Happy New Year!!!Bruce T Still Does IT!!!!!

It's hard not to get emotional when I think about the this year finally coming to an end.  I am dumbfounded at the speed in which today has arrived.  In the beginning, I never wanted it to end, today, I can't wait to turn the page. 2011 has been an incredible year on many levels.  No year before has ever challenged me in so many ways.

Not sure this will make sense when I write it, but 2011 has been the most painful, yet most rewarding year of my life.  Strange how it balanced out.  In the wake of losing my love, Jodi to cancer, tons of love and support flowed to myself, our children and our families.  In turn, we continued to inspire those around us.  And that inspiration continues.  Just  the other day, a friend of mine through business circles in an email reply wrote "I'm going to change your name from RockStar [long story, we are a demanding account] to THE INSPIRATION."  And just a moment ago, another friend from the same company posted her New Year Facebook wishes for me and said I was "truly an inspiration."  Words like that go a long way and help to keep things into perspective.  And this is no boast, I hear that a lot. And I need to.  This is me.  See, it's bi-directional.  Knowing that I have inspired someone inspires me to inspire more.  It's a wonderful, powerful circle and incredible feeling.  I can't explain it, you have to live it for yourself.  It's not about me, it's about you, it's about  the people I love, and more importantly it's about three kids that I love and who look up to me everyday.  It's my job, it's the example they will learn from.  I am proud of that, and the example I have made.

IN 2011 WE INSPIRED OUR WAY THROUGH THE PAIN.

Even though she was with me in spirit, Jodi and I inspired an audience of about 700 people, along with other guest speakers, at Lincoln Middle School during their annual Cancer Walk. The majority of the students and the entire staff remembered Jodi and her address to the students last year.  It was a pretty amazing experience.  To prepare a  speech and hope to inspire the students, and to have confirmation from the staff and students that the goal was accomplished is incredibly rewarding.  I remember Jodi's mom asking "Are you  nervous?" I said "no, this is for Jodi." One staff member wrote me to say what Jodi and I shared has "opened many eyes and inspired many students beyond what textbooks can do."  A special needs student wrote me to say "I feel like I have been given a gift, thank you".  In response to me sharing my experience and the challenges Jodi and I faced, and having a positive attitude that inspired this student as he faces his own challenges. There are no words to describe what all of this means to me, it somehting you can only feel.  And it doesn't end with Lincoln Middle School, this entire experience has touched many people and has inspired everyone in our family, our circle of friends and every life we have touched.  That inspiration pushes me to do more. And because of that goodwill and inspiration, Jodi didn't leave us in vane, she left our world a better place. 


In 2012, me and the children will continue to inspire.  I am hoping this blog will continue to grow in the coming year. I also plan to give more than I have ever given.  I don't have money, but I have the time.  And to some, time is extremely valuable.  I am planning on doing some community volunteering and possibly some work with a cancer group, or possibly even becoming an Ambassador for the TGen Foundation here in our area.  The sky is the limit. I know I can't do everything I want to accomplish in the coming year, but I WILL ACCOMPLISH.  And I wan't to inspire you to do the same.  Set some goals, set aside some time, and do some good.  You won't regret it.  I triple dog dare you.


Here and now, at the end of the year.  I am at peace.  WITH EVERYTHING.  I have reconnected with old friends and made new friends along the way.  For 2012 and beyond, I want to be surrounded by the friends and family that I love.  Together we are the most powerful force in the universe.  And no matter what needs to be done or what seems to come our way, we WILL kick all forms of ass.


As always, Bruce T wishes you all a Happy New Year and may every year be better than the one before.


2012, New Year, new beginnings, new doors, and new experiences.

Zephyr & iDevice Multitasking Gestures tweak

Yet another reason to Jailbreak your iPhone or iPod Touch!!! Besides, running stock firmware is so 2007.....


OK, so you checked the enabled box next to "enable Multitasking Gestures" in Redsn0w when you Jail broke your iDevice.......then you tired to use it and found out it is POINTLESS......... unlike Hobbits, not too many of homo sapiens can fit four or five fingers on an iPhone or iPod screen to make a gesture happen.....not to mention, AT&T's coverage isn't to good in the Shire.....


Then along comes famous Dev Tweaker chpwn with yet another insanely useful and powerful tweak, ZEPHYR.


Using one finger you can now slide up from the bottom of your screen to open the multitasking pane, or swipe left or right from the edge of your screen for app switching just like on the iPad....all of this for the extremely low price of $2.99....more features are sure to come to this tweak.  So don't be lame, or greedy..just be awesome.

Check out the demo video then launch Cydia and purchase this tweak, you will love it!!!!

And if you need to Jailbreak your iPhone so you can be aswesome...Just click here and I will show you how.

And that's how Bruce T keeps his iPhone and iDevices awesome!!!!!  Now do it!!!

iOS 5.0.1 [A4] Untethered is upon us!!! Updated

Updated 5/6/12:


Simply follow these directions to Jailbreak your device running iOS 5.0.1   **This Jailbreak is not for iPad 2, iPad 3, or iPhone 4S**


Bruce T's Tips:


Transfer purchases, back up your device and photos.


If you are already on 5.0.1, follow one of these turorials for untethered jailbreak:


***RedSn0w will also Jailbreak iOS 5.1 on non A5 devices, but it is a TETHERED JAILBREAK, meaning you will have to connect to a PC and re-jailbreak every time you lose power or reboot.***


Redsn0w Jailbreak Guide from iDownloadBlog.com

Redsn0w Jailbreak Guide from Redsn0w.us

Use the latest version of Redsn0w: 


RedSn0w 0.9.10b8 for Mac
RedSn0w 0.9.10b8 for PC


If you are jailbreaking iOS 5.0.1 on an iPad 2 or iPhone 4S click here to learn how to use GreenPois0n Absinthe




Updated 2/15/2012


Redsn0w 0.9.10b5c untether with bug fixes.  Download links updated. Remember, if you are updating your current iOS 5.0.1 Redsn0w jailbreak: UNCHECK INSTALL CYDIA. 
Windows users, run as administrator. 


Updated 2/1/2012:***NOT FOR A5 DEVICES**


Redsn0w 0.9.10b5 has been released to fix lingering DRM issues with iBooks. Links updated.  Corona 5.0.1 Untether no longer needed.


Updated 1/16/2012:
**NOT FOR A5 DEVICES-iPad 2 & iPhone 4S**


Corona 5.0.1 Untether Ver. 1.0-5
Redsn0w 0.9.10b4, both now with iBooks fix.


Simply install Corona from Cydia or run Redsn0w 0.9.10b4 over the top of your current Redsn0w Jailbreak, don't forget to uncheck "install Cydia" if you are already Jailbroken.


Updated 12/30/2011 07:20


Exciting news, the highly anticipated UNTETHERED iOS 5.0.1 Jailbreak solution has been released.


Thanks to @Pod2G and the Chronic Dev Team!!! As always, donate and say thank you to these Dev's, tons of time goes into finding exploits and keeping the Jailbreak community alive.


If you have an A5 device such as an iPhone 4S or iPad 2, this Jailbreak is not for you. CLICK HERE INSTEAD


(Not necessary after release of Redsn0w 0.9.10b5)
I love this one, if you are already JB'd tethered as I am on 5.0.1  using a previous version of Redsn0w, all you have to do is launch Cydia and install "Corona 5.0.1 Untether" [version 0.1-5], that's it, done. Awesome & simple!!  If you are on stock firmware, read on.  It was flawless!!!!

Also, if you are currently JB'd tethered using a previous version of Redsn0w, you can run Redsn0w 0.9.10b5 over the top of your current jailbreak, but REMEMBER TO UNCHECK THE "INSTALL CYDIA" OPTION.

If you are using stock 5.0.1 firmware and need a fresh jailbreak, just run Redsn0w 0.9.10b5 now.  

CLICK HERE FOR TUTORIAL USING REDSN0W TO JAILBREAK YOUR DEVICE

Click here for Redsn0w 0.9.10b5c Windows 

Click here for Redsn0w 0.9.10b5c Mac/OS X

If you get error 21 in iTunes upon updating and you have run the program TinyUmbrella in the past, launch TinyUmbrella and UNCHECK the "Set Hosts to Cydia on Exit" option under the advanced tab.

Also, if you get stuck in a recovery loop..Click here to download TinyUmbrella to exit the recovery loop.....

PS, Bruce T is still rocking the 3GS however, in a couple days, my iPhone 4 will arrive.  Snagged a sweet deal on Ebay with some Christmas cash to get me through without burning my upgrade--still holding out for the fabeled iPhone 5....the unicorn is now rumored being released in fall of 2012...... (Grabbed an iPhone 4 on Ebay, still holding on to my upgrade)

And that's how Bruce T Jailbreaks iOS 5.0.1, thanks to @Pod2g and the Chronic Dev Team.

One man and his sign.

Weeks ago, I made a couple signs supporting Governor Walker here in Wisconsin. My aim was to eventually counter protest a recall petition spot here in Kenosha--at a moments notice. I finally had my window of opportunity. Yesterday, my plan was set into motion.  I asked my children if they wanted to join, my daughter said "I'll stay here where it's safe, don't get arrested." She was uneasy after the watching the behavior of the anti Walker mob on local news throughout the year.  I said I would be back in about an hour.

I parked my truck by a gas station on 38th and 60th and posted my intentions on my Facebook page.  A few friends also re-posted and urged their friends to come out in support.

With sign in hand, I walked up the the recall petition signing. The attendant had a little "Recall Walker" sign, and appeared jovial to see a supporter arrive, until I produced my sign......

Her attitude went south from there... "You must be rich" the woman said. I laughed and continued on the sidewalk while her crew of about five or so stood there in disbelief.  They made some comments, I blocked them out, focused on finding some supporters at the stop light. A couple of  the "recall workers" got out their phones and started taking snap shots and possibly video, I presume in hopes that I would do something they could cry about.... 

I manned the corners of the intersection of 39th Avenue and 60th Street, urging supporters to honk their horns when they gave me the thumbs up.  I was proudly standing up for the Wisconsin taxpayers and Governor Walker.  More importantly, I was standing up for something I believe in, a fiscally responsible state that betters the future of my children and generations after.  Something the Democratic Party and Public Unions here in this state don't wan't to happen.

These recall volunteers where clearly distressed and angry that I showed up, they had no idea what just hit them, they have been around town unopposed, until now.  My first words to them when I walked up where "I support your right to be here, now you can support mine."  Game on.  

I crossed the street, holding my sign, as motorist read it, most of them gave me thumbs up.  I would then shout "yeah, there's one", pump my fist in the air, and urge the supporter to beep their horn. Well, it didn't take long, Kenosha Police showed up within my first ten minutes.  I assume the recall group called, he wasn't patrolling the area and was very specific "you are free to walk around with your sign, but you have to stop urging people to beep their horns and taking your time walking in the cross walk...."   I don't think the rookie officer even knew what he COULD say or do about my presence.. I am a respectful person, but I laughed "is that all you got?", I couldn't help it--I walked away and continued on.  I think he was as shocked by my presence as the recall nuts were.

Needless to say,  I have no control over people honking horns.....I said "whatever officer, have a great day" and continued.  The cop hung out for a moment, a few more squads drove through the area shortly after...no one really hassled me.  In fact I only rec'd one middle finger and one "F#ck Walker" yell.

I didn't say much to the volunteers at the recall spot, but they had plenty to say to me.  I think they were disappointed that there wasn't a steady stream of cars pulling in and I was getting quite a bit of attention.  At one point, one of them threatened to call the police again because I was "harassing them" and that I needed to be "ten feet away from them"....I urged them to call, after all, it was a public sidewalk.  One petition signer actually stood outside of his truck in the lot watching me, as if for protection. Funny stuff readers.

Based on the response I received, and I hope this holds true should this recall effort move forward, there is a silent majority out there that are seeing the results of Gov. Walker's policies and fully support him.  There truly wasn't a steady stream of people pulling up to sign.  Many that supported me yesterday just simply smiled or waved and moved on, drawing no attention to themselves.  People are actually afraid to show or talk about support of Gov. Walker out of fear of retribution.  The hardcore supporters proudly beeped, waved and yelled.  Two motorist actually pulled around, parked their vehicles and shook my hand, thanking me for having "balls" and stated their position on the matters at hand.  One even drove over to the recall spot and shouted "stay out of my wallet!!!" 

Needless to say, it was one of the funnest hours of my life and based on the comments and feedback on Facebook, I have inspired others to do the same.

And that's how Bruce T stands up for Wisconsin Taxpayers!!!!!!

Nerd Alert: iOS 5.0 & 5.0.1 UNTETHERED

Great news for those of us that got stuck with or forced to update to iOS 5.0.1 ---we will also be UNTETHERED!!!!

Moments ago pod2g tweeted:

Still no release date, but definitely soon!!! Good work pod2g and all the other devs that make Jailbreaking possible.

To be continued......

Nerd Alert: iOS 5. Untethered JB & Redsn0w Downgrade on the horizon!!!

Nerd Alert!!!

A Recent Tweet from Pod2g showing an iOS 5.0 untethered Jailbreak demo have arrived!!!

No release date, but it is finally getting close. Thanks to the devs who dedicate their time to this.

Also, Redsn0w will soon be releasing their latest version, rumored to have the ability to downgrade you from 5.0.1 back to 5.0!!!! I can't wait....the Sirin1ght port jacked my phone, had to do a restore....got screwed and stuck on 5.0.1!!!

Stay tuned, as always I'll keep you posted!!!

One last thing, A HUGE THANK YOU, this blog is approaching 8,000 hits, and now averaging 1,000 hits per month. That's awesome considering I just post when I feel like it.

I will be dedicating more time to the blog over the winter, also, keep your eyes out, I am considering a political blog in the near future!!!

Thankful, everyday

Thanksgiving, according to Wikipedia: summarized: "an annual tradition since 1863, when during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26.  The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated to give thanks to God for guiding them safely to the New World. The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three days.  The First National Proclamation of Thanksgiving was given by the Continental Congress in 1777 and since December 26, 1941, Thanksgiving has been the fourth Saturday in November--for economic reasons.  Thanksgiving was originally a religious observance for all the members of the community to give thanks to God for a common purpose.  


That's the nerd portion of this post......click the WIKI link above if you wish to be an expert on the subject of Thanksgiving.


Thanksgiving, according to Bruce T:


To some, today will be the busiest travel day of the year, stuck in traffic giving a fellow traveler the thanksgiving bird--pun intended. For many, today is a precursor to the busiest shopping day of the year and a day to map out a battle plan to overdose on "door buster" deals during their annual consumer binge of epic proportions. Some of you will be off to a dreaded family event full of forced smiles, superficial hugs, and half gripped hand shakes.  For Green Bay Packer fans, it will be an afternoon filled with stress and emotion hoping for an 11-0 standing @ Detroit.


I will be spending the entire day with my cherished family and friends.


Most of us could come up with 100 things we ARE NOT thankful for right now, but not me. I refuse. I could give you 100 plus things I AM thankful for right now.  Lucky for you, I want you to continue to read my blog posts and not be bored.


For me, today is a day, like every other day, that I can find much to be thankful for, no holiday needed. Despite the pain and loss that came earlier this year, I am thankful everyday for:


Three amazing children.  During such a difficult year, their resilience and strengths inspire me and everyone they come in contact with.  Three amazing faces staring back at me, giving me the strength I need to relentlessly push forward.   Their minds and hearts continue to grow, they are great students, well behaved children, we are all extremely proud of them.


Jodi and the life we shared.  Ten years of memories crammed into 28 months.  My eyes have never been this wide open.  I have never looked at the world in the positive ways I do now.  So many unimportant things that once were big, have become small and rendered irrelevant.  I am soaking in and appreciating every single moment of every single day.  Thankful for the time we were given, and that through Jodi's eyes, I learned to truly live in the moment.  Living for today, not worrying about tomorrow, and letting yesterday be just that--yesterday. 


Family,  not just my given family, but also my family of choice.  And it is huge.  I have the loving family I was born into, I have Jodi's amazing family, and I have my closest friends.  All of those things combined make up the strongest support network anyone can have, and for that, I am also truly thankful.


Friends.  Old and new.  It has been an amazing year on the subject of friends.   I can't even begin to count the numbers.  During the past seven months, friends have just appeared out of nowhere at a time when they were much needed.  Funny how that works, you are always there when I need you.  In April, I was truly amazed by the support coming in from all directions.  I reconnected with old friends, made new friends, even found friends in the most unlikely places.  Suddenly, friendships and support were coming in from people I have not seen or heard from since Jr. High School, and even more amazing, I made friends with people I still have not even met, but know from their support, posts, pictures and comments on Facebook.  I even have friends through business circles that exist entirely on a phone. Either way, whether you are a friend I see face to face, a friend from my past, or a friend I only know through Facebook or a telephone, I am thankful you are there.  Your friendship combined with my above mentioned family is truly an amazing network of people that I am thankful to have in my life. 


Lincoln Middle School students and staff.  The school honored Jodi during their annual Cancer Walk this year and asked me to be a guest speaker, as Jodi was last year.  I am thankful for the emails and feedback from the staff and students about how my words inspired them all.  Particularly,  a special needs sixth grade student that took the time to personally write me a letter.  I was told by staff that I have encouraged this student for the rest of life after speaking about the positive ways Jodi and I dealt with a very difficult situation.  In this letter, the student says "....and you see this letter, you give me a tight hug and say  "it was my pleasure to influence you". And float into the night and I feel like I have been given a gift. I believe you will. Thank you".  I will never be able to put into words what that means to me.  To have touched a life on such a level is an amazing feeling.  This child's letter will forever be one of my most cherished possessions. 

Thank you all for being a part of my life.  Everyday gets better than the last.  The last several weeks have been very good.  I am getting back to me and finding my way again.  You are all a part of making that possible.  I wish you all a great Thanksgiving, and like me, I hope you all find something to be thankful for, not only today, but everyday.

Wisconsin CCW & Castle Doctrine, my story.

Time to take off my nerd hat and weigh in on all the hubbubb about the Wisconsin Castle Doctrine that has passed legislative houses and will soon be law.  This goes hand in hand with the new CCW law that just hit the books at the beginning of this month.  This is my first blog post about any social or political issue.  Here goes.

The recent changes to gun laws and self defense laws here in Wisconsin are long overdue.  For the first time this year, I am proud of Wisconsin lawmakers and the bipartisan efforts they put forth here in Wisconsin to give valuable rights back to the law abiding citizens in our state.

On the issues, REMEMBER THIS: Signs, laws, and rules are only for people who CHOOSE to follow them. Basically, the bad guy is, well, THE BAD GUY.  The game has changed, and the playing field has been leveled off.  48 other states already have CCW laws on the books, must be a bad thing, right?  I don't see a Wild West O.K. Corral type of scene popping up on our evening news anytime soon.  Hopefully, what we will see is a story about how for once, the GOOD GUY FINISHED FIRST.  That's my .02 on CCW....

The core of this blog post is about the Castle Doctrine and what it means to me.  Like most things, some people really don't care about an issue, law or a right until it affects them.  In this case, should a scenario play out, the outcome of that mentality could be grim.


Here's my story, every bit of it true.  It takes longer to tell this story than the time that actually elapsed. 

Years ago, an intruder entered my home, NAKED AS A JAY BIRD.  Unarmed, yet threatening.  This man was bigger than my 180 pound, 6,1" frame. He was disoriented and had bloody drool running down his face.

At the time, my former wife let out a blood curling scream and ran to my protection in the back bedroom. By the time I was able to react, this intruder was already deep into our home.  I am now the only thing standing between an immediate threat, my wife, and two children .  In seconds, I am holding the intruder at bay at the entrance way to our bedrooms and bathroom.  There is nowhere for them to go but out a window.

Here is my mindset: Is this a drug crazed lunatic, did he just kill someone?  If something happens to me, what happens to my wife and children?  Will my wife be raped and my children killed?  It's on, to the death.....


This is no BS people, this is really how it went down and what went through my mind.

I am now in an intense situation, yelling to my wife to grab our two children, take them into our bedroom and find some way to block the lock-less door. I am yelling at the intruder, my children are crying, my wife is in a full blown panic--the door is now closed. Everyone is terrified, including myself.  The incoherent intruder and I are now chest to chest, I am blocking him from entering the hallway.  I yell for my wife to locate my handgun, I have 911 on my cell phone, explaining the situation, still yelling for my gun...

Dispatch: "take whatever means necessary to protect yourself and your family"...I hang up......

I didn't need the concerned dispatcher to tell me that, I was already in protection mode.

STOP HERE for a moment, place yourself in this situation. WHAT would you do in this same scenario?

For whatever reason, the gun is not located, and I need to react NOW.  I immediately begin to shove and wrestle the large and naked intruder through our small home.  With every shove, I am sizing up the room and looking for a weapon.  Thankfully, the intruder is so out of it and doesn't even react to my shoving and yelling.  With my head about me and adrenaline pumping, I am able to get him to the front of the house and literally kick his naked ass right out the door.  I have my wife deadbolt and chain the door after the intruder and I exit to the front porch.  The intruder is now grabbing the door handle and slamming shoulder first into the door in an attempt to get BACK INTO THE HOUSE....I'm grabbing him and he easily shrugs me off....I can hear my family screaming from inside...I am yelling for them to exit the back door and run to a neighbor's house.... I exit the porch and grab a cast iron exhaust manifold that was in a car in my driveway.  Just as I get back on the porch,  and ready a healthy swing...the police arrive and take control of the intruder and the situation.

Before you read any further, live this situation in your mind and ask yourself again, what you would have done in my shoes, had the gun appeared moments earlier.

I press no charges and the kind officers spend some time with the children trying to put their minds at ease.  


No charges?  That's right, I let him slide.  Why you ask? The intruder turned out to be a neighbor that had an epileptic seizure in front of his home.  As his body super heated from the seizure, he stripped naked in my driveway and entered my home during the confusion of the seizure thinking it was his own.  Thankfully for everyone involved, no one was harmed or killed. After several months, our childrens' bedtime fears and questions like "is the naked man coming back?" went away.


Keep in mind my mindset and the situation BEFORE I mentioned this man was epileptic.  If it would have come down to it, had the gun appeared and the situation escalated, I may have shot this man in an attempt to incapacitate him before he took me down and harmed my family.  I would have dealt with the consequences of my actions later.  Again, my mindset was, me or him---no one is harming my family.  I had a respsonsibilty to react to the situation and defend those I love, in my CASTLE.  This may not have played out too well for me, after all, this wasn't a drug crazed lunatic at all, it was an epileptic. The Castle Doctrine wasn't law, and naked as the day he was born, this intruder wasn't armed. 

Prior to today, had the worse case scenario played out, I may very well still be in jail, and/or personally and financially ruined if the need arose for me to use deadly force in the protection of my family.  IN MY HOME, MY CASTLE none the less, in a place where the should never fear ANYTHING.  Worse yet, the way society is today, the media and my community may have turned this around. In light of the epilepsy details, the unarmed intruder may now be the victim,  and I may have been the criminal, guilty of only defending my family from harm.  This whole situation could have gone horribly wrong on so many levels.

The Castle Doctrine completely changes the hypotheticals in the previous paragraph.  In my mind, had the situation warranted, I had every reason use deadly force to neutralize a threat and protect my family from harm.  Thanks to the bipartisan effort of Wisconsin lawmakers, citizens of our state will be able to protect themselves and their loved ones--IN their CASTLE--without fear of becoming a criminal in the process.  I hope a situation never arises where you need to use deadly force to defend yourself or your family, but if it does, you now have the Castle Doctrine in your corner.  One law at a time, victims will no longer be criminals, and criminals will be just that, CRIMINALS. Hopefully, all of  this will result in less crime and less victims.


That's my .02, feel free to comment below.

Don't think anything can ever happen to you?  Follow the links below for some interesting crime statistics from the FBI.


FBI Violent Crime Statistics, 2010

FBI Property Crime Statistics, 2010

And that's how Bruce T does it.

Boredom, iOS 5 & Jailbreak

Happy Oktoberfest readers.

The emails poured in again, "where are you Bruce T?"

Well, BORED, ....."I blame it on my A.D.D......Sail...."

Up until the last couple weeks, there hasn't been a lot going on in Geekdom.

To avoid redundancy on my blog, I typically don't cover things that everyone else is blogging about in the tech biz other than Jailbreaks and things that I deem Nerdworthy and useful to my readers. To read what everyone else is buzzing about, be sure to follow @brucetdoesit on Twitter for all of the latest nerd news.

"What, no post about Steve Jobs?"

Well, there really isn't a whole lot I can add to that story. The legacy of world changing innovations that came from the Apple founder speak volumes on his behalf.

"Nothing about iPhone 4S????"
Nope, it's a supercharged iPhone 4. The end.

I'm going to hold off on the 4S until the device is jailbroken, untethered...I'm going to rock my 3GS a little longer until I hear some feedback once people have them in their hands.....not to mention----Jailbreak status for the device.  People take delivery of the 4S today and we will surely have feedback all over Twitter....might even trend......

Moving past my boredom, ladies and gentlemen, Apple presents: iOS 5

As you all know, after a long wait, iOS 5 is upon us. Like many of you, I am looking forward to updating and Jailbreaking this monster and picking it's new features apart.......some of which come from the dev community.  I am waiting for most of my favorite tweaks to be iOS 5 compatible.....And I am also trying to hold out for an untethered JB solution....

Here is the latest list of Jailbreak tweaks and apps available via Cydia with iOS 5 compatibility....

sooo....Jailbreakers, sit tight....!!! If you run stock firmware and don't jailbreak, then go ahead and update to iOS 5, there are some really awesome features.

Read more HERE AND HERE....

The current Jailbreak for iOS is TETHERED..meaning you need to re-Jailbreak everytime you lose power or reboot your phone.  No worries, recent tweets from the devs I follow state an TETHERED solution is covered.... Keep this in mind: Current Jailbreak is for: iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 1, iPod touch 3G and iPod touch 4G***not iPad 2 or iPhone 4S***

Here is the link to Redsn0w for Mac and also Windows

Here is the link to Sn0wbreeze for Windows.

Also, as of yet, and maybe forever, you can not DOWNGRADE from iOS 5 to earlier firmware, and iOS 5 does no longer has the option to save SHSH blobs.....

Stay tuned next week when I cover ALL OF THIS hoopla.

Thank you for reading, and don't thank me, pay it forward.

AirPlay for Windows Media Center

Updated 5/5/2012:


I finally found an AirPlay for PC solution.  


Click here to see my post on Aerodrom, the AirPlay solution for your PC and Windows Media Center.


Updated 2/12/2012.


I still have not found a solution that works with iO 5 and Windows Media.  I have however, found a solution that will stream audio to your PC from your device.


CLICK HERE TO AIRPLAY AUDIO TO YOUR PC


Updated 1/14/2012, dead links fixed, tweak may be dead.


***To the best of my knowledge, iOS 5 has possibly killed this, I can't get my devices to see the Windows Media PC.  If you get it working, send me a note!!!! In the meantime, I fixed the dead link to the WMC client.***


It's been a few weeks since my last post....summer has been good to us.  Not to mention, there really hasn't been much going on in Geekdom......to avoid being redundant....I'd rather not just duplicate everyone else....On to the today's post....


Fan of "Airplay" on your iDevice? Me too.  Love my apple TV....but now Airplay isn't just for Apple TV, I'm about to show you how to enable Airplay on your PC via Windows Media Center.


I know what you are thinking..."You still use Windows Media Center??"  Yes, I do.  And this tweak is another reason to use it...This tweak will enable Airplay on your PC in Windows Media Center.  


When my Apple TV is occupied on another TV in the house, I simply pop an HDMI cable in the side of my laptop, and whalla, streaming from my iDevices right to my TV. This tweak also works on XBOX Media Center as well. NO JAILBREAK REQUIRED.


Here's what you need:


.Net Framework.  This is usually already installed on your Windows PC. If not, click here to get the latest version of .NET from Microsoft. 


Bonjour Service installed, this typically happens when you install Safari or iTunes.


Click HERE to download the WMC Airplay Client


This is a simple install, once complete, you will be ready to go.  Works perfectly!!!  


Here's quick demo video found on YouTube

Now you can stream Video and Audio from your iDevice to your PC, and/or to XBox right to your home entertainment system.


Don't forget to follow @brucetdoesit on twitter for the latest in Geekdom news and tweaks


Stay tuned, in my next post, I show you how to enable AirPrint on your Windows PC without using your existing printer... No need to waste hundreds of $$ on an AirPrint enabled printer!!!

AirPrint for Windows, no Jailbreak Req'd

Updated 2/6/2013

This method still works on home PC with Windows 8, all of my devices running iOS 6. I'm using the Guest Account option.

Also, still works on my corporate network using the Administrator password for  the PC the printer is connected to (not my network password).

Updated 10/15/2012

Working on iOS 6 using the steps below, on my all devices including  iPhone 5.

Also works on m corporate network using the "Administrator" logon and password for the workstation running the AirPrint Installer.  Again, WORKSTATION PASSWORD, not my network credentials.


Update 1/14/2012

Finally working on iOS 5!!!!  I'm searching for a better solution, but in the meantime, follow this workaround to get printing again on ANY printer connected to your PC.  I have not yet tried this on my corporate network.  This IS working on my home network.

I have tested on iOS 5.0.1, iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch 4th Gen, my PC is running Windows 7, 64Bit.

Here's what you need to do:



CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE AIRPRINT SERVICE INSTALLER and registry fixes.

Once unzipped you will find three files:

 Two registry fixes for Windows 7, 32 bit and 64 bit.
and the AirPrint Service Installer

Steps:

1. Run "AirPrint_Installer.exe" and then click on "Install AirPrint Service".

2. Run the "AirPrint iOS 5 FIX - 32Bit.reg" or  "AirPrint iOS 5 FIX - 64Bit.reg" to install the iOS 5 fix  (Choose the correct file for you operating system, 32 Bit or 64 Bit Windows). 

3. Go back to "AirPrint_Installer.exe", make sure "Service Startup" is set to "Auto" and click "Start".

4. Restart computer.

If there is a locked icon next to the printer on the iOS device enable the guest account in Windows. Click here to learn how to enable the "Guest" account in Windows 7.

In the "AirPrint_Installer.exe" choose to use Guest Account Auth and tick the "Enable Guest Account" box. Then click "Update". 

You will then need to restart. 

Credit to a post in the MacRumors.com forum. Click HERE for the post.

I'm still playing with this, as I don't like the Guest account option.  Once I figure out a better solution, I will update as usual.

Update 11/5/2011


Support Ticket Response was: iOS 5 update for Print App was submitted to Apple, just awaiting approval.  Sit tight. Should be resolved in just a few days.  Way cool.


Update 11/4/2011 


***iOS5 has killed this app...hopefully the developer will update soon****  BUMMER.


I am waiting for a response from the developer and will let you know what I hear back.  


As promised, here is how to escape the chokehold Apple and HP has on printing from your iDevice.

Today I show you how to print to your existing printers from your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone over your wifi to the local printer on you desktop or laptop PC.  This app will let you print from email, Safari, etc...  It will also save you money on a printer upgrade..I'm using an ancient HP LaserJet 4 Plus for this tutorial.

What you need:

iOS 4.2 or newer installed on your iDevice.

A printer connected to a running desktop PC or Laptop.  Be sure to share your printers on the network. 

If you don't know how to share a printer, FOLLOW THIS LINK.

Click here to get the Print App from the iTunes Store [$8.99, don't be cheap, it's worth it.]

Ignore the bad reviews, it's the usual "don't know WTF i'm doing" so blame the app situation.

Remember, I don't get paid to endorse anything, I ACTUALLY USE THE APPS I recommend.

Go here to download the Windows AirPrint Installer.

Run AirPrint installer and follow on screen instructions.

Now, here's why people keep giving the Print App a bad review, it is a lack of understanding....

The Print app WILL NOT work without the AirPrint installer and AirPrint service running on your PC.

You do not even have to launch the Print App.

When on your home network, connecting to printers, THEY HAVE TO BE SHARED ON YOUR NETWORK.

The first time you select your printer, it will ask you for a user name and a password.  This would be the SAME USER NAME AND PASSWORD YOU USE TO LOG ON TO YOUR PC.

In a corporate, server based network, you have to use Administrator and the administrator password for the WORKSTATION, not the network admin credentials and not your network credentials.

Here are a few screen shots of this working on my iPad.

And that's how Bruce T prints to any printer from iDevices.

Please Share, Tweet, +1 this post if you found it helpful.

Happy Printing!!!

Apple releases iOS 4.3.4, Still Signing 4.3.3

The game of cat and mouse continues....Devs vs. Apple... Apple released iOS 4.3.4. This update closes the JailBreakMe.com exploit.


***iPAD 2 OWNERS: JailbreakMe.com is the only working Jailbreak for iPad 2 and ONLY on iOS 4.3.3, STAY AWAY FROM 4.3.4***


4.3.4 is already Jailbroken using Redsn0w and PWNage, but is a TETHERED JAILBREAK, and currently recommended for Kernal hackers only. These methods do not work on iPad 2.


Tweets are coming through saying "DO NOT expect an UN-Tethered Jailbreak anytime soon" for 4.3.4. With iOS 5 right around the corner, any known exploits need to be saved.....


As of 7:30 AM CST, Apple was still signing 4.3.3, so this is your last chance to update to 4.3.3....


To do this, download the appropriate version of 4.3.3 here.


Plug in your device, launch iTunes, then power off your device.


Put your phone in DFU Mode. Click here for details on how to do it.


Once in DFU Mode, hold the left SHIFT key and click on RESTORE. From here, select the 4.3.3 IPSW you downloaded above.


If it's too late and iTunes is no longer signing....you will be S.O.L. IF YOU DO not have the appropriate SHSH blobs to do this manually.


For those of you who might need the procedure to down grade from 4.3.4 and you have your 4.3.3 SHSH Blobs saved to Cydia, follow this link to Redmondpie.com, as always, the have a great tutorial.


Now hurry up and see if you can get your device to 4.3.3 while Apple is still signing.


Don't forget to check the blog archives for other useful tips and tricks.

JailbreakMe.com Updated for Verizon & stuck at logo fix

Moments ago, Comex tweeted that JailbreakMe.com has been updated to fix the Verizon iPhone stuck at logo issue after using the site to JB.
If your Verizon iPhone is stuck at the boot logo after using the JailbreakMe.com, simply restore and jailbreak with the updated JailbreakMe.com site.
If you have not backed up your device and do not want to restore for fear of losing data, try Comex's fix here: http://a.qoid.us/verizon-iphone.html

There is also an essential update in Cydia if you jailbroke your device prior to this evening.  Just launch Cydia and you will be notified of the update.

Sent from my iPad

Over 2000 Hits

Awesome!!!!


Thank you to my readers and followers on Facebook and Twitter.


Today, BruceTdoesIT.com passed 2000 hits for the year.  Not a huge landmark, but considering I'm just having fun posting every couple weeks and promoting only on Facebook and Twitter....that is way awesome.  Best part, the blog rec'd well over 1000 hits in the past two months alone!!!!!


Way cool to see hits from Japan, Germany, Australia, France, Portugal, Israel, and other countries.


Keep reading and I'll keep posting.


Don't forget to check the blog archives for useful tips and tricks.


Thank you for reading!!!!!!!!!!

follow @brucetdoesit on Twitter for the latest Nerd Worthy News

If you find any of my posts useful, pay it forward.

Enable Multitasking Gesutures on iPad 2

Update 1/14/2012, no longer needed if you are on iOS 5, Multitasking Gestures is enabled on stock firmware.




Now that we have Jailbroken our iPad 2's, time for tweaks!!!


The first tweak I want to show you is Multitasking Gestures.  This is cool.  You can use four fingers and swipe in an upward direction on your iPad screen and it opens the app switching pane, swipe down and close it.  Swipe left or right to switch between apps, pinch screen to close apps.  It's awesome.  This tweak should work on the original iPad and iPhone as well.


Here's a video demo of what you can do with this tweak, from Engadget:

You will need to have a Jailbroken iPad and the iFile app from Cydia.  You can also perform this tweak using  WinSCP.


1. Open iFile and navigate to Applications/preferences.app/General.plist
2. Tap on General.plist and select text viewer, the select edit.
3. You will find two locations were Multitasking is spelled incorrectly as "Mutltitasking".  Use the search function to find Mutlitasking.  Simply correct both misspelled words to Multitasking.
4. Save and reboot device.


You will now find the multitasking option in the native Settings app.

And that's how Bruce T does multitasking gestures.  Awesome.

email brucet@brucetdoesit.com

follow @brucetdoesit on Titter for the latest Nerd Worthy News

If you find any of my posts useful, pay it forward.

Jailbreak all 4.3.3 iDevices including iPad 2

Comex has launched JailbreakMe.com for all devices. This is the easiest, fastest jailbreak ever. And it works for iPad 2.

Simply open Safari on your device and navigate to www.jailbreakme.com

Click on "Free", then "Install".....done....Just like this post...so easy, a caveman can do it.

Here is a screen shot from my freshly Jailbroken iPad 2.

Known issues with JailbreakMe.com are:

iPad Camera Connection Kit stops working and BiteSMS crashes device and puts it into an infinite boot loop. Click HERE to read more.

Jailbreaking with any method on all devices disables DRM content in iBooks and disables the latest version of Time Warner's TWCable TV apps.


To fix iBooks:


1.Open Cydia and and add the repo source 


http://repo.insanelyiph0ne.com


2. Install iBooks Fix.  Done.


To fix the TWCable TV app:


Install FakeTimeWarner(FTW) available in Cydia


Comex is releasing a patch to fix the Camera Connection Kit via Cydia very soon.

Thanks to Comex and the Dev community for all the hard work and effort that goes in to keeping our iDevices Jailbroken!!!!!!

email brucet@brucetdoesit.com

follow @brucetdoesit on Titter for the latest Nerd Worthy News

If you find any of my posts useful, pay it forward.

NERD ALERT: JailbreakMe 3.0 to be released in hours....

We interrupt this vacation to bring you a special NERD ALERT:

According to various Tweets, Comex is about to release JailbreakMe 3.0---the long awaited web based 4.3.3 jailbreak for all devices INCLUDING IPAD 2!!!!!!

READ HERE:

http://www.iphonehowtojailbreak.com/jailbreakme-3-0-first-screen-shoot.html

Start backing up and preparing your iPad 2!!!!!!

I will be jailbreaking from the nearest WIFI hot spot later this week. I like to let a few days go by just in case unexpected bugs arise.

STAY TUNED......

As always, follow @brucetdoesit on Twitter for the latest nerd worthy news

....now back to vacation already in progress.....

This NERD ALERT was posted via email....Blogger doesn't play well with Safari.

Sent from my iPad