FreedomPop’s Case Transforms The iPod Touch Into WiMax-Capable Handset
by Brent Dirks
July 31, 2012
While everyone is fixating on exactly what the next iPhone will look like when it is announced in September, FreedomPop is offering an interesting way to turn an iPod touch into a 4G-capable device. According to TechCrunch, the company's sleeve is now available to pre-order for $99.
And with the inexpensive price comes some interesting rewards. After purchasing the sleeve, users can receive up to 500 MB of free data per month. Each extra gigabyte can be purchased for $10. There will also be low-cost plans for heavy data users.
Just like the Peel that Sprint sold almost two years ago, the solution is pretty much mobile hotspot configured in the shape of a case. All a user would need is to get a VoIP service like Skype set up on the iPod touch, and the case can turn the device into a full-fledged handset.
The service also has some social components. Users can share their data plans with each other and receive 10 MB of data for each referred member.
Here’s a quick first look at the device. Click here if you can’t see the video.
But there are a few downsides. The case will only work on Sprint’s WiMax network in the United States that has a relatively small footprint. Even so, FreedomPop is planning an LTE version to work with Sprint, eventually.
The company said that even though actual production of the contract-free device hasn’t started, the iPod touch case should be in the wild in two months.
To pre-order the device and to see if service is available in your area, visit FreedomPop’s site.
Source: TechCrunch
