Upon unboxing the FLOTE Orbit ($129.99), my college-age daughter Marielle enthusiastically grabbed it and asked if she could use it at her dormitory. I granted her request on the condition that she participate in reviewing the product. Here is that review.

The FLOTE Orbit is designed specifically for holding tablets and fits best when placed on a countertop or desk. Its sturdy base keeps the stand in place even if someone bumps into it. Given Orbit’s wide padded grips, the stand can accommodate a range of devices besides iPads. The Orbit can also grip tablets sheathed in protective covers. The spring-loaded handle in the back keeps these grips clamped sturdily to the tablet, yet it is still easy to release the device from the Orbit's grip. This is a far simpler design than the preset frame or plastic corner edges that some stands use. Also, because of the minimalistic design of the stand’s clamp, the Orbit won't block your tablet's power ports and headphone jacks.

Orbit makes use of a powerful magnet ball-joint in the back of its clamp to allows for very specific angles and maximized accuracy. But the Orbit does have its downfalls; the stand's sturdy base is also incredibly heavy, which makes it inconvenient to carry from one location to the other. It’s best used in a long-term stationary setting.

All of the stand’s pivoting movement centers on its single magnet ball-joint. The stand cannot be raised or lowered; To turn your tablet left or right, the entire stand must be rotated. Due to the strength of the magnet and base, adjustments to the stand cannot be done with a light directional tap. Instead, both hands must be used when positioning the device. The the upside of the Orbit’s magnetic grip is you don’t have to worry about the stand tipping over when changing tablet positions. Since the stand’s height is not adjustable, it is best suited for countertops if standing, and if sitting.

Orbit is a very specific stand and thus might not fit everyone’s needs. For the person who is more accustomed to lying down while reading or watching movies on their iPad, they might not find the Orbit very useful. For those individuals, I would recommend checking out the FLOAT m2.

The Orbit is also an expensive indulgence. Its sleek and clutter-free style speaks its price. As such, the Orbit might thrive best in professional, high-end settings. Businesspeople who rely heavily on a tablet would benefit from the stand. The Orbit could also suit those who work, play, or just enjoy using multiple screens at home. Oftentimes, I would use my tablet to look up recipes. Instead of having my iPad get covered in ingredients and buried somewhere on the counter, I used the Orbit to help to keep my iPad above the chaos. Thanks to the Orbit’s stature, it fit nicely into these more crowded environments.

Another useful setting that the Orbit came in handy is when working on my comics. My tiny desk accompanies my MacBook Air for typing dialog, and my iPad seated in the Orbit is positioned on the other side. I use the iPad to Skype or listen to music while I work on both the iPad and laptop for drawing panels. Thanks to the Orbit, my desk is more spacious and cleaner. Overall, I would recommend the Orbit to anyone who is a dedicated tablet user looking to conveniently and elegantly save space in their home or office.

iPhone Life rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I’ve heard it said over and over again that the best camera is the one you have with you. Honestly, I couldn’t agree more. I have an amazing DSLR and yet I find that the majority of my pictures are taken with my iPhone. Unfortunately, our iPhones still struggle in a lot of ways that more advanced cameras don’t. One of those ways is the iPhone’s intolerance for low-light situations. If you’re sick of blurry, unclear images, then here are a few tips and tricks that have really helped me out 

1. Find Good Lighting

Good lighting is your best friend when it comes to getting nice, clear images. When you don’t have good lighting, pictures turn out dark, grainy, and oftentimes a little blurry. For best image results, choose natural lighting over artificial whenever you can. Of course, I understand it’s not always realistic to find natural lighting for your spur of the moment shots, and oftentimes flash just doesn’t cut it. That’s where point #2 comes in.

2. Keep Steady

It’s hard to keep a steady hand when taking pictures on your iPhone, and in low-light situations, a steady hand is especially crucial to getting a clear image. If you don’t have a tripod, then either try holding the camera with both hands with your elbows to your chest, or prop your arm or camera up against a sturdy object. This will reduce camera shake and help you get a clearer shot. There are also third-party camera apps such as Camera+ that include an image stabilizer, which can be very helpful in low-light situations. 

3. Don't Zoom!

Try not to use the zoom option when taking a picture on your iPhone. If you want a closer picture of something, you’re much better off moving closer to your subject than trying to zoom in to it, as zooming usually causes a significant loss of image quality. It’s not always possible to move closer to your subject, and in that case any image is better than no image, but avoid using zoom whenever you can.

4. Clean Your Lens

If after all that you still have a hard time getting clear images, then try cleaning your lens off. You'd be surprised at the amount of people (me included) that forget this little detail, and it can make a huge difference in how your images turn out. 

Now get out there and start taking some clearer images!

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This is the official announcement of the iPhone life Biweekly Giveaway! Be sure to enter the giveaway at iphoneLife.com/giveaways to win prizes, which we'll announce August 11! We are raffling off tons of great accessories for FREE.

Here's how it works: Every other Friday we will announce the prizes we're giving away through iphonelife.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. To enter the giveaway, go to iphoneLife.com/giveaways and tell your friends to enter too! On the following Monday morning, we will randomly select the winners. If you win an app, we will email you the promo code to redeem the app for free. If you win an accessory, send us your address and we will mail it to you.

This weeks featured items are:

1. Targus SafePort Case Rugged Max Pro for iPad mini: $59.99 Retail Price

The SafePort Case Rugged for iPad has it all, from function to style. Specifically designed to give everyday protection for the 3rd and 4th Generation iPad and to protect your device from everyday impact.

2. LifeCharge iPhone 5/5s Battery Case: Retail Price $79.99

LifeCHARGE Battery Case's sleek, streamlined design naturally fits to the form of your phone, allowing portability of your iPhone 5/5s. Never run out of power again with the built-in 2300mAh lithium-Polymer battery. It offers up to eight hours of added time on a 3G network, 10 hours of Internet use on Wi-Fi, 40 hours of Audio playback time, or 10 hours of video playback time. Eye-catching LED indicators inform you what energy level you're currently operating under.

3. Bandshell iP5 iPhone 5/5s Case: Retail Price $29.99

The Bandshell case is ultra-slim and durable, and improves your iPhone listening and viewing experience. This dual-purpose case amplifies the volume and sound quality of your music, videos, podcasts, movies, and programs without the need for extra speakers or cords. The Bandshell kickstand allows the phone to stand up on its side, making it easier to watch movies and videos without having to hold the phone or lean it against something. Enjoy using your smart phone to listen to music, watch videos, host a conference call, or make a live recording. 

Questions or comments? Email Brian@iphonelife.com. Good luck and remember to visit iphonelife.com/giveaways to enter! Also check out our other contests at iphonelife.com/contests. The next contest drawing is August 11!

As new iOS apps flood the App Store every day — recently topping 1,000,000 — we know it’s tough to tell which ones are worth their salt. But thanks to our Weekly Scoop, you can have the best for free! Here you’ll find a weekly roundup of the coolest apps free or at a discount for a limited-time only. Each week features the best and brightest from websites like Free App Report, AppsGoneFree, AppieDay, AppShopper, and more.

Hurry! Get 'em while they’re hot!

1.Starlight (Free)

Point your iPhone or iPad to the sky and magically discover what stars and constellations are above you. Watch in awe as this sky viewer helps you learn about stars and planets while discovering the trivia connecting the stars to stories in science fiction and folklore. This is some seriously cool stuff, guys! Snap it up quickly!

2.PDF Expert 5 ($4.99 from $9.99)

In celebration of Readdle's 7th birthday, the app creators are offering the app for a discounted price for a limited time only. This is a great app if you read or edit PDF documents on your iPad or iPhone. It allows you to highlight and handwrite on documents, but you can also insert text and stamps, sign, and even merge PDFs. Awesome if you need this sort of thing!

3.Do Not Move (Free)

Do you have a habit of just mindlessly picking up your phone? You can break that habit with this awesome app that awards you points for every second that your phone stays completely untouched. Imagine all the conversations you'll have with people who are actually in front of you! The possibilities for interaction and productivity are endless if you can just keep that darn phone out of your hand!

It's quite possible that Apple itself doesn't yet know when the iPhone 6 will be announced, since there are so many factors involved in ramping up production for the huge number of devices that Apple sells. 

Still, the latest rumor, reported by MacRumors and citing someone who got information from an internal Apple retail meeting, is that Apple will announce the iPhone on September 16 and begin selling it on October 14. While the September 16 date fits with expectations, the arrival of the phone a month later is atypical because Apple usually comes out with a new device about 10 days after the announcement. Also, Apple has almost always begun sales on a Friday, but October 14 falls on a Tuesday.

The source cited by MacRumors didn't give any indication whether the 5.5-inch iPhone would also be announced, but the evidence continues to suggest it will arrive later. The good news is that photos of parts for the 5.5-inch "phablet" have begun to appear online, indicating to me that we will indeed see the device this fall. One such part can be seen on AppleInsider, which has a photo that shows side by side the logic boards from an iPhone 5s, 4.7-inch iPhone, and 5.5-inch iPhone.

Another big question is when we'll see Apple's forthcoming wearable device, the so-called iWatch. A report on AppleInsider, citing market analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (who often has solid inside information), says that the iWatch may not arrive until the December. Kuo says that many issues have arisen in the production of the device, which isn't surprising for a product in a new category, and that manufacturing may not begin until the second half of November. He even predicts that half the watches will ship with glass rather than sapphire, given bottlenecks in the production of the material. AppleInsider says that one issue may be the use of an AMOLED display in the iWatch, a technology that is new to Apple.

Buying a new iPhone is great, but two years later you're wanting a new one and can't wait until your contract ends. Several carriers are now accommodating the desire of fanboys to constantly be upgrading to the latest and greatest by offering plans with early upgrade cycles. And the big news is that Apple is reported to begin selling phones for these plans as part of a pilot program in Apple Stores later this month. 

According to a post on 9To5Mac, many Apple Stores will sell phones for these three plans: AT&T Next, T-Mobile JUMP, and Verizon Edge.

With AT&T's program, you can upgrade every 12 to 18 months. T-Mobile JUMP lets you upgrade whenever you want. Verizon's program lets you upgrade after 20 months. In every case, the cost of the phone is built into your monthly bill. Sprint also has an early upgrade program, but 9To5Mac said there's not yet any word whether Apple will also include them.

It's great for consumers to have these options. Many people want more flexibility than the standard two-year contract. And it's great that Apple is supporting these options by selling participating in this way.

Pelican has long been considered a pioneer in the design and manufacture of high quality, rugged gear that's designed to last and withstand significant abuse. Their new ruggedized iPhone 5/5s cases continue in this great tradition. With its minimalistic yet highly protective design, the Pelican Voyager ($50) is the latest heavy-duty iPhone case offering from one of the leaders in reliably protective cases. This well-designed case not only meets the demanding Military Standards of device defense, it actually outshines the competition in one critical area.

Design

The Voyager comes with an adhesive screen protector for extra protection. Its design is sleek and modern, with a simple yet practical construction that combines a stylish look with an easy-to-grip exterior. The flaps that cover the iPhone's ports and speaker are very well designed, allowing for maximum audio output with minimal distortion. The excellent acoustics are actually one of the best features of the Voyager, especially when you consider the fact that so many other heavy-duty cases sacrifice audio quality in the name of protection. I was also really impressed with the way the protective rubber flaps that close over the iPhone’s ports to keep debris out, also serve to channel the sound back to the listener in a way that barely diminishes its quality while seemingly increasing it’s volume output slightly. Unlike many of the other rugged protective cases on the market these days, there are not a lot of color options with the Voyager, though it does come in four different, if not unique color choices.

Also worth mentioning, like many heavy-duty cases on the market, the protective seals over the ports can diminish microphone receptivity, meaning that if your are talking on the phone, you might sound muffled or far away to the person on the other end. An easy fix to that is to open your port covers when you are talking on the phone, clearing the pathway for sound to reach the mic. Just remember to seal your port covers back up when not talking on the phone, to preserve the case’s water-resistant integrity.

Protection

In terms of protection, the Voyager has better than average shock absorbency and impact resistance. Technically not a waterproof case, the Voyager is however, a good water- and splash-resistant case. While it may not protect your iPhone if it's dunked under water, it should guarantee your iPhone's safety if it gets wet from rain or incidental contact with liquids.

Pros:

• Sleek and slim profile. Not a bulky case.
• Some of the best acoustic output of any rugged case I’ve tested over the years.
• Good traction with ergonomic handholds. Provides a good grip if wet.
• Screen protector is optional for those who prefer an unimpeded interaction with their glass screen.

Cons:

• Not a lot of color options. There’s so much competition out there, it’s good when a case has a wider selection of colors to woo those who might like the overall design but not the limited color choices.

Verdict:

I’d like to see Pelican come out with truly waterproof iPhone and iPad cases. I think they’d do well with that in their catalog, especially considering their reputation as designers of rugged gear that’s intended to be pushed to extremes. Until then, the Voyager is their best rugged protection for the iPhone 5/5s. It’s a great case, unobtrusive and low-key and it's affordably priced for a high-quality, rugged case. It protects your iPhone from drops, crushes, and impacts, while offering a high level of water resistance. The fact that this case works to amplify your iPhone’s little speaker is a selling point anyone who has struggled with poor audio quality when using a heavy-duty case will appreciate.

iPhone Life rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Note: The Pelican Voyager is currently only available through AT&T as part of an exclusive promotional campaign, however the case itself will work with any iPhone 5 or 5s, regardless of service provider.

Piel Frama makes nice, quality leather cases for iPhones and other gadgets. But I didn't think they could make a case as slim as the FramaSlim. There has to be a trick, and indeed there is. Instead of a plastic insert or more leather to enclose the iPhone, they use a micro-suction material to attach the iPhone to the stiff leather case. There is a flap that covers the screen, but still, the case is remarkably thin. That flap closes shut thanks to built-in magnets, which is a nice touch.

Piel Frama claims there are thousands of micro suction cups to create a partial vacuum.  I found the suction to be quite strong and over several weeks of use, I never felt like it would separate. As with all of Piel Frama cases, when it comes to leather textures and colors, there is an embarrassment of riches. If you want a slim case that covers the screen and looks and feels great, Piel Frama has got you, and your device, covered!

iCloud is a great service...but it doesn't always behave.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes when you update your iOS Calendar or Reminder app on your iPhone the change doesn't happen quickly (or at all) on your iPad? I have.

But no worries; there is a quick and simple solution.

Step One:  Open your iOS Calendar app (even if you use another calendar app).

Step Two:  Tap on Calendars.

Step three:  Quickly and firmly pull down on this screen to force a sync.

Note: It is possible you will have to do this more than once if, when you first do this, the activity wheel that shows when the sync is taking place quickly appears and disappears. This is a good indication that the sync didn't work. Just swipe down again and force another sync.

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You can now legally unlock your iPhone to use it with a different carrier or to be able to put in a different SIM card when you're traveling abroad. Such unlocking became explicitly illegal in January of 2013 when the Librarian of Congress, the official steward of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, chose to uphold a provision of the DMCA that made it illegal to unlock a phone. Consumers were incensed, and over 100,000 people signed a petition asking Congress to pass a law making it legal. Both the House and Senate unanimously passed the bill, and President Obama signed it on Friday. You can read more in this White House press release.

The bill, called the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act, also directs the Librarian of Congress to determine whether other wireless devices, such as tablets, should also be unlockable. According to the press release,

This commonsense legislation ensured that consumers could transfer their phones between carriers, and that second-hand phones could be put to good use by new owners connecting to a network of their choice.... The bill not only restores the rights of consumers to unlock their phones, but ensures that they can receive help doing so if they lack the technological savvy to unlock on their own.

Of course, you still need to honor the contract you have with your carrier. But once you've satisfied that, you're free to unlock your iPhone.

All signs point to a 4.7-inch iPhone shipping soon, followed by a 5.5-inch iPhone a few months later. This would be the first time Apple announced two different iPhones in the same year, as long as you don't count the iPhone 5c, which was basically a cost-reduced, repackaged version of the iPhone 5. The features of the iPhone 5c weren't new, whereas these new iPhones will certainly offer larger screens and perhaps more features like a faster processor, a better camera, and longer battery life.

So if Apple is to introduce two significantly new iPhones in the same year, perhaps they will break from the numeric naming method, as they did with the iPad Air. I could see Apple calling the 4.7-inch model the iPhone Air, since it will be the thinnest, lightest model (of this generation or potentially any iPhone) and the larger, presumably heavier 5.5-inch model could be branded the iPhone Pro.

This would give Apple several advantages. There could be a marketing campaign to promote the iPhone Pro as the tool for the business user, serious social networker, or hardcore gamer. The iPhone Air would be slim and light, and ideal for the fashion-conscious user.

If Apple doesn't announce both phones at the same time (which seems likely, given the rumors of a delay for the 5.5-inch model) then this naming mechanism works. Otherwise, there would be an iPhone 6 and an iPhone 6s for example, and the early customers of the iPhone 6 might get annoyed if they thought that their model was now obsolete. But by positioning them differently, they can continue to sell both as they do with MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops.

So the question we have to ask ourselves... are we iPhone Pro users or iPhone Air users? I use a MacBook Pro, so maybe I already have my answer!

Apple is continuing its "Powerful" campaign with a new "Dreams" ad showing many different uses of an iPhone, from monitoring weather and taking emergency calls to making jewelry, translating language, and painting a mural. It's similar to iPad ads in the past, but this time with music in the background instead of poetry, featuring "When I Grow Up” by Jennifer O’Connor.

Also, Apple's new subsidiary Beats released an ad on Friday that has two pill-shaped characters with boombox heads talking about Apple and Beats joining forces. They're eager to join a celebration party hosted by Dr. Dre and ask Siri for directions. But Siri informs them that the party is by invitation only.

Most of the buzz surrounds the forthcoming iPhones, but we'll also be getting new iPads this fall. Everyone is expecting them to have Touch ID and an A8 processor, but not much else was known. Now some photos allegedly showing the back casing of the iPad Air 2 have been posted online, and, if legitimate, provide a number of additional details. 

The photos were first posted on Weibo by user Weibo user Elam. They show a gold-colored casing and a new speaker grill with a single row of larger holes located on either side of the Lightning connector. In addition, the microphone appears to be relocated to the rear next to the iSight camera. Interestingly, the casing doesn't have a cutout for the mute button that's on current iPads. Instead, there's a new pinhole located above the volume buttons, the purpose of which is unknown. The back of the casing has a cutout Apple logo similar to that on the iPad mini with retina display.

It's exciting to start getting some leaked photos of the forthcoming iPads, since I'm mainly an iPad guy. I'm likely to spring for a new iPad mini to go along with my iPad Air.

At the recent Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple released a ton of new tools, APIs, and, in a surprising twist, a brand new programming language called Swift. It can easily be overwhelming trying to be a developer, or system administrator for Apple Mac and iOS devices. You can try to use Google, StackOverflow, and books, but there's nothing like face-to-face instruction and interaction with experts and colleagues.

For me, the most important conference to attend is the independent MacTech Conference in Los Angeles, the first week in November. Unlike Apple's show, MacTech is run by programmers, engineers, and other experts who are not on the Apple payroll. That means you get the full picture, warts and all.

There are certain topics, like programming with Swift, that could benefit from an independent perspective. Apple might want to push their new language, but does that mean I should drop everything and make the switch? I'm still not sold. MacTech will be a great way to meet other developers and get their opinions.

All work and no play makes for a boring conference, but don't worry; last year, we got up close and personal with the Space Shuttle Endeavor and engineers from NASA. We also had the chance to test drive a $100,000 Tesla Model S. This year promises to be truly magical, as attendees will be shuttled to Disney Animation Studios. Disneyland and Disney World may be the happiest places on earth, but Disney Animation Studios is where the magic happens! 

If you're like me, you have been going about accessing your email drafts all wrong. Usually, I go to the All Mail option in the native Mail app to find my drafts folder and edit emails from there. 

But there is an easier way!

You know that compose icon on the bottom right when you are in the mail view? It looks like a pencil on paper. Most people use that to, well, compose mail on the go. 

But little do most people know, this icon can also be used to view drafts. Just press and hold on the icon and voilà, your drafts will show up!

Check out the photo above. This is what should show up. I started that email to my Dad and saved it in drafts. You can edit and send drafts from here as well as create a new message.

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Top image credit: Radu Bercan / Shutterstock.com

The Zagg Rugged Folio($149.99 iPad Air/$139.99 iPad mini) is a practical yet superbly functional folio that protects your iPad with a hard shell and comes with a backlit keyboard. 

The Folio is a fusion of tough polycarbonate plastic and silicon rubber inserts, but I can vouch for its protective strength, having dropped it at least once during my tests. The case portion wraps the iPad's back, corners, and edges, but allows access to the Lightning, audio and mute control. The outside texture has a rubbery feel, with a rugged construction to protect the iPad from anything short of direct screen impact. I tested it with my iPad mini.

Outside of the coolness factor of being backlit, the keyboard is pretty standard as Bluetooth keyboards go. I have tested others which have included a few features (like cut/paste) that are missing from the Folio, but overall a very similar albeit somewhat cramped experience (if you are used to a full sized keyboard.). Not much of an issue on the iPad Air version. The Folio offers more horizontal real estate than some I have tested. You can see it in action in the embedded video below.

Pairing is a straightforward matter of pressing the Bluetooth button and connecting your iPad in the Settings app. The usual keyboard shortcuts are available (player controls, home, search, etc.) The backlight color and brightness level can be adjusted, and the keys are the chiclet-style keys expected on a small keyboard. The same sturdy construction used in the case design is repeated in the keyboard, and amazingly, the battery is purported to last two years on a charge (I wasn't sure how to verify this). I do have other low-power Bluetooth keyboards that typically last months between charges, so not so unbelievable.

While the case and keyboard are each solid, the combination of keyboard and case make the Folio really shine. An important design aspect is the unique hinge that rotates open to a 120-degree angle. The case sits snugly in a groove that uses a magnetic bond to attach the case to the hinge, and in the usual clam configuration, the case folds up into a compact hard shell or folds out to transform the iPad into a mini workstation. You can also flip the iPad around in the hinge for use as a video or game stand, or close it and orient the iPad in either a vertical or horizontal mode suitable for reading, viewing, or playing. 

The Verdict

The Zagg Rugged Folio is a superior case/keyboard and I highly recommend it. Its rugged design will protect against most major impacts, and its versatile nature is undeniable. My only complaint (and it's a minor one) would be that it adds a bit of weight. But that's to be expected of a rugged case with a keyboard. The Zagg Rugged Folio is a little expensive, but the excellent protection and function mean it's worth it. The iPad Air Folio is not yet available as of this writing, but the iPad mini Folio model is shipping.

This much anticipated game from the developers at AimToG is the first game powered by Unreal Engine 4 to hit the iTunes App Store. Unreal Engine has been an incredible resource for designers and developers wanting to create one-of-a-kind graphic and animation experiences in their action-oriented games, and the newest incarnation of the engine has been much-hyped. The first game powered by it is, therefore, going to open itself up to quite a bit of scrutiny. The big question on everyone’s mind is going to be “Can Angels in the Sky live up to the buzz?” So far the answer seems to be… sort of. 

First, the controls systems. Angels in the Sky ($6.99) has an easily learned intuitive control system and interface. The game features a sophisticated auto-targeting system which utilizes two different markers, one for each of the two weapons a player will have access to at any given time.  

These two weapons are used by pressing buttons on the lower half of the right and left sides of the screen, by the visual representations of the two guns. In the version of the game this reviewer played, the left hand gun offered a self-regenerating resource and could be fired until that resource was depleted; it’s replenished on a timer.  

The right side gun, in contrast, required the button to be held down while the gun charged, and then it could be fired at higher percentages to achieve more devastating effects. The game offers multi-touch tech, so both guns can be used concurrently. According to the developers, there will be a selection of guns for each side, so players can build their own strategy and gameplay style.  

Plenty of games claim to offer an adrenaline rush; Angels in the Sky actually delivers on this front, at least at first. The game certainly offers non-stop action at a breathtaking pace from the moment the player begins stage one. The ships (both the player’s and the enemy's) are in constant motion; and with the great visuals, it’s easy to become immersed in the feeling of hurtling through the air, dodging death at every turn.  

When enemy ships get close enough (without being shot down) they actually “crash” into the screen, creating a real feeling of danger. The problem is the targeting system is a little too automated and the player is on rails. While it does take some practice to master the controls, it’s a bit like playing an arcade game while riding a roller coaster—sure, it’s exciting at first, but after a few rounds it becomes clear the player is in control of little beyond their ability to button-mash. 

The game’s graphics are, as one would expect from Unreal Engine 4, incredible, and the developers have gone above and beyond utilizing them to create a spectacular set of environments, enemies, and animations to make the entire game a rich visual experience for the player. The first-person perspective of the camera sucks the player in, and it’s admittedly a rush to see those gorgeous settings flying by while staring death in the face.  

As the player progresses, there are plenty of upgrades and improvements they can undertake to help them succeed as the stages grow increasingly more harrowing. It’s a wild ride, but one that gamers who want more control and interaction are likely to get bored with—especially because there is quite a bit of grinding required to get upgrades unless one succumbs to the in-app purchases. Which brings up another question: If this game is so IAP focused, why isn’t it free to play?  

Angels in the Sky is available now in the iTunes App Store, and while it’s a great way to take Unreal Engine 4 for an airborne, action-packed test drive, it’s probably going to be a footnote in a few months if there aren’t some major changes made.  

I'm an avid cyclist. My wife and I ride all over the place and participate in a lot of group riding adventures together. Between the two of us we have accumulated just about every carrying case and piece of bike gear you can imagine over the years (even sassy padded bum pants!) So I've tried carrying my phone with me every which way and I've got to say that after trying out the Cycling Ride Pouch by WaterField Designs and Eleven Vélo  ($69) I have found a pretty cool solution. 

The pouch comes in either black or distressed brown leather. The company sent me the distressed brown and it's really attractive looking. I think over time it's going to look even cooler as it gets broken in. It even smells good—like brand new leather should. 

The design is very simple and is meant to carry your phone, a couple of spare tubes, tire irons, repair kits, a pump, and even a credit card and some cash. Heck, throw a house key in there too while you're at it. Because as small as it is, you can cram a ton of stuff in there and have a nice, compact kit.

You can still use your phone while it's in the case. There's a plastic window that allows you to operate it while it's tucked safely in its own little pocket within the pouch. It's very thick and keeps your phone very well protected from moisture and dirt. Not that you would ever get sweaty or dirty or caught in the rain, but if you did, it would protect your phone with no problem.

Meant to fit into the back pocket of a cycling jersey, the pouch has a minimalist design with no straps or handles anywhere. Just zip up the YKK locking zipper and tuck it into the pocket on your back.  After a few minutes, you get used to it and totally forget it's there. 

Getting your phone into the pocket is easy and there's plenty of room for any size phone out there—even for those to come. No worries that you'll have to get a bigger pouch once larger iPhones come out. 

Even though this pouch is specifically designed for cyclists, I don't see why it couldn't be used by anyone who's trying to travel lightly. If it can fit a small repair kit, a phone and some cash, it can fit other stuff as well. Heck, throw the pouch in your backpack when you go hiking! It'll keep your granola bar and your car keys safe and dry.

iPhone Life Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I would like the pouch to have some sort of handle or some way to attach it to something just to have more carrying options. I get why it doesn't have one, but I want one on there anyway. Other than that, the Cycling Ride Pouch has great quality and will last you years, making it a good investment. 

Apple recently released a commercial (they call it a "film") called "Stickers" that show how MacBook owners love their laptops. They demonstrate this by the stickers that adorn the back of the LCD screen on their MacBooks. You've probably seen them before, with the numerous creative ways the Apple logo is incorporated into the design.

Many of these effects are made even cooler because the Apple logo is illuminated and part of the case, instead of just an embellishment stuck on at some Dell factory. There are indications that instead of having the Apple logo simply etched into the metal as it is on current iPhones, the next iPhone may have an integrated plastic logo that could allow for both wireless radio transmissions, and perhaps even light up as the MacBook logos do.

This would allow Apple to build on the "sticker love" campaign. Perhaps what Google and most Android smartphone makers don't get is that Apple owners love their products. The attention to detail and use of high-end materials is appreciated. When customers want to show off your logo, you've done something special. The next iPhone could make it even easier to highlight the Apple logo.

We're all used to sending emails with subject lines. It lets the receiver know what the email is about, which increases the odds they'll read it, and it makes it easier to keep track of multiple email exchanges on the same topic. It turns out you can also add subject lines to text messages and iMessages sent from your iPhone—which can be especially handy if you know you'll want to refer back to the conversation at a later time, since you can easily search for the message's subject. Here's how you can turn this feature on:

Go to Settings>Messages and toggle on Show Subject Field.

Now whenever you go to write a message you'll see two text fields; one for the subject and one for the body of the message.

When you send the message the subject line will appear on top in a larger bolder font.

You can still send messages without a subject line; just leave the subject field blank.

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