It could have a smart mode that would turn 3G off to save battery for background email downloading, weather checking and standby; and then turn it on for YouTube, maps, web browsing and iTunes music store downloading. Wouldn't that make a lot of sense? P.S. Apple, you can have this idea for free in trade for some copy and paste action in the next beta. [Chronic Dev via Apple Insider]

We won't know for sure until next month, but knowing Apple's tight command of their stock levels, it looks like this may be the reason. But considering we're almost exactly 30 days from the WWDC keynote, it could mean the 3G iphone is coming sooner than we think. Let's assume this is what is happening. If so, this move is brilliantly kind and uncharacteristic of Apple. What they're doing is trading off secrecy to protect people from buying the first-gen iPhone in its last days before its successor is unveiled. I mean, if you'd bought an iPhone and it was upgraded to v.2 days after your purchase, wouldn't you be pissed? Maybe they'd rather short the sales for a month and not have to deal with thousands of pissed off customers. [Apple Store—thanks, Erik]

The problem isn't that the Instinct is necessarily a bad phone, or that Sprint is a worse service than AT&T. It's that Sprint's series of commercials will cost the company $100 million to promote a message that will most probably be a moot point in one month if/when Apple announces their 3G iPhone. Here's their second commercial:

Also, in a more general suggestion to the advertisers of the world, never put a your device side by side against a competitor if the competitor has a higher screen to case ratio. We'll probably be posting the other three spots as they come in...but even if we don't, expect to see the series all over the television soon.

Oh, and to put $100 million into some perspective, that's more money than it would cost to run a 2009 Super Bowl commercial every day for a month. [via Kansas City Star]

UPDATE: Sprint wrote us to clarify that prior to what we'd heard earlier (from an unofficial source within the company), these spots will only be seen online. The major televised marketing campaign will begin in June and Sprint does "not have a final total" for the device's marketing budget.

T-Mobile USA Begins Commercial 3G Network Rollout

Company Launches UMTS/HSDPA Network in New York City on its AWS Spectrum;
Plans 3G Network Launches in Major Markets Across the Country in the Coming Months

NEW YORK and BELLEVUE, Wash. - May 5, 2008- T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced that the company has taken the first commercial step in the rollout of its third-generation (3G) wireless network by launching its UMTS/HSDPA network in New York City. T-Mobile plans to continue the rollout of its 3G network across major metropolitan markets through the year. By year's end, T-Mobile expects its high-speed data network will be available in those cities where a majority of its subscribers currently use data services.

"The launch of our 3G network comes at a time when 3G phones and services are more affordable, capable and appealing to our consumer marketplace than ever before," said Cole Brodman, chief development officer, T-Mobile USA. "We benefit not only from the economic scale of 3G, but also from the extensive commercial experience of 3G in our European markets. Today, T-Mobile USA customers already have among the highest adoption of data and messaging services in the industry. Through our 3G network, we look forward to delivering a rich portfolio of new and meaningful services to enrich our customers' lives."

T-Mobile's 3G network supports voice and data services consistent with available service and handset offerings. The company today offers multiple phones that are able to operate on the UMTS network. The phones are designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide the great call quality and rich communication services customers expect from T-Mobile.

Customers using a 3G-capable handset from T-Mobile will also experience faster data speeds when accessing the Web, or downloading content from the T-Mobile t-zones content portal, for example.

In the coming months, T-Mobile plans to offer its first HSDPA device, along with new and compelling data-centric, all-in-one devices that help make the most of T-Mobile's high-speed data network.

The launch of the 3G network also enables T-Mobile to accommodate and serve more customers more efficiently through the use of its AWS spectrum, effectively doubling T-Mobile USA's spectrum position, and laying the foundation for the company's future growth. T-Mobile and the U.S. government, namely the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice, continue to work closely and effectively together to make available AWS spectrum that will give consumers access to the 3G network.

As the 3G service rolls out in targeted major markets, T-Mobile will continue to build upon its
T-Mobile® HotSpot Wi-Fi network — its wireless high-speed Internet offering that launched in 2003 — and its nationwide voice and data network, to empower customers to effortlessly stay connected using the best available network.

Whatever it is, the back looks as bad as the front (including the deformed Apple logo), at least in these photos. We have a hard time imagining that anything like this could come out of Monssieur Jonathan Ive's brain. Or better said, we have a hard time envisioning us buying what looks like a soulless piece of machinery, even while the true soul of the iPhone is its operating system.

We will see if we get a cease and desist email—now that Cupertino is waking up—but for now, remember our first rule of rumors: never, ever trust them. [iPhon—Thanks Jean Paul]

* Yes, frogsters. You see, this is completely unrelated to the fake iPhone, but I'm in Madrid, Spain, and today is the 200th Anniversary of the uprising against the French occupational forces in Madrid, which started the revolution that kicked Napoleonic troops out of the country. So today it's frogsters, or the Spanish equivalent, gabachos. (And for the record, I love France.)

New York City Austin NJ and Long Island Las Vagas Minneapolis Miami Dallas Chicago Houston Philadelphia Denver Detroit Orlando Kansas City Atlanta Los Angeles New England Portland Sacramento San Diego Seattle Washington DC San Francisco Birmingham Memphis Tampa Phoenix

If you're buying straight from Apple, it seems like their prices will still be $399 and $499 for the 8 and 16GB models. Fortune's source also says that the phone will have GPS and be 2.5mm thinner, not thicker as previously indicated. And you'll know when the new phone is coming—Apple will cut off shipments of the old phone in order to clear up inventory and give a subtle hint that you should wait before buying. [Fortune]

Update: It looks like Scott Moritz is the same guy who made predictions before that didn't come true. He comes from thestreet.com, who, via Jim Cramer, made the prediction that the iPhone would get 1.5 years of free service. The rumor sounds less credible to us now.

New York City
Austin
NJ and Long Island
Las Vagas
Minneapolis
Miami
Dallas
Chicago
Houston
Philadelphia
Denver
Detroit
Orlando
Kansas city
Atlanta
Los Angeles
New England
Portland
Sacramento
San Diego
Seattle
Washington DC
San Francisco
Birmingham
Memphis
Tampa
Phoenix

Plus, it'll also help the push to next-generation mobile broadband like LTE and WiMax, since carriers' current infrastructure apparently can't meet the exponentially higher bandwidth requirements. Neatly cyclical conclusion: Use more bandwidth, get more bandwidth! [GigaOM]

Engadget also reckons you'll be able to make phone calls as well, and that it's Linux-based. I couldn't possibly comment. [UMPCPortal and Engadget]

Sony Ericsson Blends Style, Sophistication and Speed with New Z750a Clamshell

New Mobile Broadband Handset Available in the U.S. Only from AT&T
RALEIGH, N.C. —(Business Wire)— Mar. 31, 2008 Mobile phone owners no longer have to decide between high performance and attractive design when choosing a new handset with the new Sony Ericsson Z750a. Available in the U.S. exclusively at AT&T, the Z750a is an affordable and stylish handset with a mirrored clamshell design and a hidden exterior display that illuminates when the phone is in use. As Sony Ericsson's first 3G/HSDPA handset for the U.S. market, the Z750a features mobile broadband for a high-speed Internet(1)connection and access to multimedia content that complements its multimedia player, 2.0 megapixel camera, Internet(1) browser and e-mail(2) capability using AT&T's Mobile Email application.

"Sony Ericsson continues to expand its North American portfolio with a distinctive and signature design that combines entertainment, style and speed in a sleek device," said Karen Morris, vice president of marketing for Sony Ericsson North America. "Representing one of our most distinctive and colorful 3G clamshells, the Z750a will appeal to those who want to do more with their phone - share music, high-quality pictures, browse the Internet - and project a sophisticated image all their own. We are delighted that AT&T will offer this device in the U.S. along with the hugely successful W580 Walkman(R) Phone."

The Z750a works hard, offering features such as data download transfer speeds from 600 to 1400 kbps from AT&T's High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 3G network, support for AT&T's Mobile Email, a 2.0 megapixel camera, full HTML web browsing(1) capabilities and stereo Bluetooth(R)(3) support (A2DP). The Z750a also plays hard with 3D gaming capabilities, a media player that supports numerous media file types for listening to your favorite music tracks and video. The phone has up to 26MB(4) of internal memory and is Memory Stick Micro(TM) (M2(TM)) compatible - currently upgradeable to 8GB(5) - providing ample storage space for photos, videos, music, games and more.

No matter how smart and powerful the Z750a may be on the inside, it still dares to be sleek and sophisticated on the outside. The Z750a has a reflective mirror clamshell casing and hidden organic light-emitting diode (OLED) reflective display screen on the front of the phone that discretely illuminates when receiving a call, displaying caller identification. When active, it also displays battery life, text message alerts and other useful information. To match anyone's personal style, the Z750a launches in three tantalizing color choices: Mysterious Purple, Phantom Grey and Rose Pink.

The Sony Ericsson Z750a will be available at AT&T stores and authorized dealers in early April for $49.99 after a $100 mail-in-rebate and new two-year service contract.

Z750a Phone At-A-Glance

Sony Ericsson packed innovative features into the Z750a, but didn't compromise looks or quality to get the job done.

— Weight: 3.9 oz

— Size: 3.8 x 1.9 x 0.8 inches (approx.)

— Talk Time(6): Up to 9 hours GSM; up to 3.5 hours UMTS

— Standby Time(6): Up to 400 hours GSM; up to 350 hours UMTS

— 2.0 megapixel camera

— PictBridge(TM) compatible

— Media Player

— AT&T's Music ID music recognition application

— AT&T CV video service

— Memory Stick Micro(TM) (M2(TM)) support (up to 8GB(5))

— Tri-band HSPDA (850/1900/2100)

— Quad-band EDGE (850/900/1800/1900)

— Bluetooth(R) stereo (A2DP) support(3)

— USB 2.0 capable

— Full HTML browser

— AT&T Mobile Email

— 2.2" QVGA 262k Color TFT display

— OLED External Sub Display

The features the handsets will share include a 3-inch WQVGA 262K color touchscreen, 2MP camera with autofocus, HTML web browser, HSDPA connectivity, 120MB internal memory, USB mass storage mode, and up to 4GB microSD card support. Standing in at 4.25"H x 2.16"W x 0.51"D, the LG Vu is slightly on the larger side, but we can look past its inherent big bones to the 1000mAh battery, which will supply up to 3-hours of talk time. The Vu is set to go on show at CTIA, which gets underway on April 1st, or is that whole event just a well planned joke? Oh, we just can't tell. Now, hit up the link to get your eyeballs filled to the brim with Vu goodness [Phone Arena]

But at the same time, many are pointing out that a 3G iPhone may never come to the US, and instead AT&T would offer iPhone users a piece of their sweet 700mHz cake for Wi-Fi anywhere. Boy oh boy. Isn't all this speculation fun? [macworld via crunchgear]

Just plug in your Sprint EV-DO card to the USB port (the ones that work on your Mac or Windows laptop, for example), and you can support up to four simultaneous clients over Wi-Fi. There's a 1800 mAH battery in there, which lasts an unspecified amount of time. It's fantastic if you're working in a group of, say, four Macbook Airs, so they can all share one 3G connection and not have to occupy their one USB port. [Thanks tipster!]

Data sheet here.

Cradlepoint

Staying connected: compact Nokia N78 puts online communities in the palm of the hand Fully-featured multimedia computer optimized for sharing music, images and 'new discoveries' Mobile World Congress 2008, Barcelona, Spain/Espoo, Finland - Nokia today introduced the Nokia N78, a multimedia computer that combines music, navigation and photography with the benefits of mobility. The Nokia N78 is designed to take advantage of the new suite of Nokia services, including the Nokia Music Store, Nokia Maps, and Share on Ovi - a new online service that enables consumers to share their personal media. The Nokia N78 is expected to start shipping during the second quarter of 2008, with an estimated retail price of approximately 350 euros, before taxes. The Nokia N78 packs a powerful range of technologies, including integrated A-GPS, with free Nokia Maps, WLAN and high-speed HSPDA 3G connectivity, a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, and support for microSD memory card, currently available at up to 8 GB, to store favourite music and media. The novelties of the N78 are geotagging of photos and an integrated FM transmitter that allows music to be played on any FM radio, in a car or at home. "The Nokia N78 truly lives up to the Nseries promise of delivering unparalleled mobile multimedia experiences with the very latest technologies and services," says Jonas Geust, who oversees Nokia's Nseries devices. "The Nokia N78 empowers people to explore their passions, enjoy their favourite music and share their experiences with others and is set to continue the range of well-balanced Nseries devices such as the successful Nokia N73." Search, snap, tag and share Taking advantage of its integrated A-GPS functionality and 3.2 megapixel camera, the Nokia N78 introduces the increasingly popular online practice of geotagging' to a Nokia device. The Nokia N78 automatically tags images with capture location metadata, making it possible to view the capture location on a map either on the device itself, or online. With its high-speed internet connectivity, over WLAN or HSDPA, uploading photos and videos to online communities like Share on Ovi, Flickr or YouTube is a single key stroke away. Music remains a core feature of the Nokia N78 and Nokia's range of Nseries multimedia computers. In addition to the up to 8GB of memory, internal speakers and support for standard 3.5mm headphones, the N78 also comes with Nokia Internet Radio, giving instant access to thousands of radio stations around the world.

Stay on the map with the Nokia 6210 Navigator

New converged device with integrated compass offers easy navigation for drivers and pedestrians

Nokia today introduced the new Nokia 6210 Navigator, the company's first GPS-enabled mobile device with an integrated compass for pedestrian guidance. The Nokia 6210 Navigator comes with Nokia Maps 2.0, also announced today, and includes full voice and visual turn by turn guidance at no extra cost. The Nokia 6210 Navigator is estimated to start shipping in the third quarter of 2008 in select markets with an estimated retail price of EUR 300, before taxes and subsidies.

Combined with an 'accelerometer' which measures changes in direction and orientation, the built-in compass makes it easy to follow the map when strolling about on foot. When turning the device, the map automatically maintains its orientation. The integrated Nokia Maps 2.0 application will plot the quickest route to the desired destination and illustrate it on the map. Thanks to high-speed 3.5G connectivity, detailed information about each point of interest, like the phone number or web address is a click away.

"The personal navigation market is expanding rapidly and mobile phone navigation is its fastest growing area. According to recent market research by Canalys, over 60% of mobile phone users are keen to have navigation on their phones," says Markku Suomi, the head of Nokia's Connect device category. "The Nokia 6210 Navigator offers the next generation in mobile navigation to a broad consumer base. Mobile phone users around the world will be able to enjoy the benefits of navigation with a device that not only navigates, but also communicates."

Car navigation is also simple with the pre-installed one-touch navigation, full voice guidance and self-mount car kit of the Nokia 6210 Navigator. If the user makes a wrong turn, the device will automatically calculate a new route.

The Nokia 6210 Navigator supports assisted GPS (A-GPS), which enables the GPS receiver to acquire the satellites in just seconds. The device is ready for use out of the box, even without a SIM-card. Local maps are pre-loaded on the 1GB memory card of the Nokia 6210 Navigator and map updates are included in the sales price. For an additional fee, users can purchase multimedia city guides from premium content providers via Nokia Maps application and download additional map areas for free via Nokia Map Loader at maps.nokia.com.

Browsing the Internet and using instant messaging, email and widgets is fast with the high speed 3.5G HSDPA technology on the Nokia 6210 Navigator. The device also features a 3.2 megapixel camera, MP3 player and stereo FM radio. The Nokia 6210 Navigator is based on S60 software, allowing users to download and use thousands of new applications in addition to the ones already found on the device.