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TechnoblatheringTechnoblatheringTech talk, news, tutorials, and general info Articles
The Eve of Development?
2008-03-05 21:50:00 Buzz has been surrounding the iPhone SDK ever since the device's release and subsequent 'closed door' status. The hope has been that Apple's official SDK would essentially make jailbreaking obsolete, for it would open the iPhone to 3rd party development. And let's face it, an Apple sanctioned method of adding NES to your iPhone would be a god send. However, given the potential for security flaws and the pr hit that accompanies any viral exploit, Apple may simply inch the door open, allowing sanctioned apps to be sold through iTunes.Nevertheless, we'll know for sure tomorrow morning just what Steve Jobs has planned for your favourite portable player.In the meantime electricpig.tv has put together a Top 10 list of must-make apps.Not to be outdone (apparently) PC Advisor has put together a Top 25 must-make list of apps.I think I like electricpig's Friend Alert concept the best. More About: Development
It's Official: All the world's knowledge on your iPhone!
2008-02-28 14:34:00 A brilliant, brilliant man has managed to get all of Wikipedia, the veritable open-source encyclopedia, running on the iPhone and iPod Touch. That's WITHOUT Wi-Fi access, as in a hard copy (a whopping 2GB file) that runs directly off the iPhone.You can find the source over here. Now, to verify this (as I know weDict has been attempting to get wikipedia on the pod) I gave the new program a whirl. The installation process takes over an hour in transfer time (the download alone took nearly a day through the bit torrent link: torrent (made available by Touchhax.com).The installation process is relatively straight forward and is covered in the following clip (created by ipodtouchhackster):The Wikiepdia port to the portable pod is strictly text-only but it does offer working inter-article links. The 2GB dump file dates from October 21st, 2007. More About: Iphone , Knowledge , Official
How-To: Manually download Apps from installer sources
2008-02-28 04:27:00 You may have noticed a running theme here at Technoblathering in that most of the iPhone/iPod Touch guides are geared towards finding solutions without Wi-Fi and this guide is no different. In fact, it directly addresses one of the issues that invariably rises when you go awhile without Wi-Fi access; how do you get apps?While I'm working on building a sturdy foundation of games with direct download links, you may come across apps that can only be found in 'installer sources,' which are intended to be accessed via an online iPhone/Touch. The solution I offer isn't elegant nor is it particularly advanced, but it works.Let's look at a few community sources:Conceited Software:www.macminicolo.net/conceited/ip hone/cache.plistModMyiFone.com:http://in. modmyifone.com/installer.xmlSte Packaging:http://repo.smxy.org/iphone-app s/As you can see the sources come in various types (.plist, .xml, direct html link) and in most cases they can be opened by your browser to display the bare-bones co... More About: Download , How-To , Sources
Games, Games and more Games
2008-02-26 18:47:00 I've spent a fair amount of time traveling the 'net in search of iPhone/iPod Touch games and the sites I have found can be quite cumbersome and finding links to the apps can be more of a scavenger hunt than anything. So, I've put together a directory of games I've downloaded and tested. And as any frequent reader of this site knows, I don't have Wi-Fi access, so if there is a manual download option for a game, it's posted in the directory.The design was intended to be straightforward, offering developer as well as download links. Also, I've offered a three tiered ranking for games that I've tested. For the majority, these games are free, and you can't beat free, so offering a full on review for something that doesn't cast a dime seems like overkill. So instead I've decided to rank them in terms of worth. The main question I put towards the games and apps is whether they're worth your time.The Games section is a work in progress and I've strive to cover all games for th...
The Update - February 24th, 2008
2008-02-25 01:39:00 Gaming:Wii Finally Get FitNintendo announced at the Game Developers Conference that the much anticipated Wii Fit would finally be exercising gamers on the North American side of the pacific. The accompanying mini-games include downhill skiing, headbutting soccer balls, and, uh, guiding marbles into a hole in the floor without allowing them to fall over the edge...hmmm The idea for Wii Fit reportedly came from Nintendo icon Shigeru Miyamoto's obsession with weighing himself. This ought to add to the sources of anguish of already body conscience teenagers. No longer is your weight simply an image issue, but now it's a game. And you're losing!The Wii Fit has already sold 1.4 million units in Japan[Sources: http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/arti cle/305749, http://www.gamespot.com/news/6186469.html ]WebComcast, Meet the FCC. FCC, meet ComcastFollowing accusations that Comcast has been throttling the download speeds of BitTorrent users, the Federal Communications Commission is hold... More About: Update , February , 2008
A New Look
2008-02-20 00:58:00 If you happened by in the past few days you likely experienced a very wonky Technoblathering website and that's because I was grappling with a new layout. I say grappling because it was an arduous and migraine-inducing experience that emerged from the simplest of ideas. Several days ago I thought I'd find a new template for the site, something ready-made that could just be uploaded and look decent. I found just that template and I dutifully installed it. Then I decided I didn't like this or that and made some changes. Anyway, hours of nitpicking became two days of coding and editing until I was satisfied. Only then did I realized that it only looks decent in Firefox, not Internet Explorer. A common issue, I soon discovered, that occurs for many beginner bloggers. So I did some research, made up my own template, photoshoped some pics and here we are (incidentally, I ended out encountering the same frustrating issue of Firefox perfection and IE obstinance, but after reading plenty ...
The Info
2008-02-16 22:51:00 iPod Touch/iPhone: * Guides:How-To: Jailbreak your iPod Touch without Wi-FiHow-To: Add Tap Tap Revolution Songs without Wi-FiHow-To: Manually download Apps from installer sources* Blogspot/Blogger Editing:A great database of Blogger how-to's and tutorials for beginners to intermediates: http://tips-for-new-bloggers.blogspot.com / More About: Info
Jailbreaking without WiFi Fix
2008-02-15 19:15:00 It was brought to my attention that there was a missing step in the tutorial that basically rendered the whole thing impossible. I've found that step and added it to the tutorial, so if you tried earlier without success, it is now a fully functioning method of jailbreaking without WiFi. Please excuse my idiocy...But, while you're here, why not have a look at the new feature here on Technoblathering called 'The Update'? More About: Wifi
Technoblathering: Episode IV: A New Feature
2008-02-15 16:23:00 Today marks the induction of a new feature to the site, called The Update. It's going to be a weekly posting on the happenings over the past 7 days in the world of technology, sci-fi, and film. Basically, while I'll strive to bring you exclusive, original, content, I figure I can provide a resource of collected information. Sort of a consolidated library of tech news and the ilk. So, without further ado:Technology:Back from the Future: Two Russian mathematicians are reporting that the giant atom-smasher being built at the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN), is capable of opening portals for future travelers to go backwards in time. Using the Large Haldron Collider, a 27km scintific experiment that rams together atoms at ultra-high velocities, could potentially create a wormhole in the future. Seeings how no one has gone back in time to kill Hitler yet, either this notion is pure-fantasy or the future is full of apathySource: http://news.digitaltrends.com/news/story/ 15700/... More About: Episode , Feature
Vive La Revolution (For your fingertips that is)
2008-02-15 04:31:00 So, I've shown you a working method of how to jailbreak your iPod Touch without WiFi and let's say you've done that and you're thinking to yourself, maybe I'll check out this Tap Tap Revolution business. Open 'er up, 'Pretty flashy...eh? No songs?! What gives?'Well, what gives, is that TTR requires a WiFi connection to get the proper tapping patterns for your tracks. No WiFi you say? Well, there is an alternative, which involves downloading the the .tap files to your PC and then using either iBrickr or iPhone Browser to transfer the files, along with a copy of the song, over to the Touch or iPhone. Now, most of this info comes courtesy of sjsharksipodtouch's YouTube video, however, despite the title of his video, his method requires a WiFi connection to transfer the files over (via SSH). If you do have WiFi access than by all means, check out the clip, otherwise, follow me.1. Find the .tap file for the song you want to play in TTRa) For a full list of tracks (which takes ab... More About: Vive
iPhone/iPod Touch Price Drop Imminent
2008-02-12 18:20:00 Sources are reporting that Apple is expected to drop prices on the iPhone and iPod Touch "within weeks." The report comes from 9to5 Mac which claims that the venerable gadgets may be price-cut by as much as $100. If true, the announcement may be made at the tentatively scheduled February 26th Apple press conference. In the new shakedown, Apple is expected to drop the 8GB model of the Touch and iPhone and instead list the 16GB versions at the same $299 USD price tag as their diminutive siblings. Also in the foray is the 32GB model of the Touch to be listed at $399.So, what should the average consumer take from all this? Wait. Plain and simple. If you are considering buying either a Touch or an iPhone, wait a little longer. Apple recently infuriated iPhone customers by dropping its retail price tag by $200 only a few months after its initial release. Also, and this is especially crucial for would-be iPhone owners, Forbes is predicting the 3G version of the iPhone to be released soon, ... More About: Iphone , Ipod , Price , Drop
How To: Jailbreak your iPod Touch without WiFi [Seriously] PC Only
2008-02-04 16:31:00 [Fixed: I foolishly forgot one crucial step in this tutorial that has now been added. If you tried this before the missing step you need is detailed at number 2.]First of all most of the real work was done by various people in the Touch community, however, not all the info is easily accessible nor straightforward so I've decided to compile all that for you in a little 'how-to'Here we go:1. Downgrading to 1.1.1 + the Unknown Error (1)Source: http://www.ipodtouchfans.com/forums/showt hread.php?p=260767Despite what you may think, downgrading can be a painful experience. For me, having updated to 1.1.3 I could not simply download the 1.1.1 restore file and have it run through iTunes. The problem I encountered was an Unknown Error (1) during restore, which forced me to reinstall 1.1.3 in order to get my Touch working again.Here's the work around (thanks to Aver, who in turn thanks credits to Erica Sadun and ipodtouchmaster05):a) Download and install iPhuc utility: http://code.google.c... More About: Ipod , How-To , Wifi
Games
2008-01-31 05:45:00 # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZUpdated: Feb. 27th, 2008#ABBackgammonOverview:Developer: http://www.adikus.com/backgammon/Download :http://www.adikus.com/Backgammon.app.zip Evaluation: [In Progress]Block PuzzleOverview:Developer: http://www.soneso.com/Site/games.htmlDown loadEvaluation: [In Progress]C Caissa Overview: Native chess application Developer: http://byteeasy.com/projects/wiki/Caissa Download Evaluation: [In Progress] DEFFiveDiceOverview: Think YahtzeeDeveloper: http://code.google.com/p/5dice/DownloadEv aluation: [In Progress]GGarf Overview: Think Simon Developer: Download: Installer Source [?]: ModMyiPhone.com: modmyifone.com/installer.xml Evaluation: [In Progress]gpSPhone Overview: Gameboy Advance emulator Developer: http://zodttd.com/ Download Evaluation: [In Progress]HIiBlackJack Overview: Black Jack...but for the iPhone!Developer: http://code.google.com/p/iphoneblackjack/ Download Evaluation: [In Progress]iCrossword Overview: Crosswords for your i... More About: Games
CES 2008 + Read Now and get a free Comic!*
2008-01-11 16:52:00 I could hardly call this a blog on technology without at least mentioning the Consumer Electronics Show, otherwise known as CES. It is here that some of the worlds largest technology innovators and manufacturers gather to show off their latest in gadgetry and home entertainment spectacles. Though, based on the Toronto Star article, it's not always practical, like the 150in. plasma television by Panasonic. Those that like it large can finally give a sigh of relief now that there is finally a screen that can accurately display a fully grown African bull Elephant. Or how about a robotic mp3-player that dances to the tune it plays? Oh yes we are living in the future people! For the official word on what transpired at the now completed technology show, check out the CES homepage.Today I received a DLO Jam Jacket for the Touch. After some use I'll write up a full review.Now, I wanted to talk about a little flick I watched last night that critics are quite fond of this year but perhaps I... More About: Comic , Free , Read , 2008
iPod Touch Review [Part III]
2008-01-10 19:11:00 In today?s concluding piece on the iPod Touch , I will be doing an overview of the wi-fi capabilities and where it can take you. In my opinion, it is through wifi that the Touch can really define itself. Consider that the much hyped iPhone and the iPod Touch both utilize relatively the same operating mechanics and as such there exists a veritable market for programs and software that utilize the touch-screen capabilities of this handheld device. While cell phones of the past have offered themselves up to gaming and other applications, Apple is heavily embedded with computers and web services. Sony nor Nokia can hope to offer the sheer diversity and potential that a portable web-browser from Apple offers. However, in this area, Apple may soon have some serious competition from Google?s Android (an open-source cellphone OS. If you?re at all interested, watch the introductory clip posted on the Anroid's main page). However, for the time being, let?s focus on Apple. The iPod To... More About: Ipod , Review , Part
iPod Touch Review [Part II]
2008-01-07 19:01:00 Today's Part Deux iPod review is set to overview the main features of the hand-held device. Now, I?m not going to delude you or myself here. I?m an admitted technophile, just a technology enthusiast, not a programmer or professional hardware junkie. What I lack in accredited expertise I make up for in my complete and utter laymanness (or is it laymanninity?). This review is therefore designed to be a practical overview of an intuitive music player for the average Jane or Joe. So let?s start there, with the music. The iPod has been through several iterations since it?s inception back in October, 2001. Nearly every model since that time has made use of a nifty little control feature called the ?wheel.? What plagued many portable music players up until the iPod was the lack of a direct means of finding and accessing music held therein. Quite simply, it was a pain in the ass to find and play music on most players. For myself, this was the strongest selling point of the ori... More About: Ipod , Review , Touch
iPod Touch Review [Part I]
2008-01-06 17:59:00 When I peeled off the clear packaging around my iPod Touch I was gleefully looking forward to enjoying some touchy goodness. After all, I held this device in my hands because my last Apple product, the aborted iPod Mini, had enamoured me years ago to the Apple music player brand. So it came much to my dismay that my Touch, right out of the box, failed me. Completely and utterly. Initially it displayed the ?Connect to iTunes? icon but upon doing so it wasn't recognized on several computers; both with the latest version of Apple?s music managing software. Then it went through spurts of not turning on at all or displaying a low battery icon. The power issue could not be resolved, however, since the pod wouldn?t take any, either from my PC or my docking station. Further compounding my frustration was the fact that all the Apple literature online dealt with problems occurring after the Touch was recognized by iTunes. Then I discovered that a ?hard? restore could be performed by holding ... More About: Ipod , Review , Part
"We must move forward... not backwards, not to the side, not forwards, but
2007-12-13 19:06:00 As I was typing in the last post I was thinking to myself that I would append a clip from the Simpsons, for the title of the latest installment was inspired by a particular alcoholic who was temporary enrolled in the NASA program. Being quite a classic moment on the long-running animated show, I thought to myself 'I'll just find it on YouTube.'Now, perhaps I was being naive, or perhaps I just haven't been keeping up on these things, but after a dozen or so fruitless searches and a little bit of research I became aware that not only has Fox managed to kibosh nearly all Simpsons segments on the veritable juggernaut of the video-clip online industry, but that it is now listed in the disclaimer of the site that all clips, no matter the length, are hereby banned.Bah?A fifteen second segment of an episode that can literally be found at any given minute in it's umpteenth rerun on television is copyright infringement? Come on! [I hope that line doesn't belong to Fox]. The Simpsons is ... More About: Forwards , Move , Side , Backwards , Forward
Games
2007-12-12 17:48:00 Updated: Tuesday, Feb. 26th, 2008BackgammoniPhysicsiSnakeLabyrinthMajo ngNESSudokuTap Tap RevolutionBackgammonOverview:Developer: http://www.adikus.com/backgammon/Download :http://www.adikus.com/Backgammon.app.zip Evaluation: [In Progress]iPhysicsOverview: "What iPhysics offers is the software to create various scenarios in which shapes and objects interact with each other in an accurate physical environment. So, that may not sound to impressive to you but what developers have done so far is nothing short of spectacular and is sure to appease the gadget-lover in all of us. The program initially comes with to ?games.? The first is a Sandbox-mode in which you use the touch screen to draw shapes that then materialize into the on-screen world." [More]Developer: http://iphysics.r4m0n.net/Download: http://iphone.r4m0n.net/repos/zips/iPhysi cs-1.0.1.zipEvaluation: Worth Every Minute iSnakeOverview: The classic mobile game gets a twist in this tilt-sensitive version of Snake. Change the pitch o... More About: Games |
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