WiFi Tether for Root Users is a super-simple app that hooks into your phone’s WiFi, Bluetooth or USB connection to create a hotspot using 3G or 4G data. Starting up a portable WiFi hotspot is easy enough: just press the icon to begin tethering, then connect another device to the new WiFi access point. Advanced users can add WPA security (recommended) or switch to another connection standard. Note that this app works even if your phone or tablet already has built-in tethering and whether or not you’ve paid extra for it. Naturally, root permissions are necessary to start and stop the app.

A few caveats: one, using this app without paying extra for a tethering plan may violate your carriers’ terms of service. AT&T has taken a particularly proactive view, and will automatically sign up Android users for additional fees if it detects non-sanctioned tethering. And for those of you with a tiered data plan, tethering still counts against your total or limit. Of course, WiFi Tether has been available on a Google Code page for years, and still is – you might want to keep that site bookmarked, since tethering apps have a tendency to vanish from the Google Play Store.

[via Android Police]

We decided that a nice shout out was in order from us here at Android Community. Letting everyone know just how awesome the Huawei USB dongle actually is. While we are at it we wanted to hear all of our readers opinions on mobile data, and wireless hotspots. When you are out and about do you use your Android phone and wireless/wired tether for internet connectivity? Do you pay extra for Verizon hotspot capabilities? Or use a custom ROM to get it free? At times tethering can be unstable and needing a solid connection for an event such as MWC, we repeatedly returned to the XCom Global sticks.

The device is extremely simple to use. Just a quick 5-7 minute setup that is simple enough for almost anyone of any experience to handle is all that’s needed. Plug the device in, click go and you’re ready to rock. One of the most mobile and data heavy events of the year, being Mobile World Congress the Huawei delivered a solid, speedy, and stable connection throughout the event.

Along with some impressive upcoming smartphones like the Huawei Ascend D Quad, and this USB Dongle Huawei seems to be upping their efforts in the mobile landscape and I can’t wait to see what they deliver. The USB Dongle is available in Europe today, and hopefully comes to the US soon as I’d love to use one on my day to day. Meanwhile we’ve got XCom Global to thank for the hardcore connections the whole time we were overseas. Thanks guys!

So I’ll ask one more time. Do you guys use your Android phones hotspot/tether capabilities often, or when you really need a reliable connection do you prefer a USB 3G Modem or MiFi hotspot?

Koush (Koushik Dutta) claims that the program is undetectable by carriers, almost all of which charge for the privilege of sharing your paid smartphone data. The app is in its alpha release, but according to early comments, it’s already commendably stable. The developer notes that while most of the software nuts and bolts are in place, the user interface is unfinished, and will be seeing a lot more polish in the future. The current version will expire on Saturday, January 7th, but a newer version should be out by then.

Future releases may include a Bluetooth version, as well as better client apps for all supported operating systems. Trying it out on my Galaxy Nexus with a Windows 7 PC seems to work like a charm, though it’s not quite as fast as official tethering. Koush is one of the most highly regarded modder/developers out there, and with good reason – expect to see fast and comprehensive updates for ClockworkMod Tether over the next few months. Don’t expect this one in the Android Market any time soon.

[via Androinica]

Part of this is nothing new. In an attempt to block users from rooting and tethering their connections and sucking up Verizon’s bandwidth they’ve blocked or tried to stop users from downloading popular “root required” tethering apps such as Easy Tether, Wireless Tether and more. Today this entire story seems to be taking a turn for the worst. Before Verizon was just blocking apps they deem to violate their terms, but what if you’ve paid for the app and used it for months and now it suddenly wont work, or they block the updates. Not cool right?

The image above tells the story quite well. The big yellow banner appeared on a Reddit users Verizon Wireless phone while trying to update his paid version ($9.99) of EasyTether. Verizon is now blocking not only the apps, but it appears they are able to block users from updating said applications too. So, when new phones come out that need to be added to the supported list and the apps require updates or fixes users are out of luck. What if you flash a new custom ROM, will this app you’ve paid for be missing from the market? Are we just out the $9.99, tough luck?

Obviously this is a fine line here as illegally tethering your connection — especially those with unlimited accounts that are basically getting internet for free are doing something that violates the terms of their contract, and not very nice. Some users tether to their home computers and consume huge amounts of data. While we don’t condone stealing or pirating, what Verizon might be doing here is pretty bad too. We don’t know if this is an isolated event or not but will be sure to dig deep and get to the bottom of the situation.

Note: Users can enter airplane mode (killing data connection) and then update these applications over Wi-Fi networks, but that is just a temporary solution that may not last either.

[via Droid Matters]

The good news if you are one of the Verizon users enjoying unofficial tethering is that Verizon is much cheaper than AT&T. Whereas AT&T is forcing users that illegally tethered to pay $45 monthly Verizon users can get official tethering for $20 monthly. When the user tries to use the unofficial tethering app on their smartphone, they will be redirected to another webpage.

The page the users will land on is a Verizon site that offers the $20 tethering plan. I don’t think this is any surprise, once one major wireless carrier tries something others generally follow. What do you think, will this make you pay for tethering or will you just continue to use unofficial apps?

[via Forbes]

There could be a few possibly answers here, not only is Android selling over 300,000 smartphones a day but they have larger screens than most the competition, mainly the iPhone and some are now reaching 4.5″ in size. We all love our NFL Mobile on Verizon or our Netflix and those could all be a few explanations.

Recently Nielsen said in a data usage report that on average Android users used 582MB per month in Q1 2011 opposed to 492MB per month by iPhone users. Windows Phone 7 for its short time on the market looks to be using a fair amount as well. When it comes down to it we all love our phones, they are capable of sooo many different things we might as well use them to their full potential right — I mean isn’t that why we pay for unlimited data? I know some of this might be thanks to the Android rooting and tethering community but that is only a small percentage. I know I am way over that 500MB a month mark personally, but that is just me and I don’t tether, I blame Twitter. While I’m on the twitter topic feel free to follow us at @androids for all the latest news.

[via VentureBeat]

T-Mobile has been questioned on the lack of the service on the G2, and they responded:

“T-Mobile does not currently support handset tethering or offer a tethering rate plan. Though tethering and Wi-Fi sharing will not be initially supported on the T-Mobile G2, we know that consumers are interested in these features and we are working to develop a solution to support them in the future.”

Although this isn’t good news at all for people who tether quite often and are going to pick up the G2, it does give us hope that they are looking to develop a solution to support it in the future. We do not know as of yet the reasoning behind not offering the option, or the limitations that it may impose upon release, but we may find out when we get further into the devices lifecycle (if at all).

[Via TmoNews]

That’s the official word from Verizon, it seems. Thanks to Phone Scoop, who spoke with a Verizon spokesperson, we can confirm that the Droid doesn’t have the hardware to run WiFi tethering. And, as for USB tethering, there’s reportedly no connection on the PC side that supports it. So, that’s not an option, either. As for the OTA update that’s supposed to start this week? They’re doing what they normally: a small test group will get the update first, and when that checks out, they will begin rolling it out to the rest of the Droid owners out there.

So what do you think? Do you believe the story from Verizon, despite the fact that there’s plenty of folks out there utilizing WiFi tether and USB tethering on their Droid right now? You be the judge, and let us know in the comments.

[via Phone Scoop]

Like all custom ROM’s you have to be rooted to load this on your EVO. A few things still need to be worked on but this is more of a proof of concept build. It is good enough to use for an awhile if 4G, tethering, MMS and the camera aren’t important to you. The good news is JIT is alive and well in this build. This is not an official release and anything that may occur from you flashing that ROM is your own responsibility. Head over to the XDA if you’re ready to enjoy a taste of Froyo on EVO now.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWuXrfNlouM&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

[via geekforme]

It’s unknown whether carriers will be able to selectively deactivate the functionality, but we expect they’ll be looking to add a little extra to your monthly data plan in order to cover tethering.  Still, this is brilliant news if you don’t want to pay for a separate 3G contract for every mobile device you have – say, tethering a tablet (like an iPad; I know, blasphemy!) or netbook while you’re on the move.

We’ve already heard that Froyo runs significantly faster than previous Android builds; this tethering leak is the cherry on the frozen yoghurt.  Android 2.2 is expected to arrive at – or in time for – Google I/O next week, and Android Community will be there to bring you all the news.

Specifications:

* VIS8505 400mhz
* 16GB HDD
* Camera
* LCD: 7″ 16:9 aspect ratio, 800*400 resolution
* 512RAM
* Wifi:802.11 b/g.
* External 3G( means one can use their existing USB mobile broadband with the device).
* Android 1.6.
* 35mm jack, HDMI output, support for TV-OUT, USB2.0, SD/MMC card port,
* Accessories: User manual, HDMI cable

This tablet will not be a marathon device. It’s expected to last 4.5 hours while standing by and 2.5 hours of use. These numbers hopefully are exaggerated and it lasts way longer than that but if they are dead on make sure you have your charger handy. With numbers like these this thing will always be tethered to a power cord.

[via Loy Okezi]

If you like, the full guide is here. Here is an excerpt from it:

This documentation covers additional functionality that will be available for the HTC EVO 4G Android device. This documentation is intended for the 3rd party developers who want to start developing applications for the device prior to official launch of the product. While every attempt has been made to ensure the included documentation is accurate, Sprint reserves the right to make changes to device functionality and API design prior to the release of this device for public sale. This document will be updated with changes and/or additions as they become available during the final stages of the devices testing.

Any new APIs covered in this documentation will be depreciated when an Android release supports the standard API that can replace the APIs in this documentation. In some cases constant values will need to be hard-coded in your application until a future SDK is released from the Android team that supports these future constant values. In the included code samples some CDMA values may be new as of the Android Éclair release, in order to compile these values on prior builds such as the Android Cupcake release we have included the constant values.

Like a few other Android devices, this one features a new UI by Samsung called Life Smart. This Ui is a remake of their TouchWiz interface and features a few improvements that you will see in the video.

The Galaxy S specs:
• Android 2.1,
• 4″ Super AMOLED (which is 20% brighter and eliminates 80% of sunlight glare),
• Social Hub,
• 16 GB internal storage plus MicroSD capability
• Document Editor
• Remote Controller for Samsung TVs
• Google Maps Navigation with Voice search and turn-by-turn (as well as real-time traffic updates)
• Daily Briefing, a way to view your favorite widgets and info on one page
• Wireless tethering (the presentation led me to believe that it broadcasts its own MiFi, instead of tethering via Bluetooth)
• HD Movie Recording
• Layar Augmented Reality Browser
• allshare via DLNA

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqyIfDssAUI&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

[via unwiredview]

The list of features added by the mod community is growing daily. Out of the box the Nexus One was supposed to be able to have multicolored trackball lights that you could customize for alerts. This was removed by Google before it was released leaving us with only a white flashing light for all notifications. Now you can have a different light for messaging, email and there is even a blue light for incoming twidroid tweets. This mod is in the early stage of development but is fully functional and will continue to be improved. The stock live wallpapers is even in the process of being overhauled.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7FbXATWmio&feature=player_embedded#at=195[/youtube]

Last but certainly not least, the custom ROM scene. Modaco has recently brought Sense UI to the Nexus which gives it the functionality of the unreleased and highly sought after, HTC Bravo. Sense UI brings all of HTC custom goodies to the Nexus One and Flash 10.1. And there is Cyanogen, he is the most popular Android modder and has brought his talents to the Nexus One. He has added lots of features to the Nexus such as, Flac support, extra RAM, wired tethering and now the ability to rotate 360 degrees. Maybe this was Google’s plan all along, to release a device that is easy to root so the community can aid them in adding new features. If so their strategy has worked perfectly and the community has hit the ground running in their effort to bring us the best device possible and we are all grateful to them for that.

[via wootroot, modaco and cyanogenmod]

This tethering solution offers you unrestricted tethering for free. Unlike PDAnet who restricts HTTPS connections unless you pay a fee of $29. To get started scan the barcode, visit EasyTether’s site to download the appropriate drivers and you will be tethering to your hearts delight in no time. The only downside is this currently only supports Windows XP/7 and Vista 32 bit OS’s. But keep an eye out for them they are looking to make this compatible with OSX and all 64 bit Windows OS’s in the near future.

Since way back in the day when the G1 was first rooted, users have wanted to have full control over their wireless devices to add various customizations such as, themes, tethering or even another version of the OS. With the release of the code for the Eris it shouldn’t be long before the phone gets rooted and custom ROM’s and themes are added. Eris users can now rejoice because they will soon join the elite club of rooted Android’s(soon).

[via HTC]

Since way back in the day when the G1 was first rooted, users have wanted to have full control over their wireless devices to add various customizations such as, themes, tethering or even another version of the OS. With the release of the code for the Eris it shouldn’t be long before the phone gets rooted and custom ROM’s and themes are added. Eris users can now rejoice because they will soon join the elite club of rooted Android’s(soon).

[via HTC]

As we all know, the Motorola DROID will launch this next Friday, November 6th at $199.99 after a mail-in rebate, and of course, new two-year agreement. And for those who are planning to get tethering with their DROID, well, it will likely be priced at the usual $15 per month on top of your regular data contract.

Since a standalone data card from Verizon gets you a 5GB per month limit, we believe that would be the same with the DROID. But, as we mentioned before, you will have to wait until “early 2010″ to be able to use your laptop on-the-go paired with your new Android phone by Motorola.

“We inadvertently unpublished your application for all mobile providers; if you like, we can restore your app so that all Android Market users outside the T-Mobile US network will have access to your application” Google statement to WiFi Tether for Root Users developer

It looks as though, as we suggested, Google has a filtering system which allows them to limit Android Market content depending on carrier.  It’s arguable whether that’s good news or bad; one perspective is that at least developers can promote Android software that, while perhaps falling foul of some carriers’ Terms of Service (ToS), would still be usable by those with unlocked devices on different networks. 

However, a different view might maintain that by giving in to carrier pressure, Google has set a precedent which could significantly impact future software, such as VoIP apps.  The layering of ToS and distribution agreements involving users, carriers and Google themselves makes keeping track of which apps will be permitted, whether partially or totally, difficult, and it’ll only get worse as more carriers sign up their own Android devices.

“Google enters into distribution agreements with device manufacturers and Authorized Carriers to place the Market software client application for the Market on Devices. These distribution agreements may require the involuntary removal of Products in violation of the Device manufacturer’s or Authorized Carrier’s terms of service” Google Developer Distribution Agreement

That agreement, when taken with T-Mobile’s terms of service that do not permit tethering, has given Google reason to pull the software from official distribution.  It’s a decision that has raised more questions over just how “open” the Android platform is:

“Android phones are supposed to be released for other carriers in the future, right? Does this mean that apps in the Market have to adhere to the ToS for only T-Mobile, even when other carriers sign on? Will all apps have to adhere to the ToS for every carrier that supports Android phones?” Seth, WiFi Tether for Root Users contributor

Given that Android-based devices are already available unlocked, it seems unfair that those users – who may be with carriers that permit tethering, or have already paid for the functionality – should not have access to the software.  In addition, some of the apps reportedly banned do not solely offer carrier tethering (e.g. sharing the cellular data connection via USB or WiFi) but Bluetooth tethering, where the cellphone acts as a bridge between a WiFi broadband connection and a Bluetooth-equipped device that lacks its own WiFi.

One potentially unwelcome outcome could be carrier-specific versions of the Android Market, where users would have only partial access to the full app catalog depending on what their carrier allowed.

[Thanks Andon!]