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.

The NRA releases controversial Practice Range app, for ages 4 and up

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

The National Rifle Association, a US organization that promotes firearm ownership, safety and self-defense, has released an app for iOS entitled NRA: Practice Range. The app contains several links to different NRA resources, but the focus is obviously on its built-in mini game.

The game itself isn't anything special, it's a shooting range that offers 3 gameplay modes: Indoor Range, Outdoor Range and Skeet Shoot. But what seems to be causing waves in the tech community today are its in-app assault weapons upgrades, and its 'ages 4 and up' App Store rating...

Do reports of iPhone 5 part order cuts mean Apple’s in trouble?

Cody Lee ∙ January 14, 2013

The Wall Street Journal reported last night that Apple has been contacting suppliers to reduce iPhone 5 part orders due to 'weaker-than-expected demand.' The story has made some serious waves today, causing Apple's stock price to drop (at the time of writing) 16 points.

But for several industry watchers, including myself, the math on last night's report just doesn't add up...

US Bank launches NFC iPhone case for Go Mobile payment service

Cody Lee ∙ January 14, 2013

The iPhone may not have near field communications installed, but that's not stopping companies from trying to integrate the tech. US Bank proves that yet again today by unveiling its new NFC-enabled iPhone case.

The case is a major part of the bank's new Go Mobile payment service, which will allow US Bank customers to pay for goods and services from their checking, savings or credit accounts using an NFC-compatible device...

Apple offering new interest-free payment plan in China

Cody Lee ∙ January 14, 2013

Last week, Tim Cook made it clear that Apple intends to beef up its presence in China. The CEO said that although the country is only its second largest market right now (behind the US), it will soon be number one.

With that, comes a report today that Apple has introduced a new interest-free installment payment option to its web store in China as a way of enticing potential customers that may not have enough cash on-hand...

Samsung Galaxy S device sales surpass 100M mark

Cody Lee ∙ January 14, 2013

Hot on the heels of reports that Apple has had to cut iPhone 5 part orders due to weaker-than-expected demand, Samsung has announced that its handset sales are still flourishing.

It appears that the Korean company's popular line of Galaxy S smartphones has recently reached a major milestone, crossing the 100 million unit mark in less than three years...

Apple seen cutting iPhone 5 part orders due to weak demand

Cody Lee ∙ January 14, 2013

The Wall Street Journal issued a report late last night, claiming that it had it on good authority that Apple has been telling its suppliers to cut their iPhone 5 part orders due to, what is believed to be, weak demand.

The publication's sources, who — you guessed it, are familiar with the situation — say that Apple has cut orders for multiple iPhone 5 components, but say screen orders specifically have been cut by nearly 50 percent...

Rumor: Facebook to announce mobile OS next week

Cody Lee ∙ January 12, 2013

The Facebook Phone is one of the longest-running urban legends in the tech world. I can remember it being reported on as far back as 2010, and I'm sure it goes back further than that. But thus far, nothing has materialized, and Mark Zuckerberg himself has even denied its existence.

Despite all of this, a new report is out today claiming that the social network indeed has a handset in the works. And according to the usual "sources familiar with the matter," it's going to use its just-announced January 15th media event to unveil it to the world...

AL13: a slim aluminium bumper for your iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ January 12, 2013

Here at iDB, most of us have adopted the "no-case" policy for our iPhones. Cases are typically bulky, ugly, and although they are made to protect our handsets, they cover up the beautiful design Apple has worked so hard to achieve.

But the folks at the design firm 'm' think they have a cure for the common case. Their new AL13 is an ultra-thin bumper for the iPhone 4/5 that protects the device with lightweight aerospace aluminum without altering its look...

Delta releases new iPad app, updates iPhone app with Passbook support

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

Good news today for all of you travelers out there, especially those in the Delta camp. The major US airline has just released a new iPad app and updated its iPhone app with Passbook support, iPhone 5 support and other improvements.

On the new iPad app, you can find, compare and book flights, and their are dozens of other useful features. And with the updated iPhone app, you can now take advantage of Apple's new Passbook app to store your boarding pass, and more...

Japan’s NTT DoCoMo says it’s willing to negotiate an iPhone deal

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

As talk continues of an upcoming T-Mobile iPhone deal, and rumors continue to swirl of a China Mobile partnership, a new report today says that the Cupertino company could potentially add another major carrier to its stable: Japan's NTT DoCoMo.

Like China Mobile, NTT DoCoMo is its country's largest wireless provider, and its 60 million subscribers account for nearly half of all Japan mobile users. But last November, it suffered its biggest ever net loss of customers. And it blames the iPhone...

FireCore updates aTV Flash (black) with TV show playlists and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 16, 2016

Well, it's Friday afternoon and the folks at FireCore have just given jailbroken second generation Apple TV owners something else to be excited about as the weekend approaches: an update for the popular software suite: aTV Flash (black).

The update, which brings the app to version 2.1, features several improvements including a new TV show playlist option, which makes it easier to pick up where you left off with your favorite show, customizable favorites, and more...

Judge green-lights Kodak patent sale to Apple-Google consortium

Cody Lee ∙ January 11, 2013

Last year, Kodak filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and came up with a plan to sell off its collection of imaging patents to pay off its debts. It wanted more than $2 billion for the IP, but ended up settling on a $525 million offer from a consortium of companies led by Apple and Google. And today, Bankruptcy Court Judge Allan Gropper has green-lighted the deal...