Use the Original iPhone as a Wi-Fi iPod
Appleinsider reports that an AT&T spokesperson has informed them that customers upgrading to the iPhone 3G could continue to use their original iPhone as a Wi-Fi iPod:
When the original iPhone was released, there had been some interest in using the iPhone as an 'Wi-Fi iPod' by canceling your service, but there had been some initial concerns that this functionality might be later disabled. It appears these iPhones without service do remain functional long after the canceling of mobile service.
Obviously, with the introduction of the iPod touch in September, interest in this possibility dwindled. However, now it remains a useful alternative to selling or otherwise handing down your existing iPhone. Those who wish to activate new service on their original iPhones will be glad to know the original iPhone rate plans are preserved.
"If the [original] device is not re-activated as a wireless phone after youve upgraded to iPhone 3G, it will still work as an iTunes player and can access Wi-Fi," the spokesperson said.
This would replicate the functionality of the iPod touch, with the additional ability to record audio and take photographs. If it can be successfully upgraded to 2.0 firmware without service, the original iPhone could also be used to run 3rd party apps and games.When the original iPhone was released, there had been some interest in using the iPhone as an 'Wi-Fi iPod' by canceling your service, but there had been some initial concerns that this functionality might be later disabled. It appears these iPhones without service do remain functional long after the canceling of mobile service.
Obviously, with the introduction of the iPod touch in September, interest in this possibility dwindled. However, now it remains a useful alternative to selling or otherwise handing down your existing iPhone. Those who wish to activate new service on their original iPhones will be glad to know the original iPhone rate plans are preserved.
Top Rated Comments
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47 months ago
I thought if you restored the iPhone it would have to verify activation again??? If not, it will make a great Wi-Fi VOIP Phone with that new app being released.
47 months ago
Ipod Touch with camera, speaker, and microphone! Yipee! Well, ok, not so yippee for me, I already have a Touch and won't buy someone's iPhone too.
Still, what a great addition for those who want it. Wonder what the next model Touch will look like.
Still, what a great addition for those who want it. Wonder what the next model Touch will look like.
47 months ago
I thought if you restored the iPhone it would have to verify activation again??? If not, it will make a great Wi-Fi VOIP Phone with that new app being released.
That's a really good point. Though I thought there was a possibility that Apple would be banning VOIP apps from the App Store. I think that was just a rumor though maybe even simply speculation.
47 months ago
Buy why can't it be used as a phone? If someone paid full price for it they should be able to get it unlocked and used for whatever they want.
Seems unfair to be told that AT&T doesn't want you using the device somewhere else for it's intended purpose.
Seems unfair to be told that AT&T doesn't want you using the device somewhere else for it's intended purpose.
47 months ago
I don't see the point of carrying around 2 iPhones. I guess they make great backups.
I can see a 4Gig iPhone with a 32 Gig Touch...
I can see a 4Gig iPhone with a 32 Gig Touch...
47 months ago
This would be amazing! The abillity to use the phone strictly with VoIP and not a service plan?
Now if only I can find a device that plugs into a computer that sends out wireless using the computer's internet...work would be so much more fun!
Now if only I can find a device that plugs into a computer that sends out wireless using the computer's internet...work would be so much more fun!
47 months ago
Awesome! It's good to know I can still hand it down to my little cousin now, even though her parents said they wouldn't pay for iPhone service. She could get some use out of it. :cool: (And it would be going to a good home! :D)
47 months ago
I'm still deciding whether to sell my 16 GB iPhone v1.0 (for what, $99 or so?) or keep it to use as an iTunes Remote Control, using the new app that's going to be available next week. It'd be nice to be able to just keep the old phone around for that purpose and as a spare in case something happens with my new 3G phone.
47 months ago
That's a really good point. Though I thought there was a possibility that Apple would be banning VOIP apps from the App Store. I think that was just a rumor though maybe even simply speculation.
They are banning apps that use the cellular network (the 3G portion). They haven't said anything about WiFi, which is good. If they made it work over 3G At&t would be screwed IMHO.
47 months ago
Does the phone need to have a sim card in it for this functionality?
I wonder how much second hand iPhones will fetch now with this little gem of an idea......!
I wonder how much second hand iPhones will fetch now with this little gem of an idea......!
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