They've loosened up on at least one of those fronts in the last year or so, expanding the types of apps available in the App Store, but many—screw that, most—of the same restrictions still apply. Want to install an app that Apple hasn't explicitly approved, Sorry. Want to use an app over 3G that's been designated for Wi-Fi, Nope. Want to tether your phone,
Run applications in the background, Change your device theme, Enter jailbreaking. In technical terms, to jailbreak is to enable a device to run code, meaning programs or system modifications, that hasn't been sanctioned by Apple. But just last week, a Windows and Mac tool called Spirit was released to the world.
It's simple, relatively safe, and finally, works on all devices. Every iPod Touch can now be jailbroken to run custom apps. Every iPhone, too. Even the brand new iPad can be hacked. Theming, data tethering, multitasking, console emulation, secret settings, and yes, you filthy thief, even pirated apps: With jailbreak, your iThing is truly yours. When you jailbreak or unlock a device, you're changing some fundamental aspects of the system software—you know, real low-level stuff.
The tools are generally good, and if you follow directions carefully, you should be fine. But if something goes wrong—and there is more than one way this can happen—you can suffer data loss, or even brick your phone. Even worse, Apple claims that jailbreaking voids your warranty. You can restore your device to remove evidence that it ever happened, but if the device goes down while jailbroken, you could well be stuck.
In addition, jailbreaking does not jibe with the DMCA, and breaks relate license agreements. To the point: Follow this guide at your own peril, know that there's risk and be careful. 2. Back up your device to your iTunes library, and sync it. 3. Open the Spirit Jailbreak tool. It will open in a small window, and should display a message like "iPad (3.2) Connected." If not, disconnect and reconnect your device, and open the tool again. 5. During the jailbreak routine, don't interfere with the device.
It's probably better to leave your computer alone as well, to avoid a crash at a critical moment. Make my life easier, thanks! More on that later. Traditionally, unlocking (opening your phone to use with different carriers) and jailbreaking have fallen to the same tools. Since unlocking has become more difficult with later firmwares, the tools have grown apart. Spirit doesn't unlock. If you want to unlock, though, there may be hope.1.3, or can downgrade to an earlier build, you can use the Pwnage Tool, located here.
The process is self-guided and quite similar to using Spirit. Unlocking is a comparatively narrow concern, and can get much more complicated, so I'll leave it at that. It's time to explore Cydia. Now that you're jailbroken, it's time to start downloading apps. Perhaps my top reason to jailbreak, period.
The latest version lets you set apps to run in the background with a huge variety of gestures. • Activator: Speaking of gestures, this provides a framework for all kinds of gestures across jailbroken apps. • SBSettings: This opens up a whole slew of settings, accessible at any time via a pop-down system tray. Adjust brightness, toggle Wi-Fi, whatever.
• Cycorder: Lets you take full-motion video with your pre-3GS iPhone. • MyWy: Lets you share your 3G connection with other devices over Wi-Fi. It's paid software, but a trial is available. • iRealSMS: Lets you send text messages without opening the SMS app. • VoIPOver3G: Tricks apps into thinking they're connected over Wi-Fi, even if they're connected to 3G. Another paid app, but one that will be worth it to a lot of people.
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