What is the difference between JailBreaking and hacking electronics like the iPhone, iPod touch, etc

[froggyboy604]

I'm not sure what the differences are since I never hacked or jailbreak any devices. But, from what I read online Jailbreaking does not involve hardware tweaks or add-ons, and just involve flashing the firmware while hacking can include adding modified hardware like microchips, wires, etc to a device.

 

[K-64]

I think they are kinda the same thing, where Jailbreaking is just one form of hacking the device

 

[Demon_Skeith]

I believe Jailbreaking is white hat hacking while the other is black hat and frowned upon.

 

[froggyboy604]

Indeed, I read some guy's company got shut down by Apple for hacking the iPod touch to become a cheap iPhone by connecting it to some sort of an Adapter with a built-in cell phone sim card and hardware, and cell phone software while Jail breaking is legal in the US. But, both types of hacks will void your warranty if Apple finds out. However, With Jail Breaking, you can always re-flash the firmware to the original Apple firmware if something goes wrong.

 

[Black Angel]

Jailbreaking your device facilitates customization.. For instance, on my device which is jailbroken, I am able to download hacks from Cydia, that modifies iOS on my device.

Instead of the regular lock screen, I have the HTC Weather Widget, that I installed from Cydia, as my lockscreen, so that, when my device is on the lock screen, I see the time, date and weather for the next 5 days as well as the current tempurature. There are also hacks in there that allow you to have more than 12 icons in your folders as well as allowing you to have sub-folders within your folders as well.

 

[froggyboy604]

Thanks Black Angel for the detailed explanation on how JailBreaking allows you to have more features on your iOS iPhone.

 

[Black Angel]

Np, but it could also be said that it took some hacking for the jailbreak to be possible, but it is still White Hat as long as you dont install cracked apps or create and distribute them or malware.

In the latter case, that would be Black Hat hacking, or cracking.. and it would be illegal.

 

[pixelpro]

I guess hacking doesn't really cost much, yet jail breaking you are breaking the law by getting things like apps' free? / theft?

 

[Milton]

Like previously mentioned, I think jailbreaking allows personalisation of your device, while hacking allows you to gain advantage over others by stealing apps or getting cheaper stuff.
I find that as long as the means used gets you an unfair advantage over another, especially in terms of money, then it is very likely to be illegal.

 

[Hexort]

Like previously mentioned, I think jailbreaking allows personalisation of your device, while hacking allows you to gain advantage over others by stealing apps or getting cheaper stuff.
I find that as long as the means used gets you an unfair advantage over another, especially in terms of money, then it is very likely to be illegal.

Yes I agree. Jailbreaking enables more convenience and personalization of your own Apple device. Jailbreaking in the sense is hacking because you get to install applications for free but if we do not abuse jailbreaking, it also enables to install applications that is unavailable in the Apple App Store.