TechFodder

Think the iPhone could make better pictures? It could soon -- if the web rumors are true.

Electronista and others are reporting that the next iPhone could be getting a 5-megapixel camera. The current model has 3.2 megapixels. Who could get by on that?

Naturally, Apple isn't confirming anything. However, OmniVision, who currently supplies the iPhone's camera goods, supposedly has orders.

If everything is correct, a new, better iPhone could be making you look out of date by the end of 2010.

It's not just you. Tons of new iPhone users are having problems signing up.

The 3G just launched last Friday, and there are all sorts of problems -- mainly with activation. Bummer! Not to worry, though. CNET says that Apple wants to make it up to you.

As sort of an apology, Apple sent out an email today, acknowledging the problems. They also offered a $30 credit at the iTunes store as a peace offering for "the inconvenience this delay has caused."

Expect to get the goods tomorrow. -- Rachel Cericola

We were excited to see that Apple announced high-def downloads for the iTunes store. Then we got a look at the price.

At $20 a pop, you can rack up one hefty download bill. Of course, it's pretty easy to cap it because there are currently only 14 HD titles -- and some of those aren't even available for actual viewing yet.

Hits such as Twilight (March 21) and the latest Bond, Quantum of Solace (March 24) are available for pre-order now. The current crap titles they want you to pay through the nose for now includes Transporter 3, Bankok Dangerous, and the classic Everybody Wants to Be Italian. Really? Those were the titles people were clamoring for at launch?

For that kind of cash, you'd think they'd offer some slightly better selections, and make them all 1080p -- or at least tell you what the resolution is.

You can try before you buy, though; rentals will be available 30 days after the film's release for $4 to $5 each. -- Rachel Cericola

[Transporter 3 photo courtesy of Lionsgate.]

Days after Apple announced its super-duper iPod shuffle, Monster is all about making its own declaration -- that they will soon accessorize.

Apple's latest and lightest iPod adds VoiceOver, a new feature that will announce song titles, artists, playlist names, and even the status of battery life. Monster plans to add an on-cord controller for customers that want to use their headphones with the portable.

Judging by the announcement, Monster may actually add this feature to some of its existing products. Of course, there should be new models coming as well. If you already have a pair of Monster headphones, don't junk 'em -- they will also have an adapter. Everyone's happy!

There's no exact release date, but Monster plans to have products ready within the next few months. -- Rachel Cericola

Apple and U2 used to be like two digital peas in a pod. Now the mega-stars have jumped ship, announcing that Research In Motion would sponsor the upcoming U2 360 Degrees tour. Apparently, RIM separates the green M&Ms much better.

During the love affair, U2 was hawking iPods, especially the special edition U2 one. "We want our audience to have a more intimate online relationship with the band, and Apple can help us do that," Bono said back then. There's no word on the move from the band or the manufacturer. However, Electronista notes that a lot of artists have soured on Apple, due to iTunes prices and profits.

The singer is also a partner in Elevation Partners, which has a 39 percent share in Palm. Those sunglasses ain't free, you know.

U2 kicks off the U2 360 Degrees tour in Barcelona on June 30. The first U.S. performance will be in Chicago on September 12. -- Rachel Cericola

Until now, Steve Wozniak was the Apple guy. He even had a brief stint as Kathy Griffin's better half. Last night, he made his big "Dancing with the Stars" debut. The guy has money and time, but no shame -- and that feather boa was not doing him any favors.

Sure, there were a lot of people in crazy costumes doing crazy moves. Still, Steve seemed a little stiff. Overall, his Robot was great; then we found out it was supposed to be the Cha-cha-cha.

Crunch Gear thinks he's going to be the first one handed his walking papers. We can't say because it was too hard to stomach the whole episode. From what we saw, though, a lot of the scores were scraping the bottom of the barrel, so The Woz could live to dance another day. -- Rachel Cericola

Apple has freshened up its consumer desktop line, with new iMac and Mac mini products for all. Here is the quickie rundown...

The new 24-inch iMac, which starts at $1,499, promises 30 percent more screen space over the old 20-incher, as well as twice the memory and storage. Other features includes up to a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory, a 640GB or 1TB Serial ATA hard drive and various graphics options.

There's also a new Mac mini. The compact box packs in NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, a 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, up to 320GB Serial ATA hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800 and a SuperDrive. Two models are available, starting at $599.

Of course, everything comes with the Mac OS Leopard and iLife 09. All of the new offerings are available now. For more in-depth info on each product, check out Apple's announcement. -- Rachel Cericola