Apple fans have a lot of big things in store for them this coming week as everyone will finally get the chance to try out the new iPhone 3G, along with the firmware update 2.0. As a precursor to the new arrivals, we've compiled some interesting tidbits over the past week regarding them, as well as other Apple-related subjects.

Similar with last week's update, Apple has been keeping up with its share of updates to herald the arrival of the new products. Both the App Store and iTunes are the primary focus for this week's updates. Aside from that, a couple of gaming-related news also got its time under the limelight.

On the homebrew side of things, musically inclined iPhone and iPod touch users will get a kick out of the new homebrew projects that we've spotted. You can also expect a couple of updates from the regular homebrew titles that we've been seeing over the past few weeks.

Without further ado, here are some of the highlights of the past week.

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A prelude to iPhone 3G and firmware 2.0

The imminent release of the new iPhone model was one of the biggest priorities for Apple, to say the least. This is why the company issued a deadline for all third-party developers who want to see their applications debut on the new App Store. Coders had until July 7 to send in their applications to make sure their apps would be considered into the online application store's line-up.

Link: Apple sets July 7 deadline for App Store submissions

Hook up yourselves up using your favorite Apple gadget and get yourselves updated with the latest software update for iTunes. Apple recently released iTunes 7.7, which extends compatibility for iPhones and iPod Touch units with the new software version 2.0. In addition, it also features a new Remote application which can allow you to control you iTunes playback from anywhere in your home.

Link: Apple releases iTunes 7.7 software update

This week was also filled with a couple of gaming related news for Apple. Square Enix recently rolled out a new music-themed strategy RPG, fully compatible with the iPod nano with video, iPod classic, and the fifth generation iPod. Entitled Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes, you can use your favorite tunes to create your very own army of Tune Troopers and save the day.

Link: Square Enix releases Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes for the iPod

Can lightning strike twice for Electronic Arts and its upcoming video game title, Spore? EA marketing manager Claire Ridley was confident that they can easily emulate the success they had with their other best-selling franchise, The Sims. This was evident with the fact that over one million different player-created creatures have already been spotted after the release of the Spore Creature Creator last month.

Link: EA: Spore is the next The Sims

To top off this round of hardcore Apple-related news, a leaked copy of the new iPhone firmware 2.0 found its way into the homebrew community and has already been jailbroken by the iphone-dev team. If you plan on using the new jailbroken software, please take care. Since it hasn't been thoroughly tested yet, it may contain some bugs which might end up bricking your iPhone. Still, it's nice to know that the homebrew devs are always on top of things.

Link: iPhone firmware 2.0 released early and jailbroken

Speaking of homebrew news, there's been a couple of updates from our regular suspects as well as a few new interesting players in the third-party development scene. Developer hc recently released the latest version of iPhone backup application, TimeCapsule. Version 0.43b1 polishes its extensive backup features even further by presenting a more stable code for users.

Link: TimeCapsule v0.43b1 - improved backup function

Musically inclined Apple gadget users will definitely get a kick out of the new homebrew titles that got our attention this week. Developer errrick recently rolled out a new application which makes for a neat homebrew alternative to iTunes. Entitled "iSlsk" (pronounced as "soulseek"), this peer-to-peer client allows you to download your favorite tunes from other users connected to the network.

Those of you who enjoy tuning in to XM Satellite Radio will love the fact that you can now listen directly to its various channels through your iPhone or iPod touch. Jason Millard developed a new homebrew application entitled "uXM", which can sync with a majority of the online radio station's channels. The latest build, version 0.53, is merely a demo version confirmed to work with firmware v1.1.4. Serious users can also expect a legit XM Satellite Radio app to go live along with the debut of Apple's App Store.

Link: uXM - iPhone BETA v.53
Link: iSlsk v0.3.1 - P2P client for the iPhone

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An iPhone gadgetphile's paradise

Expect even more updates next week as people finally settle in with their new Apple goodies. Much like any new firmware update, you can also expect it to get its fair share of bugs and glitches. We'll be sure to be on top of those as well, as soon as we get any updates regarding it.

With the opening of the App Store, homebrew development will now have a distinct split between the retailers and the free developers. It will be interesting to see how the community will side in this new division. In any case, our own coverage will still encompass all manner of homebrew, regardless whether or not it made it on App Store.

Anyway, that's it for this week. Make sure to drop by again for more updates in and around the Apple scene.