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.

BlackBerry, Dell not concerned about Apple-IBM deal

You would think hearing that Apple is teaming up with IBM to push further into the enterprise space would be worrisome for competitors. But both Dell and BlackBerry, who are each in the process of reshaping their businesses, say they're unfazed.

In an interview this week, Dell's John Swainson said that while he thought the announcement "made for a good press release," he fails to see how the pair can prosper. Likewise, BlackBerry CEO John Chen likened the deal to "two elephants dancing."

Apple acquires book recommendation startup BookLamp

During Apple's quarterly earnings conference call on Tuesday, Tim Cook said that the company has acquired 5 companies in the last 4 months, not including Beats electronics. We've known about two of the purchases, Spotsetter and LuxVue, and today we add a third.

TechCrunch is reporting that Apple recently acquired BookLamp, a startup based out of Boise, Idaho, that developed big data-style book analytics services. Described as "Pandora for books," the service recommends books through digital analysis of author writing styles...

Big increase in Apple spending suggests major new products incoming

For those of you still skeptical that Apple is gearing up for a blockbuster fall, check out this report from Morgan Stanley's Katy Huberty. The analyst dug through its just-released 10-Q filing, and she says it reveals a lot about its upcoming plans.

Huberty explains that the company's significant increase in spending all-but-confirms that we'll see some major new products this year. In fact, its quarter-over-quarter increase is the largest we've seen since it introduced the first iPhone in 2007...

Verizon to soon begin throttling select unlimited LTE customers

Back in 2011, Verizon began throttling data output for the top 5% of its 3G customers on unlimited data plans. The carrier had just picked up the iPhone, and was in the process of rolling out its LTE network, so it needed a low-cost way to save bandwidth.

Fast forward to today, and Verizon issued a press release announcing a similar policy for LTE customers. Starting in October, the company plans to start "optimizing its network," which is a nice way of saying it's going to start throttling high-volume users...

Google reportedly buying streaming video platform Twitch for $1 billion

Google has reportedly reached an agreement to acquire Twitch for $1 billion. After several months of rumors that the search giant was courting the streaming video platform, VentureBeat says that it has confirmed with several sources that it's a done deal.

For those unfamiliar with the service, Twitch is a San Francisco-based company that enables people to broadcast video game sessions from their consoles, computers, and as of March, mobile devices. It also distributes content from CBS Interactive partners...

‘TMNT: Rooftop Run’ goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Attention gamers, Apple has just named 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rooftop Run' its App of the Week for this week. This means that through next Thursday, you’ll be able to pick up the game for both iPhone and iPad, for free—a sizable savings of $4.

TMNT fans will feel right at home in this endless-combat-runner. Set in New York, the game pits Leo, Donnie, Raph, Mikey and other unlockable characters against the Foot Clan and company, and players must run, jump, fight and even drive to save their city...

BioShock may finally be coming to iOS

We've been hearing rumors since 2008 that 2K was bringing its popular first person shooter BioShock to mobile platforms. At one point, they actually released a trailer for the game, and named IG Fun Studios as its mobile port partner.

But somewhere along the way, the concept got shelved, and was never mentioned again—until now. Yesterday, 2K tweeted the above photo followed by '#discuss,' and many believe it's a hint the BioShock mobile project is back in gear...

Spigen introduces new cases for 4.7-inch iPhone 6

We've seen a handful of alleged iPhone 6 cases in the past few months, but for the most part they've been nameless one-offs. Today, however, major accessory-maker Spigen has thrown its hat into the proverbial next-gen ring with new Thin Fit and Thin Fit A cases.

For those unfamiliar with Spigen, it's an Irvine, California-based company that makes cases, screen protectors and various other accessories for smartphones and tablets. And clearly, it's very confident that it knows what Apple's next handset is going to look like...

Modern Combat 5: Blackout now available in the App Store

That wait is finally over. After more than a year of delays, teasers and speculation, Gameloft's 'Modern Combat 5: Blackout' is now available in the App Store. The game, which is one of the year's most highly-anticpated titles, costs $6.99 and features no in-app purchases.

For those of you who haven't been keeping up with our MC5 coverage, it starts out in Italy, where you have been sent on a special operation to secure a transport of WMDs from a particularly well-armed terrorist group. Keep reading for a full overview and gameplay clip...

Apple said to be working with Swatch and others to produce multiple iWatch devices

VentureBeat is out with a new report this afternoon, claiming it has learned that Apple has partnered with Swatch to produce an entire line of 'iWatch' devices. Apparently these devices are going to come in multiple styles, and at a variety of price points.

Citing sources familiar with the project, the outlet says that while the current consensus is that Apple is building one or two iWatches by itself, the firm may actually be preparing a variety of smartwatches with several partners from the watch industry...

Apple’s mobile payment service may launch this fall

Apple's long-rumored mobile payment service may be ready in time for iPhone 6, according to a new report from The Information. Talks between the iPad maker and payments companies are said to be heating up, and the service is nearing completion.

Citing 'people briefed on the talks,' the outlet says that Apple executives have discussed launching a mobile wallet as soon as this fall, which will allow people to use their iPhones to buy things. Such a service has been rumored for the company for years...

Foursquare announces new app, new logo and more

Foursquare, the popular location-based social network, made a string of significant announcements today. Apparently the company has decided it's time to move all check-in activity—its trademark feature—over to its Swarm client, and create an all-new application.

The new app, Foursquare says, will be all about 'personalized local search.' No two people will have the same experience, as it will be based on a number of factors including user taste, people they follow, and places they visit. Oh yeah, and there's a whole new logo too...