Redsn0w 0.9.7 Beta 4 Untethered iOS 4.2.1 Jailbreak Released

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Dec 31, 2010 – iPhone Dev Team has released 0.9.7 beta 4 redsn0w a major change reds0w no longer need to install and run a separate program for usbmux that has caused much confusion with the process of jailbreak.

The iphone Dev team confirms that it eliminates the need for out of the running processes that have affected many usbmuxd Mac OS X. Well, apart from that, the new version just to stay even. Also let me tell you that Bluetooth is still disabled.

The official change log is as follows -

Starting with this version, redsn0w no longer requires you to install and run a separate program for the usbmux (this was a non-trivial procedure for many). It’s okay to keep that program running if you normally use it for ssh anyway. We also think we’ve fixed a race condition in the GUI that was causing redsn0w to crash during the “Preparing JB Monte Files” step. Nothing at all has changed on the iPhone side (where the main issues are still just Bluetooth and Skype).

Even if this statement redsn0w testers official record is anything to go by, the Windows version of 0.9.7 redsn0w followed shortly after the fourth beta for Mac OS X:

Well, friends you can follow the instruction for untethered jailbreak just from this link http://www.fasterpony.com/jailbreak-ios-421-untethered-r ... by using this newly release tool (skip step 4 usbmuxd because it is not necessary.) You can also follow the video guide is included below after a jump.
For more information, visit the website at http://www.fasterpony.com/

Google takes heat over Android tablet OS

IDG News Service - Android device makers around the world are anticipating great things from the next version of Google's mobile software, and they need the boost. Apple has a strong head start with sales of its popular iPad, while the App Store and iTunes give it apps and content, to boot.

But after a year of prodding Google, device makers think they've finally won with the upcoming "Honeycomb" upgrade to Android, which is expected by the end of the first quarter and is supposed to be the first version of the software designed for tablets instead of smartphones.

Earlier this year, for example, Samsung Electronics, had to fight to have the Android Market app, which connects users to the software's online treasure trove of over 150,000 apps, on its Galaxy Tab, according to one executive who asked not to be named due to his company's close relationship with Google.

At the time that Samsung was developing the Galaxy Tab to use Android, Google was struggling to decide if it wanted to put its upcoming Chrome OS in tablets and make Android exclusive to smartphones. The Chrome OS better fits Google's Cloud strategy, the executive said.

Gingerbread Android 2.3 enters Nokia N900 thanks to ‘Innovators’

Nokia N900 users in the near future will be able to enjoy the Android v 2.3 Gingerbread interface and features thanks to ‘innovative’ developers busy in playing with the gadgets and software.

Mobile Internet device Nokia N900, which many stubbornly believe is a communicator, was originally developed for the operating system Maemo 5. The OS works fine on this gadget, but not everyone is happy. For example, there is a team of ‘talented’ people, calling themselves NITDroid, who recently managed to install Google’s Android v 2.2 on N900. The system perfectly adapted in the new device and it could even work with all its components, including modules, cellular communications and GPS receiver. But now as version 2.2 is no longer the latest one, as recently version 2.3 Gingerbread was released, and the NITDroid team had no choice but to try to install it on Nokia N900.

Of course, they had some problems in getting the desired result, but they were resolved fairly quickly, and now the screen of N900 flaunts the interface of Google Android 2.3. Most of the work on the transfer of Gingerbread is believed to have been carried out by a certain Russian Alexey Roslyakov known by the nickname of DrinkDebugger. Ported OS has not become completely compatible with Nokia N900 as WiFi, FM and sound processor are not functional yet. Moreover, this mobile internet device is not yet able to connect to the World Wide Web, cellular networks and play audio, but the initiators behind this porting have said that these glitches will be overcome in the next before the end of 2010.

BenQ To Reveal 10.1" R100 Android Tablet At CES

Saturday, December 25, 2010 - by Ray Willington

Who else could possible get into the tablet game at this point? Maybe the question should be who couldn't possibly get in. BenQ, a company that has traditionally focused more on monitors and accessories, has announced plans to unveil a tablet at CES 2011. When the show kicks off from Las Vegas next month, BenQ will be on hand to reveal their first 10.1" tablet, one that has a 1024x600 resolution touch panel, Android and a Samsung processor clocked at 833MHz.

The CPU is ARM-based, and according to reports, the company hopes to "sell the R100 in content deals that pair the device with reading material such as books, or magazine and newspaper subscriptions." The battery will be able to last for up to 12 hours when it's being used for reading, but that figure will probably drop when it's used for more advanced tasks like gaming and Web browsing. One unique feature that few other tablets offer is the language support; it can be used for note-taking, and users can write on it with their finger or a stylus. Also, in respect for potential Asian customers, it supports English or Chinese, both simplified and traditional characters when it comes to handwriting.

It will reportedly ship with 8GB of storage, an SD slot and a mini-USB / mini-HDMI port. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. BenQ hasn't settled on a price yet, and they aren't releasing images of it until CES. But that's not too far out now!

Untethered iOS 4.2.1 Jailbreak due soon

The iPhone Dev Team have kind of missed the Christmas deadline to release the untethered iOS 4.2.1 jailbreak. The new version of Mac and Windows based tool – redsn0w is expected to jailbreak all new generation of devices – iPad, iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4G. Though the jailbreak isn’t ready for public release the iPhone Dev Team has laid out plans for some private testing iOS 4.2.1 jailbreak.

Untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1 running devices was demonstrated via video by the iPhone Dev Team. It was more of a “backup plan” since it users the iOS 4.2 beta 3 SHSH blobs stored with Cydia. Another team member comex was said to be working an extensible version – means a way to retain the exploits for future usage and use the final iOS 4.2.1 build for jailbreaking.

Right now, the “backup plan” requires that you have the 4.2b3 IPSW on your Mac, and that Cydia has your 4.2b3 SHSH hashes. Please don’t pirate that 4.2b3 IPSW! (We’re also working on a way that this technique might apply to all those with 4.1 IPSWs, but that’s not the first goal right now.)

Mac owners who wish to help the iPhone Dev Team to test the “Backup Plan” version of redsn0w to jailbreak all new iOS 4.2 devices should follow @redsn0w_testers on Twitter. The interested folks are being reminded that their iPhones may lose the ultrasn0w unlock to test out this jailbreak. With Mac only testing happening this weekend, we can expect the userland jailbreak tool to be released any time next week or at the new years eve – yeah, the iPhone Dev Team tends to be dramatic at such occasions at times.

RedSn0w Untethered Jailbreak For iOS 4.2.1 Releasing Tomorrow

Comex from the iPhone Dev Team had only recently revealed that the untethered jailbreak for iPhone 4 and the other new generation iDevices could be delayed. But here is some good news if you had been desperately looking for an update from the Dev Team. We have now heard from MuscleNerd, the popular iPhone hacker who is part of the team that an alternative untethered solution will now be released on Christmas day. He has said,

“Over the Christmas weekend we’ll be releasing a version of redsn0w that implements the “backup plan” to the 4.2.1 untethered jailbreak.  We’re seeking your help to test this redsn0w and find any bugs before we do a general release!”

Some points to note here if you are willing to volunteer as a tester. Firstly, this will be a Mac-only test program. Secondly, those users who need an UltraSn0w unlock may run the risk of losing their unlock and are hence advised against volunteering. He further notes,

“Right now, the “backup plan” requires that you have the 4.2b3 IPSW on your Mac, and that Cydia has your 4.2b3 SHSH hashes.  Please don’t pirate that 4.2b3 IPSW!  (We’re also working on a way that this technique might apply to all those with 4.1 IPSWs, but that’s not the first goal right now.)”

Details regarding the test program is expected to be available on a new Twitter account @redsn0w_testers. In any case, the public release is scheduled for just a day from now. So get ready to jailbreak this weekend.

Nexus S Gets Android 2.3.1 Update Over The Air

Google has quietly sent out a fresh update for its Nexus S smartphone, which has just seen the light of day in the US and UK. The first Android 2.3.1 Gingerbread update comes Over The Air as reported by XDA-Developers Forum member Rocketragz. The Nexus S gets updated from GRH55 to GRH78 that weighs 1.9MB.

The update brings the latest version of Google Maps on the Nexus S. Maybe some 3D layers would've been added to the Google Maps app on the phone. Apart from that, the update brings some other important bug fixes. The software update text states:

This system update from Google contains important bug fixes and the latest version of Maps.

Nexus S owners who haven't received the update yet, try the force checkin method that may fetch you this update. Just open the dialer and feed in *#*#checkin#*#* code to dial. Once it succeeds, you should get the software update notification on the top of your screen.

As of now, I don't know if it hampers the rooted Nexus S. Google itself announced that the company was fine with users rooting the device for gaining more control over the Android OS.

Nexus S isn't officially available in India, but just in case anyone in India had got the update, do share the screenshots

Download Android 2.3.1 Build GRH78 Firmware Update For Google Nexus S

The Google Nexus S is the first smartphone in the world to come packed with Android 2.3 Gingerbread out of the box and now it’s time for another milestone as the 2nd-gen Nexus One has received the first Android Gingerbread update over the air. If you are a Google Nexus S owner, then you can download Android 2.3.1 build GRH78.

The software update is sized at 1.9MB while the official Android 2.3.1 build GRH78 changelog says that Google Nexus S users will get lots of bug fixes and Google Maps 5.0. I’m sure you would have expected more, but that’s simply not the case. It happened in the past for a company to release a smartphone and then a firmware update in order to fix a few annoying issues that the testers didn’t notice.

Google Nexus S

The Android 2.3.1 build GRH78 firmware update for the Google Nexus S is rolling out worldwide so it might take a while until it reaches your device. If you want it ASAP, then you can force your smartphone to download it by going to the dialer and then call.

Android 3.0 'Honeycomb' due in March

Asus, MSI and ECS join stampede to show off tablets at CES

According to sources in the manufacturing industry, the DigiTimes unveiled that Google is planning to launch the Android 3.0 ‘Honeycomb’ OS for tablets in March 2011.

DigiTimes sources dropped a number of references to the March availability while also confirming that Taiwanese manufacturers are set to join the stampede to show off tablet devices at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

Taiwanese manufacturers Asus, MSI and ECS will be launching a range of devices including Windows 7 and Android 3.0-based devices according to a report by Taiwan-based DigiTimes.

Elite Computer Systems (ECS) is reportedly looking to launch a raft of e-book readers in 6, 8 and 9.7-inch form factors and based on the Android operating system. Windows 7 and Android tablet PCs would also feature with 10-inch screens and Intel Atom CPU for the Windows devices and ARM-based units for the Android devices.

MSI is also getting in on the act with 10-inch Windows 7-based tablets as well as prototype Android 3.0 ‘Honeycomb’ ARM-powered units which the company intends to release in March, according to DigiTimes sources, when Google releases the tablet-friendly 3.0 ‘Honeycomb’.

Solution of Untethered iPhone 4 Jailbreak for Apple ios 4.2

The Android v. iOS war is continuing on as strong as ever, and today Millennial Media put out a new report to show you just how each mobile OS has been faring. As you can see in the graph above, Android and iOS are in a dead heat when it comes to number of ad impressions in November with 38 percent each, and both OSes managed to double RIM’s impression percentage. In terms of application platforms, things were a little different, with Android beating out iOS by 15 percent. Smartphones in general continue to gain popularity, but feature phones still make up 29 percent of impressions. Interestingly, connected devices like the Sony PSP and Amazon Kindle took 13 percent of impressions.

Jailbreaking Defined

Jailbreaking is a process that allows iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch users to gain root access to the command line of the iOS operating system, thereby removing usage and access limitations imposed by Apple. Once jailbroken, iPhone users are able to download extensions and themes that are unavailable through the App Store (via installers such as Cydia) and perform other tasks that are not possible on store-bought devices, including installing non-Apple operating systems such as Linux. A jailbroken iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch running iOS can still use the App Store and iTunes and other normal functions, such as making telephone calls.

Rumor: Microsoft Working on New Windows Mobile? WTF

Microsoft plans to introduce a special version of Windows for low-power mobile devices like tablets at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show, according to multiple reports.

The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg claim to have both heard that Microsoft will discuss a version of Windows that supports mobile ARM chips and other low-power processors. The Journal adds that the new Windows OS isn’t expected to be available for two years.

My instant reaction to these reports: WTF?

Microsoft already has a new version of Windows designed for mobile devices: Windows Phone 7. The company hired new executives, spent million of dollars on development facilities, rethought its entire mobile strategy and took an entire year to whip up a touch-friendly mobile OS from scratch.

In terms of power and features, Windows Phone 7 hasn’t caught up with Android or iOS yet, but it’s a solid start. It’s certainly more fit for tabletization than the desktop Windows. There are many reasons why a Windows 7– based tablet makes no sense.

Windows Phone 7 is also light-years ahead of Microsoft’s previous mobile OS, Windows Mobile, to say nothing of Windows CE, Microsoft’s first mobile OS, which lives on as an “embedded” OS powering hospital devices, manufacturing equipment, point-of-sale devices, and the like.

So why in the world would Microsoft throw more money and talent at a new mobile version of Windows when it’s already made great progress on a newer, better one?

I like the well-informed Mary Jo Foley’s skeptical interpretation of the news. She thinks that Microsoft will announce a new version of Windows Embedded Compact, a trimmed-down version of Windows CE made especially for enterprise devices. That OS, which is currently in beta, already runs on ARM, and might make a suitable platform for Windows-powered tablets, especially the kind attached to your UPS driver’s barcode scanner.

Among other points, Foley notes that the timing is right, and that Microsoft announced tablet partners earlier this year who are already in the business of making Windows Embedded Compact devices.

That outcome would make a lot more sense to me, and if Foley’s right, Microsoft’s “tablet” news won’t be as exciting for the average gadget geek aching for a Microsoft-powered iPad competitor (unless you have a urinary tract disorder).

Windows Phone 7, Tablets and Cloud: Microsoft's Push in 2010

Microsoft’s 2010 was one of transitions—and make-or-break decisions.

Although Windows 7’s strong sales indicate the company still has a lock on the traditional desktop-bound software market, the tech industry as a whole has shifted its interest and efforts increasingly toward mobile devices and the cloud. To its credit, Microsoft seems to have recognized that transition, and devoted resources to embrace it. However, it very much remains to be seen whether those multimillion dollar bets will pay off or break the house.

On January 6, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer used his keynote address at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to detail the company’s initiatives in 2010. He had reason for cautious optimism: Despite some damage to Microsoft’s bottom line during the recession, people seemed to be purchasing Windows 7, and Bing, its search engine, had made incremental but noticeable market gains against Google.

Near the end of his presentation, Ballmer unveiled three tablet PCs, including one from Hewlett-Packard. “Almost as portable as a phone, but powerful as a PC running Windows 7,” he said, holding an HP device toward the audience. “The emerging category of PCs should take advantage of the touch and portability capabilities.”

Ballmer indicated that the tablet would be “available later this year” and include the ability to display e-books, access the Web and play “entertainment on the go.”

Tablets

Within weeks, though, Apple had unveiled the iPad, which reinvigorated the previously moribund consumer tablet market. By the last quarter of 2010, that device had become a massive sales success, while Microsoft’s presence in the tablet market was limited to the HP Slate 500, an enterprise-centric device that reportedly had a limited manufacturing run.

Why did Microsoft end up falling behind in tablets, despite having devices in development before the iPad’s launch? In the case of HP, its April acquisition of Palm for $1.2 billion may have disrupted plans to produce a Windows-powered tablet, as the manufacturer shifted focus to porting the Palm webOS onto tablets and smartphones. Meanwhile, a November posting on tech blog Engadget, quoting a “trusted tipster with a contact inside HP,” indicated that the company had planned an initial run of 5,000 HP Slate 500s.

Microsoft executives have been reluctant to discuss the inability to produce a viable iPad competitor, often deflecting conversation onto the company’s long history of researching tablet technology. Instead, the new story is that Intel’s upcoming line of Oak Trail processors will open the door to a new family of Windows tablets in 2011.

“We think that’s going to offer a lot of new capabilities,” Bill Koefoed, Microsoft’s general manager of investor relations, told the audience during an Aug. 10 talk at the Oppenheimer Annual Technology, Media & Telecommunications Conference in Boston. “Whether it’s better usage of battery life and the like, it’s going to really help move the category forward.”

Microsoft is reportedly planning to reveal a new line of Windows 7 tablets during this January’s Consumer Electronics Show, according to unnamed sources speaking to The New York Times.

Apple working on adding Cherokee language to iOS devices

Apple has been working with Cherokee tribe members to include the ancient Cherokee language as an option on iOS devices, in an effort to appeal to younger tribe members who also want to keep up with their heritage.

The ancient Cherokee language was put into writing two centuries ago, and tribe members already use Apple computers with the unique characters, explains DigitalTrends.

iOS devices have support for 50 international languages, but none are Native American.

Cherokee Chief Chad Smith contacted Apple about the addition of Cherokee three years ago, and the update should come in 2011.

There are only 10,000 speakers of Cherokee, with most younger tribe members not ever taking the time to learn the ancient language.

Untethered Jailbreak For iOS 4.2.1 Not Coming This Christmas!

We are saddened to share with our readers that the expected released of the untethered iOS 4.2.1 jailbreak on Christmas has been postponed. Comex just confirmed this shortly before that he will not be able to meet the Christmas deadline for the jailbreak method.

The userland based untethered jailbreak by Comex was expected to be a better and more efficient jailbreak method. The other good thing was that this untethered jailbreak would be used to jailbreak al existing iOS devices as well as the newer A4 based iPhone 4, iPad, iPod Touch 4G and the Apple TV 2G.

That’s not it, we are already waiting for the iPhone Dev Teams release of the untethered jailbreak method. Though it is reported to require iOS 4.2 Beta SHSH blobs. We are all eyes on the upcoming news regarding news on jailbreak tools and methods, so stay tuned.

You can join Startup Meme on facebook or follow @smohkim on Twitter for news on Jailbreak tools and tips.

Untether iOS 4.2.1 Jailbreak With A Single Click, With Redsn0w Next Version

There should always be an easy way to do what takes quite an effort an jailbreaking an iOS device is troublesome. Especially for those of you who think it requires all those coding skills thanks to the disclaimers of we aren’t responsible if you brick your iPhone. Don’t be afraid, MuscleNerd confirmed a short while back that the next version of Redsn0w will have an option for one click untethering.

The next release of the Redsn0w jailbreak tool will have the option that will enable users to untether their iPhone jailbreak based on the iOS 4.2.1. This won’t require users to restore their devices as well. Sounds more simpler, doesn’t it?

It sounds simpler because it would remove the need for users to re-install the iTunes and the Cydia app on their iPhone. Users can simply runt he Redsn0w jailbreak again to get this working. I guess there’s a lot coming up this Christmas for us, starting from recent news on Jailbreak tools from the iPhone Dev Team and Comex as well as the iPhone 4 unlock in early January.

Join Startup Meme on Facebook and follow @smohkim on Twitter for more updates on Apple, iPhone updates.

IPhone 4 Unlock Confirmed To Be Less Than A Month Away‎

There has been a good amount of 4.2.1 jailbreak news lately but the unlock has been missing in action for quite some time. Today we get a little ray of light about Ultrasn0w on Twitter from the Egyptian baseband hacker Sherif Hashim, who worked on the 3.1.3 unlock. He is trying to keep it on the down low as English only speakers would have missed it, but he indicated that the unlock should be ready in about one month.

U cant Update it then

Users that unlock their iPhones are typically left using older versions of iOS because Apple updates break the hacks. Until the clever coders behind projects like ultrasn0w can find new ways to work around the code changes Apple introduces, users have to wait to upgrade or risk finding their iPhone completely unusable.

Is it really a good idea??

The first is that very few people actually know how to pull it off. Information provided by hackers like dev-team is often technical and may not be reliable. And the fact is, after shelling out their hard earned pay for a new iPhone 4, not many people are willing to take the risk of trying to unlock iphone because they worry that if they mess up, the phone will be a dud. And, of course, the Apple warranty doesn’t cover an unlocking gone wrong. In fact, Apple have even gone so far as to release fake unlocking software onto the Internet in the past, so that anyone who uses it ends up with a dud phone. There’s little doubt this is a risk iPhone 4 users who try using freeware or pirated software to unlock their phones will take.

Here Is An Interesting offer though

According to David Holm of easyiphoneunlocking.com, ?Our Iphone unlock software works will all versions and even with the mighty ipod touch. Through the advanced feature of this software, you can upgrade your current iphone OS to the latest iOS v4.2.1. The interesting fact is that no matter what version of iphone you are holding, you can perform this upgrade with ease. Till date there is no other software that can perform a fully functional upgrade to iOS v4.2.1 from any of the older versions. Installing our software is very simple and can be done without the need of any assistance. But we have a 24/7 premium support and the fact is that we just had to take many testimonial calls about our software. The users of our software are not tech savvy but they are all able to install and unlock their iphones on their own with ease.?

Unlock and Jailbreak iPhone 4 for iOS 4.2.1

A hacker, who is known by Muscle Nerd, informed the world yesterday that they have found the solution of untethered iPhone 4 Jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1. Muscle Nerd told about the latest discovery through the twitter. The original tweet seems to have been deleted. However, many website have taken the screenshot of the original tweet.

Next Jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1

Dev-Team are in the final days of developing the next jailbreak solution upgrade for iPhone 4 users running iOS 4.2.1. Release could even happen this week if recent Twitter activity from team members is to be believed. Most recently MuscleNerd announced that “it’ll be here by Xmas (not because we’re sitting waiting for Xmas, but because it’s achievable deadline)” when asked about an untethered jailbreak via Twitter.

Verizon iPhone 4 to begin reeling in users like fish in a barrel

No product in recent memory has had such a wide or deep built-in immediate audience as the Verizon iPhone 4. Even among Apple’s own hits, the iPad initially had the public questioning that what they would do with a tablet, while the original iPhone had its skeptics due mainly to the fact that it was a first generation product. Go back a decade, and the iPod originally took about a year and a half before it began to find mainstream acceptance. But the Verizon iPhone 4 is that rare combination of a product which is well established, well refined, and well accepted by virtue of being on its fourth iteration, and yet being the first iteration to become available to a certain market segment. As such the Verizon iPhone 4 will have an easy time of reeling in users from day one as if they were fish in a barrel. Here are the most obvious candidates for immediate Verizon iPhone 4 adoption.

Verizon lovers, iPhone lusters: Those who’ve wanted an iPhone all along but weren’t willing to leave Verizon will make up the largest segment of Verizon iPhone 4 early adopters, and for obvious reasons. After all, they’ve been waiting four years for this.

AT&T haters: those existing iPhone users who hate AT&T so much that they’re willing to pay any amount of money to switch to Verizon will be in line from day one just as surely, even though it means they’ll have to shell out a bundle to change carriers mid contract. Survey after survey shows most iPhone users have no issue with AT&T, so don’t expect more than a small minority of existing iPhone users to jump ship to Verizon immediately. But there will be some.

Sprint and T-Mobile holdouts: Customers of these carriers who wanted an iPhone but would never consider AT&T will have to think twice now that a Verizon iPhone is an option. Expect most of them to hold out for a possible Sprint iPhone and T-Mobile iPhone down the road, but some will decide that Verizon is an acceptable compromise. Here’s more on the Verizon iPhone.

Dell Streak (unlocked) review - part 1 of 2

Android Based Dell Streak 7 is Wi-Fi Certified

Dell had introduced its Google Android 2.1 running Streak tablet in India for Rs. 34,990 two months ago. And now we hear ramblings about the Dell Streak 7 tablet in works. Apparently, a Dell M02M mobile internet device got the Wi-Fi certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance recently. Also, accessories maker Vaja listed Dell's 7-inch tablet for its leather cases. Back in September, Dell Greater China President, Amit Midha, promised a 7-inch tablet to arrive in weeks and 10-inch tablet in next 6-12 months.

Dell CEO Michael Dell briefly flashed an unnamed 7-inch tablet back in September. Following that, Midha confirmed that the tablet would be introduced within weeks. Apart from that, Dell also has plans to introduce a 3-inch, 4-inch and 10-inch tablets in the coming year. Apparently, the Dell Streak 7 would run Google Android, I suppose 2.3 Gingerbread since it has been announced already. Just like the 5-inch Dell Streak tablet, it will have the Stage UI overlaid over Android.

Dubbed as Dell Steak 7, the tablet will carry 7-inch Gorilla Glass touchscreen display. Of course, it will have Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) for connectivity but there's no word on whether it will support 3G Networks as well. Inside the tablet, Dell is rumored to use dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 chip for enough computing and graphics power. The tablet would be capable of playing 1080p HD video.

Engadget claims to have got their hands on the story board of Dell Streak 7's Ad Treatment. In one of the slides, the Streak 7 is shown with front-facing camera, so video calls might be on the cards.
We can expect Dell to show off the Streak 7 at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show 2011 starting January 6 in Las Vegas.

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WikiLeaks iPhone app taken down from iTunes Apple store

Apple Inc. has stopped offering an app that allows iPhone users to connect to WikiLeaks where confidential documents, including memos from U.S. diplomats, are posted.
Igor Barinov, the Russian maker of the WikiLeaks App, said he was called by Apple on Tuesday and was told that his app was removed from the App Store because the program violated developer guidelines.
Barinov, in his Tweet about the call, said Apple described his app as defamatory offensive, mean-spirited, or may bring harm to an individual or group.
The WikiLeaks App started selling on the App Store on Dec. 17 at a price of $1.99. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the app will go to the whistle-blowing website as donation.
According to Barinov, the donated money will be used to fund the legal defense cost of any high-profile journalist who will be charged in a U.S. court for writing about the diplomatic cables posted on WikiLeaks.
During its four days in the App Store, the WikiLeaks app was downloaded 4,434 times generating $5,825. Apple’s 30 percent share of the sales of the app amounted to $2,500

Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7020887621?WikiLeaks%20iPhone%20app%20taken%20down%20from%20iTunes%20Apple%20store#ixzz18wV9W4z2

Android Wikileaks apps are doing well

Filling the void left by Apple's purge of free speech

By Nick Farrell

Thu Dec 23 2010, 11:11

ANDROID-BASED Wikileaks apps are doing rather well after Apple purged all mention of the website from its Apps Store.

Yesterday Apple decided to join Amazon, Bank of America and Mastercard in their futile efforts to help the US government attempt to silence Wikileaks. Jobs' Mob purged any Wikileaks related applications from its App Store on the grounds that they were allegedly "endangering lives".

The role of censoring applications comes naturally to Steve Jobs' walled garden. After all Apple is now part of the establishment and apparently does not want to offend it.

However it seems that the more liberal Google is having no problems shifting Wikileaks related apps. But that might be because Wikileaks' cable revelations have so far notably omitted any mention of Israel.

Google, which operates the second-largest online mobile applications store, has kept more than half a dozen Wikileaks apps available on its Android Marketplace that make it easier to access the confidential US government documents.

Some of the Android programs provide direct access to the WikiLeaks cables, and one of them even alerts users whenever a new leaked document from the WikiLeaks repository is made public.

John Bumgarner, CTO of the US Cyber Consequences Unit has warned that by nailing its colours firmly to the US government's mast, Apple risks being a target of hacktivists who want to defend Wikileaks.

The move has angered some of Assange's supporters, but few of them appear to be Apple users. Reuters has been reporting tweets from Anonymous members who say things like, "This is exactly why I would never purchase an iOS device" and "more Apple censorship".

Apple fanbois would never support Wikileaks over Jobs' Mob anyway. Free-speech is just something that other people do, who are probably Microsoft or Linux users, although the fanbois will fight to the death to parrot abuse at anyone who disagrees with Steve Jobs.

Read more: http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1934263/android-wikileaks-apps-doing#ixzz18wTtI1Tc 
The Inquirer - Computer hardware news and downloads. Visit the download store today.

Google introduces new billing options for the Android Market

Columbus Android owners looking to pick up some cheap apps during the holiday season now have some new Android Market options to make the checkout process even easier.

News of these Android Market billing improvements first appeared yesterday at the Android Developers blog.

AT&T Direct Carrier Billing added to the Android Market

Android owners using AT&T as a carrier now have the option to directly bill their AT&T account when purchasing something from the Android Market.  AT&T Direct Carrier Billing only takes a few clicks to setup, adding convenience to an Android owner's monthly bill tracking.

Direct Carrier Billing is being gradually rolled out to AT&T customers, so Android owners can expect to see it soon if they don't already have the new billing option.  T-Mobile customers with Android devices have enjoyed a similar direct billing feature for a while.

Google adding refund ability, more app categories to the Android Market

In addition to AT&T's Direct Carrier Billing service, Google also introduced a 15-minute refund window capability for Android owners who encounter buyer's remorse after purchasing an app from the Android Market.

Also new app categories hope to streamline the process of finding the perfect app inside the Android Market.  Poor categorization is something Apple desperately needs to improve with the iPad version of the App Store.

These additional improvements to the Android Market bring Google's app store closer to Apple's in ease of use.  Now if they can only force game companies like Gameloft to sell their Android apps at the Android Market.

Columbus folks interested in checking out the world of Android merely need to visit their local AT&T store to pick up an Android-powered handset.

Firefox 4 Beta For Android Updated – Features UI Tweaks, Ability To Save Website as PDFs, And More

Mozilla’s been pretty good about keeping the mobile version of its ever-popular Firefox browser up to date (both with the current beta and with the old Fennec Alpha), and it looks like they have every intention to continue that trend. Just today, the third beta of Firefox 4 went live in the Android Market, bringing a number of minor additions along with it:

• Several UI modifications
• Easier discovery of add-ons
• The ability to save websites as PDFs so you can read them later
• Support for complex scripts (i.e. Arabic and Persian) on devices with the appropriate fonts
• The ability to copy and paste to and from the URL bar
• A simplified setup process for Firefox Sync – less typing is necessary
• Bug fixes

Mozilla promises that improvements in performance, responsiveness, and usability will come in future updates, as well as better graphics, JavaScript, and more add-ons. Check the newly updated app out for yourself using the QR code below.

Hacker may release Untethered Jailbreak Solution for iOS 4.2.1 powered iPhone 4

Hacker, who is known by Muscle Nerd, informed the world yesterday that they have found the solution of untethered iPhone 4 Jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1. Muscle Nerd told about the latest discovery through the twitter. The original tweet seems to have been deleted. However, many website have taken the screenshot of the original tweet.

It was not clear if the solution applies only to iPhone 4. Although other mobile devices including iPod Touch and Apple iPad also use iOS 4.2.1 version of the operating system.


It is being reported that Muscle Nerd and his team will release the solution anytime this week. However, because of original tweet deletion, some believe that the hacker might have changed the mind of releasing the  software solution for Untethered Jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1 on iPhone 4.

Nokia Rumored to Develop WP7 Device, Windows Market Grows Faster Than Android

Nokia and Microsoft have had discussions about possible WP7-based Nokia device

In his weekly op-ed, mobile godhead Eldar Murtazin announced that Nokia has been in talks with Microsoft to possibly develop a device based on the Windows Phone 7 operating system.

"This two way dialogue was initiated by new Nokia management," Murtazin writes. "It's a desperate measure for both companies. This is their only solution to stop an all conquering Android."

Nokia's tribulations have been well-documented here on DT [1] [2] [3]. And while Nokia has not commented on the alleged discussions with Microsoft, it seems particularly plausible considering Nokia's new CEO is a former Microsoft exec.

A Windows Phone-based device must sound even more enticing to Nokia, amid reports that the Windows Phone marketplace is ramping up faster than Android did after first launching, and is holding its own against even the Apple store.

"The Windows Phone 7 Marketplace reaching 4,000 apps two months after launch has to be one of the most rapid ramp-ups in recent times, reaching this milestone faster than Android, which took from October 2008 to March 2009 to reach about the same level," Al Hilwa, an analyst with research firm IDC, wrote in a research note.

"We can say that for a company that just a few months ago was an also-ran in mobile, having 10 smartphones released in 30 countries is not a trivial achievement," Hilwa wrote. "I would not be surprised if Microsoft had the third largest app portfolio in the industry by the middle of next year."

With so many reviews and news reports writing off Windows Phone because of a lack of apps, the analysis is encouraging for Microsoft. And even if sales U.S. sales figures can't match that of the iPhone, international reports say WP7 is selling well in Europe and Asia, according to EWeek. But Microsoft is also in a position that allows itself to lose money on a product initially, if adoption is slow. 

"No one expected WP7 to take the market by a storm, but the role of the first release was to [put] Microsoft in the game. To be clear this is a long term battle that will be pivotal for Microsoft’s long-term relevance," Hilwa wrote.

Untethered Jailbreak For iOS 4.2.1 on iPhone 4 Hitting This Week

According to a now-deleted Tweet transmitted by well-known hacker Muscle Nerd, it would appear as if an untethered jailbreak solution for iOS 4.2.1 on iPhone 4 will be hitting us as soon as this week.

scotty6kids78: @MuscleNerd are we any closer to the unteathered #jailbreak for the new #ios4.2 on #iphone4 ?
MuscleNerd: @scotty6kids78 it’ll be here by Xmas (not because we’re sitting waiting for Xmas, but because it’s achievable deadline)

The question becomes: will the untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1 apply for other devices aside from iPhone 4? The answer, at this point, seems to be yes. At least for A4-based Apple devices, such as the iPod Touch 4 and the iPad.
Of course, Muscle Nerd has managed to throw us off with the deletion of his tweet. Could it be he doesn’t want the release time frame announced? Perhaps the team has hit a snag and won’t be able to deliver by Christmas?
Whatever the case, we’re watching this closely. We think you’ll agree, though, that this would be a nice little Christmas gift.

Google to Release Android 2.3 Gingerbread for Nexus One in the Coming Weeks

Mountain View, California-based Google Inc. has announced via a tweet on its Google Nexus account that the Android 2.3 [Gingerbread] update for the Nexus One will be released in the coming weeks. This is definitely great news for existing Nexus One owners. Google just ask Nexus One owners to “hang tight.”

Of course, there are already Android 2.3 [Gingerbread] builds for the Nexus One created with the Android 2.3 [Gingerbread] code pushed to the Android Open-Source Project.

However, Google will definitely come up with a stable version that will satisfy all of those that are not so tech-savvy. We’ll definitely keep our eyes and ears open and will report as soon as Android 2.3 [Gingerbread] becomes available for the Nexus One.

Motorola video teases Android Honeycomb tablet

Motorola teased technology watchers Monday with a video about the history of tablets -- up to but not including its upcoming Android Honeycomb device.

The company plans to reveal the tablet at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. But first, Motorola revisits the past by walking viewers through an imaginary museum where the curators apparently have a healthy reserve of snark.

The first display shows a slab inscribed with Egyptian hieroglyphics. "Good graphics, but weight makes for poor portability," the video declares.

Next up: The 10 Commandments. "Excellent durability, but zero flexibility (can’t edit)" is the verdict.

The Rosetta Stone follows -- "Multi-lingual support, but low-resolution screen" -- trailed by a Maya stone -- "Successful Latin American distribution, but rumored 2012 self-destruct feature."

Then Motorola really gets to work. The iPad is deemed to be "like a giant iPhone, but ... it’s like a giant iPhone." The Samsung Galaxy Tab has "Android OS, but ... Android OS for a phone."

And finally, the star of the show is pictured under a cloth as a bee begins to buzz.

So far, the details on Honeycomb are sketchy, but it’ll probably be a step up from other sweet-sounding Android operating systems such as Cupcake (version 1.5), Froyo (2.2) and Gingerbread (2.3).

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 With Nvidia Tegra 2 And Android 3.0 Honeycomb Release Date Is 1H11

The Nvidia Tegra chipset is very powerful, however, mobile devices manufacturers didn’t adopt it. Why? Probably because the ARM architecture was easier to use. Anyway we are happy to announce that this trend will change as the second-gen Nvidia Tegra CPU will be adopted by multiple companies, including Samsung who will put it on the Galaxy Tab 2.

Nvidia’s Tegra 2 chipset has been confirmed to be present in the LG Star, LG Optimus 2X, and probably in the LG B Android smartphone. The latest rumor says that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 will be powered by the Nvidia Tegra 2 CPU which is kinda weird because an older rumor said that Samsung is developing a next-gen dual-core Hummingbird processor.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2

So what changed? Did Samsung decide that it can’t compete against Nvidia’s Tegra 2 processor?  The answer comes quickly from Google! It seems like Google is copying Microsoft with Windows Phone 7 and is looking to make the Tegra 2 architecture the reference hardware for Android 3.0 Honeycomb.

Nvidia might have hit the jackpot here, albeit we should wait for more information to come in before confirming this rumor so stay tuned!

P.S. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 release date is rumored to be 1H11.

Motorola Android 3.0 tablet gets more detailed shots, specs

Posted in Motorola by Conner Flynn on December 20th, 2010

Motorola’s Android 3.0 tablet has showed up again with a leak that shows clearer images and some more detailed specs. The new images show a 10-inch tablet with the completely overhauled interface, which includes the new navigation bar and lock screen. The back shows the five-megapixel camera with flash as well as a large external speaker and what looks like standard USB ports on the bottom.
Inside, the tablet sports a dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 clocked at 1GHz with 512MB of RAM. It may not be available in a Wi-Fi only edition and could need a 3G or 4G connection to get online. Verizon is also connected to the tablet and could use it as a flagship for its LTE network, though 3G editions with EVDO and HSPA have been pegged for other carriers.

Other features include a 1280×800 display resolution, 32GB of built-in flash and a front two-megapixel camera.

Breaking: Android 2.3 Gingerbread Ported to HTC HD2

Gingerbread madness has already begun, you know. We are definitely seeing a lot of cool stuff coming. First Desire got the early Gingerbread meal and then earlier today we saw a freshly baked gingerbread cookie made its way all the way from Nexus S to Samsung Galaxy S. Well Nexus One and others have it too. Guess what’s next?

Android 2.3 Gingerbread has now been ported to HTC HD2 too! Definitely, you didn’t expect this one to come out that quick but it’s here when we have great XDA folks.

Good news is that, unlike most of the early ports, this one has got most of the stuff working including radio to make phone calls, 3G data, audio playback, bluetooth, wi-fi and 720p HD video playback. Cool eh? Definitely! but wait. Camera and GPS don’t work for now.

Apparently, this one is a pretty safe port. So go ahead and flash it following the source link below.

[XDA]

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iPhone 4: Untethered iOS 4.2.1 Jailbreak Coming Soon

By Bob Bhatnagar - Published December 19th 2010 - 21:09 in iOS 4.2.1  •  iphone dev team  •  iPhone Jailbreaking  •  News •  redsn0w

Dev-Team are in the final days of developing the next jailbreak solution upgrade for iPhone 4 users running iOS 4.2.1. Release could even happen this week if recent Twitter activity from team members is to be believed. Most recently MuscleNerd announced that "it’ll be here by Xmas (not because we’re sitting waiting for Xmas, but because it’s achievable deadline)" when asked about an untethered jailbreak via Twitter.

Although he has since removed the post, an earlier message from comex pointed to a release before the Christmas holiday. When asked "I want a 4.2.1 untethered jailbreak for christmas :P" by another Twitter user, comex replied, "you’ll get it."

As of yet, there has been no official announcement regarding an untethered iPhone 4 jailbreak on the Dev-Team Blog. The team has released an updated redsn0w, now at version 0.9.6b6. All recent iOS devices can be jailbroken thanks to a combination of past exploits including pwnage2, arm7_go, 24kpwn, and limera1n. Some reports have surfaced that Apple may have patched the limera1n exploit in the latest iPads shipped with iOS 4.2.1.

The current version of redsn0w only jailbreaks certain model iPhones untethered. All iPhone 4 owners will need to wait for a new solution from Dev-Team that makes it possible to do this untethered. Otherwise, the device will require a tethered boot to operate in a jailbroken state.

If you just can't wait a few days for the Dev-Team to finish up, follow these instructions to jailbreak your iPhone with redsn0w. All eyes will be on the Dev-Team this week as iPhone 4 owners anxiously await the next release. Time will tell if these developers meet their own deadline for a Christmas release.

Android 2.3 source code released by Google

Google has released the source code for its recent Android 2.3/Gingerbread update, meaning new builds and custom ROMs can be created.

Google confirmed the update is not only going to be available for smartphones, but also those with 'extra large screens, such as tablets.'

"The source code for the Android 2.3 platform and software stack has been released! This release allows OEMs to begin preparing Android 2.3 for installation on new and existing devices, and allows hobbyists, enthusiasts, and researchers to develop custom builds."

From the Nexus to the Galaxy

To that end, XDA Developers Forum has already been hard at work to develop a custom ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S, although this is a port from the Google Nexus S running on the similarly-specced handset, rather than one based on the new source code release.

It's not for the faint of heart as yet, given that certain aspects (such as GPS and Wi-Fi) are not quite functioning, but it won't be long until the Android rooters among us will have the next-gen software on a current-gen device.

Late period Verizon iPhone, white iPhone point to extension of 4 era

The Verizon iPhone arriving in the third quarter of the iPhone 4 era and the white iPhone arriving in the fourth quarter just doesn’t add up. You don’t start customizing your car to your personal liking a few months before to expect to trade it in. Accordingly, Apple is too logic-bound a company to be dressing up the iPhone 4 so late in the game only to dump the dress-up and start over so soon afterwards. So when we keep hearing that the Verizon iPhone 4 is coming in the first quarter (various sources) and the white iPhone 4 is coming in the second quarter (cryptically implied by Apple’s own marketing materials), the notion that the iPhone 5 will debut around the time that second quarter is ending is fairly absurd. So what does it mean?

It’s not unusual to throw enticements into the mix in the later stages of the current model, so as to keep sales afloat as it becomes more dated. But the white iPhone has been such a sore spot throughout the iPhone 4 era that bringing it back with just few months remaining the iPhone 4′s lifespan would feel like little more than a kick in the teeth of those users who held out for the white model for as long as they could before ultimately settling for the black iPhone 4 instead. And launching a Verizon iPhone 4 means bringing an entirely new hardware version of the iPhone 4 to market. A few months before the iPhone 4 goes bye bye altogether? Why? Just because a desperate Verizon is begging for it as soon as possible? Again, it’s just not logical. Unless, of course, the iPhone 4 era is going to continue well beyond the usual summer turnover period.

Put a winter Verizon iPhone 4 and a spring white iPhone 4 within the context of the iPhone 4 era lasting all the way until, say, September of next year and all the sudden the whole thing makes a lot more sense. Apple’s reason for extending the iPhone 4 era could be because the iPhone 4 is selling so well, or because the firing of Mark Papermaster and subsequent reorganization of the iPhone hardware division has delayed the iPhone 5′s progress, or because 4G networks are rolling out slowly and Apple wants to wait to launch an iPhone 5 at a time when 4G actually exists on Verizon and AT&T – or at least the former.

Then again, Apple has nearly unlimited resources and can pull off anything it wants with regard to development. If it snarkily decided to debut the white iPhone 4 three days before the launch of the iPhone 5 and then kill it off just for kicks, it wouldn’t be a popular move but it wouldn’t add up to more than a rounding error on Apple’s balance sheet. So moves like launching a Verizon iPhone 4 and white iPhone 4 with a few months left in the iPhone 4 era could simply be chalked up to aggression on Apple’s part. But darned if it doesn’t all make more sense the minute you consider the notion of an extended iPhone 4 era. More: Here’s more on the Verizon iPhone.

LinkedIn (Finally) Goes Android

Professional networking community LinkedIn has debuted its first application for Google's Android platform.

By Eric Zeman ,  InformationWeek
December 17, 2010 02:45 PM 

 

The new LinkedIn application for Android makes its debut just ahead of the holidays and the Consumer Electronics Show in January. The app is being offered as a public beta. In order to get it, LinkedIn users must sign into their account and then join the LinkedIn for Android Group. Once logged in and all joined up, LinkedIn will share instructions on how to download the application and install it. 

According to LinkedIn, it starts off with the basics. The key features allow users to view updates from their professional connections; search for other professionals via a number of different parameters; respond to invitations to join groups or connect with other professionals; and the ability to reach out and contact LinkedIn connections.


Some of the content visible on the "Updates" homepage include your contacts' new connections, changes to their profiles, as well as content that they choose to share via LinkedIn's online tools.
For some professionals, access to LinkedIn is a vital resource. It's a great place to cull knowledge about potential clients or find out more about the professionals you meet when out of the office. LinkedIn says that the search function built into the Android app is the fastest search tool it offers. Naturally, once a user has located someone with whom they'd like to connect, the app makes it easy to reach out and initiate contact. 

Official PlayStation app coming to iOS and Android "very soon"

Got a PS3? Got an iPhone, iPod touch or Android handset? There’s an app coming to your handset “very soon.” Well, depending on where you live.

iOS users will need to be running version 4.0 or higher, and Android users will need a minimum of version 1.6.
So, what ill you be able to do?

• Check out your PlayStation Network trophies and keep up to date with your friends’ games and online status.
• Discover all the latest games, news and hardware for your PlayStation 3, PSP and PlayStation 2.
• Read all the announcements on the European PlayStation.Blog.
• Share your favorite products or news with your friends on Facebook, Twitter or via e-mail.

Sorry, no gaming!

But there’s a catch - The first version (1.0) will only be available in the following countries: UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and The Netherlands.

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Release of Jailbreak 4.2.1 Highly Anticipated After iPhone Update

The API could be used by spyware and was primarily IT departments that began developing applications criticising the device. Apple has not given a reason for ending the device, but blame rests on the insufficiency of keeping the headset secure for enterprise users.

Jailbreak Check

With the iOS 4.0 update in June, Apple had introduced mobile device management APIs that would let third-party mobile device management (MDM) applications have direct server access to iOS features and information. Basically, third-party apps could check if the iOS device has been jailbroken or not. Apple didn’t give any formidable explanation on why the API was dropped and several mobile device management API users would certainly be hunting for alternatives already.

Updated Version

RedSn0w has been updated to version 0.9.6b5 which will jailbreak iOS 4.2.1 on iPhone 3GS, 3G and iPhone 4 and will update the baseband to 06.15 on iPhone 3GS and 3G so make it unlockable. iPhone 4 users are still out of luck and we will update you as soon as iPhone 4 unlock is release. Follow our guide below for both mac and windows on how to jailbreak iOS 4.2.1 on RedSn0w 0.9.6b5 and update baseband to 06.15 after the break. If you have an old-bootrom 3GS and are already unlockable but want to get to 4.2.1, please wait til iPhone Dev Team release an �unofficial� bundle for you.

Anticipated Release

But now it looks like an untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1 is coming soon. Famed hacker MuscleNerd has posted a video showing a jailbroken iPod touch 4th generation rebooting. There are no wires anywhere in sight, but after rebooting MuscleNerd opens the Cydia store and other apps that are only available on jailbroken devices.