There are a number of articles today about AT&T’s new data plans.  Good-bye unlimited data, hello capped limits.  I have no problem whatsoever with capped limits, as long as they are documented to the end-user. There are rumors that the current unlimited plan is secretly capped at 5GB/month, so honest disclosure of 2GB/month is a step forward.

The problem I have is with $20/month for tethering.  This is COMPLETELY ridiculous with a capped limit.  Why should I pay for tethering when I’m also paying for every single byte that comes from AT&T. You can only use tethering with the the DataPro plan. They should give away tethering and hope that people go over the limit, especially on the more limited cap of the DataPlus plan!

I refuse to pay for tethering on top of a capped data plan. In fact, I want to start an open-source project to create router software for the iPhone. This software will NOT be released through the official app store, and it will not be released via Cydia. This will use every undocumented API we can find to enable full wifi tethering.  It will create a Mi-Fi like device via software that you can run on your iPhone, then share with your laptop, iPad, iPod touch, whatever you want.

The first baby step is to buy your own iPhone SDK membership, then download iProxy (see below), then install it on your iPhone and configure your iPhone and laptop to be on the same wireless network and use this socks proxy to browse the web.

http://wiki.github.com/tcurdt/iProxy/

We are looking for coders to help out. Contact us to participate!

I was ready to fork over the $100 cancellation fee and go sign an AT&T contract just to get an iPhone, then we get the news today that Verizon is about to ink the deal we’ve all been waiting for with Apple.

Analysts are now predicting that AT&T will not get their exclusivity extension in 2010. Instead, Verizon may be the next carrier to join the members only club of iPhone carriers. Sources say that discussions have continued since spring of 2009 with Verizon and the deal will likely be finalized soon.

Why Verizon?  First and obvious is the number of people using their service. The second and perhaps more important reason is Verizon being the first carrier to be ready to launch the new standard in wireless technology called LTE (Limited Time Evaluation).  LTE should probably be looked at as the new GSM and universal standard.  The network will roll out with an initial 4g network with vast expandability.

The move from Verizon’s antiquated CDMA to LTE is probably the lure to bring Apple back to Verizon. This new technology combined with endless complaints about AT&T coverage and data speed led to Apple seeking more reliable networks for their users.

I don’t know about you, but I’ll stick with Verizon if iPhone is coming to the network.  If not, AT&T here I come!

This is a rather short entry today, as there really isn’t too much to be said about such news. Ed Colligan has been replaced! Yes, it is true, Palm believes its future now lies in the hands of the man who rode the Palm Pre into battle, Jon Rubinstein, who formerly worked at Apple.Reports show that the new Palm Pre is selling well, however with the announcement of new iPhone, Palm will have its work cut out for them.

Congrats to Jon Rubinstein, and farewell to Ed Colligan!

Today, Monday, June 8th 2009, iPhone 3GS has been released. You thought that was a Terminator movie start didn’t you? It was a faux intro — but the phone has been released.

Let me give you a quick breakdown of its stats pulled from Apples very own website! (I hope you know the link….)

First and foremost, the processing speed and the phones ability to open programs is greatly increased. Some websites are saying around 3.3 times faster (Apples website quotes a more reasonable 2x). I have yet to see any real proof of this, but we will run with it. You can now shoot video! On top of this, you can also edit it. Generally that is most handy when you video tape yourself walking. You know… pocket style. That has happened to other people right? Some more additions are a 3 Megapixel camera with auto focus with the ability to choose the focal point, voice control, a compass for the new age lumberjack, as well as internet tethering. (A quick word to those who wish to unlock on the T-Mobile networking: T-Mobile does not support tethering — they are rather on the fence about it. They don’t say “no” granted. But you’re on your own.) Another note worthy addition is a better battery. Which is generally about 2-6 hours difference depending on which mode the iPhone is in( 2G as compared to 3G) and what you are doing. Let us not forget the new OS 3.0 (But, more on that after I get to fiddle with it.)!

Besides the specs, the new phone is coming in two distinct flavors: a 16GB version for $199, and a 32GB version for $299. Your color choices are also the standard Apple white or black.

Also, for the more frugal minded, AT&T will continue selling the 8GB iPhone G at the new lowered price of $99.

So, if you are still reading this Steve Jobs is asking, “Why have you not left to go buy the new iPhone yet?”

note: oops! the new iPhone 3GS will be available at store on June 19.