It's rare for Apple to so publicly face issues such as those experienced since the launch of MobileMe. Whilst drawing criticism for the quality of the service since its launch last Friday, it has also be criticised as users realise that the concept of "push" technologies for MobileMe aren't what computer users are used to. The concept of push technology is effectively like text messaging...the moment you get sent a message it is "pushed" out to you. The same applies for email technologies such those on exchange servers, however it has become clear that only certain aspects of MobileMe are truly push-enabled and immediate. Today Apple has sent out a email to MobileMe customers apologising, explaining how push works for MobileMe and extending all accounts by an extra 30 days by way of an apology.

Apple today announced that more than 500 native applications will be available on the iPhone's App Store when Apple's iPhone 3G goes on sale today. Apple's iPhone provides a breakthrough mobile platform for developers, who have created an incredible array of innovative applications such as stunning action games, advanced medical applications and robust productivity tools for the enterprise. These apps will be available on Apple's revolutionary new App Store, enabling customers to wirelessly download them directly onto their iPhones and start using them immediately. More than 125 applications are being offered to iPhone customers for free.

The official release of the iPhone into New Zealand brings with it the ability to bring new functionality to the NZMac.com and NZiPhone.com websites in the form of "web apps". These apps are basically web-based versions of the sites designed specifically to work with the iPod Touch and iPhone. They provide easy access to news and forum posts (and blog posts for NZMac.com) and can be stored as icons on the iPhone/iPod Touch for easy access when you want to check out the site.

There will be a number of things happening in the next few hours as Apple readies the launch of the iPhone 3G. The .Mac system is currently down and being migrated to the new MobileMe service. At the same time, iTunes 7.7 has just been released and features the ability to download free and purchased applications for your iPod Touch, iPhone and iPhone 3G when you have version 2.0 of the software (or later) installed.