I think this is a counterproductive argument. Yes, we all have choices and we can make those choice freely, but only within the context and limitations which larger corporations create for their own benefit. Discussing this, and critiquing Apple for their practices is important, just like critiquing and questioning the world in general leads to changes and progress. If we always default to a 'take it or leave it' attitude, what do we gain and how do things change? I'm sure all of those here who are defending APple's choice would have been just as happy if Apple had sold their iphone unlocked to everybody? Then everybody would be happy and customers could choose the carrier they want based on what that carrier offers - things like visual voicemail, for example. Those who wanted extra software could add that, while those who like the way apple does things could just leave their phone the way they are. Everybody would win. Now look at the messs!
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
NY Times: Apples Latest Product, the iBrick
- Thread starter Black Belt
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I think this is a counterproductive argument. Yes, we all have choices and we can make those choice freely, but only within the context and limitations which larger corporations create for their own benefit. Discussing this, and critiquing Apple for their practices is important, just like critiquing and questioning the world in general leads to changes and progress. If we always default to a 'take it or leave it' attitude, what do we gain and how do things change? I'm sure all of those here who are defending APple's choice would have been just as happy if Apple had sold their iphone unlocked to everybody? Then everybody would be happy and customers could choose the carrier they want based on what that carrier offers - things like visual voicemail, for example. Those who wanted extra software could add that, while those who like the way apple does things could just leave their phone the way they are. Everybody would win. Now look at the messs!
The media storm? You mean that blogger in the Times who took three shots at a piece about the Amazon store the other day and still doesn't have it right when comparing iTunes to Amazon or AAC to MP3 or... that guy? Sheesh!
A media storm is when some celeb flees rehab.
The stuff in the papers about the iPhone is not going to deter buyers who want an iPhone, and it's not going to convince anti-iPhone people to buy one, so it's basically like any newsprint, something you wrap fish in tomorrow.
It's the NY Times!!
Who read that rag either physically or on-line?
NY Times today.... USA Today tomorrow, everyones local radio in the morning on Monday.
Not everyone out there may be hackers, but by Monday, everyone is gonna think that Apple is out destroying phones of people who bought the iPhone. That is what the average person will hear, and take out of this. (Yes, you and I knwo that may not be true... but like others have pointed out, most people are not technical, and do not know all the minutia. They will just accept the shortcut and think Apple is a bully)
I haven't got a bloody iPhone. They don't sell them in my country yet
I just thought that if Apple were so intent on having every iPhone user on ATT, it would be better to re-set the phone again so it will only work on that network.
That may be true, but what that means is that Apple would need to waste more development resources (that could be used for finishing Leopard) on making sure that the update was "compatible" with the various unlocking methods out there. It doesn't make sense for Apple to do that. They issued a warning that unlocks might not be compatible with future firmware updates, which basically meant that they weren't gonna try to prevent you bricking your own phone, and people installed the update anyway. Now they're pissed. Sorry, but Apple can't protect against blind stupidity.
I get the feeling you will be really, really upset if Apple does come up with a fix for the bricked iPhones.
I get the feeling you will be really, really upset if Apple does come up with a fix for the bricked iPhones.
I have no problem with Apple fixing the bricked iPhones. It'd be great, in fact, because it would get everyone to quiet down for a while. But I don't think people should be in such an uproar that they tried to get around Apple and lost. I mean, who's fault is it that you (not you specifically, more the general sense) voluntarily installed an update...ignoring all warnings that it might cause permanent damage to you hardware after you had installed third-party software on a closed-development platform.
I have absolutely NO sympathy for those who have hacked their phones, tried to play games with "unlocking," etc., etc.... So Apple's latest update "bricked" their iPhone? Tough noogies!!
The update went smoothly and flawlessly for me and my iPhone and I am happily continuing to use it without any problems. I am the customer/iPhone user for whom Apple is working, not someone who deliberately hacks into their device and tries to implement changes which are not part of the original code that Apple designed.
Hackers, you deserve what you get....
The update went smoothly and flawlessly for me and my iPhone and I am happily continuing to use it without any problems. I am the customer/iPhone user for whom Apple is working, not someone who deliberately hacks into their device and tries to implement changes which are not part of the original code that Apple designed.
Hackers, you deserve what you get....
I'd like to think of myself as an Apple fan but an average user. For me, to spend that kind of dosh on a state-of-the-art device only to hack into it, just doesn't gel. I love Apple's products and have found that if there is enough feedback requesting a certain change, they eventually get around to it. Itunes users wanted DRM free music and eventually Apple offered it. They do listen.
I say this in reference to 3rd party apps and not in relation to other carriers. Everyone knew the rules going in; you can't just change things mid-game. I don't necessarily agree with a locked device, but then again if I want an iPhone bad enough, who cares? Cell phones are all about the contract anyway, so why should an iPhone be any different?
Mick
I say this in reference to 3rd party apps and not in relation to other carriers. Everyone knew the rules going in; you can't just change things mid-game. I don't necessarily agree with a locked device, but then again if I want an iPhone bad enough, who cares? Cell phones are all about the contract anyway, so why should an iPhone be any different?
Mick
I really don't see how a NYTimes blog is considered a media storm. Apple will do just fine. I will not recommend and iPhone to anyone anymore, but thats not because of the unlocking, 3rd party app things.
This is my first post, I mainly just read the forums, but I need to say something.
I have not yet bought an iPhone, but I still plan to do so. As a new customer, and to have never owned anything Apple besides and iPod, I am not turned off at all by what Steve is doing with the iPhone. You bought the phone to use the internet/e-mail/phone services of the iPhone. If you bought it simply to hack it, then it is your own fault it is getting bricked. You are using the phone in ways it was not intended to do so. I have a good feeling Apple will release their own form of iChat, but I am not sure about the other 3rd party apps. As for the carrier hacking, this phone is exclusively for AT&T, if you bought it to use with another carrier, I believe you are breaching a contract from Apple. It is well known that AT&T and Apple are parters as of right now. Everything is clearly stated, and they even gave fair warning to people who have hacked their iPhones. As far as I am concerned, Steve Jobs has done nothing wrong.
I have not yet bought an iPhone, but I still plan to do so. As a new customer, and to have never owned anything Apple besides and iPod, I am not turned off at all by what Steve is doing with the iPhone. You bought the phone to use the internet/e-mail/phone services of the iPhone. If you bought it simply to hack it, then it is your own fault it is getting bricked. You are using the phone in ways it was not intended to do so. I have a good feeling Apple will release their own form of iChat, but I am not sure about the other 3rd party apps. As for the carrier hacking, this phone is exclusively for AT&T, if you bought it to use with another carrier, I believe you are breaching a contract from Apple. It is well known that AT&T and Apple are parters as of right now. Everything is clearly stated, and they even gave fair warning to people who have hacked their iPhones. As far as I am concerned, Steve Jobs has done nothing wrong.
I think it is no big deal. Like everything this will go away. As always I love reading peoples viewpoints on the issue though. Basically it is two sides. The if Apple does it it is okay side. But no one else can do it. (Which seems to go against how some of the best features were incorporated in a Mac...) And the side that says hey if Apple didn't come up with it and someone else did, great. Apple will eventually get around to adding that feature and everything will be all good. (Like how, from my understanding, a lot of features ended up in OS X)
I don't fall into either side, I used to tinker with every computer type item I owned. Now I just want those items to work. My phone works just fine and I am aware of the things I am missing (I came from a Treo). Would I like some added functionality? Sure, but I am not going to add it. I will patiently wait and see how Apple handles it, but I have a suspicion that we may see iPhone 2.0 before we get some of the things we want (if you go based on iPod history).
I don't fall into either side, I used to tinker with every computer type item I owned. Now I just want those items to work. My phone works just fine and I am aware of the things I am missing (I came from a Treo). Would I like some added functionality? Sure, but I am not going to add it. I will patiently wait and see how Apple handles it, but I have a suspicion that we may see iPhone 2.0 before we get some of the things we want (if you go based on iPod history).
The bricking has nothing to do with any hacks or mods to the phone. The distribution of bricks is random to fresh and modded phones. The real problem is Apple's ongoing problem with software quality control. (Heck, just look at the ridiculous iTunes updates every other day) Apparently this update was rushed out without any adequate testing which is inexcusable and the act of amateurs. Apple should be held liable for every bricked phone, regardless of any irrelevant warning it gave, trying to excuse itself from blame.
And downplaying the groundswell is burying your head in the sand. Go ahead if you want.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/01/a-note-to-both-apple-and-iphone-customers-on-the-v1-1-1-update/
And downplaying the groundswell is burying your head in the sand. Go ahead if you want.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/01/a-note-to-both-apple-and-iphone-customers-on-the-v1-1-1-update/
That works both ways, not knowing or caring.
All that such potential iPhone customers are seeing and registering right now are the news headlines telling them their potential new cool phone will be turned into a $400 paperweight by Apple if they put the wrong SIM card in it. Or something like that. Maybe if they use it to visit the wrong website. They don't know. Or care. Whatever it is, it sounds real bad.
As you say, they don't know or care why, or even to whom it's happened. They just know now that it does happen, and it's not good. The message they're getting now is beware buying an iPhone.
Super tough to feel sorry for anyone that was warned AHEAD of time that the update would brick the phone.
AND, it's NOT a mandatory update. iTunes asks you if you want to do it.
So, we had a warning, and an option not to do it.... Hmmm...
AND, it's NOT a mandatory update. iTunes asks you if you want to do it.
So, we had a warning, and an option not to do it.... Hmmm...
That misreading of the public's perception (if true) would last about 10 seconds until they asked anyone what the problem was, particularly if they asked someone at an Apple Store.
And if they actually had any interest in an iPhone, they probably would ask.
"The lucky [PATIENT] ones see a new icon for a wireless iTunes Music Store and a host of tweaks to the user interface. The unlucky ones own a shiny black piece of glass.
Many iPhone owners who unlocked their phones so they could use them with a wireless carrier other than AT&T, as well as those who simply installed application programs that were not authorized by apple, have found their phones unusable. "
Well freaking DUH.
I work for a major TV network, and our research shows that putting iPhone and Britney Spears in any news topic draws a lot of hits. I believe that's the root of this mess. Apple hailed the iPhone as s**t that doesn't stink. So any chance people get to point out what stinks, they jump on it. I take it with a grain of salt, especially considering the first 2 paragraphs that CLEARLY show that the "bricks" are a result of the hacking!!!