Verizon iPhone to Public by End of January/Early February

Just an update on what we already know. Verizon Wireless (VZW) will indeed announce the long awaited iPhone coming to their network this Tuesday (1/11/11 @ 11AM in NYC). The obvious next question is when will it be available for consumer purchase? A recent report from Reuters claims a source close to Apple confirms the announcement day is Tuesday, and that the iPhone itself will go on sale in "a few weeks".  Some folks seem to feel it VZW customers will get their hands on them by the end of January, others early February. Based on how February 1st is a Tuesday (The historic fair/common release day) I'm leaning toward the February 1st release, but only time will tell. The February date will give VZW time to prep for anticipated big sales publicly. The push for public release in February could also mean some great NFL Super Bowl commercials from Big Red (VZW). Could this be the knife twist to AT&T?  Stay Tuned...

iPad 2 Under the Radar

The speculated iPad 2 @ CES (Note the camera hole) 

The iPad 2 reportedly has been spotted at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week. In the midst of an imminent/speculated iPhone Launch, I can only assume that Apple could also release their 2nd Generation iPad in early February as well. Verizon Wireless (VZW) has already sent press invites asking to "Join us for the latest news at Verizon Wireless" (Date 1/11/11 @11AM). With a such a massive event like CES this week, don't you think VZW would have taken the opportunity to announce some of it's biggest news on one of the biggest stages? No... If your familiar with Apple, Apple tends to carve their own path and move to the beat of their own drum.  It's already well known that Apple has asked employees to refrain from taking vacation days for the first 3 weeks in February. You could assume that it's because of the upcoming high demand for the iPhone on VZW. But flying under the radar and in the background of the VZW iPhone is the iPad 2. I can see VZW making their announcement, and then Steve Jobs and Apple will have a separate event to announce/confirm the iPhone on VZW. It's then, Steve Jobs could introduce you to the NEW iPad 2. Both will obviously be hot ticket items, and since the employees are going to be working without vacation for the first three weeks in February already, they might as well be busy right!? Not, saying, I'm Just saying... 

Blog Header

Here is my original picture that I am using for my Blog Header. I use Photoshop Elements 8 to create the header, watermark, and other processes when needed. the above photo info as follows.


CameraCanon EOS Digital Rebel XS
Exposure0.001 sec (1/1600)
Aperturef/6.3
Focal Length18 mm
ISO Speed200
Exposure Bias0 EV
FlashOff, Did not fire
No Processing (Except for noted watermark)

My beautiful wife had just bought the camera for me as a birthday gift. It was not long that I had, had the camera before I captured this awesome picture! Thanks again Babe!

How I created my Header:

In PSE 8 I opened the photo. Cropped the portion of the image I wanted. From the top menu (Next to File and Edit) I Selected "Image" > "Resize"> "Image Size". Set my pixel dimensions to Width 450 Height 150 and clicked ok. I then added text and effects by clicking Text (below the wand tool); Selected Font, and Size. Typed "The Jimmy Batte Blog" where I wanted it. I then clicked the check mark to accept. I then Right clicked to bring up Style Settings. Selected desired Drop Shadow and angle. Saved as jpg copy. Hope that helps some folks! 

Verizon iPhone 1/11/11 @ 11

As I and others had predicted, Verizon Wireless (VZW) and iPhone is imminent. VZW has issued a press release inviting selected media etc. to NYC for a "Special Announcement". The Date is next Tuesday. 1/11/11 at 11am. All those 1 look like i(s) to me. Not saying, just saying. iPhone will be announced you could bet the ifarm on it.

An Apple Byte

Apple today announced that the Mac App Store is now open for business with more than 1,000 free and paid apps. The Mac App Store brings the revolutionary App Store experience to the Mac, so you can find great new apps, buy them using your iTunes account, download and install them in just one step. The Mac App Store is available for Snow Leopard users through Software Update as part of Mac OS X v10.6.6.

"With more than 1,000 apps, the Mac App Store is off to a great start," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We think users are going to love this innovative new way to discover and buy their favorite apps."

Apple also seems to be on the brink of releasing the long waited for Verizon iPhone. Hint's and rumors lead me to believe it will be before Valentines Day which is February 14th. Some intel reports Apple has asked that employees refrain from taking time off for the first three weeks in February. Possible Verizon iPhone to be announced in January and released February 1, 2011? Seems it would have to be if they really are asking folks to refrain from taking time off. It's like when UPS employees can't take time off at Christmas... They know they are going to be busy. Same holds true for Apple I can imagine. Only time will tell.

(Plausible announcement dates: 1/11/11, 1/26/11, or 1/28/11)