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Upcoming Springtomize 3 update for iOS 9

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

One of the most popular ways to customize your iOS device is the Springtomize tweak. With the ability to drastically modify the UI, Springtomize allows for modifications like the number of dock icons, status bar clean up, animation changes, and, my personal favorite, icon label manipulation. I absolutely hate icon labels and for several iOS generations, Springtomize saved the day.

There are a lot of questions about when the tweak will be available for the recently jailbroken iOS 9. I was able to chat with the Springtomize developer, Filippo Bigarella, this afternoon.

Ryan Petrich releases Activator beta for iOS 9 that includes new shortcut actions

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated June 13, 2018

If you've been waiting for Ryan Petrich to release an update to Activator, you've not been alone. The good news is that Ryan has just updated his beta repo with an iOS 9 compatible version of Activator and RocketBootstrap.

Many of the tweaks available on Cydia require Activator as a prerequisite, so not having it meant a lot of tweaks were simply unusable. Now that Ryan has updated Activator with iOS 9 compatibility, many of those tweaks will function like they should.

Aeternum Hives: an upcoming jailbreak SpringBoard replacement inspired by Apple Watch

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

Aeternum is a jailbreak tweak that debuted last year, which brought an Apple Watch-inspired interface to the iPhone. Aeternum Hives is a new tweak based on Aeternum that takes the idea to the next level.

If you've dreamed of a folder-less Home screen setup with easy to view and easy to launch apps, then Aeternum Hives is going to be right up your alley. I was able to snag an early preview copy of the tweak, and I'd like to show it off to you via our hands-on video walkthrough.

How to direct connect an iPhone to an iPad to share photos and videos

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated March 22, 2022

It's possible to directly connect an iPhone to an iPad via a Lightning cable. To create a dual-sided Lightning cable, just take a regular Lightning cable and connect the USB end to a Lightning to USB Camera adapter. This, in essence, creates a Lightning to Lightning cable that can be used to directly connect an iPhone to an iPad.

This setup is a novelty to do just because you can. In practice, I find that it adds little value in terms of transmission speed. Still, it's cool that it can be done at all, which is why I thought I'd share it with you.

Magic Keyboard review: streamlined and rechargeable, but worth it?

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

Along with my Magic Mouse 2, I decided to pick up a Magic Keyboard. The Magic Keyboard, for me, is probably the least compelling of the "Magic" devices that Apple just released. That's primarily because I'm a full time MacBook user, so I don't actually have a real hardline need for an external keyboard.

Yet, I'm nonetheless intrigued by the Magic Keyboard. I'm a sucker for the streamlined design, and the rechargeable batteries. Anytime you can get me away from having to replace or swap out batteries, you've pretty much won me over.

But does the Magic Keyboard do enough to truly justify the upgrade? Admittedly, it's a hard sell. Not only do you have to consider whether an upgrade is necessary, you then have to justify paying $30 more than the Wireless Keyboard that it replaces.

Is it worth it? Watch our video review and find out.

Best apps of the week: Subterfuge, Live GIF, Focus, and more

Lory Gil ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

What a great week for iMac news. If you are thinking about upgrading to the new 5K model, now is the time. We're also excited about Apple's new Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad 2. In the meantime, more amazing content gets added to the App Store every day.

If you are looking for some new apps and games to keep you connected all weekend long, we've got a list you might want to check out.

Giveaway: Spigen Wireless Charger and Charging case

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

A few week ago, we reviewed the Spigen wireless charger and charging cases for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Today, we're giving away all three.

It should be noted that these cases work for the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, or the older iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The wireless charging pads embedded in the cases are Qi-compliant cases, so they should work with a variety of chargers. But just in case you don't already have a Qi charger, we're throwing in Spigen's Wireless Charger stand as well.

How do you win? It's remarkably simple.

How to use your iPhone EarPods like a pro

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 18, 2023

Those funky headphones that came with your iPhone—EarPods with Remote and Mic they're called—only have 3 buttons but boy do they perform a surprising number of functions beyond volume control. And with built-in mic, your EarPods can make and receive phone calls and control media playback.

Moreover, you can use them for recording voice memos, interacting with Siri hands-free, VoIP calling in apps like Skype and more, all with a pinch of the cord. Wait, I need this article to tell me how to plug my EarPods and listen to music?

We're not saying you're not familiar with your EarPods. But as with other things in life, there are always new tricks to be learned. This post will hopefully help you master your EarPods like a pro.

In this article, we'll tell you all the cool things your EarPods can do, from rich playback control and controlling Siri to switching calls on the fly, using VoiceOver and so forth. We'll also discuss EarPods compatibility, talk about keeping your headset in pristine condition and lay out sound advice for using your headset responsibly.

How to find your Mac’s Bluetooth version

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated June 12, 2018

With the recent release of Apple's new "Magic" devices—the Magic Trackpad 2, Magic Mouse 2, and the Magic Keyboard—some of you may be wondering if your Mac can support these new peripherals. Since all of the new Magic devices are wireless and work with the latest Bluetooth versions, it's important to know if your Mac will support them before making a purchase.

Apple doesn't exactly make it easy and straightforward to find what version of Bluetooth your Mac sports, but it can be done. In this post, we'll show you a simple method for quickly deriving your Mac's Bluetooth version in just a few steps.

EnableLivePhotos enables Live Photos on older iOS 9 devices

Jeff Benjamin ∙ October 16, 2015

If you have an older device running iOS 9, it's possible to create Live Photos if you're willing to jailbreak your device. EnableLivePhotos is a recently released jailbreak tweak that not only lets you take Live Photos, but lets you display Live Photos on the Lock screen as well.

EnableLivePhotos is the best implementation of Live Photos that I've seen for non-iPhone 6s devices. Watch our video and see how it works.

Dismiss breadcrumb links in iOS 9 with a new jailbreak tweak

Jeff Benjamin ∙ October 16, 2015

One of the new features in iOS 9 is a new app linking structure. This allows you to navigate back to the originating app that linked you via a handy breadcrumb link in the upper left-hand corner of the status bar. Some people hate it, most love it, but I think all can agree that it's a little awkward at times.

Wouldn't it be better if you could dismiss the breadcrumb link once you've arrived at a destination, and had no intentions of going back? BreadcrumbsAway is a new jailbreak tweak that lets you do just that. It allows users to dismiss breadcrumb links and regain the full status bar view in iOS 9.