MacTexan Freebie of the Week: DEFCON Screensaver

DEFCON Screensaver FreebieEvery now and then I stumble onto something cool and feel compelled to share it with MacTexans (both actual and honorary) everywhere.  I'm a big fan of Ambrosia Software, more particularly Wiretap Anywhere.  It's an app that allows you to "wire up" a virtual sound device from the sound output of any program or combination of programs on your Mac.  This virtual sound device can then be used as an input to Logic, Final Cut, Garage Band or any other sound recording application.

While perusing Ambrosia's website the other day I ran across a whole page of freebie software they give away out of the goodness of their hearts.  I downloaded DEFCON, a screensaver that displays a slowly rotating wire-framed globe that looks like the one from the "War Games" movie.  It's now active on all my Macs.

If you want to get your "Joshua" on, give it a try here.

Check out some of the other Ambrosia titles while you're there.  Everything they build is top-shelf in both look and quality!

Jailbreaking Ain’t What it Used to Be

After jailbreaking two devices, I’m beginning to wonder why I bothered.  My new iPhone 4 and my 2G iPod Touch both got the jailbreak treatment last weekend and so far I’ve been disappointed.  The jailbreak itself hasn’t hurt either device, but Apple has changed much of the internals of iOS4 and two-thirds of the things I download from Cydia simply don’t work properly in the new operating system.  Specifically, Winterboard themes are hit and miss.  Many of the interface tweaks I’ve grown to love like custom battery screens and unlock sliders just don't take in iOS4.  Installing them doesn’t seem to hurt anything, they just don’t work.  As a gearhead, I really love the Mobile Terminal app, but I can’t get it to run on either of my devices.

I’m just starting to study this issue, but from what I’ve seen so far, iOS4 stores things in different places than previous versions and permissions seem to be a little different here and there within the file system.

Two apps that work just fine are SBSettings and PDANet.  The former is an app for toggling 3G, bluetooth, wi-fi and a host of other things.  The latter is for tethering.  I really like having them both but I’m not sure they’re worth the trouble or the risk.  I’m sure the developers of non Apple-approved apps and tweaks will catch up to the new OS eventually but they’re certainly not there yet.

I guess it boils down to a philosophical argument for me.  As big an Apple fan as I am, I can’t stand them telling me what I can and can’t install on a device I’m paying through the nose for.  I used to jailbreak when it was a lot more difficult.  If it continues to be as easy as visiting www.jailbreakme.com, I’m sure my iDevices will continue to run outside Apple’s “approved” realm.

The MacTexan Podcast #4 is UP!

Podcast #4 "Our Favorite Apps" is up.  We discuss the iOS4 jailbreak and several Mac apps we just can't live without.  You can get it here.  You can also download it, or better yet, subscribe to our feed in iTunes (link opens iTunes).  You can also search the iTunes store for "mactexan".

iOS4 Jailbreak!

There's an iOS4 jailbreak available and it's by far the easiest I've ever done.  Just point Mobile Safari on your iOS4 device to http://www.jailbreakme.com and follow the instructions.  My iPhone 4 took just a little over a minute to jailbreak and reboot.  Viola!  Cydia installed and all the non-Apple-approved goodies available.  Just one word of caution:  DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!  Apple has already stated that despite the recent DMCA ruling, jailbreaking voids your warranty.

The MacTexan Podcast #3 is Up!

Podcast #3 "New Mac Stuff...Whoopie!" is up.  We discuss Apple's hardware refresh, iMacs, Mac Pros & Magic Trackpad.  You can get it here.  You can also download it, or better yet, subscribe to our feed in iTunes (link opens iTunes).  You can also search the iTunes store for "mactexan".