AppleCare+ offers easier battery replacements for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and more

Owners of iOS devices that aren’t holding a charge are in luck, thanks to a change Apple has made to its support policy.

Apple has changed the terms of its AppleCare+ extended warranty to allow replacements for iPhones, iPads, iPods, and Apple Watches with batteries that hold less than 80 percent of their original capacity. That’s an upgrade from the previous plan, which only offered free replacements for devices that dropped below 50 percent of their original capacity.

The change was noticed Friday in a post by MacRumors, and appears spurred on by Apple’s expectations for its smartwatch. The company has said that it expects the Watch’s battery will take about 1,000 full charge-discharge cycles before it drops below 80 percent capacity, which means that it will last for about two-and-a-half to three years. The changed policy only applies to devices purchased after April 9, so iPhone and iPad owners who got new hardware for the December holidays are still subject to the plan’s previous 50 percent requirement.

AppleCare+ covers the iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch for two years, while purchasers of the solid gold Apple Watch Edition get three years of coverage. In addition to battery replacements, it covers other problems with the device, includes phone support, and allows users to get a lower-cost replacement of their device in the event of accidental damage.

Those people who don’t pay for AppleCare+ (which costs between $59 and $1,500, depending on the device) have to pay $79 for out-of-warranty battery replacements. The limited warranty on the hardware will cover battery defects during a device’s early life.

Changing the battery policy may make Apple’s extended warranty an easier purchase for people who want to buy one of the company’s new devices. What’s more, it may help alleviate the fears some people have about the Apple Watch’s battery life, since they will be able to get their smartwatch reloaded with a new battery if something goes wrong.

One of the coolest iPhone 6 Plus cases we’ve ever seen costs just $22.99

The hunt for the perfect phone case is never over. You might have seen the list of every iPhone 6 case we’ve ever recommended last week, but no matter how long that list gets, we’re going to continue to add to it as long as we keep discovering new cases that deserve your attention.

The case features a transparent window in order to allow you to see alerts and notifications without having to flip it open. There is also an embedded magnet running across the middle of the case that will let you swipe to answer a phone call without opening the case.

Let’s say that the flip case sounds perfect, but you have an iPhone 6 instead of an iPhone 6 Plus. Unfortunately, the $22.99 deal does not extend to the iPhone 6 model. In other words, no matter which size iPhone you have, you can pick up this fascinating windowed case for less than $30 (after shipping).

Facebook Messenger Experiment Lets You Share GIFs Easily

In a previous update to Facebook Messenger, Facebook allowed users to turn to third-party apps and services to do more activities with your friends instead of just chatting, and sending animated GIFs was one of them. However this process wasn’t always obvious but it seems that Facebook is trying something new out.

According to recent reports, it seems that Facebook is conducting an experiment with its users (and not in a bad way). There have been some Messenger users who are seeing the “GIF” option in their app (see screenshot to the right). This allows users to quickly choose from a pool of animated GIFs to which they can then send to their friends.

Prior to this, users who wanted to send animated GIFs were able to, it’s just that the process was more convoluted and involved installing apps just for that functionality. However with this new process, sending GIFs has become so much easier. However like we said, this feature has only appeared for some users, meaning that if you don’t see it, fret not.

Facebook has confirmed this feature in a statement to TechCrunch. “GIFs have seen success as a rich media format within Messenger. With this feature, we’re testing various ways to make it even easier to send great content — like GIFs — with just a few taps.” It is unclear if this will make the final cut and go out to everyone, but for those who have it, what do you guys make of it?

One Of The Most Popular Cases Of Galaxy Cases: S View Premium Cover Case For S6

One of the most popular cases in Samsung's range, the S View Galaxy S6 Case has been around for a few years now, and this latest iteration doesn't deviate from the tried and tested formula. It's made from a faux-leather material and has a transparent window which allows you to view incoming notifications and other information. Naturally, it protects the screen when it's closed, but all of the buttons and ports remain easy to access. $12.90 is a steep asking price (many retailers are selling it for more), but this is arguably one of the best cases available for the phone right now.

Share addthis ...Light Series TPU Transparent iPhone 6 Plus Case

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One of the coolest iPhone 6 Plus cases we’ve ever seen costs just $22.99

The hunt for the perfect phone case is never over. You might have seen the list of every iPhone 6 case we’ve ever recommended last week, but no matter how long that list gets, we’re going to continue to add to it as long as we keep discovering new cases that deserve your attention.

The case features a transparent window in order to allow you to see alerts and notifications without having to flip it open. There is also an embedded magnet running across the middle of the case that will let you swipe to answer a phone call without opening the case.

Let’s say that the flip case sounds perfect, but you have an iPhone 6 instead of an iPhone 6 Plus. Unfortunately, the $22.99 deal does not extend to the iPhone 6 model. In other words, no matter which size iPhone you have, you can pick up this fascinating windowed case for less than $30 (after shipping).

A DIY iPhone case even we can make. Which means your kids probably could too

I’ve seen lots of cool DIY iPhone cases (and yes, Android too), but none were as easy as this fun DIY foil striped iPhone case that caught my eye at The Sweetest Occasion. Probably because of the rose gold but can you blame me?

I’m amazed and well, thankful, that all you need is a clear case and foil washi tape to create this stylish iPhone case. Granted, I’m not quite sure where to find pretty foil washi tape, hey, it has tape in the name! That means no glue or fancy tools. That also means I might let my kids try this for a teacher appreciation gift (which is coming up next week, by the way).

Either way, it’s a fun weekend project that will have your smart phone looking fabulous with barely any clean up required. Which is my kind of craft project.

Apple’s iPhone 6 cases compared: Silicone vs Leather iPhone 6 case— feel

Some have found the new iPhones slightly more slippery than previous models, so a case should add some needed grip.

For grip we preferred the cheaper Silicone case. The Leather case is certainly less slippery than a naked iPhone 6 but not as grippy as the Silicone.

I actually prefer the feel of the Silicone, too.

The Leather isn’t overly leathery’ indeed you need to look quite closely to notice that it is leather. We’re fans of the Sena leather smartphone and tablet cases, and you get a better feel for quality leather with Sena than with Apple.

Inside the case the material is a soft, colour-matched microfibre.

Both cases are nice and snug, so the phone is not going to slip out. Removing the phone from the case is easy, though.

Apple's iPhone 6 cases compared:Silicone vs Leather iPhone 6 case---design

Both silicone and leather Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus cases are otherwise pretty much identical in design, if not material.
 It’s a one-piece design that leaves the front and central party of the bottom open, so the screen and lower ports (Headphone and Lightning) plus Microphone and Speaker unobscured. This is great for ease of use (syncing, charging, and docking with accessories) and for both incoming and outgoing voice quality, but less so for ultimate iPhone protection. The bottom edge is left exposed so if the phone hits the ground the aluminium might very well show some damage. The case does hug the bottom corners so offers protection from a straight vertical drop. The protection is lessened when the drop means the exposed part comes into contact with another surface. It’s obviously harder for Apple’s own designers to cover up their lovely new iPhone than it is for third-party case makers. If you want ultimate protection we suggest you look for a case that isn’t so exposed at the bottom. The two other cut-outs are for the Camera and Ring/Silent switch. The Volume Up/Down and On/Off/Sleep/Wake buttons are covered, which means you need to push them a little harder than with a naked iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. The cases have a raised lip at the front, which should protect the screen from drops and scratches. The camera cut-out solves the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus “problem” where the camera stands a little proud on the back, spoiling the previously flat surface and meaning that the phone won’t sit quite level on a flat surface. This also means that the camera is better protected in the case. Both Silicone and Leather Apple cases are lightweight and slim so don’t add much bulk to the phones. I’m used to carrying my old iPhone 5s around in a Mophie battery case, so these feel quite liberating – if rather useless in adding any extra battery life in times of need. Both cases feature a subtle, recessed Apple logo, which you won’t get on third-party cases – if this is important to you; although there are cases with cut-outs for the Apple logo!

iPhone 6 Plus Case Review: Light Series Transparent Case

Today, we take a look at another case from HOCO, having recently their Light Series Transparent case for iPhone 6 Plus. The Transparent goes a completely different direction, offering slim, smooth, self-healing plastic. Yes, self-healing. Scratch the back of the Case, and the scratch will disappear, provided it’s not too deep. The effect is kind of cool, and will keep the Case looking newer for a longer period of time. Note that the case, however, does not heal itself from fingerprints. The Light Series you get back there will remain until you bother to wipe them off, and they’re quite noticeable, especially on the black transparent model we received for review (the case is also available in clear).

Although it’s quite rigid, the Transparent is easy to get on and off the iPhone 6 Plus because the button covers actually rise away from the buttons, which helps to protect them from drops. The buttons are also unique in that no matter what model of Transparent you buy, you’ll get swappable volume and sleep/wake buttons in Champagne, White, Blue, Black and Pink. I swapped out the White buttons that were pre-installed with the Black ones, making for a nice match with the areas where my space gray iPhone 6 Plus shows through.

Back to the case itself, the corners get the same treatment as the button covers, as shown in the photo below. You can see that they flare out to help absorb impact. The bottom area is left wide open, however, and the case actually pulls away a bit on the back. This is great for third-party docking compatibility, but not great for protection. And protection will be very important here, because the Transparent is unforgivingly smooth…by which I mean you’d better have a firm grip when using it because it’s quite slippery. Some sort of texture on the sides would be a welcome addition.

Now, should you drop the phone screen down, there’s little here to protect it. The Transparent rises a mere 0.4mm above the screen on its sides, which is wonderful for touchscreen access, but bad for protection. I’m going to recommend you get a compatible screen protector.

Today, we take a look at another case from HOCO, having recently their Light Series Transparent case for iPhone 6 Plus. The Transparent goes a completely different direction, offering slim, smooth, self-healing plastic. Yes, self-healing. Scratch the back of the Case, and the scratch will disappear, provided it’s not too deep. The effect is kind of cool, and will keep the Case looking newer for a longer period of time. Note that the case, however, does not heal itself from fingerprints. The Light Series you get back there will remain until you bother to wipe them off, and they’re quite noticeable, especially on the black transparent model we received for review (the case is also available in clear).

Although it’s quite rigid, the Transparent is easy to get on and off the iPhone 6 Plus because the button covers actually rise away from the buttons, which helps to protect them from drops. The buttons are also unique in that no matter what model of Transparent you buy, you’ll get swappable volume and sleep/wake buttons in Champagne, White, Blue, Black and Pink. I swapped out the White buttons that were pre-installed with the Black ones, making for a nice match with the areas where my space gray iPhone 6 Plus shows through.

Back to the case itself, the corners get the same treatment as the button covers, as shown in the photo below. You can see that they flare out to help absorb impact. The bottom area is left wide open, however, and the case actually pulls away a bit on the back. This is great for third-party docking compatibility, but not great for protection. And protection will be very important here, because the Transparent is unforgivingly smooth…by which I mean you’d better have a firm grip when using it because it’s quite slippery. Some sort of texture on the sides would be a welcome addition.

Now, should you drop the phone screen down, there’s little here to protect it. The Transparent rises a mere 0.4mm above the screen on its sides, which is wonderful for touchscreen access, but bad for protection. I’m going to recommend you get a compatible screen protector.

There's an incredible deal on these awesome iPhone cases today.

The HOCO Light Series TPU Transparent  iPhone 6 case is slim and made of scratch-resistant materials.

The case is see-through, so you will be able to see the actual color of your iPhone (great news for all you gold fans!)

It comes with front raised edges, which provide additional protection when your phone is laying face down.

"Excellent case. Fits well, durable and enhances the iPhone 6. The bumpers provide protection from drops," according to one reviewer.

Light Series iPhone 6 case: $19.99 $9.99 [50% off]

Light Series iPhone 6 Plus case: $19.99 $9.999 [52% off]

There's an incredible deal on these awesome iPhone cases today.

The HOCO Light Series TPU Transparent  iPhone 6 case is slim and made of scratch-resistant materials.

The case is see-through, so you will be able to see the actual color of your iPhone (great news for all you gold fans!)

It comes with front raised edges, which provide additional protection when your phone is laying face down.

"Excellent case. Fits well, durable and enhances the iPhone 6. The bumpers provide protection from drops," according to one reviewer.

Light Series iPhone 6 case: $19.99 $9.99 [50% off]

Light Series iPhone 6 Plus case: $19.99 $9.999 [52% off]

Classic Retro from HOCO prevents your iPhone 6 and 6 Plus from getting scratched by everyday use — like the change in your pocket, jump drive in your backpack, or the nail file in your purse — without having to use a large bulky case. Crafted from a credit card-thin layer of Genuine leather that weighs less than an ounce, the Classic Retro beautifully complements the stylish design of iPhone.

There’s a built-in display stand sewn into the back of the cover which enables the iPhone to be propped up horizontally. The Classic Retro attaches to the phone using a special adhesive which leaves zero residue behind when removed. It doesn’t interfere with any of the iPhone buttons, ports, or camera and is backed by a soft, supple microfiber to protect the screen.

“There are many iPhone owners who wouldn’t be caught dead with their iPhone in a thick, oversized plastic case,” said Andrew Green, Creative Director of HOCO. “So, just as we did with BookBook for iPhone, we’re inventing a whole new category of covers.Classic Retro is a gorgeous layer of luxury leather that shields and enhances the look and feel of iPhone. With Classic Retro covering iPhone, there’s still no doubt you’re holding an iPhone.

Classic Retro for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is available in five colors —Black, Brown, Champagne, Pink, and Wine Red— for $29.99 from HOCO with free U.S. shipping and flat rates for international shipping.