Cody Lee

Cody Lee, iDownloadBlog.com’s longest-serving Editor, joined the site in 2008. He specializes in uncovering the best deals on Apple products, apps, and accessories. With years of experience in technology journalism, Cody helps readers save money while staying informed about the latest trends and updates in the Apple ecosystem. Cody’s history with smartphones goes almost as far back as he does. As the son of a Nokia employee, he was exposed early on to handsets like the N91 and the Communicator. He has since been involved in nearly every aspect of the mobile phone industry. While going to college, he worked at a Nokia factory, building handsets, and later moved on to a sales position at a major wireless carrier.

Puzzler Quell Memento+ goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple has just named Fallen Tree Games' "Quell Memento+" its App of the Week for this week. This means that from now through next Thursday, you’ll be able to download the critically-acclaimed puzzler for free on both iPhone and iPad—saving you $2.99.

If you've never played Quell Memento+, it's a zen-like puzzler set in an old abandoned house. Players are tasked with solving puzzles to restore order to the jumbled memories of the last occupant, which then leads them on a haunting journey of self-discovery.

Samsung to appeal to Supreme Court in Apple patent case

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

As expected, Samsung is taking its patent battle with Apple to the United States Supreme Court. The San Jose Mercury News points to a new court filing from the company, which voices its intent to ask the Supreme Court to hear its case.

In 2012, Samsung was found guilty of infringing on multiple Apple patents and was ordered to pay Apple more than $1 billion in damages. That amount has since been cut in half, but Samsung is hoping to get the sum further reduced.

Samsung posts teaser for upcoming ‘Gear S2’ Apple Watch competitor

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

During its big Galaxy Note 5/S6 Edge+ event last week, Samsung showed off a video teaser of its upcoming Apple Watch competitor, the Gear S2. For folks who missed the keynote, the clip is now available on the company's Mobile YouTube channel.

We can glean quite a bit from the video. The Gear S2 will have a round watch face, similar to the Moto 360 and the LG G Watch R, with round icons and other UI elements to match. It also looks like it will feature heart rate and fitness tracking capabilities.

Apple seeds OS X El Capitan beta 7 to developers

Cody Lee ∙ August 19, 2015

Apple on Wednesday released the seventh OS X El Capitan beta to developers. The new build is available to registered developers via the Updates section of the Mac App Store or through Apple’s Developer Center.

Today’s update comes just over two weeks after Apple pushed out the sixth beta of OS X El Capitan, and well over two months after its initial release in early June during Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference.

iTranslate updated with keyboard extension and Apple Watch support

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Sonico pushed out an update for its iTranslate app today, bringing the iOS client to version 8.4. The software, which is regarded as one of the best translation apps in the App Store, now comes with a keyboard extension and proper Apple Watch Glance.

The keyboard extension is particularly significant, since it can be used in most iOS 8-compatible apps. So now, instead of having to open the iTranslate app to make a translation, you can do it on the fly in WhatsApp, Mail or your favorite Twitter client.

Infuse 3 updated with Touch ID support, faster browsing and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 4, 2018

FireCore updated its versatile media player Infuse 3 for iPhone and iPad today, bringing the app to version 3.5. The update brings about a number of improvements, including faster SMB browsing and a fix for those having AirPlay issues.

Additionally, 3.5 adds support for passcode and Touch ID locking, meaning you can now secure the app using one of these options. This way, videos and other media files you'd like to keep private can only be accessed via proper authentication.

Fossil unveils new Android Wear smartwatch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Clothing and accessory giant Fossil took the stage at Intel's Developer Forum (IDF) on Tuesday to unveil new wearable products. Among them was a connected band, a connected watch, and a new smartwatch based on the Android Wear platform.

The watch bears a circular face, similar to that of the popular Moto 360, which sits upon a classic leather band. Other than that, however, and the fact that it features an Intel processor, Fossil is being fairly coy regarding specs and other device details.

Apple Pay adds support for 18 new banks and credit unions

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple on Tuesday added 18 new banks and credit unions to the growing list of Apple Pay-supporting issuers in the United States. With these additions, Apple Pay is now supported by more than 400 financial institutions nationwide.

Launched in October of last year, Apple Pay is a mobile payment service that allows users to pay for goods and services using iPhone or Apple Watch. It's accepted at hundreds of thousands of retailers and restaurants around the country.

Square Cash app updated to allow you to send money via Apple Watch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Square updated its Square Cash mobile app today, bringing the iOS client to version 2.8. The release brings about full support for the Apple Watch, allowing users to send money to your friends, family or anyone nearby with just a few simple taps.

For those unfamiliar with Square Cash, it's pitched as one of the easiest ways to send and receive money. It's free for consumers and setup only takes a minute to link up a credit or debit card. Plus, all transactions are protected by 128-bit encryption.

Study suggests that one in ten iOS users listens to Apple Music

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Roughly one in ten iOS users is listening to Apple Music, according to a new research study conducted by MusicWatch. The company, which provides consumer research for the music industry, collected data from the surveys of 5,000 U.S. consumers, aged 13 and older.

According to the research, a little over three quarters (77%) of iOS users in the United States are aware of Apple Music. Only 11%, however, of the group surveyed said they are actually using the service, and 48% of those who have tried it out said they are no longer using it.

Documents show Apple’s car is further along than many suspected

Cody Lee ∙ August 14, 2015

Apple's self-driving electric car, codenamed Project Titan, is further along than many suspected, reports The Guardian. The publication has obtained documents that show that the Cupertino company is already scouting locations to test the vehicle.

The Guardian's Mark Harris said the documents were obtained legally under a public records request, and they contain correspondence between Apple engineer Frank Fearon and an employee for top-secret vehicle testing ground GoMentum Station.

Court denies Samsung’s latest appeal request in ongoing patent case

Cody Lee ∙ August 13, 2015

The US Federal Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday denied Samsung's request to reconsider the court's decision to uphold damages awarded in its patent infringement case, reports the San Jose Mercury News. The damages amount to more than $400 million.

This is just the latest turn in what seems to be a never-ending patent case between Samsung and Apple. In 2012, a jury found Samsung guilty of infringing on Apple's patents and awarded the iPhone maker $1 billion in damages, which has since been cut in half.