Leander Kahney's Blog, page 125

Google could build its own iPhone rival

After working with third-party smartphone vendors on the Nexus lineup for years, Google is finally toying with the idea of building its own handset, according to some employees. It’s thought the search giant is keen to have a stab at taking on the iPhone all by itself. Google’s Nexus smartphones — which have been manufactured by Samsung, LG, […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

All of Nintendo’s Android and iOS games will be free-to-play

All of the games Nintendo is currently planning for Android and iOS will be free-to-play titles, according to development partner DeNA. That means you won’t have to pay a penny to download them — but they will almost certainly be filled with in-app purchases. DeNA CEO Isao Moriyasu confirmed during an earnings call on Wednesday that […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Jony Ive explains why Apple Pencil is unlike any other stylus

In what seems to be less of a rare occurrence these days, Chief Design Officer of Apple Jony Ive gave an interview  about the iPad Pro for launch day. Specifically, he talks about the infamous optional accessory called the Apple Pencil. Being that most people at first glance will see this as an overpriced, $100 stylus, it’s fair […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Why Apple missed a trick with the iPad Pro

Given that today is iPad Pro launch day, it’s no surprise that Tim Cook gave the customary Apple derisory snort to Microsoft’s rival Surface Book tablet hybrid — referring to it as a “product that tries too hard to do too much,” and calling Microsoft’s belief in it, “sort of deluded.” It’s exactly the kind of […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Apple-approved piano teaches you to play the smart way

Ben Ye knew what could happen as he watched his son chafe and grow bored during private piano lessons. But to keep his son’s interest in music, Ye felt he’d have to do the seemingly impossible: build a new kind of piano and reinvent the way it is taught. Ye did both and what started […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

This pocket-size Bluetooth speaker is a real kick in the pants [Deals]

We fit all the music in the world in our pocket; if only we could also carry around a great way to listen to it. Enter the Soundfreaq Pocket Kick Bluetooth Speaker, a pocket-size brick that brings the beat and fits anywhere you can keep your wallet. And you won’t have to empty your wallet […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Cheap iPad Air turns out to be piece of tin with Apple sticker

A video has gone viral online showing a man complaining after ordering a cheap iPad Air 2 online for $100 — only to discover that it is actually an overpriced piece of tin, complete with a printed iPad home screen on the front, and Apple sticker on the reverse. What is it that they say […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Never forget your ID again with super slim, stylish wallet case

Lust List: Q Case iPhone 6 Plus Wallet by CM4 I sadly gave away my favorite wallet case when I upgraded to the iPhone 6 Plus. Since then, I keep ending up at the store or almost running out of gas without my wallet with me: I leave it at home all the time. Apparently, […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

T-Mobile’s BingeOn plan lets you stream video for free

Binging your favorite shows on Netflix, HBO, and Hulu is about to get a lot cheaper now on T-Mobile thanks to the carriers new BingeON plans that let users stream as much video as they want, without it counting toward their data plan. The carrier has been looking to gain a competitive edge over AT&T […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Apple TV Tech Talks are coming soon to a city near you

Developers didn’t get any in-depth coding knowledge for tvOS at WWDC this year, but Apple is making up for it by launching the Apple TV Tech Talks tour that will bring technical information on building and designing great Apple TV apps to developers around the globe. Registration for the Apple TV Tech Talks opened today […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)