Backgrounder, a mod that allows applications to run in the background, has been updated to version svn.r295. The update redesigns the application’s settings, adds a few new features as well as contains a bug fix (see full change log below).

One new feature is the ability to turn off the badge icon for applications that are not backgrounded by the Backgrounder app itself. This would be applications that run in the background without the need for Backgrounder such as Phone, Mail, Safari, iPod… etc. You can turn this option off in under the Global option in the application.

Another new feature is the ability to choose how you would like to toggle backgrounder. In the past it has always been toggled on (and off) using the Home Button, you can now choose to toggle the app using the Home Button, Power Button or None (which would be used with external toggles).

You will also notice that in the change log, it indicates that the location of the badge has been moved. I’m assuming this is referring to the file location of the badge since the badge itself has not changed location. You can get Backgrounder via the BigBoss source.

svn.r295 Change Log:
- Two new invocation methods; holds power button, and none (for Kirikae, etc.)
- Added option to not show badges on apps not backgrounded by backgrounder
- Fixed bug that caused blacklist to be ignored when called externally (e.g. via Kirkiae)
- Note: location of image used for badge has changed

ScreenShots

Backgrounder, an application that allows apps to run in the background, has been updated to version svn.r261. This version of the application adds back a few of the features Backgrounder had before firmware 3.x; Always-Enabled Apps option, Blacklisted Apps option, Persistence option and the Badge feature. As a quick reminder, I will run through what each option does.

When the Persistence option is turned On, “once the backgrounding has been enabled for an application (which is done by opening an application and then holding the Home Button until you receive a popup saying that Backgrounder has been enabled) it will remain enabled until the user manually disables it – no matter how many times the application is minimized and restored.”

When the Persistence option is turned Off, “you will have to enable backgrounding every time an application is minimized; single-tapping Home will cause the application to terminate (unless it has the “always-enabled” option turned on).”

The Badge option will add a badge to the icons of the apps that are running in the background.

When the Always-enabled option is turned on for an app, that application will always run in the background no matter how many times the app is opened or closed. You will not have to enable backgrounder, just open the app and it will begin running in the background.

When the Blacklisted option is turned on for an application, that app will not run in the background. This includes stock applications such as Phone and Mail.

ScreenShots

When I saw an update to Backgrounder, a mod that allows apps to run in the background, I was like…YES! I thought we were going to get some of the old features back but, the update just fixes a bug in which some apps were not restoring properly. I know, I was totally bummed too. I could really use the SpringBoard badge that indicates when an app is running…I have a feeling I have left a few running on accident! You can get Backgrounder via the BigBoss source.

ScreenShots

Backgrounder, a mod that allows applications to run in the background, has been updated to version svn.r247. This version of Backgrounder is for firmware 3.0 and above. If you are on 2.2.1 or below make sure you DO NOT upgrade. The update also only enables the basic backgrounder feature…there are no extra features at this time. The developer says it will take some time to get the features working on the 3.0 firmware.

To enable Backgrounder, just open an application and then hold the Home Button. You will get a nice pop-up saying that Backgrounder in enabled. You can then close the app by giving your Home Button a quick tap. To disable Backgrounder, open the application back up and hold the Home Button. You will get a pop-up saying that Backgrounder has been disabled.

Because there are no features, you will just have to remember which apps you have running in the background….we are going old school. Remember, leaving apps running in the background will affect your battery life!

ScreenShots

Backgrounder is “A Mobile Substrate-based extension that allows applications to run in the background.” Basically it is an application (similar to Insomnia) that allows applications to run in the background…meaning after you close the application it will continue to run.

When you install Backgrounder, you will not get an icon on your SpringBoard…it is just a code application. To enable Backgrounder, open the application that you would like to run in the background then press and hold the Home Button. You will get a quick pop-up saying, “Backgrounding Enabled. (Continue holding to force-quit).” Then the application will automatically close. That’s it!


I tested Backgrounder on a few applications. The first was MobileCast. I started downloading some podcasts, enabled Backgrounder and then went back into Mobilecast a few minutes later to see if they had continued to download even after the application closed…they had! It worked great. The other application I tried was Pandora. I opened Pandora, started the application, enabled backgrounder and Pandora continued to play after it closed…sooooooo sweet!!! You are able to use your iPhone and other applications on your iPhone while the apps continue to run in the background. I was able to listen to Pandora while I creating a shopping list with another application. However, if you use an application that resprings your SpringBoard, it will disable Backgrounder. So, you do not want to set a new WinterBoard theme while you have an application running in the background.

To disable Backgrounder on any application, you will need to reopen the app and then press and hold the Home Button until you get a pop-up that says, “Backgrounding Disabled. (Continue holding to force-quit).” Overall, a very cool application.

Remember running applications in the background will wear your iPhone or iPod Touch’s battery down faster and it will also make your iPhone or iPod Touch run slower (which it definitely did with my iPhone).