Jan 27
SteveApple, Tech News
RIM’s new CEO Thorsten Heins may have inherited a sinking ship, but he seems determined to explore all avenues in his attempt to find an escape route for the ailing Canadian firm.
Having previously been very keen to keep its BlackBerry Messenger crown jewel as a key feature that is exclusive to its hardware, BlackBerry smartphones may not be the only ones to support it some time in the future. RIM’s new CEO outlined his company’s openness to such a move during an interview with CrackBerry.
If RIM was to license its SMS-like instant messaging system to third parties then it could stript the firm’s handsets of arguably their biggest feature…(…)
Read the rest of RIM Looking into BlackBerry Messenger for Other Platforms
“RIM Looking into BlackBerry Messenger for Other Platforms” is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
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Jan 27
SteveApple, Tech News
The latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS 5, brought a number of new features and improvements. One of the most welcomed changes was the revamped notifications system with unobtrusive banner alerts.
But as usual, the jailbreaking community takes this feature a step farther. A new tweak has just surfaced in Cydia called Vexillum that allows you to customize both the background and font colors of your notification banners…(…)
Read the rest of Customize Your Notification Banners With Vexillum
“Customize Your Notification Banners With Vexillum” is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
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Jan 27
SteveApple, Tech News
Lorem is tweak that brings swipe to dismiss functionality to Notification Center.
It is the companion to Ipsum, a tweak that brings swipe to dismiss functionality to Lock Screen notifications.
Both are great ways to alternatively dismiss the notifications you receive, as you’ll see from our coverage inside…(…)
Read the rest of Lorem: Swipe to Remove Notifications
“Lorem: Swipe to Remove Notifications” is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
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Jan 27
SteveApple, Tech News
You gotta feel for T-Mobile — it’s had a rough couple of months. Not only has the company’s AT&T merger deal fallen through the cracks, but it continues to be excluded from iPhone partnership.
When Sprint picked up the iPhone last October, T-Mobile became the only major carrier in the US to not officially offer Apple’s popular handset. But that hasn’t stopped it from supporting the device…(…)
Read the rest of T-Mobile Working on Improving Support for Unlocked iPhones
“T-Mobile Working on Improving Support for Unlocked iPhones” is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
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Jan 27
SteveApple, Tech News
Bill Gates has told how he sent Steve Jobs a personal letter before his death, and explained how the pair’s complicated relationship worked.
During an interview with The Telegraph, the former Microsoft CEO spoke about Jobs and the relationship between the two during the Macintosh days and how the two became competitors after initially working on the same project.
Bill Gates also went on to describe Jobs as an “incredible genius“ and spoke about the Apple CEO’s work in increasing the Mac’s market share in the face of competition from Microsoft’s PC platform…(…)
Read the rest of Bill Gates Sent a Letter to Steve Jobs Before He Passed
“Bill Gates Sent a Letter to Steve Jobs Before He Passed” is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
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Jan 27
SteveApple, Feeds, iPhone, iPhone4
![Speck Products PixelSleeve Plus for iPad only $22.95 [Daily deal]](http://iphone4tutorials.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/150db_6765.jpg)
For today only, the iMore Store has the Speck Products PixelSleeve Plus for iPad on sale for only $22.95! Get them before they’re gone!
Get the Speck Products PixelSleeve Plus for iPad now!
The Speck PixelSleeve Plus is protective, portable and lightweight. A stretchy neoprene skin snugs up to the Apple iPad, while a tough, flexible reinforced middle layer guards against rough handling and impacts.
Inside, a soft micro-fleece lining and padded zipper protect against scratches. Easy to stash and easy to carry with its integrated handle, the Speck PixelSleeve Plus also makes airport security check points quick and easy.
Features:
Three layers of protection help keep your iPad looking new
Lay-flat airport checkpoint-friendly design — keep iPad in sleeve without removing during security checks
Integrated low-profile carry handle for comfort and convenience
Textured neoprene exterior is soft, grippy and stylish
Jan 27
SteveApple, Feeds, iPhone, iPhone4
Apple has successfully defended the second UMTS (3G) patent infringement claim from Samsung in Germany today, though the battle’s far from over. The first complaint from Samsung was dismissed last week, and Apple promptly fired back at Samsung with a slide-to-unlock infringement claim. The Galaxy Nexus isn’t one of the phones in Apple’s countersuit, though there are still plenty more Android devices Apple’s complaint does include. Even if Apple manages to chew through the other 3G-related complaints, Samsung has another two lawsuits lined up related to smiley emoticons.
Apple and Samsung haven’t only been duking it out in the courtrooms, either. Samsung has been running a tongue-in-cheek set of ads that depict desperate, near-sighted Apple fanboys being faced with the grim reality that the Galaxy S II is plainly a better phone. Yeeeeeah, because we’ve all seen how Android’s voice-to-action implementations are way better than Siri.
While Apple is duking it out in Germany, Dutch courts have sided with Samsung in Apple’s design patent infringement claims against the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Patent squabbles are a natural part of the high-tech game, but Samsung and Apple in particular seem to really be going blow-for-blow against one another – although I’m sure Apple would be equally willing to attack any manufacturer siding with Android. Steve Jobs, as you might recall, had an intense loathing for the Android platform, and that mission will likely live on in Apple.
It sure would be nice if we could all just get along, if only to avoid having to figure out who’s suing who for what and where.
[via FOSS Patents]
Jan 27
SteveApple, Feeds, iPhone, iPhone4
Need help figuring out what the best apps and tweaks are for your newly jailbroken iPhone? Cydia can be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. Whether you’re jailbreaking to theme or add more functionality, we’ll have you on your way to becoming a jailbreak ninja in no time.
Quick toggles and gestures
Utilities like Activator and SBSettings should be at the very top of any jailbreaker’s list. Who likes to tap all the way into Settings to disable Wifi or 3G? I know I don’t when I can just use SBSettings to disable it with two taps from virtually anywhere on my iPhone.
SBSettings has a limitless amount of toggles available in Cydia and can be customized and tweaked until your heart’s content. If you want a quick toggle to turn off SMS alerts, you’ve got it. It also allows you to monitor free memory and clear it out. All with a simple swipe on your status bar.
Activator is also a staple in the jailbreak world when it comes to accessing information and applications quickly. You may already have it and not know it. A lot of jailbreak applications and utilities require it. The main function of Activator is to allow you to set gestures for different functions. For example, I double tap on my status bar and a quick reply window for BiteSMS pops up. I can set virtually any gesture I want for any application that supports Activator gestures (a lot of the popular ones do).
SBSettings and Activator are must have utilities for any jailbreaker. They’re typically the very first items I install on my jailbroken devices.
SBSettings – Free – Cydia Search Link
Activator – Free – Cydia Search Link
Notification enhancement applications
While iOS 5 added a ton of enhancements to the way notifications are handled and presented, Apple still left a lot of room for improvement. This is where apps like LockInfo and IntelliscreenX step in to give you even more control over how notifications are handled.
I’ve never been a fan of how iOS 5 discards notifications from the lockscreen immediately after unlocking. I like them to stay there until I dismiss them myself. LockInfo and IntelliscreenX both allow this behavior. You also have the ability to add widgets and other information to your lockscreen and notification center (called Infoshade in LockInfo). IntelliscreenX takes it one step further and adds a “top shelf” that allows you to add quick toggles you can access with a quick swipe down on notification center. This is a convenient place to stick SBSettings.
LockInfo also allows you to access your favorite contacts directly from the Infoshade or lockscreen. Both apps are great notification enhancers but they differ in some areas and feature sets. Choose the one that’s personally right for you. To help you decide which one may appeal to you more, you can check out our LockInfo vs IntelliscreenX comparison.
LockInfo – $7.99 w/ free trial – Cydia Search Link
IntelliscreenX – $9.99 w/ free trial – Cydia Search Link
Text message enhancements
While multitasking in iOS 4 made switching between applications a lot easier, you still have to completely exit whatever you’re doing to reply to a text message. Apps like BiteSMS and Messages+ aim to close that gap with quick reply functionality. Instead of having to exit out of an app a quick reply keyboard pops up, you type your message, away it goes, and you’re back to whatever you were doing before without interruption.
If you’ve purchased IntelliscreenX, you also get a license for Messages+ as well. While there are other quick messaging applications available in Cydia, BiteSMS and Messages+ are the best of the best. BiteSMS allows you to purchase credits as well if you don’t want to pay text messaging fees. It can add up to be a lot cheaper than text messaging plans.
BiteSMS – Free or $9.99 (ad free) – Cydia Search Link
Messages+ – $7.99 (free w/ IntelliscreenX purchase) – Cydia Search Link
Theming your iPhone
If you want to customize the look and feel of your iPhone, there are thousands of free and paid themes in Cydia. You can also choose from a few different utilities to theme. Some themes may require Winterboard while others will require Dreamboard. There are also applications like Theme It available in Cydia that aim to bring the best of the best themes straight to your iPhone all in one place.
If you don’t necessarily want an all in one theme but still want to customize to your liking, you can check out Springtomize 2. Springtomize 2 allows you to customize individual aspects of your iPhone’s overall appearance. There are tons of add-ons and built-in options to choose from. If you tend to be more picky, Springtomize 2 is probably a better bet as it offers far more control.
Winterboard – Free – Cydia Search Link
Dreamboard – Free – Cydia Search Link
Springtomize 2 (iOS 5+) – $2.99 – Cydia Search Link
Extras
If you’re looking for tweaks that just make your iPhone that much cooler when jailbroken, here’s some extra tweaks we’ve found that are just cool in general.
Cyntact
Adds contact pictures to your address book next to each contact.
$0.99 – Cydia Search Link
BlurriedNCBackground
Blurs the background of notification center. Nothing to configure and doesn’t add any additional icons.
Free – Cydia Search Link
Shrink
Change the default size of icons in your dock and on your homescreen. I find this particularly useful if you have a background you’d like to see without huge icons being in your way.
$1.49 – Cydia Search Link
Barrel
Add cool transitions when tabbing through pages on your springboard. Make your icons roll, fall away, and more.
$2.99 – Cydia Search Link
If you’ve got any cool tweaks or utilities you think beginner’s would benefit from be sure to let us know! This is just the beginning of what you can do with a jailbroken iPhone.
Additional resources:
Jan 27
SteveApple, Feeds, iPhone, iPhone4
The British Heart Foundation has released an app that provides detailed instruction on how to give CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) should the need ever arise. Performing CPR could save the life of a friend or relative and is a practice everyone should know how to perform.
The British Heart Foundation PocketCPR provides REAL-TIME feedback and instructions on Hands-only CPR that empowers ANYONE to learn and practice CPR, so that they can be READY when seconds really count!!! The technology is the same as that used in the ZOLL PocketCPR for actual rescue from sudden cardiac arrest. This version teaches Hands-only CPR skills according to the latest American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council CPR and ILCOR Guidelines as published on October 18, 2010.
- BHF Pocket CPR is a must-have app for anyone who wants to learn how to perform CPR with accuracy. The PocketCPR app can be used in CPR training programs and for individual practice at home or at work. It is a great tool for families to learn CPR in order to be prepared if a loved one needs their help
- Actively utilizes the accelerometer hardware in the phone for real-time coaching and actual feedback on CPR while you are learning and practicing
- Measures the actual rate and depth of your compressions and lets you know if you need to push faster or slower, and whether you should push harder or softer
- PocketCPR will remind you to Call for Help, to Check Responsiveness, and to perform Hands-only CPR at the correct rate and depth. The device algorithms are in complete compliance with American Heart Association and International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) guidelines.
- Clear visual and audio step-by-step instructions on Hands-only CPR performance, including initial steps for the Chain of Survival.
- Precise metronome to pace chest compressions
- Accurate ability to detect rate of actual compressions and to state visually and audibly whether to push faster or to push slower
- Industry-proven technology to detect the depth of chest compressions
- Audio and visual prompts to push harder or to push softer
- Feature to detect when chest compressions have stopped and to prompt user to START CPR
- Complete Instructions for Use
- Ability to capture and email CPR compression data and accelerometer data allowing the user to record the quality of the CPR chest compression training
The British Heart Foundation PocketCPR app is available free for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. It requires and iOS 4.3 or later.
Have an app you’d love to see featured on iMore? Email us at iosapps@imore.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.
Jan 27
SteveApple, Feeds, iPhone, iPhone4
Acoording to a report by Reuters, Apple’s generous customer service may be causing huge problems for victims of iPhone theft. The warranty plan is tied to the iPhone and not the person who owns the phone; this means anyone can take an iPhone to an Apple Store for service or replacement.
The ease of trading in stolen iPhones and selling their replacements makes them nearly as tempting as grabbing cash. In cities from coast-to-coast, reports of iPhone thefts are common. While some thieves sell the phones through the traditional channels of fencing stolen goods, examples abound of stolen iPhones being brought back to Apple, as if broken, for either replacement or a discount on a new unit. ”Apple seems to have not considered stolen devices and instead is relying on the honor system,” says Robert Siciliano, a consultant for Intel Corp’s technology security unit McAfee and an identity theft expert. “The honor system is devised with the mindset that we are all sheep and there are no wolves.” Siciliano says he has known of this problem for a while, but doesn’t see any immediate solution. “Until consumers scream loud enough about this issue, Apple probably won’t do anything about it.”
While this approach is fantastic for the honest iPhone owners, thieves are using Apple’s good nature to carry out a type of laundering for stolen iPhones. When a phone is reported as stolen, a carrier can blacklist it as stolen and disable it by using its device specific IMEI number. If the device has been swapped or replaced at an Apple Store, that security measure has now been bypassed. This enables a thief to sell on or use a brand new iPhone without fear of recrimination.
Apple has yet to comment on the findings within the report but let’s hope a simple solution can be found that will not cause pain for the honest amongst us. The last thing we need is for Apple to change its policies and make life more difficult when it comes to iPhone service and replacement.
Source: Reuters, Image Wikipedia
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