iPod Touch

Enormously popular WhatsApp goes free: gains iCloud chat backups and other features

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 16, 2013

WhatsApp, arguably the most popular cross-platform chatting solution, has just gone free on the App Store. We're not sure whether the move is part of the upcoming iOS subscription switch or if there was a change of heart.

Either way, we're not complaining. Previously a 99-cent download, WhatsApp for the iPhone and iPod touch is now provided free of charge (jump past the fold for the fine print).

In addition, the app's been updated with the much-needed ability to back up your chats to iCloud so you don't loose your chat history upon reinstalling WhatsApp. Other changes in WhatsApp 2.10.1 include support for URL schemes and the ability to send multiple photos at the same time...

Griffin’s multi-device charging station now shipping

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

The accessory maker Griffin at this year's CES in January 2013 took the wraps off the PowerDock 5, an intriguing charging station capable of charging and syncing up to five devices at once. Each of its five bays features an individual 10-watt, 2.1-amp power supply.

This lets you charge any iOS device, including the power-hungry iPad 3 and iPad 4 (which can be docked even in their cases). Those eyeing this ultimate charging station should be pleased learning that Griffin today started shipping the PowerDock 5...

Apple looking to add new Taiwanese suppliers to build 2014 iDevices

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 27, 2016

According to the latest chatter, Apple of California is looking to introduce new Taiwanese suppliers to its supply chain in a bid to diversify manufacture of iOS devices beyond the current production partners Foxconn and Pegatron.

The development comes just as Foxconn reported better-than-expected June quarter earnings on increased sales of its TV set making business.

Meanwhile, a city in China's Henan Province is helping Foxconn increase its production capacity and inviting Apple to set up a domestic sales center...

iOS 7 smooths out iPhone apps on non-Retina iPads

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 9, 2013

With each passing day we learn more about the subtleties and under-the-hood tweaks that have made their way into the third beta of iOS 7. Today, I want to talk about the iPad's 2x compatibility mode. Hasn't it always bothered you how iPhone apps run pixel-doubled on your iPad mini and other non-Retina iPad devices, resulting in jagged corners and edges and just all-around pixelated appearance?

You can tick that issue off as iOS 7 Beta 3 added a new feature that makes every iPhone app look very clear running on an iPad 2 or iPad mini, in a manner reminiscent of a tweak for jailbroken devices by Ryan Petrich, called RetinaPad...

Olloclip introduces new telephoto lens for iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ July 8, 2013

In the world of iPhone photography accessories, there's perhaps no name more recognized than Olloclip. The company produces a popular 3-in-1 clip-on camera lens system for Apple's handset that includes macro, fisheye and a wide-angle lenses.

And today, they introduced a new telephoto lens, bringing the Olloclip line full circle. It's available in two flavors—one that works with the iPhone 5, and one that works the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and the last two generations of the iPod touch...

Apple seeds iOS 7 beta 3 to developers: this is what’s new

Cody Lee ∙ July 8, 2013

As predicted by a report late last month, Apple has seeded iOS 7 beta 3 to developers this morning. The update comes two weeks after Apple posted the second beta to its next-generation mobile operating system, and nearly a month after it released the initial version following its WWDC keynote.

The third beta is available for compatible iPhones, iPads and iPod touch models, and can be downloaded by visiting the Software Update section in the Settings app of devices that currently have iOS 7 installed. It should be available in the dev portal shortly. You'll find more details after the fold...

Target giving away gift cards on iPhone, iPad, iPod and Apple TV purchases

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

The United States retailing corporation Target is advertising a promotion where they're giving away free Target Gift Cards for every qualifying purchase of iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Apple TV device from Apple. Free gift cards range in denominations from $10 to $50 and are good against purchases at the retailer, including iTunes Gift cards which Target has been offering for some time now.

And if you're planning on getting an iPhone 5 from Target, the retailer just sweetened the deal by throwing in a $25 coupon and reducing the entry-level 16GB model down to $149.99 with a qualifying two-year plan...

Add tactile feedback to your iPad using the Fling joystick

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

A child of the console revolution, there is nothing better than tactile feedback when gaming. None of these new age children know the feeling of a Game Boy D-Pad. Instead they are stuck with slick screened iPod touches, where the most tactile feedback they will feel is the orange peel rubberized drag of a ZAGG invisibleSHIELD. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of iOS gaming, but there is just something more than nostalgic about tactile feedback.

Some day, not in the near future, Apple will finally include haptic feedback in their screens courtesy of a Senseg-like interaction between the screen and electrons on the finger. However, until then, we are stuck. In an effort to match the desires of similar tactile fans, Ten One Design provides the Fling analogue joystick for iOS devices...

Turtle Shell, a go-anywhere Bluetooth boombox

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 2, 2017

True to its name, the Turtle Shell is weather resistant and can take a beating. Not all Bluetooth speakers can say the same. Designed by Outdoor Technology, the dust and shock proof unit is also water-resistant for those nights by the pool or occasional rainstorm.

Producing "Stuff you probably want" is the pride and driving mantra for this group of easy going devs. The pyramid triangular design and bold colors give Turtle Shell a unique design that is modern and appealing. When using it in the office, several passersby stopped just to comment on the aesthetic and one of my office mates even took it home for a party. But, according to Outdoor Tech, inside is the last place you should be using their wireless boombox...

Ryan Petrich posts screenshot of jailbroken iPod touch running iOS 7

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Ryan Petrich tonight posted an interesting picture to his Twitter account that appears to answer the long-standing question of "can iOS 7 be jailbroken?" The image is of his popular tweak Activator running on what looks like an iPod touch with iOS 7 installed.

Of course, it's easy to speculate about something when there isn't much to go on. But looking at the stock app icons in the dock, the flat text in the alert box, and the Activator icon on the Home screen, it certainly looks like Petrich's iPod touch is jailbroken...

New ‘Motion Tennis’ game teams up with your Apple TV for Wii-like action

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 17, 2019

I've long thought that between the motion sensors built into the iPhone and iPod touch, and the AirPlay-compatible Apple TV, Tim Cook and company had a Wii-like gaming console on their hands. They just obviously, for whatever reason, haven't realized the potential yet.

But the folks over at Rolocule seem to get it. The India-based app-maker just released a new game called Motion Tennis that utilizes the gyroscope and other sensors stashed inside the iPhone, as well as the Apple TV's AirPlay feature, to offer Wii-like motion gameplay...

iOS 7 availability and the devices that will be supported

Sébastien Page ∙ June 10, 2013

Although the beta version of iOS 7 is already available to registered developers, it was announced today that the public version won't be available until this Fall, presumably around the same time the new iPhone will be released.

The question that might come to your mind is "will my device be supported?" Chances are it will...