iphone 5s

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  • Ellica_S via Getty Images

    iOS 13 isn't coming to the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 or iPad Air

    Bad news if you're still rocking an iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus and hoped to install iOS 13 -- Apple won't support the latest version of the OS on those devices. Owners of the original iPad Air, iPad Mini2 and iPad Mini 3 will miss out on the swanky new iPadOS as well.

    Kris Holt
    06.03.2019
  • Walmart to slash iPhone 6 and 6 Plus prices by $50 in holiday sale

    Shoppers looking for a deal an iPhone should swing by their local Walmart retail store this weekend. According to Bloomberg, the retailer is slashing the price of the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone 5s by as much as $50. These reductions are taken off Walmart's original retail prices, which already are lower than Apple's standard pricing. Pricing for the iPhone 6 starts at $129 for the 16GB model and $229 for the 16GB iPhone 6 Plus. Walmart also is selling the 64GB iPhone for $229. The 16GB iPhone 5s is eligible for a $30 discount, selling for $49. All these prices require a new two-year customer agreement with A&T, Verizon or Sprint. Unlike Walmart's earlier sales which were available both online and in stores, these iPhone discounts will be available only in retail stores.

    Kelly Hodgkins
    12.12.2014
  • Grovemade's beautiful handcrafted Walnut iPhone Case

    Grovemade makes some amazing cases and accessories out of wood, and we've covered a few of them before. Recently, a Walnut iPhone Case for iPhone 6 (US$99) came into the TUAW Labs for our inspection, and it's a gorgeous piece of work. Check out this review and then enter for a chance to win this hand-finished beauty from Portland, Oregon. Specifications Material: Oregon Claro Walnut Sizes: iPhone 5/5s ($79), iPhone 6 ($99), iPhone 6 Plus ($109) Weight (iPhone 6 case): 0.7 ounces (19.8 grams) Design The Walnut iPhone Case comes in two parts - a "bumper" that protects the sides of the phone and a back that adheres to the back of your iPhone with a removable adhesive patch. This design results in an extremely light and sturdy case. The wood is hand finished and is quite attractive; there are precisely-machined holes for speaker, Lightning port, headphone port, mute button and camera. For the power switch and volume toggle, wooden pass-through buttons make it easy to control power and volume. And hey, did I mention that the Oregon Claro Walnut looks great? I think Grovemade outdid itself with the Walnut iPhone Case. Functionality As opposed to earlier wood iPhone cases from Grovemade and other producers, the two-piece design makes installing the case a snap. You just place the iPhone into the bumper part, turn the iPhone and bumper over onto the screen, remove the paper covering the adhesive on the back, and press the back into place. Despite being hand sanded and finished, there's still a little bit of grain to the wood that makes it very easy to grip. I'd say that my favorite feature of this case is the fact that each one of these is totally unique in terms of the grain pattern and color. Conclusion Grovemade has taken their wood case design to the next level with the Walnut iPhone Case, making it lighter, easier to install, and just as protective as the earlier version. With their somewhat luxury price tag, these cases aren't for everyone, but if you're looking for something unique and handcrafted, this is it. Sadly, the Walnut iPhone Case is only available for pre-order now, so it won't make the perfect Christmas gift. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Yes, I know I said that these cases are only available for pre-order now, but one lucky iPhone 6 owner is going to win the Grovemade Walnut iPhone Case. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before December 14, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Grovemade Walnut iPhone Case for iPhone 6 valued at $99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...

    Steve Sande
    12.10.2014
  • ComfortWay Travel Case: International data roaming for $2/day

    Up to now, international travelers have had a few very expensive options for using data roaming off of their carrier network. You could just leave everything on your iPhone turned on, then pay an arm and a leg for all of that bandwidth you chewed up sending Vines from the Parthenon to your friends at home. You could unlock your phone, then pick up a prepaid SIM for a network in a country that you're visiting. Or you could do what I usually do on my trips - shut off the cellular part of my phone and just use Wi-Fi when you can find it. A new Kickstarter campaign aims to create iPhone 5 and 6 cases that enable mobile internet service in over 100 countries for just US$2 per day. The ComfortWay Travel Case for iPhone is a battery case that also features a router module with a multi-carrier virtual SIM. The idea is that when you're off your home network, you shut off cellular data access on your iPhone and then plug it into the Travel Case. The case connects to the local cellular data network and then acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your iPhone and up to nine other users. ComfortWay says that the Travel Case will provide internet speeds of up to 42 Mbps on HSPA+ networks, and the company provides you with pay-as-you-go rates of $20 per GB, or about $2 for a normal day's usage of 100 MB of data. The company currently sells a small Wi-Fi hotspot device that works in the EU only and provides unlimited data for $5 per day. The virtual SIM module automatically downloads the correct SIM specifications from the local carriers, then selects the mobile network with the best data connection speeds. An iOS app gives users control over charges, adding money to their prepaid account, and more. The idea here is to build upon the success of the current device and expand the number of countries in which ComfortWay can provide low-cost data service. The company currently has working agreements and letters of intent with over 50 mobile operators in Europe and North America, and is continuing to work on ironing out more agreements before the product hopefully ships in 2015. Of course, this could all be just a pipe dream unless Kickstarter backers cough up $120,000. So far, backers have only shelled out $1,816 (as of November 7, 2014), but there are 42 days left in the campaign. If by some miracle the campaign reaches a $1,000,000 stretch goal, ComfortWay plans to make an iPhone 6 Plus Travel Case.

    Steve Sande
    11.07.2014
  • Stunning solar eclipse photo taken with an iPhone 5s

    To promote the field of astronomy, NASA each day publishes an "Astronomy Picture of the Day" that showcases different aspects of our amazing universe. Each photo includes a brief explanation, which is written in layman's terms by a professional astronomer. An entry from Monday of this week highlights the recent solar eclipse with a stunning photograph by Doyle Slifer that captures the moon blocking out a portion of the sun. The timing of the shot was impeccable, with a plane, clouds and sunspots captured simultaneously in the frame. Though NASA's description doesn't mention it, this moment in time was photographed using an iPhone 5s as described by Slifer in a post on Reddit. This pic was taken by holding my iPhone up to the eyepiece of my telescope. It was a lucky shot (that I managed to catch the airplane). But, I keep thinking that shots like this really only happen because we all have these amazing cameras in our pockets. Plus, I LOVE the camera on my 5s. :) Thanks to some sleuthing by Slifer, the pilot in the picture discovered the APOD photo and joined in on the conversation in another Reddit thread. He was a student pilot flying with his instructor in a Cessna. You can check out a high resolution version of the photo on NASA's APOD website and hop over to Reddit's astrophotography and iPhone boards for the follow-up comments.

    Kelly Hodgkins
    10.29.2014
  • Bison iPhone 5/5s Wallet: Carry it all without the bulk

    The Bison is an amazing animal that evokes the old West. Rugged, independent, and able to withstand weather extremes without blinking, they roam the new West in herds that are growing each year after being hunted almost to extinction in the late 1800s. It's fitting that Bison Made, LLC chose the beast as its namesake, as the company produces unique and ruggedly built leather products. Today we're looking at the company's iPhone 5/5s Wallet (US$75.00), which provides a comfortable home where your iPhone can roam, and you'll also have money to pay (sorry, I can't think about bison without thinking about "Home on the Range"). The design of the Bison iPhone 5 Wallet is extremely simple: take a piece of beautiful, supple leather in natural, whiskey, Malbec, or jet finishes, and roll it into an overlapping cylinder shape. Flatten that out and provide strong stitching in two locations, and you have a case that not only holds and protects an iPhone 5 or 5s, but also features a "wallet" for carrying cash, credit cards, and IDs. I like the looks of the iPhone 5 Wallet. It's streamlined, unlike some other really large leather wallet cases I've tested. However, my idea of a wallet is something that can be securely closed, and this design leaves both ends of the card pouch wide open. Sure, the pouch is snug enough that chances are very good that nothing's going to probably fall out, but I'm paranoid. Now, for a $75 wallet case from a luxury company, I have a few beefs about the Bison. First, the inside is just leather. I'd expect the "backside" of the leather to have been bonded to some soft felt made from yak belly fur, but no, it's just the other side of the leather strip. Second complaint? That price. I mean, come on. Other companies that make luxury iPhone wallets in the same price range, Pad & Quill for example, at least seem to put some work into their products, adding things like elastic bands to keep things closed, actual credit card slots and see-through ID slots. Or how about DODOcase, which makes a similar minimalist case out of leather and waxed canvas but at least lines it with soft cotton and prices it for $25 less? Maybe I just don't get the entire "luxury product" genre. At least the Bison iPhone 5 Wallet is very stylish, very lightweight, protects the iPhone (I found I had to actually "dig" to get mine out, so maybe it's a bit too protective), and should get better-looking with age as it gets that leather patina. Conclusion If you happen to be in one of the luxury good retailers listed on the bottom of the Bison Made web page, need a nice looking iPhone wallet, and a $75 purchase for a beautifully finished piece of leatherwork, go for it. Those who might need more room or organization in an iPhone wallet, or who would like to spend less money might want to look elsewhere. Rating: 3 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Have an iPhone 5 or 5s that you'd like to carry in style? We've got one of these Bison iPhone 5/5s wallets in a "whiskey" finish that we're rarin' to give away, and some lucky TUAW bronc-buster is going to ride away into the sunset with it. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before September 22, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Bison iPhone 5/5s Wallet valued at $75. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...

    Steve Sande
    09.18.2014
  • Feedback Loop: 'Minecraft,' home security, iPhones and more!

    Happy Sunday, and welcome to another edition of Feedback Loop! By now, you're probably sick of hearing about the Apple Watch. Thankfully, though, our community members have some great discussions for you this week. To kick things off, we're talking about the implications Microsoft's potential purchase of developer Mojang could have on the indie community favorite Minecraft. Once you're done kvetching over Microsoft's latest pursuit, let us know which apps help keep your busy life on task and whether or not you're happy with the current selection of smart lock solutions.

    Frank Spinillo
    09.14.2014
  • iPhone 5s and 5c get a £100 price drop

    Not really interested in Apple's new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus? How about a smaller iPhone with an even smaller price tag? That's exactly what's on the table after Apple cut the price of an unlocked iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c by £100 each following yesterday's event. That means can now pick up a 16GB or 32GB iPhone 5s for £459 or £499 respectively, while the price of the more colourful iPhone 5c (8GB) has dropped to £319. Although the Apple Watch won't be available until the new year, the company has said iPhones from the 5c up will support the new wearable, meaning you won't miss out if you decide later that you want a smaller screen on your wrist.

    Matt Brian
    09.10.2014
  • Doing the math: Apple device pixels on parade

    The new "Baby Dolphin*" iPhone 6 Plus will ship with a 1920 x 1080 Retina HD pixel display on a 5.5" screen. Compared and contrasted to a 7" iPad mini with Retina display, with its 2048 x 1536 Retina pixels, the Baby Dolphin compares favorably. It offers approximately 66% of the screen space but in a form factor that enables you to send and receive phone calls as well as read books more comfortably. As a point of comparison, my 960 x 640 pixel iPhone 4S with Retina display offers just under 20% of screen space plus is noticeably thicker than the new unit. Here's a quick rundown of some basic specs, using the 7" Retina mini as a benchmark. Only pixels are compared, and the pixels per inch count varies between devices: Device Name: Screen size, dimensions in pixels, pixel count, and relative size to iPad mini with Retina display iPad Retina mini: 7" 2048 x 1536 3145728 100% iPhone 6 plus: 5.5" 1920 x 1080 2073600 65.9% iPhone 6: 4.7" 1334 x 750 850500 27% iPhone 5s: 4" 1136 x 640 727040 23.1% iPhone 4s: 3.5" 960 x 640 614400 19.5% * -- In case you're wondering where this nickname came from, TUAW editor Dave Caolo exclaimed that the iPhone 6 Plus was as "big as a baby dolphin!" when it first appeared during the keynote.

    Erica Sadun
    09.09.2014
  • YouTube Find: Home repair of an iPhone 5s display

    Walking around with a cracked iPhone 5s because you don't have AppleCare+ ? There's good news as CNET TV has published an excellent video walking you through the replacement of a cracked iPhone 5s display. If you watch the video tutorial and read this step-by-step guide from iFixit, then you will have the knowledge to fix your iPhone from the comfort of your home.

    Kelly Hodgkins
    08.13.2014
  • Skinit inkFusion Pro iPhone cases are unique, fun, and protective

    Tired of having the same iPhone case that everybody else has? How about making a custom case that is distinctly your own? That's what the customizable Skinit inkFusion Pro cases (US$34.99) are all about. Grab a picture that fits your unique personality and with a few clicks, you're on your way to getting a case that protects your iPhone 5/5s and makes you stand out. Check out the review, then have a chance to win a free Skinit inkFusion Pro case from Skinit and TUAW -- and if you don't win, we have a discount code worth some bucks off on your order. Between now and August 25, 2014, use the code TUAW25 when checking out for 25 percent off your order. That gives you a custom iPhone case for just $26.25, a real bargain! Skinit describes the inkFusion Pro as a "two-piece thermoplastic polymer fusion case". There's both a hard shell on the outside of the case and an inner liner that absorbs impacts if you drop your iPhone. That inner liner is pretty boring -- it's basic matte black -- but it's the outside of the case that counts. When ordering your inkFusion Pro case online, you load an image. That image can come from anywhere -- your computer, one of a zillion stock images that Skinit has access to, a picture from a website, photos you have saved on Facebook, Instagram uploads, Flickr, or even Google+. When the image has been uploaded on the Skinit site, you can scale or rotate it, add text, change the color or apply filters, and then preview the image before you send the case off for manufacturing. About a week later, you'll get a padded envelope in the mail containing your work of art -- otherwise known as your inkFusion Pro case. The printing quality is very good -- I made a case featuring a photograph I took of a Magellenic Penguin at the Valdes Peninsula in Argentina, and other than the case having a bit more of a brown tinge than the original photo, the image was sharp and wrapped around the sides of the case. The fun thing is that I now have a nice iPhone case that will remind me of a day spent walking around tens of thousands of penguins. The case has the requisite cutouts for the camera and flash, speaker, Lightning port, headphone jack, and mute/orientation lock switch. There are pass-through switches for the volume toggle and wake/sleep button. The inkFusion Pro case is simple to install and remove as well, so if you decide to get more than one, it's easy to swap 'em out. Just remove the interior liner from the hard shell, put your iPhone into the liner, and then put it into the shell. To swap shells, just pull the liner-enclosed iPhone out of the shell and snap it into another shell. The entire inkFusion Pro case weighs just 1.2 ounces (34 grams), so you're getting a lot of protection without a lot of weight. My only gripe is that the interior liner is a bit "deep", meaning that there's a significant lip down near the iPhone Home button. Rather than being able to slide my finger right onto the Home button for Touch ID, I found that I had to approach it at an angle. Touch ID still worked, but the entire setup just felt a little awkward at first. That "lip" does provide the iPhone screen with protection from face-down drops, so it's probably a good thing all in all. Conclusion The ordering process for making your own Skinit inkFusion Pro iPhone case is fast and easy, the custom cases are reasonably priced, and the resulting case offers protection from accidental drops while reflecting your interests and personality. The inkFusion Pro case adds customizable fun to a market filled with look-alike cases. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway OK, I got a penguin on a Skinit inkFusion Pro iPhone case, but you could have your girlfriend, kids, dog, cat, or even Justin Bieber (God forbid) on one of these cases. We've teamed up with Skinit for a giveaway of a coupon code good for a free case -- you provide the artwork, we'll supply the code. Here are the rules for the giveaway, and if you don't win, remember that the coupon code I talked about in the first paragraph of this review will give you 25 percent off on one of these great cases. Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before August 11, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Skinit coupon code valued at $34.99 to create their own inkFusion pro case Click here for complete Official Rules. Loading...

    Steve Sande
    08.08.2014
  • Apple news bites for Tuesday, August 5, 2014

    It's been very, very quiet in the world of Apple the past few weeks, but that doesn't mean that there's nothing happening out there. Here are a few little snack-sized bits of news that we've picked up this morning: Did you break the screen on your iPhone 5s? Just walk into your local Apple Store soon and you will be able to have it repaired on-site. AppleInsider reports that as of yesterday, Apple Stores are doing iPhone 5s screen replacements in as little as one hour. Previously, damaged screens meant that your iPhone 5s would need to be sent offsite for servicing, a process that could take up to five full days. Dutch Apple fans who live in Den Haag (The Hague), Netherlands can attend the grand opening of the new Apple Store in that city this upcoming Saturday (August 9) at 10 AM local time. Grab me a t-shirt if you go to the opening, OK? The Apple website lists the address of the new store as Passage 39, 2511 AB Den Haag. Apple has been granted more patents ... totally unsurprising considering the number of patents that are applied for each year by the company. There's a patent for a "magnetic resonance power system" that could eliminate the need for batteries in keyboards and mice, another for a "microwave frequency communication system covering a wireless disposable wristband," and one for "backside iPad gaming controls." As usual, none of these patents may ever see the light of day in a future Apple product. UK Virgin Media users who are also subscribers to Sky Movies or Sky Sports can now watch those channels on their iPhones and iPads via the Sky Movies and Sky Sports apps. The Sky Sports app provides "second screen" capabilities when you're watching football games, cricket matches, or Formula 1 races on the big screen, while the Sky Movies subscription lets you watch all 11 channels or over 800 on-demand films on the go. The Mac Observer's Jeff Gamet reports that Apple has a social media secret weapon in the form of Musa Tariq. Mr. Tariq was hired as Apple's retail Digital Marketing Director, coming from Burberry (where he was a marketing director working with new Apple retail VP Angela Ahrendts) and Nike, where he was the social media director.

    Steve Sande
    08.05.2014
  • New "Dreams" ad focuses on the many uses of the iPhone 5s

    Apple has released another of its classy ads that show just how powerful we humans can be when equipped with an iOS device. In "Dreams", the company focuses on the iPhone 5s and shows everything from a Vaavud anemometer being used to measure wind speed at a beach to a doctor using the device to translate a question into Spanish, from a fireman using the iPhone 5s to pinpoint a fire location to a veterinarian listening to the heartbeat of a horse. As with most of the ads in this series, the ad shows just how useful the devices are, especially with the tremendous spectrum of apps that is available. The ad is accompanied by the song "When I Grow Up" by Jennifer O'Connor. Although you'll probably see this ad many times over the next few weeks, we've embedded it here for your viewing pleasure.

    Steve Sande
    08.02.2014
  • New iPhone ad touts parenting features of iPhone

    Apple on Sunday rolled out a new commercial for the iPhone 5s entitled "Parenthood." There's no Steve Martin cameo but it does feature several heartwarming family interactions while showcasing a few kid-oriented iOS apps. The commercial concludes with Apple's recent tagline -- "You're more powerful than you think." Apple began using the tagline in April with the ad "Powerful." The catchy tune playing in "Parenthood" is "Life of Dreams" as performed by singer-songwriter Julie Doron. WIth respect to the commercial's tagline, you might recall a story we ran last month highlighting a lawsuit filed by a New York City street artist which alleges that Apple stole the "You're more powerful than you think" slogan from him. The artist, one James De La Vega, sent a cease-and-desist letter to Apple. As suggested by the video above, Apple doesn't seem too concerned.

    Yoni Heisler
    06.30.2014
  • Walmart slashes iPhone 5c down to $29 and iPhone 5s down to $99

    It's that time of the year, folks. With iPhone 6 rumors steadily mounting, deals on current iPhone models are getting all the more attractive. Our sister site Engadget is reporting that Walmart on Friday will begin selling the iPhone 5c and 5s and heavily discounted prices. Specifically, a 16 GB iPhone 5c will be available for just $29 with a two-year contract while the 16 GB iPhone 5s will set you back just $99. While Walmart ran a similar promotion this past March, Engadget relays that the current price drops are permanent.

    Yoni Heisler
    06.27.2014
  • T-Mobile's free iPhone 5s Test Drive program is now live

    T-Mobile's recently announced Test Drive program has officially launched, and it's already off to a wild success. Over 12,000 people pre-registered for the trial before today's official start date. With Test Drive, T-Mobile will send you a brand new iPhone 5s set up with unlimited data, text, and calls on the T-Mobile network for a free trial. Users have 7 days to see if they enjoy using T-Mobile's 4G LTE network and the iPhone. If they choose not to keep the phone they can simply return it to any T-Mobile store without being charged. Test Drive is currently only available online, meaning you have to order from the T-Mobile website and have the device delivered to your home. Your trial period begins when you sign for the delivery of the device. T-Mobile is also very clear about returns; you have to take the iPhone 5s to a T-Mobile store, not a T-Mobile authorized retailer. You can't just take it back to Best Buy, folks. Test Drive customers are under no obligation to buy the device or the service, but if the device is returned in any sort of damaged condition -- cracked screen, damaged display, water damage, unable to power on, or with Find My iPhone still activated -- the user will be charged a US$100 damage fee. That last item in the list is important -- seriously, don't activate Find My iPhone during the trial unless you're planning to keep the device. While you're using the trial, T-Mobile will put a hold of $699.99 on your credit card, plus taxes, to cover the cost of the device if it is not returned. Your card will only be charged the full price of the device if you don't return it. While the idea of such an expensive hold on your credit card could turn some people off on the program, this is a great way to see if the iPhone 5s or the T-Mobile network is right for you. Head over to the Test Drive website if you're interested in getting started.

  • Apple helps T-Mobile Test Drive program

    T-Mobile is launching a new initiative to introduce shoppers to its network with help from Apple, in the form of a free iPhone 5s. Called "Test Drive," the promotion is targeted at customers of rival US carriers who are considering switching. After signing up, participants will receive a free, no-strings-attached iPhone 5s with unlimited data, text and calls from T-Mobile (as long as the phone is used within the US). When the trial ends, users can keep the phone and sign up for a plan, or simply send it back and that's that. Back when I was a car salesman (true story), we called this "The Puppy Dog Close." Who doesn't want to keep a cute little puppy after bringing it home? Especially when that puppy is gold and features Touch ID. Don't be late, however. Those who miss their drop-off date will be charged US$700.00, plus tax.

    Dave Caolo
    06.19.2014
  • Stunning Bentley ad shot entirely with an iPhone 5s and edited on an iPad air [Video]

    Bentley has published an intriguing black-and-white video documentary capturing its design philosophy. The car featured in this video is the Bentley Muslanne, a sleek ride that only costs US$298,000 at a minimum. A real steal! Intelligent Details, a short documentary film commissioned by Bentley Motors, introduces Luc Donckerwolke, Director of Design, and SangYup Lee, Head of Exterior Design. Filmed in the Bentley Mulsanne in New York, Intelligent Details focuses on what inspires Luc and SangYup in their roles as design leaders for Bentley Motors. The film highlights the fusion of luxury, performance and technology within the Bentley Mulsanne and reveals the manner in which Intelligent Details was filmed, assembled and edited using the in-car connectivity and entertainment platform. But what does this have to do with Apple? Well, the entire video was shot with an iPhone 5s and edited on an iPad Air. The video footage is top notch, but to be fair, any smartphone worth its salt today can capture crisp, high-def video. What's really intriguing, I think, is that this pro piece was put together and edited entirely on an iPad, sometimes within the Bentley itself. Impressive, to say the least. Note that this isn't the first luxury oriented video to be shot with an iPhone 5s. This past September the Burberry-hosted London Fashion Show was captured exclusively with a 5s.

    Yoni Heisler
    05.16.2014
  • Twelve South HiRise gets a new finish; TUAW's giving one away

    The stylish and functional Twelve South HiRise iPhone 5/iPad mini stand (US$34.99) has been available since last year, so it was quite surprising when the company announced a change to that product. When I reviewed it last year, I found the HiRise to be both appealing and reasonably priced -- a true winner in my book. Well, what could the company do to make a great product even better? They've announced a new finish on the HiRise -- Tactical Black. Designed to look great with that Space Gray iPhone 5s or iPad, the new HiRise also looks darned good with a colorful iPhone 5c onboard. As with the previous HiRise, the new one adjusts to fit iPhones in cases so you don't have to "undress" your phone to charge it. It's compatible with any iPhone 5, iPad mini, or iPod touch that sports a Lightning port. The best iPhone stand on the market just got better, and we're going to celebrate by giving one away courtesy of Twelve South. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before May 12, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Twelve South HiRise iPhone 5/iPad mini stand in Tactical Black Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...

    Steve Sande
    05.08.2014
  • iPhone 5s top seller at all US carriers, and more news for May 8, 2014

    Despite the fact that Apple is doomed, Doomed, DOOMED, there's still a ton of good news coming out about the company's products. On this slow news Thursday, we hear about how the iPhone 5s is doing in the United States, and more upbeat news about AAPL. Cannacord Genuity has raised its target price for shares of Apple stock to $660, based partially on the results of a survey that showed the iPhone 5s to be the most popular handset at all four major US carriers. According to Cannacord survey results provided to AppleInsider, carrier early upgrade programs -- AT&T Next, Verizon Edge, T-Mobile Jump and Sprint One Up -- are being heavily adopted by customers and could result in a strong upgrade cycle when the next iPhone appears. While Jony Ive's iPhone 5s is breaking sales records, Samsung reportedly replaced its mobile design chief Chang Dong-hoon after an underwhelming introduction of the flagship Galaxy S5 smartphone. Chang will now be working on a design language for the rest of the Korean conglomerate's divisions, with his deputy taking over the all-important work of designing future smartphones and tablets. The S5 has been panned worldwide, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that the back of the device was "reminiscent of a Band-Aid" and the International Business Times saying that it "Looks Cheap, Feels Cheap." Adobe has released Adobe Voice for iPad, a free iPad app allowing users to create videos using simple animation and user narration. TUAW blogger Mel Martin took a first look at the app today, and it looks like a wonderful way to produce animated video content quickly. And one day after Apple VP of Corporate Communication Katie Cotton announced her departure from the company, Apple's VP of Sales for North America, Zane Rowe, is also leaving the company. His duties will be passed along to Doug Beck, who manages sales in Japan and Korea.

    Steve Sande
    05.08.2014