Month: March 2010

iRemix Considerably Improves Your iPod App

Sébastien Page ∙ March 31, 2010

Do you feel that the features of the iPod app of your iPhone or iTouch are limited? You're not alone. The other day as I was miserably stuck in a bus between Ninh Binh and Halong Bay in Vietnam, I was playing with my iPod and building an on-the-go playlist. I found it absolutely ridiculous that I couldn't add songs to the on-the-go playlist while playing the songs.

After doing a bit of research online (all this over the amazing Vietnamese 3G), I came across iRemix, a jailbreak app that aims at enhancing your iPod experience. iRemix is more a mod than an app per say. It integrates seamlessly with your iPod app, making it much better.

I was excited about iRemix because it was supposedly able to do what I wanted: easily add songs being played to the on-the-go playlist. But it also has other badass features:

Favorites: tap and hold on a song then add it to your favorites Bookmarks: tap the little bookmark icon to create a bookmark anywhere in a song or audiobook Quick add: quickly add songs to the on-the-go playlist Fast search: simple and powerful search feature Song info: easily get artist or album info. Also allows you to watch the video of the song as well as search for lyrics Enhanced FFW and REW: tap and hold the FFW or REW button to easily jump forward or backward by 15 s, 30 s, 1 min, or 5 minutes.

In the first image below, you can see the bookmarking feature, the "i" for information search, and the FFW/REW feature. Note that I added all of them for this screenshot but the screen doesn't normally look so busy. In the second image, you can see the "add to on-the-go" and "add to favorites" features.

These sounds like very simple features, don't they? Well, they are very basic but very powerful. So powerful that I suspect we will see some of them in iPhone OS 4.0.

iRemix is available from Cydia for $2.99 and comes with a 5-day trial period. This app is a no brainer for anyone looking to make enhance the iPod feature.

You might have already heard or even tried iRemix since it's not so new. If so, what do you think about this app?

Spirit – A New Jailbreak For iPhone 3.1.3

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated May 4, 2010

Just a few days after GeoHot released a video of a potential untethered jailbreak for 3.1.3, a new video by hacker Comex emerged on the internet showing a new userland jailbreak called Spirit.

UPDATE: Spirit has been released. You can see my Spirit jailbreak tutorial here.

A userland jailbreak is a browser-based jailbreak, similar to the good old JailbreakMe.com, which allows you to jailbreak your iPhone simply by visiting a site from Safari and agreeing to jailbreak your iPhone. If you used JailbreakMe.com before, you will probably remember how easy and quick it was. As for me, I remember going visit the Apple Store and jailbreak a bunch of iPhones on display for the heck of it...

Presumably, Spirit will work for every device on 3.1.3 with the newer bootrom, and potentially even the iPad. It's interesting to note that this is an untethered jailbreak.

For those of you that might be skeptical about this video, MuscleNerd confirmed that it is indeed a legit userland jailbreak.

The question on everybody's lips is when will this new jailbreak be available? Well, there is no ETA at the time. Now that Geohot has been challenged though, I suspect that he's going to rush to release his new jailbreak, which in turn will kinda force Comex to release his too. Only time will tell.

Remotely Control Your Mac or PC with Remote Jr.

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 27, 2018

I think I'm with Angi on this one. I generally don't pay for apps. But, if I really need an application because it performs certain tasks, and I can't find anything in the free section, I have to buy it. Remote Jr. by Pratik Kumar is definitely one of those applications.

I'm one of those nerds that is constantly trying to find a way to incorporate my iPhone into my everyday life, thus eliminating other remotes and devices. Like when my MacBook is connected to my TV, instead of having an actual wireless keyboard and mouse, I use my iPhone with an app like Logitech's Touch Mouse App.

This proved to be very handy as I could sit quite a distance from my TV and MacBook and pull up webpages, search movies on YouTube, and click through photos. I even had applications that would control my iTunes and the front row applications on my MacBook.

These were all great, but I discovered that what I really wanted was the ability to see the screen of my desktop on my iPhone, as I was controlling it. Just imagine all the possibilities (I say that with a joker-like grin with my hands in a Mr. Burns 'excellent' pose).

After sifting through Apple's App Store I didn't see a whole lot of options. As I started to filter out applications by options (desktop view, mac OS X compatible, etc...) it really just came down to Remote Jr.

After reading that the application also offered the ability to connect to a laptop or desktop over the internet I had no problem dropping the $7.99. The fact that it included a built in front row remote mode was also an added bonus.

But the real value is in the fact that it doesn't have to be on the same network as the computer you are trying to connect to. In general most remote control apps require that you be on the same wireless network as the connecting device, Remote Jr. apparently didn't get that memo.

I had to try this out. From my wireless network at work, I was able to see my MacBook that I left open at home. Without having to mess with the settings, I pressed on my MacBook's icon (that I had setup that morning), and within seconds I was connected to my MacBook at home. I was able to pull up pictures and type a to do list for when I got home.

The coolest thing was probably, right as I was leaving work, I set a playlist up in itunes to start playing. Not just any playlist, but a list of awesome songs that I would love to come home to. Sure enough, after a quick 10 minute commute, I opened my front door to "Welcome to the Jungle" by The Guns and Roses. Que 5 minute air guitar solo, "nunna nunna knees! knees! knees!"

So back to the application. It really seemed to impress more around every corner. Initial setup is a breeze. You run remote helper on your client mac or PC, and you open Remote Jr. on your iPhone. No entering in long and confusing IP addresses, no constant clicking "find" or "search", like all of us have come to expect with apple products, it just worked.

The front row mode on the phone performed like a champ, I was able to watch DVD's browse pictures, and of course play music, all from any room in my house.

Now, for some people, especially those who plan on doing a lot of typing, they may want to go with a full size wireless keyboard. The tiny keyboard on the iPhone screen won't meet everyone's needs. There is also some lag when switching from front row remote to live desktop and other modes, so if that is going to bug you, stay away. But for my needs, this app was perfect.

If you're looking for a way to control your computer from across the living room or across town, at $7.99 Remote Jr. is perfect for you too. Especially if you are a Mac user, this might be your best option for a desktop view capable remote application (and if you know of a better one, link it in the comments, we'll check it out).

Any question or comment, please feel free to ask.

So Long iPhone Screen Protectors and Thanks for Nothing

Guest Author ∙ Updated November 25, 2016

We've learned from iLounge that Apple is pulling the plug and banning the sale of film based screen protectors and removing them from their retail and online store fronts. This includes all stand-alone screen protectors as well as film-based screen protectors that come as part of a package. The ban will affect all iDevices ranging from the iPod Touch to the new iPad due out early April 2010.

iPhone screens are made of durable glass that nearly impossible to scratch. This move comes as no surprise but it should make one wonder why Apple decided to sell these screen protectors in the first place.

Most screen protectors are nearly impossible to install and, with time, collects dirt around the edges. Not to mention the cost. Most of these screen protectors are $20 or more, depending on where you go; online markets are usually cheaper.

Just because Apple has banned film based screen protectors from the retail outlets, we are not completely without screen protectors. Film based screen protectors will still be available at 3rd party stores such as Best Buy, Fry's or other electronic superstores. Odds are you'll find them cheaper at an electronic superstore too.

Since the purchase of my iPhone [3GS] last July, I have invested roughly $100 on different screen protectors in hopes of finding the perfect one. Today, I swear by not using screen protectors since the iPhone screen has proven itself to be very durable and nearly scratch resistant. I do have a small scratch towards the bottom right corner but it's nearly unnoticable except when screen is black. I can even recount how it happened and, to this day, I am still amazed the scratch is as small as it is.

Do you use a screen protector? If so, will this move affect the future of your iDevices? Please share you opinion.

Send iPhone Apps As Gifts

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated July 6, 2017

Giving an iTunes gift card is cool, but I think it's even cooler to be able to give specific apps as gift, and that's what Apple just made possible.

According to Mashable, this new feature has come to the App Store, allowing you to gift specific iPhone apps to other users.

On the drop-down box on each application’s page (next to the “Buy” button) there’s now an option that says “Gift This App.” From that point, you then just enter in details like name, e-mail address and the message that you want to include.

Apparently this feature has been around forever and allowed you to gift music from iTunes. I wasn't aware of it until today. A pretty simple bu neat feature... What do you think? [Via Download Squad]

Why the Apple/Google Feud is Good for Us

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated May 16, 2016

A few months ago I wrote an article titled Apple Vs google: the war is on. As often, I saw things coming fast and the feud between Google and Apple is now a big deal. For those of us who have bad memory, here are a few events that heated up the rivalry between the two giants.

First, Google entered the mobile market with Android, competing with iPhone OS Then Google entered the browser market with Chrome, competing with Safari Now Google wants to enter the OS market with Google OS, competing with Mac OS Google CEO Eric Schmidt resigned from Apple's board Apple tried to buy mobile ad platform AdMob, to compete with Google Google outbid Apple and snatched AdMob Apple bought out PlaceBase, a company that does what Google Maps does Apple bought Lala in a hurry, lest Google buys it out first Apple bought digital ad agency Quattro Google enters the hardware business by making its own phone, directly competing with the iPhone

Both companies have lots of businesses overlapping each other and that's good for us. Google and Apple are now competing on the following grounds: hardware, software, advertising, location services, and probably more that I forgot.

I don't know if you realize this yet but this is the beginning of an amazing war between Google and Apple. Apple is not just a computer company anymore. In the same way, Google is not just a search engine anymore.

Why is the rivalry between Google and Apple good for consumers?

This war between Google and Apple is good for 2 main reasons. First, let's talk about innovation. When 2 (or more companies) fight for a market, one of the several ways they can outdo each other is by innovating. With Apple in the same room as Google, they won't have any choice but to provide users what they really want, and not slow down feature releases like Apple has been doing for a while.

Remember how we were waiting for copy/paste on the iPhone? Remember how we're still waiting for multitasking? Remember this shitty camera on the iPhone? Well this is a thing of the past. With new phones like the Nexus One delivering the quality that you might expect from such a device, Apple will have to come up with at least as good as Google.

The second reason this war between Google and Apple is good for consumers is that prices might go down just a bit. Apple is not the kind of company that sells cheap products. That's part of their marketing. They know people will pay more for quality product with a little apple on it.

However I believe that in the long run (I'm talking a few years from now), Apple will have no choice but reducing its prices to align its strategy on Google's.

I really don't think the price war is coming anytime soon. As I said above it will take a few years. But one thing I am sure of, it's that Apple will now move its butt and come up with an amazing iPhone 4.0 in a few months. They won't do that to please you. They will do that because Google leaves them no choice.

Go Apple, go Google. Beat each other up. We users are waiting to see what good is going to come out of your feud.

[Image: Business Week]

Geohot to Release Untethered Jailbreak

Sébastien Page ∙ March 25, 2010

Geohot is back at it, this time with an untethered jailbreak for iPhone OS 3.X.

This is what he wrote on his blog just minutes ago:

The jailbreak is all software based, and is as simple to use as blackra1n. It is completely untethered, works on all current tethered models(ipt2, 3gs, ipt3), and will probably work on iPad too.

Don't ask about a release date. You won't make it happen any sooner.

I'd like to give you more details but I'm currently writing this from a car between Hanoi and Ninh Binh, Vietnam with obviously limited resources.

It does look like this new jailbreak tool won't be ready anytime soon, bu it's still a good news for those of you who have to kickstart their iPhones with BlackRa1n everytime they reboot.

Thoughts? Comments?

Hardware Fight: iPhone 3GS vs Nexus One

Sébastien Page ∙ March 25, 2010

Kyle of iFixIt sent me an interesting infographic putting the iPhone 3GS and the Nexus One side by side to compare their hardware.

According to Kyle, the Nexus One deserves more attention because its hardware is really quite impressive, and yet no one seems to be buying it!

Look at these numbers and tell us what you think. The Nexus One does look good on paper, doesn't it?

Now I can't wait to see how the next iPhone will compare to the Nexus One. If I had to guess, I'd say it's gonna kick its butt...

US Army and Apple Consult, iDevices For Combatants

Guest Author ∙ March 25, 2010

War? You bet. There’s an app for that and Ground Zero is Cupertino, CA. The US Army’s IT department paid a little visit to Apple recently to consult using Apple products on the battlefield. While there are some huge advantages, one can probably guess there are just as many disadvantages.

Imagine the situation of a battalion of kids with their sergeants and commanders carrying iPhones. There’s some downtime and some soldiers are ordered to stand guard at certain posts. Hours and hours drag by with no action, boring some soldiers. One soldier walks over to an empty chair, drags it back to his post, sits down and starts playing games. Or perhaps he launches his favorite Twitter app. Or maybe Facebook. As the illumination of the iPhone grabs his undivided attention, an enemy combatant sneaks past him.

OK, OK. So the odds of that scenario are slim, but this is an interesting venture for Apple nonetheless. Apple is known for developing revolutionary devices so it’s impossible to tell whether the Army will use existing devices or have Apple build a custom device from scratch.

“The Army is moving away from big-green-box solutions and toward those that will adapt along with our Warfighters on the battlefield,” says Major Gen. Nick Justice.

Given that the iPhone is chipped for cellular communication, comes packed with GPS, is razor thin and ultra light, it makes for an enticing and ideal device for soldiers already adapted to the device. Even if the soldier has never held an iPhone, they can adapt to the device within a day.

While adapting the soldiers may be easy, there is still some cause for concern. Does the US Army expect our soldiers to place their trust in a device that can’t have the battery removed and replaced? If our soldiers are going to be putting their trust into a communications device such as the iPh0ne, the battery issue must be addressed or else we risk having soldier getting stuck in situations without means of communication.

It seems that world militaries should keep up with trending technologies especially when most militaries consist of the younger generations that do keep up with trends. It would be a shame for any combatant to get caught with a dead battery.

What are your thoughts concerning Apple mingling with the US Army? Please share your opinions.

Apple Develops iGroups, Applies For Patent

Guest Author ∙ March 24, 2010

Where would we be if Apple did not invent things. Between the mid-1970s and early 1990s, they blessed us with the Apple II in various releases. In the late 1990s they blessed us with the iMac. Fast forward to 10 years later, 2007 to be exact, and they bless us with the iPhone. But really, is the iPhone worth anything if you cannot communicate and collaborate with your friends, contacts and/or anonymous persons?

Enter iGroups. Not the application that's currently available in the App Store but rather Apple's iGroups. Whether the name is official or not, it's Apple's attempt at entering the SocNet world. iGroups attempts to socialize groups of friends or strangers, while attending events, so information can be shared as it happens.

Seems pretty simple and straight forward. Using Ad-hoc technology, a technology all modern celluar devices can become, users at the same event do not need to rely on wi-fi nor celluar service to communicate with one another. They do, however, need to be in close proximity of one another in order to broadcast anonymously and/or communicating.

Bluetooth has a weak encryption algorithm, so while in Ad-Hoc mode, is data protected? Is data encrypted? Can strangers eardrop? Apparently, data is protected. According to patent #20100070758 (originally filed in 2008) for which Apple has applied for, new encryption technology is at the front end of iGroups and not the SocNet application itself.

Cryptogaphic keys employed for sharing information are implemented to guarantee information shared remains encrypted and safe from prying eyes. Sounds good to me. I don't mind encrypted data as long as the battery tax is kept below 0.01%.

Over the past 4 years, we have seen social networking sky rocket humanity into new forms of staying in touch and has given us the ability to share information almost instantaneously. There are several SocNet sites available to us at any given time, whether it be from our desktop or our mobile devices (hopefully iPhones). So why does Apple feel the need to enter the SocNet competition? It appears they have invented a new bluetooth encryption algorithm and they want us to use it.

Apple Starts Selling Contract Free iPhones

Sébastien Page ∙ March 23, 2010

Gizmodo got their hands on a leaked Apple internal documentation that says that they are now selling iPhones without a contract.

Until now, if you wanted to buy an iPhone from Apple, you had to show proof that you were an AT&T customer. This policy is a thing of the past and you can now go to the Apple Store and buy one iPhone a day at full price without a contract.

Why is Apple doing this? Probably to make some room in their inventory for new iPads, but most likely to start getting rid of these "old" iPhones, since they will be refreshed in just a few months now.

If you were thinking about buying one of these babies, keep in mind that you will not be able to jailbreak and unlock for a while as these iPhones are locked on firmware 3.1.3 with baseband 05.12.07.

BlackSn0w RC2 iPhone 3.1.3 Unlock Released

Sébastien Page ∙ March 22, 2010

Yesterday I was telling you about this guy who's been working on updating BlackSn0w to work on iPhone OS 3.1.3. Well it seems he has worked out the kinks and someone has made his update available.

You can now download and install BlackSn0w RC2 to unlock your iPhone 3.1.3 with baseband 05.11.07. The app should be available in the MMI repo soon, but if you can't wait, you can always add this repo: http://cydia.pushfix.info/

After jailbreaking your iPhone, simply launch Cydia and look for BlackSn0w RC2. Download and install, then reboot your iPhone. You should be good to go.

Note that if you accidentally updated your iPhone to 3.1.3, thus updating your baseband to 05.12.01, you will not be able to use this hack.

To date there is still now jailbreak and unlock for iPhone 3.1.3 on baseband 05.12.01.