BigBoss
BigBoss (previously TheBigBoss or TheBigBoss.org) is a software repository and blog for jailbroken iOS devices, which publishes news on the topic and allows developers to host tweaks and other extensions.[1] It was one of the first repositories to exist for the Cydia package manager, starting in April 2008. It comes preinstalled with all copies of Cydia.[2]
Type of site | Software repository, Blog |
---|---|
Founder(s) | BigBoss |
URL | thebigboss |
Commercial | Yes |
Registration | Optional but required for hosting software |
Launched | April 2, 2008 |
Current status | Active |
Written in | PHP |
While the majority of the packages are for older iOS versions, it still receives a steady flow of new packages. While it was originally founded by pseudonymous developer and namesake, BigBoss, it is currently run by 0ptimo, who maintains it and ensures its reliability.[3][4]
History
The website was launched in April 2008 by the developer BigBoss as Sleepers Repository. It originally provided iPhone jailbreaking-related articles and a place for developers to send their software for hosting.[3] It was quickly included in the Cydia package manager.[2]
On October 18, 2008, the site rebranded from Sleepers Repository to TheBigBoss.[5]
On March 8, 2009, Cydia Store launched, allowing users to purchase software products from the repository. Previously, it had only consisted of free software.[6]
In July 2014, the website was hacked, leaking the entire database and collection of packages (including paid products).[7]
In November 2017, other significant early Cydia Store repositories, ModMy and ZodTTD, shut down, making BigBoss one of the last original repositories standing.[8]
In December 2018, the Cydia Store shut down, meaning that no new packages could be purchased.[9]
Software
In addition to the news and software hosting website, BigBoss also distributed many utilities that ran on jailbroken devices. These included SBSettings, BossPrefs, BossPaper, Categories, and Flashlight.[10][11][12]
References
- "Submit Your App/Tweak". BigBoss. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- Freeman, Jay. "Repositories · Cydia". cydia.saurik.com. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- "iPhone News & Review". Sleepers Repository / BigBoss. 2008-04-03. Archived from the original on 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- @0ptimo (February 24, 2019). "The repo up now 4 hours with no issues. If you have odd problems try closing and quitting cydia app…" (Tweet). Retrieved 2021-01-15 – via Twitter.
- "Site Move". BigBoss. 2008-10-18. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- "Cydia Store Alive". BigBoss. 2009-03-08. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- Page, Sébastien (2014-07-18). "BigBoss repo allegedly hacked [updated]". iDownloadBlog.com. Retrieved 2021-01-19.
- "Two Major Cydia Repositories Shut Down as Jailbreaking Fades in Popularity". MacRumors. Retrieved 2021-01-19.
- Cao, Peter (2018-12-15). "Purchases in the Cydia Store, available for jailbroken devices, no longer supported". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- "SBSettings · Cydia". cydia.saurik.com. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- "BigBoss is prepared for 3.0". 2009-05-21. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- "BossPaper · Cydia". cydia.saurik.com. Retrieved 2021-01-15.