Apple mysteriously kills jailbreak detection API while hacker boosts iOS security, irony restored

It's no secret that Apple's been keen to monitor the lot of naughty jailbreakers, but it turns out the company has recently shelved iOS 4.0's jailbreak detection API with no explanation given. While this has little effect on the average user, Network World explains that this is bad news for enterprise IT and MDM (mobile device management) vendors, who will now have one fewer channel for checking whether a user's iOS device has been jailbroken and thus become vulnerable to attacks. That said, apparently this isn't a huge loss for the MDM vendors, anyway; but the real question is why drop the API now? Could its presence alone be a threat? We'll probably never know.

Fear not, though, as some folks have put jailbreaking to good use. The Register reports that come Tuesday, Stefan Esser of Sektion Eins will demonstrate a tool called antid0te, which reportedly adds ASLR (address space layout randomization) onto jailbroken iOS devices. In a nutshell, ASLR randomizes key memory locations to make it more difficult for certain attacks to locate their target data. According to the famed white hat hacker Charlie Miller, this technique is already present on Windows Phone 7 and desktop Windows since Vista, but Apple's only dabbled with it on OS X and not on iOS. Now, this doesn't mean that jailbroken devices will be fully safeguarded, but some protection is better than no protection, right?

[Thanks, wooba]

Apple mysteriously kills jailbreak detection API while hacker boosts iOS security, irony restored originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caption contest: Gulliver’s iPhone makes it big in Hollywood

So apparently the hidden island of Lilliput has cellular coverage, but who cares -- it's still gonna be another crap movie. Way to ruin Gulliver's Travels with Jack Black.

Joe: "Finally, Angry Birds the way it was meant to be played."
Darren: "That's a big iPhone."
Josh T.: "The monolith taught the monkeys to kill, also, how to make conference calls."
Paul: "Time-traveling Jack Black plants hidden iPhone reference in Jonathan Swift novel."
Thomas: "It's holding you wrong."
Tim: "Eighteen months ago, the first evidence of intelligent life off the Earth was discovered. It was buried forty feet below the lunar surface, near the crater Cupertino."
Vlad: "It's just a jumbo iPhone, I don't see what all the fuss is about."
Sam: "What does this mean? It's so bright, so vivid."
Sean H.: "And so did the tiny scholars toil for decades to unravel the mysteries of the blue block, and the significance of its question marks."
Richard Lai: "Paul Miller makes a cameo appearance in this scene, tut-tuts at the low pixel density."
Myriam: "I'm crushing your head! I'm crushing your head!"

Continue reading Caption contest: Gulliver's iPhone makes it big in Hollywood

Caption contest: Gulliver's iPhone makes it big in Hollywood originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Altec Lansing Octiv Duo (202) speaker dock review

If you frequent small house parties like us, chances are you would've witnessed the many occasions where guests take turns to hook up their iDevices to the speakers; if not, just picture yourself fighting your flatmates over your communal HiFi system -- Altec Lansing claims that on average there are 2.2 portable audio devices per household, and they're most likely iPods. Naturally, a dual-docking speaker -- which is nothing new -- would somewhat ease domestic tension and reduce interruption to the tunes, but think smarter: what if you could let music alternate between the devices, as well as having the ability to instantly change the amount of play time on both persons' music libraries? Better yet, what if the speaker doubles up as an alarm clock? These are pretty much what Altec's offering with its $99.95 Octiv Duo (or Octiv 202 outside the US), with a little help from its two free iOS apps: Music Mix and Alarm Rock. You know the drill -- read on to find out whether this new box would end your little social crisis once and for all.

Continue reading Altec Lansing Octiv Duo (202) speaker dock review

Altec Lansing Octiv Duo (202) speaker dock review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanzhai Steve Jobs makes a special appearance in Hong Kong (video)

You know, we've had all sorts of KIRFtastic encounters while visiting China, but take this four-letter word to a whole new level and you get this: a Chinese clone of Steve Jobs. What's actually happening here is Hong Kong MTR launching the latest release of its iOS subway app (which does augmented reality!), and to mark this special occasion, the company invited local celebrity Law Kar-ying to recreate Apple's notorious reality distortion field. That said, unlike the real Slim Stevie, this dude was also giving away iPhone 4s to a few lucky audience members -- just goes to show that not all clones are bad, mmkay. Video after the break.

Continue reading Shanzhai Steve Jobs makes a special appearance in Hong Kong (video)

Shanzhai Steve Jobs makes a special appearance in Hong Kong (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meizu M8 ceases production amid pressure from Apple and intellectual property office

Well, can't say we didn't see this coming; we're just surprised that it's taken this long for Meizu to take a hit over its notorious handset. In case you have no idea what we're talking about, earlier this month said Chinese company's been in heated talks with Apple due to the M8 smartphone bearing an "appearance roughly similar" to the iPhone. Seriously, that's the only reason Apple provided for the accusation, if CEO Jack Wong is to be trusted (and hey, he did kinda ask for it). Anyhow, the latest development is that Meizu's bowing to pressure from both the provincial intellectual property office and Cupertino, and announced that it's shutting down production lines for its flagship M8 this month. This is no doubt a big blow to the company, but it might get even nastier -- here's what Jack said in one of his many frustrated forum postings:

Apple requested that we cease manufacturing the M8 this month, we agreed but then [Apple] came back and asked for a sales ban instead. I can cope with a production freeze, but not with having our shops closed and thus not being able to use up our inventory. If Apple and the provincial IPO take another insatiable step, I can only go head to head against them.

So, it looks like the M8's all set for an early retirement, either way -- it doesn't look like Apple's going to let this one go easily, and Jack's also expressed concern over the fact that the IPO has the power to shut his factory down without going to court. That said, things are still looking positive for the elusive M9 -- from the sounds of it, Meizu's upcoming Android phone isn't affected by this takedown (yet); but the question is whether Jack and co. can keep the shops running until a December launch for their next flagship device. Oh well, hang in there, Meizu!

Meizu M8 ceases production amid pressure from Apple and intellectual property office originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CineXPlayer adds iPhone and iPod touch to its Xvid party list, still won’t cook your popcorn

Remember how NXP Software surprised the world with its CineXPlayer iPad app just two months ago? Well, the gang is back to give our iPhone (3GS and 4) and iPod touch (3rd and 4th gen) the same dose of Xvid goodness. Like its older sibling, this $1.99 CineXPlayer utilizes the same method for easily sideloading your AVI files via iTunes (under the iDevice's Apps tab), and you'll also find a familiar-looking interface topped with an extra rotation-lock button -- much more useful than iOS' native lock that only lets you watch in portrait mode. Alas, video files other than of Xvid and DivX nature aren't currently supported, but hopefully it won't be long before the VLC iPad app gets a smaller variant as well.

CineXPlayer adds iPhone and iPod touch to its Xvid party list, still won't cook your popcorn originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 04:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AcuTouch 9500: world’s first massage chair to succumb to iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (video)

'Tis true -- we don't often write about massage chairs here, but throw in some gadget connectivity and they'll have our attention, just like this AcuTouch 9500. Discovered by Zedomax, this luxurious furniture from Human Touch claims to be the world's first iOS device-controlled massage chair, meaning you can choose and store your desired routines and intensity -- via the free HT-Connect app -- on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Just to give you more bang for the buck, there are also downloadable massage programs that are individually customized by doctors and sport stars -- most of which you've probably never heard of. The price? No info yet, so you'll just have to keep popping into your local massage parlour until later this year. Demo video after the break.

Continue reading AcuTouch 9500: world's first massage chair to succumb to iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (video)

AcuTouch 9500: world's first massage chair to succumb to iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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White iPhone 4 delay: the challenges faced by Apple’s glass supplier

This almost goes without saying, but it's truly been a wild ride for the iPhone 4 over the last three weeks. While most of us will just happily open our hands to Stevie J's freebies, there's one question that's still bugging us: what's actually holding back the white iPhone 4? Sure, Apple's now promised us an "end of July" delivery for its latest iTemptation, but it has yet to specify what the manufacturing difficulty is. According to Chinese newspaper 21st Century Business Herald, the problem stems from a little-known Chinese factory by the name of Lens Technology, which is apparently responsible for transforming fine raw glass into the majority of iPhone glass panels out there (and contrary to previous reports, Corning doesn't seem to play a part here). Read on to find out what's causing our invisible hero to stall.

Continue reading White iPhone 4 delay: the challenges faced by Apple's glass supplier

White iPhone 4 delay: the challenges faced by Apple's glass supplier originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iMovie for iPhone gets a cheeky hack for jailbroken 3GS, runs well-oiled

Not feeling hot about the trouble-prone iPhone 4, but still tempted by its optional iMovie app? Now you have a choice! Turns out to run said app on other devices (including iPod touch, supposedly) running iOS 3.0 and above, all you need are a jailbroken iOS device, iMovie for iPhone from the App Store, and two quick edits in the app's info.plist file -- change minimum system version to "3.0.0" and front-facing-camera to "false." Sounds easy enough, although we've yet to see the hacked app actually running on devices other than the 3GS demoed in the video after the break. And sorry, Redmond Pie's already confirmed that this sucker doesn't work on the iPad... yet.

Continue reading iMovie for iPhone gets a cheeky hack for jailbroken 3GS, runs well-oiled

iMovie for iPhone gets a cheeky hack for jailbroken 3GS, runs well-oiled originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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White iPhone 4: early DIY edition, with a touch of black

Sorry, we couldn't wait -- having spent 11 hours on the streets waiting for the iPhone 4, it's only natural to give our precious new toy some extra special care. With the help of iFixit's teardown guide, we decided to take the plunge with our steaming hot Chinese delivery -- a white front cover (with a shiny proximity sensor area above the earpiece), a white back cover (with "XXXXX" marked as the model number, ergo a prototype), and a Retina Display unit. Alas, there weren't any white buttons in stock at the time, but let's pretend this black-and-white combo is the new cool. Read on to find out how the surgery went.

Continue reading White iPhone 4: early DIY edition, with a touch of black

White iPhone 4: early DIY edition, with a touch of black originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some iPhone 4 models dropping calls when held left-handed, including ours (video)

digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/iPhone_4_bezel_antenna_actually_makes_it_DROP_calls'; What's more annoying than spending hours lining up for a shiny new gadget? Learning that your precious phone can't actually connect to the network. Well, depending on how you hold it -- word has it that the iPhone 4's bottom-left corner isn't playing nice with your skin. If you recall from the keynote, that's where the Bluetooth / WiFi / GPS antenna meets its GSM / UMTS counterpart. So we decided to test on two brand new iPhone 4 handsets purchased today in the UK.

One iPhone 4 demonstrated the issue everytime it was held in our left hand (as a right-handed person is apt to do) so that our palm was essentially bridging the two antennas. You can see that in the video after the break. Bridging the two with a finger tip, however, didn't cause any issues with the reported reception. If we had to guess, we'd say that our conductive skin was acting to detune the antenna -- in fact, we've already managed to slowly kill two calls that way so it's not just an issue with the software erroneously reporting an incorrect signal strength. That said, we had no issues when Apple's $29 rubber bumper accessory (given to us free for standing in line) was attached, creating a buffer between our palm and the antennas. See the video evidence after the break including Insanely Great Mac's version which got us to worrying in the first place.

P.S. Don't forget to take our poll and let us know if you're seeing both the yellow spots / stripes and reception issues. Unfortunately, we're suffering from both flaws which is not a good sign for quality control on this first batch of Apple handsets.

Continue reading Some iPhone 4 models dropping calls when held left-handed, including ours (video)

Some iPhone 4 models dropping calls when held left-handed, including ours (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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White front plate looks all set and ready for next-gen iPhone, or not

As our extensive KIRF library shows, China's one wild country that can make almost anything you don't want, so don't mind us while we inspect this new finding with extra caution. This particular Chinese online seller not only claims to have parts for the next-gen iPhone, but also one white face plate -- something not seen on iPhones thus far. While we drool over the thought of an all white Apple handheld, there are still questions to be answered here: the seller wasn't able to explain what that silver bit above the speaker is, nor have we seen white back plates to match this. Furthermore, we were given a "maybe" for a bulk order of 15 to 20 units, which is quite a lot for something that's not even out yet, but we were told over the phone that there's always a back door to Foxconn as long as you wave cash at someone. Not that you should engage in such risky business, plus this piece's authenticity will be revealed in about three weeks' time, anyway. One more shot after the break.

[Thanks, Francesco]

Continue reading White front plate looks all set and ready for next-gen iPhone, or not

White front plate looks all set and ready for next-gen iPhone, or not originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phone guitar: iPhone OS, Windows Mobile and Android got all night to set the world right (video)

What can you do when no one's got a phone to jam with you? Why, you can be a geeky one-man band, of course! Web developer Steffest (just one name, like Sting or Madonna) managed to do just that by strapping a couple of Android devices (possibly an Archos 5 and a HTC Desire), a couple of WinMo handhelds (looks like a HP iPAQ h1940 and a HTC Touch Diamond), and an iPod touch on top of a portable speaker. All this just for a forthcoming presentation on mobile cross development -- Steffest had to painstakingly write the same audio program "in Java for Android, in C# for Windows Mobile and in Objective-C for iPhone." Oh, and it doesn't just end there -- turns out this dude can also pluck tap away a good Neil Diamond classic on this five-way nerd-o-strummer. Get on board and check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Phone guitar: iPhone OS, Windows Mobile and Android got all night to set the world right (video)

Phone guitar: iPhone OS, Windows Mobile and Android got all night to set the world right (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 May 2010 04:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elonex announces iDock XL, iDock Aero and £99 710EB e-reader, we go hands-on

We stopped by Elonex's booth at The Gadget Show Live for its product launch extravaganza. First is the iDock XL screen dock for the iPhone / iPod touch, which sadly doesn't serve as an iPhone-to-iPad converter, but will let you do the usual video and photo display on its 10-inch 800x480 screen (the prototype pictured above has a smaller temporary screen). You'll find a removable battery that lasts for about four hours or almost twice that with a secondary internal battery, or you can leave the iDock XL plugged in via its micro-USB port. Available in May for £149 ($229).

More toys after the break, including a look at the iDock Aero and the 710EB e-reader.

Continue reading Elonex announces iDock XL, iDock Aero and £99 710EB e-reader, we go hands-on

Elonex announces iDock XL, iDock Aero and £99 710EB e-reader, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple job posting hints at LTE for a future iPhone?

digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Apple_listing_suggests_a_LTE_future_for_iPhones'; What could possibly come after the iPhone 3GS? The iPhone 3GSS, of course! Joking aside, Apple's dropped the 4G bomb on one of its latest job postings while seeking for a "Cellular Technology Software Manager" with "expert knowledge of... WCDMA/UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, LTE etc." That's right, LTE. Now, we're not saying this means a 4G-powered iPhone is next in line in the annual product cycle, nor does this listing confirm Apple's favored 4G radio, but given AT&T's interest in LTE plus its prolonged love affair with Cupertino, it's pretty hard not to consider LTE as a realistic option on future portables, be it iPhone or even iPad. Frankly, it won't be the end of the world if a 4G iPhone fails to turn up this summer -- most of us here would rather have something with improved battery life, real multitasking, and 720p camera over those insane data speeds. No, really.

[Thanks, Bryan]

Apple job posting hints at LTE for a future iPhone? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aiptek PocketCinema Z20 packs pico projector and 720p camcorder

Watch out, Flip, because here's one tough guy that you don't wanna mess with. Joining Aiptek's family of pocket camcorders is the PocketCinema Z20 -- a fine mix of 720p camera (courtesy of a 5 megapixel sensor) and pico projector of an unknown resolution, powered by a two-hour battery (which we'll believe when we see it). Users will be spoiled by a long list of features: 2GB of internal memory, microSDHC expansion, built-in 2.4-inch LCD, HDMI output, composite video input (iPod adapter included) and remote control. Want it? You can pre-order now for €349 or about $476 ahead of its mid-April launch. Meanwhile, enjoy Aiptek's cheesy promotion video after the break.

Continue reading Aiptek PocketCinema Z20 packs pico projector and 720p camcorder

Aiptek PocketCinema Z20 packs pico projector and 720p camcorder originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler’s Smart Drive kit for iPhone gives you big buttons, a dent in your wallet

If you're one of the trendy hipsters driving a Smart Fortwo, here's another way of pimping up your ride: Daimler has announced a Q2 2010 launch for its Smart Drive kit for the iPhone. As pictured above, the kit consists of a cradle for handsfree communication plus charging, and an app that "combines all the features needed on the road" by the means of "extra-large buttons and extra-large letters." You'll get access to your usual music library (plus Internet radio), contacts, phone functions and map by Daimler (points-of-interest data from Microsoft Bing). There's also the handy "Assist" feature that can automatically mark your parking location when undocked, and can provide GPS coordinates to the Smart hotline for roadside assistance. What's more, Daimler's currently working on a camera for this kit that can identify speed limit signs, and can then warn you if you're speeding. Want it? You'll need to fork out a dear €240 ($326) for the cradle (which may or may not be necessary), then a one-off €9.99 ($14) for the app, and finally the optional annual €49.99 ($68) for on-board European and US maps plus live traffic data. We'll reconsider if the app can also start our car.

[Thanks, Jason]

Daimler's Smart Drive kit for iPhone gives you big buttons, a dent in your wallet originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PhoneSuit Primo micro iPhone and iPod battery pack impressions

We've been playing with PhoneSuit's Primo micro battery pack on our iPhone 3GS for a few days. As the name suggests, this thumb-sized battery is the smallest we've seen in its class, but somehow it still packs 800mAh of juice -- almost two-thirds of the iPhone's built-in cell. Feature-wise you'll only find battery level and charge status indicators on the front, and a mini-USB port on the back for charging. Unlike the slot-in case-style battery packs for the iPhone, this battery pack's dock connector is on a flat top, which makes it compatible with "all iPhones and most iPods." We also noticed a 2mm gap when plugged in, and apparently this is to allow space for your iPod's / iPhone's protection case -- too bad our iPhone didn't have one.

While the battery life lived up to its promise for us, this broad-compatibility design backfired on us -- the battery pack was thicker than our iPhone 3GS, so the overhanging sharp edge on the back often caught our trouser pocket while the phone was being pulled out. Alas, we were more worried about our battery pack coming loose than our iPhone's own battery life. Hopefully PhoneSuit will consider making device-specific adapters to give us a peace of mind, or maybe offer baggy pants at discount prices.

PhoneSuit Primo micro iPhone and iPod battery pack impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2,000 Wintek workers go on strike over bonus payments, may affect Nokia and iPhone production

As the Year of the Tiger approaches (February 14th this year), Chinese workers look forward to their week-long holiday -- a nightmarish time for foreign vendors who'll struggle to get hold of anyone in the country. Sadly, this wasn't the case for Wintek -- screen supplier for Nokia, Huawei and Apple. The Taiwanese company's East China factory ground to a halt last Friday morning, while about 2,000 of its 10,000 workers went on a five-hour protest over a rumored bonus cancellation for the second year in a row. On top of that, workers also criticized Wintek for using n-hexane -- a banned substance used for cleaning LCDs -- which they claim caused the death and paralyzation of several workers last year. Factory officials and Chinese health authorities don't deny that n-hexane was used, but they say it wasn't responsible for either the deaths or the paralyzations. Now, the good news: Wintek has promised that workers will get their bonuses, and further said that the factory hasn't used n-hexane since August -- complete with proof that current n-hexane levels are lower than safety regulations require. Let's hope things get better between management and workers from now on. One more picture and video of the protest after the break.

Continue reading 2,000 Wintek workers go on strike over bonus payments, may affect Nokia and iPhone production

2,000 Wintek workers go on strike over bonus payments, may affect Nokia and iPhone production originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aliph Jawbone Icon ‘The Ace’ Bluetooth headset review

While Aliph was announcing its luxurious Jawbone Icon Bluetooth headsets earlier today, we've been playing with one of its six designs -- The Ace -- at our cozy London pad. Being the smallest and lightest Jawbone ever, the Icon's obviously challenging the likes of Jabra Stone with attempts to outperform in noise elimination, battery life, ergonomics and ease of operation. On paper, the Icon already wins on battery life and price, although the Stone has a charging dock good for six extra hours. What really matters, though, is the usability -- something the Stone had little of in a noisy environment. Read on to find out if Aliph has done it right.

Continue reading Aliph Jawbone Icon 'The Ace' Bluetooth headset review

Aliph Jawbone Icon 'The Ace' Bluetooth headset review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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