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Originally Posted by shadowmite
Yes, the proper term is "patch", however the majority of users will prefer the hacked term as literally a patched file is a hacked file. The definition of hacking is becoming versed enough in how something works to make changes to accomplish your own goals... I think this is exactly what I've done. And no, I will not patch crippleware apps for anyone, this is wrong, and we need all the palm programmers we can get. I will not steal from them.
The only reason I released this patch is because sprint has already declared their intention of releasing this to be free eventually, and furthermore, I only enabled something that was already there that palm MEANT to be enabled.
Finally, for all of you who would like to make a donation, PLEASE give it to a palm programmer who writes programs you enjoy. Support the palm programmers and this platform will live on. I need only know you are all enjoying my work.  |
Shadow:
First, thank you for your work. I'm currently in between Treo 650s at moment (replacing a defective one), but I'm sure I'll love the patch.
The thrust of my post was not to question the semantics or ethics of hacking/cracking/patching/sharing/stealing, but to point out that Sprint's alibi of technical issues delaying the patch lacks credibility. If I read your original post correctly (please correct me if I'm wrong), what you've done is activate a software switch, not write a driver. Since Sprint's resources far exceed one programmer, I have to assume that the delay is not a technical problem.
My theory is that Sprint originally wanted to portray DUN as nonexistent on the 650, and since all carriers are concerned with bandwidth hogs, Sprint expected Cingular and T-Mobile to disable the profile likewise. But they didn't, and therefore made Sprint's DUN profile conspicuous by its absence. What's followed has been a public relations conundrum. Other TC members, like mgauss, have made similar speculations.
I see a couple of possible post-DUN scenarios: they can either keep the de facto don't-ask-don't-tell policy of not enforcing their official no-tethering policy, or they can turn BT into a value-added tier of Vision, tacking on another $5-15.
Personally, I'd be willing to pay a little extra for not having to worry that DUN is somehow considered illicit practice. But as Linus Torvalds once said, "Software is like sex. It's better when it's free."