Swordigo: The Game You Should Be Playing This Weekend

If you’re an iOS gamer, then it’s likely that you look around for great new games at least once a week. Some of them can be found in our weekly deals series, while others are just talked about in the forums. Today, I’d like to introduce you to a great new game by Touch Foo, the developer of platformer Soosiz. It’s called Swordigo and it’s also a platformer that bears a good deal of resemblance to classics like Legend of Zelda. Keep reading for a few screenshots, the trailer, and a brief look at the key elements of the game before you purchase it.

Read more …

These Are the Worst Phones You Could Possibly Buy

These Are the Worst Phones You Could Possibly Buy

The Samsung Gusto not only has a dumb name, but it costs $80 with a two year Verizon contract. It’s a flipphone. It costs $80. Like every other phone listed here, it has a pitiful camera, no real web browser, and no actual specs to speak of. A dumbphone in the keenest sense.

If you think the Samsung Gusto is bad, you had better check out the rest of these ridiculous phones on the market. They make the iPhone look like gold.

Steve Wozniak Hired as ‘Tutor’ for Steve Jobs Biopic

Steve Wozniak Hired as ‘Tutor’ for Steve Jobs Biopic

[Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin] said that Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has been hired by the film studio as a “tutor” on all the technical aspects of computers and on Jobs himself.

As you very well may know, Sony Pictures has recently been hard to work on a new biopic for the late Steve Jobs. They have now hired his best friend and the co-founder of Apple, Steve Wozniak, to consult in the film. This should be rather exciting; it’s set to release in 2014 though, so there’s still a ways to wait.

iFans Weekly Deals: Friday, May 18th Edition

We’re back with another weekly installment of iFans Weekly Deals, which highlights the best app, product and accessory deals that you can get your hands on for a limited time only! As always, we’ll update this post throughout the weekend if there are any new additions, so check back frequently. In app deals for this week, we have FX Photo Studio HD, iGPS, The tiny Bang Story HD, LostWinds, and lots of other fun games and apps. In other deals, we have Photoshop Elements 10 and a great price and a refurbished Apple TV direct from the manufacturer. Check after the break for the whole list! Read more …

Steve Jobs Dreamed of an ‘iCar’

Steve Jobs Dreamed of an ‘iCar’

And, according to J. Crew CEO and Apple board member Mickey Drexler, Jobs even envisioned rethinking the automotive industry. Speaking at Fast Company‘s recent Innovation Uncensored conference, Drexler clued the audience in on some insider Apple knowledge.

Jobs had many dreams and ambitions that he wanted to fulfill, but he never got the chance to even start many of them due to his passing. You may remember that he drove around Cupertino without license plates in his Mercedes-Benz SL, but he actually wanted to design a much more elaborate iCar than what he could just buy.

Macworld: Six Wishes for iOS 6

Apple is rumored to take the wraps off of the sixth version of iOS at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, which could be the cure for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad users that are getting bored of their devices.

Several users have been hoping for a variety of new features in iOS 6, ranging from native Facebook integration to widgets on the home screen. Macworld UK has provided their own insight with a list of six wishes for iOS 6, and here’s the gist of what they are hoping for.

  • Improved text functionality: Selecting, highlighting, or copying and pasting text can be rather tedious on iOS, so it is suggested that Apple offer some simplified gestures for text editing. SwipeSelection is a great starting point. The wish list also hopes for Apple to continue making improvements to auto-correct.
  • Redesigned home screen: The four-by-five icon home screen on the iPhone and iPod touch is outdated, merely because it was designed at a time when there was only a handful of native apps and no App Store. The wish list, which notes that the addition of folders in iOS 4 was a start, hopes that Apple will redesign the home screen so that it is easier to navigate and distinguish between apps.

Read more …

AT&T Expands 4G LTE to Three New Cities

AT&T Expands 4G LTE to Three New Cities

Those of you living in the following cities will now have access to faster speeds thanks to good ol’ AT&T:

  • New Orleans, LA
  • Baton Rouge, LA
  • Naples, FL

AT&T is expanding its LTE network, but Verizon Wireless still leads the way. Great news for the rumored iPhone with LTE later this year.

Siri Thinks the iPhone is the Worst Smartphone, Too

Siri Thinks the iPhone is the Worst Smartphone, Too

Oh Siri, you’re so sarcastic. Related: Nokia Accuses Apple of Rigging Siri

iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch 3G Now Compatible with iOS 5.1.1 Jailbreak

Infamous iOS hacker pod2g has been working feverishly on the iOS 5.1.1 untethered jailbreak for nearly all devices, just a few days ago confirming that the jailbreak works successfully with the iPhone 4S, iPad 2, and original iPad. The week prior, the hacker confirmed that the jailbreak also works with the iPhone 4 and new iPad.

At the time, however, he said that the third-generation iPod touch and iPhone 3GS with newer bootrom were incompatible with the jailbreak because the kernel vulnerability did not work. Fortunately, pod2g has tweeted that he has “found a way through” for the iPod touch 3G and iPhone 3GS, meaning that the jailbreak will indeed work on those older devices when it drops in just a few weeks.

Jailbreaking allows you to install third-party applications, tweaks, mods, themes, useful utilities, and other content — called “packages” — from Cydia, the jailbreak equivalent of the App Store on iOS. Jailbreaking essentially allows for you to further customize and enhance your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad beyond the limits that Apple imposes.

Apple Files Motion Against HTC for Violating Patent Rights

Apple Files Motion Against HTC for Violating Patent Rights

Apple has submitted a motion to the US International Trade Commission suggesting that HTC does not have legitimacy over the five patents pertaining to wireless technologies which it purchased from Google, according to industry sources.

Should the ITC agree with Apple’s point of view, HTC will be at a disadvantage in its patent war against Apple, with the possibility that their patent war extends to involve most Android-based smartphone vendors, said the sources.

It might not be what Steve Jobs described as “thermonuclear war” against Android, but Apple is serious about its legal battle against Google’s mobile operating system.

Bloomberg: Steve Jobs Worked on the 4-inch iPhone

Bloomberg: Steve Jobs Worked on the 4-inch iPhone

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, has placed orders from suppliers in Asia for screens that are bigger than the 3.5- inch size now on the smartphone, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans aren’t public. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had worked closely on the redesigned phone before his death in October, one person said.

It’s funny to hear that Jobs actually worked on a larger iPhone since it was he who always insisted that the device was perfect in proportions. Still, these rumors are getting very exciting in the days leading up to this year’s WWDC. The big question is, will it be unveiled next month or later this year?

Verizon Unlimited Data Will Stay a Bit Longer, But You Can’t Upgrade Your Device

Yesterday it was reported that Verizon Wireless would be ending all unlimited data plans with their new LTE transition. However, even though it seemed like all hope was lost and unlimited data on the carrier would never again be available, Verizon has issued a statement to The New York Times today that says otherwise.

- Customers will not be automatically moved to new shared data plans. If a 3G or 4G smartphone customer is on an unlimited plan now and they do not want to change their plan, they will not have to do so.
- When we introduce our new shared data plans, Unlimited Data will no longer be available to customers when purchasing handsets at discounted pricing. Read more …

1 in 3 Smartphone Gamers Play in the Classroom

1 in 3 Smartphone Gamers Play in the Classroom

Mobile game developer and publisher MocoSpace recently polled 10,000 players to find out “Y U Play?”, and the most striking data showed that a whooping 31% if respondents were playing games in the middle of class.  Just about as many respondents were playing mobile games because they were bored as those who played because they actually enjoy the games.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for teachers to engage and motivate their students to learn, as the younger generation has grown up with consumer electronics by their side at practically all times. Are you a “classroom gamer”?

Bejeweled Finally Launches on the iPad

Bejeweled Finally Launches on the iPad

PopCap today announced the immediate release of Bejeweled HD, which brings the classic match-three puzzle game to the iPad for the first time. The $3.99 app is now available in the App Store.

Bejeweled was a smash hit for iPhone and iPod touch when the App Store first launched, and the fantastic tile-matching game is finally available for the iPad by following this link.

Will the iPod Touch be Discontinued?

There have been more rumors than we can count on two hands about Apple working on a smaller 7-inch iPad for release later this year. While some people are greatly pleased with the prospect of purchasing a smaller iPad in the rumored price range of $199 to $299, others complain that the so-called “iPad mini” already exists — it’s called the iPod touch.

That being said, do you think that Apple could potentially discontinue the iPod touch? Personally, I honestly don’t see it happening. A smaller iPad with a display in the range of 7- to 7.85-inches is still significantly larger than the iPod touch’s 3.5-inch screen. Moreover, the iPod touch is a portable music player and casual gaming device that fits right into your pocket, whereas the 7-inch iPad would still be too large and awkward to carry around in that fashion. Read more …

Best Buy Cuts iPhone 4 Price to Just $49

Best Buy Cuts iPhone 4 Price to Just $49

Best Buy began offering the 8GB iPhone 4 for $49.99 on the usual two-year contract through Sprint, Verizon, or AT&T— just like Targetmany regional carriers, and other retailers following the trend. That is $50 off Apple and many other retailers’ $99 price tag. Unlike some of the other offers, it does not appear to be an in-store only deal, because free shipping is included. The offer is listed as valid between “5/11/12-6/30/12″ and is available through Best Buy’s website now. However, some models are currently listed as “not available for shipping.”

If you’re looking for an older iPhone on one of the top three carriers in the U.S., then just head over to Best Buy’s website and snatch one while they’re on sale. It’s likely that the iPhone 4 will be made free when the next generation of the device releases, but until then there’s always Best Buy and Target.

Reuters confirms 4-inch screen on next iPhone

Reuters confirms 4-inch screen on next iPhone

The new iPhone screens will measure 4 inches from corner to corner, one source said. That would represent a roughly 30 percent increase in viewing area, assuming Apple keeps other dimensions proportional. Apple has used a 3.5-inch screen since introducing the iPhone in 2007.

Yet another report that indicates Apple is indeed planning to launch a 4-inch iPhone later this year.

Report: ‘iPad mini’ Launches in Second Half of 2012

Taiwanese publication Liberty Times claims that Apple has already reached agreements with LCD suppliers for the so-called “iPad mini” that is supposedly set to launch in the second half of this year. While we cannot verify the accuracy of this unfamiliar source, we have posted the rumor in the interest of discussion. Additionally, this rumor corresponds nicely with an earlier report that claims Apple is working on a 7-inch iPad for release in October. Read more …

Apple Awarded Control of ‘iPhone5.com’ Domain Name

Apple awarded control of ‘iPhone5.com’ domain name

Apple has successfully won its dispute over the iPhone5.com domain, after it took its complaint to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). WIPO recently posted to its website that the domain has been ‘Terminated’, with the domain owner expected to have relinquished ownership. The iPhone5.com domain is now being held by brand protection agency Corporation Service Company, which may have been used by Apple to take ownership.

Apple has successfully seized control of the “iPhone5.com” domain name after filing a request with WIPO ten days ago. It is unknown if the domain name corresponds with the potential name of Apple’s next-generation iPhone.

Apple is Now Censoring ‘Jailbreak’ in iTunes [Updated]

Apple has always been playing cat-and-mouse with the jailbreaking community, attempting to combat users from obtaining root access to their devices by issuing periodic iOS software updates. Yet, developers continue to find exploitable vulnerabilities in iOS that have led to jailbreaking methods across virtually every iOS version on nearly every device. In a few weeks, even the new iPad will be jailbroken on the latest iOS 5.1.1 software update.

That being said, we can imagine Apple is not too fond of promoting jailbreak-related content. As spotted by iOS hacker Yiduo David Wang (planetbeing), Apple has gone one step further by censoring any mention of the word “jailbreak” on its iTunes Store. All types of content on the iTunes Store, from apps and music to TV shows and books, is affected by this censorship on the U.S. store; however, not every mention of the word “jailbreak” has been starred out just yet.

Update: Apple seems to have fixed this issue, as searching for “jailbreak” on iTunes now reveals the word without any asterisks.

[Cult of Mac]


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