iPhone jailbreak steps

1.Preparation:
1.1.backup iphone:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766

Right-click (or Control-click) the iPhone or iPod touch in iTunes under Devices and choose Back Up.

1.2.download iphone 3.1.2 firmware
http://appldnld.apple.com.edgesuite.net/content.info.apple.com/iPhone/061-7265.20091008.Xsd32/iPhone1,2_3.1.2_7D11_Restore.ipsw

1.3. download blackra1n
http://www.blackra1n.com/

2.start the break:
from your computer, double click the saved blackra1n
then clicke on "make it rain"
it will show “entering recovery mode...”
then you will see " your jailbreak is done once the device reboots. ....", click "ok" and reboot iphone.

I got below problem at this step:
frome itune you see below error message:
itune has detected an iphone in recovery mode, you must restore this iphone before it can be used with itunes

click on restore from itune, after a while iphone reboots.
(turn off blackrain window before doing so)
I got a white blank screen on iphone and itune says " preparing iphone for restore...."
then itune said: the iphone "iphone" could not be restored. an unkonw error occurred (13)
I figured out this was because a network issue in my home network, after fixed the network and tried it again, the restore worked fine.
BTW, the restore did ask for firmware package location and it extracted it by itself.

then itune shows " restoreing iphone firmware......."
After a while and a auto reboot, everything is ok.
Now I can get into iphone as usual, but I found everything is factory setting and all data lost.
I need to resotre from my data backup.Went to itune, click restore backup and choose the right

backup name, few minutes later everything done.

3. install cydia
Once blackra1n is installed properly that means jailbreak done.
click "balckra1n" from iphone, and then choose to install cydia. make sure you have network connected with your computer.

Note, my iphone was unlocked by the vendor before jailbreak.

references:
http://zone.it.sohu.com/forums/thread-3626476-1-1.html
http://zone.it.sohu.com/forums/thread-3626476-1-1.html
(both are very detailed and very good, but in Chinese only)

http://hi.baidu.com/%BA%D3%EB%E0%D3%E3/blog/item/88b4ba03d957f17c3812bb6f.html

English ones:
http://www.iphonedownloadblog.com/2009/10/11/jailbreak-iphone-blackra1n-tutorial/
http://macx.cn/a/a605i1180449.htm



Install tomtom map instruction:

Step 1 : Have an iPhone. Make sure you have OS 3.0
Step 2: Jailbreak iPhone - Follow exact instructions here:
http://www.iphonedownloadblog.com/2009/10/11/jailbreak-iphone-blackra1n-tutorial/
Step 3: Enter Cydia on the iPhone, go to manage, go to sources, click edit (top right), click add (top left) and type : http://cydia.hackulo.us/ (see screenshot) . Ignore Cydia’s silly warnings
Step 4: click search (bottom right), type in ‘installous’. The only result you should get is ‘Installous’(see screenshot). Click this and press ‘install’ (top right)
Step 5: click search again, type in ‘appsync’. The only result you should get is ‘AppSync’(see screenshot). Click this and press install
Step 6: Exit Cydia, and click the new installous icon. Click settings (bottom right). Change ‘Install Method’ to dirty. Toggle ‘iTunes Sync’ to On
Step 7: Download the tomtom app here:
http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/5061144/TomTom_Australia_for_iPhone
Step 8: Drag the app you just downloaded into iTunes
Step 9: Plug your iphone into your computer, it should now sync the app. this can take up to 40 minutes
Step 10: Unplug iPhone and run the tomtom app!

How to Use Skype over 3G on iPhone

http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/skype/how-to-use-skype-over-3g-on-iphone.asp

Skype over 3G is disable by most of the carriers hence Skype by default requires WiFi in order to make calls.
this article shows you how to fix that so you can have some nice Skype over 3G action!

How to Use Skype Over 3G on your iPhone
Requirements: Jailbreaking, VoIPover3G, OpenSSH or DiskAid, and Mobile Substrate

Note: You do not need to install Intelliscreen to ensure your modified VoIPover3G.plist file works. The latest MobileSubstrate makes sure that VoIPover3G is enabled and working properly. Previously, you needed to install Intelliscreen as a workaround, but no more.

1. Jailbreak
2. Open Cydia. Search for and install VoIPover3G. This enables you to truck apps that "require" WiFi to also work over your 3G data connection
3. While in Cydia install OpenSSH which will allow you to transfer files from/to the iPhone.
4. Install the latest Mobile Substrate.
5. After all these apps are installed, you should reboot your iPhone.
6. Next, connect your iPhone to your home WiFi network and get the IP address the iPhone was assigned. Click on Settings>WiFi>circuluar blue arrow
7. Pick either DiskAir (option a) or OpenSSH (option b) to modify the iPhone file. (on your pc)
a) DiskAid instructions: (a tool for PCs and Macs which enables to use your iPhone or iPod Touch as external Disk.)
1) Download & install DiskAid
2) Connect iPhone to PC or Mac using USB cable.
3) Drag the /Library/MobileSubstrate/DynamicLibraries/VoIPover3G.plist file to your PC or Mac
4) goto Step 8)
b) OpenSSH (more advanced, but techies love SSH/SCP.
1) Download a SSH/SCP program. For PC users I recommend WinSCP.
2) In WinSCP, make sure to select "SFTP" and enter in this info:
- Server: your iPhone's IP address
- Username: root
- Password: alpine
- Port: 22
3) Click on "Connect", which might take a few seconds to connect to your iPhone.
4) Navigate to: /Library/MobileSubstrate/DynamicLibraries
5) Continue to next step (8.)
8. From your PC, double-click VoIPover3G.plist which will open the file.
9. You will likely see the following text within "VoIPover3G.plist"or something very similar:

Filter = {Bundles = ("com.Fringland.Fring", "com.apple.AppStore", "com.audiofile.Interstate", "com.apple.MobileStore");};

Append "com.skype.skype" to the text (with a comma) which will then look like this:

Filter = {Bundles = ("com.Fringland.Fring", "com.apple.AppStore", "com.audiofile.Interstate", "com.apple.MobileStore", "com.skype.skype");};

10. Now save the modified file. If using WinSCP, it will automatically upload back to your iPhone. If using DiskAid, just drag-and-drop the file back onto the iPhone overwriting the old one.
11. Uninstall the Skype app & reboot your iPhone.
12. Reinstall the Skype app from the Apple App Store

And now you will be able to make Skype over 3G calls. Enjoy!
From your iphone, make a call test to ensure skype over 3g is working. Previously you will get a message saying call over 3g is not available and you need to use wifi to make call. Now the message disappeared!


I should point out that MobileSubstrate along with VoIPover3G.plist enables you to install appstore apps larger than 10mb over the 3g and you can use other Voice over IP apps such as Fring over 3G. It even allows ustream to work over 3G - another app restricted to WiFi only. Good stuff!

some good stuff for iphone

Turn your iphone to a wifi spot
http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/iphone-modifications/mywi-released-turn-your-iphone-into-a-wifi-hotspot-51017.html


Stereo bluetooth earphone for iphone 3G/3GS
http://modmyi.com/forums/accessory-review/517681-motorola-s9-hd-a2dp-how-good.html

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090705190555AAeMqWj

iPhone battery tips

Charging Tips
iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS cannot be charged with a FireWire power adapter or FireWire-based car charger. Make sure your computer is on while charging iPhone via USB. If iPhone is connected to a computer that’s turned off or is in sleep or standby mode, the iPhone battery may drain.
Maximum Battery Life
iPhone 3GS offers up to 5 hours of talk time on 3G, 12 hours of talk time on 2G, 5 hours of Internet use on 3G, 9 hours of Internet use on Wi-Fi, 10 hours of video playback, or 30 hours of audio playback on a full charge at original capacity. In addition, iPhone features up to 300 hours of standby time.
Charge Cycles
A properly maintained iPhone battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 400 full charge and discharge cycles. You may choose to replace your battery when it no longer holds sufficient charge to meet your needs.
Let It Breathe
Charging your iPhone while in certain carrying cases may generate excess heat, which can affect battery capacity. If you notice that your iPhone gets hot when you charge it, take it out of its case first.
Optimize Your Settings
Depending on how they are configured, a few features may decrease your iPhone battery life. For example, the frequency with which you retrieve email and the number of email accounts you auto-check can both affect battery life. The tips below apply to an iPhone running iPhone 3.0 or later software and may help extend your battery life.
§ Minimize use of location services: Applications that actively use location services such as Maps may reduce battery life. To disable location services, go to Settings > General > Location Services or use location services only when needed.
§ Turn off push notifications: Some applications from the App Store use the Apple Push Notification Service to alert you of new data. Those applications that extensively rely on push notifications (such as instant messaging applications) may impact battery life. To disable push notifications, go to Settings > Notifications and set Notifications to Off. Note that this does not prevent new data from being received when the application is opened. Also, the Notifications setting will not be visible if you do not have any applications installed that support push notifications.
§ Fetch new data less frequently: Applications such as Mail can be set to fetch data wirelessly at specific intervals. The more frequently email or other data is fetched, the quicker your battery may drain. To fetch new data manually, from the Home screen choose Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data and tap Manually. To increase the fetch interval, go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data and tap Hourly. Note that this is a global setting and applies to all applications that do not support push services.
§ Turn off push mail: If you have a push mail account such as Yahoo!, MobileMe or Microsoft Exchange, turn off push when you don’t need it. Go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data and set Push to Off. Messages sent to your push email accounts will now be received on your phone based on the global Fetch setting rather than as they arrive. If the global Fetch setting is set to Manually, you will not be able to locate your iPhone using the MobileMe Find My iPhone feature.
§ Auto-check fewer email accounts: You can save power by checking fewer email accounts. This can be accomplished by turning off an email account or by deleting it. To turn off an account, go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars, choose an email account, and set Account to Off. To remove an account, go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars, choose an email account, and tap Delete Account.
§ Minimize use of third-party applications: Excessive use of applications such as games that prevent the screen from dimming or shutting off or applications that use location services can reduce battery life.
§ Turn off Wi-Fi: If you rarely use Wi-Fi, you can turn it off to save power. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and set Wi-Fi to Off. Note that if you frequently use your iPhone to browse the web, battery life may be improved by using Wi-Fi instead of cellular data networks.
§ Turn off Bluetooth: If you rarely use a Bluetooth headset or car kit, you can turn off Bluetooth to save power. Go to Settings > General > Bluetooth and set Bluetooth to Off.
§ Use Airplane Mode in low- or no-coverage areas: Because your iPhone always tries to maintain a connection with the cellular network, it may use more power in low- or no-coverage areas. Turning on Airplane Mode can increase battery life in these situations; however, you will be unable to make or receive calls. To turn on Airplane Mode, go to Settings and set Airplane Mode to On.
§ Adjust brightness: Dimming the screen is another way to extend battery life. Go to Settings > Brightness and drag the slider to the left to lower the default screen brightness. In addition, turning on Auto-Brightness allows the screen to adjust its brightness based on current lighting conditions. Go to Settings > Brightness and set Auto-Brightness to On.
§ Turn off EQ: Applying an equalizer setting to song playback on your iPhone can decrease battery life. To turn EQ off, go to Settings > iPod > EQ and tap Off. Note that if you’ve added EQ to songs directly in iTunes, you’ll need to set EQ on iPhone to Flat in order to have the same effect as Off because iPhone keeps your iTunes settings intact. Go to Settings > iPod > EQ and tap Flat.
§ Turn off 3G: Using 3G cellular networks loads data faster, but may also decrease battery life, especially in areas with limited 3G coverage. To disable 3G, from the Home screen choose Settings > General > Network and set Enable 3G to Off. You will still be able to make and receive calls and access cellular data networks via EDGE or GPRS where available.
Lock Your iPhone
It may seem obvious, but you should lock your iPhone when you aren’t using it. You will be able to receive calls and text messages while it is locked, but nothing happens if you touch the screen. To lock iPhone, press the Sleep/Wake button. You can also set the Auto-Lock interval so your iPhone will turn off more quickly after a period of inactivity. To set Auto-Lock, go to Settings > General > Auto-Lock and set the interval to a short time, such as 1 minute.
Use iPhone Regularly
For proper maintenance of a lithium-based battery, it’s important to keep the electrons in it moving occasionally. Be sure to go through at least one charge cycle per month (charging the battery to 100% and then completely running it down).

Synchronize your iPhone contacts with Google contacts

Synchronize your contacts with Google contacts on your iPhone 3G
http://www.google.com/mobile/products/sync.html#p=apple

Basically you have two major tasks to get this done:

Task 1. Upload contacts to Google contacts from iPhone
Google Sync uses the Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® protocol.
When setting up a new Exchange ActiveSync account on your iPhone, all existing Contacts and Calendar events will be removed from your phone.
Please make sure to back up any important data before you set up Google Sync.

It is suggested to upload your existing iPhone contacts to Google first.

Check this for step by step guide.
http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=138744&topic=14252

Task 2. Setup Google sync on your iPhone
http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=138740

Tethering iphone

Poedgirl has made some carrier files that you can import into your iPhone and enable tethering and MMS without paying their exorbitant fees.

http://blog.poedsoft.com/2009/06/iphone-tethering/

1. To install them on your iPhone, open up Mobile Safari and navigate to the URL that corresponds with your carrier:

http://blog.poedsoft.com/3.mobileconfig

http://blog.poedsoft.com/optus.mobileconfig

http://blog.poedsoft.com/telstra.mobileconfig

http://blog.poedsoft.com/vodafone.mobileconfig

2.Restart iPhone
3. Got iPhone's settings->general->network->internet tethering-> enable it

More reading:

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2009/06/aussie-iphone-tethering-guide-%E2%80%93%C2%A0all-carriers/

http://thekrzi.net/wordpress/?p=177