Use the Original iPhone as a Wifi iPod

[MacRumors]

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:

"If the [original] device is not re-activated as a wireless phone after you’ve 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.

Article Link

[bacaramac]

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.

[EdwardsNH]

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.

[kornyboy]

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Originally Posted by bacaramac

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.

[Motley]

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.

[gkarris]

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...

[Bridge51]

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!

[southyde4eva]

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. (And it would be going to a good home! )

[clayj]

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.

[Bridge51]

Originally Posted by kornyboy

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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.

[anim8or]

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......!

[Modrak]

actually, who cares ? we can jailbreak them anyways, today, yesterday and even tomorrow...

[southyde4eva]

Originally Posted by Motley

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.

I don't think that they're saying it can't be used as a phone ever again. They're saying that if you choose to upgrade, you won't be left with an old iPhone thats nothing more than a doorstopper.

[tbobmccoy]

Originally Posted by anim8or

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......!

The irony behind this all is that right now, I use my old Razr V3 when I go to places where I'm afraid my iPhone may get damaged or stolen... now i'll be using my iPhone 2.5g to do this, as well as being another iPod around for kids. Some good news today from Apple, anyway... although honestly, if they didn't do this, I would hack it.

Also, what's the word on how AT&T unlocks the iPhone? don't they have to after 2 years or something?

[drewsof07]

Originally Posted by clayj

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.

Put me down for first dibs if you decide to sell it for $99, heck I'll give you $105 to cover shipping!
Seriously.

[anim8or]

Originally Posted by tbobmccoy

The irony behind this all is that right now, I use my old Razr V3 when I go to places where I'm afraid my iPhone may get damaged or stolen... now i'll be using my iPhone 2.5g to do this, as well as being another iPod around for kids. Some good news today from Apple, anyway... although honestly, if they didn't do this, I would hack it.

Also, what's the word on how AT&T unlocks the iPhone? don't they have to after 2 years or something?

I didn't realise you could use the iPhone sim in a different handset....!

I am not sure if this answers my question tho..... but a great use of my old one if i don't sell it!

[kornyboy]

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Originally Posted by tbobmccoy

The irony behind this all is that right now, I use my old Razr V3 when I go to places where I'm afraid my iPhone may get damaged or stolen... now i'll be using my iPhone 2.5g to do this, as well as being another iPod around for kids. Some good news today from Apple, anyway... although honestly, if they didn't do this, I would hack it.

Also, what's the word on how AT&T unlocks the iPhone? don't they have to after 2 years or something?

I don't think that they ever have to unlock the phone in the US at all. There are no laws governing that like in Europe.

[Ted13]

Originally Posted by Bridge51

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.

Actually Apple explicitly said that VOIP over WiFi would be permitted. Can't remember during which presentation/Q&A this was said, but they did say it.

[tbobmccoy]

Originally Posted by kornyboy

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I don't think that they ever have to unlock the phone in the US at all. There are no laws governing that like in Europe.

Ugh yeah I just saw that.. and the additional article in the iPhone section re: at&t's policy. Screw that company, as soon as my iphone 3g is purchased, my iphone 2.5g is going TRUE worldphone with being hacked.

AT&T can kiss my @$$. Won't unlock my unsubsidized phone... bah.

[Kwill]

Originally Posted by clayj

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.

If you want to sell your 16GB iPhone for $99, I'll buy it right now!

[tbobmccoy]

Originally Posted by Kwill

If you want to sell your 16GB iPhone for $99, I'll buy it right now!

I'll bid 99.01

[skir0987]

Originally Posted by Bridge51

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!

Why not just use a wireless router? Unplug the ethernet cable from the computer, plug it into the router, connect both devices to the wireless, and voila, you have internet.

Anyways, too bad I already bought a touch. I would've liked to have a Wi-Fi iPhone with a camera

[johnnyjibbs]

Originally Posted by MacRumors

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.

True, but why on earth would you need to when you have your new iPhone 3G to do the same??!

[dizastor]

Now, if only old ipod touch units could be used as iphones... that would be something!

[BryanLyle]

Originally Posted by johnnyjibbs

True, but why on earth would you need to when you have your new iPhone 3G to do the same??!

I guess you could give it to someone else to use as an iPod touch. My daughter would love it