Video games on iOS are huge right now. In acknowledgement and celebration of this fact, Apple's newest iPhone 6 commercial is all about gaming, specifically a new game entitled Vainglory (free). Vainglory debuted alongside the introduction of the iPhone 6 series of iPhones and was used at the unveiling to demonstrate the prowess of the new iPhone's gaming capabilities, and with good reason! Vainglory has absolutely gorgeous graphics alongside intense and fast-paced, strategic multiplayer gameplay, built from the ground up for iOS.

If you are unable to see Apple's new "Gamers" commercial above, click HERE.

Vainglory is impressive in and of itself, but even more so when you look at it in the context of the international professional eSport leagues. You see, Vainglory belongs to a genre of mobile games known as MOBA which are arguably some of the most popular and profitable games in the world, with console counterparts awarding millions in prize money to competitors who play in front of millions of people; people who fill stadiums as spectators and who tune in via streaming media sources or ESPN, to watch their favorite players and teams go head to head on the world stage.

For those unfamiliar with the genre, it's something like a fantastical version of a capture-the-flag-themed game. In Vainglory, two teams of three players compete to vanquish opposing enemy heroes, while battling for dominance over Minion Mines and Gold Mines and fighting for control over the mighty Kraken. Ultimately the goal being to destroy the other team's Vain crystal.

The commercial may seem rather funny, with voice acting by Apple spokesmen, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake, but in actuality the seemingly oddball things that they are talking about in the video are just part of the everyday vernacular for fans of this MOBA. Having spent many hours immersed in the battle for Vainglory's Halcyon Fold, I can completely relate to what they were talking about in the commercial. Furthermore, I was particularly excited to see Apple give this amazing game, which is part of a phenomenal gaming trend within the global eSports community, so much attention and support.

With the introduction of Metal and iOS 8, Apple stands to change the face of modern gaming as we know it yet again, as mobile gaming continues its meteoric rise in both popularity and revenue generated. Apple's Gamers commercial is only further evidence that Apple is well-aware of its unique and perhaps surprising position as a leader and pioneer in the burgeoning modern mobile gaming world, and that they intend to push the envelope of what we thought was possible on iOS by continuing to provide a platform for top quality, console caliber game titles like Vainglory, XCOM: Enemy Within,Asphalt 8: Airborne, and Modern Combat 5: Blackout, to name but a few.

For more on Vainglory and other top iOSMOBA, click HERE, and stay tuned to iPhone Life for our upcoming roundup of the year's best console caliber games built specifically for the iOS platform. Also, be sure to check out my article in the current issue of iPhone Life Magazine that's on stands internationally now, all about the future of iOS gaming.

Time-lapse videos can be fun, whether of moving clouds, a sunset, a busy street corner, a tennis player — basically any situation where there's movement or change. Time-lapse videos simply take still photos at specific intervals, such that a slow-moving snail can appear to be speeding along. One of the neat features of iOS 8 is the new Time-lapse mode in the Camera app. As usual, Apple has made it simple.

To take a time-lapse video, open the Camera app and swipe until time-lapse is highlighted. (Swipe up or down on an iPad or side to side on an iPhone.)

To take a time-lapse video, simply tap to record, and tap to stop, as you would with a regular video. You'll notice a rotating indicator around the button that shows you're currently recording.

When you're done shooting, an icon for the video appears in the corner. Tap on that to view it immediately, or go to your Time-lapse album in Photos to view it.

Apparently there's no way to set the time-lapse interval. Apple does that for you, with most videos ending up 20 to 40 seconds long regardless of how long you shoot. Apple says that the intervals are selected dynamically. According to an article on Studio Neat, which researched the intervals, the app simply adjusts the interval according to how long you shoot. If you shoot for less than 10 minutes, the app captures images at 2 frames per second. From 10–20 minutes, it's one 1 frame per second. From 20-40 minutes, it's 1 frame for every 2 seconds. From 40-80 minutes, it's 1 frame for every 4 seconds. And from 80-160 minutes, it's 1 frame for every 8 seconds.

First there were reports that the new iPhones bent easily, and now there's a report that some users are complaining that their displays are easily scratched. It turned out that bending wasn't as much of a problem as first reported, and I'm hoping the same will be the case regarding the scratching. AppleInsider has posted an article about extended discussions (nearly 700 posts) on Apple's forums of the scratching issue. People say they are noticing scratching on the display after less than a week of normal use, and that these displays seem more prone to scratching than on other recent iPhone models. AppleInsider suggests the fault could lie with the new design of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which lack a protruding bezel "lip" that might have helped protect earlier models from brushing against surfaces. The curved-edge design leaves the glass more exposed. 

An photo posted by AppleInsider shows scratches in the corner of the display of a phone that was carried in a microfiber satchel.

Some users say that they've been able to get a replacement at an Apple Store, though others haven't been so lucky. AppleInsider says Apple hasn't yet responded to the issue. If the company decides that the material or design is flawed, they may make replacement standard.

Apple has advertised the iPhone 6's use of an ion-impregnated material in the glass to make it harder, so it's ironic that that users would be reporting scratching. Adding to the irony is Apple's failed attempt to make enough sapphire crystal for use in the displays. Also, Corning has just announced Gorilla Glass 4. The Motley Fool has suggested that the iPhone 6 models may already be using this new glass from Corning, but given the reports of scratching that seems unlikely.

We are closing in on Black Friday, and Best Buy has already begun selling discounted iPads. The discounts include $75 off all iPad mini 3 models and up to $200 off on some cellular data iPad mini 2 models. You can see a full list of prices on AppleInsider. In addition, TUAW has posted a list of sale prices for all the major retailers. Their list includes iPhone and iPad models, Apple TV, iPod models, cases, speakers, earbuds, headphones, fitness monitors, iTunes gift cards, and more. They've also posted a separate list of the best Black Friday deals on the iPhone. 

What is your idea of the perfect date night? Whether it’s a romantic candlelit dinner, a picnic in the woods, or nachos and beer over arcade games, you can start planning your adventure with iPhone Life's iTunes Gift Card Challenge!

The Challenge:

Tell us how you would spend a $50 iTunes Gift Card to plan and create your perfect date night. Send us a list of four to eight apps, songs, movies, books, or TV shows of your choosing, and explain why each purchase would help make the night flow seamlessly. Your list should add up to close to $50.

Word count: 150 to 300 words

Deadline: Email your responses to challenge@iphonelife.com by January 5. 

The Prize:

Whoever submits the best defense of their iTunes Store selection will win—you guessed it—a $50 iTunes Gift Card! We'll also feature you in our March/April issue of iPhone Life magazine!

If you've ever tapped on a link that unexpectedly took you to a sketchy website while using your iPhone or iPad, you'll be glad to know Safari makes it easy to check the URL of any link before you go there. 

To make sure you end up at the website you're expecting, press and hold the link. If you trust the URL that appears at the top of the menu that pops up, go ahead and choose Open. Otherwise, tap Cancel.

Top image credit: mervas / Shutterstock.com

Bitcoin Billionaire (free) is not a game; it's a psychological experiment. It's an exercise in showing that we will pay for the privilege of seeing numbers rise on a counter, and nothing more. It's capitalism in action—just an endless cycle of more money and more things which make more money. Bitcoin Billionaire is the endgame of the Candy Crush revolution.

Bitcoin Billionaire is, ostensibly, a simulator in which you mine imaginary Bitcoins (which do not translate into any real world value). You start out the game by picking your pixelated character's physical traits, and then you tap. Every tap of the screen elicits a keyboard-tapping sound effect and generates a small amount of Bitcoins to add to your total. Every so often a drone will drop a box that will contain hyperbits (the game's own currency) or score boosts; there are also random events which will either increase or decrease your Bitcoins. Eventually you make enough to afford “investments,” which will generate income for you while the game is closed. There are also ways to earn cash or avoid penalties by watching ads.

There is no end goal that I can see; you can make millions, billions, trillions, and even quadrillions of Bitcoins, but it'll just max out your ability to decorate your character's apartment and allow you to buy more investments, which will generate even more money for you. It's an empty, endless void of pixels and tapping noises. Anyone with even a smidgen of knowledge about psychology and conditioning should recognize it as a manipulation machine, not a game.

And yet, even with a degree in psychology, I became temporarily hooked. There was a satisfaction to opening up the app and seeing the cash total jump because of all the money my investments had made. You quickly learn that the investments are way more valuable than just tapping all the time; eventually you end up making millions of Bitcoins every second. You earn hyperbits through random drops, but can also purchase them in-app and convert them to Bitcoins—and I did that, losing $4 that I'll never get back. I did it to fast-track an investment I wanted to buy so I could make more Bitcoins.

Games like Candy Crush have made the in-app purchase all but ubiquitous; many games aren't even bothering to hand out free hints or lives anymore. Bitcoin Billionaire is an example of the most obvious type of in-app purchasing mine; it barely bothers to be a game at all. There is no reason to open the app except to watch that number increase. The human brain is incredibly susceptible to manipulation in this manner; it's absolutely awful when it comes to deciding between waiting a length of time or paying to continue right now, and it responds to rewards of all kinds even if they're logically worthless. Games like Candy Crush get flack for milking people for hundreds of dollars, but at least there's a game to be played; there's a challenge and a puzzle to solve in between the addiction tactics. Bitcoin Billionaire has a cute pixelated look and some clever writing here and there, but it's just a program designed to show ads and facilitate micropayments. I don't have any sense of malice towards it, but I cannot recommend it; if you're going to spend money on a game, do it with something that rewards you with more than just an imaginary number representing a crypto-currency you're not actually mining.

Rating: 1.5 stars out of 5

As our kids get older, their wish lists seem to get smaller and more expensive. No more asking for Barbie dolls and Matchbox cars—we're on to iPads, iPhones, and Bluetooth accessories.

Throughout the year I've kepy my eyes on the hottest products for tweens and teens, and I'm sharing them today with the hope that they'll make for some great big gifts and even a few small ones. If you have anything to add to the list, I'd love for you to tweet your ideas to me!  

Cases

Amzer CRUSTA Rugged Case ($45) Kids and expensive devices don't always play well together, which is why protective cases are so important. The CRUSTA case is engineered with a four-stage protective design made of a tempered glass screen protector, a tempered glass hardshell case (with a clear back), a textured thermoplastic rubber outer layer, and a removable belt clip holster. Available for iPhone 5, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, and iPads 1, 2, and 3 in 42 different color combinations. 

Cellairis Bespoke VonAura Diary Case ($34.99)Looking for a beautiful and protective case for your tween or teen daughter? Cellairis has several cases to offer. Diary cases, crystal cases, and floral prints are all offered for iPhones 5, 5s, 5C, 6, and 6 Plus. This VonAura Diary case is offered in four colors. 

Speck DuraFolio for iPad (from $49.95) This slim and protective iPad case can easily be bent for multiple angles for reading and typing. We love this case for how thin it is (0.3") and how durable it feels. The cover closes magnetically, which makes it safer while inside og bags and backpacks. Available in 5 colors for the iPad Air and Air 2, and all iPad mini models.  

Proporta Bumper Cases ($19.95) So your teen refuses to use a protective case? It's an everyday battle? Compromise with a bumper case from Porporta. It'll keep the screen and back of the phone off of surfaces and protect against corner drops. Made from polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane, the bumper is offered in black and white for the iPhone 6. 

SkinIt iPhone Cases (from $19.99 for iPhone 5/5s, $24.99 for iPhone 6, $34.99 for iPhone 6 Plus) SkinIt just unveiled their partnership with Marvel, with images of your kids' favorite superheroes now available on skins and cases. Skinit also offers custom cases and skins and these other categories: Hello Kitty, Star Wars, many college and professional sports teams, military branches, and many more. A range of cases are offered, from super light and slim to dual-layered and protective. What I love most about my case is that the design doesn't fade like many other brands do! 

Portable Chargers

Powerskin PoP'n ($54.99 for iPhone 4/4S, $59.99 for iPhone 5s, $69.99 for iPhone 6/6 Plus) This lightweight portable battery charger sticks to the back of your phone for very easy carrying. I have the iPhone 6 model and it charges my phone 1.5 times from 10%. I love how portable this device is, and it's not heavy! You'll need to use a slim case when using the PoP'n to allow it to fit. Available in several colors for each size. 

Ventev Powercell 6000+ ($74.99) My 14 year-old son is always telling me how much he loves the previous version of this charger—it's by far his favorite. And now it's been updated! The Powercell 6000+ plugs into the wall for nightly phone charging, but you can unplug it and take it with you to use the stored power and charge your phone tow to three more times during the day. Includes 1A and 2.1A charging ports, and can charge two devices at the same time.

offGRID Portable Battery Charger by Incipio ($49.99) This 4000mAh battery is compact and easy to travel with. The kids will love the bright colors available (blue, teal, gray, pink, red, and yellow) and the storage for the included micro-USB cable (that's what you'll charge the battery charger with). Truly, there's no reason to ever hear, "my phone died" again! 

Headphones

SMS on-ear STREET ($179.95) and SYNC ($229.95) headphones are very durable and not too bulky. These are headphones that your tween or teen can toss into a duffel bag without worry of them breaking. The sound is stellar, and I love that they come in so many colors and styles—perfect for making your child happy on Christmas morning. The wired STREET pair come with a thick tangle-free cord and the wireless SYNC headphones come with on-board controls.  

If you're not looking at headphones as your "big gift," and want to consider a less expensive pair, Siva rounded up his Top 20 Headphones of 2014 a couple of weeks ago. 

Accessories

Recoil Winders (starting at $9.99) If you're like me, the cords drive you crazy. You know which ones I'm talking about. Charging cords, headphone cords, syncing cords—they're always a mess. Recoil Winders are a way to store the cords and have them easily accessible for when you need them. You can purchase single winders or multi-packs that come with racks to store them on. Available in several colors. 

Wifi Accessories

Netgear AC750 Wifi Range Extender ($89.99)

If your home is like mine, your router is somewhere near your main computer and the bedrooms in the house lack a strong Wi-Fi connection. Normally it's not a huge deal, but these days when you need Wi-Fi for just about anything (homework on a laptop, watching a smart TV, gaming with friends) that weak internet connection can be a pain. While a Wi-Fi extender may not be a glamorous holiday gift, it's one that could make your teen's devices run much faster and in return make them much happier.  

Prepaid AT&T Unite Hotspot by Netgear($99.99 for device, no annual contract, ~$25 for 5GB data)

Is your child a data hog? This prepaid hotspot will allow you peace of mind with regard to your cell phone bill. You don't need to have AT&T cell service to take advantage of this awesome gift from AT&T and Netgear. Connect up to 10 Wi-Fi devices to the secure connection via AT&T's 4G LTE network. The touchscreen hotspot device stays charged for up to 10 hours and will likely outlast your tween or teen on their busiest of days. 

Black Friday is almost upon us and while retailers are hoping for lots of "ka-ching" in the registers the day after Thanksgiving, shoppers are making their plans to nab the best deals. The circulars will be coming out in newspapers soon, but you can download some great apps right now that will show you where to get the best bargains.

1. Black Friday 2014 by BlackFriday.fm (Free)

This app gives you access to all the best deals from Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more. Search for deals by store or category, get notifications on the latest news and sales events, and create and share your own shopping list.

2. TGI Black Friday (Free)

I told you about this app last year and it's still going strong for 2014. TGI Black Friday lets you search, sort, and compare over 10,000 deals in stores and categories. Ads are available for download so you can view them offline. Create shopping lists and mark off items as you buy them and compare prices online. This app also includes Cyber Monday sales and coupons.

3. Black Friday 2014 by dealnews.com (Free)

Another app for the biggest shopping day of the year includes ad leaks, sales, circulars, and more deals. As with the other Black Friday apps, you can create a shopping list on your iDevice, but also access it from your computer at DealNews.com. Then you can tell your friends and family about the great deals you've found by posting them to Facebook or Twitter, or via email.

4. Black Friday by FatWallet (Free)

FatWallet has kept some great features from last year like being able to compare over 100 major store ads page by page and save deals to wish lists to share with family and friends. Brand new for 2014 is the ability to browse interactive ad scans, view Black Friday store opening times and give ratings and comments.

5. Black Friday 2014 by Slickdeals (Free)

Step up your Black Friday game with this app. Gear up on door busters and final markdowns, and get up to 90 percent savings from your favorite stores including Walmart, Macy's, Kohls, Target, and more. You can also make purchases straight from the app for deals available online.

I admit it. I use Instagram a lot. In fact, it’s probably the most-used app on my iPhone. That's why I'm always surprised when I discover there are things about it that I don't know yet.

I few months ago I wrote a blog post titled 5 Instagram Tips and Tricks You May Not Know. This week I'm following up on that blog with 5 more tips that I've recently discovered and thought I'd share with you fellow instagram-lovers.  

1. How To Fix Typos in Your Captions
   How many times have you posted a photo to Instagram, only to realize hours later that there is a typo in your description or that you forgot to include a hashtag? If you’re me, that number is a lot. Now Instagram (finally) lets its users edit their photo captions! Simply tap the […] button, click edit, and voila! No more resorting to leaving corrections in the comments or deleting your photos altogether.
2.  
    
3. Easily Respond to Comments
   If you want to respond to a particular comment on your photo, you can press and hold on the person’s name to automatically attach their name to your comment.
   
    
4. Untag Yourself From Unwanted Photos
   Have you ever been tagged in embarrassing or private photos that you would prefer other people didn’t see? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The problem is that those tagged images now appear under the “Photos of You” section on your profile page. Eek! If you would prefer to wipe those pictures from your memory (and your profile) then go to the image, tap it, and then tap your user name. A menu should pop up giving you the option to “Hide from My Profile.” You know what to do from there. If that’s not enough, you can also remove the tag altogether by clicking More Options and then choosing Remove Me from Photo.
   
   
    
5. How to Delete & Report Comments
   For some reason, I had the hardest time figuring out how to delete comments in the beginning. People would spam my photo or respond to it in a not-so-nice way and I had no clue what to do. Deleting comments is a lot easier than I thought though (who knew?) Just click the comment button (or "view more comments") and instead of leaving a response, swipe left on the comment you want to delete and trash it. You can also report the offender by clicking trash and then selecting Delete & Report Abuse.
   
   
    
6. View the Activity of Those You Follow
   We all know how to see our own activity (I hope?), but have you ever thought to look at the activity of those you follow? Go to the News page and select Following. From there you can see all the photos that the people you follow have liked. So cool!
   
   

BONUS: You can also view all the photos you've liked recently! Just go to Settings on your home page and select Posts You've Liked. From there you'll view a long list of every photo you've liked. This makes returning to particular favorites much easier later.

I'm probably not the target audience for Glam Screen, but boy is my daughter. When I showed her the screen protector that doubles as a mirror, she made the loudest, slowest "Aaawwwesooomme!" exclamation ever. And she's in some impressive company, as the screen can be found on phones owned by several Kardashians and other famous housewives and fashion icons. It's no wonder, since Glam Screen is an invention of Jonathan Cheban, fashionista and Kim Kardashian's BFF.

The Glam Screen is indeed a screen protector that can help protect your screen and keep it clean, but the focus is on the mirror effect. When the phone is asleep or off, it's a full mirror, larger than any compact mirror a lady might have to carry around, and it's always there.

Speaking of focus, the Glam Screen is a great way to get ready for that selfie. You might say that you could use the phone's camera, but that requires several steps and the effect is still digital plus the front-facing camera isn't that great. A true mirror is what you want and Glam Screen calls their offering an "HD Mirror." 

The Glam Screen is offered for a nice variety of smart phones, including the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. There's even an extra large one for the iPad, if you want to check out your whole outfit. It sounds corny, but for the fashion-conscious lady in your life, it makes a great stocking stuffer starting at $25.

The holidays are almost upon us, which means it's time for family and friends, turkey, and stress. And, for many of us, it also means it's time to travel. There is no better travel companion than your trusty iPhone. As much as I love my new iPhone 6, when I’m on the road I like to bring along some of my favorite accessories to make my life a little easier and the trip a little more comfortable. Here is a run down of my top picks for all your holiday travel plans. 

1. A Good External Battery: I know many people prefer an all-in-one external battery/case but I still prefer the stand-alone variety. For one thing, I may not always need the extra juice. For another, I sometimes prefer to carry a smaller bag. Having an external battery gives me the option of bringing it along or leaving it in my suit case. My current favorite is the Jockery Mini Premium Phone Charger currently on sale for $19.95. 

I can typically get one or two charges out of this tiny powerhouse which slips easily into any carry on. Coming in a close second is the Zagg Sparq portable battery and wall adapter ($39.99). Although the Zagg doesn’t give me the same amount of extra talk time that the Jockery does, and it is a bit larger, this battery has its own wall adapter built in for added convenience. No need for an extra cable to charge the unit, simply plug it into the wall until fully charged. The Zagg also works as a traditional charger. Both external batteries work universally, so if your Android toting friends need a quick charge you can help them out as well. 

2. A Retractable Charging Cable: Is it just me or does that lightening cable always seem to get twisted and tangled? Traveling can be stressful enough, so why not make your life a little easier and opt for a tangle-free solution? I’m a huge fan of the Scosche Strikeline Retractable Cable ($15.52). Light and durable with an extension up to three feet, this is the perfect cable to give your phone a quick last-minute charge in a crowed airport. 

3. A Stand: This one became an essential part of my travel bag last year and I can’t imagine leaving for a trip ever again without the GripTight GorillaPod Stand ($29.95). This thing is truly amazing, it really does grip on to almost anything. I’ve used it as a stand on my tray table to watch movies on a long flight, as a car mount in rental cars for quick and easy access to GPS directions, as a tripod for holiday photos, and a stand in my hotel room to do my workout videos. This is one of those accessories which has implications for life outside of travel as I’ve used it to flip my classroom and create YouTube videos. Again, this is easily portable and won’t take up too much room. 

4. A Remote: Yes, a remote. It’s shocking how often I’ve pulled out my Satechi Bluetooth Remote ($34.99) especially if my rental car is unequipped with Bluetooth of its own. This tiny handheld remote controls media and the camera, meaning you can actually be IN your holiday photos. Easy to program and use, it also makes a great presentation remote for your Mac. My favorite feature is the ability to press the home button to active Siri. Last year, when I got lost just outside of Philly, I could hold the small remote while keeping both hands on the wheel and my eyes on the road. One tap of the home button and Siri redirected me to the correct off ramp and back in the right direction without having to pull over in an unfamiliar city close to midnight. 

Yes, the holiday season can be busy and stressful but by adding a few lightweight accessories to your travel gear you can make the trip more enjoyable. Happy travels. 

In this day and age it's become commonplace for us to do just about everything with our iDevices, which means that we need gear that can keep up with us on any outlandish escapades, as well as on our day to day grind. The items featured here represent some of the best in their respective categories; built tough and designed with integrity and durability to handle the  adventures that lie ahead. Many of the products featured here have impressive MIL-STD or IP ratings, which you can learn more about by clicking HERE.

Here at iPhone Life we love turning people on to great gear that fits their specific purpose and need and we're hoping that these reviews will make your holiday shopping that much easier. Whether as a present for yourself, or as gift idea for family or friends, this list of exceptional products will help you find the perfect accessories.

Adventure-Proof iPad and iPhone Cases

Lifeproof iPhone and iPad Cases(prices start at $69.99)

The Lifeproof cases continue to set a high bar as far as what we can expect a great heavy-duty iPhone case to be, and they do it without the bulk. The form-fitting design of these svelte cases makes them more of an enhancement for your iPhone or iPad than an obstruction. They are waterproof (6.6-ft submersion) and shockproof (from a 6.6-ft drop) and should keep your iDevice safe and sound, even in some of the most extreme circumstances you may encounter.

Griffin Survivor All-Terrain (starting at $49.99)

Though this ultra-protective model case has undergone a few name changes over the past few years, it's still the same great product that delivers some of the best and most comprehensive protection you can get for your iPhone and iPad. This splash-proof and shockproof tank of a case is priced very affordably and offers extra grip and shock protection with its extreme-duty design. The All-Terrain is available for the iPhone generation 4 and up, and for the iPad generations 2 and up.

Otterbox Defender (starting at $59.90)

The Defender is still one of the most popular rugged protective cases in the world, despite the competition growing so much over the years since Otterbox first made such a splash with their original iPod rugged protective cases. Whether it's an iPhone or iPad that you are in need of a case for, the Defenders multi-later approach and structurally reinforced design make the Defender one of the best investments for the well-being of your iDevice that you'll ever make. The Otterbox Defender is also available for the new iPhone 6 series.

iBattz Aqua Refuel ($119.95)

The Aqua Refuel is the only case that has made it to market that is both waterproof (to seven feet) and shockproof and has an external battery built into the case. This case, as of this writing is available in a 5/5s compatible model, which is actually great since the iPhone 5 and 5s have batteries that are so much smaller and more in need of frequent recharging than the new iPhones 6 and 6 Plus. Here's hoping that those of us who eagerly migrated up to the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus will also have access to the extra back up battery power of this amphibious case before too long.

Pelican Voyager (starting at $50)

Pelican has made a name for themselves, providing first responders and military personnel with highly protective gear that is built tough and ready for the field. With its minimalist, design, removable screen protector, and slim profile the Voyager iPhone case has got your iPhone covered and secure. The Pelican Voyager is also available for the newest generation iPhone 6 series.

Gear for Life On The Go

SCOTTeVEST Revolution Plus ($200)

If you are the techie-type you are going to love this one! The Revolution Plus is the ultimate tech-friendly jacket, sporting just about every feature that you could think to ask for, including removable sleeves and a special weight management system. With 26 gadget oriented pockets, including pockets with touch sensitive transparent fabric lining them as well as a megapocket for an iPad Air or mini, the question is less "what can you carry?" in this jacket, but rather, "what can't you carry?" in this classy and stylish cold weather coat.

BioLite CampStove($129.95)

For the modern adventurer who spends as much time in the wilderness and off-grid as possible, here's a neat little multi-purpose gadget to have handy. The BioLite CampStove is a unique tool that not only lets you have a small, contained fire for preparing warm food and drinks, the BioLite also lets you safely harness the energy generated from the heat of the fire to charge your iDevice. It's a great back up charger when you are far from a wall outlet and battery life is precious!

ReadyAction iDevice Camera Mounting System (starting at $24.95)

ReadyAction offers a solution for all iDevice users who have the desire to turn their iPhone or iPad into the equivalent of a GoPro. The folks at ReadyAction realize that we always have our iDevices with us, so naturally what better way to be prepared to film our adventures on the go than with a mount that transforms our go-everywhere smartphone (or tablet) cameras into something that we can attach to ourselves, or to a filming pole, roll bar, bike handle, helmet etc.

Pelican S140 Sport Elite Backpack($100.99)

The Pelican S140 backpack is the way to go if you're the type who tends to tote their iDevices around wherever you go, especially if you have a tendency to be rough on your stuff. Like many other gear bags that are designed to protect your delicate techie hardware, the S140 has dense, shock absorbing padding to protect your devices. However, unlike other protective packs Pelican has taken protection to the next level by incorporating a rigid polymer shield into the exterior design of the S140, with a protective plate of armor built over the front pocket of the bag that will keep your smaller-sized collection of accessories safe from any extreme abuse you subject this bag to. What's more, the S140 also has a watertight, crush-proof tablet clamshell storage sleeve to the rear of the pack, which will keep your iPad safe in most imaginable scenarios.

Goal Zero Lighthouse 250 Lantern ($79.99)

This lantern is a truly valuable asset anytime you go off-grid. This purposeful lamp has a hand-crank built into the top, which provides you with the option of charging the lantern's battery via a little good ol' elbow grease. The 250 Lantern can also be charged by connecting it to one of Goal Zero's portable solar panels. Another great feature of this lantern is that it can also charge your iPhone via a USB charging port. The Goal Zero 250 has a wide range of lighting settings that you can dial in, everything from hazard-flashing red blinkers to fully adjustable LEDs for dim to ultra-bright illumination. The 250 Lantern is perfect for camping or anytime you are in a pinch and there's no electricity.

Gomadic SunVolt 10 Watt Solar Panel ($99.95)

With the SunVolt solar panel you'll never be without a charge for your iDevice as long as the sun continues to shine. This solar panel is about the size of a large three-ring binder notebook. When not in use it folds up compactly into its weather resistant, protective shell, and when it's time to put it to work collecting the sun's rays, the Gomadic solar panel can be positioned at varying  angles to harness the maximum solar energy possible. 

Speakers and Headphones for Adventurous Audiophiles

Scosche boomBOTTLE H2O ($99.99)

V-Moda Crossfade M-100 ($310)

The Crossfade M-100 are accurately billed as being virtually indestructible and having passed the rigorous Military Standard testing criteria. Additionally, V-Moda offers a warranty on the M-100s that is unparalleled in the headphone industry: a 60-day test-drive period with a no-hassle return policy, a full-coverage, two-year warranty an their "Immortal Life" warranty whereby you can get 50 percent off of a replacement (after the two year warranty expires) if one ever becomes necessary. With a reinforced metal infrastructure, durable leather trim, heavy-duty, Kevlar reinforced headphone cords and environmental protection from the likes of temperature and moisture, the Crossfade M-100s are one of the most hardy, adventure-ready pair of headphones you will find.

Divoom Voombox Series Bluetooth Speakers(starting at $39.99)

If you are looking for the best value on a ruggedized Bluetooth speaker, be sure to check out Divoom's Bluetooth speaker options. Their Voombox line of rugged speakers boast spectacular sound, with solid bass, all wrapped up in a shell that is splash-proof, shock-resistant and dust-proof. Available in a range of sizes, from an ultra-portable "travel" version ,to the larger and more robust Voombox Outdoor, Divoom has something that should fit anyone's criteria with their versatile and durable Voombox heavy-duty speakers.

Jabra Revo Wireless ($199.99)

As part of the Revo's development process, these headphones have been subjected to some pretty extreme torture testing. I kid you not, I've never witnessed a pair of headphones that have to be able to pass such a high bar before going to market as these. See for yourself in this extreme product testing video, these headphones had to take a serious beating before Jabra said they were good to go. But the Revo Wireless aren't just tough as nails, they also have an amazing sound output and the fancy flair of a touch sensitive pad built into the outer earpiece for controlling your audio playback.

Fugoo Bluetooth Speaker (starting at $199.99)

This fully waterproof Bluetooth speaker boasts an impressive 40-hour battery life, which helps cement this speaker's position as one of the best-suited speakers for going on adventures off-grid. It's also ideal for sporting environments, waterside activities and even fancy, more formal events, thanks to its interchangeable "jackets." The extreme-duty Fugoo Tough Jacket is built tough enough to be run over Bluetooth a truck and survive, while at the other end of the spectrum, the Fugoo Style Jacket is the kind of thing you might use when hosting a party or a get together, or on display on a vanity or desktop. Whichever jacket you opt for, the rugged, waterproof integrity of the Fugoo Bluetooth speaker Core remains unchanged.

If you're having trouble accessing items at the top of the screen on your new iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, give your overstretched thumb a break and start using Apple's new Reachability feature to pull the top of the screen within reach.

Tapping twice (not clicking) on the Home button will cause the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus's screen to shift about a third of the way down—enough to put items on the top of the screen within easy reach of your thumb. You will not be able to access items on the lower part of the screen while using Reachability.

To turn off the feature, tap the Home button twice, click the Home button once, tap the empty part of the screen, or do nothing and Reachability will automatically shut off after a few moments.

Top image credit: ssaa66oo / Shutterstock.com

Maybe it's a reflection of how we treat superstar inventors like Steve Jobs, or just the glut of superhero movies lately, but another actor in the running to play Steve Jobs has also played a superhero (or villain.) Michael Fassbender, the younger Magneto in the X-Men films, is taking over for Christian Bale, of Batman fame, as the title character in the Steve Jobs movie. The film has changed studios as well, from Sony to Universal, but it looks like Seth Rogen, who played superhero the Green Hornet, will serve as Jobs' partner, Steve Wozniak.

I wrote before that I was looking forward to a Batman and Green Hornet tie-in, as those characters have worked together before! But we will have to see if Fassbender and Rogen can be a dynamic duo on screen. Assuming the movie ever gets made!

Image Credit: GabboT https://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyshek/9733821944/in/photostream/

It's that time of year again. Right after a new iPhone comes out there is the inevitable deluge of great cases to protect your new investment. This happens with every iPhone release, but perhaps never more markedly than with the introduction of the completely new form factors of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. If ever an iPhone needed a case it is these large and larger models, with their increased real estate, slick, rounded edges, and extra weight. Rather than clump a bunch of individual cases together I'll be focusing on one great case each week over the course of the coming months. This week we'll be taking a look at the latest entry from Urban Armor Gear, which is a unique hybrid of rugged protection and fashion-forward style. Introducing UAG's all-purpose Folio case ($39.95) for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

I have a lot of respect for UAG and their line of protective cases. They've taken an innovative approach and managed to create an iPhone case that differentiates itself from the crowd. The UAG Folio incorporates unique technology into their design, making it both incredibly resilient (meeting the rigorous MIL-STD-810 standards of durability) and yet, extremely lightweight and minimalist. Its patented grippy "Frogskin" exterior makes for a case that feels comfortably secure in your hands (a real "plus" for iPhone 6 Plus users especially!) and its interior is lined with a special honeycombed shock absorbing rubber which gives this case a high level of impact resistance.

The UAG Folio's flip cover snaps shut with an embedded magnetic closure and is made of the same durable material as the rest of the case. The folio cover offers exceptional protection for your touchscreen when it's closed, while still allowing you to carry on crystal clear conversations thanks to a convenient cut out in the cover where the phone speaker is located. Another neat feature of the folio cover is that it allows you to stash away as many as three credit cards, or alternatively, several business cards, within a special sleeve inside the cover.

My only issue with this case's design is that UAG didn't take advantage of the folio design to craft a cover that could also somehow double as a viewing or typing stand, which is a feature that would be particularly useful to owners of Apple's larger phablet-sized iPhone 6 Plus.

Verdict

If you are in the market for a reliable, well-designed, streamlined iPhone case with clear access to all ports and controls, one that offers great shock and drop protection without the bulk of some of the other protective case options out there, then the UAG Folio is well worth your consideration.

iPhone Life rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

I come across a great many headphones as a tech reporter; some are amazing, others not so much. With so many different models flooding the market, it can be hard for a pair to stand out from the crowd. Nonetheless, few accessories do more to enhance our experience and enjoyment of our iDevices. After all, even though our mobile computers have great speakers for their respective size, they can't match the audio delivered from a quality pair of headphones. Enter the Urbanite from Sennheiser. Available in either a compact on-ear model($199.95), or a slightly larger, more noise isolating over-ear pair ($249.95), the Urbanite not only manages to successfully distinguish itself from the masses when it comes to sound quality and design build, it does so with a style and finesse that is rare in the industry. Read on to learn more about this phenomenal pair of cans.

Sennheiser really nailed it with these headphones. While I have been a fan of Sennheiser's premium brand of audiophile-grade headphones for a while now, not every pair can be their best. With the Urbanite, I feel that Sennheiser has taken its many years of experience and directed its talents to create the company's most impressive pair of 'phones thus far.

The Urbanite is a true luxury pair of headphones, have no doubt. Everything from the gimbaled earcups to the plush cushioning incorporated throughout the Urbanite's design, to the precisely adjustable earcup height; it all works together to make you feel like you are riding with cush suspension in a posh vehicle.

It's All in the Details

An insane amount of time and energy has obviously been poured into the creation of these cans. Some of my favorite qualities of the Urbanite include:

• The braille on the left hand side of the headband to let you know, even in the dark, which side is which, without having to fumble or search for other identifying markers.

• The Urbanite implements a unique click-lock headphone jack which twists in place and clips the regarding moveable headphone cable securely into place. No more accidentally yanking the audio cable out while working out or bustling about the house with your headphones on.

• These headphones feature an ingenious headband and headband cushion that is quite flat and deceptively plush and comfortable. The Urbanite's headband is wrapped with a rugged ballistic canvas on the outer side with a svelte, soft-touch comfort cushion on the inner side.

• A collapsible frame helps make these headphones extremely practical and portable.

• Wide, tangle-free, and heavy-duty audio cables don't just add to the superior durability of the Urbanite, they lend an air of class and style to the Urbanite's unique design.

• The adjustable earcups move with a silky smooth flow when you reposition them. Everything about the Urbanite reflects Sennheiser's attention to bringing you the most luxurious headphone experience you'll find.

• Of course (and this almost goes without saying), the Urbanite delivers absolutely amazing audio quality, which of course is Senheisers signature.

• Faux-suede, memory foam ear cushions are the icing on the cake of this remarkable pair of cans, allowing for extended listening sessions in great comfort.

Verdict:

The Sennheiser Urbanite is certainly one of the best pairs of headphones on the market today. It's raised the bar in terms of what I'd expect from a high-end pair of audiophile-grade headphones.

iPhone Life rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Sennheiser is currently hosting a contest to win a pair of Urbanites! Find out how you can win a pair HERE.

It took me over a year to get in the habit of using Siri, partly because she seemed so human-like. I was worried I'd say something dumb. One day I finally got it: there ain't no one listening. And ever since then I've used Siri with abandon. Lately I was surprised to discover that Siri offers a helpful guide to what you can say or ask.

To bring up Siri's guide to using Siri, simply say, "What can I ask?" Siri will then return an outline of things you can request or ask in 24 categories.

Each category, ranging from Apps, Messages, and Calendar to Restaurants, Movies, and Music, gives the category name and a sample request or question.

But each category also includes a submenu with a longer list of requests or questions, such as this list for the Apps category.

The Q&A category seems to be a miscellany of the sort of facts you can ask for. (Ironically, one of the items on the list, "Who's buried in Grant's tomb?" seems to stump Siri when I ask that, returning an empty result from Wofram Alpha.)

I also discovered that if I ask Siri several questions in a row, that Siri's previous answers are still available if I swipe down on the screen. They appear to stay there until you do something else on your device or it goes to sleep.

And I discovered that often when I ask a question, especially something that Siri doesn't understand, I can swipe up on the screen to see a list of sample requests.

They say the blondes have more fun. As a brown-haired guy, I cannot attest to that one way or another. But I can say that females in general have a lot more choices for fashionable iPhone cases, thanks to KoreaHallyu. And they're making a special deal for iPhone Life readers! Just use the coupon code IPHONELIFE to save 10 percent.

The list of options seems endless (and they support a wide variety of phones, too.) The handmade, unique cases are both functional and protective, including a polymer form-fitting snap-in backing. But what really sets these cases apart are the stylish exterior designs of their folio-style cases. They close completely, thanks to a magnetic flap offering protection for the phone's screen. Customers can choose from many conservative and over-the-top designs, with many color schemes, and then they can further accessorize the case with dangling accoutrements and even a functional stylish shoulder strap.

If a someone can't find the design they like, they're just not trying hard enough. There are so many offerings, that it was hard to choose just one when I picked one out for my daughter. And my daughter loves the one I did choose, the Viviane Scarlet in black. It's one of the more conservative designs, so it goes with just about anything; and the strap makes it practical, as she has dropped her iPhone before. By wearing it over her shoulder like a purse, it's less likely to fall. And the full coverage of the screen should help if it ever did fall.

Speaking of using the case as a purse, the inside flap has slots for a few ID or credit cards, so a lady could use this as their purse/wallet for places that don't take Apple Pay!  At just $30 to $35 for most of the cases, minus 10 percent off with coupon code IPHONELIFE, it's tempting to pick up a few cases. The combinations of designs, colors, and accessories mean owners can match their phone with their outfit, and vice versa.