AT&T

Does anyone have their phone activated yet? I don’t and neither do any of my friends. When activation took too long in store, I was instructed to return home and activate my phone. Now I face the same problem with activation at home. Apple and AT&T were not ready for this kind of traffic on launch day. Now I am left with 2 iPhones, none of which have service.

This does not look good. Apparently people at home can’t even upgrade to firmware 2.0 and the problem is afflicting iTunes on an international scale.

So How Did This Happen:
The source of the iTunes crash/slowdown seems not be those buying iPhone 3Gs from Apple/AT&T stores at all but the millions of people updating to the new firmware at home. Firmware 2.0 isn’t like other firmwares in that it needs to update the phone and reauthenticate the service. And in turn, when the servers are slammed and the phone reaches for reauthentication, the server isn’t always there to reactivate the service. This is how some of those newly bricked iPhones are occurring, and a source tells us that even first… more...

Do you think it is too early to start forming a line in anticipation of the iPhone 3G?

I would think so, but the hundreds lined up at the flagship store in New York City beg to differ.

Although it’s not the first release and ample supply is expected, a queue has reportedly begun outside of Apple’s Fifth Avenue retail store to buy iPhone 3G a full week before its release. Perhaps because of the scary words, “first come first serve.” That definitely sparked an interest in myself to be the first in line come Friday, however, a week ahead of time is shocking.

Of course, it is said to take a considerable amount of time (compared to last year) since the iPhone 3G must be activated in store. The earlier, the better in this case to spend the rest of the day playing with your newly purchased iPhone.

If you were as shocked as I was about the no-commitment price for an iPhone 3G ($599 and $699) then you are probably wondering how to get one without paying that much.

Sometimes the simplest solutions are overlooked. Gizmodo points out that instead of paying for that overly-priced iPhone 3G, you might as well get service and the cancel it, coming out cheaper than purchasing a no-commitment iPhone 3G.

They did the math, and they figure that it would still be cheaper to buy a 16GB this way than a contract-free 8GB.

Here’s what you’ll pay to cancel the service: (Plus $199 or $299 for the iPhone 3G)
$36 - Activation
$175 - Early Termination Fee
$70 - One month of service

If their calculations are correct, this would mean:
8GB iPhone Canceled: $480
16GB iPhone Canceled: $580

That is quite a bit of savings from $599 and $699. My only concern is, will it actually work?

AT&T must have been anticipating a lot of calls because they have released a series of videos to answer any questions or reconfirm what you already think you know.

Also, Apple released a iPhone 3G guide that will explore the wonderful features of the iPhone in general and the iPhone 3G.

AT&T has announced detailed pricing information for the iPhone 3G plans and will start selling the iPhone 3G at 8am on July 11th.

Plans will now start at $70 for a package that includes 450 minutes and no text messages. The carrier also issued a series of “tips” on how to be “iReady” when the new Apple handset goes on sale at its retail stores.

iPhone 3G will be available for $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. Both prices require two-year contracts and are available to the following customers:

*iPhone customers who purchased before July 11

*Customers activating a new line with AT&T

*Current AT&T customers who are eligible, at the time of purchase, for an upgrade discount

Existing AT&T customers who are not currently eligible for an upgrade discount can purchase iPhone 3G for $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB model. Both options require a new two-year service agreement. In the future, AT&T will offer a non-commitment option for $599 or $699.

Well,… more...

Doubtful, but I still have hope that us iPhone users will get MMS one day, and soon!

iPhone Atlas claims to have word from multiple sources that a memo was sent out to AT&T employees with a list of features for the iPhone 3G that includes MMS support.

They note however that the information should be taken with a grain of salt, because, they note, “AT&T’s customer service representatives certainly aren’t known for delivering accurate information about soon-to-be-released products.”

It shocks me that Steve Jopbs has yet to include this, but it sure will free up the top 10 “want list” for me.

If you remember last year, AT&T and Apple launched the iPhone at 6pm. However, that was when we were able to walk in, buy the phone, and walk out.

Now that there is going to be an activation process, things aren’t going to be so simple, and launching the iPhone 3G at 6pm could cause AT&T employees to be up all night.

BGR claims to have word that a memo was sent out to AT&T employees stating that they would be launching the iPhone 3G at 8AM to cope with the long lines and the in-store activation process.

Their source claims that the time will be 8AM CT, but 8AM local time seems to be more likely.

This would be nice. Then I can wake up and head over to the store and grab one, instead of waiting all day staring at the time.

Yesterday, a friend of mine found herself stuck on a runway for 5 hours because of poor weather conditions. If she had been a first class passenger, and had been the owner of an iPhone, and had been living two days in the future… she would have been able to hook up her Apple device to a dock connector right in armrest of those plush (and oh-so-expensive) leather seats.

The first iPhone-compatible flight left Washington D.C. for Zurich yesterday, and United promised that all of their international planes would be upgraded within the next two years. Unfortunately, this connectivity won’t be available where it is most needed- in coach. If you are flying first or business, however, you’ll be able to control your iPhone or iPod through your armrest, and watch movies on the existing personal entertainment system- a 15-inch LCD screen.

Although Greg Joswiak, an Apple VP, had lots to say about the system’s capabilities, he didn’t mention whether or not United planned on expanding iPhone support further down the aisle:

“The iPod and iPhone have become essential for millions of travelers around the world. We think United… more...

I have been hearing all sorts of crazy things about current iPhone users and the upgrade policy. Last year, it was pretty simple. I stood in line for an iPhone and I got it, had a few technical difficulties, but nonetheless, was able to upgrade despite being fairly new on my account with AT&T.

I would have expected this time to be no different, however, most of these rumors seem to fall on the fact that not everyone may be eligible for the iPhone 3G.

According to AT&T, the iPhone 3G is being treated as any other AT&T device when it comes to upgrades. Customers who are not eligible for a phone upgrade will need to pay full price for the device. AT&T has not determined what the full price will be, but if you’re a current iPhone owner, you’re automatically eligible! However there is some fine print that both Wirefly and Gizmodo have stumbled upon:

“Not all Cingular/AT&T customers may qualify for a cell phone upgrade. At this time, AT&T Mobility allows these customers to upgrade with no upgrade fee when… more...

Apple’s announcement that the iPhone 3G would be going on sale for just $200 caused me to wonder how they could possibly make money on the device. Not only myself, but many people were flabbergasted over the prices.

I thought surely the iPhone 3G’s new radio and GPS system would drive up the price of the handset. Wrong!

It appears that it cost more to make the first one than than the iPhone 3G. I paid more, that’s for sure! Teardown experts Portelligent have estimated that the iPhone 3G’s bill of materials cost to Apple is actually just $100.

The iPhone’s touchscreen display decreased $30 in price, as did the price of NAND flash memory for the 8GB model. The adoption of parts used in the iPod touch also brought costs down.

Either way, the price is great, but don’t underestimate Steve Jobs however. He will probably make more money this time around. Why? Because the iPhone 3G is subsidized by about $200 by AT&T. Not mention, AT&T boosted their data plan so they’ll make a little more money off us… more...