Mobile menu toggle

Killian Bell - page 192

New software brings iPhone’s 3D Touch to any smartphone

By

ForcePhone makes Androids pressure-sensitive.
ForcePhone makes Androids pressure-sensitive.
Photo: University of Michigan

You don’t need a pressure-sensitive display or fancy sensors to take advantage of the 3D Touch features on the iPhone 6s. Engineers at the University of Michigan have developed a way to bring 3D Touch to any smartphone using incredibly clever software.

Apple winning as lawmakers give up on forced backdoors

By

iPhone SE
The FBI won't get its backdoor anytime soon.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

U.S. lawmakers are said to be giving up on their push for new encryption laws that would require companies like Apple to create software backdoors that allow the government to access our devices.

It’s thought the lack of White House support and Apple’s high-profile battle with the Justice Department, which was unable to force the company into providing an iPhone unlock, are some of the reasons why supporters are losing hope.

Samsung Pay could soon be available on your iPhone

By

samsung-pay-arrives-to-take-on-apple-in-china-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201504samsung_pay_0_0-1-jpg
Samsung wants to fight Apple Pay in its own backyard.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung Pay is doing all it can to make things difficult for Apple Pay, and that could include bringing the fight to its own backyard. Samsung is said to be working on porting its mobile payment service to the iPhone — but there is a catch.

MSI’s backpack PC makes high-end VR portable

By

Oculus-portable
Oculus in the park? Not quite.
Photo: Oculus/Cult of Mac

Thanks to headsets like Google Cardboard and Gear VR, the virtual reality experience is already pretty portable. But on a smartphone, you’re only getting a watered-down version.

That’s why MSI decided it would be a good idea to build a PC into a backpack, allowing you to enjoy high-end VR on the go.

Don’t expect your iPhone 7 to be any thinner

By

iPhone-7-plus-scheme
This tells us the iPhone 7 Plus will be no thinner than its predecessor.
Photo: LetemSvetem Applem

Some reports have claimed Apple’s next-generation iPhones will be its thinnest yet, but according to a new schematics leak, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be just as thick as the company’s latest models.

But that doesn’t mean the headphone jack is sticking around.

Google kills its first Apple TV competitor

By

The Nexus Player is no longer available.
The Nexus Player is no longer available.
Photo: Google

Google has again given up on competing with the Apple TV and other set-top boxes after discontinuing the Nexus Player. The Asus-made device is no longer available from the Google Store — but this doesn’t mean Android TV is dead.

Tim Cook spotted the iPhone in a painting from 1670

By

Is that an iPhone 6s Plus?
Is that an iPhone 6s Plus?
Photo: Pieter de Hooch

Apple is credited with designing the smartphone as we know it today, but it turns out some people were using touchscreen devices in 1670. At least that’s what Tim Cook saw when he laid eyes on a 346-year-old painting from Pieter de Hooch and spotted an iPhone.

USB-C battery pack gives your MacBook a full charge on the go

By

Kanex-GoPower
The GoPower is a MacBook's perfect companion.
Photo: Kanex

Apple’s notebooks pack some of the best laptop batteries out there, but you’re always going to find yourself low on power when using your MacBook on the road. Fortunately, Kanex’s new PowerGo battery pack can save the day.

Packing 15,000 mAh of power and USB-C connectivity, it’s capable of giving your 12-inch Retina MacBook a full charge on the go — and it’ll keep your iOS devices topped up, too.

How Samsung plans to make the iPhone 7 Plus look like trash

By

Galaxy Note 5
The next Galaxy Note will be the best phablet by far.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Android

Samsung’s excellent Galaxy S7 series will have almost certainly exacerbated falling iPhone demand in recent months, and now the South Korean company is working to ensure that things won’t be any easier for the iPhone 7 lineup.

New rumors say its next-generation Galaxy Note phablet will be its best smartphone yet, with stellar specifications, outstanding design, and a new virtual reality experience that will make the iPhone 7 Plus look like trash.

Why the MacBook Pro needs an OLED touch pad

By

MacBook-OLED-touch-pad
What the MacBook Pro might look like with a fancy touch pad.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple is expected to deliver one of its biggest ever MacBook Pro refreshes later this year, ushering in a thinner and lighter design and amazing new features. One of them, according to a reliable analyst, will be an OLED touch pad.

Here’s why that would be a stellar addition to Apple’s best notebook.

Tim Cook hints at greater health features for Apple Watch

By

Stainless steel Apple Watch meets pumping iron.
Apple Watch could soon tell you more about yourself.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Tim Cook has hinted that the Apple Watch will get even greater at monitoring your health and fitness. Speaking at Startup Fest Europe in Amsterdam today, the Apple CEO said the company’s wearable may one day tell you when it’s time for a checkup.

5 features Apple must steal from Android N

By

Google's new operating system takes its name from colors.
Android N is coming this fall.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple’s next-generation iPhone and iOS 10 will have to fend off tough competition from Google’s biggest Android update in years when they arrive this fall.

Android N is coming with huge improvements and big features fans, and fans couldn’t be more excited. Some of those features are so good, Apple just has to steal them. Here are five we’d love to see in future versions of iOS.

Spotify matches Apple Music’s terrific family plan

By

Rap Genius is partnering with Spotify.
Apple Music just lost its big advantage over Spotify.
Photo: Spotify

Spotify has finally matched Apple Music’s awesome family plan, giving up to six users unlimited access for just $14.99 a month. Each user gets their own account with their own playlists and recommendations, and there are no restrictions or ads.