Leander Kahney's Blog, page 1454

What Is The Best Jailbreak Tweak Or App Of 2011? [Poll]

It's been a great year for jailbreaking, and with an iOS 5 untethered jailbreak on the horizon for 2012, the next year is looking even better. So why not help Cult of Mac out and tell us what your favorite jailbreak app or tweak of 2011 was?

Not only will your choices go into a "Best of 2011″ jailbreaking feature next week, but you'll help us reward all of the brave hackers who had the nerve to truly "think different" in 2011 by hacking into their iPhones and breaking Apple's walled garden wide open, just for the fun of it.

If your favorite jailbreak app or tweak isn't in this list, feel free to add it. Also, if you'd like to tell us in the comments why you voted for a particular app or tweak, we'd love to hear from you.

What was the best jailbreak tweak or app of 2011?

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Published on December 13, 2011 14:51

iFixit Introduces Two New And Improved Toolkits For Taking Apart Your Apple Gear

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If you've been itching to perform a DYI project on your favorite Apple gadget, then you want to check out iFixit's new and improved toolkits. The company's 54 Bit Driver and Pro Tech Base toolkits have been updated with new additions and improvements.

Whether you need to take apart your Mac or iPhone, iFixit has given you the tools you need to get the job done. Both kits are highly portable and available for less than $100.

The 54 Bit Driver Kit is perfect for the DYI enthusiast, and it won't break your bank at only $25. Here's some of the additions to the new kit:

Pentalobe bits to open the iPhone 4, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. T7 through T20 security bits to fit Torx security screws with a pin in the center. A full line of metric nut drivers. JIS bits to fit the screws found in digital cameras, R/C helicopters, and other high-end electronics. A custom adapter to allow our small precision bits to be used in standard 1/4″ screwdrivers with larger handles, ratcheting handles, or torque drivers. A 60 mm extension that doubles as a T-handle, making it easy to get extra torque and remove stubborn screws.

The Pro Tech Base Toolkit is the larger option with every tool you need for your geeky arsenal. It comes with the 54 Bit Driver Kit included, which is a great deal for $60. Here are the new additions:

54 Bit Driver Kit Anti-static wrist strap 4 plastic opening tools 4 precision tweezers Spudger 4 metal spudgers Small suction cup iFixit ruler Custom-made tool roll

We've been testing the Pro Tech Base Toolkit, and it comes in a foldable bag that makes it super portable. You could pass for a doctor, repair specialist, or serial killer with iFixit's toolkit — it's all up to you (we're obviously against serial killers).

You can order both kits on iFixit's website just in time for Christmas!

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Published on December 13, 2011 14:45

I Just Made Love App Lets You Tell Everyone The GPS Coordinates Of Where You Last Banged

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For the exhibitionist, the free I Made Love app allows you to "check in" to places you have boned, down to the GPS location and sexual position.

Alarmingly, there is a high concentration of activity in I Made Love at the Market Basket parking lot across the street from me. I always thought those guys were just practicing wrestling moves in the back seat of their cars.

[via Gizmodo]

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Published on December 13, 2011 14:37

It's Like a Mullet: Blackberry for Business, iPhone for Pleasure [Study]

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CC-licensed, thanks Wikipedia.

The mullet – that unfortunate haircut that is business in the front, party in the back - makes kind of an apt analogy with what's going on with enterprise cell phones.

The iPhone has eroded the number of BlackBerry users, but many of them still use (or are obliged to use) company-mandated RIM devices at work.

This is what a study by Pyxis Mobile, a cross-device cross-device mobile application development platform, found. They polled mobile-toting visitors of Oracle OpenWorld 2011 including people who work in financial services, consumer goods, manufacturing, higher education, government, real estate, technology, and health and life sciences.[image error]

While we're taking the results with a grain of salt (they omitted the survey size, we'll update if they get back to us) it does confirm what we've seen around: mainly that BlackBerry phones are still standard issue in a lot of companies. People have their business phones and their "party" phones and the two are often not one and the same.

Here's what they report: BlackBerry phones for professional use slipped 7 percent from last year, while the iPhone gained 15 percent. For personal use, the iPhone held steady at 36 percent while personal use for the BlackBerry slipped to 34 percent.

"Our research validates what we've been hearing from our customers – the demand for enterprise mobility is strong and accelerating," said Todd Christy, CTO and president, Pyxis Mobile. "Employees now expect tablet and smartphone access to critical business systems."

Are you a mullet carrier? What phones do you use?

Via Pyxis Mobile

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Published on December 13, 2011 14:28

National Transportation Safety Board Proposes Nationwide Ban Of Cell Phones While Driving

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has proposed a nationwide ban that prohibits the use of all non-emergency cell phone use in the car.

Currently, only select states have a law in place against cell phone use in automobiles, but the NTSB wants the U.S. government to make the use of personal electronic devices while driving illegal in all 50 states.

The safety recommendation specifically calls for the 50 states and the District of Columbia to ban the nonemergency use of portable electronic devices (other than those designed to support the driving task) for all drivers. The safety recommendation also urges use of the NHTSA model of high-visibility enforcement to support these bans and implementation of targeted communication campaigns to inform motorists of the new law and heightened enforcement.

"According to NHTSA, more than 3,000 people lost their lives last year in distraction-related accidents", said Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. "It is time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving."

"No call, no text, no update, is worth a human life."

Expect to start seeing that last line on billboards in the near future.

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Published on December 13, 2011 13:27

Apple's Founding Document Sells For A Whopping $1.6 Million

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The signatures on Apple's founding contract

Remember when we told you about Apple's founding contract that was going up for auction? Well, the three-page document just sold for $1.6 million to an unidentified buyer in New York.

The contract was originally owned by Apple's third co-founder Ronald Wayne, but he sold it in 1994 for only a few thousand dollars. Wayne sold his original 10% share in Apple for $800 and a later payment of $1,500 when he left the company in the early years, which would now be worth $36 billion.

Estimates originally pegged the founding contract as being worth around $150,000.

Bloomberg is reporting that the one-of-a-kind document soared past its original presale range of $100,000-$150,000 and sold for $1.59 million today. The original signatures of Steve Wozniak, Ronald Wayne, and Steve Jobs are all included.

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Published on December 13, 2011 12:48

Get Some Of The Best Mac Games Ever For Pennies With The Humble Indie Bundle 4

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The Christmas Holidays are coming up, and if you're a gamer looking for a rare week spent pushing, punching and shooting pixels, we've got a great Yuletide bundle for you: the Humble Indie Bundle 4. Not to put to fine a point on it, but it's a sick deal, some of my very favorite games on the Mac.

No collection of shovelware, this. You've got the fantastically funny platformer Super Meat Boy, and the retrotastic Canabalt-like, Bit.Trip Runner (which also has a score so good it's always on my iPod). Shank is an action platformer, while Nitescape HD is an atmospheric, 2D puzzle platformer. Rounding out the bundle is Jamestown, a beautiful new SHMUP that takes place on the Martian frontier.

Nothing catch your eye? If you contribute more than the average bundle price (as of writing, it was about $5), you get the incredible sci-fi strategy game Gratuitous Space Battles as well as Cave Story++, only my vote for the greatest indie game ever.

As usual, you can pay what you want, and all of the proceeds are split between indie developers and various charities. What are you waiting for? Get on it.

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Published on December 13, 2011 12:46

The Best Ways To Send Holiday Greetings From Your Mac & iOS Devices This Christmas [App Guide]

As much as I love the holiday season, trying to buy gifts and cards for all of your family and friends isn't easy. However, there are some things you can do on your Mac and iOS devices that will not only make the process of sending greetings a whole lot easier, but it'll also ensure no one is forgotten.

Here's how to send Christmas greetings to all your friends and family the easy way!

[image error] Making Your List

Begin by putting together a list of all the people you'd like to greet this Christmas. To make this really simple, scroll through the Contacts app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or the Address Book application on your Mac and note down the names of those who you wish to greet. If your contacts list is a little slim, you could also use the Facebook app to create your shortlist.

Christmas Cards, eCards, or Fancy Emails?

Once you've drawn up your list, you should now decide whether you wish to send traditional Christmas cards, eCards, or just fancy emails. You'll be pleased to know that you can send all three from the comfort of your armchair, using just an iOS device or a Mac and some great applications.

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Traditional Christmas Cards

There are some terrific apps for iOS devices that allow you to create and customize traditional greetings cards and have them sent by post directly to their recipient — two of which I mentioned before in our Christmas shopping app guide. Those two apps are Cards by Apple and Holiday Cards by Sincerely Ink — both of which are free. These apps allow you to create the perfect greetings card with personal messages, your own photos, and more.

Holiday Cards is a little cheaper than Apple's solution, with cards from as little as $1.69. Red Stamp is another app that offers a similar service. It sends high quality greetings cards with over 400 designs to choose from, with prices starting at just $0.99.

To send greetings cards from your Mac, you can use services like Cardstore, Zazzle, and Moonpig. Like the apps above, they allow you to create custom cards that are sent directly to their recipient.

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eCards

eCards are like traditional greetings cards, but they don't arrive in the post — they arrive by email. While they're not quite as heartfelt for some, they are free, and they're perfect at the last minute. justWink Greeting Cards is a free app that offers beautiful cards that can be customized your own message, a photo, and even your signature. They can they be sent to out via email, Facebook, or text message.

Christmas Cards is a free app that does much the same thing, but its cards are a little more basic if that's more your thing. But just like those from justWink, they can be personalized with your own message, and send to your friends via email.

Finally, eCard Express has one of the biggest card selections available, but it will cost you $1.99. Unlike the others, eCard Express will allow you to sent your cards via Twitter and MMS, as well as email and Facebook.

Fancy Emails

We published a great tip that demonstrates how to create "crazy text" emails in OS X, using bright and beautiful fonts that are perfect for sending Christmas greetings. You can add your own photos, videos and more for a really personal touch.

Alternatively, you can use Christmas email themes and templates. Equinux offers some wonderful holiday themed Mail stationary that lets you send stunning Christmas emails with almost no effort. Each stationary pack costs just $15, which is likely to be a lot cheaper than sending stacks of Christmas cards.

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Published on December 13, 2011 11:05

Apple Posts Deadlines For Christmas Eve Shipping

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Are you hoping to buy some last minute gear from Apple before the holidays, but the check hasn't quite cleared yet? Apple just announced their holiday shipping deadlines this year. But how late can you push your last minute shopping out to?

If you want a custom Mac, you'll need to move fast: tomorrow's your last day to get one before Christmas with free 2-3 day shipping.

If you want an engraved iPod or iPad, you have until the 19th.

If you're willing to just buy an off-the-shelf Mac, iPhone 4 or iPhone 3GS, or Apple TV, you need to order by December 21st.

Unfortunately, if you wanted to order an iPhone 4S online as a Christmas gift, you're already too late: December 5th was the last time you could order one online in time for the holidays.

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Published on December 13, 2011 10:42

Apple Hires iOS Concept Designer Jan-Michael Cart

Jan-Micheal Cart has made quite a name for himself designing impressive new concepts for the iOS operating system, such as the dynamic icons concept you see above, and an awesome system for implementing widgets which we covered back in May.

However, it seems it's not just iOS users that have been impressed with Cart's work. The Apple camp in Cupertino has also picked up on it, and they've hired him as an intern.

Cart is a 20-something media arts student from Georgia who has become famous for his iOS concept videos in which he rethinks or reinvents features for the iPhone. He's tackled things like application switching, notifications, widgets, and voice recognition.

Watching his videos often makes you wonder why Apple hasn't already introduced some of his incredibly useful tweaks, but it looks like the company may be about to do just that. Cart is off to work for Apple in Cupertino in less than a month, according to a post on his blog:

"Welcome to the new blog section of my website. Soon I will be embarking to California, where I will be interning at a fruit company for seven months. I will be updating this to chronicle my adventures and misadventures in the Bay Area for my family, friends, and followers online. Stay tuned, I leave in less than a month!"

With Cart joining the Apple camp, we can only hope that some of his designs make their way into the iOS operating system. As iDownloadBlog notes, the system has now gone five years without any major changes to its look or feel, and with Cart on board it's possible Apple is working on a redesign.

This isn't the first time Apple has hired individuals who have made a name for themselves rethinking the iOS operating system. Peter Hajas, who was behind the popular MobileNotifier notifications utility for jailbroken iPhones, was also hired by the company back in May.

[via iDownloadBlog]

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Published on December 13, 2011 05:26