Foxconn to assemble 3G iPhones; projects 24-25M units

From Digitimes -

Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry), currently the sole manufacturer of first-generation iPhones, has reportedly landed orders for the assembly of 3G iPhones with shipments to begin in June this year.

Shipments of the 3G iPhone are expected to top three million units in June with the model likely to ship a total of 24-25 million units throughout its life-cycle.

First iPhone Video Recorder Software With Audio

Visual Search Engine Coming to iPhone in June

iPhone Instant Message Patent Points to Upcoming MMS, Background IMs, GPS Module

From Gizmodo -

Apple has filed a patent on their upcoming iPhone IM app, revealing details about graphics, photos, audio files, video files and/or other attachments as are supported in a MMS and/or Enhanced Message Service. This points to possible MMS support in the future.

More details are available here.

Fring: First iPhone VoIP Client?

According to ZatzNotFunny They have tested Fring, a mobile multi-IM client, on an iPhone. While still supposedly in beta, it already appeared very promising.

You can read the full article here.

Courvoisier Branded iPhone

From Gizmodo, Courvoisier. branded iPhone.

Handwriting Recognition for iPhone Now Available

From Gizmodo, a Chinese developer has released handwriting recognition software, HWPen, that supports Latin and Chinese. The software is still in beta and it has quite a few errors but is usable.

For more information and download info, go to Gizmodo.

Simplify Media Mobile For iPhone Lets You Stream iTunes Libraries Over Wi-Fi

Popular Singapore Blogstar Prefers Fake iPhone to the Real Thing

Nokia readies iPhone response

From Infoworld -

Nokia is preparing to release a touch-screen equipped phone, codenamed Tube, as its response to the iPhone. Shown in a slide at the Evans Data Developer Relations Conference in Redwood City, Calif., the Tube looks quite similar to the iPhone has has graphical displays as well. Significantly, the Tube will support Java, something Apple has been reluctant to do with iPhone.

iPhone 3G's baseband chip revealed?

Per Engadget ZiPhone spotted some code in the 2.0 beta iPhone firmware that could identify the chip to be used in the upcoming 3G iPhone.

The code mentions "SGOLD3," which could refer to the successor of the Infineon S-GOLD2 used in the current iPhone. The Infineon S-GOLD3H has a 7.2Mbps HSDPA chip with video acceleration and media playback support. New features include 5 megapixels instead of 2 for the camera, a 2x speed MMC / SD interface and DVB-H module support. The caveat is that all these don't necessarily mean they will be incorporated into the 3G. The previous chip used, the S-GOLD2, had several features which the current iPhone does not use.

You can read the entire article here.

Mossberg retracts on 3G statement

According to Silicon Alley Insider, Walt Mossberg has retracted his previous prediction re the 3G iphone coming in June. (See Walt Mossberg promises 3G iPhone in 60 days) He is no saying he has no idea when Apple will release the phone.

You can read the entire article here.

Walt Mossberg promises 3G iPhone in 60 days

Per Engadget Walt Mossberg has mentioned that the iPhone will be going 3G in 60 days.

Pwnage iPhone Unlocking and Hacking Tool Now Available, Works Great

From Gizmodo - The iPhone Pwnage tool, which is used to flash your iPhone with hacked firmware that will allow you to run any application, use it unlocked in any compatible cellphone network, and basically do whatever you want do to with it, is now available for download.

You can access the download link here.

New iPhone Commercial - "The Great Thing" (VIDEO)

iPhone shortage: supply woes or new model?

According to Yahoo! News the iPhone is in short supply at many of of the Apple U.S. stores and its online store which could indicate a component shortage or a clearing of shelves for a new model. While the impact is limited so far with supplies still okay at AT&T stores, a prolonged shortage could still lead to lost sales of up to 40,000 units weekly.

The most likely explanation for this unusual situation is a production shortfall, possibly due to a component shortage. However, recent reports of iPhone shortages have fueled speculation that Apple is readying a new version of the device that will run on faster 3G wireless networks. The accelerated timetable of iPhone inventory levels appearing fairly lean is consistent with Apple's tendency to wind down inventory ahead of an update.

Samsung's 3G Instinct takes on the iPhone

From Yahoo! Tech -


Samsung has announced at CTIA its new 3G phone, Instinct, which looks very similar to the iPhone but has several features missing in the latter. Set for release in mid-June, it includes 3G access, a replaceable battery, expandable memory, and haptic feedback for the touchscreen (a slight vibration each time you tap the screen). This key feature is sorely missing on the iPhone.

Rounding out the Instinct's features are microSD memory expansion (up to 8GB), a 2MP camera, and stereo Bluetooth. It will also have full access to Sprint's 3G "EV-DO Rev. A" data network, which means speedy Web surfing and the ability to tether the phone to your laptop for on-the-road Net access.

No definitive word on pricing for the Instinct quite yet, although it could be in the $200-250 range.