How To: Check iPhone 3GS New Bootrom or Old Bootrom (iBoot) Version

Courtesy of By Taimur Asad | June 25th, 2010

On Mac OS X

Step 1: Put your iPhone into DFU Mode (not recovery mode)

• Connect your iPhone to your computer.
• Turn iPhone off.
• Start iTunes.
• Hold Power and Home buttons together for 10 seconds or so.
• Release Power button but keep holding the Home button until your computer recognizes a new USB device.
• iTunes will now recognize your iPhone.

Note: Your iPhone screen at this time should be blank (black in color), if not, then you are most likely in Recovery Mode, not DFU mode.

Step 2: Run "System Profiler" and navigate to: Hardware -> USB (menu on left).

Step 3: At the top right under “USB Device Tree” panel click “Apple Mobile Device (DFU Mode)”.

Step 4: Now down under in “Serial Number”, simply go through the string and you’ll find the bootrom version (iBoot) as shown in the screenshots below:

iPhone 3GS – Old Bootrom 359.3

Step 5: If it’s 359.3, you have old bootrom. If it’s 359.3.2 or anything above that, its a new bootrom.

Note: In both the cases above, it doesn’t matter whether your iPhone is an MB model or an MC model. As long as it has 359.3 bootrom, it is iPhone 3GS with old bootrom, and if 359.3.2 or above then it is iPhone 3GS with new bootrom.

Internet Sharing from Macbook Pro to iPad

Today, I tried several experiments to see which works.

Internet <---> Ethernet <---> MBP <---> WiFi (Airport enabled) <---> iPad (THIS WORKS)

Internet <---> iPhone 3GS <---> USB <---> MBP <---> WiFi <---> iPad (WORKS)

Review - My Yoobao iPad Case

1. I have been searching high and low for the best iPad case.
2. Finally I decided to get Yoobao V2 from eBay. The seller seems genuine enough.
3. I have never purchased anything from eBay, but my previous and first experience in getting an STM XS Scout iPad Bag from Amazon encourage me to buy from online again.
4. The Yoobao iPad Case which I ordered from eBay arrived today (almost 10 days).

UPDATES - REVIEWS

• Review: 13 Reasons iLike iPad - How About You?
• Review: I Am A Student - Is It Worth To Buy an iPad?
• Review: After 1 month using iPad
• Review: What is it like after 2 months owning an iPad?
• Review: iPad - After More than 100 Days
• Review: After 4 months - List of my 11 Pages of iPad Apps
• Review: STM Scout XS
• Review: Screen Privacy Filter
• Review: Yoobao iPad Case
• Review: Apple Wireless Keyboard

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

iOS 4.0.1 to solve Antenna Problem or to Stop Jailbreak Solution?

Technically its not easy to fix the antenna problems with a software unless the iPhones are using some sort of smart antenna technology which uses software to "tunes" the signal strength (which I don't think Apple is using) coz they have boasted about the new Antenna body design.

Hardware method is the easiest way and that's why they introduced the iPhone 4 case "bumper". Technically its called "RF absorber". Many designs have used this method to reduce the RF interference. However, I am not sure other "plastic case" design by other manufacturers have same quality as Apple Bumpers or not.

However, I believed the software patch (as mentioned by Apple Insider) 4.0.1 (if released) is not trying to solve the Antenna problem but instead the software patch is trying to close any security holes for Jailbreak solutions. :hehe:

[How-To] - Enable Internet Tethering for Celcom

By default you cannot see the "Internet Tethering" feature General --> Network settings.
However, when you enable with the below Celcom settings, you will be able to see the "Internet Tethering" and also the camera icon at the SMS app (for sending MMS pictures).

With this feature, I am able to use my iPhone 3GS iOS 4.0 for Internet Tethering in replacement for the "MyWi" app. However, this solution is incomplete since my iPad WiFi cannot use the Internet Tethering, instead, it requires the WiFi and MyWi.

The moment you insert the APN "celcom3g" for "Internet Tethering", you will get the feature enabled.

UPDATES - REVIEWS

• Review: 13 Reasons iLike iPad - How About You?
• Review: I Am A Student - Is It Worth To Buy an iPad?
• Review: After 1 month using iPad
• Review: What is it like after 2 months owning an iPad?
• Review: iPad - After More than 100 Days
• Review: After 4 months - List of my 11 Pages of iPad Apps
• Review: STM Scout XS
• Review: Screen Privacy Filter
• Review: Yoobao iPad Case
• Review: Apple Wireless Keyboard

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

MyWi 3.x Crashed after iOS 4 Jailbreak

The main reason for my Jailbreak is to ensure I can get MyWi for my Internet Tethering needs.

However, after today's Jailbreak of the 3GS, I found out that my purchased/licensed MyWi is unable to be install properly.

I tried the other MyWi versions (No Rock) but keep getting the crash asked for a "Restart". Rebooting the iPhone doesn;t work since it still operate in "Safe Mode".

The only way to exit from the "Safe Mode" is to uninstall MyWi app.

Probably the current MyWi version is not compatible with iOS 4.0.

Just noticed this... Some of the apps are not compatible as yet..






Also, I happened to read this Forum post but its already too late... :-(

Click here --> iOS 4 and MyWi

From Rock Website: http://www.rockyourphone.com

Important Note: You need to have a jailbroken phone to install Rock Your Phone Applications. The information below will help guide you on getting Rock Your Phone onto your iPhone

---

Rock works best on the latest OS releases from Apple. If you have and iPhone or iPod Touch this means OS version 3.1.2 or 3.1.3 on the iPad the only OS is 3.2:

All users should use the newest jailbreak called Spirit which was released on May 2nd, 2010 to install RockApp on your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch.

Review - How to upgrade and Jailbreak a Blackra1n Jailbroken 3GS 3.1.2 to iOS 4.0

Finally, I have Jailbreak my iPhone 3.1.2 which was Jailbroken via Blackra1n to the latest Apple iOS 4.0 and Jailbreak with Pwnage Tool 4.0.1. You may click any of the articles below:

I followed closely this below articles:-

1 - How to Jailbreak Your iPhone 3GS Using PwnageTool (Mac) [4.0]

2 - Jailbreak and Unlock iPhone 3gS to iOS4 (also downgrade to lower firmwares) on Mac

3 - iTunes: Backing up, updating, and restoring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch software

4 - iOS4 jailbreak pwnagetool - cydia crash

I have to create the custom ipsw twice to get the Cydia working. The first one crashed because I have enabled and downloaded some sources during the Pwnage process.

(Note: Ensure to "uncheck" the "Activate iPhone" because mine is officially unlocked)

In preparation for an iOS 4 Upgrade - Things To Do

If you have the following:-

- iPhone 3GS (Model MC)

- FW 3.1.2 / Baseband: 05.11.07

- Jailbreak with Spirit

- Old Bootroom (S/N: XX932XXXXXX means Week 32 Year 2009) Note: Newer Bootroom is week 40 and above)

However, Dev Team, have commented in their Forum the following statement:-

"iPhone 3GS

Summary: Currently, PwnageTool only works on previously jailbroken 3GS devices with the old bootrom.

• If you have a Jailbroken iPhone 3GS with the OLD BOOTROM and you DID NOT use Spirit to jailbreak then you can create the ipsw with PwnageTool 4.0 and restore with your jailbroken recovery mode.
• If you have an iPhone 3GS with the NEW BOOTROM this is NOT supported by PwnageTool 4.0 PwnageTool 4.01"

Since you have Jailbreak using Spirit and since there is no Spirit Jailbreak for iOS 4 yet, you have to do the following:-

1 - Restore back to 3.1.2 (Ensure SHSH is backup via Cydia)

2 - Jailbreak using Redsn0w. See --> HERE

3 - Jailbreak using Pwnage 4.0.1. See --> HERE

Update:

However, today, I realized I have not Jailbreak using Spirit but using a method called Blackra1n. If this is the case, I might be able to Jailbreak my 3.1.2 iPhone 3GS to iOS 4.

Just in case you have problem ... see this article --> Jailbreak and Unlock iPhone 3gS to iOS4 (also downgrade to lower firmwares) on Mac

[HOW-TO]: Backup and Reinstall Cydia Packages

Someone commented in a Forum ..

"As with any upgrade to the iPhone Firmware, there has never been a way to upgrade any firmware with out losing your jailbreak. Here is my suggestion to you. I use a program called PKGBACKUP. You can buy it on cydia. this program creates a backup list of all your cydia installed packages. Once done you sync your iphone with itunes and that list gets backed up. Then you can re-jailbreak once the jailbreak for iOS 4 comes out. Reinstall PkgBackup. Restore your iphone's backup from itunes. Run PkgBackup and then you can reinstall all your cydia packages. I've used this in past in it has worked flawlessly.!!"

There is an article from Apple website on how to backup, update and restore your iPod and iPhone --> HERE


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

How To Check Which Telco Support Unlock iPhone and Internet Tethering?

This is a good article from Apple that showed which telcos supports the "Official Unlock" and also that supports "Internet Tethering". Click HERE.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Where is the ipsw file located after downloaded via iTunes?

Mac OS X

For iPhone: ~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates

For iPod touch: ~/Library/iTunes/iPod Software Updates

(The tilde "~" represents your Home directory.)

Windows XP

For iPhone: C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates

For iPod touch: C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates

Windows Vista

For iPhone: C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates

For iPod touch: C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates

iOS 4 ipsw Download Links

iOS 4 external download links

iPhone 4

iPhone 3GS

iPhone 3G

iPod Touch 3rd Gen

iPod Touch 2nd Gen

The update/installation guide can be found here.

Update 1: Ultrasn0w 0.93 has been released, which brings unlock for iOS 4 and all other basebands since iPhone 3.0. Details here.

Review: What is it like after 2 months owning an iPad?

Since its official release date on April 3, 2010 (WiFi version), the iPad had received numerous reviews - both good and bad. Many Forums received repeated questions such as should I buy the iPad or not, Macbook Air or iPad, iPad 3G or WiFi, etc.

Many early adopters just cannot wait to own an iPad because Apple release the official iPad only in certain selected countries. Singapore will get their sometime in July 2010 but nowhere in the time frame mentioned about Malaysia.

Personally, I managed to purchase the iPad when I was in Taiwan and ggot it after 2 weeks of its official release. Malaysians also can buy their iPad at some shops especially at Low Yat Plaza or even in some of the Net Forums like Low Yat Net. But the cost is still way too high as compared to the price which was released in USA. Its the price that early adopters need to pay - premium. The advantage is that these users have early experience of using an iPad. It certainly attracts other users in envy.

In my earlier posts (After 1 month), I have indicated how I am going to use the iPad in my daily life. That was quite sometime ago. Okay - what is like after 2 months of using that "awesome" device?

Honestly, not all the things which I wished earlier became true in my daily usage. It needs discipline to make the iPad as your daily companion. So - what are my common applications which I used daily? They are:-

1 - Safari Browser - I used this quite a lot to browse the Net for more information. The ease of browsing is the key factor and I used this almost 80% of my usage time.
2 - Facebook client - Although iPad doesn't have a native application yet, it is still my favorite social networking client. Since I have Jailbreak the iPad, I can "force" the FB client to be like a "native iPad" app (unlike the 2x feature).
3 - Twitter Client - another past time of mine.
4 - ToDo - This app helps to manage my daily Things To Do. Excellent utility to remind me of TTD.
5 - BlogPress - excellent way to update my Blog.

Although I have purchased apps like Goodreader, DocsToGo, iAnnotate PDF, My Library etc. I still don't find the time to use them to the fullest.

The question remained - Are you a Consumer or Creator of contents? For most people, iPad are meant for people who consumed information a LOT more than creating contents. A laptop/notebook/desktop like the Macbook are great in creating contents e.g. word processing, powerpoint, spreadsheet, photo or movie editing etc.

Looking at the usage above, I am still a "Consumer" of information... :-)

UPDATES:

Other Reviews:

• Review: After 1 month using iPad
• Review: What is it like after 2 months owning an iPad?
• Review: iPad - After More than 100 Days
• Review: 13 Reasons iLike iPad - How About You?
• Review: I Am A Student - Is It Worth To Buy an iPad?

 - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Yoobao iPad Case V 2.0 - Brown

Just bought an iPad case from eBay.

I have been reading too much on the Net just to get a suitable iPad case which have safety flap that secures the iPad from slipping out. Send an email to the seller (ebesthoo168) at eBay enquiring few things.

Got the below answer from him (ebesthoo168):-

we confirm that:
1. the brown case with that big glap, not the 2 straps!!

2. the color is light is b rown ,not BLACK!

3. if ship by Registered Air Mail(by fault,we only select it),it will take 10-21 days to reach you! total psyment(include the ship fee) is $49.98!

4. if you need very fast, please select fastpost(EMS/DHL),but its ship fee is very expensive,please contact us before you bid upon!!

Update (June 18, 2010): Item shipped on June 17, 2010.
Update (July 23, 2010): It was tested till today regarding the effects of Magnetic Flaps and it was found "None". Everything is okay.

UPDATES - REVIEWS

• Review: 13 Reasons iLike iPad - How About You?
• Review: I Am A Student - Is It Worth To Buy an iPad?
• Review: After 1 month using iPad
• Review: What is it like after 2 months owning an iPad?
• Review: iPad - After More than 100 Days
• Review: After 4 months - List of my 11 Pages of iPad Apps
• Review: STM Scout XS
• Review: Screen Privacy Filter
• Review: Yoobao iPad Case
• Review: Apple Wireless Keyboard

Online Purchase

Although I hve many times made online bill payments, funds transfer and subscribing to online services, the feeling is not the same as making physical purchase over the internet.

For example, buying a bag is very difficult mainly because I cannot feel the material, visualize the size and looks of the bag. For example, recently I made a purchase of the iPad Messenger Bag from STM Bag. After a couple of weeks surveying the online for the right model, I decided STM Scout XS is the one but I am still undecided because there are not many reviews on the Net. Some are good and some aren't. A better source of review would be fromYoutube since someone can actually show and comment almost single thing about the Bag. This is quite useful.

Another problem is the color looks different from the website and the one being reviewed over the Youtube.

Finally, after choosing the model and color, the problem would be where to purchase. Couple of sites allowed us to buy online but only Amazon allow to deliver to an overseas address.

Adding the postage and handling is really expensive especially for single purchase. Once ordered, its a matter of anxiously waiting for the parcel to arrive. It more more than 7 business days to arrive. Not bad. I was expecting on June 24 but arrived on June 9.




However, for this first real online purchase, I am very satisfied with the product and delivery.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

In Search of the Best iPad Case...

I am trying to buy a better case for my iPad because it seems to slide out from the case quite easily. Someone do recommend to use the Velcro to stick a the back of the iPad.

Here are some good sites to search iPad case

(1) - iPad Case Store

(2) The Complete Guide to iPad Cases and Protection

-------------

(a) Tuff-Luv - Buy from Amazon.

(b) Another one --> VR260-XGear iPad Folio case

Review: STM Scout XS

Received my iPad bag today from STM Bag. Ordered this from Amazon which is shipped on June 2. The parcel actually arrived on June 11 but unable to deliver since there is no one at home to accept.

Picked up the bag at the Post Office.





Quite a small bag with the size 10".







It can fit both the iPad and Apple Wireless Keyboard nicely and snuggly. It got enough padding to ensure the iPad is safe from any knocks.







Even tho' it can be seen like keyboard slightly portrude, however, when it is tucked with the bag's flap, it looks quite fitting.














SPECIFICATIONS

• High density padding and soft felt laptop lining surrounds your digital gear
• Velcro closure over laptop section for added protection
• Secure buckle closure for main bag
• Front utility pocket for keys, pens, cords, phone, etc.
• Front slip document pocket
• New STM design shoulder pad for carrying comfort
• Holds most 11" laptops/netbooks and a perfect fit for the iPad
• Main fabric: 14oz water resistant canvas
• Lining: 210D water resistant nylon
• Weight: 1.2 lbs 0.5 kg

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

UPDATES - REVIEWS

• Review: 13 Reasons iLike iPad - How About You?
• Review: I Am A Student - Is It Worth To Buy an iPad?
• Review: After 1 month using iPad
• Review: What is it like after 2 months owning an iPad?
• Review: iPad - After More than 100 Days
• Review: After 4 months - List of my 11 Pages of iPad Apps
• Review: STM Scout XS
• Review: Screen Privacy Filter
• Review: Yoobao iPad Case
• Review: Apple Wireless Keyboard

HOW FaceTime Works?

Someone posted this comment on how FaceTime works..

"Speaking of FaceTime, Jobs mentioned that it's only available on wi-fi until U.S. carriers improve their bandwidth and reliability. But at the same time, he was clear that FaceTime is strictly a service available between two iPhone 4s -- Macs with an integral camera and iChat are out of luck. It turns out this isn't some arbitrary limitation, though, because FaceTime requires a telephone connection despite its reliance on wi-fi.

Here's how it works: An iPhone 4 user calls a fellow iPhone 4 owner over GMS. Once the connection is made, both callers press a FaceTime icon, which activates the camera and causes the connection to shift entirely to wi-fi. For the time being, iPhones are the only Apple devices capable of both phone calls and wireless connections, and the iPhone 4 is the only model with a front-facing camera, meaning that FaceTime is limited to iPhone 4 out of necessity. No doubt that will change over time, and chances are good that non-Apple devices will make use of the tech as well since Apple has declared it an open standard.

My hope is that the open nature of FaceTime means that App developers will be able to incorporate it into games and other software. I can't actually imagine how it would be integrated into a game, but the possibility is intriguing nevertheless. But even if FaceTime remains strictly a "welcome to the future" version of standard telephone, its inclusion (and the various improvements to the hardware design, to say nothing of the improved battery life) makes iPhone 4 a much more impressive update to the device than last year's 3GS."

My comment - its too complicated and it needs other iPhone 4 to communicate.... I don't think this feature will fly....

My iPad 3.2 and iPhone 3GS 3.1.2 can have Multitasking

I installed Backgrounder and Circuitous and voila! I have Multitasking on both devices without upgrading to iOS 4.

We can set how to toggle the Dock with different buttons. My easiest one would be to "Double Tap" the status bar.

By pressing and holding the Home button during any of tje apps that we are running, will enable it to be run on the background (Background Enabled status can be seen).


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad