Looks like Gizmodo managed to get their hands on the next iPhone somewhat accidentally, well for a short time.  Apple have formally requested the iPhone to be returned to them.  Confirming at least that the handset is genuine.  More on Gizmodo.

Here are some of the differences noted by Gizmodo about this iPhone – which Im hoping comes available in Australia this year as my current contract is due to expire -

What’s new:

• Front-facing video camera
• Improved regular back-camera (the lens is quite noticeably larger than the iPhone 3GS)
• Camera flash
• Micro-SIM instead of standard SIM (like the iPad)
• Improved display. It’s unclear if it’s the 960×640 display thrown around before—it certainly looks like it, with the “Connect to iTunes” screen displaying much higher resolution than on a 3GS.
• What looks to be a secondary mic for noise cancellation, at the top, next to the headphone jack
• Split buttons for volume
• Power, mute, and volume buttons are all metallic

What’s changed

• The back is entirely flat, made of either glass (more likely) or ceramic or shiny plastic in order for the cell signal to poke through. Tapping on the back makes a more hollow and higher pitched sound compared to tapping on the glass on the front/screen, but that could just be the orientation of components inside making for a different sound
• An aluminum border going completely around the outside
• Slightly smaller screen than the 3GS (but seemingly higher resolution)
• Everything is more squared off
• 3 grams heavier
• 16% Larger battery
• Internal components are shrunken, miniaturized and reduced to make room for the larger battery

For more details on the iPhone itself and the complete story on how they got it and Apple’s response is on their site.

Surge - Solar Battery charging iPhone Case

recharge your device using solar energy.  If your phone is fully charged then the energy is stored into the Surge’s internal battery. The Surge internal battery can also be charged from a USB computer connection.

The Surge sells for about AUD$85, weighs 79grams and while I havent physically seen or touched one this doesnt seem like it would add too much bulk to the iPhone if requiring an additional power supply if in the bush.

This is the first solar charging cover I’ve seen for a mobile device, only problem is Im not sure how many people living in remote areas would be using an iPhone……

If you haven’t heard of the solar powered phone available in Africa check this link out.

I’ve tried a handful of free cricket apps on the iPhone but here’s the latest one, made available by Vodafone and 3.

Unfortunately Im on an Optus plan so I wont be able to watch the live TV feed which is only provided by Channel Nine to Vodfone or 3 mobile customers who can pay $2.50 per day for viewing.

Despite that I can view live scores, ball by ball commentary, match schedules, cricket news and player stats. Sweet!

It also has Push Notifications on Fall of Wickets.

With the app I can keep up with the tour of the West Indies and Pakistan, Test matches, ODIs and Twenty 20′s.

3 Mobile is an official sponsor of Australia Cricket’s Test series.