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At last, after long expectations and some high hurdles standing in the way, Apple’s mobile star – the iPhone – finally lands in Israel and gets official across the state. It’s been over a month since we first started guessing about potential debut dates, optional packages and probable prices to be set. Back than it was just rumors, now it’s for real. Official release started exactly on midnight, December 10th, with both Pelephone and Cellcom organizing a huge event, while Orange deciding to go with a more restrained release, the day after.

Pelephone was the first company to officially publish their iPhone prices – fair or terribly expensive, it’s up to you to decide:

First package: includes an 18 month obligation with a monthly fee of 299NIS that includes 250 minutes of talk, 250 SMS messages, and 10GB data. The iPhones will cost in this package as follows: iPhone 3G 8GB 399NIS (one time fee), iPhone 3GS 16GB 799NIS and finally, iPhone 3GS 32GB will run for 1199NIS.

Second Package: Same as first package, includes an 18 month obligation, this time with a monthly fee of 349NIS that includes 300 minutes of talk, 300 SMS messages, and 10GB data. The iPhones will cost in this package as follows: iPhone 3G 8GB FREE,  iPhone 3GS 16GB 399NIS and finally, iPhone 3GS 32GB will run for 799NIS. Sells will start at the night between the 9th and the 10th of December, while first buyers are claimed to received some cool freebies. Checkout the table after the break (courtesy of Calcalist).

Turns out if you don’t want to get into a package and commit yourself to a cellular company for 18 months, you can buy the iPhone “on the go” (without any obligation) in the following prices: iPhone 3G 8GB at 2625NIS, iPhone 3GS 16GB for 3150 and iPhone 3GS 32GB will cost you in Pelephone 3675.

Orange came second to release the iPhone prices, and it seems their packages are more reasonable for average mobile users (despite the poor data capacities). For example, a monthly fee of 159NIS package will buy you 100 minutes of talk, 50 SMS messages, and 30MB data. Other alternative that Orange offers is “Air Time” packages which let you buy a monthly talking time for a fixed price. For example, 169NIS will give you 200 minutes to speak with your friends and family, send 200 SMS/MMS messages and consume 250MB of data. The third option that Orange has published is the “Fix Price” packages with permanent 19.9NIS fee fee and prices that start at 81.3NIS for 36 months for those who will take the iPhone 3G and up to 113.8NIS in the next 3 years, in case you decide to buy the iPgone 3GS 32GB edition. For more details about the packages hit the break and see the charts.

Cellcom was the last company to release the iPhone prices, among the three. Their first package includes a 249NIS monthly fee that will get you 300 minutes of talk, 250 SMS messages, and 1GB data. In this package iPhones will cost you 799NIS (iPhone 3G), 1299NIS (iPhone 3GS 16GB) and 1699NIS (iPhone 3GS 32GB). The second package is priced at 349NIS per month and includes 400 minutes of talk, 500 SMS messages, and 1GB data. In this package iPhone devices will cost you 399NIS (iPhone 3G), 799NIS (iPhone 3GS 16GB) and 1299NIS (iPhone 3GS 32GB). All packages involve 18 months contract and you can get the unlimited data for extra 60NIS a month. More details and upgrade plans are now available in Cellcom’s website.

Update: We’ve just added some photos, taken today while we were touring for iphone queues. So far haven’t found any. Last 2 images are courtesy of iPhones.co.il, while previous two came from Cellcom’s PR.

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Dev Team has done it again. iPhone 3.1 OS has been jailbroken for iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch 2 machines, in case you’re Mac users. Mind you, this new Pwnage 3.13 tool, the team has released, will not work with Phone/iPod Touch devices that came out-of-the-box with OS 3.1 or were upgraded via iTunes. In other words, you have to Pwnd them at 3.0 or 3.0.1 versions, before jumping to the latest one.

[DevTeam]

While most info is scarce, we’ve managed to pick up some new unconfirmed details about the long awaited iPhone release in Israel. As reported, Apple has recently approached the Antitrust Authority in order to officially approve all of its activities with the local carriers in the country, and to make sure there are no legal issues left ahead of the coming launch, which initially supposed to take place back in August. Now we’ve been told, that the official debut will happen somewhere between the 25th to the 27th of November, in all large Israeli operators, contingent upon final approvals from the Ministry Of Communication. Additionally, we’ve just learned that the iPhone itself will be offered in the following forms:

iPhone 3GS 16GB – is priced around 4000 NIS, pay to go (prepaid), while contract packages will run you only 999NIS.

iPhone 3GS 32GB – is priced around 5000NIS, pay to go (prepaid), while contracted users will pay only 1499NIS.

iPhone 3G – we were told there’s a small amount of 3G devices, that may (or may not) go out for 599NIS .

In any case, all packages include a monthly fee, ranged between 200 – 300 NIS, and being delivered with A) 150 SMS text messages B) 200 minutes talk and C) 100MB of data.

From what we know, and specifically for this task, all carriers already recruited special salespersons, who suppose to take a two weeks course and learn about the iPhone machines during this period of time. The orders these people were given are very clear: “Sell only iPhones or don’t sell anything”.  Stay tuned for more info to come.

“Pay to go” = without a contract.

Update1: Mind you this info is relevant for today, as dates and details may vary.

Update2: Data packages will apparently cost 69NIS for 1GB, both in Cellcom and Orange, if you’re buying iPhone or Android devices.

Update3: As mentioned, 1GB of data will cost 69NIS, but those who exceed the limit will pay 10NIS for every additional 1MB they use.

Update4: Besides the 1 year warranty, it seems the carriers will not include any repairing insurance when buying an iPhone in Israel. That means you won’t be able to buy insurance for your iPhone in order to subsidize repairing beyond the first year.

Update5: After endless rumors floating around, the Cupertino team has officially announced that all three carriers can start selling the iPhone in Israel, starting from December 10. That of course happened after Apple has managed to clear up a few regulatory hurdles and received the final approval needed.

Update6: Read more updates about release day, packages and prices in here.

This is a guest post by Israeli blogger Yarin Hochman, who has apparently spent a significant amount of time testing every single iPhone app, ever released. In this post he shares his experiences with Snapture’s newly born PiP camera app. You can read more from Yarin on his Hebrew tech blog, TechVibe.

I don’t know about you but for me, one of the biggest pains with my iphone machine is the camera. Now, I haven’t upgraded to the 3GS version yet, I personally don’t see any substantial reason to, but still, even the iphone 3GS camera itself, is apparently provided with tiny lens, very basic features and low quality images, when it comes to comparison with average Nokia\Blackberry cameras.

Today, Snapture, which previously released a camera app for jailbroken iPhones, seems to turn “legit”, by introducing an official version that is now available on Apple’s formal app store, under Snapture app (1.99$), and has made me like it from first impression, but not without a few reservations attached.

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Dev Team has just released a Pwnage jailbreaking tool for iPhone 3.1 OS, used with Mac systems. Mind you, this new JB version can only work with Apple’s older machines and won’t support new ones, such as iPhone 3GS or iPod Touch second-gen. To get it down and start the process, move with cautious over the link below.

Because of changes with Apple’s update techniques this will be a multipart release, starting with the initial release of PwnageTool for Mac OS X – this application supports the iPhone 1st Generation (2G), The iPhone 3G and the iPod touch 1G. NB: THIS DOES NOT SUPPORT THE 3GS OR 2ND or 3RD GEN IPOD TOUCH. redsn0w for Mac OS X and Windows will follow sometime in the near future, please don’t bug us about it – we’ll release when we have something ready.

*

[viaDev Team]

With Apple’s fifth-gen nano camera player catching today’s most attention, no one had really thought a new iPod Shuffle series could actually get into Steve Jobs’ busy schedule lineup and be released  – But it did – as Cupertino surprisingly announces a refreshing batch of new colorful shuffle players, spiced with a much welcomed price cut execution that sets the numbers on $59 for the 2GB version and only $79 for the 4GB one. Flavors wise, it seems the shuffle is now being offered in blue, green or pink hues, joining the already exist black and silver tints, as well as a new stainless steel “Special Edition” model, marked as premium and priced higher than others, at $99. Other than that, it pretty much remains the same with that voice over technology reading out your songs list, and battery life that plays your stuff for 10 hours long. Stay tuned.

[Apple]

Apple’s Rock n’ Roll event just went down with Steve Jobs up on stage again, this time suggesting a new colorful iPod nano lineup, available today at the online store, delivering two different storage capacities, 8GB ($149) and 16GB ( $179), to choose from. Other than that, the fifth-generation nano is now offering some neat improvements, with Cupertino unveiling a small video camera, integrated at the back of each player, allowing live video shooting in 640 x 480 video capture resolution at H.264 format, which gets up to 30fps capabilities and including 15 real-time special effects, such as Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, 2.2Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido, Motion Blur and many others. Additionally, you get a bigger 2.2-inch 376 x 240 display, holding an FM tuner that has Live Pause feature underneath, sitting along with iTunes Tagging support, a pedometer element, built in speaker / microphone  and a voice over trait – all packed into a small sized 3.6 x 1.5 x 0.24-inches body frame that holds a battery which literally plays up to 24 hours of audio and 5 hours of video. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: Turns out the new nano camera can only handle video footage without stills. Nonetheless, it still looks pretty amazing, so hit the break and checkout the video walkthrough right away.

Update2: Hey, we know you’re all excited to take a peek at those sexy inner parts of the new nano video cam player. And as we speak, the guys from iFixit were rapidly nabbing a nice blue fifth-gen nano device, tearing it apart and showing its bowels wide. Hit the jump to watch from close, or click the link to look at the entire process done.

[Apple]

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With one more hour to go before announcing some new players, Apple is now reported to quietly slash down iPod Touch, Nano and Classic iPod prices on Cupertino’s on-line store, as follows:  iPod Touch – Apparently, the 8GB model is now priced at $189 (instead of $229), while 16GB version now stands at $249 (instead of $299), and the 32GB flavor is merely $279 (was $399 before). iPod Nano – The 8GB model will now set you back for $129 (instead of $149), as the 16GB Nano is now offered for only $149 (instead of previous $199). iPod Classic - Gets the competitive price of $229 instead of $249.

Update1: Turns out a new whopping 64GB iPod Touch version is now up and available for $399.

Update2: Looks like the $249 iPod Classic player is now being offered in 160GB storage. That’s extra 40GB to its predecessor.

Update3: So it seems a new iPod Touch 3G is out after all, but regretfully without a camera inside. Prices remain the same but the UI looks a little snappier than previous gen. Surprisingly, the guys at iFixit have managed to find a potential spot for a video camera, that Apple has probably allocated in the top of the device. That said, Steve Jobs already made it clear that Apple won’t integrate any footage features at this point. Stay tuned.

Update4: The guys at engadget have thrown themselves all over the “new” iPod Touch 3G, moments before it goes live. Hit the jump to take a look.

[Apple]

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While Apple’s rumored tablet Mac is still on the prep and Arrington’s Crunchpad PC tablet doesn’t take off yet, it’s the Japanese giant Toshiba which steps up these days and catches the big tech headlines, around its latest impressive 7-inch tablet unit, that was first introduced at the IFA trading show in Berlin, yesterday morning. Naturally, like all tablet devices, Toshiba’s JournE multimedia machine is no different, with its sharp and wide touchscreen display, that packs underneath an SD slot expansion that seats right next to 1GB of internal storage (poor), an ARM4 processor, a 802.11b/g WiFi antenna, a 3.5mm headphone jack and even an HDMI connecting port which up-scales 1080p high-def movies with the  bundled dock station you get. Still in a prototype stage, the 14mm thick frame can easily handle all common codecs files available in the market, such as H.264, DivX, and WMV, but will also run some of the most popular online multimedia services like Flickr, Youtube, Picasa, Facebook and others. However, if that’s not enough, Microsoft’s Windows CE 6.0 Pro that runs the entire operation inside, is also provided with many of the OS goodies, including Explorer browser, MSN Messenger, internal video player and many more. Additionally, for those who prefer the non-finger usage, a stylus pen will be added as well, when this thing goes out to the market, somewhere in Q4 this year. And if 250 Euros is too much for you to shell out right now, then hit the break and watch the video.

Update: Apparently Toshiba’s JournE Multimedia tablet is claimed to include VoIP and ebook apps that will be available for downloading via a future app store, which the company planes to open. Additionally, Toshiba’s mysterious online store is also reported to be offering featured music albums and wide range of movie hits – all priced competitively. Stay tuned for more to come.

[via engadget]

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[digg-me]

First come the rumors, then you see the  mock-ups, and moments before any official announcement is made, some blurred and unfocused images surface up. Have you guessed already? Of course you did, it is a mandatory process for any Apple product to go through, before getting released, and make no mistake, iPod Touch next gen (AKA: iPod Touch 3G) is not different from others. And with so many “yes camera no camera” speculations floating around, It is for you to decide either these latest footage images are fake or legit. Hit the break to see the video.

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Apple has finally released iPhone OS 3.0.1, to handle those SMS vulnerability problems that allowed evil backdoor malwares to penetrate your machines and viciously attack them – Now it won’t happen, thanks to the new patch Cupertino has delivered. The new iPhone OS 3.0.1 update is up and available for downloading via your iTunes, sized at 280MB, so hit the app and get it now.

Update: Here’s what Apple’s speaker, Tom Neumayr, had to say about the issue:

“We appreciate the information provided to us about SMS vulnerabilities which affect several mobile phone platforms. This morning, less than 24 hours after a demonstration of this exploit, we’ve issued a free software update that eliminates the vulnerability from the iPhone. Contrary to what’s been reported, no one has been able to take control of the iPhone to gain access to personal information using this exploit.”

It’s been already 3 weeks since we first heard about iPhone’s OS 3.0 jailbreak announcement for 1st generation and 3G devices, but today, this is the day of iPhone 3GS owners, as Dev-Team has done it again, officially releasing the redsn0w version for Apple’s latest mobile machine (and for all its predecessors) and the first redsn0w release that also supports linux. You can find it available in most common torrents and as always, should proceed forward with severe caution.

[Dev-Team]

AT&T has finally released a turn-by turn iPhone navigator app which can be downloaded through Apple’s App Store for a monthly fee of $9.99 or somewhere around $240 for a perpetual l subscription [iTunes link].The new application, that was developed by Telenav, offers traffic alerts and full 3D mapping, both verbal and on-screen guided, with Yellow Pages access, online trip planning capabilities and automatic map updates, supporting street names and business listings. Full press release is after the break.

[via Slashgear]

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In case you were wondering if Dev-Team will ever be able to pull it out together and bring  a jailbreaking solution for OS 3.0, pat your shoulders guys, as a new Pwnage tool was officially released – currently for Mac users only – with some precautions at stake, to be taken into consideration while handling this thing. There’s absolutely no compatibility with 3G S devices, and frankly we don’t think those lucky people who already got them should really jump on the wagon and jailbreak their machines, with so many free applications available for downloading from Apple’s App Store. To get this thing done, you’ll need a Mac OS X platform, running your computer with either Pwnage or QuickPwn tools already jailbreaking your 2.2.1 version. Otherwise, it just won’t work for you. Jump after the break to read the complete instructions as earlier displayed  by Dev-Team themselves. You can also download the Pwnage tool directly from here.

Update: Looks like iPhone 3G owners can finally unlock OS 3.0 interface, as Dev-Team officially releases their latest Ultrasn0w version, allowing 3G machines get Apple’s recent platform work inside. Mind you, this version WILL NOT work with iPhone 3GS units, only with first generations. Hit the link to get started – with the right cautions.

[Dev-Team]

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With only hours before iPhone’s 3G S version officially goes up on sale across the world, Rapid Repair gang have managed to get their hands on one of Apple’s few available copies around, and dissected it into pieces,  letting us closely look into the main components assembled inside, including chips, amps, processors and involved manufacturing companies, who helped Cupertino building this powerful machine. From their tear-down, we learn that South Korean giant, Samsung provides the SoC S5PC100 chipset, while main processor confirmed to be ARM Cortex A8, running at 600 MHz, with 720p high-def support. PowerVR SGX graphics also integrated within the iPhone 3G S, with 256MB of RAM, instead of 128MB on previous models.  In addition, we can see the NAND Flash memory, provided by Toshiba and Infenion is there as well, providing myriad parts of the phone. Hit the jump to checkout the comparison chart of iPhone’s hardware and Palm’s Pre, as more pictures available at their website. Also, feel free to start sharing your personal reviews, once getting a brand new iPhone 3G S in the following days.

Update: iSuppli says the estimated cost of Apple’s new iPhone 3GS for the 16GB configuration, stands at $178.96 to manufacture. Mind you, this price valuation, refers to direct materials cost, with no inclusion of other essential operational expenses, such as shipping, distribution, royalty fees etc, which add some value to the overall price.Check out their components and cost drivers table, after the break.

[via RapidRepair]

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As planned, Apple has officially released iPhone OS 3.0, to be available in your iTunes application right now. If you don’t see it, juct click the updates button and make sure you’re running version 8.2. Apparently, OS 3.0 weights 230 MB, and with thousands of people concurrently downloading the update, it might take longer than expected.  Needless to say, the upgrade is free in case you’re holding iPhone or iPhone 3G devices, and will be part of the iPhone 3GS version the moment it gets live tommorow. However, iPod touch owners will have to shell out $9.95 to download this one. Stay tuned for updates.

Update: You can download the latest iPhone OS 3.0 directly from here.

[Apple]

Apple’s WWDC 2009 event is already behind and we were lucky to hear exactly what we’ve all been waiting for, as Cupertino unsurprisingly announced a new iPhone device, also known as the iPhone 3G-S, with the “S” referring to “Speed”, as for faster and stronger than previous iPhone 3G model. The event itself started with Apple’s staggering revelation, claiming there are over 50,000 apps in the App Store  and more than 1 billion application downloads in the last 9 months period – which is quite overwhelming, to say the least. Once ending with those astonishing details, Apple has proudly  introduced the official iPhone OS 3.0 platform, which suppose to go live on June 17th, free of charge, while  iPod Touch users, repeatedly deprived, with Apple asking them to pay $9.95 for getting the update. As for the Os 3.0 version, apparently it’ll bear inside most of the things we’ve been writing about for quite some time, including Copy/Paste, MMS, A2DP stereo Bluetooth, Peer-to-peer connectivity, 30 integrated languages , landscape keyboard, real turn-by-turn TomTom GPS navigation system, Autofill support,  Find My iPhone compatibility, internet tethering connection, “rent and purchase” online service (purchase movies directly from your iPhone), and other cool add-ons you can read about, in here (overall, over 100 new features).

Heading forward, after endless speculations and about one million rumors floating around, the star of the day, which is probably the fastest iPhone device ever made, was finally introduced with stronger processing elements and upgraded data speed – standing at 7.2Mbps HSDPA, instead of only 3.6Mbps on previous model. In terms of design, the new iPhone 3GS boasts the same sleeky rounded body, its 3G predecessor had, only this one has a lot more to offer, with a brand new 3 megapixels autofocus camera that can easily capture videos at 30fps in VGA mode, along with in-phone edit / adjustment capabilities. Another cool feature that Apple was kindly adding to this wonderful machine is the Voice Control function, that seamlessly brings up a whole different user interface that lets you do various things like making calls or handle your iTunes whenever holding down the Home button control. And if that wasn’t enough, a “revolutionary” battery that holds up to 12 hours of 2G talk, or 5 hours of 3G chat is part of this affordable package. Speaking about affordable, Apple has really gone wild this time with prices dropping down to $199 for 16GB and $299 for 32GB when it goes on sale on June 19th, in 80 countries across the world – with current 8GB 3G version remain in the market for ONLY $99 a piece. Hit the jump to checkout the comparison table together with a group of images from yesterday’s event.

Update1: Looks like T-Mobile Netherlands wasn’t told about the embargo that Apple was casting on specs or any other information related to the new iPhone 3G-S device (at least until official release, on June 19th).  According to the company’s website, Apple’s new wonder will presumably pack a 600MHz CPU with 256MB of RAM. That’s up from 412MHz and 128MB of RAM in both previous generations, which is roughly twice as fast as previous hardware. Check the specs image after the break.

Update2: In case you really can’t wait for the official release, take a look at the new video (in Portuguese) after the break, featuring the brand new iPhone 3GS with some of the new features inside.

[Apple]

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After so many rumors and speculations floating around, Microsoft has finally announced the Zune HD, which suppose to make its first appearance somewhere this fall, competing head-to-head with Apple’s popular iPod Touch player. Regretfully, there’s nothing much to share in terms of specs or features, but from the very few fragments we’ve managed to collect, you briefly can figure out it’ll probably pack a 3.3-inch 480 x 272 OLED capacitive touchscreen, together with a built-in HD Radio receiver, 720P HD output (via dock station), integrated WiFi connection and accelerometer sensors for landscape usability. Additionally, you might find a designated Explorer browser for internet surfing purposes and hopefully, a mashup interface with Xbox / Xbox Live gaming consoles. Still, no pricing or capacity details to write about, although one should expect either 16GB or 32GB flavors inside, but this way or another those rumored images earlier published, make no place for mistakes – Zune HD is live and kicking. Full press release after the break.

Update1: The guys at Gizmodo have managed to put their hands on the freakishly new Zune HD while hanging around D7′s conference hall. First images indicate an incredibly thin-and-light design, combined with a stunning 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, basic Zune UI, adjusted to the touch navigation mode and rounded edges, build with a big “Home” button placed at the bottom lefte.  Hit the jump to watch the video or their link for even more images.

Update2: Zune Insider has officially confirmed that Zune HD will be running NVIDIA’s Tegra chipset inside, which means – full high-def video compatibility in the palm of your hand. Still no word about final release dates, but we’re following.

Update3: Rumors around claim the new Zune HD will be priced somewhere betweem $249 and $280 for the 16GB version, while a 64GB modelis on the prep for a late release. Stay tuned.

Update4: Both BestBuy and Amazon have just listed up the Zune HD on their inventory system , priced at $220 for the 16GB model, and $290 for the 32GB version, coming on September 8th. It’s less than a month to go, so stay tuned.

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Barely, can you find PMP devices outside the Asian borders with different titles other than iPod, iRiver, Cowon, or Zune. It takes a plenty of guts to make a direct move against those giants, releasing your very own multimedia brand, while most people prefer having one of the noted players. But hands-up, walking against all odds is something we should admire, especially if the company has no clever PR to carry your name throughout the blogsphere. Such company, is S-Tech Digital that recently released the Sonix7 Media Pro PMP, which packs a 3.2-inch touchscreen, together with a built-in camera, a speaker, a neat accelerometer sensor, 30 hours of audio battery that also provides 20 hours of video playback and either 8GB or 16GB capacities to choose from, priced at £89.99 ($136) and £104.99 ($159), respectively. It’s a Britain made MP4 machine and you can checkout the comparison with the iPod Touch player after the break.

[via engadget]
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Great news for those who’ve been anxiously waiting Sony’s new OLED walkman series to hit western shores, as the company officially announces a US release, while some Asian parts of the world already enjoy this 3-inch wonder for almost a month. Apparently, American citizens can order their piece of audio technology from Amazon and pay the same prices Apple listed the iPod Touch players, which means you get to choose between 16GB / 32GB capacities, both scheduled to mid-June. And if your memory just ditched for a second, we’re here to remind that your options include either the NWZ- X1051 version (16GB ), priced at $299, or the double sized NWZ- X1061 edition for only $399.

[Sony]