We’re ready for the 3G iPhone, but are AT&T’s 3G networks ready for it? Om Malik raises the scary possibility that AT&T’s complete HSDPA network might be newly strengthened, but still might not be robust enough to handle the onslaught of 3G traffic, rendering 3G barely more nimble than EDGE. After a year of waiting for 3G, that’s kind of a nut shot right? Think about this: Even last year, iPhone users chugged almost five times the data of an average AT&T subscriber, and twice as much as other smartphone owners.

It wasn’t so harsh on the network, because 55 percent of the data was over Wi-Fi. But with 3G, why wait for a Wi-Fi hotspot, especially since AT&T’s 3G is, at least in the NYC area, as blazing as AT&T claims. New iPhone users are going to get on 3G en masse, and pull a lot of data over the air, especially with unlimited data plans. And it’s fair to assume iPhone users are going to slurp even more than before since they won’t have to hit up Wi-Fi to do data-intensive stuff.

The standard increase in usage from unlimited plans with more run-of-the-mill phones has already been posing problems for operators, forcing a serious need to upgrade the backend.

While that report doesn’t focus on AT&T, it’s worth noting that two major Korean operators—vaunted for their magical networks—were experiencing degraded voice quality from the data hammer. And AT&T’s network didn’t have a stellar track record to start with. So a $199 3G iPhone that moves millions of data-whoring units could be the worst thing ever, at least if you’re buying that 3G iPhone for, well, 3G data access. The ball’s in your court, AT&T. [GigaOM]

Via [Gizmodo]

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OK, forget about what I stated before. Screw the storage and the 5MP camera. I’ve been reviewing the iPhone 3G specs, and it’s finally coming with exactly what I wanted: a genuine iPhone SIM Ejector Tool.

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YES! [Apple]

Via [Gizmodo]

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Santa Monica has delivered a bright and shiny upgrade to its Pacific Ferris Wheel, dismantling the old one to make way for a new behemoth that boasts 160,000 LED lights. The 90-foot ride, manufactured by Chance Morgan Rides, delivers visual performances every night and cost the city $1.5 million. Thanks to solar panels that soak up energy during the day to power the wheel, those extravagant light shows have a minuscule carbon footprint.

When it was built in 1996, the Pacific Wheel was the only solar powered ferris wheel in the world. The old wheel was auctioned off on eBay for over $130,000 to an Oklahoma City real-estate developer. Grant Humphreys, the developer, plans on incorporating the wheel into a mixed use residential community.

It has appeared in several Hollywood films, including A Night at the Roxbury and Thank You for Smoking. There’s no doubt that its younger and more attractive replacement will probably get some screen time as well. [Crunch Gear]

GALLERY

Taken by Laphoto1.

Taken by Tyler Durden.

Taken by Tyler Durden.

Taken by Mr. Geoff.

Taken by Marco Siguenza.

Taken by Marco Siguenza.
END

Via [Gizmodo]

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With all the Apple fakes being tossed around the web in the hours leading up to WWDC, how can us unassuming consumers figure out what’s real and what’s not? Luckily, Scientific American has got our backs with several ways pic editing masters spot a fake pic.

The first thing to look for is lighting, an always difficult element for fakers to get right. Shopped photos usually have light-source directions that don’t match. For instance, in the picture below, the ducks are obviously glowing from a different time of day than the riot police.

The next thing to check out is the eyes. Eyes have very consistent shapes, and a person can approximate how eyes are supposed to look by tracing rays of light running from them to a point in the camera’s center. If two people’s eyes orient at different centers, then it’s possible that the photo’s been modified.

Related to the first two points, specular highlights—that white dot on the eye in pictures—can also tell you a lot about lighting. If people in the picture have different specular highlights, then the photo is faker than your office manager’s toupee.

On second thought—while interesting, these techniques won’t help us figure out if that second coming of the Jesusphone ad is real or not. Darn! Foiled again! [Scientific American via Lifehacker]

Via [Gizmodo]

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The swimming pool was really the only place left on Earth where extreme pogo stick users couldn’t rip mad tricks. Until now. “The Only Underwater Pogo Stick” was designed for use in the pool, and grants you to easily “perform a variety of waterborne stunts as you bounce off walls or bottoms.” Instead of a traditional spring (which is for landlubbing amateurs), a rigid ball filled with water fits into the footrest, and lets you bounce about in shallow water or “bound powerfully” in the deep end. Works with in-ground pools only for $60. [Hammacher Schlemmer]

Via [Gizmodo]

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