The provided source material details a variety of freebies and promotional offers associated with the iPhone 5 and related applications. These include digital assets for designers, temporary price reductions on paid applications, community-sharing platforms, and historical reports of hardware giveaways. The following analysis categorizes these offers based on the information provided in the source data, focusing on the nature of the freebie, the eligibility requirements, and the source of the information.
Digital Design Assets
Several sources provide free digital resources specifically tailored for the iPhone 5, primarily targeting web and user interface (UI) designers.
- iPhone 5 Application Landing Page PSD Template: Source [1] describes a high-quality, clean PSD template for an iPhone 5 application website layout. The source specifies that the file is free for both personal and commercial use. However, strict redistribution rules apply; users are forbidden from selling, distributing, or redistributing the file. Access to the download link is conditional upon a social interaction, specifically "Liking" the provider's page.
- iPhone 5 Mockup PSD: Source [4] offers a free iPhone 5 mockup device file. This resource is described as a helpful tool for presenting designs to clients. The PSD file is noted as being "well arranged" to facilitate easy editing. Unlike Source [1], Source [4] does not explicitly mention usage restrictions or requirements for access in the provided text.
App Store Promotions and Free Applications
Source [2] and Source [7] detail temporary promotions offering paid iPhone applications for free, as well as specific free apps available at the time of the reporting.
- Friday App Freebies (Source [2]): This source reports on a specific promotion where five paid iPhone apps were made available for free for a limited time. The total value of the free apps was approximately $22. The apps mentioned include:
- Wireless Drive PRO: An app that turns an iPhone into a wireless storage device for drag-and-drop file transfer.
- A Podcast App: Described as minimal, clean, and slick, offering robust functionality for podcast listeners.
- 5×5: A task manager app designed to encourage users to complete goals rather than just list them.
- Pregnancy App: An app designed to inform expectant mothers and their support networks about potential warning signs or indications that something may be wrong.
- Specific Free Apps (Source [7]): This source lists six "must-have" free apps for the iPhone (and iPod Touch). The apps listed are:
- Mancala FS5: A board game app that teaches beginners, automates moves, and supports Internet multiplayer. A paid version ($1.99) removes ads.
- NPR Mobile: An app allowing users to browse and stream broadcasts by topic, series, or commentator, including location-based searches for local stations.
- Slacker Radio: A streaming music app praised for its custom-station building capabilities.
- Sportacular: An app providing sports scores, standings, schedules, and statistics.
Community Sharing and Lifestyle Apps
Source [3] and Source [5] describe applications designed to facilitate the exchange of free items or alert users to free opportunities.
- Free Stuff: Freebie App (Source [3]): This lifestyle app connects users within neighborhoods to share and donate unused items such as TVs, beds, clothing, and bikes. It promotes environmental consciousness and community support. Additionally, the app includes a platform for crowdfunding initiatives for personal causes or community projects.
- Free Stuff Alert App (Source [5]): This app is listed on the App Store as a free offering designed for iPad. The source details specific data privacy practices, noting that the app may use data (Location, Identifiers, Usage Data, Diagnostics) to track users across other apps and websites. Data linked to the user's identity is also collected for similar purposes.
Hardware Promotions and Rumors
Source [6] provides historical context regarding iPhone hardware promotions and rumors surrounding the iPhone 5 release timeframe.
- Best Buy iPhone 3GS Giveaway: The source mentions a one-day promotion by Best Buy offering the iPhone 3GS for free with a new or renewed 2-year AT&T contract. Prices reportedly returned to $49 following the promotion.
- Lower-Priced iPhone 4 Rumors: Reuters reported, via an anonymous source, that manufacturing had begun on a lower-priced iPhone 4 model with an 8GB flash drive. This was speculated to launch alongside the iPhone 5.
- Apple Event Speculation: An Apple event scheduled for September 9 was noted, with speculation that it would be used to announce the iPhone 5 and the lower-priced iPhone 4.
Conclusion
The provided source material highlights a diverse range of freebies related to the iPhone 5. These include functional digital assets for designers, temporary discounts on paid software, community-oriented sharing platforms, and historical hardware promotions. While some offers require specific actions (such as social media engagement) or come with usage restrictions, others are freely distributed apps with noted data collection practices. The information suggests that "iPhone 5 freebies" encompassed both tangible hardware deals and digital software assets during the device's lifecycle.