iPad

At iPhone Life, we rarely delve into politics, but just as iPhones and iPads and Apple Watches are part of our "life" so is the current "crazy season" of politics. While John McCain may have mistakenly said that the iPad and iPhone are made in the U.S., they are merely "Designed by Apple in California" as many of those gadgets say on the back. While Apple's high-end Mac Pro is made in the United States, Apple has said it is impractical to manufacturer their high-volume, low-cost items like iPods, iPhones and even MacBooks domestically. In Tim Cook's interview with Charlie Rose, he said it's not just about low wages, but also the skill set of Chinese workers and the supply of components used to make Apple's products. The Chinese government has placed a high priority on creating a workforce and supply chain that makes it a no-brainer to manufacture in China.

Each year at CES there is no shortage of impressive new gear for the iPhone and iPad user; however, out of the slew of new cases, bags, and Bluetooth accessories unveiled at CES, only a relatively small percentage target the active lifestyle and outdoor enthusiast. Here are some of my favorite rugged, heavy-duty products currently on display at this year's big show, from the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers, to the most protective rugged iPad Pro case, to the most rugged waterproof backpack for all your gear.

I've had a SCOTTeVEST jacket for several years now and have found it increasingly useful. As the airlines get more stingy about luggage and even carry-ons, it makes sense to try to keep your gadgets on your person when traveling. Plus, I attend a lot of trade shows, including the upcoming CES in Las Vegas, and I like to carry a lot of items, including business cards, battery packs, chargers, and USB cables—not to mention my iPhone and iPad mini. SCOTTeVEST's travel jacket with hidden pockets can handle all that, and more.

Within one minute of fooling around with the iRig Keys MINI ($79.99) and IK's Sample Tank app ($9.99), I was impressed. The MINI is a small portable 25-key MIDI instrument that you can plug into an iPad or iPhone and then start mixing hooks like a pro in minutes. Pair it up with the IK apps or Garage Band and you will be blown away at how quickly even a novice can start making quality music with this mini compact keyboard.

Funded on Kickstarter, the Canvas Smart Desk ($68) by iSkelter is a gorgeous and functional lap desk for tablets. With notches for your devices carved out, this lap desk is made of beautiful, unstained wood. The Canvas Smart Desk is compatible with all devices, but you’re especially going to want it if you have an iPad Pro. The open slot of the lap desk is cut to fit the iPad Pro perfectly and there’s a slot for the Apple Pencil as well.

We brought you a best apps roundup for the iPad Pro a couple weeks ago, but more apps are being optimized for the tablet all the time. While those apps are still amazing and you should definitely give them a try, here’s five more of the best apps for the iPad Pro to sink your teeth into. We’ll feature an epic gaming app for iPad Pro and apps to take your productivity up a notch.

Looking for some escape time while the in-laws take over the house this holiday season? Maybe just recovering from a football overdose? Here are three titles to grab now before you reach your mental breaking point. Rune Story (free) is the game for mindless maze crawling and baddie destruction for you and a friend. If mind-blowing graphics and TPS award-winning combat is what the doctor ordered, Warhammer 40,000: Freeblade (free) lets you pilot a Warhammer mech knight into epic battle! Finally, find some retro shooter action reminiscent of 90s games like DOOM in Kepler 22 ($4.99). Hack on, oh holiday warriors!

It’s amazing the products you find available for the iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch when you delve into the Internet rabbit hole. A friend recently sent me to a website called Fancy for finding lesser-known gadgets at good prices. Needless to say, I found a lot of awesome gifts, whether you buy them for friends and family or to treat yourself. Featuring gifts that range from the practical to the whimsical, here’s my roundup of great gifts for the Apple lover in your life.

Core games typically deliver an intensely captivating gameplay experience. Though challenging and requiring concentration and practice, core games are enjoyable at every level of play. And core games usually consume a lot of time, simply due to the fact that they are so fun to play. Not everyone will enjoy core games, especially if they are just looking for a quick gaming fix like Words with Friends or Crossy Road can give you. This short list of premium titles features a range of games in a variety of different genres, so there's something here for just about every core gamer's tastes. The following aren't by any means the only core games for iOS but they are some of the best core games for iPhone.

Review: New iRig Acoustic

By Nate Adcock

Just last weekI wrote a review about the new iRig Pro DUO; and now on the heels of the first dual-channel iRig comes another first: the iRig Acoustic ($49.99). The iRig lineup provides electric guitar players what they could previously only get by shelling out serious cash for guitar gear or expensive mixing software. Now IK is extending the unique plugged-in mobile experience of iRig to acoustic guitar players.

If you trust a folio to keep your iPad safe and secure, you want it to be high quality. NewerTech provides peace of mind in various colors with its Original iFolio ($29.99). Made with Brazilian leather, I had a chance to carry one around for awhile to see how I liked it. With built in handle and detachable strap, plus extra cushioned padding, my iPad has been happily snug in its new home.

IK Multimedia, maker of many things for the mobile musician, has released a new audio gadget, called the iRig Pro DUO. The normal iRig Pro model, which is plenty cool by the way, does have one minor limitation. You can connect a mic or a guitar, but not both. The iRig Pro DUO ($199 MSRP) addresses this with dual input/output channels that allow you to jam out, record, and mix music from vocals and instrument on your iPad, and it has a few other worthy tricks thrown in for good measure.

Twelve South has easily become one of my go-to places for fantastic and gorgeous iPhone and iPad accessories. This time, the company is pushing innovation with a sleek charging stand that can charge any lightning device you have for it: the HiRise Deluxe ($34.99). From charging your iPhone (in its case) to the new Apple Pencil, this may be Twelve South’s most useful accessory yet.

5 Best Apps for iPad Pro

By Conner Carey

The new iPad Pro is out and available for order. There’s much talk as to whether or not the iPad Pro can replace your PC, but the answer to that question could very well change over time as more apps are optimized with the iPad Pro in mind. Some developers are ahead of the game and have already released apps to show-off the new iPad’s capabilities. Here are five of the best iPad apps you can download now.

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