You all know George Hotz. George Hotz is the 17-year-old from New Jersey who successfuly managed to unlocked or hacked an iPhone and use it on T-Mobile’s wireless network.
I just read a news article that George Hotz trade his unlocked iPhone for a brand new Nissan 350Z and 3 8gb iPhones. Plus a paid consulting job. This tender offer made by Terry Daidone, the founder of CertiCell, a mobile phone repair company. Certicell contacted him and offered to make a trade for the unlocked phone. Obviously the teenager accepted it. In his blog, “I traded it for a sweet Nissan 350Z and 3 8GB iPhones,” Hotz posted.
Oh man, that is the worst trade of 2007 in technology market. Bad exchange!!! What were you thinking George? Can’t you see the potential of your genius work? Why didn’t you think about it for a day or few hours before you make that trade?
What about potential market for unlocked iPhones?
Though CertiCell claims to currently have no plans to “commercialize Mr. Hotz’ discovery.” Yeah right~ You give him a new car and a consulting job so that you can carry around unlocked iPhone in your pocket? As we speaking, engineers and technicians at CertiCell are probably working around the clock to convert iPhone fast, reliable and profitable. Here’s the official announcement from CertiCell.
Until now, the rest of the world has been frozen out from using the iPhone because of AT&T has an exclusive multi-year deal with Apple to sell the iPhone in the U.S. Both company undisclosed the details but analysts believe its 100% of handset revenue and about $10 a month. Apple has been shopping around in Europe in search of a mega deal similar with AT&T. More likely UK, France and Germany will be the lucky country. The rest of Europe will have to wait until 3 Quater of 2008.
Now CertiCell will changed the iPhone market completely, if users can buy an iPhone and use it anywhere on any network. CertiCell can convert iPhone for $200 and sell a self installation kit for $99. Apple lovers who signed a multi year contract with other carrier will pay for this service instead of paying huge pre-cancellation penalty.
What about the rest of the Europe, South America and Asian countries? It’s a huge market for this type of service.
The George Hotz listed the tools required to unlock the iPhone, which include a trusty case opener, a soldering iron, fine pitch wire, and an unlock switch. But many people will not mess with such an expensive toy. It’s a huge advantage for CertiCell.
CertiCell will sing all the way to the bank until AT&T deal expires or Apple develop anti-hack iPhones.
George Hotz just give away a multi-million dollar secret for a new 350Z. Hotz and his friends invested 500+ hours on this project. That should be worth more than 350Z.
CertiCell got the bargain of year.