Jeff Benjamin

Jeff has been with iDownloadBlog since 2010, acting as resident video specialist, and tutorial expert. He earned his degree in Computer Network Systems back in 2001, but decided Cisco routers and the like just weren’t for him. Since then, he’s been heavily involved with online writing. He’s written for numerous tech and video game sites since the late 1990′s, and has a knack for explaining things in a simple, clear, and concise manner. Jeff works primarily from the east coast on his Retina Macbook Pro, and shoots video with a Canon DSLR. During downtime he likes to travel the world, visiting the various Apple Stores across the globe. You can email him at jeff [at] idownloadblog.com and follow him on Twitter @JeffBenjam or on Google+.

tvOS 9.2 beta 2 brings iCloud Photo Library, Live Photos and Conference Room Display Mode

A new tvOS 9.2 beta has landed in the hands of Apple TV developers today. This update comes at the same time as new iOS, watch OS, and OS X betas are released.

tvOS 9.2 beta 2 is a follow up release to tvOS 9.2 beta 1. That update brought a new Podcasts app, redesigned App Switcher, Bluetooth keyboard support, and folders to the Apple TV interface. This latest update brings iCloud Photo Library support, Live Photos support, and more...

Apple seeds watchOS 2.2 beta 2 to developers

A new watchOS 2.2 beta just appeared for developers. watchOS 2.2 beta 2 is the follow up to the original 2.2 beta that launched two weeks ago to the day.

The update is now available as an OTA upgrade via the Software Update section of the Apple Watch app. You must be running the prior beta to see the OTA update for watchOS 2.2 beta 2. The update is also available on the Apple Developer website.

Activator 1.9.8 released to public with Apple Watch-oriented features, delays between actions, and much more

Ryan Petrich has released his massive update to Activator, an update that has been months in the making, to the public. After several beta tests, Activator 1.9.8 is now ready to go, and it brings features like Apple Watch support, event search, pauses between actions, and much more.

If you wish to try out this latest version of Activator, then you can get it free of charge on Cydia's BigBoss repo. Check out the remainder of this post for the incredibly long changelog.

Snapper 2: an awesome screenshot tool for jailbroken iPhones

Snapper 2 is a follow-up jailbreak tweak to the original Snapper, a release that enhances screenshot-taking ability on iOS. If you're a prolific screenshot taker like I am, then Snapper 2 is a tool that can make your life a lot easier.

Instead of having to crop screenshots in post, Snapper 2 lets your crop them on the fly as you take them. You can even pin cropped screenshots on top of the screen in order to reference pertinent information.

For example, you can use Snapper 2 to cut out a photo that you need to describe within the Notes app. Instead of jumping back and forth between the Photos app and the Notes app, use Snapper 2 in order to view two items at once. Have a look at our full video walkthrough for all of the details.

Logic Pro X 10.2.1 brings tons of new features to Apple’s flagship music production app

Alongside the release of Music Memos and a significant update to GarageBand, Apple dropped a major new update to its flagship music production suite for OS X. Logic Pro X 10.2.2 brings tons of new features to the table, and a changelog that's long enough to qualify as a light novel.

I've seen the idea that "Apple no longer cares about professionals" tossed around more often than it should. All you need to do is look at the Logic Pro X changelog to see that this couldn't be further from the truth.

Snakebite: an upcoming tweak for enhancing 3D Touch multitasking

Snakebite is an upcoming jailbreak tweak that works with the iPhone 6s' 3D Touch multitasking gesture. The tweak replaces the App Switcher with a new interface for quickly accessing recently used apps or favorite apps. From the Snakebite interface, it's possible to quickly access the App Switcher via the Multitasking shortcut button.

Even if you don't own a 3D Touch capable device, you can utilize Snakebite by means of a handy tap and drag gesture. Watch our full video walkthrough to see what I mean.

GarageBand 2.1 updated for iPad Pro, adds 3D Touch support for iPhone 6s

Rejoice, iPad Pro users; GarageBand has finally been updated to accommodate the additional real estate provided by the iPad Pro's massive 12.9" screen. Not only that, but the release also adds support for 3D Touch on the iPhone 6s.

All in all, the "2.1" isn't really indicative as to how big of a release this is. Have a look at the full change log for a glance into how much effort was put into this latest update.

Let’s Talk Jailbreak: an iPad Pro accident story, is it worth losing your jailbreak for iOS 9.3?

Episode 142: Jeff shares his iPad Pro accident story. Is it worth it to lose your jailbreak for iOS 9.3? How to uncover hidden features on the Apple TV. Several newly released jailbreak tweaks are discussed.

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Support Let’s Talk Jailbreak: Get peace of mind knowing your files are backed up securely in the cloud. Backup your Mac or PC for just $5/month. Go to backblaze.com/iDB.

Apple Watch Hermés Collection available for sale online this Friday

Beginning this Friday, acquiring an Apple Watch model from the Apple Watch Hermés Collection will no longer require a visit to a physical Apple Store. That's because you'll be able to order an Apple Watch Hermés directly from the comforts of your own home.

According to a report from fashion news outlet Fashionista, the Apple Watch Hermés, which actually includes three models—the Single tour, Double tour, and Cuff—will all be available for sale on both Hermés' and Apple's online store. That's big news, because previously, only a few physical Apple Stores in select big cities, along with Hermés boutiques, even carried models from the collection.

Let’s Talk iOS: iOS 9.3 beta discussion, HDHomeRun brings free TV to Apple TV, and more

Episode 118: We go in-depth on many of the new iOS 9.3 beta 1 features, talk about tvOS 9.2 beta and all of its new features, and touch on watchOS 2.2 beta, which brings multiple Apple Watch pairing ability to the mix. We also go in-depth with Jeff's recent HDHomeRun setup when paired to the Apple TV, and discuss recent rumors about Apple Watch 2.

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Support Let’s Talk iOS: Get peace of mind knowing your files are backed up securely in the cloud. Backup your Mac or PC for just $5/month. Go to backblaze.com/iDB.