Quick Guide : Jailbreak and Unlock iPhone 2G 3.1.3 using redsn0w

I intend to write this blog only to make things easier for all who wanted to update their 2G phone to 3.1.3. Couple of my friends wanted me to update their unlocked iphone 2G to 3.1.3. Of course, I immediately searched for tutorials in iclarified. Yes, there is a well written tutorial explaining step by step process with enough snapshots. But there is a big mistake in their tutorial i.e it says you should open 3.1.3 firmware (IPSW) file in redsn0w.exe but this is wrong. When you do so, redsn0w will throw an error indicating firmware is not supported. Yes, it is true redsn0w do not support 3.1.3 firmware, instead you need to use 3.1.2 firmware here. Is it confusing, fine let me write it down step by step

Before that, I will start with this disclaimer.

Disclaimer: 

1. This is not a comprehensive guide. And even though this tool worked well for me, I will not guarantee the same for all. And this guide is only for 2G phone. Perhaps you can find out more references for 3G easily if you google for "Blackra1n + iphone 3G jailbreak".

2. If you think this blog is a joke :-). Refer this tutorial iPhone | How to Unlock/Jailbreak Your iPhone 2G on OS 3.0.x Using RedSn0w (Windows).

Early, you need to be geek to jailbreak but this is not the case with this tool. Any newbie can do it easily provided you don't mess up with the steps mentioned below.

Follow these steps one by one:-  

• Use iTunes 10.0 or later version for the jailbreak. If you are using older version of iTunes, please upgrade it first. You can download the latest version of iTunes from Apple. I used 10.1.0.56, probably this is the latest version I guess.

• Before jailbreaking, backup all your data like contacts, sms, photos, etc via iTunes. Simply sync your iPhone, rest is taken care by Itunes. This is very much important so that you can restore these data back after your update.
• Download Redsn0w from here
• Download iPhone OS 3.1.2 firmware from here and save it into a folder on your windows machine.
• Download iPhone OS 3.1.3 firmware from here and save it into a folder on your windows machine.
• Connect your iPhone via USB and launch iTunes.
• Restore your iPhone with iPhone OS 3.1.3. For Windows, hold SHIFT key and click on the “Restore” button and select the firmware file (i.e. iPhone1,1_3.1.3_7D11_Restore.ipsw) that you have just downloaded. It is important that you hold the SHIFT button and press "Restore" button that is displayed on the iTunes which will result in a pop up windows to load the ipsw file. If you are looking for Mac, I have no idea :-). BTW, restoring will take some time. 
• If you’re not using official SIM like me, your iPhone will not be recognized by iTunes after restoration. Don’t worry. It’s normal. You can then close iTunes and continues with the next step given below.
• Launch the software (redsn0w) on your Windows system. Make sure your iPhone is still connected with your computer via USB and Itunes is closed.
• Click on "Browse", open the iPhone1,1_3.1.2_7D11_Restore.ipsw that you have downloaded. Don't select iPhone1,1_3.1.3_7D11_Restore.ipsw, as this version of the firmware is not supported by the tool.
• Once you select the iPhone1,1_3.1.2_7D11_Restore.ipsw file, redsn0w will verify it. This processing will take few seconds, wait for the message "IPSW successfully identified".
• Now, click next. Select the options like "Install Cydia and Unlock". You can also select options like customized login pictures etc.
• Then click Next, provide the location of the bootloaders i.e 3.9 and 4.6 Boot loaders.
• Click Next, now make sure you have switched off the iphone. Now the actual jailbreak process starts here
• Follow the instructions provided by redsn0w i.e hold power button for 2 seconds followed with hold power + home button for 10 seconds. Now release power with holding home button for 30 seconds.
• Once this is complete you will be notified that RedSn0w is done. Click the Finish button.
• When your iPhone finishes reboot (5 minutes or so). It will run BootNeuter then be unlocked and jailbroken with Cydia on the SpringBoard.
• This completes the process. Now, any SIM will work with Iphone 2g on 3.1.3 firmware.

Quick Guide : Jailbreak and Unlock iPhone 2G 3.1.2 Using Blackra1n

As I promised early in one of my earlier post, you will find here simple step-by-step guide to Jailbreak/Unlock Iphone 2G with 3.1.2 using the new tool Blackra1n. I used this tool last wednesday to unlock my 2G phone. Perhaps this is the simplest jailbreak process I have ever seen/followed. Thanks to George Francis Hotz commonly know as Geohot for this fantastic effort. To be frank, I was waiting for iphonedev team to release the jailbreak process and skeptical to use this tool. But it is absolutely amazing. Tool took hardily few seconds to jailbreak.

Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive guide. And even though this tool worked well for me, I will not guarantee the same for all. And this guide is only for 2G phone. Perhaps you can find out more references for 3G easily if you google for "Blackra1n + iphone 3G jailbreak".

Early, you need to be geek to jailbreak but this is not the case with this tool. Any newbie can do it easily provided you don't mess up with the steps mentioned below.

Follow these steps one by one:-  

• Use iTunes 9.0 or later version for the jailbreak. If you are using older version of iTunes, please upgrade it first. You can download the latest version of iTunes from Apple. I used 9.0.3.15, probably this is the latest version I guess.

• Before jailbreaking, backup all your data like contacts, sms, photos, etc via iTunes. Simply sync your iPhone and backup the iPhone data. So that you can restore these data back after your update.
• Download iPhone OS 3.1.2 firmware from here and save it into a folder on your windows machine.
• Connect your iPhone via USB and launch iTunes.
• Restore your iPhone with iPhone OS 3.1.2. For Windows, hold SHIFT key and click on the “Restore” button and select the firmware file (i.e. iPhone1,1_3.1.2_7D11_Restore.ipsw) that you have just downloaded. It is important that you hold the SHIFT button and press "Restore" button that is displayed on the iTunes which will result in a pop up windows to load the ipsw file. If you are looking for Mac, I have no idea :-). BTW, restoring will take some time. 
• If you’re not using official SIM like me, your iPhone will not be recognized by iTunes after restoration. Don’t worry. It’s normal. You can then close iTunes and continues with the next step given below.
• Go to blackra1n.com and download blackra1n. Both Windows and Mac versions are available. Download the one for windows.
• After downloading, Launch the software on your Windows system. Make sure your iPhone is still connected with your computer via USB.
• Click “make it ra1n” to start the jailbreak.
• Once you click the button, the jailbreak process starts and it’ll take around 30 seconds to complete. Wait until you see the message "your iPhone should be jailbroken after reboot".
• Now, you’ll have to install Cydia. Tap on the “blackra1n” icon. if you have WiFi connection, I suggest you to first enable it before continuing. This should speed up the download process of cydia. Tap on “Cydia” and then “Install” button to install Cydia. Just wait until the download and installation to complete. This completes the jailbreak.
• But if you need to unlock your iPhone 2G to work with unofficial sim, launch cydia and install bootneuter. After installation, reboot your iPhone. Yeap!!!, your iPhone  is unlocked and is running with OS 3.1.2!!!!. Now, no dependency, you can install any games/apps from the store!!!!

Note:

So, does it work with iPhone 2G previously jailbroken with PwnageTool or Redsn0w? Yes, it works!. It worked like gem for me :-).

Fernando Alonso - Back with Bang!!!

Initially I wanted to write only about the day three test @ Valencia. So was following the first half of the test via AutoSports. Thanks a lot to AutoSports for the excellent coverage (text). But I changed my mind once after going through various F1 sites focusing mainly on Fernando. So overall very satisfying day for all Alonso and his fans after 2 years of struggling with slow car. This is something to celebrate. But too I agree there are plenty of miles to go!!!!.

Complete Control @ Valencia:-
With the weather condition getting improved better and better as the day progressed at Valencia, Fernando Alonso ventured out to begin his Ferrari career. The Spaniard clocked a 1:16 on his first attempt and continued to shave that down until he managed to take the P1 slot with a 1:11.905. Quite amazing drive providing this is first official drive on F10. Finally he ended up in the top with the best timing of the day - 1m11.470s. Ironically only driver to clock 1m11s.

An interesting point to note is that Alonso's 1:11.905 after just an hour in the F10 was only 0.183s off Felipe Massa's best time. And Massa had two full days in the car to achieve that. Waiting for Massa to comment on this :-). Bang on target. Outstanding effort it is, meanwhile the regaining world champion was struggling with his mclaren.
The final standing on day three - Valencia:

1	Alonso	Ferrari	1m11.470s
2	de la Rosa	Sauber	1m12.094s  +0.624
3	Schumacher	Mercedes	1m12.438s  +0.968
4	Alguersuari	Toro Rosso	1m12.576s  +1.106
5	Button	McLaren	1m12.951s  +1.481
6	Petrov	Renault	1m13.097s  +1.627
7	Hulkenberg	Williams	1m13.669s  +2.199

Chaos @ Valencia
What do you get when you cross an Formula 1 test in Spain with the first day of Fernando Alonso publicly behind the wheel of a Ferrari?. Apparently, chaos.

This is what Ferrari reported in their site

Valencia, 3 February 2010 – Great enthusiasm at Cheste’s “Ricardo Tormo” circuit for the official debut of Fernando Alonso behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 single-seater. 30,000 fans came to see Fernando on the track, creating a traffic jam at the exit of the Valencia-Madrid highway. This is quite unusual for a Formula 1 test, but it shows how much Fernando is adored in Spain and the great expectations the fans have regarding his arrival in Ferrari.

And Ferrari also posted an lengthy Q and A with Alonso. Few of them which are interested to me are posted below. Complete Q and A can be found in ferrari site.
Is it true that you’re a great poker player?
«Not great. But I like it.»

With whom are you playing?
«In Spain with my friends and when I’m away on the internet.»

And at the paddock?
«With Kubica and Fisichella.»

Who’s the fourth player?
«We’re looking for one. Possibly a chicken.»

Who wins most?
«Robert [Kubica]. »

Who’s bluffing the best?
«Also Robert.»

So he wins all the time!
«No, because also Fisico is really good.»

The most beautiful day of your life?
«…has still to arrive, I’m living in the future.»

And in the past?
«I think maybe the feeling when you unpack your Christmas presents when you’re seven years old won’t come back. Not even when you win the World Championship.»

Out of the five books published about you, four in Spanish and one in French, which one do you suggest?
«Not one of them. They’ve been all written in a hurry to make money when I became famous. I haven’t even read them.»

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
«At home in my armchair.»

Dying your hair like Schumacher, reproached by Briatore?
«Oh my God, I don’t think that’s really important, is it? But when I look at my father, he’s all white and it really fits him. So what...»

Today Schumacher isn’t exactly popular amongst the Ferraristi.
«He’s a great champ. He left Ferrari before I arrived. And let me say it again, I like to talk about the future.»

Please say something to the Ferrari fans.
«I can’t guarantee any results. We know that I’ll always give it everything. There won’t be a day when I’m not thinking of the team.»

Promised?
«Promised!»

That's all for the first winter test. Will keep posted when the second testing program starts on 10th of this month.

Valencia Test Report - Day One

Initial test result started coming in from Valencia. Looks like Ferrari is stealing the show :-). Very happy to hear this. Waiting for Alonso's result :-). Probably it should be better. Also good to see Kubica driving for Renault. Refer Formula-One site for more details. 

Position	Driver	Car	Best Lap Time	Laps Completed
1	Felipe Massa	Ferrari F10	1:13.088	32
2	Pedro de la Rosa	BMW Sauber C29	1:13.247	21
3	Nico Rosberg	Mercedes MGPW01	1:13.543	30
4	Gary Paffett	McLaren  MP4-25	1:14.018	34
5	Rubens Barrichello	Willaims  FW32	1:14.449	42
6	Robert Kubica	Renault R30	1:15:298	37
7	Sebastien Buemi	Toro Rosso STR5	1:19.279	10

Internet Data Privacy …...err whats that??!!

Today, I learnt from Hindu that January 28th was observed as "Data Privacy Day" from 2009 onwards. The idea is to raise awareness and promote online data privacy education. It is currently celebrated in the United States, Canada, and 27 European countries. India not having a separate privacy law still will mean that online users disgruntled with misuse of private data have to find ways under other Acts to get justice, probably should come under Information Technology Act of 2008. In today's world with daily increase in information getting shared online, especially on social networks, it becomes important to step back and look at not only the safeguards on personal data online but also whether online information sharing requires any etiquette. I am least bothered about how professional information about companies is being misused. Perhaps I am worried/bothered about individual's personal information getting misused.

One fine example was how employees at Facebook tried manipulating user profile datas. More information can be found in the below link which is nothing but transcript of the interview with a facebook employee discussing about the privacy (refer : http://therumpus.net/2010/01/conversations-about-the-internet-5-anonymous-facebook-employee/?full=yes). Obviously you will not find the employee name there. Don't ask me why and you are at the wrong place.
 Few weeks back, I read an fine article about data privacy titled as "Google, Privacy, and You". The article starts with the author limited use/exposure to google services. (I envy this guy for limited use of google as I use google religiously. The list goes like this... personal mails, map, chat, social networking and finally the search engine etc). Immediately followed with this (courtesy : Securosis Blog).
First, a quote from Eric Schmidt, the CEO of Google (the full quote, not just the first part, which many sites used):

If you have something that you don't want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn't be doing it in the first place, but if you really need that kind of privacy, the reality is that search engines including Google do retain this information for some time, and it's important, for example that we are all subject in the United States to the Patriot Act. It is possible that that information could be made available to the authorities.

Little bit disappointed with such a statement. Anyway, I am not going to debate what is wrong here. Rather I plan to blog separately on this topic. But one point I totally agree with Securosis was "There has never before been a time in human history when one single, private entity has collected this much information on a measurable percentage of the world's population." This is totally true. Probably everyone will realize this once they read this :-).

Meanwhile, I would like to say few words about the most popular social networking FaceBook. I wonder how many of us bothered to go through the recently updated privacy policy adapted by this site. A very good article on this can be found here. I bet it is worth reading. Read more on social networking privacy issues in wiki.


So the bottom line is use with caution. Now, I will have to work on how to handle this in a better way!!!.

Ferrari unveils F10 in Maranello!!!

As I expected ( like most of the ferrari fans), Ferrari became the first team to launch its 2010 car, unveiling its new F10 challenger in Maranello this morning. Much to the surprise, ferrari also hosted the launch show online like what Mercedez did few days ago. But I could not follow it up because I was in a training for the whole day. 

With Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa on hand, the covers were taken off the Scuderia's latest F1 car, the F10, which is the result of months of work given Ferrari's decision to focus on the year ahead in the midst of a dismal 2009 Championship. The new car, which predominantly features the Santander branding (resulting in lots of white shade getting added), carries a much larger fuel tank given the new ban on refuelling. It also has bulges similar to last year's Red Bull RB5 and the double-decker diffuser. Technical director Aldo Costa said the new car has been designed from scratch around the double diffuser at the rear of the car, which was covered during the launch, but I don't think so :-)

Finally I would like to conclude with few words from Alonso:

"This is the first time for me, the first presentation for Ferrari, and it is a big emotion for me."

"I want to thank the whole team because they have worked really hard in the last few months to create this dream, this new car, and I want to thank sponsors and partners as they have worked hard and there is a lot of passion".

"We are ready to take this challenge and the responsibility to bring it to 100 per cent of its potential".

"Felipe and I will be a very strong team and I hope we will make supporters around the world very happy to see this car winning the Championship."

First turbojet in India under 10 lakhs - it is Linea TJet!!!

As we all expected, FIAT did not showcase the 1.6 Multijet version of Linea instead it was the more powerful petrol version. This engine is so called TJet which will directly target honda city :-). It adds extra 20 bhp to the existing output of 90 horse power. I think this will be faster in straight line than City.

Specification given below; 
Type: Petrol (l4) 1.4L 16V Turbo JET (T-JET)
Displacement: 1368cc
Max. Power: 119.2bhp@5000rpm (Actual: 117.8bhp)
Peak Torque: 206nm@2500rpm
Fuel Injection: Timed, Sequential Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Top Speed: 202 kmph (Actual: 195 kmph)
0 - 100 kmph: 9.2sec amazingly!!!!

It is expected to come with Dualogic robotised manual gearbox. And it is a type of semi-automatic transmission system which uses an automated clutch. This is suppose to give better mileage. If this proved then linea can be tagged as VFM :). Wow!!! How sweet it is!!!. For information read the wiki. Team-bhp says rear disc break can be also expected with the launch. Lots of speculation about many new features :-). But nothing is sure, unless the vehicle is officially launched.

I expect the launch by this quarter and to be inline with Bharath Stage IV. If you are interested to know more about turboject/dualogic, then follow this thread in team-bhp site.

BTW, how do you differentiate between the regular 1.4 and 1.4 Turboject?. Very simple, TJet emblem is embedded on the front grill just like MultiJet :-).

If things go fine as my expectation, I might opt this Italian beauty even though it is way beyond my budget:-).

Weekend with Godfather - PS2 Game

I have recently purchased the godfather game for PS2. To be honest, never thought before that I would buy this game. But these days hardly I found new game CDs for PS2 that interest me :-(. Every time I look for single shooting/racing CDs in shop, Godfather have always tempted. So I thought of giving it a try. After all, it is based on one of my all time favorite. Eventually one of the masterpiece by Al Pacino.


The overall rating for this game is 77.12% which is not bad. (Refer : http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/920130-the-godfather/index.html). The game is notable as it features the return of several original actors from the original film to lend their voice. But unfortunately, the voice of Marlon Brando is missing but imitator have done a good job. Even the voice of Al pacino is missing which is bit disappointing. But through out the came, you can virtually indulge in the Sicilian life style in New York. Also all famous codes are seen/visualize through out the came (Refer - http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Godfather).


The plot:-
The game revolves around the character - 'Aldo Trapani'. Eventually this name can be customized and also the character's physical features, build and clothing as well. Aldo grows up in the shadow of Vito Corleone learning the mafia style. Meanwhile Aldo gets involved in almost all important events of the movie. This is how it looks like but not sure since I have only completed only few levels. I am loving this game since the movie have inspired me a lot. Perhaps this will not be game for others who have not watched or dislike the movie.


Finally the graphics are not bad on my CRT TV, perhaps it should be better on LCD. Oops, it is time for work out in Gym, I will have to stop this here. Will update once I complete the full game. BTW, it looks like the game is not so tough as other shooting games  that I have tried so far.


Bye!!!!
Keep Chilling

Jailbreak/Unlock Iphone 2G on OS 3.1.2

I wanted to update my 2G iphone with 3.1.2 (currently running with 3.0.0 Mac OS). First thing I did was a quick search in iclarified site but no tutorial were found for jailbreaking on Windows. At the same time, jailbreaking using Pwnage on Mac notebook was availablefor 2G iphone. (Refer - http://www.iclarified.com/entry/index.php?enid=4255). But I dont have Mac notebook :-(. This means only folks with Mac book can only jailbreak 3.2.1 on 2G iphone... this is not fair :-(. Its almost more than two months since 3.1.2 released, still no place I can find jailbreak on Windows.

BTW, what is special in 3.1.2?. It seems following well knowns bugs are fixed in this update:

• Device suddenly losing network access.
• Video stream crashing.
• Device not waking from sleep in certain sitautions ( the most troubled bug so far according to me).
• And most important feature request that is part of this new update is support for Genius Mode for the App Store. As per the mashable site (Refer :http://mashable.com/2009/09/09/iphone-os-3-1-released-featuring-genius-mode-for-app-store), now the same technology that recommends songs will be used to recommend applications. Hopefully, this will make navigating the App Store and finding more gems easier than ever before. But I wonder how this will be helpful to me!!!!. Probabily I should write a review once I experience it.
  
  

So I am eagerly looking forward to update to 3.1.2. The other important reason being that is lots of new applications are based on this updated OS. At the same I dont want to try to jailbreak on my own rather I will wait for the community to do it and follow them :-). I think it make senses to wait for detailed tutorial in iclarified site to update my iphone OS.

Meanwhile, I hope to see the Pwnage tool getting ported (by Iphone Dev Team) soon to Windows :-). If I find one, will post how to jailbreak using Windows.


Cheers!!!!
Happy weekend to all!!!