Archives for "iPhone"

Posted by Mabus on 11th November 2009
0

How to convert videos for your iPhone and iPods

I have read this very common question in iPhone and iPod forums a thousand times before: How do I convert my videos for the iPhone/iPod? And I’ve also read a million of different answers. All of their answers might be right but some may be suggesting the use of expensive video converters. In reality the best video converters out there are free. Let’s take for example, Handbrake – this is one of the best video converter tools and did I say it’s free? Handbrake does the job and does it well and it’s what we’re gonna use for this tutorial.

What you need

  1. Handbrake – Download
  2. An hour or less. It depends really on how long your movie is and how fast your machine goes.

Here’s what you need to do

  1. If you haven’t installed HandBrake yet, you may download the installer here and install it on your computer. After the installation open HandBrake and a window will appear.

    step1
  2. Click on Source and a dropdown menu will appear. Choose Video File option and then look for the file that you are going to convert. If you are converting a DVD, then choose the DVD Drive or if you have your DVD copied to your computer’s hard drive, choose the DVD/VIDEO_TS Folder option.
  3. After choosing the source, choose iPhone & iPod Touch on one of the available Presets panel on the right side of the Handbrake Window. The Output Settings panel will change to the Preset you have chosen. You can change the output format if you prefer to but if you are not sure, leave it as is.

    step3

  4. Don’t forget to choose your destination folder. Just click the Browse button on the Destination panel and name your destination file.

    step4

  5. You are now good to go! Press the Start button on top and a window will appear showing you the Encoding task. You’ll also see the remaining time left (ETA). Sit back and relax while waiting for it to finish. The window will automatically close after the encoding process and an Encoding Finished message on the bottom left of the window will appear.

    step5

  6. You’re done! Now you can transfer the converted video to your iPhone or iPod Touch device. Watch it later on the bus or while you are doing nothing at school or at the office.

If you’re wondering on how to transfer your videos to your iPhone, just add the new video to your iTunes library and sync it to your device. If you want for a tutorial on that, let us know in the comments and we’ll be happy to write one for you.

Posted by gizmowiz on 10th November 2009
3

iPhone Internet Settings for Philippine Users

For iPhone users in the Philippines, internet settings are preconfigured by Globe once you get your units from them.
However, for those using iPhones (Factory and Software Unlocked) from sources other than Globe, or for those who have unlocked their units and are using different carries, you may have to manually configure your internet settings before you could use your 3G and EDGE networks for internet browsing.
Here’s a simple tutorial on how to change your APN settings.
Tap on Settings > General > Network > Cellular Data Network
Values for the settings are as follows:
Cellular Data                   Globe                                                      Smart                               Sun
APN                             internet.globe.com.ph (postpaid)              internet                           minternet
http.globe.com.ph (prepaid)
Username (leave blank)
Password (leave blank)
MMS
APN                             mms.globe.com.ph                              mms                                mms
Username                        (leave blank)
Password                        (leave blank)
MMSC                            http://192.40.100.22:10021/mmsc               10.102.61.238:8002                http://mmscenter.suncellular.com.ph
MMS Proxy                       203.177.42.214:8080                           10.102.61.46:8080                 202.138.159.778:9201
MMS Max Message Size            307200                                        307200                            307200
MMS UA Prof URL
Now you’re ready to use your phone for 3G/EDGE internet browsing as well as for MMS.
Just make sure your 3G and EDGE are on.

For iPhone users in the Philippines, internet settings are preconfigured by Globe once you get your units from them.

However, for those using iPhones (Factory and Software Unlocked) from sources other than Globe, or for those who have unlocked their units and are using different carries, you may have to manually configure your internet settings before you could use your 3G and EDGE networks for internet browsing.

Here’s a simple tutorial on how to change your APN settings.

Tap on Settings > General > Network > Cellular Data Network

Values for the settings are as follows:
apn

Please note that the APN for Globe prepaid is different from postpaid. For prepaid, the value is http.globe.com.ph

Now you’re ready to use your iPhone for 3G/EDGE internet browsing as well as for MMS. Just be aware of the internet charges associated with your carriers.
Posted by gizmowiz on 9th November 2009
9

How to Jailbreak and Unlock your iPhone 3G/3GS using Blackra1n and Blacksn0w

Thanks to Geohot, here’s the simplest ever jailbreak procedure for your iPhone 3G/3GS.

This has been developed by Geohot for the latest firmware and baseband update for the iPhone (FW 3.1.2 BB 5.11.07).

Blackra1n is for jailbreaking and hacktivating your iPhone, while Blacksn0w will unlock your baseband thus allowing you to use the SIM of the carrier of your choice.

However, this will work only as a tethered jailbreak for iPhone 3GS units with the new bootroms (released mid October 2009). This means that you would need to rejailbreak, rehacktivate and reunlock once your iPhone reboots. So remember not to let your batteries die down, else you have to repeat the procedure all over.

What you need.

  1. A working internet connection
  2. iTunes 9.0
  3. Official 3.1.2 update from iTunes (if you havent updated yet).
  4. Blackra1n (http://www.blackra1n.com)
  5. A bit of patience and common sense in following  instructions.

Here’s what to do:

  1. If you haven’t upgraded yet, do so now, using iTunes. iTunes will download the official firmware for you, backup your data, upgrade your phone and restore your data. This probably would be most time consuming step. Close iTunes after downloading but keep your iPhone connected via the USB cable.
  2. Once you’ve updated, download Blackra1n from Geohot’s site. Click the windows icon and save the file into your hard disk.

    blackrain
  3. After you’ve finished downloading, run the program. For Windows 7 users, make sure to run as administrator.
  4. A pop-up window will appear as follows:

    makeitrain
  5. Ready to jailbreak? Make sure your iPhone is on and connected to your computer.  And the easiest part to it:  just click the “make it ra1n” button.
  6. Goehot’s program proceeds to jailbreak your iPhone. In a matter of about 30 seconds, your iPhone will automatically enter recovery mode, load the jailbreak and
    you’re done.

    jailbreak done
  7. Another pop up window appears informing users that Blackra1n is entirely free for all to use.

    geo
  8. At this point your iPhone will reboot and you’ll notice an icon of a black raindrop on your springboard.
  9. Now to install Cydia and Blacksn0w, do the following:First, make sure you have a working internet connection. Test your wifi if it works. a few people have reported problems with their wifi after installing blackra1n. Reset your network settings by tapping Settings>General>Reset>Reset Network Settings. Your iPhone will reboot and wifi should be good by then. Another option for those using factory unlocked phones and those using the official carriers is to use 3G internet.
  10. Tap on the blackra1n icon. The following screen appears.


    blackrain1
    Tap Cydia to install Saurik’s Cydia Installer to your iPhone. Next tap on Sn0w. You’ll notice green checkmarks beside them. Finally, tap on the blue install button on the upper right hand portion of the screen. You should see your iPhone downloading both Cydia and sn0w. After a successful install, you’ll see a post installation log screen. Tap close and your iPhone will respring and bring you back to your home screen.

    blackrain2
    If the installation fails, try again. Chances are, your internet provider is the problem. So if you’re using wifi, try your 3G internet, and vice versa. After a successful installation, you may now install your favorite Cydia apps and use the SIM of the carrier of your choice.

A few easy steps and you’re on your way to fully utilizing the the capabilities of your iPhone!

Thanks to Geohot’s genius for making this possible, and to all the people behind the iPhone scene for their great contributions.

If you have questions or problems with your jailbreak or unlock, please feel free to post your comments here. We’d be glad to help.

Posted by Mabus on 9th November 2009
1

How to open an iTunes account without a Credit Card

The first thing you need to enjoy your iPhone/iPod touch with iTunes is an iTunes account.

Opening and iTunes account is fairly easy. All you need is to fill-out a form using your valid email address and credit card. But what if you don’t have a credit card or you’re only interested in free apps?

Here’s an easy way to open an iTunes account without a Credit Card.

  1. Open iTunes and go to the iTunes Store.
  2. Browse for a free app.
  3. Once you’ve chosen an app, click Get App. A new popup window will appear, prompting for your iTunes account log-in details.
  4. Click Create New Account.

    step5
  5. A welcome screen will appear. Click Continue.

    step6
  6. Read and Agree to the iTunes Store terms and conditions. Click Continue.

    step7
  7. Create your iTunes store account. Fill-out the necessary details completely. Click Continue.

    step8
  8. Fill-out the next form. In the payment method, choose none and fill out the other important details correctly. Click continue and you are done.

    step9
  9. Final step is to validate your itunes account. Go to your email and follow the instructions sent to you in validating your iTunes account.

Now you have access to all the free apps you want. If you wish to purchase apps from the itunes store, just update you iTunes account and provide the necessary Credit Card details.

If you have problems following this tutorial, leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Posted by Mabus on 30th October 2009
6

Quick Fix for iPhone and iPodTouch Home button

Ever encountered a slow response from you iphone button? Chances are, dirt has already accumulated at the edges of you iphone/ipod touch button.

So before going to your trusted technician for expensive repairs and replacements (especially if your warranty has expired), try this quick fix!

What you need are the following:

  1. Your trusty finger
  2. A gasp of deep breath

Now here’s what to do.

  1. Press your home button.
  2. While depressed, blow into the edges to remove the dust and dirt deposits (just make sure your saliva doesn’t come with the air you blow into it)
  3. Repeat to your hearts content.

Now you have a fully responsive home button. And you’ve saved a lot on technicians fees!

Just remember, no saliva while blowing or you’ll fuck up your home button. If you have a hand blower or car air compressor, much better.

Let me know in the comments if it worked for you.

Enjoy and watch out for more DIY tricks for your iPhone!