iDownloadBlog.com

Review: Inateck MercuryBox Bluetooth speaker

Jeff Benjamin ∙ July 30, 2015

One of my biggest beefs with the iPhone and iPad is the lack of love given to sound output quality. Neither device features speakers that face the user, and the speakers that are there produce sound that's just passable in my opinion. It's definitely one of the biggest opportunity areas for improvement when it comes to iOS hardware.

Other devices do a much better job with sound quality. For example, the HTC One M9 features front-facing speakers, as does the just-released Motorola G 3rd-gen. Even tablets like the Nexus 9 feature front-firing speakers that sound relatively good. The iPhone and iPad? Not so much.

But that's okay, because that's what external speakers were made for. In fact, I just got my hands on stylish-looking Bluetooth speaker called the MercuryBox (42.99 with Amazon discount code below). It's from a German company called Inateck, who sent us a sample unit for review.

Is this the perfect device to improve your iPhone's sound output?

Apple patents stylus that scans objects in 3D and simulates textures via haptic feedback

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is adamant that Apple is working on an advanced stylus accessory for a rumored 12-inch 'iPad Pro,' an assumption based in no small part on patent applications Apple has filed for in years past.

The latest indication that the iPhone maker is indeed researching styli technology comes in the form of a new patent application published Thursday by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) which proposes an advanced texture-sensing stylus design with a built-in camera.

The saga continues as Angry Birds 2 hits the App Store as a free-to-play download

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 30, 2015

As promised, Finnish mobile games maker Rovio today released Angry Birds 2, the official sequel to its original bird-flinging franchise. Available on a free-to-play basis, Angry Birds 2 for iPhone and iPad isn't a radical departure from the proven formula which made the original games such a rage.

In Angry Birds 2, your favorite feathered heroes embark on a brand new adventure as they storm Piggy Island to rescue their poor stolen eggs, all over again.

The sequel introduces some fun new elements to the gameplay experience such as all-new bird characters to choose from, spells, multi-stage levels, scheming boss piggies and much more.

Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition is so engaging you might forget to eat in real life

Lory Gil ∙ July 30, 2015

Sometimes, there are games that are so engrossing that you don't even realize that time has passed. They can sometimes get you into trouble, especially if you suddenly find yourself still at home in your slippers when you should have been at work 10 minutes ago.

Don't Starve is an action survival game for the iPad that might cause you to forget to eat dinner while trying to keep your character well fed and safe from things that go bump in the night. We've got a full game review of Don't Starve: Pocket Edition for you today.

Take your iPad Air 2 on extreme outings with the Unicorn Beetle PRO case

Lory Gil ∙ July 30, 2015

If you are an outdoor traveler, sports enthusiast, or just like to roughhouse with your iPad Air 2, you should probably give it a fighting chance with a rugged case to protect it from the inevitable drops, scrapes, and dirt.

The Unicorn Beetle Pro is a durable dual-layer case with a built in screen protector and shock-absorbing bumper to ensure that your iPad Air 2 is as safe as can be on those crazy adventures.

Review: Moto G 3rd-generation – an iPhone user’s take

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

The Moto G is a budget Android smartphone line from Motorola that has nurtured a very good reputation in the tech community. The latest 3rd-generation Moto G, which debuted on Tuesday, is now available in stores like Amazon and Best Buy.

We've made it our mission to review various Android smartphones over the year in order to provide you with a balanced look at what the so-called "competition" is offering. As most of you know, I'm a die-hard Apple fan, but I do have a soft spot in my heart from Android, even though I think that many of the decisions that Android OEMs make are borderline shameless.

That said, I've been extremely keen on testing out the latest and greatest version of the Moto G, because I think it's the perfect companion Android phone for iPhone users wishing to dabble into the "other side". At a mere $179.99 unlocked, the Moto G is an outstanding value. Yes, there are other Android phones that fall within this price range, but they're usually horrible specs-wise, or if they're decent, they're inundated with bloatware (I'm looking at you Asus ZenFone 2).

The Moto G is different. Not only is it factory unlocked, but it features decent specs for a phone this cheap. But most importantly, it lacks the bloatware so popular in other phones in this class, or even so-called flagship phones. True, it's not a Nexus device, which is 100% stock Android, but it's very close, and arguably, improves on stock Android with some of its unique offerings.

Apple offering behind-the-scenes look at Beats 1 studios via Snapchat

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

Apple on Wednesday launched an official AppleMusic Snapchat account. The company is promoting the venture on Instagram and other social networks, indicating that its first story offers an exclusive look at Beats 1 Radio.

You can find the story on Snapchat under the user name AppleMusic. The video is just over 200 seconds long, and it takes you on a quick tour of the three studios in Los Angeles, New York and London that keep Beats 1 going.

Epicentre: a gorgeous new passcode interface for iOS

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

Finding the stock iOS passcode interface to be a bit boring? If so, then keep your eyes peeled for Epicentre, an upcoming jailbreak tweak that adds a gorgeous new interface to the passcode Lock screen.

Epicenter replaces the stock passcode interface with a beautifully animated setup that looks like it was inspired by a traditional rotary phone. It features a preference panel with several options for customizing the look and security of the passcode entry interface. Watch our full video preview to see how.

Apple Campus 2 visitor’s center to feature store, cafe and rooftop observation deck

Cody Lee ∙ July 29, 2015

Apple's new headquarters is going to be quite the tourist attraction, reports Silicon Valley Business Journal. The site has uncovered documents, first filed with the city of Cupertino back in April, which layout the company's plans for a massive visitor's center located on the "spaceship" campus.

According to the plans, the center will include a rooftop observation deck, a cafe, and a 10,000 square-foot storefront. Apple hopes the space will "create a public face of the Apple Campus 2 that reflects Apple's business and design practices, and allows for a long-term presence in Cupertino."

How, why, and when to start up your Mac in Safe Mode

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 1, 2025

Learn how to start your Apple silicon or Intel Mac in safe mode to check if startup software is causing the issue.

Volkswagen’s first CarPlay-enabled vehicles heading to dealers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

Volkswagen announced on Wednesday that its first CarPlay-enabled vehicles have begun shipping from production facilities. The German automaker says the first 2016 models featuring its new infotainment system will start landing in dealer showrooms in "late July 2015."

It's calling the new infotainment system "MIB II," and in addition to CarPlay it will also support Android Auto and MirrorLink. In the press release, Volkswagen calls the new system "one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available."

Apple releases OS X El Capitan Public Beta 3

Cody Lee ∙ July 29, 2015

Apple on Wednesday seeded the third public beta of OS X El Capitan to testers. The release comes just two days after beta 5 of El Capitan was pushed out to developers and three weeks after the first public beta.

The new build is available to registered public testers who are already on beta 2 via the Updates section of the Mac App Store, or through the beta web portal as a standalone download. You can enroll in the program by clicking here.