Blacksn0w, a free unlock tool for the latest iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS models, is now live. Available for download from the blackra1n.com website, or by adding the repository http://blackra1n.com in Cydia’s Manage->Sources panel, Blacksn0w is described by its creator as “a super simple jailbreak used to install unlock.” Blackra1n RC3 is also now available for both Windows and Mac. Using the tool properly requires that users have a clean firmware 3.1.2 and baseband 05.11.07.

“iPhone 3G/3GS owners who found themselves stuck with version 05.11 of the baseband (either by accident or because they bought it that way) are now in luck!” an update on the iPhone Dev Team blog reads. The team reveals that, “geohot was able to turn the already-public at+xemn crash into an injection vector, which can be used to inject his version of the unlock. The blacksn0w unlock is available for free via Cydia by adding the repository http://blackra1n.com in the Manage->Sources panel. Congratulations, geohot!” the hackers write.

“Those of you who are already unlocked at 3.1.2 because you kept your 04.26 baseband now have an extra cushion of comfort, and more choices: ultrasn0w, purplesn0w, and now blacksn0w (and of course the original yellowsn0w too if you’re still back at FW 2.x),” the post continues. “Whether or not you choose to update your baseband solely to use the new unlock is a personal choice, but so far there are no advantages to doing so (and remember you can’t come back to 04.26 after you’ve gone to 05.11).”

The iPhone Dev Team also warns users of the growing scams capitalizing on iPhone hack tools. As Softpedia has reported more than once, such scammy companies exist. They simply repackage the free tools available from the Dev Team, or geohot, and sell them, claiming they are 100% reliable solutions. They also brag about great customer support, although, once the user is tricked into buying the so-called “jailbreak & unlock solution,” the company fails to respond to any calls or emails demanding a refund. As such, the Dev Team urges users to “stay vigilant for these scam sites,” and warn others as well.

Softpedia doesn't condone jailbreaking / unlocking the iPhone / iPod touch or any other device. This article has a purely informational purpose and doesn't, in any way, suggest that you should hack your Apple device. Using hacks may render your device unusable, or may reduce the quality of your experience employing the respective device. If you choose to download and install jailbreak tools, you will do so at your own risk. Unlocking / jailbreaking your iPhone / iPod touch may violate your warranty or the EULA with Apple and / or your cellular-service provider.