Most plastic shells that we test, whether they have a glossy or matte finish, are flat. SmartJacket’s back instead has a 12 by 18 grid of shiny raised squares that looks and feels pretty cool, adding some flair without extra bulk. It’s not the absolute best shell in terms of […] Read the original post…
Ask iLounge: Show Duplicates only available for Music
Q: I was very happy to see that Apple has returned the Show Duplicates feature in iTunes 11, but unfortunately it looks like they’ve only done so for music—the option is still on the menu when viewing other categories, but it’s greyed out. Is there anything I’m missing here or […] Read the original post…
First Looks: ConnecteDevice Cookoo Bluetooth Watch
Packaged in a clear plastic birdhouse and pitched as a Bluetooth 4/Smart-based wristwatch, ConnecteDevice’s Cookoo ($130-$250) is certainly one of the most unique iOS-ready accessories we’ve seen. Offered in five colors that range considerably in price for reasons unknown, the watch is substantially metal and glass in the center, with […] Read the original post…
News: Solavei offers iPhone service via T-Mobile 4G network
No-contract MVNO Solavei is offering existing unlocked GSM iPhone users an unlimited talk, text, and data plan for $49 a month, leveraging T-Mobile’s 4G network. Users will be able to access 4G coverage across 37 markets nationwide, including 14 newly expanded markets: New York City, Newark, Boston, Philadelphia, Providence, Detroit, […] Read the original post…
Tip of the Day: Showing Duplicate Items in iTunes 11
iTunes has long offered a basic feature for identifying duplicate tracks, however when iTunes 11 was initially released, many users were surprised to find the feature had gone missing. Regardless of whether this was intentional or an oversight on Apple’s part, it quickly returned the feature in an update to […] Read the original post…
First Looks: LifeProof Fre for iPhone 5
Although we normally hold our final opinions on a new accessory for our full reviews, LifeProof’s Fre ($80 merits this initial tease: this is the thinnest properly-tailored waterproof case we’ve ever seen for an iPhone — so interestingly assembled that we could see people using it as an everyday case […] Read the original post…
News: FTC expands child online privacy, App Store not liable
Following a review initiated in 2010, the Federal Trade Commission has amended its rules regarding the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), strengthening privacy protections for children under 13. COPPA was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1998, requiring online services for children under 13 to obtain parental consent before […] Read the original post…
Mac: Aspyr Media Borderlands 2
One of these days, Mac users will get big games at the same time they’re released on other platforms. In the meantime, the Mac App Store release delay for Aspyr Media’s Borderlands 2 ($45*) isn’t too terrible. While it’s been available on Steam for a month already—and you can’t use […] Read the original post…
News: Report: iOS 6.0.2 impacting battery life?
An anecdotal report suggests iOS 6.0.2 for the iPhone 5 and iPad mini appears to be affecting battery life. The update, which aimed to fix a Wi-Fi bug, is allegedly causing unusually fast battery drain on the updated devices for some users. As with prior iOS-related battery issues, the problem […] Read the original post…
News: USPTO tentatively nixes key Apple pinch patent
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has tentatively ruled all claims of an Apple ‘pinch to zoom’ patent invalid, possibly affecting the $1.05 billion in damages Apple won from Samsung. Apple’s patent was rejected in a first Office action, meaning the patent could later become invalidated. Samsung brought the […] Read the original post…
Article: iOS Gems: A&E Apps, Google Maps, GTA: Vice City, Kindergarten Reading + Rounds: Parker Penguin
Welcome to what will most likely be the last iOS Gems column of 2012! In today’s collection of app releases, you’ll find app versions of three popular TV networks, quick looks at Google Maps and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, as well as two edutainment titles for kids. Every title […] Read the original post…
Review: SwitchEasy Pelle for iPad mini
Rather than genuine leather, SwitchEasy went with a polyurethane faux leather for the front cover; it’s pretty nice, looking and feeling close to the original article. Like-colored stitching runs around the edges, subtly accenting the material. Pelle’s lid has one point of hinging articulation, found about an inch and a […] Read the original post…
Review: SwitchEasy Pelle for iPad mini
Rather than genuine leather, SwitchEasy went with a polyurethane faux leather for the front cover; it’s pretty nice, looking and feeling close to the original article. Like-colored stitching runs around the edges, subtly accenting the material. Pelle’s lid has one point of hinging articulation, found about an inch and a […] Read the original post…
First Looks: SwitchEasy Cara for iPad mini
It’s not much a surprise to see that SwitchEasy has ported over yet another of its iPad cases to fit the iPad mini; this time, it’s the handsome plastic case Cara ($40). For the most part, it’s the same case as we’ve seen before, but smaller. The back is a […] Read the original post…
Ask iLounge: Resetting a forgotten iPad passcode
Q: My daughter was playing with my iPad. Somehow, she figured out how to change my password (I already had a simple password installed) and now she doesn’t remember what that password was. Cardinal sin, I know. How do I reset? It’s set to my iOS password, so if I […] Read the original post…