iPhone gets ringtones and 3G / HSDPA

Some more details have emerged this weekend about the iPhone which will apparently be sporting a 3G internet connection by next January.

AppleInsider is reporting that a Swedish network has been assured by Apple that a 3G version will be available early 2008. Its is not clear whether this would be a European only version or if it would cross to the US.

Europe is forging ahead with HSDPA and to have this feature on the iPhone would make for some very happy mobile networks. Having iTunes on a fast internet connection might just be the killer application that the market needs to switch consumers onto expensive data tariffs. If this does prove the case then the subsidies would bring the iPhone down to the same price as a standard phone on most contracts.

In other news a video of the keynote has shown that the iPhone already has a ringtones tab in the iTunes interface apparently indicating a move by Apple into the multi billion dollar ringtone business. Maybe they are just hoping to create an easy way to let people auto install an MP3 from the iTunes store as a ringtone? See the video below for full details.