If you have an iPhone and are bored with your regular audio ringtone, the folks at iFoneTec have developed VideosTone, which is "an app that allows you to play back a standard formatted-for-iPhone video when you receive a call." [Source: Gizmodo.com]

Apparently the ability to play video ringtones is nothing new, as some cellphones have had this capability for some time. But do you really need to watch the New Kids on the Block video "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" every time Grandma calls? Of course not! You should totally program "Hangin' Tough" instead.





In other iPhone news, the release of the next generation of iPhone is set for July 11. This version, the iPhone 3G, which boasts 3G capability, GPS, and longer battery life, has been eagerly anticipated by owners of the first generation of iPhones, as well as non-iPhone users like myself. As of now, it is not known what time on July 11th the phone will be on sale at Apple and AT&T stores, but last year the iPhone went on sale at 6 p.m.

Here is a quick rundown on the iPhone 3g:

• Prices are $199 for 8GB model and $299 for 16GB model. The 8 GB comes in black. The 16GB model comes in black or white.
• The iPhone 3G is now made from plastic rather than metal
• GPS is A-GPS (assisted global positioning system)
•  Unlimited iPhone 3G data plans for consumers will be available for $30 a month, in addition to voice plans starting at $39.99 a month. Unlimited 3G data plans for business users will be available for $45 a month, in addition to a voice plan.
• When customers purchase their new 3G iPhone, customers will activate the device in the retail store. The only place you'll be able to buy the phone is in a physical AT&T or Apple store. The 3G iPhone will not be sold on either att.com or apple.com.

There is still some speculation and confusion on how activation is actually going to take place, and who will be eligible to purchase the 3g iPhone on July 11.

I have read on various websites that all current iPhone users are eligible for an upgrade, no matter how far they are in their current contract with AT&T.  No official word yet on whether or not everyone else will be eligible at launch, or if they will have to hang tough, heh, out until their contract is eligible for upgrade.

My current contract expires a before July 11, so I just may have to take a visit to the AT&T store. Hmmm, wonder what my first video ringtone should be? I think it would have to be my favorite music video of all time.

***UPDATE***

From Mac Rumors.com:

AT&T Offers Walkthrough Videos for iPhone 3G Buying
Tuesday July 01, 2008 01:29 PM EST; Category: iPhone
Written by Arnold Kim

To help clarify any confusion about he upgrade process, AT&T has posted a number of walkthrough videos giving more information about the upgrade process for customers. AT&T announced that the iPhone 3G will be on sale starting at 8 a.m. local time at their AT&T stores.

Existing AT&T Customer Video
This covers the different scenarios if you are an existing AT&T customers. AT&T recommends you back up your iPhone with iTunes prior to buying the iPhone 3G. Additionally, voicemail will be deleted when you upgrade, so you should be sure to catch up on your voicemail prior to upgrading. Once you upgrade to the iPhone 3G, you can give your original iPhone to someone else who can activate it through iTunes and sign up for new service.

New AT&T Customer Video
This video is for customers activating new service at AT&T. These individuals can visit AT&T stores prior to July 11th to undergo a credit check to save time on the actual launch day. AT&T recommends you back up your phone data prior to July 11th. You will need a photo ID and social security number to start new service. If you are interested in porting your phone number from your existing carrier, you will need: your account number, account holder name, billing address, social security number and PIN or password. Most of this information is on your bill from your current carrier.

Apple has not yet announced what time their retail stores will open on July 11th.