Turn an iPod into an iPhone - FreedomPop

Just the other day, I was asked by a mother of a teenager for apps that are good for texting on an iPod Touch.  Teenagers regularly try to make their iTouch as close to an iPhone as possible. 

Enter a gadget that can assist with that and then some.  FreedomPop’s 4G iPod Sleeve, the latest in their lineup, basically turns an iPod into an iPhone without all that monthly contract business.  The $99 sleeve provides a free 4G connection, and for non-techies, that just means you will have a super fast signal to make calls, text, and download videos from YouTube all on the go without having to rely on a wi-fi connection.  The sleeve can also work as a hotspot allowing up to 8 devices to connect.  FreedomPop works off Clearwire’s 4G network and is scheduled to launch in early 2013.

In terms of how much data allowance will be provided, it was noted that, “with the FreedomFriends Plan, users will have up to 1GB of free broadband, with an initial minimum of 500MB plus an additional 10MB per friend up to 1 GB free.”

The company, backed by Skype co-founder Niklas Zennstrom, touts having  “a disruptive business model, providing a basic amount of free internet for all users and charging fair rates for additional usage.” 

FreedomPop is also currently taking pre-orders for an iPhone sleeve announced in May for $99.