LAS VEGAS – Popular iPhone grip and stand maker, PopSockets, has launched their next accessory: the PopSockets Car Vent Mount. Built to fit into the air vent of your car, this makes it super-simple for any one with a PopSocket on your phone to mount it on your car’s dashboard in one, easy motion. Pricing is US$9.99 and it will be available this week or early next from PopSockets.com or Amazon.
iPhone
CES - Apple Couldn't Fix its iPhone USB Cable, so Nite Ize Cordcollar Does
LAS VEGAS – Apple’s Lightning to USB cables for the iPhone and iPad are notorious for fraying where the connectors and wires come together. Nite Ize has a fix for that with their Cordcollar, and they show Jeff Gamet how it works in this video interview.
CES - Rocketbook Reusable Notebooks Give You an Infinite Number of Pages
LAS VEGAS – Rocketbook’s reusable notebooks let you write and draw, use your iPhone to upload and organize your work online, then wipe the pages clean and start again. Jeff Gamet checks them out in this video interview.
iPhone Slowdown Controversy Piles Up With Senator Asking for Answers
Senator Thune wants an answer to his letter by January 23. This article will be updated when Apple responds.
Apple Faces French Criminal Probe Over iPhone Throttling
If Apple is found guilty, the maximum penalty is two years in prison for responsible parties, a fine of 300,000 euros, and five percent of the company’s annual turnover.
CES - Nite Ize iPhone Stand Marries a Magnetic Holder to a Bendable Arm and Clamp
It’s a nifty device that combines a magnetic holder, a flexible arm, and a clamp that let you mount it in a variety of places.
TMO Background Mode Special Edition #3 With Former Apple Executive Michael Gartenberg
Michael Gartenberg spent three years as Apple’s Senior Director of Product Marketing, reporting directly to Senior VP Phil Schiller. In this very special edition, Michael and I chat about what we think Apple will ship in 2018. We go from certain, HomePod, to very speculative, a new Mac mini, and everything in between. iPhone 11? iPhone 9? Coffee Lake MacBook Pros? At the end of the show we also offer up some fantasies about what we’d personally like Apple to do.
PSA: Panic Suspending Sales of Transmit iOS
The company cited low sales and overlap with Apple’s new Files app for iOS 11 as reason.
![[Update] iPhone Batteries From Third Parties Might Not Match Apple’s Price](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/iphone-battery-iphone-throttling-wide.png)
[Update] iPhone Batteries From Third Parties Might Not Match Apple's Price
Third-party vendors might not be able to absorb the lower cost of iPhone batteries like Apple can.
Watch This iPhone X Slide Around Like a Hockey Puck
Check out this video of John Kheit demonstrating his iPhone X’s miraculous (near) zero friction as it slides across his counter (with help from Walt on camera). Note that there’s nothing on either the iPhone X or John’s counter. This is just sweet, (near) perfect, air cushiony goodness. Or an accident-waiting-to-happen. You be the judge. Oh, and no iPhones were harmed in the making of this video.
Apple Maps can Navigate You Inside Airports
Navigating airports is a little easier because Apple’s Maps app has been adding floor plans for many terminals as part of its indoor mapping project. Right now indoors maps are available for many U.S. airports, along with a few other cities such as London, Berlin, Hong Kong, and Toronto. The maps include restaurants and shops, directs to gates, and more. It’s all just there, so you don’t need to worry about any app updates before your next trip.
Apple's $29 iPhone Battery Replacement Doesn't Require a Device Check
Have an iPhone 6 or newer and want the battery replaced? Apple will do it for $29 without checking the battery’s health first.
iFixit Drops DIY iPhone Battery Replacement Kits to $29, Matching Apple's Apology Price
iFixit has dropped the price of its do-it-yourself iPhone battery replacement kits to $29—or less—matching or beating the apology price for in-store replacement Apple announced Thursday. The price changes include kits for iPhone 4S, 5, 5s and 5c, too, all of which are not included in Apple’s price drop. iFixit made a point of noting that its DIY kits are available today, too, while Apple’s discount program won’t begin until some time in January. iFixit has been in a running war with Apple, criticizing the company for the low repairability of its devices, especially iPhones. Apple has chosen to emphasize slim form factors and tight tolerances over easy-to-repair designs.
Throttlegate, Encouraging Mac Signs, and HomePod and the Holidays - Pop.0 ep.26
In this TMO video podcast, Bryan Chaffin and John Kheit look at Throttlegate, including Apple’s new apology letter. They also see some “encouraging Mac signs” from Apple, and even John is edging towards hopeful again. Which may be one of the seven signs of the apocalypse, but that’s another story. They cap the show examining the impact of Apple missing the holidays with its unshipped HomePod. (WARNING NSFW: PROFANITY & RANTS)
Apple's iPhone Battery Response, Favorite iPhone Accessories for 2017 - TMO Daily Observations 2017-12-29
Dave Hamilton and Bryan Chaffin join Jeff Gamet for the last show of the year to look at Apple’s response to the worn out iPhone battery controversy, plus they share some favorite iPhone accessories.
Apple Apologizes for Throttling Controversy, Offers $29 Battery Upgrades
Along with the apology came an offer of $29 battery upgrades, “for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced.
Apple’s Battery PR Disaster, Social Media’s Negative Impact, and the Importance of Animoji – ACM 443
The boys are fuming over Apple’s self-induced iPhone battery fiasco, and argue the company will lose lawsuits over the issue, whether or not they lose in court. They also discuss Chamath Palihapitiya’s argument that social media is ripping society apart. They cap the show with an in-depth discussion on why Animoji is important, and how Apple is turning iMessage into a hybrid social media platform.
Favorite iOS 11 ARKit Apps for 2017
Here are a few of our favorite augmented reality apps for iOS 11 and ARKit on the iPhone and iPad.
Favorite ARKit Apps for 2017 - TMO Daily Observations 2017-12-27
Kelly Guimont and Dave Hamilton join Jeff Gamet to share some of their favorite iOS 11 ARKit-based apps for the iPhone and iPad.
Apple Now Facing 8 Lawsuits Over iPhone Battery Slowdown Fix
Apple is now facing no less than eight lawsuits over claims it artificially slowed down iPhones with aging batteries.
iPhone Battery Tech, Top iPad Apps for 2017 - TMO Daily Observations 2017-12-26
Bryan Chaffin and Andrew Orr join Jeff Gamet to look at iPhone battery life from an technical stand point, plus they share some of their top iPad apps for 2017.
Battery Scientist Joins Debate on iPhone Throttling
What battery engineers view to be a healthy battery is different than what your average, everyday consumer thinks is normal.
Here's How to Create an Apple ID For Your New Apple Device
You’ll use this ID on any Apple device you have, whether it’s an iPhone or a MacBook.
Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps Roundup - TMO Daily Observations 2017-12-22
Adam Christianson from the Maccast and Bryan Chaffin join Jeff Gamet to share some of the must-have apps tucked away on their iPhones and iPads.