A year and a month ago, I reviewed the iPhone 5/5s Ducati bumper case by Draco, and sure enough, they have a new model for the iPhone 6. It's just as elegant, robust, and light as last year's model, just a bit slimmer to match Apple's latest iPhone. The bumpers are available in black, red, silver and gold, and if you don't need the Ducati branding, there's a non-licensed version as well. The Ducati models include an adhesive Ducati logo and matching lanyard, which you can use with your iPhone thanks to the tiny slot in the Draco bumper.

Draco also includes a small stylus which cleverly contains a tiny screwdriver. This is important, and necessary, because the bumper must be screwed in place. This makes it a bit of a commitment, as you can't just remove the iPhone at will to use with another case. But if you are a loyal Ducati owner, this may be the only case you will want.

While I own an iPhone 6, they also offer aluminum bumpers for the iPhone 6 Plus. This would be a smart addition, as the extra stability will help you avoid #Bendgate while only adding about 27 grams to your iPhone 6 Plus or 20 grams to the iPhone 6. One thing is for sure, with a Ducati case, your iPhone will look like it's speeding, even when it's standing still!

I do most of my song purchasing via my iPhone, and I love to make new playlists. Making a playlist on the go is surprisingly easy! I make sure to sync them with my computer so my family can easily download them as well. 

From your Playlist screen, tap New Playlist.

Next, name your Playlist and tap Save.

Now you're ready to choose how to add songs to your playlist. You can toggle between choices on the bottom toolbar to add from current playlists, songs, artists, and more. 

Finally, tap the + symbol next to each song you'd like to add. If the song title and + symbol are gray, that means you've already added it. 

When you're done adding songs, click Done. Your new Playlist will appear. 

We're spoiled for choice when it comes to games nowadays; new apps come out every week, and there are hundreds of development companies working around the clock to create the most addicting, entrancing, and entertaining distractions possible. Games are as old as humanity itself, but we haven't always had such a wide variety of them; for thousands of years, we made do with just a handful of brain-teasing puzzles. These games were challenging enough to carry on down through the generations, and their influence is still occasionally seen today. Zengrams ($0.99), by Gameblyr, is one such example; it takes inspiration from ancient Chinese tangram puzzles. Translating to “seven boards of skill,” tangrams consisted of seven flat geometric shapes; the goal was to use all of the pieces to completely fill a larger outline. Tangrams are some of the most famous dissection puzzles on earth; from the seven standard shapes, there are over 6500 configurations currently known.

Each level of Zengrams consists of a handful of colored shapes and an outline into which they must fit; it's up to you to put one inside the other. If blue and red rectangles overlap to create a square of purple in the middle, then all three colors become separate pieces that can move independently of one another. If two pieces of the same color touch, they're joined together and become one. You have a limited number of moves to finish each level, indicated by a series of squares at the bottom of your screen, and that's it; this is a game with almost no frills but a lot of challenge.

While tangrams almost always consisted of the same seven pieces, Zengrams takes the concept a step further by using wide varieties of shapes from level to level, so that sometimes you're working with six small squares and other times you must make do with two large triangles. The levels are varied enough that you never really get two similar configurations in a row, and challenging enough that they present a conundrum even on repeat plays. There are 70 levels in total; after a few dozen warm-ups, the puzzles become quite tricky, and there are some that seem impossible—but there's always a solution.

Zengrams' minimalist design is visually appealing, but it means that we miss out on a few things. If you wish to go back and solve earlier puzzles, you can tap the arrows on either side of the current puzzle; Zengrams will start leaping back by increments of five after a few pushes, so you don't have to tap your phone seventy times to get back to level one. But a map listing previously solved puzzles would be highly appreciated, so that players can select the level they want to play without scrolling through. Zengrams could also use some kind of hint system; while it is refreshing to find a game which doesn't mine for in-app purchases, it's really frustrating to get stuck on a particular level—I had to look up more than my share of answers on YouTube. With that said, tangrams never did come with hints, and there is something satisfying about the way Zengrams pushes you to figure out the solution on your own. It's a sophisticated and minimally elegant puzzler that's easy to play in short bursts and interesting enough to keep you coming back for more.

iPhone Life Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

When considering the purchase of an iPad case, things like affordability, design, and protection all factor into the decision. The FiiV iPad case—currently on IndieGogo—adds a few more options for iPad owners. This smart case alleviates two common struggles you may face while you're out and about: Battery life and Wi-Fi. And the case itself is surprisingly slim even with the inclusion of added peripherals.

You can always use your phone as a hotspot and plug it into the battery pack located on the case. But the simpler route would be to use FiiV's built in SIM card slot for initiating your own Wi-Fi network.

FiiV claims to be compatible with any carrier, including pre-paid SIM cards. Once you have a Wi-Fi network set up, it can be shared, or conversely, prepared with security settings to keep it private.

The team emphasizes the savings that could potentially come from using the case. The expenses from data plans can rack up quickly, but a pre-paid SIM card can cut costs dramatically, and services like Skype and Google Voice keep prices down for international calls.

On the back of the case, you'll find the SIM card port, signal strength indicator, connected devices, and micro USB slot. So far, it's expected to be available for the first generation iPad Air and all versions of the iPad Mini. 

The first 100 contributors to the project can get the case for $99, a significant savings from the $179 retail price. Other perks get incrementally more costly with packaged bundles that climb up to $999.

Mini Motor Racing ($0.99), the miniature racing game, garnered an App store award in 2012 with it's primo graphics, twisty tracks, and bouncy physics. It reminds me of a graphically enhanced version of the Windows Mobile classic, K-Rally (though K-rally also featured weapons which was so fun it was crazy). If you missed the original game, you can still grab it, or you can get the freemium, enhanced WRT version when it's released later this week! I give the two games a bit of a comparison in this mini-review.

The new Mini Motor WRT features a variety of race modes and a fleet of vehicle types required to advance (both on and off road). Of course, being a freemium title it requires you to grind through various race levels (and use coupons to upgrade your vehicles). There is no offline component to the game—you will need to be connected to play—and before you can enter any official league play, you have to complete a few "tutorial" and beginner races. The RPG aspect of the new game is focused on building a racing franchise to include a mechanic, which also keeps you returning to the store to get better stuff. You win coupons with experience and the game keeps you engaged by offering incentives to race more to advance. Like the original title (which also offers IAPs), you can buy your way to a better experience.

The physics are much like the original game, requiring you to use a translucent steering wheel to turn the car (control modes can be modified). A booster is the other main control required (a tap and hold with your left finger), and like the original, over-steering can be a problem when getting used to the game at first. The brake is almost superfluous. The somewhat wonky sliding and bouncy nature of the cars in the original adds more than a bit of luck to the outcome, as you can be in the lead, and easily get bounced down several places in a single tight turn. The newer version didn't feel quite as dynamic, but the graphics do pop—I have only advanced a few levels (and the first levels only pit you against one other car). The original game offered incentives (like extra boosts) that would appear on the track to be snagged in the heat of the race by the first to get there, and in the newer version, you have to fully prep your car by adding these ahead of the race (though you get like 20% boost renewal with each lap).

Features of the new Mini Motor WRT:

• MASSIVE CAREER MODE: Journey across the world, through dozens of vibrant environments, as you battle your way to the top of the World Racing Tour.
• CUSTOMIZABLE VEHICLES: Spend race winnings to buy or build dozens of vehicles, then upgrade them to help handle a range of racing conditions, from tarmac to off-road to heavy rain.
• RACING TEAMS: Staff your race team with the best mechanics, managers, and engineers, all with unique strengths and weaknesses that have in-game effects on your performance.
• RACE CLUBS: Team up with your friends and challenge other clubs to head-to-head battles with fame, glory, and massive prizes on the line.

My early review impressions are that this new Mini Motor will offer more racer building and interactive fun than the original, but at the price of making players connect and accept some freemium prodding. The graphics are on par with the original, and there is certainly a lot of extra content added. I think it's worth a download, if a top-down mini racer will scratch your itch, so grab it when the game goes live this Thursday! If you'd rather have the original, still excellent version, grab it too!

Phones are fashion. Think about it; your phone is your number one accessory, the one thing you carry on your person every single day. You don’t wear the same outfit every day (unless your job requires you to wear a uniform, in which case, I am sincerely sorry) so why would you make your phone wear the same case everyday? If you love changing your iPhone’s cases the way you changed clothing on a 1980s Dolly Pops, love fashion, want to personalize your phone, or are looking for a cool and unique Christmas gift, I have the top online sources for iPhone fashion. 

For Customization & Originality

Society 6

Whether you're looking for a tough case, a slim case, or just a skin, or if you need a coffee cup to match your iPhone case, Society 6 has it all. Most of my fashion cases come from this site. I’m a minimalist and so my cases are all from the slim line, but I’ve seen the tough version and the protection appears to be solid. The quality is excellent and the cases are beautiful. I’ve ordered everything from mother of pearl, to glitter, to a cat and a mouse making nice over a slice of cheese. Need a case to show your affection for Swedish Fish? I’ve got that. I’ve never been disappointed by this company, and if you join their mailing list, they offer discounts through email frequently. Cases range from $35 to $38 with skins retailing for $15. If nothing else, it’s fun to peruse the site.

Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity has really upped the protection on their iPhone 6 and 6 Plus cases while still allowing all ports to be open. I must admit that the mirror and glitter cases are beautiful, but will definitely add weight, and getting these cases on and off requires some strength. But the stun value is unmatched. If I have one of my four Zero Gravity cases on my phone, people always comment even if I’m out shopping or chilling with friends at the local Starbucks. These cases are conversation starters. Bumper cases appear to offer more protection than the clear case although I've only ordered the clear versions so I can not say for sure. The clear cases do offer more protection than Society 6's slim cases. Cases retail for between $23 and $32 for an iPhone 6 and $28 to $36 for the iPhone 6 Plus. 

Case-Mate

Case-Mate has upped its game and entered the high fashion market with some high-end selections (and by high end, we're talking in the $50–$80 range). Along with the higher price tag comes a bit more protection. I'm confident that my Sheer Glam Case would protect my phone from a pretty hefty fall with its two-part construction. Case-Mate also makes gift giving easier this Christmas by having many of their styles available at most Best Buy locations. My only complaint about the Glam Case is the fact that I can’t hook up to my gym’s stereo system to without first removing the case because the ports aren’t accessible with the stereo system, depending on how you dock your phone/listen to music. The cases are one of the best selections for increased protection with high fashion cache. 

For Classic Fashion & High Style

Kate Spade

Kate Spade offers fun and functional designs for reasonable prices (about $40). Oh how I wish the Glitter Cat case came for an iPhone 6. I love these cases. First, not only are they cute, they come from a well-regarded fashion designer known for unique style and excellent quality. The current collect seems to focus on stripes and polka dots this season. I myself am sporting a pink and red striped ensemble which is actually a two piece case constructed of a rubber bumper and a fitted back plate. I feel that my phone is completely protected while giving access to all available ports. The lip of the case comes over the front to protect the front from scratches if you choose to lay your phone face down. I love the feel of the Kate Spade cases; it’s not quite a soft shell and not quite a hard case. Think of this case as a comfortable in-between. The case is slimmer than my Case-Mate but I feel it offers similar protection. 

Marc Jacobs 

I’ve been so sad that I haven’t found a Marc Jacobs case for my iPhone 6, although I’m confident the progressive designer will come out with some shortly (Hey Marc, if you’re reading this please make some new cases for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus). If you own an iPhone 5 or 5s, I suggest you check out the Marc Jacob’s collection. Although they may not always be the most practical choice, I owned the Rue Cat iPhone case for my iPhone 5, complete with protruding ears. I’ve always adored the Marc Jacobs cases for their uniqueness, construction, and function.

The truth is, if you love fashion and view your phone as an accessory as much as a tool, there are many case options out there for your device which will not only protect but also make a statement. Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression. What does your phone case say about you? 

There are times when we might need an extra alert if an important message or phone call is expected. If you work in a noisy environment or can’t keep your phone right next you, you can use the LED flash on the iPhone to alert you to calls or other notifications.

The feature is in the Accessibility settings. It’s intended to be used by the hearing impaired, but the LED alert can be helpful for anyone who would rather receive visual alerts.

To set it up, go to Settings > General > Accessibility. Scroll down to the HEARING heading and turn on LED Flash for Alerts.

To get the most out of this feature, it’s best to place your phone screen down due to the flash being on the backside of your phone. Make sure you have a good scratch protectant cover on the screen.

Be aware that turning on this feature could deplete your battery life rather quickly depending on how many notifications you get throughout the day. 

Top image credit: Eliks / Shutterstock.com

Many traditional watch makers sat on the sideline while smartwatches from Pebble, Motorola, Samsung, LG, and others were released. But now that Apple is about to release their Apple Watch, with heavy emphasis on fashion and the high-end market, those luxury watch makers no longer have the luxury of waiting. With the Apple Watch starting at $350, and rumored to stretch to $5,000 or more for the gold models, this is a shot across the bow for Rolex and others.

TAG Heuer had been rumored to be part of Apple's plans, but they denied it, and even denied any efforts at all in the smartwatch arena. Now, they have changed course and embraced the smart device market. TAG Heuer has been critical of the Apple offering, understandably because of the threat to their own market share, but they must now thread the needle between geeky watches and luxury watches while still providing value to both audiences.

I am a power user for sure. I have my phone with me all of the time and have even been known to fall asleep with it clutched in my hand. Clearly, putting my phone down so it can charge is not something that makes me happy. I loved the power case I had for my old iPhone 5s, but when the 6 came out, I had to replace it. The good people at A-Solar sent me the Xtorm Power Case AM412 (€69, about $85.53) to take for a test spin. Here's how it went.

Never be without power again

Normally, power cases are very heavy, but this one is fairly light in comparison. The design is very slim and minimalist, hugging the lines of the iPhone 6 perfectly while protecting it without adding a lot of extra heft to the iPhone.

The 3100 mAh battery holds plenty of power to go about my day without worrying about plugging in for a charge. The Power Case charges the iPhone in under three hours and comes with full charge, so it's ready to use right out of the box. A charging cable is included in the box and the case is really simple to charge—just plug it in.

I really like the added touch of the clear plastic bumper that snaps around the outside of the case. It looks really good and provides just a little bit of added protection and security.

The case does not interfere with the way the phone operates, so you have full access to all buttons and ports.

Features and Specs as listed on the A-Solar website:

Features:

Backup power & protective case in one

Plug & Play

High charging performance

Specifications:

Battery: 3100mAh

Dimensions: 1.5x7x15.2cm

Color: Black

Weight: 82 grams

Connection: Lightning connector

Supplied: Manual, USB charging cable

In all, I give the Xtorm Power Case AM412 for iPhone 6 a five out of five possible stars. It does exactly what it is supposed to do and I know I can depend on it. What more could you ask for?

The Apple Watch isn't shipping until early next year, but it's already having an impact. Existing smartwatches are dropping in price and trying to carve out a niche before the $349 version from Apple ships. Case in point, Pebble, the one that arguably started it all. The $10 million Kickstarter-backed project offered a smartwatch for the masses, at $100 for backers (including myself) and eventually retailed for $150. The higher-end Steel model sold for $250. Now the original Pebble is back to $100 (and $80 at some outlets) and the Steel is a more reasonable $200 (and only $150 at some outlets.) I appreciate the long battery life, magnetic charging, and waterproof capabilities of my Pebble, but I also like my Martian Watch which offers Voice Command via a Siri button. That watch was $300 but can now be picked up for as little as $230 at Staples. They also have a cheaper Notifier product line that doesn't include the speakerphone and voice capabilities but still provides notifications.

Microsoft has gotten into the act with a $199 Band that is proving hard to keep in stock. Microsoft was smart and made their Band work with Android and iOS in addition to Windows Phone—although for the Cortana voice feature, Windows is required. The Band's form factor is inbetween traditional fitness bands and larger smartwatches, but blends the two with numerous sensors and a color app-enabled touchscreen. The price point seems to be right, although there are some reports of discomfort. That could be related to the fact that the band ships in three different sizes and users may need to experiment to find the best fit. Some have suggested it's more comfortable when keeping the screen on the palm-side of the wrist.

Apple will also have two sizes of the Apple Watch, but the wide assortment of bands means users should be able to find a comfortable fit, even if the price takes a bit more out of one's wallet than competitors! Considering a family of four could each have Pebbles for the price of one Apple Watch, it will be interesting to see if Apple sells the 30 to 40 million units projected by analysts. But betting against Apple hasn't been a good strategy. One thing is certain, there's never been a better "time" to start shopping for smart watches.

The claim was pretty outlandish: "The Best Tablet Stand in the world." Well, I had to try it. And for the most part, that claim was pretty much on target. One exception is the name, "Plinth," which doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. And the fact that it ships from the U.K. making it a little harder to get. But that could be remedied ifPlinth ($32) gets a U.S. distributor or retail outlet.

What I like about the Plinth makes up a long list. The Plinth folds to a compact size and is lightweight, yet able to accommodate just about any tablet, Android or iPad, in a case or naked. The Plinth unfolds and contorts to a wide variety of angles and positions, so take some time to study the mechanism. The stand comes with instructions, because it isn't obvious how to unfold and use it, but once you've done it a few times, you could do it blindfolded.

Several color choices are available as well, and they can even create the Plinth in corporate colors with custom logos. I can see the Plinth being part of my gadget bag, especially when I am at a trade show and need to display my iPad to attendees. It will also be useful for watching videos on plane trips! Order soon if you want to stuff this in someone's stocking!

From editing to organizing, there’s certainly a lot that your Photos app has to offer, but did you know that you can also showcase your favorite pictures in a slideshow, right from your iPhone or Apple TV? 

Here’s the rundown on what you’ll need to do:

First, you’ll need to launch the Photos app. Then, you’ll need to select the album that you would like to use in your slideshow, tapping on whatever picture you want your slideshow to begin on.

Once you've selected your image, tap on the Share button at the bottom left and then select Slideshow.

From there, you’ll need to confirm what device you want your slideshow to play on, as well as select the transition and music you want playing (if you want it). If you have Apple compatible device nearby, all of those will show up as options. 

Once you’ve done that, tap Start Slideshow and enjoy!

Top image credit:  Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com

People always ask me what to get the person who has everything. My response? Something to keep it in. Or in the case of an iPhone, iPad or MacBook, something to dock it in. My favorite docks come from HengeDocks. I've used their MacBook docks for years as they make it easy to reconnect keyboard, monitors, and other peripherals on demand. You have to make sure you get the right model for your particular MacBook, but it is one of the first things I look for when I get a new MacBook!

More recently, HengeDock created the Gravitas, an extremely hefty dock for iOS devices. Thanks to its heft, it stays put when you extract an iPad or iPhone, even with one hand. There are different inserts for a variety of iOS devices, even with cases, though I've been able to use it without any insert at all. The Gravitas also has an audio-out jack for connecting to external speakers. The Gravitas is my favorite dock and I might pick up a second one, to be able to keep my iPad mini and iPhone connected at the same time!

NEXT: Chargers

You should always protect your screen from scratches, impact and glare. I know it's important to me and I'm sure it's a big deal for the rest of you iPhone Lifers too. If my screen took a hit and I couldn't use my phone, my life would literally crumble around me. I take protecting it very seriously. BodyGuardz sent me two of their latest protectors: the ScreenGuardz HD Impact Anti-glare/anti-finger print screen protector for iPhone 6 5.5"($29.95) and the ScreenGuardz HD Impact protector for iPhone 6 4.7"($29.95) to test out and tell you about. I have to say, I'm impressed!

More than just scratch protection!

These two screen guards provide great multi layer shock protection in addition to shielding from scratches. They are also crystal clear and resist fingerprints and schmutz from gunking up your display. They're ideal for a high-definition LCD screen. I really like the anti-glare and anti-fingerprint feature. It really does keep the screen clear and easy to read in any situation.

Easy application and removal

Applying this kind of thing is never for the shaky of hand. You have to be very careful not to get your fingerprints on the optical grade silicone adhesive side of the screen guard and you have to position it just right. The film on the sticky side makes it easy to slip right onto the phone smoothly without making a mess of things. When I put mine on, there was a small bubble of air left behind that went away after a day.

I applied the 4.7" size crystal clear protector to my wife's phone without incident. If you take your time and pay attention to the instructions, you won't have a problem applying the protector. They are both a perfect fit on the different sized phones.

Although I have not tried to remove the screen protectors, the BodyGuardz website assures us that removal will be residue-free.

I give both the ScreenGuardz HD Impact Anti-glare/anti-finger print screen protector for iPhone 6 5.5"and the ScreenGuardz HD Impact protector for iPhone 6 4.7"a 5 out of a possible 5 stars.

They work great, fit perfectly, and do their job well.

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 December 29! We are raffling off tons of great accessories for FREE.

Here's how it works: Every other Friday we 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 week's featured items are:

1. Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor: Retail Price $79.99

The Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor is powered by the PerformTek Precision Biometrics. It's a patent-protected sensor technology which continuously measures real-time biometric data with a high degree of accuracy and consistency, and uses this data to give people meaningful fitness assessments.

2. Trident Kraken AMS iPhone 5/5s Case: Retail Price $49.95

Kraken A.M.S. Series cases are the absolute strongest, most durable cases Trident makes. Kraken A.M.S. features a three-in-one case, transforming a heavy-duty Kraken A.M.S. case into a light-weight Perseus case. This feature allows you to choose your level of protection: Kraken A.M.S., standalone Perseus, or Perseus with Kraken front. The detachable aluminum media stand provides the option to attach a variety of interchangeable accessories.

3. NiteIze ScreenSkate Screen Cleaner: Retail Price $6.99

The ScreenSkate is so convenient and fun to use, before you know it, you'll have the cleanest smartphone, tablet, and computer screens on the block. 

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 December 29!

Other manufacturers must find it difficult competing with Apple, a fact that's clearly in evidence in a new survey showing that Apple is the top brand in wearables — even though the Apple Watch isn't out yet. The survey, by Ipsos, asked the over 2,000 respondents which brands they would consider purchasing in the wearables category. Apple led the way, with 62%, followed by Google (44%), which has Google Glass, and Samsung (43%), which has the Galaxy Gear watch. According to Ipsos, this is because the dominant consideration when consumers purchase a wearable is integration across devices, and Apple has long led the way in this regard. Consumers want to be able to easily integrate their wearable device with their smartphone, computer, and tablet. Other important factors are brand confidence and reliability. The survey found that 70% will only choose a brand they trust.

The survey also shows that consumers are still only vaguely aware of the benefits of a smart watch. Of those who own a wearable, 68% said they have benefited from it, but only 21% of non-owners understand how they would benefit from it. This is where Apple will likely make a difference. Just as the market for smartphones had been limited to early adopters before the 2007 release of the iPhone, which then dramatically increased interest, so too it seems likely that the Apple Watch will help educate consumers about the benefits.

Meanwhile, more information about the forthcoming Apple Watch continues to surface, thanks in part to the release of WatchKit to developers. In this earlier post I gave additional details about features of the Apple Watch that Apple hadn't yet announced. Now CultOfMac gives details on what the Apple Watch won't be able to do.

The first detail we already knew: that virtually every feature depends on the watch working in conjunction with an iPhone. Related to that, CultOfMac says the watch won't be able to wake up or open the companion app on the iPhone. In addition, the digital crown isn't available to developers. It will only be used to zoom and scroll Apple apps, as well as to return to the home screen.

The new force-touch feature, which recognizes how hard you're pressing on the display, has only one purpose: to reveal contextual menus. Developers don't have access to it for anything else. In addition, the "Taptic Engine," which goes beyond traditional haptic feedback by giving different types of vibrations depending on the situation, is only available in Apple's apps. The heart rate monitor isn't accessible to developers, nor is the NFC (near field communication) chip. The microphone will only be able to be used by developers for dictating text. 

Developers aren't able to include custom alert sounds. And while one will be able to use Apple Watch to remotely control the iPhone's Camera app, this feature isn't available to other apps. Developers also won't be able to offer custom watch faces or in-app purchases.

Some of this makes sense. For example, controlling how the force touch feature and digital crown are used will help create the uniformity of function that Apple is famous for. And some is temporary. For example, Apple has already said that native apps for the Apple Watch, that is, the ability of apps to function independently of an iPhone, will be coming later in 2015. And I think it's quite likely that other features will eventually be available to developers such as the Taptic Engine, heart rate monitor, and NFC chip.

Vote now in the iPhone Life iPhone Photography Contest! The voting deadline is Monday, January 5. Click HERE to choose your favorite images. The top 9 photos will be featured in an upcoming issue of iPhone Life magazine.

Don't worry if you can't choose just one favorite photo; you can vote for as many photos as you like. You can only vote once per day for each image though, so make sure you vote every day from now until the contest closes at 11:59 p.m. on January 5!

Here are some samples of the beautiful photos being submitted by Karen Speicher (top) and Jon Alex (bottom)

 (click HERE to see all the entries):

As new iOS apps flood the App Store every day — recently topping 1,200,000 — 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. Day One($.99 from $4.99)

Available at 80 percent off the original price, this app allows you to record life as you live it. Whether it's a major event or just an ordinary moment, you can capture it in photos and words to create a micro-journal of your life in a few easy steps. The interface is sinple and clean and makes it easy to create something worth keeping.

2. miCal  ($1.99)

miCal is an award winning best seller in several countries. With a quick overview and intuitive controls, miCal understands you and provides a complete, well-organized day, week and month display. It has tasks and reminders, a birthday manager and even tells you what the weather will be.

3.Launch Center Pro($.99 from $4.99)

Save 80 percent through December 26 with this great app that can launch actions, not just apps. It's kind of like having the tasks you do every day on speed dial by launching complex things with a single tap. Send messages, search for nearby restaurants, go right from the camera into Instagram and even control your Nest thromostat. The list goes on and on, so we'll leave you to go check it out for yourself.

I have a lot of apps on my iPad Air, and I can't always remember what folder I've put them in. Also, sometimes I do remember where the app is located, but it means swiping through a bunch of screens to get to the app. I'm finding that there's a much faster way to launch apps: simply ask Siri. Not only can you use Siri to launch apps, Siri can also help you find and download apps of interest.

To have Siri launch an app, simply say "Launch [app name]," such as "Launch Music." Or you can say "Open Music." If it's a game you're interested in, you can say "Play Angry Birds."

You can also use Siri to find apps of interest. If you know what app you want, you can say, "Get [app name]," such as "Get Instagram." Siri will reply with "OK, searching for 'Instragram' on the App Store." You can also say, "Download Instagram" or "Find Instagram in the App Store."

In addition, if you're interested in a category of apps but don't yet know a specfic app name, you can ask Siri to do a search in the App Store. For example, I'm a tennis enthusiast, so I asked Siri, "Search the App Store for tennis apps." 

I got mostly games as a result of the search.

So I asked, "Search the App Store for tennis instruction apps," and got a small selection of tutorials, a few of which were fairly expensive. So I asked, "Search the App Store for FREE tennis instruction apps," and came up with several apps that looked like they may be useful.

Top image credit: Radu Bercan / Shutterstock.com

We love our iPhones, and use them so much that we often run out of power. What to do? Carry a spare battery pack. These are some of my favorites. TYLT makes some attractive accessories and one that deserves a spot in your gadget bag is the TYLT Energi Travel Charger. It replaces the USB wall charger that comes with your iPad or iPhone, but what sets it apart is it includes a battery. You need to carry a wall charger anyway, so why not carry one that incudes a battery. You can double the life of your iPhone battery while on the go.

If you need to charge multiple devices and don't have a lot of time to charge your spare battery pack, the UNU Ultrapak is great. Not only can it charge two devices at once, including power-hungry iPads, the UNUUltrapak recharges itself in about 15 minutes!  This is possibly because the UNU uses its own special wall outlet instead of charging via USB. The Ultrapak also has a built-in display that tells you the percentage of charge left in the battery.

I will be bringing both of these chargers to CES where it's not always easy to be tethered to a wall outlet. This way I'll have no excuse not to get my blog posts submitted in a timely manner!

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