News

Just one day after Apple's release of the iOS 4.2 firmware update, iPhone Dev-Team has made public the first updated jailbreaking tool for Mac OS X and Windows. Redsn0w version 0.9.6b4 can be used immediately for those who are not concerned about using the ultrasn0w unlock. iPhone 3G and older iPhone 3GS users will be happy to know that the jailbreak is untethered.

For newer iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 users, this version currently requires a computer to boot into the jailbroken state. The iPhone Dev-Team is working with @comex on a fix that would untether the iPhone 4 jailbreak once and for all. Unlockers can expect a new version of ultrasn0w for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS as early as next week.

Looking for a natural solution to amplify the sound coming out of your iPhone speakers? Koostic now offers a line of completely electricity-free iPhone docks made of high-quality wood. They are finished with orange oil and beeswax instead of harsh chemicals. The dock will amplify sound 2-4 times the normal volume of your iPhone speakers.

Koostic creates dynamic sound with acoustic amplification through specially designed sound channels and hemispheric sound chambers. As the Koostic website explains, the technology is similar to that used in an acoustic guitar. Strumming a hollow wood body will increase the volume.

Some iPhone owners who jumped to install the iOS 4.2 firmware update yesterday were greeted with an unwelcome surprise. Media including music, audio books, podcasts and videos disappear after the update is complete. iTunes still displays the storage space occupied by the media files, but they are nowhere to be found on the iPhone.

Opening the iPod app simply says "No Content" and re-syncing with iTunes does not bring back the media library! Apparently something was overlooked by Apple, but lucky for iPhone owners the bug fix is quick and easy. Your music files are hidden but still stored on the device. Don't restore your iPhone or take drastic measures, just follow these simple steps:

Apple officially released the iOS 4.2 update today at 10AM PST. iPhone 4 owners get a special surprise in the latest operating system, free Find My iPhone service. The feature makes it possible to locate your lost iPhone using maps on the web. Previously the service required a paid MobileMe subscription to use.

iPhone 3G owners are anticipating significant increases in speed and performance with the latest fixes and optimizations included in iOS 4.2. This version of iOS is the first to run across all recent iOS devices and will hit the iPad and iPod touch today as well. Several new features will come to the iPhone.

As another holiday descends upon America, the App Store is brimming with iPhone apps to celebrate the occasion. Our simple search for "Thanksgiving" along with some shopping and Black Friday apps brought the total to almost 200. Not as excessive as the Halloween app count but daunting nonetheless.

You're going to have that iPhone with you anyway, so why not use it to help navigate through and enjoy this coming week? Here are ten Thanksgiving and Black Friday apps to try. All of these applications are available through the App Store for $2.99 or less.