This blog is intended for iPhone and iPod Touch owners who are not familiar with jailbreaking. Simple how-to tutorials will be posted in order to help users make the best of their iPhones and iPod Touches running on OS 3.0.
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Videos Available at http://www.youtube.com/user/monkeyballp
Purpose: -To get the new 3.0 firmware onto your iPod Touch without having to pay the ~10 bucks. -Bring your jailbroken iPhone/ iPod Touch back to factory settings (un-jailbreak) so you can bring it in to claim warranty. What you need: - iPhone or iPod Touch - iTunes 8.2 (Make sure you have 8.2 or you will not be able to update to the 3.0 firmware) - The correct firmware file for your device.
If you need the download like for iTunes 8.2 Beta, the link is available in an earlier post.
Step 1 Download the correct firmware file for your device.
Step 2 The file is going to show up with a .zip extension. For example "3GPhone.zip" and you are going to want change the extension to .ipsw. If you cannot see the ".zip" part, open up Windows Explorer, go to "Tools" at the top and select "Folder Options". In the "View" tab, uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types".
Step 3 Open up iTunes 8.2 and have your iPhone/Touch connected to the computer with the data cable. Make sure your device is ON.
Step 4 Put your phone into Device Firmware Upgrade mode, more commonly known as DFU mode.
To do this:
- Hold down the "home" button and the "power" button until the device turns off and you see the Apple logo come up. - Once you see the Apple logo, let go of the power button, but continue holding on to the home button. - Keep holding the home button until you see the iTunes logo and the USB cable on your iPhone/Touch screen.
Windows and iTunes should now have detected your device.
Step 5 Click on your device from the sidebar and select the "Summary" tab if it is not already selected. Step 6 Hold down the "Shift" key and click on "Restore". If you are on a Mac, hold down the "Option" key instead of "Shift"
Step 7 Browse for the appropriate ipsw file and click "Open"
That is all you need to do! The rest is just waiting for the firmware to be restored to the device. Just be patient becasue the device can take fairly long to restore.
Step 8 Once the firmware has been installed onto your device you will see the iTunes logo and USB cable on your device's screen and you can just set up your iPhone or Touch as if it was brand new.
And that is it! You just saved yourself 10 bucks! Hope that helps!
Skins have been a popular alternative/compliment to cases for iPhone/Touch users who are paranoid (like me) and want to keep their device in pristine condition. It is a simple, relatively inexpensive way to protect your device from scratches and minor bumps, without adding any noticeable bulk like cases.
Side Note: A body skin may still be a worthy investment if your iPhone/Touch has a lot of scratches, dents, cracks, etc. First of all, you are shielding your device from further damange, and secondly it make your device look like it is in much better condition than it actually is. Why is this important? Many of the scratches with literally become invisible once the skin is applied, and a lot dents will just show up as bubbles when you look at it. This may not be the best looking, since it looks like a poorly installed skin, however, this may be beneficial for you if you are trying to take your iPhone/Touch into the Apple Store to get a replacment unit becasue a lot of the damage on your device will be hidden or less visible! Last I heard, no one was denied warranty becasue they had a poorly installed skin ;).
There are three main options for these types of skins: BestSkinsEver, Bodyguardz and Zagg InvisibleShields. I opted for the BSE skin because it is by far the cheapest ($7.99USD) compared to Bodyguardz ($24.95USD) and InvisibleShields ($24.95USD) . I have never tried the other two brands, but they are supposed to be very similar to the BSE skin.
Here is a breakdown of what is included:
BestSkinsEver ($7.99USD) - 1 Set of the Total Body Skin (Screen Skin, Home Button Skin, Back Skin)
Bodyguardz ($24.95USD) - 2 Sets of the Total Body Skin (Screen Skin, Home Button Skin, Back Skin) -Squeegee -Application Solution -Instructions
InvisibleShields ($24.95USD) - 1 Set of the Total Body Skin (Screen Skin, Home Button Skin, Back Skin) -Squeegee -Application Solution -Instructions Shipping: Shipping was reasonably fast. The skins were in my mailbox in less than 1 week (3 days I believe). Shipping was also free for me (Shipping is free if you order 3 or more skins). Check the BSE website for the cost of shipping for purchasing less that 3 skins. http://www.bestskinsever.com/ Pre-Installation: The reason why BSE is so much cheaper than the other alternatives is because they only give you the bare minimum. Basically your order will come in a regular letter envelope with the invoice, and whatever skins you ordered inside. Instructions are not even provided in the envelope, they direct you to their website for text instructions. I have ordered a few things from BSE in the past and overall I have been very satisfied both with the products and service they provide.
I personally do not think it is worth paying more for the extra's you receive with the other two brands. You can just use and old credit card, or a inactive giftcard (from Wal-Mart, Best Buy, etc.) and the application solution is just a water detergent mixture. Bodyguardz and InvisibleShields advertise a lifetime warranty on the skins, where they will replace the skin for you whenever you need. BSE does not advertise this, however I have had no trouble getting replacements for my skins in the past for free.
Installation: Let me just start off by saying that this thing is NOT EASY to install, especially if this is your first time trying it. Patience is your best friend in this situation. It took me between 45 mins to an hour to complete the installation. I just followed the video tutorial from the InvisibleShields website, and it worked flawlessly. One thing to note: the paper backing stuck to home button skin and would not wash off. I contacted BSE and they appologized and shipped a replacment skin for me immediately! (Thats what I mean by great customer service!)
Tips for Installing the Skin: - Set aside at least one hour to install the skin. You do not want to rush this. - Install the skin in a steamy washroom (Like after a shower). The steam captures a lot of the dust floating around so that it does not end up on your skin, and under your screen. - Spray a little bit of solution on the squeegee instead of the top of the skin (as stated in the InvisibleShields video). I find this works just as well, and you have more control over how much of the solution is getting on to your device. - If the corners or sides start to dry out, dab your fingers with the application solution rather than respraying, so you don't put on too much application solution. (Which will likely increase the duration of your installation)
Post-Installation: I am fairly happy with the final product (and proud of myself for doing a reasonably good job =D). One thing to note though, these things are not as indestructable as advertised. On the first day after applying the skin onto my phone, I had the phone in my pocket along with some other items. I think it was pressed up against one of the items and now it has left a rather annoying mark on the screen. It probably wont heal itself, becasue it looks like the screen protector has been slightly stretched. It is probably partially due to the fact that I did not give the skin enough time to fully cure.
Post-Installation Tips: - Make sure that where ever you put your iPhone/Touch, it is not pressed against the corner of something else. (especially in your pant pocket like me =(... ) - Throw a case on it. The skins are great for protecting your device from scratchs and minor bumps, but it provides virtually no drop protection. - Keep your order confirmation emails! This will make getting replacment skins very easy and fast if/when you need them =).
Pros: - Excellent scratch protection (better than any case available) - Touch sensitivity is not affected by the screen skin - Hide some of the existing damage on your device - Can still be used with almost any case - Price is very reasonable - Fast shipping - Great customer service, making it a breeze to get a replacement
Cons: - Not easy to install. - You need to set your device aside for a few hours (supposedly 12 hours) to let it dry. (So you can't play with it) - Dust starts collecting around the edges of the skin over time.
Conclusion: Overall, I think this is a must have for any iPhone/Touch owner. You have already invested so much in your device, whats another 8 bucks? You may get really frustrated during the installation, but once you are done, it will be so worth it. The device gets a little "grippy-er" with the skin on. Some like it, some don't so you will have to wait about 12 hours after the installation to judge for yourself =).
Hope you all enjoyed my first review! Let me know what you guys think. Thanks a lot.
This is a much more convenient way to get App Store apps/games onto your iPhone or Touch.
Purpose: Install unauthorized apps and games to your iPhone or iPod Touch running OS 3.0 Firmware without the need of a computer. What you need: - Jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch running OS 3.0 -WiFi connection
Step 1 Open up Cydia from your springboard.
Step 2 Select the Manage tab located at the bottom of the page.
I will post the link for the MAC version if requested.
GAMES
Just a few good games that I have uploaded so far for everyone to enjoy! Definitely more to come. Follow the tutorial on how to installed cracked apps below to get them up and running!
That is it for now! I will try my best to fulfill any requests that you guys may have. I will also try to post descriptions for the games later on. Let me know if you have any problems with the links. Thanks!
Step 5 Select the Search tab located at the bottom of the page.
Step 6 Select Package Names & Descriptions at the top and enter "AppSync"
Step 7 Install "AppSync" to your device.
Step 8 After "AppSync" has been installed, go to the AppStore and download any app (can be a free one).This is an important step becasue you will not be able to install cracked apps properly without doing this first!
Step 9 On your computer, open up iTunes, and select Applications from the sidebar.
Step 10 Drag and drop your cracked .ipa file into the Applications window
Step 11 Connect your device to the computer with the USB cable, and sync your device.
Step 12 Enjoy your new apps!
Notes: If you are still experiencing problems with getting the apps onto your device, download an app through iTunes on your computer (again, it can be a free one) before syncing.
Hope that helps! Please leave any questions or comments below. Thank you very much!
This is my first tutorial so I hope everyone can follow!
This is a simple tutorial that works on any iPhone and does not require jailbreaking.
Purpose: Block data usage on your iPhone when you are not connected to WiFi.
Intended Users: iPhone users who are not subscribed to a data plan.
Notes: 1)This will NOT block the usage of wifi on the iPhone. This is so that you are not charged for data usage of EDGE or 3G unknowing since there are no warnings on the phone.
2)I have never had any problems by using this method, however some users report being charged for data usage even after going through this procedure. The only sure fire way to block data is to call up your service provider and request that they block data on your account.
How To Block Data on the iPhone
Step 1 Make sure that you are connected to the internet through WiFi on your iPhone
Step 2 Open up safari and go to the url: unlockit.co.nz. It will load up a page called APN Changer.
Step 3 Allow the page to finish loading, scroll to the bottom of the page and hit "Continue".
Step 4 On the next page it will ask you to select the option you wish to use. Select "Disable Data (FakeAPN)"
Step 5 On the "Install Profile" page, just hit the "Install" button and then "Install Now". Hit the "Done" button after the installation is complete.
That is all you need to do!
Check That The Data Blocker is Working
To check that the data block profile is working correctly, turn off your wifi by going to:
Settings-->WiFi
And just toggle the WiFi switch to "Off"
Open up Safari again and hit refresh. If you get an error saying "Cannot Open Page", the data blocker is doing the job!
Remove the Data Block
If you would like to remove this data block at any time just go to:
Settings-->General-->Profile
And then hit the "Remove" button and "Remove" again to confirm.
What does it mean to jailbreak my iPhone/iPod Touch?
Simply put, jailbreaking your iPhone or iPod Touch just means that you are modifying the devices so that you are able to "do a lot more" than a stock iPhone or iPod Touch (one that has not been jailbroken).
Note: Jailbreaking and unlocking are NOT the same thing.
What does it mean to unlock my iPhone?
First of all, it is not possible to unlock an iPod Touch. When an iPhone is "locked", it means that it is locked to one specific carrier (or service provider).
In Canada, for example, if your iPhone was purchased from Rogers, it would be locked to Rogers, and you would not be able to use the phone with any other service provider such as Fido. Unlocking your iPhone means that you are able to use your iPhone with any GSM service provider. This includes any GSM service provider around the world, for example AT & T in the US, or Orange in the UK.
More details on unlocking will be discussed later on.
What are the advantages of jailbreaking my iPhone/iPod Touch?
Jailbreaking your device allows you to "do a lot more" with it including (but not limited to):
- Changing the look of your device (With different themes, icons, wallpapers, etc.) - Install different apps and games that are not available on the AppStore - Enable more functions (such as video recording on the iPhone 3G) - It is FREE to jailbreak your device! (and most of the apps and games available are free as well!)
Note that this is just a very general overview. More details will follow in the near future.
What are the disadvantages of jailbreaking my iPhone/iPod Touch?
Jailbreaking your device will technically void your warranty, since it is unauthorized by Apple. However, the jailbreaking process is not permanent and can be "reversed" anytime without Apple knowing. By restoring your device to factory settings (the way your device was when you first bought it) before taking it to the Apple Store, you will still be able to claim warranty for your device.
Another disadvantage is that if you do not perform the jailbreaking operation successfully, you may be required to restore your device to factory settings. This means all the apps, games, music, photos, settings, and whatever else you may have on your device will be erased. This is not such a big deal because all of your files should stored on your computer, and you will be able to put them back on your device by re syncing it with iTunes. The only thing is you will have to readjust your settings (such as brightness, push notification, wifi, etc.)
Is it possible to "brick" my iPhone/iPod Touch while jailbreaking?
It is virtually impossible to bring your iPhone/iPod Touch to an unusable state (hence "brick") where it cannot be fixed. Jailbreaking your device is not permanent, and the worst that can happen is that you will be required to store your device to factory settings, and re sync all of your files through iTunes.
What is the difference between between an iPhone and iPod Touch?
There are many little differences between the different generations of iPhones and iPod Touches but the main differences are:
-iPhone is a cellphone while the iPod Touch is not. -iPhone has a microphone,and an earpiece (for making calls) -iPhone has a camera, iPod Touch does not.
-If you are not currently on OS 3.0 on your iPod Touch, it will cost $9.95USD to update the firmware. The update is free for iPhone users.
What is the difference between the different iPhones?
Here is a simple comparison between the 3G and the 3G S from the Apple website:
http://www.apple.com/iphone/compare-iphones/
Here is a more detailed comparison chart between all of the iPhones Avaliable:
What is the difference between the different iPod Touches?
The main differences are: -2nd gen has a dedicated volume rocker on the side -2nd gen has an external speaker -2nd gen has a slightly faster processor -2nd gen has a slightly different form factor
I am setting up this blog in hopes that I will be able to help people who are new to the world of jailbreaking (or modifying) iPhones and iPod Touches. I have watched several videos, and read many articles online regarding the jailbreaking of iPhones and iPod Touches, and I think for the most part they are very well put together. However, many of the videos and articles seem to be from a perspective of individuals who are very familiar with the whole jailbreaking process, and are very comfortable modifying (and "voiding the warranty" of) their $$$ devices, and the authors have a tenancy to leave out little bits and pieces of information that are helpful, especially for those who are unfamiliar.
My goal is to provide information regarding iPhone/iPod touch jailbreaking and the device in general to those who are still new to the whole experience (like me). I hope to instill confidence in those who are afraid to modify their iPhones and iPods, so that they will be able to perform these simple modifications on their own. Any questions or comments will be greatly appreciated! =)
Note 1: In general I will only be covering topics related to the most recent update for the iPhone/iPod Touch, known as OS 3.0, and onward. If you have any questions regarding previous version, I will try my best to answer them.
Note 2: Many people refer to the "iPod Touch" as the "iTouch". A lot of iPod enthusiast get annoyed when people say that since it is technically incorrect. For me, you can call it whatever you like and I am cool with that. =)
