iPhone as Modem

Minutes after Nullriver released an application allowing you to use your iPhone as a wireless 3G/EDGE modem for your computer, Apple took it down.

Or did it? The software, called NetShare, reappeared in the App Store on Friday afternoon. Users also reported that you can download it through a direct link.

“Despite reports of Apple removing Nullriver's NetShare tethering app for the iPhone, I bought it seconds ago," software developer Andy Baio wrote on Twitter. Wired.com has confirmed these reports by purchasing and downloading the $9.99 application to an iPhone 3G. The application runs, and we've succeeded in using an iPhone as a modem for a MacBook Pro.

NetShare first went on sale in the App Store Thursday evening. Twenty minutes later, users who tried to download the app received the message, “The item you tried to buy is no longer available." Later, there was no trace of the application in the store. Albeit temporary, NetShare's apparent removal comes as a puzzling move on Apple's part: Developers must have their applications approved by Apple before their software appears in the App Store. Apple, tight-lipped as usual, has not issued an explanation. A Nullriver official hasn't heard anything from the company either.

“We've received no communication from Apple thus far," a Nullriver employee wrote in a MacRumors forum. “NetShare did not violate any of the Developer or AppStore agreements. We're hoping we'll get some feedback from Apple tomorrow. Sorry to all the folks that couldn't get it in time. We'll do our best to try to get the application back onto the App Store if at all possible."