How a WiMax iPod touch could be a non-AT&T iPhone alternative
A confluence of what-ifs: Envisioning a WiMax version of the iPod touch with Skype. (Credit: CNET) If you want an iPhone in the US, you've got two choices: Use AT&T's wireless service, or risk unlocking your phone to use T-Mobile (the only other American provider that's compatible with the iPhone's SIM-based GSM design). And with AT&T's exclusivity contract in effect until 2012, we'll be well into the next presidential election cycle before that changes. But maybe there's a loophole in the form of the iPod Touch--and its eventual successor. While it looks almost identical, the iPod touch is missing a few key iPhone features. But let's envision a second-gen touch that changes that--call it the iPod Max. The Max would use nearly the exact same housing as the iPhone, including the built-in speaker, microphone, Bluetooth, and camera missing from the Touch. (And since we're fantasizing here, I'll go ahead and make sure the Max uses a flush headphone jack, not that annoying recessed version found on the iPhone.) But here's the key: In addition to Wi-Fi, the iPod Max would have a WiMax module in place of the cellular radio found on the iPhone. And that's where things could get interesting. WiMax is the fledgling 4G high-speed wireless service that's due to be rolled out by Sprint later this year. The details are still thin, but the WiMax service--sold under the "Xohm" brand--is said to be available on a much more flexible basis than cellular service. So instead of a dreaded two-year contract, you'll pay for service on a more a la carte basis--by the hour, by the day, or by the month, presumably on a flat fee all-you-can-eat data plan. So Apple sells its iPod Max (US$499 for 64GB, US$399 for 32GB) as a standalone touch-screen iPod that can also double as a wireless data device. But unlike the current Wi-Fi-only iPod touch, the user can also use the Max to connect to the Sprint/Xohm WiMax network, when and where it's available. That would provide access to any and all Internet-connected apps, even when outside the range of a Wi-Fi hotspot. But why stop at email, instant messaging, Web browsing, and Google Maps? Throw a Skype application on the iPod Max, and the possibilities really expand. If the free Skype-to-Skype calling isn't enough for you, just pay up for Skype's various upgrades--the ability to call landlines and cell phones anywhere in the world, a standard phone number so you can receive calls, voice mail, and even SMS text messaging. Granted, you'd be paying two bills--the WiMax service fee plus the Skype charges--but I'd be willing to bet that even that combined rate would be less than what some people are currently paying for a cell phone bill that includes a good data plan. Meanwhile, Apple gets to sell another "iPhone" that works outside of AT&T's network--but because Skype telephony is technically a "data" service, Apple's not violating the letter of its exclusivity contract with the wireless carrier. Now, let's refresh a key point in case you're just skimming this: I'm making all of this up. There is no such thing as an iPod Max, there's no announced plans for an WiMax-enabled iPod, and there's not even a Skype application available on the iPhone/iPod touch platform, and even if one were to appear, the apparent inability of third-party applications to run in the background (multitask) seems to be a huge stumbling block. And even if all of that were to be resolved, there are still a lot of variables, not the least of which is Sprint's WiMax network: It hasn't yet been launched, and until it is, its pricing, coverage, and reliability remains completely theoretical. (Though it looks as if we'll be getting details sooner rather than later.) By the same token, however, none of this is completely outside the realm of possibility, either. So what do you think? Would you like to see a Skype-friendly version of the iPod touch? Or are you and your iPhone happily married to AT&T until 2012? Via CNET Crave
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mman74 says...
Absolutely agree with this. Maybe not for the iPhone, but there is absolutely no reason to be tied to a 3G contract once WiMax becomes a reality. The operators who paid for the 3G license will be left ruing their investment.
Already in HK, WiFi coverage is available over most of the territory, and the rest is HSDPA, which is typically only available coupled with a 3G plan. Once WiMax is in place the concept of a traditional "mobile phone" will be skewed forever.
I cannot wait!
Mar 18, 2008 11:52
Absolutely agree with this. Maybe not for the iPhone, but there is absolutely no reason to be tied to a 3G contract once WiMax becomes a reality. The operators who paid for the 3G license will be left ruing their investment.
Already in HK, WiFi coverage is available over most of the territory, and the rest is HSDPA, which is typically only available coupled with a 3G plan. Once WiMax is in place the concept of a traditional "mobile phone" will be skewed forever.
I cannot wait!
Mar 18, 2008 11:52
Munk says...
A WiMax ready or a voip client enabled iphone is just not gonna happen via Apple.
As mman74 says wifi is pretty ubiquitious and WiMax is being deployed in even the poorest of countires.
If the users are able to by-pass cupertino or get a client that works for free/cheaply, Apple looses their Fat contracts with all the telco's that carry the iphone.
They get revenue for every device sold as well as a chunk for every activated contract.
If they reach their target of a billion devices, the numbers add up pretty quick & there is no way Jobs & co are gonna let go that easy.
Besides, when have they ever embraced market realities or listened to the consumers??
Apple dap's have always had one of the worst sound qualities and feature list when compared to the competition. Yet due to all the hype they are # 1 in that market and will remain so till it dies a slow death.
Mar 19, 2008 04:36
A WiMax ready or a voip client enabled iphone is just not gonna happen via Apple.
As mman74 says wifi is pretty ubiquitious and WiMax is being deployed in even the poorest of countires.
If the users are able to by-pass cupertino or get a client that works for free/cheaply, Apple looses their Fat contracts with all the telco's that carry the iphone.
They get revenue for every device sold as well as a chunk for every activated contract.
If they reach their target of a billion devices, the numbers add up pretty quick & there is no way Jobs & co are gonna let go that easy.
Besides, when have they ever embraced market realities or listened to the consumers??
Apple dap's have always had one of the worst sound qualities and feature list when compared to the competition. Yet due to all the hype they are # 1 in that market and will remain so till it dies a slow death.
Mar 19, 2008 04:36
ferdiei says...
it's far from reality that Apple or its products would die a slow death. because, while other manufacturers produce identical with a bit of tinny difference (WM) devices flooding & confusing the market, Apple would still pull some new genes even now in the mobile arena. but they must becareful to thread this very delicate but financially rewarding mobile market segment as consumers are becoming more & more discerning in their choices & not falling stupid to pay for (competing) media services such as 3/3.5/4G, wifi, hsdpa today. anyway the fantasies written here is worth enough to make Apple take notice & consider this type of possibility, and more people will be happy!
Mar 19, 2008 08:50
it's far from reality that Apple or its products would die a slow death. because, while other manufacturers produce identical with a bit of tinny difference (WM) devices flooding & confusing the market, Apple would still pull some new genes even now in the mobile arena. but they must becareful to thread this very delicate but financially rewarding mobile market segment as consumers are becoming more & more discerning in their choices & not falling stupid to pay for (competing) media services such as 3/3.5/4G, wifi, hsdpa today. anyway the fantasies written here is worth enough to make Apple take notice & consider this type of possibility, and more people will be happy!
Mar 19, 2008 08:50
edvarcl says...
An alternative iPod to cannibalize the iPhone's sales target?
Apple doesn't like to lose, so a WiMAX Touch with Skype app is an extremely unlikely scenario.
However, a WiMAX Touch that allows a flat-fee download of music via iTunes? That's more palatable given Job's courtship of music labels.
As most of us agreed in Feb 2007, the new iPhone is simply the best mobile music storefront.
blog.wired.com...
Mar 22, 2008 17:03
An alternative iPod to cannibalize the iPhone's sales target?
Apple doesn't like to lose, so a WiMAX Touch with Skype app is an extremely unlikely scenario.
However, a WiMAX Touch that allows a flat-fee download of music via iTunes? That's more palatable given Job's courtship of music labels.
As most of us agreed in Feb 2007, the new iPhone is simply the best mobile music storefront.
blog.wired.com...
Mar 22, 2008 17:03
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