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+.

AT&T Users Have No Reason to Envy Verizon’s iPhone

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 11, 2011

After many years, months, and days of hardcore speculation, the details about America's worst kept secret are at last out of the bag. Underwhelming as it was, today's Verizon press event functioned like more of a low key gathering when compared to the Steve Jobs driven spectacles that Apple puts on.

The differences between the two companies press unveilings aptly foreshadowed how underwhelmed I came away feeling when the event was all said and done.

Granted, I understand that this wasn't your typical Apple announcement and Verizon never perpetuated that it was. Still, I can't help but feel like I got a small fry when I specifically asked for a large...

Keep Redsn0w Open for a Quick and Easy Tethered Boot

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated February 6, 2016

If you're using RedSn0w as a tethered jailbreak solution for your iPhone, then you undoubtedly try to avoid rebooting your iPhone whenever possible. That's because, as we've previously discussed, a tethered jailbreak requires a computer in order to reboot your iPhone successfully.

This "tethered boot" is accomplished by means of RedSn0w, and the Dev Team has tried to make it as painless as possible with new solutions like 'one click' support. However, if you still find that the tethered boot process is consuming a lot of your time, you may want to try leaving RedSn0w running on your computer indefinitely...

Cydia Offline Message Promises Really Awesome Changes

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 10, 2011

I fired up Cydia early this morning, and I was greeted with a bright yellow box that contained this message: "Cydia is temporarily offline while I do some kind of really important update."

According to the message, the update will be completed in a few hours, bringing about some "really awesome changes later/soon."

So, basically, we probably won't be noticing any changes at this time, but these updates are laying the groundwork for what will be some significant changes in the near future...

The Dev Team Updates RedSn0w Beta Untethered Jailbreak, Fixes Skype Issues

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated February 6, 2016

Another day, another update from the hard workers on the Dev Team. Right after releasing RedSn0w 0.9.7b5, they've turned around and released RedSn0w 0.9.7b6. The good news about this latest beta is that it fixes the issues with Skype, which made the app crash as soon as you tried to open it.

Now that the Bluetooth issues have been fixed, and Skype has been fixed, what's next for The Dev Team's untethered jailbreak solution for iOS 4.2.1?

Verizon Uses Twitter for the iPhone

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated March 18, 2019

We don't need anymore proof, but hey why not, this is getting fun. The eagle eyed scouts over at The iPhone Spot, have spotted (go figure) a tweet from @Verizon, originating from the Twitter iPhone app.

Now I don't know about you, but something tells me that Verizon employee responsible for the Twitter account isn't using an iPhone on AT&T's network. You gotta admire the subtlety.

Incoming announcement tomorrow, folks.

‘Instant Mirror’ Turns Your iPhone 4 Into a Self Reflective Viewing Device

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 10, 2011

If it seems like you can never find a mirror when you need one, Instant Mirror solves that predicament by turning your iPhone 4 into, well, an instant mirror. This is a jailbreak tweak that is exclusive to the iPhone 4 and the new iPod Touch 4G, due to the fact that it relies on the hardware's front facing camera.

Obviously, if you have one of these devices, you already have a "mirror", just open up the camera, enable front facing mode, and there you go. The problem with that method, is that it's not exactly instant, while Instant Mirror is a bit more expeditious in its actions...

Shots Fired: AT&T’s Larry Solomon Calls Out Verizon’s Network

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 10, 2011

Well, that didn't take long. Business Insider is reporting that Larry Solomon -- AT&T's PR Head Honcho, and Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications -- has called out Verizon's network for its lack of speed.

Per Solomon: "The iPhone is built for speed, but that's not what you get with a CDMA phone. I'm not sure iPhone users are ready for life in the slow lane."

Ouch! Well, that pretty much confirms what we've known for some time now. AT&T is crying, and Verizon is dying... with laughter...

New GreenPois0n Untethered Jailbreak on the Way, No Beta Firmware Required

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated February 6, 2016

Today, Redmond Pie reported on an interesting tidbit of news for those of you who have decided to wait it out for an untethered jailbreak solution for iOS 4.2.1. The Chronic Dev Team, the folks behind the popular GreenPois0n jailbreak tool, is actively working on an untethered jailbreak that will require no beta firmware.

As you're no doubt aware of, the Dev Team has released a number of beta versions of their RedSn0w tool that is already capable of accomplishing the untethered jailbreak on iOS 4.2.1.

Of course, with that tool being beta, there are some caveats, such as the fact that official 4.2b3 firmware is required; that firmware is only available to developers...

WSJ Reports That Verizon iPhone Means $30 Unlimited Data

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 10, 2011

It appears that Verizon's upcoming version of the iPhone 4 won't have that many distinguishing factors between AT&T's version from a hardware perspective. Spy shots revealed last week show an almost identical iPhone 4, with only subtle hints at changes with the antenna among other things.

So, how can Verizon make an even bigger splash when it unveils a phone that has been available for over half a year? According to the WSJ: offer $30 unlimited data to spite AT&T's recent restructuring to its data plans.

If you can remember, AT&T was met with its fair share of criticism when it unveiled new tiered data pricing on the eve of the iPhone 4's launch. AT&T no longer offers unlimited data to new subscribers; the most you can score is a $25 2 GB plan.

Now, Verizon is gearing up for what will undoubtedly be a hilarious PR campaign against its arch-rival....

Installing VLC Player From Cydia: A Video Walkthrough

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 9, 2011

Yesterday, Alex posted an in-depth article explaining the reasons why VLC Media Player was removed from the App Store. As you know, VLC Media Player is the popular video application that allows you to play a variety of video formats on your iPhone.

VLC Media Player is extremely popular on PCs and Macs, so it's wasn't surprising that it was an app that many looked forward to on the iPhone.

Sadly, as you know, the app has been removed, but don't weep too many tears; VLC can still be installed on your iPhone, and this video walkthrough will show you how, step-by-step...

RedSn0w 0.9.7b5 Untethered Jailbreak Fixes Bluetooth Issues

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated February 6, 2016

One of the biggest reasons that I chose to stick with the tethered RedSn0w 0.9.6 release for my iPhone 4 is because of the beta version's ongoing problems with Bluetooth support.

Up to this point, all of the beta versions of RedSn0w 0.9.7 -- an untethered jailbreak released by the Dev Team -- have thus far been devoid of Bluetooth capabilities. When using the beta, the Bluetooth option simply stated "Not Available."

With the Dev Team's latest update to the RedSnow beta, the Bluetooth hurdle has finally been eliminated, and now you can enjoy an untethered jailbreak with full Bluetooth support...

Tethered Versus Untethered: A Tale of Two Jailbreaks

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 9, 2011

Back in November, we brought you this article highlighting the differences between a tethered jailbreak versus an untethered jailbreak. That article satisfied a lot of unanswered questions, but we understand that there still remains quite a bit of confusion between the two types of jailbreaks.

Does having a tethered jailbreak really mean that you cannot reboot your iPhone without a computer? We answer this, and additional questions in this video tutorial...