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+.

Verizon iPhone 4 Pre-Orders Begin on February 3rd at 3AM EST + Trade In Details

Although the Verizon iPhone's official launch is slated for February 10th, Verizon is giving existing customers the first shot at the device by offering pre-orders.

These pre-orders are slated to start at 3AM EST on February 3rd, but the good news is that you don't have to change out of your pajamas to do so.

All pre-orders will be registered online via the company's 'My Verizon' site; therefore, we advise you to set up an account in advance if you are not already registered...

3DBoard, an Awesome 3D Home Screen For the iPhone That Doesn’t Require Glasses?

Woah, woah, woah. Wait a minute, that's just not possible. Or is it? That's what I thought when I first saw this video of 3DBoard in motion.

The first thing that stands out to me, is that unlike the Nintendo 3DS, you can see the effects via video. I have to say I'm a bit skeptical; that is until I get this puppy in my hands and test it out for myself. If this jailbreak tweak does happen to be real, though, things just got a lot more interesting.

Could you imagine what games would play like with 3D effects like this? And no glasses? Check the full video demonstration out inside...

AT&T Offering Customers Unlimited Data to Get Back at Verizon?

Reports are surfacing that AT&T is quietly offering certain customers the opportunity to switch back to unlimited data. This comes right on the heels of the revelation that Verizon will be offering $30 unlimited data for a limited time to early iPhone 4 adopters.

If you can remember, it was back in June of 2010 when AT&T eliminated its unlimited data plans in favor of a tiered data package, and needless to say there was quite an outrage over the change.

Now that Verizon has come on the scene, AT&T is feeling the heat and pulling out the stops in order to retain disgruntled customers...

The Verizon iPhone 4’s Full Pricing Details Revealed

It seems like every day tiny bits of information trickle out concerning the Verizon iPhone 4. Now it looks like we're finally getting somewhere, with full pricing information managing to leak out today.

Here is a full breakdown of the iPhone 4's pricing structure on the Verizon network. Unsurprisingly, it closely resembles the prices found on AT&T...

Better Paint Mix Makes the White iPhone 4 a Reality

It's a pretty safe assumption that the white iPhone 4 will launch soon, maybe next month. Throughout all of our reporting about the device's unlikely return, we had one common question: Why?

Why now? Why this late in the game? Well it looks like we've found the reason for Apple's sudden change of heart, and the proof, folks, is in the paint...

Very Em-bear-rassing: Toy Bear Hooks Up to Your iPhone and Reads Your Most Intimate Tweets Out Loud

Only in Japan folks, only in Japan. Tokyo-based toy maker WiZ Co. has created an electronic toy bear that can hook up to your iPhone and read your tweets out loud, lip movement and all.

Owners of the device can download a special app for their iPhone, plug in a cable, and watch the hilarity ensue as the bear repeats your tweets aloud.

I don't know about you, but this just sounds like a recipe for disaster, video inside...

Snagging a Verizon iPhone 4 Will Likely Be a Tough Task, So Here Are 5 Handy Tips

If you're already a loyal Verizon customer and are interested in the iPhone 4, the good news is that Big Red has a special allotment set aside for users wishing to upgrade. For those of you interested in switching to Verizon for the iPhone, things get a tad more hairy.

Just look at the situation. The only concrete plans that Verizon has released thus far, is the fact that they are taking pre-orders for existing customers. Outside of that, information has been slow to come out about how Verizon plans to handle the demand on what is sure to be a limited supply of inventory.

Recent commentary from Verizon chief operating officer Lowell McAdam suggests that even he isn't exactly sure how the official launch will pan out on February 10th. So if you're a new customer wishing to snag an iPhone at launch, you probably have your work cut out for you...

Elderly Woman Gets Caught Trying to Smuggle Over 40 iPhones Through the Airport

Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport was the scene of a recent iPhone smuggling bust featuring an unlikely participant; A 60+ year old woman.

How in the world she was able to walk around with over 40 iPhone 4's is anyone's guess, but she did. Security began to take note of her struggles to walk (you don't say..?) and eventually she was asked to step inside a full body scanner.

I think you can probably figure out how the rest of this story went...

Google Brings Interactive Weather Results to the iPhone

Google has been lighting it up as of late. Just yesterday, we told you about Google's Cloud Print capabilities for the iPhone, and now the search giant has rolled out something new that's closer to its roots.

You might have already been taking advantage of Google's cool location based weather results, but they've added hour-by-hour forecast results to the fray as well.

That's right, not only can you quickly locate the forecast for your area, you can also alter a slider for an hour-by-hour breakdown featuring real time weather adjustments...

Jailbreak Basics: Why SBSettings is an Absolute Must Have Jailbreak App

Over the years, numerous people have asked me about my favorite jailbreak app. Depending on my mood, I might give one answer one week, and a totally different answer the next.

One thing that stays consistent though, is my recommendation of SBSettings. This integral app is one of the reasons why it hurts so much to use a non-jailbroken phone.

Just what is it that makes SBSettings receive unanimous high praise across the board? Check inside for the answer via video...

iOS 4.3 Must Be Close as App Updates Featuring AirPlay Support Begin Appearing

Matt Gallagher -- the creator of StreamToMe -- is always on top of his game when it comes to app updates. Thus, the reason for StreamToMe's iOS 4.3-compatible App Store update could all be owed to his proactive nature.

Or it could be that iOS 4.3 is really just that close to an official deployment and release.

Why is this good news? Not only will it allow 3rd party apps to utilize AirPlay, which is awesome, it also provides promise for those waiting for an iPhone 4 unlock...

Near-Field Communication (NFC) to Be Embedded in the iPhone 5?

By now you've likely heard lots of chatter about Near Field Communication, as it's being touted as the next big breakthrough in mobile payment methods.

Basically NFC allows mobile device owners to use their phones to make purchases, eliminating the need for credit cards.

Google is already highly interested in the technology as evident by its inclusion in the Nexus S by Samsung. Now reports are surfacing that NFC will be included in the iPhone 5 as well...