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+.

Guess What’s Available for Order Today? (Hint: It Rhymes With Horizon MyPhone)

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 9, 2011

Up until now, those wishing to hop on Big Red's iPhone 4 train had to be existing customers. Back on February 3rd, those customers were able pre-order during an event that supposedly resulted in record sales figures.

While we're still a bit skeptical about the numbers, there's no doubt that the prospect of having the iPhone on an alternative carrier in the States is an idea that the masses relish.

Feeling left out? Fret not, because the Verizon iPhone 4 is now available for purchase, even if you aren't an existing Verizon customer...

Google Logo Utilizes the iPhone’s Accelerometer, Today Only

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated March 18, 2019

Today, Jules Gabriel Verne is the inspiration behind Google's often changing homepage logo, with a submarine inspired illustration that's fitting considering he was the man behind the novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea.

Verne was born on February 8th, 1828, hence the commemoration.

That's nice and all, but the real reason this is news is because of the logo itself. On a desktop browser you'll see that you can manipulate the submarine's scenery by means of a small toggle located on the right-hand side of the logo.

On the iPhone though, it's a whole different story. That's because Google has tapped into the iPhone's accelerometer to allow you to change scenery simply by moving your iPhone...

GreenPois0n Untethered Jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1 Released for Windows

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 5, 2011

Windows users rejoice! GreenPois0n has been released for Windows machines after seeing a few days of exclusivity for the Mac.

It was earlier today when we reported that the Windows version would make it to jailbreakers this weekend, and now the Chronic Dev Team has made good on its promises.

Check inside for the details and the download...

Missing Your Cydia App After Jailbreaking iOS 4.2.1 with GreenPois0n?

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 4, 2011

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few hours, you know that the long awaited GreenPois0n untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1 was finally released.

Maybe it's just me, but I always seem to run into some sort of problem with missing or broken Cydia installations after a successful jailbreak.

To fix this issue I was able to install RedSn0w 0.9.6 on top of my GreenPois0n jailbreak with no ill results. By doing this you will still retain your untethered jailbreak, while gaining the necessary Cydia icon.

Check inside for the full video walkthrough...

VoiceActivator Is Going to Change the Way You Talk to Your iPhone

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 4, 2011

Voice Control has always been something of anomaly to me. In fact, I'm always a bit startled when I see it pop up on my iPhone after accidentally holding the home button one second too long.

It's almost as if I've forgotten that the functionality even exists, although I know its tucked away in my iPhone somewhere. The point is, Voice Control just isn't useful in its current state. I can't recall one instance where I've actually used it outside of showing off the capabilities.

Fortunately for us, that's what jailbreaking is for -- turning mundane functions into something useful. VoiceActivator is the epitome of usefulness, transforming Voice Control into a hot commodity...

How to Add the iDB Bookmark to Your iPhone’s Home Screen

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 1, 2011

Not a day passes when I'm not asked, "Where can I download the iDB app?" This is usually in response to a video, or a screenshot that showcases my Home screen.

Indeed, plopped squarely on my Home screen is an icon that does in-fact look like an official app for iPhoneDownloadBlog; however, it's not an app. It's just a bookmark saved to my Home screen.

Will iDB ever release an official app? The verdict is still out on that. In the meantime, though, feel free to follow this brief tutorial that shows you how to get an iDB bookmark on your desktop.

Besides, It's almost as cool as an official app...

Apple Relaxes Warranty Policy Involving iPhone’s Liquid Contact Indicator

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 1, 2011

This is definitely a win for consumers. As you know, Apple places a small Liquid Contact Indicator inside the majority of their devices to identify whether or not the device has been subjected to liquid damage.

The reason for this is because water damage eliminates the consumer from being eligible for AppleCare. In other words, liquid damage isn't covered under warranty.

Obviously directly submerging your iPhone in a body of water is a good reason for Apple to deny your claims, but what if your iPhone's LCI triggered accidentally due to extreme humidity? What then?

iOS 4.2.6 Released in Preparation For the iPhone’s Pending Verizon Debut

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 1, 2011

For those of you anxiously awaiting the chance to lovingly cradle your Verizon iPhone 4, the reality of that moment just became a bit more real.

In preparation for the Verizon iPhone's upcoming pre-orders on February 3rd, and the nationwide release on February 10th, Apple has released iOS 4.2.6 to the public.

When the Verizon iPhone was unveiled and the press was given hands on time with the device, it was running iOS 4.2.5. This indicates that Apple was able to incorporate some minor changes to the final code since then...

AT&T Makes Good on Rumored Texting Plan Changes

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 1, 2011

A couple of weeks ago, we reported on some rumored changes that AT&T was planning for their texting plans.

It was said that the main reason for the change was to "simplify" their texting plans. Coincidentally, this change comes just prior to the iPhone's arrival on Verizon.

Simply put, AT&T is looking to capitalize on any and every advantage it possibly can as a way to help combat a potential mass exodus to Verizon.

If you were looking forward to the changes with the texting plan, we've got some good news; it looks like AT&T followed through with their plans...

3DBoard Versus DeepEnd – Which iPhone 3D Jailbreak Tweak Reigns Supreme?

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated February 14, 2011

When we first posted about 3DBoard -- a jailbreak tweak for the iPhone that lends a 3D effect to your Home screen -- we were excited. When Ryan Petrich one-upped the release of 3DBoard with his own tweak entitled DeepEnd, we were delighted.

That's because not only was DeepEnd available first, it kept a few extra dollars in our pockets by being free. But free doesn't necessarily mean better; after all, you get what you pay for, or do you?

Check inside for the full video evidence, as we compare these two popular iPhone jailbreak tweaks head-to-head...

Goodbye 1984? Motorola Preparing Scathing Anti-Apple Commercial to Premier During Super Bowl

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 11, 2018

I have to admit, this is a pretty good commercial. But will it actually change anyone's mind when it comes to purchasing an iPhone or an iPad?

Will people walk into the Apple store, start playing with all of the products and then think, "You know what, that Motorola commercial had a point... I'm outta here!"

Highly doubtful, but nice try anyway, Motorola...

“Big Surprise” to be Included With Upcoming GreenPois0n Untethered Jailbreak?

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 31, 2011

If you've been keeping your ear to the street, a.k.a. keeping up with the latest jailbreak news on Twitter, then you may have stumbled upon several rumblings about a "big surprise" that will be included with the upcoming GreenPois0n jailbreak.

This newest version of GreenPois0n will provide an untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1 firmware, and is destined to arrive any day now.

What could the so-called "big surprise" be? Will it be something we've seen before? Will it be a totally new feature that will blow our minds?