So earlier this week, I went ahead and updated my iPhone to v1.1.1. Since there were lots and lots and lots of warnings from Apple to consumers that this update would disable previous hacks and possibly damage unlocked phones, I held off like a good little lad. I wish some of those people out there complaining would have done the same.

So why did I update now?

The fine folks over on the iPhone Dev Team were hard at work at releasing a new “jailbreak” for this iPhone v1.1.1 update. Recently, they published a well written set of instructions on how one can “jailbreak” their iPhone using the v1.1.1 software. I wanted this update mainly because of the security fixes and the home button double tap features. The iTunes WiFi store is a nice bonus as I later found out. All in all, things went fairly smooth. Although the instructions are fairly technical, I was able to follow them pretty well due to my QA/QC bug writing background. (and my Unix skills aren’t so bad either) So how does it work? Overall, the only thing I miss is the v1.0.2 Summerboard application which allowed for customized themes. I’m getting by using the “Customize” application which allows one to re-arrange icons, change images, and assign custom sounds to events. Unfortunately, custom ringtones are not working as of yet, but Ambrosia has stated they have gotten the $15 iToner product working with v1.1.1, but it’s not released yet.

Should you update?

I say if you’re happy with 1.0.2, you should at least wait until the fine folks over at AppTapper release a version of Installer.app which will jailbreak your phone in one click. I love this method for 1.0.2. As a matter of fact, my wife is not updating her phone until Installer.app is completed. Even then, she states she is perfectly content with 1.0.2, so we’ll see if it’s even necessary. Did I mention, the iPhone is the greatest, most bestest, most awesomest phone on the planet? Oh I did? Ok.

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