Jailbreaking is the term applied to the process by which iPhone users can ‘unlock’ the handset’s mobile operating system. By running a simple process via the website www.jailbreakme.com, users install a new application named Cydia. Cydia gives users access to applications and features that were previously incompatible with the Apple mobile operating system.
Here are some tips and suggestions for ways to get the best out of Cydia.
♦ Always accept essential upgrades ♦
Upgrades to the Cydia store are made routinely and you will be prompted when one is available when you first open the application. You can defer this to later if you want, but it’s best to make sure that you are running the latest version. You’ll need to complete the download process when prompted and then re-boot the application to activate the changes.
♦ Regularly review the Changes menu ♦
The Changes menu will notify you when there are upgrades to applications that you have already downloaded via Cydia. Remember that previously, the iTunes store would have downloaded updates to your applications as soon as you synchronise your iPhone. This option effectively replaces that process. The Changes menu itemises available upgrades or allows you to upgrade all with one tap. The Changes menu will also present new or upgraded applications that you may not yet have downloaded.
♦ How to remove unwanted applications ♦
On the iPhone, applications can be removed either on the handset or via your iTunes library. With Cydia, you’ll need to remove the application on the handset. To do this, simply tap the Manage button from the home page, find the app that you’re looking for and then tap Modify at the top right of the screen. This will allow you to Remove or Reinstall the application – click Remove to delete it.
♦ Search quickly for apps ♦
To quickly find an app, simply tap the Search button bottom right of the screen. As you start typing text, Cydia will suggest responses based on what you have entered. If the search finds the app you are looking for, simply tap to download. One of the issues with Cydia is that the store will only present apps that are compatible with the current version of the software. Something you saw in the previous version may not yet be optimized for the new version. Changes and additions are regularly presented via the Changes menu (described above).
♦ Download the best apps ♦
There are a number of apps available via the Cydia store that you can’t currently get if you haven’t jailbroken your iPhone – that’s the whole point! Qik is an extremely popular video calling application that has recently been made available via the Cydia store. Winterboard allows much more personal customization of your iPhone’s appearance. There are literally thousands of themes available and you can customize the appearance of icons, bars, buttons, keyboards and lots more besides.
YouTube is nothing short of a phenomenon but YouTube on the iPhone is dependant on a live Internet connection or a complicated process of converting the files. With MxTube this is no longer a problem. Quickly and easily download and save videos to your iPhone whilst you have an Internet connection and then watch them when you don’t without the need for any kind of file conversion.
♦ Final note ♦
Remember that if you have jailbroken your iPhone, Apple will refuse to deal with any problems under the warranty. In the event that you do have issues, restore the handset via the iTunes store before you contact Apple.