iDownloadBlog.com

Proposed CA bill would require antitheft tech in smartphones

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2018

The New York Times is reporting that California State Senator Mark Leno plans to introduce a bill that would require all cell phones sold in the state to include antitheft technology. He hopes to curb smartphone thefts—a major problem in larger cities.

The bill is being co-sponsored by San Francisco DA George Gascón, which isn't surprising considering he's long been pushing for Apple and other manufacturers to build 'kill switches' in their devices. And if it passes, it could go into effect as early as next year...

Snapchat vulnerability opens up iPhone users to DoS attacks

Cody Lee ∙ February 7, 2014

According to a new report from cyber security researcher Jamie Sanchez, the Snapchat app contains a vulnerability that makes it possible for hackers to launch a denial-of-service (DoS) attack that can temporarily freezes a user's iPhone.

Sanchez and a fellow research discovered a flaw in the app's system that allows a hacker to send thousands of messages to a Snapchat user in seconds, which can cause crashes. And often times, these crashes can only be fixed with a reset...

On the Line review: let your fingers do the running

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

There are hundreds, if not thousands of “endless runner” games in the App Store. So many now that, when I see the term, I usually groan and pass it by. However, from time to time, a unique take on the game will come along and surprise me.

On the Line is one of those little surprises. It is called an endless runner, and I suppose in its most technical terms, it is, but this game is anything but typical. There are no coins, no bonus items, and no character. Your finger is the runner…

Exhaustive list details Apple’s recent hires for rumored iWatch project

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Last night we passed along a report from The Wall Street Journal, which featured an interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook talking about the company's past, and its future. And one of the things he harped on was that it has some big things in the pipeline.

A quick look at the rumor mill tells you what some of those things could be: a bigger iPhone, a new Apple TV product, etc. But perhaps the most anticipated unreleased Apple product is the health-sensing, fitness tracking smartwatch known as the iWatch.

We've seen a lot of evidence that Apple is working on a new wearable device, but none of it is more telling than its recent string of medical and fitness expert hires. And 9to5Mac has put together an exhaustive list, detailing what each brings to the table...

Tim Cook on bigger iPhones, ‘crappy’ Android experience, not making junk and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 7, 2014

Following notable excerpts from Daisuke Wakabayashi’s interview with Tim Cook in The Wall Street Journal, the financial newspaper has now posted the whole thing on its Digits blog.

The full interview gives us a more detailed insight into the mindset of Tim Cook's Apple as the CEO discusses recent topics of interest, including Lenovo's $2.9 billion purchase of Google's Motorola Mobility unit and additional information regarding Apple's share buyback program.

He also took time to touch upon the ongoing discussion concerning supposedly bigger iPhones in the pipeline, the current products not yet hitting the ceiling and lots more. I've included the best quotes and tidbits for your reading pleasure after the break...

This sweet iPhone 6 concept is definitely worth checking out…

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 30, 2016

We've run a few iPhone 6 concepts here on iDownloadBlog, but none has captured our attention like the newest work by Italy's established 3D artist Federico Ciccarese who took a crack at envisioning what a large-screened iPhone could look like. Like most mockups, this is one concept that Apple most likely will never make, probably.

Nevertheless, that doesn't mean a guy can't dream, no? With that in mind, do take a look at Federico's latest batch of iPhone 6 mockups and then chime in with your thoughts down in the comments...

Target launches time-limited deals on iOS devices

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Target, the nation's second-largest discount retailer, is launching some pretty interesting deals on Apple's iOS devices. Starting this coming Sunday, February 9, and through next week's Saturday, February 15, customers in the market for an iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPad Air and any iPad mini can get discounts in the form of gift cards.

The time-limited promotion will see some of these devices discounted by as much as $50 versus Apple's asking prices. Jump past the fold for the full per-product breakdown...

Incipio’s Cashwrap NFC iPhone case now available to Verizon customers

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 25, 2018

Case maker Incipio two weeks ago announced its new iPhone case, the Cashwrap. It brings mobile wallet functionality to the iPhone 4/4s/5/5s by incorporating NFC technology. The case is compatible with the carrier-backed Isis Mobile Wallet app which makes it possible to pay with your device at participating retailers, mass transit systems and more, using an Iris account.

AT&T initially rolled out the Cashwrap to its own retail stores and yesterday the accessory became available to order in Verizon stores nationwide and from the Big Red carrier’s online store...

Are you ready for iOS 7.1 in March?

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 7, 2014

Software updates to Apple's mobile operating system typically used to get rolled out within a few weeks following the public launch of a major iOS release.

But as Apple transitions to a more aggressive release schedule on the OS X side - the firm switched from an 18-month cycle to annual OS X refreshes - Apple's engineers are taking their time dealing with the initial complaints, bugs and issues that have been plaguing iOS 7 users since September 2013.

The latest chatter by credible publications coupled with reliable information coming from my own sources points to a public release of iOS 7.1 in March...

Apple reduces cost and minimum purchase volumes for MFi licenses

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 7, 2014

One of the prime reasons why Apple-sanctioned Lightning accessories, cables and adapters have been so pricey are high costs and allegedly exorbitant fees attached to the company's 'Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod' (MFi) program. Established in 2005, the MFi initiative requires third-parties to use Apple-approved authentication chips and certified cables and adhere to Apple's rigorous testing.

All of the products that pass testing bear an Apple-approved 'Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad' label. By lowering the program fees, Apple has enabled vendors to produce cheaper Lightning cables, adapters and other accessories for the iPhone and iPad...

NAS video downloads and other new features now live in Infuse in 2.2

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 24, 2018

Infuse, the versatile iOS media player by jailbreak developer FireCore best-known for its aTV Flash Black software for the Apple TV, is getting a nice update with new features later today.

Infuse 2.2 is a pretty big update that comes with a number of additional features the team has been working on for awhile, as well as some of the top user-requested features. One of my favorite additions is the ability to browse network shares and download files for offline playback.

I'm loving it because no longer do I have to transfer my media to Infuse through iTunes, WebDAV or other clunky methods. Infuse 2.2 will be available as a free download in the App Store later today...

Rocket Robo review: help a lonely robot reach the stars

Lory Gil ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

Gaming on mobile devices has gotten better over the past few years. Things have really heated up since the launch of the iPhone 5s and the iPad Air. Graphics and performance have improved greatly, making it possible for mobile game makers to create some fairly incredible titles.

Rocket Robo is a puzzle game that features great graphics, unique movement mechanics and a sprinkling of arcade action...