Month: May 2012

Those crazy Taiwanese animators do the bigger iPhone meme

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 21, 2012

Those crazy Taiwanese animators are back at it, this time with a take on recent rumors calling for a bigger iPhone. True to their quick and dirty style, the somewhat cheesy animation takes us through the latest from the rumor-mill, both crazy stories and those corroborated by established media outlets.

We couldn't resist sharing it with you as the clip kinda summarizes major iPhone 5 headlines, even if it's taking inappropriate to new levels...

The gTar: an iPhone-powered digital guitar

Cody Lee ∙ May 21, 2012

Wondering where music technology is headed? Look no further than the gTar, by Incident. The iPhone-powered electric guitar not only puts hundreds of songs and digital effects at your finger tips, but it'll also teach you how to play.

Simply drop your iPhone into the gTar's 30-pin dock, load up the accompanying app, and an array of interactive LEDs along the fretboard will guide you through your favorite songs. Playing a real instrument has never looked so easy...

Despite Qualcomm chip shortages, analyst says next iPhone will feature LTE

Cody Lee ∙ May 21, 2012

With all of the recent talk regarding the next-generation iPhone's display, the LTE rumors seem to have faded to the background. Maybe it's because folks are assuming that, after the third-gen iPad, the feature is a lock for Apple's next smartphone.

Gene Munster certainly seems to think so. PiperJaffray's senior Apple analyst told investors today that even though there has been some speculation that a Qualcomm chip shortage could affect Apple's upcoming handset, it will still ship with LTE compatibility...

Why carriers put up with high iPhone subsidy

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 21, 2012

I already opined on crazypants analysts predicting carriers would put the iPhone in its place because they reason Apple wields far too much power in the wireless industry.

Newsflash: we've been hearing for years that disgruntled carriers will drop iPhone subsidies and hurt Apple's bottom line in the process.

Surprisingly enough, fear of customer-retention rates spiking if they did has so far outweighed concerns of their profits taking a short-term hit because fewer people could afford a non-subsidized iPhone.

The fact of the matter is, it's never been about Apple or even industry politics for that matter. This is about a sought-after device with the proven ability to bring in new customers.

It's simple: make the iPhone more pricier and expect customers to flee to another network that offers it subsidized...

Why developers aren’t worried about rumored 4-inch iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 30, 2017

After three major news outlets confirmed that Apple was ordering larger smartphone displays last week, the 4-inch iPhone theory is quickly going from rumor to fact. It seems like everyone is giving into the idea, including developers.

GigaOM recently polled a handful of high-profile iOS app-makers regarding the prospect of a larger-screened iPhone. And the general consensus seems to be that they aren't too worried about it causing any major headaches...

Reveal allows you to view more text on banner and Lock screen notifications

Jeff Benjamin ∙ May 21, 2012

Today I was able to go hands-on with Reveal — a jailbreak tweak that allows you to view more text for your banner and Lock screen notifications.

As it stands, stock notifications aren't nearly as useful as they should be, because you can only view an extremely truncated version of the message contained within the notification.

Reveal aims to change this by allowing you to horizontally scroll on banner notifications, vertically scroll on Lock screen notifications, and more.

Take a look at our hands-on video walkthrough inside...

Even the iPhone charger is a work of art

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 25, 2016

Did you ever wonder why Apple's $29 USB Power Adapter for the iPhone costs so much more compared to, say, Samsung's cube charger that goes for about $6-$10 (and looks all too familiar).

Alright, everything Apple is more expensive because the company makes integrated products that "just work", right?

But as tough as it is to argue against Apple pricing its shiny gadgets accordingly, it's far too easy to criticize Apple accessories that many people think cost more simply because of the official branding.

In the case of the original Apple USB Power Adapter, there is no merit to this argument for there's more to your iPhone charger than meets the eye...

Sony’s Music Unlimited streaming app hits iOS, children run scared

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 28, 2018

As rumored back in January 2012, Sony has brought its music streaming app to the iOS platform. A newly-released iOS client works in tandem with the Japanese giant's own online music service dubbed Music Unlimited, enabling you to stream Sony's catalog of fifteen million of songs to your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

The program arrives on the heels of Spotify for iPad, which landed on the App Store on May 2, 2012. Of course, to fully enjoy the Music Unlimited iOS app, you'll need to pick a Basic or Premium subscription. Luckily, a 30-day free trial Premium subscription is available, allowing you to sample the service and the iOS app before committing to a monthly subscription, which starts at $3.99 a month...

Where’s My Water merchandise arriving

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 21, 2012

Not to be outdone by Angry Birds maker Rovio, Disney today announced a new merchandise line for its iPhone puzzler dubbed Where's My Water.

The charming little alligator who lives in the sewers under the city is Disney’s first original character for mobile and can now be bought as a plush toy.

Disney also promised a number of other items, including consumer electronics accessories, apparel and accessories...

How to prepare for the iOS 5.1.1 untethered jailbreak

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 16, 2016

The upcoming iOS 5.1.1 untethered jailbreak release is imminent. It's so close we can almost smell it.

For that reason, it would be wise to go ahead and analyse your current situation, and prepare for the jailbreak.

It has been confirmed that the A5 portion of the jailbreak — the jailbreak for iPhone 4S, iPad 2, and the iPad 3 — will only support iOS 5.1.1.

While nothing has been said about A4 devices, it's a good chance that iOS 5.1.1 will be required to jailbreak any device with the new Absinthe tool across the board.

So what should you do? Should you update your device now, or wait until the jailbreak has been officially released?

Apple allegedly to keep iPhone 3GS, reprice it for emerging markets

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 21, 2012

Instead of killing off the iPhone 3GS when a sixth-generation model arrives later this year, Apple is allegedly in the process of repricing the handset in order to better attend to its customers in emerging markets, where phones are often sold contract-free and used with pay-as-you-go plans.

According to Jefferies analys Peter Misek, Apple wants to sell its three-year old handset contract-free in developing markets for between $250 and $300 versus its current $375 no-contract asking price...