Happy independence day everyone!

New Apple touch patents show body part sensing, fingernail input: “In what’s considered the definitive overview of Apple’s attempts to patent its multi-touch interface, a deluge of newly-public filings show Apple considering technology that hasn’t yet been used in the iPhone or the Mac — including sensing the diffe…”

(Via AppleInsider.)

1.8GHz SSD MacBook Air Drops $500: “Apple has quietly dropped the price of the high end MacBook Air by $500.

The high end MacBook Air comes equipped with a 1.8GHz upgrade (from 1.6GHz) and a 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD). The total price for the high end laptop is $2598…”

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

Apple Sets July 7 Cutoff Date For iPhone App Store Launch [Iphone App Store]: “If you want to get your iPhone App into the App Store in time for the July 11 launch, you’ll have to submit it by July 7. That’s next Monday. If you’re one of those kids who always does their homework at the last second, we suspect there’s going to be less BBQ and more ‘OMGWTFBBQ we’re not done!’ this weekend. And there’s no copying off the smart kid now either, so we don’t want to see Super Monkey Ball and Super Orangutan Ball turn up next Friday. Of course you don’t absolutely have to be there at launch, but there’s a much higher chance of more press coverage if you are. Don’t forget to look at our App Contest as well. [MacRumors]“

(Via Gizmodo.)

iPhone 3G to be in healthy supply as iPod touch supplies weaken: “Apple should have ample stock of iPhone 3G when it touches down this month, according to analysts, who also note that Apple stands to make more from each device than once thought — and that iPod touch stocks are continuing to run down ahead of a pos…”

(Via AppleInsider.)

AT&T says original iPhones can be inactivated and used as WiFi iPods: “Original iPhone owners who prefer not to give away or sell their old iPhones after upgrading to an iPhone 3G can instead keep their devices and use them as WiFi-enabled iPods, AT&T has confirmed.

The exclusive US provider for the Apple handset iss…”

(Via AppleInsider.)

PS3 Firmware 2.40 is now live: “Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

The much-ballyhooed PlayStation 3 firmware 2.40 update — with in-game XMB and Trophies — is now available. What are you waiting for? Download it now, and be sure to check out our coverage of the firmware so far.

Check out more information about Firmware 2.40’s features, including the Trophy system and video of the in-game XMB in action.“

(Via Joystiq.)

PS3 firmware 2.40 update coming tomorrow: “Filed under: Gaming

It’s been a long time coming, but in-game XMB will arrive on your PS3 tomorrow. That’s right, Wednesday July 2nd and likely kicking off as a rolling, firmware 2.40, network update just as soon as the clock ticks over the top in Japan. You know, for those of you looking to get a jump on your Trophy collection.

[Via Joystiq]“

(Via Engadget.)

“AT&T announces iPhone 3G plans, 8 a.m. launch time on July 11: “AT&T announced Tuesday that iPhone 3G buyers will be forced into more costly service plans than those offered alongside the original iPhone. Plans will now start at $70 for a package that includes 450 minutes and no text messages. The carrier also is…”

(Via AppleInsider.)