Google previews next major Maps update, coming to iOS this summer

By Cody Lee on May 15, 2013

You know, it wouldn’t be a Google I/O keynote without some kind of talk about Maps. Larry Page and company have made it very clear that its mapping technology is a big part of its future. And they gave us a bit of a glimpse of that future today.

Google will be releasing a big update for its Android and iOS Maps app this summer. And among several new features and updates, we’re happy to see that the software will finally be landing on the iPad. More details on the update after the fold… Read More

 

14-year-old discovers iPads can be dangerous to heart patients

By Cody Lee on May 10, 2013

As Apple has proven in its TV ads, you can use a number of words to describe its products. But I imagine it never thought that one of those words would be “dangerous.” According to new research, though, that’s exactly what the iPad is for certain heart patients.

A 14 year-old has discovered that the tiny magnets inside Apple’s tablet, used for Smart Covers, can inadvertently shut off a heart patient’s implanted defibrillator–a battery-powered electrical impulse generator— if near their chest for an extended period of time… Read More

 

Popular sketch app Paper by FiftyThree updated with pinch to zoom and more

By Cody Lee on May 9, 2013

It was just a little over a year ago that FiftyThree launched Paper for the iPad. But during its short existence, the sketch app has amassed quite a few accomplishments, including winning an Apple Design award.

Last night, Paper received its first major update since its original debut. And the release, which brings the app to version 1.3.1, offers a few improvements, including the highly-requested pinch-to-zoom feature… Read More

 

iPad mini reportedly accounted for over 60% of Apple’s tablet sales last quarter

By Cody Lee on May 1, 2013

The iPad mini has been extremely successful for Apple since it launched late last year. How successful? Well according to a new report, it accounted for more than 60% of the 19.5 million tablets the company sold last quarter.

Apple’s iPad sales showed significant growth last quarter–they were nearly double what they were during the same 3-month period last year. And a lot of industry watchers have attributed the jump to the mini’s popularity… Read More

 

Toast redesigns its wooden iPad skins and add the iPad mini

By Jim Gresham on Apr 27, 2013

I previously reviewed a Toast iPhone skin, which remained on my iPhone 4 until last week when I shipped it to my father. It had a long life and properly adhered to my iPhone the whole time. Now, Toast has added the iPad mini to their collection and mastered their technology by creating a skin that will cover a multi-curved corner. The new Toast skins will completely cover the back of your iPad 2, 3, 4, or mini in completely natural real wood veneers.

The combination of technology and natural wood grain is quite special. I do not fancy myself a lover of woods, but the elegance of nature immediately next to one of the most beautifully designed Apple products is truly a sight. Having used the iPad mini skin for a while, I was impressed with its grip, finish, and design… Read More

 

iOS device dashboard mounts by ProClip USA are top shelf

By Jim Gresham on Apr 26, 2013

Tired of fumbling around for your iPhone in the car? Why are we forced to pick up our device every time we hear a push notification? Why do we keep wasting money on suction cups and intrusive docking systems? ProClip USA does not know the answer to these questions, but it is providing a solution.

ProClip USA builds device holders for almost every make and model vehicle currently on the market. I stumbled across their website well over a year ago, but did not receive the opportunity to review a product until bumping into the team at CES in January.

Thankfully, they were kind enough to send over an iPhone 5 and iPad mini mount for my 2007 Nissan Altima. This review takes a quick look at installation and provides feedback about my experience with these two options… Read More

 

The best note-taking apps for iPad

By Lory Gil on Apr 23, 2013

The iPad can be a workhorse for your productivity needs if you know how to use it. Whether you are building a business network, making your way through college, or just trying to run a brick-and-mortar record shop, the iPad can be one of your greatest allies.

The iPad is the perfect sized tablet for taking notes. If you are in a meeting, listening to a lecture, or coming up with ideas for your next masterpiece, you can find an app that will accommodate your needs. We’ve got a list of the best note-taking apps that we think rise to the top. Feel free to add your own favorites in the comments section… Read More

 

Popular iPad photo editing app FX Photo Studio HD goes free for a limited time

By Cody Lee on Apr 23, 2013

Those in the market for an iPad photo editing app will be happy to hear that the folks over at MacPhun have just announced that following the success of last week’s free iPhone app offering, they’ve made their popular FX Photo Studio HD free for a limited time.

The team says that the $1.99 discount is in celebration of the iPhone version of FX Photo Studio hitting over 1 million downloads during its 3-day free promotion last week, where it became the top free photography app in the App Store of 39 different countries… Read More

 

The Braven 600 portable speaker is on point

By Jim Gresham on Apr 11, 2013

Having reviewed different ranges of audio accessories for iOS devices, until now, I had yet to review a portable wireless speaker set. There are plenty around, but none of them ever piqued my interest. Unless my wife started asking about them, I would not have considered owning a wireless speaker considering I have a pretty serious home system and a pair of nice headphones.

After spotting the Braven 600, I figured why not give it a shot. It seemed like a well-built option, considering the price. Braven is a company with which I was not immediately familiar, but when I opened the box, I was quite surprised at the well-packaged speaker. It’s a perky little thing, for the size, and it is a nice addition to my current line up. Follow me past the fold for the full details… Read More

 

Mittens by Disney pounces onto iPhone and iPad [review]

By Jim Gresham on Apr 11, 2013

Disney made quite the name for themselves in the iOS app world with hit titles like Where’s My Water?, Where’s My Perry?, and more recently Monsters, Inc. Run. Christian previously mentioned Disney’s new physics puzzler Mittens would be a good one to keep your eye on. After spending a bit of my weekend with my new favorite feline friend, alley cat Mittens, I am happy to report that Disney has done it again.

The physics based puzzler is everything I have come to expect from my preferred iOS games. I’m not one to sit on the couch and plow through games on my iPad mini, but I do really like the pick up and play nature of this particular genre. It seems Disney may be perfecting this style game as it continues to develop quick, fun, and pleasing games anyone can immediately play with a small learning curve… Read More

 

The iTorch, a portable iPhone charger that lights the way

By Jim Gresham on Apr 10, 2013

Since my visit to CES 2013, a quest for a backup portable iPhone charger began. Running around the world’s largest trade show peddling for power was pretty ugly. New Trent was kind enough to send one over for review and it fitted the bill for my charging woes. A simple, travel size device, the iTorch IMP52D provided a full charge in just under 2 hours for my iPhone 5… Read More

 

Supply chain report says production of 5th gen iPad to start in July-August

By Cody Lee on Apr 9, 2013

As we move into mid-April, the odds of seeing Apple unveil a new product this spring continue to dwindle. It feels like we’re getting close enough to its June developer conference, that any major announcements could wait until then.

There is, however, still a rumor floating around that Apple has plans for an iPad event later this month. But according to a new supply chain report, that’s not going to happen, as 5th gen iPads won’t go into production until the summer… Read More

 

The Sensu Brush will change your uncool stylus stereotypes

By Jim Gresham on Mar 28, 2013

When I think of a stylus, I immediately jump to this image in my head of a nerd wearing something like a Best Buy Geek Squad suit with thick glasses and black rims. On the weekend this person likes to configure Punnett squares with the probabilities of his offspring’s hair color instead of actually dating. Obviously he lists Binary as his second language on the resume.

Anyway, I’m here to break this stereotype. Not that I exude coolness or a hip, forward lifestyle, but I like to think I’m not a pocket protecting member of the nerd herd. Sensu is a cool stylus and after about 500 words, I think you will agree… Read More

 

Belkin launches new Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad

By Cody Lee on Mar 27, 2013

Belkin today announced the online availability of its newest iPad accessory, the Ultimate Keyboard Case. Well, it’s available for pre-order today, and will start shipping to select retailers in May.

So what’s so special about the Ultimate Keyboard Case? With a keyboard that is just 6.4mm thin and weighing 17 oz, it’s now the slimmest and lightest keyboard folio of its kind on the market… Read More

 

Bluelounge releases Mika, one stand to rule them all

By Jim Gresham on Mar 26, 2013

It is almost redundant for me to begin another article expressing my love affair with quality iOS device stands, but, for the sake of tradition, allow my introduction sentence to lend credence to my lust. Bluelounge announced today, their newest product, the Mika, which is a simple stand for iPad, but strong enough to hold a full size MacBook. Thanks to a buddy at Bluelounge, I was able to get my hands on one for review prior to the announcement… Read More

 

MechWarrior explodes onto iPhone

By Jim Gresham on Mar 26, 2013

Growing up in the 90′s provided the extreme advantage of spending late nights in front of Mech Warrior 2. Aside from King’s Quest V, Mech Warrior 2 is one of the few PC games I ever completed from start to finish. When we were contacted by Personae Studios to review their newest build of MechWarrior: Tactical Command, I had no hesitations to agree. Moving from a FPS console and desktop option to RTS, the iOS Mech Warrior experience will be appreciated by MechWarrior fans, old and new… Read More

 

Apple now offering refurbished 16GB iPad minis for $299

By Cody Lee on Mar 25, 2013

Folks thinking about buying an iPad mini, but just can’t get over the tablet’s exorbitant $330+ price tag, will be happy to hear that you can now get one for less than $300 from Apple’s web store.

The company began offering a handful of refurbished iPad mini models, alongside fourth-gen iPads, earlier this month. And they’ve just added black and white 16GB Wi-Fi-only models to the mix… Read More

 

ColcaSac promotes natural product materials and iPad minimalism

By Jim Gresham on Mar 20, 2013

The iPad mini is an elegant device with its chamfered edges and anodized coating. I really hate using cases that cover up the design, which brings me to sleeves. The best thing about a slipcase is the ability to enjoy the beauty and feel of the iPad mini without covering it up in a terrible, bulky case. The people at ColcaSac, whose iPhone case I previously covered, have developed a new line of cases for the iPad mini… Read More

 

iDownloadBlog challenges you to join our March Madness pool

By Jim Gresham on Mar 18, 2013

Again we hit the hallowed time during the year when the world exalts American college basketball players as if they were gods. Millions of dollars in lost productivity across the US puts a further damper on the economy as we all turn from work to watch basketball.

At iDownloadBlog we relish the opportunity to participate in this worldwide assault on productivity – not that we will stop bringing you the best Apple news for a month. Join us beyond the fold to learn how to monitor the action from your favorite iOS devices and sign up for the iDownloadBlog tourny pool… Read More

 

Supply chain chatter points to Retina iPad mini debut in second half of 2013

By Cody Lee on Mar 16, 2013

I have to admit, it feels kind of weird that we’re in the middle of March and there’s been no word of new iPads. I know, Apple just released two new ones back in October. But still, there’s been an iPad event in the first quarter of every year for the past three years.

We’ve heard plenty of rumors though. There’s been a lot of talk of the 5th-gen iPad getting a design makeover, and Apple’s widely believed to give the mini a Retina display. And according to a new report, we can expect the latter in the second half of this year… Read More

 
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