Month: November 2011

Apple Goes After Amazon in Court Again Over Using the Term “App Store”

Oliver Haslam ∙ November 19, 2011

While Apple's long-running legal battle with Samsung has been consistently receiving the headlines, Tim Cook's band of highly paid lawyers are also going after another one of the tech industry's big boys, Amazon. Since the beginning of the battle back in March, Apple has been suing the retailer/tablet-maker over its use of the phrase "App Store."

Apple has now revised that lawsuit, claiming that Amazon has altered the way it uses the phrase, removing "for Android" from the end of the company's description of the app store implemented in its new tablet, the Kindle Fire.

Simply calling its store the "Amazon Appstore," Amazon is risking the wrath of Apple's lawyers again...

Just Mobile’s Gum Max Supercharges Your iPhone and iPad On the Go

Alex Heath ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

Our friends at Just Mobile have announced the Gum Max portable battery for Apple's line of iDevices. The stylish, portable battery has more than enough juice to fully charge any device that sports an Apple dock connector or mini-USB port.

The Gum Max's aluminum shell and LED indicators help it fit in perfectly with your other Apple products and accessories, and the battery itself can be easily stored in a large pocket or laptop bag.

Why the iPhone Makes Apple a Ton of Money

Cody Lee ∙ November 19, 2011

A recent report by Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley claimed that Apple is currently pocketing 52% of the handset industry's operating profits among the top 8 OEMs. And that's not just smartphones, that's the entire mobile phone market.

That's a staggering number considering Apple has only released 5 handsets in its short time as a phone-maker. How does Apple manage to pull in more money than other manufacturers, like Samsung or Motorola, that release dozens of new phone models a year?

VoIP-Based Services Like iMessage Reportedly Eating Carriers’ Lunches

Oliver Haslam ∙ November 19, 2011

With third-party instant messaging apps, Apple's own iMessage, and VoIP services becoming more prevalent, it is to be expected that at some point mobile networks will see a reduction in revenue as people move away from using SMS and voice calling.

What we didn't really expect is the move to start happening so soon. But according to one report, carriers are already feeling the pinch.

Research carried out by infrastructure solutions provider Mavenir Systems on behalf of mobileSQUARED suggests that carriers are already finding that third-party solutions are beginning to impact their business, and it's only going to get worse for the bottom line...

Get Your NFL Game On With Flick Quarterback for iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 21, 2018

Looking for a way to get right in the middle of NFL action this year? Flick Quarterback for the iPhone might be just what you're looking for. The game was created by Full Fat, the developers behind other hit iOS titles like Flick Soccer and Flick Golf.

The app is currently listed as the App Store's "Game of the Week," and features all 32 NFL teams. It's based on the same flick motion controls that have made the other Flick games so successful, and has tons of NFL-specific features...

Patent Reveals That Apple Does Have Interest in NFC

Cody Lee ∙ November 19, 2011

In the months leading up to Apple's Fall iPhone announcement, there were several rumors that claimed Apple's next smartphone would feature NFC technology. Competing devices have had the wireless payment tech for years, but it's only recently started to gain traction.

Obviously, the gossip didn't materialize, as there isn't any kind of NFC chipset in the iPhone 4S. But that doesn't mean that Apple is ignoring the technology. The company was recently awarded a patent regarding Near Field Communications in mobile devices...

AT&T Raises Contract Price of iPhone 3GS to $0.99

Cody Lee ∙ November 18, 2011

A lot of folks expected Apple to introduce an all-new handset this year. But instead of unveiling a completely new iPhone model, Apple announced that it was going to make its iPhone 3GS free with contract to appeal to the low-end smartphone market.

The $0 handset has reportedly been doing very well for AT&T. One can only imagine the marketing power of the phrase "get a free iPhone today." But it doesn't look like the carrier will be able to use such a tagline anymore, as it's mysteriously raised the 3GS' price tag to $0.99...

“No SIM Card” Error Plaguing Some iPhone 4S Users

Cody Lee ∙ November 18, 2011

Apple has had its hands full with iPhone 4S issues over the past month. There's been reports of poor battery performance (associated with iOS 5), audio echoing during phone calls, and connection issues with both Wi-Fi and 3G networks.

Now it appears that another problem with the device has surfaced in Apple's discussion boards. One support forum is filled with iPhone 4S users that are getting frequent "No SIM card installed" errors, rendering their smartphones practically useless...

Who Are You? The Difference Between User, Hacker, and Developer Filters in Cydia

Jeff Benjamin ∙ November 18, 2011

We've all encountered it. Some only a few times in their iOS owning lives, others (like me) virtually every week. Are you a User a Hacker or a Developer?

That's not some question you filled out on an immigration form while headed to your favorite vacation spot, it's the question you answer after you've jailbroken your iPhone and opened Cydia the first time.

Most of you probably select User and keep going without thinking about it, but what is this option really for?

How to Add a Blurred Background to Notification Center

Jeff Benjamin ∙ November 18, 2011

Most of the tweaks that have come out for Notification Center have focused solely on function. BlurriedNCBackground is a jailbreak tweak that puts function aside in favor of looks.

And it looks good; real good. If you want to add a blurred background to your Notification Center, then check out the video inside for more details on this interesting visual tweak...

You Can Now Buy AppleCare+ Within 30 Days of Your iPhone Purchase

Alex Heath ∙ November 18, 2011

Apple introduced AppleCare+ alongside the release of the iPhone 4S, and there's been plenty of confusion surrounding the new warranty plan since then. Instead of the typical AppleCare plan that has been in place for years, AppleCare+ offers extended coverage to new iPhone customers with new requirements.

If you bought an iPhone 4S on launch day, you're unable to buy AppleCare+ now. If you plan on purchasing the iPhone 4S, or didn't buy it on launch day, you have a 30-day window to purchase the plan before you're left out in the unprotected cold.

Make Siri Jealous with Alfred as Your Personal Assistant

Alex Heath ∙ Updated February 19, 2018

Today I'm reviewing a personal assistant for the iPhone, and its name isn't Siri.

Alfred is your intelligent assistant for wining, dining, and generally having a good time. The app answers questions like, "What should I eat?" and "Where should I party?" Alfred learns over time, and pretty soon you'll find that the charming little robot knows more about yourself than you do.