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The beta version of Ac1dSn0w is here. So what is it? PwnDevTeam has released Ac1dSn0w as an alternative tool to jailbreak Apple devices running iOS 5, including the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and first generation iPad. The software also jailbreaks the 4th generation iPod touch and runs on Mac OS X Lion and Snow Leopard.

Like other jailbreak tools including Pwnage Tool, redsn0w and sn0wbreeze, Ac1dSn0w provides a tethered jailbreak solution for devices running iOS 5 or 5.0.1. Currently the software does not create custom firmware packages, however several features are available in the current version.

The list of devices Siri can voice control is getting longer thanks to the efforts of developers who are thinking outside of the iPhone 4S box. It all started when Applidium reverse engineered the Siri protocol and posted the files for anyone to use.

A developer named plamoni took the process a step further by creating an extensible Siri proxy server, which allows Siri to interact with other devices on a network without jailbreaking the iPhone. He successfully used his iPhone 4S to control a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat using the software.

Most of the hype surrounding the iPhone 5 display has been centered on its size, with industry observers predicting that Apple will increase the next generation display to 4 inches. New information points to an even more intriguing possibility, that the iPhone 5 will feature Sharp's IGZO display technology in a cutting-edge mobile touchscreen.

The diagram above from Semiconductor Portal illustrates the advantage of IGZO transistors. These indium, gallium, and zinc (IGZO) transistors replace standard amorphous silicon thin-film transistors in the Sharp components, which provide higher electron mobility. This means display pixels can be smaller and more light passes through the IGZO display.

The iPhone 4 has yet to officially launch in Brazil, but photos have already leaked of a locally-made 8 GB iPhone 4 hot off the assembly line. Foxconn has long been rumored to be starting production on the iPhone and iPad at a new factory in Brazil. Photos leaked on Brazilian site MacMagazine show an iPhone 4 with a unique model number and markings.

Also seen on the back of the iPhone is "Indústria Brasileira" instead of the typically seen "Assembled in China" tagline. Below this is the stamp of approval from the official Brazilian communications agency ANATEL. The version of iOS 5 installed on the iPhone describes the model number as "MD198BR" with the BR indicating Brazil.

Apple continually strives to improve the iPhone's picture taking capabilities, and the iPhone 4 and 4S are no different. Maybe the impressive low light capabilities and high resolution photos are not the look some photography buffs enjoy. If the five-element lens in the iPhone 4S is too perfect for your tastes Holga has just the accessory for you.

Now you can transform your iPhone 4 or 4S into a toy camera, Holga style. The SLFT-IP4 iPhone lens filter kit fits like a normal case on your device, but gives you access to nine different retro special effects without using software.