The Register® — Biting the hand that feeds IT

Feeds

iPad tethering does disappearing trick

Now you see it, now it's billable

Agentless Backup is Not a Myth

The last iOS beta for iPad had tethering, but that feature appears to have vanished, prompting speculation that it will fall under the control of the network operator.

The new version of iOS 4 is due out next month, bringing the multitasking and folders already available on the iPhone to the iPad. Beta versions have been knocking around for the last few weeks, much to the excitement of the Apple community, who've been scanning every new release for additional features. Beta 2 of iOS 4.2 had a tethering option in the network settings, but, as iPhoneHacks reports, the latest beta (version 3) lacks that option. But it's OK, 'cos Apple has replaced it with a load of shiny new wallpapers.

The new OS has made a load of tweaks to the iOS interface, as well as bringing Apple's version of multitasking to the iPad, but it's tethering that has proved most divisive. Network operators didn't like the iPhone contracts, with their unlimited data, being used for laptops which consume more bytes. This is why tethering doesn't exist as an option on every iPhone. One might think that would be less of an issue on an iPad, but while an iPad user can surf well enough, a laptop user might have half a dozen applications constantly on-line (IM, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and laptops aren't clever enough to restrict major updates to when one has a WiFi or cabled connection. Giving operators the option of disabling tethering makes sense.

We can't help feeling that anyone using an iPad as a gateway device, providing internet access to their laptop, has rather missed the point - and that most iPad users will prefer the additional (and higher resolution) backgrounds. Just in case you thought differently, here is a video from 9to5Mac showing just how exciting those new backgrounds are. Even the presenter struggles to feign enthusiasm:

Customer Success Testimonial: Recovery is Everything

Anonymous Coward

Yup. Buy an Apple iPad if you like being locked into Sir Steve's whimsy

Buy anything else if you want free choices.

18
6

Handy demo in Dixons

Was in an airport the other day and had a little play on a demo iPad. I was pleased to see that some kind soul had already jailbroken it, installed Cydia, and the Bosspref equivalent of folders. I did chortle to myself at the ingenuity of whoever got there first..

Why wait for Apple's folders??

7
0

Epic

>Yes, you can jail-break my phone and enable tethering. But it's stealing

Since the network providers charge you for the data you use why is it stealing?

7
1

More from The Register

Samsung Galaxy Note 8: Proof the pen is mightier?
Sammy’s iPad Mini killer has a stylus to stab other rivals too
First look: iOS 7 for iPad
No, Apple hasn't released it yet, but that doesn't stop intrepid devs
Microsoft lures buy-curious vixens, corduroys with a cheap fondle
Surface slab sales latest: Will no one rid Ballmer of these turbulent tabs?
 breaking news
Curtain drops on Apple Store ahead of WWDC: What lies behind?
Steve Jobs watching from on high. No pressure, lads
 breaking news
Cold, dead hands of Steve Jobs slip from iPhones: The Cult of Ive is upon us
Billionaire biz baron's death clears way for uber-shiny iOS 7
Airbus imagines suitcases that find themselves
Point your mobe at your smalls to track their every move
Surprise! Intel smartphone trounces ARM in power trials
Tests show equal performance while sipping significantly less juice
Samsung plans LTE Advanced version of Galaxy S4
1Gbps download capability could stiffen drooping S4 sales forecasts
Apple said to be 'exploring' 5.7-inch iPhone
Who's the copycat this time, Mr. Cook?
Google Chromebooks now in over 6,600 stores
Major, worldwide retail push begins this summer