Seeking to boost AT&T (News - Alert) subscriptions and streamline consumers who filing into Apple Retail Stores for what many call the year’s most significant IT development – the iPhone (News - Alert) 3G – the device’s creators have set up a Web-based system for scheduling purchase appointments.

 

On Apple’s Web site, gadget-lovers seeking the much-hyped iPhone 2.0 – a device that’s driven the application developers’ world to a creative frenzy – can entering their billing information, review eligibility and pricing for the device, select an AT&T rate plan and set up an appointment.

 

“Once you’re done, choose your closest Apple (News - Alert) Retail Store and let us know when you’d like to come in to complete your purchase,” Apple says. “An Apple specialist will be ready to help you personalize your new iPhone 3G, make calls, browse the Web, receive e-mail and more.”

 

By locking buyers into an agreement with AT&T, the “new” purchase method effectively circumvents the efforts of so-called “jail-breakers” to free the device from its creator and carrier – allowing consumers to use the iPhone with whatever wireless provider they want.

 

Tehrani, who recently purchased a 3G iPhone, often blogs about the device’s attributes – and detriments – as well as news surrounding the much-hyped device, wrote recently about the startling news out of Germany that the government there is banning VoIP for the iPhone because that technology tempts users to “jailbreak” the device.

 

Since the iPhone’s release, activity surrounding the device has shifted from straight consumers seeking to own one to developers seeking to create applications for it. That industry received a boost yesterday, when a San Francisco-based company today said it’s offering a free platform to measure app performance.

 

Officials at Flurry reportedly say that the mobile phone is evolving and that their platform – called “Flurry Analytics” – will provide detailed information on how consumers are using the new applications so that developers can tailor their efforts wisely. The platform integrates with the iPhone as well as and Google Android-based HTC (News - Alert) Dream or T-Mobile G1.

 

“Developers have to know what’s working, pinpoint what’s not and respond rapidly – that will be key in fueling the growth of mobile applications,” said Simon Khalaf, president and chief executive officer of Flurry. “That’s why we’ve developed Flurry Analytics as a free service to arm developers with the in-depth information they need to build better, smarter applications.”

 

One widely anticipated iPhone application is coming from an Encinitas, California-based provider of telephone communications solutions that’s introducing an application that’s designed to help users transfer calls to nearby landlines, even during a call.

 

Officials at FreedomVOICE Systems say Newber Beta, unveiled this week at a wireless telecom show in San Francisco, uses positioning technology to accomplish the feat, saving money for iPhone users, avoiding dropped calls and conserving battery power.

 

The company’s president and chief executive officer, Eric Thomas, told TMCnet during an interview that the application is designed mostly for business users, though casual iPhone owners will benefit from the technology, as well.

 

“The added line functionality can greatly simplify communication for (business users) by separating private versus business calls,” Thomas told TMCnet. “Home use shares many of the same benefits as office or business use. Casual users can use Newber at home to avoid reception problems and save on minutes by taking their iPhone calls through their home phone.”

 

The commercial version of Newber will soon be available to iPhone users through the App Store, FreedomVOICE officials say.

 

Meanwhile, with the Apple Retail Store’s new online booking system, iPhone seekers can schedule appointments to purchase and activate the devices.

 

One of the menus prompts consumers to create a new account – and a screen asks for personal information, including a social security number. For those with active Apple accounts, a screen pops up with nearby Apple stores, and drop-down menus for scheduling the day and time of an appointment.