Year: 2014

Apple said to phase out non-Retina model from MacBook Pro lineup

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 5, 2014

After reportedly making the decision to axe the iPad 2 "in the near future", now comes word that Apple's non-Retina 13-inch MacBook Pro model is next on the chopping block. If true, this would streamline the company's notebook offering after the non-Retina production winds down in the second half of 2014, in time for a refresh around Intel's forthcoming Broadwell processors.

The move would reduce the Mac notebook lineup to non-Retina MacBook Airs (which may or may not get a Retina treatment later this year) and all-Retina MacBook Pros, potentially leaving future MacBook Pro buyers without a built-in CD/DVD optical drive...

Apple’s M7 motion coprocessor caught tracking movement after battery dies

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 5, 2014

Apple's M7 motion tracking chip found inside the iPhone 5s, iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display is apparently able to track a user's motion activity even after the battery dies. According to a post by Reddit user Glarznak, his iPhone 5s was able to track his every movement even after the battery died on him. He was able to confirm this by using the Argus fitness app which showed a number of steps for the four days that his phone was dead...

Let’s Talk Jailbreak 47: That escalated quickly

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated March 28, 2023

Episode 47: It's been a big week for the jailbreak community as highly anticipated tweaks like IntelliScreenX 7 and Vertex are reviewed. We also discuss the upcoming release of Auxo 2, along with our observations from Sentry's recent teaser videos. Finally, we chit-chat about Polus, PowerBanners, and Unread.

Users complain of Lightning cable issues due to corrosion

Cody Lee ∙ March 5, 2014

Apple has been taking criticism for its new Lightning connector since it was introduced alongside the iPhone 5 in 2012. The change instantly made millions of cases and other accessories incompatible, forcing users to either buy updated products or do without.

Those complaints have since spilled over into the Lightning cable's durability, with the Apple Store showing a 1.5 star rating of the cable on over 1,200 reviews. Apparently the cable is vulnerable to breakage, fraying, and according to a new report, corrosion as well...

Corning exec slams sapphire, calling it heavy and environmentally unfriendly

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 28, 2017

We've known for a while now that Corning, the manufacturer behind Gorilla Glass used in several mobile devices, wasn't a fan of sapphire crystal as an option for protective display material. And why should it be, considering the tech is a direct competitor to its flagship Gorilla line.

But at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference yesterday, the company escalated the beef with some comments made by SVP Tony Tripeny. When asked about the 'puts and takes' of sapphire, the exec called it heavy, expensive and environmentally unfriendly...

Encrypted chat app ‘Cryptocat’ now available on iOS

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Popular encrypted chat app Cryptocat has launched this week for iOS. Originally available as a desktop app and a browser plugin, the app offers strong encryption and secrecy for text conversations, as well as protection from government intrusion thanks to its Swedish nuclear bunker headquarters.

This week's iOS launch comes after an initial rejection by Apple's app review team in December. Cryptocat's founder Nadim Kobeissi called Apple's reason for rejection 'illegitimate,' but it's obvious someone or something had to give because the app is now available for download in the App Store...

Apple ‘iRing’ concept brought to life by Kickstarter project

Cody Lee ∙ March 5, 2014

Around this time last year, Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White made headlines for a note he sent to investors regarding the 'iRing.' White said that Apple was working on a television set that could read motion gestures from a user who was wearing a ring-shaped device on their finger.

Well, we have yet to see the product materialize, but a company called Logbar is looking to change that with their new Kickstarter project. It's called 'Ring: shortcut to everything,' and once connected to your mobile device, it allows you to send texts, control your home appliances, and more...

Roku announces new $50 Apple TV, Chromecast competitor ‘Streaming Stick’

Cody Lee ∙ March 4, 2014

As the race for the living room heats up, and rumors of an upcoming Apple TV refresh continue to swirl, Roku has announced its latest entry into the space called the Streaming Stick. The $50 accessory plugs into the HDMI port of your TV and streams a variety of content.

Looking at its size and price tag, the Streaming Stick seems like a direct competitor to Google's Chromecast. But the device features a remote control and on-screen navigational menus, which puts its functionality close to Roku's set-top box, and more on par with Apple TV...

Real Racing 3 gains iOS 7 controller support, Photo mode, car customization, Aston Martin and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 9, 2016

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year already since Electronic Arts released its free-to-play Real Racing 3 in the App Store. On the downside, a year is a long time in mobile so aside from avid fans, many casual gamers may have by now stopped enjoying this otherwise excellent racer.

If you needed an excuse to re-download and fire up Real Racing 3 on your device, Electronic Arts is celebrating the game's first anniversary and has marked the occasion by issuing a fresh content update today. It contains a bunch of new goodies, including support for the physical iOS 7 controllers helping turn Real Racing 3 into a more of a console experience.

Some of the surprises include deep car customization options along with a brand new Photo mode to go with it. "After seeing everyone creating amazing screenshots with Replays, we're excited to see what players do with Photo mode," developer Firemonkey teased.

As a bonus, you can now drive Aston Martin sports cars and everyone gets to grab a free 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. Jump past the fold for the full reveal...

Twelve South launches SurfacePad for the iPad Mini

Cody Lee ∙ March 4, 2014

Mac and iOS device accessory maker Twelve South launched its popular SurfacePad for the iPad mini today. The cover, which hit the market last spring for the iPhone 5, is made up of high-quality Napa leather and doubles as both a stand and typing wedge.

But what sets the SurfacePad apart from other covers and cases is that it uses an adhesive backing to attach to the device, rather than trying to fit around the device, which helps cut down on thickness. The cover comes in at just 0.1 inches (or 3.0 mm) thick...

Apple launches iPhone trade-in program in France

Cody Lee ∙ March 4, 2014

In August of last year, Apple introduced an official trade-in program for iPhones. The deal gives customers an affordable way to upgrade to a new handset by getting store credit based on the value of their current, working iPhone—up to $300 depending on model and condition.

Initially, Apple only accepted trade-ins in-store in the United States, but it has since expanded the program to the UK and India. And yesterday, an Apple spokesperson confirmed that the company has rolled out the popular trade-in offering to a third country this week: France...

Ferrari shows off CarPlay integration with last-century resistive touchscreen tech

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Following Volvo and Mercedes-Benz video tours of Apple's newly announced in-car system dubbed CarPlay (formerly iOS in the Car), Apple's third launch partner - the Italian sports car maker Ferrari - today showcased the technology at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.

Apple has even dispatched its VP of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing, Greg Joswiak, to help launch the new Ferrari FF with CarPlay. Unfortunately, the car manufacturer has made a terrible decision outfitting the Ferrari FF with a resistive touchscreen that requires users to press firmly to register touches...