iPhone 3D printed my own Magsafe duo

3D printed my own Magsafe duo
9 of Top 10 U.S. Smartphone Activations on Christmas Day 2020 Were iPhones
The size difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max box and the good ol’ iPhone 3GS box. Interesting how the thickness has changed so much over the years.
Why I finally switched from Android to iPhone after 10 years
I bought 22 iPhone 12 cases
iPhone workers: forced labor or detention centers, says report
If Apple truly does remove any form of a charging/data port on their phones how would we go about connecting it to our computers to back them up?
Los Angeles Residents Able to Add COVID Vaccination Proof to Apple Wallet
AT&T has AirPods Max in-stock, available now
Happy New Year! PromoCodes for Firework stickers - in comments
Is it true that a higher storage iPhone 12 is faster than a lower one?

3D printed my own Magsafe duo

Posted: 29 Dec 2020 08:06 AM PST

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9 of Top 10 U.S. Smartphone Activations on Christmas Day 2020 Were iPhones

Posted: 29 Dec 2020 07:11 AM PST

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The size difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max box and the good ol’ iPhone 3GS box. Interesting how the thickness has changed so much over the years.

Posted: 28 Dec 2020 11:26 AM PST

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Why I finally switched from Android to iPhone after 10 years

Posted: 29 Dec 2020 03:04 AM PST

Sorry for the long post. Can't add TL;DR because I cant summarize it.

First of all, I'm a big Google fan and still am. I have been using Android since the Nexus One days in 2010 and have only been using Nexus/Google play edition/Pixel phones. IMO, Pixel is the only true Android phone, everything else is just junk. So, you can see although Android is diverse, I have only one option. It's either Pixel or iPhone. Though I'd switch to iOS I'd still use some of Google's services because they are the best. iPhone with google services is a better combo. Here are the main reasons that drove me towards the iPhone.

Efficiency

It is a known fact that iOS runs much more efficient than Android. Android OEMs usually compensate this by just adding huge batteries(30% larger). Still, they have the same or worse battery life. It comes down to how the OSes are designed from the beginning. iOS more closed and Android more open. However in recent times both seem to converge. iOS has always been strict with background processes which Android also seems to be doing off late. But Irony is Google's own system Apps are the biggest abusers. Ever seen Gboard in your battery usage charts? It always has a background process(can be seen in Developer options->Background processes). When you install an alternative keyboard it shows up in the battery chart with high background usage! (I don't understand why some system Google apps dont show at all).

Battery life on Android is not consistent to say the least. There may be some Android phones which have better battery life than iPhones but I'm pretty sure there'd be one day when the battery just dies on you even though you didn't change anything(more about this in the next section). I'd prefer a consistent battery life to a better battery life but inconsistent.

Google play services

This is the backbone of Android OS so much so that even though Android is open source, basically every major app is broken without these services. So, even if you install some ROM you would basically have to get these services for apps to run.

As I mentioned above, on one fine day, your phone would die in a day and the Google play services shows up in battery usage, but there is nothing much you can tell what was the actual source of the drain. I would like to have detailed information about which of the services was causing it which app was responsible for it.

Also, if you search 'Google Play Services' on the play store, you can't get to the listing. Only way afaik is to go to App Info->Google Play Services->App details. And one cannot disable updates for it! It can update whenever it wants.

Atleast, battery life has been very consistent with my iPad Pro. Yes, there would be some system update which has some bug and causes battery drain but it will be fixed in the following update. At least I don't have any surprising days.

Google vs Apple

Apple is basically a Hardware company. That's where their major revenue comes from. Google on the other hand made 130B$ (81% of total revenue) from ad business alone. So, the purpose why the OSes were created is very clear. That's why Android is designed to be open to accommodate faster adoption and it worked. Android devices upload 40 times more times more data when idle compared to iPhones. No matter how much I try to opt out of ad personalization and activity tracking, the battery usage doesn't get better during idle.

Personally, I don't mind sharing my data to avail some free services. Infact, some of Google's services are the best and there aren't even any paid alternatives that come close. I also dont mind seeing a personalized ad rather than some irrelevant ad for adult diapers. But why is it necessary to collect the data when the phone is just sitting there idle. I already share my Mail, Photos data, Maps data, Chrome history etc. Why doesn't Google just collect whatever is necessary and upload it when connected to a charger?! I don't mind that. Basically, I want Android phones to be more reliable and consistent in terms of battery life.

iOS off late is awesome

I have been using Android since 2010 from the Nexus One days. I hated iOS since the beginning. I had an iPod touch. I always felt iOS is more suitable for kids and elderly and to get any kind of productive work out of it is not possible. I also have an iPad pro since a couple of years which I was just using like a chrome book. Even till the recent times, you had to open the calendar app to see your daily agenda. On Android, you can add a widget to the home screen. Thanks to iOS finally adopting widgets. Also App drawer or the lack of it, having gazillion apps sitting on your home screen with all that clutter! I wonder how people lived with iOS all through. Thanks to recent changes in iOS 14 like widgets, app library, default apps, SHORTCUTS.

Shortcuts

Wow, when Apple introduced it in iOS 12? I was excited because I knew having system level automation would make iOS very powerful. I'd have expected something like this on Android first. But even after two years, there is no sign of any equivalent on Android. Yes, I know Tasker, I'm a big fan and have a lot of profiles. If there is something that I don't like I can just get it to work with Tasker. The problem with Tasker is its lack of ability to easily interface with other apps and it doesn't have system level integration. Tasker is basically one main reason why I stick to Android. When I thought of giving iOS a try, I went through my Tasker profiles to see if I can implement them using shortcuts. To my surprise, most of the profiles were to optimize battery life like turning off location, BT, WiFi, enabling battery saver etc. Like I said, battery life would be terrible some day and I'd be spending that day with Tasker to find the culprit or find a way to limit usage somehow but all efforts were vain because if some system level apps are to be blamed, you can't do much. Some other profiles I could replicate using Shortcuts like showing day's agenda and so on. I hope Apple opens Shortcuts for 3rd party developers to integrate their apps deeper and makes it much more powerful.

Why spend >700$ on an Android?

I don't understand why people spend premium(>700$) on an Android! When Android devices are just uploading 40 times more data, it is your resources that are being used to send your data to Google/OEMs for its advantages. The CPU, Cellular, WiFi Antennas are just used 40x more. The hardware just degrades much faster. That's why Android devices degrade faster. Shouldn't Google subsidize all Android phones? because they are working for them. IMO, Android is very good if you are spending 400$(Pixel 4a for e,g) but only till Apple introduces a competitive phone in this price range (iPhone SE is not bad but it is just outdated). And it is out of my mental ability to understand why people spend 1400$ on Samsung's ~~crap~~ not so good phones.

Google's Priorities

There is an Android version of Shortcuts called Rules and also Assistant shortcuts. Chances you have never heard of it. They are let's just say, very basic. Even though Assistant shortcuts was introduced almost a year ago, there's been absolutely ZERO progress ever since. No third party has implemented anything yet. Also, have you noticed how rapidly Gboard and Photos were developed in the recent past. They kept on adding features on every update. Because they are helpful in harvesting more data about users. The features which actually add value to users but have no value to Google's business model get very less attention. That's why I don't see Android ever getting Shortcuts' equivalent. The past few Android releases have added nothing significant. There is immense progress in solving the Android fragmentation issue. The amount of system level and architectural changes they made at such advanced stages of OS is commendable. But they are just trying to solve an unsolvable problem(it is a side effect of opensource OS). There aren't any significant user facing changes where as iOS is just getting better and better.

I will be using my iPhone 11 Pro for next few weeks and I will write another post about what I find good/bad. As I'm already used to iPadOS, I know what to expect and what I should compromise. Hopefully, there won't be any nasty surprises. Of course, if Android gets better over time, I'd happily go back and give it a try but till then...

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I bought 22 iPhone 12 cases

Posted: 29 Dec 2020 03:37 AM PST

Photo Library Here

I should start off by stating that I'm just an average Joe who went a little overboard with case purchases in the past couple of months. Not a professional Youtuber/reviewer, and definitely not sponsored.

I also bet that there are some of you out there who have gone down this rabbit hole much deeper than me. Fess up folks.

Nontheless, I wanted to share some of my thoughts here, hopefully it helps some of you with your purchase decisions as well.

Background:

This is my first iPhone, after a 5 year hiatus over on Android (Samsung S6, S8, Essential, Pixel 3, and a few others). They were all great, but still regard the iPhone 4S to be the best overall designed phone... ever, and a close second being a toss up between the Pixel 3, and the Essential PH-1.

So when apple finally decided to go back to the flat, boxy designs of its glory days, I felt it was finally time to return back to the walled garden. The boxy, sharp edge design meant 2 main things: Glass Screen Protectors without compromises, and Grip-ability.

But beyond the design, coming over from a Google Pixel back to apple also opened up a whole world of case choices. If you've ever been on the other side, you will know what I mean exactly. Finding a thin, well made case for any of the non primary brands was a real difficult task, especially if you are not based in the US.

Nontheless. Lets begin...

Case Categories

There are 4 broad categories of cases that I purchased, and the review will follow these groupings:

1) Leather Cases

2) Silicone/Polyurethane/Plastic Cases

3) Thin Skin Cases

4) Bumper Cases

1) Leather Cases

These are typically expensive cases, and i splurged on both the Apple Saddle Brown Case, Nomad's Rugged Case, and some more affordable alternatives from ESR.

Apple Leather Case - These are a great leather choice... if your priority is not leather quality. This was one of the first cases that I purchased because I longed for the same feel in hand as the older iPhone 4S and 5 Leather cases, especially the Project Red editions. Apple's leather series seemed to be pretty well known for its patina-bility, as can be seen from the various threads here, and the dedicated thread over at MacRumors. However, this year's leather type, and quality, seems to be a little different from from its past forms. It doesnt seem to patina well over time, but instead darkens easier with frequent wear.

With that said, apple gets it right on the following fronts: Slim profile, button tactility, and well... magsafe. The leather is still great dont get me wrong, but when compared to other cases in general, and especially leather cases, there is non that matches apple's button feel, given that it's also made of metal, and the overall slimness of the case.

I wouldnt, however, recommend this case if the main reason for purchase is for a durable, and well aging leather. Apple's leather case falls short on this front.

Nomad Rugged Leather Case - If leather is top priority, I fall back to Nomad's Leather case series. They make overall great leather cases, and I own the same for my Pixel 3, and Airpods as well. They've aged well, and dings and marks only adds more character over time. Their materials have been altered in their latest rendition, where the case overall feels lighter, but less "rugged". They can also take a beating, as promised by their 10 ft drop claim. Inside the case is lined with some soft silicone material along the edges, which makes the protection claims believable. It also keeps some of the flat edge design of the iPhone 12 intact, while rounding off the corners at the back and front of the case.

With that said, the button feel and profile of the case leaves much to be desired. The buttons feel... empty, and mushy, and just overall isnt great feeling. It is also one of the bulkiest case of my list of 22 case choices, no doubt this is by design.

Even after a month, the leather smells great, and a nice patina is gradually developing, as the leather darkens overall.

ESR Leather Cases - These are the cheaper alternatives if a leather case is a must. They look great, from afar, especially the white and rose gold one. These cases feature a few nice touches - metal buttons which add to the tactility of the case when put on, and a slim profile. The inside of the case is lined with soft cloth material. I wouldn't call it microfiber, and the buttons seem to be lined with cardboard material.

There are minor differences between colors though. While the claim is that these are made of genuine leather, the white leather feels a little more supple than the black, and they both feel really thin, almost paperlike. The pebbling of the leather also feels artificial. They are a far cry away from apple and nomad's cases, so dont expect too much from ESR on this front. The case is also a VERY tight fit on the device. No issues getting to the mute button, but putting them on and taking them off often leaves stretch marks on my phone skin, and requires you to really push in order for the case to come off.

2) Silicone/Polyurethane/Plastic Cases

Where do I start...

Ringke Fusion (Matte) - This is a great case especially if you like the back of your phone to be visible. Ringke seems to have a few common design attributes across their iPhone 12 case line. The raised lips on all 4 corners of front of the case, and the lip around the camera bump all ensures that your phone is well protected in case of drops. I distinctly remember being pleasantly surprised when i first held the case in my hands, i though my search has come to an end, this was the End Game (obviously not the case).

The back of the case is made of matte plastic, which keeps away fingerprints, and gives a nice blur look to the phone. It is smooth and soft to the touch. The bottom cut outs arent precise, and are large enough for generally most type of charging cables, and comes with a landyard holes as well, if you so choose to go down that path.

The buttons maintain good tactility, is close to apple's leather button feels, but is unmistakably plastic.

Baseus Matte Case - These are very similar to Ringke Fusion, with a few exceptions. They do not have the raised corners on the front, and the camera bump on the back. The buttons are a lot more mushy than ringke's version.

With that said, they come in 3 nice colors - Clear, Smoke Black, and Blue (for those blue phone fans). The back of the case is also "claimed" to be made of glass, as opposed to the plastic back on Ringke. This difference is especially clear when taking the case off the phone, where Baseus's cases flexes much less, and cant be peeled off like Ringke's Matte Case. The matte glass back matches apple's frosted back feel in hand much closer than the frosted plastic from Ringke. Unlike Ringke though, Baseus precision milled the cutouts to match the phone, which is a nice touch

No Brand Frosted Cases - A dime a dozen from your choice of online retailer (Lazada, Aliexpress, Shoppee, Amazon, etc). They look, and feel, more bulky than other cases, with bright orange buttons. They are more "soft touch" feeling rather than matte/frosted feel, but otherwise provides equal amounts of protection to the phone. I wish these cases came without a back, as their TPU outer layer makes for a great bumper case, and the buttons are exchangeable, similar concept to Rhinoshield's bumper cases.

Ringke Onyx - I use these cases the most out of all the cases I have, mainly because they get all the basics right. Its made of flexible material that is easy to put on and off, with plastic buttons that feel right up there with apple's buttons. The outer material is really grippy and has all the drop protection features you would expect from any Ringke case (raised corners, camera protection, and 4 stoppers on the back. The design is simple, minimalistic, no nonsense, and they are really quite affordable. For an everyday beater, you cant go wrong with this case.

SmartDevil Silicone Series - These are great alternatives to apple's silicone cases. Their cases do not have any branding on the outside, and is made of good quality silicone. The colors arent Neon Like... and look great from all angles. The only ding on these cases are the visible seams on the middle of the frame, and the soft mushy buttons. Given the affordable price these go for, thats to be expected. I got them in white, yellow and red, and white seems to be my overall favourite. The cutouts are also precision milled, and lines up perfectly with the phone

Knockoff Apple Silicone Case - Please dont waste your time and money on these. I regret buying 3 of these

3) Thin Skin Cases

Baseus Thin Cases - There arent that many options if you would like absolute thinness in a case. Baseus makes the most affordable version of these cases, and both the smoke black and clear matte versions look great especially if you have teardown skin on from DBrand. The fit is exact, down to the speaker cutouts, and I personally prefer a full camera cutout with the raised lip around it, instead of the other common 'hole-ly' cutouts from other manufacturers. Given its simplicity, i didnt see the need to try other brands/manufaturers for these cases since they will pretty much feel/look the same, offering no protection whatsover besides preventing scratches. Your buttons are exposed, and will feel less raised given that they line up closely with the thin case around it.

If you absolutely hate cases, but despise apple for giving us shiny frames on the Pros, this might be a worthy compromise.

4) Bumper Cases

Generic Metal/TPU bumper case - This is such an underserved category of case, even for apple. Back during the Antennagate days, this was my absolute favourite type of case. Simple, shows off the back with a nice skin, and just enough bumper to be grippy and protect the edge of the phone when laid on a table.

Its no longer the case (pun intended) with the iPhone 12. There are barely any good options for these, besides Rhinoshield's overpriced, oversized bumpers. These ones that i found boast of good materials, while retaining all the benefits of being a bumper. The black looks much better than the silver, given that it hides all the unsightly seams around the bumper. The buttons feel great since its made of metal, and preserves the tactility of the phone, but its volume rocker is unreachable unless you have extra nails on your fingers.

There's also minor variations between the black and silver versions of the case - the silver version has raised corners on all 4 corners of the phone, whereas the black is just a solid lip all round the back of the phone. The fronts are the same.

TLDR:

If you read this far, thank you. At least I hope you enjoyed the read. If not, here's the quick summary, and my conclusions altogether:

Favourite Leather Case - Apple Leather Case. If you are scoffing, please scroll up and read why

Favourite Transparent Case - Ringke Fusion Matte Clear

Favourite Silicone Case - SmartDevil in White

Favourite Thin Case - Get any that is cheap really...

Favourite Bumper Case - Doesnt exist yet

My Everyday Case, and overall favourite - Ringke Onyx

After months of switching cases back and forth, I really want to just go back to being totally caseless. But Apple's decision to make the sides of the Pro shiny like a mirror unfortunately makes this impossible. Maybe getting the 12 non pro would have been better.

Hope everyone finds something useful to takeaway from this post!

https://i.imgur.com/K8V4LhV.jpg

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iPhone workers: forced labor or detention centers, says report

Posted: 29 Dec 2020 06:15 AM PST

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If Apple truly does remove any form of a charging/data port on their phones how would we go about connecting it to our computers to back them up?

Posted: 29 Dec 2020 06:52 AM PST

I may be speaking for the minority of users here, but since I've used an iPhone I have always connected it to my computer for backing up and updating. If Apple removes the lightning port like all of the big tech youtubers think they will - are they just expecting you to not be able to backup (the phone but also more importantly photos), restore and/or update your phone safely? Not that it happens frequently, but I'm sure everyone here at some point has had to connect their phone up to their computer for a factory restore. Will that just be impossible in this future no one is asking for? Wireless charging is cool and all, but I value protecting my expensive phone with a rugged case (that may not allow for current to pass through) far more than being able to plop my phone on a pad to have it charge. Will Apple just expect us to go to one of their stores if there is ever an issue with your phone that requires a factory restore?

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Los Angeles Residents Able to Add COVID Vaccination Proof to Apple Wallet

Posted: 29 Dec 2020 01:23 AM PST