4 Key Blog Buzzes About New iPhone

1) OS 3.0 Preview: According to MecuryNews.com Apple is hosting an invite only "sneak peak" media event to show off version 3.0 of the iPhone OS and discuss some SDK updates on Tuesday, March 17. Precedent has been that New OS = New Handset.

2) Carrier Pricing: Newsfactor.com is saying that T-Mobile in Germany lowered iPhone prices in January and now rumor has it that O2 UK will do the same in short order (perhaps May)...the hopeful think the operators are clearing their shelves for new inventory.

3) Contract Cycles: As ChannelWeb points out many first gen iPhone users' contracts are coming up for renewal in June. Many believe Apple will want to have a new device ready for loyalists.

4) Palm Pre: The Guardian and DaringFireball.net suggest that Apple will want a device with features to address some innovations featured on the super-hyped Palm Pre, which is scheduled to be released on Sprint in May/June.

Telefónica Gets Emociónal With Player X

According a press release today, leading Spanish operator Telefónica Móviles (TEF) has become the 2nd European operator (after O2 UK) to deploy Player X Distribution's "100% Mobile" games store within a store product. The portal gives Telefónica's subscribers an additional mobile games retail venue in the existing "emoción" content channel. 100% Mobile features innovative community features, enhanced promotional opportunities, subscription options and "try before you buy" functionality. Player X CEO Tony Pearce said, "we are confident the new site will significantly drive consumption and ARPU as we have successfully done so with O2 UK.” If this proves out and Telefónica decides to expand the offering across its vast network of operators in Europe and LatAm, this could be a substantial opportunity for London-based Player X.