Crucial Information about Jailbreaking your iPhone that everyone should know
Contrary to popular belief, jailbreaking and unlocking refers to two different things. Jailbreaking would refer to the hacking of your iPhone to break developer restrictions, install third party applications and other tweaks. In order to software unlock your iPhone, it would need to be jailbroken first.
What exactly is jailbreaking? Jailbreaking is the process of exploiting the iPhone's operating system to gain full access to its functionality and remove restrictions placed upon the hardware of the system by its manufacturer. This process allows users to then download third party applications which have not been approved on the AppStore, to execute them in ways previously restricted and to enable root access. This means that themes, extensions and graphical interfaces can be revamped by third party developers without AppStore approval. Each time a new version of iOS is released that patches the previous exploits, software teams work to create new versions of software to jailbreak. However, depending on the date of the new firmware release, one of the two different types of jailbreak exploits may be available- a tethered jailbreak or an untethered jailbreak.
A tethered jailbreak would require the device to be connected to a computer each time the device is restarted or loses its charge. This device cannot be booted up in a jailbroken state unless it is "re-jailbroken". This process does not wipe out the current data though. An untethered jailbreak, on the other hand, does not require the aid of a desktop to restore its jailbroken state. If the device is restarted or runs out of battery, it will remain jailbroken when it is started up again.
Despite its name, jailbreaking has been ruled by the U.S. Copyright Office to be legal. Both jailbreaking and unlocking of iPhones are permitted to allow users to use their phones with other applications not available in the AppStore and with other mobile carriers. In fact, in 2010, the Library of Congress confirmed that jailbreaking has been exempted from the normal DCMA rules. This, however, does not mean that Apple will not patch up its exploits. Instead, expect jailbreaking to be more and more complicated as iPhone is patched with technical countermeasures against jailbreaking and unlocking of iPhones.
An added note of caution: The manufacturers have warned that jailbreaking and unlocking will void your warranty. However, this does not mean that it is easy for them to find out. Manufacturers will have to physically hold the device in order to determine if the device is jailbroken, and even this can be easily circumvented by restoring your iPhone through iTunes. Even if your screen is damaged or crack, connection with iTunes is still very possible. Where did the terms jailbreaking and unlocking come about? A large part of the credits would have to go to the jailbreaking community, which primarily consists of the iPhone Dev Team, a group of dedicated people who have made jailbreaking a reality for common users like you and me.
Now that you have learned about jailbreaking, try it out for yourself and explore the hidden cache of wonderful applications, games, theme and settings available for your use. If you're anything like me, you will be kicking yourself for not doing it earlier.
No comments:
Post a Comment