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.

Use Siri to Dictate Text on Your Desktop With this Workaround

Cody Lee ∙ November 20, 2011

Even though Siri has received mixed reviews, a majority of the public seems to like the digital assistant. Folks are chomping at the bit for the feature to be ported to the iPhone 4 and other non-approved devices. And some are even hoping it finds its way to the Mac.

While we wait for Siri to arrive on the desktop by way of either Apple or hackers, this workaround might help fill the void. It allows users to dictate text on their desktop computers (Mac or PC) using Siri. It doesn't cost any money, and it's actually really easy to do...

RadioShack Receiving Sprint iPhone 4S Shipments this Weekend

Cody Lee ∙ November 19, 2011

We reported yesterday on the iPhone 4S supply issues that have been plaguing US operators since the device launched last month. The three major iPhone carrier partners are having trouble keeping up with consumer demand.

Most retailers are sold out of the phone in-store and are reporting shipping dates at least two weeks out. For those of you still trying to get your hands on this year's hottest handset, you may want to try your local RadioShack this weekend...

How the iPhone 4S Stacks Up Against Competition

Cody Lee ∙ November 19, 2011

For those of you who are in the market for a new smartphone, or recently bought one and want to know how yours stacks up against the competition, you'll be happy to hear that the folks over at AnandTech have done some research that you might find useful.

They've performed a series of benchmarks with all of the latest smartphones, including the new Google Galaxy Nexus, to see which handset is the fastest of them all. The tests include JavaScript loading, GPU loading, and browser speed. And the results may surprise you...

Why the iPhone Makes Apple a Ton of Money

Cody Lee ∙ November 19, 2011

A recent report by Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley claimed that Apple is currently pocketing 52% of the handset industry's operating profits among the top 8 OEMs. And that's not just smartphones, that's the entire mobile phone market.

That's a staggering number considering Apple has only released 5 handsets in its short time as a phone-maker. How does Apple manage to pull in more money than other manufacturers, like Samsung or Motorola, that release dozens of new phone models a year?

Get Your NFL Game On With Flick Quarterback for iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 21, 2018

Looking for a way to get right in the middle of NFL action this year? Flick Quarterback for the iPhone might be just what you're looking for. The game was created by Full Fat, the developers behind other hit iOS titles like Flick Soccer and Flick Golf.

The app is currently listed as the App Store's "Game of the Week," and features all 32 NFL teams. It's based on the same flick motion controls that have made the other Flick games so successful, and has tons of NFL-specific features...

Patent Reveals That Apple Does Have Interest in NFC

Cody Lee ∙ November 19, 2011

In the months leading up to Apple's Fall iPhone announcement, there were several rumors that claimed Apple's next smartphone would feature NFC technology. Competing devices have had the wireless payment tech for years, but it's only recently started to gain traction.

Obviously, the gossip didn't materialize, as there isn't any kind of NFC chipset in the iPhone 4S. But that doesn't mean that Apple is ignoring the technology. The company was recently awarded a patent regarding Near Field Communications in mobile devices...

AT&T Raises Contract Price of iPhone 3GS to $0.99

Cody Lee ∙ November 18, 2011

A lot of folks expected Apple to introduce an all-new handset this year. But instead of unveiling a completely new iPhone model, Apple announced that it was going to make its iPhone 3GS free with contract to appeal to the low-end smartphone market.

The $0 handset has reportedly been doing very well for AT&T. One can only imagine the marketing power of the phrase "get a free iPhone today." But it doesn't look like the carrier will be able to use such a tagline anymore, as it's mysteriously raised the 3GS' price tag to $0.99...

“No SIM Card” Error Plaguing Some iPhone 4S Users

Cody Lee ∙ November 18, 2011

Apple has had its hands full with iPhone 4S issues over the past month. There's been reports of poor battery performance (associated with iOS 5), audio echoing during phone calls, and connection issues with both Wi-Fi and 3G networks.

Now it appears that another problem with the device has surfaced in Apple's discussion boards. One support forum is filled with iPhone 4S users that are getting frequent "No SIM card installed" errors, rendering their smartphones practically useless...

US Carriers Still Struggling to Keep Up With iPhone 4S Demand

Cody Lee ∙ November 18, 2011

Apple has received a lot of criticism over the iPhone 4S since it was unveiled last month. After an additional 5 months of waiting for an announcement, a lot of folks were disappointed when the rumored iPhone 5 didn't turn up at Apple's event.

But that hasn't seemed to affect sales of the device. More than 4 million iPhone 4S units were sold during opening weekend. US carriers sold out of their stock within 48 hours, and now, more than a month later, they still can't seem to keep up with consumer demand...

iPad and iPhone Top Kids’ Wish Lists This Holiday Season

Cody Lee ∙ November 18, 2011

Where has this year gone? Thanksgiving is next week, and after that you'll have less than a month to finish up your holiday shopping. For those of you who are still looking for gift ideas for the little ones in your life, you might want to go with something from Apple.

A recent report from Nielsen, a marketing research firm, shows that Apple's line of iDevices sit at the top of kids' wish lists this year. The iPad and iPhone not only beat out other smartphones and tablets, but they also topped every gaming system as well...

How to Unlock Your GSM iPhone 4S, No Jailbreak Required [Updated]

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 3, 2018

Early GSM iPhone 4S adopters may be happy to hear that Twitter user xoicos has found a way to unlock the new handset using a bug in iOS 5. Of course, we know that Apple sells unlocked phones outright, but they are considerably more expensive.

Unlocking a device means that you are be able to activate it on other wireless carriers outside of the one you purchased the phone on. Initially, unlocking the iPhone required complexed baseband tweaking, but now it could be as easy as following these steps...

Patent Reveals Apple’s Work on Crack-Resistant Glass for Future Devices

Cody Lee ∙ November 17, 2011

Apple's recent iPhone design, the one featured on both the iPhone 4 and 4S handsets, has received a lot of praise over the past year. Pundits have compared the device's quality and timeless construction to that of an illustrious Leica camera.

But the handset's design also has one major downfall: its front and back glass panels. Its nearly all-glass outer casing has made the iPhone noticeably more fragile and susceptible to damages than other smartphones. But Apple is looking to fix that...