http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/ Engadget Comments for Apple and AT&T bring back iPhone home activation http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/I'm pretty you can already do this in the UK already. Feel free to prove me wrong.]]>Dec 11th 2008 10:51AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 10:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
PWNED OS 2.2!

Cydia, Installer and all other types of unlicensed apps for the taking, including PDAshare so I can use the iPhone as a bluetooth wireless 3G cellular modem :-o after Apple decided to remove Netshare from the App Store.

So...what is apple saying about Home activation? HOW ABOUT HOME PWNAGE !]]>Dec 11th 2008 11:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
Anyway, this has been in Europe ever since it was introduced.. Atleast in Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary as well I think..]]>Dec 11th 2008 11:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 12:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 1:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
If you don't want one and plan on coughing up the ETA, this is a way to do it and not have to bother with any human interaction.

Hell, for an existing ATT customer it'd still be $25 cheaper than buying it at the non-upgrade price.]]>Dec 11th 2008 10:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
Thank you AT&T for being reasonable (for once)! =D]]>Dec 11th 2008 10:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:07AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
when you buy the phone in store they set up the account, sign the contract etc. just like before. and while an ATT store might unwisely let you walk out without the itunes connection the Apple stores don't. because they want to make sure the phone works when you leave. I upgraded a line and my first iphone had a dead pixel on the screen when they hooked it to itunes. so they swapped it on the spot.

when you buy from ATT online you do the same set up of your account, agree to the contract etc. the only difference is that you have to wait a day or so for the phone to actually arrive and with luck, activate in itunes without issue. and if you are porting a number you will be without a working cell phone while you wait.

but it is NOT like the first go around when you bought a blank uncommitted phone and had no contract etc. allowing for ease of unlocking without an ETF etc. ]]>Dec 13th 2008 5:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/oh well... we can do this the easy way or the hard way...
]]>Dec 11th 2008 10:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://store.apple.com/us/personalize/iphone?product=MB891LL/A&mco=MjQxODg1NA]]>Dec 11th 2008 1:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 2:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
Which that means nothing, since the person receiving the gift card must go and pick up the iPhone afterward (and if I'm not mistaken, the 'iPhone' gift cards are only accepted at Apple Stores... hopefully I'm wrong). Wouldn't you rather having it under the tree, ready to be connected to iTunes for activation/contract signing? I would.
Last year, one could buy the first-gen *for anybody* as a gift and never have to talk to AT&T about activating it, signing contracts, and getting a data plan (all this was done via iTunes).

There's still no prepaid/non-commitment options, and that saddens me. I'm honestly thinking buying a HK iPhone sounds better and better everyday.]]>Dec 12th 2008 1:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:11AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Treachery
Fee

as in buy iPhone for $199, wait 31 days then turn on AT&T and cancel...]]>Dec 11th 2008 11:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
That's what she said...]]>Dec 11th 2008 1:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 1:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 3:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/In The Netherlands home activation is the only way. You sign your contract and walk out the store with the box still sealed. You can even order online and have it send to you together with the contract sim.]]>Dec 11th 2008 11:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
They forced you to activate them in the stores before because all the unlocking software released during the first iPhone release made it possible to basically buy a bunch of iPhones, unlock them, and sell them on Ebay. They even stopped letting people here buy them with cash. Those same people then got smart and started buying them using gift cards.

Now that pwning software is easily available and iphone is offered in more countries, it isn't a big deal now.]]>Dec 11th 2008 11:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
If one was to steal a BUNCH of sealed Iphone 3G's if they put in a at&t sim and plug it into itunes it will unbrick the phone.]]>Dec 11th 2008 11:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 12:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 1:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 11:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 2:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
kthx]]>Dec 11th 2008 1:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
what you are thinking of is the 'start at home' where you can put in all your personal details and not have to recite them to the person at the store, which on those little keyboards is annoyingly slow. ]]>Dec 13th 2008 5:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
]]>Dec 11th 2008 1:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 12th 2008 8:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
It made me pick a 2 year contract with the order, give a credit card number and SS# for the credit check. If the order is placed before 2pm it will ship for deliver the following day.]]>Dec 11th 2008 1:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 1:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
1. The only reason you want to be first is so you can show off your username.

2. You're not first.

3. Your username]]>Dec 11th 2008 3:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 1:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/That would be great !!]]>Dec 11th 2008 2:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.att.com/]]>Dec 11th 2008 2:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/When I select the first iphone, the family plan optino forces selection of a second phone....but the iphone isn't one of the options.

AT&T FAIL?]]>Dec 11th 2008 3:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/
You are now chatting with Kathlean, an AT&T sales representative.

Kathlean: Welcome to AT&T online Sales support. How may I assist you with placing your order today?

xxxxxxxx: Hi! I can't seem to order 2 iphone 3Gs with a family plan...

xxxxxx: when i select the family plan, i'm prompted to add a 2nd phone...however, the iphone isn't in that list

Kathlean: I am reading your question and will be right with you.

Kathlean: Hello, I am happy to help you.

Kathlean: At this time the iPhone is only available for one per household.

xxxxxx: via online ordering / home activation?

xxxxxx: what if i went into an AT&T store, or Apple store? Could I get two that way?

Kathlean: That is online, yes, I am sorry I didn't state that.

Kathlean: Yes, you may do that in a store.

xxxxxx: OK, not problem. Thanks for your help!
]]>Dec 11th 2008 4:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 11th 2008 5:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://planet-iphones.com/wp-content/filez/upload/iphonewalmart121108.png

"While visiting his local Walmart, our very own Allen was able to snap a few photos of the upcoming pricing arangement for the iPhone. Allen’s friend who works at Walmart gave him a premium peak at this upcoming ad and told him it is sure to come. This photo shows very clearly when and how much the iPhone 3G will be selling for right after christmas time. Just a little authentic glimpse of what is about to happen."
(http://planet-iphones.com/2008/12/11/allen-gets-a-closeup-of-the-walmart-iphone-prices/)

-Planet-iPhones

And, as you can see in the picture, there's gonna be a $550 iPhone without a contract....


]]>Dec 11th 2008 3:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/apple-and-atandt-bring-back-iphone-home-activation/Dec 13th 2008 5:29PM