We're not sure how this one got past Apple's App Store censors, but the clever kids at Nullriver have released what appears to be the first tethering solution for the iPhone. The $10 NetShare app is just a SOCKS proxy that links an ad-hoc WiFi network to the iPhone's 3G or EDGE connection -- and if we could get it to work, we'd probably think it was a fine, if hacky, solution to a major limitation of Steve's baby. As it stands, though, the instructions are pretty sparse, and while we can get the app to recognize a connection, we're not able to actually load anything. We're not sure how long this one's going to last -- anyone else willing to give it a shot before it gets yanked?
[Thanks, Zoli; Warning, link opens iTunes]
Update: Aaaaand it's offline. Shocking.
Update 2: We've added our own video hands-on after the break.
posted July 31st 2008 9:02PM
Oh yeh like totally. I've been looking around the nets and not come across this same article on every gadget site ...not.
@Chris:
*Whoosh*
I got this working no problem. Works for my Edge iPhone and with the 3G iPhone.
Here are my instructions... they might be easier...
On your computer...
(1) Start by creating a new location in Network Preferences (otherwise, you will muck up your normal settings). I named mine NetShare. I then deleted the services it wouldn't use (Ethernet, Bluetooth and Firewire).
(2) Select Airport, and create a new network. Use encryption, preferably 128-bit (be sure you have a password that is exactly 13 characters).
(3) Press Advanced.
(4) Select TCP/IP... choose Configure IPv4 manually ('cause it's easier) and give it the IP address: 10.10.10.1, subnet: 255.255.0.0, and enter 10.10.10.2 for the router (which will be the iPhone).
(5) Select the Proxies tab... select the SOCKS proxy, and enter the address 10.10.10.2 : 1080 for the proxy server.
(6) Click OK, then Apply...
... your computer is done.
On your iPhone...
(1) Go to the settings tab, and select the network you just created (in this case NetShare). Enter the password.
(2) Press the "arrow key" on the NetShare item, to go to the NetShare network setup.
(3) Select the Manual tab, enter 10.10.10.2 for the IP address and 255.255.0.0 for the subnet mask.
(4) Return (go back) to the settings menu, and make sure the network has a check mark... you sould be connected properly.
Now run the proxy application on the iPhone...
(1) Start the NetShare application... note, it should have the IP address 10.10.10.2, and the subnet mask, 255.255.0.0
Done.
Go to your computer and open a webpage (restart Safari if it doesn't take the new settings immediately). While the webpage is coming up, the connections on the NetShare app should show at least 1 (probably more) connections. The data should show some throughput. Note, this information only displays WHILE data is going through the proxy... and also note, most browsers will register multiple connections at once.
As to speed... with 2 bars on Edge, I loaded Amazon's main page in around 60 seconds (fully)... with 1 bar on 3G, I loaded Amazon's main page in around 20 seconds. With my normal broadband connection, the page is loading in 3 seconds or so.
Anyway, nice to have in a pinch. Good luck to all... and to all a good night!!! ;)
I wonder how long it will be before developers start hiding this stuff in their code like easter eggs. Sure it "looks" like a game, and "plays" like a game, but when you input the secret code that they release after thousands of downloads, you get all of the full functionality you want... tethering, voip on 3g in some manner, etc.
It would be next to impossible for them to screen all applications well enough to prevent that sort of thing...
Anyone care to explain whats meant by "tethering"?
Using your iPhone's data connection (EDGE/3G) on your PC/Notebook.
There are a few other options to you if you want to tether you iPhone check out:
http://mediamentalism.com/2008/08/01/how-to-use-you-iphone-as-a-wireless-modem/
I used the second solution and it is working great :)
There are a few other options to you if you want to tether you iPhone check out:
http://mediamentalism.com/2008/08/01/how-to-use-you-iphone-as-a-wireless-modem/
I used the second solution and it is working great :)
Damn comments
Tethering refers to a method that enables your laptop to use your mobile phone’s wireless data connection, i.e. your mobile phone becomes a wireless modem for your laptop
Obviously customers want this. Why do companies insist on not giving customers what they want?
The reason Apple was able to make such a big splash with the iPhone is because none of the other smart phones gave consumers what they wanted. So they came in and gave us a 3g phone that's also a quality portable media device that also has apps. By not giving us absolutely everything we want, e.g: tethering, turn by turn gps, etc. they're leaving the door wide open for competition. The iPhone is the best right now, but it's very beatable. If Nokia put a 3g radio in the N810, the iPhone would be dead in the water.
What business sense does this make? Give customers absolutely everything they want, and then nobody can compete with you.
The cell carriers don't want to compete with each other. If they did, they would lose their fat mark-ups. It's called...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price_fixing
It's illegal, but they get away with it because of stuff like this...
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-07-30-voa53.cfm
The reason Apple was able to make such a big splash with the iPhone is because none of the other smart phones gave consumers what they wanted
Obviously customers want this. Why do *Apple* insist on not giving customers what they want?
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The gap in your logic is that other smartphones DO offer tethering and many other features which the iPhone lack and people want.
No, the iPhone made a splash because its Apple.
I love how dumbasses make inaccurate generalizations about millions of people. Oh yeah it must be because everybody who has an iPhone would rather pay for something than get it for free, right?
I don't want to cause a panic however i have just purchased this from the UK iTunes store and it downloaded instantly! No problems for UK users. Is this a first??
I read something about 02 not giving a shit about tethering, im pretty sure that UK users are okay!! Woo hoo!!!
fyi. its back up on itunes. just downloaded it, and it works!!