News

Want to Use Your iPad 2 With T-Mobile?

Cody Lee ∙ March 16, 2011

Go ahead! Just like its predecessor, the iPad 2 is sold unlocked in the united states. The news was confirmed this past weekend by MuscleNerd, a well known figure in the jailbreak community. What does this mean?

It means you can take your AT&T iPad 2, and activate it through T-Mobile. Since both companies use the same GSM technology, it can be pretty simple. You would just need a compatible Micro-SIM card from T-Mobile, and of course you'd have to snag a data plan.

"Cody, would the Verizon iPad 2 work on Sprint's network?" Probably not. The GSM technology we discussed earlier uses those SIM cards to authenticate devices on their network. CDMA technology, which Verizon and Sprint both use, uses a much more embedded and complex method of authentication. Layman's terms? It's not as easy as swapping SIM cards.

Is anyone using an unlocked iPad 2 on T-Mobile or another carrier? Tell us below!

Battery Issues May Be Another Reason to Stay Away From iOS 4.3

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Here at iDB, we've certainly warned you of the dangers in upgrading to iOS 4.3. Until today, that warning was only meant for jailbreakers. Well, it looks like even stock users have a reason to hold off.

Several iLounge editors are reporting severe battery drain in their iDevices, after upgrading to iOS 4.3. Their experiences coincide with users across several Apple Support threads, dedicated to this very topic...

Google Search for iPhone Premiers Today in the App Store

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 3, 2018

Those of you who read iDB regularly know how particular I am when it comes to my apps. I like a clean and tidy home screen. One application that seemed to always find a spot on my iPhone was Google Mobile. It was simple, it loaded quickly, and the voice search option was extremely accurate. It was my go-to app for quick lookups.

Today, Google Mobile was replaced by Google Search. The name is different, but the concept is not too far off from its predecessor. It has an accurate voice search function, and uses your location to return local results. Although very similar, there are some notable differences in the new search app...

Is Apple Intentionally Handicapping Web Apps?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 27, 2018

Whether you love them or hate them, no one can deny the success Apple has had with its iOS devices and the App Store. Although they are selling these products in record numbers, many still refuse to buy in due to multiple factors. The omission of Flash support, a technology used in many popular websites, is the first one that comes to mind.

But it doesn't stop there. Apple has also been attacked on its strict App Store policies, such as, denying applications for odd and unclear reasons. In fact, their unyielding control over their ecosystem is what leads many people to jailbreak...

iPhone 5 to Have Two SIM Cards for Dual Phone Lines?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 3, 2018

From the same website that brought us the iPhone 5 renderings comes more speculation on Apple's new iPhone. The site, iDealsChina, is a chinese parts reseller. They don't have a perfect track record, but they did correctly predict the iPhone 3G and iPod 4G design changes.

Their latest prediction is that the iPhone 5 will hold two SIM cards. They claim it will be for the purpose of supporting dual phone lines, but I've got a better guess. The iPhone 5 is rumored to include a Qualcomm Gobi cellular and data chipset. Why does that sound familar?

iPad 2 Smart Cover Magnet Magic Revealed

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

Along with Apple's exciting new iPad 2 launch, was the unveiling of a new accessory. The Smart Cover, made by Apple, uses a magnet system to attach itself to the iPad 2's screen.

At first glance it can appear magical. The cover literally snaps itself into place. Need an impromptu stand for your iPad 2? The Smart Cover converts into a stand with ease, practically on its own. It certainly makes you wonder, "How did they do that?"

Luckily veteran iDevice dismantler, iFixit, had the guts to rip one open and find out. The answer was obviously simple, magnets. But how many magnets does it take to make a Smart Cover work? Thirty-one. Ten in the iPad 2, in the right bezel, and twenty-one in the Smart Cover.

Interestingly enough, they are just your run-of-the-mill, two-pole magnets. It's the way they are configured that makes manipulating the Smart Cover so easy. iFixit also noted that there is one, specific magnet, that is used to lock and unlock the iPad 2 as the cover's attached.

So it appears this magical magnet myth has been busted (say that 3 times fast). It turns out it was just really good engineering mixed with some good marketing, neither of which Apple is a stranger to.

Does anyone use a Smart Cover for their iPad 2? How does it work as a stand? Tell us below!

Apple Highlights Best AirPlay Apps in App Store

Cody Lee ∙ March 14, 2011

One of the exciting new features in iOS 4.3 is the universal enhancement made to AirPlay. AirPlay existed in iOS 4.2, but it was limited to native iPhone apps. With Apple's new 4.3 firmware, developers are given access to AirPlay functionality, allowing them to incorporate it into their 3rd party apps.

AirPlay is not just limited to App Store developers either; authors of web-based applications for the iPhone will now be able to stream video to the end user's Apple TV. App makers have been pleading with Apple for access to AirPlay APIs (Application Programming Interface) since the feature was introduced in iOS 4.2. But what makes AirPlay so exciting for develepors?

Chpwn Drops More iOS 4.3 Jailbreak Details

Cody Lee ∙ March 14, 2011

The jailbreak community holds its breath as iOS hackers work diligently on a 4.3 jailbreak solution. With their latest firmware, Apple introduced ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization), which is making the process a little more difficult for jailbreakers. Current jailbreak methods are available, but are extremely limited.

But things look positive as hackers Comex and i0n1c have already shown off their jailbroken iOS 4.3 devices. Now you might be wondering, "If they can jailbreak their devices, why don't they just release it to everyone?" Well, when these guys jailbreak their devices, they don't plug their iPhone into the computer and click a button....

iPad 2 Jailbroken By Comex

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

Apple's latest version of its popular tablet is a hit. Analysts are predicting Apple sold close to a million iPad 2s over launch weekend. But if you are an early adopter and want to jailbreak, you're pretty much out of luck.

Apple's latest iOS 4.3, which the iPad 2 shipped with, has upped the anti for hackers with new security measures. The most notable being ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization), which has slowed down jailbreakers in a 4.3 solution.

But thank goodness we have the devoted Dev-Team members and their pals. These guys always seem to do the impossible, and this time might have done it again. Long time iOS hacker, Comex, has jailbroken his iPad 2 within just a few days of its arrival.

Anyone in the jailbreak community should recognize the name, as he is the hacker behind previous jailbreak tools such as JailbreakMe and Spirit. There's no word on when his exploit will be ready in a user-friendly package but it shouldn't be too far off. We'll keep you updated.

Did anyone purchase an iPad 2 early and are anxious to jailbreak it? Let us know

Angry Birds Seasons: St. Patrick’s Day Edition

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

It's no secret that we are Angry Birds fans here at iDB. But then again who isn't? With millions of downloads across multiple platforms, this game will go down in history as the ultimate time waster. Well in case you've missed it, the latest iteration in Rovio's smash hit series is here.

The lovable cast of pigs get a total leprechaun makeover in the newest version of Angry Birds Seasons. And with St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, this application is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit...

Sn0wbreeze 2.3 Beta Will Jailbreak iOS 4.3 on Windows

Cody Lee ∙ March 13, 2011

After we posted that i0n1c was going to wait until 4.3.1 to release his jailbreak, it seemed as though early iOS 4.3 adopters were left without many options. That situation changed yesterday when Sn0wbreeze 2.3 Beta was released into the wild.

iPhone hacker, iH8sn0w, decided to give Windows users a jailbreak solution for Apple's latest 4.3 software. It is important to note that Sn0wbreeze is only available on the Windows platform, and that it is a tethered jailbreak. That means that every time you reboot your iDevice, it needs to be connected to your computer to rerun the jailbreak software...

Some Users Reporting iPad 2 Screen Issues

Cody Lee ∙ March 13, 2011

It's true. Apple moves their launch products so quickly that, sometimes the glue isn't done drying, by the time it hits consumer hands. We saw it with the iPhone 4 and MacRumors is reporting similar issues with the iPad 2.

The good news is, with the iPhone 4, the yellow tint went away within the first couple of days. Other sites are also reporting that besides the yellow film, users are claiming that light actually leaks in some areas around the iPad 2 display bezel.

Are these units really defective? No. Like we mentioned earlier, the yellow tint and the gaps in the display bezel are likely due to the bonding agent, used in production, not being completely dried.

Consumers should continue to use their iPad 2's like normal, and if these issues don't disappear within the first week, take it back to the retailer you purchased it at and have them look at it.

Has anyone seen either of these issues with their iPad 2? Tell us below!