iPhone 3G first look, what do you want to know?

Well, we got one from the fine folks at Vodafone NZ. Yeah, we'll admit, between the early peek at the not too drastically changed firmware, guided tours, and announcement hands-on, there's not a lot of mystery to the iPhone 3G at this point. But if you've got any burning questions we can answer with our shiny new Vodafone NZ iPhone 3G, hit us up in comments and we'll update here with our findings. Stick around, more coming.

Gallery: iPhone 3G first look

Video: iPhone 3G unboxing and first look

Here she is: the iPhone 3G, captured on video. We've gone through a number of the new features on the device and in the 2.0 software release, but apologies in advance if you're looking for side by side speed tests (there are some coverage issues where we're at). Video of the unboxing, new feature walkthrough, and GPS use (while on a train) after the break.

iPod touch 2.0 leaked to the wolves? (update: Apple releases officially)

Listen up children, we've got a story to tell. It's scary and exciting and might just turn your iPod touch to fairy dust if you're not careful. The 2.0 firmware is reportedly leaked (and thus cash-free) to those of you daring enough to try. We've been contacted by a dozen netizens who claim to confirm the authenticity. However, at least one tipster reports their iPod touch getting "bricked doing it from pc but mac restore worked fine." What's more, we can't find the file in Apple's XML. Still, most say it "works like a dream," installing goodies from the App Store without problems. While the original download source is now 404, we're sure you can figure out other ways of locating "iPod1,1_2.0_5A345_Restore.ipsw." Ready, go. One more pic after the break.

First Touchscreen BlackBerry Nowhere Near Ready for Release

Although rumors about the BlackBerry Thunder have been circulating for months, these have been somewhat vague on when this smartphone will be released. According the the latest information, RIM is still a long way away from being ready to introduce its first device with a touchscreen.

An unnamed source has given Boy Genius Report a description of the current state of the Thunder's development. This can be summed up with a single word: bad.


There are supposedly both hardware and software problems. Among the worst of these is very slow response to screen touches. There's a half-second delay when tapping letters on the on-screen keyboard.
Also, there are reportedly problems with this device's accelerometer.

BGR's source said, "Thunder is in no way shape or form market-ready. If Bold was any indication, Thunder won't be ready for at least another 4-5 months."

More about the BlackBerry Thunder

Smartphones with touchscreens are all the rage now, and it appears even RIM isn't going to buck the trend.

According to various leaks and rumors, the BlackBerry Thunder will have a tablet shape with a relatively large screen.

It will supposedly depend almost entirely on its touchscreen for input. There'll be no hardware keyboard, not even a sliding one, nor a trackball. There are, however, a full collection of standard control buttons.

One of the leaked images has the Verizon Wireless logo, which means it will run on CDMA wireless networks, but a wide variety of carriers are likely to eventually offer this model, including ones that use the GSM standard.

Samsung i900 Omnia vs. HTC Touch Diamond... fight!

At this point, neither the HTC Touch Diamond nor the Samsung i900 Omnia need any introduction, but we're happy to announce that these two have stepped into the squared circle and faced off in an epic nine-page battle. Reviewers manhandled both phones for an extended time and broke down the UI, hardware, features and overall usability, so if that sounds like something you'd be interested in, cover your face and head on down to the read link. We're warning you though, it gets ugly.