Lory Gil

Writer of all things app related, traveler of the space-time continuum, baker of really great cookies. Follow me @appaholik

Scribblenauts Unlimited now available on iOS

Lory Gil ∙ December 17, 2015

The hit puzzle adventure game Scribblenauts Unlimited has just launched in the App Store for iPhone and iPad. Join Maxwell and his cohorts as they traverse complex landscapes and summon the most unusual items they can imagine.

Scribblenauts Unlimited first appeared on Nintendo's 3DS and Wii U in 2012. Because of the open-world style exploration, it moved over to PC where it gained popularity on Steam. This iOS (and Android, if you're interested) version is the first time the game has been released on a new mobile platform since its launch.

Mass Fidelity Core portable wireless Bluetooth speaker review

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

I love connecting my iPhone to my little portable speakers so I can bring my music to any party. The technology is great, and the convenience is awesome. But, oftentimes, the sound quality suffers. There are a handful of portable wireless speakers that perform exceptionally well, but none of them provide that true stereo sound that I'm looking for.

So, when I heard about Mass Fidelity's claim that the Core portable wireless speaker simulates stereo quality sound I thought, "yeah right." The company sent us two Core speakers to test out (for the purpose of multi-room use). Frankly, my opinion has changed. We've got a hands-on review of the Core by Mass Fidelity for your reading pleasure today.

The best keyboard cases for iPad Air 2

Lory Gil ∙ Updated June 11, 2018

Since early 2015, we've been on the hunt to find great accessories for your iOS devices. We want to provide you with a variety of different types of products, so you can see for yourself, which one is the best for your needs.

This time, we are presenting an accessory roundup for the iPad Air 2. We've sought out a half-dozen keyboards for your review and came up with what we believe to be the best keyboard cases for iPad Air 2. If you don't see your favorite on this list, feel free to add it to the comments section.

This DC splitter doubles your car charger sockets

Lory Gil ∙ December 15, 2015

Some cars have just one power outlet (aka cigarette lighter) to be shared amongst all gadget-using travelers. There are multi-USB adapters that help spread the wealth, but it would be even better if there were two power outlets.

Bestek makes an adapter that splits into two DC power outlets and provides two USB ports for all your charging needs. If you add something like the EleckeyTM or the reVOLT, then you're talking six charges at a time.

Anker PowerPort 6 is a multi-port USB charger for your iPhone and iPad family

Lory Gil ∙ December 14, 2015

This holiday, Santa may place a few iPhone and iPad handsets under your Christmas tree. You might end up with too many devices that require a high-power charge and not enough plugs in the house for all of them.

Anker's PowerPort 6 produces 60 watts of power at one time so you can charge all of your iOS devices without slowing down the process. Now your wall plugs can be freed up for other electronic gifts that Santa has left for you.

TextFaces review: add Unicode faces to your keyboard

Lory Gil ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

In early November, we told you about a fun little jailbreak tweak that makes it possible for you to add Unicode faces to your keyboard so you don't have to be like everyone else with those silly yellow smiley faces.

The tweak's developer, Neo Ighodaro told us that, thanks to our coverage of Unicode Faces, he figured that it would be a good idea to turn it into an official App Store app rebranded as TextFaces. We took it for a test spin on a non-jailbroken device and have a review of TextFaces for you today.

Snugg’s iPhone 6s leather pouch looks good while protecting

Lory Gil ∙ December 13, 2015

Recently, a friend of mine pulled this slim leather pouch out of his pocket. I didn't know what it was, but I knew I liked the way it looked. Turns out, it was a case for his iPhone 6s.

Snugg's Leather Pouch has that "wow factor" that protects your iPhone 6s, while looking pretty dang hip when you take it out of your pocket. It's slim and sleek and has a soft lining to "hug" your smartphone.

The pouch is made from bi-cast leather so it looks good, but is easier to keep clean. The interior is made from soft Nubuck leather for additional protection for the iPhone's screen.

Remote, Pixbrite, Call Recorder, and more apps to check out this weekend

Lory Gil ∙ Updated April 17, 2024

Since the release of Apple TV 4, I've struggled with some important features that were glaringly absent from the set-top box. This week, however, Apple made it easier to control ATV4 with support for the Remote app for iPhone and Apple Watch. Plus, now that the App Store is noting when an app is available on Apple TV, it is even easier to find new content.

If you are looking for new content, whether for Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, we've got a list of apps and games we think are worth spotlighting.

Slash Keyboard review: /find things to share right on your keyboard

Lory Gil ∙ Updated October 16, 2018

Sometimes, there is a song or a cat video, or an iDB article that you just have to share with someone. Oh, but you forgot to grab the link before you got into a chat with your buddy in Hangouts.

That's OK. Slash Keyboard makes it possible for you to find and share all manner of content right from your iOS keyboard without having to leave your chat. We took it for a spin and have a review of Slash Keyboard for you right now.

Koomas BikePro mounts your iPhone 6s to your handlebars

Lory Gil ∙ December 9, 2015

When I think of iPhone mounts, I don't usually think about bicycles. However, my bike is my main form of transportation these days, so it makes sense to think about ways to have easy access to my mobile device, even more so than my car.

The Koomas BikePro is a handlebar mount so you can secure your iPhone 6s to your bicycle for a safer ride. Just don't forget your device when you lock up your bike. Thieves will steal anything.

Circle Spike will break you

Lory Gil ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

A young man recently contacted us, explaining that he is just 17 years old and created a game for iOS. I decided to check it out, expecting it to be a fairly mundane game that is a good start, but nothing special.

After 20 minutes of playing Circle Spike, my high score is nine and my blood pressure is boiling. That's the kind of game this is. While my pathetic score of nine is laughable, I should point out that the 25th highest scorer only has 11 points, so I'm not doing that bad.

Alive! review: add filters and effects to your Live Photos

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Live Photos is a cool new feature available on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. However, it is not exclusive to those devices. Thanks to third-party apps like Live Pictures and jailbreak tweaks like EnableLivePhotos, even older devices running iOS 9 can take advantage of creating Live Photos.

Alive! is a photo editing app specifically designed for Live Photos. Whether you've taken them on an iPhone 6s, or an older device with a third-party app or jailbreak tweak, or even if someone sent you a Live Photo, you can edit them using this app. We've got a hands-on review of Alive! for you today.