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.

Proposed Next-gen iPhone Components Reveal Similar Design to Current Model

Cody Lee ∙ May 14, 2011

We've said it before. With so little known about the unreleased iPhone this year, expect to see non-stop speculation regarding Apple's next smartphone. While last year, we knew almost everything about the device, we're not even totally positive there is going to be one this year.

The latest bit of gossip comes from ModMyi, who have posted a photograph of an iPhone 5 component. The snapshot comes from an Italian blog which, thanks to Google Translate, claims they have actual photos of parts used in the next iPhone...

iPhone and App Store in Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition

Cody Lee ∙ May 13, 2011

We've seen that the iPhone isn't just a popular smartphone, it's also an extremely popular camera. But apparently those aren't the only categories that Apple's Swiss Army Knife-of-a-device ranks highly in.

Gamasutra, the website for everything video games, has recently reported some interesting facts from the Guinness World Records 2011 Gamer's Edition. We knew that iDevices were popular gaming machines, but had no idea how popular...

iPad 3 Retina Display? Samsung Thinks it's Possible

Cody Lee ∙ May 13, 2011

The iPad 2 hasn't even been out a full 3 months yet, and speculation regarding the next iteration of Apple's tablet has already begun. While we've heard rumors of a potential launch date and possible 3D technology, little else is known about the device.

Even though a new iPad isn't expected for quite some time, it is an Apple product. Investors and tech heads alike want to know every detail possible about it and how it's going to measure up to the competition.

The latest speculation regarding Apple's next tablet comes from a report that Samsung will be demonstrating a new 10.1-inch display next week at Display Week 2011. The screen has a resolution of 2560 x 1600.

Not only is the display sporting 300 dots per inch (iPhone 4 has 326 dpi), it uses Samsung's PenTile technology which allows it to consume 40% less power than its counterparts.

Why is Samsung's new display connected with the next iPad? The Korean company has been providing components (including display panels) for Apple's iDevices since their inception. Even if Apple doesn't use this exact model, the fact that the technology is available is a testament in itself.

Expect to see something similar to this in the iPad 3, as Apple tries to keep up with the Jones' in the tablet market. They couldn't possibly try their 1024 x 768 again, which has quickly fallen to the back of the pack.

What do you think?

[Tuaw]

Tweetbot Receives 1.1 Update, Landscape Support in Tow

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Ever since Alex introduced me to Tweetbot, I've been smitten. While some folks claim the interface is too busy, I appreciate the sharp graphics and quick animations. However, the original version was missing some key features, like support for landscape mode.

This made tweeting kind of a pain because I tend to type much faster with my iPhone turned sideways. Luckily there was a jailbreak tweak available to force the app sideways. Now for all of you stock iPhone users, Tapbots has released Tweetbot 1.1 to let you join in on the landscape party...

Stampr, a New Jailbreak Tweak That Timestamps Your Photos for You

Cody Lee ∙ May 13, 2011

For those who haven't heard the news yet, the iPhone isn't just a popular smart phone, it's also a popular camera. In fact, studies show that Apple's smartphone is among the most-used point and shoot cameras in the world.

If you too love your iPhone camera, but find yourself missing your old 32mm, Cydia has a tweak for you. Stampr gives your iPhone photos a touch of nostalgia by adding the time and date stamp to the bottom of each snapshot...

iKeyboard Promises Touch-Typing on Your iPad

Cody Lee ∙ May 12, 2011

One of the biggest downfalls of tablet PCs is the virtual keyboard. Folks who rely on their portable computers for heavy data input have avoided the new trend, due to the lack of a proper keyboard. Up until now, touch-typing on tablets has been a pipe-dream, but Cliff Thier is looking to change that with his invention, the iKeyboard.

This slip on accessory is guaranteed to make you type faster by eliminating the need for "hunt and peck" typing. iKeyboard slips over your iPad 2 in landscape mode, and outlines your virtual keyboard.

Not only does this make finding keys easier, it adds a layer of material on top of your iPad so you can rest your fingers on the keys without typing. This also provides for a similar tactile experience as a normal keyboard.

You can't pick one of these up at the local Best Buy just yet. Cliff Thier started a Kickstarter project for his iKeyboard and it is expected to be funded June 28. Though he has already reach his goal, feel free to pledge $30 or more to grab one of these before they hit the selves. My mouth's watering just thinking about typing with one of these things.

What about you?

Labor and Materials Shortages Could Impact iPhone 4 Shipments

Cody Lee ∙ May 12, 2011

If you are currently sporting an iPhone 3GS or older model and are thinking you might not be able to hold out for the next product refresh, you may want to grab an iPhone 4 while it's still available.

DigiTimes is reporting that Taiwan-based manufacturing firm Foxconn is facing a shortage of both labor and materials at its China plants. This will likely affect shipments of Apple's new iPad 2 tablet and the popular iPhone 4...

Patent Reveals Apple is Looking into New Keyboard Technology

Cody Lee ∙ May 12, 2011

Apple really shocked the world when they unveiled the original iPhone back in 2007. An all touch screen device with no stylus and an on-screen keyboard was certainly not the norm for the wireless industry at that time.

The iPhone's virtual keyboard has generally been at the top of its class, but that hasn't stopped Apple from experimenting. AppleInsider has come across an interesting patent application from the Cupertino company for a new style of compact keyboard...

The Olloclip is a Multi-Purpose Clip-on Lens for Your iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ Updated September 20, 2016

It's no secret that the iPhone is the most popular camera in the world. The new iPhone 4's 5 MP shooter is pretty solid when it comes to mobile phone cameras, but unlike standalone picture-takers, it doesn't have many options to tweak. There's no white balance or shutter settings, and no interchangeable lenses.

Patrick O'Neil and Chong Pak are looking to change that with their olloclip accessory. The tiny lens just slides on your iPhone 4, instantly giving you the ability to shoot fisheye, wide angle, and macro photos...

Cydia Tweak Alerts You When Your iPhone is Fully Charged

Cody Lee ∙ May 11, 2011

Jailbreak tweaks are a dime a dozen these days. There seems to be one of these iOS extensions for nearly everything, from uploading photos to Facebook to sharing your music on Twitter.

And in case you needed an app to give you a heads up when your iPhone battery is completely charged, Cydia has you covered there too. Full Charge Alert is a tiny tweak in the jailbroken App Store and I'll give you 3 guesses what it does...

Apple Reviewing DUI Checkpoint Apps

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Yesterday, Apple testified in a U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing on mobile privacy. Senator Al Franken called the Senators, as well as both Apple and Google, to talk about mobile privacy in wake of the recent cell phone tracking panic.

While Apple was pressed hard by the panel on the recently exposed tracking file, they were also questioned on their App Store submission policy. Typically, the Cupertino company is criticized for their app entry policy being too strict, but not this time...