The Good, the Bad and the Ugly ...

First rule of **********....you don't talk about **********. Depending on where you go, you may be bashed for even having it installed. Many places (forums/online communities) don't allow this information to be distributed on their pages. Try it and you'll likely be banned. Why? Every developer deserves to be compensated for their work if a user is happy with their app/s. ********** is an app that allows you to download cracked apps. I won't even publish the real name...I'm not getting in trouble either. Look around and you'll find it.

The Good:
* This app/installer is a solution to the extremely flawed app store.
* Allows you to "try-before-you-buy". Something the App Store doesn't allow.
* Easy to use.
* Supported by a great community.

The Bad
* Leechers
* Theft

All in all, I love **********. I've been able to try out various apps before to committing to actually buying one. Only now have developers begun to offer "Lite" versions of their applications but many still don't which means if you hate an application that you paid $9.99 for...you have no option of a refund.

Check out the Hackulo.us forums...you just might find what you're looking for ;)

An Introduction to Cydia 2.0

Cydia can be a very helpful application to any iPod/iPhone user. Cydia is automatically installed when a device is jailbroken. This application can be used to download tweaks, ringtones, themes, wallpapers, lockscreens and games not available in the App Store (think game systems); all for free.

If you`re hoping Cydia will get you free apps...think again. Cydia contains mostly tweaks that personalize your device. Recently, Cydia introduced the Cydia App Store. If you don`t already know, Apple, has very strict guidelines for developers when it comes to apps that can be submitted or even considered for distribution within the App Store.

This is where Cydia has upped the ante. Since many developers are unable to get their apps approved for sale within the official App Store, Cydia is a developers dream come true. These backseat developers will finally have a chance to sell their apps even after Apple refuses admission to the app store.

Rumor has it, the possibilty of an "Adults Only" app store is in the works.

While Cydia remains, for me, my personilaztion tool...it may very well be a developers gold mine.

Jailbreaking... What is it? Should I do it?

The biggest thing that you'll hear about when buying an iPhone or iPod Touch is the term "jailbreaking". In this post I'll do my best to try and explain exactly what jailbreaking is, why you should do it and I'll try to direct you to the easiest ways.

Jailbreaking. What it means and why you should do it:
When Apple ships out their iPhones/iPod they're basically in jail. You can't customize your device to your liking because Apple puts restrictions on what you can't and can do. Jailbreaking means you can restore to a custom firmware that takes Apples' lock off your device and allows you to add third party applications and add/create themes to your hearts content.

What's the difference between "jailbreaking" and "unlocking".
Jailbreaking allows you to add features to your device whether it be through the Appstore, through SSH or to customize it is you see fit. Unlocking is a term used when you remove a cellular carriers restriction on the phone so it can be used under a different carrier.

Will jailbreaking void my warranty?
Asolutely NOT. There isn't anything that you could do to a jailbroken device to void the warranty. Why? If anything happens to your device all you need to do is restore it to its factory settings through iTunes. It sets the device so that it's as if you just got it out of the box.

I heard jailbreaking bricks your phone...
First of all, lets define the term "brick" or "to brick your iPhone/iPod" means to completely break your device esentially causing it to become nothing but a brick. Anyone who tells you that a jailbreak can brick your phone is lying. The only times its ever bricked are if the battery has lost its charging ability, its gotten wet and fried itself or you physically break it. There isn't anything you can do to your device during a jailbreak that can't be fixed by either giving it a hard reset or placing it in DFU mode.

OK. I'm convinced. How/where do I jailbreak?
Jailbreaking is actually really easy and have seen 11 yr olds do it. I suggest searching the iPod Touch Fans forum for information and instructions pertaining to your device. Make sure you know which generation your device is and the current firmware installed on it. or from other developers. Unlocking is a term used when you unlock your iPhone from its designated carrier (e.g. removing Rogers' restrictions to use it on the Fido network).


**Disclaimer**
I do not recommend or endorse the ability to obtain illegal applications through the jailbreaking method.

My Latest Obsession.

So lately I have become obsessed with Apple's iPod Touch. I bought myself a 2nd generation 32GB iPod Touch and haven't put it down since I bought it. Since I have an extremely bad habit of leaving shopping and to-do lists at home but always manage to carry my iPod everywhere I go; I figured this was the best way to keep me organized. So far, this is working out better than I could have expected. I haven't left my iPod (or my lists) at home since and I haven't forgotten anything at the store either. I have the iPod set-up to sync with iCal on my macbook so its easier to make appointments and know which days I have available and don't.

My iPod has become my "computer" of choice while at home or on the go. The built in WiFi is the best thing ever! You'd be surprised at how many people don't lock their routers and how many restaurants and businesses offer free WiFi. You can almost always pick-up a signal from any parking lot. Mind you; the lovely WiFi sucks the life out of the battery depending on how much you use it.

Now that I've boasted about how much I love my iPod Touch, I've decided that the next little while my lowly blog is going to be geared towards it. More specifically; jailbreaking, third-party apps and tweaks. I have intentions of reviewing applications that I have downloaded as well; but not till I've fully used it. None of this, using it for an hour then reviewing, will be going on here. I plan on giving full reviews about applications, their features, what can be improved and of course things I hate about it.

Look for my next post, I'll have it up shortly.