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Observers say the opening of Apple’s App Store for iPhones could have a bigger impact on the mobile industry than the introduction of the new 3G device itself. Apple CEO Steve Jobs called the App Store launch a huge step in establishing handheld devices as mobile computing platforms, saying, “There’s been nothing on a mobile phone a fraction as good as what’s on PCs.” (The New York Times 7/10, The Wall Street Journal 7/10, Los Angeles Times 7/10)

Techcrunch reported earlier that the App store was available here for download.  Don’t check for updates within your iTunes program.  You must go to the link if you want to be an early bird.  Techcrunch also posted demo overviews of a variety of applications.

Irvine, CA-based Hop-on is rolling out a line of pre-paid disposable phones at the MLB All Star game next week in the wake of the IPhone 3G madness. The 1800 series ranges from the HOP 1800, priced at all of $10, to the 3G HOP 1809, offered for $125, featuring video calling (yes, the camera is in front instead of in the back) and interactive services including mobile gaming. (Cynopsis 7/10)

More than 40 million US mobile subscribers (15.6%) now actively use the mobile internet, according to Nielsen Mobile, putting the US ahead of 16 countries tracked in terms of penetration, followed by the UK (12.9%) and Italy (11.9%). The Motorola RAZR phones were found to be the most popular phones among US mobile Internet users, while Nokia handsets lead the market in Europe and Asia. (Cynopsis 7/10)

Other findings include:

• 14% of US subscribers access the mobile internet with an unlimited data package, but 50% of data users say they prefer the unlimited pricing model
• 3G networks drive user satisfaction with mobile internet users, with data speeds as much as six times faster than 2 or 2.5G networks
• Today 26% of mobile internet users view ads while surfing
• Mobile internet users are more receptive to mobile advertising than average data users

Top Mobile Internet Channels by Unique Audience May 2008 (U.S.)
Channel                      Unique Audience (000))
Yahoo! Mail                           14,200
Google Search                         9,100
Weather Channel                     8,600
MSN Hotmail                           7,900
Gmail                                     7,500
ESPN                                      6,500
Google Maps                           6,200
AOL Email                               5,300
MapQuest                               4,600
Yahoo! Search                         4,100
CNN News                               4,000
Source: Nielsen Mobile