Cell phone money transfers going international

When online payment services like PayPal were first launched over a decade ago, the sudden and disturbing ease with which regular people could electronically transfer money between each other online was nothing less than miraculous. Not only was it faster and easier than withdrawing cash from an ATM or even doing a wire transfer, an average Joe could accept credit card payments from other users without having to invest in any sort of equipment or processing system. That phenomenon is happening all over again in the form of cash transfers via text message. If you live in a country where there's a participating carrier and banking institution that supports it, all you have to do is send an SMS to your friend in order for money to virtually change hands.

One such carrier is Vodafone, which plans to announce a partnership with Western Union today that will allow users to make international money transfers just by using their cell phones. The companies, according to the Wall Street Journal, will initially launch a pilot program in parts of the UK that will allow them to send money to friends and family in Kenya. Assuming the service is as popular as many expect it to be, Vodafone plans to expand the service to other countries as an add-on service.

This will be the first time a company has gotten into the international money transfer business using text messages, but domestic money transfers via SMS have been around for a while. Users in the Philippines and India have been transferring money domestically via cell phones for some time, and Vodafone runs a domestic money transfer service in Kenya, Tanzania, and Afghanistan called M-Pesa that now has some 4 million users.

The Chicago Tribune outlines the story of a Kenyan mother of two who normally has to travel an hour by bus to get to a money-wiring office to receive cash from her husband, but can now get the money easily by text message. "It saves time, it saves money and it is safer," she told the newspaper. Other Kenyans now depend upon M-Pesa to get paid by their employers, who no longer need to take the dangerous risk of carrying around bags of cash on payday (banks are few and far between in many rural areas).

But you don't have to live on the other side of the world in order to being playing around with mobile money transfers. Obopay, a US-based company, offers a PayPal-like service that allows users to send and receive money. However, Obopay also allows users to text message each other with virtual cash, something that PayPal doesn't offer quite yet (Update: it appears as if PayPal does offer SMS payments after all). The cool part about Obopay is that you don't need to sign up for an account in order to retrieve cash that someone has sent you—just enter your personal information and bank details for wherever you want the money transferred, and it will show up there.

Apple's new in-ear headphones set to ship in about a week

Just yesterday, there were gripes about Apple's long-awaited, big-pimpin' new in-ear headphones and why they hadn't materialized. They were, after all, promised to arrive in October at the Let's Rock media event in September. This morning, however, AppleInsider brought it to our attention that orders are now being accepted via the Apple Store online, and the headphones are expected to ship in seven to 10 days.

Rumor has it that the headphones had to go back to the drawing board because Steve Jobs wasn't satisfied with the audio and build quality, despite saying in October, "I think we got it right this time." Though by no means cheap at $79, Apple's In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic include dual drivers for improved frequency response, volume and track control, and an integrated microphone for recording. Similar headphones from the likes of Shure or Audio Technica sell for about double that price and lack the remote control and mic features.

One curious detail is that Apple doesn't list the headphones as being compatible with any iPhone model—something that was confirmed to us directly by an Apple rep in September. This is apparently due to the fact the iPhones aren't designed to have the volume controlled remotely, though it seems like a firmware update could easily fix that. They are, on the other hand, fully compatible with the latest iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod touch, however.

Whatever the delay issues might have been, Apple is now ready to sell you a pair, and should ship in plenty of time for the holidays.

AT&T now offering iPhone 3G online with at-home activation

Though rumors of in-home iPhone activations in September were quickly dashed when it was revealed that AT&T was simply offering a "pre-qualification" program, AT&T is now offering customers the chance to buy an iPhone 3G online and finish the activation process at home through iTunes.

If you'd rather not leave the house to pick up an iPhone 3G, AT&T has you covered.

A banner on AT&T's wireless website promotes online buying of an iPhone 3G for the holidays. Clicking though leads to a page to select an iPhone 3G model, and even offers free overnight shipping. It appears as though the offer only applies to new customers, however. Those with existing AT&T accounts are still directed to "purchase it at a store near you."

Though Gadgetell broke the news early this morning, the blog later posted an update that AT&T representatives were giving conflicting information about the offer. We verified with AT&T that this is the real deal, however. "The device ships activated," AT&T spokesperson Brad Mays told Ars. "But a customer must accept terms and conditions over the phone with customer care or online at att.com—the same process for other phones purchased online—after which he or she will simply sync the device with iTunes to use it."

Since the iPhone requires a contract and activation via a wireless carrier in most countries, Apple is not selling the iPhone online except in Hong Kong and the UK. In the US, AT&T is now the only way to get an iPhone 3G from the comfort of your own home.

Buzz up!

3D Console Games Coming To iPhone

March 20th , 2008updated news by Raj

Admittedly, we have been a bit slow to post about the new 3D console games that are coming for iPhone, They were, after all, announced a couple of weeks ago at the Apple SDK event. But we were not happy with the tiny demo version that is the only one on show across the internet! So we ramped it up for you!!

Apple's Newton Vs iPhone : How far Apple's come

I know you're probably sick of all the iPhone news at the moment, but let's reflect a bit...

Here's a picture from Engadget, comparing the old with the new. Go Apple!

iPhone Screen Protector : Protect that fresh Apple!

iPhone Screen Protector :

If you were fortunate to have someone source you one of the hot hot new Apple iPhones, I strongly suggest that you protect that fragile screen with a quality screen protector. Of course, I'm going to recommend the Mr.Gadget iPhone Screen Protector, as these are simply the best on the market.

These are silicon based which means no sticky-gluey residue when apply or removing. The iPhone Screen Protectors are also scratch and bubble free so you can enjoy your iPhone in all its glory, without lumpy smudgy bits. One of the other great features is that we provide a 2-year warranty on our screen protectors, where if you do see bubbles, scratches or gluey residue, we'll replace it no questions asked.

Get your Mr.Gadget iPhone Screen Protector here today!

Apple iPhone competitors

Very interesting post by Raj about iPhone similar handsets.

iPhone Devlopment Team jailbreaks and unlocks iPhone 2.0

March 12 updated

In an absurd turn of events, the iPhone Dev Team has announced that they’ve completely unlocked the upcoming iPhone 2.0 software that we are all waiting to get access to come this June. Even better, it is a full unlock as opposed to a simple jailbreak. Custom hacked firmware, ready to run and install any application, whether is is unsigned or “Apple Approved.” Better still, the Dev Team believes that this is a hole that Apple is going to have a very difficult time closing. I guess I should have known when my pal Nate True informed me a while back that, until Apple releases new iPhone hardware, the method used for breaking in will continue to work, regardless of any changes made to the software. This is all part of the Pwnage Project.

We love it.

iPhone transformation hack for Windows Mobile

While you are still waiting to get your hands on Apple iPhone. You can get a feel of iPhone on your existing Windows Mobile PDA using iTask. This menu system is built using Wisbar Advance, Flash and MotorScript. iTask icons and transitions are inspired by Apple iPhone and it will give you a feel of iPhone on your Windows PDA.

It features a weather forecast widget, sketchpad, real-time settings information, calendar, calculator and some other customizations. iTask alhpa 2 is available for download, while final release with some more customization options is due in a few weeks.

Ultrasimple 1.1.2/1.1.3 unlock released - from iphone.unlock.no

I call this the most reliable resource on the net to Jailbreak any iPhone. And as I mentioned in my earlier blogs, I blindly follow this website for all jailbreaking help i need. Thanks a ton iphone.unlock.no. Here is how we can jailbreak the newly released 1.1.3 firmware from Apple:

Things are really happening these days! With the release of “ZiPhone” you can jailbreak, activate and unlock a brand new phone in just 3 minutes. No need to downgrade to 1.1.1 first!

ZiPhone in it’s original version is available here: Zibri’s blog

iphone.unlock.no has made a graphical user interface for easier operation, and better descriptions - click picture to download!

Mirrors: MegaUpload | RapidShare

1.1.2 and 1.1.3 OTB software unlock released by George Hotz!

8th Feb 2008: Yes, he did it. Now you can unlock your brand new iPhone very easy. I set up an Installer script to make it even easier. In short terms, downgrade your phone to 1.1.1 and jailbreak as described below. After you have access to the phone, open Installer and goto Unlocking Tools and Install 1.1.2/1.1.3 OTB Unlocker. When it completes, you must upgrade to 1.1.2. Click the following link for full details:

Click here for 1.1.2 and 1.1.3 software unlock tutorial!

New and better 1.1.1 jailbreak method

iphone.unlock.no released a tweaked version of jailbreakme.com’s jailbreak method. To use it, just use i.unlock.no as URL instead of jailbreakme.com when you are about to jailbreak your 1.1.1 phone. More details here.

Status on 1.1.3 jailbreak

1.1.3 was released on January 15th. There’s two jailbreak solutions released. The “offical” jailbreak can be downloaded here. The other one was “unofficially” released by NateTrue, but reports tells that there are some issues with it. DON’T upgrade to 1.1.3 using iTunes! 1.1.3 secpack is found, so if you accidentally upgraded your OTB 1.1.1 or older it is possible to downgrade.

Info about “out of the box” 1.1.2 unlocking and bootloader downgrading

It’s now possible to downgrade the bootloader on out of the box 1.1.2 which has bootloader v4.6. This means that it’s also possible to unlock these phones after they are downgraded. To downgrade you will need to use testpoints, meaning the phone needs to be disassembled.

How to unlock OTB 1.1.2 with testpoints tutorial here (old, read news above)

Info about 1.1.2

If you bought a phone that had 1.1.2 preinstalled (it shows a picture of a cable and the iTunes icon), the phone have a new bootloader preventing an easy unlock. It is now possible to downgrade the bootloader, but it requires disassembly and testpoint. Tutorial available here!

For more info - go to iphone.unlock.no

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Important Update - You can now unlock any version of iPhone : Click Here
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Apple iPhone warning proves true

An Apple software update is disabling iPhones that have been unlocked by owners who wanted to choose which mobile network to use.

Earlier this week Apple said a planned update would leave the device "permanently inoperable".

Thousands of iPhone owners hacked their expensive gadget in order to unlock it for use with other mobile carriers and to run a host of unsupported programs.

There are also reports of the update causing issues with unaltered iPhones.

On Monday Apple issued a statement in which it said many of the unauthorised iPhone unlocking programs caused "irreparable damage" to the device's software.

The company said this would "likely result in the modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed".

Users may not be able to add Apple
features to an unlocked phone

That warning has now proved correct as many owners are reporting their phones no longer work following installation of the update. Apple requires iPhone owners to take out a lengthy contract with AT&T in the United States but there are a number of programs on the net that unlock the device for use with other networks.

Some owners are reporting on technology blogs and Apple's own forums that the update is deleting contacts information, as well as photos and music, on iPhones that have not been modified in any way.

How to Install Third-Party Apps on Your New iPhone or iPod Touch

If a new iPhone or iPod touch found its way under your tree and you just can't wait until Apple officially supports third-party application development to extend its functionality (who can wait until February?), it's time you jailbreak your favorite new portable device. We've covered two methods for doing so already, but that feisty Apple keeps on changing things up, and the latest firmware (which all of you new owners are likely running) requires a bit more finesse before you gain access to the throng of great apps that have already been developed for the iPhone. So today we're jailbreaking that iPhone or iTouch of yours to open it up to the wonderful world of third-party software.

NOTE: I've only tested these instructions on my iPhone using a Mac, so I can't absolutely guarantee the same level of success on the iPod touch or Windows computers. However, the software was made to jailbreak either the iPod touch or the iPhone on either Windows or Macs, so it should work fine on either. That said, I'll be referring to the iPhone through the rest of these instructions. If you're looking to install apps without activating your iPhone with AT&T, our pals over at Gizmodo have covered that.

UPDATE: It seems that there have been mixed results for some users attempting to downgrade from the 1.1.2 firmware. The downgrade appears to be working for some, not for others. If you have trouble downgrading to 1.1.1, you can simply restore the current 1.1.2 firmware and everything should be back to normal, but unfortunately you won't be able to install any third-party apps. I'm very curious to hear what kind of luck others are having with this, so if you give it a try, let's hear your experience in the comments.

UPDATE 2: Since this article published, the 1.1.3 firmware has been released and jailbroken. Here's how it works.

Unlock your iPhone for free!

How to jailbreak, activate and unlock iPhone with 1.1.1

This tutorial assumes that your iPhone has firmware version 1.1.1. If you are unsure, here is how to check: On the emergency dial screen dial *3001#12345#* and tap Versions. Firware version should be 04.01.13_G. If it's 03.14.08_G you have v1.0.2 and need to update it to 1.1.1 first. Read here first if you previously unlocked your phone.

Bypass activation and prepare phone for software installation

1. Make sure you have a SIM-card with PIN turned off, and power on your phone (the supplied AT&T card works fine).
2. On the activation screen, slide for emergency and dial: *#301# to make the phone call itself. (If the incoming call dialog quickly disappears but it keeps ringing, just dial 0 (remove *#301# first), and it will call itself)
3. Answer the call, and tap on Hold
4. Phone will call it self again, tap Decline. You will now be returned to the normal dialer.
5. Tap on contacts, and tap the + icon to add a new. The only info you are going to add to this contact are two URL's. To add a URL, tap Add new URL. The first URL is prefs followed by a colon: prefs: and the second is i.unlock.no. Tap Save.
6. Your contact now has two "web pages" - tap on the first one (prefs:). This will take you to the settings dialog. The reason you want this, is because you need to connect to a Wi-Fi network, so tap on Wi-Fi, and get connected to a network, and make sure the icon on top of the screen is indicating that you are connected. While you are in the settings dialog, you should also set: General → Auto-Lock → Never.
7. Now, press the home button, and again, slide for emergency dial 0, Answer the call, Hold and Decline the new call so that you get to the contacts. Tap on your contact (No Name), and this time tap on the other home page, i.unlock.no
8. Safari will launch and show you a webpage. Tap on Tap here to jailbreak your iPhone
9. Phone will return to activation screen and after a few seconds the phone should restart.
10. If the phone does not restart after waiting a full minute, please make sure that you have your phone connected to the computer and try again.
11. When the phone starts again, it should no longer say slide for emergency, but rather Slide to unlock It means it was successfull! Activation is now bypassed, and phone prepared for software installation! (If you are going to use an AT&T SIM, you won't need to do the next step.)

Click here if you want to upgrade to 1.1.2 or 1.1.3

Unlock the SIM-lock on jailbroken

1. Open installer, and install the update if prompted.
2. Go to sources and tap Edit and Add
3. Add this URL: http://i.unlock.no
4. Tap Done and then Refresh
5. Go to Install (at bottom) and scroll down to the Unlocking Tools category and install AnySIM
6. When installed you can press the home button, and you will find a new AnySIM icon on your home screen. Launch it and follow the instructions.
7. The unlocking process will take about 5-10 minutes, in the end it should say it was successful!
8. To clean up your phone, launch Installer and uninstall AnySIM. Then go to Settings → General → Auto-Lock and set it to a prefered value.

Congratulations, you are done!

How to jailbreak 1.1.2 or 1.1.3.

Regardless of whether you want to use 1.1.2 or 1.1.3 firmware, you must start with a jailbroken 1.1.1. Downgrade instructions are available here and Jailbreak for 1.1.1 here. When done continue reading here. Note: even if you want to use 1.1.3, you need to upgrade to and jailbreak 1.1.2 first. You should also unlock your 1.1.2 before upgrading.

Upgrading to 1.1.2

1. On a 1.1.1 phone, open Installer and install OktoPrep located in the Tweaks 1.1.1 category.
2. Download the 1.1.2 firmware file from Apple: iPhone1,1_1.1.2_3B48b_Restore.ipsw (right click link and save target)
3. Connect your phone to your computer and open iTunes on the "summary" page.
4. Hold down the SHIFT key (Windows) or Option/ALT-key (Mac) on your keyboard while clicking on the Upgrade button (not the restore button!). A file browsing dialog should appear, and you must select the firmware file you downloaded in the previous step.
5. While the phone is upgrading, download the 1.1.2 jailbreak archive and extract the files to your computer.
6. If you don't already have Java on your computer, you need to download and install Java runtime first. If you are unsure, check the jailbreak.jar file in the archive you extracted previously - it should have an icon with a coffee cup
7. When your phone is done upgrading, and shows the Slide for emergency screen, you need to launch the jailbreak java application on your computer. Windows users double click on the windows.bat file, while Mac users can double click on jailbreak.jar file.
8. An application should appear, with a "Jailbreak" button - click on it and wait while it's jailbreaking. This will take a few minutes, and your phone will restart a few times at the end.
9. Your phone should now show "Slide to unlock" instead of emergency. If it does, everything was successfull.

If are going to use TurboSIM or a similar SIM-adapter you don't need to unlock - it should work right away. If your phone did not have 1.1.2 when you bought it (old bootloader), you can unlock it to work with any sim-card. To do so, install anySIM 1.2.1u located in Utilities category. Open Settings enable Airplane Mode (very important!) (and set Auto lock to never if you haven't already) and then you can launch anySIM and follow the instructions shown.

Important: 1.1.2 has a bug that causes phone/SMS to crash when used in foreign countries. To fix this, you must Install and run iWorld found in the Tweaks (1.1.2) in Installer. Run the application and select your country. When phone has rebooted you can uninstall iWorld.

Upgrading to 1.1.3

This requires that you already have jailbroken 1.1.2. Open Installer, and Install Official 1.1.3 Upgrader found in the System category. This will download the entire 165MB firmware over Wi-Fi, patch it, and upgrade your phone automaticly. So it may take some time - normally 10-30 minutes. When done your phone should reboot directly to a jailbroken 1.1.3 firmware.

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A few tweaks

• [1.1.1] If you want to enable the International menu, install Enable International menu which is found in the Unlocking Tools category. This will let you choose keyboards, and set your phone to use your prefered regional settings, like date and phone number formatting. Be alerted though - it looks like Apple haven't finished this feature completely yet (which is probably why it's deactivated) so there may be some issues. In my case Fahrenheit and Celsius is mixed up in the Weather application for instance!
• [1.1.1] By default, the EDGE settings found in Settings → General → Network → EDGE are not saved when phone is restarted. To fix this, install EDGE Settings fix which is found in the Unlocking Tools category..
• If YouTube does not work ("You must first connect to iTunes..."), try to install YouTube activation which is found in the Unlocking Tools category. Also make sure that the phone has correct date.
• If you for some reason need to deliver your phone to Apple (service etc.), i recommend that you revert the unlock first so that they (hopefully) can't see it's been unlocked. Install OneSIM which is found in the Unlocking Tools category, and tap on the new icon it creates to run it. After you are done, do a restore in iTunes.

Frequently asked questions and problems

Nothing happens after i visit jailbreakme.com

Make sure your phone is connected to the computer. Try to use i.unlock.no instead of jailbreakme.com.

How can i upgrade a new unactivated phone?

Just put it in recovery mode, and it will automatically restore to the latest firmware. It might be safer to manually download and select the 1.1.1 firmware.

How do i upgrade, downgrade or restore the phone firmware?

To enter recovery mode, connect the phone to the computer and press and hold the Power button (on top) and the Home button (on bottom front) simultaneously. After about 15 seconds phone will appear to turn off, release the Power button but keep holding the Home button. After about 15 seconds the computer and iTunes will detect the phone in recovery mode, and you can perform a restore. IMPORTANT: If you just click the restore button, it will restore it with the latest firmware. It's much safer to manually select firmware instead. If you want to manually select a different firmware you can hold down SHIFT key (Windows) or Option/ALT-key (Mac) when clicking the Restore button, and it will let you choose firmware file. Download the wanted firmware here (you would normally want 1.1.1).

Note: If you downgrade the firmware you will get an error when restore is complete, and phone will be stuck in recovery mode. To get it into normal mode, run AppTapInstaller.exe (or iNdependence if your're on a Mac).

My phone is already unlocked - can i update to 1.1.1?

Not straight away! The old unlock software's (before anySIM 1.1, except iphonesimfree.com's software) had serious flaws, making the phone unusable in later firmware. Before you update your phone you will need to repair your phone by "virginizing" the phone (baseband) firmware. Below are the ultrasimple instructions

How to "Virginize" the iPhone to repair the baseband?

Ignore all long and complex tutorials - I have set up a fully automatic script that will repair the baseband. This script will work on any baseband version, but will not work on phones with new bootloader (out of the box 1.1.2). It will not run on 1.1.2 firmware either, you need to downgrade to 1.1.1 or 1.0.x before running.

You would want to virginize if you upgraded to 1.1.1, and have 0049xxx IMEI. Check this in Settings → General → About.

Virginize instructions:

1. Set Settings → General → Auto Lock → Never
2. Start Installer and update it if it asks. Tap on Sources, Edit, and Add http://i.unlock.no/ as a repository.
3. Make sure you have BSD Subsystem installed. If it's installed it's listed in "Uninstall", if not listed, tap on Install and goto the System category and install it.
4. Now, install The Virginizer found in the Unlocking Tools category. This will take almost 10 minutes to complete.
5. When done, restore your phone to get 1.1.1 firmware reinstalled (this is not necessary if you are going to upgrade to 1.1.2)
6. When phone has been restored, you can Activate and unlock as normal.

How do i downgrade a 1.1.2 or 1.1.3 phone?

Downgrade the main firmware:

1. Connect the phone to the computer and launch iTunes (v7.6 NOT recommended).
2. Restore your phone like explained in details here.
3. You will get an error when restore is complete, just ignore it and run AppTapInstaller.exe (to Mac users: iNdependence should do the same.
4. AppTapInstaller.exe will fail, but your phone will get to the Activation Screen now!
5. When on the activation screen, just follow my tutorial to jailbreak and bypass activation

Now your phone main firmware is ok, but to get the phone part working properly you should also downgrade your baseband firmware. At the moment this is NOT possible if your phone already had 1.1.2 or 1.1.3 when you bought it (meaning it has the new bootloader). If you accidentally upgraded your phone to 1.1.2 or 1.1.3 and want to go back to 1.0.2 or 1.1.1, read on.

Downgrade the baseband firmware:

1. Set Settings → General → Auto Lock → Never
2. Start Installer and install BSD SubSystem found in System Category.
3. Go to Sources and tap edit and add http://i.unlock.no/
4. Now install "Baseband Downgrader" found in Unlocking Tools category. This will take around 5 minutes.
5. When done, restore your phone to get 1.1.1 firmware reinstalled.
6. When phone have been restored, you can Activate and unlock as normal.

Can't find AnySIM - Unlocking Tools category is missing

Please follow the tutorial carefully - it will show up after you add my repository (http://i.unlock.no) and tap refresh.

YouTube is not working

If YouTube does not work ("You must first connect to iTunes..."), try to install YouTube activation which is found in the Unlocking tools-category after you have added my repository (see previous question)

Is the unlock permanent? Can i restore my phone or upgrade it?

This unlock method is based on a firmware patch, so everytime the baseband firmware is flashed, the unlock will not work anymore. You should be able to restore without loosing the unlock, and you should also be able to upgrade to future firmwares as long as the baseband firmware is not updated, but never perform a software update before you have specifically read that updating is safe.

Where can i find the iPhone firmware files?

• 1.0.0: iPhone1,1_1.0_1A543a_Restore.ipsw
• 1.0.1: iPhone1,1_1.0.1_1C25_Restore.ipsw
• 1.0.2: iPhone1,1_1.0.2_1C28_Restore.ipsw
• 1.1.1: iPhone1,1_1.1.1_3A109a_Restore.ipsw
• 1.1.2: iPhone1,1_1.1.2_3B48b_Restore.ipsw
• 1.1.3: iPhone1,1_1.1.3_4A93_Restore.ipsw

Tips and tricks

Some of these tricks require computer skills. Don't ask me for help.

SMS recieved from internet is scrambled/not working?

For some ridiculous reason, Apple did not add real support for the SMS standard. The result is that SMS sent with a alphanumeric/non standard number will either not be recieved at all or the text will get scrambled as shown on the screenshot below. This bug may even damage the SMS database on your phone. It took Apple some time, but in 1.1.2 it's finally fixed, so we can just use the phone application from 1.1.2 on 1.1.1 (1.0.2 or older is not supported currently). Thanks to saraf_suman for telling me that.

How to fix the SMS problem easily:

1. Open installer, and tap Sources, Edit and Add.
2. Type in http://i.unlock.no/ and Ok then Done.
3. Now tap on Install at the bottom and scroll down to the Unlocking Tools category
4. Install SMS Fix
5. When done installing, reboot your phone and it should work

Note: I have not throughly tested this, so there may be side effects i'm not aware of yet. But you can just uninstall the package to revert the changes. I only tested on 1.1.1.

Sometimes the phone displays the phone numbers instead of the names?

There's a bug in the iPhone software that will cause problems with detecting the numbers stored in your contacts, if iPhone is used outside the supported countries. I have set up a fully automatic fix for this (thanks to Dev team for patched files), that will fix this problem.

Start Installer and install the package called Phone # to name fix located in the Unlocking Tools category (i.unlock.no must be added as a Source to see this category).

Configuring EDGE settings (internet)?

If you have firmware 1.01 or later you can go to Settings → General → Network → EDGE to configure EDGE. Check your provider's website for settings.

Note for 1.1.1 users: For some reason v1.1.1 firmware will not save the settings after reboot. I have added a little fix, which is available in my repository for Installer.app: http://i.unlock.no/ - descriptions on adding my repository is here (step 1-4)

Changing phone number formating: (123) 456-7890

Formatting is stored in:

/System/Library/Frameworks/AddressBookUI.framework/ABPhoneFormats.plist

Download this file from your phone. The file is stored in binary format, so you'll need to convert it to text. Now save this file and open it in a text editor. Change the formatting under us to look like you want (if you find your region in the file, just copy from your region to the us). There's probably some way to just make it use your language (instead of 'us'), but i don't know where you specify that. When you are done changing formatting, save the file and upload it to the iphone in same directory you found it. You don't need to convert i back to binary.

Update for 1.1.1 users: In previous versions locale settings did not apply to number formatting. I noticed that in 1.1.1 it does, so it's better to change the phone's locale configuration instead of changing the formatting manually. Install "Enable International Menu" found in the Unlocking Tools category.

Making the carrier name/logo fit without scrolling

Apple left a rather small space for operator name, so if it's above 7(?) characters, it will scroll, and display only first part (click picture at right). I found a way to decrease the font size, making it fit.

Load the following file in a Hex editor:

System/Library/CoreServices/SpringBoard.app/SpringBoard

Font size should be at offset 7C176. In HxD, just click "Search → Goto" and set offset to 7C176 as shown in picture below. If the font size is not at this offset in your file, you can try a text string search for loopOperatorToBeginning, it should be right above that.

As you can see, you can also change the font type, and color of the text. Default is size 14. Changing it to 11 or 12 should do.

Update: Here is a way to set a permanent carrier logo. I have created a few logos for norwegian users (screenshot below): Telenor, Netcom, Tele2, Chess, OneCall. Download here. Remember that you will need to change pictures manually if you switch carrier.

Disabling autocorrection when typing on keyboard

Read here until i write a more detailed way.

Adding international characters on the keyboard?

Read here until i write a more detailed way.

Unlock.no's version of jailbreakme.com

I've studied how jailbreakme.com jailbreaks the phone etc, and i noticed that jailbreakme.com copies a 736KB archive with the needed files (136KB), but the other 600KB is just CRAP (hidden mac files, sourcecode etc). So i decided to tweak the solution a little.

• I have removed all the "crap" jailbreakeme.com serves, so my archive is only 136KB, but still have ALL relevant files. This will make it much faster and more stable, since the file transfer is reduced by 600KB!
• Latest version of Installer (b10) is installed, and also latest version of Community Sources (modmyifone repository) - i will try to keep these packages updated at all times, so that you don't need to update anything after jailbreaking.
• http://i.unlock.no/ is addded as a (trusted) source in Installer, so that you have quick access to common tools like "Baseband downgrader" (reflashing baseband to 1.0.2 baseband) and "bootloader downgrade" package (Unlocking Tools category).

To jailbreak using this method, instead of adding URL jailbreakme.com, you add url: i.unlock.no (http:// not necessary) to the contact you create after dialing *#301# etc. Have your phone docked to the computer when visiting the jailbreak page! I have no idea why, but sometimes it doesn't work if your phone is not docked (this applies to jailbreakme.com as well).

Note: Jailbreaking using this method will add i.unlock.no as a trusted source. If you don't trust this Installer source, don't do this.

I did not develope this solution myself. I use jailbreakme.com's solution, and just tweaked it. All credits/donations goes to everyone who worked on this solution: http://jailbreakme.com

My comments about the iPhone unlocking solutions

I've been unlocking cell phones for more than 5 years, and even though i don't develope the solutions myself, i know pretty much how it works - and iPhone does not appear to be different from others, except for the fact that it needs activation in addition to unlocking.

There are two types of unlocking: "Firmware-patch" and "Direct unlock"

• Firmware patch is simply patching the firmware in order to bypass the unlock. Phone is still "locked", firmware is just tricked into believing it's not. An example would be when phone startsup and runs code "if(phoneIsLocked == false) doStartphone();" - a patch would simply change "false" to "true", causing it to run doStatphone() even when it's locked. If firmware is upgraded/restored, this patch will of course be removed and were back to start again. This type is in the industry considered as a semi-unlock, and only accepted as a last resort if no other way is found (usually, it's just a temporary solution)
• Direct-unlock is the real way of unlocking phones. Usually it involves just rebuilding the entire lockdata in EEPROM with "blank" unlocked data. Or the safest way is to get the phone itself to clear the data by making it unlock itself - which could be achieved by for example finding the unlock codes and feed it with them. This would leave absolutely no trace of "hacking" - it will be 100% correctly done, as intended by the manufacturer.
• (SIM-cloning/Turbosim is not mentioned, because that's not considered unlocking.)

When a phone is unlocked (in a proper way), it will always be unlocked. Firmware upgrades never touches EEPROM, including lock data.

Here are my thought's on how iphone unlocking works - of course, it's just my thoughts based on my experience with other phones, and i may very well be wrong.

IPFS unlock solution is permanent, and will handle all future updates Yes, i'm fairly sure that a phone unlocked with IPFS is a proper unlock (not firmware patch), making it permanent. But of course, unlike other's, iphone needs activation and IPFS therefore completely dependent on activation, which is depending on jailbreak. But when it comes to the operator lock itself, IPFS's permanently unlocks it.

I'm not sure exactly how IPFS does unlock it, but i'm feeling very sure it's one of these:

1. IPFS reads data from the baseband/EEPROM, and rebuilds the lock area in EEPROM with proper data - without any lock. This is exactly the same done on almost all other phones.

2. IPFS patches the baseband, but only as a temporary step in order to achive the above. When it's finished, it doesn't matter if the patch is removed (bb upgraded), because phone is already unlocked.

AnySIM and the other solutions are fimware patch solutions and will never survive baseband flashing/upgrade. Unlike IPFS (if IPFS also patches firmware), AnySIM patches firmware in order to bypass the lock, not in order to unlock it - or at least it's not unlocking it properly. The fact that anysim unlocked phones are bricked after upgrading, must be caused by changes the anySIM solution does to EEPROM, which is not properly done, and makes it "corrupted" as seen from the new firmware.

In my opinion there's no reason to be so negative about IPFS. They did the real unlock and so far noone have been able to recreate their solution. So don't expect a free real solution for 1.1.1 appearing very soon either. A free patch-unlock though is probably already possible now that they have decrypted the ramdisk, i will try that tomorrow. Of course iphone dev team are doing the most important work, and let's hope they soon will be able to work out a direct unlock solution as well.

Group Offers $100,000 Bounty for Free Unlock Software

On the internet, no one can hear your bluff. A blog claims to be offering a $100,000 reward to anyone who can produce a free software unlock solution for iPhone, and deliver it by the chimes of midnight tonight. Of course, no information whatsoever is given to back the legitimacy of this claim, such as who its underwriters are so I’d wager this cash payment is coming from someone’s HP deskjet printer. Nothing more than a single email address is available for correspondence, which doesn’t instill confidence.

My favorite quote from the site, which gives good insight into the minds behind this project…

Me and my friends are very involved in the open source community and yet everybody who worked on IRC, now is concerned about getting paid and charging everybody for an unlock software. I can’t believe it, it’s like Linus Torvalds would start charging for compiling the kernel.

Imagine that…expecting payment for your work and talent. Why, it almost sounds like Capitalism!

Yeah, these are a bunch of kids.

I’ll make a counter offer for anyone who can produce such a solution; one shiny wooden nickel. Any takers?

Filed under AT&T, Mod, iPhone

iPhone/iPod Touch 1.1.3 firmware is now Jailbroken

Well it didn't take long for the Jailbreak team to hack the brand new 1.1.3 firmware update. Just days after Apple's announcement, a video of a jailbroken iPod Touch running the 1.1.3 firmware has been posted on YouTube.

Some sources are saying that the installing method is too complicated, that's why the release is being delayed, but according to a few Jailbreak officials, the update will be released only after Apple releases the SDK next month.

This is a good move on their part. Finding new ways of hacking the firmware is getting harder and harder. Releasing it now will only give Apple the chance to fix it before the SDK comes out.

Creating a backup of your iPhone

When you send your iPhone to us, it will most likely be wiped during the restore and unlocking process. Below is a tutorial on how to create a backup of your iPhone, so when we return the iPhone to you, you will be able to restore your photos, contacts, calendar and SMS messages. Any third party applications will be lost and you will have to reinstall them.

[1] Plug your iPhone via USB to your computer. Open up iTunes.

[2] Click on your iPhone link on the left menu.

[3] On the bottom right, click 'Sync'

[4] After it syncs, you can check it created a backup by going to Edit > Preferences > Syncing

iPhone Firmware 1.1.3 Imminent: Breaks Unlock, Activation & Installer

I’m sure by now everyone with an iPhone has seen and is equally excited about the latest firmware update for Apple’s iconic shiny phone. When videos of the update running on a live phone surfaced (hat tip TUAW) this weekend I was a bit skeptical, but it appears this update is legit. Killer new features will include: saving pinned locations in Google Maps, location triangulation via cell tower location (wow!), movable springboard icons, and multiple recipient SMSing.
Now these updates sound great but what about the thousands of iPhone users running hacked firmware like me? As with previous updates the word on the street is that 1.1.3 will in fact break 3rd party apps and unlocks, and will most likely leave you with a bricked iPhone.

From Jesus Diaz and iPhone hacker Natetrue via Gizmodo:
The update breaks AnySim’s unlocks. Logically, you can’t unlock this update using AnySim and there’s no alternative to iTunes for activation. If you want to activate, it will only work using iTunes and a standard AT&T account. Nate says, “that is the only way we have been able to activate so far.” Nate tried to upgrade an AnySim 1.2u iPhone and it failed. Even while he was able to force it to boot, the phone refused to activate even with a normal AT&T SIM card. “I suspect it’s due to the fact that the baseband could not be upgraded to the 1.1.3 ‘required’ version”, he says.

Other updates remain untested, like iPhone Sim Free or any of the hardware-based ones, like TurboSIM. In theory, these should work just fine, but jailbreak and activation would be absolutely impossible for the time being. We would have to wait until the update gets released in the open to try new alternative activation methods.

While I could live without the 1.1.2 updates, the 1.1.3 actually has some juicy new features. I wonder when Apple is going to get the clue that people are dead set on using their devices as they see fit? Will the February SDK even solve any of these problems, or just create more?

iPhone Firmware v1.1.2 Available

Yes, it’s here. Yes, it does break third party apps. Not a big surprise, but atleast it fixes the TIFF exploit. Be wary if you update though, because it will make certain apps unusable.

The notes brought on with the update say that it:

Brings support for Language, Keyboards, Asian Font, and Region Format

Allows turning on multiple keyboards places globe key on the left of the space bar to allow users to cycle through various keyboards

Shows the iPod battery charge level/status from within iTunes

> Though, it does not bring additional features beyond this, that have been requested such as a search function inside your mail, or sending SMS to multiple people. With the TIFF exploit being patched, what will the hackers seek to pry open this time?