This St. Paddy’s day you may want to avoid swigging back those Guinesses, at least until you’ve gotten the scoop on iPhone 3.0. Apple will be previewing its new iPhone OS and a new version of its software development kit at a media event for reporters and bloggers at 10AM. That’s next Tuesday, March 17 for all you non-drinkers. Given that Apple has made recent introductions of new Mac hardware and a new Shuffle via press release, analysts are expecting this event to unveil some exciting and concrete iPhone updates. Some of the new features being speculated include universal search, updated user interface and multimedia messaging. Could this be an indicator that the new iPhone is on its way for June? [Wired]

Today, regional carrier Cricket will present its attempt at the Guinness record for largest cell phone — and will presumably win the title. The model is a Samsung Messenger, and it’s constructed of wood, metal and lights. Obviously, this thing is friggin’ huge, requiring two people or a lot of running back and forth to carry one end of the conversation. An installation in Chicago is set up for the big day, and it’s said that visitors may even be able to place a call or send a text message.  Without question, I’m reminded of the giant cell phone gag from Trigger Happy TV, so it better include that annoying Samsung jingle. [Cricket Respect via Engadget]

The kre-8, a new cell phone concept by designer Jose Tomas DeLuna, is the first phone aimed specifically at music lovers. No, not another MP3/phone hybrid, this one’s for those that actually create their own music. The phone features a touchscreen, accelerometer and three separate music modes: instrument , record  and mix. Music could also be shared with other Kre-8 users over the 3G network for play or adaptation. Like the pad and pencil beside the bed of the writer,  the Kre-8 could clearly serve as a useful tool for musicians who simply can’t control the timing of their creative flow. Back to reality, this is just a concept so that’s about as much as we’re likely to hear  about it. [Mobile Crunch]

While most cell phones are just imitations of themselves, one company is taking it to the next level, and designing their phone to look like a building. The SBNP-N90 cell phone is inspired by the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. Unfortunately looks are the only thing this handset has going for it. While details are scarce we know that the handset is just a GSM and has only a 1.3-megapixel camera. Lame. What other buildings in the world do you think would make good cell phone designs? [via SlipperyBrick]

Am I the only one who doesn’t really want this? The alleged iPhone prototype is cool and all, but it’s a prototype because the real thing is better. Still, the plastic matte screen and old-school user interface are neat enough, and it must be fun to mess around with accelerometer options, as suggested in the photo above. Best of all, it turns on, makes calls and receives SMSs, though it’s not clear who the service provider would be. To sweeten the deal, the seller is throwing in a second prototype that doesn’t work at all. That’s something I definitely don’t want. Let the biggest Apple fanboy pay a boatload for the pair. [eBay via Engadget]

Hungry? This Cooky should whet your appetite. The latest 3G release from LG features 3D UI, a T-BMB digital TV tuner and HSPDA, and probably a bunch of other acronyms that we’re missing. The phone packs all this in while remaining just 10.9 mm thick. Connect to the Cyon Game home page and you can purchase games designed specifically for your Cooky, like “Cooking Mama”. I think it’s pretty clear the gal in the photo gives the proverbial two thumbs (and one rather contrived smile) up. [Akihabara News]

I mean honestly, who uses a shoe? In Australia, IT expert Paul Gardner-Stephen created a footwear phone as a prop for a local theatre production of Get Smart, the classic spy spoof that coined the idea. Sliding back the heel reveals a power button and a Bluetooth headset, and the phone itself is embedded in the sole. Turns out, the concept is so novel that Gardner-Stephen is thinking of marketing it online. Some of the quotes from this guy are pure gold, because you can’t tell if he’s kidding around or completely serious. “Your first thought is, ‘It’s completely impractical.’ But it’s actually not that bad,” he said. Gardner-Stephen even used the phone around Adelaide University for a few days, and claimed that “after a couple of bemused looks … no one really paid much attention.” [Telegraph via Dvice]

RIM has decided to re-name their app store to (drumroll please) “BlackBerry App World” much like DisneyWorld the app store will be relatively the same as if it didn’t have that “World” designation at the end of it. We’re not exactly sure what made RIM decide to change the name, but we’re sure BlackBerry App World will be on the top of everyone’s summer vacation list. You can check out all the world has to offer now here. Can you think of any more appropriate names for BlackBerry’s App store?  We like “CrackCorner”. [via Engadget]

The competition for cheap unlimited plans is ramping up, it seems. Sprint’s Boost Mobile brand already offers a $50 unlimited package that includes text messaging and wireless Web, and now T-Mobile is extending the decidedly less-exciting Unlimited Loyalty Plan across America. Previously on a trial run in San Francisco, the plan only applies to customers of 22 months or more, and includes unlimited calling to local numbers. There’s no data or text messaging included, but they can be tacked on for an extra $35 per month. Personally, I’d find more use in the old “myFaves” program, but I can see the utility in the new plan if you’re making a lot of local calls. Existing customers also get a $135 credit for bringing new people into the fold, so if you’re a T-Mobile subscriber, start recruiting. [via Electronista]