Hasta La Gadget!

If you’ve been waiting for a nice, easy jailbreak solution for iOS 4.3.1, then today’s your lucky day: Dev-Team’s just released redsn0w 0.9.6rc9 for both Windows and OS X, allowing us mere mortals to free our supported devices — iPhone 3GS, 4 (GSM); iPod touch 3G, 4G; iPad 1; and Apple TV 2G — with a few simple clicks. Alas, there are a couple of caveats: the iPad 2 isn’t supported here, as Cupertino has somehow managed to tighten up its security to fend off hackers (for now); and ultrasn0w users have also been told to hang tight until there’s a compatibility fix — Dev-Team will announce on Twitter when this becomes available. As for those who are eligible for this new jailbreak, head over to Dev-Team’s website for the download links, and make sure you have the corresponding IPSW files handy as well — you can find them over at iClarified or on your favorite search engine.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

redsn0w untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.3.1 released for Windows and OS X, lacks iPad 2 support originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 01:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s about time the ViewMaster got an upgrade. What’s that? It’s not a ViewMaster? Well, you could have fooled us, but either way, the thing’s finally going on sale exclusively at Target April 3rd, and everywhere else starting in June. As you might have already heard, Hasbro’s intro into the crowded 3D arena, simply titled My3D, does take a card from the old ViewMaster deck, but instead of enlisting cardboard discs, this thing uses your iPhone or iPod touch to bring you 3D entertainment. If your kid’s not already hooked on 3D, the $35 viewer could be a decent starter — then again, for $35 you could take yourself out to a nice lunch, give the rug rat a cardboard box, and call it a day. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Hasbro’s My3D to turn iPhones into glorified ViewMasters starting Sunday

Hasbro’s My3D to turn iPhones into glorified ViewMasters starting Sunday originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 04:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There’s no shortage of devices that aim to replace your always-missing remote control with your always-present smartphone, and the Peel is one of the more recent and unique entries into the space. A software / hardware combination consisting of a “Peel Fruit” and accompanying iOS app, the package brings a new approach to finding what to watch — and it’s unlike most other smartphone-IR options we’ve encountered so far. Does it all come together, or are we left wishing for more? Read on past the break to find out!

Continue reading Peel Fruit and iOS app review: channel surfing of the future

Peel Fruit and iOS app review: channel surfing of the future originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This laser-etched bamboo case makes your iPhone 4 look like an old-style camera

When it comes to phones and other small gadgets, I prefer to go bareback, slipping the thing naked into my pocket. But if I was the case-buying kind, first on my list would be this gorgeous bamboo case from Etsy maker Signimade.

The case is the two-part, slip-on kind, and is laser-engraved to make it look like a lovely, old-fashioned camera. It has cut-outs for all switches, the camera and flash (of course), and for the really paranoid, it ships with a screen protector.

Bamboo would seem to be the ideal material for cases, as it is both strong and light. In this case, the case weighs in at just 22g, or 4/5 of an ounce.

The case fits both AT&T and Verizon iPhones and — like the iPad 2 — is back-ordered until mid April (although the seller says there are a few left on Amazon). $35 on Etsy, and currently $43 on Amazon.

iPhone 4 Natural Bamboo Wooden Case [Etsy via PetaPixel]

See Also:

• Moleskine-Shaped, Bamboo iPad Case
• Bamboo Bike Maker Grows His Frames, Bonsai Style
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Witness uses your Mac’s iSight camera to detect movement and sound the alarm

If you own both a Mac and an iPad, it’s a fair bet that you also have a home stuffed with other electronic gear, the kind of gear that burglars like to, well, burglarize. Luckily, there’s an app for that.

It’s called Witness, and it turns your Mac into a motion-activated security camera. When running, it monitors your room with using the iSight camera, and when it detects movement it sends an alert to your iPhone or iPad.

Included with the alert are photos and videos, so you can either rest easy knowing that Kitty has jumped up on the desk again, or watch in horror as your home is emptied miles from where you are standing.

Forgot to activate the alarm? You can do it remotely from the phone.

Witness seems like a great idea, but for a couple of things: you need to leave your Mac running 24/7 while you are away, which is something of a waste of electricity. It also requires an internet connection, so the smart thief could just cut the power on entry — it’s pretty unlikely that your Mac is out in the hallway where the breakers are often kept.

Aside from this, though, it’s nice not to be worrying about the house when you’re out. The Mac App costs $40, and the companion iOS app is free.

Witness product page [Orbicule]

See Also:

• Burglar Blaster Alarm Fires Pepper Spray
• Australian Kid Hacks Mousetrap into Burglar Alarm: Catches Lunch …
• Set Plasma to Stun: Lethal Burglar Alarm
• Water Leak Alarms Will Make Your Neighbors Hate You Even More …