iPad

From the latest news to the most comprehensive tutorials, learn how to get the most out of your iPad with our step-by-step guides and expert tips.

iOS 4.3.2 Goes Live, Fixes iPad 2. Jailbreakers Beware!

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

We reported a few days ago that iOS 4.3.2 would be released within the week. Well it looks like BGR's sources were right on the money. The latest version of the firmware went live today and was said to fix multiple issues.

It corrects a known FaceTime glitch for the iPhone, but more importantly appears to correct the 3G connectivity issue with Verizon iPad 2s. The problem had been plaguing Verizon iPad 2 adopters for nearly a month.

What's also interesting is that the update also lists that it contains the latest security updates. Jailbreakers should beware of updating to any new iOS software without official word from the Dev Team or Chronic Dev.

These guys need to test the current jailbreak with the new software to make sure everything still works. It's very possible that Apple patched the exploits that made the jailbreak work.

A re-tweet by Comex today said "So 4.3.2 was originally built the same day @i0nic's untether was released .... what can we conclude from this info?"

If you have an iPad 2, there is no jailbreak available, so you can update if you want. However I only recommend that you do so if you need the fix for 3G connectivity, otherwise you could endanger yourself of not being eligible for a future jailbreak.

If you have an iPad 1 and are jailbroken or are planning to be, stay away from this new firmware until we receive official word that it's compatible. Stay tuned and we'll keep you updated on the latest iPad jailbreak news.

Were you experiencing the Verizon iPad 2 glitch? Did 4.3.2 fix it?

Steve Wozniak Shares Insight on Tablet Revolution

Cody Lee ∙ April 10, 2011

The man who co-founded Apple still spends his days giving his opinions to high profile people. He is still on Apple's Board of Directors, and is listed on their payroll, so trust me when I say he's not out of the loop.

The genius credited with building the first Apple computer was asked his opinion on the new era of computing last weekend. During a keynote session at Storage Networking World in Santa Clara last week, Wozniak was asked how tablets would revolutionize the industry.

"The tablet is not necessarily for the people in this room,"

He told the audience of engineers.

"It's for the normal people in the world. I think Steve Jobs had that intention from the day we started Apple, but it was just hard to get there, because we had to go through a lot of steps where you connected things, and eventually computers grew up to where they could do... normal consumer appliance things."

Wozniak's remarks seem to be extremely in line (obviously) with what Apple has been saying all along, especially since the introduction of the iPad. Apple's goal hasn't ever been to be the fastest or have the highest tech specs.

They want to make products that appeal to the average consumer because there are so many more of them than there are people that care about the number of processors in a product.

Although the touch interface is quite nice on a tablet, it makes typing lengthy emails or putting together extensive spreadsheets tedious chores. The iPad is built for web browsing and viewing media content, things a normal person would do frequently. Thanks Steve for clarifying that for everyone, Motorola and company need to be taking notes!

What do you think? Is the tablet-PC meant more for normal people?

[Macworld]

Time Warner iPad App Controversy

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

The app has already been out for a few weeks, but Time Warner's iPad software is still making headlines. Although at first it offered most of the content available to their TV customers, they have recently been forced to pull several channels due to complaints.

Broadcasters Viacom and News Corp. have led the charge against Time Warner's new streaming application, Viacom even has a pending lawsuit with TWC, seeking damages.

"Viacom has made clear that it is willing to discuss extension of similar rights to others - including TWC. What Viacom cannot do, however, is permit one of its contracting partners, TWC, to unilaterally change the terms of its contractual relationship."

Viacom intends to block Time Warner Cable from distributing its content on new devices, from tablets to Smart TV apps, until additional payments have been negotiated. Time Warner Cable recently posted on their blog regarding their disagreement.

They claim that the networks are simply imposing new "artificial limits" on the screens its subscribers use. Apple Insider quotes the TWC blog as saying:

"Instead of rowing down the river of history and into the future, Viacom, FOX, and Discovery have chose to sit on the bank and kick rocks."

But TWC seems to have brushed off the quarrel. Shortly after removing programming, they added new channels including ABC, Disney, and A&E.

Time Warner Cable's free app has seen over 300,000 downloads since it was introduced in late March. It allows TWC subscribers to watch TV inside their homes and requires Wi-Fi.

It seems like the iPad would just be considered another TV in a household. If the app only works in subscriber's households, why are networks like Discovery and Fox so upset about it?

What do you think?

Top 5 Reasons to Jailbreak Your iPad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

Earlier this week, the jailbreak for Apple's latest iOS 4.3.1 was released. Anyone with an iPad on the latest firmware, couldn't even attempt hacking it until last Sunday night. It was then that the Dev Team finally released a much-awaited jailbreaking solution to the masses.

But why on earth would anyone want to hack their iPad? This is a question I get asked a lot by friends and family members. In all honesty, I could go on for hours on why I have my iDevices jailbroken. Everything from my iPhone to my Apple TV2 has received the jailbreaking treatment, and everything in between.

But in the interest of time and space, I figured I would just put together a top 5 list of reasons why you would want to jailbreak your iPad. Hopefully it benefits some of you that may still be on the fence about the whole idea.

1. It's super easy

Although hacking iOS software is extremely complex, programmers like the Dev Team develop software to make the process extremely simple. These programs make jailbreaking as easy as following a few on screen instructions. If for some reason you do mess up, you can generally just restore in iTunes and start the process over.

2. Cydia

For those of you who aren't familiar with jailbreaking, Cydia is an app store very similar to Apple's App Store. It is generally the only icon that is initially added to your home screen once you have jailbroken. It contains everything from apps to iOS tweaks. Every other item on this list comes from Cydia.

3. Customizable Themes

Apple didn't build a lot of customization options into iOS. It's only been in the last year that they've allowed you change the wallpaper on your iDevice home screen. Customizable themes, allow you to give your iPad a complete makeover.

4. Tweaks

Tweaks can enable extra features, or build on old ones. Their overall purpose is to make using your iPad simpler. SBSettings is a popular tweak in the jailbreak scene. It enables a drop down menu, accessible from your iPad's top status bar, with shortcuts to Wi-Fi and bluetooth. You don't have to open Settings and go through menus to enable bluetooth, you can just tap the shortcut in SBSettings.

5. Cast Out Applications

Everything from productivity apps to full featured messangers are available in the Cydia store. Many of these were denied entry into Apple's App Store for violating one of their submission rules. Without Apple's strict limitations, developers are given the opportunity to be truly innovative.

Like I said the list could have gone on much longer than that, especially if it were broken down into specific tweaks and apps that I liked. If this interested you enough that you would like to give jailbreaking a shot, try our easy step by step guide here, or here if you have Windows.

What are the top 5 reasons you jailbreak your iPad?

Jailbreak Your iPad on 4.3.1 with PwnageTool [Tutorial]

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

The long-awaited jailbreak for Apple's iOS 4.3.1 is finally here. It is the first official jailbreak since Apple released iOS 4.3 almost a month ago. Those with iDevices wanting to take advantage of some of the new features in 4.3, haven't been able to upgrade without losing their jailbreaks.

That all changed in the wee hours of last night, when the Dev Team members finally released the anticipated software. The exploit is available in 2 different forms of software: PwnageTool, which is for Mac users only, and RedSn0w, which will work on either Windows or Mac.

This step by step tutorial will show you how to jailbreak your iPad on iOS 4.3.1, using PwnageTool. This software is for Mac users only. If you are on a PC, follow our RedSn0w tutorial here.

Important Note: Just remember this is not for the iPad 2, there is no jailbreak available for this device yet.

Before we get started, you want to make sure your iPad is on iOS 4.3.1. Backing up your iPad to iTunes is also recommended, better safe than sorry. But don't worry, the process is super simple and will have your iPad jailbroken in no time.

Step 1: For this tutorial, you'll need PwnageTool 4.3, which you can download here. Make sure you select the 4.3 version, as it is the only one that will work. I always download my tools to my desktop so they're easier to find.

Step 2: Load up PwnageTool, select the iPad/Apple TV option and click the blue arrow. With this method, PwnageTool should actually locate your iPad firmware on your hard drive for you, so there is no need to download the .ipsw file. Select the iPad firmware and click next.

Step 3: Sit tight as PwnageTool does its thing, it can take a while. It is taking the file you selected and jailbreaking it. Then we will load the jailbroken firmware onto your iPad.

Step 4: Once done, you will be prompted to connect your device via usb. PwnageTool will now help you put your device into DFU mode. If you don't get it the first time, don't fret. Just wait until it's finished giving DFU instructions, and click try again. If you did it correctly, it should look like this:

Step 5: Now you can close PwnageTool. Open iTunes with your iPad still connected, and you should receive this message:

Step 6: Don't just click restore because you will just install Apple's original firmware. While holding down your Mac's Option key, click restore. This should open up a window for you to browse for the file. Select the custom firmware from your Desktop that PwnageTool just created, and restore it.

Step 7: It may take a while for iTunes to install the custom firmware on your iPad. But once completed, your iPad should restart itself and the Cydia icon should be on your home screen.

That is how you jailbreak your iPad on 4.3.1 with PwnageTool, any questions?

Jailbreak Your iPad on 4.3.1 with RedSn0w [Tutorial]

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

This step by step tutorial will show you how to jailbreak your iPad on iOS 4.3.1, using RedSn0w. If you are a Mac user and prefer to use Pwnage Tool, stay tuned. We will provide a tutorial for that software shortly. Either method is extremely easy, and will have your iPad jailbroken in no time.

Important Note: Just remember this is not for the iPad 2, there is no jailbreak available for this device yet.

Before we get started, you want to make sure your iPad is on iOS 4.3.1. Backing up your iPad to iTunes is also recommended, better safe than sorry.

Step 1: For this tutorial, you'll need RedSn0w which you can download here. Make sure you select version 0.9.6rc9, as it is the only one that will work. I always download my tools to my desktop so they're easier to find.

Step 2: For this method, you will need the actual 4.3.1 firmware file. If you don't know where to find it on your hard drive, just download it to your desktop from here. Make sure you download the iPad file, 4.3.1.

Step 3: Launch RedSn0w and click Browse. Find your 4.3.1 firmware from the previous step and select it.

Step 4: The software will then give you a few options before continuing. For most of us, all we need is the Cydia icon. Make sure there is a checkmark by Install Cydia and click Next.

Step 5: Plug in your device to your computer and turn it off. Now get ready to follow some onscreen instructions. RedSn0w will walk your through a few steps to put your iPad into DFU mode.

Step 6: If you're successful, RedSn0w will start its magic. Don't worry if it doesn't happen right away, just turn your iPad off, click back and try it again.

Step 7: Once the software is done loading the exploit, your iPad will restarted, and your home screen should load up with the Cydia icon installed. Success!

That is how you jailbreak your iPad on iOS 4.3.1 with RedSn0w. Any questions?

Dev Team Releases Jailbreak for iPads on iOS 4.3.1

Cody Lee ∙ April 4, 2011

After weeks of waiting, a jailbreak solution for Apple's latest firmware has finally been released. The announcement that so many iDevice hackers have been waiting for, arrived extremely early this morning courtesy the Dev Team.

The jailbreak released is for iOS 4.3.1. It covers the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, the latest 2 generations of the iPod touch, the Apple TV2, and of course the iPad. As we've reported previously, the iPad 2 cannot be jailbroken with this software.

But don't worry, if you have an iPad 2 and are itching to customize it, known iPad hacker Comex is hard at work to bring you an iPad 2 jailbreak solution. We are told he has a working exploit, but hasn't figured out how he wants to package it for mass distribution. We will certainly let you know when we have more information on his progress.

If you have an original iPad, and are wanting to jailbreak it, feel free to go ahead and upgrade to iOS 4.3.1 via iTunes.You will also want to make sure that your iTunes is updated to the latest version. If you've done both of those already, sit tight, we will bring you a complete step by step guide on how to jailbreak your iPad shortly.

Is anyone ready to jailbreak their iPad?

Original iPad 4.3.1 Jailbreak to be Released Today

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Those of you who have been waiting on a jailbreak for iOS 4.3, pay attention! There was some major news in the community early this morning and it looks like the jailbreak we reported on yesterday could be released sooner than expected.

MuscleNerd was at it again this morning, tweeting details of the impending jailbreak announcement. The popular iPhone hacker claims that the Dev Team is looking to release the jailbreak today for Apple's new software. If you recall, there hasn't been an official hack released since Apple launched iOS 4.3 alongside their iPad 2.

After weeks of silence, it looks like the Dev Team is ready to drop the much anticipated software. It will become available for Mac users via Pwnage Tool and PC users via RedSn0w. For those who haven't used either title, they are very similar to GreenPois0n which we cover here. These programs make jailbreaking your iDevice as easy as plugging it into your computer, and following the onscreen directions.

Although it is looking like the software won't go live until late tonight, i0n1c has been telling the Twitter world that if the topic #sundayisfunday becomes trending, the Dev Team might be enticed to release the jailbreak early.

As a reminder, the jailbreak released today is only for devices running iOS 4.3.1 and excludes the iPad 2. MuscleNerd was kind enough to give those that await the iPad 2 jailbreak some info as well. Although the exploit works, he mentions, it isn't suitable for mass distribution yet.

Original iPad owners looking to jailbreak Apple's latest firmware, stay tuned. We will let you know when the software is available, as well provide you with an easy step by step tutorial to help you through it. Those of you with iPad 2s, keep checking back for the latest in the iPad 2 jailbreak story.

Anyone looking to jailbreak their original iPad on 4.3.1?

Adobe Photoshop Coming to iPad?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

It appears that Adobe has been working on porting a full-featured version of their extremely popular photo editing software over to Apple's iOS. Obviously the iPad is their device of choice due to it's 10" display and advanced multitouch capabilities.

Despite Apple's disagreement with Adobe on their Flash platform, I'm sure they would be happy to welcome an iPad Photoshop application of this caliber. Adobe took the opportunity at their annual Photoshop World event to preview what they have in the pipeline for tablet devices.

PhotoShop World 2011 attendees were treated to a demo of a version of Photoshop running on an Apple iPad with a pretty slick interface. The software seemed to be lightyears ahead of Adobe's current iPad offering, Photoshop Express.

Check out the video below of the event to see a live demo of Adobe's tablet concept. It supports layers and allows you to mix colors together like a painter on a palette. It really gives you a good idea of what to expect from future tablet-oriented software.

Would you use Photoshop or any other app to do heavy editing on your iPad?

Even The President Carries an iPad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Barack Obama is helping keep the White House up to date with technology. From establishing a White House Twitter account to his public love of his BlackBerry, The President has certainly been keeping up with the times.

Now it looks like we can add Obama's name to the list of millions that have gone out and purchased Apple's successful tablet device. MarketWatch is reporting that at a meeting in Washington on Monday, The President confirmed he indeed owns an iPad.

Reporter Jorge Ramos asked The President at the assembly if he owned one of Apple's hit tablet devices. Obama responded,"I do have an iPad," and later joked that he had his own computer too.

Just in case you were wondering just how far Apple's reach was with their innovative products, it goes all the way to Washington, D.C. There were no specifics on what The President used the iPad for, but he did mention he would tether it to his BlackBerry.

Are you surprised Obama has an iPad? What do you think he does with it? Tell us your thoughts below!

Apple to Release iOS 4.3.1 Within Two Weeks?

Guest Author ∙ March 21, 2011

The folks over at Boy Genius Report have just received word that Apple's next iOS release is coming within the next two weeks.

According to BGR's sources, iOS 4.3.1 will contain several minor bug fixes, including a patch to the iPad 2 jailbreak vulnerability and baseband updates to the iPhone 3GS and iPad...

iPad 2 Review

Sébastien Page ∙ March 17, 2011

It's been 6 days now since I got the iPad 2 and I have to say that I am more than satisfied with it. I wrote a pretty extensive review of the iPad 2 on our sister site, z iPad Blog, which hopefully will be helpful to some of you.

I usually don't cross post anything from one of our sites to another but I thought this review was worth mentioning here on iDB. Besides, most of you probably don't know we also run an iPad blog so this is the perfect occasion to promote this side project of ours. Make sure to check it out and subscribe to the RSS feed or the Twitter account.

Read my iPad 2 review.