The latest on the “iPhone to Tmo” gossip comes from none other than Wired.com editor Chris Anderson.

The tech journo tweeted yesterday about a very casual encounter with a T-mobile manager, who offhandedly mentioned that the carrier’s iPhone offering this year won’t be the iPhone 4, but rather, the 3GS.

Wait, back up. A Tmo staffer talking about an iPhone offering like it’s a done deal, while chewing the fat with none other than big tech figure Chris Anderson? This may be second-hand (or now third- or fourth-hand) gossip, but at least it’s not some anonymous tipster’s school chum who got the leak from his girlfriend’s T-mobile-employed father.

Still, it’s not Chris who’s actually confirming that this is going to happen, but merely relating what he was told. And it could just be hot air that some carrier rep was blowing off to impress a big-time tech dude. But the fact that he specifically mentioned it was the 3GS, and not the iPhone 4, is kind of interesting. (And sort of believable.)

Not to lend any more credence to this rumor than it deserves, but this does spark an interesting question: Could you see yourself snagging an iPhone on Magenta, even if means it’s the last-generation model? Would you grab that SIM card, and do a little hackery to stuff it inside an iPhone 4? Or would you do stick with AT&T, regardless of whoever else might pick up the device? Let us know below.

Via: TmoNews, 9to5Mac

As we close in on Apple’s music event, speculation is gathering pace as to what we’re likely to see. New iPods are a given, but what will they look like? What features will they have?

Recent speculation indicates that a 3G iPod Touch could be in production. According to someone “in the know,” Apple is working on a strategy similar to that of the iPad, with Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi/3G versions being offered to the public. Obviously with a 3G model, consumers would need to purchase a SIM-only data plan (from AT&T?), meaning there would be a monthly cost for having an MP3 player. To me, it seems a little far-fetched. In addition to data fees, a 3G user would likely have to pay $100 more for the gadget than the Wi-Fi only device.

Plus, would Apple really release what is basically an iPhone that can’t make calls? It makes no sense to me. What about you guys? Would you see the benefit of adding 3G data connectivity to an iPod? Comment below.

Via: AppleInsider, App Advice

When it first came to light that the iPhone 4 had problems telling when it was near someone’s face, Steve Jobs released a statement saying it would be dealt with in the next update (iOS 4.1). Unfortunately for those of you who’ve suffered with accidental hang-ups, gibberish text messages and other dodgy issues, it looks like it may not be fixed any time soon. Apple Australia’s spokesperson, Fiona Martin, allegedly let it slip that the company is yet to deal with the proximity woes.

If this rumor is true, many of you will be annoyed. However, going back to the original source, it is not clear whether Fiona Martin is referring to 4.0.2, which dealt with security issues, or if she’s making reference to the latest beta of iOS 4.1 currently under testing. It does seem a little unlikely though, as Mr. Jobs himself made a special point of saying that it would be fixed in the upcoming software update. My opinion is that this is a little bit of scare-mongering on the part of The Next Web and Gizmodo, who also jumped on the bandwagon. I wouldn’t worry yet, unless Jobsy comes out with a similar statement.

Via: The Next Web, Sydney Morning Herald

As everyone knows, or at least you should by now, Apple’s September Event is coming up soon. In fact it’s this week. As always, Apple has given us absolutely nothing to go off of; their invitation to the event has a guitar on it, so unless they are switching directions in the industry and creating an iGuitar, almost everything at the event will be a mystery. Of course, now is the time when all the rumors start flying about (some with good authority and some not so much), so that gives us some ideas as to what we should expect. In any case, the best way to predict what Apple has in store for us, is to use some common sense. So here are the odds of seeing the maybe-we’ll-see-it-maybe-we-won’t white iPhone 4, the extremely wanted Verizon iPhone 4, and the most-likely-going-to-be-released iPod Touch 4.

The White Rabbit

The white iPhone 4 is practically on the same level as the unicorn or the Loch Ness Monster. This leads me to believe that we most certainly maybe will possibly be seeing this legendary device at the event or sometime after it. It is kind of hard for anyone to pin down a date, when we don’t know what the problem is. We have heard that it has something to do with the colors not matching, and also that there is some light seepage, but for whatever reason it is, Apple has us waiting until the end of the year at the latest. I just don’t know what the deal is though; the iPhone 4 is ready, then it’s not, then it is, then it’s not again. Am I the only one getting mixed signals? So, all in all, I’m going to call this one a slightly less than favorable tossup and pin it at 45% likeliness.

Verizon iPhone

A while ago, the iPhone coming to Verizon anytime soon would have seemed like a total shot in the dark, but now it seems like it may just happen any day. Most likely we won’t be seeing it before the 4G revolution that is supposed to take place on Verizon next year, but it may happen soon thereafter. A lot of customers who have bought Droids on Big Red, in fact, bought it only because the iPhone was not available to them and they did not want to switch over to AT&T. However, mainstream Verizon customers are buying up the Droid with surprising rapidity, which is not great news for Apple. This means that Apple is going have to step up their game and bring the iPhone to Verizon as soon as possible. Still, the issues that the iPhone 4 is facing may prolong the addition of the phone to Verizon’s network for a while at least. With all that being said, I’ll say that the probability of the iPhone for Verizon being announced on the first of September, is at a low 25%.

iPod Touch 4 (or whatever it is being called)

This has the highest odds of the whole event. The September event is notorious for the release or updates of the iPod line, including the iTouch. In fact, the question that there will be a new iPod Touch released is not even really a question at all. The only thing we’re unsure about is what Apple will pack into this refresh. Rumors have been circling that there will be two cameras, much like the iPhone 4, and that users will be able to face time via email address. It has also been said that, much like a MacBook Pro, the iPod 4 will have a flat back, although it won’t be exactly like the iPhone’s. We have heard that it may include a faster processor and Retina Display as well. The newest rumor happens to be that, like the iPad, a 3G data plan will be available for the iPod Touch. This is particularly exciting, because it closes the gap between the iPhone and the iPod and becomes the perfect alternative for those who don’t want the phone part of the iPhone. That brings up another question however. How close will Apple let the iPhone and iPod Touch get? Does apple want you to go for the iPhone over the iPod, or do they want to make both devices equally great in their own right? Whatever the answer to that is, we won’t have to wait long to find out; the chance that the new iPod will be announced is very high at 92%, so you can almost for certain expect it to make an appearance.

What do you think will be announced? Are there any specific features you’re looking for? Is the iPod Touch encroaching on iPhone’s domain? Let me know in the comments below.

Via: BeatWeek

It looks like “Smart Pad” is just the moniker for Toshiba’s product category, claims Netbook Italia. The site published new renders of the iPad-like Android device, now dubbed the Toshiba Folio 100, as well as a dock with Toshiba branding. It also posted some new specs to boot. So let’s get down to business and find out if this truly is an “iPad Killer.”

As of now, we haven’t heard anything straight from the horse’s mouth, but based on the supposed specs, it’s shaping up to be a real iPad killer. It boasts some features (below) that the Apple tablet doesn’t have and most likely will never have, such as a USB port or external memory slots. There is no wording on price yet, but you can expect it to be in the general range of the iPad.

Features:

• Android 2.2
• NVIDIA Tegra 2
• 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 display
• 16GB internal memory
• 802.11b/g/n wireless
• Bluetooth
• 3G
• SD and MMC card readers
• HDMI
• USB 2.0 ports
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 1020mAh battery with 7 hours of mixed use (perusing the web, watching videos, etc.) battery life

As far as software goes, it has Opera Mobile as the browser, Flash 1.0, an e-book reader, and some general office productivity applications.

So there you have it, the Folio 100, in all its glory. Will this tablet be enough to knock the iPad down a few rungs on the ladder, or is it too little and too late? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Via: Engadget

There’s just a few more days to go before Apple’s media event, when the company is expected to unveil the new iPod Touch. So there’s still time to squeeze in another rumor, right?

This one comes from an unidentified iLounge source who claims the new “iTouch” will be sporting a revamped shape with a flatter form factor. If you’re thinking, “Wow, that kind of sounds like the iPhone 4,” think again. It won’t be entirely flat, and a glass fabrication isn’t in the cards. But a more apt comparison would be to the top of Cupertino’s other mobile product line, the MacBook Pro — especially if Apple sticks with its predilection for metal, like stainless steel or aluminum.

Like the MBP, the shape of the device may retain some rounded edges, but the apex of the curve (in the center) will be more like a leveled-out surface.

The top of my MacBook Pro

Sadly, no images of this rumored new form factor are available, but it will supposedly hark back to the first-gen iPod Touch somewhat, except the exterior accommodates a rear camera along with a curious item next to it. There’s some argument about whether that feature will be an LED camera flash or a microphone (like the one on the Nano, for vid recording). iLounge is betting it’s a microphone, but either way, it’s still an upgrade. As for the headphone jack — it seems like it might be staying put on the bottom, beside the dock connector.

Speaking of the Nano, remember that little sub-2″ touchscreen component, a leaked pic of which hit the gossip mill last month (below)? iLounge thinks it’s destined for a future Nano product.

What are you hoping to see Apple announce this Wednesday? Do you want an iPod Touch redesign, or are you attached to the old form factor? Let us know in the comments.

Via: BGR, iLounge

Wednesday’s the big day for Apple music buffs. Not only is a new iPod Touch and iTV product expected to be unveiled, but pundits are looking at possible revamps to the company’s iTunes program as well.

There have been rumors that iTunes is going to go cloud-based, so users can stream their music and vids wirelessly over the internet. The latest, however, contradicts that prediction.

Music execs at some of the major labels are chiming in, saying that Apple hasn’t approached them yet about rights for streaming content. But they do expect that iTunes will have some sort of revamp — probably to turn it into a less bloated, Web-based store, one that will enable easier social sharing. So what may be on tap is web-based iTunes purchases, and support for sharing lists and titles via Twitter and Facebook (though song sharing with networks probably isn’t in the cards).

An interesting nugget in all this is the speculation that Apple will finally allow wireless syncing to iOS devices, at least for music and media. Some of the execs cited moving iTunes titles between computer and mobile device without cables. This, in fact, is something Apple already has the rights to do. Cloud-based streaming, however, isn’t in the current contracts. It’s not impossible, but it is pretty improbable that Apple would go ahead without these deals in place.

We’ll find out for sure on Wednesday.

Via: AppleInsider

Looks like everyone was off by about a week. Today, Apple sent out invitations to its annual media-centric event, to be held on September 1st. Usually, the company uses this event to announce its new iPod line-up, and the rumors predicted a September 7th date for this year.

The invitation features an acoustic guitar with a sound hole in the familiar shape of our favorite logo, the bitten apple. And now thanks to these, we have confirmation on the date to mark off on our calenders.

So how many predictions do you think will pan out? Possibly the biggest rumor involves a new iPod Touch with a front-facing camera (presumably for FaceTime chats). I think any camera on the device would be welcome, as one has been expected for over a year now. And if it can offer decent still pictures, it would probably take a big chunk out of the digital camera space. It’s also possible that a small touchscreen could be added to a new lineup of iPod products, not to mention a Retina Display.

Oh, but iTouches aren’t the only topic of discussion for the media event. Plenty of tongues have also been wagging about Apple possibly revealing a major refresh of its not-so-popular Apple TV. Mainly referred to as iTV, the new device — which is expected to boast iOS — could be Jobs & Co’s way of trying to create excitement for what has primarily been viewed as a secondary “hobby” of the CEO.

The fact that it’s powered by iOS is intriguing. If Apple takes its cue from Google, it could make apps that allow iDevices complete remote control to operate iTV, just like Google TV.

The new set-top box would have access to iTunes and the App Store — though it’s not clear if it will support today’s current apps, like the addictive Labyrinth. In fact, it would be impossible to play that app without picking up an accelerometer-driven device. No, if gaming is in the future of iTV, then it may have to be via static puzzle games — or a whole new breed of iTV-oriented game apps. Now that’s an intriguing thought. Could Apple intentionally be trying to muscle into the gaming console market? Enabling users to play iOS apps on their TVs would be a clever way to do it.

I’m more than excited for the possibilities this could offer the media center (or living room) some of us spend most of our time in. What about you guys?

Via: Gizmodo

We currently have the option of renting movies from iTunes but many are hoping for a similar feature for television shows. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is in talks with News Corp for the rights to rent Fox’s line-up of TV shows in iTunes. Sources claim CBS and Walt Disney are in similar, albeit less advanced, discussions.

According to the report, television shows will be available to rent within 24 hours after the air dates for 99 cents, with a time limit of 48 hours to view the content. It is also expected iOS users will be able to download rentals directly on their devices.

This appears to be Apple’s answer to streaming video services like Netflix and Hulu. Now users have the choice of watching ads or paying a small fee per episode to watch in high definition without advertisements.

It is expected this new service will be announced during the rumored September media event in San Francisco alongside an iPod refresh and an improved Apple TV.

Via: Bloomberg

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UPDATE: According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple’s efforts are getting a bit mucked up, thanks to resistance from others:

Apple is nearing an agreement with Walt Disney Co. to offer such rentals for some ABC television shows through its iTunes content store, these people said, but the proposal is facing at least some resistance from big TV companies, including CBS Corp., General Electric Co.’s NBC Universal, News Corp., and Viacom Inc., people briefed on Apple’s proposal said.

Feeling like thse TV execs are being a bit short-sighted here. Instead of clinging to a stale, old-fashioned model that doesn’t work anymore, they can step into the 21st century, forge a new model for modern viewership and make some cash. Or they could be pushed into the modern era by the likes of Bit Torrent, and make nothing. We’ll likely see the outcome of all this next Wednesday, Sept 1, at Apple’s media event. [Via: TUAW]

Next Wednesday’s event is going to prove to be a very interesting one, if all of these rumors come to fruition. Apple has been battling TV companies for this sort of material for a long time now, and they’ve refused to budge. As Philip Elmer-DeWitt remarks, it’s not Jobs that the execs should be worried about, but BitTorrent, and this is a legitimate way to get their shows into peoples hands.

Although iPhone 4 glitch reports have quieted down a little, we’ve had Verizon iPhone rumors up to our eyeballs. It seems that the interspace is eager to get a sniff of any iDevice-related rumor. I’m pretty convinced by now that there will eventually be a CDMA-compatible iPhone, opening the doors to carrier partnerships with Verizon and Sprint. “YAY!”  for no more AT&T exclusivity.

The latest tidbit comes from a Wall Street analyst who claims that Apple will be expanding to other carriers next year. Chaw Wu (Kaufman Bros.) believes Verizon is the current front runner in the race to grab the iPhone. However, with talks still going on between Big Red and Cupertino (with no resolution yet), it could quite easily be T-mobile or Sprint. He stated:

It is notable that signing up both T-Mobile USA and Sprint would almost be the equivalent of Verizon (in terms of subscribers). For point of reference, AT&T has 90 million wireless subscribers compared to 93 million at Verizon, 48 million at Sprint, and 34 million at T-Mobile USA.

One interesting theory about the Verizon/Apple deal is the possibility that it could introduce an “SVDO” iPhone. This would enable the handset to do data and voice simultaneously. So you could be on a Skype call, and hold a normal voice call at the same time, for instance.

We’re still nowhere near knowing exactly what’s going on yet, but I think we’re all convinced that AT&T’s days as the lone US iPhone carrier are numbered.

Via: Apple Insider