As pointed out by German site iPhone-Ticker.de, German mobile carrier Vodafone is now listing iPhone 4 (8GB) Black & White and iPhone 4S (16GB, 32GB, 64GB) Black & White under the compatibility device listing for an iPhone 4 bumper. This seems to line up with the running rumor that there will be a low end iPhone 4 8GB model together with brand new next generation iPhone. Coming from Apple’s partner, this appears to be what we will see unveiling in about 30 hours in Apple’s October 4 event.

After 18 months of waiting, many fans definitely will be disappointed and underwhelmed by a simply beefed up iPhone 4. Many have expected a brand new design with a bigger screen for next generation iPhone. This does not sound like a good debut for new CEO Tim Cook.

There are lots of apps for messaging on the iPhone. But WhatsApp Messenger appears to be leading the pack with its simple approach to chat and messaging. There are lots of advantage of being simple: an interface that mimics that of iPhone’s Messages app; there is no login requirement to a chat network; no need to add in contacts as the app uses your existing contacts’ phone numbers. WhatsApp is essentially online chat dressed in a SMS suit, except you do not have to pay for the SMS charges, even for international chat. And the app is available for Android, BlackBerry and Nokia phones as well.

WhatsApp Messenger on the App Store

Finally, the October 4 date is confirmed. Apple today sent out invitations for a special event titled “Let’s talk iPhone”. Venue is at Apple’s Cupertino headquarter Town Hall auditorium and the event will begin 10:00 AM Pacific Time.

Apple is expected to roll out new iPhone hardware. It is still a wild guess if we will see an improved iPhone 4S, a brand new design iPhone 5 or both. iOS 5, iCloud and new iPods are also expected during this event.

The Wall Street Journal’s AllThingD site is reporting that Apple will unveil iPhone 5 on an event on October 4. Tim Cook is expected to lead the launch. This sounds like a mega launch event as besides iPhone 5, we can also expect iOS 5, iCloud, new iPod touch and iPod models, or even new AppleTV.

AllThingsD

Since the launch of the first iPhone in June 2007, Apple has consistently brought us a new iPhone model every June. But not this year. This prompts wide speculation on the reason for the delay. Here’s our take:

• Apple is waiting for iOS 5 and iCloud to be ready before the launch of the new hardware. Apple can easily launch iPhone 5 in June with iOS 4. But iCloud and iOS 5 will bring a whole new experience. And Apple wants iPhone 5 to be associated being the device for the iCloud.
• The usual annual refresh cycle for iPod is September. Apple plans to merge the launch of iPhone with the annual iPod refresh, as there is not a lot of excitement anymore for iPod models. iPod touch is running the same software as iPhone, thus it makes sense to launch both together.
• A new iPad model is expected every April. By making iPad and iPhone about 5-6 months apart, there are more breather and less contention for resources for Apple’s supply chain vendors.
• The annual Apple developer conference WWDC is in June. It makes sense to launch a new device few months apart so that developers can get ready their apps.
• One new feature in iOS 5 is iMessage, which will by pass telco’s SMS gateway if you’re sending the message to another iMessage user. This means potentially hugh loss of income for telco especially in Asia market where there are high penetration of SMS usage. It takes time to negotiate with worldwide telcos for the launch.
• September//October is nearer to the golden shopping period that is Christmas. A launch and marketing event nearer Christmas will bring a greater mindset to consumers than a June event.

xe.com is one of the more popular currency exchange rate website and we can heartily recommend its mobile app. XE Currency for iPhone and iPad is a universal app, it is free with ads-supported. When you are online, the currency exchange rate is live. And XE Currency app will saved the last rates if your Internet is not working.

XE Currency for iOS on App Store

SMS preview interrupts whatever you’re doing when you receive a text message and displays an excerpt of the message on your iPhone’s screen. This can create embarrassing moments when your receive a private text message while showing off your iPhone to your boss, or when a co-worker accidentally glances at your message when you left your iPhone on your desk.

Luckily, it is easy to turn the SMS preview off. Start Settings app and tap on the settings for Messages. Toggle the switch for “Show Preview” to OFF to turn off SMS Preview.

What started out as a casual game on the iPhone on December 2009 becomes a legend and a page in the history by being the most successful game in iTunes App Store. Even after more than a year on the chart, Angry Birds still hang on tightly on the top of the chart.

And the empire just keep growing with three version of the games for iOS, and version for Mac, Android, Google Chrome app store, Palm webOS, Maemo, Symbian, PSP, Windows, Windows Phone 7, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.

Angry Bird for iPhone

Angry Birds Season for iPhone

Angry Birds RIO for iPhone

Angry Birds HD for iPad

Angry Birds Season HD for iPad

Angry Birds RIO HD for iPad

Angry Birds for Mac

Apple has released a new update to iOS which fixes security vulnerability when viewing malicious PDF files. This security loophole is used by JailbreakMe.com for its web based jailbreaking method, the same method could be exploited by other malicious downloads.

iOS 4.3.4 update is for iPhone 3GS/4, iPod touch third and fourth generation, and all iPads. Apple also releases iOS 4.2.9 update for CDMA iPhone 4.

Continue the highlight of classic apps, this week we feature Facebook for the iPhone and iPod touch. Being the grand daddy of social network of our time, Facebook app is often one of the first apps iOS users install. There is no native iPad interface for Facebook app.

Lately, Facebook for iOS is playing catchup as some features from Facebook website are not available on the app. Nonetheless this app is the best way for you to connect with your Facebook friends on your iPhone or iPod touch.

Facebook for iPhone/iPod touch iTunes link