iPhone News

WSJ: China Mobile to start taking iPhone pre-orders this Thursday

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 9, 2013

The long-enduring game of cat and mouse between Apple, the maker of the world's most popular smartphone, and China Mobile, the world's top wireless carriers with more than 700 million subscribers (the equivalent of over twice the US population), looks to be ending as the carrier is expected to start taking pre-orders for the iconic device later this week, reports The Wall Street Journal.

As the carrier is gearing up to launch its long-expected high-speed fourth-generation network services on December 18, China Mobile Shanghai’s website on Monday invited potential customers to pre-order the iPhone 5s and other smartphones from Samsung and Sony that support China Mobile's new 4G TD-LTE mobile network...

Apple joins major U.S. tech giants in NSA surveillance reform push

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 9, 2013

The U.S. government's mass-scale surveillance program which has compromised the security and privacy of millions of domestic and foreign online users, the secret PRISM initiative, did not sit well with Apple and other technology giants. In response to the scandalous revelations by the NSA contractor Edward Snowden that also put the blame on Silicon Valley giants for bowing to NSA's request and providing the agency with hassle-free access to its users' data, the iPhone maker chastised the practice and published how it handles government requests to give up private information belonging to its users.

And now, in the aftermath of the ongoing snooping scare, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple along with seven other U.S. technology giants is making a joint appeal to reform government surveillance activities...

This week’s top stories: best photo apps, Whatsapp update, and more…

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Like every Sunday, we bring you the stories that were the most popular on iDB during this past week. Whether it is a news piece, an editorial, a tutorial, a new jailbreak tweak, or an accessory review, we sum it all up in one convenient place.

If you like what you're reading, please make sure to spread the love by sharing our posts on your favorite social network.

We're usually hanging out a lot on Twitter and Facebook, more rarely on Google+.

Show Us Your Setup: Sebastien Page’s work space iPad Air keyboards: 12 models to consider The 10 best photography apps of 2013: vote for your favorite Apps of the week: Double Dragon Trilogy, Space Hulk, and more… iPhone 5s prices around the world Wallpapers of last week: winter wallpaper pack New website solicits crowdfunded reward for an iOS 7 jailbreak Some users finding Touch ID’s accuracy fades with time WhatsApp iOS 7 update is out with new design, broadcast lists and more Assassin’s Creed: Pirates now available in the App Store How to keep your MacBook awake while its lid is closed Keep your menu bar clutter free with Bartender How to record direct feed footage from iOS to a Mac or PC Amazon Prime Air service will use drones to deliver your packages Google’s Eric Schmidt has the nerve to shoot down Amazon’s drones over privacy worries Slope review: magical tablet stand for Apple’s magical iPad President Obama says he’s not allowed to use an iPhone

Of course, don't forget to listen to the latest episode of our new podcast, Let's Talk iOS:

We’re social! Find iDB on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, App.net, YouTube, and in your RSS reader. Also make sure to subscribe to our new podcast!

Good deal: 91% off Mac software bundle

Cody Lee ∙ Updated July 14, 2017

Whether you're planning on getting a new Mac for the holidays, or you're just looking for some new apps to increase productivity on your current one, you'll want to check out this big Mac software bundle from Stack Social.

The deal site is currently offering a suite of 10 Apple computer applications, which includes AfterShot Pro, Vitamin-R, skEdit and Compartments, at a steep discount. More details and a full rundown of the apps after the fold...

T-Mobile using MetroPCS spectrum to bolster its LTE network

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Good news this weekend for T-Mobile customers. The carrier is finally taking advantage of its recent MetroPCS merger, and has begun rolling out higher-speed LTE service by tapping the airwaves it acquired as part of the acquisition.

According to a report from AllThingsD, T-Mobile quietly turned on the faster service in parts of North Dallas just before Thanksgiving. The higher speeds come by combining the spectrum from both T-Mobile’s and MetroPCS' networks...

There are now 1 million apps available in the US App Store

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

During its October iPad event, Apple announced that it had crossed the 1 million app milestone in its worldwide App Store. This meant that, not counting duplicates, it had over 1 million apps available around the globe at that time.

This week, Apple passed the same milestone here in its US App Store. According to data from app discovery firm Appsfire, there are now more than 1 million live apps in the App Store. 1,006,557 to be exact at the time of this writing...

Olloclip releases 3-in-1 iPhone Macro Lens

Sébastien Page ∙ December 7, 2013

Olloclip just released a new 3-in-1 Macro Lens for iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s.

While the lenses themselves are made of coated glass multi-element optics, the barrels are made of anodized aircraft grade aluminum. As with its other lens kits, these macro lenses connect to the iPhone thanks to soft plastic material that will ensure a secure fit while preventing any damage to your iPhone.

These lenses offer three magnifications in one, allowing you to take close-up shots. The three included lenses are 7x, 14x and 21x macros...

Apple pays tribute to Nelson Mandela on its homepage

Cody Lee ∙ December 7, 2013

Apple has updated the homepage of its website this evening to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela. The late South African president and anti-apartheid revolutionary died on Thursday at the age of 95.

As it did following the passing of Steve Jobs and a handful of other figures, Apple has removed all product placements on the landing page and replaced them with a large portrait photo of Mandela...

How to record direct feed footage from iOS to a Mac or PC

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated August 7, 2019

Lots of people have asked me how I go about recording footage directly from the iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. The process is one that is simple and straightforward with the help of a couple of hardware and software tools.

From time to time I will record footage directly from an iOS device, while at other times, I like to record the screen using an external camera so that you can see my hands as I work with the device. Depending on the circumstances, I've been known to switch up my methods for doing so.

The bottom line is that there are times in which you should definitely go the direct feed route as opposed to recording the screen externally. As the saying goes, there are many ways to skin a cat, but the method that I've been using has been working quite well for me. Have a look inside as I spill the details on what makes a successful iOS device recording setup.

Pebble Cards brings always visible customizable cards to the Pebble Smartwatch

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

Information you care about, right on your wrist. That's how developer Keanu Lee presents Pebble Cards—a new app for the Pebble 2.0 that places customizable cards on your Pebble Smartwatch. After finally getting my hands on the Pebble 2.0 app and firmware, I was able to put the awesome looking Pebble Cards through its paces.

Pebble Cards is an app that provides you with short little bursts of information on cards. Multiple customizable cards can make up a deck that can be scrolled through, updated, or expanded to expose more details about the information pertaining to a particular card.

If you're a Pebble Smartwatch owner, then Pebble Cards should definitely pique your interest. Have a look inside as I show off the Pebble Cards app in our hands-on video walkthrough.

Apple now selling 4K Sharp displays in its European web stores

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Apple has begun offering a 32-inch Sharp Ultra HD LED monitor in its European web stores. The 4K monitor, which retails for £3,499.00 (or roughly $5,700 USD), has been available since November, but this is the first we've heard of Apple selling it.

The display uses Sharp's IGZO technology (Indium gallium zinc oxide) and has a resolution of 3840 x 2160. It offers a 1.07 billion color palette, an 800:1 contrast ratio, and comes with DisplayPort support (though it doesn't include the Mini DP adapter)...

Google revamps mobile News site with new design, improved navigation and more

Cody Lee ∙ December 6, 2013

Google today announced that it's making a number of new changes to its mobile Google News site. Well, the changes have already been made, and News readers on Android and iOS devices should start seeing them over the next few days.

Among the changes are an improved overall look-and-feel, making it easier to read and track separate stories, and the ability to customize the web application by changing the theme from light to dark, adjusting the font size, and more...