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Deutsche Telekom has begun accepting pre-orders for a device they don't even know exists yet. Without any knowledge of a release date, name, or hardware specifications the German carrier started handing out golden tickets for the next generation Apple handset.

A spokesman for the carrier told Bloomberg that customers can visit Deutsche Telekom stores to receive their ticket. The strict first-come, first-served system allows one pass per customer and is not being advertised. This is the first time that Deutsche Telekom will not be the exclusive carrier during a new iPhone launch in Germany. Other German carriers began offering the iPhone last October.

Apple promises to help organize your life into a series of to-do lists with the Reminders feature coming this fall in iOS 5. Integration with the mobile operating system on your iPhone or iPad sounds great, but if you don't want to wait for iOS 5 you can have this functionality right now.

There are two popular apps available on the Apple App Store that can be installed free and will help you use your iOS device to create reminders and task lists today. Both apps are found in the Productivity section of the App Store. First we'll discuss Wunderlist, which has companion apps for desktop computers and even a web app that syncs with your lists.

GameStop has started offering in-store credit for used iPod, iPhone and iPad devices. A message on their website reads:

"Did you know that GameStop now buys your old iPod, iPhone and iPad devices? Trade them in at GameStop for in-store credit. Perfect for trading toward games, accessories, systems and more. Bring in your old iPod, iPhone or iPad and a Game Advisor can assist you. Plus, you’ll score PowerUp Rewards points on every item traded."

According to a leaked document obtained by BGR, Best Buy is preparing to accept pre-orders for the iPhone 5 during the first week of October. The memo reads: BBYM: iPhone 5 product introduction expected, pre-sales to begin for expected October week 1 launch / Sprint launches iPhone 5.

The memo does note that launch dates are subject to change.

Most likely Best Buy is just going along with the consensus that Apple plans to release the iPhone 5 in October, and doesn't have any real inside information. However, it does seem like they're determined to prepare for an Apple launch no matter what kind of intel they have. Thisismynext posted a screen grab of the Best Buy National Retail Calendar that reveals plans to outfit a store with some kind of "Apple fixture" on October 21, 2011.

One of the features coming to iOS 5 this fall spruces up the Messages app by adding contact photos directly to text messages. A chat in progress, especially with group messaging where multiple people are involved, is much easier to follow with everyone's picture displayed.

To get this feature now, you must jailbreak your iPhone to install the Cydia app store. Open Cydia and navigate to Sections -> Tweaks to find the app called ChatPic, or search directly for the title using the search function.