Going for just $500, the “dead ringer” clone phones were uncovered at Dandenong markets with fake Apple headphones, plus a heap of sports related clothing. According to the Carl Donadio from Global Brand Protection, the only thing that gave away the fact it was a clone was “that it had a Nokia charger point and several other key security features not present on the original model”. Although I’d highly doubt that it would run OSX, either.

In all seriousness though, if you’re buying any gadgets at the local markets and the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is…

[Herald Sun]

Turns out that Apple is re-introducing the iPhone 3G Videoconferencing Kit under a new moniker: The iPhone 3G S Videoconferencing Kit. Soooo pretty.

Apple introduces the iPhone 3G S Videoconferencing Kit

WWDC SAN FRANCISCO-June 8, 2009-Apple® today unveiled the Apple Videoconferencing Kit®, the world’s first videoconference accessory for the world’s best phone, the iPhone 3G S. Using a unique silicon-based mirror material and natural bamboo wood for its handle and base, the Apple Videoconferencing Kit measures an unprecedented 0.5 inches at its thinnest point. Its low weight and unique shape—developed following strict Human Interface tests and anatomical studies—will allow the user to easily hold it in front of the iPhone 3G S camera, allowing face-to-face video communication with users all around the world.

“Yes, I know” said senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing and Apple’s Cool Guy at Large Phil Schiller, “we did it again. With this kit all the whiners will be happy. I know. We kick ass.” The Apple Videoconferencing Kit ultra-shiny surface allows for an extremely clear image, the best in its class, and can be easily customised using any kind of materials, from stickers to Crayola. It will be available in June 19 for $US29.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

Coverage of Chinese “shanzhai” knockoff phones tends to be dismissive at best, but the NYT, in a fit of earnestness, has done a full-on, iSuppli-style cost analysis of your typical iFauxne. Spoiler: They’re extremely profitable!

Inspiring a knockoff is something like a rite of passage for any new handset, and virtually no desirable phones go uncopied. This article is a decent primer on the industry in general, but its material cost breakdown—the likes of which we regularly see for desirable, legitimate handets—is particularly revealing. These knockoff houses feed from the same supply chains as their mainstream counterparts, and a meaningful proportion of their build costs—for basic parts like mics, vibration motors and speakers—are therefore identical.

The major cost savings come from in the most expensive—and generally, important—components. Judged against, say, a G1 (which carries a build cost of $US140), a $US40 knockoff will have a significantly cheaper screen, baseband, and camera module. Software, design and marketing costs are almost nothing, so the customary 100%-200% markup, which is roughly inline with—if not a bit lower than—the expected markup for no-contract mainstream handsets, is pure profit. The take-home message: these companies aren’t just doing this to be funny. [NYT]

Sure, you could always wait for Apple to release its first netbook (if they actually do). But over here in China, when we want something bad enough, we go and make it ourselves.

That’s right, manufacturers in Shenzhen have gone and created their own netbook. And in true copycat fashion, it has a hilariously inverted fruit adorning the top cover.

Spec-wise, the WF188 actually isn’t too bad. It has a 10-inch LED display with a resolution of 1024 x 576, a 1.3Ghz Via Nano processor with the VIA VX855 chipset, and a max of 2GB RAM. You can even choose between getting a 160GB hard drive or an up to 64GB SSD. Bluetooth, 802.11b/g wireless, and 3.5G HSDPA connectivity are also on board.

Thing is – despite the logo, the WF188 only runs either Windows XP or Linux. But hey, if you can Hackintosh a Dell Mini, getting OSX on this thing is just one other ingenious pirated solution away. [Netease]

In case the Aura, Motorola’s 2008 luxury phone, didn’t scream nouveau-riche enough, some Chinese counterfeiters have decked their version out in a Louis Vuitton skin.

Fake LV Aura eschews its pricey inspiration’s circular display for a standard square one and we’re guessing its specs aren’t even close to the already middling 2-megapixel camera, 2GB internal memory, 400 hour stand by time of the real Aura.

But that one’s still $US2000 (and you can’t resell it), while this one’s about $US113. And if you’re going to have a phone that tells people “I care about looks more than anything!” you might as well drop the illusion that you have any class at all. [shanzhaiji]

Since the economy is collapsing, it’s likely that we’re headed into a period of chaos and lawlessness. Unfortunately, you can’t afford a security system due to the aforementioned collapse. So just fake it.

This “camera” mounts up on your ceiling and looks like it’s taking video of any potential intruders. It goes so far as to have a motion detector that makes it swivel back and forth whenever somebody passes nearby. It doesn’t, however, actually capture any video, so you’d better hope that just seeing a camera will be enough to deter any potential thieves. [Chinavasion via Technabob]

Most probably, these mobile phones are real Android-based terminals, but they are certainly not the droids you were looking for, even while some say “HTC” on top. But then again, maybe the alleged spy shots we published the other day are not the real deal (although the styling on that G2 is in line with the current G1). [Phandroid]

The iFone X1 looks like a Sony Ericsson Xperia X1, but with a touchscreen and without a QWERTY keyboard. The interface, however, is still an iClone, which doesn’t even make sense. The least these guys could aim for is consistency, you know? Short video of the interface below.

iFone’s 3G is not, as its name suggests OUTRIGHT STATES, a 3G-enabled phone at all. It, like a classic ripoff, looks kind of like a grainy photocopy of a photocopy of the original Apple creation. It’s available for $US178, which is about $US200 more than anybody should pay.

Finally, Meizu’s M8, which has actually been looking marginally less like an iFauxne lately, has finally showed its face on Meizu’s official site. There’s a GUI simulator and a few galleries if you’re some kind of weirdo who’s been waiting for the M8. [PMP Today]

The phone measures 105 x 53 x 17mm, and weighs roughly 110 grams. It comes with a .3MP camera, a 2.6-inch screen with a 240 x 320 resolution, the ability to play mp3s and mp4s and some “built-in” games.

Also note the plastic “brushed aluminum”, almost-but-not-quite Macbook Air look and the adorable Apple icon on the front. It lights up! You can see the exact amount of LEDs underneath! How cute! It can be all yours for roughly $US100. How’s THAT, economy? [Shanzhaiji]