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Apple’s patent pact with HTC auto-terminates if either party is bought

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 27, 2017

Apple's worldwide patent settlement with HTC is set to automatically expire should either firm get acquired by a third-party, patent blogger Florian Müeller discovered combing through court documents. Even more so, a so-called "change of control" clause is mostly beneficial to Apple given its $110+ billion cash pile making Silicon Valley's most powerful company literally unlikely to be snapped up any time soon.

But if HTC gets bought, Apple's prized iPhone patents licensed to the Taiwanese handset maker remain encumbered. What's more, in case of such an outcome Apple is theoretically free to reassert its claims. The settlement also involves HTC subsidiaries S3 Graphics and VIA technologies, both of which were asserting patents against Apple in the past...

The majority of iPad mini screens are made by LG Display, not Samsung

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 24, 2012

The vast majority of iPad mini units incorporate a 7.9-inch screen manufactured by LG Display, a report out of Asia claims. AU Optronics, another Apple supplier, is said to be responsible for a much smaller portion of orders as it reportedly continues to suffer from poor yields in the production of panels.

The news is another indication of Apple distancing itself from Samsung. Remember, Samsung was originally the primary supplier of Retina screens for the third-generation iPad, until LG Display stole the Apple account in August. The Galaxy maker also lost out on the iPhone 5 front to rival panel makers, although the company still manufactures chips for Apple devices...

UK bank Barclays buys 8,500 iPads, calls Apple’s tablet ‘the best solution’

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated September 26, 2016

Another significant win for Apple's popular tablet brand: British multinational banking and financial services company Barclays has confirmed it's purchased 8,500 iPads “to assist our branch colleagues to interact with customers, improving the customer experience”.

The announcement couldn't have come at a worse time for Microsoft, whose Surface tablet hit store shelves on October 26 but so far has generated only "modest sales", per CEO Steve Ballmer...

Apple on Black Friday added six Galaxy devices to its Samsung suit

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 24, 2012

Following Samsung's motion asking Judge Paul S. Grewal for permission to amend its infringement contentions against Apple with the iPad mini, iPhone 5 and the latest iPod touch, Apple on Black Friday conveniently brought a motion seeking to add latest Galaxy devices to its California suit, including the Galaxy S III running Android Jelly Bean and the four-inch Galaxy S III Mini. The filing adds a total of six recently-released Galaxy gadgets to Apple's ongoing patent lawsuit against Samsung...

iPhone photography: how to use Intentional Camera Movement to your advantage

Justin Balog ∙ Updated March 18, 2019

I hope you have had a great couple of weeks making some HDR magic with your iPhone. Today we are going to explore a more abstract and fun approach to iPhone photography. If you remember a couple of lessons back we were using a slow shutter speed to create light trails. You probably remember having to hold your iPhone still and leave your camera shutter open for a long time. It was kind of complicated and gear intensive.

This time around, we are going to leave our shutter open for a long time but careless about holding our iPhone still. This is a technique that we in the industry call "Intentional Camera Movement" or ICM. The goal is to intentionally use blur to create something unique and beautiful!

Making the case for going case-less

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

I decided to go completely case-less. Most of you guys probably think I already do that, since I never have a case on my devices when I'm filming a new video.

But that, as it turns out, hasn't been so. I used to only keep my iPhone nude for aesthetic purposes on film. As soon as I hit the shutter release on my camera to stop filming, back in the case she went.

Then I read something that changed my perspective on things. After seeing this post by John Gruber, I started thinking. Why are we so obsessed with encapsulating our devices in protective covering? Aren't we ridding ourselves of the pleasure of using it as it was intended and designed to be used?

I decided to embark on an experiment. One that could prove costly, but at the same time provide me with a since of liberation. I was going to go case-less...

The Glif for iPhone 5 is here

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 23, 2012

Sooner than later, avid iPhone photographers yearn for a tripod mount to help frame their shots perfectly. That's why we were so excited about the Glif, an all-in-one tripod mount that launched two years ago. And now, from the minds of the original creators Dan Provost and Thomas Gerhardt - the duo behind Studio Neat - comes the Glif for your iPhone 5.

First batch of this awesome accessory is on its way to the warehouse and will begin shipping early next week. If you're serious about iPhoneography, this could be your must-have holiday item. If you're interested in the Glif, I've included more info and a making-of video right after the break...

Analyst: no Black Friday iPad mini discounts means huge demand exists

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

While Black Friday discounts abound at Apple and around the web, one product where deals are absent is Apple's iPad mini. The reason: people want to buy the smaller iPad deal or no deal, one analyst opines. According to Wells Fargo's Maynard Um, "early checks suggest demand continues to be robust with strong store traffic through the week and early Friday". That ship times remain two weeks for both the Wi-Fi and Cellular models points to the iPad mini becoming a must-have holiday item (kids agree)...

Tales of a connected home: how iOS is changing modern living

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

I'm a huge proponent of using technology to make my life easier, especially around the home. Technology for the home has been around for quite some time in the form of home automation systems, lighting, and so forth. Unfortunately, such systems have been extremely pricey in the past, or overly confusing to setup and maintain.

Enter the smartphone.

Smartphones, and in particular the iPhone, have served as a great equalizer over the past few years. I can do things with my phone that I never would have dreamed of just a few years ago, and it gets better with each passing year.

Inside, I'll reflect on some of the cool things that I've been able to accomplish lately with my iPhone, along with videos and links to articles that cover the subjects more in-depth. Have a look...

Wacky 8-bit platformer starring the Woz now available for download

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0OoYKjoWfA

A violent iOS game with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak starring as a character has hit the App Store. Vengeance: Woz With A Coz is now available for your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad for just 99 cents a pop. The addictive 8-bit platformer puts you in the shoes of Steve Wozniak or Danny Trejo. The Woz himself wrote the back story which involves his wife, J-Woz, being kidnapped during their evening together.

You're tasked with saving her, which involves defeating various bosses, collecting bonuses and blasting your way through Fusion City using a bunch of different weapons. A tie-in to Trejo's upcoming movie, "Vengeance", coming in early 2013, the game features Baby Bash, Rashad Evans and other celebrities. Go past the break for more info and screenies...

Apple picks new battery supplier, drops Samsung

Ed Sutherland ∙ November 23, 2012

Apple has chosen two China-based battery companies to supply the iPad and MacBook, says a Friday report. Amperex Technology Limited and Tianjin Lishen Battery would replace Samsung SDI, a subsidiary of the South Korean firm that is both Apple's chief rival and largest supplier. The report is just the latest indicating Samsung and Apple are reconsidering their close relationship.

As the two smartphone giants attempt to out-compete each other in the courtroom and store shelves, Samsung's role appears to be shifting from major supplier to important manufacturer...

Analyst calls for a cheap iPhone in two years

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 23, 2012

Piper Jaffray's resident Apple analyst Gene Munster - you know, one of the iTV fame - is back at it predicting Apple's gonna launch an inexpensive iPhone model in two years time. Recognizing Apple's tiny market share in emerging markets like Russia, India, Brazil and China (collectively referred to as BRIC territories), he's calling for an unsubsidized, sub-$200 iPhone around 2014. Currently, Apple's handset is a high-end play, with older models selling at reduced price points.

As carriers pay big bucks to subsidy its high cost, users typically must sign on a dotted line. But not everyone is willing to accept contractual commitment in exchange for an iPhone. Meanwhile, competitors are successfully exploiting Apple's price weaknesses, churning out Android cheapos that have pushed the platform in places like China to as much as an astounding 90 percent smartphone share...