Accessories

A closer look at some of Speck’s most popular iPhone cases

Anthony Bouchard ∙ February 16, 2016

Speck makes some awesome cases for the iPhone lineup, and if you've been itching for a new one, don't count these guys out.

You've probably seen plenty of people using Speck cases on their iPhones, and for the most part, the cases have retained the same design over the years, generation after generation – it's a tried and true design so simplistic that there isn't much that needs to be changed.

In this roundup, we'll show you the pros and cons of some of Speck's most popular iPhone cases, such as the CandyShell, CandyShell Grip, CandyShell Clear, and the MighyShell.

Apple launches worldwide USB-C cable replacement program

Anthony Bouchard ∙ February 12, 2016

Apple on Friday announced a worldwide replacement program for a limited number of USB-C charging cables that were shipped with 12-inch MacBook with retina display units or sold separately through June of 2015. A design flaw in these cables may cause unexpected premature failure.

As a part of the program, anyone with an affected cable is eligible to gain a free replacement through Apple.

iPhone 7 may ship with wired EarPods after all

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 12, 2016

Apple's upcoming iPhone 7 will include an all-digital, wired edition of the EarPods headphones that will connect to the handset's Lightning port, not the wireless edition as previously rumored.

According to an analyst note from Barclays, a copy of which was obtained by Business Insider, Apple has not yet purchased a license from its supplier Cirrus Logic that would permit the company to use Cirrus' active noise-canceling software.

Cirrus technology would be needed to filter out background noise during phone calls were Apple to ditch the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack in favor of wireless Bluetooth headphones.

OtterBox iPhone cases shootout: which one should you get?

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated February 15, 2016

OtterBox is one of the most renowned case-makers in the smartphone industry, having a reputation for making cases that can withstand even the greatest of abuse from various kinds of treatment.

Among two of their most popular cases on the market are the OtterBox Defender Series and the OtterBox Commuter Series, and in this piece, we'll talk about the ups and downs of each. As a bonus, we'll even give you a look at OtterBox's new Statement Series case.

My top 5 accessories for the iPhone

Anthony Bouchard ∙ February 11, 2016

There are seemingly endless choices for iPhone accessories out there, and I've got to tell you, I go through iPhone accessories like candy. One day I like something I'm using, and another day I find it to be a nuisance and I end up leaving it at home and buying something completely different to suit my needs.

Regardless, there are still some accessories that I still use on a day-to-day basis, and in this piece, I'll show you my top 5 favorite iPhone accessories that I actually use on a daily basis and why.

Apple Music now available on Sonos wireless speakers worldwide

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 16, 2018

As of today, owners of Sonos systems around the world can stream Apple Music directly through their wireless speaker hardware, the company announced. Anyone with an Apple Music subscription, or even a free trial, can stream any song from Apple's catalog to their Sonos speakers.

Just choose Add Music Service in Sonos's companion iPhone app, scroll down to the Apple Music icon and log into your account.

iPhone screen protector installation service is now available in Apple Stores around the world

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

A new retail service by Apple, which offers to apply screen protectors on customers' iPhones using dedicated in-store machines, is now available at Apple Stores in the United States and around the world, MacRumors reported.

Based on Belkin's ScreenCare+ Application System, the system allows store employees to apply Welkin-Branded screen protectors (either a Belkin TrueClear InvisiGlass Screen Protector or a Belkin TrueClear Anti-Glare Screen Protector) on the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus devices.

Apple rolled out the system a week ago in its retail stores in Japan. As of this morning, the service is available across Apple Stores internationally.

Back to School promo goes live in New Zealand and Australia with free Beats Solo2 headphones

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 3, 2016

Apple’s annual Back to School promotion is back with a new deal launching today in Australia and New Zealand. University students, students accepted to a university and parents buying for a university student are being tempted with a free Beats Solo2 on-ear headphones, a $199.95 value, with an eligible Mac purchase.

When purchasing a new MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac or iMac with Retina 5K display, customers shall receive an instant credit for the purchase of a pair of Beats Solo2 wired headphones in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Red or Gloss Blue or wired Beats Solo2 headphones in Space Gray, Silver, Gold or Rose Gold.

Zagg acquires battery case maker Mophie for $100 million

Cody Lee ∙ February 2, 2016

Zagg has acquired popular battery case maker Mophie, the two companies announced on Tuesday. The Utah-based accessory giant has agreed to pay $100 million for Mophie, plus any EBITDA adjustments over that amount for the next year, in cash and debt.

In a press release sent out this afternoon, Zagg said that the transaction will leverage the unique strength of two "industry leaders" in the mobile accessories sector to create a business with greater product diversification and improved operational capabilities.

Apple said to unveil new 4-inch iPhone 5se, iPad Air 3 and new Apple Watch bands on March 15

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 2, 2016

Apple is currently planning to hold a media event on Tuesday, March 15, to formally unveil a rumored new four-inch iPhone 5se, a third-generation iPad Air and new Apple Watch band options, according to a report this morning by 9to5Mac's reliable Mark Gurman.

“As the scheduled event is still a month-and-a-half away, the date could conceivably still shift or turn into an online announcement,” cautioned Gurman.

Joli Originals offers a premium leather sleeve for iPad Pro

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated May 1, 2018

Recently, finding time in my schedule to offer a review has been very difficult. However, some products just beg to have a closer look and Joli Original's iPad sleeve for iPad Pro is one of those accessories. After receiving my iPad Pro, I began the quest to find a protective covering, but was not interested in Apple's expensive cases or the Smart Keyboard. As a fan of using naked devices, I was only looking for a simple, protective case when I found Joli Originals.

After browsing the product site, I felt like a sleeve was the best way of protecting my iPad Pro, but still giving me quick access to the device in its truest form. Based on the product images, I was convinced the Smooth Collection was a high quality sleeve, that would very well match the premium experience of the iPad Pro. Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and this case certainly fits the bill.

Review: Channels – watch live TV on your Apple TV with an HDHomeRun [video]

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 1, 2018

If you want to watch live TV on your Apple TV with an HDHomeRun, you can go the free route by using Kodi, but Channels is by far the best live TV watching experience to be had on Apple TV. Not only does Fancy Bits' Channels app allow you to watch live TV, but you can also pause and rewind local or cable TV directly from your Apple TV when paired together with an HDHomeRun.

If you're unsure what an HDHomeRun is, or how it can help you, then be sure to check out our post on the device. In a nutshell, the HDHomeRun allows you to stream free (or paid) television over your home network. The Channels app can then acquire the stream made available by the HDHomeRun, and display it on your television.

At $14.99 for a limited time (normally $24.99), Channels isn't cheap, but it's a great-looking and overall solid experience for cord cutters. Have a look at our full video walkthrough for more details.