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Apple engineers 2mm-long high-resolution camera that could be suitable for use in Apple Watch 2

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 24, 2015

9to5Mac recently learned from sources in the know that a second-generation Apple Watch will integrate a tiny camera into the top bezel for conducting FaceTime video conversations from your wrist. The report, short on details, has left many questions unanswered and prompted watchers to scratch their head in curiosity.

The logic goes: if Apple couldn't develop a non-protruding camera for the latest iPhones, how on Earth is the company supposed to fit one into such a tiny wrist-worn device?

Having faced the very same engineering challenges, rival Samsung has taken the easy route by embedding a camera into a Gear's band rather than the smartwatch's body.

Though not the prettiest of solutions, it is in fact functional—to a certain extent. But can you really imagine a camera bulge on an Apple Watch band? Yeah, me neither. Thankfully, Apple appears to have shrunk a high-resolution camera into a tiny module that could fit inside an Apple Watch.

New version of Phantom released to sidestep potential jailbreak lockouts

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated June 12, 2018

Snapchat has apparently abated from its cat and mouse game with jailbreak tweak developers. Less than a few days after Snapchat begun locking out users who had Snapchat-specific jailbreak tweaks installed on their devices, Snapchat stopped locking out users.

How long will Snapchat stop its lockouts? Is this just a temporary thing until it's able to adequately update and clarify its terms of service? It's still relatively unclear at this point.

What is clear is that Phantom, a Snapchat-centric tweak created by jailbreak developer CokePokes, has been updated to workaround the Snapchat crackdown. So even if Snapchat were to change its course again, and reengage jailbreak users, Phantom's latest version should work regardless.

TurboScan puts the power of a high quality mobile scanner in the palm of your hand

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 24, 2015

TurboScan by Piksoft Inc., a small Bay Area company, has been available on the App Store for more than five years. Yesterday, they finally launched a free version which leaves no features behind so anyone can now experience the power of a high quality scanner in the palm of their hand, at zero cost.

Ranked #1 business app in the US App Store and with over three million existing users, this document and receipt scanner includes powerful features wrapped around an engaging interface.

Google releases Spotlight Stories, an impressive 360-degree movie app for iPhone

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 28, 2016

Originally released on Android back in the fall of 2013, Google's 360-degree spherical video app called Spotlight Stories has arrived on the iPhone as a free of charge download.

Based on the technology originally developed by Motorola's Advanced Technology And Products division ahead of Google's 2011 purchase of the handset maker, Spotlight Stories uses a variety of advanced technologies to deliver cool-looking animated stories in the palm of your hand, including 3D and 2D animation, 360-degree spherical video, sound sphere audio and various sensor fusion techniques.

Xenowerk review: a top-down shooter with an ever-expanding arsenal

Lory Gil ∙ July 24, 2015

If you are a fan of top-down arcade shooters, then you know how much fun it can be to run from room to room, killing things and blowing up stuff with wild abandon. Pixelbite, the team that brought us the Sci-Fi western Space Marshals is back with a new adventure in space.

Xenowerk is an action shooter that puts players in charge of cleaning up a mutant mess left by a biological experiment gone bad. We've got a hands-on game review of Xenowerk for you today.

The UE Boom Bluetooth speaker offers 360 degrees of immersive sound

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Apple's new streaming service is a big hit. While it may still need some polishing, it is an excellent music player that houses an immense collection of tunes for you to listen to both on and off line. Now, you just need something to play music through that is better than the iPhone 6's tiny speakers.

If you are looking for a little more power than just a personal, portable speaker, the UE Boom is the best in its class. It is small enough to fit in your drink holder, rugged enough to take camping, and powerful enough to be heard in a room full of partiers.

100 apps and games discounted to $0.99 in massive App Store sale

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

Apple is running a massive sale in the App Store right now, marking down the prices of 100 notable apps and games. The promotion includes titles from a variety of genres, and everything has been discounted down to $0.99.

The promo has been split up into 6 sections: Apps for Photography Lovers, Apps for Kids, Smart Tools for Everyone, Game Hits, App Store Veterans, and More Games to Explore. We've listed some of our favorite deals below.

28 new jailbreak tweaks showcased on video

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

The pace of jailbreak tweak releases is still fairly high, even a month after the iOS 8.3/8.4 jailbreak. In this latest video, I showcase 28 new jailbreak tweaks.

The tweaks range from app backgrounding tweaks, to Apple Music tweaks, to volume HUD tweaks. There's a large variety shown off in this latest video. Take a look, and see what you may have missed.

YouTube app updated with support for fullscreen vertical videos

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

Google's YouTube updated its iOS client today, bringing the app to version 10.28. The update brings about two major enhancements: support for fullscreen playback of vertical videos and push notifications.

The former is fairly significant. Users can now view vertically-filmed videos in fullscreen when in portrait mode—a big improvement over previous versions, which would shrink content between two black bars.

Apple highlights apps for anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Apple has begun highlighting apps with specialized accessibility features. The curated section features apps such as TapTapSee, Color Identifier and more.

Apple has long been praised for its efforts to ensure iOS devices can be used by those with various disabilities, including vision, hearing and motor skill impairments. It also regularly spotlights third-party accessibility applications.

Apple pulls Nest products from its website and retail stores

Cody Lee ∙ July 23, 2015

Apple has stopped selling the Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Protect smoke alarm online and in its retail stores, reports Mashable. A search for the products on Apple's website now redirects customers to HomeKit-compatible devices.

The move comes a month after Apple debuted HomeKit, a platform that aims to streamline communication between iOS devices and smart home accessories. Among the compatible products available at launch was the ecobee3 thermostat.

Honda announces CarPlay support for 2016 Accord

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Honda on Thursday debuted the 2016 Accord at its research facility in Mountain View. While car makers typically reserve new car unveilings for major auto shows, Honda says that it chose the location to highlight the role Silicon Valley is playing in the industry.

The ninth-generation Accord features a thorough refresh for 2016, with a big focus on technology. All EX and above models will include a Display Audio infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display and support for both CarPlay and Android Auto platforms.