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+.

Controllers for All: a must have tweak that brings PS3 controller compatibility to iOS

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Ladies and gentlemen, the moment that every jailbroken iOS gamer has been waiting for: the ability to use the Sony PS3 Dual Shock 3 with games enabled for controller support. This means that any game that supports a MFi (Made for iPhone) controller in iOS 7, is now fully playable with the Dual Shock 3, no cumbersome configuration required.

Controllers for All really is a game changing tweak for gamers, no pun intended. It also means that you no longer have to shell out your hard earned dough to support the half-baked hardware controller efforts we've seen thus far.

Folks, seriously; this tweak is reason enough alone to jailbreak. It basically turns your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch into a full-fledged legitimate gaming console. And this is just the beginning, as its developer, Ori Kadosh, promises that even more controllers, like the Dual Shock 4, will be supported in future updates.

We've got the full hands-on video walkthrough inside. Check it out, you don't want to miss this.

How to emulate the iPhone’s Sleep button with the proximity sensor

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 18, 2014

SleekSleep is a recently released jailbreak tweak that allows you to emulate a press of the sleep button by means of the iPhone's proximity sensor. This basically means that you can sleep or wake your iPhone using a wave or swiping motion in front of the device.

As we always like to do here at iDB, we've taken the liberty to record a walkthrough of SleekSleep so that you can see exactly how it works. Take a look past the break to see this interesting tweak in action.

How to build on suggested search queries in Safari

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 18, 2014

One of the worst things about Safari's autocomplete for search is that you can't build on a query like you can do with Google Chrome. Once you select a suggested query in Safari's omni-box, it auto submits the search.

While suggested queries are definitely a helpful service, the way that Safari goes about the implementation isn't very efficient. A recently revamped jailbreak tweak called Platinum seeks to improve Safari's search capabilities. Have a look at our full video walkthrough inside to see what I mean.

Ayecon for iOS 7: a must have theme, even if you don’t like skeuomorphism

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

If you've been jailbreaking for any decent amount of time, you've surely heard of the legendary Ayecon theme. This is a theme that set the standard for detail when Retina displays were still a relatively new feat in the mobile device industry.

A lot has changed since Ayecon first came riding over that hill on its white horse, reinvigorating the stagnant theming space in the process (I know some people will debate Ayecon's design, but they simply can't deny its influence.)

Flat is in, skeuomorphism is hated (and dead). So where does Ayecon fit in with this wave of change? Will Surenix, its designer, abandon the style that made Ayecon a success in the name of staying with the trend? Or, will he instead, stick to what made Ayecon work? Check inside for the full scoop along with the detailed video walkthrough.

How to bring back the unlock sound in iOS 7

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 18, 2014

iOS 7 ushered in a whole new look and feel to the iOS we all knew. Its been a polarizing release to say the least, but I think that many of the naysayers are finally beginning to get used to the way things are.

But some things that Apple changed in iOS 7 never made sense to me. I can see getting rid of skeuomorphism, but I never quite understood why they ditched the unlock sound in iOS 7. It's especially odd when you consider that the lock sound is still there.

UnlockSound7 is a new jailbreak tweak that allows users to regain the iPhone's iconic unlock sound that occurs when unlocking the device. Take a look at our video walkthrough to see how it works.

QuickActivator: Add customized Activator shortcuts to Control Center

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

QuickActivator is a recently released jailbreak tweak that allows users to add customizable Activator shortcuts to the quick launch section of iOS 7's Control Center overlay. The tweak works with any valid Activator action, including launching an app, opening a menu, toggling a switch, composing tweets and Facebook status updates, etc.

Existing quick launch shortcuts found in Control Center—Flashlight, Timer, Calculator, and Camera–can be customized with custom glyphs and tap and hold gestures. Brand new quick launch shortcuts can be added as well, and users can select from well over 70 glyphs, and mate them with any of the actions available via Activator.

QuickActivator is a tweak that you shouldn't overlook if you're searching for a way to add customized functionality to Control Center. Have a look at our full video walkthrough after the jump for more information.

How to make Cydia purchases the easy way

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

On episode 40 of Let's Talk Jailbreak, Sebastien, Cody and I had a pretty heated debate about Cydia purchases. There seems to be a misconception about Cydia purchases in general, and a lot of mixed information. Some users seem to think that the Cydia purchase process is this arcane and cumbersome gauntlet that makes buying tweaks and apps undesirable.

It's true; Cydia purchases can be more difficult than the average App Store purchase, but they don't necessarily have to be. Inside, I'm going to show you how to use Amazon Payments to make Cydia purchases as easy as pie.

Let’s Talk Jailbreak 40: Jailbreak apps versus jailbreak tweaks

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 15, 2014

After a brief discussion about the concept of jailbreak apps versus jailbreak tweaks, the crew debates about the ongoing struggle with Cydia purchases. Sebastien gives us a tutorial in using Activator to emulate Zephyr functionality, Jeff talks about ClassicSwitcher, and Cody shares his thoughts about the latest WinterBoard update.

SwipeSelection Pro: one of the best jailbreak tweaks of all time just got better

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

SwipeSelection is one of those tweaks that everyone can benefit from, and for that reason, it's one of my top 5 jailbreak tweaks of all time. Seriously, I'm not using hyperbole here; SwipeSelection is incredible.

Everyone can benefit from SwipeSelection's extremely improved cursor management when compared to stock iOS. I apologize in advance to Kyle Howells, developer of SwipeSelection, but this is one of those tweaks that I wish Apple would straight-up steal; it's just that good.

Kyle has updated the original SwipeSelection for iOS 7, a free download on Cydia's BigBoss repo, but he has also blessed us with a new and improved Pro version, and he's rightfully charging $1.99 for the release. The Pro version includes cool new features like disable-in-app, swipe sensitivity, cursor speed, and more. Plus, it gives us all the opportunity to reward the developer for such an awesome and innovative jailbreak tweak.

We've put together a full video walkthrough of SwipeSelection Pro. Have a look inside to see it in action.

iTouchSecure: an amazing Touch ID security app for autofilling passwords

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

After a few days of intense testing, I can now recommend iTouchSecure for iOS. iTouchSecure is a recently released jailbreak tweak that allows you to autofill every password in any app using Touch ID. It's what we all imagined Touch ID evolving into after Apple had some time to perfect the technology. But you don't have to wait for the evolution. All you need is a jailbroken iPhone 5s and 5 bucks.

iTouchSecure is one of those jailbreak tweaks that convinces people on the fence that they need to jailbreak. It can speed up your workflow when using apps that require you to enter a password, and it's about as secure as one could hope a tweak like this to be.

The iPhone 5s' Touch ID sensor is pretty remarkable in itself, but when combined with a tweak like iTouchSecure, it goes from remarkable to downright amazing. We've got a full video walkthrough showcasing iTouchSecure's features inside. Have a look and see why this must have jailbreak tweak should be installed on your iPhone 5s.

Let’s Talk iOS 011: Seven years of iPhone

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Episode 011: It's been seven years since the original iPhone was unveiled; Sebastien, Jeff and Cody relive their memories of that momentous occasion. The trio also discusses the new iPad television ad, T-Mobile's latest big idea, and the most notable apps of the week.

Subscribe via iTunes

1Pal: a new jailbreak tweak for saving 1Password’s master password to the Keychain [updated]

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 10, 2014

I know, I know. It's very stupid to use any tweaks with something as crucial as 1Password. I know, I know, it's identity theft waiting to happen.

Not exactly. 1Pal is a new jailbreak tweak that works in tandem with existing Touch ID tweaks like BioLockdown. It allows you to save the Master Password to iOS' keychain for quick logins. Since the 1Password app itself is protected with Touch ID, the process is innately secure. The only real way this poses a security issue is if someone gains access to your fingerprint. Not impossible, but not exactly likely either.

At the end of the day, 1Pal is an awesome tweak for 1Password users. If you're like me and you use 1Password each and every day, you'll find 1Pal to be a real time saver.

Remember, you must have a Touch ID enabled device for this to work. Right now, only the iPhone 5s features Touch ID. Have a look at our video walkthrough inside as I showcase how it works.