Day after tomorrow....and after that

The IPSF software was released on Monday after I wrote last on Saturday. Some resellers were retailing as much as USD99. Most bought from an Australian reseller at USD50. That was yesterday. And while the reseller was busy distrubuting the software to paid buyers, the DEV team at Hackintosh has just announced their version of the free SIM unlock today! Named iUnlock, the team was able to flash the baseband - which previously was thought impossible to do it the software way (hence the Geohot hardware unlock). Hurrrahh, the Dev team has defitinely brought IPSF to their knees with this release. However, the intial method is still highly technical but Erica Sadun (one of the member of the Dev team) has promised an idiot proved, GUI method in no time. Ok ok if you must, try these links:

http://www.deadbeef.cn/files/iUnlock.zip
http://mirror1.deadbeef.cn/iUnlock.zip
http://www.tr0gd0r.com/iUnlock.zip
http://iphonedev.km20825.keymachine.de/iUnlock.zip
http://rapidshare.com/files/55044435/iUnlock.zip.html
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FMI6OEE9
http://mirror1.deadbeef.cn/iUnlock_src.zip
http://iphonedev.km20825.keymachine.de/iUnlock_src.zip
http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/09/iunlock_src.zip

and my favourite..

http://www.hacktheiphone.com/74/iphone_information_74_1.html

Too lazy and too impatient and has got too much money to burn? Head down to the crooks at Lucky plaza and you will see HW unlocked iphone selling for $2100!!!!

IPSF software available from Monday onwards?

There have been disappointments after disappointments after weeks of promised delivery. But through CNN, Endgaget and Gizmodo IPSF endeavor proofing that they are not a hoax. We shall see. Meanwhile, sharks and profiteers are out there cashing on this launch. Australian resellers are the first to get off the blocks. Average selling price? AUD $60, with the cost at US$28. I reckon a good S$20 with each license sold. Giddyup!!

6th of September : freedom !

Finally, after 2 months of owning the iPhone, it is unlocked with a Turbo Sim. All the functions are working except voice mail. I am finally a happy man, transform from a nervous wreck.

Iphonesimfree.com replies

Thank you for contacting us. We are now ready to take orders. Iphonesimfree is the only pure software solution available for iphone unlocking.
Easy to market, easy to use as indicated by several respected independent reviews such as:

CNN:http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/09/01/apple.iphone/index.html

Engadget:http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/24/iphone-unlocked-atandt-loses-iphone-exclusivity-august-24-2007

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The reseller or his/her customer must install on the iphone our software, available by mail or through direct download from our site. This is a standard .app file and once installed on the iphone it will show up as a springboard icon on the main screen.

The reseller must log into our back office and enter the required data specific to that iphone (his license credit will be substracted).

Once done, the reseller or the customer must run the .app, which will communicate via the iphone wifi to our server. If the iphone has been registered, the software will proceed to unlock the iphone.

It is that easy! In the unlikely case of any problem happening, we have a 24/7 hotline to assist our resellers.

WHAT IS THE PRICING STRUCTURE?

The minimum number of licenses you can order is 50 pieces. Minimum quantity and pricing are not negotiable.

50 licenses: $36/each
100 licenses: $34/each
250 licenses: $32/each
500 licenses: $30/each
1000 licenses: $28/each
2500 licenses: $27/each
5000 licenses: $25/each

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: WHAT GUARANTEES DO WE HAVE AGAINST FUTURE UPDATES?

We CANNOT guarantee that this software will work after any future updates for the iphone. It does currently work on all firmware versions, up to and including, 1.02
We will naturally try to provide our resellers an updated version of our software for each firmware update, it is in our interest, but we do NOT guarantee that we will be able to do so.

WE ARE A TEAM:

Iphonesimfree.com is a wholesale only company. Although we could, we do not and will not sell directly to end users, because we want to work together with our valuable resellers as a team and not interfere in their business.

HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER:

We are now taking orders. The delivery date is Tuesday, 4th of September. If you want to purchase a bulk of licenses please reply to this email with:

- Number of licenses you want to purchase
- Company name and address (or Name if you are not a company)
- Name of the contact
- Telephone number (at least one)

You will shortly receive a proforma invoice with all the details on how to complete your order. Payment is by bank transfer only.

THANK YOU, WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR ORDER.

CNN confirms iPhoneSIMfree.com's unlock works

Verbatim:

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- A group of anonymous software developers said they will soon start selling a program that will allow iPhone owners to use the hugely popular device on cell phone systems around the world and not just with AT&T.

Apple's iPhone, released in the United States two months ago, was engineered to operate for the first two years only on the AT&T system through an exclusive arrangement between Apple and AT&T. It has not yet been sold outside of the U.S.

Los Angeles software consultant Brett Schulte, who is not affiliated with the developers, demonstrated the software for CNN Friday evening.

An iPhone that had the new software appeared to work on the T-Mobile system just seconds after Schulte replaced the AT&T SIM card with a T-Mobile SIM card.

"It's completely software hacked," Schulte said. "There's no case opening required. It's not required to do any kind of disassembly." It took Schulte about two minutes to unlock the iPhone.

The developers would not give CNN their last names, saying "We don't want to be hounded."

The said they would start selling the software, which they haven't yet priced, as soon as their online payment and customer service systems are ready. They're also waiting for more information from their lawyers.

Apple spokeswoman Jennifer Bowcock told CNN her company has no comment.

AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel said he couldn't speculate on the legality of unlocking the phone, but he added, "When you sign up, you're signing a two-year contract. You're obligated to pay the bill."

"When people buy the iPhone it's clear from our materials it's designed to operate exclusively on AT&T," Siegel said.

Schulte, however, said it is possible to buy an iPhone without being contractually obligated to AT&T.

The developers recently created a Web site -- iPhoneSIMfree.com -- but there is very little information on it and no direct way for anyone to purchase the software. Internet records showed they bought the domain name less than two weeks ago.

Two members of the group, who identified themselves only as "John" and "Liu," told CNN in a phone interview that a core group of six people on three continents worked to unlock the iPhone as a hobby.

They said they are fans of Apple products who thought the iPhone should be made accessible to people who cannot use AT&T.

"I'm not in America and I can't use it," said Liu, who would not reveal the country in which he lives. "It's not fair."

Asked if he thought modifying the iPhone was legal, he said "That's a very good question. I truly believe it is."

John and Liu said they have not been contacted by either Apple or AT&T, but said that could change the moment their software goes on sale.

Earlier this month, a teenager figured out a way to unlock the iPhone, but his method required disassembly of the unit.

Latest generation of ipod

Apple is holding a special event on September the 5th, rumoured to showcase the new generation of touch screen ipod with cover flow, ala iphone styled. So watch this space next Wednesday.

Smoke gets in your eyes

Lots of smoke but we have yet a solution to unlock. So lets just count the number of ways the iphone can be unlocked, first the hardware method: George Hotz did the hardware unlock on youtube, then Hackinstosh folks did the hardware unlock with the needle method. On the software end, iphoneunlocking.com says they have the real deal but no deal with AT&T's threats. As for iphonesimfree.com? Is no news good news?

24th August: Day of the unlock

The moment of truth : The idea of a software unlock finally came through today, proven to work on all networks. Don't need to mutilate your poor SIM card with the Turbo Sim method(bladox and Votech must be cursing). This is a software patch which will be made available with iphonesimfree.com. No pricing is revealed but their site is accepting bulk orders of 500 and more for now. So by next week, all iphones will be broken free from AT&T. Expect APPL ticker to free-fall.....come to think of it perhaps this will sell more iphones? Whatever it is, this definitely doesn't goes down well with AT&T for sure.

End of the line for Turbo Sim?

"We hope to find a software unlock very soon. So in one week exactly from this blog post(thats less than the time it takes to ship a turbosim) we will release simple step by step instructions for unlocking, probably not even involving hardware. Sorry about the wait, but I assure you it will be worth it" - Geohot. That sends shivers down Bladox and Votech spine I bet.

While the boys in Bladox are ramming up production in their factory, they could be looking at a serious loss if Geohot release the software unlock on the 28th next week. As it is, holders of Turbo Sim are off-loading and selling their TSim before it turns into a worthless SIM adapter.

New iPod nanos caught on camera!

With a bigger screen, the new ipod nano looks to be the next big launch in a series of new products introduced by Apple. Watch this space..

iPhone Unlocked by George Hotz !!

George Hotz or geohot going by his net moniker, has broke news about his team's ability to unlock the iPhone fully. Though its a hardware unlock currently, he has promised a software unlock in a week. Following is what he said on his site:

" Yes thats right, we have an unlocked iPhone. The hardware is only used to unlock the iPhone, and can be removed after it's unlocked. Thanks to gray, iProof, geohot, dinopio, lazyc0der, and an anonymous contributor for making this possible. Thanks also to everyone who donated and stuck with us in #iphone.unlock. Our group has agreed to release the method in one week. The current method involves taking apart your phone and doing some complicated soldering, with a high probablity of a bricked phone. Although after the phone is unlocked all the hardware can be removed. We hope to find a software unlock very soon. So in one week exactly from this blog post(thats less than the time it takes to ship a turbosim) we will release simple step by step instructions for unlocking, probably not even involving hardware. Sorry about the wait, but I assure you it will be worth it."

The best that has come up for dear old George is an offer for internship with Google he said, next summer. Good job!

Latest offer for a Turbo Sim

Sit back and watch how the economic theory of sarcity unfolds. Someone is putting out an offer of AUD$1000 for a Turbo Sim, crazy.

Turbo Sim sold out everywhere

Bladox has announced that their Turbo Sim has completely sold out in a couple of hours after news broke out on the unlock. Votech, the only other place in the world to sell the Turbo Sim has sold out theirs as well. Last heard, there are desperate buyers out there willing to fork out US$400 for a Turbo Sim which cost $80. Bladox reports to have shut down all the other production line to focus on Turbo Sim alone. Problem now is that raw materials are slow to come in so they are stuck as well. It is just a matter of time before a Chinese copy/fake/clone surfaces to ripoff the Bladox guys since they are so slow to react.

Trick behind the unlocked HK iphone

The answer: TURBO SIM !!
Turbo Sim programs AT&T identification onto it and acts as an conduit to your sim card. This product, made by Czechoslovakian company named Bladox, has been around since 1998. The product itself cost $80. The news is out that the folks in HK is using this method to temporary unlock the iPhone. Mind you that an update from Apple could rule this unlock unusable. Meanwhile the astronomical price tag of the HK unlocked iphone? A whopping HK$12,000! What a total ripoff!

Rumour mongers

Over the week last, rumour has it that the iPhone has been 100% unlocked. The hackers forum suspected that if it is anything true to reality, the phone must be unlocked through the Super sim method. If that is so, the phone must not have been totally unlocked. Rumours about unlocking in Europe, New York and Cananda has been flying. Hong Kong in particular says that a shop "promise" 8 pieces of unlocked iphone for sale on the 7th of August for around $1200 (at double the retail price). My take? This people are harvesting what the hackers team and community has been doing. I really doubt that there is a true blue breakthrough. Keep your money safe in your wallet if you ask me..

The new iMac

As expected the new range iMac utilize the silver aluminum from the Pro series. To top it of, these Macs are using scratch proof glossy glass which as Steve puts it: gives a better look with the graphics. Unlike the hype with the iPhone, there is no need to queue around the block for this beauty. Sleek.

Google Phone, the iPhone killer

Apparently Google is spending millions and working with LG on a google phone. Would it look something like the British website predicted? Looks pretty much like a touch screen too. Hope its not locked to AT&T like the iPhone did.

New iMac event on 7th August, Tuesday

The long rumoured and awaited new iMac is supposed to be unveiled on next Tuesday, 10:00 AM Pacific (1:00 PM Eastern). Rumor has it that Apple will unleash a brand new metallic silver iMac this time round. The event will take place at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. and "Apple executives" will be present, Apple representative said, declining to say whether CEO Steve Jobs will show up. Watch this space..

PSP Phone on the horizon?

The recent patent filed by Sony-Ericsson on a phone with a gaming function sure grabs attention of PSP followers. There were also news of a google phone but no patents were found. It was reported that google is working with Taiwanese company who made the HTC Touch phone. Stay tuned.

Dow Jones: Apple Profit Surges 73% On Strong Mac, IPod Sales

Wall Street Journal: "SAN FRANCISCO (Dow Jones) -- Apple Inc. on Wednesday reported a fiscal third- quarter profit that rose 73% from a year ago, spurred on by strong sales of its flagship Macintosh computers and iPod digital media players, as well as shipments of 270,000 of its new iPhones.

Apple (AAPL) said it earned $818 million, or 92 cents a share, compared to $ 472 million, or 54 cents a share during the same period a year ago. Revenue rose almost 24% to $5.41 billion from last year's $4.37 billion.

Gross margins climbed to 36.9% from 30.3% a year ago.

The results topped the estimates of analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, who forecast Apple to earn 72 cents a share on $5.29 billion in sales.

Investors were pleased with Apple's results, sending the company's shares up $ 12.89, or more than 9%, to $150.15 in after-hours trading. "

iPhone Hacked Like a Computer

Newsfactor.com: A group of U.S. security researchers claims to have discovered an iPhone flaw that can open the door for malicious hackers to take control of the smartphone remotely. "Within two weeks of part time work, we had successfully discovered a vulnerability ... and created a proof-of-concept exploit capable of delivering files from the user's iPhone to a remote attacker," the researchers wrote.

iPhone headset adaptor included in iPod shuffle Sport Case

It has been reported that the small (4.75") headphone port extender cable which comes with the iPod Shuffle sports case works perfectly with the new iPhone.Hmm..

AT & T's numbers are in..

AT&T said Tuesday that it activated 146,000 iPhones during the first two days of its premiere, far less than the estimated 500,000 -700,000 iPhones sold. This piece of news sent shares of Apple Inc. down more than 6 percent, or $8.81 per share, to $134.89. Looking beyond this number, I believe many have bought the phone but hated AT&T's expensive and poor network. According to SanFrancisco Chronicle:

"Because AT&T's figure only factors in activated iPhones, Apple's number will likely be higher. Some iPhone customers reported that they initially had trouble signing up for AT&T's service, for instance. Others bought two and either gave or sold the second one to someone else, which meant that they were probably activated later. And still other customers ordered the iPhone online, which meant they could not activate the phone until they received it."

Next in line, Apple's report of their quarter 3 results:

Apple’s conference call webcast discussing Q3 - 2007 financial results will begin at 2pm PT/5pm ET on Wednesday, July 25, 2007.

Wifi connection testing so far

So far, I have tried the Starhub's connection in Coffee Bean. Speed is not up to par at all. Youtube slowed down to a crawling pace. Web surfing is slow and email upload will take you months! Personally, the Singnet ones are much faster. At most Starbucks the speed is pretty acceptable. It is available virtually everywhere in Takashimaya and parts of Wisma Atria. McDonald's are fine so as Mos Burger joints. Paragon's connection is pretty strong too. Not tried Delifrance and maybe I should. Too bad the food sucks there..

Apple's wireless headset

Costing USD129, it has a neat looking charger as shown above.

Potraits of an iPhone

Found my solution!

Found that my Bang & Olufsen headphone works just perfect with the recessed iPhone jack! I simply push the rubber piece back from the plug and bingo!

iPhone headset

Most headphones would not work with iPhone. To this, Apple has this to say:

"iPhone has a standard 3.5-mm headphone jack, so it is compatible with most portable stereo headphones. Some stereo headphones may require an adapter (sold separately) to ensure proper fit."

Some people have resort to disfiguring their headphone jack, shaving off part of the plug. It will work but that’s just not me. I love my Bose Triport In-Ear too much to cause this much destruction. Goes the same with my Shure E3c which I have spent 300 bucks on it. Apparently it is for aesthetic reasons that the jack is made recessed. The iPhone would be thicker with the usual without this design. Using the adaptor would be the most rational step to take. Belkin has one available for about US$11, so has Shure. I personally like the Griffin adaptor best.

Sweeeet !

Managed to get everything working except the calling function. Load Safari with WiFi connection at places like Mc and Starbucks. Not the fastest but so far, no mobile phone has even come close with the great interface. Once the phone sync with itunes, bookmarks and mail settings are automatically created in the phone. Best ipod so far with cover flow and speakers. Everyone I showed it to would like to buy one immediately.

Jul 20, 2007 : FedEx vehicle for delivery

5 best words I have ever seen: On FedEx vehicle for delivery.

To my dearest iPhone, I have only this to say....

Destroying the iPhone

There are lots of idiots out there. Just two examples here:

Counting down here, 2 hrs 30 mins more..

Meanwhile, a picture on engagdet on the possibly how an iPhone Nano could look. Hmm..food for thought.

Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

Got the best piece of news from Fedex this morning. Customs are clearing my iPhone after getting my email and support documents. Did we learn something from this experience? Hell yeah. Ladies and gentlemen, this proved that writing to a government agency works. It helps if you put your augments in a succinct manner. These people love paperwork, they eat and live support documents.

Feels as if I have won the lottery and hit the jackpot!! By 5pm today they say. Hey wait a minute here, it’s still a far 6 hours away. Oh come on! Why can’t they release it now? I mean N O W!

Well still, I am glad this whole commotion has come to an end.

Thank God. The universe is in balance now.

Color of money

ColorWare Inc. has come up with a new range of products specifically targeting the iPhone. Just send in your iPhone and choose the colors you prefer and Viola, you have a one of a kind color customised product in your hand! Still, it's gonna set you back by $149.

The iPhone Nano by September?

Now this has been rumoured and getting everyone excited. According to AppleInsider:

"Extremely reputable sources have told AppleInsider in recent weeks that the company's iPhone roadmap for the 2007 calendar year includes not one but two distinct models, the second of which is set to turn up just months after the first.

According to one source, development of the second model has followed so closely on the heels of the inaugural iPhone that it was making its final pass through engineering around the same time that today's model hit the manufacturing lines back in May or early June.

Conceived as a scaled back, lower cost alternative to today's iPhone, the second iteration of the handset is presumed to marry iPod functionality with rudimentary cellular capabilities. More resource-heavy Internet browsing and e-mail capabilities are not expected of the device.

In providing the first visual descriptions of the handset, long-standing industry sources -- who've continually been in tune with Apple's future music directions -- have dubbed the device "an iPhone nano" because they say it best describes the the handset's overall form-factor and aesthetic.

Pricing of the new handset is expected to fall significantly below the $500+ asking cost of today's iPhone models, these sources say, but not so much so as to pinch sales of an upcoming revision to the iPod nano."

#$%*@!

Apparently, our customs love the iPhone so much that they have held mine for 2 days (and counting).#$%*@!

After half a dozen calls with rude Fedex customer service and I was finally "referred" to someone who knows about her work. Why is the delivery 2 days late? The delay was due to the iPhone being a controlled item. In fact, all cellphones are categorized by our friendly custom officers as under "Controlled". So what's next I asked. They have to refer to the IDA for approval. To expedite the process, I have to write them a mail giving them payment receipt and air way bill.#$%*@!

Buy Apple, period.

APPL has risen by over 50% in value over the last 3 months. On 16 April APPL stood at 91.43, its last close yesterday shows them at 138.91. Jobs really knows how to milk every cent out of his innovation. The cost of making an iPhone was reported at about 256 USD for a 8G Iphone retailing at 599 USD. That is a whopping 57% of profit for every phone sold. But the story does not end there, by locking and tying the phone to AT&T, Jobs make sure he gets a cut of the monthly $60 or so subscription a customer pays to AT&T. No wonder the hackers are frantically working to crack the phone. As of last, hackers can now activate the iPhone with the calling still locked. Going to the congress is perhaps the right route to take.

According to TheStreet.com:

"People close to the companies tell TheStreet.com that AT&T is paying Apple a bounty of between $150 and $200 per phone -- plus $9 a month per phone over the life of the typical two-year customer contract.

AT&T didn't comment, and Apple said it would have no comment. "

"Free the iPhone:" Congress Hearing

You had me at hello

iPhone ads

The iPhone musical

Henry Winkler introduces the iPhone

What can I say, the guy is funny as hell. Steve must have paid him tons under the table.

I have a dream..

I have this recurring dream that has haunted me the past few nights over receiving an iphony



Called Fedex this morning again and they say it’s still held it customs. Why? Why? Why? They have no answer to that. I bet they are curious about a product they have not seen. Come on guys, stop fiddling my iPhone! Set it free I say.

Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

Obsessiveness is a disease

Everyone around me is obsessed about blogging. Much as I like to call these people obsessive compulsive, alas neither am I spared from it. That leads to why I am blogging.

I blog not because I want to, rather I need to. At this moment at least. I figure writing a blog is a far better option to going crazy waiting for the Fedex van to turn up. So here we go.

You see, I have been drooling over the ubiquitous Apple iPhone. By this time if you still don't know what's an iPhone is, you must be living in a hole. The Americans are excellent marketers, I have long conceded that no one on blue rock does a better job in marketing. If you still don't know what I mean, you should perhaps try watching the June 2006 MacWorld keynote address. Kudos to Steve, he is the best!! Anyway, I digress. My only problem is that this item is not available locally. The only way is to buy them from the US of A. So I hit the infamous ebay, fully aware that I might get swindled in the process. Two weeks after the 29th June official launch of the iPhone in the US, I set my eyes on one which was put up for auction. Patiently I waited until the 11th hour and placed my winning bid. Beginners luck you may say but who's complaining? The auctioneer is a great guy, though he gave me a fright when I did not get a reply for virtually 20 hours after paying him.

Saturday 14th July, the package was picked up from his home in Greenvale, New York. The Fedex tracking page tells me that it will arrive Singapore some 5 days later on 18th of July. Obsessive as I am, I found myself checking the tracking page a dozen time a day. Mind you, this was one of the toughest 5 days in my life, bar none. So you can imagine the elation when 18th finally arrived.

I woke up early this morning to find that the item has reached Singapore shore. Verbatim on the Fedex page: "At dest sort facility - SINGAPORE SG 6.16 am". I was overjoyed! But the joy was short-lived as I soon was overcome with rage, subsequently depression. You see, the package was no where to be seen at noon as promised in their tracking page. I duly called Fedex up only to be told that the item was held with custom clearing and delivery only possible by noon tomorrow. It doesn't help that the voice over the phone nonchalantly deny any possibility of an early release. Damn!

At last checked, all my fingers are crossed.