New ‘IP Box’ tool unlocks iPhone PINs via brute force attacks

A new device is causing commotion around the interwebs today, that has the ability to unlock PIN-protected iOS devices. The tool, first spotlighted by security firm MDSec, is being used in the phone repair markets to brute-force iPhone and iPad Lock screens.

According to MDSec, these 'IP Boxes' are about the size of an Apple TV, and you can acquire one for around $300. It works by simulating the PIN entry on a device over a USB connection, and is able to sequentially bruteforce every possible PIN combination.

Here’s how Apple will let customers try on Apple Watch

9to5mac is out with a report detailing how Apple plans to allow customers to try on the Apple Watch in its retail stores around the globe, when the wearable will be put out on tables starting April 10.

Given the jewelry nature of the Apple Watch, it won't be like walking into an Apple Store to try out an iPhone or iPad. According to the well-connected publication, starting on April 10th, Apple will allocate 15 minutes per customer for a guided and directed in-store try-on experience, using 10 try-on stations.

You can now watch Vines offline

Vine, a Twitter-owned video service that lets anyone share funny looping clips with the web at large, or just their followers, has received a nice update Wednesday.

Available as a free update in the App Store, the app now lets fans watch Vines quicker than ever, even with a slower or no Internet connection. You’ll also see that posts show up more quickly than before.

Twelve South launches portable MacBook stand that folds up like iPad Smart Cover

Hot on the heels of unveiling its HiRise charging stand for the Apple Watch, premium accessory maker Twelve South on Wednesday announced another interesting accessory. This one attaches to the bottom of any MacBook and folds up to an instant stand akin to Apple's Smart Cover for iPad.

The BaseLift typing stand, as they're calling it, is a remarkable 3.7 millimeter thin, has a microfiber-layered pad and stays attached to the bottom of your MacBook all the time, so you’ll never forget it.

T-Mobile brings Uncarrier plans to businesses, announces ‘Un-contract’

T-Mobile has announced its Uncarrier plans will now extend to small business accounts, as it looks to take on larger carriers AT&T and Verizon, who cover most of the business wireless accounts across the US.

With a Red Bull and f-bombs aplenty, non-traditional T-Mobile CEO John Legere just announced at an event in New York its business plans are up to 40 percent cheaper than rival offerings from AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

Camera+ gains Today widget, full iPhone 6 support, direct Instagram sharing and better white balance

My favorite camera and photo-editing application, Camera+ for iPhone from Taptaptap, has received a long-overdue refresh Wednesday.

Now the app finally takes full advantage of the new screen resolutions provided by the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus because “there’s just no substitute for a pixel-perfect, custom UI designed specifically for your megaphone.”

The previous versions used automatic scaling, which resulted in a blown up interface that didn't feel at home on new iPhones. Also new in Camera+ 6.2: advanced white balance control using a dial.

You'll also love direct sharing to Instagram and a handy Today widget which not only lets you quickly open Camera+ from anywhere, but puts handy photo tips and inspirational photo quotes of the day right into the iOS Notification Center.

Poll: should USB-C replace Lightning on iPhones?

Apple's new 12-inch MacBook has left watchers scratching their head over its one-port design.

By replacing Thunderbolt I/O, standard USB, MagSafe and SD card ports with a single, much slimmer USB-C port (also known as USB Type-C), the company was able to create “the future of notebook.”

At the same time, the new notebook does inconvenience users, at least over the short term, by requiring various adapters to connect the machine to their existing accessories. Thankfully, there're signs that the industry is going all in on USB-C.

Google's recently refreshed Pixel notebook has two USB-C ports, for example. In addition, upcoming accessories, like Nomad's versatile Apple Watch charging dock incorporate USB-C as the new charging standard.

It may be a safe bet to wager that USB-C will eventually take the gadget industry by storm, but this begs the question of Lightning I/O on iPhones, iPods and iPads. Is what we're seeing here Apple's next iPhone connector, do you think, or should the company stick with Lightning I/O for the next ten years?

Tim Cook talks Apple future in sweeping Fast Company interview

Apple's chief executive Tim Cook sat down with Fast Company's Rick Tetzeli and Brent Schlender to discuss a wide range of topics in a sweeping interview published this morning.

He discussed topics like the future of the company Steve Jobs co-founded, upcoming Apple Campus 2 (iSpaceship), Steve Jobs' legacy and more.

The Apple CEO also addressed Apple Watch skepticism, explained how Apple lives “outside the box” and said everything about Apple can change except values.

Modern Combat 5 goes free, gains MFi controller support, new multiplayer, Support soldiers, more

In addition to going free for the first time (regularly a $4 value), a barrage of new features have been added to Modern Combat 5 in a brand new Spring update to Gameloft's excellent war shooter (an App Store Best of 2014).

Now available in the App Store, Modern Combat 5: Blackout version 1.2 finally supports 'Made for iPhone' game controllers, both form-fitting and extended variants.

There's a brand new multiplayer mode available called Zone Control in which you must capture and defend areas to boost your score. Other improvements include new weapons and character classes and additional character customization.