January 2008

iPhone: Jailbreaking of Firmware 1.1.3 – not for me, yet!

by Michael Sheehan on January 28, 2008

in Apple, Cellular, Gadgets, General, Hardware, iPhone, Software

I’m usually an early adopter of these types of changes. This time I’m taking a different approach of “wait and see.” I have read through the instructions (ranging from the early release of NateTrue’s fix to the more “official” version from the iPhone Dev team) and have visualized the process. There are lots of sites that discuss the changes. From my understanding, NateTrue released his version as a splinter from the iPhone Dev team, to the displeasure of many. There are possibilities that his process violated various copyright laws by including some proprietary code of Apple’s. I, personally, can’t condone this method so if you follow his process, you may be in violation of your ULA (User Licensing Agreement) with Apple, among other things. It does potentially verge on Software Piracy if you follow unsanctioned methods.

Jailbreak 1.1.3

That all being said, I waited to see the more “official” version that supposedly did NOT violate the ULA or copyright. Again, I’m not a lawyer, so I have no clue if ANY of this is actually ok to do so. I simply try to report on what I have seen or what I personally decide to do. You assume all the risk if you try to do this. This time, however, since Apple is close to releasing the SDK for application development and official 3rd party application “should be around the corner,” I decided that I’m just going to hold off for a bit. The process, even the official one, is pretty lengthy and seems a bit complicated. I know that it is doable but I just don’t have 1-2 hours to go through it. If any of you reading this do think that I should attempt to undertake it, send me a test iPhone (grin)!

Anyway, there is a really good write-up by iPhoneAtlas on how to do the 1.1.3 jailbreak process that I think could help many of you looking to do the upgrade. If you do attempt it, I would love to hear the feedback and I can share it with iPhoneAtlas. The main page where iPhoneAtlas has compiled ALL of the instructions based on the state your iPhone is in is here. Some shortcuts that to different iPhone states is here:

  • If you’re on a standard (non-jailbroken) 1.1.3 iPhone, start with step 2.
  • If you’re on a standard (non-jailbroken) 1.1.2 iPhone, start with step 1.
  • If you’re on a standard (non-jailbroken) 1.1.1 iPhone, start with step 1.
  • If you’re on a jailbroken iPhone running software 1.1.1, start with step 7.
  • If you’re on a jailbroken iPhone running software 1.1.2, start with step 8.

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Humor: Application for Permission to Date my Daughter

by Michael Sheehan on January 24, 2008

in Family, General

Post image for Humor: Application for Permission to Date my Daughter

I came across this today and, since I am the father of three girls, decided to make it public for possible suitors to prepare themselves as well as for other fathers who may need it. Note, this is slightly changed from the original version that I received!

Below is the text from the form, however, I have created a PDF version of it that is probably more useful. The PDF version –> Application for Permission to Date my Daughter (PDF).

Application for Permission to Date my Daughter

NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

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MacWorld Expo 2008 – DAY TWO – Comments and Observations

by Michael Sheehan on January 18, 2008

in Apple, Cellular, Gadgets, General, Hardware, iPhone, Software

Well, I went back for more today, Friday, the last day of the Expo. Traffic was definitely lower (which was nice) but you could see that some of the exhibitors were getting glazed looks on their faces and there was a general lack of energy out there. It didn’t seem that people had packed up and left but many key media contact were absent. Also, there seemed to be more families at the show with kids in tow, given that this is a holiday weekend coming up. What better idea then to take the kids to MacWorld?!

MacWorld Last Day

Today I tried to focus my time less on Software offerings and more on Hardware…the idea being that I would review several similar products over the next few weeks. iPhone and iPod accessories seemed to really rule the show, much like a few years ago when the iPod really started getting traction. However, the difference this time was that technology had definitely evolved. Of interest to me were two distinct items, one more than the other. 1) iPod/iPhone Car Audio/Video adapters and 2) Home/Personal Media related. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough time to truly hit more vendors about #2.

Here are some highlights of those that I did speak with (below in no particular order):

HOME/PERSONAL MEDIA

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MacWorld Expo 2008 – Comments and Observations

by Michael Sheehan on January 16, 2008

in Apple, Cellular, Gadgets, General, Hardware, iPhone

I spent a few hours yesterday at MacWorld 2008 and wanted to quickly post some information about what I saw and who I talked to. Obviously, the hype is around the new MacBook Air. I must admit, it is a beautiful machine. However, it is probably a better device for someone who already has a Mac and simply wants something nice for on-the-go type of work. The upgrade of the Apple TV with video rentals really should prove to be great! But more about that later.

MacWorld Expo

First, just for fun, some bad quality iPhone pics of Cali Lewis (http://www.geekbrief.tv) and Veronica Belmont (http://daily.mahalo.com/) that I snapped as they were doing a presentation on Xtrain:

Cali & Veronica 1 Cali & Veronica 2 Cali & Veronica 3

Some of the Companies that I talked with (in no particular order) with some highlights:

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iPhone: Upgrade to Firmware 1.1.3 Observations

January 16, 2008

Last night I took the plunge and decided that I wanted to have the latest and greatest firmware from Apple. The Google Maps location feature, the Web Clips on the springboard and the ability to re-arrange icons really grabbed me. But this post is not about that. Since I was coming from a Jailbroken 1.1.2 [...]

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Book: Where Have All the Soldiers Gone?: The Transformation of Modern Europe

January 7, 2008

Updated 01.17.08 – Link added for Wall Street Journal Review Updated 01.14.08 – Link added for London Times review Updated 01.12.08 – Link added for Washington Post review and others Updated 01.11.08 – Link added for Podcast on New York Public Radio It’s not often that I talk about books on my site, being primarily [...]

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Adventures in transbay tube on BART

January 4, 2008

Updated (again) @ 5:15pm – finally arrived at Lafayette. On the platform were several BART police and handcuffed were 3 individuals who were being questioned. As I exited BART, I saw 5 police cars (with 1 more arriving). I guess it was pretty significant. Here is a surreal iPhone snap of one of the cars [...]

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iPhone: Firmware 1.1.3, 2008 predictions and my 3rd party apps

January 2, 2008

Just a quick post for all of you iPhone fans. It’s the start of 2008 and there is, I predict, a lot in store for the iPhone. We will see the release of the iPhone SDK which is a definite. Also, there have been reports (from Gear Live) of a new firmware coming out (more [...]

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