Microsoft apparently wants to help pay for your Apple iPhone 3G S, or iPhone 3G for that matter. One of our iPhone forum members discovered that AT&T is a willing participant in Microsoft's BING Cashback program. Once you join (and it's free), you can receive 35% cashback on purchases at AT&T. We went through the process and it appears to be on the up and up. We're just waiting to confirm that our 35% cashback award will get deposited after purchasing a $399 iPhone 3G S. That would mean a cashback bonus of $139.50, meaning the iPhone 3G S will be a more affordable $259.50. Of course, if you are a new customer, that number will be even less. Details on how to take part are after the break. You can check in this forum thread to see how others fare, but it certainly appears as if Microsoft is willing to help cover the cost of your iPhone purchase.
We offer no guarantees, but it certainly sounds good to us.
Along with the introduction of the iPhone 3G S, Apple also announced a price break on the existing iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G will remain in the product portolio, but will now be available at just $99 for the 8GB iPhone 3G. Apple will most certainly reach more customers with this new price point. No changes were announced to AT&T's rate plans. The price change is effective immediately. If you were waiting for a price break and aren't wowed by the various upgrades found in iPhone 3G S, then your time to get a new iPhone is now.
Apple has changed their policy when it comes to new iPhone 3G orders. Previously, customers would be required to pick up their iPhone 3G at a local Apple Store. Starting today, you can have buy an iPhone 3G from the Apple Store online and have your order shipped directly to your doorstep.
Taiwan's DigitTimes reports that OmniVision, a camera sensor manufacturer, has received an order from Apple to supply 3.2-megapixel image sensors for the next iPhone model expected this summer. They also state that Apple has ordered 5-megapixel sensors for another Apple device that will be released later this year.
A 3.2-megapixel sensor will put the new iPhone on par with many touchscreen-only smartphone competitors, like the Blackberry Storm, HTC Touch Diamond, and the upcoming Palm Pre and HTC Magic/G2. The existing 2-megapixel camera in the current iPhone 3G and first-generation iPhone, combined with its lack of an auto-focus lens and settings adjustments, has been a disappointment to many users. An improvement in the next iPhone's camera specs will be greatly appreciated, particularly since rumors also point to the ability to record video in the next iPhone.
AT&T will reportedly offer the iPhone 3G 8GB and 16GB to existing customers at a no-commitment price of $599 and $699 respectively starting March 26th. There will be a limit of (1) per line, so it appears you'll need an active AT&T line. Is this the first move to reduce inventory in preparation for a new iPhone or simply a move to boost sales of the existing model? Either way, those looking for an iPhone 3G without the commitment, can do so starting next week.
Next to Cut, Copy and Paste, MMS is normally at the top of the list of most wanted features for iPhone users. MMS (wikipedia) has been around since 2002 and today it's standard on most pedestrian cellphones. For some unknown reason, Apple didn't choose to include support for MMS until today or should I say sometime this summer when iPhone Software 3.0 is released. Even then, MMS will only be supported on the iPhone 3G and perhaps a next generation iPhone that has yet to be announced. The technological divide between first gen and second gen owners has begun. Apple claims it's not a software issue. First generation iPhone hardware is not capable of MMS, all $599 of it. Okay $499 if we include the $100 rebate handed out after the march on Cupertino back in September of 2007 after the price drop debacle.
It's easy enough to organize your apps on your iPhone, but a concept video (Gizmodo via JAIB) shows how Apple could bring App organization to iTunes. Having the ability to sort apps based upon usage, category and more could yield some benefits. This is particularly useful if moving App pages around.
