iphone

The iPhone 6 won't wow: 6 reasons why

Apple's getting hammered by analysts and investors as I write this, and I've been trying to resist the urge to say "told ya so."

Sorry, no will power today.

Back in September, after the much-awaited and meh-filled unveiling of the iPhone 5, I made a declaration that's being borne out further in this week's headlines -- the iPhone jumped the shark some time ago. At the time, I was reacting to the lack of any groundbreaking innovation in the latest Apple smartphone iteration. But this week, word came that iPhone demand was slumping and Apple had reportedly cut component orders.

Is that really such a big deal, you say? No, not necessarily. It could just be the normal drop in sales after the holidays. Or it could be that, plus the six reasons below that lead me to continue to believe that the iPhone will join Adam Lambert, Sarah Palin, and many others on the list of pop culture icons that peaked around 2010. … Read more

Hit the open road and travel the Organ Trail.

Oregon Trail is the quintessential classic of the computer gaming era. Who hasn't spent countless hours stocking up their wagon to cross treacherous rivers only to die from dysentery? In comes Organ Trail to drag you back in to the time of simpler gaming, where regardless of skill level, your fate is wholly determined by Lady Luck.

For those who've never played the original, your objective is to cross the now zombie-infested United States in, most appropriately, a station wagon. You take with you four of your buddies, food, ammo, fuel, and parts for your car. Instead of … Read more

iPhone 5 users gobble up the most data in Europe, study says

iPhone 5 users in Europe are keeping mobile networks busy by eating up the most data.

Among 125 devices included in a study out today by Arieso, users of the newest iPhone downloaded 50 percent more data than did those with an iPhone 4S and four times as much as did those with an iPhone 3G. But Samsung users also proved to be big data hogs, at least in terms of uploads.

Owners of the Galaxy S3 took first place in terms of the amount of data uploaded, followed by those with the Galaxy Note 2. That put the iPhone … Read more

10 amazing apps for new iPhone owners

Are you the proud owner of a new iPhone 5? Or perhaps a slightly used iPhone 4? Heck, maybe you scored an unlocked 3GS on eBay. Whatever the case, you need apps.

Ah, but which ones? Apple's App Store is home to some 80 gazillion, I believe, and if you're new to the iOS universe, you may have some trouble separating the app wheat from the app chaff.

Have no fear. I've rounded up 10 of my very favorite iPhone apps. They're not all new, mind you, but they're definitely indispensable -- and most of … Read more

Turn your phone into a picture-taking beast

The vanilla camera app on the iPhone and iPad does a decent job at capturing those special moments but sometime the occasion may calls for more. With Camera+ you can turn that little camera into something that will give most dedicated point-and-shoot a run for their money.

Packed with a ton of features, Camera+ will bring that dinky phone/tablet camera to the next level. With burst mode those fast-paced sports shots are now within your reach. Timer function will set free you from another self-portrait with the lower quality front-facing cam. Finally, the featured Stabilizer mode is available for … Read more

Top new iPhone 5 cases at CES 2013

LAS VEGAS--Apple may not be at CES, but accessories for its products seem to be everywhere.

I went out in search of new iPhone 5 cases, including extended battery cases, which a lot of readers have been asking about. Alas, Mophie still isn't ready to introduce its popular battery case for the iPhone 5, but a few other companies are getting ready to ship theirs.

I was also on the lookout for tough cases. While Lifeproof has already shipped its industry-leading waterproof case for the iPhone 5, other companies debuted waterproof cases, some slimmer than others.

Here's a … Read more

T-Mobile expands iPhone-compatible 4G service, unveils HD voice

T-Mobile USA said today that it had enhanced its coverage in several cities, allowing unlocked iPhones to tap into the network's highest speeds.

The carrier said it has built out its HSPA+ network in four cities -- Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, and Virginia Beach, Va. -- utilizing the 1900MHz spectrum. That's important because the iPhone is compatible with 1900MHz, but not the other frequencies that T-Mobile uses.

In total, T-Mobile's 1900MHz footprint covers 46 metro area and about 126 million people.

T-Mobile also fast-tracked the carrier's 4G LTE plans and plans to cover 100 million … Read more

Stream audio to every room of your home

LAS VEGAS--The Stream Wireless Home Audio System from Voxx International lets you play music and audio anywhere in your home and is relatively low priced to make it more accessible.

Once set up with included software, you'll be able to control your music library from any iOS device or your computer over Wi-Fi and Apple's AirPlay. The software lets you choose zones for your music, and you can select playlists to play in each room.

The single-room configuration for the system costs $199 and looks like a smart way to control your music wirelessly.

How to sell your phone for cash (Smartphones Unlocked)

In last month's Smartphones Unlocked, I shared what happens to your smartphone when it ceases to be yours.

Although I listed resources for getting rid of your phone (and took a poll of what CNET readers usually do with their old handsets,) it's high time I offered up some tips for how to go about selling your phone...or any other consumer electronic, for that matter.

Don't count on a Hawaiian vacation for your efforts, but depending on how much you hoard or how savvy you sell, the dollars could really add up.

1. Raid the closet … Read more

G-Form drops new Xtreme cases

G-Form, the company known for dropping iPhones and iPads from the stratosphere to show off how tough its Xtreme cases are, is rolling out new cases next week at CES.

The Xtreme iPhone 5 ($39.99) and Samsung Galaxy S3 ($39.99) cases are already shipping, and G-Form has unveiled new cases for the iPad 3/4 ($89.95) and iPad Mini ($89.95), as well as the latest iPod Touch ($39.99) that should be available in the next month.

According to G-Form, the secret sauce behind its cases is its three-layer "technique," which combines its "… Read more