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+.

‘No More Folders’ removes folder backgrounds and mini grids inside folder icons

Jeff Benjamin ∙ August 5, 2013

It's not unusual to see a random jailbreak tweak appear on the Cydia store that features no real practical application. For example, the tweak may present some new visual change, but it's not exactly useful, and in fact, at least in some cases, the tweak could make your device less user friendly.

That's not to say that there is no place for tweaks of this sort, there clearly is, otherwise developers wouldn't keep producing them. The latest such tweak to fall into this category is No More Folders. This is a tweak that hides the folder backgrounds and grids, essentially making the folder invisible while closed.

Have a look past the break as we showcase how No More Folders looks and performs on video.

Slide2Dismiss: quickly remove banner notifications with a swipe

Jeff Benjamin ∙ August 5, 2013

Looking for a way to quickly dismiss banner notifications in style? If so, check out Slide2Dismiss, a brand new jailbreak tweak that's available for free on Cydia's BigBoss repo.

Slide2Dismiss is an extremely simple tweak with a singular purpose: to allow you to quickly dismiss banner notifications using a stylish slide gesture. Have a look at our video walkthrough after the break for a demonstration of the tweak in action.

Apple issues another system status update to developers

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Although the majority of its services are back online and in working condition, Apple has been diligent about keeping developers updated on the progress of its efforts after suffering a security threat a few weeks back.

Key services like the iOS and Mac dev centers are back online, but there are still a few items that remain stuck in limbo, namely, Xcode automatic configuration, TSIs, program enrollments, and renewals in Member Center.

Apple says that it expects that the majority of the remaining services should be back online this week. Have a look inside for the full e-mail that was issued to developers today.

How to adjust the position of app icon labels

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

LabelUp Pro is a new jailbreak tweak that allows users to reposition the app icon labels that normally appear underneath each app icon. The tweak features several sections dedicated to things like the Home screen, folders, and the app switcher. Each section contains a simple slider that allows you to adjust the position of the labels.

It's a tweak that technically works, but I found it a bit difficult to use due to the fact that respring is required with each change. Have a look at our video walkthrough inside for a brief demonstration.

‘Flipswitch’ updated with improved theming support and performance

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

The Flipswitch toggle framework, a release co-developed by Ryan Petrich and Auxo co-creator Jack Willis, has been updated with several new improvements. The 1.0.1 beta 1 update brings with it improved support for theming, improved support for background threading, and better performance and enhancements in other key areas. Have a look inside at the full change log, along more details as to why this update matters for the future...

‘FaceHalt’ gains new experimental mode for wider app adoption

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 12, 2018

Great news for all of you FaceHalt early adopters. The tweak has now gained access to apps like Hulu, Netflix, and HBOGo by means of a new experimental option.

The new option, which can be found in a revamped preference panel located in the settings app, is the biggest new feature included with the tweak's 1.0.2 update. Other features included bug fixes.

In the change log for the update, the developer states that users should try the new Experimental mode, which can be setup on an app-by-app basis, if they find that merely enabling the tweak for a specific app doesn't work. Unfortunately, in my testing the tweak with Netflix, I was met with some pretty mixed results. Your mileage may vary.

Sodium: remix your wallpaper with tons of custom effects

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

I don't know about you, but I have a bad habit of keeping the same wallpaper on my iPhone for months on end. That usually makes for a boring background in dire need of a little seasoning — you can probably tell where I'm going with this.

Indeed, Sodium is a new jailbreak tweak that seeks to add some flavor to your iPhone's wallpaper. It does so by means of a variety of custom fill colors, blend modes, and more. Have a look inside at our video walkthrough to get a taste of what sodium offers.

‘BMarks Bar – Chrome’ updated with several awesome new features

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

We raved about BMarks Bar - Chrome on the last episode of Let's Talk Jailbreak, and for good reason, as it's one of the best Google Chrome tweaks yet to be released. Recently, the tweak was updated with all sorts of new goodies, which is sure to make the bookmarking experience even better with Google Chrome.

Version 1.0.2 of BMarks Bar - Chrome brings enhanced iOS 5 compatibility, press and hold actions, dynamically updating bookmarks, and access to the bookmarks bar while in full screen mode. Needless to say, if you're a fan of Google Chrome, you definitely want to check out the new features that this update brings to the table. Full video overview of the new features inside.

InstaLauncher: launch your apps with precision and efficiency

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 12, 2018

If you're a Mac user, then you're no doubt familiar with some of the popular launcher apps like QuickSilver, and Alfred. Even Spotlight, to a somewhat lesser extent, can serve as a capable launcher for your various applications.

On a desktop machine like the Mac, launchers are useful in order to be able to quickly find and launch an application. This prevents you from having to wade through countless pages and/or lists of apps in search of the one you want to launch.

The same concept applies to our smartphones. Spotlight on iOS can work as a launcher, although it's certainly not the most desirable means of launching apps. That's why this new jailbreak tweak dubbed InstaLauncher is such an exciting and refreshing jailbreak tweak to have. It allows you to locate and launch all of the apps on your device in sub-second nature. Check out our full video walkthrough after the jump, which shows how you can become more productive on your iPhone, courtesy of InstaLauncher...

QuickCarrort: an Activator shortcut for the Carrot to-do app

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated March 15, 2018

There are tons of so-called to-do apps available on the App Store, but Carrot is one that stands out in my mind as being fairly unique. Dubbed as being a "to-do list with personality", the Carrot AI uses insults and other harmless wit to interject feeling into processing ho-hum everyday mundane tasks.

With that in mind, I'm here to discuss a recently released jailbreak tweak that works in unison with Carrot. The tweak, aptly titled QuickCarrot, allows users to quickly enter tasks into Carrot using an Activator gesture. To see how it works, take a look at our video walkthrough after the break.

Preview: VideoPace

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

VideoPace, not to be confused with another jailbreak tweak by Ryan Petrich called VideoPane, is an upcoming release that allows users to adjust the speed of videos on iOS. Once installed, a new preference panel will appear in the stock Settings app dedicated to VideoPace. There, you can slow down videos using percentage based increments, or speed them up. Have a look at our video preview inside to catch a glimpse of how it functions...

New upcoming tweak brings picture-in-picture video to iOS

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Wouldn't it be neat to be able to watch video on your iPhone and at the same time compose a new text message? How about updating your Facebook status while catching the highlights from today's game? Even better, what about watching one of our YouTube videos, while reading iDB?

In the past, that might have all sounded like a pipe dream for iOS users, but jailbreak developer, Ryan Petrich, has paved the way for true multitasking while watching video. His new tweak, entitled VideoPane, is sure to be an extremely popular release for jailbreakers, and we've got a hands-on preview video to show you how it all works. Trust us when we say this, you do not want to miss this video...