MiniPlayer 2.3 adds new ‘Play Next’ and share features

In case you haven't noticed, I'm quite fond of MiniPlayer. It's an app that started off a little homely looking, but has transformed itself into one of the better jailbreak tweaks that you'll find on iOS.

The dynamic duo behind the tweak — Surenix and MPow — have been obsessively refining MiniPlayer over the last few weeks; so much so that I'm beginning to worry about them a bit. Guys, it's really okay if you want to take a break. Remember, deep breathes.

At any rate, the end users have reaped the benefit of the development team's obsessive level of detail and thought. I once said that MiniPlayer 2.2 was the defining moment of the tweak, but let me restate that, MiniPlayer 2.3 is the defining moment of the tweak. That is, of course, until MiniPlayer 2.4 appears with lasers and its own built-in coffee bean grinder.

But seriously, MiniPlayer 2.3 brings quite a few new (and quite useful) features to the proverbial table. For starters, there's a new tap gesture to reveal repeat options, sharing options, and shuffling. There's also a great new addition that allows you to add an iTunes inspired 'Up Next' (here dubbed Play Next) track, along with the ability to rearrange the playing order of the tracks in your MiniPlayer queue.

Take a peek inside, as I step through a few of the most outstanding new MiniPlayer features in our video walkthrough.

SemiRestore brings an easy one-click restore to jailbroken iOS devices

SemiRestore is a restore solution for jailbroken iOS devices. It allows you to restore your device to almost stock levels, removing everything from settings to jailbreak apps and tweaks, to even App Store apps. It's probably as close as you can get to a stock iOS device without actually restoring using iTunes.

We've reviewed an early version of SemiRestore before, and while it showed promised, we had mixed feelings about it. This was namely because the app forced you to go through a lot of steps in order to achieve the desired result — a clean iOS device that allows you to maintain the current firmware and jailbreak.

But we've got some very good news: SemiRestore has come a long way since that early preview. In fact, on the beta 4 version that I tested, it's a true one-click solution. Yes, literally, all you have to do is plug in your iOS device, open the SemiRestore app, and click the SemiRestore button.

I once praised iLEX RAT for its ease of use, but this is probably about as easy as it gets. Check inside for our very own video walkthrough of SemiRestore beta 4 in action.

The FUMM: a flexible mount, stand and dock for your iPhone

Those in the market for an interesting new iPhone accessory might want to check out this new flexible universal mobile mount, otherwise known as the FUMM. The odd-looking gadget can transform itself into a mount, stand, or dock for your iPhone.

It's able to pull this off thanks to three durable, metal flex tubes and two plastic pads lined with special 'nano suction pads.' The patent-pending technology enables to mount on almost any surface and withstand more than 10 pounds of pull force...

New report claims redesigned iPad coming in Q3, new iPad mini in Q4

This year has been kind of a weird one for Apple in terms of product releases. It's June now, and we have yet to see a new iPad this year (no, I'm not counting the 128GB model). That hasn't happened since the tablet's inception back in 2010.

But it's coming. Or should I say they're coming. Apple is expected to release both a new iPad and iPad mini this year. And according to a new report out of China, the former is coming in Q3, and the latter will arrive just before the holidays...

Q: Has Apple stopped innovating? A: No

As often, MG Siegler hits the nail about Apple's nonexistent lack of innovation:

One question during the D interview was about if Apple had stopped innovating. After all, it’s been so long since the last truly innovative product, the iPad, came out. Um, the iPad came out three years ago. Three years! Guess how much time there was between that product and the last “truly innovative” product, the iPhone? Three years. Guess how much time there was between that product and the last “truly innovative” product, the iPod? Five and a half years.

Newsflash: true innovation takes time. Apple has by far the best track-record in recent history when it comes to such products. But how quickly we forget how long each one took to come to market. There needs to be a Turn so we can appreciate the Prestige. But screw that. We want more, better, faster. Cue Louis CK.

Belkin launches new Grip Power Battery Case for the iPhone 5

Belkin, a California-based maker of consumer electronics and accessories, today announced its first entry into the iPhone 5 battery case space with the Grip Power. Similar to Mophie's popular Juice Pack line, the Grip Power is a case that has a built-in backup battery.

The Grip's power block is of the 2000mAh variety, which Belkin says is good enough to double the battery life of your late-model iPhone. And with its shock-resistant outer shell and anti-glare camera ring, it makes for a decent case in terms of protection as well...

Bloomberg: Apple’s iAd team gearing up for new iRadio service

This weekend was chock-full of iRadio news, with multiple reports claiming that Apple reached a deal with the Warner Music Group on Sunday in an effort to wrap up negotiations involving its Pandora-like music service in time for WWDC next week.

And that trend continues today with a new scoop from Bloomberg regarding the service. The outlet is reporting this afternoon that Apple is revamping how it sells mobile ads to better cater to businesses that apparently can't wait to advertise on iRadio...

Apple squares off with the government in ‘bizzare’ e-book lawsuit

As I reported earlier this morning, Apple today squared off with the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) in a Manhattan courtroom in a "bizzare" case (Tim Cook's words, not mine) that some watchers say will set the rules for Internet commerce. Here's what both sides emphasized in their opening statements, including an upcoming testimony by Apple's Internet services lead Eddy Cue...

Reeder to add Feedly and Feed Wrangler support as Google Reader shuts down

When Google announced earlier this year that it would be shutting down Google Reader this summer, Feedly stepped up and said it was working on a clone of Google's RSS API that would help make user transition from Reader to Feedly "seamless."

Today, the cross-platform news aggregator offered up more details of the clone—codenamed Normandy—by way of a new blog post. Apparently it already has a number of apps on board for the project, including popular Google Reader client Reeder...

Apple now offering in-store $149 replacement screens for iPhone 5

A recent MarketWatch article has blamed high iPhone 5 repair costs on Apple’s tight control of the supply chain, which in turn dictates aftermarket prices.

Perhaps responding to the criticism, the company has reportedly started selling a replacement screen component for the iPhone 5 for $149.

Tipsters claim that the replacement display is offered in-store only, with or without AppleCare+.

Although $149 is notably higher than the corresponding iPhone 4S screen assembly which costs about $95, Apple's asking price undercuts the repair wizards over at iFixit who offer an iPhone 5 replacement screen for $200.

And in response to Apple's competitive pricing, some service shops are now starting to tweak their repair rates accordingly...

Photos of alleged iPhone 5S SIM tray and various buttons

Although we won't likely see a new iPhone at WWDC next week, it is on the way. The handset is reportedly scheduled to go into production this month, and is expected to be unveiled during a September or October event.

We know little about the device, believed to be the iPhone 5S, outside of the fact that it is going to look like its predecessor. We have seen a number of minor part leaks though, with a few more turning up this morning...

Satechi releases 7 port aluminum USB 3.0 hub that matches your Mac [giveaway]

Satechi just released a new USB 3.0 hub for the Mac enthusiasts. Long have we waited for a quality USB port extender that would match the design and look of the brushed aluminum. The new 7 port hub is smooth and compact, offering ample high speed connections for your various devices. As a powered unit, it offers up to 5Gbps over the 3.0 connection and comes in either black or white options...