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We thought we’d heard the last of this whole AT&T / Starbucks WiFi deal yesterday, but alas, we were terrifically mistaken. AT&T has come forth today with two fluffy press releases that flesh out the details, and amazingly, there are some inclusions that we weren’t made aware of yesterday. For starters, all iPhone / iPhone 3G customers will now have free (and seemingly limitless) access to AT&T WiFi hotspots across the US — we’re talking Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, the whole lot. Additionally, the carrier has welcomed select BlackBerry users — that’s the Bold for now, the Pearl 8120 / 8820 “later this year” — into the same deal, though the official verbiage mentions that an “unlimited data plan” is required. If you didn’t make the cut this time, fret not — AT&T has plans to invite “more mobile devices” into the fold here shortly.

Read - Free AT&T WiFi on iPhone / iPhone 3G
Read - Free AT&T WiFi on BlackBerry

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Apple has a new scheme to “hack-proof” itself partner’s special Wi-Fi connection

Apple’s iPhone is the cell phone market’s hottest purchase – and Starbucks is the coffee business’s hottest cup of Joe.  So it seems a natural union that these two wildly successful companies, which largely target the same market segment, should develop a partnership.  Sure enough a partnership was announced last September.

The deal offered free Wi-Fi to iPhone users, as well as occasional special free iTunes song downloads.  The Wi-Fi provided allowed customers to download songs and surf the air faster (until the iPhone 3G, Wi-Fi was the only way you could connect to iTunes as there was no over-the-air downloads).  Despite a lawsuit from a jealous T-Mobile, who had been Starbucks former partner, the new offering was highly anticipated.

Unfortunately, the service was sporadically deployed and due to a hack pulled altogether.  In May, users discovered that changing their browser’s user agent to Mobile Safari earned them free Wi-Fi.  Needless to say, the widely publicized hack was short-lived, and once again iPhone was without free Starbucks Wi-Fi.

Then they were offered in July briefly, only to be pulled yet again.

Well now, at last, iPhone owners can stop spilling tears of sadness in their lattes, for free internet hath returned.  For iPhone users, you must select the “attwifi” network, when at one of Starbuck’s thousands of locations or other AT&T hotspots.  You then enter your phone number in the box that comes up in your browser.  It will then send a SMS to your phone with an activation link, which you can click to begin free browsing.

Its seems like it’s only a matter of time before the clever hackers and exploiters find a way to circumvent this latest mechanism — but for now iPhone owners can let the good times roll.

According to AT&T’s website it also has hotspots at “Airports, Hotels, Universities, Convention Centers, Sports Centers, Restaurants, Bookstores, and Supermarkets”.  So keep your eyes peeled for that “attwifi” network at these types of places.

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AT&T if offering free access to its network of Wi-Fi hot spots to owners of the iPhone and certain BlackBerry devices. AT&T has more than 17,000 hot spots at Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, and thousands of other locations. iPhone owners and BlackBerry owners need to have unlimited data plans in order to use the free Wi-Fi. Initially just the BlackBerry Bold will be supported upon its release November 4, but AT&T will add support for the BlackBerry Pearl and 8820 later this year. [Via This article]

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There are a ton of rumors circulating about what the next release of the iPhone OS will offer its users. For starters, Google Maps is getting Street View, public transit and walking directions. Next up, over-the-air syncing of podcasts. Finally, when you delete an application from your device you’re asked to rate it… October 24th - October 30th Contents 1 Geek Thoughts 2 This Week on Geek 3 Geek.com Web Picks 4 Don’t Forget About This 1 Geek Thoughts — What will the next iPhone OS do? There are a ton of rumors circulating about what the next release of the iPhone OS will offer its users. For starters, Google Maps is getting Street View, public transit and walking directions. Next up, over-the-air syncing of podcasts. Finally, when you delete an application from your device you’re asked to rate it. The most exciting addition is definitely over-the-air downloads of podcasts. Podcasts and music are the only reason why my iPhone ever gets connected to my Mac, so this will be a welcome upgrade. I reviewed the Nokia E71 a while back and found that the over-the-air syncing of podcasts was a must-have and was effortless on the E71. If Apple can replicate that experience, I’m sold. In other mobile news, last week we played with the G1 among others and in the labs I’m playing with the Samsung Epix, which is a touchscreen Windows Mobile device that does 3G, WiFi, GPS, and most intriguing, it not only has a QWERTY keyboard and a stylus, but also features a sort-of mouse navigation tool on its face! For some reason AT&T isn’t hyping that part and I find it to be the most impressive piece. I’ll be writing up my thoughts but for now I think I’m in love. Share your thoughts to Joel@Geek.com 2 This Week on Geek — October 24th - October 30th Apple Free WiFi finally comes for iPhone users at Starbucks MTVmusic.com launches Gadgets IBM bypass your PC with banking USB stick E-Ink demo updated display technology USB Keyboard keeps fingers and hands warm or cool Review: Snowflake USB professional microphone Mitsubishi launches world’s first laser television Sony Rolly audio player gets an update Sequoia Studios unveil E-note concept Taking a picture of this clothing can link to websites Review: Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick NEC to unveil new A3/A4 e-paper this week Mobile Free WiFi finally comes for iPhone users at Starbucks Qik now has client for BlackBerry Nissan to trial pedestrian monitoring GPS system Cox Communications to try out the cell phone game Samsung Haptic 2 allows customization of touch feedback Games Review: Star Ocean: First Departure for PSP Sony says no holiday season price cuts for PS3 this year Gene Simmons Axe Guitar controller Playstation 2 is now an open platform Review: Silent Hill: Homecoming for Xbox 360 Killzone 2 Helghan trailer Kojima-signed, MGS 4 PS3 console sells for $17,100 World of Warcraft now has over 11 million subscribers Review: SOCOM Confrontation for PS3 Atlantica Online MMO offers $20 for you character Chips HP announces $399 Mini 1000 netbook and MIE Linux Lots of Windows 7 news dropping at PDC USB drive sets a real gold standard Review: Microsoft SideWinder X5 Gaming Mouse Splashtop instant-on desktop to appear on Lenovo netbook Windows in the cloud confirmed as Azure Dell Inspiron Mini 12 netbook revealed 3 Geek.com Web Picks Submit your favorite sites, articles, software picks, diversions,etc., to Joel@geek.com (mail subject: Good Sites). Here are a couple of my faves: I can still hear the “I want my MTV” lyrics in my head and I remember watching “Burning Down the House”. If you know what I’m talking about then you’ll love what MTV has just released online: pretty much every music video EVER. http://www.mtvmusic.com/ 4 Don’t Forget About This Are you a registered member of Geek.com? Membership will soon have many benefits so stay tuned. For now, you get the privilege of having your username proudly displayed next to your comments. To register click Register at the top part of each page of Geek.com or just click here. As always, thanks for reading! Joel Evans Joel@Geek.com Chief Geek Geek.com Geek.com never sends unsolicited email. You received this email because our records indicate that you are a current subscriber on our site. Click here to unsubscribe.

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Japan does love ‘em some mobile TV. Now that 1-Seg digital goodness has been announced for iPhone users. The 80-gram tuner provides a TV fix over WiFi and doubles as a battery extender when plugged into the iPhone 3G’s dock connector. Trendy sidewalk zombies, the streets are yours. We’ll update you with prices and dates when known. One more pic for size comparison after the break.

[Thanks, RS]

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AT&T is back with its flip-flop policies, this time offering free Wi-Fi access to iPhone owners across more than 17,000 hotspots in the country. According to AT&T, “AT&T knows Wi-Fi is hot, and FREE Wi-Fi is even hotter. Which is why FREE AT&T Wi-Fi access is now available for Apple iPhone at thousands of hotspots nationwide, including Starbucks. Users can relax and access music, email and web browsing services with their favorite blend in hand from the comfort of their nearest location.” All you need to do is activate Wi-Fi on your iPhone, choose “attwifi” from the bunch of available networks, key in your 10-digit mobile number and check the box to agree to the Acceptable Use Policy. Tap ‘continue’ and you will receive a text message with a secure link to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot. This free access is valid for 24 hours only at that particular requested location. Rinse and repeat if you’re anywhere else.

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