Apple iPhone. Unlocked. Again.
p2pnet news | Mobiles:- Choose the provider you want. Use any SIM card from any network provider in any country. No need to open your phone. No need to solder.
Stands to reason the promises above, all of which refer to Apple’s iPhone, go without saying. Right?
But DRM King Steve Jobs makes a mockery of them. He has the iPhone locked up tight with various forms of DRM (Digital Restrictions Management) consumer controls, and locked in solid with an exclusively Apple application (iTunes) and one provider, AT&T.
Buyers almost have to write to Apple to get permission to use it.
Predictably, the unit was hacked and cracked. So Apple came out with the 1.1.1 firmware ‘upgrade’ designed to make the iPhone about as useful as a brick, unless owners play the game the way Apple wants them to play it.
But George Hotz, 17, figured out a hardware solution and a company called SimFree developed software to Phree the iPhone.
Because of ‘bricking,’ Apple now has two class actions levelled at it and SimFree is back, using the lines in the intro as its marketing platform.
However, not to worry because, “SimFree v1.6 release, is now capable of completely restoring/repairing software unlocked ‘bricked’ iPhone,” the company says.
But there are no long-term promises.
“While we have taken all possible measures to ensure that the phone will remain unlocked, we can only guarantee the current released versions of updates (up to and including 1.0.2),” says SimFree.
“With any of these versions, even if the phone is fully restored, the phone will remain unlocked. If an update is required, we will offer it for free IF we are able to provide it.”
Is the un-DRM-ed iPhone completely unlocked for voice and data use with any alternative carrier?
“We have tested both voice and data extensively in multiple countries, using various different carriers and have found no problems, says the company, noting, “iPhone software update 1.0.2 is required to enter the correct provider details for data usage”.
So what about iTunes. To get your iPhone to work, are you still stuck with having to open an account —– whether you want one or not?
“Activating your phone with itunes is not the only method available,” promises SimFree, adding, “to use our software you will need to activate your phone through the means of your choice”.
And, does SimFree offer 100% money back guarantee if its software doesn’t work?
It does not. But, “The unlock WILL work,” it swears, although, “We cannot offer any guarantee should Apple Inc. choose to re-lock the phone after a future update.”
How much?
Somewhere around $60 per, says Electronista.
Stay tuned.
Also See:
hardware solution – Buy unique unlocked iPhone, August 24, 2007
Phree the iPhone – iPhone unlocked: twice!, August 26, 2007
Electronista – iPhoneSimFree offers unlock for iPhone 1.1.1, October 11, 2007
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October 13th, 2007 at 11:22 am
sooo buying that baby. Where do I sign??
October 13th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Yeah, but how long will it work? THAT is the question!
October 14th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Who cares how long it will work.
Just don’t update your iTunes or iPhone.