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The iFix Is In

Subversives working for the larger good make me happy. Therefore, I’m happy to learn that a mere week after the launch of Apple’s iPhone, hackers are busy “fixing” its flaws.
According to The Wall Street Journal (paid sub. req.), the most popular hack so far is targeted at the requirement that all iPhone users sign a wireless-service contract with AT&T.

Several hackers have posted on the Web step-by-step instructions on how to activate the iPhone’s Web browser and iPod without signing up for an AT&T contract. One of the hackers is Jon Lech Johansen, a Norwegian software expert who infuriated Hollywood by creating a program that allowed customers to copy DVDs onto their computers. He has also worked on ways to alter the iTunes software so songs could be downloaded to devices other than iPods.

Hackers are also busy trying to figure out how to allow for the download of unapproved applications from the Web and to use the iPhone as a Wi-Fi phone.
AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel said the company is “monitoring the situation and, if necessary, will take appropriate action to stop it.” An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
Here’s an idea. Instead of “monitoring the situation” with a team of lawyers, why not see these hackers for who they really are—grassroots product developers—and move quickly to fold their improvements into the product and service offering?

About David Burn

David Burn is the co-founder, editor, and publisher of Adpulp.com. David joined the ad agency business in 1997 as a copywriter and then worked for seven agencies in five states prior to launching Bonehook in 2010. Today, David is a writer, brand strategist, and leader of creative teams in Austin, TX.

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  1. sosmart says

    Well, AT&T will never see them as “grassroots product developers” because AT&T’s only involvement here is that they paid Apple a buttload of cash to be the exclusive service provider for iPhone’s intro. These sentences speak volumes:
    “AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel said the company is “monitoring the situation and, if necessary, will take appropriate action to stop it.” An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.”
    Apple DOES see them as grassroots product developers and will surely incorporate any and all improvements those guys come up with in a future non-AT&T version, after they’ve silently honored their AT&T deal, of course.
    Nice. Wish I was that crafty in my business dealings.