Author Archive: Gareth

XDA-developers have Windows Phone 7 code, 8-months before release

While bloggers debate Microsoft’s Apple-like approach concerningWindows Phone 7 Series functionality such as third-party app multitasking and app distribution, members of the xda-developers forum website are already beginning to prepare themselves.

In many respects, Microsoft has chosen a closed approach to the Windows Phone 7 Series OS. For example, hardware will be restricted to just three chassis options, handsets can only have three buttons beneath their sizable capacitive touchscreen displays, and Microsoft will impose restrictions on both app distribution and background processes for third-party apps.

These restraints are very familiar of course, thanks to Apple and its iPhone development policies. But just as Apple’s lock down was quickly manhandled by the Dev Team and its infamous jailbreaking process, Microsoft’s imposed restrictions are bound for the same fate.

Thanks to a good friend of the site, we now know that just a short while ago, the first Windows Phone 7 Series code was leaked on the xda-developers forum. The build was pulled from an emulator image but rest assured, the talented team of hackers patrolling the forum are already blazing through it in preparation for the impending arival of a full ROM. The code is real, of course, and it’s more than enough to get cracking.

With more than eight months until Windows Phone 7 Series is set to begin shipping to the public, xda-developers forum members have plenty of time to dissect the OS and determine how best to tweak it to suit their needs — and the needs of power users. Discussions surrounding app distribution outside of the Windows Phone Marketplace and background process support for third-party apps are already in full swing.

So, potential Windows Phone 7 Series power users, read the heated debates through the tech news ecosystem all you like, but try not to get too worked up. Just like every other smartphone platform on the planet before it, Windows Phone 7 Series is on a short path to hacksville.

[Source BGR]

LoKast for the iPhone

Here is an interesting article on a new app for the iPhone called Lokast. This is a fairly new innovation that I’m sure will attract many users and provide people with a new way to share their media. Have a read and hopefully there will be a review up soon enough.

Jackass Face for iPhone released

What are you looking at, you ass face? You uggo, you!

You see what we mean? Instead of abusing somebody verbally why not to put his/her face on a donkey and propagate this artwork all over Internet?

followformation app for iPhone released

Previously available as website followformation.com, now it’s available as an iPhone app that is not free however ($1.99) and it has been released merely 2 days ago:

Trouble unlocking the 3GS

 

Unlockers are finding iPhone 3G S models manufactured this year over-ride their software hacks when re-booted. New models with the latest version 3.1 3software update return to their original set up when they are re-booted after being switched off, removal of the SIM or the battery dies.

Some unlockers have been supplying customers with a PC program to enable them to ‘jump-start’ their 3G S when this occurs by connecting the device via a USB cable and unlocking it again themselves within a minute.

One said: “This has been problematic for us and it’s been frustrating not being able to overcome this. We’re continuing to look for a good commercial solution for this and there are rumours on forums that one may come to light soon, so it looks promising.”

Another unlocker said: “There’s no solution for this and with the availability of the 3G S now a lot wider due to Orange and Vodafone now selling it, more of the newer devices are getting out there. It’s therefore becoming a real problem. The various software houses will be working on this so hopefully there will be a solution for this soon.”

iPad is on sale via preorder

Finally you can preoder the most sophisticated mobile device on the planet: iPad.

Software review: Double Twist

There is no shortage of syncing clients for your portable device however I thought I’d bring this one to your attention as it combines usability with a familiar interface.

Vodafone spreading malware?

The Inquirer is reporting that Vodafone is selling phone with some nasty surprises onboard. Apparently an HTC Magic was loaded with the Conficker worm, a Mariposa bot client and a Lineage password divulger. The applications are not native to Android and will not affect the phone, however when you hook it up to your PC thats when the real problem starts.

A representative of Panda Security was first to discover the undesirables and was quick to act and recommends that anyone with an HTC phone scans their memory card with some up to date anti-virus software. Vodafone has yet to comment on the issue.

[Source]

Intel Postcards From The Future – iPhone app released

If you would like to inject some fun into your photos, this app can help. Interestingly this app is free via sponsorship by Intel corporation!