iPhone 3.1 Update Disables Tethering

jole writes "The newest iPhone 3.1 update intentionally removed tethering functionality from all phones operating in networks that are not Apple partners. This is not limited to hacked or jailbroken phones, but also includes expensive 'officially supported' factory-unlocked phones. To make the problem worse, Apple has made it impossible to downgrade back to a working 3.0 version for iPhone 3GS phones."

Comments

You get what you chose

[morgauxo]

It is not a good idea to chose Apple products if you want an ability like tethering.

If an ability is outside of what Apple offers on a shiny plate in their app store you can't trust Apple not to take it away. Apple has always tried to control exactly what their users can do. It's Apple that locks it's users into a marketplace where they actively censor any software they don't like. It's Apple that completely locks out the ability to tether.

Isn't this how it's always been? Apple cares to control what you do with their product even after you pay for it. This has been apparent since the early days of Apple vs the IBM clones. This is why Microsoft grew to become the evil monopoly we would all like to see fall and Apple has been relegated to a distant number 2.

Even the carriers aren't really all that active in trying to prevent people from tethering. They could easily route their traffic through proxies, only forwarding protocols which are likely to be used on a phone. Care for some web only internet anyone? Maybe limit the bandwidth of individual streams, how much bandwidth is needed for a mobile phone optimized stream with it's tiny screen and low fidelity speakers vs one meant for a lap/desktop? I think the fact that carriers even offer as high of bandwidth as they do to the cellphone indicates they really are interested in catering to all their customers including those who insist on tethering even if they wish to discourage as many as possible of the less stubborn users from using the bandwidth they have paid for.

An open source phone is probably the only way to ensure the capabilities you care about will still be there after the next update. Android and Pre might be nice if your on a network which can support them. Also, I don't think Google has enough track record in the cellphone business to accurately predict what moves they might make next. If I'm going to pay 3 digits for anything, including a phone I want to know it will still do what I want it to do for at least 3 years. I suppose Palm has a track record with their old Palm OS offerings. How locked down were they?

Stuck on a CDMA network it's down to Windows Mobile. Evil, closed source monopoly as they may be it's been possible to tether their phones for a long time now! And they also allow you to install whatever program you want whenever from wherever. This is completely opposite of Apple and of the two it's the more open, consumer friendly stance to take.

I suspect that other vendors don't completely lock their users out because they are only out for money. They add hoops to jump through because the carriers make them. But if you are purchasing their device with real money and the carrier is allowing it then what do they care if you re-enable tethering? The carriers discourage open tethering because they want more money but they don't really pursue disconnecting those who tether because that would eliminate paying customers.

Peple however seems to be a completely different form of evil. They aren't just out for money, Apple employees exist to keep the inflated ego of Steve Jobs supplied with a plentiful quantity of hot air. If you install an app from outside the store, enable a feature Apple disabled or otherwise diverge from what Apple wants it is a personal jab at Jobs ego and must be squelched.

Re:MAC WORLD story time again!

[insertwackynamehere]

Hey, you're not Neal Stephenson. You're not George Orwell. You aren't anything. Shut up and GTFO

Re:I think that

[johnlcallaway]

I don't think Apple owners are snobs.

I think their stupid for spending that much on a phone that they can't even put whatever application they want on it. And one where their provider allows for reaching out and deleting applications that they did put on it.

Maybe that should be Apple's new them song ...

Reach out and delete some app
Reach out and just say NO!!!!

Re:I think that

[peragrin]

well they spent that much for a phone they can actually use. I wouldn't even take a free andriod or windows mobile phone. they are ugly, come with dozens of tiny buttons that get crap stuck behind them, have a desktop Interface for a screen that clearly isn't a desktop.

Android should have been released well before the Iphone, not 2 years later, taking 2 more years just to equal functionality. Windows Mobile, is still stuck at 6 for that entire time, and will take at least 2 versions to come even half way there.

So i spend money for the best value of my dollar. the iphone costs slightly more but comes with better integrated, easier to use, and better designed than anything else. it's not cheap plastic that feels flimsy in your hand like the pre. the OS is responsive, and works just like you would expect t to. Hand someone an iphone and they can figure out how to use it without the 300 page manual that blackberries come with.