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Consumer research firm, The Nielsen Company, released some interesting data on the iPhone this week. The study found:

- As of April 2009, there are 6.4 million active iPhone users in the U.S., up from 2.1 million a year prior.

- 37% watch video on their phone (6x as likely as the typical subscriber).

- There are roughly as many iPhone users 55 and older as there are 13-24. (see chart)

- 98% of iPhone users use the data features of their phone, services that should improve with the enhanced speed promised by the iPhone 3G S.

- 88% use the Internet (4x as likely as the typical subscriber).

- 75% download apps (5x as likely as the typical subscriber).

- 72% use location based services (7x as likely as the typical subscriber).

None of this data is overly surprising but it is good news for all of us in the mobile data market as more and more consumers will be buying iPhones (and other smartphones) so overall usage of applications, mobile web, mcommerce, etc. is about to explode.

For the first time ever, Wirefly is pleased to offer every BlackBerry Curve FREE for new or existing customers of AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, & Alltel. Act now this rare offer is valid for 48 hours only. Share This

Ok, ok, we'll admit it - the BlackBerry Storm hasn't been the most popular RIM device to date.  Sure, it has a decent firmware build now (after .148 finally launched), but users have complained of everything from build quality to price.  With a launch price of $199.99, it has competed directly with the iPhone up until now.  But Best Buy Mobile has a plan that, if successful, will result in a great deal of new subscribers.  From June 14th to the 20th, Reward Zone members are being, well, rewarded.

As long as you sign up by the night of the 13th, Reward Zone members are eligible for the following promotions:

• Premier silver members: FREE BlackBerry Storm (with new two-year activation)
• All other Reward Zone members can get a BlackBerry Storm for $49.99 (with new two-year activation)

Anyone going to jump on this deal, or is everyone holding out for the BlackBerry Storm 2?  Sound off in the comments section!

Source: BGR

First it was the adoption of a one-year contract option (while keeping prices the same, mind you), and now it's new devices - this time, from LG.  The LG Tritan offers a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 3 megapixel camera, EV-DO Rev. A, GPS, a touchscreen and a "full" browser (we're unsure as to whether that means HTML or if it's just some catchy Alltel marketing speak).

Unfortunately, it's only available in 91 markets thanks to Verizon's purchase of Alltel, but if you are fortunate enough to live in one of those areas, the device is definitely worth a look.

Source: Phone Scoop

Since we can't actively cover every news article that breaks (as much as we would love to), PhoneDog compiles various announcements and press releases that have been published throughout the week and places them in one easy to read article.  Enjoy!



Apple to charge for re-downloading applications in the future?
Several iPhone users are reporting that, when trying to re-download applications, their devices are displaying a message stating that the "device cannot re-download this application for free."  Granted, it seems to be appearing only on free applications at this time, and the user can still download it for free on the computer - but it's a sign that Apple may be giving developers the ability to charge for re-downloads of their program(s).  Via Engadget Mobile

Best Buy carrying the Sprint HTC Snap, but nowhere to be found on Sprint's website
After a slated launch date for June 7th, it appears that the HTC Snap was lost in the excitement surrounding the Palm Pre launch.  Though the device is available at Best Buy for the full retail price ($519.99) with stock available in several stores, rumors are circulating about the device launching at Radio Shack today.  Oddly enough, it's still unclear as to when Sprint corporate locations will obtain the device.  Via BGR

Note: Sprint has officially confirmed that it will launch the HTC Snap on June 21st.

Price cuts come to the LG enV3 and the enV Touch
In what is sure to be a frustration to early adopters, Verizon has cut the prices of the enV3 and the enV Touch from $129.99 and $149.99 to $79.99 and $99.99, respectively.  Both devices are available via telephone, website, and at any Verizon corporate location.  Via BGR

Meet the Motorola Rival.  The Rival looks cute and cuddly – and my psychedelic purple demo model (also comes in a “Tin Silver” that isn’t so loud) is the epitome of what you would imagine a 14 year old “Texting Tammy” clutching 24/7.  Looks can be deceiving, however.  And this maxim certainly rings true with [...]

Meet the Motorola Rival.  The Rival looks cute and cuddly – and my psychedelic purple demo model (also comes in a “Tin Silver” that isn’t so loud) is the epitome of what you would imagine a 14 year old “Texting Tammy” clutching 24/7.  Looks can be deceiving, however.  And this maxim certainly rings true with [...]

While he can't confirm it, Noah has a source that says the Bigfoot will not be an Android device. That would explain the missing buttons on the new image leaked by BGR, and settle the debate going on over at Phandroid, where potential specs and the lure of a looming release are shown as well. I'm gonna sit back on this one. I'm still working on my own speculations regarding other devices.