Wow, this looks like bad news for fans of GPS turn-by-turn navigation, but I think there's a caveat somewhere. Isn't GPS one of the main selling points for iPhone 3G? I'm betting that Apple has a separate agreement/license for apps to use the "real" GPS vs. triangulation/wifi location in the current API. These restrictions are probably designed to prevent applications from attempting "real" location services on devices that don't support them (original iPhone.)

Besides, didn't TomTom already announce "real-time route guidance" navigation software for the iPhone 3G?

Well the removable battery is a definite improvement...oh wait...nevermind...

It would be ridiculous to make a decision on 4G carrier selection based on the current situation. Verizon and Sprint have a limited phone selection because they are Qualcomm CDMA shops. With LTE, Verizon will have a much broader list of OEM partners and chipsets to work with. The Open Device Initiative is a first step to building those relationships.

Obviously, LTE will not be an "instant-on" switchover for all of Verizon's towers. It will be a slow process like any other network changeover. But I think LTE devices will use SIM cards for interoperability and global roaming (but I don't know if its a requirement in the final spec?) I'm guessing Verizon Wireless might adopt SIMs so that Vodafone and Verizon can leverage their relationship and offer more devices with global roaming. It will also get better support from OEMs. Naturally, the first Verizon LTE devices will probably be dual-mode CDMA/LTE, and the CDMA radio access probably won't use SIM provisioning.

Sim cards are coming with LTE.

Wait need to edit my comment

I'm in too!

Friend Codes:

Brawl: 1117-9900-3019 __Washington, DC

LTE might be ratified before 2nd half of this year--they've been working feverishly on it and the amount of money involved from carriers selecting vendors means everyone's eager to get onboard.

"Can you hear me now?" just got a little bit creepy, but I guess it's a good thing I'm on Verizon!

New iPod touch/iPhone?