Apple iPhone: News as of today, June 26th

Information and “propaganda” about the iPhone continues to bounce about the Internet this week, leading up to the June 29th iPhone availability date.

Most noteworthy iPhone news thus far…

Physical Status:

The first volumes of iPhones arrived successfully in the U.S. this past weekend.  It was reported that high security measures were being taken.

Software/Hardware Features:

It has been confirmed that the iPhone does support Microsoft Exchange Server.

Service Plans:

iPhone Service Plans from AT&T have been publicized.  For individuals and families they are based on a new two-year agreement and are priced at $59.99 for 450 minutes, $79.99 for 900 minutes and $99.99 for 1,350 minutes. All plans include unlimited data (email and web), Visual Voicemail, 200 SMS text messages, roll over minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile and a one-time activation fee of $36. You can’t just buy the iPhone and use the WIFI and iPod features.  These features will be locked until you activate the iPhone with a 2-year plan.

Users will be able to activate their iPhones from home using Apple’s iTunes software. Customers should be able to carry over their old numbers.

Apple Store Hours on the 29th:

Apple’s retail stores will be closed on Friday, June 29th between 2 and 6pm to prepare for the launch. Many retail AT&T stores may also be closed between 4 and 6pm for similar reasons. 

Demand for iPhones:

Research group, Parks Associates, says the pricing for the iPhone may have pushed the limits of the US tech buyers.

The research group claims that a representative study in May of US buyers pegs high interest in the iPhone at just 3 percent of American buyers for those aware of the iPhone’s cost and contract requirements. This problem has been recognized before but may be more significant than thought, according to the new research. 

We’ll have to wait and see how accurate this study is.

Waiting Lines:

The first queue for the iPhone has already started forming at the 5th Ave. Apple Store in New York City.

NY Post writer Glenn Fleishman writes that tens of thousands of customers will line up for the iPhone and he recommends that you not be one of them. 

iPhone Reviews:

Some reviews of the iPhone are starting to be published.

Walt Mossberg and Katherine Boehret of the WSG:

We have been testing the iPhone for two weeks, in multiple usage scenarios, in cities across the country. Our verdict is that, despite some flaws and feature omissions, the iPhone is, on balance, a beautiful and breakthrough handheld computer.

New York Times columnist David Pogue says the iPhone “matches most of its hype.”

Post Updated: 06/26/07 7:45 PM EDT to add new information

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