In addition to the 3G iPhone, Apple announced MobileMe, a new Internet service that delivers push email, contacts and calendars from the service onto native apps on the iPhone, iPod touch, Macs and PCs. With a suite of ad-free web applications for a desktop-like experience, MobileMe includes Mail, Contacts and Calendar, as well as Gallery for viewing and sharing photos.

It’s essentially the corporate schtik for those not connected to an Exchange server - that’s what Steve Jobs is promising us. With push email, push calendars and push contacts, you get status indicators whether checking email on the iPhone, iPod touch or computer. New messages are pushed instantly over a cellular network or Wi-Fi, so you won’t have to do it every time. The push technology also ensures that your contacts and calendars are always updated.

With 20GB of online storage, the MobileMe service will be available starting July 11 - same day the 3G iPhone hits the shelves - and costs US $99 per year for individuals and $149 for Family Pack. A free, 60-day trial is availble at www.apple.com/mobileme.