Crave

Panasonic HDC-TM10 and HDC-SD10 photos

Though announced a few weeks ago overseas, Panasonic now thinks the time is right to allow its newest camcorders to grace American soil. The AVCHD HDC-TM10 and SD10 replace their older siblings, the TM20 and SD20 at the same prices, with a couple of improvements. (The hard-disk-based HDC-HS20 remains in the lineup.)

For one, the TM10/SD10 eschews the unnecessary 5.1 surround audio in favor of a more basic stereo mic system. The new models also switch from a Leica to a Panasonic lens, though they're still 16x zooms. The lens does incorporate Panasonic's new Active optical image stabilization, which is designed to compensate for additonal vibration incurred while walking and other secondary motion. Finally, as is typical, the newer models are a bit lighter and more compact than the older ones.

I don't know if the new lens is significantly better than the old, but chances are the camcorders will be relatively similar. That means if you can find a bargain on the current models, it's probably worth the savings rather than waiting for the new ones.

As with the 20 series, the TM10 and SD10 differ from each other only by internal memory; the TM has 16GB built-in, and the SD models have none. The prices will remain unchanged, however, when they ship in September; $549.95 for the HDC-SD10 and $599.95 for the HDC-TM10. The TM10 will be available in black and silver models, and the SD10 will be basic black.

The Cool-er e-book reader comes in eight colors.

(Credit: Interead)

In the U.S., the Amazon Kindle remains the most popular and best known e-reader on the market. But not everyone's ready to pay $360 for the device, and the Kindle doesn't appeal to international readers, because its wireless capabilities don't work overseas. And that's where upstart digital readers like Interead's Cool-er come in.

The product's name was inspired by the concept of a "cool e-reader" and it's the first consumer electronics product from Interead, which has offices in the U.K. and New York and also has a companion online e-book store to support the device. The Cool-er's claim to fame is that it's lighter, less expensive ($250), more colorful (it comes in eight colors), and more "open" than the Kindle, accepting a wider variety of file formats, much like Sony's e-readers do.

On many levels, including screen size and readability, the Cool-er matches the Kindle 2, and even beats it in terms of memory expansion, as there's an SD slot. We appreciated that the battery is removable and replaceable (Interead will send you a replacement battery for $5).

Read the full review to find out how good a deal the Cool-er really is.

AT&T Navigator

(Credit: AT&T)

Today, AT&T announced that it's expanding its AT&T Navigator location-based service overseas, making it the first U.S. carrier to offer international navigation capabilities. Dubbed AT&T Navigator Global Edition, the service is available now and works in 20 countries, including North America, the U.S. Caribbean, and most countries in Western Europe. It will also work in six cities in China--Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Shenyang, Tianjin, and Qinhuangdao--all of which will host Beijing Summer Olympics events. (AT&T is an official sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team.)

Like the domestic version, AT&T Navigator Global Edition provides color maps, local search, and text- and voice-guided turn-by-turn driving directions. In addition, the audible prompts are available in English, Spanish, German, or Italian. AT&T Navigator Global Edition costs $19.98 per month, which includes domestic service, and works on a number of devices, including the AT&T Tilt, RIM BlackBerry 8800, RIM BlackBerry Curve 8310, RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8110, Samsung BlackJack II, and the Motorola Q9h. You can check out AT&T's Web site for more information.

One final note: Does anyone think this is another sign that GPS-equipped cell phones and smartphones will take over dedicated portable navigation devices?

After last week's column, it's clear that CNET readers have an endless amount of questions about the iPhone 3G,which Apple and AT&T are releasing on Friday. In this special edition of On Call, I'll answer as many as of those questions I can. If you don't see your question listed, be sure to check if a reader posed a similar query.

Do you want a piece of me?

(Credit: Apple)

Q: If I were to buy and use the upcoming iPhone 3G and later decided to add a family member to my plan, will I be allowed to add that family member if they don't use an iPhone?
- Neil

A: According to Mark Siegel, AT&T's executive director of media relations, iPhone 3G buyers will be able to add additional iPhones as a family plan. Also, you will be able to combine an iPhone with other AT&T phones to create a family plan. For more on iPhone family plans, visit AT&T's Web site.

Q: I canceled my service with Verizon Wireless and changed it to AT&T for the iPhone 3G. Besides this being more expensive, I am wondering if this is the wisest of choices. Is the iPhone 3G worth the hassle?
- Jay

A: I can't say yet whether the iPhone 3G will be worth all the hassle. I'm not one of the lucky ones who got it early, so I'll have to tell you on Friday when I receive my review unit. Though I didn't think the first iPhone was worth the mammoth hype (what would be?), the addition of 3G, GPS and Exchange server support does fix a lot (but not nearly all) of the original handset's flaws. So if you've wanted the iPhone, but haven't yet made the plunge, now is the time. But whether it's the hassle and the money remains to be seen. And in the end, it's up to you.

Q: Will I need the AT&T business data plan ($45) to sync with my exchange server and Outlook at work or can I do that with the personal data plan ($30)?
- Henry

A: According to AT&T, a business data plan is required "when using iPhone to access corporate e-mail, company intranet sites, and/or other business solutions/applications."

On the other hand, the personal data plan is applicable for "access to personal e-mail, Web browsing, or consumer applications such as games." I'm sure there are some gray areas, and it will be interesting to see how Apple enforces this, but for now it looks as if the business data plan is required to get Exchange server e-mail on the iPhone 3G.

Yet this brings up an important point. Though the original iPhone will get Exchange server support with the 2.0 software update, AT&T hasn't said that users will have to change their data plans accordingly.

Q: I'm strongly considering the iPhone, but I have a major issue! The iPhone (along with its music playing capabilities) does not support stereo Bluetooth. Could Apple fix this with a software update?
- Rafael

A: Apple certainly could add a stereo Bluetooth profile with a software update, and I'm very hopeful they do so. I'm not so confident at this point but Apple could surprise us. We'll have to wait and see.

Q: Does the iPhone 3G have true GPS just like the car GPS devices? In other words, can it replace the GPS device in a car, with the voice prompts, et all? Also, since the iPhone's GPS feature uses cell towers and Wi-Fi hotspots to help triangulate position, does that mean that you'll using data when you're using the GPS? I'm in Canada, so data usage is a sensitive issue since the iPhone 3G plans from Rogers don't offer unlimited data.
- Gurjeet

A: The iPhone 3G will connect with satellites, so it is "true GPS" as you might find in an in-car system. And as you say, it will also find your position through nearby Wi-Fi hotspots and cell towers when satellite reception isn't available (that's called assisted GPS). So in most circumstances you'll be able to see where you are on a map and find where you'd like to go.

Yet at this point it's not enough to completely replace an in-car system. Though you can get point-to-point directions with Google Maps, the iPhone 3G will not support turn-by-turn directions in real time, and it is unclear whether that capability will come later from third-party applications. Apple's SDK prohibits location-based service "designed or marketed for real-time route guidance" but that doesn't mean we'll never see them. TomTom has said it's working with Apple on such a solution, but we know nothing for sure. In his review of the iPhone 3G David Pogue of the New York Times said Apple told him that "the Phone's GPS antenna is much too small to emulate the turn-by-turn navigation of a GPS unit for a vehicle." I'm not sure what that means exactly, but it sounds like will see that capability at some point. But of course, for turn-by-turn directions to really be useful, the directions would have to be audible.

On the upside, you won't be using data minutes to connect to hotspots and cell towers for GPS, so there's no need to worry about using up your data balance. As a Canadian who's subject to Rogers' awful plans I can imagine why that's a sore spot. Fortunately, Rogers has relented a little.

Q: I am a new customer to AT&T. I signed my contract on June 23 and I have 30 days to switch in my for a different phone. The Centro is fine, but I'd rather have a 3G, Wi-Fi device like the iPhone 3G. Would I be able to trade in my new Palm Centro on July 11 without going through credit approval again, and would I receive the $199 price tag?
- Brian

A: The $199 and $299 prices are available to new AT&T customers and current customers who are eligible for an upgrade. AT&T hasn't clearly detailed its eligibility criteria; instead you'll have to sign into your AT&T account online to see if you qualify or if you'll have to pay the higher $399 or $499 prices. As for your Centro, you will get a refund if you return it, and you'll pay the difference for whichever iPhone you buy. Just remember that you'll have to sign a new contract.

Q: Is it possible that the iPhone 3G could be ready for AT&T's Mobile TV service? Or would it need something like an external antenna?
- Aaron

A: The iPhone wouldn't need a new antenna to get AT&T Mobile TV, but it would need software inside the handset. I doubt we'll see that added, though, as I imagine Apple would like to keep iTunes as the sole access point for media content.

Q: I plan on selling my friend my old iPhone. He already uses a Motorola Razr V3 with AT&T and his contract ended a year ago. Can he just continue his AT&T subscription and use my iPhone without signing a new contract?
- Mark

A: No, he'll need to sign a new contract if he wants to use your old iPhone. Fortunately, he can activate the handset and secure a contract through the iTunes online activation process, but the new service is necessary. He might also need a new SIM card, particularly if his current SIM is 3 years old, so he should check with AT&T.

Q: It's finally time for me to upgrade from my old stone tablet phone to something of modern times. I am an Apple fanboy and I love the iPhone, but being a student there is no way I can afford a $70-a-month plan. I have access to Wi-Fi at my house and just about everywhere I frequent, and my city does not have 3G in any case. Can I buy an iPhone without a data plan?
- Kevin

A: AT&T is insisting that a new iPhone 3G will require data as part of a service plan. Unfortunately, that means you'll have to shell out $70 per month for the cheapest plan plus $5 per month for the cheapest texting plan.

Q: Will the iPhone 3G rates for international roaming be reasonable? What are the data pricing plans while traveling outside of the United States?
- Ed

A: AT&T hasn't announced any changes to the international roaming plans for the iPhone. At present, two packages are available. For $24.99 per month you'll get 20MB of free data in 41 countries, while $59.99 per month will get you 50MB of data. See the international roaming page AT&T's Web site for the full details including a list of the 41 covered countries and any overage charges.

A data plan and an international calling plan are imperative if you are a globe-trotter, as you'll save a bit of sticker shock on your monthly bill. Of course, you can always save 3G data use by using the iPhone's Wi-Fi and keeping the e-mail "auto-check" function off. You can track your usage with a meter on the iPhone but it's difficult to say exactly how much data you'll get from 20MB. But in a rough estimate that should be about 390 Web pages and about 170 e-mails with attached photos.

Q: I was wondering if I bought the first iPhone the first month it came out if I would get some kind of rebate on the iPhone 3G?
- Nick A: As stated in our iPhone FAQ, only customers who bought the original iPhone after May 27 of this year will be eligible for a refund on the purchase price between their original iPhone and the iPhone 3G.

Q: What's the deal with activation of the new phone" I hear that you can't buy it unless you are due an upgrade?
- Charles

A: Anyone can buy the iPhone, but as stated above your purchase price will depend on if you're a new AT&T customer or an AT&T customer eligible for an upgrade. Check with AT&T to see if you're eligible.

Q: As a very satisfied customer of US Cellular, changing to AT&T with its dubious reputation for service and inability to port my number is a daunting proposition. What are the chances of Apple producing a CDMA version of the handset, similar to what Motorola did with the Razr?
- Craig

A: Unfortunately, I'd say the chances of a CDMA iPhone 3G are slim to none.

Q: I heard Hong Kong is going to sell a unlocked iPhone 3G. Will it work in every country that will get the iPhone? Would AT&T provide service for it? Thanks!
- Henry

A: It's difficult to say at this point. While technically, you should be able to use an unlocked iPhone 3G in any country where you ave a SIM card from a local carrier, some iPhone 3G carriers have said they won't support prepaid service. AT&T won't, for example, so you wouldn't be able to use it here. I would do my homework before packing my suitcase.

Q: Do you happen to know if the new iPhone 3G plans will be eligible for corporate discounts?
- Matthew

A: That will depend on your company and its relationship with AT&T.

Q: I am planning on buying an unlocked iPhone 3G in Spain and using it with my T-Mobile SIM card. I understand that I will not have access to EDGE and will lose the visual voice mail feature as well. Would I lose anything else, and will I still be able to use the 3G overseas?
- Dr. Jazz

A: If you use an unlocked iPhone with T-Mobile in the Unites States you won't lose EDGE access, but you will be unable to use the phone's 3G features. As you said, you'll lose visual voice mail as well, but otherwise the phone will work fine otherwise. Your 3G coverage overseas will depend on the local carrier, so you'll need to do some research before you go.

Q: I am from India and currently I am using a prepaid AT&T Go phone. I do not have credit history in the United States, so can I buy the iPhone 3G? Also, since I'm in the United States only until December, will I have to pay an early termination fee if I end my contract when I leave? Could I then use the phone in India? And can I still buy the original iPhone?
- Upneet

A: Unfortunately, AT&T will not support the iPhone 3G on its Go phone prepaid service, so you will have to sign a contract to get it. With no credit history, that may be a little tricky for you, but I imagine that you'll be able to work it out. But if you're successful in securing a phone, you will have to pay an early termination fee if you cancel your contract in December. That part is not negotiable.

After you leave the United States, you'll be able to use it with an Indian carrier only if you unlock it from AT&T. That shouldn't be hard to do, but you'll also have to get an Indian carrier to support it. I'm not aware of the exact policies there. And lastly, AT&T and Apple have stopped selling the original iPhone. You can buy it, however, on eBay and from other third-party sources.

Q: I bought an original iPhone on launch day last year, and I plan on buying the new 3G iPhone. I have service through AT&T, but I sold my original iPhone in order to have some money to buy the new one. Am I eligible for the upgrade even if I don't have the original phone in my possession?
- Michael

A: If you became an AT&T customer a year ago, then I imagine that you would be eligible, but I suggest checking with AT&T just to make sure. Also, it shouldn't matter that you no longer have a phone in your possession, just as long as you've kept your contract active.

Q: What is the likelihood of T-Mobile carrying the iPhone without the added expense of having to buy it unlocked?
- Ryan

A: It is possible that T-Mobile could carry the phone here in the United States but it won't happen for a couple of years at least. Though it's largely believed that AT&T has a lock on the iPhone until 2012, other reports say its hold will end in 2010.

Q: My AT&T contract won't be up until October. Will I be able to get the new iPhone when it comes out or will I have to wait until my contract is up?
- Ben

A: It makes no difference. Either way you'll have to sign a new contract, so you might as well do it now. AT&T does not charge an early termination fee for current customers who end their contracts and start a new one.

Q: If you buy an iPhone 3G and (maybe after one month) terminate the AT&T contract, are you still able to use the GPS functionality?
- AJ

A: Maybe, but my question is why would you want to? You'd end up paying a lot of money (the price of the iPhone, plus a month of service and an early termination fee) for a GPS device that doesn't even give turn-by-turn directions.

Q: What is the major difference, in storage, between the 8GB and 16GB?
- Leigh

A: Actual storage capacity on the iPhone 3G will depend on a lot of things including what kind of files you've stored on the handset, the variety of file types and how much memory you've taken up with contacts, personal data and photos. Movies, of course, will take up a lot of room (about 1GB each) so your cinema time won't be expansive on either model. With music tracks, however, you'll have a lot more space. Though storage capacity will depend entirely on the bit rate of each song, a very rough estimate would be about 1,800 tracks on the 8GB iPhone. Then, working on that assumption, the 16GB model would hold about twice that amount.

Q: Will the iPhone 3G be able to support the Microsoft Exchange server at my college? We don't have 3G (I do get it home), but we have Wi-Fi. Would I still be able to get my Exchange e-mail through Wi-Fi?
- Brian

A: The iPhone 3G should work with any Exchange Server e-mail system, so I imagine that you'll have no trouble getting your college e-mail. Also, it's important to note that Exchange e-mail access isn't dependent on whether you have 3G or Wi-Fi. Rather, all you'll need is a normal cell phone signal. Of course, Wi-Fi and 3G will deliver your e-mail faster, but they're not necessary.

Kent German, CNET's cell phones guru, answers your questions about cell phones, services, and accessories and reports on the state of the industry. Send him a question!. For past columns, check out the columns in the On Call archive

Editor's note: Though this FAQ posted originally on June 11, we updated it on July 1 to reflect new information from AT&T.

Is your heart aflutter at the thought of buying an iPhone 3G? Are you counting the days until the July 11 release date? If this describes you, or even if you are just toying with the idea, there are a few things you'll need to know. The process for buying an iPhone 3G will be quite different from what it was last year for the original model. Fortunately, CNET is here to tell you all you should need to know.

The iPhone 3G

(Credit: James Martin/CNET Networks)

Q: What's so great about the iPhone 3G?
A: The iPhone 3G adds important features that were absent on the original iPhone. It now has support for AT&T's 3G network, true GPS, and Microsoft Exchange server. The iPhone 3G also will support third-party applications available through the upcoming App Store. Its design is different as well, but not by much.

Q: What's not great about it?
A: We were hoping to see a few more features, including multimedia messaging, voice dialing, video recording, and a landscape keyboard.

Q: So should I get it?
A: If you want an iPhone, but haven't yet bought one, this is the iPhone for you. If you already own an iPhone, the choice isn't as clear. However, if you can afford to upgrade, you should. The added features will be worth it. We only stress that you should verify that AT&T has adequate 3G coverage in your area. If you buy it and you find out that your 3G service is inadequate you'll have 30 days to return the iPhone without paying an early termination fee.

Q: Where can I buy the iPhone 3G?
A: It will be available only in Apple and AT&T stores. You'll also be able to get it at AT&T kiosks in shopping malls but it will not be available online. The iPhone 3G will go on sale at 8 a.m. local time on Friday, July 11.

Q: Wait, so I can't get it on the Apple or AT&T Web sites?
A: No, you'll have to go to a store, which is more than inconvenient if you don't live near one.

Q: Can I still activate my phone using iTunes?
A: Unfortunately, you'll have to do that in an Apple or an AT&T store as well. You will not be able to take it home and do it there. Major bummer. There will be an activation fee of either $18 for existing customers eligible for an upgrade, or $36 for new customers.

Q: Why are AT&T and Apple doing that?
A: We suspect that it's a way to crack down on iPhones that were purchased but were never activated on AT&T's network. By forcing you to activate the phone in a store, you'll be forced to sign up for AT&T service.

Q: Won't that create a mob scene on stores on July 11?
A: It should be pretty crazy that day. Though stores were mobbed last year, buyers had only to pay for their phone and get out. This year, however, they'll have to go through the entire process for credit approval, contract signing, and activation before they can leave. If you figure that each person will take at least 15 minutes to complete their transaction, then we should see some long, and slowly moving, lines.

Out with the old.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

Q: Will AT&T employees be working in Apple stores?
A: Probably not. Apple has not released details, but we expect that the process will be similar to how stores such as Best Buy handle cell phone activations now. It's likely that you'll be dealing with an Apple employee who will have access to AT&T's computer system.

Q: How much will the iPhone 3G cost?
A: This is one area of good news. While last year buyers paid up to $600 for their iPhones, the iPhone 3G will be significantly cheaper. The 8GB model will cost $199 and the 16GB model will cost $299, both with a two-year contract. However, to get that price, current AT&T customers must be "upgrade eligible". To find out if you're eligible, contact AT&T. If you don't qualify, the iPhone 3G will be $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB version. Both require a two-year contract as well.

Q: Is there price for the iPhone 3G without signing a contract?
A: Customers who purchase the phone without a contract will pay $599 for the 8GB version or $699 for the 16GB model.

Q: Can I use an iPhone 3G with AT&T's Go Phone prepaid service?
A: Not at the moment. But this may happen in the future.

Q: What about a family plan?
A: AT&T hasn't addressed this yet.

Q: But what's this I hear about the plans being more expensive?
A: It's true that Apple and AT&T are changing the structure and pricing for the iPhone 3G plans. Unlike with the previous handset, you will have to select separate voice and data plans (they won't be combined). Voice plans, which are the same for all AT&T handsets, range from $39.99 to $79.99 per month, depending on the available minutes. Unlimited data plans will be $30 for consumers and $45 business users.

As a result, the cheapest monthly cost for an iPhone user will be $69.99 for unlimited data, plus 450 anytime minutes and 5,000 nights and weekends. That's $10 more than what current iPhone users' pay for comparable services.

Q: The original data plan came with 200 free text messages. How much text messaging do the new data plans include?
A: AT&T is charging $5 for every 200 text messages; $15 for every 1,500 messages; and $20 for unlimited text messages.

Q: Will the new $30 and $45 a month data plans offered for the iPhone 3G be the same as the standard data plans for other AT&T smartphones?
A: Not necessarily. According to AT&, it is still working out the details and will have more information closer to July 11 when the phones go on sale.

Q: I heard that people who already have a first-generation iPhone have to turn it in to an Apple or AT&T store if they want the 3G phone. Is that true?
A: No, but AT&T is giving people who bought their first-generation iPhone on or after May 27, 2008, the opportunity to exchange it before August 1. AT&T and Apple will refund the difference in price but iPhone 3G users will have to sign a new two-year contract and choose a new plan. If you go this route, don't forget to erase your personal data.

Q: If I keep my current iPhone, will I miss out on all the new features?
A: Through the iPhone 2.0 software update, you'll get a lot of new goodies including the third-party applications and the Exchange server support. Yet, you will miss out on the 3G and GPS.

In with the new.

(Credit: Apple)

Q: I already have a comparable smartphone from AT&T and a two-year service contract. Can I buy the iPhone 3G for the $199 price and simply restart my contract?
A: It depends on when you started your initial AT&T contract. To get the $199 price tag, you have to meet AT&T's upgrade eligibility criteria. We'll know more on that later. But for the most part, even current AT&T customers will need to sign a new contract.

Q: Let's say I bought my iPhone last year and I want the iPhone 3G. Can I give my old iPhone to my sister or sell it on eBay?
A: No, once an existing iPhone user activates service for an iPhone 3G, their first-generation handset will be unusable as a phone. You won't be able to replace it with another AT&T SIM card and use it to make calls. This also means that you can't buy an old iPhone on eBay and expect to activate it on AT&T's network. However, you can use it as a media player and a Wi-Fi device for browsing the Web.

Correction: Originally, we had received incorrect information from a source at AT&T. If you decide to pass it on to someone else, they will be able to activate the phone through iTunes but only by activating a new account. If you (or anyone else) do not open a new account, the old iPhone will be unusable as a phone, even if you insert another AT&T SIM card. In that case, you can use the handset only as a media player and a Wi-Fi device.

G: Given the in-store activation requirement, how can I buy an iPhone 3G as a gift?
A: We're not sure yet, but we're checking with AT&T.

Q: Will people living in areas without native AT&T coverage be able to buy an iPhone 3G?
A: No, anyone buying an iPhone 3G must live in an area where AT&T provides coverage. Since the phones will be activated right in the store, people won't be able to leave the store without activating the phone for service in area where AT&T is offered.

Q: Will the SIM come preinstalled this time?
A: Yes, the SIM is already installed and is not meant to be removed or replaced with other AT&T SIM cards (though it is physically possible to do so). On the other hand, Apple will include a SIM removal tool in the box.

Q: Do I have to be in the store to get software updates or to sync it with iTunes?
A: No, updates and syncing with iTunes can be done right from your home computer. You can also buy applications from the App Store from your computer.

Q: Can I use the iPhone 3G overseas?
A: As a quad-band GSM phone with support for three 3G bands, you'll be able to use the new iPhone all over the world. Just remember that the phone will be locked to AT&T so you won't be able to use another carrier's SIM card. If you're a frequent globe-trotter, you should ask about AT&T's international plans to avoid nasty surprises on your bill.

Q: Will the iPhone ever come to other carriers in the United States?
A: There is a chance it could come to T-Mobile, but it won't be for a long time. AT&T is believed to have a five-year lock on the iPhone (now through 2012), but other reports indicate that its monopoly will be up in 2010. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that Apple will ever develop a CDMA version for Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

CNET News.com's Marguerite Reardon and Dawn Kawamoto contributed to this report.

Steve Jobs unveils the new 3G iPhone at Apple's WWDC.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET News.com)

In what may have been the worst-kept secret in Apple announcements of late, CEO Steve Jobs announced a 3G version of the iPhone on Monday, along with a slew of new third-party applications designed for the device.

The new iPhone will use third-generation wireless technology and run updated iPhone 2.0 software. It's expected to launch July 11, Jobs said in his keynote speech at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. The iPhone will also be cheaper than its predecessor, with a 16GB version priced at $299 and an 8GB version that costs $199.

That upgrade in wireless technology is key. While on stage, Jobs compared how quickly the old and new versions loaded the National Geographic home page. The 3G version loaded the page in 5 seconds, while the older version took 18 seconds. The lack of next-generation wireless has kept a lot of potential international buyers who are accustomed to 3G service overseas from opting for the iPhone.

The new iPhone 3G from Apple

(Credit: Apple)

Hardware features include longer battery life, a flush headphone jack, silver button controls on the side of the phone, and a plastic back case that comes in black or white (for the 16GB version only).

But a large part of Monday's news was focused on software, too. As expected, Jobs announced the upcoming iPhone App Store, the foundation for which was laid out in March when he announced the release of the iPhone software development kit. Since the SDK was released, third-party developers have been busy writing applications specifically designed to run on the iPhone.

During his keynote speech Monday, Jobs brought a string of developers on stage to demo the fruits of all that labor. Featured applications included a mobile-blogging app from Six Apart; a new version of Super Monkey Ball from Sega; an application from eBay that allows users to monitor their bids; an application from Modality that gives medical students up-close views of human body parts to help them study anatomy; an application that gives near real-time updates on Major League Baseball games; an Associated Press app that sends out local news based on where a user is; and a service from Loopt that lets people see where their friends are at any given time. (You can see a roundup of demos of each of these apps here.)

For its part, Apple is bringing GPS to the iPhone, along with a new service called MobileMe, which is essentially an update of the current .Mac service. Subscribers to the MobileMe get push e-mail, contacts, and calendars on the iPhone, and can also access their photo galleries remotely. That service costs $99 per year.

The iPhone 3G will launch in 22 countries on July 11 and will roll out to a total of 70 by the end of the year, Jobs said. It should arrive in Russia and China later this year, Jobs said in an interview Monday on CNBC. "I think you'll see those later this year," he said. In China, the company is awaiting regulatory approval, he added.

CNET News.com's Tom Krazit and Stephen Shankland contributed to this report.

(Credit: Crave Asia)

Personal media players suffer from one major issue--sharing movies on the small LCD is quite impossible. But this is not the case for the Suniview PMP Projector, which claims to be the first portable media player to incorporate a Pico Projector under the hood.

(Credit: Crave Asia)

Granted, the projector is not exactly a powerhouse at 5 lumens with only VGA resolution. But this is a step in the right direction for overcoming the compromise between portability and display size.

The PMP Projector is a Windows CE device with a 400MHz Samsung processor powering the built-in 3.5-inch QVGA screen. It comes with an SD/MMC slot to boost its miserable 64MB internal memory and can display images as well as Microsoft office documents, a major boon for on-the-go presentations.

This device has a price range of between $500 and $600 and is due for Taiwan shelves in the third quarter of this year. We were not given an answer on whether this device would make it overseas, though.

(Source: Crave Asia)

The Panasonic DMR-EH75V still costs $1,000 on Amazon.com.

Last fall, we noticed that old DVD recorders with hard drives were selling for $1,900 on the Internet, because manufacturers basically stopped making them (with some exceptions) and people still want them. The continued demand for DVD recorders with hard drives isn't surprising--many people want a simple DVR they can own, without a monthly free, that can easy burn their favorite shows to DVDs. It's a killer product, but unless you're willing to set up a home theater PC, you can't have it.

We have noticed, however, that some electronics retailers have been offering foreign DVD recorders with hard drives in the U.S., potentially to meet this hidden demand. ... Read more

The MySpaceTV show 'Quarterlife' may be going international

(Credit: MySpace.com)

MySpace is a social-networking site that behaves increasingly like an entertainment conglomerate.

MySpace, owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., is expected to announce Thursday morning that it has struck a deal to distribute the Web video shows it created for MySpace users overseas.

ShineReveille International, an independent production company, will offer shows produced by MySpaceTV, such as Special Delivery and Roommates, to traditional media outlets across the globe.

MySpace will retain U.S. and worldwide Internet rights to the content. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This year, MySpace's Quarterlife, produced by Marshall Herskovitz-Edward Zwick, was the first Internet series to be picked up by a TV network.

The series was canceled after only one episode.

Last week, MySpace made its presence felt in the music industry by announcing it would launch a one-stop-shop music site that is expected to compete with iTunes.