Whenever you have a large gathering of people, you are bound to get a few seedy characters, and the UK iPhone launch is no exception to this rule. Both iPhone hackers and Greenpeace have announced that they will be overshadowing the launch, or at least trying to.

The hackers don't really care much for the UK launch of the device itself, as they can continue to sell unlocked iPhones to people who want to use them on carriers other than O2. What they do care about is the next iPhone update, which will take place at the same time. Already some have promised to have the next unlock ready within hours and they could very well deliver. This tango between Apple and the hackers has not been going on for long, but it is not likely to stop as long as iPhones are not available everywhere and there is a heap of Apple approved software for them.

In the other camp, we have the environmental group that cried wolf, Greenpeace. After a number of misleading reports about Apple's computers and a misleading and ignorant report on the iPhone, the organization is once again targeting Apple. Greenpeace protestors are planning some form of public action in order to draw attention to the iPhone's use of hazardous materials in its construction. Since the device respects the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, and the hazardous materials that have been pointed out are used in all consumer electronics from all manufacturers, the only thing Greenpeace is really trying to draw attention to is itself.
Apple even promised to eliminate the use of PVC and brominated flame retardants in its products by the end of next year, but that doesn't seem to be enough for some people.
"If Apple really wants to reinvent the phone, it needs to design out all hazardous substances and materials from its handsets and peripherals," the group said.