T-Mobile CEO claims $10 charge for “free” tablet data was a mistake

Jeff Benjamin ∙ November 1, 2013

I gave T-Mobile a lot of props this past week for truly trying to break the mold and do something that no other carrier has done — offering free data to iPad users. I probably should have just kept my mouth shut until I was able to put its claims to the test.

That's because When I walked into a T-Mobile store this morning, the reps told me that I needed to either be a paying phone customer, or pay $10 a month to claim my 200MB worth a free data. While I don't blame T-Mobile for wanting to make money, this was the exact opposite of its "no strings attached" claims on its website and in the press.

This wasn't just a one off. Every single T-Mobile store that I called this morning reiterated the idea that I needed to be a paying customer. All of them said the exact same thing, making it evident that it had to be a company line.

John Legere, T-Mobile's CEO, stated via Twitter that it was an "executional mistake." But how can a mistake be so pervasive throughout the company, unless some of its leaders were pushing the idea?

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Only your wit will save you in The Stormglass Protocol: Room Escape

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

If you are getting tired of all of the flat, colorful, iOS 7 looking casual puzzle games, you might need a break with something that looks like it came out of the future.

The Stormglass Protocol: Room Escape! is a room escape game (obviously) that features rich graphics, an immersive storyline, and puzzles that will have you turned upside down before you make it out of the first room…

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And so it begins: first ads begin showing up on Instagram

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Instagram officially launched its advertising platform today, putting an end to its 3+ year-long ad-free streak. A 'sponsored post' from upscale fashion brand Michael Kors has begun appearing in user timelines.

But it's not like we didn't know this was coming. The launch comes just a week after the social network offered up a preview of what ads were going to look like on Instagram, and after months of several warnings...

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Mavericks detects motion via light sensor to prevent system sleep

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

Concerned Mac users took to Twitter this morning following the revelation of a chunk of code found in OS X Mavericks update that resets idle time when the computer detects motion. They feared this meant the iSight camera is 'always watching.'

But as it turns out, that's not the case at all. The code, which was first spotted by Moshen Chen of Radiantlabs, actually makes clever use of the light sensor positioned to the left of the iSight camera by interpreting "changes in light" as movement...

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Let’s Talk Jailbreak 35: iPad Air special

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

It's iPad Air launch day, and each member of the iDB crew just scored some new hardware from the Apple Store. What was the launch day experience like? What about first impressions? Join us for a special episode of Let's Talk Jailbreak, as the trio of Cody, Sebastien, and Jeff discuss the iPad Air in-depth. Should you get it? Is it better than its predecessor? How does it stack up to the iPad mini? Listen in for the full lowdown.

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Legend Dary Classic review: 8-bit gaming in its simplest form

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

While we praise Apple (and, of course, other tech companies) for their advancements in technology, we also hold dear the games of our pixelated past. We may sit in awe of what 64-bit graphics can do on a mobile device, but our hearts still belong to 2-D gaming.

Legend Dary Classic is a simple side-scrolling 8-bit platform game that includes all of the mechanics you loved as a kid. There is only one view, the graphics are flat, and when you die, you start over…

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iFixit gives iPad Air the teardown treatment

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

The iPad Air launched online and in retail stores around the globe this morning, and like clockwork, the folks over at iFixit have already ripped it apart. The teardown gives us a closeup look at the components inside the tablet.

And this is particularly interesting this year, as Apple has completely redesigned the 5th gen iPad to be thinner, lighter and more powerful than its predecessor. You'll find photos of its A7 chip, 5mp camera and more after the fold...

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Get in touch with your favorite contacts quicker using Fast Dial

Lory Gil ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

If your favorites contacts list is not fast enough to get you to the call you want to make when you want to make it, you may need a shortcut. Sure, you could use Launch Center Pro, but there is something even simpler (and cheaper).

Fast Dial ~ photo dialer and social app launcher for your contacts is a shortcut app that lets you quickly access and call phone numbers, send SMS messages, or email contacts with a simple swipe. Plus, you can connect to them via social networking sites without having to leave the app…

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Share customized maps and directions with Mapkin

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

When you are giving directions to someone on how to get to your house, only you know the signifiers and landmarks to explain the easiest route and secret back entrances to your neighborhood.

Mapkin – Maps, GPS & Personalized Navigation is a mapping service that lets you customize the route, add your own voice navigation, and send directions to friends and family so they won’t be confused by awkward instructions…

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iPhone 5s beats Nokia Lumia 1020 in camera shootout

Sébastien Page ∙ October 31, 2013

You know how they say that sometimes more is less. Some also say that specs don't really matter anymore. Well, it all comes true in a camera shootout carried out by the folks at Laptop Mag between the Nokia Lumia 1020, and the iPhone 5s. For those who are still keeping track of specs out there, let's note that the Lumia 1020 comes with a whopping 41MP camera. Apparently that wasn't enough to beat the iPhone 5s 8MP camera though...

The iPhone 5s conclusively beat the Nokia Lumia 1020 in our photo face-off, taking seven out of 10 rounds–and tying one. Even after updating the Lumia 1020′s camera software, which reduced issues with the blue color cast on many images, colors were still more accurate on the iPhone. Apple’s device also excelled when delivering detail and contrast.

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New Remote app icon surfaces in App Store’s ‘Designed for iOS 7’ section

Cody Lee ∙ October 31, 2013

Last week we reported that a redesigned Remote app icon had been spotted in iTunes, suggesting that the app would be getting its long-awaited iOS 7 makeover sometime soon. But we have yet to see that happen.

That doesn't mean we aren't close though. Today, more evidence of an impending update surfaced by way of a similarly-new Remote icon appearing in the Columbian App Store's 'Designed for iOS 7' section...

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