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.

Apparently People Stand in Line for the iPad 2 Everywhere

Cody Lee ∙ March 26, 2011

When I wrote about my disappointing 3 hour wait in line for an iPad 2 I knew my time was low. But I had no idea how microscopic it was compared to other Apple fanatics.

The iPad 2 went on sale in 25 countries around the world yesterday and the amount of people that turned out was astonishing. BGR is reporting that people were waiting as long as 53 hours prior to yesterday's launch in Sydney, Australia.

In addition, similar lines were reported across the globe including Germany, The Netherlands, and Canada. In fact, a BGR reader sent in a video of one of the lines at Toronto Eaton Centre in Canada, at around 9:30 a.m. yesterday.

Those who remember the U.S. iPad 2 launch will recall that they did not go on sale until 5:00 p.m. We posted the video below and it's really worth watching, I couldn't believe how far back the line went. It's at least worth watching through the first minute ;p.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6dymsG2INs

How long did you wait in line for your iPad 2? Tell us below!

Verizon iPhone User Statistics May Surprise You

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 3, 2018

From its inception, the Verizon iPhone was destined to be in the spotlight. By the time the actual announcement had been made, rumors had been flying around tech blogs for years about the mystical CDMA iPhone.

Whether publicity is good or bad, it's still publicity. From the disappointing launch to the poor download speeds, Verizon's version of Apple's smart phone juggernaut has maintained our attention. But just how successful has the iPhone been for Big Red this year?

Apple Adds Another “If You Don’t Have an iPhone” Ad to the Lineup

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 1, 2018

Apple is certainly well known and respected for its marketing abilities. From the "I'm a Mac" spots to the iPhone and iPad commercials, the Cupertino juggernaut doesn't seem to miss a beat in making hit commercials. Just a day after we showed you the Apple ad highlighting Apple's Game Center, we've caught another one.

This would be the fifth ad in the "If You Don't Have an iPhone" series since its debut last week. The new ad, titled "Retina," focuses on the much talked about, high resolution retina display introduced on the iPhone 4...

Magic Fingers Gives Your iPhone New Multi-Touch Gestures

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 3, 2018

It appears that those of you who missed out on the hidden multi-touch gestures in iOS 4.3 GM are in luck. Without a lot of effort, you too can have the ability to close down your applications with a swipe of your fingers.

Enter Magic Fingers, a new tweak released yesterday in Cydia that will allow you to exit the current app you're in by touching your iPhone with multiple fingers. The application doesn't cost anything to download, but since it is in Cydia you must be jailbroken to get it...

iPad 2 Jailbreak Exploit is Most likely Not Patched by Apple

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

When we told you about Comex's jailbreak, we warned you about ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization). It was one of the new security measures Apple implemented into iOS to thwart off jailbreakers, and was expected to delay a jailbreak release for quite some time.

Well Comex later commented that while he had an exploit that worked, he knew 4.3.1 would release very soon, and did not want to risk Apple patching his exploit with the new firmware. Thus he would wait until that release, which happened earlier today, to release a jailbreak solution.

Those worried that Apple somehow disabled the jailbreak in the update need not worry. Popular jailbreak spokesman MuscleNerd, confirmed via twitter today that it didn't look like Apple fixed the glitch that Comex used in his hacking of the iPad 2.

Of course he also warns to hold off on updating to 4.3.1 until things are confirmed and stable. It has also been confirmed that Comex's exploit is a 'userland' jailbreak, which means it can be done straight off the iDevice. Those who remember the 'Spirit' jailbreak series remember jailbreaking was as easy as typing jailbreakme.com into Safari.

Things are looking good for an official jailbreak release for the iPad 2 and other iDevices with iOS 4.3.1. Stay tuned to ziPadblog for the latest in jailbreak info.

Does anyone have an iPad 2 and is excited to jailbreak? Tell us in the comments below.

Judge Determines Apple’s iPhone Didn’t Infringe on Nokia Patents

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

It seems like everyone is suing each other in the tech world these days, particularly those in the mobile phone business. In case you haven't been keeping up with the latest in tech lawsuits, Apple and Nokia are suing each other over patent issues in the U.S. and Europe.

This specific court battle is being presided over by the ITC (International Trade Commission). Nokia has asked the ITC to bar the importation of Apple devices that infringe on Nokia Patents. While this move is just to block the shipping of Apple products that violate the patent laws, companion suits from Nokia are said to be under review by U.S. district courts seeking financial damages...

Apple Still Looking to Greatly Improve Their Map Software

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 3, 2018

If you remember correctly, back in 2009 Apple quietly purchased a GPS mapping software company named PlaceBase. The move was strange considering how big a part Google has played in iOS mapping software. But it is now clear Apple may be looking to independently develop mapping software for their mobile platform.

9to5 Mac has stumbled on an Apple job posting that calls for an iOS Maps application developer. The add specifically asks for an "exceptional developer" that will help "radically improve how people interact with maps and location-based services." What is Apple planning?

FlipOver Allows You to Mute or Lock Your iDevice by Turning it Face Down

Cody Lee ∙ March 25, 2011

I love it when an application is unobtrusive and functional. You don't get many of these from Apple's App Store because they have such strict rules for developers. There must be an icon added to the home screen and there are certain parts of iOS the app cannot access.

This is a big reason why my iDevices are jailbroken and why I like Cydia so much. It's basically a hot bed for innovation as developers have far less limitations when submitting apps to the Cydia Store. FlipOver is a perfect example of that innovation...

iOS 4.3.1 is Now Live in iTunes

Cody Lee ∙ March 25, 2011

It appears that the latest version of iOS has been posted to iTunes today. Loading up iTunes with your iDevice plugged in may cause it to automatically update to the newest firmware. Those who are jailbroken on 4.2.1 should hold off for the official 4.3.1 jailbreak to be released before updating.

The good news is that hackers i0n1c and Comex have been holding out on releasing their jailbreak software for 4.3.1 to be released. Now that it is, it should just be a matter of testing their exploit with 4.3.1 and making sure everything is stable.

MacRumors is reporting that the update fixes some bugs with the iPod touch and Apple TV. They also mention it relieves the 'Cannot Activate Cellular Network' glitch that has been plaguing iPhone users since 4.2.1 was released.

While the minor bug fixes would never entice me to update, the fact that an untethered jailbreak would be available for iOS 4.3.x has me foaming at the mouth. I want to take advantage of the new AirPlay enhancements that were released in 4.3 and I won't update until an official jailbreak is released.

Stay tuned to ziPadblog for the latest in iPad jailbreaking news.

Has anyone updated to iOS 4.3.1? Notice any differences? Tell us below.

Apple Patent Hints at Graphics Driven UI in Future iOS

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 3, 2018

For those not so familiar with the lingo, a patent basically gives an inventor exclusive rights to their invention. It prevents others from using your invention in their products. Patents are usually filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office long before an idea makes its way onto the shelf.

The reason why Apple patents are so popular is that everyone from Wall Street to gadget blogs wants to know what Apple's next innovation is going to be. Although a lot of patents never reach consumer products, it still gives us a glimpse of what Apple is working on...

iPad 2 Glass Thinner and Stronger Than Original iPad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

If you are still on the fence about purchasing an iPad 2, even after reading Sebastien's review, then listen up. One of the questions I get the most about purchasing Apple products is about durability.

Well we already know the iPhone 4 can survive a 1000 foot drop out of an airplane, but what about the iPad 2? It looks so thin and fragile, if I knock it off the couch or the bed am I going to break the glass screen into pieces?

9 to 5 mac is saying no. They are showing off a video, made by the folks at iFixyouri, that shows just how durable the iPad 2's screen is. They prove through several tests, that because the iPad 2's screen is so thin, it is extremely flexible. Thus allowing it to take some serious punishment.

Check out the video below and let us know how your iPad 2 is holding up in the comments!

Djay for iPhone Makes Listening to Music Fun Again

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 17, 2018

I must admit, it's been quite some time since an application took me by surprise. But when I read that algoriddim's djay app was coming to the iPhone, I seriously underestimated its entertainment value. I don't typically fall into the 'DJ' category, but it's fun to pretend. I love music, but wouldn't have a clue what to do if you put actual mixing equipment in front of me.

I've played with these kinds of apps before, but only on my iPad. The 10" screen allowed me plenty of room to spin my records, and that's about all I ever did. The novelty usually wore off within 5 minutes. So how could djay for the iPhone give me hours of entertainment?