VS 2008 or MSBuild Bug

While i was trying to add a reference to an external project I came accross the following error while compiling a WPF project in xaml:

Error 1 Unknown build error, ''clr-namespace:[MyNameSpace]' mapping URI is not valid. Line 4 Position 21.'

After a bit of research I realised the problem was with the Assembly Name having spaces within.
To fix this right click the project and change the assembly name so that there are no spaces.

Running Spotify in the background on the IPhone

Since Apple has not allowed applications to run simultaneously on the IPhone, applications like Spotify can only work when they are the only application running. If you would like to perform a task such as browsing the web while listening to music from Spotify, you need to have a 3rd party application installed on your iPhone. This 3rd party application is called backgrounder. It enables any application to run in the background to leave your iPhone free to run other applications. This is useful if you would like to leave an application and come back to it later, but not to close the application. eg: To listen to Spotify while checking your SMSs.

Because the application (Backgrounder) would never be approved on the app store in a million years (Apple are slightly controlling and want every single application reviewed by them for "quality control" or more likely "consumer control") you have to download it from another installer application called Cydia. Before you can run Cydia, your IPhone needs to be jailbroken. If your IPhone is not Jailbroken, you can run through this quick tutorial to unlock your IPhone in minutes.

Once your IPhone is Jailbroken:

1) Install backgrounder from cydia.

2) A new icon will appear on your IPhone, this is the actual backgrounder application. If you like, from here you can add some cool settings for applications that you will use backgrounder with.

3) When you are in the Spotify application, hold the home button down for 3 seconds.This will put Spotify into background mode.

3) Voila!! you are now able to run other applications while Spotify is playing your favourite Spice Girls song.

Jailbreak and your Iphone!

What is Jailbreaking?

Jailbreaking is the process by which an IPhone firmware is modified to allow applications that apple would otherwise not allowed to run on the IPhone. Jailbreaking adds an unofficial installer application (similar to the AppStore) called Cydia or Icy which let you download many more 3rd party applications that Apple have hidden/blocked from users of the IPhone to "protect" them.

There are very minor risks involved with jailbreaking and iPhone. Worst case, if something goes wrong, you will have to reset it to factory settings through ITunes. In this scenario, you would lose all your settings/apps.

Two of the main reasons to Jailbreak your IPhone is to install 3rd party applications, or to Unlock your IPhone so that it works on any provider.

I have written a simple tutorial to Jailbreak your IPhone.

Jailbreak your Iphone (3.0) with RedSn0w

This guide & tutorial will show you how to use and application called RedSn0w to jailbreak your iPhone 2G, iPhone 3G IPhone 3GS, or iPod Touch 2G. If you would like a better understanding of what jailbreaking is, or how it works, please read this.

This tutorial will explain how to use Jailbreak your phone in Windows, but RedSn0w works in windows or Mac OS X almost exactly the same.

(Please note: If you would like to Unlock your phone from your locked in network provider, you will have to Jailbreak your phone first)

1) Firstly, before doing anything, check what firmware you have on your Iphone. Currently RedSn0w 0.8 supports up to firmware 3.0.1 (NOT 3.1) please check here for the latest supported versions direct from the guys who created RedSn0w

2) Download 2 things: RedSn0w and your corresponding firmware that you have on your phone from here.

3) Unzip and launch RedSn0w.

4) Click "browse" and select the 3.0 firmware you downloaded in step 2. (NOTE: If you are running firmware 3.0.1, please use Firmware 3.0 to Jailbreak.

5) Once RedSn0w has verified the firmware, click next.

6) Select "Install Cydia" and click next. (I would reccomend unselecting Icy as this could cause other issues)

7) RedSn0w will guide you through the Jailbreaking process and tell you to turn off your phone and hold the power/home buttons at different times. follow these steps as written on the screen.

8) If done correctly, your iphone will reboot and the Jailbreak should start. it could take up to 15 minutes so be patient. Click Finish on RedSn0w and wait for the Jailbreak to complete.

9) After your Iphone reboots, you should see a new icon on your iphone called "Cydia" from here you can download a load of applications.

10) When a new firmware comes out (EG: 3.1) DO NOT UPGRADE. This will disable your jailbreak. and you will lose all jailbroken apps and also cydia.

Enjoy!