The big news on tech blogs today is that the iPhone was finally unlocked. Considering that Apple-hating hackers have been tearing into the thing since it came out, it’s no huge shocker (kind of like Castro’s death. Or not.) Two claims have come in so far and a third will be announced on Saturday.
One using hardware and software modifications came in from 17-year-old George Notz who posted step-by-step instructions. Another was by a team of six at iPhoneSimFree.com, whose software-only solution was tested and confirmed by Engadget:
It’s high noon, Apple and AT&T — we really hate to break it to you, but the jig is up. Last night the impossible was made possible: right in front of our very eyes we witnessed a full SIM unlock of our iPhone with a small piece of software. It’s all over, guys.
The third will come in the form of a downloadable software service (available for a mere $25-$50) tomorrow at iphoneunlocking.com.
According to the lastest PC magazine, AT&T (the formerly-exclusive carrier) has promised to take action against anyone who unlocks the iPhone. We’re thinking they probably have a hit out on poor George already, Live Free or Die Hard-style.
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This is the age of consumer control. Companies need to realize that the whole reason they exist in the first place, is because of people. People should be able to use what they buy however they want. Music that only works in one type of player/format sucks. Phones that only work on one network suck.
Give people control and let them use products how they want, and more people will use those products. Companies make more money, people are happy, win-win situation…now if there was only a way to make this a win-for AT&T…
August 25th, 2007 at 6:37 pm