What Is Redsn0w and the iPhone Dev Team?

May 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

There are hordes of applications not authorized by Apple, Inc. on the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. There are also GSM carriers without service agreements with Apple. These limitations, as they are perceived by users, made a niche market for which tech savvy individuals create software tools.

These jailbreaking tools enable the said iOS devices to run all those “unauthorized” applications that are out there. They also allow some heavy customization and easy access to other service providers’ GSM networks, especially when roaming. The popular term for this is “jailbreaking” and “SIM unlocking”, and at the forefront of all these is a team of engineers who call themselves the iPhone Dev Team. 

 The iPhone Dev Team

Pwnage Tool iPhone Dev teamThe iPhone Dev Team – will be the first to make it clear that they are not affiliated with, endorsed by or supported by Apple.Inc. The iPhone Dev Team is the creator of such programs as Pwnage Tool, ultrasn0w and redsn0w. Based on an old 2008 statistic, these tools have been used on at least 1.6 million devices worldwide. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that over the last 4 years that number has considerably increased.

The iPhone Dev Team is right in the middle of an ongoing petition made by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) to the Copyright Office to continue to “protect individuals that develop jailbreaking tools for video game consoles, smartphones and electronic tablets”. Back in 2010, the Copyright Office issued the DMCA exemption which protected the iPhone Dev Team and others like them from civil action and/or criminal prosecution. That 2010 exemption is about to expire.

 Redsn0w Jailbreaking Tool

redsn0w – is a popular desktop application developed by the iPhone Dev Team to “jailbreak” iOS devices (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch). It was originally called QuickPWN. It is a free software that allows root access to an iOS device in order to take out Apple’s restrictions on 3rd party software installations. It works on both the Mac and Windows and is considered one of the most reliable jailbreaks by the iOS community. By default, jailbreaking with redsn0w includes an option to install Cydia, another 3rd party software installer.

redsn0w logo

From its very first version 0.3 released April of 2009 which was the very first tool capable of jailbreaking the iPod Touch 2G on a Mac, redsn0w is now on version 0.9.10b6. This version can jailbreak iOS 5.1 for devices using A4 chip (semi-untethered) and iPhone 3GS with old bootrom (untethered).

All iPhones are supported by redsn0w with the exception of iPhone 4S. All iPod Touch models and the iPad 1 are likewise supported (unfortunately for some, not iPad 2 or iPad 3). Redsn0w can do either a tethered, semi-untethered or untethered jailbreak, depending on what device it is and which iOS version. “Tethered” means that if it reboots, the device has to be connected to a computer just so redsn0w can boot it.

The fate of the iPhone Dev Team and the tools they’ve created including redsn0w very much rests on whatever ruling order the Copyright Office will announce in October 2012. They will be holding hearings in the spring of 2012 on the proposed DMCA exemptions.

We would like to hear your views about this whole issue. If you have benefited from, or have problems with redsn0w and other tools like it, and if you support the iPhone Dev Team, let us know.

Filed Under: iPhone Dev Team, Redsn0w Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Can You Upgrade From A Tethered iPod Touch Jailbreak To Untethered?

May 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

So you’ve successfully managed to jailbreak your iPod Touch. However, you used a tethered jailbreak, which means that every time you need to reboot your gadget, you would have to connect it to a computer first.

This is all well and good when you’ve got ready access to your computer, but what if you’re going on a trip? Having to tether or connect your iPod Touch to a laptop or PC just so you can boot it would be a great inconvenience.

You might wonder then: can you upgrade your gadget from a tethered jailbreak to an untethered one? The answer is a big yes!

What’s an Untethered Jailbreak?

It’s a process that places your iPod Touch in a permanently jailbroken state. This means you don’t have to worry about connecting it to a computer whenever you boot it up.

Your gadget would work just like any other non-jailbroken device, except that it would now have added capabilities to install and run third-party applications and programs. Overall, an untethered jailbreak is definitely a better choice over a tethered one.

Jailbreak iPod Touch

How to Do the Upgrade

It’s a simple, uncomplicated operation that won’t take up too much of your time. A software package namedCoronacan easily help you do the job, so just follow the next few steps:

  • Launch the Cydia app on your jailbroken iPod Touch.
  • Tap on the Search button and type in the word “Corona”.
  • Check the search results and select the one named “CoronaiOS 5.0.1 Untether”.
  • Tap on the button marked Install and wait for the package to download to your device.
  • After it has finished downloading, tap on Confirm to finish the process.
  • Reboot your iPod Touch to make sure the installation has been completed successfully.
Cydia on iPod Touch

Your iPod Touch should now have an untethered jailbreak that will allow you to reboot or turn it off and on without needing to connect it to your computer. Of course, if your gadget has not been jailbroken yet, then you could always opt for an untethered jailbreak from the very start so that you wouldn’t have to put in the extra effort for the upgrade.

Now that you know how easy it is to upgrade a tethered jailbreak to an untethered one, you should totally try it out for yourself.

Afterwards, tell us all about your experiences in the comments section so other readers can benefit from your helpful tips.

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What is the Difference Between Tethered and Untethered Jailbreak For iPod Touch?

May 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Apple devices are some of the most popular gadgets in the world these days. One great example of the company’s top-quality products is the iPod Touch, a superpowered multimedia player with sleek good looks and even better functions.

But some folks aren’t too happy with the operating restrictions that Apple builds into its gizmos. For those who demand more out of their iPod Touches, jailbreaking is the option that can provide them with the control they want over their gadgets.

Defining iPod Touch Jailbreaking

In electronic lingo, jailbreaking is the term used to describe hacking the default security and operating settings of a device. It’s typically associated with Apple’s iOS, but you can use the word as a description for breaking through other electronic restrictions. When you jailbreak a gadget, you’d be able to get access to certain features and capabilities that the manufacturer normally blocks from its users.

How To Jailbreak iPod Touch

Benefits of Jailbreaking

• You can install and run software or applications not authorized by Apple or not found in its App Store.
• You can download apps from third-party developers.
• You can have greater customization options when it comes to themes, ringtones, etc.

Types of Jailbreaking

When you search for more information regarding the process of jailbreaking, you’re sure to come across these two terms: tethered and untethered jailbreak. There is, of course, a great difference between the two, and you need to understand what it is so you can choose the right option for you.

Tethered Jailbreak

This type requires a computer connection whenever you want to boot your iPod Touch. So every time you need to reboot your gadget or its battery runs out of juice, you have to tether or connect your device to your computer.

Then, you’ll need to use the jailbreak tool in order to boot your iPod Touch successfully and begin using it again. The major disadvantage of this type is the fact that it requires you to have almost instant access to a computer. This could cause you a lot of hassle, especially when you’re traveling.

Jailbreak iPod Touch

Untethered Jailbreak

If you choose this other option, you’ll get a device that’s jailbroken permanently. You can turn it off and turn it back on without any problems or without the need to connect it to a computer. However, whenever you wish to update your gadget’s version of iOS, the permanent jailbreak could cause stability issues and make it much harder to install the new software. This could cost you a lot of time and effort.

Untethered Jailbreak

An Alternative: Semi-Tethered Jailbreak

There is a third option that you can try aside from the tethered and untethered jailbreaks. The semi-tethered one would allow you to reboot your device without having to connect it to a computer first, but you’ll only get limited functionality. You wouldn’t be able to use Cydia or any installed Cydia packages, for example. To restore full functionality, you’d still have to connect the iPod Touch to a computer. Overall, this could end up becoming more troublesome for you when you need to access certain applications in a hurry.

semi tethered jailbreak iPod Touch jailbreak

 

Online Help for Jailbreaking

Once you decide to jailbreak your iPod Touch, you’ll find that there are plenty of helpful articles and other information on the Internet about the subject. So you don’t need to have a computer engineering degree to do the operation yourself. Just do some research and you’ll be able to get the right tools and knowledge you need for doing the job on your own.

So, what jailbreaking option are you going to choose? Will it be a tethered, untethered, or perhaps semi-tethered jailbreak?

Whichever one you ultimately go for, do tell us how it worked out and share your comments on this site.

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5 Essential Health and Fitness iPod Touch Apps

May 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Health and Fitness have come a long way. They have become important aspects to a person’s well-being. Since the last quarter of the 20th century, people of various ages, status and profession got involved with a form of physical activity to stay fit and healthy. Different gadgets have become available to help make exercising more fun.

Remember those portable cassette players and CD players that “joggers” used to strap on their waists for music while the jog or run? Well, they’re almost defunct now as MP3s reign supreme.

For most fitness buffs, the iPod Touch has become an essential part of their physical fitness routine. You probably have an array of fitness apps downloaded on your iPod Touch.  Well and good if you have the right fitness app to aid you through your workout, diet or running routine.

Here is a very short list of 5 great health and fitness iPod Touch apps

#1 – Lose It

This is a free iPod Touch application best to keep track of your calorie input and output. This cool app will help you count the calories of the food you ate and estimate the amount of calorie you burn when exercising.

It has quite an extensive library of the calorie-count of branded and regular food. However, the amount of expended calorie is not that accurate for all users as the apps has no way of considering the user’s body fat percentage and level of activity.

Lose It iPod Touch

#2 – GymGoal ABC

The free version of this iPhone application has 280 animated exercises for reference. You can even add your images to any of the exercises. This app includes features such as calculators for BMR, BMI, body fat percentage heart rate and more.

This app also includes a feature of an integrated body mop of your fat and muscle concentration to aid you better in targeting specific areas to work-on. It cost 99 cents.

iPod Touch GymGoal ABC

#3 – iPump & Fitness Builder

This iPhone application allows you to create and edit your workout.  It features graphics of unique exercises and equipment by the thousands. It also includes short videos of exercises.

The exercise database is quite extensive and wouldn’t you know? There are over 180 ways to swing a kettle ball. This iPod Touch app is available for $9.99.

iPump & Fitness Builder For iPod Touch

#4 – Beatburn Treadmill/Outdoor Trainer

Running or jogging at a regular pace, whether outdoors or on a treadmill, is boring. A more engaging and effective running pace includes bursts of speed and change of pacing. Beatburn is programmable to change music and pacing at certain points in the course of running routine.

It is also possible to change the program in the event that you need to quicken or slow down the workout pace.  The screen shows your speed, intervals and calories burned. A virtual coach offers occasional pep talks to prod you on. This application will cost you $3.99

Trainer iPod Touch Application

#5 – iMapMyFitness

This iPod Touch application tracks your outdoor workout by GPS. Start the app for it to mark your path including the time, pace, distance, elevation, speed and more. You can also view your workout stats and history online by logging in to MapMyFitness.com.  You can even tweet your workout stats to your contacts. This is a free iPod Touch application.

iMapMyFitness iPod Touch Application

Who says working out is boring? With health and fitness apps such as these ones, working out is made easier and more fun.

Do you know of any fitting health and fitness iPod Touch apps?  We’d be glad to hear from you. 

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How to Jailbreak iPod Touch 4G With Redsnow

May 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

There are many jailbreak options available for your iOS devices; redsn0w, sn0wbreeze, JailbreakMe, GreenPois0n, Pwnage Tool and Absinthe to name a few. Some work only on specific devices and on particular iOS versions. Others work on multiple devices and then issue updates to keep up with Apple’s iOS versions.

Jailbreaking is either tethered or untethered

After Apple released iOS 5.1 together with the new iPad 3 in March 2012, the iPhone Dev Team released an update to their popular jailbreak tool redsn0w. Soon after the Dev Team announcement, ih8sn0w also released their Windows-only Sn0wbreeze 2.9.2. Now both tools do a tethered jailbreak of all A4 devices running iOS 5.1.

A tethered jailbreak will require you to connect your device to your computer to perform a boot everytime your device reboots or loses power.

Snowbreeze

This jailbreak guide for the iPod Touch 4G running iOS 5.1 makes use of Sn0wbreeze 2.9.2. It will also support the iPod Touch 3G, iPad 1 and iPhone 3GS/4.

Jailbreak iPod Touch

Prerequisites:

  • Sn0wbreeze 2.9.2 (for Windows only)
  • iOS 5.1 for your iPod Touch 4G
  • iTunes 10.6

Step 1: Launch Sn0wbreeze 2.9.2. Click on the blue arrow at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: You will be asked to browse for an IPSW. Point Sn0wbreeze to the IPSW you have downloaded, click on it and then click on the blue arrow.

Step 3: You will be asked to select mode. “Simple Mode” is recommended. It will install Cydia and other essential utilities.

Step 4: You will be asked if you want to activate your iPod Touch 4G, click YES. Sn0wbreeze will begin creating your custom IPSW. Wait until it completes.

Step 5: When it concludes, verify if you find your custom IPSW and the iBooty folder on your desktop.

Step 6: Connect your iPod Touch 4G to your computer and launch iTunes. Hold the shift button, then click Restore and point iTunes to the custom IPSW that Sn0wbreeze created on your desktop in Step 4. End.

Redsn0w

Prerequisites:

  • Redsn0w 0.9.10b6 (Mac/Windows)
  • Download iOS 5.1 on your desktop
  • Latest iTunes
  • The device you are jailbreaking (iPod Touch 4G/3G, iPad 1, iPhone 4/3GS
Redsnow Jailbreak iPod Touch

Step 1: Launch Redsn0w 0.9.10b6, click on Jailbreak

Step 2: Connect the device (with power OFF) to your computer, click Next.

Step 3: You will be asked to put the device on DFU mode. Follow the instructions on the screen: Hold Home and Power together for 10 seconds. Release the Power button only, continue holding Home until Redsn0w detects your device.

Step 4: Boot tether your device (required). Launch Redsn0w, select Extras, select Just boot. End.

These are just two of the more popular jailbreak tools. If you have worked with other tools, you might want to compare with these two. Please tell us what you think.

Filed Under: jailbreak Tagged With: , , , ,

6 Best Free iPod Touch Apps And Games for Kids

May 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The generation Z, born from 1995 to 2012, are the kids of today. This is the generation that is highly exposed to high level of technology. The Generation Z kids will definitely grow up in a highly evolved computer and media environment.

These kids will be more internet savvy than the very sophisticated (technology-wise) Gen Y.  Who can blame the Gen Z if they have high-tech gadgets? After all, a large percentage of Gen Z kids are generally offspring of Gen Y parents.

A lot of kids today have iPod Touch as this gadget is one of the top Portable Music Players today. The evolved iPod Touch not only plays music but can play movies, videos, apps and games.  Choosing which movie, song or video for kids is fairly easy. Just download the ones that the kid likes.

However, choosing which iPod Touch apps or games are best for kids is not quite as easy. Why? Well, there are more than 300,000 iPod Touch games (paid and free) to choose from.  Choosing which ones are great for kids could prove to be taxing.  No fret as there are great (and free) apps for kids available online.

Here are the best free iPod Touch Apps for kids

#1 – Angry Birds

If you have not heard of this horde of crazy-revengeful “angry” birds, where have you been hibernating?  This iPod Touch game is a top seller. This iPod Touch game is about some naughty pigs that stole the birds’ eggs. The Angry Birds quest is to invade and destroy the pigs’ castle at all cost. The birds use themselves as missiles as they use slingshots to launch themselves towards the pig’s castle.

You need to consider a lot of factors such as, which bird to fire, the acceleration speed and strength of the shot and so on.  This is a great iPod Touch game application as the player would have to consider the law of physics to play this iPod game. Caution: it’s addictive! (ages 6 and up).

iPod Touch Games

#2 – Draw Something

This iPod Touch game is the most popular guessing and social drawing game suitable for “kids” of all ages. The idea is to draw a particular object or idea and let your opponent guess the word. A kid’s creativity will definitely be tapped in this game. Caution: also addictive! (ages 7 and up).

Draw Something On iPod Touch

#3 – Fruit Ninja

This game app is a worldwide hit. The idea is to slash every which way fruits that fly across the screen. The slashed fruits open up in very colorful ways. This game app has three game modes which include power-ups with options to post score on online leader boards using Openfeint. (ages 6 and up).

Fruit Ninja iPod Touch

#4 – Doodle Buddy

Kids do love to doodle. What better way to develop their creativity and artistry than having them play this app?  This is an “artsy” iPod Touch app for kids 3 years and above. This is an application where a child draws in all types of backgrounds, lines and shapes using different colors. It’s possible to take someone’s mug shot and then add details by drawing them on the photo.

Doodle Buddy

#5 – Giraffe’s Matching Zoo

This is more of a matching game that will stimulate a young child’s neurons to build up memory muscles. Kids will have to match animals and simultaneously learn new kinds of animals in the course of the game. This is a perfect iPod Touch game app for kids ages 3 and up.

Ipod Touch Games

#6 – iBowl

Kids’ virtual bowling game at its best! It’s harder to throw a gutter ball in iBowl than a straight ball. Kids will love the sound of pins being knocked over by their virtual ball. The game is really quite easy to learn but mastering it takes hours and hours of practice. This game is suitable for kids ages 4 and up.

iBowl iPod Touch

There are plenty of other commendable iPod Touch apps and games for kids such as Paper Toss where the player attempts to throw a piece of crumpled paper into a waste basket. The task is made difficult by a fan blowing in the background. Hangman is another exciting iPhone Touch apps that is based on the vintage Hangman game. These iPod Touch game apps are for kids ages 6 and up.

Though these game apps are good to a point, kids’ gaming hours should be regulated.

It is not easy to qualify which game apps are the best. Do you have any recommendations that you can share? 

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Jailbreak iPod Touch 4G 4.2.1 – 4.3.5 – 5.0.1

April 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Are you interested in learning more about the jailbreak iPod Touch process? Is this something that you have been pondering for quite some time? Once you learn more about jailbreaking and how it works, you can decide if this is truly something that you want to do. For those who want to get the most out of their Touch, jailbreaking is often times the way to go.

On the surface, your iPod Touch is capable of a lot. That being said, there are limitations that you to be aware of. Apple has placed limitations on this device, such as forcing it to only run Apple approved apps. While there is nothing wrong with this, if you are interested in having your Touch do more you need to go through the jailbreak process. With this, you are unlocking the device’s capabilities to run apps and software that have yet to be approved by Apple. Of course, your device will retain all its original functions.

Why Jailbreak My iPod Touch?

Jailbreak iPod Touch iPhoneIf you decide that you want to jailbreak iPod Touch, you should probably learn more about the process before moving forward. Although this will make your device more useful, it is not the right decision for everybody. That being said, this will open you up to a new world of opportunities. Once you jailbreak your iPod, you will be able to do all of the following (plus much more):

• Change settings and customize almost every detail of your iPod Touch. If you are tired of the standard wallpaper, for example, once you jailbreak your device you can change this.

• Play games offered by third party developers. As if that was not enough, most of these games are free of charge to you.

• Download and save anything you find on the web with the help of the Safari Download Manager.

• Download and save YouTube videos to your device for future playback.

This is just a short list of the many things you can do once you jailbreak iPod Touch. Many people do not understand the full capabilities until they actually do this and begin to experiment with their newfound device.

What About the Downside?

Jailbreak iPod TouchJailbreaking your iPod Touch is generally a great idea. However, there are some potential drawbacks that you need to be aware of. For example, this will void your warranty with Apple. In short, you will not be able to send your device to Apple for warranty repairs as it will no longer be covered. Fortunately, you can always restore your device to its original factory settings and start from scratch. This allows you to restore your warranty and get any necessary work completed.

What about my battery? Some people have reported that jailbreaking their iPod Touch leads to the battery draining quickly. Although some apps will do this, it is not something that you should worry about.

How to Get Started

Are you convinced that jailbreaking your iPod touch is a good idea? If so, the best way to get started is with a software program. The software that you use will be based on the type of iPod Touch that you have. Your two options include: tethered and untethered. With a tethered jailbreak, you are required to connect your device to a computer and jailbreak it every time you want to use it. With untethered, this is not the case. Instead, you only have to plug it into your computer once. From there, the process is complete for good.

The RedSnow jailbreak download is the best option. This untethered process will help you jailbreak your iPod in no time at all. Follow these steps to get started:

RedSnow jailbreak

• Download and update the appropriate firmware (4.3.3) through iTunes.

• Start the program and point it to the firmware update file which is located on your computer.

• Select “install Cydia” and then move through the prompts.

• Make sure your device is off and plugged in to your computer. At this point, click next. This step is essential to ensure that your device is kept safe throughout the jailbreak process.

• A screen will come up prompting you to enter DFU mode on your iPod. The instructions are simple to follow, so move through them one step at a time.

• Let the software do its thing. All you have to do is sit back and wait for your device to restart. Once this is complete, your iPod Touch is now jailbroken.

While there are many other software programs that can assist you with the jailbreaking process, none are as complete and efficient as the Red Snow jailbreak download. With this, you can be rest assured that everything is complete and that the overall quality of your device is never compromised.

Can You Jailbreak Your iPod Touch?

With all this information, you should now be able to see that it is possible to jailbreak your iPod Touch. No matter which version of this device you have, if you follow the steps above you can get started in no time at all. As long as you use the right software and follow the steps as they are outlined, you don’t have anything to worry about – you will be able to get the desired results soon enough.

What more could you want? When you jailbreak iPod Touch you will be well on your way to a device that is capable of more than you ever thought possible. It only takes a few minutes to make this happen. From there, your device will have more capabilities than when you purchased it.

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