Jim Gresham

Editor at iDownloadBlog.com since 2012, Jim Gresham curates the finest wallpapers and customizations for Apple devices, enhancing user experience through visual creativity. With a keen eye for design and a passion for personalization, Jim helps readers transform their screens into stunning displays. He spent his younger years tinkering with computers, reading about technology, and watching Star Wars, while being teased by his peers at school for nerdy tendencies. Since 2008, he has worked on improving his Apple arsenal and spends his free time researching the latest gadget trends, trying to find the next awesome iDevice accessory for review. A native of the Commonwealth of Virginia, he enjoys the stiff crease on a well-ironed dress shirt and dons a bow tie on a regular basis.

The Hercules: a slim backpack with a pocket for everything [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

I am a big fan of backpacks, all shapes, sizes, and purposes. Like everyone's father told them growing up, there is a right tool for everything. Backpacks are no different. About two months ago, we took a close look at the B7103 Lance Daypack by ECBC. It was a larger, bulky bag that I would hardly call a "daypack," as you read in the review. However, ECBC has taken a step back and produced a new bag that is truly top-shelf.

The new K7102 Hercules is a slimmer, more agile pack that, most importantly, boasts dedicated iPad and iPhone pockets and TSA FastPass computer pocket for jet setters. We are pretty excited about the changes ECBC made with such a quick turn around and more excited to offer one as a giveaway to a lucky reader! Check below the fold for all the details...

iDB 2012 holiday gift guide: Jim’s budget saver picks

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

As we barrel into the holiday season at an alarming rate, I am assuming that you, like I, have not finished purchasing gifts. As an iDB reader, you know that tech gifts are the best gifts and we are hoping to make choosing a little easier. When I was little, I always preferred something cool and new under the Christmas tree. Thanks to iOS devices, there are many new ways to pick up a new innovative or interactive gift for the kids or kids-at-heart.

My guide is split between age groups and all suggestions fall into the stocking-stuffer category, thanks to their sub $75 price tags. Why spend huge bucks when there are decent options for less? With the bargain shopper in mind, the following might not be the best toy or accessory money can buy, but they are great deals for the dollar...

Goal Zero’s solar charger kit is perfect for zombie apocalypse

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

A city-slicker that fancies himself an outdoorsman, I had been on a quest to find an iOS device solar charger for a couple months. After stumbling into an REI, the GOAL ZERO product line piqued my interest. When hiking, camping, hunting, traveling, or when the world ends, finding a power source may be difficult. If we are all Denzel Washingtons, rocking out to our iPods while we hunt for the Book of Eli, then a consistent source of USB power is as important as our favorite post-apocalyptic weapon...

Combiform wants to change the way you view console gaming

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated February 27, 2017

Traditional console gaming never truly engages those participating in the game. Those playing the game on any given console, even a Wii, never actively work together or play a game in a given space away from the couch. Combiform looks to shatter conventional gaming with its new handheld-console system that even interacts with iPhone. The system, which is a unique patented technology, encourages multimodal interaction because it is not only a toy, but also a video game accessory with exciting possibilities...

Seagate’s GoFlex Satellite touts 500GB of mobile wireless storage [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ November 27, 2012

Moving toward a more connected world, we need our digital stuff more frequently and certainly when we are on the go. Whether you are a jet setter that hops around the world or a family man that needs to share the family pictures with dear old mom, size and portability matter greatly. Combine that digital need with the post-PC era, where the jet setter sized down to an iPad for space, convenience, and weight, and dear old mom just cannot figure out how to use a computer. Shake that up and you get a USB-less conundrum and, oh yeah, optical drives are out now too - check out Christian's article to approve it.

That leaves us with a need to move large quantities of data with us, including documents, movies, photos, music, and other digital necessaries in a small device that connects wirelessly. After reviewing a competing Wi-Fi enabled external hard drive, you, the readers, called out for a larger, yet similarly mobile storage option. Today, I am happy to review the Seagate GoFlex Satellite Mobile Wireless Storage 500GB external hard drive. And, because I aim to please, I teamed up with Seagate to give one away...

Screenshot Frame Maker makes iOS devices screen grabs easy and pretty

Jim Gresham ∙ November 22, 2012

As a blogger, I often use screenshots to show my readers what I am reviewing, seeing, or experiencing. When words cannot accurately portray a picture, or when I don't want to write 1,000 words to describe something, the image is the best way. Taking a screen grab and tossing it into an article is all well and good, but adding the hardware frame around the image adds a nice touch, even a little flare, to the otherwise simple image.

Neoos specializes in mobile information technology with the goal to create simple applications to simplify complex tasks. As a caveat, Neoos is the company behind Doodle.com, a 10 million user per month service to simplify meeting schedules. Their new offering, Screenshot - Frame Maker, is a universal iOS app that simplifies the process implanting a grab into an iDevice hardware frame...

Review: iZON Wi-Fi video monitor and its companion iOS app

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Like the Lidless Eye of Sauron, iZON stares unblinkingly into your home, taking note of all within. Scary, right? Well, not exactly, as there are many uses for a Wi-Fi enabled video monitor in the home, office, or abroad. The iZON, pronounced "eyes-on," provides a single video feed across a wireless network that streams through the iZON server system, giving the user access to the feed anywhere in the world with your iOS device. If there is a need for you to be two places at once, the iZON can be your eyes and ears whether watching your newborn, crazy pet, or the front door...

Clever Lotto tracks your lucky numbers

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

Personally, I am no gambler and have never played the US Mega Millions or Powerball drawings, but there are plenty of people out there tossing in a few dollars just to strike it big. If you are looking for a quick, easy way to track those lucky numbers, look no further than Clever Lotto, which keeps track of everything automatically. There is no longer a need to look up the winning numbers or stay up late with your fingers crossed. Clever Lotto will send a push notification to your iPhone every time there is a drawing...

Netatmo’s Urban Weather Station is for the weather guru

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated December 28, 2016

I love the weather. No real reason in particular, but fascination started as a young child when I would rush home from school to track Hurricanes on the Weather Channel, despite living nowhere near the coast. When I first read about the first iOS specific Netatmo Urban Weather Station a month back, I was fascinated with the ability to monitor the temperature, both in and outside my house. A weather nerd at heart, I think this is an awesome piece of hardware. To the weather novice, it is still a great addition for your connected home. Below, we take a look at the personal weather station that just received CES Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering Award honoree in three categories...

Grab yourself a MOBiLE CLOTH, the king of cleaning cloths [giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

We at iDB are big MOBiLE CLOTH fans as you can see from our previous review and multiple giveaways. "Who would get excited about a cleaning cloth," you may be asking yourself. Well, after testing the cloth, we were pretty blown away. I recently tried my hand with a MOBiLE CLOTH and it certainly lived up to expectation. Without any additional cleaning agents or sprays, the dry cloth effortlessly destroyed all of the finger prints and smudges I accumulated while killing baddies playing one of my new favorite apps, ARC Squadron during my review. What impressed me the most is the effortless cleaning process.

To celebrate the launch of the iPad (4th gen) and iPad mini, we teamed up with MOBiLE CLOTH to also giveaway a 24 cleaning cloth gift set...

Movember moustache app that gives back

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated September 26, 2016

In an effort to make the world aware of men's health, November is "Movember" to concerned individuals. Each Movember, men around the globe unite in their passion for masculine facial hair as a way to spread the word about men's health issues, particularly prostate and testicular cancers. Once registered on the official Movember website, gentlemen begin Movember 1st clean shaven and grow their way to victory while collecting supportive donations for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG Foundation. The Movember program raised $126.2 million in 2011 with the help of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas.

In 2012, to help support Mo's everywhere, the foundation published the Movember Mobile app to keep everyone informed and ensure the donation campaign is easier for all Mo's. Come take a look at the iOS app inspiring a mustached revolution from a participant's perspective. Maybe it will grow on you...

Blast your way through space with ARC Squadron

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Since first reading about Psyonix's ARC Squadron many months back, I constantly tracked its preparation for launch. The new flight shooter released last Thursday will dominate your favorite iDevice utilizing the Unreal Engine to provide an immersive user experience. Typically, I try to review an app or product without intentional comparisons to other similar products and solely base the merit of the subject on its own qualities. However, it is impossible to not mention Star Fox when talking about ARC Squadron. The new flight combat app is one of the most immersive games I have tested and am happy to report it has earned a top spot on my Springboard...