About this time last year we were all so excited about the release of the original iPhone. We waited in line, we saved for months, and to back all of this, we bought Apple Care to protect our new baby.

For all of your that bought Apple care on your iPhone you know that the expiration date is creeping up on you. Of course, Apple will allow you to extend your current Apple Care for just $69.95 or, if your like me, just buy the iPhone 3G and get its Apple Care for $129.95.

If the iPhone is anything like most cars I’ve owned, everything will go wrong the very day after the warranty expires. I’m just saying.

A good many of our neighbors to the north have been eagerly awaiting information regarding the iPhone 3G data/voice plans from Rogers/Fido. Well that day has come, and while they have come up with plans that feature more data for the iPhone, they apparently don’t believe in unlimited data. Hit the jump for a breakdown of their rates.

• $60 – 150 daytime minutes, 75 sent text messages, 400MB of data
• $75 – 300 daytime minutes, 100 sent text messages, 750MB of data
• $100 – 600 daytime minutes, 200 sent text messages, 1GB of data
• $115 – 800 daytime minutes, 300 sent test messages, 2GB of data

I feel really bad for the Canadian customers that want an iPhone. First, there is no unlimited data plan, which while some people may never go over that 2GB cap on the $115 plan, I still would much rather not have to worry about it. As for the customers that don’t really use that many daytime minutes, they’re still forced into purchasing more minutes just to get more data.

There are a few things that Rogers is throwing in, like free incoming text messages, and free access to Rogers and Fido Wi-Fi hotspots. While those are a couple of niceties, they don’t make up for what the plans are lacking.

[via MacRumors]

There are probably more than a few of you thinking about selling off your old 2.5G iPhone in order to make some room in your bank account for the new iPhone 3G. Unfortunately you’ll discover that there is no good way to securely erase all of your personal data from the phone, not yet at least.

This oversight is one that Apple intends to correct with the new iPhone 2.0 update. When you finally have the new software (which likely won’t be coming out until the iPhone 3G launch happens on July 11) you’ll be able to safely and securely destroy all of your private data. Think of it as the phone equivalent of your Secure Empty Trash on your Mac.

[via TUAW]

As we hit the 1st birthday of the phone that brought us into a new future, we also prepare for the incoming of a brand new birth in iPhone’s life. We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of iPhone 2.5G’s brother, iPhone 3G, but will never forget the times we’ve shared with the original.

So happy first birthday iPhone, we look forward to many more…

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear iPhone…Happy birthday to you!

I’ve thought for some time that it would be awesome if I could control iTunes from my iPhone. I tend to just let my tunes play throughout my house, as my speakers can be heard throughout most of the house. Unfortunately when I want to pause the music or change a song, I have to run to my computer. Well it seems that Apple already has something up their sleeve in this department.

For those that have downloaded the pre-release version of iTunes 7.7 (for developers) there was a little something snuck into that pesky ‘Read Me’ that most of us simply skip through. The important snipit is below.

Use iTunes 7.7 to sync music, video, and more with iPhone 3G, and download applications from the iTunes Store exclusively designed for iPhone and iPod touch with software version 2.0 or later. Also use the new Remote application for iPhone or iPod touch to control iTunes playback from anywhere in your home — a free download from the App Store.

I would venture to guess that you’ll be limited to controlling iTunes on only the PC that the iPhone is synced with, which shouldn’t be an issue for most people. This particular feature had been rumored to be coming since late April. It’s good to see some of these rumors coming true.

[via Macrumors]

We’ve heard talk about both activation of the iPhone 3G in-store at the time of purchase, and the possibility for some people to complete their activation at home. While we still don’t know the official details, an Italian news site seems to think they know the answer. It’s actually both.

According to the rumor, half of the activation will be done in-store. This will include activation of the phone with your carrier, and choosing your rate plan. Once you get home, you’ll need to use iTunes to set up billing information so that you can purchase and download programs via the App Store.

[via MacNN]

It seems that Apple is gearing up for the launch of the iPhone 3G by distributing a 3-page FAQ document to Apple Store employees. Most of the information is nothing new to us, but there are a few things worth mentioning, which I have listed after the jump.

“You may not place iPhone 3G on hold for anyone. No exceptions. It is critical that all stores follow the same process to ensure every customer has an equal and fair opportunity to purchase a phone.”

If a customer says, “I just bought a first generation iPhone. Will I be able to upgrade to an iPhone 3G at a discounted price or exchange it for an iPhone 3G?,” Apple store reps are being told to say that they “don’t have any information regarding upgrades.”

Customers may then ask, “Are you going to change the iPod touch pricing now that you lowered the cost of iPhone?” To this, employees should respond by saying, “Not that I am aware of.”

“Detailed rate plans have not yet been announced. When they are announced, Apple Store Specialists will be ready to review and help [customers] pick out the best plan for [their] needs.”

Like I said, not much new to see here, but it’s worth a glance. With just over two weeks to go, I’m sure we’ll start hearing some more detailed info any day now.

[via AppleInsider]

We saw a good deal of pictures of the new iPhone 3G at WWDC earlier this month, but wouldn’t it be cool to see a side-by-side comparison of the new and old phones? Ask and you shall receive.

It looks like the edges of the phone are a little more streamlined, with only the volume rocker and the headphone jack disturbing its sleek lines. With the headphone jack not being recessed this time around, there is barely even a visible divot there. I want to say that the camera hole is larger, but I’m thinking that it may simply be a trick of the eye.

[via iLounge]