SONY PS VITA TO CAP 3G DOWNLOADS AT 20MB

According to a report from ASCII, game downloads over 3G connections will be limited to a max of 20MB. What does that mean for you, prospective buyer? Well, kiss that 500 - 600 strong library of PSP titles goodbye, and say hello to a catalog of minis. Sure, you could always hook up to some decent WiFi to purchase and play those old favorites uninterrupted, but that kind of defeats this portable's on-the-go design. Rest assured, this download cap could still change before the handheld launches in the US and UK.

VERIZON STARTS "OPTIMIZING" NETWORK FOR DATA HUNGRY USERS

We can't say we weren't warned, since Verizon updated its data policy way back in February, but it's still a punch in the gut to hear its "network optimization" plan went into effect yesterday. A new policy page pointed out by Droid-Life explains how the policy will affect only the "top 5 percent of data users with 3G devices on unlimited data plans" (LTE and tiered data users are in the clear) by managing their speeds when connected to towers it has deemed are congested. Those conditions, termed network intelligence by Verizon Wireless, are what it feels separates this scheme from mere data throttling since it will only affect a few users (those consuming 2GB or more of data per month) at certain times and places, but it's hard to see it any other way. If you're one of those affected, expect a message on your bill or My Verizon account, although you may go into and out of the affected group depending on your usage.

RUMOR: 3G iPOD TOUCH LAUNCHING IN SEPTEMBER

A Dutch Apple blog named AppleSpot[translated] reported on Friday that Apple will launch a new 3G iPod touch in September. Similar to options available for the iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, users would have the option of purchasing the 3G iPod touch directly from a wireless carrier with a data plan. We’re expecting a possible iPod/iPhone/iPad refresh in September, and so it’s entirely possible that Apple is considering creating a version with a 3G radio. Such a device could also help carriers lock in more data plans and would continue to boost Apple’s presence among the flood of new Android handsets.

Our only gripe with the whole story is that AppleSpot doesn’t have a proven track record reporting on Apple rumors. Plus, a 3G iPod touch would be just a little weird given that we expect every major U.S. wireless carrier to announce the next generation iPhone. Also, Apple has a tradition of themeing their launches and the iPod Touch would fall in line with their music themed launch along with iTunes.

VERIZON 3G CUSTOMERS CAN UPGRADE TO 4G AND KEEP UNLIMITED DATA PLAN

Great news for everyone on one of Verizon Wireless' unlimited data plans: if you're rocking a 3G smartphone, you can eventually upgrade to an LTE handset, keep the unlimited plan, and have access to a $30 / month 4G tethering plan. That's according to VZW's official Support account on Twitter, and it's decidedly lovely news for those who were concerned that they'd be locked into EV-DO forever.

VERIZON OTA UPDATE FOR THUNDERBOLT LACKS LTE FIX

Verizon's finally sending that OTA firmware update for the Thunderbolt. Owners of the flagship device can grab it now through a manual download, and the good news is that it's meant to fix some connectivity issues. Bad news is it's just for 3G. The new code is also meant to stabilize data-dependent apps, speed up GPS updates for Google Maps and VZ Navigator, and fix a few minor messaging glitches. Guess we will have to wait longer for the LTE fix to arrive.

APPLE INVESTIGATING VERIZON iPAD 2 3G ISSUES

Having trouble hooking up your iPad 2 to Verizon's 3G network? Turns out you're not alone, and thankfully, Apple's well aware of this. In a statement to All Things Digital, Cupertino said it's investigating this CDMA connectivity issue as reported by "a small number of iPad 2 customers," and word has it that a software patch will be available soon.

BEST BUY WILL NOT CARRY VERIZON'S iPHONE

If images that reportedly reveal an internal Best Buy training document end up being real, it looks like the giant nationwide retailer will not be carrying Verizon Wireless’ new iPhone 4 at launch. The images supposedly show a section of Best Buy’s playbook intended to help guide sales reps’ interactions with shoppers. In this particular section, employees are given some fodder for customers inquiring about Verizon Wireless’ iPhone 4. The first leaked page covers data speeds and the Verizon iPhone’s potential lack thereof:

Verizon’s entire presence at CES last week was focused on one thing and one thing alone: 4G. Its LTE network is now live in 38 markets and a flurry of 4G phones will launch in the coming months. But the iPhone… the smartphone millions of Verizon Wireless subscribers have been dying for… is a 3G device.

We knew Verizon’s iPhone 4 would be a CDMA phone for a number of reasons, but 3G is so 2010. Sprint launched its first 4G phone with minimal WiMAX coverage and it ended up being the fastest-selling phone in the carrier’s history. Now, we won’t see a 4G iPhone from Verizon until 2012. That means while millions of Android phones are surfing Verizon’s 4G airwaves later this year, iPhones will still be puttering along at EVDO speeds.

HTC THUNDERBOLT FIRST VERIZON PHONE TO DO VOICE AND DATA SIMULTANEOUSLY

At CES, Verizon had mentioned that "some... but not all" of its first LTE handsets would support the simultaneous use of voice and data. That's not news for 3G customers on T-Mobile and AT&T, nor WiMAX customers on Sprint -- but for Verizon subscribers, this is a very novel concept, indeed. Well, we can chalk up the mighty ThunderBolt from HTC as one of the models that'll support it, if leaked training materials for the phone over on Android Central are to be believed. On a related note, the very existence of these materials gives us hope that we'll be seeing it on store shelves before too long.

RUMOR: iOS 4.3 TO LAUNCH IN DECEMBER

The dust has not even settled on iOS 4.2 and rumors are already floating around the web as to what the next installment will bring to the table.

By the looks of things Apple is looking at a fairly quick turn around with the iOS 4.3 update due as early as mid-December (could even be December 13).

We are not sure if there will be any new features as such, but with AirPrint only working on select printers and other issues such as the reported iPod bug, plus 3G and 3GS users not getting the text tones found on the iPhone 4, iOS 4.3 could just be a simple bug fix exercise to address all these issues. [Geek]

SPRINT CEO THANKS iPAD FOR OVERDRIVE DEMAND

Sprint's CEO Dan Hesse, in an interview with GigaOm, confirmed that most iPads sold are WiFi variety.  He thinks this, along with their decision to sell an iPad case despite the fact Sprint doesn't sell the iPad, has led to an uptick in OverDrive subscriptions.  OverDrive is Sprint's 3G/4G MiFi or personal WiFi hotspot device.  The OverDrive allows users of any WiFi device to connect to the Sprint network at either 3G or 4G speeds depending on location.  Hesse didn't mention any specific numbers regarding how much OverDrive has been affected by the iPad, but it is fairly evident he is a big proponent of Apple's iPad. [Engadget]

MOUNT EVEREST WIRED FOR INTERNET

TeliaSonera subsidiary Ncell has erected a 3G base tower at 5,200 meter (17,000 feet) mark on Mount Everest.  The signal will reach the 8,848 meter (29,029 feet) peak of the tallest mountain allowing climbers internet access and 3G video calls.  While this is not the first time a cell tower has been erected, Motorola erected a temporary one in a publicity stunt, on Mount Everest, it is the first permanent installation. [Engadget]

iOS FLAW FOUND IN iPHONES

A flaw in the design of iOS 4.1 allows someone to bypass the passcode entry lock on the iPhone.  On a locked iPhone input a random number in the emergency call field, press call and promptly hit the hardware lock button.  This will take you to the Phone app granting access to the call history, voicemail and address book.  This hack works on iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4.

Additionally, selecting "shared contact" and the camera icon will grant access to the photo album.  If you hold down the menu button you will have access to any music stored on the device as well.  While these aren't major bugs, it could be used to exploit various areas of the device. [Engadget]

CLEARWIRE LIGHTS UP NYC AND LA

Clearwire has announced they are making 4G resources available in NYC and LA.  Clearwire is giving select "early adopters" dual mode 3G/4G modems.  They are warning however that 4G is not fully built out in either city yet.

The early adopters will pay $35 for the first 2 months, then $55 per month after.  Clearwire has also stated "During this construction phase, owners of CLEAR 4G devices may also experience 4G coverage while traveling to other cities that Clearwire plans to launch commercially later this year, including: San Francisco; Tampa, Miami, and Orlando, Fla.; Nashville, Denver, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Pittsburg.” [Boy Genius Report]