Apple TV And iTunes Downloads Slowed Due To Google DNS

Users experiencing slow movie rental downloads via Apple TV or iTunes should make sure they're not using a centralized domain name service such as Google DNS, which can dramatically slow down media access to Content Delivery Networks.

A variety of Apple TV users have reported extremely long download times when trying to rent movies. The problem does not appear to be with Apple's servers, the Akamai Content Delivery Network Apple uses to deliver media downloads efficiently, nor the design of iTunes or Apple TV hardware. Instead, it's often cause by a centralized Domain Name Service, such as Google DNS or OpenDNS, according to a variety of reports.

Last December, Google launched Google DNS as a free service intended to give users an alternative to their Internet Service Provider's own DNS servers. At the time, the company touted faster performance and security in using its own DNS, which enables client computers to look up IP addresses of Internet servers from their easier to remember domain name.

While Google DNS (and similar services, such as UltraDNS and OpenDNS) may enable users to bypass domain blocking rules and redirects configured by their ISP or their company's IT department, and can also speed network performance in some cases by resolving IP addresses faster, the centralized DNS services can also defeat the distributed nature of DNS itself.

Network users are supposed to look up IP addresses from a nearby server, which itself queries and caches answers to name and address lookups from other DNS systems, distributing the workload across the network. CDNs like Akamai, which Apple works with to deliver iTunes downloads, use DNS lookup information to locate where users are, and then optimize content delivery via the nearest available server.

When millions of users all tap into the same DNS server addresses to resolve domain names, as Google DNS does by design, Akamai and other CDNs route content to those users along the same path, preventing the network from working optimally. This causes problems not only for Apple's iTunes, but also any other media streaming or download service that uses a similar CDN strategy to distribute downloads.

May cost foreign users extra

In addition, according to a report by APC, some foreign providers that have dedicated media links to enable efficient, cost effective delivery are bypassed when users configure their systems to use a service like Google DNS, bypassing the user's quota for free downloads.

This can result in extra costs for the user, as their otherwise-free media downloads are billed directly because they don't take advantage of local delivery links and instead pull data directly from American servers.

Reverting to local DNS services

Google provides instructions on how to configure its own Google DNS services, which can be used to revert back to the original DNS settings. In many cases, users obtain automatic DNS server assignments from their ISP in the same DHCP process that provides them with their IP addresses.

Users with wireless base stations or any devices with statically configured network settings (such as an Apple TV) may need to verify that their network devices are all using the local DNS addresses from their ISP, rather than Google DNS, if slow media downloads are a problem.

10:35 PM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

iTunes' 90-Second Song Previews Started to Roll Out !

We've been waiting for this a long time: Apple has, as promised, started offering 90-second song previews of songs in the iTunes store. All songs that are at least 2 minutes and 30 seconds long will now have a 90-second preview. Shorter ones will continue the 30-seconds samples.

Apple has confirmed last month to extend song previews to 90 seconds. As the reports we got state that not all songs offer the extended previews yet. Black Eyed Peas and Kanye West stuff works great with the 90-second preview.

This is really good news for us as the old 30-second previews weren't long enough to let us know whether the song is worth to download or not, but the 90-seconds is the right one. What do you think?

3:03 PM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

The Beatles Now on iTunes

Apple has announced its "Tomorrow is just another day. That you'll never forget" surprise which is the Beatles music library, Apple has replaced the campaign logo with the Beatles one. The songs is now available to download through iTunes.

Here is what Apple says:

We’re really excited to bring the Beatles’ music to iTunes,” said Sir Paul McCartney. “It’s fantastic to see the songs we originally released on vinyl receive as much love in the digital world as they did the first time around.”

“I am particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes,” said Ringo Starr. “At last, if you want it—you can get it now—The Beatles from Liverpool to now! Peace and Love, Ringo.”

“We love the Beatles and are honored and thrilled to welcome them to iTunes,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “It has been a long and winding road to get here. Thanks to the Beatles and EMI, we are now realizing a dream we’ve had since we launched iTunes ten years ago.”

“In the joyful spirit of Give Peace A Chance, I think it is so appropriate that we are doing this on John’s 70th birthday year,” said Yoko Ono Lennon.

“The Beatles on iTunes—Bravo!” said Olivia Harrison.

“The Beatles and iTunes have both been true innovators in their fields,” said EMI Group CEO Roger Faxon. “It’s a privilege for everybody at EMI to work with Steve Jobs and with Apple Corps’ Jeff Jones and their teams in marking a great milestone in the development of digital music.

Albums are now available for download at $ 149.00. but I wonder, is this all your expectations from this campaign?

4:10 AM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

iTunes 10.1 Jailbreak Safe [CONFIRMED]

We are answering all the wonders now. The popular iPhone hacker Sherif Hashim has just posted on his Twitter account that iTunes 10.1 is safe for already jailbroken devices with PwnageTool, Redsn0w, and almost all tools but don't ever update your carrier.

iTunes 10.1 appears to be safe for already jb devices, also plays well with latest versions of redsn0w, pwnage tool and tinyUmbrella :)

So, go ahead and update your iTunes version or download iTunes 10.1 from here and now let's wait for iOS 4.2 public release (may be on November 24th?), Stay tuned for this big news.

2:31 PM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

iTunes 10.1 for Windows and Mac OS X Available

Apple today has released iTunes 10.1 for both Windows and Mac OS X. This is a major release which brings or may not lots of new feature and bug fixes to one of the most popular software around.

This release indicates that iOS 4.2 public release is very soon as you need iTunes 10.1 to upgrade to the latest iOS 4.2 and also to activate AirPlay. You can grab this new version either through the Apple Software Update utility, or directly via the link below.

Download iTunes 10.1 for Windows and Mac OS X

UPDATE 1: Here's the full changelog below:

- Use AirPlay to instantly and wirelessly stream videos from iTunes to the all-new Apple TV.
- Sync with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.2.
- Provides a number of important stability and performance improvements.

1:44 PM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

iTunes 10.1 Coming Today, iOS 4.2 on Friday?

A trusted source inside AT&T told MacStories that Apple is planning to release iOS 4.2 on Friday as a major update for all iPhones, iPads and iPod touches at 10:00 AM PST. Lots of people expected that iOS 4.2 would be released yesterday but actually, iOS 4.2 needs iTunes 10.1 and Mac OS 10.6.5.

iOS 4.2 depends on iTunes 10.1 and Mac OS X 10.6.5 for its AirPlay and AirPrint functionalities, respectively. So, the reports about iOS 4.2 on November 12th should be believed now. We'll keep you updated as soon as iTunes is available followed by iOS 4.2.

1:41 AM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

VLC Media Player Updated to Support iPhone and iPod Touch

Big milestone ! VLC Media Player has just been updated to version 1.1.0 to support iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch. As you know VLC media palyer is one of the best media players for Mac and Windows. VLC Media player plays most multimedias files and various streaming protocols.

This new version of VLC brings:
- Runs on the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and the recent iPod touches
- You can now delete files from the application, without having to go through iTunes
- Many more extensions are being recognized.
- Much faster decoding thanks to assembly optimizations

We've tested the new version on iPhone 4 and it seems that the graphics and animations are really fluid with very high quality

Download VLC Media Player for iPhone and iPod touch [iTunes Link]

2:52 PM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

Create Free iPhone Ringtones with iTunes Step by step [How to Guide]

After we enjoyed the Greenpois0n and Limera1n jailbreaks with our idevices, I will add another flavor to your iPhone as I asked a lot about how to create personalized ringtone (e.g. a part of your favorite song) by the latest version of iTunes throw a simple few steps.



STEP 1: Download iTunes 10 from here.

STEP 2: Setup iTunes 10 then launch it.

STEP 3: Choose your favorite song which you want to make it as a ringtone.


STEP 4: Right-click on the selected song, then select "Get Info", and then select "Options" tab.

STEP 5: Now you have to choose your favorite 30 seconds segment then click "Ok" (max. 30 seconds).

STEP 6: Right-click again on your favorite song and select "Create AAC version", now iTunes will create your 30 seconds segment.


STEP 7: Now choose the new 30 seconds song you created then right-click on it and select "Show in Windows Explorer" if you are Windows user or "Show in Finder" if you are Mac user.


STEP 8: Change the extension of the new 30 seconds song your created from .m4a to m4r. , you will promoted with this message, click "Yes".




STEP 9: Double click on the song, it will be opened automatically on iTunes ringtones.


STEP 10: Now simply sync your iPhone with iTunes to add your new favorite ringtone. Enjoy !

6:13 PM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

iTunes 10.1 Beta 2

Together with the publication of IOS 4.2 Beta 3, Apple has also released a new beta version of iTunes 10.0.1.

Recall that this is a pre-release of iTunes 10.1, which allows developers to test the printing service (AirPrint) implemented by Apple in every device IOS firmware 4.2.

You should run a full backup of the previous version before installing iTunes 10.1 Beta 2.
developers can download from the official website. 

6:59 AM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

iTunes 10.0.1 Ping Drop Down Menu Remover [How to Guide]

Few day ago, Apple has updated iTunes to version 10.0.1 with the support of Ping side bar which allows you to share your favorite music with your friends, you can enjoy Ping new features throw the Ping drop-down menu, It is possible that this feature is annoying to some of you, so after the break you can see how to disable this feature from iTunes 10.0.1

Follow these Steps:
Step 1: Quit iTunes, then open Terminal.

Step 2: Copy and paste this into a single line.

defaults write com.apple.iTunes hide-ping-dropdown -bool TRUE

Step 3: Hit return.

Step 4: Restart iTunes. It's now done, the Ping drop-down menu has been removed.

Step 5: If you want to bring it back, simply repeat the same steps but replace the code in step 2 with this:

defaults write com.apple.iTunes hide-ping-dropdown -bool FALSE

[via CultofMac]

11:00 AM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

iTunes 10.0.1 safe for Jailbreak and Unlock ?

Yesterday we reported you about the arrival of the new version of iTunes, which updated to version 10.0.1, with the support of Ping side bar which allows you to share music with your friends, along fixing big amount of bugs. Many asked if it is safe for jailbroken and unlocked devices to synchronize with the newly iTunes 10.0.1 or not?

Now we can confirm that synchronization for jailbroken and unlocked devices is safe, as Musclenerd the well-known dev-team member, has just confirmed that via his twitter.

 iTunes 10.0.1 confirmed safe for JB and unlock...doesn't break DFU mode, syncing, or loading of custom IPSWs

4:48 AM by iPhone Jailbreak · 1

Download iTunes 10.0.1 with Ping SideBar [Exclusive]

Apple has just released a new iTunes version comes precisely to 10.0.1. iTunes 10.0.1 brings Ping Sidebar to life along with some critical bug fixes. Ping Sidebar is a new feature for Ping that allows you to see recent activity for your friends and the artists you follow on Ping.

iTunes 10.0.1 provides a number of bug fixes, such as:

• Addresses an issue in which iTunes may unexpectedly stop when interacting with the album artwork displayed in a separate window.
• Addresses an issue in which the image quality of a video depends on the visibility of the onscreen controls.
• Corrects a problem that affects the performance of some third-party viewers.
• Fixes a problem that caused the playlist and your iTunes library appears empty.
• Fixes an issue that created incompatibilities with some third-party shared libraries.

Download iTunes 10.0.1 for Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
Download iTunes 10.0.1 for Windows (64-bit)
Download iTunes 10.0.1 for Mac OS X

10:03 AM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

How To Make your own Ringtone with iTunes 10 [video]

Here is a guide for novices not jailbroken or jailbroken.
You can still make your own ringtones very easily with this new version iTunes 10 and sync it with your iPhone.

Required :

• an iPhone.


• iTunes 10.0.


• an audio file in your music library of iTunes.

• Go to Music in your library.


• Right Clic on your musical file.


• Clic on Get some information then go to Options.


• Determine a sample of 20 to 25 seconds.


• OK.

• Right Clic on this file.


• Go to "Create an AAC version".


• A new file with the same name but different length is created and is located in your musical library.


• Right Clic on this file and then display the explorer.


• Copy this file and rename the extension of this file to .mp4r


• Then go back to your musical library and delete the file created just before.


• on the original file, go to Information – Options and uncheck "Start and End" to have it by default.

Note : With Windows Seven, open the explorer, go to Organise then Folder Options, and uncheck Hide the extension of known files.

• Import in iTunes this new file .mp4r located on your desktop.


• In your device on iTunes, go to Ringtones.


• Be sure that the new ringtone in iTunes is checked.


• Sync.

4:19 AM by iPhone Jailbreak · 1

How to Downgrade iTunes 10 to 9.2.1 [Mac - Windows]

It was just two days ago when Steve Jobs announced iTunes 10 introducing Ping social networking feature and it was live after the event by some hours. But, many users are now reporting crashes (due to incompatibility with multiple Cydia apps), after updating to iTunes 10 on their Jailbroken iPhone 4. So here's a step by step guide to downgrade iTunes 10 to iTunes 9.2.1

Downgrading iTunes 10 on Mac

Step 1: Delete the following files:

• The iTunes application in /Applications
• com.apple.iTunes.plist which is located in ~/Library/Preferences (this is the library folder inside your user folder)
• iTunes.pkg which is located in /Library/Receipts (this is the library folder at the root level of your startup drive)
• iTunesX.pkg which is located in /Library/Receipts

Step 2: Give your Mac a reboot, Download iTunes 9.2.1 and install it.
Step 3: At last, you may need to re-create iTunes library and playlist (helpful guide)

Downgrading iTunes 10 on Windows

Step 1: Navigate to C:\My Documents\My Music. Copy the entire iTunes folder and save it on your Desktop as back up.
Step 2: Open the Control Panel -> Uninstall Programs and uninstall the following applications:

• iTunes 9.1
• Apple Mobile Device Support
• Apple Application Support
• Apple Software Update
• QuickTime
• iPhone Configuration

Step 3: Reboot your computer then navigate to C:\My Documents\My Music\iTunes and rename the iTunes Library.itl to Library.itl.backup
Step 4: n the same folder, open “Previous iTunes Libraries” and find the most recent library backup, which should be named something like “iTunes Library 2010-09-1.itl”
Step 5: Copy this file, then paste it in C:My Documents\My Music\iTunes and rename it iTunes Library.itl
Step 6: Download iTunes 9.2.1 for Windows and install it
Step 7: At last, you may need to re-create iTunes library and playlist (helpful guide)

12:08 PM by iPhone Jailbreak · 2

iTunes 10 Is Safe for Jailbroken iPhone/iPod/iPad !!

After unveiling the music social network iTunes 10 yesterday in the Apple Special Event, a lot of users were asking about if they can synchronizing the jailbroken devices with iTunes 10 or not.

I tried to run the jailbreak on my iPhone and everything went smoothly . No problem in synchronization with Jailbroken devices (iPhone , iPod, iPad ) . So you can install the latest version of media player without fear.

8:28 AM by iPhone Jailbreak · 1

Download iTunes 10 for Windows and Mac [Released]

Apple has just released its new version of iTunes for all iDevices including iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, as usual it works on both PC (Windows) and Mac (OS X). Just to be clear, for users who already jailbroken and unlocked their device, just wait and don't install iTunes 10 till we confirm it don't detect jailbroken devices.

• Social music discovery (Ping)
• Follow and be followed
• Circle of friends
• Post your thoughts & opinions
• Custom song & album charts
• Over 17,000 concert listings
• 160 million iTunes users in 23 countries

Download iTunes 10 for Windows and Mac

11:32 AM by iPhone Jailbreak · 7

Apple Introduces iTunes 10 [ Features Ping ]

Steve Jobs has just introduced the new major update of iTunes, the tenth major version with New logo, looking good. New hybrid view, 5 or more songs from the same list view and you’ll get album artwork. The most exciting feature is bing, it's a social network all about music. It’s like Twitter and Facebook meet iTunes.

Post thoughts and opinions as you want to, custom song and album charts, over 17,000 concert listings, and Ping is open to over 160m iTunes users immediately. We’re starting with a very large base with iTunes users, and they can sign up for Ping immediately. It’s pretty cool, and I’d love to show it to you right now.

iTunes 10 will be available today by anytime! we will keep you informed.

11:12 AM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

New iTunes Connect Payments and Financial Reports Module

Apple has announced a new Payments and Financial Reports module in iTunes Connect.

This new module provides you with details on all financial reports and payments. From a dashboard view, you can quickly obtain information including last payment, amount owed, latest monthly earnings, a rolling transaction history, unit sales, and payment trends.
Apple has also made significant updates to how app payments will be processed and how they are presented on iTunes Connect, including:

● Reduction in the thresholds required to be paid, increasing the frequency you will receive proceeds.
● A consolidated single monthly payment for all your proceeds worldwide, reducing bank fees and costs.
● Clearer presentation of amounts earned, amounts owed, and a reconciliation between the reported sales and the amounts paid.

For more information see the iTunes Connect Payments & Financial Reports Guide available from the Payments and Financial Reports module in iTunes Connect.
iTunes Connect

7:20 PM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

Locationizer : Location Based Reminders for iPhone 4 on iOS 4x

Locationizer for iPhone reminds you of things you need to do based on your current location. Did you forget to pick something up on your last trip to the market? Just set a reminder, and the next time you're near the market.

What's New In Version 1.1

•   "Master" on/off switch
•  The ability to turn each reminder on or off
•  The ability to turn continuous updates on or off

• Locationizer is ONLY compatible with iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 running iOS 4.0 or higher.
• Locationizer is NOT compatible with iPhone 3G or iPod touch!

[iTunes link]

1:46 PM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0

Download iTunes 9.2.1 [ Mac & Windows ]

iTunes 9.2.1 has been Released and it's now available in the App Store, iTunes 9.2.1 is available for both Windows and Mac users and it brings Fixes for some bugs, you can find the full changelog after the jump and download links...

Full ChangeLog:

iTunes 9.2.1 provides a number of important bug fixes, including:
- Disables older versions of some incompatible third-party plug-ins
- Addresses minor issues with dragging and dropping items
- Addresses a performance issue when first syncing to some devices with iTunes 9.2
- Addresses an issue upgrading to iOS 4 on an iPhone or iPod touch with encrypted back-ups
- Addresses other issues that improve stability and performance

Note: For Jailbreakers, don't upgrade to iTunes 9.2.1 till we till you, it may catch your jailbreak and damage your device.
Download iTunes 9.2.1 for Mac and Windows

9:52 PM by iPhone Jailbreak · 0