Apple has just released the beta 3 version of their iOS 4.1 to developers. The build is the 8B5097d, and has 599 Mb in its iPhone 4 version (only 383 Mb for the iPhone 3GS).

The new version comes together with a new SDK version as well. So far the changes seem very few compared to the Beta 2, and it’s still not sure whether the proximity sensor bug has been fixed or not.

Apple regularly places some of their products in discontinued status, making them obsolete. From September 14th on, some iPod models and G4 computers are added to the list:

* PowerBook G4 (1GHz/867MHz)
* Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors)
* Macintosh Server G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors)
* iPod (10 GB with dock)
* iPod (10 GB with dock/custom)
* iPod (15 GB with dock)
* iPod (30 GB with dock/custom)
* iPod (30 GB with dock)

This means that those models aren’t being manufactured anymore and that the warranty is no longer valid. Also, after the launch of the new LED Cinema Display 27″, Apple has confirmed the rumors about a possible discontinuing for the 24″ and 30″ Cinema Displays.

The Mac Pro were expected to be updated for several months now, and a few days ago Apple did so, updating the professional line of computers, with orders starting from August 9th on.

When asked about eventual availabilities, several Apple representatives have confirmed that the orders for the new models will be available soon, from August 9th at least in the USA. It’s not clear yet whether the date is also the same worldwide or if the Mac Pros will be available in that date, or just for pre-orders. We’ll have to stay tuned.

A source claims that the manufacturing problems encountered with the iPhone 4 in its white version have been solved. According to MacNN, the white color on the iPhone 4 wasn’t perfect and the paint used had the tendency of breaking. Also, the finishing touches would change the color way too much. But it seems Apple found the solution to the most important problems and could make the device available sooner.

Other problems were found with the white iPhone 4: the paint and the case transparency caused problems with the proximity sensor, making it more exposed to the light, for example. According to MacNN, the right mix of paint and the right thickness on the front panel should be the solution needed to launch the white iPhone 4.

After a few hours of update, the Apple Store reopened yesterday with some new features: first, the updated iMac computers, integrating the most recent Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors, and also dedicated graphic processors, including the ATI Radeon HD 5750 for the most expensive models. The hard disks go from 500 MB to 2 TB.

Also included in the update are the new Magic Trackpad, with a glass and aluminium design, bringing the same multitouch capability from the MacBook Pros to the iMacs.

The 27″ LED Cinema Displays were also added to the list of new products to be launched in August. The 27″ dislpay features the IPS (In-Plane switching) technology and a Mini Display Port connection with audio support. The resolution is up to 2560 x 1440 with 16 million colors, and 16:9 format, which means 60% more pixels than the 24″ model. Also integrated are the iSight webcam, the microphone and speakers.

The last addition to the Apple Store was the Mac Pro. The Mac Pro is now enhanced to offer the option of one or two processors, up to a 12-core computer if needed. Two models are being offered: one with the price of €2399 with a 2.8 GHz quad-core processor, 3GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics with 1GB of RAM. The second model is an 8-core that starts from €3399 and includes two quad-core processors with 2.4 GHz each, 6GB RAM and the same Radeon HD 5770 (with the option of changing into a HD 5870).

The Apple Store is temporarily offline while it’s being updated. That usually happens when Apple launches new products or models in the market.

Expected for today are the new 27″ LED Cinema Display, the new iMac and perhaps the new Mac Pro. If so, it’ll be a surprise-launch, as most part of those new products were scheduled to launch by the end of Summer or beginning of Autumn.

We’ll stay tuned.

Apple had officially admitted problems in the manufacturing of the white iPhone 4, saying that they would be available in the second half of July.

After some rumors that claimed that the problems were related to the coloring of the cases, Apple had to release another official statement to declare that the white iPhone 4 will suffer another delay, without specifying when they’ll be available. We’ll have to wait and see.

After the polemics about the antenna problems on the iPhone 4, Apple had to resort to a quick solution by giving users free bumpers and refunded thsoe who had already bought one. And it seems the first users started being refunded now. Some users from Loop and Macworld have confirmed receiving the refund together with a note that says:

“Apple recently announced that iPhone 4 customers who purchased an iPhone 4 Bumper are eligible for a full refund. As of today, we have automatically processed your refund. You have also been refunded for any Shipping or VAT charges which may have been applied to your order”.

No estimates, however, on the number of users that got the refund, or the time that Apple will take to process the requests.

A few days ago, Steve Jobs has explained the reasons for the bad reception for the iPhone 4 during a press-conference made exactly for that reason. After having explained that Apple isn’t perfect, and that its products may have some problems every now and then, he tried to demonstrate and justify that the antenna problems weren’t only with the iPhone 4 but also happened with some of the competitors, such as HTC, Nokia and RIM. Those manufacturers were quick to reply.

Nokia declared they “prioritize antenna performance over physical design if they’re ever in conflict”. RIM declared that “Apple’s attempt to draw RIM into Apple’s self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple’s claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public’s understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple’s difficult situation”, while HTC said: “we have had very few complaints about signal or antenna problems on the Eris. Approximately 0.016% of the customers”.

Also journalists made interesting questions, like one in possession of a BlackBerry Bold, saying “I can’t get my Bold to drop right now, maybe you can show me how to do it?”. To which, Jobs replied: “You may not see it in certain areas.” Safe to say, the keynote wasn’t well received by everyone, and some claim it’s just a way to alleviate Apple’s mistakes with the iPhone 4.

In any case, at the end of the conference, Steve Jobs has declared that Apple will supply iPhone 4 users with a free bumper or give the money back to those who bought one. All to be done until September 30th, 2010. We have to hope that Apple will work on fixing the problem as well, which is the most important issue.

Apple has scheduled an unexpected press-conference for tomorrow, July 16th, to talk about the iPhone 4, without specifying the topics to be talked about.

It’s easy to think that the topics will be about the problems found with the iPhone 4, such as the antenna signal issues, for example. From the first test sessions done with the new iOS 4.1, the antenna issues haven’t been solved on the software.

Apple could, thus, be preparing a RMA campaign for the first iPhone 4 sold, replacing them with more recent models, which seems to have solved the problems for some clients that returned their iPhone 4 and replaced them with new models.

The press-conference could also announce the launch date for other countries. We’ll have to wait and see.