No Tethering Option for iPhone 3G

[Tosser]

Oh, well then I guess that's something I absolutely won't miss, then - where I live, sending MMS to a phone number only works when the person you're sending to is using the same carrier - if you send to someone on a different carrier's network, you have to know their phone's email address (which kind of defeats the purpose, I think) ...

It certainly does. However, in most of the developed world, you simply choose whether you want to send a standard sms or an MMS. That's it.

You've obviously never tried accessing email on an iPhone or iPod Touch. I've been doing it for the past seven months (I've probably sent 95% of my email from my Touch since last November) and it's a lot easier than you seem to think. Actual experience with a product would probably make it easier to offer meaningful (and accurate) observations. Just a thought.

Er, I think you mistook my sarcasm for something else. I actually _don't_ think there's anything new in sending a mail from a small handheld device, so you going on about me lacking "actual experience" is rather moot and, frankly, quite entertaining.

I thought the sarcasm dripping from the sentence would speak for itself.

 

[mavis]

Er, I think you mistook my sarcasm for something else. I actually _don't_ think there's anything new in sending a mail from a small handheld device, so you going on about me lacking "actual experience" is rather moot and, frankly, quite entertaining.

I thought the sarcasm dripping from the sentence would speak for itself.

You're right, I did misunderstand what you had said. It's just that the iPhone will be the first phone I've ever owned with a real email client. I guess living in Japan and buying the latest and greatest handsets for the past six years has taken it's toll. I am SO looking forward to not having to mess with poorly implemented MMS anymore!

 

[Tosser]

You're right, I did misunderstand. It's just that the iPhone will be the first phone I've ever owned with a real email client. I guess living in Japan and buying the latest and greatest handsets for the past six years has taken it's toll. I am SO looking forward to not having to mess with poorly implemented MMS anymore!

Ah, yes, it's poorly implemented to simply receive that picture or video in the MMS.

The way the iPhone works is much, much better: Giving you a link a long code, getting you to online, type the code in, and then you get to watch.
And you not being able to send an MMS, resulting in you needing to know the carrier of the one you're sending to, so you can_mail_ them at phonenumber@carrier.co.jp! That is such a big improvement!

But anyways, when it comes to MMS, apparently Japan _is_ ass-backwards.

 

[mavis]

Ah, yes, it's poorly implemented to simply receive that picture or video in the MMS. The way the iPhone works is much, much better: Giving you a link a long code, getting you to online, type the code in, and then you get to watch.

What are you talking about? What long code??? I can view images sent from a mobile to my email address just fine in the Mail app on my iPod.

And you not being able to send an MMS, resulting in you needing to know the carrier of the one you're sending to, so you can_mail_ them at phonenumber@carrier.co.jp! That is such a big improvement!

Umm, you could just hit REPLY. That's what I do and it's worked out great all these years.

But anyways, when it comes to MMS, apparently Japan _is_ ass-backwards.

No arguments there. Which is why I can't wait to have a phone that can actually handle real email.

 

[Tosser]

What are you talking about? What long code??? I can view images sent from a mobile to my email address just fine in the Mail app on my iPod.

Okay, look here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimedia_Messaging_Service

We're talking MMS, not email. It's send from phone A to phone B over the cell network, JUST like an SMS.
This way (unless, apparently if you live in japan) you only need the blokes phone numbert to send it to him.
If you're on the receiver side, you do _nothing_, it just comes in, JUST like an sms.

Umm, you could just hit REPLY. That's what I do and it's worked out great all these years.

Again, we're NOT talking e-mail. Sigh!

Go look up "MMS iPhone". You have to WORK AROUND the lack of this feature. You can't even receive one, but get to type in a code. Oh, and since you can't copy/paste on the iPhone, you literally have to type that long code.

No arguments there. Which is why I can't wait to have a phone that can actually handle real email.

Sheesh! You _still_ don't get it, do you?

 

[mavis]

Again, we're NOT talking e-mail. Sigh!

Neither am I. On my phone I can send an "MMS" to either a phone number (same carrier only) or an email address, mobile or otherwise. There is no distinction. Therefore, there is no workaround for me - in fact, quite the opposite. I can now send messages from my phone the same as I've been able to for years, except now I can send and receive using my regular email account, rather than having to use the email/MMS from my carrier. I couldn't be happier!

Go look up "MMS iPhone". You have to WORK AROUND the lack of this feature.

No, I think you mean you would have to work around that feature. I certainly won't have to (see above) ...

Sheesh! You _still_ don't get it, do you?

Oh, I get it - this is all highly inconvenient for you and many others. But for some of us, the iPhone is a HUGE improvement over what we've been forced to deal with for so long. Do you understand that??

 

[2002cbr600f4i]

I guess my frustration stems from, if it really is AT&T controlling this, why do they exclude the iPhone from doing things that nearly every other phone they sell being able to do:

1) tethering - been doing it for nearly 2 years... Just had to pay for the data plan that allowed it (could have just done it with the media connect plan that was only a data plan for the phone, but would have to worry about getting caught, so I paid for the full Laptop Connect plan...), I mean, if they're worried about lost revenue, just provide a "Laptop Connect/Tethering" plan for the iPhone for more $$$ and be done with it.

2) MMS - show me a phone sold in the last 5 years by AT&T that CAN'T do this?

3) Exchange vCards via Bluetooth - Again, nearly all modern phones can do this.. Why the heck would you exclude the iPhone from doing it?


Now, maybe #2 and #3 are Apple's fault? Maybe they're trying to take too much of "it's a pocket computer, not just a phone" approach and trying to take a very PC/Mac Computer approach to the problem and forcing users to use Computer type processes (email) for those things... But it's still JUST A PHONE!


Also, anyone know what, Exactly, the difference is between the consumer and the business data plans for the iPhone? $30 vs $45 adds up. I'm just wondering if there's additional capabilities or something with the business plan...

I REALLY want the iPhone so I can have 100% sync with my iCal, Address Book an such (My current phone is a NIGHTMARE to keep sync'ed). I might even be able to forego hauling around the laptop all the time if the iPhone is capable enough. That's really the only advantages in my mind. That and the MUCH nicer interface than most mobiles. I HATE TXT msging on most phones.

 

[Tosser]

Neither am I. On my phone I can send an "MMS" to either a phone number (same carrier only) or an email address, mobile or otherwise. There is no distinction. Therefore, there is no workaround for me - in fact, quite the opposite. I can now send messages from my phone the same as I've been able to for years, except now I can send and receive using my regular email account, rather than having to use the email/MMS from my carrier. I couldn't be happier!

You know, I can send a picture to an email as well.
The problem is, if I send you and MMS as it's supposed to be (as in not needing anything but a person's cell phone number (i.e. not needing to know their email, nor carrier)), and you're on an iPhone, you will have to do as I have explained ad nauseum. Puhlease do a search and get the basics right. You have had numerous opportunities by now. You should be able to get it straight by now.

No, I think you mean you would have to work around that feature. I certainly won't have to (see above) ...

[shakes head in disbelief] No, I don't, that's my whole point. Of course, if people only send you mails, and you groomed your friends and each and everyone that _might_ send you a picture, then you won't have to work around anything. But the fact is, if you're send an MMS to your phonenumber (i.e. an MMS, NOT an email), you will have to do as I have explained now for the umpteenth time.

Oh, I get it - this is all highly inconvenient for you and many others. But for some of us, the iPhone is a HUGE improvement over what we've been forced to deal with for so long. Do you understand that??

Please read the link I provided.
The fact is: The iPhone is NOT capable of either sending, NOR receiving MMS. Yes, it can receive and send EMAILS, but that is NOT the same. And if people have send you an actual MMS, (NOT email), then you will HAVE to use the workaround I explained.

And, no, _I_ won't have that problem, as both my phone and my PDA are capable of sending MMS's and emails and browse the web. There's nothing new in that. Oh, and they copy/paste too, not to mention have disk mode and both are capable of tethering (not that I need tethering, as I use a dongle for that on my MBP.


So much for "having had the latest and greatest handsets for six years" if you have problems fathoming even the basics.

 

[.Andy]

I think I'm going to opt for the white iPhone. I want the 16gig and it will be a little different from what most people will have. What colour are you going to get tosser?

 

[netdog]

I am loving O2 more and more.

Their initial £35 offering was pretty cr@p, but now with 600 minutes, 600 SMS, and 3G complete with laptop tethering, this is looking more and more like a great deal.

 

[Tosser]

I think I'm going to opt for the white iPhone. I want the 16gig and it will be a little different from what most people will have. What colour are you going to get tosser?

Hmm, methinks I'm going for "transparant", as in the emperor's clothes. You know, and go buy something made from real cloth, with real pockets, buttons and zippers.

 

[.Andy]

Hmm, methinks I'm going for "transparant", as in the emperor's clothes.

I think the invisible shield will be a good choice for you. I've got one for my touch and you can hardly see it! I'm not sure when they'll be available but the pre-order is up on the invisible shield webpage. Well worth the money .

You know, and go buy something made from real cloth, with real pockets, buttons and zippers.

I don't like added bits to my phone. My girlfriend has a little panda bear hanging off the antenna but I like the streamlined phone. I guess you can buy whatever suits you and everyone is different in their tastes.

 

[Tosser]

I think the invisible shield will be a good choice for you. I've got one for my touch and you can hardly see it! I'm not sure when they'll be available but the pre-order is up on the invisible shield webpage. Well worth the money .

Depends. I prefer products that actually give me the features I want and need, and only after that, does it matter what brand it is. As it is, I'm not buying an iPhone (nor a touch) because of the numerous shortcomings, and secondly because Apple's QC have taken a tumble. I'm not buying any products that is in the category "just one more useless thing" (i.e. I'd still have to carry what I carry now because of lack of features, thus both of those would just be toys: Useless).

You're right though: You think I could get away with buying the invisible shield only? People wouldn't know nothing was in there, would they? I could simply go "Nope, sorry, the iPhone/touch" doesn't do that" every time someone asked - it's not as if people would be surprised by now.

I don't like added bits to my phone. My girlfriend has a little panda bear hanging off the antenna but I like the streamlined phone. I guess you can buy whatever suits you and everyone is different in their tastes.

I know. Bifurcation is utter useless and get's in the way when bicycling. I think I'll go for wearing a sarong instead. "Keeping it simple" I call it. Although some people prefer to call it "crippled", I insist it's "keeping it simple"

 

[anmoldagreat]

No AT&T phones technically allow tethering without paying an additional $40...

This is not news at all. It will be hacked in days just like every Windows Mobile phone and Blackberry... Stop sensationalizing everything iphone, people.

Newsflash - the iphone might make calls!

isnt it just annoying thinking that you have a high end phone and have to hack it to do basic things?
i have an n95 which tethers by bluetooth so seamlessly and effortless and i only have to pay 15 dollar a month data plan

i tend to use my n95 more than wifi at my own apartment just because 3g is faster at times...

 

[mavis]

-lengthy spiel about MMS-

I'm sorry, but what you're describing sounds even more worthless than the 'Japanese MMS' I've used for the past six years. At least here in Japan, where what you describe only works with people using the same carrier as yourself, MMS sounds fairly worthless.

I'll take real email any day of the week.

 

[jamesarm97]

Go look up "MMS iPhone". You have to WORK AROUND the lack of this feature. You can't even receive one, but get to type in a code. Oh, and since you can't copy/paste on the iPhone, you literally have to type that long code.

While we are on MMS and copy / paste. They send the link viewmymessage.com along with the code and password, why can't they just sent the whole thing as a link you can just touch and pull up in safari and have it do the login for you?

 

[Tosser]

I'm sorry, but what you're describing sounds even more worthless than the 'Japanese MMS' I've used for the past six years. At least here in Japan, where what you describe only works with people using the same carrier as yourself, MMS sounds fairly worthless.

I'll take real email any day of the week.

Hmm, the only "lenghty spiel about MMS" I'm describing is how ridiculously one has to go about it on the iPhone. And apparently it works ridiculously in japan as well, for god knows what reason. Who would have thougth.
But seriously, you seem to be arguing that Apple should shoot for the lowest common denominator, because that lowest denominator won't be able to do anything with anything more advanced and thought-through.

Also, by having actual MMS-capability, one doesn't have to forego mail. It's not an either/or, it's a "both/and".

While we are on MMS and copy / paste. They send the link viewmymessage.com along with the code and password, why can't they just sent the whole thing as a link you can just touch and pull up in safari and have it do the login for you?

Yup, it's hardly a "neat" solution.

 

[mavis]

But seriously, you seem to be arguing that Apple should shoot for the lowest common denominator, because that lowest denominator won't be able to do anything with anything more advanced and thought-through.

No, I think you've completely misunderstood. I'm just amused that people are getting their panties in a twist over the lack of feature like MMS. But, that's just my opinion.

 

[2002cbr600f4i]

No, I think you've completely misunderstood. I'm just amused that people are getting their panties in a twist over the lack of feature like MMS. But, that's just my opinion.

Eh... It all depends... Some people use the heck out of MMS... Several friends of mine send me TXT and MMS messages almost daily (much to my annoyance since they KNOW my cell plan makes me pay $0.20 PER MMS...) It just depends. Everyone's usage model is different... I RARELY send MMS messages... But I'd also hate to not have that capability the one time I DO want to send it... And it's annoying that such a common feature found on nearly every other phone doesn't exist on the iPhone.

Sure I could just send it as an email attachment, but I can't always do that to friends for them to receive on their non-iPhone cells, can I? They're expecting to get it as an MMS.

 

[mavis]

And it's annoying that such a common feature found on nearly every other phone doesn't exist on the iPhone.

Actually, what I find annoying is that more phones don't support email (POP/IMAP) which has been around a lot longer than MMS!

But to each his own. I understand what you guys are saying, and I realize that if I lived in a country where such a crippled messaging system was popular, I'd probably want it on the iPhone too.

 

[Tosser]

No, I think you've completely misunderstood.

Sure, I "completely misunderstood" when you claim the MMS solution (i.e. non-existant) is a great and elegant solution

I'm just amused that people are getting their panties in a twist over the lack of feature like MMS. But, that's just my opinion.

What a cop-out. I guess one has to come up with something like that, after having shown oneself to not even know the difference between MMS and email.

Yes, we* are amused.

Actually, what I find annoying is that more phones don't support email (POP/IMAP) which has been around a lot longer than MMS!

Er, didn't you claim to have had the "latest and greatest phones for the last six years"?

So much for that claim.



*It's the royal we.

 

[mavis]

-snip-

Welcome back, it was getting lonely in here. As much fun as it is to listen to your incessant whining, perhaps this isn't the place to discuss MMS on the iPhone (seeing as how this is a thread about the lack of tethering) ... Perhaps you can start a new thread about the lack of MMS, or even better, join the discussion in one of the numerous threads already discussing that topic. Just a thought.

 

[Tosser]

Welcome back, it was getting lonely in here. As much fun as it is to listen to your incessant whining, perhaps this isn't the place to discuss MMS on the iPhone (seeing as how this is a thread about the lack of tethering) ... Perhaps you can start a new thread about the lack of MMS, or even better, join the discussion in one of the numerous threads already discussing that topic. Just a thought.

Great. Yet another cop-out, since you have no arguments whatsoeever.

I especially like your fanboyish "incessant whining". It's really befitting you.

It's funny though – take a look here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/search/?searchid=11120982

It's your profile. Looks like you're more than willing to discuss MMS (even if you can't tell the difference between that and email). Only when you're outed as ignorant to what MMS really is, you go "we're discusing tethering here, not MMS".
Well, you're way too late for that, mavie
But anyway, why do you insist on playing a fanboy, continueing to pretend that no phone before the iPhone had email? And choose to do that in a thread about tethering? How about you took your own medicine?

 

[clevin]

we need to accept the legality behind popular items, most of those items, they are popular for some good reasons.

This type of "i don't need it so its fine" argument is really make no sense and is absolutely meaningless in the whole picture.

"Think different" shouldn't be transformed into "think absurd"

 

[Rybold]

What are you talking about? This option is available on virtually ALL 3G phones. I know a buddy of mine will most certainly not buy an iPhone now because of this. He's got a crappy 3G phone and he tethers it.

And all those times I'm sitting around with my laptop this really annoys me. Hopefully they'll be an app or SOMETHING! This is crappy and is going to kill the crackberry conversion #'s single handedly...

Same here. I have a small 11.1 inch Sony laptop that I carry around with me just about everywhere and I use my blackberry as a modem. I have internet access everywhere. When I stray from urban areas, the speed of the connection is terrible, but hey, I'm normally in urban areas and it works great.

This is a big disappointment that the iPhone will not do what the blackberry has already been doing for years. This is sad. I sure hope someone releases an app/hack/update to solve this.