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.

Biometric expert breaks down how an iPhone fingerprint sensor could work

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

After months of rumors and speculation, evidence popped up last month seemingly confirming that future iOS devices will have built-in fingerprint sensors. Code was found hidden in iOS 7 that refers directly to the feature, suggesting we could see it as soon as this year.

The idea, though, of Apple putting fingerprint sensors in its mobile devices spawns a number of questions like: what will it be used for, how will it work, and how durable will it be? Luckily, biometric authentication expert Geppy Parziale has decided to impart some of his wisdom...

China investigating Apple suppliers over pollution concerns

Cody Lee ∙ August 5, 2013

Authorities in China are investigating two Taiwan-based Apple suppliers over pollution concerns, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal. Environmental regulators believe that both UniMicron and Foxconn are knowingly polluting their water tables.

The investigation follows accusations made last week by Chinese activist Ma Jun and a number of nonprofit organizations. They claim that factories in Kunshan, China belonging to the two companies are guilty of releasing water tainted by toxic metals into the rivers...

Survey finds 52% of developers are working on iOS 7-only app updates

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Last month, we asked our readers if they would pay for iOS 7 app updates on apps they already owned. With all of the UI changes and new features Apple's added in the software, developers are having to spend an enormous amount of time and resources to bring their apps up to speed.

Looking at the comments in that post, though, the answer was clearly a resounding "no." In fact, a lot of readers claimed that they'd rather stay on iOS 6, than update to iOS 7 and have to repay for their favorite apps. Well, if this new survey is any indication, that may not be an option...

Spotify introduces new curated playlists

Cody Lee ∙ August 5, 2013

Streaming music services aren't just about the music these days. Aside from obvious bullet points like price and availability, users are also looking for features like discovery and smart playlists. And Spotify just made a huge play in this regard.

A few hours ago, Spotify took the wraps off its new 'Browse' page, which now features what it calls 'expert playlists.' These are essentially curated playlists that promise to deliver 'music for every moment,' from workouts to dinner parties...

Square Register for iOS updated with payment tracking, Bluetooth printer support and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Even if you're not a Square user, you should pay attention to what the company is doing in the mobile payment space. This is an area Apple has long been rumored to be getting into, expanding on its Passbook app, and if that happens, Square will be among its top competitors.

Having said that, Square updated its popular Register software today, bringing the app to version 3.2. The changes made in the update are fairly significant, and include the ability to track and record a number of various payments types, and [finally] Bluetooth printer support...

Apple subsidiary FileMaker restructuring, reportedly lays off 20 staffers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

Following its announcement that it was going to be discontinuing its popular Mac and iOS database software 'Bento' to work on its flagship product line, FileMaker has reportedly laid off some 20 of its full-time employees.

The layoffs are said to be part of a major restructuring, as the company moves to shift its focus to its more successful enterprise applications, and consolidate its workforce, in an effort to stay profitable amidst slumping sales...

Apple revises iTunes terms to allow educational accounts for children under 13

Cody Lee ∙ August 4, 2013

Apple has altered its iTunes Terms and Conditions to permit children under the age of 13 to operate individual iTunes accounts created at the request of an 'approved educational institution,' signaling the beginning of its next big push into education.

Previously, the company restricted iTunes accounts to children aged 13 or older. But with it landing major iPad distribution deals with school districts, the Mac-maker has announced that it will be changing its policy with the fall release of iOS 7...

Study finds landing the iPhone saved T-Mobile from losing at least 300,000 customers

Cody Lee ∙ August 4, 2013

Even if it doesn't look like it on paper, this has been a big year for T-Mobile. Since January, the company has launched its LTE network, unveiled new plans, and has managed to get the attention of the larger carriers with its new 'Jump' device upgrade program.

But perhaps the biggest thing that happened to T-Mobile this year was that it finally inked an iPhone deal. Until March, it was the only major US carrier not offering the handset. And according to a new study, landing it likely saved them over 300,000 customers...

Upcoming ‘Neon Shadow’ game features same-device co-op multiplayer

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Looking through some of the more popular games in the App Store, most of them appear to feature rather simple gameplay. There's Bad Piggies, Cut the Rope and Candy Crush, all of which can be played with swipes and taps.

On the other hand, there's also a number of iOS developers pushing the envelope. And a good example of that is the upcoming Neon Shadow game—a first person shooter that offers same-device co-op multiplayer mode on the iPad...

New videos of alleged iPad 5 and low-cost ‘iPhone 5C’ surface

Cody Lee ∙ August 3, 2013

During Apple's quarterly earnings call last month, Tim Cook said that the company had some "amazing new hardware" coming this fall. It's something he's mention several times over the past few months, and we've seen plenty of evidence to back it up.

Over the past 6 months, we've seen a number of purported part leaks for different rumored and anticipated Apple products. And today, we're adding to the pile. This morning, two new videos hit the web of an alleged iPad 5 and the low-cost 'iPhone 5C'...

Obama Administration vetoes ITC’s US sales ban on Apple products

Cody Lee ∙ Updated August 9, 2013

Huge news out of Washington this afternoon, as reports are coming in that President Obama has stepped in and vetoed the ITC’s decision to place a US import ban on a handful of Apple's older iOS devices. The ban came after the International Trade Commission found some of Apple's products infringed on 2 Samsung cellular patents.

The ruling was handed down on June 4, and exclusion orders were sent to the White House, giving Obama's Administration 60 days to veto the ban based on "public policy." And that 60-day deadline would've ended soon, but it looks like the President has heeded to the requests of Verizon, AT&T and others to overturn the ITC's decision...

Following ‘Dungeons’ cancelation, new evidence suggests Infinity Blade 3 in the works

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Following months of silence, Chair co-founder and Creative Director Donald Mustard announced last month that 'Infinity Blades: Dungeons' had been canceled. Rumors about the game had been bouncing around since it debuted onstage at Apple's iPad 3 event.

But it doesn't look like fans are going to have to mourn the title's demise for very long. According to a Senior QA Tester’s LinkedIn profile, Infinity Blade-creator Chair looks to be in the middle of either development or beta testing a sequel to the popular game...