Multitasking

New concept video shows multiple iPad apps running on screen at once

Jeff Benjamin ∙ April 25, 2012

This isn't exactly what I envisioned when I created a concept for MultiLayer iPad app functionality a few weeks ago, but it's certainly a start.

After speaking at length with iOS developer Kyle Howells — the brains behind the awesome jailbreak tweak CardSwitcher — he graciously agreed to compile a specialized version of said tweak, which allows users to interface with multiple iPad apps on the same screen.

This means that it's entirely feasible to play games while watching your Twitter timeline, or check your stock prices while browsing the web via Safari — all from the same iPad.

Running multiple apps on-screen simultaneously has been a dream of many iPad owners. We've seen similar concepts from Kyle in the past, so I'm confident that if anyone could pull this off, it would be him. Check inside for a demonstration video of the concept tweak in action...

‘PowerDown Clear’ allows you to multitask on your power down screen

Jeff Benjamin ∙ March 24, 2012

PowerDown Clear is a free jailbreak tweak that allows you to multitask while on your power down screen.

All you need to do is hold the sleep/power button to power down your device like normal. Once the "slide to power off" message is presented, you will notice that you can still interact with whatever app is running in the background.

Check out our full video walkthrough inside...

CardSwitcher 2.0 now available on Cydia

Jeff Benjamin ∙ March 21, 2012

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzdi1lO7V_w[/tube]

An exciting update to CardSwitcher has been issued on Cydia. If you remember our initial walkthough of the tweak, CardSwitcher is an alternative multitasking solution for iOS devices.

This latest update was totally rewritten for iOS 5, and includes live application views, updated swipe gestures, and a new grid mode aimed at iPad users.

Would you consider using the new and improved CardSwitcher? If so, you can find it on Cydia's BigBoss repo for $1.99, but it's a free update for existing customers.

MissionControl: A Menu Based Multitask Switcher

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 23, 2012

Not to be confused with the Mission Control that's standard on all OS X Lion builds, MissionControl is a Cydia tweak that adds menu based multitasking to the iPhone.

Using Activator as a means to invoke the menu, MissionControl is a simple alternative for those who want lots of predefined options in an organized menu.

This free tweak contains quick links to Cydia, Twitter, Facebook, Wi-Fi settings, and more...

Developer Shows How iOS Handles Multitasking [Video]

Oliver Haslam ∙ January 9, 2012

Everyone seems to be talking about iOS and how it handles it's own particular brand of multitasking right now, and things have gotten rather heated.

With many high-profile developers and commentators reiterating that iOS handles multitasking fine just by itself, and some Apple Geniuses seemingly adamant that running apps should be closed manually in order to free up memory, one developer has been particularly outspoken. Fraser Speirs has already written a lengthy blog post on the subject, but now he has released an even longer video explaining just how iOS handles memory usage when multitasking.

The upshot? It turns out that iOS is actually pretty darned clever...

How iOS Multitasking Really Works

Alex Heath ∙ January 5, 2012

There's been some heated discussion in the blogosphere about the misconception of the iOS multitasking bar. Most iOS users are under the impression that apps can drain battery life and hog system resources when left in the multitasking bar, but a developer by the name of Fraser Speirs has attempted to clear the air.

You don't need to manually manage the iOS multitasking bar because the apps you see after double tapping the Home button are not actually "running." In fact, it's better to think of the multitasking bar as something like a browser history, not a task manager.

How to Enable Multitasking Gestures on Your iPhone With Zephyr

Jeff Benjamin ∙ December 29, 2011

Yesterday we told you about chpwn's new jailbreak tweak entitled Zephyr. It's a tweak that can easily enable iPad-esque multitasking gestures on all iOS devices running iOS 5.

Inside, we personally demo how easy it is to get multitasking gestures on iOS 5. It's as simple as jailbreaking your device, and installing chpwn's excellent tweak. You don't want to miss this...

Chpwn Unveils Zephyr, an Awesome Multitasking Tweak for the iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ December 28, 2011

Hot on the heels of the release of his popular Siri port, Spire, the infamous iOS hacker known as chpwn has released another jailbreak tweak. The utility, known as Zephyr, will change the way you switch between active apps.

The program is a two-part tweak with a focus on multitasking. Chpwn has been talking about Zephyr for several weeks, saying things like "you guys are really going to love this." And tonight, it finally hit the Cydia Store.

Simple Concept Gesture For Multitasking on the iPhone is Brilliant

Alex Heath ∙ December 5, 2011

Sometimes we see a concept video and think, "Wow, why hasn't Apple done this?" Such is the case with a simple multitasking gesture concept by UI designer Max Rudberg.

While the iPad offers multiple enhanced gestures for navigating through iOS, including 4-finger swipes and pinch moves, the iPhone still lacks basic gesture support that would make navigating so much easier. Rudberg's concept takes a very simple approach to reinventing the way we access the multitasking bar in iOS 5 on our iPhones.

How to Open the App Switcher From Your Lock Screen

Jeff Benjamin ∙ November 15, 2011

Multitasking on the Lock screen you say? Indeed. LockScreen Multitasking is a new jailbreak tweak that allows you to launch your iPhone's App Switcher directly from the Lock screen.

This makes it possible to launch apps, and enjoy the other features contained in your device's App Switcher without even unlocking it...

WeeSpaces: Multitask Directly From Notification Center

Jeff Benjamin ∙ October 24, 2011

Quickly switching between pages and apps via Notification Center is now possible, and WeeSpaces is the jailbreak widget that makes it so.

WeeSpaces is a widget that places links to all of your running apps and SpringBoard pages directly in Notification Center.

Interested to see how it works in action? Check inside for a video demonstration...