Bites from the Apple: Countdown

Another week, more iPhone rumors. But, it looks like the end may be in sight with what seems to be the most definitive tip of the 3G iPhone's release in June: a memo (acquired by The Boy Genius Report) to AT&T employees that no vacations can be scheduled between the dates of June 15 and July 12. Wired's Gadget Lab takes a look at some of the most recent rumors (including the photographic "evidence" of a new, rounded plastic case for the 3G iPhone, seen at right, and the possibility of multiple models). For a pretty complete rundown of what seems likely to be included in the new model, check out Charles Starrett's summary over at iLounge.

• The iPhone might not be the only thing to get revamped come June--TUAW has a tipster who says that the .Mac service could be getting push email, over-air syncing of calendars and contacts, and compatibility with Windows. Scott Kleinberg at the Chicago Tribune's iPhone Therefore I Blog blog sees this as a big deal.

• Gizmodo plays risk with all the countries across the globe that have done deals with Apple to sell the iPhone.

• In addition to push email, Ars Technica reports that the newest round of the iPhone SDK (software developer's kit) includes better YouTube integration in Safari.

• CNet's Crave blog argues that Apple needs to have a game console in its linupe.

• After a leak that seemed to confirm free Wi-Fi access at AT&T hotpspots for iPhone users, AT&T has backpedaled and yanked that portion of the iPhone plan from its site.

• Thinking of selling your first generation iPhone in preparation for the new 3G model? Leander Kahney found out that you can get up to $1000 for one in the Ukraine (though you're better off selling one on eBay or Craiglist here in the States).

• For Jailbreakers Only: Record video clips with your iPhone's camera using the aptly titled iPhoneVideoRecorder (via Into Mobile).

• Speaking of jailbreaking, the iPod Touch Hacks blog has two words for those who are considering it: DO IT. The reasons include adding applications that take your iPhone to the next level and the ability to add games--something that's seriously been lacking so far. I've stayed true to my Apple warranty and haven't done anything to unlock my phone. A fellow dad (who used Ziphone to jailbreak his iPhone) in my parents' group pesters me every time we get together to bust out, but I think I'll keep it that way until I see what gets released in the first rounds after the iPhone 2.0 platform gets official.

• It's been 10 years since the iMac was first released. Ars Technia and TUAW look back on the long, strange trip it's been from blue and green bubbles to svelte aluminum (and black turtlenecks).

  

• Oh, inverted world... O'Reilly's Digital Media blog accidentally found out how to invert your screen to black by pressing Command-Option-Control-8. Give it a try.

--Agen G.N. Schmitz