Semi-Restore now available for Mac and PC

Over the past month or so, we've been bringing you coverage on Semi-Restore, a new utility that allows you to restore your iOS device back to nearly stock status without losing your jailbreak. It can remove everything from settings to jailbreak tweaks, and even App Store apps.

The last time we mentioned the software, it was still in beta, and the developers said that it was only about 85% complete. Well we have some good news for you today: it was finished this weekend, and is now available. You can now download Semi-Restore for the Mac or PC...

The iDownloadBlog top news stories of the week – Jun 23, 2013 edition

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+.

A closer look at App Store in iOS 7 A closer look at smarter keyboard in iOS 7 How iOS 7 makes auto-correct better Hidden settings in iOS 7 beta show extra gesture, multitasking and folder options Why some features are missing in iOS 7 Interactive iOS 7 demo lets you play with the update without a dev account iOS 7 beta GUI PSD file now available for download New photos of alleged iPhone 5S with dual LED flash surface pod2g is considering switching to Android How to add iOS 7 Control Center inspired toggles to iOS 6 Instagram now does video Weekend apps: Foresee, Photoful, Vjay, and more

Of course, don't forget to listen to the latest episode of our podcast, 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!

AT&T promotion makes 16GB iPhone 5 just $99 with contract

It appears that retailers are in full-on inventory clearance mode with the iPhone 5, in anticipation of a new model. Best Buy is currently taking $50 off the handset, Walmart is offering the device at a $70 discount, and it looks like AT&T wants in on the fun too.

This morning, the country's second largest carrier started a promotion that takes 50% off its entire smartphone lineup. Yes, that even includes the iPhone 5, which means that you can score an entry-level model of the popular handset for just $99 with contract...

FAA rules set to change, may allow iPad and other tablet use pre-flight

Good news air travelers, you may soon have to quit pretending to turn your iPads and other electronics devices off before takeoff. According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, the FAA is expected to relax the ban on using some types of personal electronic devices at low altitudes.

Devices like iPads, e-readers and other tablets may see the rules relaxed to the point where they are usable throughout your entire flight—from takeoff to landing. However, cell phones, and more specifically cell phone calls, are expected to remain off limits due to the scope of the changes...

Walmart now selling 16GB iPhone 5 for $129

Not to be outdone by Best Buy, Walmart has today announced a promotion that could save you big bucks on Apple's latest handset. The retailer is now taking additional $60 off the iPhone 5, taking the price of the 16GB from $189 to $129 with contract.

It's also knocking $50 off of the iPhone 4S, taking its price from $89 to $39. Again, the deal requires that you sign a 2-year agreement with either AT&T, Sprint or Verizon (T-Mobile not included). And according to reports, the price changes are permanent...

Stickets review: an elegantly ruthless puzzle game

If you are getting tired of casual games in the App Store being too casual, you may be turning into a gamer. Gamers play casual games, too. They just like the ones that are impossible to beat. They enjoy the challenge.

Stickets is one of those casual games that you’ll likely find on a gamer’s iPhone. It looks great, has a simple design, and will make your brain hurt after 10 minutes…

Weekend apps: Foresee, Photoful, Vjay, and more

It is hard to believe the weekend is already here. It seems like only yesterday that I was complaining about how much I hate Mondays. This past Monday was especially bad since I had to rush my fat cat to the hospital. Don’t worry. It turns out he just has asthma. He is truly a nerdy cat, now.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, whether you want to play a relaxing card game with your wife, build a birdhouse in your soul, or organize your iPhone’s photo gallery, we have a list that we think you will find interesting…

Apple Board mods Tim Cook’s pay package to be more performance-based

According to a new filing with the SEC this afternoon, Apple's Board of Directors has elected to modify Tim Cook's payment package he was awarded in 2011 after being promoted to CEO. The change, which apparently came at Cook's request, takes the one million restricted stock units he was set to receive over the next 10 years and makes the compensation more performance-based...

Food Network brings its top TV shows to iOS

Great news this afternoon for all of you Chopped and Iron Chef fans, you can now watch your favorite TV shows on your iPhone or iPad. Food Networks released a new iOS app today called Watch Food Network and that allows you to watch some of its top programming on the go.

The app support the streaming of some of the Food Networks' most popular shows—including Diners Drive-Ins and Dives and Restaurant Impossible—as well as AirPlay, so you can stream content to your Apple TV, and iCloud sync, so you can always pick up where you left off...

AOL joins RSS race, announces its own Google Reader replacement

Wow, it's never been a more exciting time to be in the RSS space. And who would have thought it would have taken the Internet giant announcing its popular Reader service is heading to the graveyard of technology?

And with the impending July 1 Google Reader shut down all but upon us, the market for RSS readers is bursting with activity like never before. Of course, RSS isn't going anywhere as there are a few dozen quality apps out there.

In addition, the likes of Digg, Flipboard, Feedly and many others are stepping in to fill the void with their own Google Reader replacement services. And now, you can put AOL on your list of upcoming Google Reader alternatives. You remember AOL, right?

Over 5 million videos uploaded to Instagram in first 24 hours

As anyone within 5 miles of a computer can tell you, popular photo sharing service Instagram unveiled a new video capture and upload feature yesterday. The Facebook-owned app can now shoot and post 15-second, Vine-like videos.

And apparently people love it. Today, Facebook flexed its muscles in the direction of Twitter's Vine team, announcing that Instagram users uploaded a staggering 5 million video clips in the first 24 hours of the feature's existence...

Concept vid makes the case for a 1080p 5.7-inch iPhone

While Tim Cook patiently keeps on insisting that Apple isn't interested in making an iPhablet, that's not stopping analysts, media, watchers, bloggers - and even Apple's supply chain partners - from speculating. The latest example: just last week, Reuters ran a report claiming Apple is considering launching 4.7-inch and 5.7-inch iPhone models in six different colors next year.

The 5.7-inch form factor didn't come out of blue: presumably, it's the right size for a 1080p Apple phablet. Figuring as much, UK's T3 magazine has put together an interesting concept video making a good case for a 1080p iPhone...