Hi rob
You can use the iphone on straight talk. To activate data you have to change the Apn. The easiest way i found was to be connected to wifi. After you insert the sim and activate your plan you open safari and head to unlockit.co.nz  very simple sight and in 2-3 clicks you are all set with unlimited everything for $45 a month. On a jailbroken and software unlocked 3gs it took me around 15 mins total but imessage and  mms(i think) do not work. Iphone 4 it was around 10 mins total and everything works perfectly. Those 2 phones save me ~$120 a month. Now I am waiting to get out of this stupid verizon contract and straight talk will have another customer. Please pass this info on to everyone that you can. If the big 3 notice enough people leaving maybe they will improve service instead of just raising prices. 
Thanks 
Dan
Aberdeen. Wa

Rick A

Hi Rob,

Just wanted to tell you that AT&T moved my upgrade eligibility date
up, and I'm going to My local Appe Store today after work to pick up
my 4S.

Initially my upgrade date was November 16th, and I was patiently
waiting.  But I was eligible immediately when I dialed *639# on a whim
yesterday!  At 9 pm last night I reserved one from Apple Store app for
pick up today.

I know you also had to wait till late November...hope you get your 4S
soon, if you haven't!

Will be looking forward to listening the next show.

Best Regards,

Emiko

Hi Emiko,

Thanks for the heads up.  I just checked and I to am now eligible for the upgrade.  Which previously was saying Nov 25th.  Now it is just the $18 upgrade fee.  Before it was $250 + $18.  

So yes - off to AT&T store this week to get the 64 GB white iPhone 4S.  If they have it in stock.

Thanks for the heads up.

Rob W

Hi Rob,

Quick question. The 4s can be purchased unlocked but only for gsm not CDMA.  What gives. Can you explain the issues here?  I'm a Verizon user. But would buy an unlocked phone to use in Europe, but it seems like a non-starter. 

Mitch.  

Hi Rob,

The big decision left on the iphone4S is Apple Care or Square Trade. I know they are a sponsor, but Apple Care looks like they now cover two accidental incidents with the same 50 deductible as Square Trade and it is much more fun to go to the Genius bar with Apple Care, when you have a phone problem as they usually fix it on the spot. No waiting. So what do you think. Is there something I am overlooking. I will be in line Friday at the Apple store in West Hartford Ct.

Thanks Penny

Hi Penny,

Advertiser or not I want people to get the best deal / offering.  Regardless of if they are an advertiser or not - I want the listeners of this show to make the best decision.  

Here is what I know about both - AppleCare+ and SquareTrade.  

AppleCare+:  $99

As I understand it with the new AppleCare+ - you do need to purchase it at the time you order.  If you pre-ordered - you might want to call Apple now before it is delivered and ask if you can add it now if you want it.  As I am sure once it is delivered - Apple will be pretty strict about not allowing you to add Apple Care - At a min they may require you to bring it in for a full inspection before allowing you to add it.  Here is Apples link to AppleCare+:

http://www.apple.com/support/products/iphone.html

Per the $49 Service fee from Apple - that is per each occurance and you are only covered on up to two occurances.  So in most case this is going to be when you shatter the glass on your iPhone 4S.  With AppleCare+ you can do this twice.  Each time it is a $49 service fee (duductible).  So two breaks and you are out another $98 bucks and according to Apples T's and C's - the coverage for any more breaks will cease.  

Here is a link to the PDF for the Terms and Conditions for AppleCare+

Some Exerpts from their plan:

ADH (Accidental Damage from Handling) coverage only applies to operational or mechanical failure caused by an accident from handling that is the result of an unexpected and unintentional external event (e.g., drops and liquid contact) that arises from your normal daily usage of the Covered Equipment as intended for such Covered Equipment. ADH coverage does not include (a) protection against normal wear and tear, theft, misplacement, reckless, abusive, willful or intentional conduct associated with handling and use of the Covered Equipment, (b) protection against any other act or result not covered by the Plan, as described in Section 4.2 below, 

From Section 4.2

This last part probably means if you jailbreak and then have an issue - Apple could deny coverage.  But personally I think they would be hard pressed to justify not replacing a shatered screen just because you are jailbroken.  

NOTE:  It is being reported and recommended that if you did miss out on buying AppleCare+ when you pre-ordered or ordered - you can bring your iPhone into an Apple store with in the next 30 days - probably less now - and get it added.  You can get help from any sales associate - so no need for a genius bar appointment. 

SquareTrade: $99

There is also a $50 deductible per claim.  

SquareTrade will repair or replace an iPhone for pretty much identical reasons as AppleCare+.  Accidental Drops, Liquid events and other accidental damage - not from willful neglect.  

You have 30 days from point of order to get the Squaretrade warranty.  They also have an iOS App - where you can get the warranty for some time after the 30 days.  But best if you are getting it to get it from the site in the first 30 days.

From the SquareTrade site on how the repair procedure works: 

 

You can file a claim online or on the phone. Depending on the issue, we will either fix your iPhone or arrange for a replacement. To fix your iPhone, we give you free overnight shipping to-and-from our depot and 80% of iPhones are fixed the day of receipt. If you prefer the convenience of your local Genius Bar, you can take it there and we will reimburse your repair costs.

Our 5-day service guarantee: We will replace OR fix and ship back your iPhone within 5 business days of receiving it at the depot. If it takes longer, let us know and we'll be happy to refund the cost of your warranty.

So you can bring your iPhone to the Apple store to be repaired - but you will be out of pocket the expense of the repair - until Sqauretrade can reimburse you.  

Squaretrade has also stated in the past - that they are ok with you doing a software jailbreak of your iPhone - they will still cover you. 

Comparison of Cons:

Con for AppleCare+ - two breaks of the glass - and no more warranty.  You are talking about minimal costs to repair those.  So on your second break of the glass - you are better off repairing it yourself and saving the 2nd even for somethng worse than cracked glass.  If you jailbreak - there is a chance Apple will not cover you.  

Con for SquareTrade - You are out of pocket the cost of the repair if you take it to the Apple Store.  At least until they reimburse you.  Also with Squaretrade - while they will do multiple repairs - once those repairs are more than the replacement cost of a new iPhone (unsubsidized) then your warranty is up.  So while it may be 5 or more glass breakages, it may only be one drop from the 14th floor balcony.  

So which Warranty is better?  I don't think either is better than the other - overall.  But it looks like come Mid November - if you did not purchase AppleCare+ at the point of order - the comparision is all moot as your only choice then is Squartrade.  

I will add this for those not familiar with Sqauretrade - they are an advertiser on this show.  And the feedback from those that have had issues and filed claims has always been postive.  I am sure it wil be similar with Apple.  

Regards,

Rob W

Hi Rob!

Laurie in Frisco again.  After listening to the latest episode - I thought maybe I'd better stay w/AT&T instead of switching to Sprint as well. I talk & check data at the same time a lot.  I went to the AT&T site & pre-ordered a 4S this morning.  When I got my confirmation e-mail it stated that my phone would ship in 21-28 days (but, no guarantees)!

I don't want to wait that long - so I stopped by my local store to see if I could cancel the order & just come on Friday & wait in line. Their answer was NO!  Something about ordering it online has already changed my account.  They wasted no time charging my card either. 

I spent 45 minutes on hold in-store trying to reach someone who could cancel this order & the person we reached also said the order couldn't be canceled because it was already being processed.  If that's true - then why the 21-28 day wait?  Doesn't make sense. 

Then I came home & tried to call again in hopes of reaching a manager who could resolve this for me.  This lead to another 2 1/2 + hours of run-around; I talked to 8 different people, got transferred 5 times, hung up on 3 times & I had to call back twice more.  Most of that time was spent on hold being tortured by awful mus-ac.  I finally reached a guy named Dave that could actually see my order, but needed to transfer me to the Premier General Dept. Because the order was "already in process" & he couldn't cancel it either. He transferred me & promptly at 9pm I was disconnected AGAIN!!!  Apparently, that was quitin' time for AT&T. 

It's so bizarre.  I'm guessing they've put me in a new 2 year contract based on this pre-order & I have no choice but to stay & wait FOREVER for the 4S to ship.   

Warn your listeners please & let me know if anyone else has had this issue & if there was any resolution. 


Thanks!
Laurie B

Hi Rob,

I can't figure out how to pre-order to pick up at the Apple store. The web site seems to be for order that will be shipped to your home. What am I missing?

Thanks

Penny

Hi Penny, 

Sadly this time around - Apple does not appear to be letting people pre-order to pick up at the Apple Store.  

That means you are 100% rolling the dice when you wait on line this Thursday evening / Friday Morning.  However if you wait in line at an Apple store starting Thursday eveing or even really early Friday Morning you should be ok. 

Good Luck getting your 4S.

Rob W

Hi Rob,

I think you have to preorder directly from sprint. What do you know?

Regards, 

Eric Y

Hi Rob,

I am very excited about upgrading from my iPhone 3G to a 4s!

Two questions:

What time on Friday will they start taking preorders?

And do you think an iPhone 4 case will work on a 4s?

Thanks

Dave

Hi Dave,

...I am sooooo tiried of reading blog post after blog post about how the iPhone 4S is a marginal update, or barely an update.  Or you pick the negative retort.  Because when I sat there on Tuesday and was reading about all the new features being announced - I was thinking - Wow this is as big an update as the iPhone 4 was vs the 3GS.  So I need to ask - What are all those that are bemoaning the iPhone 4S really upset about?  Seriously - I am asking.  Because I don't have a clue what they are thinking.

It actually made it to the point where I started to question my sanity on this matter - so I decided to put together the chart you see above.  

CLICK HERE FOR THE LARGER VERSION 

What I did in this chart was put in all the new features of the iPhone 4 vs what was in the iPhone 3GS.  And then also all the new features of the iPhone 4S vs what is in the iPhone 4.  And when I was done with the chart - I felt a lot better - No I am not crazy - the iPhone 4S really is as big an update from the iPhone 4 as the iPhone 4 was from the 3GS.  Still don't believe me - then go back look over that chart again.  Actually I find when looking at all the changes objectively - the 4S is actually a bigger update than the 4 was.  

Clearly calling it the iPhone 4S - in some peoples mind is the real reason they are feeling it is not as big an update - which is pretty lame for so called tech journalists.  Sure - I would have liked to see it called the iPhone 5.  But either way it is still a major update. Some reasons I think Apple went with the 4S vs 5 name is that with the 3G and 3GS - they both had the same case.  So to with the 4 and 4S.  Also in 2012 - with the 6th iPhone (dare not say iPhone 6) - it is likely going to be LTE - it will also likely not be released until the fall of 2012 as well.  And when this 6th iPhone is released - it will NOT be called the iPhone 5 - it will be called the iPhone 4G - as in LTE = 4G.  And guess what it is likely going to be in the same package as the 4 and 4S.  

I read in a post where someone said they are just waiting for the iPhone 5 - well guess what the iPhone 4S really trully is the iPhone 5 - it is just not called the iPhone 5.  Per all those rumors about teardrop packages, wider and bigger screens and 4G be it LTE or WiMax - those never made any sense this year.  And other than LTE - I don't see any of them making sense next year. 

So next time you read a post about someone bemoaning the iPhone 4S - send them the link to the chart above and ask them to justify their position based on that REAL info.  

UPDATE:  I updated the graph to better illustrate all the specs of the iPhone 4S.  In the graph now the top 7 iteams are all improvements vs the 4.  The last 8 items in the 4S column are all new just to the 4S.  Plus the last 9 items for the 4 are ofcourse also in the 4S - incase you want to compare vs the 3GS.  No mater how you slice it the 4S is a great device.  

UPDATE2: iFixit has opened up an iPhone 4S and sadly it is still at 512 MB of RAM. Chart has been updated accrodingly. 

Rob,

The specs look great for the iPhone 4S.

I am getting one, but any specs on the front facing camera?

Regards,

Thomas

Tuscaloosa AL

Hi Thomas,

It does not look like the front camera changed.

From Apples site we find the following.

Front camera with VGA-quality photos and video at up to 30 frames per second

Which is exactly the same as what they have listed for the iPhone 4 front facing camera. 

So until iFixit or someone else rips one apart and says it is different than the old front facing camera - it looks like we will have to assume it is the same. 

Regards,

Rob W

Hi Rob,

I'm leaving on a trip 10/15, and really want to try and get the 4S 10/14 before leaving (upgrading from 3GS).

2 questions:

1) any difference between getting it from Apple vs Verizon?

2) any suggestion as to whether I'm more likely to be successful pre-ordering with supposed mail delivery 10/14, or going to store (apple or verizon) morning of 10/14?

Thanks much!

Emory

Hi Emory,

I am in the same boat as you - I also leave for a trip on the 15th. 

What I am doing and recommend you do is on the Morning of the 7th - Reserve your iPhone 4S to be picked up at a local Apple Store. 

The key reason I recommend this vs the Verizon store - is there is no telling how many the Verizon stores will get.  Yes - a reservation is supposed to mean it is reserved - There was a great Sienfeld episode on that.  But if push comes to shove and there is a dearth of iPhone 4S's who do you think is getting short sheeted - the Apple Store or the Verizon store?

Definitely do not go with the delivery method - as nothing would be worse than it being delivered to your front step after you left on a trip.  And even if they don't deliver it to your front step - do you really wanted it sitting in a warehouse somewhere while you are gone - it could get lost there - just seems like to much potential for something to go wrong.  

Finally - One last reason to get your iPhone at the Apple store.  Last year when the iPhone 4 came out - I ofcourse was one of the first ones to get it at the Apple store.  When I went to my car and turned it on - I had an error / warning message about it being over heated.  I took it back into the Apple store - they quickly swapped it out with a new one - as they had extras they could do that with.  Others I heard from that had issues on the first day at AT&T had issues getting a replacement right away.  

So figure Murphy will strike and go with the Apple store as our safest bet.  

Good Luck.

Rob W

Well it is about Fracking time - Apple has finally sent out the invites for their next iPhone event - and it is October 4th and on the Cuppertino campus as had been rumored the past week or so.  

But lets look at the artwork - for some subtle hints - that Apple likes to do with past invites.

The Phone icon has a 1 in the red circle - this may mean there will only be one new iPhone announced.  

The Tag line however is really where it gets interesting.  "Lets TALK iPhone"  As in lets talk to the iPhone.  As in this may go with those rumors / speculation that the iPhone 5 would have special speach recoginition features - ie from Siri and Nuance.  That would also likley mean 1GB of RAM and of course the new A5 Processor.  

Hi Rob,

I heard AT&T is going to start throttling data for their highest users. I just jail broke my iPhone two months ago, and I'm tethering with PDA net. Any indications what a " highest user " would be? I'm averaging about 5 to 6 gigabytes a month?

Thanks 

Lamer

Hi Lamer,

You would definitely be in their highest users group.  AT&T has said in the past the majority of their users - use much less than 2GB a month and anyone over 2GB is in their top 5% of users.  So I would imagine you are in their top 1%.  Sorry.

There is always Sprint - Hopefully - that offers unlimitted and un-throttled bandwidth - for now.  Well again hopefully as far as the iPhone goes that is.

Rob W

Dear Rob.

I remember some time ago you asked for suggestions on the ways to hold the iPhone on a plane (remember the barf bag stand, that never worked for me).  Well I travel every week, NJ to CO and often hold it (arm hurts after a while) or lay it flat on the table (leaning over it make the back hurt) while I listen with my Bose headphones.  Today it struck me! The Bose headphone case has two bumps for the earpieces that could serve and a nice back to rest the iPhone on for viewing.  Viola, it fits and stays put in the case.  If you have  a set of these, the pocket for the extra connectors is attached with Velcro so you can move it to make sure it holds your iPhone in place.  Sweet!!

Edgar

Somewhere between Newark and Denver at 35,000 feet

Hi Rob,

With the new iPhone hopefully being released right around the corner what is ATT's policy towards purchasing if you still have until August 2012 before completing your contract?

Do they give you any help at all?

Regards,

Steve R

Hi Steve,

First thing you should do is check your status for an upgrade on your iPhone by calling *639# - (Which is *NEW#)

Once you hit call - you will see the following Message:

What is supposed to be a short time later (your results may vary) you will get a text message sent to you that will look something like this:

This message will let you know when you can upgrade to a new iPhone at no additional cost, along with what the cost would be now to upgrade.  Above is the message I received when I checked on July 31st 2011.  I just sent another request and once it comes in I will see if there is any difference and update. 

Please note when you are able to upgrade is not just based on a fixed date for all customers - how much your monthly plan is will effect when you are eligilble to upgrade at no cost - so make sure you check from your phone. 

Regards,

Rob W

I just posted up an interview I did with Mark Hearn from Sprintfeed.com  

You can hear the interview in the player in the upper right of the site.  

I will also put this up on Ep 189 when it goes live - but VIP members have access now to the interview. 

Regards,

Rob W

I Received a text message (See Image) from AT&T offering up 1,000 free rollover minutes at no cost. All I needed to do is Text back "YES"  

Not that I am the paranoid type - but I felt it was best to call AT&T and confirm it really was a text from them and not some Text spam - that when I sent "YES" back to them I would be charged $1,000 from someone in Albania.  

AT&T was kind enough to confirm it is a real offer and only sent to certain customers.  AT&T also said it was a "Me Too" offer - meaning if you did not get this offer but wanted it - you just need to contact AT&T and tell them you are aware of this offer and would like the 1,000 extra rollover minutes.  See the Image for the exact wording of the offer.  So if you did not get this and want the extra 1,000 rollover minutes give them a call from your iPhone to 800-331-0500.

UPDATE - AT&T customers can also just text "YES" to 11113020 - and that will get you the 1,000 - so no need to call AT&T if you have Text messaging turned on for your iPhone.   Thanks to Bob and Ray for the heads on that.  

Hi Rob,

I am currently paying way too much for my landline. My wife and I both have iPhones (one 4 and one 3GS).

I am planning to ratchet down my landline costs to the bare bones, so I can still have it available for 911 (e.g. if the teenager is home) and also in the rare case when power is out (since the copper wire phone service has its own power source).

Wondering what you think about the "Ulimate Irony: Use an Old Jailbroken iPhone" section of the following Gizmodo article: http://gizmodo.com/#!5654683/how-to-replace-your-landline-with-google-voice

I am considering using an unlocked/jailbroken 3G iphone I have sitting on the bookshelf gathering dust.  

And any other thoughts, recommendations, articles you may have on this topic.

Thanks!

Del

Hi Del

If you are looking at replacing your land line with the jailbroken iPhone per the Gizmodo Article - you need to realize two issues - 1. No 911 calls  2. No calls when the power or just the cable goes out - as that method does require you to have a VOiP connection.

So in your case where you are looking to have a phone around for your daughter for emergencies - this will not be a good choice. 

However for those just looking to replace their land line with an old jailbroken iPhone - it is a good article.  Here is the meet of the article on how to set up the jailbroken iPhone 

Attribution to Gizmodo per the link above:

Here's how:
• First, jailbreak your iPhone.
• Download GV Mobile+ and Acrobits Softphone from the App Store.
• Get a Sipgate account and your free phone number
• Have Google Voice forwards calls to the Sipgate number
• Add your Sipgate credentials to Acrobits Softphone. It's not hard: you're basically just plugging in your number and user name.
• In GV Mobile+, head to the Settings tab and change the 'Phone to Ring' from "No Phone" to your Sipgate number.

Regards,

Rob W

Hello Rob,

I'm a recently retired Mac Sys Admin from Penn State, and now that I'm on a fixed income, I really can't justify spending almost $1,000.00 per year for a phone contract. So, I dropped my monthly AT&T plan, and converted to a Motorola RAZR with an AT&T goPhone plan ($2.00 per day, unlimited use, unlimited text).  That serves me well since I rarely use the phone for voice or text and I'm almost always within reach of WiFi.  But, when I go out and about, I very much hate carrying two phones around.  I really want a way to use my iPhone as an AT&T goPhone.

So, I researched unlocking the iPhone, cutting down sim cards, etc. etc.  But I never found a solution to using the iPhone as a goPhone that I was 100% comfortable with.  But then, once Apple starting selling unlocked iPhones, I thought I should go to an AT&T store and request them to unlock my iPhone.  I figured I'd grovel and beg and explain to them that I'd never ever pay a monthly contract, and wouldn't they like me to be a happier customer not weighed down by two phones?  I knew there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell that AT&T would agree, but I figured I'd give it a go anyways.

In early June, I was visiting my sister in West Lafayette Indiana, and she happened to need something from her local AT&T store, so I tagged along, figuring this was a perfect chance to see if they would unlock my iPhone.  I waited to speak with a service agent and I asked, "I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this question, but might you unlock my iPhone?"  I explained my recent retirement, and how I couldn't justify spending close to a grand a year on an iPhone plan, and how I really, really, really wanted to use my iPhone as an AT&T goPhone.  When I heard the guy let out a belly laugh, I knew I was pipe dreaming.  He says, "No-o-o-o-o, I can't unlock your iPhone (more chuckling and laughing), but what I can do for you is to set up your iPhone up as an AT&T goPhone."  I was in shock -- so much so, I gave serious consideration to firing up one of my iPhone survival apps!  He asked the other clerk if that was now allowed, got confirmation that it was, and within minutes, my iPhone was configured as a goPhone!  Smiling faces all around, especially mine!  I've never been so happy to visit an AT&T store in my life.

I don't think I've heard or seen reports of this new AT&T policy.  So, I thought you and your listeners would like to hear about it.  If I missed the news, either in print, or on a show, my only out is that since I am recently retired, I must have been napping when word hit the street!  Zzzz. Zzzz. Zzzz.

Again, thanks for providing such a superb podcast.

Cheers,

~~Kenster 

Hi Rob,

 

Could you help me find the best way to make a first gen iphone that is jailbroken and unlocked with a tmobile sim inside the iphone to be just an ipod for a friend. I tryed to restore from itunes but it says invalid sim card. Is there way around getting an old iphone first gen att sim to restore it. Hope it's silmilar to the way you did it for your children to use as ipods.

 

Thanks  

Robert

Hi Robert,

You should be able to place the iPhone into Airplane Mode, and then turn on Wifi.  That should be all you need to do.

Rob W

Hey Rob! 

I have a question: I recently exchanged my iPhone after owning it for a couple weeks - It had some issues - The Apple store swapped it out for a brand new with no problem. I left the store with a big concern though --- I had a lot of personal information on the iPhone I returned.

I deleted the files but I'm still concerned that someone can still retrieve the data as I know data recovery exists for the iPhone 4.

What happens to an iPhone once it's returned?

Are my files safe?

Many thanks for any input you can give. 

All the best!   

Mike

Hi Mike,

The phone is supposed to be wiped clean before it gets back out.  According to comments from Apple. 

Is it impossible for someone to retrieve the data - No.  Is it very very unlikely they will actually be able to get anything from it - Yes it is very unlikely.

Don't worry - plus nothing you can do now either way.

Rob W

Hi Rob,

 

I have an iphone4 and 4 additional phones on a family plan with AT&T. My iphone 4 is on a unlimited data plan and the 4 other phones are 9.99 each. We share 1400 roll over minutes and we have unlimited texting for like $29 a month. So I a paying out about $170 a month to AT&T with all the taxes. I started with the original iphone, then 3g, then went to the 4.

 

Basically I pay my dues to AT&T. So my iphone 4 is jailbroken and I gave my oldest daughter my 3g which was jailbroken. We simply inserted the sim card from her old phone and all was well. No issues from AT&T.

 

About 4 months ago I came into another 3G iphone for my youngest daughter. I jailbroke it and all was well until... About 2 months ago my daughter some how activated the 3G and cell data setting. She received a text from AT&T that they detected an iphone 3g and they are now charging her (me) $15 a month for data package as all data phones used on AT&T networks must have a data package.  

 

I immediately turned of the the data and 3G but the $15 charge continued. In addition her phone broke and she went back to her old phone for a month, the $15 a month charge continued. Now the 3G phone is fixed an she is using it again with data off. Again I am still getting the $15 fee.

 

So I do not want to rock the boat completely with AT&T, but if my kids decide to use WIFI networks for data, AT&T really does not deserve to get $15 for a data plan so I wrote a letter to AT&T asking about the $15 data fee on my daughters 3g.  

 

I received the following response.  

 

Dear David H,

Thank you for contacting AT&T about your wireless service. My name is Jessica H. and I am more than happy to assist you today with your inquiry regarding Smartphone data charges for the line ending in 3949. I can definitely understand your frustrations with seeing Smartphone data plan charges on your bill that you did not expect. AT&T, just like our major competitors, now requires that all users of Smartphones (BlackBerrys, PDAs, iPhones) have both a voice and data plan. The reason for this change is, Smartphone users tend to consume a higher amount of data services for activities such as advanced e-mail, mobile Web, games, and applications. A Smartphone data plan ensures customers can take full advantage of their device features without worrying about a fluctuating or unusually high bill. If you would like more information about Smartphones, it can be found at: http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/articles-resources/smartphone-data-plans.jsp The Smartphone data plan requirement policy applies to new activations, upgrades, and device/SIM swaps performed by the customer. This policy is systematically enforced, meaning that the system reads the SIM card and tells us which device is being used with that SIM card. Upon review of your account, I show that the line ending in 3949 is using an iPhone 3G. If the user of this line is no longer using the iPhone 3G, please provide us with the IMEI number of the non-Smartphone that they are using so we may update the equipment information for that line. Once the equipment information is updated, we will be able to remove the Smartphone data plan. David H, if you have any additional questions about Smartphone data charges for the line ending in 3949, please respond to this e-mail. If you have a question about another issue, please send us a new e-mail via the Contact Us link in the lower left-hand corner of your myAT&T account. Thank you for choosing AT&T; we appreciate your business. Jessica H eCare Customer Service Specialist AT&T Business Solutions Customer Care Business Care: 611 or 1-800-331-0500 Online account management: http://wireless.att.com

 

They claim that her phone is a 3G and if it is not a 3G just send them the IMEI number of the non Iphone. So my question is:

 

What are my options?  

 

Can AT&T really tell that I have an Iphone on her account if I am not sending data?

 

Can they see the IMEI number?  

 

If I switch her back to her old phone send them the IMEI number for the phone and then switch her back to the Iphone will they be able to tell?

 

If so is it because they have now associated her current IMEI number as a iphone 3G in their database?  

 

Is there cydia software that can spoof the IMEI number or make the phone look like a basic phone on the AT&T network?

 

Regards,

David

Hi David,

Per your questions

What are my options?  

Not a lot of options if you want to use that iPhone - you need to make sure data stays turned off.  

Can AT&T really tell that I have an Iphone on her account if I am not sending data?

It is really not if they can tell if you have an iPhone or another smartphone but are you using data.  Which was the issue above all was ok until you started using data and that is what triggered AT&T to change your plan - per their terms of service you agreed to.  

Can they see the IMEI number?  

Absolutely - 100% - YES.  Each time you use any phone on AT&T your IMEI number is transmitted to them.  

If I switch her back to her old phone send them the IMEI number for the phone and then switch her back to the Iphone will they be able to tell?

Yes - they would be able to tell if they checked.  That said people switch between phones all the time - so likely they would not notice.  There is nothing to keep you from switching between phones that are just feature phones.  The big issue is not using a smartphone - especially one that uses data.  

If so is it because they have now associated her current IMEI number as a iphone 3G in their database?  

No, it would likely be because you turned data on again.  

Is there cydia software that can spoof the IMEI number or make the phone look like a basic phone on the AT&T network?

Spoofing IMEI numbers in some countries is considered illegal so I will not even go there.  

For example, in the United Kingdom, under the Mobile Telephones (Re-programming) Act, changing the IMEI of a phone, or possessing equipment that can change it, is considered an offence under some circumstance.^[3] Such an action is also considered a criminal offence in Latvia.

My recommendation is what you are already thinking of - and that is putting the SIM card back in her original feature phone - getting the IMEI number and sending that to AT&T.  Then wait a week or so AFTER they change your plan and remove the data plan fee.   Then making sure DATA is turned OFF on the iPhone - transfer the SIM card to the iPhone again. 

Also tell your daughter if you turns on data again no more iPhone for you!!!!

Good Luck.

Rob W

Hello Rob,

 

I love  your show and APP. It works great with voice Over. I am totally blind and  I thank you for making it available for blind user. That is your APP.

 

I Have a question. I know you mention this before in a past podcast. But can't remember which one or the info. But, I am traveling to Mexico and would like to take my IPhone. What could I do to avoid paying a high cost on my phone usage outside California?  

I have an Iphone4 with the latest version.

Thanks. 

 

J.C.'s 

iPhone 

Hi J.C.,

Hi Rob

this is in response to your question on why anyone would buy a microcell when they are not getting any additional minutes added to their plan.

i don't have or need a microcell, but i recommended one to a friend of mine. despite living in a highly populated, exclusive area in san francisco, she is unable to get any consistent cell phone signal at her house on any carrier: att, verizon or sprint. this was a huge issue for her as she has a home office and if clients were to call her on her cell phone, she wouldn't know it until she were to step outside of her front door. she installed a microcell and now is able to get 5 bars of coverage throughout her house and even at her neighbors house.

i don't understand the correlation between using a microcell and why, as you say, that it should include additional or unlimited free minutes. i always assumed, maybe incorrectly, that a voice call still has to send a voice packet through att's network. maybe you could clarify that for me.

frankly, i'm glad that at&t doesn't just give out microcells to anyone who requests it. if that were the case, everyone would be requesting one, whether they needed one or not, and it would end up being like the squareup disaster, where they were giving out their credit card processing dongle away to anyone who requested one, then got slammed for not being able to keep up with demand and those that really NEEDED one were unable to get one.  if att were to give unlimited or even additional minutes to anyone owning a microcell under those conditions, who knows how much more traffic that would add to an already overloaded network.

thanks rob.
paul
mill valley, ca

===============

Hi Rob,
I live in LA where AT&T claims that my place is located on their strong reception spot, but I don't have good reception at home. Most of the time, I don't get any calls, and people who call me complained that I never answer their calls. Even when I receive some calls, I get choppy voice or droped calls.
 
So I called AT&T, and AT&T technical support people tested my connection in my area for a few days. They asked me to go to AT&T store to swap a free micro sim card, and had still no changes on my reception. They put with a high level AT&T technician to deal with my connection, and a couple of days later, they called me back saying that there's nothing they can do about it. They said they can't provide every location with strong signal all the time, and I am just stuck with their contract. Plus Every time I called them for my reception problem, they suggest to get 3G Microcell, which costs $150, as an "option" to solve my problem. The technicians were trying to make the reception problem my fault by blaming it on my location and my sim card.
 
After few days later, I called customer service, and complained to them that I shouldn't have to pay any money for AT&T's lack of signal. I demanded for the solution or let me out of the contract. The customer service department was super nice, even I was being a jerk to them. They understood my point and frustration, and they offered me $50 credit on my bill and $20 credit back per month for 6 months if I decide to buy this microcell. So a total of $170 within 6 month to compensate for what I have to pay. So looks like, it would solve my problem. I am planning to buy that microcell tonight after work, and tell you more how it goes.
I love your show, and am always waiting for your new episode every week.
 
Peter from LA, CA

===========

Rob:

Here is a post I made to the ongoing discussion you linked to in #138...and my opinion about your question in #137, "Why would you pay for a 3G Microcell?"  First, the post I made on TUAW...

"I am hoping this helps sort out fact from fiction for readers here.  AT&T is giving 100% rebates for the 3G mircocell IF you buy their unlimited minutes microcell plan.  For full details, go to: http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/3gmicrocell/faq.jsp?locale=en_US#rebates

Here's the short story on the many rebates now available...

Q. Are there rebates available with the purchase of 3G MicroCell? Where can I find the forms?

A. Certain rebates are available with subscription to additional features or services, including Unlimited MicroCell Calling and new AT&T broadband services. Forms can be printed from the links below. Please be sure to select the correct form based on the date range and the feature or services added:

Purchase Date: 07/25/10-09/18/10

     $100 Mail In Rebate - with subscription to Unlimited MicroCell Calling Feature

Purchase Date: 07/25/10-09/18/10

     $100 + $50 Mail In Rebate - with subscription to Unlimited MicroCell Calling Feature and/or AT&T Broadband"

Now, why buy a microcell?  The thing about microcells that you might not appreciate is this: In-building RF penetration is not the responsibility of the carrier.  Talk to any of them.  I did this since 1985 - selling cell boosters for 800MHz and 900MHz spectrum so corporations could get in-building signal strength.  So if you have poor signal strength in you home - at least the microcell is a solution.

For now, microcells are virtually free and unbundled DSL can help you eliminate wireline phone service ($$$ savings).  Also, the unlimited microcell minutes plan can help you drop to a cheaper cellphone plan since you'll use less minutes overall.  If you use the free "A List" feature you'll also pare minutes.  I've gone from 1400 down to 900 and don't even have a microcell.  Not an AT&T fanboy...just saying...

--PaulG in Lawrenceville

===========

Rob,

You requested some feedback on why it might make sense to own the AT&T MicroCell and there may be a couple of reasons.

I believe that there are (2) ways to own the MicroCell units:

1. Purchase for $150 and use it as your own personal cell tower and any data or minutes going through the device are pulled from your plan minutes as normal.

2. Purchase the device and setup a monthly (approx) $20 Plan that may give a refund on the MicroCell hardware. The benefit on this one is that your talk time while on this device doesn't go against your minutes when in this plan. Data would go against your plan if pulled through the MicroCell, but that would not normally be the case as you have the MicroCell plugged into your router. If you were not wireless on the router then you would have an issue.

Who would benefit from the $20/month plan:

1. People considering getting rid of their home landline and replace with iPhone and use the MicroCell so that they do not have to increase their minutes.

2. People that make most of there calls from the iPhone at home and want to decrease the minutes in their plan.

The other advantage that I see is that there is almost always a poor reception area in a home and this would minimize that situation.

FYI - My iPhone is setup to use one of these MicroCell units at work and it does work well. The building I work in has a steel roof and walls and is terrible for reception. The tower has resolved that problem. 

One issue with MicroCell that we have had is the GPS location requirement to operate. If it doesn't see the GPS location it doesn't work correctly. It will have problems setting up and it will drop the call when you leave the covered area even when you pickup the cell tower outside. If the GPS position is know it will transfer to the tower correctly from what we had explained to us. If you are on a call coming into the building of MicroCell coverage it doesn't not transfer regardless of GPS position. 

It is not easy to get the GPS position in a steel building...it would be nice if we could simply go online and enter the serial # of the unit in our account and the actual address and have it reset to that location. Appears that it is necessary for 911 related activities.

Regards,

Stacey S

=============

Hi Rob,

A while back you mentioned a site that had Pay as you go Sim cards you could get if you planned to travel internationally.  What is that site?

Thanks

Ken B

Hi Ken,

The site is Pay as you Go SIM with Data Wiki - found HERE

Of course you will need to have an iPhone that is Unlocked for this to work.

Good luck.

Rob W

Hi Rob,

Enjoying your show every week. My jailbroken iPhone 4 is awesome, and I like my bumper case as well. However, plugging 3rd party charger into my iPhone with the bumper case is a bit annoying. Apple's factory cable fits perfectly, but all 3rd party chargers are too fat to plug in through the bumper. My iPhone can be connect to my car audio through 30-pin dock connector, and of course, it won't fit because of bumper case. So I have to take off the bumper case every single time if I want to connect iPhone on my car audio for listening music or charging. Is there converter or extension cable can be fit into the bumper? 

Please let me know.

Regards,

Peter from L.A.

Hi Peter,

Here are a few links to 30 pin dock extenders.

A

FEW

LINKS

It is just a mater of finding the right one to fit in your iPhone while in the case.

Good luck.

Rob W

Hi Rob

I have jailbroke and unlocked my 3GS on 4.0.1 and have tried my friends t mobile sim... It works but I can't seem to utilize the 3G? I have searched the net and have found others have found the same... Is there anyway around this at this time or in the future?

Thanks and love the show!!!

Phil

Hi Phil,

T-mobile (USA) 3G is not compatible with ATT 3G.  

You can only use your iPhone 3G / 3GS / 4 - on t-mobiles slower edge network - not on their 3G network.

Regards,

Rob W

Rob,

  

I don’t think most people know this but the lens for the rear facing camera is not made out of the tuff glass, I have scratches on mine.

Where can you get a replacement back for the iPhone 4 or can the lens be replaced?

  

Thomas

Tuscaloosa, AL

 

Hi Thomas,

At the end or near the end of Episode 173 I mentioned reports were coming in about the White iPhone 4 being just a bit thicker than the black iPhone 4.  Since then there have been many comparision photos shot and people claiming the white iPhone 4 is 0.2 mm thicker than the black one  - but for most phone cases you will be just fine getting your white iPhone 4 into it.  So this next report is a little surprising - it is being reported that Apples own Phil Schiller tweeted according to ZDNet the following:

 It is not thicker, don’t believe all the junk that you read

Sadly you can not find that tweet as it was not a public tweet but allegedly a private tweet.

If you have both a black and white iPhone 4 where you can compare them - do you see any difference in thickness between the two?

Also note Consumer reports who just can't quit the iPhone is also sticking themselves into this issue and claiming that they put calipers to iPhones and their measurements back up Phil Schiller's claim and show there is no difference in thickness between the two color options for the iPhone 4.  Well that should settle it.

One of the Carriers in the UK found a unique way to discourage Jailbreaking. That is the carrier O2.  

How are they discouraging jailbreaking?  Are they sending out emails saying if you tether they will automatically bump you up to the tethering plan and kill your unlimited plan - No that would be evil and I could not imagine anyone actually doing that.  

No what they are doing is letting you tether for free.  

What kind of bizarro world do you live in in the UK that your Carriers are kind of you know not Evil.  Must be nice.  Rugby, Shepards Pie and Free Tethering - Yup the UK is the place for me.  Some details:

Tethering is now completely free. If you have a 1 GB data allocation, then it doesn't matter if you use that data on the phone or on a connected device -- it's all charged the same.

Yup a very strange world indeed.  

Hi Rob,

I have a dilemma, I bought an iPhone 4 but had to sell it when my health failed and I had to go on disability.  Things are better now financially, but not so much that I want to spend $200. You were alerting your listeners about specials on the iPhone 4 a few months ago. I'm eligible for an upgrade, and wonder if you know of any specials going on now?  AT&T always seems to be sold out of refurbs.  

Thanks.

Jeff k

Hi Jeff,

Hi Rob,

Can you tell me what the digital av cable for the ipad 2 will be able to do on the iphone 4. Specifically what will play or show on your hdtv?

Also if the mirroring for the ipad2 will work for streaming video apps like slingbox and the nba league pass app onto a hdtv.?

Thanks Robert

Originally Published June 2010

Sadly it is now impossible to do a review of the iPhone 4 (iP4) without mentioning the Antenna and the reported issues when you hold the iP4. Which is a shame because there is so much more to the iP4 than the Antenna.  That is not to make light of the potential issue – just I want to point out there is much much more to the iP4.  To start there is the Retina Display, which is “clearly” the best screen on any smart phone PERIOD. Then there is the improved 5 MP Camera with a flash on the back and the new front facing camera, there is the App Facetime, and there is a faster processor, double the RAM of the 3GS and better battery life.  But again it is sadly the Antenna that is getting all of the attention right now.

Antenna Issue:

Per the Antenna issue lets get this out there up front. For those not in the know – there are many videos showing people touching the lower left side of the iP4 and then the number of bars dropping like a rock and in some cases the phone loosing all reception. Now I need to say this does not appear to be the case with all iP4’s.  Personally I have not seen this issue with my phone – and I have a video up at todayinios.com showing me using it with my left hand and not being able to replicate the issue.  Here is a link to my post that covers this issue and has links to others covering this issue.

Apple has responded and said it is a software issue per iOS 4 and not a hardware issue per the iP4.  Clearly this is something Apple will need to address strongly and swiftly. Some have even started saying the iP4 has a hex on it – given the issue of the lost iP4/Gizmodo and now this. The good news is if you have not already purchased an iP4 chances are you will not be able to get one until Apple does address the issue.  So for you the rest of this article is sans reference to the Antenna issue and assumes that it is something Apple can address with a software update.

Retina Display:

The most stunning upgrade from the 3GS to the iP4 is the new “Retina Display” which uses the same IPS technology that is in the iPad. The IPS tech offers a very wide viewing angle range. However with the iP4 display Apple one-upped the iPad and I guess four-upped the 3GS with the “Retina Display” which offers four times the number of pixels as the 3GS. Holding the 3GS next to the iP4 it is as “clear” as night and day how much better the iP4 display is. It is like you are looking at something that was printed by a 300+ dpi laser printer. It is without a doubt the best display of any smart phone on the market and is in my opinion much better than the OLED screens. A big issue with OLED screens is that when you walk out in the sunlight they are completely unreadable. The iP4’s “Retina Display” is still very readable in direct mid-day sun – even in Las Vegas. Watching a movie on the new display is simply beautiful and even in heavy action scenes there are none of the digital artifacts you are used to seeing with LCD screens.

Cameras:

With the iP4 Apple not only upgraded the back camera from 3 mega pixels to 5 mega pixels, they also finally added a flash that works as a flash for photos and a light for video recording. But Apple did not stop there they also added the long sought after (at least by me) front facing camera. The camera app for the iP4 switches easily between the front and back camera for both still images and video.  The picture quality for the back camera is very good when compared to a stand-alone digital camera and as good if not better than any other smart phone on the market. Yes there are other smart phones with 8 mega pixel cameras – but tests show those pictures are no better than what you get with the iP4 due to sensors used.  There are many side by side comparisons of iP4 pictures vs. Digital Cameras / other smart phones where the iP4 comes out on top or just as good as the other devices. I feel I can now finally retire my Casio 5 mega pixel stand-alone camera something I did not even remotely consider with my 3GS.

Facetime:

One of the great new features with the iPhone 4 is Facetime – this feature takes advantage of the front facing camera and allows you to do video chats.  There are two caveats however, 1. You must have a WiFi connection, and 2. The other person needs to have an iPhone 4 as well, at least for now (Apple stated they will make the tech an open standard for all to use).  Apple realized that people who just got an iPhone 4 might not have anyone to test out the Facetime feature with, so they setup a number for you to call in and try it out.  1-888-FACETIME. I gave this a call from the LasVegas AirPort on Sunday morning and they answered quickly within a minute.  Facetime worked great!!  The video was really clear of the person on the other end.  And a nice touch was while doing the Facetime chat the smaller window, that shows you or what you back camera is seeing, was easy to move around.  Just touch and move it around if it is in the way of what you wanted to see. While in Facetime you can with one tap switch what the person on the other end sees - from the front camera to the back camera. As such there will be many uses of Facetime Apple never imagined or that at least they would not admit to, some likely involving posts on craigslist. But to me the most compelling one is still per the Apple commercials and that is connecting via video with loved ones.

Benchmark Tests –  iPhone 4 vs. 3GS:

Some quick benchmark tests for the iP4 vs. the 3GS showed a little surprising results.  The iP4 actually takes longer to boot up from a cold start than the 3GS.  The 3GS starts up in about 37.5 secs vs. 43.4 secs for the iPhone 4.  Both devices were running iOS 4.  Now I am sure the longer boot up times have to do with the additional code to support Facetime – but still I would have expected with the 1Ghz A4 processor that the iP4’s boot time would have been closer to 30 secs considering the iPad using the same processor boots up in 20 secs (Granted the iPad is booting up in iOS 3.2 not iOS 4). A good real world test of processor speed is to see how fast Apps start up. I looked at the load times for three different apps and took the average load times for each app on the iP4 and the 3GS.  The three apps were Blowfish, Crazy Hamster and Pocket Ants, all are games and each takes some time to load. Below are the results of those tests.

As expected the iP4 was faster than the 3GS but not quite as fast as you would expect when you consider how much faster the processor is. However these tests only tell part of the story, as the feel of the iP4 seems to be smoother than the 3GS which already felt fast. The iP4 feels equivalent to the iPad in the use of the interface. 

How long does the battery really last?

While the iP4 is significantly thinner than the 3GS Apple somehow still managed to put in a bigger battery. Apple claims the iP4 will give you 10 hours of video playback, same as they said for the iPad – which I actually tested out to 13.5 hours. So Apple tends to be conservative with their battery claims. As an example of real world use - Sunday I unplugged my iPhone from the charger at 7:00 AM. I had 4 phone calls with the wife, did the Facetime chat with Apple, received a few other calls for about a total of 52 minutes of calls. I also listened to 7 episodes of Daves Lounge Podcast (A great music podcast I highly recommend you check out) for a total of about 4 hours of audio playback. Additionally I surfed the web and checked emails, took some pictures and sent those pictures via email. At 3:03 PM (8 hours later) my phone was showing 78% battery life.  Sure other smart phones have removable batteries – but that is because they NEED them to be removable. But even if you are supper user and need better battery life – there will be many third party cases that have batteries built in – no better place to store the extra battery than right in the case. Interestingly enough if you have the original Mophie Juice Pack for the original iPhone - the iP4 fits in it perfectly.

There are four versions of the iP4. Black with 16 GB or 32 GB of storage or White with 16 GB or 32 GB of storage. Pricing in the US is $199 / $299 for the 16 GB / 32 GB versions respectively (Based on signing a 2 year contract with the Devil AT&T). One caveat is the White versions are not currently available and will likely not be available until late July. Apple stated they were have manufacturing issues with the White iPhone – because you know Apple has never made a white device before. (Yes I am a little bitter I wanted the White one.)  The iP4 is a big step up from the 3GS – which was really just a small step up from the 3G which was a small step from the original iPhone. If you are eligible for an upgrade I would highly recommend you do so now. If you are not currently an iPhone owner then there has never been a better time to drink the cool-aid and get one. You might also want to get a case or at least try not let the antenna touch your skin. Just sayin.

Originally Published in May 2010

One of the early predictions of a Verizon iPhone comes from ZDNet back on November 27^th 2007.  Back then ZDNet was predicting the iPhone would be on Verizon within a year. Since then there have been countless other stories like this where predictions / rumors / inside sources have talked about a Verizon iPhone “definitely” coming in the next week / month / year.  And all obviously have been proven to be false. When Steve Jobs does his WWDC keynote on June 7^th, one of the big questions people hope will be answered is what carriers in the US will be getting the next generation iPhone. As anyone who is even remotely interested in the iPhone knows you currently can only get the iPhone in the US on AT&T and depending on where you live that can be a good thing or a very very bad thing (NYC, SFO).  Many are hoping for a Verizon iPhone or a Sprint iPhone, and there are many of rumors out there about said devices.

First lets start with the facts.  Apple and AT&T in 2007 signed a 5-year exclusive agreement for the US deployment of the iPhone.  Apple admitted such in a court case even referencing a USA today article from early 2007 revealing said agreement.  So we know 100% without any doubt there was a 5-year exclusive agreement signed that was scheduled to last until 2012.  What we don’t know and what neither Apple nor AT&T are saying today is what is the status of that agreement and has it been altered in any way.  I have predicted on my podcast many times that Verizon would not get an iPhone until they had their LTE (4G) network built out.  Which also is scheduled for mass deployment in 2012.  So from both a contractual and a technical perspective a Verizon iPhone does not look likely until 2012. 

Here are some more facts that may have some influence with regards to potential Verizon and Sprint iPhones.  In the US there are over 140 Million subscribers on Verizon and Sprint combined, compared to just 87 Million on AT&T.  A recent survey of Verizon subscribers found 17% likely to get an iPhone if it was available from Verizon.  Assuming similar numbers for Sprint, you are looking at Apple selling 23.9 Million iPhones on those two carriers.  Assuming an average sales price of $599 per iPhone (what Apple gets per sale) you are looking at over $14 Billion in revenue for Apple.  That is clearly motivation for Apple to reconsider their original agreement and it more (much much more) than makes up for any costs to build and test a CDMA phone especially when it is calculated Apple gets better than a 50% gross margin on the iPhone.  It does not take $7 Billion, or even $1 Billion for that matter, to develop and test a CDMA version of an existing GSM phone.  Plus a CDMA iPhone would also give you a device you could run on China Mobile – the world’s largest cellular carrier with over 500 Million subscribers. 

Others have pointed out that since the iPad was exclusive to AT&T in the US – this is proof that the original AT&T / Apple agreement is still in place and still going strong. When you look at the very generous data plan and the terms of that data plan for the 3G iPad, it has others going so far as to say if anything AT&T may have actually successfully negotiated with Apple to extend the original 5 year exclusive agreement by a year or two. 

So then why all the rumors recently with regards to a Verizon or Sprint iPhone? One key reason appears to be that for the first time in the US, there were more Android powered smart phones “sold” than iPhone OS smart phones.  This per sales for Q1 2010.  In all fairness it should be pointed out there were many buy one get one free promotions for Android smart phones in the US in Q1 2010. Also if you throw in the iPod Touch sales – there were actually more devices sold in the US in Q1 that run on the iPhone OS vs the Android OS.  Still that Android smart phone sales are getting close to sales of iPhone OS devices in the US is something many speculate is not lost on Apple.  Also what is not forgotten is that Apple in its most recent quarterly conference calls has said in those markets that were exclusive to one carrier, that then were opened up to other carriers Apple saw incremental growth in sales of the iPhone.

Without knowing the exact details of the Apple / AT&T iPhone agreement it is hard for us to know the exact value to Apple to keep this exclusive agreement going. So all most people can do is speculate on what is known and those facts make it look like it is in Apple best interest to end their exclusive deal with AT&T and add Verizon and Sprint into the mix. Popular opinion right now is that Apple will announce the end of exclusivity on June 7^th and add Verizon and Sprint to iPhone party.  However that “popular opinion” is based on imperfect information, for example we do not know how much kick back per month per iPhone subscriber Apple is getting from AT&T.  Sadly for those holding out hope for a Verizon or Sprint iPhone I am guessing that kick back is significant enough to make it in Apples best interest to stay exclusive with AT&T for the next two years.  Here is hoping on June 7^th I am wrong.

With the iPhone 4 launching on the Verizon network on Feb 10^th (pre-orders starting on Feb 3^rd for special Verizon customers) now is a good time to go over some information on what you should and should not expect. But first lets make one thing very clear it is the iPhone 4 on Verizon – it is NOT the Verizon iPhone.  And that is a good thing for the end users. There is no crapware pre-installed, there is no Verizon logo on the outside of the iPhone – it looks, feels and has the same apps as the iPhone 4 on AT&T. 

There are however a couple of UI differences between the iPhone 4 on Verizon and AT&T.  First if you are used to the iPhone on AT&T you may like being able to talk on the phone while checking for and sending emails or accessing the web.  That was something that was possible due to the type of network AT&T uses (GSM). Verizon’s network is different (CDMA) and as such does not allow for simultaneous Voice and Data usage. Second with the iPhone 4 on Verizon you can set up your iPhone 4 to work as a WiFi Hot Spot for up to 5 devices. This actually is not really a technical limitation on AT&T’s part – but a business decision by AT&T to not allow this feature (They may allow it in the future if enough people complain).  This is a feature that has been the number one reason to jailbreak an iPhone so users could get an app called MyWi, which currently turns your iPhone into a WiFi Hot Spot. 

The biggest complaint about the iPhone on AT&T is clearly the issue of dropped calls or the inability to make calls to start with.  This is an issue typically seen in large metro areas like New York City and San Francisco. For the most part you do not hear about this issue with the iPhone on other carriers around the world. As such it is expected that the iPhone 4 on Verizon should perform better than the iPhone 4 on AT&T.  If you are someone that loves everything about your iPhone – but you need to you know actually make a call, then the iPhone 4 on Verizon is probably something very exciting to you. 

With AT&T you have been able to update to the latest iPhone each year at the reduced subsidized pricing. With Verizon it is being reported that if you get the iPhone 4 in February 2011 when it is released you would need to wait 20 months before you could upgrade again. (Note – I contacted Verizon for verification on this detail and it is not yet something they are releasing info on) That would put you out to September 2012 before you could get your next iPhone. By then the iPhone 6 will be about 3 months old. This brings up the dilemma do you get the iPhone 4 on Verizon now knowing that Apple traditionally updates the iPhone in June – just 4 months from now.  Or can you hold out until June to see what new wonders the iPhone 5 has to offer.  If you are an early adopter personality and you can manage to get by for the next 4 months and money is tight – then you are probably best to wait.  If you are on Verizon already and need a new phone now – then there really is no better phone available than the iPhone 4. 

Note - there are always services like Gazelle – where you could sell your iPhone 4 latter on and put that money towards a new iPhone 5.  Remember the majority of your cost is not actually in the phone itself – but rather in the voice and data plan.  Right now with Gazelle you can get $360 for your 32 GB iPhone 4, and even more than that if you sell it on Craigs list or ebay – especially if you jailbreak it first. If you do get the iPhone 4 now on Verizon and then want to upgrade in June – you would be looking at a likely un-subsidized price of $749 for the top end iPhone and probably about $300 to $350 if you sell your 32 GB iPhone 4 on Craigs list or ebay. 

While Verizon has not released all information on iPhone pricing they have said the following. Data plans will be unlimited to start and will cost $30 a month. Verizon did say eventually the unlimited plan will go away for new signups. But for now they want to steal as many AT&T customers as possible. AT&T has responded unofficially by offering back the unlimited plans to those that threaten to leave AT&T for Verizon. If you want the option of turning your iPhone into a mobile hot spot that will set you back another $20 a month and you will be limited to 2 GB of data via the hot spot set up. You will be able to pre-order your iPhone on Verizon starting February 3^rd at 3:00 AM ET.  Again not all details have been released yet but when they are you will be able to find the info at - http://www.verizonwireless.com/iphone - make sure to carefully review the plans before you sign up. As mentioned above the real cost with any smartphone is not with the smartphone – but rather with the Voice/Data plan required for said smartphone.

Windows Phone 7 - well one of them at least - can lay claim to winning a heads up contest with the iPhone 4 and an android phone. Actually lets get specific it was the HTC Surround Windows Phone 7 phone vs the iPhone 4 and Android G2 - and in this specific contest the Windows Phone won.  All 3 phones were placed on an ezgrill and then they were barbequed. The G2 shut down first and then the iPhone 4 and finally the Widows Phone 7. I hear the folks in Redmond are already making a commercial about this. Hey a win is a win. So if you are a person that likes to leave your smart phone on a lit barbeque grill - then Windows Phone 7 is the smartphone for you. Get in Get out Get Grilled

I went hard after Ryan Block for his "breaking" of the Glassgate story last month. And well then I forgot about the story just like everyone else. Part of the reason I went strong after him and the story was that he said it was an issue as big as antennagate - and well at that time no one and I mean no one was complaining about the issue - at least with antennagate there were people actually complaining. I put out a call for anyone to let me know if they had this issue - and the lack of replies was a big reason I forgot about this story. Now Cult of Mac is doing a little link baiting / reporting - still not sure which one. They are reporting all slide on cases are removed from the Apple store - which is what I thought Ryan reported back in October. Anyway the case manufacturers are claiming they are not getting reports of issues and Apple is not saying anything so right now I am not quite ready to issue an apology to Ryan. But if it turns out to be an issue I may issue a partial one. Maybe. But still the original claim that this was a big as Antennagate - nope I don't see that regardless of what the status of slide on cases is or is not at the Apple stores.  

There is a video out there for a product called Stunfone.  And you can see the video at Stunfone.com  Most people yours truly included think this is a hoax - a well done hoax - but a hoax none the less.  They have a second video claiming it is not a hoax and on the 12th will have a live demo.  but I think it is the way the first video was done that screams hoax.  But still I have to give it to them for a good idea - Hoax wise that is.  FYi if you did not figure it out stunfone is an attachment for your iphone that turns it into a stun gun,  which they demo in their video by stun gunning three people.  A buddy, a karate master they found on Craigslist, and the cheating boyfriend of a women scorned.  Yeah - can't imagine why most people think this is a hoax.  Jeff the guy in the MIT shirt says the following in comments to an article about this at the LA Times:

because I might like to be playful with my words, I'm invalidated from being genuine and/or sophisticated enough to have made this? Thankfully I pay it no mind because I believe it was Aristotle who said, "Haters gunna hate".

Below is the email you get if you sign up for info.  Again this screams HOAX.  If it is not - then it is brilliant marketing to get people talking about it.  Either way they did a great job in getting people talking about it. 

Stun Fone Fans,

Thank you for your interest in the Stun Fone!  Traffic to stunfone.com this week has been crazy, far beyond what we anticipated, and while we’re very excited I would like to apologize for the delay in fulfilling your order.  This e-mail will give you priority on the top of the wait list, we’re hoping more shipments will begin as early as next week.

What has been most surprising over the last week is all the bloggers, tweeters, and social media folks claiming that our product is some kind of gag or hoax.  I assure you that the Stun Fone is the real deal and—to satisfy the haters—will be doing a demonstration live via webcam on Friday, November 12^th @ 1:00 PM (PST) to prove it (zero editing).  Tune in at www.stunfone.com and check it out.

See the video invite at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN-C5dyExJU

Thanks!

Jeff

jeff@stunfone.com

www.stunfone.com