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.

Is Apple Planning a Major Product Launch for Its Retail Stores 10th Anniversary?

Apple Retail stores were initially met with some criticism. A lot of skeptics didn't think that Apple would sell enough products to turn enough profit to cover the expensive property taxes on posh locations like the Fifth Avenue store.

However, several years and locations later, the stores continue to be a success. The retail chain devoted specifically to selling and educating folks on Apple products is coming up on its 10th anniversary and BGR is claiming they've heard Apple's planning something huge...

Rumor Mill Pegs iPhone 5 UK Release Date, November 21

Obviously when the word "rumor" is in the title, the content of the article should be taken with a grain of salt. We try and report any new next generation iPhone information, whether it be rumor or speculation, to give readers a full marker set to draw their own conclusions.

Combining all of the gossip we've heard so far, the iPhone doesn't sound like it's coming in June. While Apple has a tendency to surprise, I doubt they'd let millions of customers think that a new iPhone wasn't coming this summer, if it was. So if they're not following the typical release cycle, when can we expect Apple's next smartphone?

PictureMe Adds Timer and Rapid Shot Functions to Your iPhone Camera

While the stock Camera.app in iOS lacks many basic functions, applications in the App Store and Cydia usually do a good job of filling in for the missing features.

There are apps that allow you to take panoramic photographs and there are even apps that will automatically stamp your pics with the time and date. Well, word on the street is that another tweak is on its way to Cydia, and it's bringing some interesting photo-taking features to the stock Camera app...

Mopho DJ Takes iPhone Music Mixing to the Next Level

There are plenty of applications in the App Store for making your own music on your iDevice. In fact, we reviewed a great one on iDB called djay by Algoriddim earlier this year.

But if you've been looking for a way to use your iPhone to create music in a way that's not quite so conventional, you've got to check out this concept that Stanford Researcher Nick Brian has come up with...

Seagate Introduces Wireless Storage for iOS Devices

Though the iPhone has certainly evolved into a top-notch smartphone, it's not completely perfect. In fact, one of its major downfalls (as Android-toting skeptics are quick to point out) is the lack of expandable memory.

The iPhone comes in 2 flavors, 16GB and 32GB. Chose wisely, because whatever you decide, you'll pretty much be stuck with. With no SD card slot, many users are forced into unreliable cloud solutions for extra space. Now for the alternative...

iPad Survives Getting Run Over by a Car, Thanks to Extreme Sleeve

Remember that iPad case that we showed you earlier this year called the Extreme Sleeve? Let me give you a quick reminder. G-Form, a company well known for their extreme sports protective gear has ventured into the portable electronic arena. They have made protective gear for MacBooks and other laptops, and they now have one for the iPad.

Their G-Form Extreme Sleeve has been grabbing headlines over the last few months, as the G-Form team has gone through great lengths to prove its durability. They've dropped bowling balls on their Extreme Sleeve-covered iPads and have even dropped one out of an airplane. Each time the iPad has emerged unharmed.

When we previously reported on the product it was not available yet, but it promised to start shipping May 2nd of this year. Well it looks like the Extreme Sleeve is starting to make its way to user's hands, as a new video from Mobile Syrup puts the Sleeve through its own durability test. Is the Extreme Sleeve tough enough to protect an iPad from being run over by a car? Let's watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrLNVcYz6ZM

Though the video stops playing, the iPad appears to be just fine. Now that these G-Form Extreme Sleeves are available to the masses, I'm guessing this isn't the last we've seen of these extreme iPad survival videos. I'm sure G-Form is loving the free viral advertising.

What do you think?

Nuance Voices in New Mac OS X Update, Partnership Confirmed?

If you have been getting really excited about all of the rumors concerning the Apple and Nuance partnership, you'll love this. For those that don't own Mac computers, a really big software update called Mac OS X Lion is on the horizon.

In fact, Apple is slated to talk about the new release at their developer's conference next month along with the new iOS 5. OS X Lion is currently in preview mode, where developers are allowed to tinker with the new OS and its new features. One thing developers have noticed so far are the new voice samples...

State Farm App Uses Your iDevice to Grade Your Driving

Though using your phone while driving usually makes for a dangerous combination, this app hopes to have the opposite effect.

The application from State Farm, called Driver Feedback, uses the built-in accelerometer and GPS of your iDevice to grade your driving. Don't worry, the results gathered from the app won't impact your car insurance rates, you don't even have to be a State Farm customer to use it...

Apple Offering Free iOS Repairs Following Japan Tragedy

A heart warming story is traveling around the tech blogs today surrounding the often criticized Cupertino company's recent actions in Japan. No, this isn't more bad news concerning Apple part suppliers mistreating employees.

A TUAW reader sent the the blog a tip that Apple is offering free repair services for Mac users who were affected by the tsunami and earthquake earlier this year. According to the company's Japanese website, they are offering free repair on any Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch that was damaged in the disaster...

Halo Maker Bungie Looking to Develop for iOS

We've been talking about iOS gaming a lot lately here on iDB. After all, the platform has some serious records in the video game industry.

Following the news that Electronic Arts was purchasing Firemint, another console software company is apparently eyeing iOS for future development. Several tech sites are reporting that Bungie, developer of the hit Xbox 360 Halo series, is preparing to launch a title on the iDevice platform...

New Case Suggests New Features for the iPhone 5

Next-generation iPhone rumors are like cute girls on an elevator; there's always room for one more. With little known about Apple's next smartphone, all we have to go on is the gossip.

The latest tidbit comes from GadgetsDNA, who have come across an "iPhone 5G" case on an online retailer's website. Kulcase LTD makes cases for smartphones and apparently they can predict the future...

Forgot to Lock the Door of Your House? There’s an App for That

Lockitron is a solution that combines hardware and software to give you wireless control of your home's deadbolts. In fact, you can control the locks on your doors from anywhere in the world.

Using a Lockitron Self-install kit and compatible phone software, you can unlock your door with the tap of a button. We've seen wireless unlock solutions for the car before, but not for the home...