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Apple and others face questioning over stolen smartphone ‘epidemic’

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated July 24, 2016

First Apple and Samsung were sent an angry letter by New York's Attorney General over efforts to curb growing thefts of smartphones.

Now the state's top prosecutor wants a face-to-face meeting next week with representatives from Apple, Samsung, Google and Microsoft, saying they must find a way to solve what's being described as an "epidemic".

"It's time for manufacturers to be as innovative in solving this problem as they have been in designing devices that have reshaped how we live," New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Wednesday. But can handset makers really create such an effective kill-switch that would disable phones and cut thefts?

Take gorgeous black and white photos with Camera Noir

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

The camera app space has to be one of the hardest to break into in all of the App Store. Dominated by heavy-hitters like Instagram, and a selection pool of thousands of other options, you'd think it'd be almost impossible to stand out.

But the folks over at Pacific Helm think their new app Camera Noir has what it takes to distinguish itself from the competition. Using a tuned monochrome filter, it promises to help you take 'stunning' black and white photos...

Good deal: $40 off 3-in-1 universal USB charging cable

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Those of you whose mobile collection includes newer Apple products, older Apple products, and an Android phone or tablet may want to check out this 3-in-1 universal USB charging cable from Stack Social.

The cable has the ability to charge up to 3 devices simultaneously, and supports virtually any mobile device that has a Lightning, 30-pin or micro USB port. And right now, the deal site is offering it at 67% off...

Hacked Sprint carrier update could improve your device’s network performance

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Over the past month or so, we’ve seen hacked carrier updates released for iOS devices on T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. The modded files were posted with the promise of improving data speeds in iPhones, and iPads with built-in cellular capabilities.

Sprint fans will be happy to hear that the developer of the hacks, Joseph Brown, has delivered on his promise of releasing a hacked update for the fourth largest US carrier. Like the others, it has the potential to improve your device's network performance...

Apple patents S Beam-like device transfers

Ed Sutherland ∙ June 4, 2013

A 2009 Apple patent application is gaining renewed attention, not only because the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today issued a patent to the iPhone maker, but how the technology could keep pace with smartphone rival Samsung.

At issue is finding a way to easily transfer data between handsets and desktop computers. The patent, titled "System and method for simplified data transfer" describes how two Apple devices could wirelessly sync data using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, a system as yet unavailable in Apple products but part of Samsung's S Beam feature on select NFC-enabled Galaxy devices...

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

Cody Lee ∙ June 4, 2013

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...

Belkin launches new Grip Power Battery Case for the iPhone 5

Cody Lee ∙ Updated July 13, 2017

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...

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

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

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

Cody Lee ∙ June 3, 2013

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...

Chrome 27 for iOS is out with conversational voice search, faster reloading

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

Boy, today must be the day to update your iOS apps. Hot on the heels of major updates for both WordPress and Google Drive comes a new version of Chrome. The update, which brings the app to version 27, includes conversational voice search and other improvements.

We knew Google was planning on bringing its Siri-like conversational voice search feature to iOS—it said so shortly after it added the option to its desktop browser. Now you can perform voice searches in the mobile browser, and get both visual and audible results...

WordPress for iOS gets complete UI makeover in 3.6 update

Cody Lee ∙ June 3, 2013

Folks with WordPress-backed websites will be happy to hear that the blogging platform has posted a significant update to its iOS app today. The update, which brings the app to version 3.6, features a completely redesigned user interface, a new shortcut for posting, and several other improvements...

Why budget iPhone doesn’t mean lower profits

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated November 29, 2016

Android smartphone makers have been doing it for years: controlling a market using inexpensive handsets to outnumber the more expensive iPhone. But when the idea that Apple should also produce a more affordable and contract-free device first appeared, a hue-and-cry erupted as if the next MacBook was to be powered by Windows 8.

Now comes calmer heads - ironically from Wall Street - showing Apple's gross profit margin would increase by six percent because more people will buy the Apple smartphone if the company lowers the cost of owning an iPhone.

That's right, all the hand-wringing going on about a less-pricey iPhone being suicide for Apple's bottom-line could be all wrong...