to make it the best… utilizing the home button as a mouse button and then being able to scroll through apps… not too shabby. And you can still access the multitasking tray when on the home screen.  But developers need to implement the API so that they can preserve battery life.

1.  But of the APIs, only 7 will be able to run in the background chosen because they are the most popular uses:  Audio (duh!), VoIP (which is great for Skype so you don’t end calls early (similar to a regular phone call)), background location (for GPS, turn-by-turn apps (music dims as directions become loud) and tracking), Push notification (this should have been there when push first came out but it is for local apps too), task completeion (to finish uploads in background), and fast-app switching.

2.  Folders?! Are you kidding me?  This is a great big facepalm!  Background wallpapers… this should have been there a long time ago too… it really shouldn’t have been that hard!

3.  Enhanced Mail:  bringing all mail accounts into 1 inbox and you can even organize by thread, open attachments… doesn’t my Blackberry already do this… like years ago?

4.  iBooks:  Great idea!  A bit harder to read books on the iPhone, but still a good idea.

5.  Enterprise features.  FINALLY!  email encryption, mobile device management, apps distribution, multiple exchange accounts, exchange server 2010 support, ssl vpn support

6.  Game Center:  I still don’t know about this… I love buttons and key bindings to make everything faster (ie Macros).  Just think Nintendo DS only for iPhone.

7.  iAd:  mobile advertising built into iPhone.  I dont know how I feel about advertisements on my phone, especially intrusive ones.  I think it is just a ploy for Apple to make more money since they are taking 40% of the cuts.  All in HTML5…

So for half of the reviewed “tentpoles” they seem to be great… the other half (folders, game center, enhanced mail) not so great.  But the bad news is that this is only available for the iPhone 3GS and 3rd gen iPod Touch.  While you can still upgrade everything else, Multitasking will not work on any older models.

So I guess I won’t be updating my Touch… I’ll just wait until Verizon gets it…

Meet the HTC Evo.  The world’s first 4G phone.  Yes, 4G, which is 10x faster than the current 3G phones out there.  Couple that with Sprint’s $69.99 Any Mobile, Anytime^SM and all of the specs:

• 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera!
• 8 megapixel rear camera
• Android
• 720p HDMI output
• 720p video recording
• Snapdragon 1GHz processor
• 4.3” 480×800 capacitive touchscreen
• 802.11 b/g wi-fi
• A built in kick-stand (for watching videos)
• an 8GB microSD card (that’s some storage for you!)
• AND it can act as a wi-fi hub for upto 8 connections (through 4G)

It is the last bullet point that really hits home.  I currently have an AT&T USB data card which is fine but if I can have a phone that does it for me at the same plan cost, and has 720p video recording, I am sold!  Check out the press release pics as well as the full press release below!

HTC EVOTM 4G
The ultimate multimedia experience at Sprint 4G speeds
The world’s first 3G/4G Android handset, exclusively from Sprint, HTC EVOTM 4G, offers a rich mobile Internet experience with a fully integrated suite of services built on the AndroidTM 2.1 platform. HTC EVO 4G includes a blazing-fast 1GHz Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM processor, the award-winning HTC SenseTM user experience, an 8.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD- capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera. The large vibrant 4.3 inch display, built-in kickstand, 3.5 mm headset jack and HDMI output make HTC EVO 4G an unparalleled platform for wireless entertainment. Download music, pictures, files, or videos in seconds – not minutes – and watch streaming video on the go on a network with download speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G speeds.1    With built-in mobile hotspot functionality, HTC EVO 4G also allows up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including laptop, camera, music player, video player and any other Wi-Fi-enabled device, to enjoy the benefits of 4G speeds on the go.

PRODUCTIVITY
3G/4G capability Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM QSD8650 (1GHz) processor 4.3” capacitive display with pinch-to-zoom and tactile feedback World-class HTML browser – bandwidth and quality that rival that of netbooks Android 2.1, with access to more than 30,000 apps on Android Market GoogleTM mobile services including Google SearchTM, Google MapsTM, Google TalkTM, GmailTM, YouTubeTM , and syncs with Google CalendarTM Access to Google GogglesTM to search with pictures instead of words Sprint Navigation, with turn-by-turn driving directions and 3D maps Updated HTC Sense, award-winning user experience, which includes Friend Stream to integrate Facebook, Twitter and more into a single flow of updates Visual voicemail Messaging – personal and business email, IM and text messaging 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability – connects up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices 4G data speeds (WiMAX) – peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps. 3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) – peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps.

ENTERTAINMENT
8MP autofocus camera with dual LED flash and 1.3MP front-facing camera High-quality video streaming and downloads at 3G and 4G data speeds Capture and share HD-quality video (720p) from your phone
-more-
Output pictures, slides and videos in HD quality (720p) via HDMI cable (sold separately) Live video sharing with Qik Built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing Media player with 3.5mm stereo headset jack
FM radio and Amazon MP3 store Sprint applications including Sprint TV® and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile(SM) Bluetooth® 2.1 with A2DP Stereo and EDR Built-in WiFi®: 802.11 b/g Digital compass, G-Sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor, GPS Expandable memory: 8GB microSD card included; supports up to 32GB

SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 4.8″ x 2.6″ x .5″ (LxWxT) Weight: 6 ounces Main display: 4.3” WVGA (800×480) 65K colors Standard removable 1500mAh Lithium (Li-on) battery Memory: 1GB ROM, 512MB RAM
1 “Up to 10x faster” based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Industry published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. Sprint 4G currently available in over 25 markets and counting, and on select devices. See www.sprint.com/4G for details. Not all services available on 4G and coverage may default to 3G/separate network where 4G unavailable.
Note: Device features, specifications, services and applications are subject to change.

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

The Xpal XP8000 (Amos) from Energizer provides portable battery power (see hours below) to many small peripherals, iPhones/cell phones, iPods/mp3 players as well as netbooks. But the best part about this portable power is the free tips for life. Not really free… you do need to pay for shipping and handling and you only get 2 a year. But it isn’t like you need a lot since they do give you about 15 tips to begin with… and you can use your current USB power cable to charge devices. Otherwise, this was a great buy, fits neatly in my leather portfolio with my netbook and digital camera. Everything I need for a conference.

By the way, it also worked nicely with my camcorder…

$180 at Amazon.com (I guess the price went up a lot)

The real reason it’s an issue is because iPhone’s can’t multitask. It can’t run in the background like on Android or Blackberries, or even the Palm Pre if they make an app for that. So what can you do? You can make a new maps app that incorporates Latitude, since Google maps controls the map functionality of the iPhone, or you can make a separate app entirely, or finally you can make it a web app and call it a day. According to Gizmodo, they decided that the best course of action was to not confuse users, and just make a web app. I’m guessing the rebuilt maps app was out of the question because Mr Jobs didn’t want to push wide-scale update app to everyone, but that’s just my own guess.

No matter how bland this move is, Latitude is still a great app. It can actually help you trace a stolen phone if you’re feeling dangerous, and it also cuts down on worrying for parents not sure where their kids are… If anything I’d install it on their phone without them knowing and let it run! *cough*check your phones kids*cough*. Really,  it’s like everyone running around with Boost Mobile, only without the stupid rappers or armpit-hair-draggin’ hippies. Where you at?!

Thanks Gizmodo

Take a look at what you need to know about OS 3.0 (esp. for the iPod Touch) before you upgrade as it might not be for everyone!

From apple.com

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]

13:05 Mac, iPhone, iTouch updates… took 7 years to get 25 million users on OS X, and then another 2 to get to 75million users…

13:06 Mac updates… looks like MacBooks

13:07 New 15inch MBPs, built in batter, unibody, 7hrs battery life… SD slot, 60% more color gamut, upto 3GHz, 8gb ram, starting at $1700

13:12 From CrunchGear

$2299 – 2.8 Ghz, 4gb DDR3, 500gb HDD, 9400m + 9600m GT, SD card slot

$1999 = 2.6 ghz 4gb DDR3 320gb hdd, 9400m + 9600m GT, SD slot

$1699 with 2.53 ghz, 4gb of ram, 250gb drive, 9400m, sd slot

13:13 13inch MacBooks… same 7hr battery, new SD card slot and upto 8GB RAM, backlit keyboard, firewire 800… all like the MBPs only smaller for $1200

13:14 13inch MacBook is now as 13inch MBP

13:15 From CrunchGear

$1499: 2.53 ghz, 4 gigs of ddr3, 9400m, sd card slot

Base model is $1199, 2.25 ghz 2GB DDR3, 9400m Graphics, 160GB hdd, Sd card slot

13:16 MacBook Air update… starts at $1500 and $1800 for SSD HDD

13:18 OS X now…

13:20 Making fun of Windows Vista and 7… Apple feels that users shouldn’t need to know registries, DLLs, defragging and alerts… Snow Leopard is their new OS

13:21 Install is faster… Expose is built onto dock now… oh boy!

13:24 Safari 4 is being shipped out today! Supposed to be 7.8x faster than IE8… who uses IE or Safari?

13:25 Crash resistance… plugins are separate feature for Safari… 64-bit JavaScript performance, new Quicktime…

13:28  Snow Leopard… previews and thumbnails can be used to play movies and scroll through PDFs directly from icon…

13:31  Safari si the “fastest browser on any platform”…. we’ll see about that (go FireFox)

13:33 Coverflow of history for browsed websites?  what happened to dynamic websites?

13:35 Quick video editing in QuickTime X

13:36  Applications are now 64-bit in Snow Leopard… handles multi-core better

13:37  “Grand Central Dispatch” used to support multi-core for Snow Leopard… (GCD)

13:39  OpenCL instead of OpenGL… new video graphics support… Hardware Abstraction, C-based language, Automatic optimization, Numerical Accuracy

13:41 Exchange support for mail, iCal and address book… shouldn’t this have been done years ago?

13:46 All Intel Macs can run Snow Leopard…. $29 for current Leopard users… $49 for family pack… Avail this September…

13:48 iPhone time!

13:55 iPhone OS 3.0

13:56  MMS… send photos, music, calendar, notes… available this summer?  It should be avail now!

13:59  Tethering now avail as built in

14:02  LOL no mention of AT&T about one of the carriers to tether…. HA

14:04 Find my iPhone feature if you’ve lost your phone…

14:07 Damn… must be a MobileMe customer for that one…

14:09 But a remote wipe of all data… now that is awesome… you can restore it by plugging it back in once you find it… if you find it…

14:20  Been a lot of updates on different apps… no hardware yet…

14:24 ooooo TomTom turn-by-turn GPS as an app!

14:42  End of 3.0 OS demos…. anything else?

14:45  new iPhone???

14:46  iPhone 3GS!  S for speed

14:47  3-4x faster… 2.4x faster for games…. 3x faster java script… opengl 2.0… 3.0megapixel autofocus camera

14:51  Video capture!

14:53  videos at 30fps with audio, edit and share as MMS

14:55  Voice activated dialing, playlists, etc

14:58  9hrs of surfing

15:00  $99 for 8GB, $199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB

15:03  Availible June 19th

15:05 No Steve Jobs….

DONE!