Ad Hoc Helper lets you email a copy of your iPhone or iPod’s UDID (unique device identifier) to developers so they can add you to their Ad Hoc distribution profiles.  This lets them create a special version of their apps that can be sent to you outside of the normal AppStore channels.

Ad Hoc Helper will automatically generate an email, and embed a 40-character identifier in the email.  All you need to do is send it to the developers.

Developers can then embed the identifier inside the apps they send you.  These apps will only work with your iPhone, iPhone 3G or iPod touch.  You should receive two files: an .app and the .mobileprovision file.  Copy them into itunes, and sync your iPhone to install.  That’s it!

How to step-by-step:

1) On your iPhone, open the App Store, go to the ‘Utilities’ category and download the program ‘UDID(Ad Hoc Helper)’.  If you like you can search for the app – it might be quicker than scrolling through the whole list.
2) Run the program. It will automatically compose an email message, with your device identifier. Send the email to the developers.
3) Drag both the .app file and the .mobileprovision file into iTunes on your PC or Mac and sync your iPhone to install.

Ad Hoc Helper how to video:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3L-f8GrCR8[/youtube]

Griffin elan Form, Nu Form and Wave case for iPhone 3G Cases

Griffin elan Form for iPhone 3G Cases

Assembling the Elan Form and Nu Form is easy as pie – they snap together and come apart vertically along the sides. From an aesthetic point of view the cases look smooth, and they add a nice, contoured feel to the handset. The Wave Case is a little trickier to assemble and take apart; make sure to watch the video below to see “how I do it”.  If both form and function is your thing, then the easy slide-off bottom section is perfect for when you need to dock the iPhone 3G.  Unfortunately the Wave Case doesn’t offer the same easy dock feature, so you’ll need to take it apart if you want to sit your iPhone 3G in the actual Apple dock.

Griffin Nu Form for iPhone 3G Cases

When it comes to the fundamentals, it doesn’t matter which case you opt for: each is designed to give you full access to the microphone, speaker, and Dock Connector, hence the open bottom design.  The top is fully open as well, freeing up the headphone port and Sleep/Wake button.  There’s a cut out on the back for the camera and the left side is fully cut open for access to the side controls.

As I mentioned above, all three cases come with a rigid, non-adhesive clear plastic screen protector, and there’s a black cleaning cloth included in the package too.  This is an excellent way for Griffin to add value to their cases.  You may or may not like the screen protector.  I usually don’t use a screen protector at all and leave the glass opened; I’d be interested to know what you do, so leave what you think in the comments below.

Griffin elan Form, Nu Form and Wave case for iPhone 3G Cases

The bottom line: the elan Form, Nu Form and Wave cases for the  iPhone 3G are well-made cases with a sleek design while also protecting your iPhone 3G from drops, dings and scratches.

Griffin Wave case for iPhone 3G

Demo video fo Griffin elan Form, Nu Form and Wave case for iPhone 3G

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsKmTL1125w[/youtube]

Buy Griffin elan Form for iPhone 3G @ MYiPhone.com

Griffin elan Form image gallery

Griffin Nu Form image gallery

Buy Griffin Nu Form for iPhone 3G at MYiPhone.com

Griffin Wave case image gallery

Buy Griffin Wave for iPhone 3G at MYiPhone.com

Looking at the phone it’s just as sleek as my iPod Touch, though considerably thicker. At it’s thickest point, it’s actually larger than the original iPhone. While that may sound unattractive, Apple has smartly curved the entire back of the case, making it seem much slimmer than it actually is. The shape contours to my hand quite well, and the weight feels about perfect; not too heavy, not too light. The plastic case worries me a bit since it’s likely to get scratched easily (though none yet), and does get a lot of smudges, however, it does look better than the original backing.

The first thing I did after walking out of the store (after letting half a dozen people in line fondle it) was make a few phone calls, all of which were crystal clear. All of my subsequent calls have been equally as clear.

As soon as I got home, I plugged my shiny new phone into my PC so it could sync. I had already browsed the App Store and chosen several new programs, so I kept myself busy as I waited for my music library to transfer to my iPhone. Some of the more useful apps I installed were the iTunes Remote, YPmobile, BoxOffice and AIM. There are plenty more to choose from, which is a good part of what sets the iPhone above the competition.

I’ve owned smartphones in the past, and downloaded applications, but there was never a centralized place to get these, and rarely did I ever find anything really useful that was free. Apple’s App Store is simple to navigate, and even allows you to download programs straight to the iPhone from anywhere (unless it’s over 10MB, then just tap into a Wi-Fi connection or sync it to your computer).

Since I’ve already been using my iPod Touch for some time, the iPhone’s Safari browser wasn’t anything new to me. However, it had only worked while tethered to a Wi-Fi connection, which wasn’t always that handy. I’d love to tell you that the 3G speeds on my iPhone were great, but unfortunately I don’t have 3G service in my area. In fact, most of the US is without 3G coverage, which is just disgusting. What’s the point of releasing a 3G phone, when most of your customers can’t take advantage of it? Luckily they are putting up new towers in my location this September which will enable 3G. Until then, I’m stuck with EDGE speeds, which are lackluster at best.

The lack of 3G coverage in most of the country brings up another sore spot. AT&T is asking an extra $10 a month for their unlimited data package. I totally understand the increase, as you’re paying for the faster connection, and will thus likely use more data. I’m cool with that. However, when most of your customers don’t have 3G coverage, why force everyone to dish out the extra cash? Bad form, AT&T.

While we’re talking about disappointments, I’ll go ahead and mention the rather dull camera which is leftover from the original 2.5G iPhone. This is an area that many people have asked for an improvement in, yet it was left untouched. A 2MP camera isn’t anything to write home about, especially when there is no flash, and you can’t zoom or shoot video. I don’t use MMS much, but seriously, I thought every phone came with it, you’d think Apple would be able to add this to the iPhone’s arsenal of features. The GPS is also a bit of a disappointment. It’s not accurate enough for turn-by-turn directions, which I think many of us were hoping for. That’s not to say that it doesn’t still have its uses. I really enjoy it being able to geotag my photos and search within Google Maps without needing to enter my location.

So far the battery life hasn’t been too bad. I’ve only charged it twice (though it does pick up a bit of a charge while connected to the stereo in my car, so lets say two and a half charges) since Friday, and once was the initial charge shortly after I got it. A few things to consider with this is that I’m not the heaviest talker (I rarely use 200 of my anytime minutes a month) and I am still stuck on EDGE speeds.

So in all, I’m pleased with my new toy. Like any other product, there is room for improvement, but some of the largest shortcomings from the original iPhone have been addressed. Would I recommend the iPhone to others? Yes and no. If you don’t own and iPhone and have thought about buying one for a little while, I’d definitely take the plunge and buy the iPhone 3G. However, if you already own the original, you very well may just want to stick with what you have. You also get the 2.0 software update which allows you to have the same 3rd party apps, which is one of the major things that sets it apart from the rest of the pack. There’s also a good chance that you can’t even get 3G service (in the US) unless you’re in a major city, so you may as well stick with your trusty 2.5G device.

iPhone 3G Live unboxing at Apple Store on 5th Ave. in NYC

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3MLtbf0OXU[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2m6oKPu18M[/youtube]

More pictures and videos from the event coming soon…so stay tune.

Although there are points untouched by each review, particularly the new Apple App Store, each reviewer concentrates on a mostly different area.  Mossberg is heavy on the new data functionality, with the 3G connection boasting speeds between three and five times that of the original iPhone.  In his own battery tests, he got 4 hours 27 minutes talktime (actually three hours less than the first Apple handset managed) and 5 hours 49 minutes on 3G.

Baig, however, had no 3G coverage in New Jersey, and as such focused more on the new GPS functionality.  Accuracy is praised, especially when driving, which he found made it all the more frustrating that Apple didn’t supply native live directions.  Maybe a little more cynical than Walt, Ed criticised some lack of backward compatibility with accessories made for the previous iPhone.

Finally, Pogue concentrates more on the iPhone 2.0 software and on how it makes the handset more complete.  That Apple still avoids some “standard cellphone features” remains a frustration; like his fellow reviewers, David found that audio quality of the handset is much improved.  This seems to hold true both for incoming and outgoing voice calls, as well as the speakerphone.

Do Mossberg, Baig and Pogue think you should buy an iPhone 3G?  It seems very much a case of how decent the 3G coverage is in your area as to how impressed you’ll actually be.  Battery fluctuations aside, the data capabilities are finally – network depending – able to live up to what Safari on the cellphone can handle.  However the software updates will be available to existing iPhone users, and given the rising costs of AT&T service you could be forgiven for not immediately spurning your original.

iPhone Buzz will be at the launch of the iPhone 3G this Friday, bringing you our own thoughts and opinions as soon as we have the cellphone in our hands.  See you then!

You can expect the following when you arrive, “a Concierge in an orange shirt will direct you to the iPhone bay where you can take advantage our free Personal Setup. A Specialist will help you choose an iPhone 3G, review coverage maps, select a rate plan and-best of all-have your new iPhone 3G ready to make calls, browse the web, and receive e-mail right on the spot.”  If you’re a business customer with corporate accounts, you’ll need to contact AT&T directly.  Apple also stated that if you want the iPhone 3G to access a business e-mail account to check with your IT manager before buying the phone.

[Apple]

iPhoneBuzz: What are the estimated units per store?
AT&T: We’re not providing the number of units available per store

iPhoneBuzz: When will you allow customers to purchase the iPhone at the no-contract price?
AT&T: We haven’t announced when we will offer the no-contract option.

iPhoneBuzz: What is the official policy for customers who purchased new service (did not purchase an iPhone) within the last 30 days?
AT&T: If you buy your new iPhone 3G within 30 days after joining AT&T, you would simply return your current device and then get iPhone 3G for the $199/$299 price.

iPhoneBuzz: Additionally, if the iPhone 3G is out of stock and my 30 days are coming up, what will I need to do?
AT&T: If it’s out of stock, you’ll be able to pay for the device, and then will be notified when it is available to pick up

If you guys still have questions shoot them our way. We can’t make any promises, but we’ll do our best to get them answered for you!

Initially I posed this question to the person I bought my service off of, however, they seemed to have less knowledge on the subject than I did (they were still claiming that the old 2.5G iPhone plan would work for the 3G phone) so I wasn’t exactly trusting. However, I really didn’t want to be without a phone until July 11th. So since AT&T still hasn’t said exactly what they’re doing for customers that aren’t eligible for upgrades, I thought I’d give their customer service line a call.

When I got a rep on the line, I explained my situation to him, and he replied that I was the fourth or fifth person today he’d spoken to with a similar situation. Fortunately, the higher-ups had sent down an email with simple instructions for those of us that had recently purchased service with them. The solution? Just go back to the store and exchange my cheap-o phone for a 2.5G iPhone, and they’ll just exchange it (minus 10% restocking, of course). That seems simple enough, right?

I don’t now if any of you have attempted to purchase a 2.5G iPhone in the last few weeks, but it’s becoming nearly impossible to find one in stock. I explained this to the rep who seemed a bit surprised. He then read off the email which stated that the 2.5G iPhone had been discounted for this exact reason, and that customers should be directed to the store where they purchased service so that they can purchase one, and thus ensure that they won’t have to pay an unsubsidized price (it was also noted that they weren’t yet sure if they were going to be selling it unsubsidized, and they were still working out the details).

I decided to try a different route with the rep and asked exactly what the new discounted price was for the 2.5G iPhone. He spent roughly 10 minutes searching for this information and came up dry. I suggested that I could simply call my local branch and inquire, and he said he’d be kind enough to do that himself. I was put on hold for a few minutes, after which time he came back on the line and sounded rather surprised. Apparently my local branch had no 2.5G iPhones, and the manager had informed him that almost none of the stores nationwide would have stock on them due to the new version.

We already knew that AT&T was caught a big off guard with this whole iPhone 3G situation, but this shows just how bad it really is. It has been known that the iPhone has been out of stock nearly everywhere for a good while now, yet AT&T is telling new customers that they need to purchase one in order to be eligible for a 3G iPhone at the subsidized price. That’s terrible.

I don’t blame the rep which I was talking to, he was simply passing on what he had been told to say. He was kind enough to make a special note on my account that explicitly stated that I was to be given a 3G iPhone at the proper subsidized price, and the manager on duty was to override the upgrade eligibility requirement.

Here’s my suggestion to anyone who has recently purchased service (or plans on purchasing it before July 11th) and wishes to get an iPhone. Call the AT&T customer service line and have a conversation similar to the one I had. It may seem like a lot of trouble, but at least you should be ensured an iPhone for the proper price. If you don’t call, there’s a chance that you’ll be presented with a much higher price at the checkout. Hopefully AT&T will have a solution to this before launch day.

Perhaps the biggest pre WWDC rumor is this, supposed spy shots of the 3G iPhone from CrunchGear. These ones do look much better than previous spy shots, but are they real? It is of course hard to tell with no one having seen the device to confirm, but they look as if they were possibly taken from marketing material. It appears as if these shots are real, the iPhone will have a front facing camera for video chat, and will come in an array of colors. The new iPhone does indeed appear thinner in the shots, but no confirmation of 32GB, that is if they are to be believed.

SlingPlayer is a popular video playing client that allows streaming from a home server, or SlingBox, to certain devices. Windows Mobile and Symbian are notable platforms with the support, and the iPhone with its generous screen seems a natural candidate. This feature is more than a rumor, and it thoroughly confirmed by a demo video making the rounds on the internet right now.

More of those mystery boxes have found there way into Apple stores the world over. With reports that Apple stores in London have received the mystery shipment. It is certainly not Apple’s style to risk having a worker unbox a 3G iPhone for 15 minutes in the spot light. NDA or not, someone has probably opened one of those boxes. Considering there are still no confirmed pictures of the 3G iPhone, most assume there are not 3G iPhone’s in those boxes.

Another interesting rumor is that Apple will launch iChat for the iPhone. It would have been a good idea to have something like this from the get go, after all iChat is a recognized application. The iChat application on the iPhone will make it familiar with Mac owners, it is all about branding in today’s world. Another interesting part of this rumor is that Windows is rumored to see iChat as well.

Don’t forget, we’ll be Live Blogging the Apple WWDC 2008 Keynote tomorrow, Monday June 9th at 10AM San Fransisco time, where we expect Steve Jobs to announce the new 3G iPhone.  Make sure you join us at http://live.iphonebuzz.com/ to find out the news as it happens!

The silver placemat-like WildCharger pad can charge up to five devices simultaneously (with a maximum power output of 15 Watts), once these are outfitted with the WildCharge adapters. WildCharge hinted that it’s possible for manufacturer to integrate their adapters directly in the devices during manufacture – I’d sure love to see Apple embrace this technology in future iPhone and iPod models! There are half a dozen of phones on my desk at any give time, so you can imagine the clutter from all the wires. They get tangled up, cause my desk to look messy and, worse of all, I’ve got multiple wall-bricks all over the floor underneath my desk. So what’s included? The WildCharger is composed of the charger itself and an AC power adapter, priced at $59.95. I can definitely see myself bringing this on a long road trip to use in hotel rooms. It’s either this or an extension cord because there is hardly ever enough electrical outlets near the nightstand.

As I mentioned earlier, the technology that cuts the power cord on your iPhone or iPod touch is integrated into the back of a gel case, doubling as a protective case for your investment. I personally love the feel of the case or “skin” as Izhar referred to it in the demo video below. The adapter on the back is hardly noticeable. WildCharge plan on releasing a rainbow of colors for you to choose from, starting with black, shiny black, blue, pink, clear and many, many other colors to pick from. If you go with the clear case, you have the option of purchasing one that shows off the guts of the adapter. If that’s your thing, go for it. I prefer the traditional all around black case. Make sure to drop a comment and let me know your favorite color! Ship date is still officially undetermined, but Izhar did mention the iPhone and iPod touch cases “are ready to go, and should launch next month.” The cases will cost $34.95 each. That’s not a bad deal considering most cases on the market average between $15 and $40+.

Slipping the iPhone or iPod touch into the case is pretty simple, taking just seconds to apply. The only suggestion I have for WildCharge is to figure out a way to open up the dock port so that I can sync via my sync cable.

So how does it work? The way I understand it, electrical current is delivered to the shiny metal stripes on the pad from the AC adapter, which is then passed to the little metal bumps (aka the adapter) and then on to the iPhone or iPod touch. Yes I’m aware this technology has been around for ages, but heck, the folks at WildCharge figured out an ingenious way to put it into practice. All I care about is charging takes the same amount of time with WildCharge as it would plug in.

In conclusion, I love the technology and I love that it finally cuts the (almost) last cord attached to my iPhone! Is WildCharge right for you? Well, only you can answer that. Before making the purchase, factor in the price of $60 for the WildCharger pad and an additional $35 per adapter for your iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry 8800, Pearl or a third-gen iPod. At the end of the day, if you have the cash and find the product convenient to have, then make the purchase.

WildCharge road map…

Yes, I’d mentioned the BlackBerry 8800, Pearl, and third-gen iPod adapters earlier and yes, they are coming soon. In the case of the BlackBerry 8800, the version I saw didn’t have a pass through for a USB plug. Izhar briefly mentioned they’re looking into the “possibility” of making the mod to accommodate it. And you’re probably wondering what if you have a Samsung, Motorola or Nokia handset? Well, rest assured that WildCharge is planning to release a universal adapter with exchangeable tips. While I’m not allowed to say too much, what I’m permitted to share is that the adapter has a magnet that’ll attach to the back of your handset with an arm-like extension outwards towards the power adapter, whether it be a USB, miroUSB or even a proprietary plug such as on Samsung handsets.

Reference design for the iPod nano.

In theory…this is how I’d like for things to look in the future…

BEFORE

AFTER

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3p8KiZu_O8[/youtube]

The anonymous tipster also pointed us to an interview with the developers, conducted by the iPhone project. Based on the first question regarding what PWN will do for iPhone owners, the developers responded by saying that it will allow you to restore your handset to a jailbroken and unlocked state. Then, eventually, you’ll be able to back up the entire iPhone and restore it to whatever state you like it, restore straight to a jailbroken state with installer, or even potentially install other OSes like Linux right on the iPhone. How cool would it be to be able to dual boot the iPhone with Linux?

The iPhone Dev Team explained the overview process of how the first release of Pwnage works. First of all, you must be running Mac OSX; from what I can gather, while not available today the Windows version will be coming out further down the road.

The first thing to do is make sure you have the Official IPSW of the firmware you are running (eg. If you are running 1.1.4, download 1.1.4). Now open the Pwnage tool, and click “Browse .ipsw” and browse to the firmware file that you just downloaded. Next you click the “iPwner” button, and watch as PWNAGE patches the iPhone bootlader, making it possible to circumvent any code signing checks. After this, your iPhone will reboot. As the iPhone reboots, exit the Pwnage app, and reopen it.

Here is where the magic happens, once the phone has rebooted, click on “IPSW Builder,” and you are presented with a list of the building options (jailbreak, unlock, etc..) including the all new “BootNeuter,” the ultimate iPhone unlocking solution. Once you have customized your IPSW, hit OK and let Pwnage build the restore file. Next we head to iTunes, option+click on the restore button, and navigate to the custom ipsw that you just created,. Hit OK and we’re done! iTunes will restore the iPhone to the state of your choosing (Be it jailbroken, unlocked etc…). - The iPhone Dev Team

iPhone PWNED Demo

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggU5RpCPt1M[/youtube]

Pwnage Presentation in Moscow
MOSCOW, Russia, March 29, 2008

Today key members of “The iPhone DevTeam” demonstrated the long-awaited software application “Pwnage Tool”. The demonstration took place at the iPhone 3.0 party which brought together hundreds of iPhone hardware and software enthusiasts.

*The software is a self contained application (for MacOS 10.4.x and 10.5.x) that allows all current models of the iPhone device to be “Pwned”. This term (in relation to this software) refers to the patching of the stock bootloader so that it will allow the execution of unsigned code and circumvent code-signing checks. “Pwnage” only needs to be performed once to allow the additional features on the iPhone.

*The application also processes and modifies existing Apple archives so that unique, custom rolled firmware bundles can be installed onto the “Pwned” iPhone directly from iTunes.
These ”.ipsw” files can be created and patched by the application to allow third-party modifications such as activation, application installation, baseband modification, custom phone graphics etc.

*The tool works automatically on box-fresh (OTB) 1.1.3 and 1.1.4 iPhones and requires minimal interaction from the user.

*The tool also ships with an iPhone application that is automatically installed and run on first boot (if the user requests it) that is called “BootNeuter”, This will enable “Bootneutering” of the iPhone baseband allowing custom firmware to be installed. Arbitrary secpacks and fls files will be accepted when the device is in this state, please refer to the application help file for specific information.

If the user has access to developer versions of the iPhone software (such as 1.2 or 2.0) provisions have been made to support this software and allow it to be used on any device. This will be useful for legitimate SDK trialists to install their software on more than one device, this should not be used unless you are an official member of the SDK programme.

My opinion has changed significantly, first, its made in America, second, it looks amazing, it holds the iPhone sturdily, but it holds it far enough away from the back of the pedestal that the speaker still works. Due to the placement of the little peg things that hold the iPhone in place, all the buttons are accessible, as is the dock connector and the headphone jack.

This thing is an amazingly simple, but yet well though out, stand for the iPhone. It is sturdy, by that I don’t mean that it probably won’t break, I mean you could own this thing for years and never have to change a thing on it other than the rubber seals and peg covers, if that. It’s made of steel, which means this thing could take a harder hit than my car and still survive.

The bottom line is, it looks great, in a simplistic way, and serves its purpose well. I don’t know if you can tell from the pictures or not, but there are two mounting holed for the actual holster, one is at the end of the bent end of metal, the other is closer to the bend, you wouldn’t think that being that close together there is a difference, but there is. The upper hole is great for if you are viewing it from a standing position or if you are tall and sitting down, the lower hole is great for average people.

I highly recommend using this pedestal to watch movies, or even to put next to your home theater equipment to connect it up. The stand has grips on the bottoms, so it doesn’t move to easily, plus, since its made of steel, its not too light weight, so that helps prevent it from moving, that means you can navigate the menus, change songs, whatever you want to do, with out having to worry about knocking it off the edge or whatever.

It works extremely well just for holding your iPhone, even better for watching videos, and even better yet as a much better looking dock for your iPhone, so if you are at all dissatisfied with the current stock iPhone dock, or if you have a use for this for any of the other aforementioned uses, I highly recommend it. You see, I am not just saying that because I got my hands on one, but I went and looked at comparable products in a few brick and mortar stores, and I assure you, when it comes to iPhone accessories, you could to a lot, and I mean a lot worse for $40. The PED3 really is a great, solid, American made product, and they even sent a USB extension cable with it to help you distance your iPhone from your PC if that’s your desire, there is also some sort of minimal cable management system cut out of the back of the stand to help keep all your wires in one place, and untangled.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzjpg_uC5J0[/youtube]

Then we have the clip of someone asking about iPhone Unlocking. That’s a pretty big issue, but they so far haven’t done anything to stop it. Mainly because I don’t think Apple cares about where their phone is used or with what carrier, as long as people are buying it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSgEpgKsLjU[/youtube]

They choose their carriers because of the best fit for Apple, so if they can move units, but people are signing up with other carriers, they probably won’t care. However there might be ways that the carriers can get at you, I reckon if one of them came up with some software for the iPhone that would prevent it from being unlocked, or at least make it harder, Apple would probably implement it, as long as it didn’t cost them anything.

08:43 am Ewdison Then: Hi Guys, SlashGear Live from London, 1 hour and 17 minutes to the event

09:33 am Ewdison Then: We are getting ready to go in now

09:45 am Ewdison Then: Many people reported O2 UK store is offline while Apple store UK is still up and running

09:55 am Vincent Nguyen: I’m in, it’s a pretty small area. Not like other US Apple events

10:00 am Ewdison Then: We are hearing KT Tunstall music

10:04 am Vincent Nguyen: I wonder if she’s going to be performing live at this event?

10:04 am Vincent Nguyen: I’m pretty sure Apple would get a UK native to perform though

10:07 am Vincent Nguyen: Boy, Steve doesn’t waste any time here. He has announced the 8GB will be sold for £269.

10:07 am Vincent Nguyen: It will be carried by the largest, most popular carrier, O2.

10:08 am Vincent Nguyen: It looks like those in the UK are still going to have to wait, it’s not going on sale until November 9th.

10:09 am Vincent Nguyen: They’re showing off their new UK iPhone ads now

10:10 am Vincent Nguyen: Mostly the same stuff, just spoken with a British accent

10:11 am Vincent Nguyen: Steve has introduced O2 UK CEO Matthew Key

10:12 am Vincent Nguyen: Key talks about the iPhone being a breatkthrough product after only using it for a few minutes

10:15 am Vincent Nguyen: Big news, the UK version of the iPhone will not have 3G!

10:18 am Vincent Nguyen: Plans will range from £35- £55 and will include unlimited data

10:18 am Vincent Nguyen: O2 has teamed up with carphone warehouse to distribute the iPhone

10:19 am Vincent Nguyen: This gives you over 1300 places to get an iPhone, and each location will have an iPhone expert on staff

10:20 am Vincent Nguyen: Looks like O2 has teamed up with someone to create 7500 WiFi locations in the UK, so you won’t have to be running off of EDGE when you’re in the city

10:21 am Vincent Nguyen: Key is done talking after mentioning that the iPhone has been a bigger topic than the upcoming Led Zepplin concert

10:21 am Vincent Nguyen: Steve takes the stage, and takes a question

10:22 am Vincent Nguyen: Someone jumps in with the big question on everyone’s mind, why isn’t there 3G?

10:22 am Vincent Nguyen: He responds that 3G chips are battery hogs, it would cut the talk time on the iPhone down by 2-3 hours

10:23 am Vincent Nguyen: once they can get the battery issue solved, we may see a new 3G iPhone next year

10:24 am Vincent Nguyen: the next question is about the hotspots mentioned by Key, are they free?

10:25 am Vincent Nguyen: The mysterious partner is Cloud, and yes, the hotspots will be free

10:25 am Vincent Nguyen: More questions for Steve

10:26 am Vincent Nguyen: Will we see the same Starbucks Partnership? Steve says we’ll have to ask Starbucks

10:26 am Vincent Nguyen: iTunes activation will work the same in the UK as it does in the US

10:27 am Vincent Nguyen: the iTunes WiFi music store will be launching later ter this month and will be loaded onto the upcoming UK iPhone

10:27 am Vincent Nguyen: The contract for the phone will be 18 months, and unlimited data usage actually means 1400 web pages per day

10:28 am Vincent Nguyen: Steve is reluctant to talk about revanue sharing between Apple and 02

10:28 am Ewdison Then: Unlimited does not mean unreasonable kind a way

10:29 am Vincent Nguyen: another big question for Steve, “is unlocking a concern?”

10:29 am Vincent Nguyen: he sort of dodges the question, calling it a “cat and mouse game”

10:29 am Vincent Nguyen: though he’s not sure if they are the cat or the mouse

10:33 am Vincent Nguyen: Key responds to a question about network preparation saying that only 30% will have EDGE coverage

10:33 am Vincent Nguyen: That’s pretty low, but understandable since everyone is going 3G

10:34 am Vincent Nguyen: Key is apparently a master of dodging questions, the latest one asked if they were aware of the iPod Touch while they were in negotiations

10:35 am Vincent Nguyen: he just mentioned that Apple is always moving forward

10:36 am Vincent Nguyen: Next dodged question pertains to the number of iPhones they plan to ship before Christmas

10:37 am Vincent Nguyen: he noted a figure (not sure where from) that 80% of high-end customers would be willing to switch over to them

10:37 am Vincent Nguyen: but he wouldn’t talk actual numbers

10:38 am Vincent Nguyen: Now it’s Steve’s turn for some questions, he’s asked about other European carriers

10:38 am Vincent Nguyen: he compares his time spent with each carrier like going on dates before getting married

10:39 am Vincent Nguyen: I guess that makes this the wedding

10:39 am Vincent Nguyen: When asked about other countries getting the iPhone, Steve just shot the question down saying he’s only here to talk about iPhone in the UK

10:41 am Vincent Nguyen: Steve takes another hard question, this time about 3rd party apps

10:41 am Vincent Nguyen: he says they’re still considering it, but people want more stable and secure phones

10:42 am Vincent Nguyen: Ouch, someone brings up the price, namely, will they cut the price in a few months like they did in the US

10:42 am Vincent Nguyen: that one got a good laugh from everyone

10:43 am Vincent Nguyen: Naturally he dodges it, basically saying it probably won’t happen, but with today’s technology you never really know

10:44 am Vincent Nguyen: They’re already working on the next iPhone, so you can’t really predict when the price will fall

10:44 am Vincent Nguyen: Now steve is asked about the 2.0MP camera, will it be good enough for Europe

10:44 am Vincent Nguyen: naturally, he thinks it will be

10:46 am Vincent Nguyen: Someone asks if the unlimited packages will be available to other customers, and they will on October 1st

10:46 am Vincent Nguyen: That wraps it up for the Q&A session

10:46 am Vincent Nguyen: and for the entire event

10:47 am Vincent Nguyen: Check back for more coverage later on

10:50 am Ewdison Then: We’ll have the video up soon!

10:51 am Ewdison Then: We’ve got the video of Q&A, We are heading to our hotels soon to process the videos

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzjpg_uC5J0[/youtube]

Partnership is like a marriage video at the end just for a little fun.

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=0Gyq0lTubjk[/youtube]

As a bonus I put a video prior to the event at the bottom of this article, it gives you a good idea of the number of people there and of the size and appearance of the Apple Store in London. So watch and enjoy.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fb5DThxd50[/youtube]