In case you haven’t heard the iPhone application development industry is in full bloom. Apple’s WWDC keynote address had a major focus on the iPhone and plugged several application development companies as part of it. Although the Apple notebook prices were cut up to $700 and a new updated Operating System, “Snow Leopard” is coming out in September (only costing $29 for the upgrade) the iPhone stole the show and its not just Blackberry that’s getting annoyed at all of this attention, digital agencies are also feeling the strain.

The application gold rush... is it over?

I recently read an article written by Mark Walsh, a Mobile Intellegencer for MediaPost Publications. The article claimed that iPhone application development was becoming over-saturated with more applications being submitted to the App-Store than sales of iPhones and although it had some great information, I must say that I feel it was tainted due to sheer frustration.

Read full post »»

Finally Verizon has begun what was inevitable. An all-in-one cell phone/internet package that includes internet for the home and also a cell phone plan. Why? Because 3G capable phones will use an internet connection for all calls. So if you have a wireless data plan, why not incorporate that into a home internet connection. All the home internet connection will require is a special Verizon wireless card for your computer to receive the Verizon wireless signal.

The good news is that your cell phone plan can include a home internet connection which will save you a few bob. Also if you have a laptop you will be able to get internet access anywhere you can get a cell phone signal.

The bad news is that it looks like Verizon will only permit you a monthly download allowance starting at 50mb for the $39.99 plan and 25 cents for every Mb thereafter, which putting it lightly is…pants.

The arrival of 3G brings much more to the cell phone arena than the iPhone. 3G has the possibility of reshaping the entire cell phone industry. Why? Because now we may only need to tap into a data connection (mobile internet connection) to communicate via email and also via the phone using VoIP. What this means is that people could call anyone in the world for free! Leaving you with a comparatively low flat rate fee every month. No extra minute charges, no msg charges just one flat low rate fee.

With 3G technology Skype and other internet communication services are possible right in the palm of your hand. Enabling you to be able to talk for free with anyone in the world.

For example Skype has just released its application on certain cell/mobile phones in Europe. Check it out here. This enables you to basically message and call anyone anywhere for free. As long as you have a data plan. However in Europe you don’t need a “data plan”. Its even included in “pay as you go” plans.

So why does the U.S. have to pay for a data plan? Due to the large space that is the U.S. expensive widespread network coverage is needed but as time goes on these initial costs will disappear and I am sure that the U.S. will soon follow the same cell phone plans as Europe, the lag seems to be 2-3 years right now. So in a few years who knows.

So all those people who are paying high “data plan” costs are helping fund the future of cheaper communication, to all of those people, “Thank you. I think your marvelous!”