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Given that Apple has struggled to get modems working (while avoiding qualcomm's patents) this is still pie in the sky, much as I would appreciate this. I have
by gumby 3y ago
Given that Apple has struggled to get modems working (while avoiding qualcomm's patents) this is still pie in the sky, much as I would appreciate this.
I have hotspot on my phone and it’s handy, but has some friction. Computer and ipad go into “limited data” mode when using it. Also, unlike my phone data, I am only given a finite allotment and when used up additional amounts are quite expensive (USA - AT&T).
A couple of months ago I was on a trip and signed up for mobile service for my ipad, for these reasons. It is so much more convenient that I renewed the subscription. I’d do the same for my computer just for the low friction, if I can get an unlimited tariff like I have on my phone and watch.
- malux85 3y agoWhat about the thing that is in my iPhone and iPad, whatever that is, can’t they just use that?
- superb_dev 3y agoThat’s a Qualcomm modem, Apple wants to avoid dependence on Qualcomm
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- dkjaudyeqooe 3y agoReally, this is long, long overdue. In most places data plans are cheap and the convenience is unparalleled (as you attest to).
- moralestapia 3y agoA high performant multi-core processor sounds like a much more difficult task, though, and they pulled it off flawlessly.
- gumby 3y agoAnalog is hard, especially when connecting to other devices not made by you. Plus they have to invent solutions that don't infringe on Qualcomm patents. For some reason Apple bought Intel's modem division that had also failed and added it to their team. I'd have understood if they'd bought just Intel's IP portfolio, but no, they took the whole team and added them to a project in process. It's hard to see how that could speed anything up. I agree the M series is great. In fact Apple's silicon story for the last 15 years has been quite good -- in contrast to their 80s/90s silicon efforts (apologies to my friends who worked there then).
- moralestapia 3y agoYou're right, patents are a mine field on their own.
- fomine3 3y agoIt might be easier to install their modem to the Mac than iPhone. Higher power consumption is acceptable. No need to phone call (including emergency call). No need to support 3G/2G.
- wkat4242 3y ago3G/2G is still needed to get coverage in many areas here. Especially 3G. 2G is so slow that it's hardly better than no data (all apps start pumping data and overload the connection). 2G won't be phased out here due to millions of electricity meters using it. In fact there's talk of phasing out 3G and keeping 2G :)
- fomine3 3y agoIt's better to have 3G/2G than nothing for a phone especially for calling, but perhaps it's reasonable to omit 3G/2G for a Mac for average use case, though it may be fine for reading HN.