Cody Lee

Cody Lee, iDownloadBlog.com’s longest-serving Editor, joined the site in 2008. He specializes in uncovering the best deals on Apple products, apps, and accessories. With years of experience in technology journalism, Cody helps readers save money while staying informed about the latest trends and updates in the Apple ecosystem. Cody’s history with smartphones goes almost as far back as he does. As the son of a Nokia employee, he was exposed early on to handsets like the N91 and the Communicator. He has since been involved in nearly every aspect of the mobile phone industry. While going to college, he worked at a Nokia factory, building handsets, and later moved on to a sales position at a major wireless carrier.

iPhone 4.3.3 Unlock – Everything You Need to Know

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 2, 2018

Apple has once again updated their iOS firmware, and with it came the usual questions. Can the new firmware be jailbroken? Yes, there are multiple ways to jailbreak your iDevice as long as it is compatible with iOS 4.3.3 or 4.2.8 for Verizon models.

Can my iPhone be unlocked if I update? Sort of. This is where things tend to get tricky. Unlike jailbreaking, the ability to unlock is dependent on the model of iPhone you have as well as a few other variables. Need help determining if your iPhone is unlockable? Hit the jump for a full breakdown...

iPad 2 Line in China Erupts in a Brawl

Cody Lee ∙ May 7, 2011

It's been a few months since Apple launched their new tablet here in the states, but it's popularity is still echoing around the globe. After the U.S. release, Apple has slowly pushed out the device to other countries.

The latest country to get hit with iPad 2 fever is China. While typical device launches are met with peaceful lines of Apple fans, the story of yesterday's launch paints a grimmer picture.

The Wi-Fi iPad 2 launched in China on Friday at 8 a.m. AppleInsider reported that there were still lines at the flagship Apple store in Beijing, around 10 a.m., with numbers in the hundreds. Apple employees handled the crowd very well, allowing just a handful of customers in at a time.

The article explains that at some point during the morning, a near "riot" erupted after retail employees tried to close the store down following a scuffle between Apple staff and crowd members.

The details of the tussle are sketchy, since most of the information is being derived from translated Chinese news reports. But what we've been able to gather is that Apple store employees got into an altercation with tablet scalpers outside the Beijing store. These individuals were reportedly selling Apple's new iPad for just a $30 markup over what the store was charging.

We're not sure exactly what spawned the brawl, but there are several reports that 2 young men and 2 men were injured. The 4 involved are currently hospitalized. The Apple store was forced to close for some time, while they cleaned up the mess of broken glass (valued at $46,000.00). It'll be interesting to see what, if anything, Apple has to say about the events.

What do you think?

TinyUmbrella Updated to Support 4.3.3 and iOS 4.2.8

Cody Lee ∙ May 7, 2011

If you've been jailbreaking for a while, you're probably an expert in saving your SHSH blobs. The task is fairly simple and enables you to downgrade to a working firmware, if you ever upgrade and things go wrong.

While many consider the cost of an iPhone expensive, the freedom to make it yours is priceless. If you recently updated to iOS 4.3.3, you're certainly going to want to make sure and backup your SHSH blobs...

Apple in Talks with Nuance to Upgrade Voice Control in iOS 5?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 18, 2018

It's no secret that iOS is lacking some serious voice command options. Hopefully, Apple is looking at giving the pathetic Voice Control feature a serious overhaul in iOS 5. At least give iPhone users voice to text to compete with our Android counterparts.

We reported on an interesting job listing back in early March that suggested Apple had heard our cries for a revamped Voice Control system. Today we've got more fuel to add to the fire, as the word on the street is Apple is in talks with Nuance Communications...

Everything You Need to Know About iOS 4.3.3 Jailbreak

Cody Lee ∙ May 7, 2011

Apple released iOS 4.3.3 (4.2.8 for Verizon iPhones) last Wednesday, less than three weeks after the previous software update. The new firmware included a fix for the location tracking file that Apple has gotten into so much water over (is that considered Cider?).

Chances are, most of you didn't consider 4.3.3 big enough to update from 4.3.2. But with the Verizon iPad 2 problem fixed and the infamous tracking bug patched, we may not see another update until iOS 5 is released. If that's the case, then this will likely be the last jailbreak for several months, so why not update?

DeleteMail Tweak Makes Clearing out Your Inbox Easy

Cody Lee ∙ May 7, 2011

The iOS Mail app is fairly straightforward. It houses all the basic functions of a standard email client, along with some nifty Exchange options. However, there is certainly room for improvement.

One of the main features missing is the ability to delete multiple emails quickly. If you have 1 or more inboxes that sees 100+ emails daily, you know what a pain it is to go through and select each message one at a time to delete them. Luckily, Cydia now has a tweak for that...

How to Jailbreak iPad 4.3.3 with RedSn0w [Tutorial]

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Three days ago, we told you that Apple released a new version of their iOS firmware. This update was specifically released to patch the location bug that made everyone so nervous.

We warned both original iPad and iPad 2 owners to avoid updating until we had official word from the jailbreak community that it was ok. We now have confirmation that iOS 4.3.3 is indeed susceptible to the current exploit.

Earlier today, the Dev Team released updated versions of their jailbreak software. Now both PwnageTool and RedSn0w have the ability to hack Apple's new iOS 4.3.3. If you have an original iPad and have been dying to update it to get rid of the tracking file, check out this step by step tutorial:

This jailbreak is only for the original iPad, if you have an iPad 2 click here.

Step 1: Make sure your iPad is on the latest 4.3.3 firmware. It's also a good idea to make sure you are using the latest iTunes.

Step 2: Download RedSn0w 0.9.6.RC15 and iOS 4.3.3 for your iPad from here. I always recommend downloading everything to your desktop to help keep track of things.

Step 3: After launching RedSn0w, find the firmware you just downloaded, and click next. You'll then be given options like customizing your boot logo, once you've selected what you want, click next.

Step 4: Make sure your iPad is off and connected to your computer. Then just follow the instructions to get your iPad into DFU mode.

Step 5: Once you are successfully in DFU mode, RedSn0w will start its magic. This can take a while, but after it's done your iPad will restart.

You should now see the Cydia icon on your home screen, enjoy.

Any questions?

The Dev Team Gives iPad 2 Jailbreak Update

Cody Lee ∙ May 6, 2011

Less than 3 days after Apple released the new 4.3.3 firmware, leaders of the jailbreak community have already provided provided several way to hack the new software.

The infamous Dev Team updated their popular PwnageTool and RedSn0w applications to jailbreak all iDevices that support Apple's latest firmware, excluding the iPad 2.

I know, the wait is becoming unbearable. Luckily, the Dev Team gave us an update on the current status of the iPad 2 jailbreak:

The iPad2 jailbreak remains under development. As you may know, the original exploit @comex developed in the first week of the iPad2 release was mysteriously fixed by Apple within days of its development. Partly because of this, don't expect much public discussion of the iPad 2 jailbreak until its actually finished and ready for release (and please avoid asking about it). In all likelihood, it will be a userland exploit like the first (unreleased) one, not dependent on bootrom dumps.

For those of you wondering why hackers have the ability to jailbreak the iPad 2 and haven't shared it with the masses yet, the Dev Team explains:

The first one can't be released even for those with the original 4.3 firmware due to legal (distribution) reasons.

It's good to know the Dev Team has not forgotten about us folks who are starving for a jailbreak solution for Apple's latest tablet. It'll be interesting to see if members of the Dev Team can beat Geohot and the Chronic Dev team to the iPad 2 jailbreak, who are reportedly using a method that requires a bootrom dump.

What do you think?

Jailbreak Tweak Adds #NowPlaying Feature to Facebook

Cody Lee ∙ May 6, 2011

Now that 4.3.3 jailbreaks are available, you may be looking for some new tweaks to improve your iPhone experience. Luckily, the jailbroken app store known as Cydia is chock-full of them.

One of the latest tweaks to enter the underground app store is a nice, tiny extension for your Facebook application. If you have always wanted an easy way to share your music with your Facebook friends, you may want to check this out...

Jailbreak iPhone 4.3.3 with Sn0wbreeze 2.7 [tutorial]

Cody Lee ∙ May 6, 2011

Most of you that have upgraded to Apple's latest firmware, have probably already jailbroken your iDevices using RedSn0w or PwnageTool. If you haven't yet, you may want to give Sn0wbreeze a try. As we reported earlier, the jailbreak software has joined the iOS 4.3.3 party, courtesy of i0n1c's untether.

Although generally mentioned last when discussing jailbreak options, Sn0wbreeze is still a good choice for jailbreakers looking to hack their iDevices with ease. It's especially useful for folks with Verizon iPhones, as the software created by iH8sn0w is currently the only way to jailbreak 4.2.8...

Sn0wbreeze Updated to Support Untethered Jailbreak for iOS 4.3.3 and 4.2.8

Cody Lee ∙ May 6, 2011

As you've probably already seen with RedSn0w and PwnageTool, i0n1c has updated his untether exploit to support Apple's latest firmware. Like the previously mentioned titles, Sn0wbreeze has been updated to support iOS 4.3.3.

This release comes less than 72 hours after Apple dropped the new iOS software, which fixes the location bug we told you about last month. Though many of you folks didn't have much of a reason to upgrade, for those who did, we have you covered...

iPad 3 to House a 3D Display?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

3D has been quite a popular technology lately. First we saw it in theaters, then it made its way into our homes. More recently, it's been finding its way into our portable electronic devices.

The Nintendo 3DS led the way with their glasses-free 3D implementation. HTC has also been showing off their latest smartphones, capable of capturing and viewing in 3 dimensions. Heck, even RIM has been touting their PlayBook's ability to output 3D graphics.

While Apple has yet to add 3D to any of their products, the rumor mill is certainly turning on the topic. RCR Wireless is reporting that they are hearing from a "Hollywood insider" that Apple's next tablet is already in advanced planning stages, and very much 3D. The source is quoted by the website, saying:

"The fact that the iPad 3 is 3D is a dead cert"

She claims that major film studios are currently running around like "blue arsed flies" trying to get their 3D content in order, in time for the launch of Apple's next tablet. Music industry insiders have been dropping tidbits about Apple's future cloud service, so it's no secret that folks in the entertainment business hear exclusive information from the Cupertino company.

If Apple is really going to include 3D technology in their next tablet, I hope it's glasses-free via head-tracking technology. I personally don't see why you'd want 3D graphics in your iPad, I'd rather see something closer to retina display.

I've also read rumors that Apple has been experimenting with layered E-Ink displays, you'd think that'd make more sense in a tablet than a 3D display(especially with Amazon building a tablet). I guess we'll just have to wait and see what Steve Jobs and company have up their sleeves.

What do you think?