It's a whole new week filled with Apple news and we're here to cover it with this issue of the Apple Weekend Warrior special. To start off the week, we've got a lot of updates from Apple regarding its latest build of the Mac OS X Leopard software, among other things.

There's also been word that several companies have been eyeing Apple's various assets with varying degrees of both optimism and competitiveness. In addition, the Cupertino-based company revealed some additional details regarding the upcoming iPhone 3G model, slated for release this July 11.

Lastly, we have our usual batch of iPhone homebrew updates. We have third party apps for those who enjoy using their iPhone as a remote access device, as well as updates on the iPhone text reading program, textReader.

Anyway, let's break down the latest updates that's happened over the past week.

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Of Apple updates, big and small

While many people are already eagerly awaiting the new Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard update, Apple is taking its time in creating a solid base with its current operating system. The company recently rolled out a new update for Mac OS X 10.5.4, which includes some general operating system improvements which enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.

Link: Apple releases Mac OS X 10.5.4 update

RealNetworks recently came up with a new strategy to fight against iTunes, their biggest competitor in the digital music distribution business - by embracing the iPod's MP3 format. Advertising itself as "Music Without Limits", the Rhapsody music download service removes any Digital Rights Management (DRM) software from its MP3s and offers seamless compatibility with RealPlayer, iTunes or its own interface.

Link: Rhapsody takes passive resistance approach against iTunes

With barely a week to go before Apple's release of its iPhone 3G, some new information regarding its pricing and subscription plans were recently revealed. Hopeful buyers can get the iPhone 3G through a two year subscription plan or a contract free purchase which will cost significantly more.

Link: AT&T reveals iPhone 3G pricing, subscription plans

If you're wondering about the new features the iPhone 3G will be sporting, Apple was kind enough to release a Guided Tour video highlighting all its different functions. The video also takes a peek at the upcoming App Store, where developers can easily wire their third-party applications to iPhone users everywhere.

Link: Apple releases iPhone 3G Guided Tour video

BioWare co-CEOs Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk openly praised the iPhone's potential as a big cultural and technical success. While nothing concrete was mentioned, Zeschuk said that they will definitely be looking into the possibility of developing games on the platform.

Link: BioWare 'looking at' iPhone development, says continuing PC exclusive development 'feasible'

To end the week with a huge bang, Apple decided to slash off a good US$ 500 off their wafer-thin piece of nicely crafted computing device, the MacBook Air with SSD (Solid State Drive). The best-selling notebook received the hefty price decrease due to some of its major components cutting back on their own respective costs.

Link: SSD MacBook Air gets a big US$ 500 price cut

In homebrew news, developer pyefox was able to put up two updates this week for the iPhone text reader program, textReader. The latest release, version 1.1 Beta 3, is now able to read archived .rar files. Readers on the go should definitely make it a point to check this latest build out.

Link: iPhonetextReader v1.1 Beta3 - now supports .rar files

Remote control freaks will also want to get their hands on the latest version of Touchpad Pro. Similar to last week's update, Touchpad Pro v4.44 features additional language support for Spanish users. In addition, a GPL licensing notification on the About screen of the program.

Link: Touchpad Pro v4.44 - added Spanish support, GPL licencing notification

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"Three Gee" on the rise

Many people have already marked their calendars for July 11 - the release date for the iPhone 3G. While Apple has put much effort into developing this new model, they certainly took their sweet time in releasing it. We have yet to see if all the hype and hoopla was certainly worth wait.

With only half the year done so far, it seems that there's still a lot in store for loyal gadgetphiles and their ilk. Even homebrew developers have much to look forward to as the implementation of the new App Store will soon be going into overdrive soon. In any case, make sure you have all your finances set since Apple's upcoming product line-up will certain take a healthy chunk out of your paycheck - regardless of price cuts.

So what's next for Steve Jobs and his wonder company? We'll be sure to keep our eyes and ears open for more updates, that's for sure. As for the soon to be released iPhone 3G, we'll make it a point to make our own comparative review on it as soon as it comes out.