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Sean Snyder

iPhone Hack

Since the release of the iPhone, there has been constant coverage of the product including reviews and blog posts singling out hacks for the phone.

 The most common hack that I’ve noticed is so you can use it without signing up for AT&T service. As we know AT&T is the exclusive carrier of the iPhone in the US, but that is not stopping people from using it in other ways.

 Norwegian hacker Jon Johansen, posted on his blog a method for unlocking the iPhone in a blog post titled iPhone Independence Day. Now the hack doesn’t allow full usability, but it allows users to access to the iPod and WiFi functions of the phone. Unfortunately I haven’t seen anything referring to using it with another service provider.

 According to a Reuters article, AT&T seems rather upset by any attempt to use the phone without their service. "Any other use of the device is not authorized and we can’t guarantee the device will perform as intended to. We’ll monitor situations like this and if necessary we will take appropriate action," he said. "Our terms and conditions are very clear."

 While using words like “authorized,” “monitor,” and “appropriate action” it sounds like AT&T has some sort of authority over how people use a consumer product they purchased themselves with their own money. As I understand it, you can buy an iPhone from Apple, and then sign up for service with AT&T. If you never sign that contract though, what authority do they have over consumers of electronic products?

 I have to admit, not being a general fan of Apple, I think the iPhone is pretty cool, so it bothers me that it’s not available on more networks. But that’s Apple’s way, convince people that it’s cool and exclusive, and before you know it, it’s no longer exclusive and everyone has it, and then it markets itself. It’s actually a smart marketing plan.