iPhone

digital culture

The Curious Art of Cracked iPhones

For most iPhone owners, it's a gadget nightmare: that smooth aluminum slips through your fingers and down to the ground goes the app marvel — onto a pointed rock.

For most iPhone owners, it's a gadget nightmare: that smooth aluminum slips through your fingers and down to the ground goes the app marvel — onto a pointed rock. Many hope they signed up for monthly insurance, while others trust the replacement screen won't cost too much. Still, some that have met the fate of a cracked iPhone choose to make the most of the broken glass by channeling their creative side. Take a look at the #crackediphone tag on Instagram, and you'll see bright white casings turned to rainbow streams.

YouTube even has tutorials on turning a trashed iPhone into a Lisa Frank work of art. For those wondering: use markers, highlighters, or food coloring to color in the cracks, then wipe away the excess with a paper towel.

It's a bit shocking to see gadgets that cost over $600 decorated in a way that doesn't fit their minimalist nature. Is this making the best of a bad situation (and perhaps too delicate of exteriors) with the status-symbol phone? Or is it gadget abuse? Whatever side you take on the art that is cracked iPhone glass, click on for the images that make the practice seem, dare we say, fun.

rumor mill

iOS 7: What We (Think We) Know So Far

Rumor has it that a new operating system may be on its way for iDevices.

Rumor has it that a new operating system may be on its way for iDevices. The tech media circuit is dubbing the upgrade iOS 7 — not iOS 6.2 — which means the changes to Apple's mobile platform might be major.

And thank goodness for that. The infrastructure of iOS has, for the most part, gone unchanged since the platform was launched over five years ago.

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is just two and a half weeks away, and we're expecting some big announcements from the keynote. But before Tim Cook takes the stage to announce what's next in iOS and OS X, here's what we think we know about the latest iOS update for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch still under wraps.

  • Jony Ive is leading the charge — In October 2012, Apple announced that Scott Forstall, the senior VP of iOS software, was out and the company's legendary design head Jony Ive, the man behind the industrial design of the iMac, iPod, and MacBook Air, was in as the lead of human interface across the entire company. The shake-up at the top was intended to increase collaboration between teams, which would put Jony at the forefront of the iOS 7 change.
  • "Black, white, and flat all over" — Sources have told 9to5Mac that iOS 7 will take on a flatter design like the concept image above, which would do away with the linen-textured backgrounds. Black and white elements may also be incorporated into the new user interface.

Read the rest of the iOS 7 rumors after the break.

Food and Fun

8 Apps That Do More With Mom's Mobile Photos Than You Thought Possible

If you're anything like me, the Photo Library on your iPhone is overflowing with images of your kids.

If you're anything like me, the Photo Library on your iPhone is overflowing with images of your kids. Sure, you send a few of them to grandma and you vow to sync them with your computer so you can "do something with them," but chances are they pretty much just sit there.

In a matter of just a few minutes, your mobile images can do more than just sit as photos on your phone. They can create a storybook, fill a scrapbook, or become a journal that your tot will look back on for years to come. All it takes is a quick download of one of our favorite apps, and you're ready to go. Here, eight apps that help you do more with your photos than ever before!

Geek tips

Where to Get Your "Obsolete" Original iPhone Repaired

To the bona fide iPhonians who have held on to their original 2007 iPhones to present day, we applaud you.

To the bona fide iPhonians who have held on to their original 2007 iPhones to present day, we applaud you. You are not easily distracted by shiny new toys, nor swayed by claims of "bigger, faster, stronger"! You remain steadfast in your commitment to use phones until they cease to work, and you have miraculously kept the phone in one piece for the past six years.

Unfortunately, Apple's very first mobile device, distinguished by its two-toned silver and black backing, will become obsolete on June 11. The first-generation iPhone has not been able to update to newer versions of iOS for years, but Apple is finally putting its foot down and deeming the iPhone 1 a "vintage" product, which means Apple retail stores will no longer service the original iPhone.

Just in case some unfortunate event befalls your ol' iPhone, there are plenty of ways to patch it up. After the original iPhone reaches totally hip "vintage" status this Summer, turn to one of these alternatives for repairs, or try your hand at a do-it-yourself fix!

  • iFixit — With 12 different guides that cover everything from replacing the SIM card to swapping out the battery, iFixit is the most comprehensive online directory for DIY iPhone repairs. Each step-by-step guide also includes a list of tools specific to mobile repair and where to buy them.
  • Mission Repair — This one-stop shop will fix hardware issues like cracked glass and perform full diagnostic repairs.
  • Tech Restore — This warehouse offers screens, system repairs, and various replacement parts. Do your own fixin' with Tech Restore's PDF take-apart guides.
  • iPhone4Parts — The site offers replacements for speakers, mics, and chassis. There's also a complete front glass assembly for cracked screens.
Geek tips

The Lowdown on Downloading Podcasts

The next time you put on your headphones, take a break from the Billboard Top 100 and turn the dial to podcasts.

The next time you put on your headphones, take a break from the Billboard Top 100 and turn the dial to podcasts. Beyond a passing fad, this form of digital media offers audio and video episodes delivered to your device, often free of charge.

Whether you are new to the world of podcasts or an old pro, it can be both overwhelming and exciting to find a consistent favorite. Some podcasts are simply electronic companions to popular shows (NPR favorites, The Soup, etc.) while others exist only in the podcast medium, with cult-like followings. Follow these tips and tricks to navigate the sea of podcasts and uncover a treasure.

Your guide to podcasts after the break!

Tech Style

iPhone Armbands That Keep You Moving

Finding the right iPhone armband can be quite the challenge.

Finding the right iPhone armband can be quite the challenge. Some are uncomfortable, while others just don't stay on our arms no matter what. We've rounded up some of the best armbands out there with adjustable straps, reflective features, and more. Whether you use them when you're running, hiking, biking, or walking, here are seven armbands to help you sweat to your favorite tunes without missing a beat.

iPhone

Organize Your Life: 7 Apps For Family Organization

Today's busy families need smart solutions to stay organized, and the first place we most often turn to is: our phones!

Today's busy families need smart solutions to stay organized, and the first place we most often turn to is: our phones! You'll find a plethora of apps designed to help keep your life in check by tracking appointments and daily chores, and syncing grocery lists and family calendars with your spouse's and kids' phones. Keep reading for our seven must-have apps (five of them are free!) to keep your family organized, and start downloading your way to a smoother schedule!

family life

5 Ways to Kid-Proof and Protect Your Tech Gear

We know you're not the only ones whose kids would rather get their little hands on your iPad than play with one of the tons of toy options at their disposal.

We know you're not the only ones whose kids would rather get their little hands on your iPad than play with one of the tons of toy options at their disposal. And while we're (sometimes) happy to share, cell phones, computers, cameras, and other high-tech devices are serious investments that we'd like to hold onto for more than a few months. Follow these five steps to keep your tech gadgets and gear in tip-top shape.

iPhone

11 Apps to Help Prep Tots For Easter

The countdown is on, and kids are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Easter Bunny.

The countdown is on, and kids are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Easter Bunny. Before answering the "how many more days" question for the 100th time, take a few minutes to download some apps that will help put tots in the Easter spirit in anticipation of the big day. From Martha Stewart's egg-dyeing app to some bunny-eared photo postcards, here are 11 apps to help families prepare for the big day.

Geek tips

Stop the Smartphone Squint! Make Text Bigger on iPhone and Android

Constantly squinting your eyes to read texts?

Constantly squinting your eyes to read texts? Join the club. Give your eyes a break and adjust the text size on your iPhone or Android.

On iPhones, go to the Settings app > General > Accessibility > Large Text, and select the most comfortable text size between 20pt and 56pt. In Accessibility settings, you can also turn on zoom, which enables use of a three-finger double-tap to zoom anywhere on the screen, drag three fingers to move around the screen, and double-tap three fingers and drag to change zoom.

On Android devices, from the home screen go to Settings > Accessibility > Large Text in phones with Ice Cream Sandwich or later. Text in the web browser will be normal size, but you can make the font bigger by tapping on the menu button in the address bar > Settings > Accessibility, and increase "text scaling."