MacHeist: Gather Secret iPhone Info [Archive]

MacRumors

Nov 10, 2006, 11:22 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

MacHeist.com (http://www.macheist.com) officially launched on Wednesday... a five week Mac scavenger hunt from the creators of MyDreamApp (http://www.mydreamapp.com).

Each week features a "heist" requiring users to follow clues provided to accomplish their task. The first mission? Gather secret information* about the long rumored Apple iPhone (http://guides.macrumors.com/iPhone_%28Rumored%29) from an insider..

Each heist rewards players with free software applications as well as additional discounts to the final "amazing" (http://macheist.com/boom/memo/1/) Mac software bundle.

MacHeist is invite only, but we've managed to provide a backdoor (http://macheist.com/user/macrumors) for MacRumors users to register freely. Have fun... time's running out for this heist which ends on Monday.

* All scenarios are staged and the "heists" are for entertainment purposes only... in other words, this is a game

EricNau

Nov 10, 2006, 11:26 PM

I just got a invite - how convenient.

I'm looking forward to joining the fun. :)

musicpenguy

Nov 10, 2006, 11:27 PM

The first one was a lot of fun and had some really great apps, and can't wait for the next assignment!

GrannySmith_G5

Nov 10, 2006, 11:29 PM

The iphone will have the ability to make AND receive telephone calls. Wirelessly.

GrannySmith_G5

Nov 10, 2006, 11:38 PM

Oh my goodness.

http://www.billyhull.com/

justflie

Nov 11, 2006, 12:32 AM

We're going to get a lot of: "My sister's boyfriend's cousin's daughter's dog works on the Apple campus (cleaning up the cafeteria floor) and he overheard engineers telling each other how the phone would cure cancer less than a year after its release." But it should be fun to see what people come up with/legitimately find. :o

nagromme

Nov 11, 2006, 01:18 AM

I seldom bite on Web gimmicks, but this one's just too odd not to check out. Oddest of all, Number Three delivered the assignment...

Lepton

Nov 11, 2006, 01:40 AM

What Apple's iPhone Will Be (http://web.mac.com/lepton/iWeb/Mike%27s%20Site/Blog/09F5C9FD-8570-4A9B-857A-DDA072673CF2.html)

Stridder44

Nov 11, 2006, 01:54 AM

What Apple's iPhone Will Be (http://web.mac.com/lepton/iWeb/Mike%27s%20Site/Blog/09F5C9FD-8570-4A9B-857A-DDA072673CF2.html)

Im wet

jhutcheson

Nov 11, 2006, 02:12 AM

the heist has gone global

http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=289612

koobcamuk

Nov 11, 2006, 02:13 AM

What Apple's iPhone Will Be (http://web.mac.com/lepton/iWeb/Mike%27s%20Site/Blog/09F5C9FD-8570-4A9B-857A-DDA072673CF2.html)
You should allow comments on your blog. I think you're a little off - but we'll see. VNC is not going to happen. IF it does... I will give you... my old ipod.

aLoC

Nov 11, 2006, 02:15 AM

Ummm... are you sure about this?

You can't have a competition to see who can do the best murder, that would be illegal, right? For the same reason you can't have a competition to see who can steal the best corporate secret.

arn

Nov 11, 2006, 02:17 AM

aLoC

Nov 11, 2006, 02:19 AM

heh... it's all staged... but I guess it could be misinterpreted.

Ok, sorry, I didn't know.

Prints

Nov 11, 2006, 02:23 AM

What Apple's iPhone Will Be (http://web.mac.com/lepton/iWeb/Mike%27s%20Site/Blog/09F5C9FD-8570-4A9B-857A-DDA072673CF2.html)

WOW ! Wouldn't that be amazing ! Sign me up !

Cassie

Nov 11, 2006, 02:28 AM

Damn, this will be fun! Its 1:30 AM and I've got a sugar rush! sign me up now!

macman2790

Nov 11, 2006, 03:43 AM

is this stuff for real? Will we really find out about the iphone, or is it just a game. Even if it's just a game it's pretty fun. anyone got a successful response?

arn

Nov 11, 2006, 03:53 AM

is this stuff for real? Will we really find out about the iphone, or is it just a game. Even if it's just a game it's pretty fun. anyone got a successful response?

It's all a game. I guess I need to be explicit... I didn't think there'd be any confusion.

arn

Marx55

Nov 11, 2006, 04:16 AM

texasmafia

Nov 11, 2006, 04:32 AM

IT IS NOT FREE!!!

This is what it says:

We're not saying what's in the bundle yet. But, frankly, it's the best Mac software bundle that's ever been put together, and if you participate in the weekly heists, you'll be able to grab it for a rather ridiculous price.

NOT FREE THEN!!!

Please do some research before you start spewing false information on the forums.

With Mac Heist there are 5 heists, 5 weeks, and each week you get free apps. We got three free apps this week. Along with the free apps you get monetary credits towards the amazing bundle that will be offered at the end of the entire heist.

So the truth is you will get several free apps each week if you complete the heist and you will get the already cheap bundle after the last week even cheaper if you do some of the heists.

Free is free. Don't bash something you know nothing about.

I also wanted to thank Arn for being a part of the first heist. It was a lot of fun!

Marx55

Nov 11, 2006, 04:38 AM

Please do some research before you start spewing false information on the forums.

With Mac Heist there are 5 heists, 5 weeks, and each week you get free apps. We got three free apps this week. Along with the free apps you get monetary credits towards the amazing bundle that will be offered at the end of the entire heist.

So the truth is you will get several free apps each week if you complete the heist and you will get the already cheap bundle after the last week even cheaper if you do some of the heists.

Free is free. Don't bash something you know nothing about.

I also wanted to thank Arn for being a part of the first heist. It was a lot of fun!

Thanks for the clarification and sorry for my mistake, but you must admit that it was misleading on the original page that I quoted. Morale-suggestion: if possible, please explain that on such page to avoid misunderstandings, confusions and to gain more users. Thanks again. My two cents.

relimw

Nov 11, 2006, 08:40 AM

Ha.
And to think, my spam filter thought this was junk mail and threw my invite away :(

Jay42

Nov 11, 2006, 09:04 AM

you'll be able to grab it for a rather ridiculous price.

I think they mean free.

Edit: Oh maybe not, but the other stuff is definitely free.

Freelancer

Nov 11, 2006, 09:33 AM

oh god, it's addictive :D
just trying to break the code (if any) from the memo of the directorate.
Billy won't speak easily. maybe i should offer him a cookie for the infos.

nagromme

Nov 11, 2006, 09:45 AM

I don't think I have the required attention span :) I sent an email to Billy and nothing came back.

chuckiej

Nov 11, 2006, 10:09 AM

I don't think I have the required attention span :) I sent an email to Billy and nothing came back.

I'm pretty sure it has to be from the same email address you registered with at macheist. Send Billy a series of reasonable responses and he'll give you the info.

Jesus

Nov 11, 2006, 10:53 AM

Completed the first 'Heist', and got my fun little apps. It was definately worth it.

nagromme

Nov 11, 2006, 11:06 AM

I'm pretty sure it has to be from the same email address you registered with at macheist. Send Billy a series of reasonable responses and he'll give you the info.

I did, emailed from my MacHeist email address (Yahoo). Never got anything. Maybe Yahoo is blocking them? Didn't go to my Junk box.

That's OK, I'm curious but not THAT curious :)

e12a

Nov 11, 2006, 11:40 AM

haha i tried it and he could not get his "trust". gave up after that haha. What do you guys do?

Clydefrog

Nov 11, 2006, 11:58 AM

anybody do the macrumors heist?

autrefois

Nov 11, 2006, 12:02 PM

This scavenger hunt / heist sounds like an interesting idea. Has something like this ever been tried before? They probbly decided to make it invite-only since a lot of people will want to participate.

ozontheroad

Nov 11, 2006, 12:07 PM

I joined yesterday and completed the first heist.

Its a cool idea and they've done a great job.

Congrats arn

Clydefrog

Nov 11, 2006, 12:19 PM

i got a email from billy saying he hs nothing for me. did you guys get the sam e thing

monke

Nov 11, 2006, 12:42 PM

Just got a reply back from MR, now waiting for the loot. :)

Great idea and great site design!

ozontheroad

Nov 11, 2006, 12:46 PM

i got a email from billy saying he hs nothing for me. did you guys get the sam e thing

is it a reply to the first email you have sent him ?

it will take at leas 3 emails before you get any useful info

Peace

Nov 11, 2006, 12:50 PM

I know it's a game but.

Some of the replies seem to be auto-respond ;)

Clydefrog

Nov 11, 2006, 01:23 PM

edit i got it, just waiting for an email from macrumors

Ashapalan

Nov 11, 2006, 01:28 PM

i finally got a response from billy, anybody know the password for the iPhone DMG file?

Check out the website of that chap. He seems to take quite a few more pictures of something than his kids.....

stevehp

Nov 11, 2006, 01:32 PM

Check out the website of that chap. He seems to take quite a few more pictures of something than his kids.....

Okay I got into the website with the iPhone info...Are we supposed to email that guy/Private Message him or download the dmg files?

ozontheroad

Nov 11, 2006, 01:32 PM

edit i got it, just waiting for an email from macrumors

it's not melbourne <hint hint>

Clydefrog

Nov 11, 2006, 01:57 PM

Woot i got my apps!!

Killyp

Nov 11, 2006, 02:32 PM

Just waiting for the email back...

storage

Nov 11, 2006, 03:00 PM

Hmm, I don't know...

Your Friend,
Billy

:mad:

Peace

Nov 11, 2006, 03:03 PM

:mad:

auto-response

it's a game!

joepunk

Nov 11, 2006, 03:04 PM

It's taking me 7 (and still counting) emails to get Billy to devulge any info :( :eek:

Grrrr…

I bet he's a KAOS agent

storage

Nov 11, 2006, 03:07 PM

auto-response

it's a game!
I understand that! :D But I've gotten that reply like 5-10 times. I don't know what to do :(.

Peace

Nov 11, 2006, 03:11 PM

I understand that! :D But I've gotten that reply like 5-10 times. I don't know what to do :(.

Same here so I bounced it to see what would happen..

Got the same response..hehehehe..

skochan

Nov 11, 2006, 03:15 PM

Check out the website of that chap. He seems to take quite a few more pictures of something than his kids.....

I noticed that too ;)

I sent Frank an email asking him who Kim was. No reply. :(

XNine

Nov 11, 2006, 03:22 PM

I sent Billy Hull two emails, then an invite, and got nothing back. So then I sent another email and said "Dear Billy, give me the ****ing iphone specs or I'll eat your soul! Kind Regards, XNine"

And I got a response back. lol I dunno how the emails are auto-generated, but methinks it doesn't take the same content of a message twice....

EricNau

Nov 11, 2006, 03:29 PM

Trying to gain Billy's trust? Highlight for Hint:

"Billy really enjoys reading verbose emails."

Gimzotoy

Nov 11, 2006, 03:31 PM

:mad:

My last 3-4 e-mails have gotten that as a response too. I don't know what the trigger to get to the next phase is, but the same response over and over is frustrating. I give up.

stevehp

Nov 11, 2006, 03:43 PM

mavrick422

Nov 11, 2006, 03:54 PM

hey guys, i just sent my first email to billy.....how long did it take for him to respond to you guys? thanks

WildCowboy

Nov 11, 2006, 03:55 PM

hey guys, i just sent my first email to billy.....how long did it take for him to respond to you guys? thanks

13 minutes.

mavrick422

Nov 11, 2006, 04:00 PM

13 minutes.

its been 45 minutes since i sent mine....were you blatant about trying to get iphone info? i asked him about his job at apple and how one would acquire such a job, etc, to gradually introduce the iphone....what do you think?

WildCowboy

Nov 11, 2006, 04:01 PM

its been 45 minutes since i sent mine....were you blatant about trying to get iphone info? i asked him about his job at apple and how one would acquire such a job, etc, to gradually introduce the iphone....what do you think?

His response time varies from what I hear, but yes, I did blatantly ask him for iPhone specs in my initial e-mail.

storage

Nov 11, 2006, 04:19 PM

Finally got the specifications! Are the photos required? Because, I don't have a Mac yet to open the .dmg :(.

macman2790

Nov 11, 2006, 04:24 PM

Finally got the specifications! Are the photos required? Because, I don't have a Mac yet to open the .dmg :(.

same here dude, i've tried command line tools to try to make it an iso image in windows and then nero and other iso programs can't identify the iso image so you cant extract the files.

I believe the fact that they are encrypted files prevents you from creating a proper image, so don't even try(waste of 2 hours)

can someone pm me with the renders of the iphone, it would be appreciated. i will be ordering a macbook pro and just want some cool apps for it.

storage

Nov 11, 2006, 04:36 PM

same here dude, i've tried command line tools to try to make it an iso image in windows and then nero and other iso programs can't identify the iso image so you cant extract the files.

I believe the fact that they are encrypted files prevents you from creating a proper image, so don't even try(waste of 2 hours)

can someone pm me with the renders of the iphone, it would be appreciated. i will be ordering a macbook pro and just want some cool apps for it.
I'd also love the renders, been trying to get Billy and Frank to give up the information for a couple of hours, just to run into a dead end. :o

I know the password and everything, I just can't open the file.

texasmafia

Nov 11, 2006, 04:37 PM

If you are having trouble getting through a heist or you just wanna cheat do get through a heist fast, go to the forums on the Mac Heist website and go to the Back Room section.

Also keep in mind that each heist lasts a week, and it isn't a competition to see who finishes first, so don't think that you should have to complete the heist in just a few hours.

macman2790

Nov 11, 2006, 04:38 PM

I'd also love the renders, been trying to get Billy and Frank to give up the information for a couple of hours, just to run into a dead end. :o

I know the password and everything, I just can't open the file.

your using windows, right. It's not going to happen. we need someone to post the actual renders to submit to macrumors because we are using pcs.

macman2790

Nov 11, 2006, 04:40 PM

texasmafia

Nov 11, 2006, 05:20 PM

where is the back room section?

http://macheist.com/forums/viewforum.php?id=3

nagromme

Nov 11, 2006, 05:28 PM

its been 45 minutes since i sent mine....were you blatant about trying to get iphone info? i asked him about his job at apple and how one would acquire such a job, etc, to gradually introduce the iphone....what do you think?
24 hours later I never got any response. But my email to Billy was about pineapples. Maybe that's not the way to break the ice.

EricNau

Nov 11, 2006, 05:30 PM

24 hours later I never got any response. But my email to Billy was about pineapples. Maybe that's not the way to break the ice.
I heard there were some problems with Billy in the beginning (perhaps he was sleeping? ;)).

Try again, you should get a response.

texasmafia

Nov 11, 2006, 05:30 PM

In the Backroom Phill, the guy running the whole Mac Heist, posted a FAQ that covers what you should say/length of the emails to your contacts. It is really helpful.

nagromme

Nov 11, 2006, 05:36 PM

I haven't seen the term mentioned here, but I guess this fits into the category of Alternate Reality Games? Like I Love Bees (on a smaller scale).

mavrick422

Nov 11, 2006, 05:51 PM

hey guys,

in the files section of apple internal, there are a bunch of other dmg's....are these just blank files to simulate a real apple site, or are there actual passwords to view some sort of content stored in them?

texasmafia

Nov 11, 2006, 06:47 PM

From all I have read on the Mac Heist forums I believe they are empty.

Freelancer

Nov 11, 2006, 07:01 PM

finally had the mail from billy, macrumors and Lisa and got three apps.
nice game.
But who is Hubert! :D

ps: when you click on the dynamite on the front page of macheist, you have access to a coded memo named "are you ready?".
couldn't find out the code. looked at my screen in a mirror, from every angle, but couldn't get the message...

xtqqtxxx

Nov 11, 2006, 07:12 PM

So I got the info from Billy and I am at the last stage of this thing but I don't have a frickin' mac with me to open the .dmg file (which i even know the password for). If someone could please PM a way around this or maybe include the files of the .dmg I would be very grateful!

Exact same thing here.
I have the .DMG file and password but am on a PC and can't open it. ARGGHH
Can anyone PM me the PNG files or how to get access to the pics on a PC?

EricNau

Nov 11, 2006, 08:35 PM

MacRumors is now listed as one of MacHeist's "Partners in Crime."

Vader

Nov 11, 2006, 09:38 PM

Exact same thing here.
I have the .DMG file and password but am on a PC and can't open it. ARGGHH
Can anyone PM me the PNG files or how to get access to the pics on a PC?
The pics are in the Backroom on MacHeist.
Spoiler for pics of iPhone (http://macheist.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=405)
Don't go there unless you are on windows and need the pics, or are to lazy to do the heist.

EricNau

Nov 11, 2006, 11:35 PM

I really hope this is the design of the iPhone (if there is such a thing). It's the perfect balance between an iPod and a phone.

Me1000

Nov 11, 2006, 11:53 PM

I agree its very sexy!

especially the doc view! id sell my 8GB nano for a 6GB iphone, if it looked anywhere near as good as that, hopefully in a black or titanium, like the PBs!

WildCowboy

Nov 11, 2006, 11:55 PM

I'm a flip-phone fan, but I understand that the likelihood of that for an iPhone is pretty low, since they like to have a nice big screen. So, given that limitation, I do like the setup. I'd be very happy to have those specs.

Now we need a price. :D

sachamun

Nov 12, 2006, 12:57 AM

I know it's a game but.

Some of the replies seem to be auto-respond ;)

It could be an a.i.
There's plenty of very clever conversational a.i. programs out there, and perhaps this one responds to certain keywords like 'ipod' and 'please'??

drimmen

Nov 12, 2006, 02:37 AM

What fun! And just in time for the long season gap for Lost. Thanks for posting hints guys.

2nyRiggz

Nov 12, 2006, 12:40 PM

That was cool..I completed it in a couple of hours..real nice but the things in the vault don't impress me.

Maybe the second mission will have better stuff.

Bless

Clydefrog

Nov 12, 2006, 03:45 PM

when do we get our next mission?

Macnoviz

Nov 12, 2006, 05:34 PM

How long does it take MR to respond when you send the info?

calculus

Nov 12, 2006, 05:36 PM

How long does it take MR to respond when you send the info?

You get two response. I got both within half an hour or so but I guess it depends on the amount of traffic.

texasmafia

Nov 12, 2006, 06:21 PM

The next heist begins next Wednesday I believe. That is when the first heist started.

matticus008

Nov 12, 2006, 08:52 PM

your using windows, right. It's not going to happen. we need someone to post the actual renders to submit to macrumors because we are using pcs.
Maybe I'm being dense, but I'm curious. What is the point of participating if you don't have a Mac?

WildCowboy

Nov 12, 2006, 08:54 PM

Maybe I'm being dense, but I'm curious. What is the point of participating if you don't have a Mac?

Maybe they're saving their pennies for a Mac.

texasmafia

Nov 13, 2006, 12:05 AM

I have friends who don't have a Mac but things like Mac Heist and other sites who are highlighting the vibrant Mac user community along with the community of developers is making them want to switch.

celebi23

Nov 13, 2006, 12:22 PM

still trying to get info from him

matticus008

Nov 13, 2006, 01:45 PM

still trying to get info from him
The heist is now over.

Macnoviz

Nov 13, 2006, 03:05 PM

The heist is now over.

I don't think so, It's been extended till midnight (where you live, we get until about 8 the morning thuesday)

matticus008

Nov 13, 2006, 03:35 PM

I don't think so, It's been extended till midnight (where you live, we get until about 8 the morning thuesday)
Oh. The heist expired midnight Sunday according to the email. I didn't know that had changed. My mistake!

mufflon

Nov 14, 2006, 08:00 AM

oh well - next heist begins now on wednesday - you'll prolly not miss the loot from this week all that much - some nifty stuff but not 100% essential - hopefully the bundle at the end and/or the upcoming weeks will be nicer :)

coumerelli

Nov 14, 2006, 09:51 PM

Is anyone else having trouble logging in? I completed the heist, but now (since tuesday evening at least) I cannot log into the site. I get an error with username/password. I SUPPOSE it could be me mistyping or have mistyped when I signed up, but I can't be sure - I never got a 'confirumation' email. I just have to trust my fingers, I guess?

acearchie

Nov 16, 2006, 05:05 AM

Hey guys I put 2 and 2 together and made another code.

If you click on this like

http://www.macheist.com/historybuffs

it will redirect you to http://billyhull.com

Highlight the whole area and you will have your code!