We all like to customize our devices. It's why multi-colored cases sell so well, and why we agonize over whether what color smartphone we want to buy every time a new one gets released. People like to think that they've got something different to what everyone else has because they like to be different.
After being showcased to the world from the hand of a gleeful Steve Jobs back in 2007, the Apple iPhone certainly changed everything. It completely altered the way the smartphone market operated, how consumers interacted with mobile devices, and has had a very lasting and sustained impact on mobile software. From the developers of apps in the App Store to companies built around the coveted handset, the impact of the iPhone is much broader than many would supposed, and this point is elaborated upon nicely thanks to a rather beautiful infographic created by Rand Group.
The iPhone and iPad are among the mobile industry's sturdiest exports, but it's not without its fair share of issues. The sleep/wake button, for example, which sits atop the device, is susceptible to breaking, sticking, or just generally ceasing to function. If you encounter this issue, then the only option is to go either try your hand at fixing it, or taking the sensible option of getting it repaired, by Apple. But if you don't have the time or immediate funds to take a whimsical trip to an Apple Store, then here's how you can still utilize the button's functions even when it's MIA.
For many, the jailbreak scene all comes down to one particular tweak. Auxo, created by the folks at A3Tweaks, has been around for a while now, and very popular it is too. Pre-iOS 7, Auxo was the tweak to have if you wanted to take the poorly implemented iOS multitasking system and turn it on its head. Post-iOS 7 though, we've all been waiting impatiently to see what an updated version would look like.
Everyone hates it when two massive companies keep dragging each other through the courts, except lawyers that is. With Apple and Google getting ready to once again duke it out we're being treated to a rare insight into how Apple functioned circa 2007. with the man that was in charge of coming up with the iPhone giving a rare interview.
Often, when hitting certain milestones, Apple likes to make a bit of fanfare about its achievements. But while the 50 billionth iTunes download prompted a countdown that resulted in some great prizes for one lucky individual, Apple recently sold its 500 million iPhone without so much as a press release.
Most iPhone users would consider their device to be something of a lifesaver, in that it keeps them connected to the world and those around them no matter where they may be. But in the case of Utah-based U.S. solider Shaun Frank, the device literally saved his life - bearing the full impact of shrapnel from an explosion that may otherwise have proven fatal. In the end, the man escaped with only minor wounds, and has since personally sent his thanks to the Cupertino company.
Turning water into wine is the kind of stuff that miracles are made of, but now, there's a machine that enables you to do exactly that. And as if that wasn't cool enough, the Miracle Machine is also controlled by an app for iPhone, providing what is, without doubt, the most awesome way to create and ferment your own wine.
Living in a world where our smartphones are the center of our lives may not be too far away, but being able to place it on a table and have it start doing all kinds of magical things wasn't on our list of wants for that utopian future. At least, it wasn't until Pizza Hut got in on the act.
It's quite a sorry state of affairs when a company like BlackBerry - a major player in the smartphone industry only a few years ago - must resort to taking cheap shots at the market leaders in order to score itself some headline coverage. The demise of the Canadian outfit has been well documented in recent times, and with its market share having plummeted to the point where Windows Phone has just overtaken it, many of BlackBerry's head honchos have fallen victim to a major reshuffle. John Chen recently replaced Thorsten Heins as CEO, but instead of brimming with new ideas as to how BlackBerry can turn its fortunes around, he has instead begun his career by labeling iPhone users as "wall-huggers."
