Sprint to Turn iPod Touch Into 3G Mobile Hotspot?

[hexor]

Not sure why people think Steve would be PO'd at this.

 

[dolphin842]

to use Google Voice you need a phone number...I think people confuse Skype and Google Voice...

True, but you can use SIPgate or something similar to get a free VoIP number that can be accessed with an app like Fring. For multitask-capable iPods, it's crazy enough to work for the value-minded. That said, having to pay for a Sprint data plan would probably alienate most of that value-minded demographic.

 

[userexec]

Add a speaker and mic and that would be one very interesting product. At the same time, though, wow that's one ghetto workaround.

 

[spazzcat]

Not sure why people think Steve would be PO'd at this.

I was thinking the samething. He isn't going to care, you have to buy your touch from Apple first.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Nice idea. A "pay as you go" plan for it would be an option I would consider.

That would be fantastic, and would make that ugly thing worth the one time price. I'd really hate if Sprint wanted you to sign a contract. There'd be no point for many EVO and MiFi owners, and others just wouldn't want to deal with yet another contract to pay into.

I was thinking the samething. He isn't going to care, you have to buy your touch from Apple first.

Right, and after that Steve is done with you. He wouldn't care what you did with your touch at that point.

 

[macswitcha2]

I am all for products that pisses off Steve Jobs.

 

[Benjamins]

Not sure why people think Steve would be PO'd at this.

some people like to live in the fantasy world where everything pisses Steve jobs off.

Anyways, more iOS device on the market = Apple win. Steve Jobs must be really pissed off.

 

[dlewis23]

This sounds like a pretty good idea. The device looks a little chunky to me tho. Will cause your iPad to be packing some junk in the trunk...

 

[DCJ001]

to use Google Voice you need a phone number...I think people confuse Skype and Google Voice...

1. My Gizmo5 account gives me a phone number to make and receive calls for free with Google Voice.

b. Google Voice will have a stand-alone app/web interface soon for making and receiving calls for free without needing to have another phone number.

 

[BaldiMac]

Function over form. Always.

I hope you don't believe that. Form (especially in this case) is often a primary function of the device.

 

[liamkp]

I was thinking the samething. He isn't going to care, you have to buy your touch from Apple first.

Does Apple offer any mifis? If not then i dont understand why jobs would be at this.

 

[boncellis]

Great idea. I just hope the implementation works as-advertised.

 

[Fabienne]

Crazy, man.

 

[Ultimatetone]

-
Why just 3G?

I mean, isn't Sprint all about the 4G these days?

Also, they should look at this hotspot device as a means of recycling previous model
iPhones, too, not just making it for iTouch.

That way, we could make use of our last Gen 3, 3GS iPhones and have them

do Wi-Fi duty with one of these hotspot cases, no?


_______________

 

[Minimoose 360]

-
Why just 3G?

I mean, isn't Sprint all about the 4G these days?

Also, they should look at this hotspot device as a means of recycling previous model
iPhones, too, not just making it for iTouch.

That way, we could make use of our last Gen 3, 3GS iPhones and have them

do Wi-Fi duty with one of these hotspot cases, no?


_______________

Dude, Sprint's "4G" coverage is almost non-exisistant.

 

[Melodic]

I am all for products that pisses off Steve Jobs.

I'm sure this won't piss Steve off. Apple still get money from the sale of the iPod. But I can see Randall Stephenson being PO'd because this can potentially take money away from AT&T

 

[EnlightenedOne1]

No opening for camera??

With all the talk of the next touch FINALLY getting a camera in September, it's interesting that there seems to be no opening for one...

 

[macnchiefs]

Thats actually REALLY cool.

 

[4nNtt]

I like to see these efforts. I hope Apple doesn't have an issue with them. iPad next please?

 

[lazyrighteye]

My reaction rests solely on the device's price/fees.

 

[cvaldes]

With all the talk of the next touch FINALLY getting a camera in September, it's interesting that there seems to be no opening for one...

This device is for the current and previous generation iPod touches (a.k.a. 2G and 3G) which don't have cameras.

It is likely that the iPod touch 4 would be a similar form factor as the iPhone 4 and thus would need a separately designed device anyhow. It won't be "one size fits all."

 

[Jeremy C.]

Great idea, the design is a bit meh though. I'd have to see it myself to know whether or not to get it. Hope the cost isn't to bad, otherwise I'll just get an iPhone (once the antenna issue is fixed).

 

[baryon]

What? What is this device? How does it "Turn the iPod Touch into a 3G hotspot"? What's a "3G Mobile hotspot"? And why is it so ugly?

 

[brianadkins]

Virgin's pre-paid mifi plans still better than Sprint's for me...

Just bought one of these for our office a couple weeks ago... Works really well and there's no contract or recurring plan to worry about. Just pull it out of the drawer and top off the pre-paid system when one of us needs to be out or town:

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/phones/mobile-broadband-2200.html

They piggyback off the Sprint network (3G only), but I really like paying for access only when I need it.

 

[Nermal]

Why just 3G?

I mean, isn't Sprint all about the 4G these days?

It's only Rev 0 as well, so the speed is limited even for 3G, but it's a step in the right direction. Do you actually need "4G" speed on an iPod?