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China investigating Apple suppliers over pollution concerns

Cody Lee ∙ August 5, 2013

Authorities in China are investigating two Taiwan-based Apple suppliers over pollution concerns, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal. Environmental regulators believe that both UniMicron and Foxconn are knowingly polluting their water tables.

The investigation follows accusations made last week by Chinese activist Ma Jun and a number of nonprofit organizations. They claim that factories in Kunshan, China belonging to the two companies are guilty of releasing water tainted by toxic metals into the rivers...

Survey finds 52% of developers are working on iOS 7-only app updates

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Last month, we asked our readers if they would pay for iOS 7 app updates on apps they already owned. With all of the UI changes and new features Apple's added in the software, developers are having to spend an enormous amount of time and resources to bring their apps up to speed.

Looking at the comments in that post, though, the answer was clearly a resounding "no." In fact, a lot of readers claimed that they'd rather stay on iOS 6, than update to iOS 7 and have to repay for their favorite apps. Well, if this new survey is any indication, that may not be an option...

Spotify introduces new curated playlists

Cody Lee ∙ August 5, 2013

Streaming music services aren't just about the music these days. Aside from obvious bullet points like price and availability, users are also looking for features like discovery and smart playlists. And Spotify just made a huge play in this regard.

A few hours ago, Spotify took the wraps off its new 'Browse' page, which now features what it calls 'expert playlists.' These are essentially curated playlists that promise to deliver 'music for every moment,' from workouts to dinner parties...

Square Register for iOS updated with payment tracking, Bluetooth printer support and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Even if you're not a Square user, you should pay attention to what the company is doing in the mobile payment space. This is an area Apple has long been rumored to be getting into, expanding on its Passbook app, and if that happens, Square will be among its top competitors.

Having said that, Square updated its popular Register software today, bringing the app to version 3.2. The changes made in the update are fairly significant, and include the ability to track and record a number of various payments types, and [finally] Bluetooth printer support...

‘BMarks Bar – Chrome’ updated with several awesome new features

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

We raved about BMarks Bar - Chrome on the last episode of Let's Talk Jailbreak, and for good reason, as it's one of the best Google Chrome tweaks yet to be released. Recently, the tweak was updated with all sorts of new goodies, which is sure to make the bookmarking experience even better with Google Chrome.

Version 1.0.2 of BMarks Bar - Chrome brings enhanced iOS 5 compatibility, press and hold actions, dynamically updating bookmarks, and access to the bookmarks bar while in full screen mode. Needless to say, if you're a fan of Google Chrome, you definitely want to check out the new features that this update brings to the table. Full video overview of the new features inside.

InstaLauncher: launch your apps with precision and efficiency

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 12, 2018

If you're a Mac user, then you're no doubt familiar with some of the popular launcher apps like QuickSilver, and Alfred. Even Spotlight, to a somewhat lesser extent, can serve as a capable launcher for your various applications.

On a desktop machine like the Mac, launchers are useful in order to be able to quickly find and launch an application. This prevents you from having to wade through countless pages and/or lists of apps in search of the one you want to launch.

The same concept applies to our smartphones. Spotlight on iOS can work as a launcher, although it's certainly not the most desirable means of launching apps. That's why this new jailbreak tweak dubbed InstaLauncher is such an exciting and refreshing jailbreak tweak to have. It allows you to locate and launch all of the apps on your device in sub-second nature. Check out our full video walkthrough after the jump, which shows how you can become more productive on your iPhone, courtesy of InstaLauncher...

QuickCarrort: an Activator shortcut for the Carrot to-do app

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated March 15, 2018

There are tons of so-called to-do apps available on the App Store, but Carrot is one that stands out in my mind as being fairly unique. Dubbed as being a "to-do list with personality", the Carrot AI uses insults and other harmless wit to interject feeling into processing ho-hum everyday mundane tasks.

With that in mind, I'm here to discuss a recently released jailbreak tweak that works in unison with Carrot. The tweak, aptly titled QuickCarrot, allows users to quickly enter tasks into Carrot using an Activator gesture. To see how it works, take a look at our video walkthrough after the break.

Apple subsidiary FileMaker restructuring, reportedly lays off 20 staffers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

Following its announcement that it was going to be discontinuing its popular Mac and iOS database software 'Bento' to work on its flagship product line, FileMaker has reportedly laid off some 20 of its full-time employees.

The layoffs are said to be part of a major restructuring, as the company moves to shift its focus to its more successful enterprise applications, and consolidate its workforce, in an effort to stay profitable amidst slumping sales...

djay 2 review: get the party started

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

App maker algoriddim recently launched a sequel to the popular music playing app djay with the new and improved djay 2. If you are a fan of their initial record spinner, you won’t be disappointed by the follow-up.

Djay 2 for iPhone or iPad is a music player that incorporates many of the functions that deejays use when spinning vinyl. You can mix music, sync beats, and bring the party to life without having to lug around a crate of records…

Apple revises iTunes terms to allow educational accounts for children under 13

Cody Lee ∙ August 4, 2013

Apple has altered its iTunes Terms and Conditions to permit children under the age of 13 to operate individual iTunes accounts created at the request of an 'approved educational institution,' signaling the beginning of its next big push into education.

Previously, the company restricted iTunes accounts to children aged 13 or older. But with it landing major iPad distribution deals with school districts, the Mac-maker has announced that it will be changing its policy with the fall release of iOS 7...

Wallpapers of the Week: flat pastels honoring Steve Jobs

Jim Gresham ∙ August 4, 2013

Round five on the Wallpapers of the Week section and we are loving the submissions from our fan base. The response is excellent and we are happy to keep fulfilling the readers' requests for more. Thanks to you, we will be keeping the section as long as we keep finding amazing wallpapers.

With the upcoming iPhone 5S and 5C, including the potential for a retina iPad mini, there may be big changes with the resolutions of our line up. Until then we will be providing two wallpapers for at least one device. Many of you ask, why not include all resolutions each week. The answer, many artists only create wallpapers for one device. However, whenever we happen to run across an excellent wallpaper with full resolutions, we are happy to include them.

This is one of those weeks. Thanks to @Frenchitouch, the line up includes a beautiful array of pastel colors with the unofficial Steve Job's tribute logo. And for the full device thirsty readers, Frenchitouch provides all colors for iPhone 5, 4/S, iPad retina and desktop resolutions...

Preview: VideoPace

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

VideoPace, not to be confused with another jailbreak tweak by Ryan Petrich called VideoPane, is an upcoming release that allows users to adjust the speed of videos on iOS. Once installed, a new preference panel will appear in the stock Settings app dedicated to VideoPace. There, you can slow down videos using percentage based increments, or speed them up. Have a look at our video preview inside to catch a glimpse of how it functions...