Podcaster - why jailbreaking is required.

Podcaster has comes a long way since Apple first rejected it in AppStore. It then goes into adhoc way and finally into jailbreaking. I bet it is successful now albeit less number of exposure compared to AppStore. But less means a couple of millions now, since most people jailbroken their iPhone.

The apps that make jailbreaking a must are:
i. BiteSMS
ii. Cycoder
iii. MxTube
iv. Podcaster


Probably, OfflineMaps should make into the list although I seldom used them after installation. Cause it is convenient to just use the Maps app in the phone itself (important to have large free data bandwidth plan).

So how exactly useful is Podcaster? Firstly, it allows you to download any podcast, not restricted by country as iTunes. This reason alone is enough for everyone to get Podcaster or Mobilecast or equivalent. I choose Podcaster cause it is more stable (not exactly, but crash less often compared to others).

It allows you to search podcast via the Search function.



Subscribe podcast and download podcast via WIFI or 3G. It then stores the podcast for you to listen it offline. Just like iPod application but no need to go through iTunes.



You can also mark played or unplayed so it allows it as option to download them next.

And finally if you signed an account with podcaster.fm, from the same author, you can import the podcast feed into the app directly.



Based on this app, it shows that we are very much indeed still rely on jailbreaking and thanks to the guys at iphone-dev team. Or else, we will be living in an enchanted garden of AppStore and can't see what's going on outside world.

Why I choose Podcaster?

There is only one reason why I choose Podcaster. And this is not a review of Podcaster yet. It is pure and simple.


iTunes just does not support all the podcasts available around the internet. It is very selective. It segretates by country and small country like Singapore got little notice. Low volume so to speak. Small mass market is another equivalent. I cannot downlod podcast to my iPhone via iTunes. Need to find another solutions to this. Just too many podcasts are not available to Singapore.

So I tried Podcaster and paid US$4.99 for it.


Quick response from Alex. Thanks. I will put up my experience in next blog.

Waterproof Your iPhone

Otterbox Waterproof Case for iPhone

Material: High-Impact Polycarbonate
Material Thickness: Avg: 2.5mm
Dimensions: 147x81x25mm / 5.8x3.2x1in
Weight: 128g / 4.5oz
Fits: iPhone: 4-8-16GB
Product of USA
Price: US$69.95

"The absolute pinnacle of iPhone protection, Otterbox is without a doubt the safest place to keep and use an iPhone. For starters, Otterbox cases provide a completely water, sand, dirt and dust proof enclosure. Second, the case is constructed from an ultra rigid, crush proof and virtually unbreakable molded Polycarbonate shell. The hinged clamshell type enclosure features an internal high-density shock protection system comprised of full-surround, closed cell impact absorbing cage which protects an iPhone from extreme impacts, drops and G-forces." Product description from the manufacturer.

To protect your iPhone, this is probably the best case available. For those fanatics who like to protect their iPhone obssesively, you can try this one. Is this the criteria for a good phone case? Cause it helps to prevent water going into the phone and also you can bring it to scuba diving. Not sure how deep you can go though. Maybe this one is better.

The Aquapac Waterproof PRO Sports case was designed so that your GPS, mobile phone or walkie-talkie will work normally from within the case, with sound and signal passing right through the protective material.



The airtight seal means your equipment will float safely if you drop it in the water. Plus, it is guaranteed to be waterproof to 30ft (10m).
Price: US$34.95
Manufacturer: Aquapac

Do you need to go to such extend to protect your iPhone. Alternatively you can use the "skins" to protect the phone from scratches and daily usage. Good enough to keep it new and maybe there is still 2nd hand value after a year of usage. You can resell it like "almost" brand new in eBay.

Space Elevator & Space Monkey

Space Monkey is free for a limited period in AppStore.


SpaceMonkey from Glu is one of the best games in AppStore. And quick, it is free now. Download immediately and have hours of fun. Game play is simple and most important, the objective is good.


Clean up the space. One day when our earth is too dirty to live, full of garbage, we will manufacture Wall.E to help us to clean up while we sleep away.


Then the space will get dirty when we start to dump our garbages there. It is happening now.


"A space elevator made of a carbon nanotubes composite ribbon anchored to an offshore sea platform would stretch to a small counterweight approximately 62,000 miles (100,000 km) into space. Mechanical lifters attached to the ribbon would then climb the ribbon, carrying cargo and humans into space, at a price of only about $100 to $400 per pound ($220 to $880 per kg)." extracted from HowStuffWorks.

Space Elevator conference is coming and going to be yearly event. >>

What does this means? It means we can bring stuff up to space. Possibly, stuff we don't need forever = GARBAGE. This is something serious. We are creating more garbages than our ancestors' thousand years combined. And worse our garbages are not recyclable (electronic gadgets, heavy metal batteries and forever lasting plastics) and we are looking for means to "store" them to the outer space.


The lesson is make good electronic gadgets, gadget accessories so we don't need to throw them away and reduce our own GARBAGE. Enjoy Space Monkey and reduce your garbage. Don't wait till we have to send monkey to space to clean our garbage....

Pretty case, Ugly cases

Oh gosh... That's not my iPhone 3G... That's the reaction after I put on the SwitchEasy Rebel Capsule. It supposed to make my phone looks better while giving protection to it. Looks ugly and bulky. When I put that into my pocket, it justs become so heavy. Whenever I walk, it swings around in my pocket. No good. This cannot be a good solution to my mobile needs..

This is the "bone"



iPhone 3G White with SwitchEasy Rebel Capsule:


Take note on the edges of this case. It can cause your screen protector to chip. Also, it does not feel so good at the edges especially when your finger moves close to the edge. The back feels ok but I don't like it at the place where the "bones" and silicon cover join. The lines at the back make it feels cheap.


Also, take note on the side of the case as it's grip tighly to the screen due to the bone design and this grip actually causes my screen protector to buldge out and introduces an air gap. Dusts went it and guess what, I have to put a new protector after a day of usage. The original package comes with 2 screen protector and no wonder they give you 2 pcs.

Finally, I settled for BestSkinsEver iPhone3G shield. Original design is the best.

New Toys - the iPhone 3G

Gotten my new iPhone 3G prior to the launch in Singapore. There aren't many accessories around in Sim Lim Square. (I got my iPhone 3G from AT&T in US).

What to do next? It is a common question. Of course, you will install iTunes, sync with your contacts, calendars, musics, podcasts, make calls, SMS out. (But no forwarding of SMS). Navigate around defaults app, then log into AppStore, download some apps and bla bla blaa..

What about hardware? How to protect the shiny and glossy of your iPhone? What about the screen? Will it get scratches? So you will go out and buy screen protector and protective case. That's exactly what I do when I got my iPhone 3G. I also got another one from Singtel after it is launched on Aug 22nd. Will elaborate more in next session.

This blog is to bring you to the journey of what to do with your iPhone and its accessories after you have purchased it. I went out to buy SwitchEasy Rebel Capsule black (SGD$49.90), very expensive of a case, used it for 2 days and kept it in the cupboard ever since. Almost scratches my phone, will describe it in my next blog. Only useful thing out of the SwitchEasy Rebel package is the video stand.

Then I ordered InvisibleShield iPhone 3G full body protector (US$24.95 with 1 pcs inside) and then dump it in the dustbin after 1 week of usage. Followed by BodyGuardz iPhone 3G (US$24.95 + US$4.95 postage with 2 pcs inside, so can use on both of my phones) and used that for another week. Mind you that I applied to both of my phones. $$$$ fly away but getting quite professional in the application processes. If you need help on applying the skin, let me know.

Here is my black iPhone 3G 16GB. Still shinny and brand new after 1.5 months of usage. No scratches at all. (Another is iPhone 3G white)


Now I am happy with BestSkinsEver protector (Available at eBay Singapore SGD$14.95) at the back and not quite happy with Power Support Anti-Glare screen protector in the front.


For the back, if you look at the corner properly, there is no buble formed and it sticks nicely. The corners are the most difficult to apply. I have been fighting with these bubbles at the corner for my earlier 2 skin brands. Eventually give up and settle for this one.

Meanwhile, although Power Support Anti-Glare provides smooth surface for finger touch and gliding (like this more than original screen surface, try place SpaceMonkey with this screen on, it is very smooth) and virtually fingerprintless screen but it makes the screen a bit grainy. Not so pleasant to look at and causes the screen to lose a bit of resolution. So to make it more perfect, my search for another screen protector is on again.