BoyGeniusReports has posted a small blurb today saying that AT&T has confirmed to its store managers that the Apple iPhone 4G will launch in June.
The site even says that the phone will be ready in early June, meaning the launch could be imminent in the next two weeks.
New to the 4G are a front-facing camera for video conferencing, a better standard camera (including larger lens and flash), a Micro-SIM slot (just like the iPad), 960×640 resolution, a second mic, metallic exterior (not plastic) and split side buttons for volume.
The form factor is very different as well. The back is flat and not rounded, slightly smaller screen, a more “square” design all around with less wasted space, a larger battery, and smaller internal components.
Wal-Mart announced this week that it is slashing the price of the iPhone 3GS in half, with the 16GB 3GS model going on sale for $97 USD with two-year contract. The smartphone currently costs $199 through Apple. The move has led many to believe that Wal-Mart is clearing out remaining stock in anticipation of the new iPhone launch.
Result for: anticipation
According to leaked photos of a new bundle being prepared for sale at Best Buy, Sony appears to be wanting to clear out current 80GB PS3 inventory, perhaps in anticipation of the launch of the oft-rumored PS3 Slim.
The new bundle will include the A-list PS3-exclusive games Killzone 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4 and the 80GB system will cost $399, just like the console without the bundled games. The deal is pretty good as Killzone retails still for $50-60 USD and still brings in $30-40 USD used on auction sites such as eBay.
Employees of the retail chain say the bundle will become available this Sunday.
It is widely expected that Sony will drop the price of the console by $100 USD in August while at the same time releasing the 120GB ‘PS3 Slim’ to replace the phased out 80GB model.
Result for: anticipation
Sprint Nextel has announced it will begin selling the hotly anticipated Palm Pre smartphone on June 6th for $200 USD with a new or upgraded two-year contract. The price is equal to that of the lower capacity Apple iPhone, the phone the Pre is most directly rivaling.
Alongside the announcement however, Sprint CEO Dan Heese did admit he expects shortages of the phone during launch week.
“We don’t intend to advertise it heavily early on because we think we are going to have shortages for a while,” Hesse added. “We won’t be able to keep up with demand for the device in the early period of time.”
Despite the high anticipation for the new smartphone, many analysts believe it can be upstaged right from the get-go by a cheaper, updated iPhone expected to be launched on June 8th.
CL King Associates analyst Lawrence Harris notes, “It would’ve been nicer if the device was out in the market for a longer period before any potential iPhone.”
