Have you ever wondered where your carrier’s cell towers are? Signal 2 will not only show you where they are, but will show you the towers’ signal strength and quality as well. Created by Yiduo David Wang, better known as planetbeing, the app is definitely one of a kind and provides functionality that has not yet been seen elsewhere (besides its first iteration, Signal). As noted on the app’s description page, the utility can prove useful when trying to decide on a carrier. (more…)
iPhoneIslam has released a blurry YouTube video demonstration of a hack that will allegedly allow for the iPad 3G to make phone calls, send text messages, and more. The hack would require that one have a jailbroken iPad 3G and, once enabled, it “turns your iPad 3G into a fully functional phone.” iPhoneIslam claims that the hack, which is known as PhoneItiPad, is set to appear on the Cydia Store soon. Since there is currently no publicly released jailbreak for the iPad 2, this hack would be compatible with the original iPad 3G only.
The authors behind the project gave some input as to what we can expect:
A hack that will change the game. Can you imagine turn your iPad to a fully functional phone.
WIth No Special Hardware all what you need is Jailbroken iPad 3G and your iPad 3G will do anything you expect from iPhone… Phone Calls, SMS, FaceTime by Phone Number… ETC
It’s important to take this rumor lightly, as hoaxes and false rumors of this sort are fairly commonplace. iPhoneIslam has released one other hack in the past, known as FaceIt3GS, which enables FaceTime on the iPhone 3GS. Let’s hope that their positive track record continues. The YouTube demonstration can be found after the break.
Most people like to protect their iDevices with a case. For some, it’s all about protection, while others prefer something that reflects their personalities. Ideally, a case does both. Several manufacturers allow customers to choose from a variety of pre-made designs from sports logos to works by renowned artists, as well as the ability to create their own designs by uploading images or pictures. Here are some options for preventing scratches and dings with style:
Skinit – Offering minimal protection, skins are adhesive vinyl stickers that are cut to precisely fit on the back of your device. The advantage Skinit presents is skins for nearly the full spectrum of iDevices including the Classic, Nano, all generations of iPod Touch, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPad. Prices for skins for the iPad are $29.99 with the option of an additional clear hard shell for $15. Skins for the iPhones run $14.99. Hard shells in black or white are $15.
Read on for additional vendors.
Along with the great jailbreak news, the Dev-Team has given a reassuring status update regarding the long-awaited ultrasn0w unlock:
ultrasn0w unlock: After redsn0w is officially released with the new Cydia and kernel patches, we’ll be able to assess the unlock situation. It’s already looking very promising though, so expect the unlock for the 3G and 3GS to be coming this week. The i4 unlock is taking more effort though, and no further concrete info is available about that yet.
The iPhone 3G and 3GS are on track to be unlocked within the week, but the iPhone 4 is proving to be a tough nut to crack, and may take quite a bit longer to unlock.
As always, backup everything. And don’t bug the devs.
The Navy Exchange has begun to stock the the iPad at retail outlets across the US, for a whopping $5 off—$10 if you’re interested in the 3G version. (Of course, the lack of sale tax at the Navy Exchanges really does make it a considerable money-saver, if your lucky enough to have one in your area.) As noted by 9 to 5 Mac, it’s unknown if NEX is an authorized reseller, or pulling the same antics as TJ Maxx, though a measly $5 off is nothing compared to $100.
The following locations will carry the iPad:
JEB Little Creek, Norfolk NS, Oceana NAS, Pearl Harbor NB, San Diego NS, Naval Base Guam Orote, Jacksonville NAS, Mayport NS, North Island NAS, Pensacola NAS, Port Hueneme NCBC, Whidbey Island NAS, Yokosuka FA, Lemoore NAS, Great Lakes NS, Kitsap-Bangor NB, Everett NS, New London NSB, Sigonella NAS, Naples NSA, Bahrain NSA, Rota NS, Atsugi NAF, Sasebo FA and Charleston NWS
Hulu Plus, the not-very-popular premium video service from Hulu, has just reduced the monthly subscription price from $9.99 to $7.99 as a part of its official public launch. This price change may allow it to keep up with alternatives such as Netflix, which recently announced a streaming-only plan for the same $7.99 price.. If you are already a paying member, the price change will be reflected in your next bill, and if you are a new user who would like to test out the service, there is a one-week free trial period available.
There is a Hulu Plus client application available in the App Store for newer devices running 4.0 and higher. (And please note that the iPad version does work over 3g.)
[Engadget]
Read on for the full press release.
iH8sn0w has put the finishing touches on the latest version of sn0wbreeze, which allows users to roll a custom ISPW on Windows to jailbreak their iDevice (similar to PwnageTool). It is untethered, and works across every make and model imaginable.
via @iH8sn0w
sn0wbreeze 2.1 (Works on 3.2.2/4.1 [All Devices/Bootroms/Models]) — http://ih8sn0w.com
- iPhone 3G/3G[S]/4
- iPod Touch 2G/3G/4
- iPad
- Apple TV 2
It doesn’t work on iOS 4.2 yet, but iH8sn0w plans to support it after the official release drops.
iPod touch 2G and 3G (ab)users on Sprint, listen up: starting November 14, you’ll be able to purchase a ZTE Peel that works with Sprint’s 3G service.
This is great news for all of you looking to bridge the gap between your iPod touch and that shiny new iPhone 4. Sadly, this is only 3G, and doesn’t take advantage of Sprint’s nifty new ’4G’ WiMax service.
Pricing will be $79.99 outright, with a $29.99 monthly price for data. Not too terrible, compared to an iPhone plan on AT&T, eh? Except, of course, for the lack of SMS and calling, not to mention no Facetime, what with the lack of a front facing camera and all.
Either way, hit up the comments for the full press release from Sprint.
One of the most compelling reasons for jailbreaking the iPhone is the ability to tether it to an iPad and avoid the additional cost of the iPad 3G data plan. Using MyWi, users can have a wifi hotspot anytime anywhere. The down side is the battery drain. Users can surf the web and email to their hearts’ desires during permitted times on an airplane, only to have dead phones upon landing. Gogo Inflight Wifi is sometimes an option, but at a price of $4.95 – $12.95, depending on the length of the flight. In a repeat gesture of last year’s generosity, Google will again be offering free Wifi connectivity on all domestic flights for the holiday season (Nov. 20th – Jan. 2nd). Participating airlines include AirTran Airways, Delta and Virgin America. The FAA reports they expect 100 million passengers to be travelling over the holidays. The free Wifi will be available on over 700 domestic flights.
One of the major complaints of iOS 4.0 was the massive slowdown it caused on older devices. The issue was (and still is) quite bad, and even inspired a popular parody video mocking Apple. When asked about the problem, Jobs sent an email claiming that a software update was “coming soon”, but iOS 4.1 came and went, and users didn’t see much improvement. Now, beta testers are claiming that the next iteration of iOS (which should be released very soon) actually improves the iPhone 3G’s speed significantly.
If any Touch Fans have had a chance to try out the latest release of 4.2—which is the final version—let us know how it performs on aging hardware in the comments.
[TiPb]
