Holiday

Instagram launches stickers for Independence Day and Canada Day

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated July 3, 2017

Instagram during the weekend launched stickers in its mobile app for iPhone and iPad which are dedicated to the 4th of July holiday and Canada Day celebrations across North America.

Instagram users in the United States can celebrate Independence Day by posting a Story adorned with one of the stickers in the app's new star-spangled sticker pack, ranging from backyard BBQs to fireworks at night.

Canadians get a sticker to celebrate Canada Day, available in both English and French.

The sticker was designed by Jenn Kitagawa, a multidisciplinary artist and illustrator who grew up in the prairies of Alberta and currently lives in Toronto.

Instagram is available at no charge on App Store.

Apple honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a tribute on its website

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 16, 2017

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States and Apple has joined the celebration with an appropriate tribute in the form of a full-page image on its website and a tweet from CEO Tim Cook. “We honor Martin Luther King by working to help achieve justice and equality,” reads Cook's message.

Cook's tweet is accompanied by the famous King quote: “We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.”

Check out Apple II made out of gingerbread

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 26, 2016

I got for Christmas everything I wanted, but seeing this makes me wonder... One very creative dad who's obviously handy in the kitchen has built an Apple II out of gingerbread for his Apple-loving son and posted the images of it on Imgur for the whole world to see. Batter yet, the Apple II modeled in gingerbread comes complete with an edible chocolate keyboard, motherboard and floppy disk.

10 great gift ideas for iPhone-controlled fun

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

Welcome to the latest edition of iDB’s ongoing Gift Ideas series, where we provide curated roundups of some of our favorite products. Throughout the year we cover and test a number of devices and accessories, so we decided to use that experience to help those searching for the perfect present. Today’s roundup is focused on RC (remote control) vehicles that can be controlled via iPhone.

10 great gift ideas for Apple Watch owners

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Google Santa Tracker goes live

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 1, 2016

Google today launched its Santa Tracker in Google Maps. If you find NORAD's own Santa Tracker lacking in terms of visuals and overall design, Google's web app may be right up your alley. By visiting santatracker.google.com from any device, you can take a peek at at Santa's Village as the white-bearded man gets ready for the big day.

Unfortunately, the Santa Tracker does not work in Apple's Safari browser so use Chrome instead or another browser of your choice.

Here comes Apple’s holiday ad

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 21, 2016

Apple just aired a brand new holiday-themed television commercial through its channel on YouTube. Titled “Frankie’s Holiday,” the cinematic video runs two minutes long and depicts an unexpected holiday visitor who finally receives the “warm welcome he’s always yearned for.” The unexpected visitor is Frankenstein himself, who happens to be an iPhone 7 user.

The Christmas-themed upbeat commercial conveniently closes with a positive message which invites users to open their hearts to everyone.

Apple challenges U.S. Apple Watch owners to bag a special Thanksgiving Day Activity achievement

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 21, 2016

Apple has issued a special challenge to U.S.-based owners of the Apple Watch on Monday, inviting them to walk, run or wheelchair a workout distance of at least 3.1 miles, or 5 kilometers, this Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 24. Those who successfully complete the challenge shall be awarded a special Thanksgiving-themed Activity achievement.

And to let you brag about your completed challenge and earned achievement, Apple will also unlock a special iMessage sticker which you can send to friends via Messages.

Here comes Apple’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated September 17, 2017

Yup, it's that time of year again—with the holiday shopping season just around the corner, Apple's 2016 Holiday Gift Guide recommends various gift ideas ranging from the iPhone 7, iPad Pro, Apple Pencil and Apple Watch to the fourth-generation Apple TV, 12-inch MacBook and gift cards.

The guide doesn't stop there as Apple's recommendations include a bunch of first and third-party accessories for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac, as well as other popular items such as app-enabled toys, photography and music accessories and more.

Apple promotes exclusive holiday offers available to users of Apple Pay on the web

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 19, 2018

Apple has set up a new webpage at apple.com/apple-pay/holiday/ which provides a list of exclusive holiday offers from a number of retailers that are available with Apple Pay on the web, which recently launched with built-in support for iOS 10 and macOS Sierra devices.

“Experience the fast and secure way to shop online with Apple Pay, now on the web in Safari,” reads Apple's notice, adding that would-be shoppers receive exclusive benefits such as free rush shipping, discounts and other rewards.

Apple announces ‘biggest ever’ holiday for App Store with $1.1 billion sales in two weeks

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 6, 2016

Apple on Wednesday announced that its App Store has had the biggest holiday ever with a record-breaking $1.1 billion revenue in the two weeks ending January 3, as customers increased their spending on apps and In-App Purchases, setting back-to-back weekly records for traffic and purchases.

“January 1, 2016 marked the biggest day in App Store history with customers spending over $144 million,” said Apple. “It broke the previous single-day record set just a week earlier on Christmas Day.”

Apple prematurely leaks exclusive Apple Watch Sport models for Chinese New Year

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 5, 2016

Apple will sell some new, exclusive Apple Watch Sport designs to celebrate the Chinese New Year, MacRumors said Tuesday. As evidenced by Apple's websites in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan, the new models of the Apple Watch Sport will be available in the aforementioned countries until February 22.

That information was briefly available on the website before being removed earlier today. With a rumored Apple Watch 2 media event planned for March, Apple is likely to roll out additional bands to accompany the launch of a second-generation Apple Watch.