WRAL Tech Wire

 ‘Dear iPhone 4 users’ – Apple ‘stunned’ at reason for reception complaints

In a letter posted at its web site, Apple says reception problems reported by some of the new iPhone customers is due to a formula for calculating signal strength. There’s not an antenna problem, Apple writes.

 Research firm cuts back IT spending forecast for 2010

Gartner now expects IT services spending will rise 2.9 percent to $786 billion, while telecom spending will rise 3.4 percent to $1.97 trillion. Software spending will rise 3.1 percent to $229 billion.

 Frontier takes over Verizon service area in Durham, parts of N.C.

The Connecticut-based telecommunications firm promises U.S.-based customer service.

 Hot Off Wire: Apple looking for antenna engineers; Microsoft halts Kin phone rollouts; Amazon buys deal-of-day Woot site

 Aviat Networks names its chairman as chief executive officer

 FairPoint Communications names new chief financial officer

 Hot Off Wire: Hulu launches online video service; iPhone insurance available; Amazon launches Android e-reader app

 Tunes-to-go: Two more firms enter mobile streaming music

MOG, Rdio are new entrants to the $10-a-month mobile “cloud music” service.

 Analysts: Apple's iPhone 4 parts cost $187.51

That’s nearly $20 more than the previous iPhone with new high-resolution LCD screen the most expensive part.

 Vermont regulators reject FairPoint bankruptcy exit plan

The Charlotte-based telecommunications provider received approval last week from Maine.

 iPhone 4 a smash hit - Apple sells 1.7M in three days

"This is the most successful product launch in Apple's history," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Even so, we apologize to those customers who were turned away because we did not have enough supply."

 Lenovo’s smartphone first year sales target: 1 million

 iPhone 4 - From anticipation to user frustration

In the U.S., a reception issue will be piled on top of existing iPhone service complaints. AT&T Inc. is the only carrier in the U.S. with the iPhone, and its wireless network hasn't been able to keep up with growing demand for the gadget. In big cities especially, iPhone users complain of frequent dropped calls.

 Private equity firm pays $137M for 50% ownership in DukeNet

The communications service provider operates a 5,300-mile fiber optic network across four states. Alinda Equity Partners and Duke Energy will jointly own DukeNet, say they plan to “grow” it.

 iPhone 4 sparks fierce demand at Apple stores worldwide

Even Apple apparently was surprised by the number of people who wanted to snap up the fourth version of the iPhone. More than 600,000 had rushed to pre-order iPhones on the first day they were available, prompting Apple and its exclusive wireless partner in the U.S., AT&T Inc., to stop taking orders for pickup or shipment by Thursday's launch.

Apple iPhone 4

 Eager iPhone 4 buyers line up in Raleigh, worldwide

Limited supply of the phones will go on sale today at Apple stores in U.S. "I like the design. It's sleek — I think it's cool!" an early buyer says.

People line up outside Apple store in Crabtree Mall

 Verizon Wireless to launch new Droid X on July 15

 AT&T won’t have new iPhones outside of preorders until June 29

Apple, meanwhile, says a “limited number” of the iPhone 4s will be available in its retail stores on Thursday. AT&T says it is focusing on customers who pre-ordered the smartphones.

Apple iPhone 4

 Big Blue is going mobile – An inside look at Forbes

A tech executive takes part in IBM briefing about the tech giant’s efforts in the mobile space. Yes, he reports, IBM is hip in providing data on the move.

 Apple shares hit all-time high on iPhone demand

After rising to $272.90 - a record - Apple shares slip back a bit in very heavy trading.