Simple Help » iPod http://www.simplehelp.net Common questions, simple answers Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:12:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 How to stop iPhoto from opening when you plug in an iPod Touch (or any device with a camera) http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/09/29/how-to-stop-iphoto-from-opening-when-you-plug-in-an-ipod-touch-or-any-device-with-a-camera/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/09/29/how-to-stop-iphoto-from-opening-when-you-plug-in-an-ipod-touch-or-any-device-with-a-camera/#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:30:24 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=3202 iPhone iPod

This tutorial will show you how to stop iPhoto from launching each time you plug in your iPod Touch (or iPhone, or any device with a camera) – and still allow iPhoto to automatically launch when you plug in your digital camera.

The application Image Capture was recently updated to include much awaited functionality – the ability to choose which application launches – or none at all – when you plug in a specific device. This means that you can set your digital camera to automatically launch iPhoto when it’s plugged in, but have nothing happen when your iPod Touch is plugged in.

To set your preferences by device, follow the instructions outlined below.

  1. Launch Image Capture by going to your Applications list and double-clicking it. With no devices (cameras, scanners, iPods, iPhones etc) connected, it will look similar to the screen below.


    2. click to enlarge

  2. Now plug in a device (or three, as I have in the image below). Select that device from the DEVICES menu in the left column. Now choose an action for that device by selecting the Connecting this xxxxxx opens: drop-down list. In the case of my camera, I want iPhoto to launch when it’s plugged in.


    3. click to enlarge

  3. Now select (or plug in) another device. In the example below, I don’t want anything to happen when I plug my Android phone in, so I selected No application from the drop-down list.


    4. click to enlarge

  4. And I repeated the above step for my iPod. Note: iTunes will still launch when you plug an iPod or iPhone into your Mac if you have that preference set in iTunes itself.


    5. click to enlarge

  5. That’s it! Now you can have individual settings per device.

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/09/29/how-to-stop-iphoto-from-opening-when-you-plug-in-an-ipod-touch-or-any-device-with-a-camera/feed/ 2 iPhone App Review: My Squares! http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/07/28/iphone-app-review-my-squares/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/07/28/iphone-app-review-my-squares/#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:10:47 +0000 Jason Kaneshiro http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=3064 iPhone iPod

The following review is a guest post by Jason Kaneshiro. Jason has also contributed numerous iPhone app reviews for Switching To Mac.

Game Concept: Color squares for points against several opponents in this turn-based board game.

iphone game mysquares

The Good

Simple rules create deep gameplay: Move one adjacent square horizontally or vertically and turn the vacated square your color. Jump two squares horizontally or vertically, and all adjacent squares turns your color. Tap your current square to jump to a random, empty square. You can only move to open squares that haven’t been colored yet. Moving a single square turns out to be rather defensive, while jumping is required to grab territory. But if you can jump to a particular square, so can your opponent, and as a result, seemingly awesome moves can be undone not soon after.

You can have up to four players set to either human or computer opponents. The game is a lot more fun with four players and defaults to this mode.

The Bad

Sub-par graphics: your primary piece is happy face, the animation of squares changing color is blocky, and the screens surrounding the game are rather simplistic.

Wish pieces could move diagonally.

Conclusion

Although My Squares’ graphics aren’t that impressive, there’s a refreshingly compelling strategy game lying just beneath the surface. I’ll be playing this one for a while. The game is available for the iPhone and iPod touch for $0.99 from the App Store.

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/07/28/iphone-app-review-my-squares/feed/ 0 iPhone App Review: Diner Dash http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/04/20/iphone-app-review-diner-dash/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/04/20/iphone-app-review-diner-dash/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:00:21 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=2515 iPod

This iPhone App review is a guest post by Jason Kaneshiro, who does lots of iPhone App reviews on his site, Webomatica, in addition to Switching To Mac.

In Diner Dash you help Flo wait tables at an increasingly busy restaurant. Seat customers, take orders, serve food, and bus tables as efficiently as possible. Taking too long at any task creates unhappy customers, who just might leave in frustration.

Diner Dash

diner dash app for the iphone
click to enlarge

The Good

  • Solid game play: tasks overlap in just the right amount to create tension, but never get so crazy so that you have no idea what’s going on.
  • Some nice touches improve gameplay: small hearts beneath customers indicate their happiness, Flo can hold two items at once (orders, dishes to be served, bused plates), and customers arrive in a variety of party sizes and preferred seating which add to the challenge.
  • Extras add variety: different customer types with varying patience, restaurant improvements based on the money you earn after each level, and various strategies to placate annoyed diners (drinks, entertainment).

The Bad

  • The hand drawn, cartoony graphics are cute but feel cramped: there’s wasted space on the left side of the screen, the tables and service counter feel prohibitively small, and improvements made to the restaurants after each level don’t look terribly special.

Conclusion

Mediocre graphics hamper solid gameplay, but ultimately the game itself trumps the presentation. The original price of $10 was very steep, but it’s currently on sale for $4.99.

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/04/20/iphone-app-review-diner-dash/feed/ 0 How to purchase US iTunes content in Canada http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/02/17/how-to-purchase-us-itunes-content-in-canada/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/02/17/how-to-purchase-us-itunes-content-in-canada/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 01:17:02 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=2284 iPod

Thanks to my friend Armen for this trick. This tutorial will guide you through the steps required to buy or rent content that’s only available in the US version of the iTunes Store, from Canada. I would be hugely appreciative if you could give this a try if you live in Australia, England, France, Italy or any country other than Canada and let me know if it works by leaving a comment.

  1. The most important part of this trick is to purchase a MasterCard gift card (a temporary/disposable MasterCard). These are available in many stores across Canada, including Macs and Shoppers Drug Mart. They come in $25, $50 and $100 denominations.

    2. mastercard gift card
    click to enlarge

  2. Launch iTunes. Select iTunes Store from the left navigation, and if you already have a Canadian account, click on the ‘your email address’ button in the upper right corner.

  3. Click the Sign Out button.


    4. click to enlarge

  4. Now back in the iTunes Store, click the Sign In button.

  5. Click the Create New Account button.


    6. click to enlarge

  6. On the intro screen, click the Continue button.


    7. click to enlarge

  7. You’ll be asked to enter your credit card and address info. Don’t. Look for the line that says If the billing address is not in Canada, click here, and click the click here link.


    8. click to enlarge

  8. In the Select a country: drop-down list, select US. Now click the Change Country button.


    9. click to enlarge

  9. You’ll be taken back to the iTunes Store, where once again you’ll have to click the Sign In button.

  10. And again, click the Create New Account button.


    11. click to enlarge

  11. Notice that the iTunes Store now thinks you’re in the US. Enter in the gift card MasterCard info, and a US billing address. You can probably just make one up, but you might want to confirm that the ZIP code and city match up. Update: using an address in Oregon is a good idea as they have no state tax. Thanks @staciebee!


    12. click to enlarge

  12. Once you’ve filled in all the appropriate info, click the Done button.


    13. click to enlarge

  13. Now you’ll be signed in to the US iTunes Store. Navigate to whatever content it is you want to buy/rent and go for it!


    14. click to enlarge

  14. You should have no problems downloading the movies/music/TV show etc.


    15. click to enlarge

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/02/17/how-to-purchase-us-itunes-content-in-canada/feed/ 24 How to download and convert YouTube videos (and others) http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/10/30/how-to-download-and-convert-youtube-videos-and-others/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/10/30/how-to-download-and-convert-youtube-videos-and-others/#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:30:56 +0000 admin http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=1561 iPod

This tutorial will guide you through downloading YouTube videos and other media using Download Helper. It also covers conversion of downloaded media to iPod, Nokia N95, or other portable media players.

Sometimes you just want to save a copy of a cool YouTube video, or a video from a similar kind of site. Most of these sites make it very difficult for the average user to save a local copy. That’s where Download Helper, one of my favourite Firefox extensions, comes in. Using Download Helper you can easily save videos from most popular video sites.

I’m running Fedora 9 while writing this tutorial and taking screenshots. Note that Download Helper is not specific to Linux. You can follow exactly the same steps to install and use it on Windows or OS X.

  1. Grab a copy of Download Helper. You will have to restart Firefox for the installation to complete.
  2. One of the first things you will notice is a new icon on the Navigation Toolbar.


    3. click to enlarge

  3. This icon shows up in black and white until you visit a web page containing media that Download Helper can download. Try visiting YouTube and playing a video.


    4. click to enlarge

  4. The Download Helper icon has now become colourful. This means Download Helper has detected that you are viewing a web page containing media that it can download for you. Try clicking on the little Down Arrow next to the Download Helper icon.


    5. click to enlarge

  5. Notice how a menu drops down and shows a list of downloadable media. In this example I am viewing a video called How To Video Your Vote, so logically I selected How_To_Video_Your_Vote.flv. Next I was prompted to select where to save the video. I selected my dwhelper folder.


    6. click to enlarge

  6. Now I go have a look in my dwhelper folder, and there it is.

  7. Here’s how it looks playing in MPlayer on Linux.

  8. So, what if you want to play your downloaded videos on your iPod, Nokia 95, or other portable media player? You’re in luck. Download Helper can be configured to automatically convert your videos when you download them. Right Click on the Download Helper icon and select Preferences.


    9. click to enlarge

  9. Now you are presented with the Preferences window. Click on the Conversion tab on the far right.


    10. click to enlarge


    click to enlarge

  10. You must check the Conversion Enabled checkbox. Here is where you set your conversion rules. Windows users will need to click the Install/Update Converter button and follow the on screen prompts before being able to continue. Click New Rule.


    11. click to enlarge

  11. Now you see the Conversion Rule window.

  12. Where it says Files With Extension, select ALL and where it says Output, select iPod (or whatever format your portable player prefers), then click OK.

  13. Now your Preferences window should look similar to the following:


    14. click to enlarge

  14. Click OK and go back to YouTube. This time we’re going to convert the video when we download it. Click on the little Down Arrow next to the Download Helper icon and notice how there is now an option called How_To_Video_Your_Vote.m4v


    15. click to enlarge

  15. Select How_To_Video_Your_Vote.m4v and you are prompted to select where to save your converted video. Again, I chose to save it in my dwhelper folder.


    16. click to enlarge

  16. Short videos like those found on YouTube shouldn’t take very long to convert. The conversion in this example happened so fast that I was unable to capture a screenshot of the Conversion Completed popup before it disappeared. If you look in your dwhelper folder, you should see your newly converted video.

  17. Now simply copy the video to your iPod, N95, or other portable media player.

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/10/30/how-to-download-and-convert-youtube-videos-and-others/feed/ 6 How to jailbreak your iPod Touch running the 2.1 firmware (Windows) http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/09/22/how-to-jailbreak-your-ipod-touch-running-the-21-firmware-windows/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/09/22/how-to-jailbreak-your-ipod-touch-running-the-21-firmware-windows/#comments Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:30:20 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=1179 iPod

Here we go again. Another new firmware, another jailbreak tutorial. This one will guide you through the process of jailbreaking your iPod Touch running the 2.1 firmware.

If you’re running an earlier version of the iPod Touch firmware, you’ll want to use this tutorial: How to jailbreak your iPod Touch running the 2.0, 2.0.1 or 2.0.2 firmware in Windows instead. Otherwise, keep reading.

  1. Head over to the iPhone-Dev site and download Window QuickPwn 2.1. Save the file to your desktop, and launch it from there.

    2. quickpwn icon

  2. Make sure your iPod Touch is plugged in, and then click the “next” arrow (bottom right corner of the screen).


    3. click to enlarge

  3. QuickPwn should auto-detect your ipsw file. Assuming it does, skip ahead to step #4 below. If for any reason it doesn’t, follow the instructions below to find and select it.

    Windows Vista users

    Navigate to the C:\Users\your-user-name\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates\ folder (where your-user-name is the user name you use in Windows Vista). Select the 2.1 ipsw file (there may be more than one ipsw file to choose from). The file you want to select is iPod1,1_2.1_5F137_Restore.ipsw. Click the Open button.

    If you’re unable to see the AppData folder, you need to enable the ability to View Hidden Files and Folders.

    Windows XP users

    Navigate to the C:\Documents and Settings\your-user-name\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates\ folder (where your-user-name is the user name you use in Windows XP). Select the 2.1 ipsw file (there may be more than one ipsw file to choose from). The file you want to select is iPod1,1_2.1_5F137_Restore.ipsw. Click the Open button.

    If you’re unable to see the Application Data folder, you need to enable the ability to View Hidden Files and Folders.


    4. click to enlarge

  4. You’ll (probably) want to add both Cydia and Installer. Changing the boot logo is a personal preference. I like the Apple boot logo, so I leave Replace boot logos unchecked. Again, personal decision, it’s up to you. Click the “next” button when you’re ready to continue.


    5. click to enlarge

  5. Again you’ll be prompted to confirm our iPod Touch is connected. And again, make sure it is. Click the “next” button to continue.


    6. click to enlarge

  6. Next comes the only part that’s a tiny bit tricky, though it’s certainly not difficult, you just need to time things well. You’ll be prompted to hold down the Home button on your iPod Touch, then both the Home and Power buttons, then just the Home button again. Worst case, you’ll have to repeat this step.


    7. click to enlarge

  7. Once you’ve held the buttons down in the correct order for the correct periods of time, the jailbreaking process will begin.


    8. click to enlarge

  8. Your iPod will continue to install software even when the “you’re done” screen appears. Give it a minute or three to finish and restart.


    9. click to enlarge

  9. After your iPod has completely started up, you’ll notice 2 new icons on your Springboard – Cydia and Installer. They might not be on the first screen of your Springboard, especially if you have a lot of apps already installed. Scroll over to the last screen and you should find them there.


    10. click to enlarge

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/09/22/how-to-jailbreak-your-ipod-touch-running-the-21-firmware-windows/feed/ 65 How to jailbreak your iPod Touch running the 2.1 firmware (OS X) http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/09/13/how-to-jailbreak-your-ipod-touch-running-the-21-firmware-os-x/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/09/13/how-to-jailbreak-your-ipod-touch-running-the-21-firmware-os-x/#comments Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:55:45 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=1109 iPod

This tutorial will guide you through the steps to jailbreak your first generation iPod Touch running the 2.1 firmware, in OS X. NOTE: this will not work on the new 2nd generation iPod Touch devices.

  1. First things first, download QuickPwn 1.1. Open the .dmg file and drag it to your Applications folder (or Desktop). Do not run the file from inside the .dmg.


    2. click to enlarge

  2. Run QuickPwn, and click OK to agree to the warning message.

  3. Connect your iPod Touch when prompted.

  4. Decide if you’d like to change the boot and restore logos (I opted for yes).

  5. QuickPwn will search your drive for the correct file, and then build a new IPSW for you. This can take a minute or two.


    6. click to enlarge

  6. During the process you’ll be prompted to enter your password.

  7. Next you’ll be prompted to power off your iPod Touch. Hold down the Power button, and then “swipe” the slide to power off arrow at the top of your iPod Touch screen


    8. click to enlarge

  8. Now you’ll be prompted to hold down the Power button and the Home button at the same time. Then you’ll be prompted to let go of one button and continue to hold the other. Follow the instructions carefully.


    9. click to enlarge

  9. If you didn’t manage to hold and hold/release the buttons at the right time(s), you’ll be presented with a “Failed to enter DFU mode”. From here, just click Yes to try again.

  10. Once you get it correctly, QuickPwn will do its thing and jailbreak your iPod Touch.


    11. click to enlarge

  11. Now that the files have been uploaded to your iPod Touch, it will reboot itself. Give it time to power back on.

  12. You’ll be presented with a “success” screen, possibly before your iPod Touch has finished booting. Allow it to completely start up before you exit QuickPwn.


    13. click to enlarge

  13. Once your iPod has completely started up, you’ll notice 2 new icons on your Springboard – Cydia and Installer. Use those apps to install software etc on your newly jailbroken iPod Touch.


    14. click to enlarge

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/09/13/how-to-jailbreak-your-ipod-touch-running-the-21-firmware-os-x/feed/ 35 How to enable or disable WiFi on your Jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch with one tap http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/09/08/how-to-enable-or-disable-wifi-on-your-jailbroken-iphone-or-ipod-touch-with-one-tap/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/09/08/how-to-enable-or-disable-wifi-on-your-jailbroken-iphone-or-ipod-touch-with-one-tap/#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:00:52 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=1063 iPhone iPod

This brief tutorial will guide you through using Cydia on your Jailbroken iPhone/iPod Touch to install WiFiToggle – an app that makes enabling and disabling WiFi a “one tap” affair.

For help jailbreaking your iPod Touch running the 2.x firmware, see this tutorial for Windows or this tutorial for OS X.

  1. Launch Cydia from your Springboard.

    2. iphone/ipod touch dashboard with cydia circled
    click to enlarge

  2. Once Cydia loads, select Sections from the bottom menu.

    3. cydia iphone/ipod touch app home screen
    click to enlarge

  3. Scroll down to the System section, and select it.

    4. cydia system section circled
    click to enlarge

  4. Scroll down to the WiFiToggle entry, and select it.

    5. wifitoggle app in cydia
    click to enlarge

  5. Tap the Install button in the upper-right corner.

    6. install wifitoggle
    click to enlarge

  6. Now tap the Confirm button in the upper-right corner.

    7. confirm wifitoggle installation
    click to enlarge

  7. Give WiFiToggle a moment to download…

    8. wifitoggle downloading
    click to enlarge

  8. and then it will install. Once the installation has completed, click the big Return to Cydia button at the bottom of the screen.

    9. wifitoggle installing
    click to enlarge

  9. You’ll be taken back to the WiFiToggle entry in Cydia. Click the “home” button on your iPhone/iPod Touch to return to the Springboard.

    10. wifitoggle entry in cydia installed
    click to enlarge

  10. You should see a new icon on your Springboard – WifiToggle. Tap it.

    11. iphone/ipod touch springboard with wifi on and wifitoggle circled
    click to enlarge

  11. And WiFi will be disabled.

    12. wifitoggle turning off wifi
    click to enlarge

  12. Note (screenshot below) the WiFi icon in the upper-left corner is gone – WiFi is turned off.

    13. iphone/ipod touch springboard with wifi turned off
    click to enlarge

  13. To re-enable WiFi, just tap WifiToggle again.

    14. wifi toggle re-enabling wifi
    click to enlarge

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/09/08/how-to-enable-or-disable-wifi-on-your-jailbroken-iphone-or-ipod-touch-with-one-tap/feed/ 6 How to jailbreak your iPod Touch running the 2.0, 2.0.1 or 2.0.2 firmware in Windows http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/28/how-to-jailbreak-your-ipod-touch-running-the-20-201-or-202-firmware-in-windows/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/28/how-to-jailbreak-your-ipod-touch-running-the-20-201-or-202-firmware-in-windows/#comments Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:28 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=995 iPod

This tutorial will guide you each step of the way through jailbreaking your iPod Touch using the QuickPwn software for Windows.

Though I had absolutely no problems jailbreaking my iPod Touch running the latest 2.0.2 firmware, you’ll still want to back up everything first. Assuming everything goes smoothly, all of your music, videos, pictures and apps will still be on your iPod Touch – QuickPwn doesn’t force you to “wipe” it clean, it just jailbreaks the device and installs some software.

  1. Make sure your iPod Touch is unplugged.
  2. Then download QuickPwn from the iPhone-dev team blog. Save the file to your desktop, and launch it from there.

    3. quickpwn

  3. Select iPod Touch from the list of devices on the initial QuickPwn screen.


    4. click to enlarge

  4. Once it’s highlighted (and a big green “check mark” appears), click the Next button in the bottom right corner.


    5. click to enlarge

  5. Click the Browse button to locate your ipsw file.


    6. click to enlarge

  6. If you’re using Windows Vista, navigate to the C:\Users\your-user-name\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates\ folder (where your-user-name is the user name you use in Windows Vista). Select the ipsw file that represents the firmware version your iPod Touch is currently running (there may be more than one file to choose from). If you’re using the 2.0.2 firmware, select the file iPod1,1_2.0.2_5C1_Restore.ipsw. Click the Open button.

    If you’re unable to see the AppData folder, you need to enable the ability to View Hidden Files and Folders.

    If you’re using Windows XP, navigate to the C:\Documents and Settings\your-user-name\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates\ folder (where your-user-name is the user name you use in Windows XP). Select the ipsw file that represents the firmware version your iPod Touch is currently running (there may be more than one file to choose from). If you’re using the 2.0.2 firmware, select the file iPod1,1_2.0.2_5C1_Restore.ipsw. Click the Open button.

    If you’re unable to see the Application Data folder, you need to enable the ability to View Hidden Files and Folders.


    7. click to enlarge

  7. QuickPwn will take a moment to analyze the file…


    8. click to enlarge

  8. and then give it a big “check”. Click the Next button to continue.


    9. click to enlarge

  9. In all likelihood you’ll want to leave the boxes Add Cydia and Add Installer checked. If you’d like to change the default Apple boot logo to the QuickPwn “Pineapple” logo, place a check in the Replace Boot logos box. When you’re ready, click Next.


    10. click to enlarge

  10. If iTunes is open, close it down. Attach the USB cable to your iPod Touch and plug it in to your PC. Click Next.


    11. click to enlarge

  11. Now you’ll be prompted to follow a series of instructions that involve holding down the Home button and the Home + Power button at the same time.


    12. click to enlarge

  12. If you get an error message, just try again. It probably means that you didn’t hold down the right button(s) at the right time.


    13. click to enlarge

  13. Once it’s successful, you’ll have to wait a few moments while your iPod Touch is jailbroken and the new software is installed.


    14. click to enlarge

  14. Don’t be surprised if you see little “Your devices are ready to use” pop-up messages in the Windows System Tray. Ignore them.

  15. Once everything is done, QuickPwn will display a confirmation window. It can take a minute or two for your iPod Touch to reboot.


    16. click to enlarge

  16. Once it powers back on and starts up, you’ll know the procedure was successful if the Cydia and Installer apps are present on your Springboard (note: if you have multiple Springboard “screens”, they’ll appear on the last one, so you might have to scroll over to find them).


    17. click to enlarge

  17. That’s it – you’re done!

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/28/how-to-jailbreak-your-ipod-touch-running-the-20-201-or-202-firmware-in-windows/feed/ 0 How to create a custom iPhone and iPod touch icon for your web site http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/11/how-to-create-a-custom-iphone-and-ipod-touch-icon-for-your-web-site/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/11/how-to-create-a-custom-iphone-and-ipod-touch-icon-for-your-web-site/#comments Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:16:06 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=854 iPhone iPod

This brief tutorial will explain out how to create a custom icon to display on the iPhone and/or iPod touch springboard for your web site.

custom site icon for simplehelp.net on the iphone springboard

  1. When a user adds a site to their springboard by using the Add to Home Screen feature, by default, the iPhone or iPod touch will use a thumbnail of the visible part of the page being displayed in Safari.

    2. default site icon for the iphone and ipod touch springboard
    click to enlarge

  2. If you’d like your site to have a much nicer icon appear on the springboard when people add it, create a 57px by 57px PNG icon, name it apple-touch-icon.png, and upload it to the root folder of your site. Note: Apple themselves actually use a 129×129px icon, so you may want to experiment to see what size looks best for yours (it will scale to the default iPhone/iPod touch springboard icon size).

    If you don’t have access to the root folder of your site, or you’d like to put the icon elsewhere, add the following line to the <head> of your site:

    <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/path/to/file.png" /> (and upload the file.png to that folder).

  3. Now when someone adds your site, it will have a nice icon associated with it.

    4. adding a site to the iphone and ipod touch springboard
    click to enlarge

  4. Done!

    5. custom icon for simplehelp.net for the iphone and ipod touch springboard
    click to enlarge

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/11/how-to-create-a-custom-iphone-and-ipod-touch-icon-for-your-web-site/feed/ 5 How to quickly insert a period while typing on your iPhone or iPod Touch http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/08/how-to-quickly-insert-a-period-while-typing-on-your-iphone-or-ipod-touch/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/08/how-to-quickly-insert-a-period-while-typing-on-your-iphone-or-ipod-touch/#comments Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:36:29 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=833 iPod

Double-tap the space button in any application (with the on-screen keyboard) and it will add a period, a space, and automatically switch to upper-case for the next key. Yep, that’s it.

notes for iphone
click to enlarge

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/08/how-to-quickly-insert-a-period-while-typing-on-your-iphone-or-ipod-touch/feed/ 0 Troubleshooting Remote for the iPhone or iPod Touch http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/04/troubleshooting-remote-for-the-iphone-or-ipod-touch/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/04/troubleshooting-remote-for-the-iphone-or-ipod-touch/#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:14:52 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=805 iPod

If you’re having problems setting up the Remote software for the iPhone and/or iPod Touch, follow the steps outlined in this tutorial and you should be up and running in no time.

Remote allows you to control iTunes from your iPhone or iPod Touch. I’ve found quite a few folks have mentioned in the comments section of a previous tutorial on the subject that it doesn’t work for them. The following troubleshooting tips should get it working.

  1. Network
  2. iTunes Settings
  3. Firewall

Network

Your iPhone/iPod Touch must be on the same network as the computer running iTunes. Remote does not work over Edge or 3G. The PC or Mac running iTunes doesn’t need to be connected via Wi-Fi, but your iPhone or iPod Touch must be connected to the same network.

iTunes Settings

Make certain that your iTunes is actually looking for the Remote. To do so, open the iTunes Preferences and select the Advanced tab. From there, make sure that the box labeled is checked.


click to enlarge

Firewall

iTunes must be allowed through any software (or hardware) firewall that you may be using. I’ve provided the steps for the built-in firewalls included with Windows XP and Windows Vista, and some suggestions for other software and hardware firewalls.

  1. I use the Windows XP firewall
  2. I use the Windows Vista firewall
  3. I use another 3rd party firewall
  4. Hardware Router firewall
  1. Windows XP
    1. If you’re using the built-in Windows XP firewall, you’ll want to make sure that iTunes is an allowed exception. To do so, open the Control Panel and select the Security Center.


      2. click to enlarge

    2. In the Security Center, select the Windows Firewall link from the bottom of the page.


      3. click to enlarge

    3. On the General tab, make sure that Don’t allow exceptions is NOT selected.


      4. click to enlarge

    4. Now select the Exceptions tab. In the list, make sure that iTunes is listed, and DOES have a check in the box next to it. If it’s listed, but was unchecked (and now you’ve checked it off) – click OK, close out of the Security Center and give your Remote a try again.

      If it is listed, and checked, and you’ve confirmed the previous troubleshooting steps, make sure that if you have a router and are utilizing its firewall, that the proper ports are being forwarded.

      If iTunes is not listed, carry on with the next step.


      5. click to enlarge

    5. Click the Add Program… button, and see if iTunes is listed among the programs. If it is, select it and click OK Jump down to step h below. If it’s not listed, click the Browse button.

    6. Navigate to the C:\Program Files\iTunes\ folder. Select iTunes (might be listed as iTunes.exe and click Open.


      7. click to enlarge

    7. iTunes will now be listed in the Add a Program window. Make sure it’s selected, and then click OK.

    8. iTunes should now be listed in your Windows XP firewall exceptions list, with a check in the box next to it. Click OK, exit out of the Security Center and give your Remote a try again.


      9. click to enlarge

  2. Windows Vista
    1. If you’re using the built-in Windows Vista firewall, you’ll want to make sure that iTunes is an allowed exception. To do so, open the Control Panel and select the Allow a program through Windows Firewall link in the Security section.

    2. On the General tab, make sure that Block all incoming connections is NOT checked.


      3. click to enlarge

    3. Select the Exceptions tab. Make sure that iTunes is listed, and DOES have a check in the box next to it. If it’s listed, but was unchecked (and now you’ve checked it off) – click OK, close out of the Control Panel and give your Remote a try again.

      If it is listed, and checked, and you’ve confirmed the previous troubleshooting steps, make sure that if you have a router and are utilizing its firewall, that the proper ports are being forwarded.

      If iTunes is not listed, carry on with the next step.


      4. click to enlarge

    4. Click the Add program… button, and see if iTunes is listed. If it is, select it and click the OK button. Jump down to step g below. If it’s not listed, click the Browse… button.

    5. Navigate to the C:\Program Files\iTunes\ folder. Select iTunes (might be listed as iTunes.exe and click Open.


      6. click to enlarge

    6. iTunes will now be listed in the Add a Program window. Make sure it’s selected, and then click OK.

    7. iTunes should now be listed in your Windows Vista firewall exceptions list, with a check in the box next to it. Click OK, exit out of the Windows Firewall Settings and give your Remote a try again.

  3. Other 3rd Party firewall

    4. If you’re using a firewall provided by Norton, McAfee or any one of the dozens (hundreds?) of other firewall vendors, check with their online or built-in support on how to allow a program through the firewall. It’s iTunes.exe that you’ll want to allow. iTunes.exe is located in the C:\Program Files\iTunes\ folder. You may also/alternately need to allow TCP port 3689 and UDP port 5353 through – it depends on your firewall program.

  4. Hardware Router firewall

    5. If you have a router and utilize its firewall, you may need to configure it to allow Remote traffic. Remote uses TCP port 3689 and UDP port 5353 to communicate with your iTunes or Apple TV. See Port Forward for help with setting up your router to allow these ports.

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/08/04/troubleshooting-remote-for-the-iphone-or-ipod-touch/feed/ 0 20 Great Resources for iPhone and iPod Touch Wallpapers http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/07/31/20-great-resources-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch-wallpapers/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/07/31/20-great-resources-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch-wallpapers/#comments Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:28:33 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=777 iPod

Below you’ll find 20 resources that contain a total of over 15,000 wallpapers for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

370 iPhone and iPod Wallpapers by ‘manicho

iphone wallpapers
http://manicho.deviantart.com/art/370-iPhone-iPod-Wallpapers-59902072
Wallpaper Styles: abstract, illustration, photo art

 

5ubox

iphone wallpapers
http://www.5ubox.com/
Wallpaper Styles: 3D, nature, music, movie and TV, games, cars, apple, vista and more

 

All iPhone Wallpapers

iphone wallpapers
http://www.alliphonewallpapers.com/
Wallpaper Styles: abstract, animals, cars, celebs, cartoons, movies, sports, tech and more

 

Flickr iPhone Wallpaper Pool

iphone wallpapers
http://www.flickr.com/groups/iphonewallpapers/pool/
Wallpaper Styles: you name it

 

iGadgetsZone

iphone wallpapers
http://igadgetszone.com/
Wallpaper Styles: countries, cars, nature, celebs, games, holidays, cartoons and more

 

iPhoneAtmo

iphone wallpapers
http://www.iphoneatmo.com/
Wallpaper Styles: abstract, celebs, sports, wildlife, landscapes, music and more

 

iPhone Live

iphone wallpapers
http://iphonelive.org/wallpapers/
Wallpaper Styles: music, abstract, nature and more

 

iPhone Mega Wallpaper Pack

iphone wallpapers
http://causticfx.deviantart.com/art/iPhone-Mega-Wallpaper-Pack-80478390
Wallpaper Styles: abstract, nature, photo

 

iPhone-Wallpapers

iphone wallpapers
http://iphone-wallpapers.us/
Wallpaper Styles: 3D, abstract, broadway, nature, movies, music, political and more

 

iPhone Wallpapers

iphone wallpapers
http://iphone-wallpapers.org/
Wallpaper Styles: Beijing Olympics 2008, cars, celebs, holidays, sports, zodiac and more

 

Kiss iPhone

iphone wallpapers
http://www.kissiphone.com/
Wallpaper Styles: fantasy, cars, celebs, movies, abstract, nature and more

 

My iPhone Wallpapers

iphone wallpapers
http://www.myiphonewallpapers.com/
Wallpaper Styles: anime, games, celebs, movies, cars and more

 

New iPhone Wallpapers

iphone wallpapers
http://www.newiphonewallpapers.com/
Wallpaper Styles: fireworks, fine art, military, smoke, textures, fantasy, skies and many more

 

Pixelgirl

iphone wallpapers
http://www.pixelgirlpresents.com/
Wallpaper Styles: abstract, cartoon and more

 

Planet iPhone

iphone wallpapers
http://planet-iphones.com/wallpapers/
Wallpaper Styles:abstract, animals, cars, food & drink, gaming, places, holidays and more

 

Poolga

iphone wallpapers
http://poolga.com/en
Wallpaper Styles: mostly abstract, artsy

 

Sciphone

iphone wallpapers
http://www.sciphone.net/
Wallpaper Styles: pretty much everything

 

Style My i

iphone wallpapers
http://www.stylemyi.com/
Wallpaper Styles: artistic, animation, bikes, celebs, holidays, textures, and more

 

Theme My Phone

iphone wallpapers
http://www.thememyphone.com/
Wallpaper Styles: cars, bikes, architecture, you name it they probably have it

 

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/07/31/20-great-resources-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch-wallpapers/feed/ 6 Screenshot Tour: WordPress for the iPhone and iPod Touch http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/07/21/screenshot-tour-wordpress-for-the-iphone-and-ipod-touch/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/07/21/screenshot-tour-wordpress-for-the-iphone-and-ipod-touch/#comments Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:47:44 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=723 iPhone iPod

WordPress for the iPhone and/or iPod Touch is now available from the App Store. Keep reading for a brief overview with plenty of screenshots.


  1. Download WordPress for the iPhone / iPod Touch the same as you would any other application in the App Store (yes it’s free). Sync your iPhone/iPod Touch and it’ll appear on your springboard.


    2. click to enlarge

  2. Tap Set up your blog to get started.


    3. click to enlarge

  3. Enter the relevant info in the appropriate fields.


    4. click to enlarge

  4. Now select your blog.


    5. click to enlarge

  5. A list of your recently published posts (and scheduled posts) will be listed.


    6. click to enlarge

  6. Tap the “write new post” button in the bottom right corner to create a new post for your blog. Start entering info. Tap the Categories and you’ll be presented with a list of all the categories you’ve previously created.


    7. click to enlarge

  7. When you create the actual post, the screen changes to give you more room to work with. Tap the Save button in the upper-right corner to save your post.


    8. click to enlarge

  8. By default, your post will be saved as a Local Draft – which means it’s on your iPhone/iPod Touch – not on your blogs server – yet.


    9. click to enlarge

  9. Tap the Status: field and you can publish, save as a draft (on the server) etc.


    10. click to enlarge

  10. Tap the Preview button from the bottom list, and you’ll get a preview of your post (the yellow fields are AdSense ad locations).


    11. click to enlarge

  11. Tap the Photos button from the bottom list and you can add a photo to your post. Tap Take Photo with Camera if you have an iPhone and want to add a ‘live’ photo, or Add Photo from Library to add a picture from your iPhone/iPod Touch photos.


    12. click to enlarge

  12. I added a photo from my library…


    13. click to enlarge

  13. but when I tried to save it, I got an error (I don’t use the wp-content/uploads/ folder, and it has specific permissions set).


    14. click to enlarge

  14. All in all it’s a very neat app that will come in handy for creating quick posts. I don’t think I’d want to try and write a particularly long post using it mind you.

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]]> http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/07/21/screenshot-tour-wordpress-for-the-iphone-and-ipod-touch/feed/ 0 How to jailbreak your iPod Touch running the 2.0 firmware in OS X http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/07/20/how-to-jailbreak-your-ipod-touch-running-the-20-firmware/ http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/07/20/how-to-jailbreak-your-ipod-touch-running-the-20-firmware/#comments Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:10:03 +0000 Ross McKillop http://www.simplehelp.net/?p=694 iPod

This tutorial will walk you through every step required to jailbreak your iPod Touch running the latest (2.0) firmware. Note: this tutorial uses the Pwnage Tool v2.0 – which is currently Mac only. The Windows version of this tutorial (Jailbreaking the 2.0, 2.0.1 and 2.0.2 firmware) can be found here. Update: if you’ve upgraded to the 2.1 firmware and you want to jailbreak your iPod Touch (using OS X) – see this tutorial.

First a few FAQs -

Q: Can I still use the apps I’ve purchased from the App Store if I jailbreak my iPod Touch?
A: Yes. After you jailbreak your device, they will re-sync when you run iTunes.

Q: Can I still purchase/download apps from the App Store if I jailbreak my iPod Touch?
A: Yes.

Q: Will all of my music, contacts, videos, photos etc be deleted if I jailbreak my iPod Touch?
A: Yes. You’ll need to re-sync your device to get all of that data back on your iPod Touch.

Q: Is it worth it?
A: Depends on the individual. Many of the apps you had to jailbreak your iPod Touch to run previously, are now available in the App Store. If you like having full control of your device, then yes it is worth it. Though there are few apps available to install now (jailbroken apps) due to incompatibility with the 2.0 firmware, many will be updated. Also, there are certain features that Apple doesn’t want to release to developers (theme managers is an example), which will require a jailbroken iPod Touch to run.

So with all of that said, here are the steps to jailbreak your iPod Touch running the 2.0 firmware.

  1. To get started, download PwnageTool 2.0. Or, grab version 2.0.1. This tutorial was created using version 2.0, but the steps will be nearly identical if you’re using 2.0.1. Actually, using 2.0.1 will help you avoid some of the errors that this tutorial highlights (and shows you to resolve).

    Whichever version you download, unzip it and drag the app to your Applications folder. Launch it from there. You’ll be greeted with a warning message. Read it, then click OK.


    2. click to enlarge

  2. Select the iPod Touch entry (make sure there’s a check mark) and then click the Next button (the right-arrow in the bottom right corner of the PwnageTool screen).


    3. click to enlarge

  3. Select the firmware bundle displayed in the main window, and click Next.


    4. click to enlarge

  4. When asked if you want to create a .ipsw file on your Desktop, click Yes.


    5. click to enlarge

  5. PwnageTool will now build a IPSW file.


    6. click to enlarge

  6. During the creation process, you’ll be prompted to enter your password. Do so, then click OK.


    7. click to enlarge

  7. Click No when asked if you’ve Pwned your iPod Touch before. Even if you’ve used this tool in the past, once you updated to the 2.0 firmware that means it was wiped any traces of PwnageTool.


    8. click to enlarge

  8. If you get a Failed to enter DFU mode, have no fear.


    9. click to enlarge

  9. Open a Terminal and enter the following two commands:

    cd ~/Library/iTunes/
    mkdir “Device Support”

    If that folder already exists, delete all of the files inside of it.


    10. click to enlarge

  10. Start the Pwnage process from the beginning. This time you should pass the Failed to enter DFU mode screen. Turn off your device when prompted.


    11. click to enlarge

  11. If you don’t turn off your device and re-start it the way prompted (holding down the bottom button) you may get a different Failed to enter DFU mode error. This time you won’t need to start from the beginning again, just follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

  12. After you’ve successfully entered DFU mode, you’ll get a message indicating as much. Quit PwnageTool and launch iTunes.


    13. click to enlarge

  13. iTunes will detect an iPod in recovery mode. Click OK.


    14. click to enlarge

  14. Hold down the alt-key on your keyboard and then click Restore.


    15. click to enlarge

  15. An Open window will appear. Navigate to the .ipsw file on your Desktop, select it and then click Open.

    If iTunes prompts you to download a file, you did not hold down the alt key when clicking Restore. You do not want to download and install the file from Apple (or you’ll just be re-installing the 2.0 firmware).


    16. click to enlarge

  16. First it will extract…

  17. then it will restore the software…

  18. verify the software…

  19. and finally restore the firmware.

  20. You’ll get a message telling you that your iPod has been restored to the factory default settings. That couldn’t really be farther from the truth, but click OK.


    21. click to enlarge

  21. Select Set up as a new iPod and click Continue.


    22. click to enlarge

  22. Give your iPod a name, and determine the sync settings you want to use, then click Done.


    23. click to enlarge

  23. Now your iPod Touch will sync. The first thing it will do is re-install any apps you downloaded from the App Store.


    24. click to enlarge

  24. And now your iPod Touch will have your downloaded/purchased apps, in addition to Cydia (which is like Installer.app, with improvements).


    25. click to enlarge

  25. Launch Cydia.


    26. click to enlarge

  26. If you get a message about installing upgrades, click Upgrade Essential


    27. click to enlarge

  27. Click Confirm from the upper-right corner.


    28. click to enlarge

  28. The essential updates will download.


    29. click to enlarge

  29. Then install.


    30. click to enlarge

  30. If you get a message saying Reorganizing One Minue! Please wait… DO NOT STOP, follow that advice and let it do its thing.


    31. click to enlarge

  31. Now you can take a look at your installed packages…


    32. click to enlarge

  32. Or review the info on using OpenSSH (yay!)


    33. click to enlarge

  33. Finally, remember to set all of your syncing preferences in iTunes. Contacts, Calendar, Bookmarks etc. Once you’ve done that, re-sync and they’ll be restored to your device.

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