Cydia (application)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 Cydia installer |
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| Developer(s) | Jay Freeman (saurik) |
| Initial release | 2008, 0–1 years ago |
| Stable release | 1.0.3044-65 / September 16, 2009 |
| Operating system | iPhone OS |
| Type | Package manager |
| License | Open source |
| Website | http://www.saurik.com/ |
Cydia (pronounced /ˈsɪd.i.ə/) is a software application developed by Jay Freeman (also known as "saurik") for the iPhone OS that allows the user to browse and download applications usable on a jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch. Cydia serves as a graphical user interface for APT, and in turn, the dpkg package management system. Repositories that are included with Cydia allow for installation of software packages, most of which are available to download at no cost.[1] Cydia also includes the Cydia Store, which offers a number of applications for sale. Both free and paid software packages are downloaded directly to an iPhone or iPod Touch device, and are located in the /Applications/ directory, in the same location where "Apple native" applications are located.
Cydia is installed via jailbreaking. It is included in Pwnage Tool exclusively for Mac users and redsn0w for Mac and Windows users or QuickPwn for Mac and Windows users running pre-3.1 devices.
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[edit] Features
When applications submitted to the official App Store are not approved, developers sometimes put those applications in sources accessible through APT, which are commonly installed directly in iPhone OS using the Cydia interface. Notable is a Google Voice implementation originally developed by a third-party;[2] Google's own version of the application was initially rejected but is currently being reviewed by Apple.
[edit] Cydia Store
Cydia allows users to add custom sources to APT, which allows users to choose download locations of packages. There are numerous sources available in community source packs, and private sources can also be added manually. These packages (applications) for jailbroken iPhones and iPod Touches can often function on a deeper level than Apple-approved applications because they have the ability to access any part of the hardware or file system. This allows for themes, file browsers, and large-scale tweaks.
In March 2009, Freeman introduced a way for developers to sell applications via Cydia. Users may use Amazon Payments or PayPal to purchase items from the store.[3] Unlike App Store applications, applications available through the Cydia interface are not DRM protected unless the developer chooses to add their own protective measures. The proof of payment is linked to a Google or Facebook account in case users move to a new iPod Touch or iPhone device or the device is bricked or un-jailbroken.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Yukari Iwatani Kane. "Breaking Apple's Grip on the iPhone", The Wall Street Journal, March 6, 2009.
- ^ Even Google Is Blocked With Apps for iPhone, New York Times, July 28, 2009
- ^ "Cydia Store now open for jailbreak app sales". Tuaw. http://www.tuaw.com/2009/03/09/cydia-store-now-open-for-jailbreak-app-sales/. Retrieved 2009-08-02.
[edit] External links
- Bringing Debian APT to the iPhone by Jay Freeman (saurik), February 2008
- Apple's iTunes Store Challenged By Rogue Developers, InformationWeek, March 8, 2009
- Cydia and Apple: Lawsuits will be a sideshow, ZDnet, March 6, 2009
- Unofficial Software Incurs Apple's Wrath, New York Times, May 12, 2009
- Rejected By Apple, iPhone Developers Go Underground, Wired, August 6, 2009
- Jailbreakers Battle Apple for Control of iPhone, Wired, November 12, 2009
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