Opinion

Siri: Why it May be Another FaceTime

Oliver Haslam ∙ October 18, 2011

We talked about Siri, Apple's new voice-controlled digital assistant, for months before it actually arrived. We didn't even get confirmation that it existed until a week before its release, yet it feels like we've been hyping it up forever. For good reason, too.

When before have we been able to talk to a piece of technology in that all-so-awesome Star Trek kind of way? The way we've been dreaming about ever since someone in a lycra suit, (three sizes too small for them of course) first asked a question of a disembodied voice. Star Trek characters often had seemingly real conversations with their computers, and we were oh so jealous.

Until now...

Initial Thoughts After Using the iPhone 4S

Alex Heath ∙ October 15, 2011

I've been using the iPhone 4S heavily for about 24 hours now. After finally getting the phone activated on AT&T yesterday afternoon, I've had a chance to use the device pretty extensively.

The iPhone 4S has three main selling points: a faster processor, better camera, and Siri. Here are my initial thoughts and impressions of Apple's newest smartphone...

Why the Case-Mate iPhone 5 Mockups Are Probably Fake

Jeff Benjamin ∙ September 16, 2011

If you ask me, the iPhone 4's design is the epitome of phone designs. It's why we're going on a year and a half since it was released, and there still isn't a device that truly rivals its beauty or function.

I wasn't really worried about Apple straying too far from this design, because in general, they tend to stick with what works for a decent length of time, e.g. the iMac, Mac Pro, etc. All of those products have basically remained the same over the past few years, sans a few minor tweaks here and there.

But then, Case-MateGate happened; purported iPhone 5 mockups along with them, and stuff just got real...

One Man’s Trash – Why No Cydia Tweak is Completely Worthless

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Sound off the alarm. It looks as if a few folks have gotten spoiled. Either that, or they’re beginning to take for granted the benefits that jailbreaking brings to the table; namely, the ability to tweak our iPhone’s in any matter that we please.

For that reason, I try my hardest — although it is admittedly difficult at times — to take an objective stance on any tweak that comes across my desk...

How the iPhone “Literally Changed My Life”

Alex Heath ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Do you remember buying your first iPhone? Installing your first app from the App Store? Jailbreaking for the first time?

Although it can been called melodrama, there comes a point where you look back and see the profound impact technology has had on your life. Besides amazing technology, Apple products have always been a source of inspiration. The iPhone has literally changed the course of people's lives, and that's something special...

Apple’s New Thunderbolt Technology Could Eventually Come to the iPhone

Alex Heath ∙ February 25, 2011

Apple recently introduced a new connection technology dubbed "Thunderbolt." In Apple's MacBook Pro refresh, the Thunderbolt port has been added as a new wired connection architecture that Apple hopes will unify its connection technologies.

The key feature for the Thunderbolt architecture is speed. Thunderbolt promises to be lighting fast (pardon the pun) and offer incredible speeds for data transfers. The need for Thunderbolt is evident for the desktop, but it's not a stretch to imagine that Thunderbolt could eventually make its way to iOS devices.

A Jailbreak App Like This Would Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 7, 2011

There are some many wonderful jailbreak apps and tweaks that I use on a daily basis, that I truly feel lost when I'm stuck with a stock iPhone.

Being without apps like SBSettings, BiteSMS, and ActionMenu truly makes using the iPhone less of an experience. In fact, I'd much rather be stuck with less Apple features if that means I can stay jailbroken, hence I always wait until there's a jailbreak solution prior to upgrading my firmware.

Oddly enough though, there is one significant jailbreak app that hasn't truly been attempted, and if it has, I surely haven't been aware of it. Why we don't have an app like this, is still anyone's guess, but it's safe to say that it would change the way we communicate via our iPhones...

5 iPhone Features That Apple Needs to Make Happen

Jeff Benjamin ∙ October 4, 2010

The iPhone has significantly improved in nearly every facet since its initial release. The camera’s improved, the interface has gotten better, organization has been stepped up. Really, I could go on for the next half an hour, it’s just that much of a refined experience.

But you know what they say, the biggest room is the room for improvement! Hence, we’ve compiled a list of 5 features that could ultimately make the iPhone a much more user friendly and functional device...

Is the iPhone Getting Old?

Sébastien Page ∙ September 10, 2010

The other day I was having a conversation about the iPhone with my friend Kayle. Kayle still owns and uses the original iPhone, which really is what started the conversation. I told Kayle I was impressed he was still using this older phone, but in the same time I wasn't surprised because he's the kind of guy who likes vintage stuff, and likes to be different from others.

To him, it didn't make sense to buy a newer iPhone and he asked me if there was really a big difference between the original iPhone and the iPhone 4, besides the obvious new features. Really what Kayle was trying to say was that the iPhone hasn't changed enough to justify purchasing a newer model. Worse, he went as far as saying that the iPhone was getting old. He's right. But he's wrong too. Let me explain...

What Do You Think of the Live Apple Event?

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

The live event conducted by Steve Jobs just ended. We've been covering the most important news as it was coming. As usual, Steve made me want to run to the Apple Store and set up camp until I can get those new products he unveiled today...

iPhone In-App Purchase: You Are the Big Loser

Sébastien Page ∙ October 19, 2009

Last week Apple started authorizing in-app purchase for free iPhone apps. This move was very well welcome by developers who see in this a better way to fight app piracy. I personally don't think in-app purchase will change much to app piracy, but I might be wrong.

I am sure of one thing though: you, the buyer will ultimately be the big loser in this game. Let's take the example of an iPhone game. Before in-app purchase, you would buy the game for let's say $2.99. You own the game and the 40 levels it includes. If there are new updates to the game (ie. new levels), you get them for free. It's all good.

Now with in-app purchase, most developers will give you the same game for free, except it only has 2 levels. If you want 10 more levels, it will cost you $0.99. Another 10 more levels is another $0.99. Another 10 more levels is another $0.99, etc...

So instead of paying $2.99 for the full game, you now have to pay $0.99 at a time to get the upgrades or newer levels. In the end, the full game will end up costing you more than you would have paid if you had purchased the game in one shot.

I understand not all developers will go that way but I'm pretty sure a lot of them will.

What do you think about in-app purchase? Do you think that ultimately, the buyer will benefit from this? I look forward to hearing your thoughts...