News January 11, 2011

Verizon Hot Spot Part of iOS 4.2.5: AT&T Could Implement?

Gear Diary Verizon Hot Spot Part of iOS 4.2.5: AT&T Could Implement? photo

Image via Tech Crunch

Judie and I have been discussing the Verizon iPhone 4 announcement all afternoon. The pros, cons, new features (there aren’t many), etc. One of the main, if not the only difference, between the Verizon iPhone and the AT&T version is the mobile hot spot feature found on the Verizon version. The Hot Spot feature allows up to 5 users to connect to the iPhone’s internet connection and share it to get online.

After seeing the Verizon iPhone 4 demoed following the announcement we learned that the Hot Spot features appears to be part of iOS and the Verizon phone is running a new version of the iPhone operation system, 4.2.5.

Since the Hot Spot feature isn’t an application, but part of the iOS, we can assume AT&T could easily implement it into their iPhone once this new version of iOS comes out and after they’ve had a chance to test the Hot Spot feature.

So what are the chances AT&T chooses to utilize the 4.2.5 version of iOS and thus offer the same Hot Spot feature to their customers? As Judie pointed out to me it would be a great way for them to try to stay on par with Verizon, and perhaps minimize the amount of current AT&T iPhone users who jump ship and head to Verizon. Especially if they offered the feature for free, instead of charging a monthly fee. Considering that the AT&T iPhone could theoretically operate as a hotspot and still function as a phone at the same time, this would make the AT&T iPhone an even more valuable device.

If AT&T doesn’t plan on using the same iOS as Verizon, then does this mean we’ll see completely different versions for each carrier? Will AT&T even get the same updates at the same time and vice versa?

Stay tuned to find out…

Tags: Apple iPhone, Rumors and Speculation, Verizon

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About LarryGreenberg

View all posts by LarryGreenberg

I have always had a passion for gear and gadgets. It all started for me with the release of the very first Palm Pilot. I've always had an interest in handheld electronics. From handheld PDAs, to cell phones, Mp3 players, watches and other products, I'm the first person my friends, family and colleagues call when they need advice on tech. I have roots in the online tech. forum community. I served as the Administrator to Howard Forums.com and as a Moderator at both Treo Central.com and Blackberry Forums.net. Under the screen name “lgreenberg” I've amassed 50,000+ postings. I also manage my own YouTube channel under the user name larrygreenberg. I'm always eager to help.

Deni Tako

If you’re a jailbreaker, you can install MyWi which allows you to make your iPhone into a WiFi hotspot. The program costs about 10 bucks, and works quite well. Not quite as easy as it being included as part of the OS, but certainly a fair work-around if you’re willing to jailbreak your iPhone.
http://twitter.com/geardiary/status/24931395004538880 Judie L. Stanford

your thoughts? are we on to something? RT @GearDiarySite: Verizon Hot Spot Part of iOS 4.2.5: AT&T Could Implement? http://goo.gl/fb/dMbru
http://twitter.com/alliosnews/status/24931596507283456 AlliOSNews

RT @GearDiarySite: Verizon Hot Spot Part of iOS 4.2.5: AT&T Could Implement? http://goo.gl/fb/dMbru
http://twitter.com/travisehrlich/status/24933996886495232 travisehrlich

RT @GearDiarySite: Verizon Hot Spot Part of iOS 4.2.5: AT&T Could Implement? http://goo.gl/fb/dMbru
http://twitter.com/danielchow77/status/25004365873946624 Daniel Chow

Verizon Hot Spot Part of iOS 4.2.5: AT&T Could Implement? http://goo.gl/fb/yk2N4 #iphone