LG and Samsung just love throwing down the touchscreen gauntlet on American carriers lately — one only need look at the Dare, Instinct, Vu, Voyager, and Glyde to figure that much out. Thing is, none of those devices really fall into the smartphone bucket, much less the coveted “superphone” one. That might just be where the recently-announced Samsung Omnia comes into play, though, which is now rumored to be destined for AT&T with a gaggle of features in tow: Windows Mobile 6.1, 5 megapixel camera, HSDPA, at least 8GB of internal storage, and support for AT&T Mobile TV. If it turns out to be true, that’s got to steam LG, who’s presently sitting atop the AT&T Mobile TV food chain with the Vu — but hey, if that means they’re going to set to work with another range-topper above this one, we’re all for it.

[Via Engadget Mobile]

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Apple marring the form factor of the iPhone to create a mutant with a slide-out keyboard just to please business users sounds about as far out there as it gets, but that’s exactly what the Reg is suggesting. According to their reports (unclear whether it’s from “inside Cupertino” or “inside mobile operators” ’cause of their wording), “whether or not [Steve Jobs] ever makes it work, he is already trying to make a ’slide-out’ keyboard for a corporate version of the iPhone.” If this thing ever came to light, it would be way next year and not aimed at consumers. We’re going to say this is unlikely—as much as Apple might want to crib marketshare from BlackBerry and Co. (which rests in part on the keyboard), we just don’t see Apple making hardware just for business users, especially potentially bulky, less than aesthetically perfect hardware. (Though Apple would obviously pretty it up.) Besides, you do get used to the keyboard—though driving while texting your mom isn’t as easy.

[Via Gizmodo]

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AT&T has just posted a whole bunch of official iPhone 3G info on its site this morning as it prepares for the hoards of people waiting to snag the new Apple handset on July 11. First and foremost is the announcement that the iPhone 3G will be available for sale at 8:00 am next Friday. Wait, where have we heard that before? We’re guessing there are going to be some pretty early lines forming this year. Next comes the official plan pricing which goes as follows:

AT&T Nation (unlimited data included)

• $69.99 - 450 anytime minutes, 45¢ each addtl minute, 5,000 night / weekend minutes
• $89.99 - 900 anytime minutes, 40¢ each addtl minute, unlimited night / weekend minutes
• $109.99 - 1,350 anytime minutes, 35¢ each addtl minute, unlimited night / weekend minutes
• $129.99 - Unlimited minutes

AT&T FamilyTalk (includes 2 lines, unlimited data & night / weekend minutes, $39.99 each additional line)

• $129.99 - 700 anytime minutes, 45¢ each addtl minute
• $149.99 - 1,400 anytime minutes, 40¢ each addtl minute
• $169.99 - 2,100 anytime minutes, 35¢ each addtl minute
• $209.99 - 3,000 anytime minutes, 25¢ each addtl minute
• $259.99 - 4,000 anytime minutes, 20¢ each addtl minute
• $359.99 - 6,000 anytime minutes, 20¢ each addtl minute
• $259.99 - Unlimited minutes ($129.99 each additional line)

Add Text Plan

• $5 - 200 messages per month (individual plan)
• $15 - 1,500 messages per month (individual plan)
• $20 - Unlimited messages (individual plan)
• $30 - Unlimited messages (FamilyTalk plan)
• 20¢ per message if no plan is selected

Beyond all that, the contract price points were announced by Stevo at WWDC so there’s no news there. AT&T customers who aren’t eligible for an upgrade will pay a $200 premium ($399.99 for the 8 GB and $499 for the 16 GB) so the $200 subsidy rumor was indeed spot on. There is also an interesting note found on the site: “Coming soon, AT&T will offer a no-commitment option of $599 for 8GB and $699 for 16GB.

[Via Boy Genius]

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