Booqpad combines an iPad mini case and notepad into one

I like being professional. Sure, being a blogger doesn't mean my job screams business suit, white dress shirt, and dark blue tie. After all, I'm not rolling down the hallways of an IBM clone factory like my father did before me. But, I love him anyway. Being professional does not require the suit, but it can easily be defined by accessories. No, not a pocket square. I mean your gadget accessories.

For my iPhone 5s, when I am trying to look the part, I opt for the Kouros leather sleeve, because it is simple, streamlined, black, and refined. When it comes to my iPad mini, I also prefer those same characteristics. But, often, the mini is more of my work horse, which should get even better with an A7 processor. I may grab my phone in a meeting to check the calendar or a quick notification about the Virginia Tech Hokies, but iPad is the true go-to for more complex tasks. Keeping things at my fingers, the Booqpad mini by Booq even has a spot for handwritten notes...

New Remote icon in iTunes may hint at impending iOS 7 update

Although Apple posted a number of iOS 7-flavored app updates this week, there's still one that I'm anxiously awaiting: the Remote app. I use it every day to control my Apple TV, and it's very much in need of a UI overhaul.

Fortunately, it looks like I won't have to wait much longer. A redesigned icon for the Remote app has been discovered in iTunes, suggesting that Apple may be putting the finishing touches on an iOS 7 update for the utility...

Research shows second generation iPad still selling extremely well

During our iPad event roundtable on this week's Let's Talk Jailbreak, we noted how surprised we were to see that Apple is going to continue selling the iPad 2. Why does the company insist on keeping the two year-old tablet around?

The answer, according to marketing research firm Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, is because the device is still selling extremely well. Their data shows that the second-gen iPad made up 22% of Apple's tablet sales this quarter...

Some Apple Stores now carrying non-Retina iPad mini in Space Gray

Alongside the new iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display, Apple announced a small update for the first-gen iPad mini on Tuesday. The (non-Retina) tablet has been given a small price reduction, and a new 'Space Gray' colorway.

And according to a new report, some retail stores have quietly begun stocking these new minis on their shelves—meaning they're now available for purchase. So if you're interested, it might be worth checking your local Apple Store...

Let’s Talk Jailbreak 33: Let’s talk iPad

We delayed this episode of Let's Talk Jailbreak by a couple of days so that we could talk to you about our thoughts on Apple's iPad event. Join us for in-depth discussions about the new iPad Air, the iPad mini with Retina Display, iOS 7.0.3 and its potential jailbreakability, Apple's new free software initiative, and more.

Tweetbot 3 is out with all-new design for iOS 7

Popular Twitter client Tweetbot has finally received its iOS 7 update this afternoon. A week after Tapbots announced that the new app had been sent off to Apple and was awaiting approval from the App Team, Tweetbot 3 has arrived.

As expected, Tweetbot 3 has been completely redesigned from the ground up for iOS 7—as you can see in the screenshot above, it looks nothing like its predecessor. And also as expected, the brand new app comes with a new price tag...

iPhone 5s/5c now rolling out to 35 new markets

As the massive November 1 iPad Air launch across 42 global markets draws near (how about picking yours at Walmart?), tomorrow marks another key accomplishment for the company's iconic smartphone as a bunch of international Apple Stores go offline ahead of the second wave of expansion.

More than a month ago - on September 20 - Apple's new iPhones went on sale in the United States and an additional ten major markets worldwide. Shortly after, Apple told us a major expansion in 35 new markets would follow on Friday, October 25 so this isn't a shocker.

Eager to learn whether your country is on Apple's map? Read on...

Canadian patent troll loses infringement lawsuit against Apple

Canadian-based patent troll Wi-LAN lost its bid to force Apple to license patents covering several major wireless technologies. A jury found Apple did not infringe on two Wi-LAN patents dealing with CDMA, HSPA (3G), Wi-Fi and LTE. The patent company wanted Apple to pay $248 million.

In a statement, Wi-LAN said it was disappointed with the court's decision, but feels the Marshall, Texas federal ruling will not hurt previous licensing deals now in place.

Samsung, HTC and BlackBerry are among the companies which have settled lawsuits...

Walmart to start selling 16GB Wi-Fi iPad Air with $20 discount on November 1

Walmart offered notable discounts on Apple gear in the past, most recently on the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, and they're about to do it again with the forthcoming iPad Air.

It was only two days ago that Apple unveiled the device, alongside the iPad mini with Retina display and other hardware and software notables.

Still, already Walmart is first to advertise that it will start selling the entry-level $499 iPad Air with a $20 discount beginning November 1...

Good deal: 40% off FreedomPop LTE hotspot with free service

What if I told you that there was a device you could buy that would give you LTE Internet access for your iPhone, iPad and up to 8 other devices without you having to pay a monthly fee? Well there is, and it's called the Spot by FreedomPop.

You've probably heard of FreedomPop before—it's the crazy startup backed by Skype founder Niklas Zennstrom that offers free Internet to folks who buy its devices. And for a limited time, you can get their LTE HotSpot at a great discount...

Samsung fined $340,000 over faking negative web comments about competition

Throughout last year, Apple-friendly web sites were infested with an avalanche of ugly comments by anonymous posters concerning the iPhone, iPad and the Apple brand in general. While website owners were reluctant to publicly point the finger of blame at the South Korean conglomerate, many had suspected it was no coincidence given Samsung was riding high on its anti-Apple ad campaign.

Conveniently, hate-spewing quickly died down after Taiwan’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) in April launched an investigation into Samsung's tactics following the company's admission of guilt about, in its own words, the "unfortunate incident" which occurred "due to insufficient understanding".

Though Samsung  said it had"ceased all marketing activities that involve the posting of anonymous comments," the FTC - after finding Samsung indeed hired a "large number of hired writers and designated employees" to trash-talk competition in web comments - has now decided to slap the Galaxy maker with a $340,000 fine...

What ads on Instagram will look like

Anyone with a bit good common sense has probably been expected ads to come to Instagram for a long time, but it wasn't until about a month ago that it was officially confirmed, and even explained shortly after on the company's blog.

Today, Instagram took to their blog again to give us an idea of how ads will look like and what we'll be able to do about them...