5 Sep, 2007
New Jersey Teen Cracks the iPhone Code
A 17-year-old hacker has broken the lock that ties Apple's iPhone to AT&T's wireless network, freeing the most hyped cell phone ever for use on the networks of other carriers, including overseas ones.
George Hotz of Glen Rock, N.J., confirmed Friday that he had unlocked an iPhone and was using it on T-Mobile's network, the only major U.S. carrier apart from AT&T that is compatible with the iPhone's cellular technology. In a video posted to his blog, he holds an iPhone that displays "T-Mobile" as the carrier.
While the possibility of switching from AT&T to T-Mobile may not be a major development for U.S. consumers, it opens up the iPhone for use on the networks of overseas carriers.
"That's the big thing," said Hotz, in a phone interview from his home.
The phone, which combines an innovative touch-screen interface with the media-playing abilities of the iPod, is sold only in the U.S.
Calls to AT&T and Apple for comment were not immediately returned. The companies had not been in touch with Hotz, he said.
The hack, which Hotz posted Thursday to his blog, is complicated and requires skill with both soldering and software. It takes him about two hours to perform. Since the details are public, it seems likely that a small industry may spring up to buy U.S. iPhones, unlock them and send them overseas.
"That's exactly, like, what I don't want," Hotz said. "I don't want people making money off this."
He said he wished he could make the instructions simpler, so users could modify the phones themselves.
"But that's the simplest I could make them," Hotz said. The next step, he said, would be for someone to develop a way to unlock the phone using only software.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story abcnews.com, 8/24/07
Is hacking a gift?
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT)
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the abilities God has given us?
Peter is challenging two kinds of people in these verses - those who feel like they have no talents at all and those who think they are talented and can use them any way they want, without regard for others.
God has gifted each of us. Ask Him to help you identify yours and use them to serve Him! We honor Christ when we use our abilities to serve others and not just for our own enjoyment and benefit.
George Hotz, the 17-year-old hacker, is probably smarter than most of us can imagine. While the ethics of what he has done in cracking the iPhone code are in question, his ability is not. George has a bright future, especially if he chooses to use his God-given intelligence and abilities to please and honor God.
Each of us must recognize that though we may never understand the technology of an iPhone, God has a big call on our lives with the way He has gifted us.
God has not made us all the same. He never intended to - He loves variety! God planned and designed our differences and unique talents. We must be who He created us to be for His glory and to serve others.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for His unique way of creating you and everyone with unique talents and abilities. Even if you're not sure of your "special gifts" right now, praise Him because He has gifted you! Ask Him to show you your gifts and how to use them for His glory.
- Read other passages that give instruction about spiritual gifts and abilities: Romans 12:6-8, 1st Corinthians 12:8-11, and Ephesians 4:11.
- Pray regularly for God to help you discover your unique gifts and abilities.
- Ask your youth leader, pastor and Christian friends to help you identify your gifts and abilities.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Look for opportunities to use your God-given abilities to build friendships with people who need Jesus. God will show you how to learn to know their stories.
- The next time you and your friends are using your cell phones, bring up today's story about the iPhone hacker. Use it as a conversation starter to talk about what you have learned about God giving everyone special abilities.
- Ask your friends or family members about their abilities or point out to them the God-given abilities you see in them.
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