The iPhone hacks are starting to get more interesting. Hackers haven't yet pulled off the [number one most requested hack][1], unlocking the phone for use on any network, but a commenter on a GigaOM thread claims to have found a way to use the iPhone without AT&T service, something which was rumored to have been impossible. As the commenter writes: "Once disconnected, the phone, voicemail, and SMS features of your iPhone will no longer work. You'll see "No Service" in place of the AT&T name with no bars shown. BUT all other functionality of the device will work (including WiFi)." Given that pretty much all mobile providers suck, each in their own special way, and even if it's unlocked there still won't be 3G support, unlocking the phone seems mildly useless to me (save for the ability to use it abroad). The ability to use the iPhone as just a handheld mini computer over wifi actual strikes me as far more useful in the long run. But it isn't just hacks that are trickling in, there's some useful web apps as well. My personal favorite is the [iChat for iPhone][2] which is written in JavaScript and allows for web-based chats on the AIM network. While it's ideal with a wireless connection, it's not too bad even over EDGE. The source is available and can be hosted on your own server. There's also a [nice skin for Google Reader][3] which looks like it would make it a little easier to use on the iPhone, but i can't figure out how to make it work (or else it's just timing out on my current EDGE connection). For other useful iPhone apps, check out the [iPhone Application List][4] which is doing a good job of tracking down various iPhone optimized web tools. Having used the iPhone for a few days now I'll admit that the device is growing on me. There are still a number of things that annoy me (number one being the lack of multimedia messages -- even my camera-less five-year-old Nokia could do that), but I actually find it to be an excellent phone. Yes I'd like more features, but in my experience the call quality is excellent, dialing and contact navigation is by far the easiest of any phone I've used and the SMS interface is wonderful. If you'd like to check in on the state of the unlocking hack there's the iPhone Dev Wiki. Earlier the site wound up on Slashdot and Digg which caused it to choke so I won't add a link, but feel free to login to the IRC channel if you'd like to help out the hackers, it's #iphone on irc.osx86.hu. [1]: http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/2007/06/hackers-start-y.html "It's Up To Users To Solve The IPhone's Shortcomings -- Hackers Start Your Engines" [3]: http://davidcann.com/iPhonify/GoogleReader/ [2]: http://www.publictivity.com/iPhoneChat/ [4]: http://www.iphoneapplicationlist.com/