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Jailbreak News: Backgrounder updated

The iPhone Backgrounder Utility has been updated to version r277. Backgrounder is a Mobile Substrate-based extension to Apple's SpringBoard application launcher that allows applications to run in the background.

Whats New In r227:
- Added badge for SpringBoard icons to indicate running apps
- Added optional animations for app restore and switching
- Allow normal operation of home double-tap over SpringBoard in simple mode
- Allow normal operation of home double-tap while locked
- Allow selection of Categories folders in blacklisted prefs

You can download and install backgrounder from the BigBoss repository using Cydia or Icy.





[iClarified]

Iphone App Review: Preschool Adventure by 3DAL, LLC

This app available in the app store for $.99 is great if you have small children which i do. It has 5 different activities to keep your child from having a melt-down while waiting for dinner at a restaurant, and who knows they might actually learn something. My kids age 2 and 4 have both enjoyed this app thoroughly but are now sick of it.
Finally it seems like there are getting to be more educational apps for kids available in the app store. I dont have a problem letting my kids play with my phone if they are playing an app like this, the only problem is when they start to think that all screens are touch screens and they smear jelly fingers on my laptop screen.
If you got young kids then get this app, it can save you some embarrassment in public and like i said they might actually learn something.

Iphone Theme Review: Winnie the Pooh

What can i say, this theme is so cute it makes me want to puke. This Winnie the Pooh theme available from Cydia will make your toddler squeal with joy before throwing your Iphone across the room or drooling all over it or calling China accidentally. Seriously though, the age group this is targeted for should not be playing with your Iphone, or if they are they should be playing an educational app like Preschool Adventures.
With that said, this is a pretty complete theme and it is well done, but where are my favorite characters: Roo and Owl?

Iphone Game review: Alien Abuse

Alien Abuse by Eurocenter is available in the app store for $.99. What can i say i am a sucker for old-school platform games and if you throw in aliens and predators well that's a recipe for awesome.
This game doesn't disappoint, however it goes from being far to easy in the first level to being way too dfficult in the second. before you know it you are neck deep in aliens with no ammo or health. It is still a blast getting destroyed by laser shooting aliens and i thoroughly enjoyed it.

Theme Review: Star Trek LCARS Theme

Now that Star Trek mania is once again upon us, what would life be like without a decent Iphone theme. One of the best things about the Star Trek LCARS Theme available from Cydia, are the cool sounds it makes when you turn your phone off/on or take pictures etc. They sound very tricorder-ish. As for the theme, i like the lock screen and the keyboard and the overall look of the springboard but the colors of it leave something to be desired. This is a fairly complete theme, and should appeal to the serious Trekkie in all of us.

Using Winterboard from Settings

David Ashman, the author of Winterboard Lite (now removed from Cydia) has released a new utility called Winterboard Settings. This tweak allows you to integrate the application Winterboard within the system settings instead of having an icon in SpringBoard. We will find a new menu item called Winterboard and the new functions related.

As you can see from the screenshot, there is a small button labeled “Springboard only” to enable or disable, which will “simplify” the most complex operations. In fact, if you decide to enable this button, all the widgets, the animated, the images and custom icons within the applications will be practically useless, so the theme will be applied only in the background and icons on the Springboard.

This is a useful function in complex manner, especially if you like the customization is not too invasive. This feature amongst other saves memory because it reduces the number of images to upload. Having tried on my iPhone I have to say that unfortunately, despite a recent update, the application does not function and the themes are applied in the same way. Perhaps future updates will solve this problem. You can download Winterboard Settings from the repository David Ashman: http://david.ashman.com/apt

[spaziocellulare]

Oh Iphone Rumors, how i love thee..

We’re just a little more than two weeks away from the rumored release/announcement of the new version of the iPhone.

It’s expected that the Apple will release the 3.0 software at the World Wide Developers Conference on June 8th (no Jobs, but Phil Schiller will be doing the keynote). Having a few friends and colleagues who have started developing for the iPhone — I’ve actually got to play with the beta a bit. I must say, as nice as cut and paste is, the search is my favorite new feature. Being able to search through emails, contacts and anything else on my phone is way nice (and one of the main features I missed when I first got the phone last year).

The real question is — will new hardware be announced at the same time? Some of the big rumors surrounding video recording (that it will only work on new hardware) point to it coming soon — and has sparked a flurry of rumors to go with it.

Some say you will be able to edit video on the phone. If this comes true, I suspect it will be more about trimming to make the video shorter than making it theater-worthy.

There’s also a host of rumors surrounding Apple developing custom innards for the phone – custom processor, OLED screen, a specially designed battery – although those seem more likely for a further away iteration than anything we’re likely to see this year.

I’m hoping for increased capacity (really a no brainer, but how big will it be? … 80gb iPhone please?) and a better camera. Three megapixels would be acceptable, 4 would be grand and 5 would actually be worth using.

What do you think Apple should provide with a hardware update to the phone? And which of these rumors sound too good to be true? OHH and just to bait the water a little – what are the chances Apple will finally come through with the long rumored netbook/tablet?

[CNN]

World Cup Ping Pong by SkyWorks.

I have to say that im an avid ping-pong player so i when i saw this app in the appstore for $.99 i had to try it. Even though i consider myself a halfway decent player in real life, i have to say im an awful player of this game. But that doesnt mean i dont enjoy it. In fact i would say they did a great job with this game. the sounds are great and and you do get better at it with a little practice. I reccomend this one to all you pong-heads out there with an extra $.99 burning a whole in your Itunes account.

Big Brother is handing out free Iphones to students

Aoyama Gakuin U. to hand out free iPhones to students

Aoyama Gakuin University is phasing out traditional methods of taking attendance at its School of Social Informatics, in favor of free GPS-enabled iPhones.

The faculty began providing Apple iPhone 3Gs to all 550 staff and students Friday, using the GPS function to determine whether they are in school or not. The university will initiate full operation of the system in the autumn. The school also has plans to expand their use to setting simple tests and questionnaires, submitting homework and reviewing class video materials.

The university is to pay the basic charges itself, ensuring no extra financial burdens will fall on students.

The same day, it also announced a tie-up with iPhone provider Softbank Mobile Corp., called "Mobile & Net Society Education and Training."

Click here for the original Japanese story

[The Mainichi Daily News]

As much as i'd like a free Iphone 3g, this does sound a bit big brother-ish.

Ovals Theme for Iphone

Available via Cydia, this theme for use with Winterboard, works great
with the 5 icon dock and springboard. As usual, this theme is not as
complete as I'd like it to be, but overall it's one of my favorite
alternate themes.

New Iphone Specs Leaked?

AppleiPhoneApps.com (unknown until now by us) says it has the latest iPhone specs. They've put out a lot of what we've already heard but also have some new "info". We've bolded what we consider new stuff. Here's their list:

• 32GB and 16GB to replace current capacities
• $199 and $299 price-points to be maintained
• 3.2 Megapixel camera
• Video recording & editing capabilities
• Ability to send a picture & video via MMS
• Discontinuation of the metal band surrounding the edge of the device
• OLED screen
• 1.5X The battery life
• Double the RAM and processing power
• Built-in FM transmitter
• Apple logo on the back to light up
• Rubber-tread backing
• Sleeker design
• Built-in compass
• Revolutionary combination of the camera, GPS, compass, and Google maps to identify photo and inform about photo locations.
• Turn by turn directions
• July 17th, 2009 release date

If there is a lighting Apple logo on the back, it will be powered by the screen light, just like MacBooks. There is no way Apple will use extra juice to illuminate a logo, when battery power is so important in mobile devices. The rubber tread backing also seems hard to imagine.

We're split on the FM transmitter. It is a very cool and useful feature, but one Apple hasn't been keen on using up until this point.

[9to5mac]

Apple Recruiting Developers to Beta Test Push Notification

Apple has begun emailing registered developers with the following:

As a developer actively working with iPhone OS 3.0 beta, we would like your help in testing the Apple Push Notification service. We have selected a pre-release version of the Associated Press app for iPhone OS 3.0 to create a high-volume test environment for our servers.

Great move on Apple’s part, provided they recruit enough developers to really test the scaling of their iPhone 3.0 Push Notification system. After last year’s disastrous MobileMe launch, Apple needs to make sure their infrastructure is as bullet-proof as possible before they pull the push lever… even if they are planning some limited multitasking as well…

Full text after the break:

Help test the Apple Push Notification service

Dear [redacted],

As a developer actively working with iPhone OS 3.0 beta, we would like your help in testing the Apple Push Notification service. We have selected a pre-release version of the Associated Press app for iPhone OS 3.0 to create a high-volume test environment for our servers.

To participate, we ask that you follow these steps:

1. Download the pre-release version of the Associated Press app for iPhone OS 3.0 from the iTunes Store via your desktop by entering this unique redemption code in the ‘Redeem’ section of iTunes, found under the ‘Quick Links’ section: [redacted] This unique redemption code and the functionality of the application will expire in seven days.

2. Install the application on a development device running iPhone OS 3.0 beta 5 by synching it to iTunes. Make sure to accept notifications when prompted after installation. This application can only be installed on devices running iPhone OS 3.0 beta 5.

3. When you first run the app, choose U.S. English as your region when prompted. The U.S. English region will receive alerts, the Canadian English region will not. For purposes of the test, AP will be sending a high-volume of real news alerts.

4. If you do not receive notifications from the app within 48 hours after installation, let us know.

We appreciate your assistance,

iPhone Developer Program

[TheIphoneBlog]

I Pity the Foo That Doesnt Download This App!

Ok this app might only be funny if you grew up watching the A*Team like i did, but if you do happen to find Mr. T. funny than the app iPity by E.E. Flobes is for you. Not only will you laugh for at least 5 minutes, but it wont cost you a dime cuz this app is free (our favorite kind) .

Iphone 3g Cracks after 4 days!

I was lucky enough to score a 16 gig white Iphone 3g from my local Craigslist. The guy was only asking $125 so i offfered $100 and amazingly he accepted. I didnt notice until later when i got it home that the mute/silence button on the side of it was broken and useless. I then consulted Google where i found this to be a fairly common occurence and is covered by the 1 year warranty of the Iphone, so i brought it down to my local Apple store and like magic i had a brand new one!
Whats more it was one of the earlier ones with bootloader 5.08 so i was easily able to downgrade the baseband and unlock it with Yellowsn0w. I only had it 4 days before i noticed these cracks (pictured), and ive never dropped it. Well since i only had it 4 days i brought it down to Apple store again and again they replaced it. Yay! This time i examined a bunch of the 3g's on display at the Apple store and every one that i picked up had some cracks on them somewhere.
This time however the phone had bootloader 5.09 making it impossible to downgrade and unlock (except for special sim cards). So now im stuck with a brand new ipod 3g until they release the unlock for it.
Apple, I love you, Apple i hate you, love you, hate you, love you, etc.

Apple Considering Background Processes..

Apple (AAPL) is serious about letting more iPhone software -- beyond its native apps like phone, iPod, and Mail -- run in the background, we've heard from sources in the mobile industry. This could potentially happen as soon as Apple's iPhone 3.0 release, based on scuttlebutt we've heard.

Here's two potential scenarios we've heard. Treat these as rumors for now, as we don't know how realistic they are -- especially for the first version of iPhone 3.0, due within a few months.

• Apple might allow users to select two apps that can run in the background. Specifically, one source says there's some evidence of this in a new beta of Apple's iPhone 3.0 software developers kit. (We don't have the SDK, and wouldn't know where to look if we did.)
  
• Apple might selectively allow some apps to run in the background. We assume that developers could apply for permission to run in the background, and that Apple might approve or deny them based on the resources they need, how well they behave with the operating system's stability, and how much network bandwidth they need.
  

Apple has so far not allowed its iPhone app developers to write software that runs in the background to avoid potential battery life and security problems -- and to avoid confusing users with a "task manager."

It's possible that this will not happen for iPhone 3.0. But it wouldn't be a complete shock if it did, either. Apple's competitors like RIM, Microsoft, Palm, and Google all support background processing for third-party apps. It's something Apple will have to support someday, even if only on new hardware. The sooner, the better.

In the meantime, Apple has developed a push notifications system that will allow apps to get a user's attention while the app is not running. For instance, an instant messaging service like AIM could use a push notification to let you know that it's received a new IM for you, prompting you to open the AIM app on your iPhone. This will be helpful even if background processing is enabled for some apps. But it's not going to be a complete replacement.

We've reached out to Apple for comment, and will update if we hear back. Please let us know if you have more information: dfrommer@businessinsider.com.

Update: Daring Fireball's John Gruber says:

Ordinarily I wouldn’t link to something as sketchily sourced as this, but: I heard something very similar from a decent (but second-hand) source back in January during Macworld Expo. What I heard then was that Apple was working on a vastly improved dock for your most-frequently used apps, and that there’d be one special icon position where you could put a third-party app to enable it to run in the background. Take it with a grain of salt, though: my source in January described it as an idea Apple was working on, nothing more.

The major limiting factor right now is RAM. There just isn’t much left for third-party processes on the current hardware’s 128 MB.

Good point. We assume Apple has gone through the painstaking trouble of making its apps as efficient as possible. But even now, when listening to music and playing a game at the same time, things get slow sometimes. Even worse is when the phone tries to check email during those other processes. So the idea of limiting background processing is a good one. That said, we'd love the ability to keep an IM app open in the background.

[businessinsider] and [engadget]

Of course those of us with jailbroken phones have been able to run background apps using Backgrounder via Cydia for quite awhile. Eventually Apple might catch up with the jailbroken community... doubtful!

Ubuntu Theme for Iphone

If you are a Ubuntu fan, this theme available currently from Cydia might be for you. As for me, i like the icons and the slider but the theme seems far from complete. I dont understand why when some themes are released they don't even have replacement icons for the most basic apps like SMS, Stocks and Maps. Maybe these icons will be added later in an update but for me ill wait until such time.

YXPlayer Iphone Flash Xvid player

YXFlash player is out for iPhone and released in our repository. This marks the first actually usable xvid / divx player for the iPhone. Finally you can watch that collection of avi files you have laying around without having to convert them into Apple’s annoying format first. While the converted videos do play a bit smoother due to hardware acceleration, but xvid videos are watchable, at least the ones I tested.The player also plays flash content if you have downloaded flash flv videos to your device. (It is not a web based flash player).

In order to add the videos, just SCP them onto your device or use something like iPhone Browser. Yes, the app is free.

[BigBoss]

Iphone Rumours: Apple to Allow Limited Background Multi-Tasking for Apps in iPhone 3.0?

Business Insider rumormongers that Apple might be considering some limited form of multi-tasking, perhaps as early as iPhone 3.0, which would allow 3rd party apps to run as background tasks. They point to two possible models:

1. Apple might allow users to select two apps that can run in the background.
2. Apple might selectively allow some apps to run in the background. We assume that developers could apply for permission to run in the background, and that Apple might approve or deny them based on the resources they need and how well they behave with the operating system’s stability.

Daring Fireball steps up to throw a combo of water and fuel on that particular fire:

I heard something very similar from a decent (but second-hand) source back in January during Macworld Expo. What I heard then was that Apple was working on a vastly improved dock for your most-frequently used apps, and that there’d be one special icon position where you could put a third-party app to enable it to run in the background.

Gruber also rightly points out that the iPhone 3G’s 128MB of RAM is likely the constraining factor to current generation multitasking and that won’t change with the iPhone 3.0 firmware. If reports of at least 512MB of RAM in a 3rd generation iPhone are to be believed, however, this could be a much more compelling and powerful feature.

A dock that slides up like a slot-limited version of Google’s Android app shelf maybe? And one that grants background permission to anything placed inside it? Yes please.

[theiphoneblog]

My New Favorite App.... Bebot- Robot Synth by Normalware

What can i say, the beauty and simplicity of this app are awesome. Its one of those apps where i say to myself, i wish i had thought of it and made it. All you do on this app is drag your fingers around on the screen to make the robot sing. Every different spot on the screen seems to make a different tone and you can use at least 3 fingers at a time to make crazy combinations of tones.
I highly recommend this app to anyone with a spare $1.99 and my hats off to Normalware for job well done!

Iphone 3g Unlock, Where Art Thou?

Yeah, yeah i know about Yellowsn0w, but those of us stuck at a higher baseband than 02.28 and the evil bootloader 5.09 and higher are still waiting. First things first, want to say Thank You Dev-Team and George Hotz for the fabulous work that you do, you guys are awesome! Guess im just impatient for the firmware 3.0, so then there might be hope for an unlock. Also with the next gen Iphone's imminent release, hopefully Apple will stop trying so hard to keep the 3g locked like they did with the 2g when they came out with the next. Until then i got a shiny new 3g ipod 16 gig that i got for a 100$ off my local craigslist.

Apple Now Selling iPhone 3G through US Online Store, Clearing its Inventories!

Sometime back, Apple made it possible to pay for iPhone 3G Online from the US Online Apple Store but with no option of doorstep delivery! This was still a pain as you still had to visit the nearby (or farby!) Apple store to grab it.

But it seems that you Apple changed this policy, without any announcement. Effective immediately, you can get the phone delivered straight to your doorstep from the US Apple Online Store - without even paying a shipping price! This is a clever move by Apple, which seems to be in a hurry to clear it's inventory, probably to prepare them for the anticipated upcoming model of the iPhone.

If you are not much interested in buying the upcoming model - maybe because you really love the current one - you can now order it online.

[Engadget]

P.S. If you are not an AT&T customer, you will be asked to sign up and choose a rate plan as well.

Android Iphone?

Fooled ya!
love this android battery, available from Cydia, using Winterboard.

Reflexion By Trileet Inc. A review.

Reflexion is a nice Arkanoid-style break-out game available from the app store for $1.99. I admit i've always been sucker for these type of games since they also remind me of their earlier predecessors that i played growing up. The difference with Reflexion is in the controls, instead of tilting the iphone or moving your finger back and forth on the screen like many of the other versions available on the app store, with this game you draw your paddle under where the ball is coming down. It draws an electrical paddle to bounce the ball back up, you can also change the angle of the paddle so it is not only horizontal.
This control scheme is neat but a bit difficult to get used to. You can also shake the phone to toggle slo-mo for when things get really crazy.
Overall i would say this is a fun game to kill some time with and well worth the $1.99 price tag.

Apple Release OS X 10.5.7

Time to update your Apple all you fanboys and girls!


here whats new:

General

• Includes latest security fixes.
• Includes additional RAW image support for several third-party cameras.
• Improves performance of video playback and cursor movements for recent Macs with NVIDIA graphics.
  
• Resolves an issue with Dvorak keyboard layout in Mac OS X 10.5.6.
• Improves the reliability and accuracy of Unit Converter, Stocks, Weather and Movies Dashboard widgets.
• Addresses a situation that may cause issues when logging into Gmail.
• Improves reliability when syncing contacts with Yahoo!.
• Expansion Slot Utility for Mac Pro now reports the correct PCIe slot configuration.
• Improves network performance when connected to certain Ethernet switches that have Flow Control enabled.
• Improves stability for network home directories hosted by Mac OS X Server v10.4.
• Improves Finder search results for network volumes that may not support Spotlight searching, such as Mac OS X Server v10.4, Time Capsule, and third-party AFP servers.
• Includes several improvements to Directory Service and Client Management, which are described in the About Mac OS X Server 10.5.7 Update article.
  

iCal

• Improves overall reliability with CalDav.
• Improves reliability when automatically syncing with MobileMe.

Mail

• Addresses reliability and sync issues with Notes.
• Addresses an issue that may cause the BCC field to populate incorrectly when redirecting a message from the Sent mailbox.
  

Parental Controls

• Improves consistency with Parental Controls and application restrictions.
• Addresses an issue in which time limits may not work properly with full-screen games and Fast User Switching.

Printing

• Resolves an issue that may cause certain third-party printers to print to the incorrect paper tray.
• Non-admin user accounts can now be allowed to add and remove printers by enabling Parental Controls and selecting "Can administer printers".
• Includes other printing reliability and stability improvements.

Ack!

Don't know why my Audiovox will charge my 2g iphone but not my 3g!

New Zune in June?

According to a new twitter account from Microsoft in support of its Office 2010 product launch:
june 2009 will be an important month for Zune lovers; New product launch, thats all i'm allowed to say. Hold off from buying an Iphone/Pre.

Does anyone care? i dont know, either way, june should be an interesting month in the world of smartphones, and i for one am excited too see what happens!

Star Trek The Iphone Game in review.

This game by EA Mobile sells for 2.99$ in the app store and if you like space scrolling shoot' em ups, i highly recommend it. Its got enough power-ups, boss fights and weapon upgrades to keep fans of this genre happy. Its also pretty to look at and makes me reminisce to similar games that i played growing up.
My only complaint is the controls which is not really the fault of the game itself but with the lack of a real keypad or joystick on the iphone. My thumbs are big so when i got em on the directional faux-joystick and the torpedo button, they cover a good amount of the screen which makes it hard to tell exactly where the Enterprise is. The controls also seem a big sluggish and i wish the enterprise could move a bit faster to dodge incoming fire.
Overall i would say this game is pretty excellent tho and definitely worthy of the 2.99$ price tag.