Apple Makes Jailbreaking More Challenging On IOS 5

When Apple announces the release of iOS 5 late this fall, consumers who’d like to jailbreak their devices might find the process more difficult than natural.

While examining the code for iOS 5 beta 2, the members of the iPhone Dev Team revealed Apple is putting actions into place to make it more challenging for iOS 5 users to rollback to previous versions of iOS.

It isn’t unusual for more progressive users to want to try out the latest non-jailbroken software and then revert back to a former version so that they can benefit from their jailbroken features. The recent workaround is for customers to back up their SHSH blobs before upgrading the software. This guarantees that an older version of the OS and firmware can be restored later.

With iOS 5, Apple is shifting the way that the blobs are created. The blobs will be renovated every time a device is rebooted, meaning that solely having an old version of the key won’t permit users to install an older version of the software.

While this doesn’t avert groups like the iPhone Dev Team from finding deeds and making tools available so that users can jailbreak their pieces of technology, it might make maintaining a device in a jailbroken state more difficult.

With iOS 5, Apple will also be viewing doing over-the-air OS advancements, meaning that the software can upgrade itself without needing to connect with iTunes. In principle, this means that Apple could push out small updates to cover exploits, avoiding a user who has agreed to install said update from jailbreaking their device.

Brian Eno Released Another iPhone Application - Trope

Brian Eno, has released a second iPhone application Trope, developed with the help of designer and musician Peter Chilvers. The new app lets users create their own ambient music by drawing patterns with their fingers. The shape of each pattern creates a different tone.

Unlike the first Eno app, Bloom, Trope is described as producing darker music that is "more introspective, more atmospheric." Particular moods can be selected from an accompanying palette.

The software requires a device with iPhone 2.2 firmware or better. For the sake of fidelity it is recommended that people use either headphones or external speakers, instead of earbuds or built-in speakers.

"Trope is a different emotional experience from Bloom - more introspective, more atmospheric. It shows that generative music, as one of the newest forms of sonema, can draw on a broad palette of moods." - Brian Eno.

Trope is available now on the App Store for £2.39 ($3.99), and Eno stresses that it's different from its predecessor.

Reference:
http://cut.io/bsN9

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary For iPhone And iPod Touch

Paragon Software Group has launched Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition for iPhone and iPod touch. The dictionary is now available on the App Store.

The best-selling Collegiate Dictionary was tailor-made for the special characteristics and unique features of the iPhone. Merriam-Webster's database contains 225,000 entries, including more than 10,000 new words and definitions, which can be accessed anywhere, anytime, without Internet connection or additional charges.

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary features an easy-to-use, single-click application to access definitions instantly. The SlovoEd engine compresses the dictionary content to a minimum of memory space while allowing the user to perform multiple learning, word reference and translation functions as quickly as possible. The "History" feature shows the last 15 translated words, and the "Cross-Lookup" feature is an easy check of language comprehension.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary sells for US$24.99 (19, 99 EUR) in the App Store. The program is supported by iPhones with firmware 2.0, iPhone 3G and iPod touch with firmware 2.0.

References:
http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/22/noah-websters-ghost-happily-haunting-your-iphone/

iPhone Firmware 2.2: Rate The Application Before You Delete It

Apple has changed the way of rating applications of iPhone and iPod touch. Earlier, if you had to write a review at iPhone App Store to rate applications, now there is another way coming.

In the new firmware version 2.2 everytime you uninstall an application new rating screen will appear and you’ll be asked to rate that application or you can also click on No Thanks

iPhone firmware 2.2 Beta 2 have revealed a number of new features including:

- Google Street View

- Public Transit Times and Walking Directions

- Location Sharing

References:
http://www.iphonehellas.gr/3308/iphone-v22-beta-2-please-rate-app-before-deleting/

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/10/28/apple-seeking-to-increase-participation-in-app-
store-ratings/

Apple Releases iPhone Update 2.0.2

Apple releases version 2.0.2 firmware for 3G iPhone and iPod touch. The 248.7MB update is available only through iTunes and comes just two weeks after version 2.0.1.

The update is expected to fix many longstanding bugs found since the release of revision 2.0.1 regarding various applications and device reception with no specific changes and is intended to be a full firmware update.

The update is 248.7MB in size and you can download it via iTunes.

References:
http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/08/18/apple.offers.iphone.202/

Apple Releases iPhone Update 2.0.2

Apple releases version 2.0.2 firmware for 3G iPhone and iPod touch. The 248.7MB update is available only through iTunes and comes just two weeks after version 2.0.1.

The update is expected to fix many longstanding bugs found since the release of revision 2.0.1 regarding various applications and device reception with no specific changes and is intended to be a full firmware update.

AT&T stores will also be receiving a big shipment of iPhone 3Gs.

The update is 248.7MB in size and you can download it via iTunes.

References:

http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/08/18/apple.offers.iphone.202/

Apple Begins Testing iPhone Software 2.0.1

The latest iPhone 2.0.1 OS hasn't even been official for a week and reports say that Apple is already testing the next revision of the firmware.

Data analyzed from server logs shows a minority of references to iPhones running firmware titled v2.0.1, instead of the normal v2.0 available preloaded or as an iTunes upgrade. The connecting phones are further divided into different builds, with 2.5G models running 5B101, and 3Gs relying on 5B103.

The server requests are said to come from the San Francisco Bay Area, near the Cupertino headquarters for Apple and Atlanta, AT&T’s home.

References:
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/07/15/iphone-device-software-201-on-the-way/

OrionGadgets Stylus Pen For Apple iPhone

As handwriting recognition is coming with the upcoming iPhone v2.0 firmware, Apple iPhone owners can now use the new OrionGadgets iPhone Stylus Pen (black).

The iPhone Stylus features a soft touch tip that will not scratch your iPhone’s touch screen, but provide users another input device to avoid fingerprint smudges. OrionGadgets iPhone Stylus was designed for ease of use and peace of mind; whether you’re using it to tap on the touch screen or to write on it, the iPhone Stylus guarantees precise touch and control.

The pen is made from durable material, the iPhone Stylus comes in black only. It is available now for $10 USD.

iPhone v2.0 firmware is due to be released in early July by Apple Inc.

OrionGadgets.com is a manufactured and a retailer tailored to individual consumers as well as small to medium-sized businesses. OrionGadgets is located in Brooklyn, NY.

References:

http://news.oriongadgets.com/2008/06/24/press-release-oriongadgets
-iphone-stylus-adds-handwriting-capabilities-to-apple-iphone/

Goldstriker Launched 24ct Gold iPhone "Solar Star" Edition

Goldstriker International launched the new 24ct Gold iPhone "Solar Star" edition. This phone belongs to the "Elite Choice" collection by Stuart Hughes.

With the front bezel and rear logo in Gold, this beautiful phone matches Lamborghini Gallardo's Balloon white in color.

The white-and-gold color scheme looks good to the touch and it comes with updated firmware 1.1.4 as well as is unlocked for worldwide GSM use.

The Solar Star iPhone is priced up at £749.95.

Goldstriker International operates as a family run business, specializing in precious metal plating. Except from many different services Goldstriker also offers consumers a unique service of adorning items in any precious metal of their choice.

See also about Shiny iPhone here

References:

http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2008/04/iphone_solar_star_edition_from
_goldstriker.html

iPhone To Become A Great Tool For Doctors

Arrival of the SDK is already connected with a lot of new events about iPhone. Here is another novelty - iPhone may become a great tool even for doctors.

“If you could use the gesture-based way of manipulating images on the iPhone and actually manipulate a stack of X-rays or CT scans, that would be a huge selling point,” - says Adam Flanders, director of informatics at Thomas Jefferson University.

The reason why mobiles couldn’t handle high-res images before is they had lack of processing and memory power. But iPhone is different. With its powerful ARM processor and 8 GB/16 GB of memory it’s well suited for such tasks. And the iPhone's new business-friendly security features may ease privacy fears, physicians say, and could even turn the device into an indispensable medical tool if hospitals OK the device.

“The real beauty of the iPhone is that it offers a richer 3-D experience and more memory,” says Michelle Snyder, vice president of marketing and subscription services at Epocrates.

Tech-savvy doctors have been speculating about the iPhone's medical potential long before Apple shipped its first unit. But the lack of native application support has meant that, up to now, all iPhone applications had to work through the phone's Safari web browser. That's a nonstarter for most medical applications because it demands constant connectivity (either via WiFi or an AT&T cellular data network) and prevents application developers from using the device's full processing power.

The only problem of this novelty is its privacy. And here comes a question: Can hospitals guarantee patient privacy when data is being stored or accessed on iPhones? And can the popular handset stand up to the rigorous demands of a busy hospital environment?

P.S We will see it when the new version 2.0 of the iPhone's firmware becomes available, this June.

References:

http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mac/news/2008/03/iphone_doctors

Call Your iPhone Contacts Via PhotoDial 1.0

Makyama Software has released PhotoDial 1.0 for the iPhone, which allows you to call your contacts by clicking on desired contacts’ picture. You can also change the order for quick dialing and set the size of the pictures.

The way it works is by having a picture showed for every contact, which you can quickly scroll and click once you found the person you want to call. You can select how many pictures at a time you want to see, and the order which they are displayed.

To get a free tryout, start Installer on your iPhone, press Sources, then Edit, then Add. Next, type http://tinyurl.com/2t8cax; registration is normally US$19.95. If you liked the software, be aware that it costs $14.95 until March, and $19.95 after. So if you like it you should hurry up.

The software works with all languages and all firmwares. It will be available in Apple’s official distribution channel in March and can be downloaded now for “jailbroken” phones. You’ll be automatically notified of free updates via Installer.

The iPhone has either 4 GB or 8 GB of internal flash memory. It cannot be expanded. An increasing number of high-end phones from Motorola, Samsung, LG, Nokia and others have a MicroSD slot that makes it possible to inexpensively add more memory to the device, but the iPhone does not have this capability.

Here comes a question: How much memory do photos take up in the iPhone? It depends on the picture. If it has a lot of color and is very detailed, it will take up more space. If the definition and color is not very vibrant then it will require less space. But don’t worry iPhone give us opportunity to keep a lot of photos there, so we can make lot of calls, as well.

iPhone 1.1.3 Firmware Update Brings New Headache

All unlocking hacks for iPhone successfully fail with the 1.1.3 firmware update. Even hardware-based TurboSIM is totally useless. This is quite a problem for unofficially unlocked iPhone users.
Another major problem is that no downgrade is available from 1.1.3. In plain English this means that unless hackers find a solution, after applying the 1.1.3 update, your iPhone will become totally useless.

Is iPhone Firmware 1.1.3 Update Fake?

It's no more a secret that iPhone is a huge marketing and PR campaign. As a matter of fact, Steve Jobs has done a magnificent marketing job to promote the device. Please don't get me wrong, iPhone is a really cool device, wonder of the year. However, I firmly believe that without Apple's well thought-out and clever marketing strategy, the device could not have become what it is for now.

It looks like that some blogs are trying to resort to different tricks to attract more visitors and they are especially active for a holiday season.

In the previous two posts we talked about the 1.1.3 firmware update and the photos and the video demonstrated by GearLive.

A couple of minutes ago I came across a very interesting post on the Industrial Design Supersite claiming that the update demonstrated by GearLive is fake. Frankly, the author brings a couple of very interesting points strengthening his assumption. According to him, he is 95% sure that the update is fake. To be correct, the updated demonstrated on the GearLive site is fake.

I recommend you to check that article. Even if the author is wrong, you will still enjoy reading it.

iPhone 1.1.3 Firmware Update Video

In the previous post we talked about the upcoming iPhone 1.1.3 firmware update and the photos that were posted by GearLive. The site went further and has posted a video demonstrating Apple's latest firmware update for iPhone.

You can view the video here: http://video.gearlive.com/video/article/q407-video-iphone-113-firmware-feature-walkthrough/

Leaked iPhone Firmware 1.1.3

I can't believe to it. GearLive has somehow obtained 1.1.3 firmware updatefor iPhone. Visiting their site makes no sense. The site is simply dead. Yeah, too many visitors.

You cannot say that there are any surprising updates. According to GearLive, the new features are:

1. The ability to send an SMS message to multiple people - no need for third party app anymore!

2. Google Maps application can now pinpoint your location using cell tower triangulation - yeah sort of pseudo-GPS.

3. Google Maps can now display the Hybrid map view

4. You can now drag and drop application icons on your home screen - this is really cool.

5. The home screen supports pagination - very nice function.

6. You can now add web bookmarks to your home screen - I think this is one of the coolest enhancements.

Source: http://www.gearlive.com/news/article/q407-iphone-113-firmware-feature-gallery/

Hard Work for Hackers - iPhone Firmware Update Is Coming

A new firmware update for the iPhone is expected to be released by this Friday. Apple will update the devices firmware to version 1.1.2 when the company starts selling the phone in the UK and Germany. It is expected that the firmware update will break recently released hacks.

Some of the enhancements in this update include support for additional language character sets and a fix in the TIFF image-rendering library, which is common for the Safari browser, the e-mail client and the iTunes.

Naturally, the 1.1.2 firmware update will be released via iTunes.

Come on, Brick My iPhone

Apple has just released promised firmware update 1.1.1. and the company has also kept the promise about fighting hacked iPhones. Indeed, the update bricks the phone in many cases. If you are lucky enough and your wonder device survives, you have good chance of losing your photos, music and contacts. Unfortunately, even those who have not hacked their devices experienced this. Apart from this, after you update the firmware, the phone gets relocked and third-party applications stop functioning. Other anomalies are possible as well. This is just a matter of time.

So what? I think Apple has overdone the job of fighting unlockers. I don't think it will take long until unlockers release unlock-my-iPhone-1.1.1. It's up to you whether to wait or not. If we take into account that there are no revolutionary features in the 1.1.1. update, maintaining status quo can be the most reasonable choice for unlocked iPhone owners.