New report rebuffs claim that Apple will release 5-inch iPhone in 2017

Cody Lee ∙ October 26, 2016

A new report is out late Wednesday rebuffing an earlier claim that Apple intends to release 3 iPhone models next year. Citing sources familiar with Apple's plans, AppleInsider says the company will be sticking with its 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch handset sizes in 2017.

For those that missed it, Asian news outlet Nikkei reported Wednesday morning that Apple would be adding a 5-inch option to its current two-size lineup. It didn't, however, explain why it would want to do so, given how close it would be to the 4.7-inch model.

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Some great alternatives to the Apple Watch Nike+ band

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

We were really bummed when we found out that the stylish fluoroelastomer bands shown with the Apple Watch Nike+ are exclusive to the model. This means that those of us who already own an Apple Watch can't purchase these bands separately.

Luckily, we were able to track down some Apple Watch bands on Amazon that take inspiration from the Nike band design. Obviously they aren't made with the same quality or materials, but for those in search of alternatives, here are some good ones.

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No Escape key on your MacBook Pro? Sierra lets you remap its function to a modifier key

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 6, 2020

With less than 24 hours away until Apple's “Hello again” Mac event, images of an unreleased MacBook Pro found in the latest macOS Sierra 10.12.1 update have all but confirmed a rumored OLED touch bar replacing the row with hardware function keys.

The Internet immediately complained about the apparent loss of the hardware Escape key that seems to have fallen victim to these programmable OLED keys. While the OLED Bar could display a soft-Escape key in the left corner, users can now assign its function to one of the hardware modifier keys.

As Jeff Geerling first noted yesterday, the latest macOS 10.12.1 Sierra update now conveniently lets you remap an Escape action to a Caps Lock, Control, Option or Command modifier key—which wasn't possible in earlier macOS editions.

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How Micro-LEDs could allow for Apple gadgets with longer-lasting batteries & brighter screens

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 9, 2016

2017 iPhones may ditch traditional LCDs for a lot brighter, much more power-efficient OLED display technology. However, the OLED switch could be short-lived as Apple is said to be adopting emerging Micro-LED display panels. Micro-LED screens could debut on 2017 Apple Watch models.

Micro-LEDs range in size from one micron to one hundred microns. Skating to where the puck's going to be, Apple in May 2014 bought Micro-LED developer LuxVue Technology, adding their talent to to its hardware innovations team. The iPhone maker also set up an R&D center in Taiwan to research Micro-LEDs.

Here's a technology primer providing a layman's overview of the current state of Micro-LED technology and how it could benefit Apple by helping its teams engineer devices that would rock longer-lasting batteries and have significantly brighter screens.

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Nikkei: all iPhone 8 models to have all-glass design, new 5″ model in the works

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 19, 2018

According to Nikkei Asian Review today, Apple's 2017 iPhone family (which may be called “iPhone 8” rather than “iPhone 7s”) will include three models, adding a brand new five-inch form factor to the mix. All three models of the iPhone 8 should boast refreshed industrial design.

The overhauled phones would be sandwiched between two pieces of chemically hardened curved glass—like KGI's Ming-Chi Kuo predicted in a report to clients.

Both glass backs and cover glass for the iPhone 8 will be supplied by China's Biel Crystal Manufactory and Lens Technology, an industry source told the publication. The glass front and back will be held together by a brand new metal frame, but Apple is said to have yet make a final decision on the design of the metal frames.

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New Apple TV app launching Thursday to give users personalized TV show recommendations

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 26, 2016

For years, Apple's been courting content owners to support its ambitions to provide its users a package of TV programming and live broadcasts, to no avail.

But Apple's living room strategy is said to have shifted recently from building an inexpensive skinny bundle of TV programming to developing a simple interface for browsing digital programming guides.

First signs of this new direction should become visible at Thursday's “Hello again” Mac event: USA Today claims that Apple will unveil a new app for giving owners of the fourth-generation Apple TV personalized recommendations for television shows.

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Tip: save space on iPhone 7 Plus by turning off depth of field photo duplicates

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 26, 2016

iOS provides a Portrait mode in the stock Camera app to owners of the dual-camera iPhone 7 Plus.

As you know, Portrait mode lets you take dramatic DSLR-like depth of field photographs where the camera automatically creates a beautifully blurred background while keeping the subject in the front sharp and in full focus.

Your iPhone 7 plus defaults to saving both the original twelve-megapixel photo and its depth of field counterpart, effectively doubling storage requirements for Portrait shots.

In this quick tutorial we're going to show you how you can easily disable photo duplicates for depth of field photos with just a few taps.

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Google’s dedicated search app gains ability to preview Now cards with 3D Touch

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 26, 2016

Google today issue a small update to its dedicated search app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Bumped to version 20.3, the free of charge app has gained the ability to preview Google Now cards with 3D Touch on the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

Just press a card within the app to peek at its contents, then swipe up to access additional options or press harder to open the card in fullscreen mode.

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Nomad’s Silicone Strap for Apple Watch is both durable and comfortable

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated October 17, 2018

If you've been tuning into iDB lately, then you probably know we’re big fans of Nomad’s Apple Watch wrist straps here. My colleague Sebastien recently shared his own opinion on the leather strap they offer, but the company also has a rugged silicone option as well.

Coupled with a custom lug design that gives the Apple Watch a more masculine appearance and quality materials that feel like they’re going to last a long time, it’s hard to go wrong with any Nomad-branded Apple Watch wrist strap. That said, the vulcanized LSR silicone strap is just another quality piece we’d like to take the time to show you in this review.

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