This iPhone unlocking story is waaaaay overdone. First off, this was inevitable. Second, it’s an absurdly difficult multi-step process, one that requires 6-8 hours and a soldering iron, which isn’t exactly up there with toasters as a common household item.
Now, if the other iPhone unlock being touted tonight works, the software one, then we have something.
Related posts:
There are two separate stories out today on unlocking the iPhone.
I think you’re confusing the “second” iPhone unlocking technique with the “first” one. One method is a hardware mod and the other is software:
http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/24/iphone-unlocked-atandt-loses-iphone-exclusivity-august-24-2007/
With time value of money, “sooner” versus “later” still matters for something that is “inevitable”.
6 to 8 hours plus a soldering iron has just set a ceiling for AT&T/Cingular’s valuation of iPhone bundling.
That strikes me as useful/important information. After all, if it were 8 to 10 hours we’d all be getting different valuation numbers.
Do we have any insight yet on what Apple’s cut of the AT&T cell bill is? (Maybe when next quarter’s numbers come out?)
If it’s not huge, this crack might be a net plus for Apple.
Paul, this is Napster in 1999. Who would have thought a small P2P site would change the music industry? The SIM card is the DRM of music.
This, plus open mobile networks a la Google could change the telecoms industry. I for one would like to have the choice to make my calls on either the At&T or Verizon or Skype or Virgin or Orange network…just like I can buy music by the drink froma wide range of sources.