Leander Kahney's Blog, page 59

Psychologists explain phantom notifications and ‘ringxiety’

More often than I care to admit, I’ll think that I feel a tap from my Apple Watch. But then when I check the screen, I’ve received nothing: no texts, no phone calls, no notifications of any kind. It’s really weird and makes me feel like I’m finally losing it. I’ve usually just assumed that […]

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

Google cracks down on shady, fake download buttons

If you use Google’s Chrome web browser, you’re now even safer from sneaky advertisers that try to get you to download their crummy software with fake download buttons. Chances are you’ve seen these around, even on some large sites like Sourceforge and CNET, and might have clicked on one or two by accident, as intended. […]

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

Apple, other tech firms looking to get exclusive with NFL

Thursday Night Football just got more competitive as Apple, Google, Amazon and Verizon are going head to head to take on the NFL’s highly lucrative sports franchise. The U.S. football association announced that it was in “active discussions with prospective digital partners” for streaming rights to the same games, according to industry sources. While the […]

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

Finally! A mood lamp that looks like a Slinky

The right light can wake us in a good mood, make us productive in work or art and enhance the romance. But, the right light is not something we normally carry with us. Orilamp, a portable accordion lamp you control with an iOS app, is trying to change that. What looks like two stacked wooden […]

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

Apple lets you trade in broken iPhones

Apple is rolling out several new programs in its retail store locations that will give credit for iPhones with pretty severe damage, according to a report. The program will allow customers with a cracked screen, damaged buttons or damaged cameras to trade in their faulty device without issue. Apple previously wouldn’t accept this kind of […]

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

Wake up to the sound of music videos on your iPhone

Ringtones are passé; why not wake up to the sound of a music video in the morning? You’ll be the envy of everyone who hears your alarm go off with this neat iOS 9 feature. Here’s how to enable it. First off, you’ll need some music videos. The best way is to head into iTunes […]

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

Best accessories for iPhone photographers

For many of us, the iPhones in our pockets have long since replaced the need to carry around a regular DSLR or point and shoot camera. While the iPhone itself is typically all you need to start capturing great photos, there are a few accessories that can help take your iPhone photography to the next […]

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

Steel Apple Watch bracelet rivals Apple’s, but costs half the price

Lust List: Revo brushed stainless steel Apple Watch bracelet by Juuk For nearly 20 years, watchmaker Eugene Ho has been making luxury timepieces for the likes of Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland, Ecko and Reebok. Now he’s branched out on his own. His startup, Juuk (pronounced “juke”) makes beautiful, high-end bracelets for Apple’s Watches. Juuk’s […]

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

Amazon Echo adds Spotify to its musical repertoire

Amazon’s Echo smart speaker just upped its music game, adding Spotify streaming to its ever-growing list of skills. Now playing your favorite artists and playlists is just a voice command away — at least if you’re a Spotify Premium subscriber. “Now playing your favorite music from Spotify is as easy as asking Alexa,” said Toni […]

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

Apple Pay hits 2 million locations as Chick-fil-A and more jump aboard

iPhone users will soon be able to get their chicken fix without busting out their wallets. Apple revealed today that Apple Pay is now accepted at more than 2 million locations across the US, and it’s continuing to grow by adding new retailers like fast-food chain Chick-fil-A, Crate & Barrel, as well as Au Bon […]

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