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Bob Mansfield detached himself from executive duties to focus on chips and wearables

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 2, 2013

Apple haters had a field day learning SVP of Technologies was stripped of his executive title this past Sunday. Nevermind that Technologies was created specifically for Mansfield last August by combining Apple's wireless and semiconductor teams and that he actually wanted to be relieved of executive responsibilities.

The org change was confirmed in a SEC filing and Apple cryptically said Mansfield will remain with the company to work on special projects, reporting directly to Tim Cook. Now, some watchers were quick to jump ahead of themselves and interpret the move as a bad sign for Apple and its celebrated hardware guru, who was un-retired at Tim Cook's request just a year ago.

Some even went as far to speculate Mansfield had fallen out of favor with Cook, which couldn't be farther form truth. That's certainly not what I've been hearing, along with other pundits who insist Apple engineers are loving the chubby executive a lot.

Other sources in the know have stepped forward, too, underscoring you could hear the same sentiment echoed throughout the corridors of 1 Infinite Loop. Yes, Mansfield was crucial to development of Apple's biggest hits, including the iMac, iPhone and iPad, but don't fret - he's not really going anywhere. Jump past the fold for the full reveal...

New jailbreak tweak FaceHalt brings Samsung’s Smart Pause feature to iOS devices

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 29, 2016

Samsung's Galaxy S4, released back in the spring of this year, is loaded with a number of unique software features. And one of them that has been getting a lot of attention is Smart Pause, a mechanism that auto-pauses a movie when you look away.

While I myself have never lusted after such a feature, I can see how it would come in handy in a variety of situations. So I was happy to find out that you no longer have to buy a Samsung device to get it. You just need the new 'FaceHalt' jailbreak tweak...

Google unveils Android Device Manager, its own version of Find My iPhone

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 2, 2013

Google has just filled another missing link in its Android software by introducing a feature which allows users to find their misplaced or stolen device on a world map, wipe its contents remotely, send alerts and more. If the announcement sounds a lot like Apple's Find My iPhone app, you're right, it does - though you'd be hard-pressed to argue against giving Android users the ability to track down their precious gear.

Called Android Device Manager, in true Google fashion it's a web-based tool that works much like the Find My iPhone iOS app + iCloud web interface combo from Apple...

Stargazers, Night Sky 2 has arrived

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

I've spent the better part of my teen years taking astronomy classes, tracking a bunch of celestial objects and exploring the planets of our Solar system using my amateur telescope. Later on, I decided I liked computers better. But as old passions die hard, I've never gotten around to quitting astronomy altogether.

Nowadays, my iPhone is the closest approximation to the telescope I once owned and you can imagine I keep a folder full of dedicated apps for stargazers.

For those wondering, SkyView, Star Walk, Sky Guide and Night Sky are my go-to astronomy guides for the iPhone and iPad. The Night Sky app by iCandi Apps has received a substantial update and is now available on the App Store, re-released as Night Sky 2.

There's no comparing Night Sky and its successor, really: Night Sky 2 features rich and lush visuals, super smooth sky tracking, weather information, push notifications, detailed database and advanced community features available via optional in-app upgrades.

I've include more tidbits and a nice promotional video after the jump...

Get ready to rumble: Apple, Samsung face off in death match before ITC

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

It's not exactly the thrilla' in manilla, but a heavyweight fight is set in the otherwise staid patent courts. Apple and Samsung, which both comprise most smartphone sales, are looking for a knockout, hoping to grab more market share and force rivals to pay up.

Over the next several days, both companies are set to argue why sales of each other's smartphones should be blocked as both companies continue to point fingers. What's in it for Apple? Potentially the loss of its most-popular handsets and throwing a roadblock in front of the Android express...

Government pressures Apple to let Amazon and others link to e-books within their iOS apps

Ed Sutherland ∙ August 2, 2013

The U.S. government Friday offered Apple a proposal to settle an e-book price-fixing case which the technology giant recently lost. Among the requirements: end current agency agreements with the publishers involved, allow Amazon and others to provide external links to e-books within their iOS apps and institute a five-year probation from signing any new e-book distribution deals.

The proposed "remedy" offered by the US Department of Justice, while imposing some restrictions on Apple, could bypass potential fines reportedly near $500 million...

OpenTable testing meal payments via iPhone

Ed Sutherland ∙ August 2, 2013

While increasingly common to use your iPhone to reserve a seat at your favorite table, there has been that annoying task of paying the tab at the end of the meal. A leading player in online reservations, OpenTable, is testing a way to eat out and never touch your wallet.

According to reports, OpenTable - which also lets you reserve a table via Apple's Siri as well as a separate free app - has begun testing a feature allowing diners to pay for their meals with the iPhone. Perhaps most appetizing is the CEO's pledge that "no geeky stuff" is required...

Purported next-gen iPad mini backplate shows no design change

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Yesterday, we passed along a set of images depicting a backplate part the rumor-mill adamantly insists to be the rear case of Apple's upcoming fifth-generation full-size iPad. The same publication which provided those high-quality shots is back at it again, having published on Friday another batch of photographs, this time around showing off a smaller backplate in silver and made from aluminum, ostensibly for the upcoming second-generation iPad mini...

SnappyCam Pro lets you shoot 8MP photos at 20 pictures per second

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

I take lots of pictures of live bands. I love getting the perfect shot of someone shredding away on their axe while jumping though the air. It’s pretty awesome. It’s also pretty difficult to do with an iPhone.

SnappyCam takes pictures at the speed of metal so you are practically guaranteed to get the perfect action shot. With the ability to use up all 8MP of the iPhone 5’s camera, you can take up to 20 frames per second. If you miss the shot now, it’s just your own fault…

A Brief History of the World review: conquer the world straight from your iOS device

Lory Gil ∙ Updated February 21, 2018

The iPad is great for so many different reasons, but my favorite reason it is that I can have epic board game sessions without having to schedule a get together with friends, or even get out of my pajamas.

Maybe you won’t actually be learning history, but A Brief History of the World is an engaging and challenging game of domination over the empires of the world. No set up required. You don’t even need another person to play with…

CaptCase: a cleverly crafted iPhone folio case and card holder

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

I have tested my fair share of folio style or wallet type cases for all iOS devices. Each has its own eccentricities and the CaptCase for iPhone 5 is no different. With a mission to utilize simplicity of design to provide a beautiful and functional product, the company strives to create accessories that "enhance the use of your smartphone, without getting in the way."

There is one excellent feature of the CaptCase that proves their point. This is the only folio style iPhone case I reviewed with a cutaway in the front panel to allow phone calls. Truly, an excellent feature with functionality at the fore. Many others must agree, as CaptCase easily reached its Kickstarter goal..

Netflix launches ‘Profiles’ feature, will roll out to iOS devices over next few days

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Netflix users should keep an eye on their iOS devices this weekend. The streaming service has officially launched its new Profiles feature, and says it will be rolling it out to iPhones, iPads and Apple TVs (and other devices) over the next few days.

The news comes after several users, who had been given access to Profiles early, reported that the feature was showing up in the Netflix app of their Apple TVs. Now it looks like everyone is going to be able to get in on the fun in the near future...