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Cydia

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 75.80.174.56 (talk) at 20:45, 15 March 2010 (→Features). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
"Cydia" redirects here. For the genus of moth this application is named after, see Cydia (genus).
Cydia
DeveloperJay Freeman (saurik)
Initial release2008, 16–17 years ago
Stable release
1.0.3044-65 / September 16, 2009
Repository
Operating systemiPhone OS
TypePackage manager
LicenseOpen source
Websitehttp://cydia.saurik.com/

Cydia (Template:PronEng) is a software application for the iPhone OS that lets a user browse and download applications for a jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch. It was developed by Jay Freeman (also known as "saurik").

Cydia provides a more user-friendly graphical user interface for some open-source software-installation tools originally developed for Linux (specifically APT, and the dpkg package management system). Cydia's repositories allow the 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, to the same location as Apple's pre-installed applications (the /Applications/ directory).

Cydia is named after the insect Cydia pomonella, a moth whose larva infests apples.

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.[3]


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, video recording on the pre-3gs, and system-wide modification to all apps installed on an iPhone.

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.[4] Unlike App Store applications, applications available through the Cydia interface are not controlled by DRM 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.

See also

References

  1. ^ Yukari Iwatani Kane. "Breaking Apple's Grip on the iPhone", The Wall Street Journal, March 6, 2009.
  2. ^ Even Google Is Blocked With Apps for iPhone, New York Times, July 28, 2009
  3. ^ "GV Mobile + 2.0 for Jailbreak iPhone Now Available on Cydia". Volt Mobile. march 10, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ "Cydia Store now open for jailbreak app sales". Tuaw. Retrieved 2009-08-02.
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