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Remember this day. Today was the day you read that non-human objects, internet connected devices like digital picture frames, web-connected GPS devices and broadband TVs, came online with AT&T and Verizon in greater numbers last quarter than new human subscribers did.

In the race to the mobile internet, the machines have quickened their pace beyond what we humans have, at least in the US. Dishwashers, refrigerators, home heating units and other objects are next in line, then perhaps very widespread tiny sensors - and that's a lot more exciting than it might sound.

AT&T customers who have purchased or upgraded to the new iPhone 4 have started to receive SMS text messages pointing them to a newly published resource guide containing "important information about activating your device."

The link directs recipients to the page at www.att.com/iphone4upgradesupport which provides all the information needed regarding how to activate the new iPhone - yet another indication that iPhones may be shipping, as reported elsewhere, a day earlier than previously expected.

When consumers rush out to purchase Apple's new handheld device, the slate-like computer called the iPad, they'll have several options to choose from. In addition to multiple storage capacities, iPad buyers will have to make an even more critical decision: Wi-Fi or 3G? Although Wi-Fi hotspots are in many places these days, from airports to coffee shops and sometimes even blanketing a city's downtown, anyone with an iPod Touch will tell you that they're far from being everywhere. That problem certainly limits some of the functionality of the iPad apps, especially those relying on real-time updates for breaking news, data downloads or other Internet-only content.

Considering that the contract-free iPad 3G plan starts at $15 per month, one would think that, given these potential issues, the 3G version would be the top choice among consumers. However, AT&T's CEO thinks otherwise. He predicts the iPad will primarily be a Wi-Fi only device. Is he right?

Yesterday's iPad launch continues to dominate the tech news today. Besides announcing the iPad, however, Apple also quietly announced a major change to its iPhone policies yesterday: Apple now allows developers to use a 3G connection to make VoIP calls. The first application to make use of this is iCall (iTunes link), but chances are that Skype, Truphone and other VoIP providers are already working on updated iPhone apps as well.

In the past, any iPhone apps that streamed live video were restricted by Apple. The apps could only use Wi-Fi or EDGE, and not AT&T's 3G network, if they wanted App Store approval. Yesterday, though, Apple approved an app that streams live TV over Wi-Fi, AT&T's EDGE and 3G connections. The updated version of OrbLive for iPhone which was previously Wi-Fi/EDGE only, now allows for the streaming of live TV, videos, music, and photos from your home PC to your iPhone over the 3G network.

That's right folks! After months of speculation and rumors, iPhone owners can now use the Wi-Fi available at their local AT&T Hotspot at no additional charge. We thought it was ridiculous that this didn't come pre-packaged with the iPhone considering that most iPhone owners are using the web more than their minutes. If you haven't received this golden text message on your iPhone yet, we've got the scoop on how you can get access to free AT&T Wi-Fi on your iPhone.

While yours truly didn't run into any problems buying his new iPhone (besides the local AT&T store only having a ridiculously small number of them in stock), many prospective iPhone shoppers today had a far less pleasant experience. In the course of the morning, AT&T's activation service, which Apple uses to activate the new phones in their stores ran into major problems. Also, there are issues around the iPhone 2.0 software update, which has been bricking numerous phones during the install process because the iTunes Store is currently down.

Time Warner needs to work on its internal memo mechanism, because apparently someone at either HBO or Time Warner's Road Runner broadband service didn't get one last week. At the same time that Time Warner is busy planning a trial of usage based billing for web access in an attempt to stem network congestion resulting from the growing popularity of online video, HBO is also readying trials of its streaming video and movie service. Huh?