14 DAY TRIAL // The iPhone Dev Team has finally released its PwnageTool for jailbreaking iPhone 3G handsets. While not capable of unlocking the new device just yet, it does do it for the original model. Jailbreaks work on both models of the iPhone running 2.0 software, as well as the iPod touch.
TUAW claims that "if you're a casual jailbreaker, or looking to simply unlock your iPhone, you probably want to wait for another week for the bugs to be ironed out of the system and the software to become more stable." And in the Team's own words...: "Just to clear up some confusion over what this actually does: yes, it jailbreaks and unlocks older iPhones, and jailbreaks iPhone 3Gs and iPod Touches. We only support the 2.0 firmwares."
Other than that, everything is just the way you want it. Free, third party apps (not supported by Apple on its App Store) are a go, while all the features seem to be in place. No complaints so far, just a few updates from the Dev Team in the eventuality of an Error 1600 from iTunes (or if you see in your log a failure to prepare x12220000_4_Recovery.ipsw). In this case, users should try "mkdir ~/Library/iTunes/"Device Support," the team says. If that directory already exists, you will have to remove any files in it, then re-run PwnageTool.
Also, if DFU restores are giving you trouble, another route to pwned 2.0 for 1G owners is to use the first pwnage at 1.1.4. The Team says that once you are pwned there, you can do a normal recovery-mode restore to your custom 2.0 ipsw. Also, note that the iPhone does not need to be pre-pwned to be able to DFU-restore into a pwned ipsw - it needs to be pre-pwned only for normal recovery-mode restores of custom ipsw's.
Lastly, another issue surrounding the PwnageTool for iPhone software 2.0 might conflict with Mail app. In case Mail app behaves strangely, or doesn't work, restore to your custom ipsw (you don't need to DFU restore if you are pwned, normal restore will work now too) and then select "Set up as a new iPhone" when iTunes asks. Your first sync will bring back all of your settings anyway.
Windows Vista users should pay particular attention when running PwnageTool for iPhone / iPod touch 2.0. "Libusb-win32-filter was not designed to run on Windows Vista, but it can be made to work," the Team says. "You must right click the 'libusb-win32-filter-bin-0.1.12.1.exe' executable, click the Compatibility tab, and check 'Run this program in compatibility mode for', and select Windows XP (Service Pack 2) in the list. If you fail to do these steps, the driver will install without any complaints, but all USB devices on the computer will be rendered inoperable until you figure out how to uninstall it."
XPwn includes the core functionality of the Mac PwnageTool in a flexible command-line utility for Linux hackers, the Team says. It enables users to pwn their iPhone on more platforms than ever before.
Softpedia doesn't condone jailbreaking / unlocking your iPhone / iPod touch or any other device. Using hacks may render your device unusable or may considerably reduce the quality of your experience using the respective, hacked device. If you choose to download and install the PwnageTool, you do it at your own risk.