I finished my first TSC album. It’s ambient/electronic music. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Following the Path to Recite Spontaneity – ( 2008 )
1 ) attachment
2 ) and then there were two
3 ) like you even care anymore that this is what (I) feel like.
4 ) put between the parts
5 ) only fragments can explain
6 ) fifty-seven months
7 ) to reduce the risk
8 ) the capsule
9 ) this will remain a statue of thoughts
10 ) (I) couldn’t tell you
11 ) desperation and wonder (p.b.t.p. reprise)
12 ) the soundscape is made of
13 ) and then there was one

http://www.mediafire.com/?h0xy1fnyxk2

You are really disappointing me right now. Where should I start?

It’s no secret that I want the iPhone 3G, who doesn’t? As cool as the phone is, you guys make me not want it because of all your little loopholes. I’ve been waiting for this phone since the original iPhone came out, and now you are making this experience sour.

First off, the data plan is changing from $20 to $30!? I understand that you want your cut of the money and that you’re assuming that more data will be consumed on a faster 3G connection. It makes sense. Seriously though, if you’re going to increase the data price, at least include text messaging in that plan, like there should have been in the first place. You guys have one of the worst text messaging plan set ups I have ever seen.

Second, and most of all, you are throwing a wrench in our spokes with the upgrade price of the phone. Steve Jobs announced the 8GB model would be $199, and that the 16GB model would be $299. His whole plan was to make the phone more affordable to the public. Now this is not a case of me complaining because I don’t have money for the phone, because I do.  But only being able to purchase the phone for those prices if you are eligible for an upgrade is unfair. As far as I’m concerned anything above $300 for a cell phone is outrageous, especially when I know that the iPhone 3G only costs about $100 to manufacture. I’m also pretty sure that because Apple cut prices, you see much less money on each phone sale. That makes perfect sense. This is really just a situation of a major corporation (coughyou) being greedy. Apple is taking a chance by lowering prices and hoping that phone sales will increase, making up for money “lost” on the price cut. I think you guys can take a chance as well. Trust me, your company won’t go under. Really though, it wont.

So here’s what your telling me.

MICHAEL KOCHANSKY, (I’ll hide my number, but if you want it for a good reason, let me know)
You are not currently eligible to upgrade your device online. This line may be eligible for an equipment discount on 12/09/2008

Okay, I understand. I haven’t even been with your company for a year yet, and you think that being nice to me and giving me the phone for the price Steve Jobs announced is totally unfair to your billion dollar company. After talking with other people online who also are not eligible for an upgrade yet, I learned that most of them will not go get an iPhone because they won’t receive the subsidized price. Who knows, I may not complain so much if you would just release the price of the phone without the subsidy. 

Another thing that gets me is that if I buy the phone subsidy or not, you still get me as a customer for another 2 years. You are like a bad girlfriend leaving her makeup at my house on purpose so she has to keep coming back to see me after a break up. You think you’re tricky, but I’m on to you.

Help your customers out a little. You have my phone number, call me and let me know directly what the unsubsidized price is, and if I will be magically eligible for an upgrade on July 11th under your unclear upgrade terms of service. You may have to leave a message or call back, I normally screen all my calls, even if it’s my service provider.

Your adoring customer,

Mike Kochansky

If you are a guitar player like me, or even a musician of another instrument, this should amaze you. It’s called The Moog Guitar – Paul Vo Collector Edition and it will sell for $6,495.00 in September.

Here’s a great video showcasing the guitar with some big name players.

More details on the guitar after the jump.

All of the following information is straight from Moog Music.

The Moog Guitar puts revolutionary new technology in the hands of the guitarist. Moog Music is known for building the finest instruments and the Moog Guitar is first and foremost a very fine guitar; designed to be played by the best musicians as their primary axe. Its AAAAA maple top, mahogany body and ebony finger board bespeak the quality that musicians have come to expect from a Moog instrument. 

The addition of Moog Guitar Electronics opens guitarists to a whole new musical vocabulary: Not a guitar synthesizer, not a MIDI guitar or an effects processor; players are intimately connected to The Moog Guitar because it works its magic on the strings themselves.

What makes this guitar so special? 

The Moog Guitar Electronics add an unparalleled range of expression to the Moog Guitar: 

FULL SUSTAIN MODE - like no other sustainer; infinite sustain on every string, at every fret position and at any volume. You may have heard sustain before but not with this power (we call it “Vo Power”) and clarity. 

CONTROLLED SUSTAIN MODE - allows you to play sustained single or polyphonic lines without muting technique. The Moog Guitar sustains the notes you are playing while actively muting the strings you are not playing. 

MUTE MODE - removes energy from the strings, resulting in a variety of staccato articulations. The mute mode has never been heard on any other guitar; the Vo Power stops the strings with the same intensity that it sustains them. You feel the instrument transform in your hands.

HARMONIC BLENDS – use the included foot pedal to shift the positive energy of Vo Power in Sustain mode and the subtractive force of Vo Power in Mute mode between the bridge and neck pick-ups to pull both subtle and dramatic harmonics from the strings.

MOOG FILTER - control the frequency of the built-in, resonant Moog ladder filter using the foot pedal or a CV Input. 

Moog Guitar Controls 

There are five knobs:

Vo Power this is the amount of coherent power that is applied to the strings to either sustain or mute them.

Piezo Blend blends the piezo output with the Moog pick-ups.

Harmonic Balance shifts the Vo Power (sustain/mute) power between the neck and bridge pick-up. In the center position the power is balanced between the neck and bridge.

Master Volume controls overall volume including both the Moog Pick-up output as well as the piezos.

Tone/Filter controls both tone and the resonance of the Moog ladder filter dependent upon the position of the Filter Mode Toggle switch.

There are three switches:

Moog Guitar Mode determines the application of the Vo Power. There are three positions: Sustain, Controlled Sustain, and Mute

Filter Mode Toggle with three positions: Standard Guitar Tone, an articulated Moog filter (e.g similar to an auto-wah), and classic Moog Ladder filter

Five Position Pick-up Selector Switch: Piezo, Bridge only, Out of Phase, In Phase, Neck only.

Someone at AT&T leaked the iPhone 3G policy memo that was sent out to retail managers about the phone’s July 11th launch date. There’s some really good information in this memo, especially about in store activation and number of devices you can purchase. Check it out after the jump.

***Confidential AT&T Information. For Internal Distribution Only.***
AT&T and Apple today announced that the iPhone 3G will be available in the U.S on July 11. iPhone 3G combines three products into one small, lightweight device: a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod, and it puts the Internet in your pocket with the best e-mail, web browsing, search and maps applications ever on a mobile phone.

The new version of the iPhone harnesses the power of AT&T’s broad and powerful 3G mobile broadband network, which offers 3G mobile phones download speeds of up to 1.4 Mbps.

Key Device Features:

Operates on Wi-Fi, EDGE, and 3G networks
New enterprise e-mail capability with support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync
New iPhone software development kit (SDK) to support new innovative applications
Note: 2G iPhone customers will be able to download the iPhone 2.0 software from iTunes which enables new features such as access to corporate e-mail via Microsoft ActiveSync.

New Activation Process and BRE:
The iPhone 3G will be activated at point of sale when the device is purchased, in store. The BRE period will change from 14 days to 30 days and will require the device to be returned to place of purchase before service is cancelled.

Pricing and Plans
Device Pricing:
$199 8GB and $299 16GB for new activations and qualified upgrades with 2-year agreement.

Data Plans and Pricing:
The iPhone 3G will be activated on existing AT&T voice rate plans, but new data plans have been created for the 3G device.

All iPhone 3G customers are required to have one of the new data plans and qualifying voice plan.
Customers intending to use the iPhone 3G for access to corporate e-mail, business applications, or access to corporate intranet are required to activate with Enterprise Data Plan for iPhone.
The 2G data rate plans will remain available for 2G devices until further notice.
IRU service discounts for both voice and data pans will apply to iPhone 3G, but not 2G iPhone.
CRU service discounts for voice and data will apply to both 2G and 3G, when on a qualifying data plan.
IRUs will not get a discount on device purchase for 2G or iPhone 3Gs.
Data Pricing will be as follows:
Consumer Data Plan (must be added to qualified voice plan):
$30 – Unlimited Data (E-mail/Web), includes Visual Voicemail

Enterprise Data Plan (must be added to qualified voice plan):
$45 – Unlimited Data with personal and corporate e-mail, web, includes Visual Voicemail

Upgrade Eligibility and Qualified Upgrade Pricing
Upgrade eligibility will be determined based on standard upgrade eligibility rules. Customers must be upgrade eligible to receive the qualified upgrade pricing. However, not all customers will be qualified upgrades. AT&T has not determined the price of the 3G device for non-qualified upgrades.

All customers will be required to sign a 2-year agreement. There will not be a “no commitment” price for the iPhone 3G.

Note: When the 3G device launches, all active postpaid customers in good standing with a 2G iPhone will be eligible to receive the qualified upgrade pricing for a 3G device regardless of service tenure. (Customers that would not otherwise be eligible due to tenure will be made eligible at launch).

Activation Process
The new 3G device will be activated in store in both AT&T and Apple stores. Customers must accept AT&T and Apple Ts & Cs, sign a 2-year agreement, and select the data plan for the iPhone 3G before leaving the store. The current iTunes activation process will no longer be required for iPhone 3Gs, however a short tether process to unbrick the 3G device will be performed in all AT&T stores (tether cords will be provided). Apple stores will also perform this tether process, however in the event that a customer’s device is not tethered in the Apple store, their device will be inoperable until they get home and tether through iTunes. Prepaid and Pick Your Plan will not be allowed on the 3G device.

The SSK has been modified to allow customers interested in the iPhone 3G to enter their information, select rate plans and data plans, and print a document that will allow COR reps to quickly access the customer’s information in OPUS and save time for data entry in the activation process.

Note: In the interim, 2G iPhones will continue to be activated via iTunes – BAU. This is also true for existing AT&T customers who receive a 2G device as a gift, hand-me-down, etc. and wish to activate the device. Existing AT&T customers who switch to the 2G iPhone must tether through the iTunes process to begin using the device.

Compensation
Because the 3G device will be activated in store, compensation for the 3G device will be BAU. COR reps will receive compensation for upgrades and new activations with a 2-year agreement.

Purchase Limit
The device purchase limit will remain three (3) per customer for iPhone 3G in AT&T stores.

Allocations
If allocations are required at launch, supply chain will allocate based on January-April sales rates applied on a store-by-store basis.

Direct Fulfillment
The DF tool will be available at launch in COR for iPhone 3Gs. Customers will be required to pay for the device when the order is placed and the phone will be shipped to the store in the customer’s name.

Existing Stock of 2G Devices
We will continue to sell 2G devices until stock is depleted.

Return Policy
2G Devices
Customers who recently purchased a 2G iPhone may want to return their device once they hear about the 3G model and price point, but the new device will not be available immediately. Since the announcement and launch will be about 30 days apart, we could lose some customers who are within their BRE period and want to return their device before their 14 days expires and wait for the new 3G device. We must acknowledge and address their desire to get the best device for them.

Here’s how AT&T will handle 2G iPhone returns:

If a customer purchased before 5/27, we will follow BAU processes – no device returns. However, all postpaid 2G iPhone customers in good standing are upgrade eligible, so these customers will qualify to upgrade to a 3G iPhone when it is available.
If a customer purchased on or after 5/27 (within the 14-day BRE period before the product announcement on 6/9), we will let them exchange their 2G iPhone for an iPhone 3G before August 1. This means that after we launch the 3G model they can return their 2G iPhone, pay the 10% restocking fee, and purchase a new iPhone 3G before August 1.
Note: This modified return policy applies only to customers who purchase from AT&T stores.

3G Devices
The return policy for 3G is changing from 14 days to 30 days for both Apple and AT&T stores.

To cancel service within the first 30 days, the customer must return their equipment to the place of purchase (no exceptions).
If the customer cancels service after 30 days, they will be charged the ETF. The customer is not required to return the device to cancel after 30 days.
Special Notes Regarding 2G Devices

After the iPhone 3G launches, activations of 2G iPhones for new AT&T customers can be performed in COR stores or in the existing iTunes tether process. COR reps will receive compensation for activations of new AT&T customers done in store.
2G upgrades will continue to be activated via the existing iTunes tether process.
Existing 2G data plans will remain available for 2G devices until further notice.
Note: 2G iPhones are out of stock in the DCs, and the Direct Fulfillment tool for 2G is turned off. 2G iPhones have been removed from the “myRewards” incentive catalog.

Merchandising/Marketing

Current 2G iPhones should remain on device fixtures in store. Do not remove 2G demo devices until further notice.
3G demos will be pulled from stock when they arrive following BAU process for display devices.
Video loop content will be pushed to stores when it is available.
New docks and retrofit kits will be provided for existing iPhone fixtures.
The following merchandising elements will be in stores for launch:

Rate brochure and display rate card
22 x 28 poster
Window banner
Duratrans – will be available for markets to order
Coming Soon: Posters and banners are TBD
Training

Device training, including features and functionality, will be available via My CSP by 6/13.
OPUS training will begin no later than 6/20 and will be delivered via the Learning Edge.
Launch preparedness training, including last minute details, will be conducted the week of launch (if needed) via RSM or Centra sessions.
Communications/My CSP
All iPhone-related communications, inclusive of training announcements, will be posted to My CSP. Login and access are via the “Everything iPhone 3G” ad space. Or search on either keyword “iZone” or keyword “iPhone 3G” to locate.

Launch Plans
Support logistics for launch day will mirror last year’s iPhone launch:

Letters will be sent to all landlords under VP/GM signature for advance notice of store hours, crowds expected, possible parking issues, etc.
Security will be provided for locations requesting armed police or unarmed, uniformed guards.
Manager checklists will be provided to support RSMs to set expectations and help them be prepared to complete all required actions.
Documents will be posted on iZone to let RSMs know when to expect delivery of launch support materials.
Job descriptions for key launch day functions will be provided for: Back Office Manager/Inventory Runner, Crowd Manager, Greeter, Product Demonstrator, and Security Support.

***Confidential AT&T Information. For Internal Distribution Only.***

Some people were expecting this to happen because AT&T is anticipating more data consumption on a faster 3G network. We were all hoping this wouldn’t be the case though. 

As excited as I am for the phone, Im a little disappointed at the same time. There’s another month until the release and increased data pricing.

The data plan is jumping from $20 to $30, and there will also be a $45 business-focused data plan, which I’m curious to see the details on. 

There’s a link to a good article on this here.

If anyone can find a direct statement from AT&T on this please email me or post a link in the comments.

Click image for larger version

Very cool ad that Apple just released for the iPhone 3G. This is the ad we saw pictures of filming at the Apple store in NY.

Steve Jobs announced the iPhone 3G today at WWDC. Everyone was anxiously awaiting it, and will anxiously keep waiting until July 11th.

Pros:

3G

GPS

8GB – $199

16GB – $299

16GB model available in Black and White

Nice redesign with rounded edges

No more recessed headphone jack

Same size screen

Slightly thinner

Improved battery life

Cons:

July 11th! Still a month away

No front facing video camera for video conferencing

No 32GB model

8GB model only available in Black

Here are the details from Apple:

Specifications

Screen size

3.5 inches (diagonal)

Screen resolution

480 by 320 pixels (163 ppi)

Input method

Multi-Touch

Storage

8GB and 16GB¹

Cellular

UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

Wireless data

Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR

GPS

Assisted-GPS

Camera

2.0 megapixels

Battery²

Talk time: Up to 5 hours on 3G;
up to 10 hours on 2G
Standby time: Up to 300 hours
Internet use: Up to 5 hours on 3G;
up to 6 hours on Wi-Fi
Video playback: Up to 7 hours
Audio playback: Up to 24 hours

Dimensions

4.5 by 2.4 by 0.48 inches
(115.5 by 62.1 by 12.3 mm)

Weight³

4.7 ounces (133 grams)

-Images and details courtesy of Apple.com

I was informed from a fairly reliable source that the 3G iPhone will have a removable lithium ion battery. Apparently, the new plastic casing on the back of the phone will pop off allowing for the removal/replacement of the lithium ion battery. I’m told that with the addition of 3G and GPS, the phone will have high battery consumption, and Apple is taking this into extreme consideration. This battery changing capability will obviously allow you to carry a second battery, and easily replace it on the go, without needing to stop and charge your phone. This will help when the overall health of your battery is low, and it needs to be to be completely swapped out with a new primary one. This may also allow for color case changing.

It’s late in the game for new rumors, and I’ll be interested to see if my source really knows what they’re talking about. We will find out Monday!

-Image courtesy of Pocket Mojo