“Who’s going to buy the new iPhone”

From who – and for how much?

With the new iPhone 3GS launching in Aus tomorrow, the customer and price wars have begun!

The excitement can almost be felt in the air – or is that smelled?

So what are the big guns offering?

Virgin Mobile is offering the iPhone 3GS (both sizes) and iPhone 3G.
Check out their competitive plans – Buy iPhone 3GS from Virgin Mobile.

Vodafone

Vodafone are offering the iPhone 3GS free on a $69 plan with credit and and monthly discount options.  Also, check out the plans and how they differ with Vodafone AU and NZ – National Business Review.

Optus

Optus advertised that they are opening some major stores at midnight tonight, Thursday, with the first 500 through the doors will receive an iPhone accessories “Love Pack”:
Sydney- Optus ‘yes’ Shop George Street
Brisbane – Optus ‘yes’ Shop Queen Street
Melbourne – Optus ‘yes’ Shop Bourke Street

If you’re not in the vicinity – or iPhone crazy enough in this winter weather, then they’ve also got online offers and credit bonuses.  As well, there’s mention of waiving the first 12 months handset fees if you are midway through your contract but opt to recontract for 24 months.

I guess they’ve struggled a little with customer loyalty after many data and billing problems… Do customers want to resign with them?

Telstra

What are they offering?

Well, according to Courier Mail blog, Telstra is “giving new iPhone users the finger” (via @Chasboi), Telstra in their usual arrogance are offering little information at this stage to win – or lose – customers.  I guess, it’s a matter of wait and see for the average Joe Bloggs and Telstra.

I presume they think the NextG speed will win over customers??

Telstra are usually dearer in all other products & services – so it would be unusual for them to change their business strategy just for the iPhone?

Gossip on Twitter about Telstra plans is worth checking out – Telstra – iPhone deals

Yeh, boohoo to you Telstra.

iTunes Apps Store milestones, news and changes

iTunes App Store says “thanks a billion”

Earlier this week, the Apple iTunes Apps store reached (and has now surpassed) a record one billion downloads since being launched last year.

That’s a huge milestone reached for the Apps store – and iPhone (and iPod touch) developers and users.  It would be interesting to see stats on how much money it’s made Apple and app developers.

And the winner is…

But how about the lad who downloaded the one billionth app? He walks away with a tidy $10,000 iTunes credit, an iPod touch, Time Capsure AND MacBook Pro.  And the downloaded app was a free one.  Nice!

Changes to Apps Store regulations

(via TUAW)

Developers be warned!  With the Beta release of iPhone OS 3.0, Apple has also announced that any new iPhone or iPod touch submissions to the Apps store must be compatible with iPhone OS 3.0:

“Beginning today, all submissions to the App Store will be reviewed on the latest beta of iPhone OS 3.0. If your app submission is not compatible with iPhone OS 3.0, it will not be approved.”

Existing applications will also have to be compatible – or risk removal.