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InfoWorld is so, so wrong about iOS jailbreaking
Today, InfoWorld published an article by Galen Gruman about iOS jailbreaking. In it, Gruman makes the argument that iOS jailbreakers -- who, by Gruman's estimation, "deserve" viruses and malware -- are moving to Android. His theory is that since Android offers lots of customization and is already a platform on which malware thrives, iOS users who want more freedom would rather just switch teams... and get malware and a highly customizable OS from the start. There is so much wrong with this article from beginning to end that it would take me 2,000 words to correct everything, so I'll just point out the most troubling bits. For starters, this: "First, there are no legitimate jailbreaks for iOS 7.1, which is what most iOS devices now run." This isn't just a misinformed statement -- it's a complete lie. In June, a team of Chinese hackers released a jailbreak tool for iOS 7.1, which many thought would never be done. Called Pangu, the tool has been updated consistently and now supports even the most recent iOS 7.1.2 patch. It takes roughly five minutes from the time you plug your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into your computer for the hack to free your device and install Cydia, the jailbreaker's app store. I know all of this because I have an iPod touch that I have jailbroken using Pangu, and it performed flawlessly. Early warnings about the tool -- which were legitimate worries, given that the jailbreak community hadn't seen anything from this team of hackers prior to Pangu -- were put to rest by highly reputable members of the jailbreak community, such as iH8sn0w and MuscleNerd. In the world of iOS jailbreaking, the endorsement of hackers such as these are as good as gold. Right now, Pangu is as good as it gets, and it's performed flawlessly for me as well. Suggesting there are no current jailbreaks available is the very definition of out-of-touch. Then there's this: "Jailbreaking your iPhone or iPad is a dangerous activity, with lots of malware masquerading as legitimate jailbreak tools." I'll tackle this as two separate statements. Yes, there are lots of sites out there trying to trick you into downloading something shady, but no, jailbreaking your iOS device isn't inherently dangerous. Do you find it dangerous to check your email, where wealthy African princes are looking to make a deal? How about when you look up a prescription drug online, and the search results are filled with overseas "pharmacies" selling expensive drugs for pennies? No? Then you'll be just fine when it comes to jailbreaking. iOS jailbreak scams are just like any other, and all it takes is an absolute minimum of research to spot the fakes and learn where to find completely safe software tools. If you find yourself on iOS-FREE-JAILBREAK-XXX-BEST-DOWNLOAD(dot)com, you've probably wandered into a not-so-reputable part of the web, and you should leave as soon as possible. However, if you head to a place like Redmond Pie, or the official Pangu website, you can almost certainly put your mind at ease. Claiming that even venturing into the world of jailbreaking is going to end in tears is fear-mongering, and nothing more. Oh, and as far as the theory that iOS jailbreaking is dying because users who enjoy it are simply moving to Android, I'll go ahead and say "no" to that as well. iOS is offering more freedom than ever before. With every new iteration, Apple gives users a little bit more freedom, and gradually lessening the desire for users to jailbreak. iOS 8 is taking it another step further, by allowing customized keyboards, battery usage breakdowns, and QuickReply for messaging. iOS users aren't jumping ship -- Apple is just eliminating their desire to jailbreak in the first place. So to Gruman, the only advice I have is to maybe spend a little bit of time in the world of iOS jailbreaking. Learn the names and faces, and discover why people decide to free their devices in the first place. It's not such a scary place after all. [Photo credit: David Bleasdale (locks)]
How the iPhone crushed T-Mobile
With the U.S. Department of Justice now fighting the proposed AT&T takeover of T-Mobile USA, many T-Mobile customers are beginning to wonder about the viability of the mobile carrier in the long run. In an InfoWorld post today, blogger Galen Gruman wrote a fascinating treatise on how the iPhone is largely responsible for the sad shape that T-Mobile finds itself in. According to Gruman, the iPhone has created very loyal customers, many of whom have stayed with AT&T despite its reputation for poor service. Since Verizon started selling the iPhone in March, it has also seen a jump in the number of customers who have embraced Apple's smartphone. It's expected that Sprint is also going to join the ranks of American mobile carriers that offer the iPhone. Gruman notes that "without the iPhone, T-Mobile will look like a loser to both potential and existing customers." He goes on to say that the loyalty that iPhone owners have for their shiny metal and glass boxes is what is helping the other carriers -- they commit to two-year service plans unfailingly, and they're exactly the type of customers that T-Mobile USA is losing. Gruman wonders how T-Mobile can succeed without AT&T. Despite T-Mobile's advertising about its "4G network" (actually a "3G-plus" HSPA+ network), parent company Deutsche Telekom chose not to invest in spectrum licenses, so the company has very little spectrum that can be used for future LTE 4G networks. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and even PAYG vendor Metro PCS have LTE 4G networks and are planning on expanding those rapidly in the future. One thing that could help out T-Mobile if the AT&T takeover doesn't happen -- a T-Mobile specific model of the iPhone, since it wouldn't be difficult for Apple to build a version that supports T-Mobile's network.
Newton among "Biggest Cults in Tech"
I'm proud to count myself among InfoWorld's Tech cult No. 7: The Tao of Newton. I'll confess that my 2100 has seen less action since I bought my iPhone, but it'll never be relegated to my basement wasteland where various Palms, Visors and even a 3Com Audrey dream of more useful days.Newton ownership is definitely not for everyone. it's big and takes some doing to get it to cooperate with contemporary hardware and software. But for the faithful it's a terrific piece of hardware. For more Newton information, check out The NewtonTalk mailing list. People either have the love or they don't. You can have mine when you pull it from my cold, dead hands.
Apple among InfoWorld's Tech of the Year
Infoworld has identified its 2008 Technology of the Year award recipients, and Apple's name shows up twice. First, the MacBook Pro gets the nod as their Best Notebook Computer, calling its glossy screen a "revelation" (that might be a little extreme) and praising its performance and build quality.But wait, there's more! Mac OS 10.5 was named Best Operating System. We all knew that, of course, but it's nice to see some recognition outside of the faithful.Reading this report after watching the videos of old Steve Jobs keynotes makes me marvel at the company's success. Apple was so close to the brink just ten years ago. Here's to a tremendous 2008!
Mac Pro, MacBook Pro win InfoWorld 2007 Tech honors
InfoWorld just released their 2007 Technology of the Year Awards, which cover technologies that were the best of 2006, and Apple has made a strong showing. The Mac Pro snagged Best Desktop/Workstation while the MacBook Pro took Best Notebook honors.InfoWorld also has an article up by Tom Yager that chronicles Apple's very smooth Intel transition. When I think about how well Apple handled the transition, and the number of developers who jumped on the Intel bandwagon so quickly, I am amazed.
