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+.

The upcoming iOS 6.1 untethered jailbreak will support almost all devices [Updated]

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 28, 2013

Some very good news was made known today by one of the members of the evad3rs — the team responsible for the upcoming evasi0n jailbreak. MuscleNerd, who is a well respected part of this team, has made it known that nearly all iOS 6.1 compatible devices will reap the benefits of the upcoming jailbreak.

This means that only the Apple TV 3, and possibly the Apple TV 2 will lack support. As far as every other device goes, they're fair game. Take a look at our full list of iOS devices that will be jailbreakable on iOS 6.1 after the break...

Apple readying new ‘Ultimate’ iPad with Retina display

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

9to5Mac's Mark Gurman has received word from sources, which indicate Apple's eventual release of a brand new SKU in the full-sized iPad lineup. The report aligns well with the 128GB iOS device finding that we posted in the early hours this morning.

Interestingly, Gurman's sources pinpoint the exact device lineup that the SKU is targeted to hit — the full-sized forth generation iPad with Retina Display.

The next batch of iOS devices could feature a 128GB model

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Is 64GB just not cutting it for you? Then you might be interested in this RT from iOS hacker iH8sn0w a few moments ago. It questioned the possibility of seeing 128GB iDevices in the near future, due to a new system partition key size in the iOS 6.1 BuildManifest.

Curious, I decided to investigate this file for myself. After extracting the iOS 6.1 beta and comparing the SystemPartitionPadding values with older 6.0.x firmware, it became clear as to what @iNeal, the author of the original tweet, was referring to.

While this doesn't set anything in stone, it certainly lends evidence that Apple may be seriously considering up-sizing its next batch of iOS devices this time.

How to jailbreak iOS 6.1 beta 5 [Video]

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

Is it, or is it not the "GM" release that we've all been waiting for? That's still up for debate, but, regardless if it is or not, it's unlikely that we'll see an iOS 6.1 jailbreak released until iOS 6.1 goes public.

In the meantime, if you happen to be a developer, you can enjoy a jailbroken version of iOS 6.1 beta 5 on your pre-A5 device. This jailbreak is a tethered jailbreak only, unless you happen to be rocking an old-bootrom version of the iPhone 3GS.

Take a look inside as I walk you through the step-by-step process of jailbreaking iOS 6.1 beta 5...

Could iOS 6.1 beta 5 actually be the “golden master” everyone is waiting on?

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

A few folks on Twitter have been speculating about the validity of the just released iOS 6.1 beta 5. Not in the sense that the release is bogus, but in the sense that this might actually be the iOS 6.1 golden master release that everyone's been feverishly waiting on.

iOS 6.1 beta 5 has hints of a being a final release according to some. So much so, that polarizing personality Stefan Esser — a talented, but socially awkward figure within the jailbreak community — tweeted out his sentiments regarding Apple's startling weekend release.

Apple releases iOS 6.1 beta 5 to developers

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

Well, that was a bit unexpected. Apple just released iOS 6.1 beta 5 to developers. The release comes just hours before the previous beta, beta 4, was scheduled to expire.

As we noted in a previous post, this is only the second time that Apple has released a fifth build for a non-major iOS update. Developers can head over to the development portal now to download the latest beta release.

Looking to buy a MacBook Air? Now is the time

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 31, 2017

BestBuy's Winter Doorbuster Days sale is resulting in some pretty amazing prices for the entire MacBook Air line. The Richfield, Minnesota based company has slashed the price of the MacBook Air by $200 across the board.

That means that you can score a brand new low-end 11.6" MacBook Air for a mere $799 before tax. Even when you look at refurbished options direct from Apple, that's the lowest price you'll find anywhere.

The Daily Recap – Jan 24, 2013 edition

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 24, 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvNfhojILPU

Welcome to The Daily Recap for January 24th, 2013. Watch our video for a quick look at some of the top stories from the day in less than two minutes. If you missed out on any of today's big news, this is a great way for you to get caught up fast.

For your convenience, you'll also find links to all of the stories listed in today's recap inside...

Apple seeds OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.3 build 12D58

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 24, 2013

Earlier today, Apple seeded its latest beta build of OS X 10.8.3 — dubbed 12D58. The release comes with no known issues, though developers are urged to focus on a few areas of interest including: AirPlay, AirPort, Game Center, graphics drivers, and Safari.

If you're a registered Apple developer, you can head over to Apple's developer portal and download the full version, or a handy delta update if you're already situated on the previous 12D54 build.

Unlocking a cell phone in the US to become “illegal” this weekend

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

If you're interested in taking matters into your own hands when it comes to unlocking you iPhone, then you may want to act fast, or else potentially be at risk of being labeled a law breaker. According to a report by Tech News Daily: On Saturday, January 26th, a DMCA exemption expires that made unlocking a phone on your own terms fully legal.

In all actuality, the exemption was nullified back on October 26 (read the final ruling here), but due to a 90 day grace period of sorts, the final expiration date takes place this weekend. Obviously, unlocking is a big subject here at iDownloadBlog, so we're interested to hear your thoughts on the matter. Bear in mind that it's not all gloom and doom, though...

‘Revelation’ reveals masked passwords on iOS

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

If you find yourself forgetting a saved password in your favorite browser, whether it be Safari, Chrome, or the like, then Revelation may come to your aid. But what if you forget a saved password in something like your Gmail email account saved within iOS? Revelation can help there, too.

As you can probably tell by now, Revelation is a new jailbreak tweak that allows you to see your otherwise hidden passwords in the clear. Not only will it prevent your passwords from being masked as you type, you can also go back and reveal saved passwords in their unmasked form.

Indeed, it's certainly a security violation, but if you find yourself up a creek without a way to reset your password, then Revelation may be a good last resort. Take a look at our video walkthrough inside, and decide if its something you might benefit from.

The Daily Recap – Jan 23, 2013 edition

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 23, 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv3hEdEnrYg

Welcome to The Daily Recap for January 16th, 2013. Watch our video for a quick look at some of the top stories from the day in less than two minutes. If you missed out on any of today's big news, this is a great way for you to get caught up fast.

For your convenience, you'll also find links to all of the stories listed in today's recap inside...