Apple working on TV remote with built-in fingerprint sensor

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

The US Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday published three patent applications from Apple relating to biometric input devices. As noted by AppleInsider, all the filings mention a device with a built-in fingerprint sensor that could be used in a future TV remote.

It's not hard to imagine the biometric possibilities of a remote control for a TV or set-top box. The device would be able to identify users—paving the way for custom profiles, settings and parental controls—and could support multi-finger shortcuts and simple gestures.

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Could this be a front panel for iPhone 6s?

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 23, 2015

According to the rumor-mill, Apple's suppliers have recently begun volume production of key components for the upcoming iPhones, such as an Apple-designed 'A9’ processor and chassis. These parts will be soon, or already are, all over the place in Asia so little wonder we're now starting to see first component leaks.

The leakage kicked off with a claimed rear housing which has seemingly confirmed minuscule changes to the interior and a stronger body. The leaks now continue with a photo of a rumored front panel of the 'iPhone 6s,' published Thursday by French blog NowhereElse.fr.

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Live-streaming from GoPro through Meerkat just became a reality

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 1, 2018

Don't you dare write Meerkat off yet!

As reported by CNBC, the real-time mobile video broadcasting service has just teamed up with GoPro, the maker of tremendously popular action cameras, to allow its users to broadcast their action footage on the Meerkat service, in real-time.

Meerkat's live streaming technology is the perfect fit for owners of GoPro cameras, especially  given that GoPro's mobile apps are not built for streaming and only offer barebone features.

Meerkat has made the official announcement regarding its partnership with GoPro at VidCon, the online video creators conference.

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Save $125 on iPad Air 2 in Best Buy’s ‘Black Friday in July’ sale

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 15, 2017

In an effort to drum up sales during the summer slump, Best Buy has announced that it will be hosting a "Black Friday in July" sale this weekend where it will be discounting iPads, MacBooks and a number of other products.

The promotion begins on July 24 and runs through the 25th, but those with a My Best Buy account can access the deals today. You can sign up for My Best Buy, for free, though it does require an email and phone number.

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A modern take on the classic Pac-Man experience hits iOS after making its console debut

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 23, 2015

A modern take on the classic Pac-Man video game, called Pac-Man Championship Edition DX, is now available in the App Store as a premium download. The iPhone and iPad release was ported over from consoles to the iOS platform by publisher Bandai Namco.

The game retains all of the features that have made the classic maze-running action series so popular and packs in the same souped up graphics and sound design introduced in its console editions.

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Nickelodeon’s ‘SpongeBob Moves In’ goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ July 23, 2015

Apple has just named “SpongeBob Moves In” its App of the Week for this week. This means that from now through next Thursday, you’ll be able to download Nickelodeon's popular city-builder for both iPhone and iPad for free—saving you a solid $4.

On Day 1, players help SpongeBob move into his Pineapple house, get a job at the Krusty Krab and begin building their own Bikini Bottom. As your town begins to thrive, you'll unlock new characters, buildings, decorations and areas like Jellyfish Fields.

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Save links for later with Pinterest’s much improved Share extension

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 23, 2015

Pinterest's Share extension on iPhones, iPod touches and iPads has gotten a whole lot more useful in the latest update which just landed on the App Store.

The free of charge application was among the first on the App Store to have rolled out a native Share sheet extension on iOS 8, albeit sporting a very limited set of features.

With the new, much improved Pinterest button for iPhone, you can now save links for later in a more visual way than before, with customizable Pin descriptions and more.

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TodoMovies 4 adds Apple Watch app, custom lists, richer views, tabbed navigation and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 23, 2015

As a longtime fan of TodoMovies, an excellent movie tracker by German developer Taphive, I've been using the app to keep tabs on the movies I wanted to watch.

Since its March 2014 App Store debut, developers have constantly updated the app with meaningful feature additions like Motion Posters in TodoMovies 2, a revamped design in TodoMovies 3 and lots of other goodies.

Previously a $1.99 download, TodoMovies went the freemium route and it did help widen the app's user base. And as of Thursday, TodoMovies 4 is available in the App Store with tons more perks.

For starters, it now offers a nicely designed Apple Watch app for your wrist. On the iPhone side, enhancements include custom lists, a richer movie details view, tab-based navigation, support for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus screens and more.

Read on for a quick review based on my brief hands-on time with the new version.

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Office for iOS gains Outlook integration, easier sharing, viewing protected files and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 23, 2015

Software giant Microsoft on Thursday issued a set of updates adding several new features to its Office mobile apps on the iOS platform. For starters, the refreshed editions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint for the iPhone and iPad can finally open and view protected documents.

Next, users can now easily invite others to collaborate on documents and grant permissions from within the apps, another important productivity boost.

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Apple to allow third-party Apple Watch accessories that integrate inductive charging pads

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 23, 2015

Apple has changed the terms of its 'Made for Apple Watch' licensing program to allow accessory makers to integrate charging pads directly into third-party docks and stands for the Apple Watch, 9to5Mac reported Thursday.

Currently, makers of Apple Watch stands and docks are prohibited from providing Apple Watch charging pads so, for example, stands like Twelve South's HiRise for Apple Watch typically have an opening into which users themselves must insert the charging pad that came with their Apple Watch.

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Days of Wonder’s board game Splendor goes digital: we go hands-on

Lory Gil ∙ Updated May 7, 2018

Splendor is a hugely popular board game distributed by Asmodee that first launched in 2014 and has received much acclaim in its short lifespan, including a nomination from the board game world's most coveted Spiel des Jahres awards.

Splendor is now available on iOS so you can keep your merchant skills sharp without waiting for your board game group to be ready. We've got a hands-on game review of Splendor for you today.

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