AT&T

Apple recently removed GV Mobile and Voice Central from the App Store and barred Google from bringing its own Google Voice App to the iPhone. However, the FTC is investigating the squabble.

The FTC has sent out memos to Apple, AT&T and Google about why Google Voice compatible Apps. The memos inquire about Apple and AT&T’s relationship in the App approval process and whether or not Google can bring Google Voice to the iPhone through alternate means such as making it a web enabled App accessible through Safari. AT&T however, has denied involvement with Apple’s process for approving Apps:

“AT&T does not manage or approve applications for the App Store. We have received the letter and will, of course, respond to it.”

The irony is AT&T has previously prevented Apple from approving Apps that consume massive amounts of data

Via: Macworld

AT&T, the exclusive carrier of the iPhone in the US and Barnes & Nobles, one of the biggest book retailers in the US, are offering free WiFi. The move is aimed at attracting iPhone owners and to download B&N’s newest App allowing users to peruse their book store and make virtual purchases.

Via: Everything iCafe

AT&T recently released its turn-by-turn App for the iPhone which takes a unique approach to purchasing it. However, some users aren’t so keen on lining AT&T’s pockets.

The App is available as a free trial for 30 days allow wireless subscribers to take it for a test drive.

Simply call AT&T (611 on your AT&T iPhone), press 0 to speak with an operator, and tell them that you want a free trial to AT&T Navigator. They’ll set you up with a free 30 day trial which will auto-renew. To avoid being charged actual real monies, simply call back to cancel before the last day. And that, ladies and gentleman, is awesome!

Via: iPhone Alley

Apple’s introduction of the iPhone 3GS led to a $100 price cut of the last generation iPhone 3G but now, you can pick one up even cheaper.

AT&T is offering a $20 $70 discount for the 8GB and 16GB iPhone 3G respectively. The only caveat being they’re refurbished models which tend to carry some sort of scuffs or scratches. Another downside to purchasing a refurbished iPhone 3G is the 90 day warranty instead of Apple’s standard 1 year coverage. However, if you’re fine with buying a slightly used model and looking for a good deal on the iPhone then go to your closest AT&T store or shop online.

Via: iPhone Freak

Mimicking the activation woes that plagued some original iPhone and even 3G customers, the iPhone 3GS seems to be giving some users activation problems.

It appears Apple may have an inadequate amount of servers to deal with new and existing customers looking to activate their iPhone 3GS. While trying to initiate the activation process, iTunes spits out a somewhat vague error indicating users that it will take up to 48 hours for their device to be fully functional. In the mean time, Apple advises users who are facing activation issues to use features of the device that do not require an active cellular connection until AT&T is able to connect users to its network.

Via: iPhones Talk

Another round of speculation is hitting the Internet as analysts share their thoughts on what AT&T’s next move will be once Apple rolls out another update to the iPhone. While we’ve heard everything ranging from an iPhone Nano to a more robust (and wallet burning expensive) iPhone Pro, no one has really thrown the ball in to AT&T’s court but their next big thing could be a price cut.

Yes, a price cut but only on their monthly iPhone plans. Since Apple seems gung-ho on expanding the iPhone in to as many people’s hands and ears as possible, a little nudging towards AT&T’s end to ease the cost of ownership has probably been in the cards for some time. There is nothing set in stone on what the magic number will be but the word going around is a move back to the $20 a month for a limited internet plan. The reduction in monthly rates would go hand in hand nicely with a lower cost (and feature reduced) iPhone which would finally shut up the rumor mill about a $99 iPhone. In addition to a… more...

AT&T is set to purchase cellular equipment from leading competitor Verizon’s acquisition of Alltel Wireless to improve call reception in many rural areas formerly unavailable in the carrier’s reach across 18 states.

The deal is a loose end from Verizon’s acquisition of Alltel wireless (which now puts Verizon as the largest US cellular carrier) and mandated by the FCC. While users will have to switch from CDMA based phones to GSM based devices when AT&T acquires any remaining Alltel customers, the deal is well worth it thanks to an addition of new cellular towers in areas covering 18 states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming.

Via: iPhones Talk

SlingPlayer has finally made its way to the iPhone albeit in a limited and crippled form thanks to intervention from AT&T.

The $29.99 App (iTunes Link) will only work over WiFi and not over 3G as previously expected but after continued attempts by AT&T to limit Sling’s 3G capabilities threatened to ban it from the App Store, Apple and Sling caved in. AT&T’s comment on the matter is that Sling would generate so much network traffic by streaming a TV signal that it would bog down the carrier’s network and prevent other users from having a stable connection despite Sling’s availability on other AT&T Smartphones.

Via: iLounge

Been feeling a little careless lately and let your iPhone slip in to a puddle on a rainy day dooming it to the same fate shared by water damaged electronics? While the (slight) emotional damage might be there, Apple will cover your careless attitude/unseen accidents with a special deal.

If you bring your water ridden iPhone in to an Apple Store the first thing they’ll point out is how liquid can mess up electronics beyond repair and that little red spot in the headphone jack, that’s their assurance it was your fault and not just another manufacturing defect. However, instead of turning you away empty handed or helping you set an inferno to your pants pocket and pony up another $400 for an iPhone, Apple will swap your used and abused unit for a refurbished one that’s not plagued by the electronic killing properties of H2O all for a mere $199. The downside is that your contract is basically extended for another two years so the length of chain on your iron ball, yea, it grew another couple of feet.

If you’re unsure of the fate of your iPhone and don’t know… more...

AT&T recently updated its Terms Of Service that would put a harsh limit on data sucking Applications such as SlingPlayer and may further limit the App’s progress or prevent it from being made available on the App Store at all.

We’ve reported before that AT&T may have asked Apple to hold SlingPlayer back from being made available on the App Store but now it seems clear that Apple will indirectly follow their request by obeying the telecom’s request. A section from AT&T’s newly updated TOS is available below.

While most common uses for Intranet browsing, e-mail, and Intranet access are permitted by your data plan, there are certain uses that cause extreme network capacity issues and interference with the network and are therefore prohibited. Examples of prohibited uses include, without limitation…downloading movies using P2P file sharing services, redirecting television signals for viewing on Personal Computers, Web broadcasting, and/or for the operation of servers, telemetry devices….

As of now, SlingPlayer, Apple or AT&T have said anything else on the matter but it’s expected that the App will go away or have to be modified to work only over WiFi before Apple… more...