TechCrunch has highlighted an iPhone exploit that is being reported elsewhere on the net. The exploit relates to the ability of developers to run any code via the fact that they can trigger code through an issue related to a static PNG file. More details are available at the TechCrunch website. Note that the next software update for the iPhone (version 2.2) is rumoured by some sites to be out in the next 10 days.

Vodafone launched new (and still expensive) iPhone plans this week of $40 or $60 per month, keeping those wanting an iPhone restricted to having to sign a 24-month contract with the company. Vodafone have also begun providing a forum for customers on their website that allows users to publish details on how to unlock their iPhone for use on Prepay, doing nothing more than providing a standard warning to those considering it. With close to 2000 people signing a petition calling on Vodafone to provide a legitimate prepay option it seems unusual that whilst they ignore that plea from users, their site supports others detailing activities that can void the warranty and create an iPhone that Vodafone state on the forum they will not support.

The petition to Vodafone New Zealand has closed tonight with an impressive 1994 signatures from Kiwis upset at the way in which the iPhone is currently available on the New Zealand market. Whilst some are choosing to pay the high price of a 'handset only' purchase and modify settings to use their Prepay SIM, the fact remains that officially, there is no prepay option for New Zealanders. Nowhere is the fury at Vodafone's decision more telling than in the statistics associated with the online petition. Of the 1994 signatures received, 1301 of those were received in the three days after prices and plans were announced.

This morning Vodafone New Zealand announced their plan prices for those purchasing the new iPhone 3G, whilst also stating that the 16Gb model iPhone 3G will start at a base price of $349 for those on a plan. However, what has become clear is that the $199 and $349 purchase prices for the iPhone 3G are only if you commit to a data plan that runs to $250 per month. Go for any of the lower cost contract plans and the initial price of the phone increases considerably.

After weeks of internet speculation, Vodafone New Zealand have announced an impressive base price for the iPhone 3G of $199 NZ for the 8 Gb model. This price is well under the price many have speculated and below the conversion rate of the $199 USD phone price. However it should be made clear that this price comes with the requirement of an ongoing two-year contract with Vodafone, with full price and plan details of those being released tomorrow at 10am.