Sprint Registers 3G iPod touch Case?

[Paul Daniel Ash]

FCC documents show that Sprint has registered a new 3G device that appears to be an iPod touch case, suggesting the possibility that the #3 US carrier may have an innovative strategy to bring Apple's smallest WiFi-only mobile device onto its network. PhoneScoop.com pointed out the FCC site showing Sprint's application for the ZTE Peel, which has an EV-DO Rev. 0 3G radio, a WiFi access point and a built-in battery with a micro-USB charger.

Little information is available for the device, which is the right size for an iPod touch. Internal photographs do not show a dock connector, but there is a WiFi antenna, which indicates that the Peel is a 3G micro-hotspot that would allow the iPod touch - and presumably, other devices - to connect to Sprint's 3G network. EV-DO rev. 0 allows only 75% of the downloading and about 16% of the upload speed of Sprint's faster EV-DO Rev. A devices.

The ZTE Peel is different from another Chinese-made device with a similar name that has provoked much discussion lately. The Yosion Apple Peel 520 is purportedly an iPod case with an Infineon baseband chip, an 800mAh battery that will give 4.5 hours of call time or 120 hours of standby, which when paired with a SIM card will turn a jailbroken touch into a full 3G cellphone. The Yosion device, will supposedly be available some time in the next week at a street price of ¥300-500 ($44-$74 US). Pictures and [ame="http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/3410dTBUsHQ/"]a demo video[/ame] are available on Yosion's totally unimpressive website.

Sources: Cult of Mac, Engadget

[Nehal3m]

Instead of going after the Touch, why doesn't Sprint try to persuade Apple to allow them to use the iPhone? But then, at least they have an Apple device on their network...

[LSZ33]

I guess from a business standpoint, they'd lock in contracts or attract customers with this device but it seems kinda big like an otterbox case. I'd rather see them add an iphone or possibly persuade Apple to build a true 4G iPhone to combat the Evo 4G.

[macsoldier]

Yea I think Apple will move that way once the 4G is more popular and all the bug are out.

[StealthBravo]

It's a clever way to get around AT&T's contract with Apple

[santacruzlocal]

That is pretty cool

[Rokesomesmeefer]

SO ... if the Droid phones are better, Why aren't people cloning their phones?

What does that have to do with this topic?

[reanimationxp]

No Phone.app on the iPT means no visual voicemail, anything the iPhone offers phone-wise. Sprint could make an app, sure, but guess who has to approve that.

Not sure how this is going to work. Best I think we could hope for here is a MiFi-type device that's actually something I'd like to carry around instead of being a nuisance.. that's likely all this is. Skype would be an option with iOS4, and MAYBE if Sprint somehow did something Skype-esque and got it into the AppStore, we'd have a true alternative carrier. Doubt it though.

[1shuttle1]

I think this a great idea. If you could get other networks to use the apple devices in some matter. Then the prices on our monthly bills would go down. Even if we stay with At&t. As much as they have been thrown under the bus with their service, they would have no choice but to lower their rates. This can only be a win, win for everyone.

[bruinsrme]

hmmmm
Well if it is 4G anyone can pick up a VOIP number and throw in an unlimited data plan Sprint maybe onto something

[kuhndsn]

Pretty clever idea.

[Rokesomesmeefer]

No Phone.app on the iPT means no visual voicemail, anything the iPhone offers phone-wise. Sprint could make an app, sure, but guess who has to approve that.

Well, now that jailbreaking is officially not illegal, I'm sure Sprint wouldn't have a problem with an app finding its way into Cydia...

[whereswaldo]

Smart, blurs the line between iPhone and iPod. I'm surprised no one thought of it earlier

[RICO_]

I think this a great idea. If you could get other networks to use the apple devices in some matter. Then the prices on our monthly bills would go down. Even if we stay with At&t. As much as they have been thrown under the bus with their service, they would have no choice but to lower their rates. This can only be a win, win for everyone.

You sure about that? I would think that with the lost customer base from the iPhone spreading to other carriers that AT&T would at least keep their rates the same to attempt to minimize their losses.

[cultgti]

I have never seen an apple device with the mini plug on the side.. some thing seems fishy?

[nitestarzz]

I have never seen an apple device with the mini plug on the side.. some thing seems fishy?

that's the charging port for that device

[johnwin]

If it's an ipod touch case that seems kinda silly not to have a dock connector don't you think? What if the wifi connector runs out of battery? That thing better be packing.

[elite_jounin]

It's a clever way to get around AT&T's contract with Apple

I agree! Apple is getting slick with their selling tactics and u can still use Voip on 3G so there u go

[frjuan]

For some reason you guys are late again... can't believe I missed out on HandyLight!!! Thanks

[jabregousmc]

If it's an ipod touch case that seems kinda silly not to have a dock connector don't you think? What if the wifi connector runs out of battery? That thing better be packing.

It's like the incase battery cases. There's a mini USB that can be used to charge/sync. Why would it need a dock connector?