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.

Capcom’s iOS port of ‘Monster Hunter Freedom Unite’ now available

Following up its big showing at E3 last month, Capcom's iOS port of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is now available in the App Store. Fans of the original can now download a touch-friendly version of the game for the iPhone and iPad, for $15.

For those unfamiliar with the title, 'Freedom Unite' is an episode in Capcom's popular Monster Hunter franchise that made its original debut on the PSP in 2008. And as the name suggests, much of the game revolves around hunting monsters...

Microsoft reportedly building iOS-compatible fitness band

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

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...

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

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...

Apple rolling out two-step verification for iCloud web portal

Apple has apparently begun rolling out a two-step verification system to its iCloud web portal this afternoon. The new system adds an additional layer of security to an area that offers access to web versions of stock Mac and iOS apps like Mail, Contacts and Calendar.

It's not clear if Apple is simply testing the feature with some users or plans to eventually roll it out to all iCloud.com subscribers, but it seems not everyone has access to it yet. Those who do see it, though, say it requires users to enter a special code to access their apps...

New images show alleged iPhone 6 display covers

Adding to the recent barrage of iPhone 6 part leaks and physical mockups, several photos popped up online this afternoon showing display covers that allegedly belong to the handset.

The images depict a white and black component, both of which are said to be display glass covers for the smaller (4.7) version of the two new iPhones Apple is expected to launch this fall...

Apple to launch yearly ‘Back to School’ promo tomorrow

MacRumors is reporting that Apple is set to launch its annual ‘Back to School’ promotion in the US and several other countries beginning tomorrow—Tuesday, July 1st. The company runs the promo at various times in different regions, depending on their respective educational calendars.

According to the site, Apple will be offering up iTunes Store/App Store gift cards to students that purchase a Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Similar to last year, it sounds like students will receive a $100 App Store gift card for the purchase of a new Mac, and a $50 card for new iOS device purchases...

Apple airs new ‘Parenthood’ iPhone 5s ad

Apple has this evening posted a new TV commercial for the iPhone 5s to its YouTube channel. The ad is entitled 'Parenthood,' and it touts the handset’s ability to morph into a useful tool for parents.

Set to the tune of "Life of Dreams," by Julie Doiron, the spot showcases various iPhone apps and products for parents such as Withings' Smart Baby baby monitor and the popular Draw Animal app...

The best apps for taking selfies

I actually hate the word “selfie.” It is one of those trendy words that has stuck around much longer than it was supposed to. It caught on, like a virus, and spread across the world. Even the President of the United States uses it.

I have to admit defeat here, and use the word to describe this list. We know you love to take pictures of yourself with a new outfit, a funny hat, or while eating a burrito. So, here is our list of best apps to take selfies.

How to access iOS 8’s new ‘Flyover City Tours’ feature in Maps

A few days ago it was reported that a new Maps feature was discovered in the just-released beta (2) of iOS 8 called 'City Tours.' Hidden within secret debug menus of the software, the feature takes users on virtual 3D Flyover tours over major cities.

This weekend, it was discovered that City Tours is actually available in the public UI of iOS 8, meaning anyone with the latest version of the developer beta can try it out. Getting to the feature is a little involved, but we'll show you how to do it below...

Google-owned Nest acquires Dropcam for $555 million

Smart thermostat-maker Nest announced on Friday that it has reached an agreement to acquire Dropcam. The company, which itself was purchased by Google earlier this year, says that the all-cash deal is worth a hefty $555 million.

For those unfamiliar with Dropcam, it's behind the popular line of Internet-connected home monitoring cameras. Major selling points for the cameras include easy setup, 2-way audio and remote streaming via any PC or mobile device...

iWatch said to feature blood glucose and sweat sensors

Rumors regarding the iWatch have reached a fever pitch this week. We've heard 3 reports in just the past 2 days, and we've got another one to add to the list this morning. It seems that everyone is interested in Apple's highly anticipated wearable.

Today's report comes from Chinese website Laoyaoba, which claims that Apple has finalized the design and specifications of the watch, and is now awaiting FDA approval. The site also says that the device will include blood glucose and sweat sensors...