dslreports logo
 story category
iPhone 3G Already Unlocked
While original iPhone unlocker offers up his two cents...
A group of Brazlian tinkerers has already unlocked the 3G iPhone, allowing the use of the phone on any carrier (but of course without all of the functionality, like visual voice mail). Just like the workaround for the original iPhone, the group uses a special card that piggybacks to your SIM card -- making the phone think it's working on the correct carrier. Forbes meanwhile has an interview with George Hotz, the original unlocker of the first-gen iPhone. Hotz now has a nice job at Google, and calls the latest iPhone "a step backward from the original iPhone":
quote:
I wonder what Apple was doing for a year. I know they added a GPS chip, 3G support, designed a new case. But it's the same ARM11 Samsung chip, not the Intel Atom, like people wanted. And it still uses the same CPU and software.
Hotz says this about the worry of lawsuits:
quote:
Companies don't sue kids in their basements. It wouldn't justify your legal fees even if you took everything I own.
view:
topics flat nest 

GlobalMind
Domino Dude, POWER Systems Guy
Premium Member
join:2001-10-29
Indianapolis, IN

GlobalMind

Premium Member

Apple's tactics

Yes but didn't they already try to sue someone who suggested they do something different. I believe it was some "kid in a basement."

There was a Wired article on Apple's business practices - or the practice of telling everyone to piss off and like it...and how that apparently works.

lev
Anyone else remember ISDN?

join:2001-05-30
Goodyear, AZ

lev

Re: Apple's tactics

Without revenue sharing, Apple isn't as motivated to lock people to AT&T. They no longer get a piece of the monthly billing pie. I'm sure they have to make a contractual effort to keep people on AT&T, but it's just not as important anymore. I doubt Apple would be suing anyone.

I think they're licking their chops to end exclusivity.

en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA

en102

Member

Re: Apple's tactics

Exactly... Apple gets their money up front. In that case, they should be promoting the hell out of the iPhone and selling as many as possible.

Pirate515
Premium Member
join:2001-01-22
Brooklyn, NY

Pirate515

Premium Member

Re: Apple's tactics

said by en102:

Exactly... Apple gets their money up front. In that case, they should be promoting the hell out of the iPhone and selling as many as possible.
My big question is: what will be the deal with the no-commitment iPhones (the ones that they are eventually planning to sell for $600 for 8 GB one and $700 for 16 GB one)? Will they be truly unlocked and capable of being used with any carrier out of the box, or will you still need to sign up with AT&T, just without a contract and free to cancel any time without having to pay ETF?

en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA

en102

Member

Re: Apple's tactics

I doubt it.
I think the 'difference' is:

1. Retail (for those not eligible for upgrade subsidy) +$400 still requires contract
2. Black market locked (i.e. AT&T) - still need to use AT&T service, I suspect contract will not be needed (how can they ?)
3. Black market unlocked - won't get 3G service in the U.S. (no other carrier uses UMTS 850/1900 yet.. Cincinatti Bell should be soon). T-Mobile uses AWS spectrum - not compatible. You'll max at EDGE speeds, might as well get a iPhone 1.0
voipdabbler
join:2006-04-27
Kalispell, MT

voipdabbler to en102

Member

to en102

Re: I got bit by this

Actually, they guarantee additional revenues by doing things like sealing batteries in your phone. You're then forced to send it to them (I guess you get a refurbished unit or, for any of you Apple owners maybe you can clarify, you have to wait to get your old phone back). I really think if Apple wants to keep grow this product and keep reeling in revenue from it 2-5 years out, they're going to have to look to business enterprise needs. That means not doing stupid things like sealing in the battery (businesses aren't as willing to trade in equipment that may contain proprietary or intellectual property), locking you to one carrier and one technology (yes a lot of enterprises use AT&T, but many use other carriers, especially since GSM has a much more limited footprint in this country), offering more business productivity apps not so web-centric ("cloud computing" presents big issues for businesses--they've got a growing body of state laws that restrict the handling/access of client information, as well as restrictions on handling/access of information that may be subject to discovery in future civil litigation and restrictions on handling/access to protect intellectual and propreitary property--they will never be able to allow employees to store data on just anyone's server; IT security policies will limit where their data is stored and who and how it's accessed).
mahermusic
TRUMP LOST LOL
join:2001-07-06

mahermusic

Member

Re: I got bit by this

said by voipdabbler:

Actually, they guarantee additional revenues by doing things like sealing batteries in your phone. You're then forced to send it to them (I guess you get a refurbished unit or, for any of you Apple owners maybe you can clarify, you have to wait to get your old phone back). I really think if Apple wants to keep grow this product and keep reeling in revenue from it 2-5 years out, they're going to have to look to business enterprise needs. That means not doing stupid things like sealing in the battery (businesses aren't as willing to trade in equipment that may contain proprietary or intellectual property), locking you to one carrier and one technology (yes a lot of enterprises use AT&T, but many use other carriers, especially since GSM has a much more limited footprint in this country), offering more business productivity apps not so web-centric ("cloud computing" presents big issues for businesses--they've got a growing body of state laws that restrict the handling/access of client information, as well as restrictions on handling/access of information that may be subject to discovery in future civil litigation and restrictions on handling/access to protect intellectual and propreitary property--they will never be able to allow employees to store data on just anyone's server; IT security policies will limit where their data is stored and who and how it's accessed).
Batteries aren't sealed in the new iPhone 3G.

Johnny34
Fed Up. Bye.
Premium Member
join:2001-06-27
Atlanta, GA

1 recommendation

Johnny34 to voipdabbler

Premium Member

to voipdabbler
Haven't kept up with the news, I see.

You guys complain about Apple fanboys. You know what's worse? People who post using what they knew a year ago and who haven't read a damn thing about the topic in a year.

- wrong about being without your phone when you send it in
- wrong about the battery
- wrong about the enterprise
- wrong about applications being only web-centric
- unaware of remote-wipe feature in 2.0 firmware

Pathetic.
voipdabbler
join:2006-04-27
Kalispell, MT

voipdabbler

Member

Re: I got bit by this

LOL, Johnny. You're wrong about the battery on the iPhone--here's a link from Apple support telling you about how much you'll have to pay them to replace your battery. Apple Support Fees for iPhone battery replacement

The battery in the new generation 3G phone is still sealed (in fact it's more than sealed--it's soldered on to the phone). Your belief that the battery is user replaceable is fueled by wishful speculation on the web that the 2 small screws visible in the Apple video tour meant users could replace their own battery. Even if you are able to get the screws out, you're stuck trying to remove the soldered battery as well as re-solder a replacement.

And yes, enterprises aren't buying the iPhone as of yet--it's consumers driving the marketing right now.

Johnny34
Fed Up. Bye.
Premium Member
join:2001-06-27
Atlanta, GA

Johnny34

Premium Member

Re: I got bit by this

Except it isn't soldered on, Sport.

You were wrong about everything else, since you haven't read any Apple news in a whole year, and you are wrong about the battery too. Have you looked at the tear-down sites? Of course not - too busy with an all-Microsoft universe, I bet. The soldered-on battery was last year.

It was just released 3 days ago - so of course enterprises "aren't buying it" yet, maybe. On the other hand, maybe they are. It has all the things that enterprise requested. Or did you miss the presentation by Apple on the phone a few weeks ago? We didn't.

GlobalMind
Domino Dude, POWER Systems Guy
Premium Member
join:2001-10-29
Indianapolis, IN

1 edit

GlobalMind

Premium Member

Re: I got bit by this

said by Johnny34:

It was just released 3 days ago - so of course enterprises "aren't buying it" yet, maybe. On the other hand, maybe they are. It has all the things that enterprise requested. Or did you miss the presentation by Apple on the phone a few weeks ago? We didn't.
Well it has many of the things enterprise was looking for and there will be more enterprise customers looking to the iPhone at this point.

Despite the number of devices sold early (any idea how many of those are folks who had 1st Gen phones and are replacing them vs net new customers?) - iPhone still has some work to do in the enterprise to get up to Blackberry levels of acceptance and use.

Here's a good article from Paul Robichaux who tested the iPhone as a corporate device to Exchange. He's an MS Exchange MVP and knows his stuff on the topic. Overall a good read.

»www.robichaux.net/blog/2 ··· vice.php

While we're talking about that MS only universe...later this year we'll see Domino support on the device, which then you'll have the two major collab players on the device.

In understand your frustration of those who don't know, but really, calm down a bit there bud. There have been how many Apple fans out there who bash everyone and anyone who dares to question an Apple device. Trust me, there are plenty of folks out here who are pretty tired of that.

Apple produces some cool sh*t, no question.
mahermusic
TRUMP LOST LOL
join:2001-07-06

mahermusic to voipdabbler

Member

to voipdabbler
said by voipdabbler:

LOL, Johnny. You're wrong about the battery on the iPhone--here's a link from Apple support telling you about how much you'll have to pay them to replace your battery. Apple Support Fees for iPhone battery replacement

The battery in the new generation 3G phone is still sealed (in fact it's more than sealed--it's soldered on to the phone). Your belief that the battery is user replaceable is fueled by wishful speculation on the web that the 2 small screws visible in the Apple video tour meant users could replace their own battery. Even if you are able to get the screws out, you're stuck trying to remove the soldered battery as well as re-solder a replacement.

And yes, enterprises aren't buying the iPhone as of yet--it's consumers driving the marketing right now.
The batteries are NOT sealed. Do your homework before you post.

Lone Wolf
Retired
Premium Member
join:2001-12-30
USA

Lone Wolf

Premium Member

Plemix Sells Unlocked iPhones

»www.plemix.com/phone-app ··· 3g-phone

Apple iPhone 3G HSDPA Quadband Unlocked Phone (SIM Free)

Black 8GB US$ 1419.00
White 16GB US$ 1649.00
Black 16GB US$ 1549.00

DrModem
Trust Your Doctor
Premium Member
join:2006-10-19
USA

1 recommendation

DrModem

Premium Member

Re: Plemix Sells Unlocked iPhones

Isn't 6x the price a bit excessive when you can just do this free at home?

Croupier
@linearg.net

Croupier to Lone Wolf

Anon

to Lone Wolf
Best price on a 8gb unlocked iphone 3g.
8GB iPhone 3G (Black)= $729 (optus pre paid)
+ 80 unlocking fee

"Network Locking: Apple iPhone handsets are locked to the Optus network. An $80 fee applies if network locking is removed within the first 6 months from the activation date. Alternatively, if you recharge to the value of $80, no fee applies."

= $809 AU dollars.

Perhaps I should peddle some of these on ebay?

tomkb
Premium Member
join:2000-11-15
Tampa, FL

tomkb

Premium Member

nah

Apple is purposely allowing to work on other networks while reaping the rewards of the exclusive relationship.

Count Zero
Premium Member
join:2007-01-18
Milton, FL

Count Zero

Premium Member

Interesting criticism

And pray tell what division in Google does he work for? Wouldn't be their Android mobile platform division would it?

Why switch processors? It may make sense in the future, but for now wouldn't it require re-writing a LOT of code... similar to the PowerPC --> Intel transition?

Lumberjack
Premium Member
join:2003-01-18
Newport News, VA

Lumberjack

Premium Member

Re: Interesting criticism

said by Count Zero:

Why switch processors? It may make sense in the future, but for now wouldn't it require re-writing a LOT of code... similar to the PowerPC --> Intel transition?
ARM is a standard (though, various versions do exist). There are a lot of manufactures of ARM processors. It would be nothing at all like PowerPC to Intel x86 (those were two different architectures). The Intel chip in this case is probably faster and consumes less power, so it would have been worth it for us users; and of course, more expinsive for Apple.

The main differences in switching processors in this case would be pin outs of the chips themselves and potential variances in power requirements.

Count Zero
Premium Member
join:2007-01-18
Milton, FL

Count Zero

Premium Member

Re: Interesting criticism

Oh ok I thought the Intel processor would be more akin to PPC->Intel rather than AMD x86 -> Intel x86.

I just remember back in my PDA days of carrying an XScale Intel processor and having to make sure any applications I downloaded were for the xscale and not ARM processor.

djrobx
Premium Member
join:2000-05-31
Reno, NV

1 edit

djrobx

Premium Member

Re: Interesting criticism

XScale ran ARM processor code. The problem was you didn't get much benefit from having XScale if the application wasnt't optimized for it.

Mchart
First There.
join:2004-01-21
Kaneohe, HI

Mchart to Lumberjack

Member

to Lumberjack
said by Lumberjack:

said by Count Zero:

Why switch processors? It may make sense in the future, but for now wouldn't it require re-writing a LOT of code... similar to the PowerPC --> Intel transition?
ARM is a standard (though, various versions do exist). There are a lot of manufactures of ARM processors. It would be nothing at all like PowerPC to Intel x86 (those were two different architectures). The Intel chip in this case is probably faster and consumes less power, so it would have been worth it for us users; and of course, more expinsive for Apple.

The main differences in switching processors in this case would be pin outs of the chips themselves and potential variances in power requirements.
I'd take any combination of ARM cores over the Atom/whatever else anyday. The ARM11 uses significantly less power then the Atom and is still quite powerful.

I doubt apple would ever move to anything else anyways. It's not like the iPhone needs any more computing power then it does. The iPhone is still quite a few leaps away from being a true smartphone.
patcat88
join:2002-04-05
Jamaica, NY

patcat88 to Count Zero

Member

to Count Zero
said by Count Zero:

Why switch processors? It may make sense in the future, but for now wouldn't it require re-writing a LOT of code... similar to the PowerPC --> Intel transition?
Switching CPUs for applications is instantaneous, its just compiler options. Its like compiling Windows x86 app for Windows Alpha CPU.

The only problem is with drivers and OS APIs, since switching CPUs often changes memory layout, busses, chips, register maps of various chips, process managment, paging, multitasking.

kamm
join:2001-02-14
Brooklyn, NY

kamm to Count Zero

Member

to Count Zero
said by Count Zero:

And pray tell what division in Google does he work for? Wouldn't be their Android mobile platform division would it?

Why switch processors? It may make sense in the future, but for now wouldn't it require re-writing a LOT of code... similar to the PowerPC --> Intel transition?
I doubt he's working there - he's way too clueless for that.

His utterly stupid comment about Atom tells me he never bothered reading even the most basic facts about it i.e. its pretty crappy energy consumption when compared to most ARM solutions: »www.anandtech.com/showdo ··· 276&p=18

Well, he's comment is just talk from some kid from Google, take it what it's worth...

Count Zero
Premium Member
join:2007-01-18
Milton, FL

Count Zero

Premium Member

Re: Interesting criticism

So you're thinking... receptionist/janitorial?

dadkins
Can you do Blu?
MVM
join:2003-09-26
Hercules, CA

dadkins

MVM

Doesn't matter!

It has "Apple" on it.
People will still buy it and think they actually got something "new" and "innovative".
Expand your moderator at work
mahermusic
TRUMP LOST LOL
join:2001-07-06

mahermusic to dadkins

Member

to dadkins

Re: Doesn't matter!

Change the word "think" to "know" and you've got yourself a nice little comeback there.

Don't worry, we'll help out the less fortunate.

dvd536
as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium Member
join:2001-04-27
Phoenix, AZ

dvd536 to dadkins

Premium Member

to dadkins
said by dadkins:

It has "Apple" on it.
People will still buy it and think they actually got something "new" and "innovative".
EXACTLY!
slap an "i" on something and watch all the mice scurry with their wallets in hand ready to pay whatever the high and mighty apple corp says.
mahermusic
TRUMP LOST LOL
join:2001-07-06

mahermusic

Member

Re: Doesn't matter!

said by dvd536:
said by dadkins:

It has "Apple" on it.
People will still buy it and think they actually got something "new" and "innovative".
EXACTLY!
slap an "i" on something and watch all the mice scurry with their wallets in hand ready to pay whatever the high and mighty apple corp says.
... while laughing at all the remaining unfortunate windoze losers feeling oh so left out!!!
sparky672
join:2006-04-03
Manhattan, IL

sparky672

Member

Google mouthpiece

said by article :
Hotz now has a nice job at Google, and calls the latest iPhone "a step backward from the original iPhone":
I wonder what Apple was doing for a year. I know they added a GPS chip, 3G support, designed a new case. But it's the same ARM11 Samsung chip, not the Intel Atom, like people wanted. And it still uses the same CPU and software.



Because he doesn't get his preferred CPU or some new software, he comes to the conclusion that the same exact phone in a new case with GPS and 3G support is a "step backward".
Poetique
join:2007-08-05
Auburn, AL

3 edits

Poetique

Member

Re: Google mouthpiece

said by sparky672:

said by article :
Hotz now has a nice job at Google, and calls the latest iPhone "a step backward from the original iPhone":
I wonder what Apple was doing for a year. I know they added a GPS chip, 3G support, designed a new case. But it's the same ARM11 Samsung chip, not the Intel Atom, like people wanted. And it still uses the same CPU and software.



Because he doesn't get his preferred CPU or some new software, he comes to the conclusion that the same exact phone in a new case with GPS and 3G support is a "step backward".
Actually I'd be inclined to agree to an extext. It's not necessarily a step backwards, but it definitely wasn't a step forward, and it was an overall unnecessary step to begin with. A year's worth of waiting for what equates to features that could have easily been done in a month or 2... I mean I know they did it to milk customers and have people buy the crap version, but they still could have put a little effort into the new one.

It's supposed to be a MULTImedia phone - but the Camera is crap?

Let's say they keep the crap camera - At LEAST add a flash.

Apple wants to takeover more of the market by offering GPS... - Why not offer a slideout keyboard option?

Really... they could have easily done all 3 of those in the time frame it took them to add what little things they did, and it would have make it a much better device.

There's a good reason many of us more "informed" and less fashion-oriented buyers don't buy iPhones, but instead buy other devices. That's because the thing is honestly crap. Beyond its interface, it is truly a mediocre device at best. I put alot of iPhone-mimicking programs on my current device just to further prove how mediocre it is. I have a couple of friends that have iPhones that kind of hate me for it actually, heh.

I had more fun with my RAZR than I had while I was playing around with an iPhone.

Don't get me wrong... I actually wanted an iPhone... but they heavily underwhelmed me with the hardware, and the interface alone wasn't enough of a reason to make a purchase. I was looking forward to this new release, but yet again, the hardware remains mediocre.

Maybe I'm crazy, but if I saw something like the Samsung Omnia preparing for release, I wouldn't release a device that was inferior to some of the devices released before it, let along some of the devices down the road.

•••••••••••••••••••

GilbertMark
Premium Member
join:2001-05-02
Gilbert, AZ

GilbertMark

Premium Member

Ugh.

It's not an unlock if you have to use a spoof SIM. The are merely faking the ICCID to get on the network by fooling the iPhone into thinking it is using a legit SIM.
psychomf
join:2000-06-01
Silver Spring, MD

psychomf

Member

hack the ringtones limitation pls

the one thing that irks me about my iphone is that i cant set a ringtone to anything other than an mp3 purchased through the itunes store. If they dont have the mp3 for sale in the store then you are screwed. I was using the flight of the conchords show theme song and they dont have that available on itunes. How annoying.

darcilicious
Cyber Librarian
Premium Member
join:2001-01-02
Forest Grove, OR
·Ziply Fiber

darcilicious

Premium Member

Re: hack the ringtones limitation pls

said by psychomf:

the one thing that irks me about my iphone is that i cant set a ringtone to anything other than an mp3 purchased through the itunes store.
Sure you can. I've done it. You need to learn to Google better
psychomf
join:2000-06-01
Silver Spring, MD

psychomf

Member

Re: hack the ringtones limitation pls

how about some help then? All the workarounds i have found involve owning a mac or using a software hack that gets wiped out when they update itunes

MrBradTX
join:2001-05-23
Carrollton, TX

MrBradTX

Member

"Companies don't sue kids in their basements."

Companies originally started by kids in their parents' living rooms (Apple) or their dorm room (Dell) just might sue "kids in their basements".
Kearnstd
Space Elf
Premium Member
join:2002-01-22
Mullica Hill, NJ

Kearnstd

Premium Member

Re: "Companies don't sue kids in their basements."

not worth a lawsuit because if you stop one two more pop up to hack the next FW revision. and with the exception that unlaw the DMCA, its not illegal to make the phone work off AT&T. not like you can pirate a phone.

FastiBook
join:2003-01-08
Newtown, PA

FastiBook

Member

The people?

The people wanted a different chip? Step backwards? I bet he has one.

kamm
join:2001-02-14
Brooklyn, NY

kamm

Member

Re: The people?

Classic clueless enthusiastic kid talk.
Dunno which Google box he lives in but people don't give a flying fuck about which CPU is inside in their next phone as long as it works fine, not to mention the fact that Atom would make zero sense with its much higher consumption, especially on top of the newly added battery killers like GPS and 3G...
Expand your moderator at work
weedahoe6
join:2003-09-14
Duluth, GA

weedahoe6

Member

you iphone loyalist are retarded

Listen everyone, Im not trying to be mean but my PPC from VZW does FAR more that the iPhone. Keep in mind I had an iPhone and sold it when I heard the new ones were coming out because if the new ones were gonna be 200 I was wondering what an older used one would go for so I sold it while I could and sold it for 310 on ebay.

But listen, I can overclock my PPC by 200+ Mhz. I can do WEP or WPA(2) with AES or TKIP. I can use a SDHC card if I want and still have all the same memory. I can use SO MANY 3rd party apps out there that the limitation are limitless. I can do reg edits and tweak how I wanna tweak. I can have weather more than one day in advance. I can use TouchFlo or Cube or many others out there that do everything the iPhone does. I actually PREFER a physical keyboard over the OSD keyboard. Go look at apps like s2u2 or s2p or s2v or even ifonz if thats really what you wanna do. I can BT transfer or even IR transfer. My battery is removable and upgradable. I can flash my ROM and even build my own ROM if I want. I dont crash or lockup or have BSoDs. I can stream music to me BT earpeice or headset or even do live web-streamed radio stations. Hell, I can even not only take pics and sent them to someone but also can record vids and do the same. I LITERALLY have over 5gb of nothing but PPC software and apps.

I didnt pay for my first iPhone because 1) it was given to me and 2) I wouldnt be stupid enough to spend that much money anyway. Even with the price of 200 I wont spend it on another iPhone.

THE ONLY REASON it is so successful is because it was marketed good. THATS IT. I dont have activation issues. I change my ESN online and my device is ready within less than 3mins. Seriously.

Oh, I and I am NOT locked into a damn data contract either. Yeah I agree thet Apple came out with a nice device but it is many many MANY steps back from a good multi-functional device.
19579823 (banned)
An Awesome Dude
join:2003-08-04

2 edits

19579823 (banned)

Member

Re: Interesting criticism

quote:
Hotz now has a nice job at Google, and calls the latest iPhone "a step backward from the original iPhone":
I believe it........ Stuff is garbage these days and going downhill............

•••