Since today is a big Jailbreak and Unlock news day, I thought I’d write a quick post for any of you wondering what the hype is all about. The Blacksn0w and Blackra1n tools are really cool, but if you’re new to Jailbreaking and Unlocking, or you’re just wondering what the deal is with all of the Blackra1n and Blacksn0w talk is about today, read on below the fold for more information!
First of all, let’s start out with “What is Jailbreaking?”
I’ll let Wikipedia set the stage:
Jailbreaking is a process that allows iPhone and iPod Touch users to run unofficial code on their devices bypassing Apple’s official distribution mechanism, the App Store. Once jailbroken, iPhone users are able to download many applications previously unavailable through the App Store via unofficial installers such as Cydia and Icy.
Jailbreaking is distinct from unlocking, which is the process by which a mobile device is made compatible with telephone networks it was not specifically licensed to be used with. [Wikipedia]
In short, Jailbreaking allows you to do things to your iPhone that Apple does no want you to do. It lets you install software that they do not sell through the App Store, it lets you take control of the systems running on the iPhone to a greater degree than is possible on the stock software and it gives you a fantastic array of ways to customize the look and feel of this great device.
Second, what is an Unlock, and why is it different from a Jailbreak?
Well, Jailbreaking, while doing some other cool things, also enables you to Unlock your iPhone, allowing you to use it with carriers other than the “official” carrier (cellular service provider) in your country. The carrier does have to support one of the Quad Band GSM frequencies however, so for instance, Verizon customers, whose network runs on the CDMA system, are out of luck.
OK, so what is the big deal with Blacksn0w and Blackra1n?
Basically Blackra1n is a tool that allows you to simply and easily Jailbreak an iPhone running the newest iPhone OS 3.1.2. This was previously thought to be very difficult if not impossible. It’s one of the simplest and easiest Jailbreak methods to show up in recent months. The Blacksn0w tool is a utility inside the Blackra1n app that allows you to then Unlock your iphone from it’s carrier, enabling you to use it on any GSM carrier. For instance, in the US, you could be on T-Mobile, but still use your iPhone.
Great, love it, how do I do that to my iPhone?
Check out our Jailbreak using Blackra1n guide and the Unlock using Blacksn0w guide.
I hope this article helped any of you confused by all of the Blacksn0w and Blackra1n talk, but if you’d like more information about Jailbreaking and Unlocking, check out this post.
2 Responses
hi. i have downloaded and followed as instructed but when my phone has rebooted it has froze on the apple screen. do you please know what to do or how to restore it without having to get it to switch on.
Poor Oliver.