Keep in mind – this is CDMA (hence why you’re not seeing Torch2 or apollo listed). Also means
we could see GSM releases sooner than the CDMA timeline above… plus things often change from plan.
Jailbreak basics: Everything you need to know for iPhone and iPad
May 25, 2011
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| by Allyson Kazmucha, Tuesday, Nov 9, 2010, 65 Comments |
We see quite a few questions in our Jailbreak Forums about jailbreak basics. So, we’ve decided to compile a master list of some basic jailbreak magic right here in one place. Hopefully this will help a lot of you beginner jailbreakers learn the ropes (and maybe even help some of you decide whether the leap to the jailbreak world has its advantages for you). We’ve included common jailbreak lingo, popular jailbreak apps and tools, and videos highlighting some awesome jailbreak utilities!
Common ways to Jailbreak
There are usually several ways to Jailbreak depending exactly when a new version of iOS is released, when a new exploit is found, and when new Jailbreaks are released. Some are one-button easy, others command-line complicated. Here are the latest and the simplest.
If you’re not sure, here’s how to find out which iOS software and iPhone modem firmware you’re running.
iOS 4.3.3 (AT&T/GSM) Jailbreak (untethered)
iOS 4.2.6 (Verizon) Jailbreak (untethered)
Common Jailbreak Terms
Jailbreak
The most obvious of all terms, but yet the most confused. Jailbreaking simply allows users to have access to certain core functionality that Apple doesn’t give us stock. A jailbreak also gives users access to applications Apple may have rejected via Cydia. It also allows custom loading of apps (on Android, loading applications yourself is referred to as side-loading, just as rooting is to Android, jailbreak is to iPhone). On the iPhone you can use the SSH method or use iPhone Explorer. Jailbreaking allows customization at its core meaning, but shouldn’t be confused with unlocking.
Unlocking
Unlocking your iPhone allows you to use it on any GSM carrier. Simply meaning, if you have an AT&T iPhone, unlocking it will allow you to use it on T-Mobile USA or even Rogers Wireless in Canada by simply inserting a different SIM card. A lot of jailbreakers will unlock their iPhones not only to use on a different carrier, but to increase resale value. The unlock process can change from firmware to firmware but typically, you’ll need to jailbreak your phone and then install a program via Cydia like ultrasn0w or yellowsn0w, which will then unlock your iPhone.
Cydia
Apple has the App Store, jailbreakers have Cydia in addition to the default App Store. And if you want to be technical, Cydia was THE first App Store. It was available with iOS 1.x and allowed jailbreakers to download apps before the App Store even existed. Those who jailbroke their first generation iPhones on 1.x have seen several jailbreak ideas and concepts become parts of iOS. We would mention Rock here, but seeing as Cydia acquired Rock, there’s probably no point now. Another term you may hear when it comes to Cydia is repos, or repositories. These are simply sources you add in the manage section. ModMyi and BigBoss are two of the largest. They are already added when you install Cydia. You are always welcome to add custom repos if you choose. I highly advise only adding repos from trusted sources. If you have a weird feeling about adding it, I’d probably pass.
Recovery Mode/DFU Mode
Many people still confuse these two terms. They ARE different. There IS an easy way to tell which mode your phone is in. If your screen shows a connect to iTunes logo with a slide for emergency option, you are in recovery mode. If the slide for emergency option is not there and you only see the connect to iTunes logo, you are in DFU mode (DFU mode can also present as a blank screen as well).
The main difference between these two modes is what they will and won’t bypass for installs. Recovery mode will implement iBoot (basically a portion of the bootloader than runs an integrity check) which will not allow you to downgrade your device. DFU mode will still talk to iTunes but it bypasses iBoot which will then allow you to downgrade firmware. Most jailbreaks will require DFU mode for these reasons. To enter DFU mode, you will follow these steps:
- Turn off your iPhone
- Hold down your power and home buttons
- Release the power button when the Apple logo appears, but continue holding down the home button. You should be presented with a Connect to iTunes logo.
- Plug in your phone and iTunes should yell at you and say you must restore the device before it can be used.
SHSH Blobs
A lot of people ask about this one and why Cydia wants to save them. When you upgrade firmware in iTunes, you’ll see at the top when you start a restore “Verifying restore with Apple”. Apple only signs current firmware versions. If you accidentally upgrade and then try to downgrade, your restore will fail. SHSH blobs save you from this headache. It will basically give iTunes a fake hand to shake, which in turn, makes iTunes think your restore has been verified. This can be a life saver if you accidentally upgrade and need to downgrade. TinyUmbrella will save SHSH blobs to the Cydia server as well. I highly recommend saving your blobs for every firmware version in case you ever find yourself in this predicament. We have posted a guide on how to save SHSH blobs via TinyUmbrella.
Baseband
The baseband is essentially the part of your device that controls the antennae. This has everything to do with your service and signal. This is why most unlockers have to be extremely careful when upgrading. If the baseband changes, it can permanently keep them from achieving an unlock. This is the main reason most unlockers tend to favor PwnageTool. It creates a custom firmware bundle for you to upgrade to that doesn’t upgrade the baseband, only the main OS. If you are running on a legitimate carrier and don’t care about unlocking, the baseband it typically less of a concern. Wifi and Bluetooth don’t run on the baseband either, so iPod touch or iPad owners typically don’t have concerns when it comes to new baseband versions.
Springboard
On a desktop you have a desktop, on an iPhone you have a springboard. It’s basically the interface you constantly interact with. Another term you’ll come in contact with is respringing. This is basically the act of restarting the springboard. Some jailbreak apps you install will require you to do this. All changes in the appearance of your phone via Winterboard (explained below) will require a respring as well. It’s nothing more than refreshing your desktop on a computer.
Common Jailbreak Utilities
Winterboard
A lot of people jailbreak for the ability to change the look of their iPhone. Enter Winterboard, which is a free download via Cydia. It’s a necessary utility to install themes and most customizations. Many veteran jailbreakers will remember the days of Summerboard as well. Winterboard took its place a few years back and improved upon several things. When you install a theme, all the components will show up in Winterboard. Depending upon how a theme developer decided to bundle their theme, you may have only one package in Winterboard, or you may have several. I personally prefer when developers separate theme elements. Since Winterboard works as a hierarchy, I can select a theme and if I don’t like the sounds, I can download a sound pack I “do” like and apply that in Winterboard. The key is to move it above the main theme so it overrides the sounds I don’t want. I highly suggest jailbreakers to become very familiar and comfortable with Winterboard. If you do, there is no limit to what you can do to your phone and you’ll be able to tweak and customize even the littlest details of your springboard.
SBSettings
This free utility allows you to add quick toggles that will drop down onto your springboard. There are also several plug-ins and themes you can download for SBSettings as well. It’ll also allow you to hide icons you don’t want or use. This is especially useful for hiding stock apps you can’t uninstall. I hide the default weather and stock apps among others that are simply wasting space on my springboard. You’ll also be able to more closely keep tabs on your memory and running processes. This was extremely useful before multitasking. It’s still useful today for freeing up memory and seeing what may be eating through battery or slowing your phone down.
iWipeCache
Prior to 3.x, iOS didn’t cache icons in a way that created issues. The problem now with 3.x and beyond is the way the file system caches icons. When you switch themes, sometimes you’ll notice certain icons don’t change or they stay stuck on the last theme you had active. Prior to iWipecache, you had to SSH into your phone and delete the cache in certain folders and respring. iWipecache simplifies this process and does it for you on the go. It’s a free utility and something I’d highly recommend to anyone who likes to change UI elements and themes frequently. If there is ever a time iWipeCache doesn’t work, especially under iOS 4.x, try going into Winterboard and toggling Summerboard mode on and off, then respringing. This seems force even the most stubborn icons to change.
OpenSSH
Open SSH is a utility that allows SSH access to your device. You can then use an SSH client to access your device’s main file system for editing. Simpler utilities now exist, such as iPhone explorer which you’ll download to your PC or Mac. When you plug your iPhone, iPod, or iPad in, it will bring up the file system and you can edit without SSH access. I recommend using a utility like iPhone explorer over SSH as it’s safer. SSH can open you up to hackers and give others access to your file system if you forget to disable it. SSH is also a huge battery hog. The only benefit is that you don’t have to have your phone plugged in to SSH. You must be plugged in to use a utility like iPhone explorer. If you decide to use the SSH option, make sure to change your iPhone root and user passwords. You can visit our Jailbreak Forums if you need help doing this.
Notification Replacement Apps
There are more than a few choices when it comes to selecting a notification app. LockInfo, Intelliscreen, and Notified Pro are all acceptable selections. Most offer trials so it’s really up to personal preference. I’m a major fan of LockInfo and find it much more user friendly than Intelliscreen. Notified Pro has also been gaining some ground and continues to add many improvements as well. Since Apple has yet to improve upon their notification system, I highly suggest checking these out and implementing one of them. You’ll be happy you did. I’ve already posted a guide to setting up LockInfo so be sure to check that out as well.
SMS Apps and Add-Ons
There are many apps that improve SMS capabilities as well. I personally use BiteSMS but apps such as TLert and iRealSMS are more than acceptable candidates as well. QuickReply for SMS is also a good app but be warned that the developer has decided to not continue with it. It’s rumored to go free (if it hasn’t already). So if you’re okay with the current bugs and don’t expect updates, it may be an acceptable option for you. Most of these apps allow you to reply quickly to texts without it interrupting your work-flow. They’ll also allow you to create gestures on the springboard which will allow you to quickly send an SMS without ever leaving the current app you’re already in.
MyWi
Many users are left bitter when certain carriers want to charge them an additional fee just for the privilege of tethering. MyWi is a wonderful little app and in my opinion, a major reason to jailbreak on its own. MyWi alllows you to create a wifi hotspot with your iPhone. I have a wifi only iPad and I never even considered purchasing the 3G version. I simply tether my iPad to my iPhone. Just be wary of doing this if you don’t have an unlimited data plan. As of writing this, MyWi currently costs $19.99. It may seem like a hefty price tag but you’ll pay that in data and/or tethering fees in less than 2 months. You’ll only pay for MyWi once. You do the math.
My3G
Similar to MyWi, this app is a tweak that allows you to lift certain restrictions carriers and Apple have in place. It will allow you to trick your phone into thinking you have a wifi connection when you are really on the carrier network. This trick comes in handy if you need to download an app over 20MB and aren’t in range of wifi. It also allows you to use FaceTime over 3G as well. There is also another app called 3G Unrestrictor which will also allow you to make FaceTime calls over 3G.
As always, if you guys think of anything awesome you think should be on this list, shoot me an e-mail to ally.kazmucha@tipb.com or post it in the comments below!
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Categories: Articles, Moblie Apps, Tech Tidbits
Importing Flip video into iMovie for iOS
May 16, 2011
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by James Galbraith, Macworld.com Mar 28, 2011 8:15 am
The iPad 2 offers a number of exciting new features. Chief among them is the ability to capture video from the integrated cameras and edit them with the new iMovie for iOS 1.2. Unfortunately, the video camera on the iPad is better suited for FaceTime video calls than for capturing a child’s first steps, or similarly important moments, for posterity.
Thankfully, you can import video files captured from other devices, though compatibility is hit or miss. We haven’t had any luck importing files captured from Canon DSLRs, but we have had some success with Cisco’s Flip video cameras. If you have a Flip, here’s how it works.
Step 1: Capture a movie
Cisco Flip camcorder
Use your Flip to shoot some video.
Step 2: Connect your Flip to the iPad
Apple Camera Connection Kit
Pop out the Flip’s built-in USB connector and connect it to the iPad 2 using the Apple Camera Connection Kit’s USB adapter. Note: On the Flash Ultra HD Flip camcorder I used, I had to plug in a powered USB hub between the Flip and the Camera Connection Kit. The Flip Mino HD did not require a hub.
Step 3: Import to Photos App
Once the Flip is connected to the iPad, the Photos application will launch. A Camera tab will open and thumbnails of your Flip’s clips will load in the window. If you’d like to import all of the clips, immediately hit the blue Import button at the bottom of the screen. To select individual clips to import, simply tap the thumbnail image and a blue checkmark will appear on the thumbnail. After you’ve selected your clips, then tap the blue Import button at the bottom of the screen.
The app will ask if you want to import all or just the selected clips. Make your choice, and the app will begin importing your images. When the iPad is done importing, Photos will ask if you’d like to delete the files from the camera. Speaking from prior experience, I recommend choosing Keep Files, and make sure that the movies or photos transferred successfully before deleting anything from the camera.
Step 4: Launch iMovie
Tap the iMovie icon on your iPad. When the iMovie app opens, Tap the + (plus) icon at the bottom of the screen to start a new project.
Step 5: Edit your video
The video clip, as well as anything you’ve captured to the iPad or imported via syncing, will show up in the upper left hand side of the screen in a window called Video. Tap on the clip and a blue arrow appears, along with a yellow handle at each end of the clip. You can tap and drag the handles to select the section of the clip you want to bring onto your timeline and click the blue arrow to bring it into your project to edit. That’s it!
Have you had either luck or problems getting your video clips into iMovie for iOS? Post your suggestions or questions in this story’s comment section.
Categories: Articles, Moblie Apps, Tech Tidbits
Shell opens America’s first pipelined hydrogen-fueling station in Southern California
May 11, 2011
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Residents of SoCal’s Torrance should consider themselves lucky, as they’re now living in America’s first-ever city to have a pipelined hydrogen-fueling station. You can thank Shell and Toyota for picking up this government-funded green project. Sure, while the few other hydrogen stations still rely on delivery by supply truck (presumably running on diesel, ironically), this nevertheless marks a new milestone for our squeaky clean fuel, and it’s only a matter of time before more stations get piped up to Air Products’ hydrogen plants. If there’s any indication of a time frame, Wired reminds us that 2015 should see the arrival of many new mass-market hydrogen cars from Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz. Not long to go now, fellow tree huggers.
Categories: Articles, Tech Tidbits
How To Jailbreak iPod Touch 4G, iPod Touch 3G, iPod Touch 2G On iOS 4.2.1 Using Redsn0w [Windows]
January 29, 2011
1 comment
Posted by iPhoneHacks on December 26, 2010
Redsn0w is a popular jailbreaking tool developed by the iPhone Dev Team.
iPhone Dev team had released Redsn0w 0.9.6b4 quite sometime back, which allows iPod Touch users to jailbreak iOS 4.2.1.
In this guide, we will take you through the step by step procedure to jailbreak iPod Touch 4G, iPod Touch 3G and iPod Touch 2G on iOS 4.2.1 using Redsn0w.
Here are some important points to note before you proceed.
- This guide is meant for iPod Touch 4G, iPod Touch 3G, iPod Touch 2G non-MC model users only.
- Please note that jailbreaking your iPod Touch may void your warranty and hence proceed with caution and at your own risk.
- Do not forget to backup your iPod Touch before you proceed. You can refer to this post for instructions on how to backup your iPod Touch.
- Please note that this guide is only meant for Windows users. We will publish a guide for Mac users shortly.
- After the jailbreaking process is complete, do not forget to checkout our article on tips to keep your iPhone secure.
- Please ensure you are running latest version of iTunes, iTunes 10.1 or later.
- Please note that Redsn0w 0.9.6b4 can only perform a tethered jailbreak on iPod Touch 4G and iPod Touch 3G. Tethered means that the jailbreak needs to be reapplied every time you power down your iPod touch. If you let the battery run out or restart your iPod touch then you will need to reapply the jailbreak by connecting to your computer (tethering). iPhone Dev Team has recently released Redsn0w 0.9.7 that will perform an untethered jailbreak on iPod Touch 4G on iOS 4.2.1 but it is currently not ready for the general public.
- Redsn0w 0.9.6b4 cannot jailbreak iOS 4.2.1 for iPod Touch MC model. This guide is only applicable for iPod Touch 2G non-MC models.
You can follow these step-by-step instructions to jailbreak your iPod Touch:
Step 1: Download Redsn0w 0.9.6b4 by clicking here and save the application in a folder named “Pwnage” on your desktop.
Step 2: You need to download iOS 4.2.1 firmware file:
iOS 4.2.1 firmware file for iPod Touch 2G users (iPod2,1_4.2.1_8C148_Restore.ipsw)
iOS 4.2.1 firmware file for iPod Touch 3G users (iPod3,1_4.2.1_8C148_Restore.ipsw)
iOS 4.2.1 firmware file for iPod Touch 4G users (iPod4,1_4.2.1_8C148_Restore.ipsw)
Step 3: Double click the Redsn0w zip file and extract the application to the Pwnage folder.
Step 4: Connect your iPod Touch to the computer, which should automatically launch iTunes.
Step 5: From the ‘Devices‘ section on the left pane of iTunes, select your iPod Touch device. Now, hold down the Shift button and click the ‘Restore‘ button.
Step 6: Navigate to the Pwnage folder on the desktop and select the downloaded iOS 4.2.1 firmware file (iPod Touch 4G users: iPod4,1_4.2.1_8C148_Restore.ipsw, iPod Touch 3G users: iPod3,1_4.2.1_8C148_Restore.ipsw, iPod Touch 2G users: iPod2,1_4.2.1_8C148_Restore.ipsw). Click on the ‘Choose‘ button to let iTunes update your iPhone with the required firmware.
Step 7: Navigate back to the Pwnage folder and launch the Redsn0w application.
Step 8: You will be asked to select the corresponding IPSW file. Click on the Browse button and select the iOS 4.2.1 firmware file (iPod Touch 4G users: iPod4,1_4.2.1_8C148_Restore.ipsw, iPod Touch 3G users: iPod3,1_4.2.1_8C148_Restore.ipsw, iPod Touch 2G users: iPod2,1_4.2.1_8C148_Restore.ipsw).
Step 9: Redsn0w will verify the firmware file and inform you if it has successfully identified it. Click on ‘Next‘ to proceed.
Step 10: Redsn0w will now start preparing the jailbreak data.
Step 11: You will now be prompted to select the jailbreak options you would like. A few of these may have already been selected by default. Make sure Cydia is selected and select ‘Next‘ to continue.
Step 12: You will now be prompted to switch OFF your iPod Touch and plug it to the computer. Follow the instructions and click on ‘Next‘ to move to the next screen:
Step 13: You will now need to put your iPod Touch into the DFU mode. Redsn0w will take you through the necessary steps:
(a) Hold the Power button on iPod Touch down for 3 seconds:
(b) Now simultaneously hold the iPod Touch and keep the two buttons pressed for 10 seconds:
(c) Now release the Power button while keeping the Home button pressed until Redsn0w identifies the device:
Step 14: Your iPod Touch should reboot now.
Step 15: Redsn0w will now begin uploading the new RAM disk and kernel.
Step 16: You will now be notified once the jailbreaking process is complete. Click on the ‘Finish‘ button to exit the application.
Step 17: Your iPod Touch will reboot once again (which could take approximately 5 minutes). After it has rebooted, your iPod Touch should be successfully jailbroken. You should find Cydia jailbreak app on your iPod Touch’s home screen.
Note:
iPod Touch 4G and iPod Touch 3G users should select Just boot tethered right now from the options window and click Next to use Redsn0w to help you boot back into your jailbroken device on every reboot.
Hope this helped. Please don’t forget to drop us a line to tell us how it goes.
Categories: Articles, Moblie Apps, Tech Tidbits, Web Design Coding / Scripts
Exclusive: CDMA BlackBerry Roadmap 2011 – Montana, Monaco, Sedona, Malibu, BlackBerry 6.1 Evolution and more!
January 28, 2011
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by Kevin Michaluk on 27 Jan 2011 06:40 PM
Keep in mind – this is CDMA (hence why you’re not seeing Torch2 or apollo listed). Also means
we could see GSM releases sooner than the CDMA timeline above… plus things often change from plan.
In the last couple of weeks we’ve learned a lot about RIM’s 2011 BlackBerry pipeline thanks to a handful of device leaks. After months (and in some cases over a year) of speculation, we saw specs and renderings show up for the dakota (touchscreen GSM Bold), monaco (aka Storm 3, though possibly will not fall under Storm branding at launch), Torch 2 and apollo (new curve). All that was followed by rumors of another Curve, sedona. Despite the windfall, what we’ve been looking at only told about 65% of the story. Today, thanks to a whack load of CDMA carrier roadmap slides, we can further fill in the gaps and clarify the codenames and even product names of what’s coming up in 2011, including an entirely new device that really hasn’t been touched on yet (Curve Touch!).
Further BlackBerry Smartphone Roadmap Highlights and Clarifications
- new BlackBerry Bold Touch: dakota is the GSM version, while montana is the CDMA version
- next gen Curve: apollo is the GSM version, while sedona is the CDMA version
- new Curve Touch: not previously mentioned, malibu is a new CDMA touchscreen Curve (likely to be a GSM one in the works too of course)
On the BlackBerry 6.1 front, beyond what we learned at DevCon Asia, we can see some of the other goodies coming our way. Included in the update is a faster user experience via “liquid graphics”, a faster web browser experience (thanks to hardware acceleration and more mhz in the new devices), more homescreen customization options and even voice-activated universal search.
All in all, things are really starting to make sense and look good! There’s plenty to look at below, so keep reading and be sure to sound off in the comments with your thoughts!
2011 CDMA BlackBerry Roadmap and BlackBerry 6.1 Evolution
Categories: Articles, Moblie Apps, Tech Tidbits
Exclusive: BlackBerry montana is CDMA BlackBerry Bold Touch – Image and Specs!
January 28, 2011
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by Kevin Michaluk on 27 Jan 2011 06:36 PM
While we recently saw information and photos leak to the net about the gsm BlackBerry dakota, you can think of the BlackBerry montana as dakota’s CDMA sibling. With both the montana and dakota likely to hit the market under BlackBerry Bold Touch branding, this is RIM’s thinnest BlackBerry ever with premium materials and finishes and a forged, machined stainless steel frame. The BlackBerry Montana’s features and specs include:
- Dimensions: 155 x 66 x 10.5mm
- Processor: Qualcomm 1.2GHz CPU
- Radio: 800/1900 MHz EvDO Rev A with Receive Diversity (PCS Only); Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE; Dual Band UMTS (HSPA 7.2/5.76) 900/2100MHz
- Display: 2.8″ diagonol – VGA 640 x 480, resolution 287dpi
- Camera: 5mp – Flash – Image Stabilization – HD Recording (720p)
- Navigation: Capacitive Touch, Optical Trackpad
- Keypad: Wide QWERTY – Physical Send, End, Escape, Menu, Right Side Convenience Key, Volume Control
- Memory: 8GB – 768MB RAM – up to 32GB MicroSd Crad
- WiFi: 2.4 GHZ b/g/n – 5GHz a/n – Mobile Hotspot
- Connectivity: Micro USB – Bluetooth – NFC
- Sensors: Magnetometer – Accelerometer – Proximity
All in all, if you like BlackBerry Smartphones with keyboards and are on a CDMA carrier, this will be the device to have!
Categories: Articles, Moblie Apps, Tech Tidbits
Exclusive: HP / Palm’s webOS tablets — pictures, plans, and more
January 22, 2011
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By Nilay Patel 
posted Jan 18th 2011 1:36PM
posted Jan 18th 2011 1:36PM
Oh, hello. A trusted tipster just sent in these internal renders of HP / Palm’s “Topaz” webOS tablet, which is one of two tablets currently being developed in Sunnyvale. That’s right, two tablets: the 9-inch Topaz and a 7-inch model codnamed Opal — a lineup that fits nicely into Palm’s “Something big, Something small, Something beyond” tagline for its upcoming February 9th event. Looking at the render, we’re seeing the no-button design we’d previously heard about (we’re assuming the gesture area rotates with the display), a front-facing camera, a micro USB port on the bottom, and what appears to be a Vizio Tablet-style three speaker arrangement for stereo audio in both landscape and portrait modes — that’s two speakers along the left side and a third on the right. (That’s just a guess, though.) We’d also note the back appears to be a glossy material, which might rule out a giant Touchstone for charging — Touchstone backs have heretofore been soft-touch, but anything can change, we suppose.
We’re told that units will start to arrive at Palm HQ in June as production ramps up for launch later this year — a timeline backed up by an internal marketing slide we received that lists WiFi-only, AT&T 3G, and Verizon LTE versions of the Opal arriving in September 2011, and on AT&T LTE in July 2012. The slide also indicates the Opal will have a particular e-reading focus, which makes sense for a 7-inch device, and there’s a mention of “premium audio,” which nicely reinforces our speaker hypothesis. Unfortunately, we don’t have any word on specs or pricing yet, but these things had better be packing some serious heat for cheap if Palm is really planning to wait until September to launch them — they’ll be going head-to-head with the Xoom, the PlayBook, and presumably the iPad 2. We’re still digging for more, so keep an eye out — things are going to get crazy leading up to February 9th.
Update: We’re told that they both have unspecified 1.2GHz processors, and that Topaz may arrive before Opal. We’ll let you know if we learn anything else.
Categories: Articles, Moblie Apps, Tech Tidbits
iPad 2 More iOS 4.3 digging hints at new iPad 2 camera, same 1024 x 768 display
January 22, 2011
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By Ross Miller posted Jan 13th 2011 10:32PM
posted Jan 13th 2011 10:32PM
We love all the little goodies that come out of iOS developer builds. It’s been only a day since 4.3 hit the scene and already we’ve seen hints of future iPhone / iPad models, a Find My Friends feature, and now more hints of a camera for the next iPad. Which, of course, is far from the first time we’ve heard iPad and camera in the same utterance (cases, mockups, paperwork, even more code). Today’s revelation comes in the form of shutter screens and camera / video icons care of 9 to 5 Mac, but here’s the catch: to believe these imagery to be the real thing is to also accept that the iPad 2 might have the same 1024 x 768 display, given that’s what these pictures are optimized for. You didn’t really believe the iPad 2 would have a 9.7-inch, 2530 x 1897 resolution retina display… did you? Well, it’s only speculative, anyway.
Categories: Articles, Moblie Apps, Tech Tidbits
RIM’s 2011 BlackBerry lineup
January 22, 2011
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We unveiled nearly all of RIM’s 2011 lineup over the past day or so, and we wanted to highlight the devices as well as give you a bit more background and personal thoughts on them — and of course, more photos. For starters, though, let’s talk about RIM’s NFC implementation and its real world use cases… we have been told RIM is planning to use NFC for pairing and streaming control with accessories, in addition to peer-to-peer information exchange. What does that mean? Well, you’d hold up one BlackBerry to another BlackBerry to add that person on BlackBerry Messenger, transfer your vCard information, or even share files. Future NFC uses headed to BlackBerry devices, we’re told, include things as crazy as building access control (no more key cards!), ticketing, and of course, payments. Hit the break for the rest of our break down!
BlackBerry Bold (Dakota)
The BlackBerry Dakota is the creme de la creme of the 2011 BlackBerry family, and it will carry the Bold name. RIM has taken various shots at this form factor and the Dakota will be the first one to see the light of day. We’re glad the company took the time to get it right, because earlier prototypes we’ve seen definitely fell short. The Torch is a great phone for some, but those of us who live and die by the perfect QWERTY keyboard found on RIM’s Bold line had trouble dealing with the thin plastic keys and minimal tactile response on the Torch’s board.
Beyond the heaven-sent full QWERTY / touchscreen combo, the Dakota will feature specs that are definitely a solid bump over today’s Bold devices. By 2011 standards they’re not going to blow anyone away, but higher display resolution, RAM upgrade, NFC, mobile hotspot capability and thin form factor are sure to please the eager BlackBerry-toting masses. Toss HD video recording and OS 6.1 into the mix, and we’re looking at the likely king of Waterloo in 2011.
BlackBerry Curve (Apollo)
The BlackBerry Curve sits lower than the Bold on RIM’s device lineup totem pole, but with the newest Curve ready to debut later this year, people will be in for a treat. With a decent screen, HSPA, a 5-megapixel camera, and an 800MHz CPU, the brand new BlackBerry Curve definitely won’t be a slouch. The styling flows very well on the Curve pictured above with smooth angles and… curves. The phone also appears sleek and perfectly proportioned. RIM’s Curve line is by far its biggest, and we think this update will definitely help keep RIM’s enterprise sales moving in the right direction.
BlackBerry Torch 2
RIM called the first Torch its best BlackBerry ever, though many would take issue with that statement. The Torch did nothing for me, personally. In fact, all it really did was make using a BlackBerry device more clunky and painful. Part of this is the hardware’s vertical slide out design, but part of it was due to the slow processor and weak internals. But if all goes according to plan, one of the Torch’s two big strikes will soon be taken care of. The BlackBerry Torch 2 should scream with its 1.2GHz CPU, VGA-resolution screen and large built-in storage. Again, these specs aren’t going to make anyone’s head spin in Q3 2011, but they’ll definitely give the Torch the shot of adrenaline it so desperately needs.
BlackBerry Storm 3 (Monaco)
We have not confirmed that the BlackBerry Monaco will launch with the “Storm 3″ moniker, though if it did, it would be practically nothing like the first device in the series. The first BlackBerry Storm, internally referred to as an “Apple Killer” and arguably one of the worst handsets ever to created by Research In Motion (remember how we reported it would be terrible before release?), shares nothing with the upcoming BlackBerry Storm 3 — no SurePress screen, no clunky hardware, no slow processor. This new full touchscreen device will be powered by a 1.2GHz CPU and feature the highest resolution display to ever ship on a BlackBerry — 800 x 480 pixels. We’ll have to see how it plays out in the marketplace, though, because by the time it is released in Q3, there will be much, much more advanced handsets with much more robust operating systems.
We hope you BlackBerry-lovers out there are excited with the information we have shared over the past two days. RIM is definitely moving towards better-spec’d devices — we’ll just have to see if it’s going to be soon enough, and if it’s going to be enough to compete with the iPhone and Android juggernauts
Categories: Articles, Moblie Apps, Tech Tidbits
