Lory Gil

Writer of all things app related, traveler of the space-time continuum, baker of really great cookies. Follow me @appaholik

SoundShare review: a social network for music lovers

Lory Gil ∙ October 5, 2015

As of October 1, I am officially a paid subscriber to Apple Music. It is the first time in years that I've paid for streaming music. Because I like Apple Music so much, it makes it a little difficult to test music streaming apps without comparing them to what I think is the best version out there.

With SoundShare, you aren't streaming music as much as you are building friendships based on musical interests. Similar to a Twitter or Facebook feed, you can let others know what you are into. Today, we go hands-on with an app review of SoundShare.

This rugged iPhone 6s case is more useful than it looks

Lory Gil ∙ October 5, 2015

There are dozens of rugged cases on the market with a vast array of features and options. However, we recently came across one that has a few unique additions that will make you the life of the party.

ZVE makes a rugged case for the iPhone 6s that has a bottle opener and cigarette lighter built into the backside. Yes, a cigarette lighter! What we wonder is, how do you get the lighter fluid inside without dribbling it all over the iPhone?

Apps of the week: Shooty Skies, Hooks, Mori, and more

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Thanks to the recent updates to both iOS and OS X, there have been plenty of new features for us to learn about. Plus, now that the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are in our hands, there is no reason to do anything else but play with your iPhone. If you are looking for some apps and games to add to your device, check out our list below. You may just find something you never knew you have always wanted.

Apple Faces: a website for Apple Watch wallpapers

Lory Gil ∙ October 2, 2015

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of websites and apps dedicated to providing a variety of background wallpaper designs for the iPhone and iPad. Now that watchOS 2 allows us to use our own images as custom watch faces, the Apple Watch wallpaper market is sure to take off.

We found a Tumblr blog that already has nearly four-dozen specially designed wallpapers that you can use to make your Apple Watch as stylish as you want.

The SuperCase iPhone 6s armband makes your runs a bit safer

Lory Gil ∙ October 2, 2015

Now that the days are getting shorter, your morning run (or evening jog) might take place while the streetlights are still on. You could carry a flashlight, or wear a headlamp, or you could let your iPhone keep you safe.

The SuperCase armband holds your iPhone 6s securely on you arm while providing a bit of nighttime protection in the form of a reflective strip to make drivers aware of your position.

Spyder PowerShadow case gives your iPhone 6 a boost of energy

Lory Gil ∙ September 30, 2015

There is nothing worse than spending the day out with the family, only to realize as the evening approaches that your iPhone 6s is running out of juice. You could risk getting a time-lapse of the sunset, but that might mean you won't be able to get directions back to the hotel. What will you do?

With Spyder's PowerShadow case, you won't have to choose one or the other. The ultra slim case gives you 120 percent of your iPhone 6s' battery life back while protecting from drops.

Mass Fidelity Relay review: stream music from your iPhone to your analog speakers

Lory Gil ∙ September 29, 2015

The one thing I detest about streaming music from my iPhone is the subpar audio playback. I come from the record player generation, when people listened to music on vinyl, of which I still have many hundreds. Digital music just sounds flat when played through most portable speakers.

The best way to fix the problem with tinny, flat audio is to invest thousands of dollars in speakers that will play your music the way it is meant to be heard. However, many of us already have a kickass stereo system and aren't looking to buy a new one.

That's where Mass Fidelity's Relay comes in. It is a Bluetooth connected digital-analog converter (DAC) that connects to your existing speaker system for transmitting digital music to an analog stereo. That means, even if your stereo is 40 years old, as long as you can connect traditional RCA cables to it, you can stream music from your iPhone. We've got a hands-on review of the Relay for you today.

Lifeline 2 review: 3 Minute Games gets magical

Lory Gil ∙ Updated October 9, 2015

When Apple Watch first launched, 3 Minute Games made a huge impression with its choose-your-own-adventure game, Lifeline, designed for the wrist worn device. It is a simple text-based game where players help a character on the other end survive. It was a huge hit with Apple Watch owners.

Lifeline 2 is out now and it is definitely a proper follow up to the first game. It has all the same charm as its predecessor, but has an entirely new story and includes some new features to make players happy. We've got a full game review of Lifeline 2 for your reading enjoyment.

CM4 Q Card Case for iPhone 6s doubles as a wallet

Lory Gil ∙ September 28, 2015

I hate carrying a bunch of stuff around with me wherever I go. I try to pair down to the minimum, which means a couple of cards, some cash, my iPhone, and maybe some Chapstick (oh, and candy… always gotta have candy). To me, a wallet is a bulky, unnecessary addition that I don't want to deal with.

CM4's Q Card Case for iPhone 6s is perfect for holding your cards and cash so you don't need a wallet. It's ultra thin (as wallet cases go), so you're still ahead when it comes to stuffing your pockets. Now you can have more room for candy.

GIFO, Solar Walk 2, AmpMe and more apps to check out this weekend

Lory Gil ∙ Updated October 16, 2018

There is no shortage of new and exciting content for Apple devices. An update to iOS 9 for the newest handset already came out, and a beta release popped up for the rest of us. There are dozens of great new titles in the App Store and updates that add all kinds of fun feature to the Apple Watch. If you are looking for new content for your iPhone, look no further than our list of apps and games for this weekend.

Just Press Record lets you record audio from Apple Watch

Lory Gil ∙ September 25, 2015

Have you ever wondered why, even though Apple Watch has a microphone and speaker, that there is no Memo app for watchOS? Me too. I use the Memo app regularly and, even if it were just controls to trigger the app on my iPhone, I'd be grateful for Apple Watch support.

Luckily, a clever dev team realized there was a hole to fill and created Just Press Record. It is a simple recording app for Apple Watch that allows you to capture audio, right from your wrist-worn device.

The development team at Open Planet Software told us that, coming in an update very soon, Just Press Record will support Glances and watch Complications.

Zagg Folio backlit keyboard case will turn your iPad Air 2 into a laptop

Lory Gil ∙ September 25, 2015

Apple may have finally designed a keyboard case, but it currently only fits the iPad Pro. Don't worry. There are plenty of stylish keyboard cases that will make your iPad Air 2 work for you.

Zagg's Folio case has a backlit keyboard and a durable cover to secure your device. Thanks to its hinge design, you can position our iPad Air 2 in a variety of viewing positions.