Dave Mark, writing for The Loop, on the removal of Apple’s online iCloud Activation Lock tool:

[Here’s] a video that shows how to unlock an iPad by cloning the iPad drive and changing the serial number to a valid unlocked serial number, one checked/validated using the Apple activation lock tool (about 5:28 into the video).

My guess is it’ll get replaced with a more secure system, though I’m not sure how such a system could be made available to the general public the way the iCloud tool was without suffering from the same abuse.

In the meantime, if you’re in the process of buying an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, make sure you verify they’ve removed Activation Lock in person before completing your transaction or stick to buying from a reputable service with a return policy in case of errors.

How to sell and buy an iPhone
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How do you add storage to your MacBook Pro without adding extra bulk or having to carry around an extra drive? With a tiny USB-C keychain, that’s how!

If you’re looking to transfer files or add a lil’ extra bit of storage to your MacBook Pro, then investing in a USB-C storage device can be ”key” (Ha!). Having a USB-C drive that doubles as a keychain not only eliminates the possibility of your stuff getting lost, but it also means you always have it when you truly need it.

Here are some of the best, teeny-tiniest USB-C keychains!

Lexar JumpDrive
Taipove Original Mini USB Flash Drive
SanDisk Type-C Flash Drive Ready
Silicon Power Swivel Dual Flash Drive
Kingston Digital Traveler Micro Duo

Lexar JumpDrive

Small, reliable, and a great keychain/MacBook accessory, the Lexar JumpDrive is a 2-in-1 tool that you’ll be happy to have!

Designed to be easy to use on the go, this mighty USB-C can easily move your files of up to 150MB/s, meaning you can effortlessly transfer a 3GB HD video…

Which is better for gaming in the living room, Nintendo Switch or Apple TV? Here’s how to decide!

Apple has been rolling out software updates for the new Apple TV that are quickly turning it into a console-caliber experience. Meanwhile, Nintendo has just announced the new Switch. It is part living room console gaming device and part mobile gamepad. Both devices have plenty of content and a wealth of late night gaming potential, but which one is right for you and your family?

See Apple TV at Apple

See Switch at Amazon

Models and pricing

Apple TV starts at $149 for the 32 GB model and goes up to $199 for the 64 GB model. You’ll also need an HDMI cable for connecting Apple TV to your television set, which you can get from Apple for $19 (though you could probably find it cheaper elsewhere). To get the full gaming experience, you’ll absolutely need a MFi Bluetooth controller. My personal favorite is the SteelSeries Nimbus.

Apple TV review

Nintendo Switch costs $299. It has a pul…

What is One Night on iPhone 7 (and why is it so cool)?

On the evening of November 5th, 2016, dozens of photographers put away their DSLR cameras and pulled out their iPhone 7s.

The photographers — who hailed from all corners of the world — were encouraged to explore ”from Arctic ice caves and Indonesian volcanoes to the clubs of Johannesburg and rooftops of Shanghai” to capture low-light photos and videos using their iPhone 7s.

And (surprise, surprise) the results were breathtaking.

Where can we see the photos?

You can view a few online on Apple’s website, but the company is also displaying them in person ”in 25 countries beginning [January 30]”.

Okay, so what does that mean?

It’s currently unclear whether Apple will be unveiling the final products on billboards or buildings or what have you; we’ll just have to wait and see!

What did photographers take photos of, and where?

Some of the photographers tackled extreme climates in search of the perfect sh…

Charming, eerie, and meaningful — these indie games shine on your Mac.

When it comes to personal computers, the Mac has never been known as a gaming heavyweight: Apple doesn’t focus on building machines that have the hard-core processing and graphics power you might find in, say, a Razor PC laptop.

That said, there are still a number of excellent games available to play on your Mac — especially of the indie variety. Two-person development teams and small studios shine on Apple’s laptops and desktops, building stories with smart twists and heart-wrenching endings.

There have been many great indie titles for Mac over the years, especially with the advent of the Steam Store, but here are our all-time favorites.

Braid

I’m not generally the type to get overly invested in a game — I’m more of a book and movie person. But when I picked up Braid in 2009 after an off-hand recommendation from a friend, I found myself completely captivated by its mechanic…

What are the best television sets for your Apple TV? Here are our future-proof favorites!

Apple TV will connect to any HDTV with an HDMI port. But that doesn’t mean any old television will do. If you want the best picture and sound at the best possible price, with some future-proofing thrown in, and there are only a few flat panels that will do!

Over 50 inches

Vizio P65-C1
LG E6 OLED TV
Under 50 inches

Samsung KS8000
Sony X800D
Over 50 inches

Vizio P65-C1

Vizio’s 65-inch P65-C1 has got full 4K resolution, HDR10, and Dolby Vision wide gamut, which means it’s not just high-density — it’s deep color. That means you’ll be all set for next-generation video.

The Wirecutter rated the P65-C1 has their best TV for most people.

”The Vizio P65-C1 offers the best overall picture among LCDs, with great contrast ratios, superb local dimming, wide color gamut, and high dynamic range support, plus Google Cast integration.”

It’s not a SmartTV but the controller is a fully-…

How do you get your iPad working again when it’s just not starting, stopping, connecting, or otherwise working? Here’s how to troubleshoot all your issues!

iPad is an amazing computer that manages to be powerful, portable, and accessible all at the same time. If it’s working. If it’s giving you problems — if it’s sluggish or stuck, won’t power off or power back on, if the battery is draining fast or not charging properly, if you can’t connect to Bluetooth, HomeKit, or AirDrop — then it can be frustrating. Your first instinct might be to call Apple Support or visit the Genius Bar, but that all takes time. If you just want to get everything working again, here are some things you can try on your own, and try right now!

How do you restart, reboot, and recover your iPad?

Reboot Windows! is a running joke in the technology world, but restarting your devices works. It kicks any stray bits back into place and can fix a lot of problems. Powering down and powering back up is a …

Spigen’s Kuel AP12T Car Mount is one damn good car mount!

Whether you’re using a car mount as a way to have easy access to your phone, or as a dash cam for peace of mind in case trouble arises on the road, look no further than Spigen’s Kuel AP12T Car Mount.

Place it where it’s convenient for you

Not everyone likes their car mount in the same spot. Heck, I find myself adjusting the positioning or my car mount depending on how far I’m driving.

”I never had and trouble finding a comfortable position for it to rest.”

After testing the Kuel AP12T in two different sized cars, one a large, roomy family sized sedan, and the other a small, compact economy car, I never had and trouble finding a comfortable position for it to rest.

The two pivot points (the one near the base and the one near the head) made it easy to adjust it’s position to fit into the compact economy car, while the extendable arm made sure my phone was within reach in the large sedan.

It works almost anywhere

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