Must Have iPhone Apps - Jailbroken

When Apple came out with the iPhone 3G and the App Store, all the tech pundits predicted the end of Jailbroken apps (apps only available throught Cydia or Installer.app on a jailbroken iPhone). After all, now everyone can develop for the iPhone without any restrictions or hacks. Little did they know, at the time, that Apple would be scrutinizing each app and rejecting any that mimics native applications. This decision has made jailbraking iPhones more relevant than before.

Winterboard

Apple has locked down the iPhone visually: you can't change the icons, dashboard background, and app styles. Before iPhone 2.0 OS, we had Summerboard: you could change the background, icons, sounds, etc. With iPhone 2.0 we have Winterboard (both names play on Apple's use of 'Springboard' for the iPhone desktop). Winterboard has more features than Summerboard but the UI is VERY simple (it's a list of themes and options). Winterboard allows for dynamic backgrounds, such as based on the time of the day, the background will change to reflect sunrise, noon, sundown, and night. Winterboard also allows for a complete overhaul of the iPhone theme, including the SMS chat bubbles, phone pad, unlock bar, etc. A first and a must for every iPhone owner.

myFox

The iPhone Safari browser has changed mobile browsing. While other phones have been promising "the Internet in your pocket" for years, the iPhone is the first to actually display web pages like full blown computers. myFox takes these features further by allowing for full screen browsing: you just shake the phone and the top and bottom bars disappear. The screen on the iPhone is huge compared to other phones, but still too small for real browsing. This feature alone makes myFox worth it.

BossPrefs

BossPrefs is a great control panel tool for the iPhone: it aggregates all the system options into one app with quick access to radio toggles like Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, etc. You no longer have to dig into the Settings menu. It also has a built in dock so that you can hide Winterboard and other apps like Poof from the Springboard. Poof is a great add-on that lets you hide apps from the Springboard. I use it for smaller apps, like MakeItMine, since I only use it once but will want it in the future.

MxTube

MxTube is a great alternative for the native iPhone app. It lets you surf as you normally would but you can also download the videos to watch later. This is great for anyone who doesn't have 3G service or a data plan. It is great for commutes and a great way to show off videos when you don't have connectivity.

iComic

This is aimed at a specific audience but I'm mentioning it because it is a perfect app. It lets you read comic books download from your computer. You can flip through the pages with a swipe, read in portrait or landscape, and it saves your spot! You scan over the page like in Safari. It's perfect.

That's my list. Do you have any recommendations? Let me know below.