iDB holiday gift guide: Cody’s picks

It’s gift-giving season again, and iDB is back with its annual Holiday Gift Guide. So for those of you panicking because you still haven't figured out what to get that special someone, never fear, we have come up with some excellent suggestions for you.

I personally tend to do a lot of research when buying things for myself, to ensure that I get the best value for my money, and this is definitely reflected in my gift-giving. Below, you’ll find a list of a few things I think would make excellent gifts this year.

How to take iPhone screenshots without the status bar

Everyone knows that the status bar tends to get in the way when taking screenshots. Either your battery's near death, which makes the screenshot looks a bit odd, or your signal strength is low, etc. Having a status bar tends to make screenshots look a bit asymmetrical. A new jailbreak tweak, aptly entitled NoBarScreen, allows you to take screenshots without a status bar.

Apps of the Week: Tales from the Borderlands, Seabeard, Sneaky Sneaky, and more

After spending all week shopping for presents, decorating trees, and baking cookies, I’m ready for a break. All I want to do is sit down with a good game and lose track of time until my fingers cramp up. If you are in need of a bit of relief from the holiday hustle and bustle, take a look at our list of apps and games. You might find something to ease your stress level. Maybe you’ll feel better after some good old fashioned video gaming. I know I always do.

This tweak will make sure you never accidentally set an alarm for the evening

Born and raised in France where we use 24-hour clocks, the AM/PM time is something I had to adapt to when I moved to the States. It's not complicated to figure out, but it's easy to accidentally take one for the other. A new tweak called PM, really? wants to make sure you never accidentally set an alarm for the evening (PM), when clearly you wanted to be waken up in the morning (AM).

Apple seeds third OS X 10.10.2 beta to developers

Apple has seeded the third beta of OS X Yosemite 10.10.2 this morning. The update, labeled build 14C81f, is available through the Update tab in the Mac App Store and the Dev Center for all registered Mac developers.

Today’s release comes just over a week after the second 10.10.2 beta, and Apple has once again asked developers to focus their testing on Wi-Fi connectivity—a long-standing Yosemite issue—as well as Mail and VoiceOver.

An iPhone app could soon replace your driver license

The great state of Iowa is looking to introduce the first Driver License application, reports the WSJ today. Currently in development for iOS and Android, the app wouldn't replace plastic driver licenses but rather be a companion to the physical identification cards. The project, which was originally pegged for a 2015 release, has seen some setbacks due to security and privacy concerns. At this time, it is unknown when this state-endorsed app will be released.  

Bean Dreams will bounce right into your heart

Who would have thought that there was a reason to change the traditional platform game mechanics? It’s one of those “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” concepts. At least, I’d always thought that way.

Bean Dreams is a game that features pretty much everything you think makes up a good platformer. However, there is one major change. Instead of running and jumping, you’re little Bean is nothing but jumps.

Twelve South launches premium BookBook leather wallet case for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

Participating in the multi-billion dollar accessory industry yields substantial financial incentives for vendors that ready their cases by the time the next iPhone hits the market, but Twelve South has never been about the money alone.

That's especially evident in the case (pun intended) of the latest iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models. Because the new phones represent a major departure from the established phone design and form factor, Twelve South has decided to take their time to get their premium BookBook case right for the bigger iPhones.

And it's finally here. Introducing the BookBook for your iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Rumor: Samsung starts building A9 chips for 2015 iPhones and iPads

According to an article published by Korea's ETNews on Friday, Samsung has now begun building the 'A9' processors after rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reportedly built the majority of A8 chips for the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPad Air 2 devices.

The A9 system-on-a-chip is expected to make its debut in the next year's iPhones and iPads, including the expected iPhone 6s, an S-upgrade to the existing iPhone 6 lineup.

US/UK Online Apple Store now accepting PayPal

For the first time since its inception, the Online Apple Store is now accepting PayPal as a payment method in both the United States and United Kingdom, Re/code said Friday.

The change is newsworthy in light of PayPal's reluctance to join Apple's mobile payment solution, Apple Pay, and refusal to update its app with Touch ID authentication.

‘Space Qube’ goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Apple has named the retro-futuristic 3D shooter 'Space Qube' its App of the Week for this week. This means that you'll be able to pick up the title for both your iPhone and iPad, for free through next Thursday—a solid savings of $2.99.

In Space Qube, players are tasked with helping Space Jack in his campaign to save the universe. They are given the opportunity to build their own custom spaceship, and then must blast their way through levels of dangerous monsters.