Month: August 2012

Phiaton noise canceling headphones raise the bar [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 28, 2017

Priding itself on accomplishing the perfect combination of "natural soundstage, wearability and eye-catching appeal," Phiaton is part of the Cresyn Co., which produces components for many of the world's best-selling headphones, earphones, and speakers. The parent company's philosophy is to focus on innovation and quality, which motivates its 12,000+ global workforce.

The Phiaton PS 300 NC headphone is a testament to creativity, build quality, and practicality. From supple genuine leather ear cups and premium leather grade trim to the included custom cut travel pouch, the "Primal Series" 300's stand tall against the competition and sound great. To walk through some Pink Floyd and Skrillex, read on... we wouldn't want you to miss your chance to win one of three pairs of PS 210 earphones.

LifeProof releases new waterproof iPad case

Cody Lee ∙ August 28, 2012

In search of a new iPad case? You might want to check this out: LifeProof, the company behind the popular rugged iPhone cover, has just released a new case for Apple's tablet.

Dubbed the nüüd, the case is thin and doesn't feature a built-in screen protector. But somehow, the developers still managed to make it water, shock, dirt and snow proof...

T-Mobile preparing “Bring your iPhone to T-Mobile” campaign

Cody Lee ∙ August 28, 2012

It's starting to look more and more likely that T-Mobile will once again not be receiving an iPhone nod from Apple this year, making it the last major carrier in the US without the handset.

But it's not going to take this lying down. Recently-leaked flyers show that the carrier is about to launch a "Bring Your iPhone to T-Mobile" campaign, with an emphasis on plan price."

How I factory unlocked my iPhone 4S in 10 minutes

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 25, 2016

Recently, I've been interested in factory unlocking my still on-contract iPhone 4S. I'd heard of various services over the past few months, but never really investigated them until recently.

After asking around on Twitter, I stumbled upon Cellular Medic — one of many services available online that claims to be able to factory unlock the iPhone for a fee.

I was pleasantly surprised that the entire unlock process took a mere 10 minutes. I went from an iPhone 4S locked to AT&T, to a permanently unlocked iPhone 4S that's usable on virtually any GSM carrier. Take a look inside for a video walkthrough documenting the experience...

Apple Jury Foreman: Judge ‘probably’ will ban Samsung phones

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated March 12, 2018

Some U.S. sales of Samsung smartphones will "probably be" banned, said Vel Hogan, the Foreman of the California jury in Apple's successful patent-infringement lawsuit against its South Korean rival. On Friday, the U.S. District Court awarded $1.05 billion in damages.

Although at first the jury was "inundated with evidence" and faced a stalemate, Hogan told Bloomberg TV momentum swung toward Apple after he had an "ah-ha" moment while considering the case at home.

Apple’s secret Genius Training Workbook surfaces online

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Want to know the secret behind Apple's highly-regarded retail experience? Then today's you're lucky day. The company's 'Genius Training Student Workbook' has just leaked onto the internet.

The contents of the book are quite fascinating, essentially telling Geniuses-in-training how to think and what to say in nearly every kind of customer situation, and how to "sell gadget joy."

Most Apple owners say free service keeps them coming back

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Despite thoughts of a service call as akin to a root canal, iPhone maker Apple has turned service into a selling point. Nearly 60 percent of current Apple device owners say they'll buy another product from the Cupertino, Calif. company as the result of in-store service.

According to a survey by NPD Group, almost 90 percent of consumers who used Apple's Genius Bar tech service rated the experience extremely or very satisfying. "A major part of their satisfaction came from the fact that only a small percentage actually paid for their service. According to the report, 88 percent of Genius Bar consumers said their service was free compared to 78 percent of all consumers."

Motorola and Apple reach patent licensing agreement in Germany

Cody Lee ∙ August 28, 2012

In addition to its worldwide patent battle with Samsung, Apple has also locked horns with Motorola in courtrooms around the globe. It's a familiar scenario: Apple has accused Motorola of stealing its innovations, and Motorola has used its large collection of wireless patents to fight back.

Motorola has actually won a handful of notable victories in the battle, mostly in Germany, successfully winning bans on products and knocking iCloud email push offline. But it looks like the two sides have called a ceasefire, as they've just reached a major patent license agreement...

Is Google Apple’s next courtroom sparring partner?

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Samsung's $1 billion loss to Apple last week may have widespread repercussions, including Google's Android software. What previously was a proxy cold war with cell phone makers, the stand-in soldiers, could heat up dramatically and place the Mountain View, Calif. firm squarely in the middle of Apple's legal radar and making Steve Jobs' threatened "thermonuclear war" over Android a reality.

That legal war "is drawing closer to Google's doorstep," reports the New York Times. The court ruling that Samsung violated Apple patents related to changing a screen's view or tapping to zoom closer are all part of Android. Indeed, Google just recently removed from Android a feature that bounces your iOS screen to indicate you've reached the bottom. Dumping that feature from Android was more out of "design reasons" than Samsung's courtroom defeat, a source told the Times.

New report rules out NFC for next-gen iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ August 28, 2012

Bad news today for folks who were hoping that near field communications technology, or NFC, would make it into the new iPhone. It looks like the tech is a no-go for Apple's next smartphone.

Theories for the tech picked up steam yesterday when a square chip inside a leaked iPhone 5 part was identified as an NFC sensor. But according to a new report, it's not happening this year...

Apple rolls out streaming iTunes Festival app to Apple TV

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Apple kicks off its annual iTunes Festival in London next month, which will include 30 days worth of free concerts. Several notable stars are expected to perform at the event, including Usher, OneRepublic and David Guetta.

And here's how you can watch the whole thing for free...

Let the FAA know you want to use your iPad during takeoff

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 25, 2016

Earlier this year, we heard reports that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was looking to relax its policies regarding the use of electronic devices on airplanes.

At the time, the Administration had started allowing pilots to use their iPads in the cockpit. And now it looks like it's ready to start making changes for the passengers as well...