Jake Smith

TextExpander shows off its iOS 8 keyboard with snippet expansion coming this fall

Jake Smith ∙ August 27, 2014

TextExpander has posted details about its upcoming "touch 3" update, that will add a TextExpander keyboard within iOS 8 that will allow users to expand snippets of text in any app on the iPhone or iPad. This marks yet another app developer taking advantage of Apple's new third-party keyboard API made available in iOS 8. Prior to the big update, only apps which implemented the TextExpander touch SDK could expand snippets directly.

Apple reportedly debuting wearable alongside two new iPhones in September

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple has plans to launch a wearable, presumably the iWatch, at its September media event alongside two new versions of the iPhone, according to John Paczowski at ReCode. The iWatch was thought to be delayed until an October event, giving Apple more time to finalize its plans, however well plugged-in Paczowski claims the Cupertino-based company has moved up its timeline.

Leaked iPhone 6 logic board has likely place for NFC chip

Jake Smith ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

There have been rumors swirling for years that Apple will finally bring NFC to the iPhone, and if the schematics of a leak from last week hold true, the iPhone 6 may be the first to hold the communications technology. A MacRumors forum member examined bare logic boards claimed to ship with the iPhone 6, and have found leaked NFC chips fit perfectly.

This is NOT the iPhone 6, or is it?

Jake Smith ∙ August 26, 2014

We have to interrupt original programming this afternoon with a breaking exclusive mega scoop from YouTuber Doldo411. Likely from a covert mission into Apple's Cupertino campus, the scoop master has gotten his hands on the iPhone 6 before the rest of the world - and it looks like a doozie.

Stop typing so much: QuickBoard for iOS 8 will save text you’ve been typing over and over

Jake Smith ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

A new third-party keyboard called QuickBoard wants to stop you from drone-lessly typing out the same information over and over. These iPhones have tiny screens, after all!

Set to launch this fall with iOS 8's new third-party keyboard support, QuickBoard has three separate keyboard entities, TextBoard, MeBoard, and LocationBoard, that allows you to store snippets of text instead of typing it out over and over again.

Apple CEO Tim Cook thinks slow down in iPad sales is just a ‘speed bump’

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Apple CEO Tim Cook isn't worried about the company's tablet sales, even when industry analysts and consumers have been yammering on about it being a slowing market. Words from the Apple boss came in a brief interview with ReCode's Walt Mossberg, moments before a report went live detailing plans for a larger iPad out of Cupertino.

Minneapolis school district deploys iPads for 40,000 students, as LA schools suspend rollout

Jake Smith ∙ August 26, 2014

The St. Paul School District in Minneapolis has announced plans to rollout iPads to 40,000 students in its district, all payed for by taxpayer dollars. The school district has chosen a suite of apps that will be used by students, teachers, and administrators for enhanced learning in the classroom, including an app called Nearpod that can project images and videos, and gather instant responses from students to enhance engagement.

Watch ABC app updated with AirPlay and Chromecast support

Jake Smith ∙ August 26, 2014

ABC released a big update to its Watch ABC app on Tuesday, adding AirPlay streaming to beam shows to the Apple TV and Casting Now for the Google Chromecast. Previously Watch ABC wanted to keep all of its video contained to just the iPhone and iPad screen, only sending audio. Thankfully it's changed with the times.

Amazon has acquired Twitch for $970 million

Jake Smith ∙ Updated December 29, 2017

Amazon has acquired Twitch, the world's leading video platform and community for gamers, both companies announced in a statement after the market close on Monday. Google's YouTube was thought to have originally been the winning bidder, but that has changed after Amazon stepped in to close the deal.

Google launches Slides for iOS, completing its document editing app line-up

Jake Smith ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Google announced on Monday it's rounding out its Google Drive app lineup on iOS, by releasing a Slides app alongside updates to its existing Docs and Sheets apps. The Slides app, now available to download on the iTunes App Store for iPhone and iPad, allows users to create, edit, and collaborate with other users on presentations. It's a great competitor to Apple's Keynote application, and once again highlights Google's commitment to the App Store.

Scratch that: iPhone 6 ‘Phosphorus’ component likely barometric pressure sensor

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

An eagle-eyed member of the MacRumors forum says the "Phosporus"component destined for the iPhone 6, leaked on Monday, isn't a next-generation version of Apple's M7 co-processor, but instead a barometric pressure sensor. It makes sense given the several rumors that have cropped up in recent months with word Apple plans a barometer used to measure atmospheric pressure in the iPhone 6.

Facebook Messenger update prevents scammers from racking up your phone bill

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Facebook has begun rolling out an important update to its Facebook Messenger application on Monday, after it was found the app was susceptible to a security flaw forcing users’ iPhones to place expensive calls automatically - racking up a large bill.

Developer Andrei Neculaesei was first to identify the issue last week, saying scammers use the Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) scheme called ”tel” to trigger a call without a user knowing. Usually clicking on a link containing a phone number will take a user to Safari and then prompt them to confirm the call. However, apps like Facebook Messenger, Google+, Gmail, and FaceTime, make the call without asking the user.