Apple is reportedly working closely with Verizon Wireless to introduce over-the-air software updates to the iPhone with its iOS 5 firmware. Starting this fall, iPhone users will be able to update their iOS software wirelessly, without having to plug the device into iTunes, or involve a computer altogether. It’s a luxury Google Android and Palm webOS users have been enjoying for some time, and Apple’s finally bringing it to iOS.

Multiple sources for 9to5Mac have revealed the feature will debut with iOS 5 and will support subsequent iOS releases. Apparently, Apple already has the technology, but doesn’t want to release it to the masses all at once. It will therefore be available only to Verizon customers initially.

Multiple sources who seem to know a thing or two about Apple’s third-generation iPad are claiming that the device will boast a 3D display. One “Hollywood insider” talking to RCR Wireless says the device is already in the advanced planning stages, and “the fact that the iPad 3 is 3D is a dead cert.”

She went on to say that the big film studios were currently running around like blue arsed flies trying to gear up to release plenty of 3D content in time for Apple’s next launch.

RCR reveals the story has also been backed up by a source at Foxconn – the factory that manufactures Apple’s devices – who have “spilled the 3D iPad beans” to several of their closest industry sources.

We start off the day with a deal on a bundled Quad 3.4GHz Core i7 iMac. This desktop unit includes 8GB of RAM, a 27-inch screen and 3 years of AppleCare for just $2,599. Next is a number of MacBook Air laptops, starting at $849 for a Core 2 Duo 1.4GHz machine with 64GB of SSD memory. Finally, a deal on a 16GB iPod nano (5th generation) for $149.

Along the way, we also check out several cases for the iPad and iPhone, as well as a 27-inch LED Cinema Display for $849. As always, details on these and many other items can be found at CoM’s “Daily Deals” page right after the jump.

Crescent Moon Games are currently enjoying App Store success following its release of Gears, a physics-based ball roller that has rocketed to the top of the App Store’s paid charts, and featured as one of our must-have games last week. The team is already working on its next iOS release which looks like it could be just as successful – a dual-stick shooter called Deadlock which boasts co-operative and competitive online multiplayer with support for up to 8 people.

Deadlock will initially offer 5 levels and 3 game types, including deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture & hold. It uses Game Centre integration to connect players to online games, and features a 30-level ranking system that allows players to progress as they play.

There are 30 weapons to choose from, including assault rifles, sub-machine guns, pistols, and grenades; and a load-out system that allows users to upgrade their weapons with a range of attachments to provide things like improved aiming and additional damage – all of which are unlocked as you progress.

In a daring move that might result in a legal tussle and a cat-and-mouse game between Apple and Europe’s largest and most popular music streaming service, Spotify is adding iPod Sync Support to its music service… and you don’t need to go through iTunes to do it.

Compatible with the iPod Classic, iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPod, the new download service will allow users to sync MP3 content from Spotify Playlists to any iPod without using iTunes,

It’s an interesting move that brings Spotify’s library to dumb iPods, but will Apple kick? My guess is yes, but legally: I don’t see Apple updating the iPod Classic’s software just to deal with Spotify.

That said, it’s pretty clear this is a proactive move on Spotify’s part to shore up their defenses for an iTunes onslaught. When Apple announces its new iCloud service, Spotify and Apple are going to start trading blows head-to-head.

If it sometimes feels as if everyone and her grandmother are hawking a tablet device, you aren’t too far off. By the second-half of 2011 there is a “high risk of facing excess tablet PC inventory,” one industry publication writes Wednesday. The report claims “demand scale” is only for 20 million units.

Analysts already predict Apple will sell anywhere between 18 million and 48 million iPads this year, with 23 million units in 2012. The overall tablet market could reach 55.7 million units in 2011.

Look what just arrived at CultofMac towers here in San Francisco. Yes, it’s one of Apple’s awesome new Core i5 iMacs.

It’s a $1,999 27-inch i5 model (It’s stock — no build-to-order options. Couldn’t wait a month).

As you can see, it can handily power another 27-inch iMac as an external monitor. (It’s hooked to a 2010 iMac, reviewed here last year). This is going to replace an aging Mac Pro I use for work. It just radiates awesomeness.

I’ll get started on the review as soon as  deal with a major plumbing emergency here at home.

Chalk up another victory for cord cutters: two TV-centric apps won best entertainment apps for the tablet category in this year’s Webby awards.

The free app for network PBS was named the 2011 Webby Award Winner in the entertainment category and science TV program Mythbusters was awarded the People’s Voice Winner.

The new iMacs are here, and they are fantastic, but one thing that’s worth making a note of is that the new 27-inch iMacs have dual Thunderbolt ports… which means that you can now attach two external displays to your top-end desktop.

Buy a pair of Apple’s official 27-inch LED Cinematic Displays and you’ve got 81 inches of desktop to play with. That’s a huge perk, given that the previous solution to driving multiple displays on your Mac either resulted in lag (though wireless solutions) or didn’t support 3D (through USB adapters).

The iMac line just got a heck of a lot more appealing not just to video professionals, but to gamers. And here I am rocking a 27-inch iMac with only one Mini DisplayPort like some sort of sucker.

Two aging tech powerhouses came together Tuesday in Orlando, Fla. Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer, speaking at Research in Motion’s BlackBerry World conference, announced his company will “invest uniquely” in RIM. In addition, Microsoft announced its Bing search engine and mapping will be integrated into BlackBerry phones at the OS level.

“Bing on BlackBerry tastes more like Windows Phone 7 than BlackBerry” tweeted NPD analyst Ross Rubin. The announcement comes just days after analysts blasted RIM for retreating on its quarterly financial forecast