Bought a cheap tv-out composite AV cable for your iPhone off eBay, but learnt that it’s unsupported later? Well, all is not lost. Like most prudent consumers, I refused to purchase an Apple-branded composite AV cable that will set me back RM139 ($45). Instead, I tried my luck with an aftermarket tv-out cable on eBay, costing just RM25 ($8), which is the cheapest in my region. The seller advised me that the cable would only work on older iDevices like the original iPhone and iPhone 3G.

I figured that the iPhone 3GS is really not all that different from the 3G, so I placed my order anyway.

Fast-forward a week after ordering (snailmail international delivery), the cable finally arrived. You guessed it, it didn’t work. Every time I plug the cable into my iPhone’s connector dock, the phone shows the following message: “This accessory is not supported by iPhone.”

I tried playing some videos anyway after dismissing the message, and it turns out that the audio would play on my television just fine, but the video won’t show up.

What gives? It turns out that this isn’t a hardware limitation. It’s an Apple-imposed limitation that render any tv-out cables that are not blessed by Cupertino useless. The aim is to make you buy their expensive cables that have special authentication chips on them — but you really don’t have to, provided your iPhone is jailbroken.

If your situation is similar to the one I described above, follow the following steps, and chances are your cheap cable will work like a charm:

1. Open Cydia on your iPhone
2. Search for “Resupported 4″ (works on iOS 4 and 5), install it
3. Search for “TVOut2 Mirror TVOut” and install it
4. Reboot your iPhone

That’s about it. It worked perfectly in my case, but your mileage may vary. Do note that “Resupported” will only work for 10 days before you have to pay for it. But considering the amount of money you could save by NOT buying Apple’s expensive cable, the $3.99 the developer asked for is reasonable.

©2011 SheepTech

iPhone TV Out: Fix “This Accessory Is Not Supported by iPhone”

The said display is capable of switching from a full-blown color display to a more soothing e-ink and vice versa.

Divided into three layers, termed as “multiple composite display regions”, the upper most layer is the touch interface, to register touch inputs. Under it is the “electronic paper display”, or e-ink—and lastly, “video display” for color display.

When not in use, users can bypass the translucent e-ink layer and see the LCD display underneath directly. Both the e-ink and LCD layer can also work together, by displaying contents like text in e-ink and other media in full color display.

I have several e-book readers on my iPhone, including Kindle, but finds myself hardly using any of them. No doubt, these apps are all very well designed and there are plenty of high quality free e-books, but facing a bright tiny display for hours is really causing too much eye strain.

That is one reason why I sometimes prefer reading on a real physical book than an e-book. For the same reason, Amazon Kindle still has its own unique appeal to book readers albeit Apple’s effort marketing iBooks on the iPhone and iPad.

If Apple were to implement e-ink on both the iDevice, it will definitely pose a serious threat to Amazon Kindle, the most gifted item in the company’s history. There will be very little reason left for book readers to consider the Kindle instead of the more capable iPad, unless there’s a cash constraint or a serious need of eternal battery life.

via AppleInsider

©2011 SheepTech

Apple Might Bring e-ink To iDevices with Hybrid Displays

Imaginary iPhone Nano & iPhone Shuffle dated in 2007, courtesy of iA.

The new iPhone Nano, as everyone dubs it, will be going for $200 without contract.

It is understandable why Apple is willing to work on a lower end iPhone instead of maintaining its luxury or premium status, considering how quickly its arch rival, Android, is dominating the mid and low-end market.

Apple has done this before with its iPod line up with the iPod Shuffle, blowing the rest of low-end MP3 players out of water even without a screen (when everyone else has one).

The iPhone already has a strong branding across the globe, and I can imagine those who have longed for an iPhone but can hardly afford would welcome this new addition to the iPhone family.

Until there is an official announcement for Apple however, it’s best to take this news with a grain of salt. The iPhone Nano rumor has been going in both 2007 and 2008. It’s 2011 and there’s still no sight of a tinier iPhone.

©2011 SheepTech

Apple Working on iPhone Nano, Smaller & More Affordable

(Mac only) One of the pitch Google used to get more users to use its range of services is “everything is in the cloud“. Your data will be stored online safe and secure despite having your computer harmed in some of the most common workplace disaster (or not so common, as shown in this video).

There is one problem though. Once you have permanently deleted a file from the cloud, it’s gone for good. There is nothing you can do about it. No software can bring back the file. On the other hand, it’s very possible to recover deleted files on your local hard drive.

Disk Drill Mac Data Recovery does exactly that. It is a new software for data recovery and protection on Mac OS X 10.5+ (older versions are not supported). Currently still in beta, Disk Drill has the ability to recover files on any mountable drive, in any file system they are formatted in (HFS/HFS+, FAT, NTFS, etc).

In another words, Disk Drill will not only work on your Mac’s hard drive, but also other portable memories like USB drives, memory cards and even gadgets with internal storage like the iPhone and MP3 players.

When not used for data recovery, Disk Drill will run in the background to protect disks and partitions against data losses with Recovery Vault. Whenever you delete a file, Recovery Vault will remember its properties like file name and location.

If you later decide that you want that particular file back, you can recover it with all its properties intact.

Without Recovery Vault, your files can still be recovered, but there’s a risk of losing essential information like file names.

Since I don’t have a Mac, I couldn’t review this piece of software personally, but according to this forum post, someone succeeded in recovering all the files (he thinks) in his 6 months dead hard drive with a 15 hours deep scan.

Contribute in Beta Program, Free Lifetime License

Quoted from the forum:

Hey guys!
As you know Disk Drill is free while it is beta. Once it goes stable we’ll gladly supply free lifetime licenses to everyone who contributed with bugs, ideas, comments, pingbacks, blog posts and any sort of feedback.

Sounds like a deal to me.

©2011 SheepTech

Disk Drill: Free Mac Data Recovery Software

Say I want to watch a YouTube video. I would have to summon the iTunes window just to pause the song, then switch back to my web browser to play the video. If I were using foobar2000, I would just need to hit the hotkey to pause the song while I’m still on my web browser, making things faster and less tedious.

You can however compensate the missing feature by using one of these third party utility.

HKTunes

You can do nothing extra with this small utility other than assigning global hotkeys for iTunes. The user interface is definitely not the best, but considering this is a one time job, it doesn’t really matter much.

Instead of typing your desired hotkey, you were to select it from a list of keys.

I’m using HKTunes on my PC, for I wouldn’t want to install other heavier alternatives just to add such simple functionality. It uses just slightly under 4MB of memory.

You have to keep HKTunes opened the whole time you want your hotkeys to work. Pressing your hotkeys will do nothing if the program is closed.

[HKTunes]

iTunes Global Hotkeys Plugin (ighp)

Unlike HKTunes, there is no need to start another program just for the hotkeys to work. ighp is an iTunes plugin, meaning it’ll be part of iTunes and will work outright whenever iTunes is on.

Download the files, place them in iTunes plugin folder (C:\Program Files\iTunes\Plug-ins), launch iTunes, press Ctrl+Shift+P, configure the keys and off you go.

I would have use ighp if it works. Too bad, iTunes will not launch with the plugin installed on my PC. Your milestone might vary though, I’d suggest giving this a try before concluding.

[ighp]

iTunesControl

You can do much more with iTunesControl than just assigning the usual playback global hotkeys—like searching songs from playlist (another feature I miss from foobar2000), song name display and sleep timer.

iTunesControl is still actively supported and developed. In fact, the latest version was released less than a month ago, so you won’t have to worry that it will stop working when you update to a newer version of iTunes.

[iTunesControl]

iTuner

iTuner is another utility that adds several extra functionality to improve your iTunes experience. You can view all its features here, which of course includes global hotkey customization.

[iTuner]

©2011 SheepTech

Setting Global Hotkey on iTunes

Recently, a new iPhone 4 knock off called the Sophone has been making rounds on other blogs for its perfect resemblance of the iPhone 4, both exterior and interior if not for the slight lag. You probably wouldn’t know it’s a knock off by just watching the demo if you’re not told earlier.

Almost every detail of the iOS is implemented in the Sophone, including the keyboard, iPod (background playing supported), app folders, multitask, multi touch, pinch zoom, and other gestures.

Even the stock apps like Notes and Voice Memo are included and looks exactly the same.

See to believe:

To put in into perspective, here’s another video comparing the Sophone and iPhone 4 side by side.

Sophon’s Specifications:

• MTK6235 chipset
• Supports GSM & WCDMA
• Supports Java & WAP
• 3.5-inch (480 X 320) capacitive screen
• 4GB flash storage
• 2 megapixels camera, both front and rear
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Removable 1400mAh battery

Not convinced Sophone is the best fake iPhone 4 yet? Wait till you see the worst. Introducing the AirPhone no.4. You will be frustrated just by watching the video, let alone using the phone. Air. AirPhone. Whatever.

©2011 SheepTech

The Best & Worst of Fake iPhone 4

What does it take to create an iPhone app? With App Cat, creating an iPhone app is as simple as replying emails. Once you have answered all the questions Kitty have, it will create a new iPhone app for you, without charging you a dime.

How to create a free iPhone app with App Cat

1. Visit www.app.cat. Pick your preferred template, there are 34 different designs for you to choose from (which really is just a background).

2. Enter your email address.

3. Reply Kitty’s email with the corresponding information you wish to show on your app.

• Name & slogan
• Address (to put a map in your app, a town name will do if you have privacy concern)
• Phone number (so that your app user can call you using the app itself)
• Photos for your app’s gallery
• Description to be used in the “About” page

4. You will then receive a link from Kitty with your app’s download link.

Download link? What download link?

By right, your app should be submitted for iTunes’s approval and have your finger crossed, no?

No. It won’t be submitted to iTunes. Your app will not be available for download in the App Store. So how does this work?

Visit the download link given by Kitty on your iPhone, then save the page using the “Add to Home Screen” button. Now go to your home screen, launch the app and it will download the required data.

It sounds just like a bookmark on the home screen doesn’t it? Except it’s a bookmark that can be accessed even without data, making it work just like other apps. However, when connection is available, the app will automatically update itself to reflect the latest changes made by the app owner.

What’s in the app?

There are 6 buttons in the app, namely:

• News – where you can publish new entries to reach out your app users
• Photos – a gallery of your uploaded photos
• Call – to call you or your business in just one touch
• Contact – showing your address, contact number, and location on Google Maps
• About – your app’s description
• Love – to share you app via email, SMS or Twitter

How do I update my app?

When your app is created, you will be presented a 4 number PIN. Use the PIN to gain access to the edit buttons. Clicking on any of these buttons will launch the email client containing specific instructions. Just send the email to Kitty and it will update your app right away.

How can App Cat be free?

The same developer is selling silly apps like iBeer for $0.99 a pop in the App Store, so why on earth would they create a service totally free of charge?

Turns out there will a small ad banner in your app created using App Cat. Fair enough I’d say, a service won’t stay long if there is totally no revenue source to support it.

App Cat might launch some premium feature near future, and I suppose by then you can pay to remove the ads.

Suggestions

It would be really nice to have these features on top of the available ones:

• RSS aggregator to automatically pull new articles on your blog.
• Show updates from Twitter and Facebook
• More customization: uploading my own background, designing my own buttons, app icon on home screen etc.

Demo please?

I have created a demo app with App Cat, simple point your iPhone’s browser to http://app.cat/sheeptech/ if you would like test it yourself.

©2011 SheepTech

App Cat: Create iPhone App For Free in 7 minutes

What about this: spend money on virtual items in a village building game, which correspond to a real village in Uganda. You buy a virtual blanket in the game, a villager in Uganda receives a real blanket.

New Era Charity makes it possible with its iPhone game, Raise the Village.

In this game, you becomes the chief of a village in Uganda, or so to speak, right from the comfort of your couch with your iPhone. You help improve your villager’s life, sending aids to them, building farms etc.

Your villagers will report to you when they have received your item, with a photo of them and your purchased item.

And when someone ask you what have you done to make the world a better place, just whip out your iPhone and show them your village.

I personally think it would be a good idea if it is possible to earn virtual in-game currency by viewing ads. This way, even the stingiest iPhone user can help improve the village.

For the time being, it seems that the app is only available in the U.S. App Store.

©2011 SheepTech

Raise the Village: iPhone Game that Makes the World Better

It makes perfect sense as it’s not viable to subscribe to MobileMe ($99 per year) if Find My iPhone is all you need. But apparently Apple is only offering this feature for free if you own any of their latest iDevice, namely the iPhone 4, iPad and 4th generation iPod Touch.

You can use Find My iPhone for free with your iPhone 4, iPad, or 4th generation iPod touch that has iOS 4.2 installed. Or you can use Find My iPhone with a paid MobileMe subscription.

Have an iPhone 3G or 3GS? Sorry, but Apple won’t find your iPhone for free. To Apple’s logic, if you bought the iPhone 4, your wallet must be dry already. Free Find My iPhone for you. Nevermind the $99, save up for the upcoming iPhone 5 instead.

What?! Still using that old hack? What have you been doing with all your money? Why didn’t you get the iPhone 4? After all, it changes everything! Again! Remember??

No, we aren’t gonna find your iPhone 3G or 3GS if you ever lost it, unless you pay us $99 per year. But really, go get the iPhone 4 already.

©2011 SheepTech

Free Find My iPhone Not Available on 3G, 3GS

Macs are gaining more market share in the personal computing world and therefore attracting more attention to virus makers, spammers, keyloggers and thieves. The same threats (keyloggers, malware, spyware, spam and identity thieves) that the PC has been combating for ages have now stepped into the Macintosh world.

Fortunately, Mac users have many programs at their fingertips to fight this unrepentant scourge. Here’s a list of ten of the most useful Macintosh security applications on the market today.

Photo by larsomat

1. iAlertU (Physical Security) – iAlertU is a great piece of software. The motion sensor and iSight camera work in tandem to create a physical alarm system for the computer. When the alarm is triggered, the screen flashes and the mute button is overridden. The iSight camera takes a picture of the robber for later identification. This tool acts as a deterrent to would-be thieves.

2. McAfee Virex for Macintosh (Anti Virus) – McAfee’s Virex provides the Mac user with the same great virus protection as the PC. It offers protection against malware, threats, and viruses using its constantly updated virus definition database. McAfee Virex protects both personal computers and networks.

3. PGP Desktop Home 9.7 (File Encryption) – PGP provides comprehensive encryption and protection for the files on your Mac. From full disks to single files, this program will do it all. It is compatible with Apple FileVault protection and can be deployed and managed through your server.

4. Intego Antispam (Spam Protection) – Intego’s Personal Antispam, like their other offerings, is incredibly easy to use. It filters phishing emails, compares addresses to known spammers and learns from the spam and non-spam messages that it receives. Personal Antispam is a great choice for any Mac user who wants to reduce the incidence of spam.

5. 1Password (Password Protection) – 1Password has been given high marks by most of the prominent Mac focused magazines. The program creates strong passwords that are stored on your browser instead of on your own computer. By storing your internet passwords elsewhere, your data is more secure and manageable. You do not have to remember your passwords, because 1Password will do it for you.

6. MacScan (Anti Spyware) – MacScan was created to find spyware and other programs that might not be directly categorized as malware like DNS poisoning tools, remote access and keylogging. It also examines incoming cookies and compares them to a blacklist of known cookies. This is more of a ‘companion’ program, meant to work in tandem with your computer’s security.

7. Intego VirusBarrier (Anti Virus) – VirusBarrier, NetBarrier and Personal Antispam are all neatly packaged in Intego’s Internet Security Barrier X6 suite. This is the best security software that money can buy for the Macintosh. A primary reason for this is that Intego writes FOR Macintosh systems, rather than merely porting their products over from the PC. VirusBarrier offers total virus protection for the latest Mac viruses.

8. Mac OS X’s Built-in Firewall (Firewall) – Leopard came with a firewall that is simple for Mac users to work with. The passive users will be able to allow or deny incoming connections. The more advanced users can use the command line to access more in-depth options. This is a great basic firewall solution.

9. Norton Internet Security Suite (Security Suite) – Protects your computer with the same technology that Symantec built its reputation on. It offers thorough security protection, calling on its extensive database to identify and remove threats to your machine.

10. Intego’s NetBarrier (Firewall) – An easy to use program, contained within Internet Security Barrier X6. Configuration and customization to prevent known threats are easy enough so that even the most novice of users can set it up. If you are unsure of the configuration that you desire, Intego’s NetBarrier offers default setups that provide the best in protection for the Macintosh.

There are many options out there for handling the security of your Macintosh. Even if you choose none of these applications for your Mac security, you still have to have some protection.

James Adams is a product manager working for a UK based supplier of printer ink where he reviews products such as the HP 339 ink cartridge. He also helps out on their design blog at Cartridgesave.co.uk where he writes about design and art.

©2011 SheepTech

An Overview of 10 Useful Mac OS X Security Apps