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Snowden says Apple security case is most important issue in a decade

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Edward Snowden.
Edward Snowden.
Photo: Laura Poitras / Praxis Films

Internet privacy activist and former NSA contractor Edward Snowden has come out in favor of Tim Cook’s decision to deny a federal court judge’s request that Apple help the FBI hack the San Bernardino terrorist’s iPhone 5c.

Snowden is calling Apple’s battle over security the most important tech case in a decade, and has called out Google for not coming to the public’s side on the issue. In a series of tweets expounding on the issues, Snowden said the FBI’s efforts to force Apple to give them a key bypasses citizen’s ability to defend their rights.

Taste the rainbow with custom Snapchat colors

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Snapchat dysmorphia
Snapchat selfie filters are supposed to be fun and are not meant for users to pursue cosmetic surgery.
Photo: Snap

Doodling on a Snapchat is fun; it lets you customize just about any snap with the power of your own artistry, or lack thereof.

If you’ve noticed, though, when you choose the color for said doodle, there’s no white or black options. And what if you want something in between red and white, like, say, pink?

Here’s how to make your images truly your own with custom Snapchat colors.

How Apple could hack terrorist’s iPhone for FBI (if it wanted to)

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This tool can unlock any iPhone's PIN.
Open up! The FBI wants in.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

A federal judge has ordered Apple to comply with the FBI’s demands to unlock the San Bernardino terrorist’s iPhone 5c. Apple CEO Tim Cook has boldly and politely refused. However, his reason has nothing to do with whether Apple has the ability to hack the iPhone.

It simply doesn’t want to.

Apple has spent the past few years making its devices more secure by adding Touch ID and a secure element. The iPhone 5c doesn’t have Touch ID, though, so the FBI wants to brute-force unlock it by guessing the terrorist’s PIN. The problem is, iOS will automatically wipe the device after too many unsuccessful attempts — and iOS also delays how often you can guess a passcode. So the FBI created a plan for how Apple can help the bureau get around it.

Best charging docks for iPhone and iPad

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When it comes to charging docks, not all are created equal. Here are my favorite two and why I like them better than everything else out there.
When it comes to charging docks, not all are created equal. Here are my favorite two and why I like them better than everything else out there.
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

app-factor-logo-thumbnailIf there’s a single iPhone and iPad accessory I consider myself to be the most picky about, it would be charging docks and stands. While there isn’t a shortage of options, let’s be honest, most of them aren’t that great. They either don’t dock securely or they’re obsolete when a new iPhone or iPad form factor comes out.

That’s why I’ve narrowed down my vote for best iPhone and iPad charging docks to only two candidates. Yep, just two. Here’s what they are and why I think they’re better than most:

Spotify baits premium hook with free Chromecast

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spotify-baits-premium-hook-with-free-chromecast-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201602chromecast-png
Get a free one of these when you buy three months of Spotify Premium.  Photo: Spotify
Get a free one of these when you buy three months of Spotify Premium. Photo: Spotify

If you haven’t already grabbed a free trial of Spotify, you’re in luck – this deal makes joining the streaming music service even more enticing.

Today through February 28, when you buy three months of Spotify Premium for $29.97, you’ll get a free Chromecast.

Google takes a subtle swipe at Apple in new Android ad

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google-takes-a-subtle-swipe-at-apple-in-new-android-ad-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201602Android-Monotune-ad-png
"Be together. Not the same."
Photo: Google
"Be together. Not the same." Photo: Google
“Be together. Not the same.” Photo: Google

Google takes a leaf out of Samsung’s marketing playbook in its latest Android ad, with a subtle swipe at Apple and the lack of choice you get when you choose iOS.

“Monotune” is part of the company’s “Be together. Not the same.” campaign, and it’s nothing short of brilliant.

Apple TV’s App Store now has video previews

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apple-tv
Apple has been hard at work refining and updating Apple TV's App Store.
Photo: Apple

Apple just granted the Apple TV App Store another small update today. It now supports developers adding video previews to their app description pages. These videos can be up to 30 seconds and showcase how the app works or aspects of the gameplay.

Poll: Should Apple create an iPhone backdoor for FBI?

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A new iOS 8 update is here.
The iPhone's security is under threat.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

If Apple had any common sense, they would just succumb to the FBI’s demands and unlock the San Bernardino terrorist iPhone, claims the all-wise and powerful Donald Trump. However, in his bold letter refusing to comply with a court order to create a backdoor to iOS, Apple CEO Tim Cook argues that doing so would set a dangerous precedence and leave customers vulnerable to hackers.

This is the biggest challenge Apple’s ever faced when it comes to iPhone security. The company has made iOS devices impossible for even it to hack, but that could be coming to an end if the federal government has its way.

So, who’s right?

Vote in our poll below and share your thoughts in the comments:

Speedy 3-port charger takes the hassle out of travel

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iClever BoostCube wall charger
I'd rather pack one of these than three bricks, personally, but I'm crazy.
Photo: Evan Killham/Cult of Mac

Best List: iClever BoostCube 3-port wall charger

I have a bit of an embarrassing problem: Part of my device-charging setup in my bedroom includes a power strip that sits on the floor next to my bed. It isn’t the worst thing ever, but it’s ugly, and sometimes I trip over it. But I may have found a solution in the 3-port iClever BoostCube. It will save my pride, and some space in my bag when I travel, and that’s just good news all around.

Plus, the ports glow an eerie blue when it’s plugged in, and that’s really cool-looking.

Tim Cook and Jony Ive are secretly fashionistas

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The glass walls of Apple's spaceship are nearly complete.
The glass walls of Apple's spaceship are nearly complete.
Photo: Mario Testino/Vogue, March 2016

Jony Ive and Tim Cook graced the pages of fashion bible Vogue this week in a brief and slightly odd interview talking about everything from the new spaceship campus destined to open at the end of the year, to the iPhone-maker’s new status as a fashion icon.

“In what we do,” Tim Cook observed, “design is crucial, as it is in fashion.”

Apple’s been steering its ship deeper into the water of the fashion world ever by launching the Apple Watch and hiring a bevy of fashion house talent, and based on Jony Ive’s remarks, it sounds like Apple plans to dive much deeper into wearable tech.

Twitter’s new trick: serving up funny GIFs

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Rock out with your taco out.
Rock out with your taco out.
Photo: Twitter

Twitter and animated GIFs are a popular combination – the social media company’s users shared 100 million of them last year – but finding just the right one has been more art than science.

Today, however, Twitter rolls out a new way to search for your animated funnies from within the 140-character service itself.

$4 iPhone clone is world’s cheapest smartphone

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4-iphone-clone-is-worlds-cheapest-smartphone-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201602Freedom-251-rea-png
The Freedom 251 doesn’t look like this in the flesh.
Photo: Ringing Bells
The Freedom 251 doesn't look like this in the flesh. Photo: Ringing Bells
The Freedom 251 doesn’t look like this in the flesh. Photo: Ringing Bells

Android has long been the best platform for smartphone buyers on a budget, and now entry to Google’s ecosystem is even more affordable.

Indian handset maker Ringing Bells just launched the new Freedom 251, an ultra affordable device that looks a lot like an iPhone, priced at 251 rupees — or about $3.67.

iPhone 5se could deliver an extra 10 million sales for Apple

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4inch
A 4-inch iPhone could mean big things for Apple.
Photo: Martin Hajek

iPhone sales may be beginning to slow, but the addition of a 4-inch “iPhone 5se” handset could net Apple an extra 10 million+ units — or the equivalent of an extra 23 cents per share for Apple’s earnings — according to RBC Capital Markets analyst Amit Daryanani.

iPhone 7 and 5se concept puts pink spin on Apple’s 2016 lineup

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Is this what the 2016 iPhone lineup will look like?
Is this what the 2016 iPhone lineup will look like?
Photo: Curved

The iPhone 5se could be the pinkest iPhone Apple’s ever made if you believe the rumors, but what if it came the body like an iPhone 6 instead of a 5s?

In a new concept of Apple’s 2016 iPhone lineup, the folks at Curved have put a pink spin on the iPhone 5se that’s expected to be unveiled on March 15th. They also created concepts of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus that add rumored features like a dual lens camera on the 7 Plus and a simpler frame with fewer antennas and no headphone jack.

Take a closer look:

Behold the Griffin throne of power for your Apple Watch and iPhone [Deals]

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Griffin's power station gives both your Apple Watch and iPhone a proper place to recharge.
Griffin's power station gives both your Apple Watch and iPhone a proper place to recharge.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’ve opted for the best in smartwatches and smartphones (I’m talking about the Apple watch and iPhone, of course), you shouldn’t be charging them on your windowsill or coffee table. The Griffin Watchstand Charging Station gives you a single, sleek place to charge both. Give your prized peripherals a place of privilege for just $49.99.

Donald Trump slams Apple for refusing to unlock gunman’s iPhone

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20724666936_32e70d7b9a_k
Trump has chimed in on the encryption issue.
Photo: Michael Vadon/Flickr CC

Donald Trump has slammed Apple for its refusal to unlock gunman Syed Rizwan Farook’s iPhone 5c after being requested to do so by the FBI.

“Who do [Apple] think they are? They have to open it up,” Trump told Fox and Friends when asked about Apple’s responsibility to help with the investigation following the attack in San Bernardino, California, which killed 14 people.

What you need to know about Apple’s privacy battle with FBI

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Apple Security Jacket
This case is highlighting a major issue concerning iOS security.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

The case involving San Bernardino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook’s iPhone 5c and whether Apple should help unlock it has brought the company’s stance regarding strong encryption to the forefront.

Since this privacy-versus-security debate isn’t going away anytime soon, here’s what you need to know about it so far — and why it’s a much, much bigger issue than just one legal case.

Apple has a cunning plan to boost profitability in India

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apples-india-enterprise-boss-quits-to-sell-android-phones-2-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201601iphone_india001-780x614-780x614-jpg
Apple is still trying to find the right strategy for India.
Photo: Apple

As the next giant untapped market shimmering on the horizon, Apple is looking to grow its brand in India — and to do so it’s taking the bold step of exiting the rapidly-growing sub-Rs 20,000 ($290) smartphone category by stopping selling its older iPhone 4s and 5c handsets.

But the reason totally makes sense.

iPad shipments could hit new low this quarter

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iPad Pro
iPad shipments are continuing to fall.
Photo: Leander Kahney / Cult of Mac

Apple could be in for its worst ever quarter for iPad shipments, with a new report claiming that the first three months of 2016 are set to hit a historic low for Apple’s tablets with just 9.8 million units shipping.

If correct, those numbers would be down 39.1 percent on quarter and close to 20 percent on-year. While Apple has been experiencing falling iPad demand for some time now, this would be especially bad considering that Q1 2016 is also expected to bring the first ever quarter of declining iPhone sales.

Tim Cook: Apple will fight to stop the FBI accessing your data

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Tim Cook
Tim Cook wants the public to be aware of the importance of this issue.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Apple has posted an open letter, signed by Tim Cook, in response to the FBI’s request that Apple unlock the iPhone at the center of a San Bernardino court case.

While United States magistrated judge Sheri Pym wants Apple to hand the FBI a custom firmware file that would allow the unlocking of the handset in question, Apple argues that this represents an, “unprecedented step which threatens the security of our customers.”

And Cook wants the public to be aware of all the details.

Apple must unlock the iPhone 5c’s encryption… or else

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The iPhone 5c might be broken wide open. And what's next?
The iPhone 5c might be broken wide open. And what's next?
Photo: Apple

In December 2015, Syed Rizwan Farook shot up an office party in an apparent terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California. He may have coordinated the attack on an iPhone 5c.

Since then, authorities have been trying to decrypt the device. And now, a U.S. magistrate is trying to force Apple to unlock it.

Ex-Apple designer builds easy-to-use artificial brain

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The Brain by Mike Matas
Good call. We definitely want to teach the machines love before they become self-aware.
Photo: Mike Matas (via YouTube)

We may be a small step closer to the robot wars thanks to former Apple designer Mike Matas.

Matas’ previous work includes user interfaces for Apple’s Maps, Photos, and Camera apps, as well as the Nest smart thermostat. And he showed off his latest creation, an artificial brain called (appropriately enough) The Brain, via a quick demo on YouTube. It’s a neural network that with an expectedly sharp and clean interface, and in the video, he shows how he can teach The Brain to spit out emojis based on different shapes that he draws.

Check it out below.