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Google searches, now with flights, reservations, package delivery info and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 14, 2013

Regardless of the devices you happen to favor, chances are high you're using Google Search, the default search engine on iOS gadgets and Mac notebooks and desktops.

It's been awhile since we covered Google Search improvements here on iDB and I didn't want to pass on the opportunity to fill you in on today's pretty important round of enhancements to the good ol' Google Search.

Folks using Google Now on iOS on Android have been loving the way the feature automatically serves relevant information pertaining to their flights, reservations, appointments and more. Now all of that is available in standard Google Search on desktop and mobile devices, right in your browser...

Resellers say the time is ripe to unload your old iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ August 14, 2013

We've long anticipated Apple unveiling a new iPhone this fall, we just weren't sure exactly when it would do it. Then over the weekend, a report surfaced claiming the company was planning an event for September 10, and it's since been all but confirmed.

For the folks looking to sell their old models, that gives you a little less than a month to do so before the next iPhone is introduced. By then, your current-model iPhone will be worth a lot less than it is now—in fact, its value is already swiftly depreciating...

Samsung to unveil Galaxy Gear smartwatch on September 4

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 14, 2013

Perhaps looking to spoil Apple's September 10 iPhone 5S/5C party, Samsung of South Korea is reportedly set to make a major wearables-focused announcement six days ahead of Apple's press conference. The South Korean conglomerate last week sent out invites for its August 4 Unpacked 2013 Episode 2 event to launch the Galaxy Note III.

As it turns out, the firm may have another surprise up its sleeve come August 4: a Galaxy-branded smartwatch designed to act as a companion device for its Galaxy smartphones and tablets...

Flipboard updated with GIF support, new ‘Top Stories,’ and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Good news Flipboard users, the aggregating social/news magazine has updated its mobile apps this afternoon with some handy improvements. The update brings the app to version 2.0.5, and it includes a new 'Top Stories' section, GIF support, and more.

With version 2.0.5, users can now scan the day's Top Stories by genre, which are separated into News, Tech, Business and Sports sections. This is useful in that if you subscribe to multiple RSS feeds, you can easily bypass the stuff that doesn't interest you...

Another high profile investor announces position in Apple, stock crosses $500

Cody Lee ∙ August 14, 2013

Yesterday, Carl Icahn, one of the most prominent investors on Wall Street, set the Internet on fire when he announced that he had taken a 'large position' in Apple. He didn't say how much money, exactly, but the investment is believed to be over $1 billion.

As you can imagine, Icahn's comments also set APPL on fire as well. The already-climbing stock jumped 20 points yesterday, and ended up closing around $490. And today, it's crossed the $500 mark on the back of another high-profile investor's blessings...

iCloud Beta revamped with iOS 7 style design, here’s your gallery

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 14, 2013

Apple's streamlining, redesigning and flattening efforts go beyond iOS 7 or Jonny Ive's title. Today, the company has issued a major revamp to its iCloud.com Beta website. The enhanced experience focuses on an all-new yet familiar look which takes more than a few clues from iOS 7, to put it mildly.

But rather than draw snippets of inspiration from the forthcoming iOS 7 refresh, Apple has taken it upon itself to actually recreate the complete iOS 7 look and feel, right in your web browser and down to the flattened icons, minimalistic look and light fonts.

I've taken a bunch of screenshots so do check out the full gallery right below...

Orbotix announces faster, brighter Sphero 2.0

Cody Lee ∙ August 14, 2013

The Sphero ball was one of the first iPhone-controlled accessories to hit the market back in 2010, and it has long been a favorite of enthusiasts. The baseball-sized rolling ball can be remotely controlled via an iOS or Android app.

Today, Orbotix announced the successor to the Sphero ball: Sphero 2.0. The upgraded accessory is more than twice as fast as its predecessor—capable of rolling at 7 FPS—and three times as bright, with more LEDs and colors...

Roku says its set-top box is more popular for streaming than Apple TV

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 14, 2013

A month ago, Frost & Sullivan Consumer Video Devices Market report singled out Apple's $99 Apple TV as the most-used set-top box in terms of content streaming. Specifically, the Apple TV claimed the commanding 56 percent share of streaming device sales, more than twice the share of the #2 Roku, which took 26 percent share of sales.

Not content with its ranking, Roku today cited another research to prove its box is the leading streaming platform...

Google removing Messenger from Google+ apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 14, 2013

Another Google service has bit the dust as the Internet giant announces it will be removing Messenger from Google+ for Android and iOS over the coming days. OBviously, as the focus turns to Hangouts, Messenger is no longer needed. Granted, the writing's been on the wall ever since Google released Hangouts for iOS and Android back in May, its answer to the unification of the many Google chat services under a brand new moniker...

2013 iPhone Photography Awards: you won’t believe your eyes

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 14, 2013

iPhone photography fans who haven't heard about the iPhone Photography Awards yet should definitely familiarize themselves with the competition.

Trust me, the quality of the images photography buffs are taking on their iPhones will leave you breathless. It's also a nice reality check for those who happen to hold their own photography skills in high esteem.

The creativity oozing from some of these shots can't be overstated, especially given the rules prevent photo manipulation other than the capabilities provided by the photographer's camera app of choice...

How to get iOS 7 styled parallax wallpaper on your iPhone

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

We've got an extremely cool new Lock screen theme to show you guys and it's called iOS 7 Accelerometer Slideshow Lockscreens. This is a new WinterBoard theme that recently appeared on Cydia, and it completely transforms the iOS Lock screen.

The download includes 5 different theme packs that work well with both 4" iOS devices, and smaller 3.5" devices. Each theme pack features well over a dozen different wallpapers that all move around as you move your device.

Like the Parallax effect found in iOS 7, these new themes allow you to harness the device's built-in accelerometer for a similar stylized effect. It's something that really needs to be seen to full appreciate.

Have a look inside as we showcase iOS 7 Accelerometer Slideshow Lockscreens on video.

Brazil sues Samsung over alleged factory labor problems

Ed Sutherland ∙ August 14, 2013

Samsung is reportedly facing a $108 million lawsuit from Brazil, which is claiming "serious" labor violations at the smartphone maker's Manaus factory. At least 2,000 workers suffered injuries after being forced to work 15-hour days and not getting enough break time, a Brazilian labor organization claims Wednesday.

The website of the group Reporter Brasil cites Brazil prosecutors and the government's labor ministry. In 2011, the South Korean smartphone maker paid $200,000 to settled similar charges over working conditions made by the government...