Year: 2014

These iPhone 6 renders look just about right

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 3, 2014

As news reached us this morning that Apple could launch its next iPhone in mainland China on Thursday, September 25, and given a purported 4.7-inch front panel leaked in a video which suggests the possibility of one-handed use, we now have a better idea of when the device could launch and how it might feel in one's hand.

There has certainly been no shortage of leaked parts thus far, such as the supposed display covers, backplates, LCD parts, manufacturing molds, etc.

The problem with these leaks based on rumors is their crudeness that don't do Apple's industrial design and precision manufacturing a justice. Enter Ukrainian designer Mark Pelin, who has created high-resolution renders that offer arguably the best indication yet of what a finalized design of the iPhone 6 in Space Gray might look like...

Video suggests 4.7″ iPhone 6 would be optimized for one-handed use

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 3, 2014

Japanese magazine Mac Fan asserted back in October 2013 that Apple's upcoming larger-screened iPhone 6 would file as the first device with a display this large that would still be optimized for one-handed use, thanks to some smart design decisions.

And in September of last year, KGI Securities’ Ming Chi-Kuo called for a next-generation iPhone with a 4.5 to five-inch screen and designed to follow Apple's “unwavering principle of one hand use”.

Today, a new video of a purported 4.7-inch iPhone 6 front panel has surfaced giving us a good indication how the device might feel in one's hand...

iPhone 6 thought to be introduced on September 19, ahead of September 25 launch

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 3, 2016

According to Chinese media reports, Apple's upcoming iPhone 6 will be introduced at a media event to be held on Friday, September 19.

The following Thursday, September 25, the device is expected to launch across U.S. carriers and in Apple's key international markets.

According to sources, a 5.5-inch variant of the iPhone 6 will be marketed under the iPhone Air moniker.

This would be similar to this year's distinction between the iPad mini and iPad Air lineup. Also, this name change would reflect the bigger model's thinness and compactness...

Tinker app will make sure you stay productive

Lory Gil ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

I’m the kind of person who needs constant self-supervision. I don’t work in an office and I am surrounded by my playthings. I regularly need to remind myself to get back to work because there is no one looking over my shoulder telling me to do so.

Tinker - Tweak Your Productivity is a goal minded productivity app that makes it possible for you to be on task, every minute of the day. Instead of creating long lists of things to do and trying to prioritize them, this app has you create duration-based goals that help you stay on track until your time is up. Read on for our app review of Tinker…

Microsoft reportedly building iOS-compatible fitness band

Cody Lee ∙ July 2, 2014

Like Apple and several others, Microsoft is said to be working on a smartwatch that it plans to introduce later this year. There have been multiple reports on the project, including one from Forbes in May that described the wearable as a Samsung Gear Fit-like fitness band.

Tonight, Windows blogger Paul Thurott offered up some new details on Microsoft's wearable ambitions, reaffirming that the device will indeed be a wristband with a focus on sensors and fitness. He also notes that the gadget will be compatible with both Android and iOS...

Apple hiring software engineers to help ‘overhaul’ Maps backend

Cody Lee ∙ July 2, 2014

According to a pair of new job listings, Apple is looking for folks to help with a major rewrite of its Maps app programming interface. The listings, which were posted yesterday, call for software engineers to aid the company in a major overhaul of its Maps API.

The job descriptions call for cross-functional leaders to join the Apple Maps API team, which is responsible for the "doorway" to all systems powering the Maps service. The company says it has "big plans" for the API, and is overhauling things front-to-back...

App Recap: a mid-week look at 8 must-have apps

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

If you're looking for a deal on one of the best calendar apps available for iPad, or interested in trying out a brand new Atari-inspired game, don't go anywhere. This edition of App Recap, which covers the best new, updated and discounted apps on the App Store, has a great selection of 8 must-have apps for iPhone and iPad. Wednesday was not an overwhelmingly busy day in terms of apps, but the list ahead should keep you occupied…

T-Mobile to begin offering accessories on installment plans this month

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 8, 2017

According to a new report, T-Mobile is set to begin allowing the purchase of accessories on EIPs (or equipment installment plans) later this month. Citing a leaked internal memo from the carrier, TmoNews says that the new option will be available on July 20th.

The move will enable customers to pick up their favorite accessories, such as Beats headphones or Bluetooth speakers, without having to pay a large sum of cash up front. As it does with smartphones, T-Mobile will split up the price into small, monthly payments...

Voice messaging could be an integral iWatch feature

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

As it becomes more clear that Apple is actually planning to release its highly-anticipated iWatch, the rumor mill has shifted towards what kinds of features the smart watch could have. It appears that voice messaging could be at the top of the list, at least according to a recent talk that UBS analyst Steven Milunovich had with Apple CEO Tim Cook in China…

Taasky is a beautiful and minimalistic task manager for Mac

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Taasky for Mac is one of the latest entrants in a highly competitive market of apps for task management, to-do lists and getting things done. How it aims to stand out of the pack is with a beautiful and sleek design, but how does it stack up functionally? Taasky can be best described as simple, both from a design and usage perspective. After giving the app a test drive on my Mac for a few days, here are my first impressions…

Let’s Talk Jailbreak 63: 50 things you always wanted to know about ProWidgets but were too shy to ask

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Episode 63: Jeff, Sebastien, and Cody discuss Pangu v 1.1, the implications of a jailbreak this late in the game, and more. The team also talks about iOS 7.1.x compatible tweaks, Chinese hackers, and nitrogen infused beer.

Sponsor: Use hired.com/jailbreakpodcast to get 5-15 job offers in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, and also get a double signing bonus of $4,000 bonus when you accept a job by using the hired.com/jailbreakpodcast url.

iPhone 5c outsold Galaxy S5 in the UK

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 2, 2014

I'm sick and tired of hearing armchair analysts repeatedly proclaiming Apple's unapologetically plastic iPhone 5c a failure just because sales numbers don't meet their wet dream targets.

I bought an iPhone 5c for my Mom's birthday. My friend owns one. Yes, I even see it used in public.

To this date, not a single iPhone 5c owner exhibited a case of buyer's remorse.

I mean, you never hear anyone complaining about Apple's practice of keeping past two iPhone generations on the market at reduced prices whenever a new model comes along. The strategy has served the company well and that's exactly what the iPhone 5c is - a previous-gen iPhone repackaged inside a plastic chassis, sold at a discount.

A lot of ink has been spilled to paint the iPhone 5c a dud, but time and again real world numbers simply don't corroborate this notion. A good example is a new Kantar survey proving that Apple's mid-tier handset beat Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S5 in terms of sales in the United Kingdom...