Download iOS 7 Beta 2 For iPhone 5, 4S, 4, iPad and iPod Touch

Apple released iOS 7 beta 2 earlier this week and as you are no doubt aware, there are some pretty significant changes. A lot of people want to know how they can try out this iOS 7 beta 2 version so we thought we would give you a hand and let you know how you can download iOS 7 beta 2 for your iPhone 5, 4S, 4, iPad or iPod touch.

The first beta version of iOS 7 was released just after the WWDC conference just over two weeks ago and has been in the spotlight ever since. The main topic of conversation has been about the revamped aesthetics and the amount of articles, posts and comments about this upcoming firmware release has been remarkable.

The second beta version has also brought support for the iPad but we have to remember that this is still a beta version and it is still now close to the end user, finely-tuned offering we will see when the official iOS 7 firmware is released. The good thing though, is that you can test it out and see what it has to offer.

When it comes to downloading and installing iOS 7 beta 2 on your device, there are a few options but most of these are not legal and if you want to do things properly and go the legal route which is to have a developers account which costs around $99 for the year. This is well worth it if you want to get access to these beta releases. Even though you may find that peer to peer websites have an endless supply of downloads and instructions on how to get iOS 7 beta 2 on your device, it is worth noting that Apple have been cracking down on this and if you value your iPhone like we're sure you do then you would be best advised not to venture down this path.

If a developers account is not something that you are interested in, then the only advice that we have is that you read the reviews from others who have tested iOS 7 beta 2 and just wait patiently until the offical launch of this much anticipated firmware release.

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What's New In iOS 7 Beta 2

Apple seeded iOS Beta 2 to developers yesterday so we thought we would take a look at what has changed and what has been added. The biggest news to come from this release is the addition of iPad support but there were some smaller additions to that relate to the iPod touch and the iPhone. None of these additions included with iOS 7 beta 2 match that of a fully functional iPad variant, there are definitely some great little tweaks and adjustments that require a look at.

The general smoothness and stability of iOS 7 has been improved with the Beta 2 release. Even though we were all very happy with how iOS 7 beta 1 came out, we did feel that the general navigation could do with a little tweaking as it was quite slow. This has been rectified and now there is a better quality of user experience. If you were a developer who experienced the general lag and holding of the user interface then you will be happy to see that this has been corrected and this will probably improve even further when iOS 7 beta 3 is released in a couple of weeks.

There is a huge list of tiny additions to iOS 7 beta 2 but most of these consist of very small user interface additions that slightly tweak the user experience. The biggest change has to be the change in Siri's voice which now resembles something more natural sounding and less robotic. This clearly indicates that Apple is moving towards Google Now's methodology for a personal assistant and moving away from the clear distinction between robot and human imitation.

We are really looking forward to seeing what changes come in the future betas of iOS 7 and there should be a lot more changes, and additions before we see the final release later this year. To stay up to date with this be sure to keep an eye on our posts.

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How To Restore iOS 6.1.2 Device Without Losing Your Jailbreak

If you are someone that pays attention to all things jailbreaking, you will be aware that the current state when it comes to jailbreaking is not great. Currently, all A5+ devices cannot be jailbroken on the current iOS version which is 6.1.3 or 6.1.4. Apple has actually stopped signing the iOS 6.1.2 firmware which is the last firmware that is compatible with the Evasi0n untethered jailbreak.

This isn't a major problem for most jailbreakers because they can just choose not to update their firmware. However it does become an issue when you need to restore your device to stock iOS. You might need to doo this for a number of reasons such as a problem with certain packages or settings and until now, the only way to do this was to lose your untethered jailbreak.

Well, we have great news and it's called Semi-Restore. Semi-Restore is a Mac or PC application that brings a one click restore to your jailbroken device. The great thing about it, is that it doesn't erase your device's jailbreak. This is a really great tool and we are so excited that it has finally arrived. All you have to do is visit the Semi-Restore website and download the specific software for your operating system. Once you have completed this, you will be able to restore your iPhone without losing your jailbreak. This new application is compatible with all jailbroken iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches running iOS 5.0 right through to iOS 6.1.2.

This new tool is being welcomed by the entire iOS jailbreaking community. This really easy one click interface allows users to have as close to stock iOS on their jailbroken device. It is advised that you backup your device before you attempt this process to ensure that no critical data is lost during the restore. If however you are having problems with a totally bricked phone, it is better to do a totally clean instant and remove the added variable of a potential corrupt backup. We are delighted with the arrival of Semi-Restore and we are sure that many of our readers will be too.

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The 5.7 inch iPhone To Take On The Galaxy Note

One of the rumors that doesn't show any sign of disappearing is the one we have already reported on which is the 5.7 inch iPhone or Phablet as we are calling it. It has been suggested that Apple is going to bring out a larger screened device taht could actually rival Samsung's Galaxy Note.

Apple is currently shipping the iPhone 5 with a 4 inch display which is considerably smaller than Samsung's 5 inch panel that is seen on the Galaxy S4. The extra inch does make for quite a bit more screen and makes full HD display possible. The Galaxy S4 runs at 1920x1080 pixels or 441 pixels per inch whereas the iPhone 5 sits at 1136x640 and 326 pixels per inch. This is quite a difference.

Rumors that Apple's next handset will feature a pocket bursting 5 inch plus display have led to a new concept featuring an iPhone 5.7. We have to admit, we weren't all that keen on the idea of a larger iPhone phablet until we saw this concept and we can honestly say that now we want one.

The concept offers a handset packed with the same resolution screen as Samsung's along with a quad core A7 chip in order to make it easier for iOS 7 to push all those pixels around. Placed side by side with an iPhone 5 showing iOS 7's colorful interface, it is clear that the 5.7 inch iPhone would look stunning. The only question we have is would it be a little bit too big for people to really use.

Being realistic, we think that a 5 inch device would be better than a 5.7 inch one, but with Samsung's Galaxy Note series selling really well, what's to say that Apple won't skip the 5 inch market? Stranger things have happened but like all Apple rumors we have to wait and see. There are so many rumors about what Apple will incorporate into the next iPhone so until we have any official confirmation we really don't know. What do you think, would you like to see a 5.7 inch iPhone?

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Try iOS 7 Beta For iPhone 5 Now In Your Browser

I'm sure you've heard a lot of opinions about iOS 7 beta already. It has been covered quite a lot since WWDC 2013 and a lot of people seemed to be impressed with what Apple have done. If you haven't tried it out yet then today we have something quite interesting. Recombu has an interactive demo for anyone that is interested in taking a test drive of iOS 7.

While iOS 7 does seem to have some bugs which is always to be expected with a new release firmware, it is still worth taking alook at. If you have been put off by the lack of stability from iOS 7 beta 1, then this demo will allow you to take a close up look at what this software will bring without having to commit to it.

The Recombu demo gives you a look at what it is like to you iOS 7 Beta. It may be far from a perfect representation but if you don't want to install anything on your iOS device this really is a great alternative. You get your transitions as well as a couple of other new features. If you happen to be using Firefox or Chrome, you can use your webcam to take pictures right from within the Camera app giving you a firsthand idea of what it would be like to take pics using iOS 7 beta.

Two of the main highlights of iOS 7 are the revamped Notification Center and the all new Control Centre which includes the eagerly awaited toggles that jailbreakers will recognize from SBSettings. It really is hard to make any serious judgements on iOS 7 based on this beta and we would advise everyone to consider the fact that there will be quite a few changes in store before the official release of this OS later this year.

If you want to check out the interactive demo in your browser, just go to recombu.com/mobile/interactive/ios7-demo/. Be sure to leave us your impressions in the comments below.

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Game Controller For iOS 7 Appears For iPhone

Apple has renewed their focus on the Game centre and there is now official support for third party game controllers under �made for iPhone� branding. Apple really does appear to be on the verge of embracing the huge number of games in the App Store and this comes as a Logitech branded iPhone game controller for iOS 7 appears.

It looks like Logitech is already hard at work developing a game controller designed to make the most of iOS 7's new API for game controller, newly redesign of the Game centre and additonal gaming features. Kotaku has reportedly managed to get their hands on the first spy shot of this gaming controller.

,p>Featuring G-prefix branding, the accessory plays host to a large area which is presumably there to house and iPhone 5. This is instantly recognizable due to the lightning connector that protudes from the device. There is no word as yet as to whether this is for power or for connectivity, although it could be for both. According to Kotaku, this is just one of a selection of third-party gamepad accessories that are being designed for the iPhone after the iOS 7 overhaul. This logitech part looks like an old-fashioned Sony PSP wiht a thumbstick on the left and four buttons on the right.

Apple's iOS 7 is due to hit devices towards the end of the year and if this leaked photo is anything to go by, there will be Apple Stores full of game controllers too. Of course as with all rumors, there is a possibility that this could be fake but considering that the iPhone has long been hugely popular with gamers and the refocus on gaming in iOS 7, this could spell the beginning for a booming accessory market. What do you think?

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Apple Considering 5.7 inch iPhones For Next Year

Apple has stuck rigidly to their iPhone design except for the slight increase in the display size of the iPhone 5. But that might all be about to chance. According to multiple sources, Apple is exploring the possibility of pushing display diameters up to 4.7 inches with the suggestion that an iPhone (or phablet) with a 5.7 inch screen is also part of their thought process. Should Apple decide to go ahead with this, it is something we should see at some point next year. The same report is also hinting at multiple color configurations and a $99 starting price. Is Apple about to break away from their old habits?

The iPhone first launched in 2007 and right the way through to the 2011 release of the iPhone 4S, Apple has maintained the display size of 3.5 inches. Apple then released the iPhone 5 with a display up to 4 inches. This could mean that Apple are a little more open to change and with Tim Cook noting that Apple would potentially consider opening up the iOS API to allow developers to get into the guts of the mobile OS, the prospect of a 5.7 inch iPhone still seems a little ridiculous.

A 4.7 inch model would be a substantial bump from the iPhone 5 and seems a little bit more realistic. More and more consumers are opting for the Nokia Lumia, Galaxy and HTC to get a bigger screen size and this could mean that Apple's hand is being forced so that they can compete.

The report that we received also mentions a low cost iPhone which has been speculated for quite some time now. It states that this will come in an array of colors with perhaps 5 or 6 different options to choose from. The cost of these is set to start at $99. Getting back to the 5.7 inch iPhone, we wonder if this could ever be a reality. When you consider that this would be larger than the Galaxy Note II, we really don't think Apple will take things that far. It may happen one day but we don't think it is any time soon.

What do you think, do you think Apple will release a 5.7 inch iOS powered iPhone?

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How To Downgrade iOS 7 Beta To iOS 6.1.3/6.1.4

If you have upgraded to iOS 7 Beta and you want to downgrade to iOS 6.1.3 or 6.1.4 then this post is for you. This tutorial can be used on iPhone 4S, iPod touch 5, iPhone 4 and the iPhone 5. It is a very simple process and all it involves is restoring the IPSW via iTunes like you regularly do on any iOS device.

In order to downgrade from iOS 7 beta you need to download iOS 6.1.4 for iPhone 5 or iOS 6.1.3 for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 or iPod touch 5. Save the IPSW file to your desktop and make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your PC or Mac. Even though Apple says you can't downgrade from iOS 7 beta, you can downgrade to the last publicly released firmware for your device. You can't downgrade back to iOS 6.1.2 from iOS 7 on the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S and iPod touch 5. If you have an iPhone 4 you can if you have your SHSH blobs and APTickets saved for 6.1.2 or below firmware.

So here's what you need to do to downgrade. First you need to connect your iPhone to your PC and launch iTunes. Select your device from the pane on the left. On the main scree of iTunes you should see two buttons; one says �check for updates� and the other says �restore iPhone�. You need to click on restore iPhone. When a new window opens, point it towards the IPSW file you downloaded for your iPhone and then click on Restore. Itunes will then verify the IPSW firmware file with Apple and your device will restore.

This process may take a little while so be patient. Once done, your device will have iOS 6.1.3 or 6.1.4 running.

If you receive a �Fix iTunes error 3194� message here is what you need to do: If you are running windows you need to go to Windows > System32> driver/etc. If you are on OS X simply head over to etc. A file named hosts will be present in this folder and you need to copy this to your desktop. Right click this file and open it in a text editor. Scroll all the way down and locate the line saying �74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com�. All you have to do is put an # sign before this. This will stop this command from being executed when the restore process is being completed. When you are finished just save the file and then copy it back into the etc folder.

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Apple Introduces iOS 7 � Here's What You Can Expect

As you are aware, WWDC 2013 took place today and with it came the announcement we have all been waiting for; iOS 7. Tim Cook described iOS 7 as the biggest change to iOS since the introduction of the iPhone before showing a video of what we can all expect. In line with rumors, this new OS is much flatter and cleaner than ever before but iOS 7 is a lot more than just that.

It is clear that Apple have listened to the complaints and quibbles of iPhone users and they have created and OS that we think everyone will love. With iOS 7 folders have been expanded. Folders now have pages allowing hundreds of apps to be stored within any folder. The notification centre has also been given a makeover and can be accessed without having to unlock your phone.

One of the main reasons that people jailbreak is for SBSettings. Now, finally, Apple has brought this feature natively with Control Center which allows such elements as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Airplane Mode to be activated or shut down in a passive, functional manner by simply swiping up.

Multitasking has had a major overhaul and true multitasking will now work for all apps with iOS 7 and you won't have to forgo any precious battery life either. The new multitasking will also pick up on your habits and strive to update your most commonly used apps while easing back on those you don't. It will also adapt to your network conditions, meaning if you are stuck on a sub-standard Wi-Fi hotspot or out in the sticks, it won't stretch your limited connectivity by trying to update and will instead wait till you have a strong connection.

Siri is also being revamps along with a new voice, a new UI and faster search results. Siri is also now ditching Google for Bing. Google is still however the default search engine for Safari. Safari is also getting a much needed update and is now faster than ever before. It has a brand new UI which looks great and switching between multiple tabs is much nicer.

There are plenty more great features included with iOS 7 and we will cover these in more detail later. For now, if you have a developer account you can download the beta version of iOS 7 and see what you make of it. We will see iOS 7 officially launching in the Fall so why not check it out now.

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Apple To Introduce iPhone Trade-In Program

According to a new report, Apple is to introduce an iPhone trade-in program in a bid to help push sales of the iPhone 5. This is being made possible with a little bit of help from wireless distribution specialist Brightstar. If this is true then this could potentially be great news for those looking to get their hands on the latest iPhone model.

The iPhone is one of the most expensive smartphones on the market and naturally the latest iPhone 5 is the dearest. Many people are holding off on purchasing the iPhone 5 because it is around eight months old at this stage but Apple thinks otherwise and with Brightstar on board to help with their exchange program, Apple will be looking to get as many iPhone 5s into people hands before the next generation model arrives later this year.

The shelf life of the iPhone seldom exceeds twelve months and with WWDC just around the corner, consumers know that getting an iPhone 5 at this point in time could see it trumped in a matter of just a few months. Apple is however hoping that with the trade-in program, people will decide to get their hands on a newer device.

As always, Apple hasn't officially stated that this is what they plan to do but with WWDC only a couple of days away, we won't have long to wait to find out anyway. What's your take on this, do you think that in-store trade ins will help increase the demand for a device that is edging close to its sell by date? Let us know in the comments.

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Gmail For iOS Updated With New Notifications And More

Google's Gmail inbox service has had some recent improvements and these have now being introduced to iOS. Gmail is considered the best email client in the world and this is largely thanks to Google's efforts in maintaining and updating its growing list of features. The new look tabbed Gmail inbox was first announced last week and is now available for all iOS users.

Updates are made to the Gmail app on a monthly basis but this one is particularly noteworthy due to the new inbox features. Users have some great new notification options that allow them to tailor Gmail and what they want to get notified about. Users can now set Gmail to only alert them when important messages are received. All the settings are configurable from inside the app. The notifications can be set on a per account basis which is great.

The new inbox features everything Google covered in their initial announcement of the new inbox and once enabled, users will be able to bundle their emails together in easy to digest groups which should make busy inboxes a lot less tedious.

If you haven't updated your Gmail app yet then we recommend you do so now and see what all the fuss is about. We think its great but do let us know in the comments what you think of the changes and new features.

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Official WWDC 2013 App For iOS Released

This year's Worldwide Developers Conference will take place from the 10th of June and in anticipation of the event, Apple has released its official WWDC 2013 app for iOS. As has been the case the past number of years, this app includes detailed information on what is happening, where its happening and is an essential download for anyone interested in keeping up with the coverage.

This year, video clips and breaking news of announcements will be rolled out much quicker. Even though we aren't expecting any significant new hardware besides some possible alterations to the Mac range, there are still plenty of reasons to be excited about this year's event. Both iOS 7 and OS X 10.9 and going to be showcased. IOS 7 has been receiving quite a lot of coverage over the past couple of months and many people are eager to see the results.

Some have suggested that iOS 7 won't be as radical as we might like to think but considering all the rumors and concepts doing the rounds, it will be great to see exactly what is going to happen. OS X hasn't had a much coverage because of the hype surrounding iOS 7 but there should be some notable improvements seen here too.

In relation to the new WWDC 2013 app, the greatest feature has to be Passbook support which means passes for session labs. We will of course be keeping everyone up to date on what is going on so be sure to stay tuned.

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