The 2009 iPhone buzz is just getting into high gear

The Apple buzz machine is starting to get into high gear after their March 17^th presentation on the iPhone OS version 3.0. Now, carriers like AT&T are starting to spill the beans on the upcoming hardware refresh due out in June. All the major media outlets have picked up the Boy Genius report regarding his conversation with an unnamed AT&T executive…

New iPhone announcement around mid-June (duh)
New iPhone will be faster and have a more seamless experience unmatched by any device (could be just talking about 3.0, but we think it's also a new iPhone)
U-Verse iPhone application; will allow control of your home DVR (play, pause, rewind, etc.)
The annual iPhone launch is "becoming a tradition."
Nothing official is being confirmed, but they said that people should prep for an exciting time this summer.
AT&T is said to be working with Apple to create a unified product with an unparalleled experience across all their products and services.
Apple's 3.0 software should tell us where the iPhone platform is going… uh, k?
They said customers shouldn't need to choose from AT&T's high-end devices because of features, they should choose based on preferences. The gap in capability should be filled with the new iPhone. Ok, bets on slide out QWERTY, autofocus camera, video sharing, blah blah?
Seems like the higher speed HSDPA (7.2Mbps) is being hinted at too which should confirm the earlier rumors of the new Infineon chipset.
The $99 3G netbook will start selling this summer, and the first one won't be a Windows OS. "

Apple has announced the dates of its World Wide Developers Conference for June 8 through the 12^th. With 73 days left to go, that gives the rumor mill plenty of time to generate all sorts of news…I am very interested in seeing what Apple comes up with for an A2DP stereo Bluetooth headset.

Now Apple stores are selling locked iPhone 3G without a contract for $599 (8GB) and $699 (16GB). Although it is possible to unlock them on your own, in the US the iPhone 3G frequencies only work on AT&T network, although you could still use Edge on T-Mobile and Metro PCS. I wonder about the motivation behind this move, maybe they just want to move inventory to make room for the new iPhone in June.

Comments

Personally I'd just be happy with a 32GB iPhone. My T-mobile contract is up in May, and I'd like to get by with everything on an iPhone, but 16 GB won't cut it for all my apps and music/movies. Maybe I'll wait until June to jump ship to AT&T and see what the new iPhone will bring...

Posted by: Chris Beard | April 01, 2009 at 10:11 PM