iPhone 5 dropping wifi Internet- work around

Update 10/19/2012

I received my replacement phone yesterday. Not sure how to determine if it is a refurb or not. I suspect it is based on the following:

It is a week 38 phone like the one I had issues with. I would be hard pressed to believe that Apple would still have any new stock with a week 38 date code.

The serial number is in a different format. Where there were once letters in character positions seven and eight are now numbers.

A minor point, but sort of sucks if a new phone was replaced with a refurb. I went back through my AppleCare T&C and seems protocol. Wish I could remember where I read the 30 day new replacement statement. Also not sure if there would even be refurbs less than 30 days into launch.

Details on the new phone, date and location codes same as original phone:

Production week: 38 (September 17th-23rd)
Location code: F2L

The key difference is the wifi chipset:
54:26:96:##:##:##, Apple.

Enough nerd tech stuff. Bottom line, my wifi now works on WPA2 encrypted networks. I'm calling this a hardware or chipset defect until Apple says otherwise--don't hold your breath.

I recommend anyone having this trouble to get the phone swapped out, I'm getting the impression a firmware update may not even correct this issue.

Overall, the process of swapping out the phone was simple and the express service under the AppleCare+ plan was fast, provided you have the means to lock up $800+ on your credit card until your old device is received at Apple. Even better if you have an Apple Store near by.

And that's how Bruce T is disappointed in the initial release of iPhone 5.

Update 10/17/2012:


After waiting for a possible software update and the review zillions of web posts on the WIFI/WPA2 issue....I called AppleCare and they are sending me a new iPhone 5. There has been no concrete resolution or official word from Apple. I read somewhere that after 30 days, Apple reserves the right to send a refurb. BS on that. (and now I can't find where I read that.


Click here for one of the many Apple support forum posts on the iPhone 5 WIFI/WPA2 issue, note, as of right now, this thread has grown to 121 pages and 1800+ replies and 176,000 views since it's original post on 9/21/2012


After holding on to my AT&T upgrade since January 2011, I broke Bruce T's gadget rule #1:


Wait to stand in line for hours or to compulsively wake up in the middle of the night to pre-order a gadget until after it's release and known issues are worked out.....


On another note, no Jailbreak yet, and I'm really missing my JB tweaks..................


I'm not entirely disappointed that I took the plunge, it gives me fodder to feed my blog.


So on to the AppleCare experience...


I speak the serial number of my iPhone 5 and when I get the next available tech and I explained the problem, he in turn said :"I've seen this a couple times". LOL....riiiiight.... I quickly responded on how I browsed hundreds of Apple Support Community posts and asked questions on a software update, is this a hardware problem, and what was Apple's official word; etc.... tech then explained he needed to consult a "Senior Adviser" to discuss a resolution and put me on hold. End of support convo. I'm pretty sure the support personnel have been directed to avoid discussing this issue in depth as the tech did not respond to my questions or take me through the usual Mr. Obvious support steps 1, 2, 3 restore, blah blah....bit.


After 8 minutes time, using the Express Replacement Service, I have a new 5 shipping overnight. I opted for the retail value hold of $800 and some change on my credit card. This will be refunded once they receive my current device. The nearest Apple Store is 35 miles away and I'm driving a 5.9L...need I say more?


Not sure if it will work...but I would like to think the boat came in from FoxConn with a new run of iPhone 5's without this issue.


You will know as soon as I do.


I am seriously disappointed in Apple on this particular issue, not sure how they blew something as simple as wifi encryption standards or a batch of bad chips. Based on the lack of an official statement or solution offered, I'm thinking this will be as far as it gets.


If it helps any of you, here are my serial number & MAC address decodes:


Production year: 2012
Production week: 38 (September 17th-23rd)
Location code: F2L


This location code comes up blank in the decoder, but based on UPS tracking and some Google work, it shipped from FoxConn in ZhengZhou, China....the SAME plant that brawled and went on strike on October 6th due to Apple's demands for higher quality standards over the scratched anodized aluminum issue...CLICK HERE.


Decode your serial number by clicking THIS link........

Hint: Settings---->General---->About


As far as hardware, it's not clear if the issue is with the Apple chipset or the Intel chipset, a driver issue, or firmware.


The fact that no software update was issued since release, I'm betting on hardware.


Based on my Wi-Fi Mac Address, 88:53:95:##:##:##, I have the Apple chipset.


Decode your MAC address by clicking THIS link.......
Be sure to enter at least the first six, if not all numbers.


Update to follow when I test new phone.


****END UPDATE***




Original Post on 9/27/2012


Hope this helps some of you with the iPhone 5 iOS 6 wifi/Internet dropping issue.


I received my 5 yesterday an immediately had issues with wifi Internet access.


Symptom:


Intermediate and brief internet connection when using wifi.


Connected to wifi but no Internet after closing Safari or waking phone from sleep mode.


This solution worked for me. Like most wifi issues, I went to security.


Go into your wireless router settings and change wireless security to WPA Personal. It appears the iPhone 5 doesn't like WPA2. I confirmed this on two Linksys routers.


Hopefully this work around will get you going. I will assume that Apple will surely release an update, this shouldn't be a hardware issue.


More on the 5 later.

Cloud storage is scary, and here is why.....PaSsWord

I'm not a huge fan of iCloud or any cloud based anything......slowly but surely, we are headed in this direction.

This morning I came across an unfortunate tweet that solidifies my worries. Click this link to Mat Honan's blog and see inside his NIGHTMARE.  

Someone cracked Mat's iCloud password and literally remotely wiped ALL of his Apple devices and gained access to his email and other linked accounts and locked him out.  Not only can this happen to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, it can happen to Android, your email accounts, PayPal, eBay, EVERYWHERE YOU USE A PASSWORD....and in a matter of moments, if you read Mat's timeline, EVERYTHING IS GONE and more than likely will not be recovered.  I'm hoping he can recover SOMETHING, there is nothing worse than losing photos and other valuable pieces of data.  And with social networks now linking and apps using "log on using Facebook" options, so much can go wrong if you get cracked.  

Before you read further, I want to state the this can happen to ANYONE, regardless of how strong of a password you create for your accounts.  All you can do is reduce the likelyness of this happening.  Being technical, one can assume that Mat took measures to secure his devices.  That being said, none of us are exempt from being hacked.

Because we all think we are smart, some of our passwords can be hacked in seconds.

Thought you were a genius when you created your password five years ago?  Well head on over to 
http://howsecureismypassword.net and find out just how long it would take ONE PC to crack your password.  It also gives you tips on how to improve the security of the password you are testing.  This is a very useful tool.  The site changes color based on level of security.  When my passwords came up red, I modified all of them until I reached level green.  Twelve character alphanumeric and symbol based passwords will get you into the million year level, 14 will take you to billions of years.  Again, this is theoretical based on the power of ONE PC.  With the power and availability of cloud computing, one can literally crack a simple password in seconds.

Being a nerd, I thought my passwords were really tricky.

Using http://howsecureismypassword.net , my best password would take a million years to crack. After following the tips, it would theoretically now take 157 Billion Years.......My worst password, 11 MINUTES.  Yep, 11 minutes.  A hacker can purchase some cloud computing time, and that 11 minutes becomes a nano second.

As far as iCloud goes, I currently only use iCloud for contacts, reminders, and Find My Phone.  The only other cloud service I use is DropBox for my PKGbackup files for my Jailbroken devices.  And today, we are all pretty much using web based email services and apps on our devices.  Security is very important, we are all connected to the internet 24/7 in many aspects of our lives.

Food for thought:  After reading Mat Hanon's post, you should take this seriously.  Data loss and identity theft can really set you back.  I also want to add that with Find My Phone enabled on your iPhone, iPad or iPod, YOU CAN BE TRACKED ANYWHERE if someone cracks your password. That's right.  So don't share your password, an angry EX, estranged spouse, any wacko can literally track your every move. Not only on an iDevice, Android based devices and laptops can all be tracked.

Here's some tips from Bruce T:

• Create a password using numbers, letters, capital letters, and symbols.  You can use the tool above.
• NEVER share a password for any data or financial critical sites.
• If you are using an iDevice--or any account based OS, make sure that you are the only one that knows the password.
• Don't use the same password for EVERYTHING
• Don't use the same password FOREVER, experts recommend changing them every three months.
• Don't use personal data like your address, date of birth, phone number, etc to create a password.
• Having trouble remember all of your passwords, use a password database software package like KeePass to store, manage, and encrypt your passwords.  Click here for more info on KeePass. CLICK HERE TO GO TO KeePass WEBSITE
• Take this seriously.  Click here and check out the FBI's Cyber Crime website.  Scary Stuff.

Now don't panic, just evaluate your passwords and make the necessary changes to better secure your online existence along with your data and devices.

That's how Bruce T does it.

Don't forget to follow @brucetdoesit on Twitter!!!!!

Premium Siri Server: uSirity from uhelios, Awesome

Are you Siri-ous? (I know, over used cheesy pun) 

Another awesome Siri Server?  I am, uSirity from uhelios.  This is awesome.

I have played with several ports and servers, uSirity is top notch---and it's powered by Google Voice API.  VERY simple to install and use.  One time fee: $15.00 at the time of this post.

Click HERE for the uhelios premium server site.

STEP 1.  You will need a Jailbroken iDevice.  

Click HERE for the latest jailbreak methods.

STEP 2.  INSTALL ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SIRI PORTS:

Siri Port, Spire from the BigBoss repo in Cydia if on iOS 5.0.1 [recommended]

Siri Port Spazz from Cydia if on iOS 5.1.1

In Cydia, go to sources and add the repo:   

http://repo.uhelios.com 

If you have any issues, I recommend installing these Siri ports after a fresh restore and jailbreak, and starting as "new device". 

Step 3.  Install uSirity, available in Cydia after you add the repo source: 

http://repo.uhelios.com

Step 4. Get your UDID number.

Easiest method: launch iTunes, click on your device, click on summary, then in the summary window where it shows your device's serial number....CLICK on the words "Serial Number" and this will change to "Identifier (UDID).  From the menu bar in iTunes, click on "edit" then "copy identifier (UDID).  This will put your UDID on the clipboard to later paste into the order form at siri.uhelios.com

CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE EXACTLY HOW IT'S DONE.

Step 5. Mosey on over to http://siri.uhelios.com, paste your UDID into the form and purchase your server slot. Once you get the email confirmation stating your UDID is on the server, you can get things setup.

Step 5, configure uSirity from the Settings app by selecting server and downloading the certificate.

Here's a quick Bruce T tube on how to get this all set up.  I am using my 3GS on iOS 5.0.1 using Spire.

Do it, don't be scared, you'll love Siri and her power.

That's how Bruce T does Siri ports with uhelios' uSirity.

Follow @brucetdoesit on Twitter for the latest Geekworthyness in a language you can all understand.

iOS untethered 5.1.1 Jailbreak, took the plunge

I know I'm chiming in late on this, but I was in no hurry for this Jailbreak.  At risk of being redundant. this is how I roll on the 5.1.1 jailbreak.


In an effort to stay on top of the Jailbreak scene, I updated and Jailbroke my iPad 2 to iOS 5.1.1.....reluctantly.... Remember, the LEGAL Siri port, Spire, does not function on 5.1.1 and there are no future plans for this to change.  


Because I use Siri so much my iPhone 4 and all other devices will remain on iOS 5.0.1 until a working LEGAL Siri port is available.  For the time being, my iPad 2 uses Sara, a powerful Siri clone...


Click here if you want to know more about Sara


On to iOS 5.1.1 jailbreak options.


This jailbreak is very simple, and if you have never jailbroken your device before, perhaps this will be the release that convinces you.


Option 1. Absinthe, for ALL iOS devices, including iPad 2, iPhone 4S, iPad 3.  Absinthe does not however, jailbreak Apple TV 3.


Click here for the Absinthe blog and details.......


Click here for a quick and easy video explanation....it really is that simple...Click here and
let Jeff @ iDownloadBlog who you how.

Option 2. RedSn0w.  Just as simple as Absinthe and my personal choice.


Click here to learn more about RedSnow to JB 5.1.1 untethered.


And a companion video.

And there you have it, this is where we are at with iOS 5.1.1 Jailbreaks....

Again, please consider these tips when Jailbreaking:

1.  Though shall ALWAYS backup device in iTunes

2.  Though shall transfer purchases from device to iTunes library.

3.  Though shall ALWAYS backup SHSH and Jailbreak tweaks and apps using PKbackup or other                    

      backup utility found in Cydia.  [You can also use Tiny Umbrella to back up your SHSH blobs.]

If you are at 4.xx and upgrading to 5.xx, I recommend you RESTORE TO 5.XX and start as a new device once you have Jailbroken your device.  This will provide you with a clean install and jailbreak.  

If you are at 5.0.1 and going to 5.1.1, you should be fine with an normal update in iTunes then Jailbreak.

I always restore to the latest firmware then start as new, but that's me.

Stay tuned, I'm working on a post describing JailBreaking and it's benefits IN LAYMAN'S TERMS.

That's how Bruce T does the latest iOS 5.1.1 Jailbreak.  

Follow @BruceTdoesIt on Twitter and check out my Youtube Channel for an occasional video.

iOS 5.1.1 untethered, not for Siri Port, Spire

The 5.1.1 untethered jailbreak has been released. I am on vacation and have not had a chance to play with it...naturally, I wait a few days to jailbreak with new releases so unexpected bugs are worked out BEFORE I try it anyway...which brings you this warning:

Slow down folks...if you enjoy the use of the Siri Port, Spire, DO NOT update your device. According to a Tweet from Spire's DEV, chpwn, Spire is not compatible with 5.1 or 5.1.1, and will not be for the foreseeable future.

I have heard of another port called Spite, I caution you, users are Tweeting that it is glitchy and may crash your device and you will have to restore and jailbreak all over again. If you try Spite and get it working, comment below or sen me a Tweet....

Now back to vacation.....

iOS 5.1.1 Jailbreak looms....let's get ready...

Updated: 5/24/10:40PM CST

Abisinthe Jailbreak Blog just released a time chart for release....CLICK HERE FOR YOUR TIME ZONE...

06:00 CST...reluctantly, I begin the tedious task of updating my iPad 2 to iOS 5.1.1, the first of my iDevices being readied for the latest untethered JB release.....

It's upon us once again.....The iOS Devs are set to release the latest Jailbreak tools for another Friday Fun Day---tweets show as early as tomorrow AM........  Recent tweets and blog updates are coming in fast:

Click here for an awesome link to pod2G's blog and the list of supported devices.

And the Absinthe Jailbreak site is currently being updated and readied for release, Click Here.

Don't be cheap, these Devs work extremely hard on their own time to keep our jailbreaks alive, and for FREE.....so CLICK HERE TO DONATE SOME CASH FOR THE CAUSE.....

How does Bruce T do it?

If I jump from say, a 4.x firmware to a 5.x firmware, I RESTORE......and start as a new device.  This eliminates any carry over or conflicts from the transition, especially if you want to use SPIRE to port Siri to your device.

If I have already started from a 5.x version, I simply update to the latest firmware and restore my backups from iTunes and PKGbackup via Dropbox.

BUT BEFORE I DO, I follow these commandments:

1.  Though shall ALWAYS backup device in iTunes

2.  Though shall transfer purchases from device to iTunes library.

3.  Though shall ALWAYS backup SHSH and Jailbreak tweaks and apps using PKbackup or other                    

      backup utility found in Cydia.  [You can also use Tiny Umbrella to back up your SHSH blobs.]

4.  Though shall update device to latest iOS ONLY when Jailbreak is very near.

5   Though shall sit and wait............

So ready yourself and your devices, 5.1.1 UNTETHERED JAILBREAK IS IMMINENT 

Don't forget to follow @BruceTdoesIT on Twitter for the latest nerdworthy news.....

Stay tuned....the saga continues....... I will be jailbreaking my iPhones and other devices once I test the current release on my iPad 2.........

Wisconsin MSM: More News, Less Filler

Taking a break from Nerdom for a moment, putting on my political hat......because NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS for the left.....


I submitted this "Voice of the People" to my local paper, the Kenosha News.  Seems local media in the state of Wisconsin is hell bent on hiding facts and reporting on "NON STORIES" when it comes to the recall effort against Governor Walker and his administration's record of success.


Sadly, this same issue EXISTS all across the country.--and the MEDIA DENIES IT, instead saying that bacically any news outlet that reports anything positive on a the GOP, conservatives, the Tea Party is,of course, "BIASED"
*********
More News, Less Filler


Kenosha News front page, May 11, 2012:


"Loomis Gets Somers Chairman seat" headline should have been swapped with the REAL NEWS HIDDEN on page A5's "Brief":


"Walker administration touts budget surplus". 


I feel that during this entire recall fiasco, the Kenosha News has done little to be objective and report REAL NEWS that voters should know, with an important recall election just a few weeks away. 


Based on the history of Wisconsin's past budgetary challenges during the previous administration, the crisis unfolding in Illinois as well as other states, a report showing a projected $154.5 million dollar surplus at the end of the 2011-2013 biennium would be BIG NEWS, and more than worthy of a front page slot. Even more importantly during this divisive recall effort.


The Kenosha News could do a better job educating the constituency of our city and it's subscribers to actually report on news as important as this, as all political parties in our state benefit from a balanced budget, lower taxes, and an improved business environment.
*********
Here's more on the subject, and links to educate yourself.  I can't stress it enough, regardless of your political ideology, YOU NEED TO VERIFY AND RESEARCH the FACTS.


THE WISCONSIN BOOM


Gov. Walker's administration: New revenue projections show Wisconsin will have budget surplus


The MacIver Institute, the free market voice for Wisconsin.


Reforms and Results

Media Research Center


Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau


Wisconsin State Legislature

I could provide and endless stream of links and documentation 
OR YOU CAN:


GOOGLE IT


Education is POWER.....


That's how Bruce T Does It.

Let's Jam some WordJelly--Free Siri Proxy Server.

Updated 2/24/2013

My iPhone 4 & iPad 2 are updated to iOS 6.1.2, Wordjelly still works using the Ac!d Siri port found in the repo:

Update 6/16/2012

Wordjelly just got easier. Add the rep: http://wordjelly.com/repo in Cydia and download the new WordJelly Control panel to setup WordJelly from the Settings app. Simple control panel and pretty self explanitory. Tap "Install Certificates", then "reset" when done.  You may have to reboot your device.

Original Post 5/6/12:

So, you didn't like my Siri proxy tutorial because it cost money???? Well, for my favorite price of FREE, here is a powerful and amazingly well done Siri Proxy Server: WordJelly

Let's Jam----cheesy pun intended.......Click here for a little Newcleus to set the mood.....

This one is super cool. Reads your Facebook and Twitter feeds along with a complete line of advanced and standard Siri features.

After connecting Siri, you launch Siri and say "personalize". Siri will now show you your WordJelly username and password. You will need this to setup twitter. Follow the directions, it's really simple.

Facebook:

"Facebook feed" gives you five updates....."Facebook feed, give me ten"...Siri will read back the last ten Facebook updates....

"Facebook Notifications", Siri will now say your Facebook notifications.

Twitter uses similar commands. This is a really great server and is compatible with other Siri plugins available in Cydia. And it's Bruce T's favorite price, FREE

Click here for a complete list of commands from WordJelly

Here's the Tube:

Click here for the rest of the details from WordJelly.

Are you convinced yet? OK then, keep reading, we are about to Jam some WordJelly.

Remember, Spire works on iPhone 4, 3GS, and iPod Touch.......

What you need:

Jailbroken iPhone 4, 3GS, or iPod Touch, Click here to get 'er done.

Install Spire from Cydia---this does take a while, so don't panic.
Launch Cydia, click refresh, and search for Spire.

Click Here For Bruce T's Spire installation instructions, ignore the proxy setup portion.

Here's someone's Tube, again, ignore the proxy setup portion:

Setup WordJelly Siri Proxy Server, click here....

Bruce T Tip: To install the server certificate, open the above link in Safari ON YOUR DEVICE, once you have navigated to

"settings---->Spire-----> and changed the Siri Proxy to

https://siri.wordjelly.com:4443

Reboot your device if Siri doesn't work after changing the proxy info in Spire.

And don't forget, to setup Twitter, activate Siri and say "peronsalize". Siri will now show you your WordJelly username and password. You will need this to setup twitter.

Done, enjoy...


And that's how Bruce T Jams WordJelly

Want AirPlay on your PC, Let's Do it

Update 11/16/2013

Want to AirPlay to your Apple TV from your PC or Mac?Then check out Air Parrot (for both PC & Mac), I'm currently testing it on my 2008 MacBook Pro on Mavericks; blog post to follow in the near future so stay tuned here and follow @brucetDoesIT on Twitter......

***ORIGINAL POST***

Click here to learn more about Air Parrot, PC/Mac Air Play

Finally, my blog dry spell has ended, thanks to Aerodrom.....

Yep, Aerodrom.....It's not a prescription, it's not an energy drink, it's not a terrestrial vacation getaway, it's not even the Croatian Rock band of the same name..... It's South Slavic for "Airport"....for us nerd's, it's AirPlay support for your PC that includes VIDEO PLAYBACK......Awesome....

Stock firmware users can enjoy it as well, no Jailbreak required.

Since the release of iOS 5,  the existing Airplay Plug in for Windows  Media Center has been unusable....This was one of my most popular blog posts.  The plugin is no longer supported and as of iOS5, it is dead...

Click here to go back in time to the post......

The developers at funky@factory have launched a viable solution named Aerodrom.  Oddly enough, the first version was released back in 2011, and I'm just hearing about it now, even after my massive search for a solution.

Here's the tube:

Here is the site and more info:  FunkyF@actory Development

So far, I'm rocking the demo version.  It was easy to configure, I just had to point the preferences to my wifi router and restart the application.  The full version of Aerodrom supports Windows Media Center. I will update this post once I launch the full version.

Price is €9.99 when converted against the weak American dollar, will cost you $13.07.  I will most likely take the plunge after I use the demo version some more... Definitely worthy of the dollars.

Here's what you need, direct from the developers page:

Aerodrom, current version.

Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0
Microsoft Windows Media Player Version 10 or later
Bonjour for Windows must be installed and running
iTunes 10.2 or newer
VLC media player 2.x for advanced video playback (optional)

You are now ready to stream audio, video, photos, and select 3rd party apps.

Screen Shot from iPad2:

Aerodrom running on my PC:

So far, I like this program.  It's a big step from the Shairport4W application I blogged about back in January.  Also, to the best of my knowledge, is the first solution to work since the release of iOS 5 killed an earlier version of a Windows Media Center Airplay plugin.

And that's how Bruce T does it.

Stay tuned.....more to come......follow @BruceTdoesIT on Twitter for the latest and greatest in Nerdom.

The New iPad, iOS 5.1, and the death of 5.0.1...

BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZ......lots of bees buzzing around APPLE these days......Time to chime in.......nerd explanations for all this fancy talk at the end of post....


Many of us are excited about the release of the new iPad....a major performance boost from the iPad 2.  Retina Display, Quad core processor, amazing camera with 1080P video, and more importantly, 4G/LTE---watch your data plan on this one!!!! Reports are already surfacing that the 4G speeds are consuming data packages in ten minutes flat!!!!!  Simply awesome and "Resolutionary", wish I could afford to upgrade, but I will be skipping this one...at least for now.....saving my cash for the fabled iPhone 5....


however...I will be purchasing the newest Apple TV offering. Having had one for the past year, this is an ESSENTIAL accessory to any iDevice user and a must have for iPad owners.  The ease of use, iPad mirroring, Netflix, access to your iTunes library from your home entertainment system via wifi, the list of awesomeness goes on.  Here's a link to Apple TV. 


Keep your eyes on sales, iPad 3 could be even bigger than the release of the first two iPads combined.... Recent market research shows that 30% of mobile web users WILL buy iPad 3 and 42% of current iPad owners are ready to buy as well.  iPad is expected to cross the ONE HUNDRED MILLION UNITS land mark this year, with 2012 sales projections to be 60 Million Units.....The original iPad sold 300,000 units the first day.  I sat in line at Best Buy for 3 hours and 45 minutes one year ago for the iPad 2 launch to get my hands on one of 1,000,000 sold that day.  I'm betting Apple is bringing in 3-5 million units at a minimum for this launch.


In case you missed the rather bland Apple event this week, here's the video.

Not much to say on the release of iOS 5.1....although you will find some newer apps requiring it, especially those mentioned at this week's Apple event.  It claims the usual minor improvements, battery performance, etc....A new firmware release is always expected when a new device arrives.  I will not be updating any of my devices at this point, preserving my un-tethered Jailbreak...

If you got caught in an upgrade.....here's the links to Jailbreak 5.1 using RedSn0w--TETHERED, as well as a link to DOWNGRADE........

Thus far, RedSn0w 0.9.10b6 is only for A4 devices--NOT for iPAD 2 or iPhone 4S.......

JAILBREAK iOS 5.1 USING REDSN0W 0.9.10b6

DOWNGRADE iOS 5.1 TO iOS 5.0.1

You are on your own with this one, Bruce T hasn't taken the leap as of yet....

And last bit of news, Apple is no longer signing iOS 5.0.1.  if you are Jailbroken, your SHSH blobs will be saved in Cydia. Be sure you have a copy of iOS 5.0.1 and Tiny Umbrella on your PC in the event you need to do a restore.

Get iPhone, iPad, and iPod firmware HERE

Get Tiny Umbrella HERE

In a nutshell, Tiny Umbrella will modify your HOSTS file on your PC or MAC to point to Cydia's signature server, allowing you to authenticate and re-install iOS 5.0.1 or earlier firmwares.  Now that Apple is no longer signing 5.0.1, if you restore your device in iTunes, you will be forced into iOS 5.1.  Any questions, Google the subject or Email BruceT@BruceTdoesit.com, comment below, or Tweet @BruceTdoesIT

On another note......if you have been holding on to your older device, like a 3GS, now may be the time to DUMP IT.....I have noticed a trend of a Jailbroken devices gaining value every time Apple stops signing a firmware that is currently Jailbroken AND untethered....My 3GS is going up for grabs and being re-listed this weekend.  

Last but not least, some links to definitions and explanations to help you understand some of the NERDY TERMS used intoday's rather boring and bland blog post:

TETHERED JAILBREAK vs. UN-TETHERED JAILBREAK

Firmware Signing, SHSH BLOBS, Tiny Umbrella

Geek wiki on the history of jailbreaking.

And that's how Bruce T fills his blog with filler..........

Thanks for reading, don't forget to follow @bruceTdoesIT on Twitter for the latest in Geekdom.

Sara, Siri's free and easy evil twin, Jailbreak Required

Still rocking your older iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, and want the amazing features of Siri?  My blog post on the Spire Siri port too complicated or are you too cheap to buy a server slot to get the 4S tokens required? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this blog post is for you!!!!!  Another awesome reason to Jailbreak your device.  

My son E-Man and I have been playing with this for couple weeks now, and the developers have done an amazing job on this.  There have been several releases and updates, this package is moving fast.  Here she is, Siri's free & easy evil twin:  SARA.  We have asked SARA everything from who her daddy is, what is that smell, directions to China, the time, current temp, tell me a joke, the list goes on and on. SARA even check your inbox and can launch any app on your device.  With Siri, you need add ons to accomplish this.


SARA is quite entertaining with more an more responses added everyday.  SARA is also available in several languages with new translations everyday.  

You can have these Siri like features, and in some respects, more powerful features by simply Jailbreaking and installing Sara.


E-man and I have not done a video in a while, so we decided to make a demo for SARA.  I apologize for the glare and fuzziness, we keep it old skewl.  Here's the vid:

What you need:


Jailbreak your iDevice, if you have not already.


Click HERE for instructions on Jailbreaking your non A5 device [everything but iPad 2 & iPhone 4S]


In Cydia, add the SARA repo, isoftjsc.com.   


From there, install SARA and SARA dictation if you like. Respring or reboot. Done. It is really that easy.


I used Activator to program the short hold option to launch SARA.  It is not necessary, you can launch SARA from your spring board like any other app, but the short hold option makes it more like SIRI.


Click HERE for more information about SARA direct from her father, Nobita.


The other cool thing is that plugins are being developed everyday and it's open source, anyone can submit one.  There will soon be a SARA plugin repo going live.  Keep your eye out for it.  SARA will surely become one of the most awesome apps and tweaks ever released.  


Click HERE to follow SARA on Facebook, and HERE for Twitter.

The only cons I have with this Siri clone are that facts that the servers are a little slow, and sometimes responses are not accurate.  Hardly a complaint when you consider this is FREE and EASY.  The Spire Siri port is mildly complicated with the added step of a Siri Proxy server, and to get a good response time you will need to purchase a slot on a proxy server. 


Try this out and have some fun with it!!!


That's how Bruce T Does artificial intelligence!!!!

Want Siri on your iPhone 4 or 3GS? Let's do it.

Update 2/15/2012


It appears Apple has taken measures to attempt disabling Spire & Siri Proxy servers.  I will post an update on this issue as soon as the Dev's and Proxy providers have a solution. 


CLICK HERE TO READ MORE, AND TO LEARN ABOUT A TEMPORARY FIX

CLICK HERE FOR ANOTHER GOOD DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM AND TEMPORARY FIX

I had to delete the .plist to get Spire to work.  Siri works great once you follow delete the .plist as outlined in the link above.


SiriZone says they have updated all of their servers, and I can confirm, Siri is getting faster and faster.

--**--**--
Original post:


It's been a couple weeks since my last post, nothing nerd worthy has been going on since the Absinthe A5 iOS 5.0.1 Jailbreak.   So I have been BORED.  That boredom led me to finally play with Spire, the ever popular and LEGAL, Siri port for iPhone 4, 3GS, iPT, and iPad.  Ever since I got this going on my iPhone 4, I haven't been able to put it down.  Yet another reason to Jailbreak your iOS device.

First, everyone give a round of applause to Apple and the greatest marketing scam ever: Siri is only available on the iPhone 4S......

Click here for a more intelligent and less humorous reason why Siri is only available on the iPhone 4S.....

Thanks to iOS dev, CHWPN,  falling in love with Siri isn't just for Raj and 4S owners anymore (cheesy Big Bang Theory reference). Spire gives you FULL SIRI FUNCTIONALITY. 

Click here for a brief description of Spire.

Don't be intimidated, this is easier than it sounds.

Read this entire blog post, here's what you need: 

1. A Jailbroken iPhone 4 or 3GS on iOS 5.0.1. 

 Click here for Jailbreak instructions.

2. Spire installed from Cydia at the low price of FREE.  Do this over Wifi. This is a rather large download and will take a little while.  Once installed and rebooted, Spire appears in the Settings app, Siri will appear in Settings, General.

Spire in Cydia

3. Access to iPhone 4S Authentication Keys.....How do you do that, you ask?

Option #1, and easiest of all:  Pay for them.  That's what I did.  I went with SiriZone by iModZone.  Cost wasn't bad at $20.00 for one year of service.  They have several servers and I have had a fast response time through Siri with no down time since install.  I have tried a server in Dallas and one in Atlanta.  Order response was quick, as soon as I submitted my order to SiriZone, I recieved an email with server information and a link to download the appropriate certificate.  

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SIRIZONE once you have Spire installed and have rebooted your device.  I have no ties to SiriZone nor do I get paid to endorse them.  As always, I find and test what's out there so my posts bring you WORKING and PROVEN solutions.  That's how Bruce T rolls.


Or, CLICK HERE FOR A GOOD REVIEW OF SIRI PROXY SERVERS.

You will need your device's UDID number to purchase a server slot.  Email it to yourself so you can copy and paste into your SiriZone order using UDID Pro, free in iTunes.

Click here to download UDID Pro from iTunes.

Option #2, if you have an iPhone 4S or know someone that does who is willing to play along, AND you are the biggest NERD on the block:

CREATE YOUR OWN SIRI PROXY SERVER.  If I knew someone with a 4S, I would have gone this route.  Also, if you have an iPhone 4S, you can get paid for access to your authentication keys, Google it.

CLICK HERE TO BE THE BIGGEST NERD ON THE BLOCK AND CREATE YOUR OWN SIRI PROXY.

Keep in mind, Apple could make changes that may render this useless, but for now, I'm enjoying Siri while I await release of the fabled iPhone 5.

Let's keep this simple.  Follow these steps to configure Spire once you have purchased a slot on a Siri Proxy Server or setup your own.  I will reference SiriZone as this is the service I chose.  Setup will be similar for most Siri Proxy providers.

1.  From your device, open your email from SiriZone or other provider, copy and paste host address for the server nearest to you into Spire from the Settings App. If using SiriZone, make note of the server name, you will need to know this when you download the server's certificate in step 2:

2. From the same email provided by SiriZone or other provider, click on the link to their server certificates.  Safari will launch and take you to SiriZone's temporary Profile Service that will register your devices UDID on their network.  Tap "Install the Certificate", a Profile Service will open, tap install again, you will get a warning that server is unsigned, click install again. Tap done after profile is installed.  Safari will come back up with a page to install the certificate for the host you chose in step 1.  Tap on the name of the server you chose in step 1 and go through the motions of installing.  TiP: I installed all of the US host certificates so I could change the host address in Spire later if needed and not have to go through the certificate install again.


3. When done, go to Settings App, General, and turn on Siri.

 It will happen exactly like this:

Sounds like a lot of work, but it really isn't if you purchase a slot on a Siri Proxy.  Siri is as fun as it is useful. Now you can save your upgrade for the iPhone 5 and lead everyone to believe that you have an iPhone 4S.


Spire: Free
Siri Proxy Server: $20.00
NOT buying a 4S: Priceless


Stay tuned...in the near future I will show you how to make Siri even better on your Jailbroken device with some really cool Siri plugins.


Until then.....

       

GreenPois0n Absinthe A5 iOS 5.0 & 5.0.1 Jailbreak , OS X & Windows

Time for the good stuff.... GreenPoison Absinthe is out for both OS X & Windows.  

Super easy process, I'd rather not be redundant, here are the links:

GreenPois0n ABSINTHE GUI FOR WINDOWS

click here for a nicely done tutorial

And a great video from Redmondpie.

Donate to the Dev Dream Team by Clicking HERE

While I was waiting for a working Windows Version of Absinthe, I ran the CLI released by the Dev Team....It was a bit of a PITA...


Just a quick word on the CLI release, and we will go right into the Absinthe Jailbreak....


Special thanks to my friend Dan for helping me figure out the command line syntax.


I won't bother to give you the tuorial, but I will give you the links....now that GreenPois0n Absinthe for Windows has been released, I'd rather not frustrate you with Command Line Interface jargon.....But if you insist:


CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CLI ZIP FILE FOR WINDOWS


CLICK HERE FOR A TUTORIAL FROM ItechNow....


Remember to be in the working directory of cinject_0.4.3
I unzipped to the C:\ drive, and this is what my command line needed to be:

That's how Bruce T Jailbreaks A5 Devices on iOS 5.0 & 5.0.1

Mac/OS X Version of Absinthe A5 Jailbreak out!! Windows to follow

Update 1/20/12 12:20PM:


Limera1n's blog states: Windows Version of Absinthe "Uploading"


Click here to get all warm and fuzzy Windows Users....


Original Post:


The moment is upon us....


MAC/OS X users........ABSINTHE.....


Windows version to follow...and before Win users complain, keep this in mind: MAC users will find all bug before us Windows users, meaning, a better release.....


CLICK HERE AND EVERYTHING CHANGES.....FRIDAY FUN DAY!!!!