iPhone Unlocked/AT&T Loses Exclusivity?

[spd2demun]

Well I can't say I didn't see this one coming!  How much control does Apple/AT&T have over copyrights and laws outside the USA?

Apple needs to stop bragging that all their products are hack-proof and more secure than others--that is just an INVITATION prove them wrong.

And I will look forward to the day when we can buy any phone and activate it with any carrier, but guess they are using different networks/systems is the problem?

In the dark ages, you had to get your phone from the phone company.  It was hardwired and you couldn't move it to another room.  They would have to come and add other jacks/phones (or some had big plugs that could be moved).  There was no way to turn the ringer off, no answering machines...now we are free to buy phones anywhere and activate with any service in our area.  But I digress...

Will it be that way for cell phones?  In my lifetime???

[Koolkid1935]

What does it matter to AT&T?  T-Mobile has (or will have) the rights to the iPhone over there...

http://www.pmptoday.com/2007/05/11/t-mobile-iphone-is-most-likely-for-europe/

This one says it is just for Germany, but the point it...AT&T is no longer alone in the iPhone provider business (but it is in the U.S.)

http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSL0383260920070703?feedType=RSS

[spd2demun]

Then I'm confused as to why they are suing?

Interesting that the hack movie was showing a T-Mobile SIM.   So maybe it wasn't really a hack, but an existing not-released-yet phone from across the pond?

[Arlington]

getting back off topic or is it on topic (dangit, now I'm confused), nevertheless I'm INNOCENT u bunch of criminals

[Syrinx7]

getting back off topic or is it on topic (dangit, now I'm confused), nevertheless I'm INNOCENT u bunch of criminals

Too late. Guilty by association.....lol

[Koolkid1935]

Here is an interesting article on Engadget regarding the legality of this (trying to stay OT here )

http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/24/know-your-rights-is-it-illegal-to-unlock-my-iphone

[Syrinx7]

Getting to be a nasty habit of yours staying OT Kool......lol.

It seems the real money will be in supplying the software needed to unlock the phone in the first place. Amazing potential for huge profit margins there, as long as that is legal.

[spd2demun]

OK, that was helpful.  I just love the Law!

And as one person remarked, you'll need to figure out how to replace the batteries...that seemed to surprise people that they couldn't change them out; but just like iPods.

Here is an interesting article on Engadget regarding the legality of this (trying to stay OT here )

http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/24/know-your-rights-is-it-illegal-to-unlock-my-iphone

[spd2demun]

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/30/business/iphone.php

Another article about the hack/legal aspects.

[spd2demun]

More here: http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/09/13/Group-releases-free-iPhone-unlock-hack_1.html

[Uturnaroun]

Well apparently the iPhone Dev Team recently released a free unlocker. Right now it is really complicated and involves abunch of technical codes and such but they say that they are almost done with a simple GUI version that is n00b friendly.

[TexasLabRat]

Well apparently the iPhone Dev Team recently released a free unlocker. Right now it is really complicated and involves abunch of technical codes and such but they say that they are almost done with a simple GUI version that is n00b friendly.

Yep...though it should be noted for the uninitiated that the "iphone Dev Team" you are referring to is not associated with Apple but rather a group of hackers who have been working on this "issue".
http://iphone.fiveforty.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

[Uturnaroun]

Yes, I guess I should have mentioned that. Also they apparently have the GUI finished as well.

[spd2demun]

And you won't be getting any support from Apple with the phone if I read it correctly.  I have been in the store a few times where people are at the Genius Bar with their iPhones not working correctly.  If within the warranty period, they are just replacing them; guess that won't happen if you do the hack.

[Uturnaroun]

Well you can always undo the hack. But apparently some people at AT&T are saying there are somethings being set up to stop this. Apparently the next iPhone update is supposed to close the holes that allow the unlocking to take place in the first place. Then AT&T is update it's data network so that all iPhones will be recognized. The if you are running a hacked iPhone the data network will recognize it and brick the iPhone. Then you are screwed. But these are just some rumors coming from AT&T employees.