Jeff Benjamin

Jeff has been with iDownloadBlog since 2010, acting as resident video specialist, and tutorial expert. He earned his degree in Computer Network Systems back in 2001, but decided Cisco routers and the like just weren’t for him. Since then, he’s been heavily involved with online writing. He’s written for numerous tech and video game sites since the late 1990′s, and has a knack for explaining things in a simple, clear, and concise manner. Jeff works primarily from the east coast on his Retina Macbook Pro, and shoots video with a Canon DSLR. During downtime he likes to travel the world, visiting the various Apple Stores across the globe. You can email him at jeff [at] idownloadblog.com and follow him on Twitter @JeffBenjam or on Google+.

DeleteCut: a jailbreak tweak that lets you quickly delete entire words

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

After holding the Delete key on your iOS keyboard for a few seconds to delete text, you'll notice that iOS will begin to delete entire words to save time. Wouldn't it be nice if, instead of waiting for it to kick in, you could immediately invoke entire word deletion using a keyboard modifier?

That's the basic premise behind DeleteCut. It's a jailbreak tweak that allows you to quickly delete whole words when pressing the Delete key while holding the Shift key. If you're a prolific typer, then this free jailbreak tweak is bound to save you some time.

Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour Live launches exclusively on Apple Music

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

Taylor Swift's Apple Music exclusive is now available for Apple Music subscribers. The 1989 World Tour Live is a film that captures a portion of the Australian leg of Swift's ridiculously popular 1989 World Tour. The Tour, which was created to support the album of the same name, was a global success. Now that it's over, fans can reflect on the experience thanks to Swift's partnership with Apple Music.

How to add the native iOS share sheet to the YouTube app [jailbreak]

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

It's almost 2016, and the official YouTube app is still relying on its antiquated built-in sharing options instead of the native iOS 9 share sheet that most modern apps use on the platform. Sadly, Google insists on keeping its design language in many of its apps, even though it looks out of place on iOS. Not only that, but YouTube's built-in sharing options are a lot less functional and flexible.

With Native YouTube Share, a free jailbreak tweak available on Cydia's BigBoss repo, you can force the YouTube app to use the stock iOS 9 sharing sheet when sharing videos.

Score a new Apple TV (32GB) for only $99 at local Radio Shack stores

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 28, 2016

If you're like me, the most surprising thing about that headline might be that Radio Shack brick and mortar stores still exist. But they do, and if you have one near you, you may be able to score Apple's recently released Apple TV 4 for only $99. That's a cool $50 off the retail price of the 32GB model.

This is a great deal, and it's by far the cheapest we've seen the new Apple TV going for. If you've yet to upgrade, now would be the time to seriously consider doing so.

Auki 2 is in development, teased by Surenix

Jeff Benjamin ∙ December 18, 2015

Auki—the Quick Reply and Quick Compose tweak released by Surenix and Bensge back at JailbreakCon in 2014—has a sequel in the works. Auki 2 is currently deep into development, and is the the result of a new collaboration between designer Surenix and developer Pimskeks.

Messages app tweaks like Auki are few and far between these days, especially with the demise of biteSMS, but Auki 2 looks poised to change that notion.

Springtomize 3 updated with new features

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

Uber-popular jailbreak tweak Springtomize 3 was provided with a nice little update today. Even though Filippo Bigarella has handed over the development reigns to another developer, the tweak is still receiving new features, which is a great sign for Springtomize fans.

Today's update, while not containing anything groundbreaking, brings several new niceties to the table. Additions include the ability to display seconds in the status bar, colorize the Lock screen time and date, and more.

How to control the Nest using HomeKit and Siri

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated October 16, 2018

The Nest is one of the most popular home automation devices in existence right now, but due to incompatibility with HomeKit, iOS users can't control their Nest Learning Thermostats using Siri.

Fortunately, a workaround has been found. It's called Homebridge, and it's a NodeJS server that runs on your Mac. Homebridge allows iOS devices to interface with incompatible home automation devices like the Nest using HomeKit.

This means that it is now possible to control the Nest with Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad using Siri. No jailbreak required.

Apple releases iOS 9.2.1 public beta

Jeff Benjamin ∙ December 17, 2015

Right on the heels of yesterday's launch of the iOS 9.2.1 developer beta, Apple has released iOS 9.2.1 to those registered in its public beta testing program.

If you’re already a registered member of the public beta program, or if you’d like to join, just venture over to Apple’s beta website to get going.

A look at 20 recently released iOS 9 jailbreak tweaks [video]

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

In this video, I showcase 20 recently released jailbreak tweaks. Some are great, some are not so great, but almost all of them are interesting.

If you’ve been lagging behind when it comes to keeping up with the latest jailbreak releases, then this new video will help bring you up to speed. Inside, I show you 20 new tweaks in just over three minutes. If you’re pressed for time, but still want to know what’s new, then give it a watch.

Let’s Talk Jailbreak 138: For prolific folder users only

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Episode 138: A jailbreak tweak that presents a flashlight shortcut when your iPhone is in the dark, Auxo 3 for iOS 9 is released, an Auxo 3 alternative makes its way to iOS 9, a Mario-inspired jailbreak tweak makes its way to Cydia, and a new tweak for prolific folder users.

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Apple seeds iOS 9.2.1 beta to developers

Jeff Benjamin ∙ December 16, 2015

Apple has seeded the first iOS 9.2.1 beta for iOS devices to developers. The beta ships with build number 13D11, and comes eight days after the public release of iOS 9.2 back on December 8th.

The download is now available for iPads, iPhones, and the iPod touch on Apple's Developer Member Center. No change details are currently available, but we will update you once details emerge.

Let’s Talk iOS 113: Are we still talking about a case?

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Episode 113: A breakdown and review of Apple's newly-released and highly polarizing Smart Battery Case. iOS 9.2 is released with lots of new features. The Apple Remote app is now compatible with the new Apple TV. Apple launches watchOS 2.1, and we talk about what we'd like to see from the rumored Apple Watch hardware refresh.

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