Money

Jailbreakers to Become New Targets for Major Corporate Marketing?

Since its inception, there was a dark cloud hovering over the jailbreak scene. People feared legal ramifications from Apple for "hacking" their iDevices, similar to what GeoHot is involved in with Sony. That all changed last summer when the government made an announcement that jailbreaking was legal by U.S. law.

Here we are, almost a year after the official statement, and the community is as big as ever. Saurik, the mastermind behind Cydia, estimates that there are between 10-15 million jailbroken devices in the wild. ModMyi founder Kyle Matthews shared a few other interesting statistics this morning about the iDevice hacking community that should catch the attention of major marketing firms.... 

Would You Pay $800 for an iPhone Accessory?

Retail chains don't just make money on the handset you buy, they make a killing from selling accessories too. If you have ever purchased any type of portable electronic, particularly a smartphone, you know what the clerk's first comment is: "You're going to need a case." And he's usually right.

I would generally recommend a case for the iPhone, screen protectors are a good buy too. There are also a lot of accessories that you don't necessarily need. But if they make themselves appear to be a necessity, you as the customer are more apt to buy. That being said, one look at the new i'm, and you'll see why your iPhone needs this new accessory...

iPhone 5 Will Probably Have NFC After All

At first we hoped the iPhone 5 would have NFC technology, then we were told Apple wasn't considering NFC yet. Now it appears that the next iPhone will in fact have NFC technology for mobile payments.

Multiple reports from sources like The New York Times and China Times reveal that Apple is working hard to implement NFC into the iPhone. Near Field Communication technology would allow consumers to use the iPhone as a mobile payment option, and the technology would most likely tie into the already-existing iTunes payment infrastructure.

The $8,000,000 iPad 2

Do you have an extra $8,000,000 to spend? If so this iPad might just be what you need. It was designed by Stuart Hughes who is famous for turning electronics in multi million dollars pieces of jewelry.

Undoubtably the world’s most unique gadget is the Ipad 2 Gold History Edition. Encrusted with 12.5 cts of ‘I'F' Flawless diamonds, a magnificent total of 53 individually set sparkling gems dwell beautifully in solid 24ct Apple logo with rear section formed again in 24ct gold weighing an immense 2,000 grams. The unrivalled imagination towards the craftmanship of the iapd is down to its main front frame which is made from the oldest rock the world has to offer in the form of Ammolite , sourced from Canada this stone is over 75 million years old. However to make this masterpiece even more individual, sections of a 65 million year old T-REX Dinosaur’s thigh bone was splintered and then shaved into the Ammolite , then finished off with ultimate jewel , as single cut 8.5ct flawless diamond inlaid in its own platinum surround with 12 outer flawless diamonds. A magnificent combination of top of the industry technology and unique thought were involved in creating this piece of History !. Material spec, 16.5 ct diamonds & 8.5ct single diamond, 57 grams of T-REX bone, 750 grams of Ammolite stone and 2000 grams of solid 24ct Gold. This item is of a limited edition of only 2 units to be made.

Bought an iPad Within the Last 2 Weeks? Apple Will Refund You $100

If you're disappointed you recently bought an iPad and just realized that not only the new iPad 2 is coming out next week, but the first gen iPad also got a $100 price drop, then there is hope for you. According to Electric Pig, Apple will refund the $100 difference if you have your receipt and if you bought your iPad within the last 14 days.

Even better, and from personal experience, if you bought your iPad within the last couple days, you can return it to Apple once the iPad 2 is out and switch to the newer model. I did that with my iMac a few months ago when the new one came out while I had bought mine just days before.

When did you buy your iPad? Are you eligible for a refund or even an upgrade?

Everything You Need to Know About the iPad 2

Today, Apple announced the next generation of the iPad. The iPad 2 is the next stage in Apple's tablet evolution, and the device boasts a significant redesign from its predecessor.

There's a lot that's new about the iPad 2. It's thinner, lighter, and 2x faster than the original iPad. It also borrows elements from the iPhone 4, including dual cameras for FaceTime.

Let's take a closer look...

Verizon to Drop Unlimited Data Plans for iPhone

Until today, one of the most compelling reasons to switch to Verizon for the iPhone was that big red still offered unlimited data plans, whereas AT&T had long been on a tiered pricing model. It seems the gap between the 2 carriers is getting a bit smaller as according to Verizon CFO himself, Verizon is going to stop offering unlimited data plans to its customer as soon as this summer.

A few weeks ago, we reported about Verizon's plans to throttle data speed and start compressing images and videos in order to allow available network capacity to benefit the greatest number of users...

Microsoft Donates to Geohot’s Cause Against Sony

Take that Apple! Microsoft has allegedly donated money to the famous iPhone hacker Geohot for his legal battle against Sony. In case you didn't know by now, George "Geohot" Hotz is in a legal skirmish with Sony because he jailbroke the PS3.

Since Geohot represents the jailbreak community, he obviously isn't on Apple's good list. Perhaps Microsoft wanted to take a little jab at Apple by supporting one of the most famous iPhone hackers...

$500 ZAGGsparq Giveaway Winners Announced!

Earlier this week, we announced a giveaway of 5 ZAGGsparq mobile chargers amounting to $100 per unit. We reviewed the ZAGGsparq, and the folks at ZAGG decided to give us five ZAGGsparq's for a giveaway to our readers! That's a total value of $500. Not too shabby.

Winners of the ZAGGsparq giveaway have been selected. Congrats to the five lucky winners!

MobileMe Only Available for 60-Day Free Trial, Will Most Likely Become Free Service Next Week

Apple has removed the paid version of MobileMe from its retail stores and website. You can now only sign up for a free 60-day trial on the web.

Apple is holding an event next week, and MobileMe will most likely be revamped alongside the introduction of a new iPad model. Up until now, MobileMe has cost $99/year. There's a good chance that Apple will make their cloud-based service free for customers, or introduce some type of tiered, "pro" pricing alongside the standard MobileMe package.

Geohot Interviewed Again Over Sony Lawsuit

In case you've been too busy playing on your PS3, renowned iPhone hacker George "Geohot" Hotz is in the middle of a heated lawsuit with Sony. Geohot "jailbroke" the Sony PS3 and circumvented Sony's DRM. The ramification of his exploit is that Sony is now suing Geohot for "encouraging piracy" on their platform.

Geohot has done another interview on The Alyona Show in which he addresses the issues with the Sony debate and clarifies his stance on the subject. Check out the video after the break.