Hot Watch: an iOS-compatible smartwatch with some innovative features

If you're still searching for proof that there's a market for smartwatches, look no further than Kickstarter. We've seen a number of projects surface on the crowdsourced funding site—most of which went on to be successful—and today we have another one for you.

Meet the HOT Watch, by Dallas-based think tank PHTL. Now, don't let the cheesy name fool you, this watch is packing a ton of features. It has all of the standard smartwatch stuff, like push notifications, as well as innovative stuff like 'Hands on Talk' technology...

Apple asking Internet radio stations for iTunes Radio cover art

As its iTunes Radio launch draws closer, Apple has begun sending out emails to owners of Internet radio stations asking that they provide cover art for future use on iTunes and mobile devices.The move suggests that the company is looking to feature independent streaming music stations, alongside its premium iTunes content, in the upcoming service...

Apple launches ‘Takeback Program’ for third-party USB power adapters

In light of recent events involving the safety of third-party chargers for iOS devices, Apple has launched a new trade-in program for all unauthorized USB power adapters. The company made the announcement on its support site this afternoon.

The 'Takeback Program' officially kicks off next week, and will allow users who have concerns about their USB power adapters to either drop them off at an Apple store for recycling, or trade them in towards the purchase of an official Apple power adapter...

Aplo: a minimalistic theme with depth

An interface can be minimalistic and still be interesting. It can be "flat" yet still have depth in spades. That is, apparently, the mantra that renowned iOS designer, Sentry, subscribed to as he meticulously slaved away at his latest jailbreak release.

A theme packing in support for well over 300 different apps, Aplo is "flat" done right. We've had the pleasure of going hands on with the theme over the last few days, and, in typical iDB fashion, we've created an in-depth video that showcases the inner workings of the theme. You don't want to miss this.

Biometric expert breaks down how an iPhone fingerprint sensor could work

After months of rumors and speculation, evidence popped up last month seemingly confirming that future iOS devices will have built-in fingerprint sensors. Code was found hidden in iOS 7 that refers directly to the feature, suggesting we could see it as soon as this year.

The idea, though, of Apple putting fingerprint sensors in its mobile devices spawns a number of questions like: what will it be used for, how will it work, and how durable will it be? Luckily, biometric authentication expert Geppy Parziale has decided to impart some of his wisdom...

New iOS vulnerability lets malware slip through

Apple's iOS is generally considered the most reliable and secure mobile platform out there so little wonder that iPhones and iPads are the gadgets of choice of mobile workers everywhere. Despite its Unix underpinnings, iOS of course isn't bullet-proof - no software is. But unlike Google's malware-infested Android, you don't hear every day about an iOS weakness so fatal it opens the door to malware.

Unfortunately, today is precisely that day as researchers from the Georgia Tech Information Security Center (GTISC) publish details about a newly discovered iOS vulnerability that allows malware installation via seemingly innocuous apps.

The weakness circumvents Apple’s security measures and paves the way to "significant security threats to the iOS platform." We're expecting a swift response on Apple's part and a fix via a future update...

‘No More Folders’ removes folder backgrounds and mini grids inside folder icons

It's not unusual to see a random jailbreak tweak appear on the Cydia store that features no real practical application. For example, the tweak may present some new visual change, but it's not exactly useful, and in fact, at least in some cases, the tweak could make your device less user friendly.

That's not to say that there is no place for tweaks of this sort, there clearly is, otherwise developers wouldn't keep producing them. The latest such tweak to fall into this category is No More Folders. This is a tweak that hides the folder backgrounds and grids, essentially making the folder invisible while closed.

Have a look past the break as we showcase how No More Folders looks and performs on video.

Slide2Dismiss: quickly remove banner notifications with a swipe

Looking for a way to quickly dismiss banner notifications in style? If so, check out Slide2Dismiss, a brand new jailbreak tweak that's available for free on Cydia's BigBoss repo.

Slide2Dismiss is an extremely simple tweak with a singular purpose: to allow you to quickly dismiss banner notifications using a stylish slide gesture. Have a look at our video walkthrough after the break for a demonstration of the tweak in action.

Nokia’s Lumia 925 ad lambasts iPhone 5 camera

Microsoft's Apple-bashing in Surface commercials was just a start. Now the harsh criticism of Apple's devices extends to Microsoft-backed Nokia, whose Lumia 925 television commercial takes aim squarely at the iPhone 5's eight-megapixel iSight camera.

As you know, iPhones are Flickr's top three most popular cameras as "every day, more photos are taken with the iPhone than any other camera," per Apple's Photos Every Day ad. Nokia cleverly puts an interesting spin on the fact by believing that "better photos are taken with the Nokia Lumia than any other cameraphone"...

Apple allegedly shifting iMac production from Quanta to Pegatron

If a new report by the somewhat reliable DigiTimes is to be taken at face value, then Apple may shift production of its all-in-one iMac desktop from the current manufacturer Quanta to Pegatron. Now, Pegatron already builds older iPhones, has reportedly been commissioned to build Apple's rumored plastic iPhone and used to make iMacs.

Nowadays most iMac orders are being fulfilled by Quanta, which also assembles the majority of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro notebooks...

CBS-Time Warner Cable dispute blacks out network’s iOS apps

If you thought the argument between CBS and Time Warner Cable was just a spat between two media giants, the collateral damage is quickly spreading. After Time Warner pulled the plug on the network over the weekend, CBS began blocking access to its Internet streaming.

Instead of Under the Dome, Big Brother, or even preseason NFL games, users of the CBPS iPad app are shown a video taking aim at the cable company: "Say no to Time Warner Cable"...

Google releases official AdSense iPhone app

Hot on the heels of releasing the official AdSense app for Android last week, the Internet giant Google today announced the software's availability on Apple's iPhone and iPod touch devices. The app lets you access your AdSense account and view reporting data, including the key earnings information, top custom and URL channels, ad units and sites reports, payment alerts. I've included more information and a few screenies below...