What If HTC's One Was Actually Apple's iPhone 6

HTC's One is undisputedly the best looking Android handset of the year, arguably borrowing a lot from Apple's unique design language and iconic build quality etiquette. Any iPhone user wouldn't be ashamed in admitting he or she would love to own one if only it were running iOS instead of Android. And that got us thinking, what would it be like if the HTC One was actually Apple's next generation iPhone? It would have been a marvelous 4.7-inch device running a totally revamped iOS 7, a truly reimagined iPhone built from the ground up with refreshing new features, and less of an iPhone circa 2007 influence to restrict innovation from moving forward.

In other words, we iOS users hope that Apple would take note of HTC's brilliant design and that includes simple things like a front-facing speaker, because there's an awful lot of tempting competition quickly rising which will turn many bored consumers over to the Green Side, or at least for a little while.

Now that HTC stepped up its game, we bet Apple is feeling the pressure from its customers and rivals like Samsung and HTC. The expectations for the iPhone 6 are extremely high. But until then, there is no doubt that we will see an iPhone 5S before any sort of breakthrough iPhone steps into fruition.

Slim iMacs Now Available With A Built-In VESA Mount Adapter

Apple has started offering its new slim 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMac with a built-in VESA Mount Adapter as a $40 "upgrade" option for customers who would prefer to mount their iMac on a compatible VESA wall or desk mount (sold separately of course) which can including various articulating arms that open up a more convenient viewing experience such as height and depth adjustments without taking up valuable desk space. Unfortunately, if you'd like to revert back you won't be able to as Apple does not include the original pedestal stand with a VESA Mount Adapter equipped iMac. Unlike previous iMacs and external Apple displays, you cannot purchase a standard slim iMac and fit a VESA Mount Adapter by yourself.

While you're paying a $40 premium over a standard iMac for a simple VESA mount adapter and nothing more, Apple is offering a few different VESA-compatible mounting options that range from $140 to $180. Alternatively you could purchase VESA mounts from places like Amazon which offer a broader variety at less expensive prices.

Apple’s Tim Cook And Beats Jimmy Iovine Meet To Discuss Potential Partnership

Reuters is reporting that Tim Cook and Jimmy Iovine met in Los Angeles in late February to discuss Beats planned music streaming service. Along with Tim Cook was Eddy Cue, Apple’s Internet Products Chief, who was a key player in launching iTunes, and the discussions were regarding the business model Beats planned on using for its “Project Daisy” music streaming service. The meeting was more informational than serious as talks ranged between a variety of music-related topics. Apple has been rumored as of late to be in the works to create their own music streaming service to combat the likes of Spotify and Rdio and this meeting only cements its validity. Beats on the other hand has already expanded past its stylish headphones by working with HTC to have their hardware and software built into many of the Taiwanese company’s smartphones. 

Rumor: iPad 5 Case Taking Design Cues From The iPad Mini

Electronic accessory company MiniSuit has provided Gadgetmac with an exclusive photo of what they claim to be the new redesign of the iPad 5. Apple typically sends accessory makers dimensions of upcoming products beforehand so that they have a sufficient amount of time to begin manufacturing. MiniSuit notes that dimensions were from a “reliable source” and that the iPad 5 takes design cues from the iPad Mini in the forms of a thinner, slimmer bodied case with less bezel on either side. There is also a small hole near the top of the case which would presumably be the rear-facing microphone along with a larger speaker grill at the bottom which could mean dual-speakers like the stereo ones present in the iPad Mini. Little else is revealed but this comes at a time in which Apple is reportedly switching to a twice-a-year refresh for their iPad line of products and could be announced as soon as March.

Gekko Stand Looks To Be The Only Stand You’ll Ever Need

Kickstarter continues to be a breeding ground for great and innovative products for your favorite gadgets and Gekko Stand hopes to be the next. As a designer, Dwight Houser became sick of the stands and mounts available on the market due to their “one-trick pony” like functionality. Enter the Gekko Stand, a multi-function stand+mount that works with just about any device, anywhere. It uses a NanoSuction pad that allows it to stick to any flat surface and won't leave any sticky residue behind when finished. Use it as a mount for your smartphone while driving or turn it into a stand for your tablet when stationary. The adjustable arm is made up of several ball and socket joints that can be put together or taken apart to adapt to your specific situation. It's like an adult lego accessory for your gadgets. For non-flat surfaces, a clamp can be used and with an entry price of $30, this product is too good to pass up. Gekko Stand is less than $1000 from reaching its project goal on Kickstarter and will be funded on March 15th. 

Track Refurbished Apple Products With RefurbMe

Love Apple products but having a hard time swallowing the cost? Do you religiously check Apple’s online refurbished store? The problem unfortunately with this is that products are sold on a first come first serve basis and it becomes increasingly difficult to keep track of when a product becomes available. Make it easier with RefurbMe, a website that monitors refurbished products on Apple’s online store for you. It will show you exactly how many items are in stock for that product along with its specifications and money saved. You can also see stats like inventory and price history. Notice something that you like but it’s out of stock? RefurbMe also offers three methods of notification including: an SMS message, automated call, or an email alert as soon as it becomes available. With availability in 21 countries and real-time stock preview, this is a no-brainer for anyone looking to purchase refurbished Apple products.

Apple Updates Retina Macs With Faster Processors, Drops Pricing Too

Apple quietly and with a press release, reduced the price of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display models down to $1399 and $1699, compared to the original retail price of $1699 and $1999, respectively. But that's not all, Apple has also bumped up the processor speeds for both the 13-inch and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pros.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now starts at $1,499 for 128GB of flash, and $1,699 for a new 2.6 GHz processor and 256GB of flash. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now features a faster 2.4 GHz quad-core processor, and the top-of-the-line 15-inch notebook comes with a new 2.7 GHz quad-core processor and 16GB of memory.

Apple also reduced the pricing on the high-end 13-inch MacBook Air with a 256GB SSD by $100, which now costs $1399.