Zortrox's Blog

SwiftFix 06: Disable Automatic Login

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanBolshevik) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:40:00 +0000

So, with anything 3.0 or above on the iPhone or iPod Touch there is the hotspot feature for automatic wi-fi login. This is a problem with proxy servers. My school's network doesn't support this at all. It's annoying. So, I found a SwiftFix for it. Download the Boingo app. You don't ever have to create an account or boot it up. Ever. Simply having it on your home screen is enough. It somehow overrides the hotspot feature. Note: if you have the Cydia app Categories, don't put it in a category, leave it on the home screen. It messes it up. The App store link is here.

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

SwiftFix 05: Fix iPod Earbuds

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:55:00 +0000

**NOTE: Unplug your earbuds before doing this fix.**
**NOTE: I am in no way responsible for permanently damaging your earbuds**

Sometimes my iPod's earbuds (the ones that came in the package) screw up and I hear an annoying buzz in them. This usually happens when any bass is on the music. The reason they buzz is usually because something breaks lose inside of them. I don't want to go out and buy a $15 pair of earbuds to fix this. Instead, I found a quick, easy, and free fix to this problem.

To fix this, all you have to do is put the end of the earbud that's buzzing (the side the sound comes out of) into your mouth and blow gently. Be sure not to get and saliva on the earbud. Put back in the cord and see if that fixed it. It probably should have fixed it, but if not, unplug them and try it again. If it still hasn't fixed it, your earbuds might be permanently damaged.

This seriously worked for me! I am NOT kidding! Just try it, you will be as surprised as me when I figured it out!

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

SwiftFix 04: Download Multiple Files at Once

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:06:00 +0000

You suddenly got onto a page where you can download the entire Red vs Blue episode collection (That's when I first used this). You are presented with all these links! There were questions that ran through my head when I saw the links. First, 'Do I start with the ones I haven't seen yet?'. Next there was 'Don't I have a life other than clicking "Save Link As", choosing a folder, choosing a name, and so many other options?'. I found a solution though. The answer is DownThemAll. This is a Firefox add-on, so you will need to download and install Firefox for this to work. I have Firefox on my computer, but Google Chrome is my default browser. I just use a Firefox/Chrome combination to do my web hacking.

First you need to right-click on a file on the page, then select "Save ~~~ with DownThemAll!" (the '~~~' is just the type of web object). After you set the download directory and the filename format (it should do this automatically), just click "Start!". For the next files, all you have to do is right click and press "O" (that's the letter). All the files will show up in the newly-opened DownThemAll download manager and you can play around with settings a little bit, while tracking speed and performance. If you want to select a new batch of files, just right-click and select "Save ~~~ with DownThemAll!" again. This will restart the process and you can now save the files to a new directory.

I hope this helped some people. I know it helped me!

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

ValidReport 03: iPod Touch 3rd Generation

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:03:00 +0000

Apple has designed 3 versions of the iPhone already and 2 versions of the iPod Touch. First came the iPhone. Then the iPod Touch. Later the iPhone 3G. Next the iPod Touch (2nd Gen). Lastly the iPhone 3GS. See the pattern? I do! Hmm. Is that evidence just not cutting it for you? Not me either. I needed more substantial evidence. I needed pictures... I would need a picture of a new case for an iPod Touch or prototype examples. Christmas must have come early this year! I have BOTH! Speaking of Christmas, doesn't Apple usually release new iPods before the holiday season? Actually, both iPod Touch models have been released in the first 2 weeks of September (2007 and 2008). Apple has a new event coming September 9th (2009). I see a connection!

This photo of the iPod Touch 3G internals shows that it has a red PCB board. A red board usually means that this is a prototype, verifying that this might be the 3G iPod Touch prototype.

This next photo shows the iPod Touch with a camera. If you look to the left, you can also see a tiny hole for the microphone. The lock button is on the left side (it's the backside), while the iPhone has a lock button on the right side.

This final prototype photo shows that this indeed might be a prototype because it compares the iPod Touch 3G with the iPod Touch 2G. They both have the same dimensions and same shape and placement of the wireless antenna rectangle.

These next 2 photos show the case of an iPod Touch 3G. These are from a different source (Engadget) than the iPod touch prototype pictures (Covino and Rich). This gives even more credible evidence to a new iPod Touch.

The case to the right shows a box with the words "für/for iPod touch 3G". The case is made by Hama (a German company). The case to the left shows a square hole for the camera (the same place that the camera would be on the prototypes).

If you still aren't persuaded to believe this and think that these are photoshopped, you can watch this video. The link is here. (**NOTE: you must have flash player installed to video the video.**)

Well, I'm thoroughly convinced. If you aren't, you probably will never be until you hold the new iPod in your hands and actually take a picture. I hope that this has convinced some people and informed others. Won't the non-believers feel dumb when the iPod is unveiled?!

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

ValidReport 02: USB 3.0

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:09:00 +0000

Ahh. Remember when the USB (Universal Serial Bus) first came out? All it was really good for was external computer hardware (mice, keyboards, printers). At max, the speed was 12 mbps (Full-Speed). This was all good because many people didn't own iPods, cell phones that could connect to the computer, or PSPs. The first widely-adopted USB version was 1.1. This was the port with the max of 12 mbps. (On a side note, my desktop PC only has 1.1 and it's a beast to sync my iPod). The next version was 2.0 (Hi-Speed). This had a max of 480 mbps, even though devices usually only reached 350-380 mbps. This was a hug leap from USB 1.1. The time is nigh to begin another huge leap.

In September of 2007, USB 3.0 was demonstrated at the Intel Developer Forum. This SuperSpeed USB port achieves a max of 4.8 gbps (the expected transfer rate is approxamately 3.2 gbps after protocol overhead though). This is more than 20x faster than USB 2.0! USB 3.0 can make this happen due to it's full-duplex system. This allows data to be sent and received with 2 wires for power and ground, 2 wires for non-superspeed data, and 4 wires for superspeed data. The bus power spec has been upgraded in USB 3.0 to accommodate a unit load of 150 mA. An unconfigured device can still draw only 1 unit load, but a configured device can draw 6 unit loads (900mA)!

Consumer products for USB 3.0 are expected to become available in 2010 and the commercial controllers are expected to be mass-produced in to first quarter of that year (around $15 each). The OS that supports USB 3.0 at this time is the Linux kernel, while Windows 7 drivers are under development (either to be released with Windows 7 or as an update). No word has been reported from Apple about Macs supporting this new peripheral (although expected as a Snow Leopard update).

I'm going to be waiting and being unable to wait with you guys. I'm just happy that I'm going to buy my laptop Senior year of high school (2nd quarter of 2010). Now only if the new iPod 3rd Generation (rumored) can have USB 3.0 integrated. Come on Apple! You can do it!

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

How-To 04: Making a Hackintosh with Snow Leopard

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:52:00 +0000

This is going to be a short how-to post because of the length of the actual guide (on another site).

Snow Leopard was released earlier this week and it already has been ported to the PC. That's good for people like me who want to stay up to date and keep making iPhone apps.

*NOTE: you must have a working Leopard OS first.

*You can find the guide here.
*If you're trying to decide whether Snow Leopard is good or not, you can go here to find 100 new features of this OS X.
*You can find the guide to get a Leopard OS, go here. This dual-boots Windows Vista and OS X Leopard.

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

Sending MMS on iPhone now

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanBolshevik) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Ok so I know that MMS will be available on the 25th, but what if you want to send it now. I know I often have come up on wanting to send a picture. Now sure you could go out and buy picfree or some other app, but there's a free alternative. Email. Send an email with the picture to [insert number here (area code + number no spaces)]@mms.att.net. The same works for free text messaging. just change it to @txt.att.net

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

ValidReport 01: MMS coming to AT&T iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:02:00 +0000

Finally! MMS is coming to the iPhone 3G and 3GS on September 25! This is pretty much what every AT&T iPhone customer has wanted since the OS 3.0 came out! Come on AT&T, what took so long! The OS has been out for nearly 3 months! What happened to "It will be ready this summer"?!

For those of you who live in the Stone Age, MMS is picture/video message. It stand for Multimedia Messaging Service. Anyways, here is a screenshot of MMS working and it IS in fact coming out. Praise be to [insert god's name here]!

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

How-To 03: Install .DEB Files

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:02:00 +0000

DEB files are files with the extension ".deb". These are the files that Cydia uses to install its "apps" on your device. There can be many reasons for wanting to install a DEB file. The first might be that the file you want doesn't have its own repository (i.e. your friend made it or someone cracked a paid app). Another reason might be that you want to downgrade an app to an older version. This happened a lot recently when the new version of Installous wasn't working for the 2.2.1 firmware. This How-To is a LOT easier than it sounds. Now, down to business!

**NOTE: You must use an SSH client, iPhone Browser, iFile, or something that you can view your device's system files on to install a DEB file.

I am in no way responsible if you install a bad DEB file and your device doesn't work later.

1. Download the DEB file you want to install and have it ready.

2. Locate the directory on your device "var/root/Media/Cydia/AutoInstall". If you can't find the "AutoInstall" folder, just create it (it IS case sensitive. Type it exactly as I have without the quotation marks).

3. Copy/Paste the DEB file into that directory.

4. Reboot your device now. After it reboots, just respring it.

5. Your device should now have the DEB file installed. Cydia automatically deletes the DEB file after installation.

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

SwiftFix 03: Delete Cydia Apps Without Opening Cydia

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:37:00 +0000

So, as many of you with the best graphical interface for installing packages know, it can be slow loading, reloading, and downloading. If you just want to delete one small app you never use, this is a PAIN! I got tired of it, so I found a better solution. The 'app' is called CyDelete. It is not really an app but a Mobile Substrate add-on. You can download this add-on in Cydia. It is in one of the automatically installed repos.

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

Review: iPhone App - Minigore: Episode 1

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 06:18:00 +0000

This has got to be one of the most fun games I have played on my iPod Touch. The app/game is called "Minigore" and it is a top-down, dual-pad shooter. You can buy Minigore on the App Store here.

Minigore is set in a cartoon-y, box-y world where the main character (John Gore) is trapped in a land of Furries. He must use his unlimited-ammo, automatic-fire gun to kill the never ending horde. That is the main storyline.

What makes this game fun is pretty much just the simplicity of it. Kill the bad guys, don't get killed. There aren't any obstacles that you can't go through (but Furries can be hidden in bushes sometimes), and that means nothing to get cornered by (although there are edges of the map you have to stay away from). This game is great for people that have a lot of time on their hands, but nothing to fill it with.

There are four types of Furries. The first is a small Minifurry. This is tiny, but hides well in bushes. The second kind is a normal Furry. With each shot, a Minifurry spawns from it until it dies. Then there's the Giant Furry. When shot enough, this Furry explodes into Furries, which turn into Minifurries when shot at. The final type is the Firefurry. This Furry can run faster than John Gore himself.

As with any shooting game, you get more weapons. The simplicity of this game is that there is no need to change weapons. Actually, while playing, there is no need to pick your fingers up from the dual-pads at all. Your first weapon is a machine gun with unlimited ammo. This weapon sends out a continuous stream of bullets whichever direction the character is facing. The second weapon is a shotgun with 10 shells, 3 bullets each. You can find this weapon by picking up a crate dropped by a Furry. The third weapon is an exploding booby trap in which sends out multiple bullets in every direction. To make this happen, just shoot the crate enough times with bullets. The final "weapon" is a 'beast mode' to where John becomes a giant demon-thing. If you pick up 3 clovers dropped by various Furries, you will turn into the beast and can stomp Furries into the ground!

Future updates include
   Bluetooth multi-player
   Multiple characters
   Insane mode
   More enemies
   More health
   Radar (Furry Sense)

Again, this is my favorite iPhone app and I will be playing it often! To get it, go here.

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

SwiftFix 02: Cydia Keeps Crashing and Won't Open

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:07:00 +0000

If your Cydia app keeps crashing and won't even open, you can try this SwiftFix.

**NOTE: This is primarily pertaining to people that had Cydia working at one point on the firmware they are currently on, but might also solve other problems.

**NOTE: You should try just rebooting your device first before doing this, as it might just be a memory issue.

1. Open the folder "/var/lib/dpkg/updates/" on your iPhone or iPod Touch.
   This can be done by:
   The app iFile
   The app Discover
   Using an SSH client
   Using iPhone Browser

2. Delete the numbered files in that directory. These are the files that are in this format: 0000, 0001, 0002, etc.

3. This should fix your Cydia crashing.

**NOTE: If it doesn't, try rebooting again. If that still doesn't work, go on to re-jailbreak your device. Finally, if none of these things work, pretty much your only option left is to restore your iPhone/iPod Touch.

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

Cmd with Shift Key

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanBolshevik) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:25:00 +0000

Note: I am not responsible for anything you do with this (hacking administrative privileges like this can have questionable legality) or any damage done to your computer. Only do what I tell you to in the System32 directory and you will be fine on the damage aspect.

I stumbled upon an idea one night that I think might be a wonderful addition to the blog. Setting the command prompt to open up when you hit shift five times (usually activating stickykeys). Quick tip: as an added bonus, this can be used at the login screen, and is brought up as an Administrator command prompt (on the login screen). First, boot a linux live CD. This is necessary because Windows never gives you FULL access to your files, and you can't replace a few certain files that you need to. After booting the live cd navigate to your Windows partition, and go into to system32 directory. To clarify that is "%drivelabel%/Windows/System32", noting that the drive label will be different on most computers. Now make a copy of sethc.exe This is very important, in case you ever want to change it back. sethc.exe is the executable for stickykeys. Once you have copied it, delete the file and make a copy of cmd.exe, rename the copy to sethc.exe Boot into Windows and enjoy! Fun Fact: If you bring this up at the logon screen you can type explorer and it will start up Windows Explorer and you can have access to the computer on the SystemName account. This is an administrative account, just to let you know. And this requires no administrative access, it just relies on the fact that there is no BIOS password. Please note that it can be a bit glitchy here and there running explorer like this.

Note: I am not responsible for anything you do with this (hacking administrative privileges like this can have questionable legality) or any damage done to your computer. Only do what I tell you to in the System32 directory and you will be fine on the damage aspect.

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

Tethering the iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (AmericanBolshevik) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:53:00 +0000

Ok, so Apple announced tethering awhile ago at the Worldwide Developer's Conference. But here's the deal. AT&T is going to charge a crapload for it. Most likely 20-30 dollars a month. But you can do it now, for free. And no this doesn't require a jailbroken iPhone. I warn you though, it does violate your Terms of Service with AT&T. They can end your service, and will charge you the early contract termination fee. I am not responsible if this happens. I am also not responsible for any damage done to your iPhone. It should NEVER cause any, I just don't want people blaming the damage on tethering. Ok so you need to go to help.benm.at/help.php ON YOUR IPHONE. Scroll down to internet & tethering sections and tap the download button above the really long paragraph. Select your country then your carrier. Tap install for the mobileconfig. What this does is adds a tethering setting in your network settings. After installing this, reboot and go to your settings. General < Network < Internet Tethering and turn it on. You can use it over USB or Bluetooth. Plug in and enjoy. While tethering your screen should look something like what is to the right.

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

SwiftFix 01: Fast Rapidshare Downloading

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:05:00 +0000

Anybody that has downloaded has probably used or at least heard of Rapidshare, a file hosting site. To download quickly, you have to be a premium member, but nobody wants to pay about ten dollars a month just so it's a little quicker (or at least I don't)... I found a way so you don't have to wait for those ANNOYING countdowns or unable to download because you have reached your limit!

**Note: You must have Java installed on your browser to use this.

1. When you get to Rapidshare, click 'Free User' and you will be taken to the page with the countdown.

2. Go to the address bar in the browser and delete everything in it.

3. In the address bar, type:

javascript:alert(c=0)

4. The countdown will hit zero and you can download the file immediately!

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

How-To 02: Jailbreak iPhone OS 3.0.1 & 3GS

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Okay, by using this post, you can now update and jailbreak the 3.0.1 firmware and jailbreak the iPhone 3GS. This jailbreak is just for the iPhone 3G and 3GS though (because it just deals with MMS/SMS security). Just continue all of the steps, but instead of the 3.0 ipsw file, go here. Scroll down the bottom menu until you find your iPhone version and the 3.0.1 firmware to the right of it. Click 'Download' and then continue on with the steps in the other post.

If you have any questions, just leave a comment!

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

Sync Cracked Apps and Update Them!

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:09:00 +0000

Hey guys! I'm back again. It's been a while, but I now have a new post! This one Is pretty spectacular! It is a program to sync cracked apps and all around backup your iPhone or iPod Touch. It is for any firmware and for any iPod/iPhone version. The program is called 91 Mobile Assistant and you can download it here. It is 28.3 MB, so it should be a quick download unless you are still stuck in the stone-age dial-up.

When first installed and the application starts, everything will be in Chinese. DON'T WORRY! You can change the language to english. Click the icon of the iPhone in the white circle in the top left corner of the application. Click the only item in the menu with the black triangle to the right of it. Click the top item in the new sub-menu. When the pop-up box is visible, click YES. The application will restart and it will be in ENGLISH! YAY!

Click the picture of the CD and the box in blue at the left side of the screen; it is labeled 'Apps'. The application will check for updates for apps you have already cracked and re-download them if you so choose.

**NOTE: the first time you download from 91 Mobile, the app deletes all saved data, but it updates and keeps all data all other times you update with it.**

Okay, that's about it! You can play around with this program to backup notes, contacts, etc. Have Fun! If you have any questions, just leave a comment!

Remember, if you have a new idea, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

How-To 01: Jailbreaking iPod Touch/iPhone (Any Version)

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:31:00 +0000

Okay, this is my first How-To guide. I'm sure there will be more to come.

**EDIT: This guide can now be used with all the iPhone versions as well.**

READ EVERYTHING!!

I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR TO YOUR IPOD TOUCH!!

Okay, here are the steps to jailbreak your iPod. They are super easy! I'm assuming you have a PC. If you have a Mac or Linux, you'll have to find someone else. These are the links used and all of that stuff is tried, scanned, and tested by me. It works perfectly. Everything is free. You don't need to buy ANYTHING. I'm sorry if these steps make you feel dumb, I just put as much detail as I could to eliminate as many questions as possible. Also, I'm writing this on my iPod, so there might be some grammatical errors and missed steps because I can't see everything at once. Thanks for the cooperation. Again, if you have any questions, just email me! If you have already updated to 3.0 firmware, you don't have to do the first part of this guide.

TO UPDATE TO IPHONE 3.0 OS (FREE)

1. Download and install iTunes 8.2 (the newest right now)

2. Go to this site:
http://www.felixbruns.de/iPod/firmware/

3. On the bottom menu, the one where it says iPhone/iPod Touch, click the menu and scroll to find your iPhone/iPod Touch version and the 3.0 firmware to the left.

4. Click Download at the right.

5. Save the file to your desktop. Go to your desktop and change the filetype from .zip to .ipsw (If you can't see the file type, go to Folder Options and go to the View menu. Then scroll down and uncheck Hide Extensions for Known File Types. Click OK.)

6. Go to iTunes and go to your iPod Touch main menu. HOLD SHIFT and click the Update button. If your iPod is synced manually (there's a checkmark next to the item at the bottom of your iPod's main menu screen), you do not have to re-sync all of your media afterwards. If not, then you will have to re-sync.

7. Navigate to your desktop when the window comes up and double-click the firmware file.

8. Your iPod should start updating and stuff. It took only about 10-15 minutes for me, but it might take longer for you. Just wait until everything's done.

9. When your iPod reboots, you will now have the firmware for free. YAY!!!

JAILBREAKING YOUR IPOD

1. Download this zip file:
http://blog.alltechrelated.com/files/redsn0w-win_0.8.zip

2. Unzip to your desktop and put the file from steps 2 and 3 of the top process into that folder.

3. Click the redsn0w program to start jailbreaking.
(If you have Vista, right click the program and go to properties. Then go to the Compatability Mode menu and choose Windows XP Service Pack 2.)

4. Follow the on-screen instructions. (The only file that should come up in the browse window is the .ipsw file. Click that.) (When the step to install Cydia or Icy comes up, choose Cydia, it's WAY better.)

5. When it says done, press Finish. Wait for a jogging pineapple to come up and a progress bar to fill up on your iPod.

6. When your iPod reboots, you have successfully jailbroken your iPod Touch! YAY!!!

Again, if you have any questions, just email me at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com!

First Post!

noreply@blogger.com (Zortrox) — Sun, 31 May 2009 06:06:00 +0000

Hey, guys!

This is my first post. This isn't saying much except that I'm here and answering questions, giving how-to help if I can, and put interesting things on here. I will have a lot of free time this summer, so keep checking back for more how-to guides, and PLEASE if you want a how-to guide or if you want any questions answered, just send me an email at zortrox.blogspot@gmail.com and I'm here to help!

Thanks for visiting!