Timing of SSL bug fuels conspiracy theories about Apple and the NSA

Cody Lee ∙ February 24, 2014

By now you've probably already heard about the SSL bug that was discovered in iOS and OS X. Apple pushed an iOS update out on Friday to fix it, and it didn't sound like a big deal at the time, but we have since learned that it is an extremely serious security flaw.

The flaw leaves Apple devices open to what's called a man-in-the-middle attack, in where a malicious program poses as a trusted website to intercept communications or inject malware. And its existence has fueled conspiracy theories about Apple and the NSA...

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Nokia unveils its first-ever Android handsets: the X, X+ and XL

Cody Lee ∙ February 24, 2014

So the rumors were true. Despite being a long-time parter of Microsoft's Windows Phone platform, and despite being outright purchased by the Redmond company last fall, Nokia has been working on an Android strategy. And tonight, it unveiled that strategy to the world.

At its Mobile World Congress press event in Barcelona, the Finnish handset-maker introduced not one, but three new Android phones: the X, X+ and XL. The X and X+ both have 4-inch displays, and similar specs, and as you'd imagine the XL has a larger 5-inch display...

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How to patch the iOS SSL bug without updating to iOS 7.0.6

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 23, 2014

Renowned iOS developer Ryan Petrich has released a patch on his personal beta repo to fix the SSL issue present in iOS firmware below iOS 7.0.6. On Friday, Apple unexpectedly dropped the new iOS 7.0.6 firmware to fix the egregious security hole, which is detailed in this post.

Such a serious security flaw is bad for jailbreakers, because it means needing to update your device, and having to perform the jailbreak process all over again. Evasi0n7 1.0.6 was released to jailbreak iOS 7.0.6, but it's still hassle to have to back everything up, restore to iOS 7.0.6, and re-jailbreak. Due to the serious nature of the security hole, we've been encouraging folks to update, which is understandably a huge hassle for many.

But Ryan Petrich has come through to save the day, releasing a fix for the SSL issue that allows users to remain on current firmware. Ryan's SSLPatch release makes it so that you don't have to immediately update to iOS 7.0.6 in order to protect yourself from the serious flaw. Check inside for more details.

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BattSaver for iOS 7: manage your iPhone’s radios to increase battery life

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 23, 2014

BattSaver, a battery saving jailbreak app that we reviewed in-depth a couple of years ago, has been updated for iOS 7 compatibility. It's basically the same jailbreak release that we reviewed before, except this time around it works for iOS 7 and arm64 devices like the iPhone 5s.

As we explained in our initial review, BattSaver isn't necessarily performing any magic, it just manages the radios on your device in such a way so that you can save battery life. Many of the same strategies are incorporated in this updated version of BattSaver, including Normal and Aggressive battery saving strategies. Have a look inside for more details.

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Facebook testing new ‘Highlights’ summary feature on iOS

Cody Lee ∙ February 23, 2014

Over the weekend, Facebook posted a tiny 7.0 update for its iOS app with a change log that simply read 'bug fixes.' But as it turns out, the update was more significant than that as it activated a feature the company is testing on iOS right now called Highlights.

The feature is currently available to a subset of iOS users, in a new 'People' tab that is also in testing (replaces the Requests tab), and it offers a roundup of recent life events from your friends and family. Annoying UpWorthy posts and meme pics not included...

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Apple expanding its iPhone trade-in program to Canada soon

Cody Lee ∙ February 23, 2014

In August of last year, Apple introduced an official trade-in program for iPhones. The deal gives customers an affordable way to upgrade to a new iPhone by getting a store credit based on the value of their current, working iPhone—up to $300 depending on model and condition.

Initially Apple only accepted trade-ins in-store in the US, but it has since expanded the program to the UK and India, and apparently it's landing in Canada soon. According to a new report, Apple Store employees in the country will begin their trade-in training this upcoming week...

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Mad Catz introduces new Xbox-inspired iOS 7 controller ‘C.T.R.L.i’

Cody Lee ∙ February 23, 2014

Mobile World Congress, which has just begun in Barcelona, is not known for churning out mobile peripherals like CES or other big conferences, but we've got one for you today. It's a new MFi (made for iPhone) iOS 7-compatible game controller.

It's a wireless controller, with a removable clip for docking your device, and it's called the 'C.T.R.L.i.' It's made by Mad Catz, and if you have ever shopped around for third-party PC and console peripherals, you know that's a fairly well-known name...

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Wallpapers of the week: super hero pack II

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

In response to the feminine pink wallpaper from several weeks ago, the Wallpapers of the Week section turned in a masculine direction. It is known to us, a majority of the readership is male, but who knew a pink wallpaper would upset so many readers.

In an effort to, well, make up for my mistake, I turned to hyper masculine super heroes. Last week I featured a small pack of hero wallpapers to much reader satisfaction. As promised, if the first pack was a big hit, this is the follow up. We listen to our readers and encourage you to keep the feedback coming...

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This week on iDB: iOS 7.0.6 jailbreak, ayeris, and more…

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Like every Sunday, we bring you the stories that were the most popular on iDB during this past week. Whether it is a news piece, an editorial, a tutorial, a new jailbreak tweak, or an accessory review, we sum it all up in one convenient place.

If you like what you're reading, please make sure to spread the love by sharing our posts on your favorite social network.

We're usually hanging out a lot on Twitter and Facebook, more rarely on Google+.

Themes of the week: Jaku, Slab and Redsgn 2.0 Wallpapers of last week: super hero pack Apple releases iOS 7.0.6, iOS 6.1.6 with various bug fixes How to jailbreak iOS 7.0.6 using Evasi0n Ayeris review — a subtly re-imagined iOS 7 biteSMS 8: the best messages app for iOS 7 How to play Nintendo games via mobile Safari no jailbreak required Emulator GBA4iOS 2.0 is out with support for iPad, iOS 7 controllers and more JellyLockClock7: an Android Jelly Bean inspired Lock screen clock for iOS 7 iOS 7.1 said to be launching mid March with improved device management RocketLauncher: quickly view and launch apps from the Lock screen iOS jailbreak hacker Winocm joining Apple later this year Facebook is buying WhatsApp for $16 billion How to resize a picture on iPhone

Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of our new podcast, Let's Talk iOS:

And of course, make sure to catch up with the new episode of Let's Talk Jailbreak:

We’re social! Find iDB on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, App.net, YouTube, and in your RSS reader. Also make sure to subscribe to our new podcast!

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Microsoft to cut Windows OEM fees 70% to counter Apple and other rivals

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

In an effort to stave off competition from Apple, Google and others, Microsoft is said to be cutting the cost of Windows 8.1 by as much as 70%. Now it sounds like this is for manufacturers only, who pre-install Windows on their devices, but it should still eventually turn into savings for consumers.

You see, Microsoft is hoping that by cutting the cost for manufacturers to install Windows on products less than $250, it'll entice PC makers to create and sell more cheaper models. It's also cutting the requirement for <$250 devices to complete logo certification in an effort to speed up their releases...

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New report says Google is preparing to release its own smartwatch this year

Cody Lee ∙ February 23, 2014

If you're still in the camp of folks who believe that there won't be a market for wearables, you might want to take a look around. Pebble just launched a new smartwatch, Samsung just announced a new Gear watch and Apple reportedly has one in the oven.

Google is also believed to be working on a smartwatch, and according to insiders, it's almost finished. TechCrunch is reporting this weekend that the search giant is putting the finishing touches on a watch that runs Android and houses a full-color display...

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