iPhone firmware 1.1.1 has brought in a great deal of disappointment for iPhone owners, not only did it partially brick the unlocked iPhones (apparently maliciously) where the unlocking mechanism of the iPhone Dev Team was used it also has made all the cool iPhone hacks unusable.
Apple seems to have missed the pulse of the iPhone owners as what made the iPhone truly revolutionary was not just the iPhone but was also because of the cool iPhone applications that were released by the iPhone hacking community.
Lets have a look at what's on offer with iPhone 1.1.1 in comparison to the hacked iPhone.
As can be seen below, folks at Wired have put together a very cool at-a-glance checklist image (based on ) which gives a good comparison on what the iPhone 1.1.1 has to offer in comparison to the hacked iPhone (firmware 1.0.2). The breaking news on iPhone's firmware update bricking unlocked iPhone's and making iPhone hacks unusable has seen a overwhelming response; I must admit I haven't observed so must disgust shown by Apple's lovers before.
It might be foolish for Apple to think that they have won the cat and mouse game Steve Jobs talked about recently as it is killer applications like YouTube or Google Maps on the iPhone or SlingPlayer Mobile on Nokia N95 that will make them revolutionary. Its not just the hardware that will be enough to achieve greatness but you need software too to compliment the hardware.
Here is a list of iPhone hacks and applications which had made the iPhone truly revolutionary so far:
Carrier and Cheap Roaming:
You could use any GSM provider SIM with the options mentioned below:
anySIM 1.0.2 - Free GUI based iPhone SIM unlock tool:
After approximately two and half months of hard work, the iPhone Dev Team have achieved their objective of unlocking the iPhone, they have just announced the free GUI based iPhone SIM unlock tool called "anySIM" for complete freedom from AT&T. For more details click here.
iPhoneSIMFree - iPhone software-only SIM unlocking hack:
After quite a few delays resulting in many doubting the authenticity of the hack which resulted in numerous videos to prove that it was for real, the software-only unlocking hack from iPhoneSIMFree is finally available for individual iPhone users via four online retailers across the globe. For more details click here.
Instant Messaging:
MobileChat: Native Instant Messaging client for iPhone:
Hackers @ Twenty08 have released the latest iPhone hack called "MobileChat" which is the second native IM client since ApolloIM was released. Click here for more details.
Apollo IM: First unauthorized Instant Messaging client for iPhone:
iPhone hacking community has been busy releasing native iPhone applications after the first "Hello World" application. The latest iPhone hack is interestingly the first native iPhone instant messaging client called "Apollo IM". Apollo v1.0 also supported AIM, ICQ, and MSN with Jabber expected soon. Click here for more details.
Retrogaming:
Release Candidate 1 of Nintendo emulator for the iPhone released
The iPhone hacking community had brought the Nintendo emulator to the iPhone couple of weeks back, however, it was still early days for the iPhone hack. Nervegas has been working on enhancing it and the iPhone hacking genius who had taken stepwhite's iPhoneNES program and rewritten to make it to make it run fast has just released 0.99.00 version of the release, ready for prime-time or to put it more appropriately, Release Candidate 1 for NES emulator is now available. Click here for more details.
Command Line:
Over at the #iphone channel at irc.osx86.hu, the thoroughly awesome NerveGas has figured out how to enable ssh on the iPhone without using restore mode. The secret lies in overwriting an existing binary and plist to trick the iPhone into calling chmod on the Dropbear ssh server and making it executable. Follow this link for more details.
Remote Desktop:
VNsea is a graphical (duh) VNC client for the iPhone and presumably the iPod touch, based on Chicken of the VNC for Mac OS X. Follow this link for more details.
Global Positioning:
Latest iPhone Hack brings Navizon's Virtual GPS to iPhone:
One of features missing from the iPhone's rich feature list is a Global Positioning System (GPS), which is now rumored will be available only in the 2nd generation iPhone sometime next year along with 3G support. However, if you have already bought the iPhone and can't wait then there is some good news for you as an alternative is now available. The latest iPhone hack has made it possible to bring Navizon's Virtual GPS to the iPhone. For more details click here.
Voice Recorder:
Steve Jobs promises iPhone voice recorder, hacker delivers:
If you did not find the iPhone voice recorder which Steve Jobs had promised when he announced the iPhone in his Keynote address in January, don't worry as Erica Sadun from Tuaw has just developed the latest iPhone hack, the iPhone voice recorder. Click here for more details.
IRC:
If you are one of those who are hooked on to IRC (Internet Relay Chat) and are on the lookout for new applications for your iPhone, then there is some good news. Folks at GearLive have published a tutorial to help you get IRC running on your iPhone. Click here for more details.
eBook Reader:
A native eBook reader for the iPhone. Capable of reading HTML and plain text stored on your iPhone. Click here for more details.
File Browser:
iFuntastic v2.5 now also has a iPhone file browser
One of the coolest hacking tool to be released for the iPhone has been iFuntastic as it bought GUI to iPhone hacks thus making it possible for the not so technically inclined to use them. We had v2.1 which had the capabilities of adding custom ringtones, changing carrier logo and reordering application icons on iPhone's home screen. bitSpilt, has now released v2.5.0 of the tool with a new feature: a full iPhone file browser. For more details click here.
Note: Office reference and Delete menu items has not been covered due to lack of information, in case you can any information on these hacks please do share them them in the comments.
And now lets have a look at the new features introduced with iPhone Firmware 1.1.1:
- iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store
- Louder speakerphone and receiver volume
- Home Button double-click shortcut to phone favorites of music controls
- Space bar double-tap shortcut to intelligently insert period and space
- Mail attachments are viewable in portrait and landscape
- Stocks and cities in Stocks and Waether can be re-ordered
- Apple Bluetooth Headset battery status in the Status Bar
- Support for TV Out
- Preference to turn off EDGE/GPRS when roaming internationally
- New Passcode lock time intervals
- Adjustable alert volume
I guess other than iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store (which too you can live without) nothing earth shattering to really convince anyone to update your iPhone with this latest firmware in case they are enjoying the iPhone applications mentioned above or have unlocked their iPhone.
I would agree with Brian Lam of Gizmodo that it is understandable from Apple's point of view to try and block users from unlocking their iPhone's as it directly impacts their revenues from fees with AT&T (though), but there isn't any justification to wipe out the cool iPhone applications especially when they haven't really delivered anything significant with regards to applications for the iPhone since its launch.
I read somewhere an article which had the subject line of the firmware fiasco as "iPhone Hackers - 1 and Apple Engineers - 1", in my opinion for Apple Engineers to be given 1 point they need to turn all those red crosses into green ticks.
If you are iPhone owner it would be great to know in the comments if you stuck with your hacked iPhone or you updated your iPhone to firmware 1.1.1 and the reason for making that choice.
Update (30th September):
[via Wired]
You might be interested in checking out these iPhone Applications which do not need iPhone hacks:
WebEx's PCNow brings Corporate Email, Skype via remote desktop
Edit, Format and Share Word Documents using your iPhone with Glide Mobile
Veveo's vTap brings video from all over the web to the iPhone
I live in Germany and I bought an iPhone in the US through eBay. Unluckily enough, just a couple of days before Steve "the marketing Genius" Jobs decided the price drop. That mad me SO happy. Now he's "fighting" against the so-called hackers, who are delivering tons of useful software, and above all locking again the cellulars. Well I'm happy with my 1.0.2 formware. I don't really give a damn if I can't add nice ringtones playing at a decent volume: it's a detail. Wi-Fi iTunes Music? What's that? Anyone giving another nice damn?
If I have to stay with 1.0.2, then be it. I still paid my iPhone less than buying it (later) in Germany, with the obligation of a contract.
And the main point is, progress always came from ideas generated by other ideas. This s**t called "intellectual property" is the death of progress. I wish Apple would take a different road. I'm a customer since 1986, but if this is their politics now, I'll learn Linux and send Apple to hell.
Here's the same thing I posted on Gizmodo's original version of this article:
This article couldn't be more retarded.
The 10-15% of iPhone users who "hack" their phones do exactly that. They either "Unshackle" "Jailbreak" or in some cases "Unlock" their phones.
(Which by the way, leaves the vast majority of users purchasing the phone to use as it is.)
Only the densest of idiots would go through the pitch, the sale, and then activity of performing one of these modifications without realizing that this isn't an intended "feature".
When the phone came out, there were no options for native applications. There were no unlocks to allow it on other services. The phone we have today is better still, due to a nice and considerable upgrade in software and firmware.
Point being: I know where Apple is coming from, and it was pretty obvious where they were going. I had my phone hacked up nicely too, with a custom UI which I honestly miss.
But I knew this was coming since the first day I read about unshackling, and you should have too. It's called "Unshackling" for a reason. It exists because Apple obviously does not want us toying with the iPhones innards.
This doesn't make the phone any less purchase-worthy. Most Applications you list are either frivolous fluff, or things you could already do using online-applications made for the iPhone. You really think more than 1% of iPhone users know how (or even want to?) to use a command line? You're convinced that NES program (with it's horrible controls, and sluggish rendering) is a "killer app"?
If you are honestly going to write demeaning articles every time you want to throw a fit because you didn't get your way, then perhaps MySpace would be better suited for you.
The phone is no worse than when it came out a few months ago. It was great then, and even better now. You are throwing a tantrum, and simply hoping people will join in.
Grow up.
- Xidius
Hey i was kind of over exited over thia itunes wifi music store and updated my iphone to the new version without thinking it and now i realized it was a mistake. is there any way i can update to the previous firmwares??
Xiduis… let me start by saying how completely retarded that was.. you must be one of those that likes taking it in the ass from Apple.. you probably buy your ringtones and purchase your music from itunes. you're completely boring.. for the record, the instant messaging, ringtones apps, voice recorder, and sim unlock were the apps intended to be prominent
Xidius – Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Please find my response to your comment below:
You said:
The 10-15% of iPhone users who "hack" their phones do exactly that. They either "Unshackle" "Jailbreak" or in some cases "Unlock" their phones.
(Which by the way, leaves the vast majority of users purchasing the phone to use as it is.)
Only the densest of idiots would go through the pitch, the sale, and then activity of performing one of these modifications without realizing that this isn't an intended "feature".
My comments:
You might call us idiots, but this is a group of people who are passionate of their iPhone's too just like you but they want it to be even better as some of things are still not possible with the iPhone and they have the technical skills to do it.
It is quite safe to assume that the majority of those who unlocked their iPhone are those where iPhone isn't available yet in their country or AT&T has very poor coverage in their area but like you they too want to get their hands on Apple's latest product which is probably the most-hyped gadget ever created. Lets remember even now US is the only country where you can buy the iPhone.
Also if someone is smart enough to hack or unlock the iPhone then you will agree that they are smart enough to know iPhone hacks are not intended features.
You said:
When the phone came out, there were no options for native applications. There were no unlocks to allow it on other services. The phone we have today is better still, due to a nice and considerable upgrade in software and firmware.
My comments:
I do agree that with the three firmware updates the iPhone indeed has got better especially with the iTunes Wi-Fi feature but the updates so far have been marginal.
I still see some basic functionality missing like the copy and paste functionality working or the instant messaging feature.
However, I do understand that the best part about the iPhone is that Apple has the ability to release new applications using the firmware updates on the fly and maybe it will get accelerated after Leopard's launch.
I don't see anything wrong in iPhone owners who bought them 3 months back wanting to add those features on their own now.
You said:
Point being: I know where Apple is coming from, and it was pretty obvious where they were going. I had my phone hacked up nicely too, with a custom UI which I honestly miss.
My comments:
Frankly I had expected Apple to deliver a lot more so I really do not know where they are going but as I had mentioned in my earlier post I just hope as they are heading towards turning all those red crosses above into green ticks rather than trying to block iPhone hacks.
You said:
But I knew this was coming since the first day I read about unshackling, and you should have too. It's called "Unshackling" for a reason. It exists because Apple obviously does not want us toying with the iPhones innards.
My comments:
I am sure you will give the folks who have technical skills to hack their iPhone some benefit of the doubt; they would have known too and would have expected that Apple will take some steps to prevent it.
You said:
This doesn't make the phone any less purchase-worthy. Most Applications you list are either frivolous fluff, or things you could already do using online-applications made for the iPhone. You really think more than 1% of iPhone users know how (or even want to?) to use a command line? You're convinced that NES program (with it's horrible controls, and sluggish rendering) is a "killer app"?
My comments:
Its your opinion that the applications are frivolous; others who had them or still have them on their iPhone and enjoying them might disagree with your opinion for eg. Brian Lam over at Gizmodo seemed to like the NES program and personally I think the applications to get custom ringtones as well as Summerboard app (can go on…) are great. If Apple can better these Applications then I don't think anybody would be complaining.
So lets agree to disagree here.
You said:
If you are honestly going to write demeaning articles every time you want to throw a fit because you didn't get your way, then perhaps MySpace would be better suited for you.
The phone is no worse than when it came out a few months ago. It was great then, and even better now. You are throwing a tantrum, and simply hoping people will join in.
Grow up.
My Comments:
I will consider your MySpace suggestion though currently I have better things to do.
Thanks for your feedback.
hell yeah i fuct around and updated mine also, last night to b exact, i wanted to cry do you kno how long it took to put all that cool shyt on my phone please tell me how to get it back.
Me and my wife each have an iphone. I installed the hacks on mine and she didn't. Not because she didn't want to but simply because I wanted to compare mine with hers' with the latest 1.1.1 firmware. I wasn't impressed with the 1.1.1 firmware at all. I won't upgrade mine. Apple would be foolish not to allow openware programs to be installed on the phone. It would only help their sale number in a long run. Why would Steve jobs care if the software I installed MIGHT "damage" my phone? I paid for the phone out of my own pocket, it wasn't FREE. Let us do what we want with it. It's MY PHONE…..got it?? MINE.I hope the hackers team will find the hack to 1.1.1 firmware. Good Luck and thanks !!!!
Well, being one of those suckers that likes to support artists by actually buying their music i got pretty excited about the new upgrade. since i unwittingly signed up to an ATT business plan for the rest of my phone number's life, I used independence to ehhem… "bypass" the activation stage. Since then this phone has literaly changed the way i go about my daily life in incredibly positive ways. So the way i see it, even if i am stuck at version 1.0.1 for the next few years (although im pretty confident the dev team can pull off a hack within the week) this phone is still light years ahead of anything out there so I think I can learn to cope! : )
I love JailBreak, AnySim and my 102 software. I dont think Im going to do any software upgrade, until my hacker friends bypass this release.
Lets go and keep kicking apple!!!
By the way, my phone will raise its price with this software upgrade….
Xidius… your a fag, go play dress up with Oscar De La Hoya.
Let me start off with a little back story. A few years ago, with some extra money from my tax return, I decided to purchase my first iPod. Since the store was sold out of the 40gb B&W models, for a few dollars more, I settled on the newer 40gb iPod Photo. (That was when iPods actually came with accessories like a charger, case, dock, AV cables and more).
Now, after purchasing my iPhone a few weeks ago I was not too happy to find out there was no video out and no way to add custom ring tones. After searching around, I found this great hacking site that told me how to add my own ring tones. A week later I heard about how the new Firmware added the TV out feature. I was ecstatic. I thought to myself, "I can finally watch videos on any TV including the one at work." The dilemma was should I update and lose my personal ring tones just so I can enjoy videos at work? Since work sucks when nothings on TV, and I have complete faith that the dev team will find newer hacks, I updated.
The first thing I did when the update was complete was to watch a video on my TV using the AV (composite) cable that I had from my old iPod. The only thing I got out of the TV was sound. No video. I do know a lot about AV so I tried everything. Still no video. The only thing I can think of is that Apple wants me to buy the newer, more expensive AV (component) cables so they can make a few more Million$.
In closing, Fuck Apple and the whole Music Industry if they think I should pay any more money for a ring tone when I have a giant library of CD's that I purchased over the years with my hard earned cash. I'm sick of billion dollar companies trying to come up with more ways for you to pay for items 2,3,5 times over again.
Let's see… Apple IS a business. We bought their product. They are trying to legitimately offer a service, while keeping their company afloat. If you don't remember, they almost went under at one time. If it weren't for them "taking our money" there wouldn't be an iPhone to hack. I hacked my iPhone, but ended taking it all off besides the ringtones. Then Apple gave us ringtones. This country has laws. If you want to steal your music, go ahead. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
I do think Apple should let 3rd Party developers make programs, but we shouldn't get mad at them for making us pay for ringtones like EVERY OTHER CARRIER.
All of you are crying like little kids.
Actually, not all carriers force you to pay for ringtones. With phones such as the RAZR, you can transfer music files to a storage card, and then to your phone, to use as a ringtone. I agree that you shouldn't steal music, but paying for a ringtone when you already own the music doesn't seem fair. I know that the music industry is losing money with all the illegal downloading, but people who legitimately buy music should not be charged again to use it.
Judging from the way this firmware release went, I wouldn't be surprised if the iPhone dev team or some other group focused on releasing a full fledged (non-authorized) update that could be used to essentially reformat/reinstall an iPhone (everything including the baseband). It could also come with AppTap pre-installed as well as other applications. The update would obviously be based on 1.0.2.
I'm torn over this. I knew it was coming, I wanted some of the new features – but miss the instant chat with ApolloIM and VoiceRecorder. I just don't understand why Apple don't contract with these people and include this shyt with their releases! Great way to keep everyone happy.
Let me clear a few things up. What I said about being sick with these billion dollar companies was pointed at any big business, not just Apple. Companies always find ways to make their products quickly obsolete, so in turn you will buy more of the same thing over and over again.
Now, my biggest problem does lie with the Record Industry. I am a lifelong music fan and musician. I don't steal music. I pointed out that I do have a giant collection of CD's. I refuse to pay for a music file if I can have the physical album in my hand. I'm tired of the Music Industry crying broke, when they have no talent singers making Millions of dollars and acting like lunatics. But that's another rant.
My point is, my last 2 cell phones, both Nokias, let me add whatever ring tones I wanted all through a FREE downloadable program.
I'm not complaining about my iPhone. It's one of the greatest products to come along in a long time. I'm just tired of getting charged for more and more things when they all used to be free.
1. Activated the iphone using itunes with my brother's personal AT&T Account.
2. Jailbroke the iphone with ibrkr.
3. Installed file named "lockdownd" in the following directory in the iphone /usr/libexec/.
4. Replaced my brother's newly Activated SIM Card in the iphone with my AT&T business account SIM Card.
5. Started using the iphone with all functionality but visual voicemail.
6. A few days ago I downloaded a bunch of apps.
The question is how can I avoid upgrading to the new firmware ? Does it automatically happen ? Does anyone know if I would be affected if I DO upgrade the firmware.
Appreciate any help here….thanx
Dear TC, it's a general attitude and it's horrible. Ever heard of "Trusted Computer"? Nice thing where the company allows or doesn't allow what to install in YOUR pc. By the way, can you control what THEY install?
And concerning business: in a capitalistic society like the one we are supposedly living, other people could make money by creating and selling cool applications for (for instance) an iPhone. The advantage would be on the side of the consumer (you, me, and anybody else). But guess what? Since Apple doesn't agree with that, we all should wait, maybe never get some of those applications, and those who could profitably create and sell them… just loosea nice opportunity of making money. You know what? This is not the model of a capitalistic society. It's the social model of Middle Age. And the best thins is that there are people SUPPORTING this perversion of the system. I guess you, and Xidius too, are warm supporters of the Enron managers LOL
Hey Huey, you may have already figured it out, but you don't have to be afraid of plugging your phone in to sync or anything. iTunes ASKS if you want to upgrade; just click "upgrade later" and "don't ask me again" and you'll be fine.
oh, just read your whole post. You most certainly will lose all your apps and from what i've read, probably will lose all functionality (the dreaded brick). I'm in exactly the same situation you are in (ATT Business) and as cool as the iTunes store app is, i'm way too in love with my iPhone to risk it. I'm planning on waiting until a hack is developed (if one ever is) and tested before i upgrade. (see my post above)
Just be glad you don't have to use a treo : )
Cheers
Bottom line… Apple is producing a mediocre product and they know it.
Yes, the iphone hardware and new phone paradigm in usability is great (we all love it).
However, without an array of applications and software features the hardware and limited software will only get you a mediocre product. Apple has provided the bare minimum in software applications / features in many areas. I’m sure many would argue Apple does not even meet the minimum (i.e. voice recorder, IM, voice activated dialing -lame to have a blue tooth headset and no voice commands, etc)
Instead of offering v1.1.1 with new applications for the users, they provide access to iTunes via Wi-Fi to collect more $.
Apple could be making the iphone so much more then what it is. It is mind boggling that they do not have better apps / features. I can only conclude that Apple has limitations with the current AT&T contract (i.e. support concerns, etc). The more apps there are on the iphone the more users will require support and AT&T/Apple incur cost issues. Perhaps Apple is trying to ride the support balance? It is the only logical conclusion as to why Apple is not creating the applications and why they will not allowing 3rd party developers to create the applications. I’m sure there own history and mind set plays a role in there decisions – Apple seems to be repeating history with the iphone.
The hacker community is simply trying to fill the gap (that apple should be filling but is not). I‘m thankful we have the hacking community and some really smart people out there – they fill the gaps and give us a choice. Thanks.
So what will the next few years hold for the iphone?
Will Apple start developing the applications users are wanting for the iphone?
Will Apple allow 3rd party developers to create the applications?
Will competing iphone products gain market share faster due to Apple providing a mediocre product?
My take is Apple will start producing additional applications for the iphone that users want, but they will start with applications that benefit Apple first and the users second (i.e. revenue, support). Which means for the time being Apple will produce the applications internally until they start seeing competing products on the market. Then Apple will open up and provide an SDK to 3rd party developers.
We will see a number of competing iphone products on the market over the next few years that will eat at apples current phone interface paradigm. If Apple continues to move at a snails pace for user application demand, then the up and coming phones will reverse Apples market share.
What I would be interest in finding out is why Apple chose a business revenue model based on carrier sales and not simply selling the shit out of the iphone world wide with 3rd party application support on day one! If they had done this the majority of cell phone users in the world would have an iphone – many for the first time owning an Apple product.
I personally have never owned an Apple product until I purchased an iPhone.
I am sold on the interface as the new phone standard, but I am felling badly deprived in applications and features on the iphone.
What are your thoughts?
Quick question
If I buy an iphone today
and it has the old version of software on it
when i go to activate the phone in itunes will they force me to update to the new ;currently unhackable; software?
Hey Mr man, you will NOT be forced to update to the new firmware version in case you are lucky to buy a new iPhone with the older firmware. When you are prompted for the iPhone Software Update you have an option to cancel it.
I agree with you, Dennis. Lack of competition (for now) allows Apple to just collect as much revenues as they can, leaving customers as priority number two (or three…). Frankly I also don't understand the strategy behind this attitude. We thought Apple abandoned the "for the rest of us" crap with the iPod and the introduction of the Intel-based machines. Larger customer base means more items sold = more profit. Now, competitors in the cellular phones market won't stay at the window: given the success of the iPhone, they will quickly start offering something similar. At that point, wouldn't it be crucial for Apple having sold the largest possible number of iPhones? And by allowing 3rd party applications to be developed and released, wouldn't this dramatically help sales in the invasion of the cellphones market?
So, I feel quite perplexed. Trading the largest possible customer base for a share in AT&T' (and other operators) revenues? Doesn't sound so smart to me. I hope it doesn't end up like the Newton fiasco.
It's funny to see some of these pro apple comments and how those people who hacked their phone are idiots.
The single best thing to happen to the iphone and its sales was the hacking.
See how many apple now sell; the cost of the iphone was way too high, much more than its production cost, yet apple as usual wanted to have their at&t cake and eat it.
Oh and everything can be hacked eventually.
"Last night, iPhone hackers "dinopio" and "Edgan" brought 1.1.1 hacking into a new arena. By using symbolic links before doing a 1.1.1 upgrade, they were able to gain access to the entire 1.1.1 file tree. "