Today iPhone has landed in Europe, more exactly in UK and in Germany. Although many fans have come for the big launch, Europeans were not so enthusiast as Americans. Some shoppers formed cues in front of the retail stores. By 5 p.m., Deutsche Telekom AG, which owns T-Mobile, announced they sold more than 10,000 iPhones in Germany. The British carrier O2, doesn’t want to disclose the exact number of the sales for this Friday.

Even the iPhone has been expected for six months, there were complains about its price. For instance in Germany the 8GB version retails for $587, on top of a contract through T-Mobile starting at $72 a month and a $37 “installation” fee. In UK, the same model costs $566, while in US it retails for $399.

In France, the gadget-phone will be released on November 29. Orange will be the retailer for the iPhone. There are no news about launching in the other countries across Europe.

Apple Store UK

Are you familiar with the iPhone? You’re right, I don’t know where that came from, of course you are. If you remember the buzz it created when coming on the market, sales and the time it passed before we got our hands on it, I think Time’s Magazine award for The Invention of the Year will not come as a surprise to you. Indeed, it’s the iPhone.

They managed to find five reasons - as the iPhone would need reasons - to make this nomination. The first is the design, because from early project stages it was all about the idea of a “pretty phone”. Other phone manufacturers where always putting design on second place so that’s where the iPhone won people’s hearts.

Other reasons to declare it the best invention of 2007 have been the touchscreen display, OS X platform that drives it, a future projection of what will happen to it if we think of the iPod and the fact that it will make other phones better.

What do you guys think?

Rumors say that the iPhone will be in Canada on December 7th and will be offered by Rogers. To back that up there’s a leaked “supposed-to-be-real” advertisement that will offer the iPhone for $499.99 with a three years voice-and-data plan. Guess what, that’s a great marketing move because people have cash to buy lots of things during the Holidays and the moment couldn’t have been better if you consider that preorders will start on November 20th.

Though the chances to materialize are pretty big I think it’s still a rumor, but let’s wait and see. We’ll keep you posted.

via MobileMag

I have just bumped into an article about iPhone and iPod skins. Digi Camo, a vinyl design company presented a list of skins for the second-generation iPod shuffle, second- and third-generation iPod nano, iPod classic, iPod touch, and iPhone. They skins are made of a thicker mil vinyl which make them a little stronger and easier to put on.

If you get bored, there is no problem. The Digi Camo skins are easy to remove and don’t leave any residue on your iPhone or iPod. You can choose between 20 different models. Each skin retails for $10, so you could purchase more in case you want something cool for every weekend. Also you have the option to add your name on the skin for an extra fee.

via iLounge

After many discussions around Apple’s policy of banning third-party developers to produce iPhone compatible applications, Steve Jobs agreed to change the policy. As Apple announced before, this was a measure o security. Being the most advanced phone on the market, the iPhone would have been a serious target for malicious attacks.

However, Apple’s engineers have launched 200 applications for the iPhone’s browser. Even the restriction was lifted, the kit for developers will be available on February, as the company works out how to open up the phone without exposing it to malicious programs. In other words, Apple tries to upgrade the operating system to avoid future problems caused by third-party applications. Nevertheless, the iPhone won’t accept any kind of programs, but only the ones accepted by Apple, suggested Steve Jobs. I think they try to use only signed programs like Nokia does for some mobiles.

via Reuters

Apple launched iPhone Web Apps Directory which contains 200 applications for Safari browser. The applications are specially created for the 3.5″ touchscreen, so the users will have an amazing experience.

Web apps can be used on iPhone or iPod touch. There you will find entertainment (Sudoku, Bejeweled), social networks (Digg, Facebook), utilities (calculators), blogs, videos and music. You would better see yourself at Apple’s website. Browse the library and when you see an application you like tap the screen, follow the link and bookmark it for later. Great idea!

There is demand for Apple’s iPhone and that’s why the production will almost double from 1.54 million pieces they make right now, up to 2.7 million iPhones by the fourth quarter of 2007. TheStreet.com mentions that Apple decided to produce by the end of the year 4.8 million which makes it a good idea if you think that it will be launching it in Germany and England very soon or if you consider the $200 price drop.

I think they’ll make it. What do you think?

Dear iPhone users, we know that the biggest and the most annoying problem with your phone is that you are afraid your battery will let you down and you don’t feel like paying $85 for it. If you have some personal tech skills or at least you like to do things on your own then I have a solution for you. It’s a do it yourself kit, from Brando, to replace your iPhone’s battery in just a few easy steps.

The price for the iPhone battery replacement kit is only $20 and includes a non-official 1400mAh 3.7 VDC battery, a screwdriver and instructions. Keep in mind that you may break your device or lose the warranty so unless you can live without them, don’t do it.

[Buy it on Brando, via Xataka]

Fear no more, iPhone users. Though tests say you won’t need a new battery soon, it looks like the guys at iPodJuice .com has a $45 battery to replace your used one, only for $45 (add $20 for shipping). That means that if you choose third parties to change the battery, you won’t pay the $85.95 Apple asks.

The iPodJuice product is a 1400 mAh lithium-ion battery which will get you a ten year guarantee after you get it installed. Did I mention that you can do it yourself? It would only cost you $25 to buy it (add $20 for shipping). The battery is designed for the 4GB and 8GB iPhone models and though you may not need anything right now, you have an alternative in case anything happens.

[iPhone Battery Replacement via Technabob]

News came in that the iPhone Bluetooth Headset is starting to kick in. A Flickr member, Nomad, have already seen it in an Apple store in Marlton, NJ and snapped pictures while unboxing it.

It comes in a black box that has the duo dock to charge both the iPhone and the headset at the same time and the travel charger to do it on the go. It also has a very nice feature : the magsafe connector, that allows to connect safely to the dock or to the cable. Another nice feature is that you get to see the charging status of the Bluetooth Headset directly on the iPhone if they are both seated in the dock.

[via TUAW]