Here we are, at the tail end of June, and it appears that the iPhone 2.0 firmware is right on schedule to achieve the status of golden master on Friday. According to our friends over at Gizmodo, they have a source inside the iPhone software dev team who let them know that the shipping version of the update will follow build 345. Expect a couple of new encryption and code-signing features.

Now, just because the firmware will be finalized and ready on Friday, that doesn’t necessarily mean that we can expect it to show up in iTunes or anything. During the latest WWDC keynote, Steve Jobs said it would be available in early July. Also, as history has shown us, the final version of firmware can be ready weeks before it is released, as was the case with the iPhone 1.1.3 firmware we got our hands on weeks before it was out. Surprisingly, the build number of the version we had matched that of what shipped.

Anyhow, we look forward to getting our hands on the final version of the 2.0 firmware. We are ready for some App Store goodness, Exchange features, iWork support, and most importantly, Super Monkey Ball.

Read More | Gizmodo

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As Gear Live member x1xtomx1x discovered and shared with us on the forums today, the Gear Live iPhone that we are giving away is actually featured in the ColorWare gallery. Very nice find.

Remember, you are eligible to enter to win this customized iPhone. Check out the official rules to find out how.

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Europe’s fave site for wannabe singers, RedKaraoke, has been launched in an English version. They claim they are the largest site of their kind with over 14,000 songs and over 400,000 users. You can record both audio and video, compete with rankings, and a Tone Control Tool will make you sound even better. The site utilizes MIDI and KAR files, which can convert almost any song into a karaoke track. Created last year by brothers Miguel Angel and Richard Diez Ferreira, the site is free since it generates its funding through advertising and sponsorships.

Read More | RedKaraoke

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From TV show to movie to reality. ArchPort founder and president Matt Potts has already incorporated a slot in the sole of his shoe for wallets, keys, and credit cards. The man says that he came up with the idea in 1989 when playing tennis. The sandals and sneakers are named for the storage location, and Potts says that he sees them carrying smaller GPS devices, remote controls, MP3 players, heaters, and yes, even a diminutive cell phone a la “Get Smart” in the future.

Read More | GPS Daily

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Even if we are not particularly into lipstick or girly-intended products, we still appreciate the Jelly Stick phone charger. Available in gold, silver, blue, pink and macho black, the tube-shaped device will give your cellie an extra hour of talk time with the use of a AA battery. This would be a great thing for trips, especially those long car rides when it seems that our cell phone is never charged in case of an emergency. 

Read More | Tokyo Mango

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Not too long ago we showed you an electronic cigarette that was both expensive and unavailable. How about the less expensive version that includes 10 low, medium and high refills? It says that there is no tar or any other substance inside so we assume that it is veggie based. About the same size as the real thing, the ciggy lights up at the end with a red LED and lasts up to 8 hours on a 2 to 3 hour charge. If you don’t think you will look or feel too foolish, you can give the device a try for $42.00.

(Thanks, Fanny)

Read More | gadget4all

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While we are on the subject of vending machines, the recent Vendex Japan displayed Fuji Electric’s prototype of a solar-powered machine. It is comprised of panels to supply energy to cool and heat beverages, while the mossy cover not only improves insulation, it will add a touch of green to overly grey cities. Coca-Cola is also working with Fuji to make a 100% hydro fluorocarbon-free machine that will appear this July at the G8 summit in Hokkaido.

Read More | ping mag

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In a kind of belated April Fool’s joke, a vending machine was constructed in Japan that holds a full-size Smart Car. Located in the Smart Vendor in Shibuya station, you get to choose between a Coupe and Cabrio and deposit your $20,000.00 in the slot. While we realize this probably an incredible effective marketing ploy, we were thinking that we might go for the real thing since it wouldn’t involve smarmy automobile salespeople looking for commission.

Read More | C Scout

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A few weeks ago, the Flip Mino was unleashed, becoming the first Flip Video camcorder that included a rechargeable internal battery. All Flips before that run on standard AA batteries. The Flip Mino is also a bit smaller than the original Flip Video camera, and the Flip Ultra. At a price of $179, it’s fairly decent. It’s certainly convenient, since it’s so light and has such a small footprint. Check out our Flip Mino unboxing gallery to get a look for yourself.

Read More | Flip Mino unboxing gallery

Gallery: Flip Mino unboxing gallery

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If you are tired of all the mockups that try to show the size differences between the iPhone 3G and the original iPhone, we’ve finally got an image of the two phones, side-by-side. The main difference here is that you have a uniform color on the back of the phone, rather than the odd black bottom that we never really enjoyed on the original. Here’s what iLounge had to say:

The 0.48” depth is thicker than the touch (0.31″), 80GB classic (0.41″), and original iPhone (0.46″) but thinner than the 160GB classic (0.53″), and tapered at the sides for the appearance of thinness. At 4.7 ounces, it weighs more than iPod touch (4.2), but less than the iPod classic (4.9-5.7 oz.).

Anyhoo, expect a lot more of these come July 11th.

Read More | iLounge

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