First Reviews of Samsung Galaxy S4: Great Screen, Gimmick Features, Bad Plastic Design
Wednesday April 24, 2013 6:11 am PDT by Husain Sumra
The reviews for the Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung's next flagship Android smartphone, are out. The company announced the device at an event in mid-March and boasts a 5" screen, a 1080p display that Samsung calls "Full HD Super AMOLED" and more.
The overall consensus is that the Galaxy S4 is a solid upgrade over the previous S3 but that its plastic casing and minimal upgrades keep it from being great.
AllThingsD
- "I found Samsung's software often gimmicky, duplicative of standard Android apps, or, in some cases, only intermittently functional."
- "Its screen and camera resolution beat the iPhone 5's and I found its pictures to be slightly better than those from the Apple phone, which is nearly a year old."
- "Still, compared with the iPhone 5, with its 4-inch screen, the S 4 is 30 percent larger and 17 percent heavier."
Gizmodo
- "It retains the same rounded-rectangle look, with metal edges and a slippery, finger-print-trapping plastic back that looks like it belongs on a far more downmarket phone."
- "Battery performance on the S4 is among the best we've seen from smartphones this year, though it's still not anywhere near as everlasting as the RAZR MAXX HD."
- "Sound on the S4 is another problem. It still has just one tiny, tin-can-sounding speaker on the bottom back of the phone."
Engadget
- Smart Scroll, which tracks the movement of your head to scroll through pages, is a "great idea" in theory but is "frustrating for several reasons" including limited compatibility with apps and bad tracking in badly lit areas.
- "Many of [the new camera modes] are great for showing off at parties with little usefulness elsewhere, but we found ourselves using a few of them on a more regular basis."
- "In general, the GS 4 performs amazingly well, but there's a catch: when Air View and Air Gestures were enabled, we noticed the phone acting a little sluggish even in the most basic of tasks."
The Verge
- "The GS4's 5-inch, 1920 x 1080 display is big, beautiful, and seriously eye-catching."
- "Samsung's Galaxy S lineup has never wanted for power, and neither does the Galaxy S4 -- it's an impressively fast and powerful phone, capable of handling anything I threw at it."
- "For some reason, Samsung has always had trouble with screen brightness settings -- the GS4 can never seem to decide how bright its screen should be, changing suddenly and drastically often and without warning."
The Samsung Galaxy S4 launches on April 26 for AT&T; and a couple of days later for T-Mobile. The 16 GB base model will retail for $200 with a two-year contract for AT&T; and $149.99 down with monthly payments on T-Mobile's unsubsidized smartphone pricing. The device is also set to launch on Verizon and Sprint, but launch details for those carriers have yet to be announced.
The overall consensus is that the Galaxy S4 is a solid upgrade over the previous S3 but that its plastic casing and minimal upgrades keep it from being great.
Image via Engadget
Here is a collection of some of the early reviews:AllThingsD
- "I found Samsung's software often gimmicky, duplicative of standard Android apps, or, in some cases, only intermittently functional."
- "Its screen and camera resolution beat the iPhone 5's and I found its pictures to be slightly better than those from the Apple phone, which is nearly a year old."
- "Still, compared with the iPhone 5, with its 4-inch screen, the S 4 is 30 percent larger and 17 percent heavier."
Gizmodo
- "It retains the same rounded-rectangle look, with metal edges and a slippery, finger-print-trapping plastic back that looks like it belongs on a far more downmarket phone."
- "Battery performance on the S4 is among the best we've seen from smartphones this year, though it's still not anywhere near as everlasting as the RAZR MAXX HD."
- "Sound on the S4 is another problem. It still has just one tiny, tin-can-sounding speaker on the bottom back of the phone."
Engadget
- Smart Scroll, which tracks the movement of your head to scroll through pages, is a "great idea" in theory but is "frustrating for several reasons" including limited compatibility with apps and bad tracking in badly lit areas.
- "Many of [the new camera modes] are great for showing off at parties with little usefulness elsewhere, but we found ourselves using a few of them on a more regular basis."
- "In general, the GS 4 performs amazingly well, but there's a catch: when Air View and Air Gestures were enabled, we noticed the phone acting a little sluggish even in the most basic of tasks."
The Verge
- "The GS4's 5-inch, 1920 x 1080 display is big, beautiful, and seriously eye-catching."
- "Samsung's Galaxy S lineup has never wanted for power, and neither does the Galaxy S4 -- it's an impressively fast and powerful phone, capable of handling anything I threw at it."
- "For some reason, Samsung has always had trouble with screen brightness settings -- the GS4 can never seem to decide how bright its screen should be, changing suddenly and drastically often and without warning."
The Samsung Galaxy S4 launches on April 26 for AT&T; and a couple of days later for T-Mobile. The 16 GB base model will retail for $200 with a two-year contract for AT&T; and $149.99 down with monthly payments on T-Mobile's unsubsidized smartphone pricing. The device is also set to launch on Verizon and Sprint, but launch details for those carriers have yet to be announced.
Apple Reaches 45B App Downloads With $9B Paid to Developers
Tuesday April 23, 2013 4:56 pm PDT by Juli Clover
During today's Q2 earnings call, Apple announced that it had hit a milestone of 45 billion total app downloads, up five billion from the 40 billion downloads that it reported in January.
There are now 850,000 iOS apps in total, with 350,000 of those being iPad-only apps. 800 apps were downloaded per second during the quarter, representing almost 70 million downloads a day.
Apple has now paid out a total of $9 billion to developers, a $1 billion increase since mid-February. According to Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer, Apple is now paying developers more than $1 billion per quarter, with approximately $4.5 billion being paid out in the last year alone.
In total, Apple's digital storefront includes music stores in 119 countries with 35 million songs, movies in 109 countries, the iBookstore in 155 countries and the App Store in 155 countries, covering 90 percent of the world's population.
The second quarter of 2013 brought record earnings for iTunes, with a revenue of over $4.1 billion, a 30 percent increase year-over-year.
There are now 850,000 iOS apps in total, with 350,000 of those being iPad-only apps. 800 apps were downloaded per second during the quarter, representing almost 70 million downloads a day.
Apple has now paid out a total of $9 billion to developers, a $1 billion increase since mid-February. According to Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer, Apple is now paying developers more than $1 billion per quarter, with approximately $4.5 billion being paid out in the last year alone.
In total, Apple's digital storefront includes music stores in 119 countries with 35 million songs, movies in 109 countries, the iBookstore in 155 countries and the App Store in 155 countries, covering 90 percent of the world's population.
The second quarter of 2013 brought record earnings for iTunes, with a revenue of over $4.1 billion, a 30 percent increase year-over-year.
GoComics Offers Free Classic Comic Strips Like 'Peanuts' and 'Calvin and Hobbes'
Tuesday April 23, 2013 4:26 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Uclick has released GoComics, an app that allows users to download classic comic strips to their iPad or iPhone for free. Like the accompanying website, the app includes 20 years of back issues of comics from notable strips like Calvin and Hobbes, Garfield, and Dilbert.
GoComics is a free universal app that can be downloaded from the App Store. [Direct Link]
Want funny? Love comics? We've got your fix. The GoComics app, from Universal Uclick, is the mobile comics portal for many of the most popular comic strips worldwide. From iconic favorites like Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, Garfield, Doonesbury, Dilbert and Marmaduke to modern favorites like FoxTrot, The Boondocks, Big Nate, Pearls Before Swine and Get Fuzzy, we offer the most diverse set of comic strips and panels in one single app for FREE.In addition to offering classic content, GoComics also features comics from emerging artists and modern cartoonists. The app's content is updated on a daily basis to add new comics and users can both bookmark favorites and share comics via social networking sites or email.
GoComics is a free universal app that can be downloaded from the App Store. [Direct Link]
Apple Store iOS App Updated With Push Delivery and iPhone Upgrade Notifications
Tuesday April 23, 2013 1:19 pm PDT by Jordan Golson
Apple has updated its Apple Store for iOS app, adding push notifications for order shipment and delivery as well as new notifications for when an iPhone is eligible for upgrade pricing.
What's New in Version 2.6Apple Store is a free download from the App Store. [Direct Link]
- Choose to receive notifications that let you know exactly when you're eligible for upgrade pricing on a new iPhone. And since all you need to complete the order is your Apple ID and password, buying your new iPhone is fast and easy (US only).
- Stay on top of your delivery with notifications. We'll let you know when your order ships, keep you informed of any updates, and notify you when it's delivered.
FocusTwist Allows iPhone Users to Capture Refocusable Lytro-style Images
Tuesday April 23, 2013 12:11 pm PDT by Juli Clover
FocusTwist, from developer Arqball, is an app that allows iPhone users to take pictures with variable focus points. Photographs captured with the app use multi-image functionality to refocus specific areas in the snapshot, producing an end result that is similar to the refocusable images that can be created with the Lytro Light Field Camera.
To create a refocusable photograph, FocusTwist takes several different images of an object at once, each with a different focal point. Because the camera is capturing multiple photographs, the app requires a steady hand or a tripod to produce accurate results.
With multiple images captured, users can click through images to choose different focus points after an image has been taken. Focus shifting is done through the company's servers (which also compensate for shaking) and finished images can be shared with a link.
FocusTwist for the iPhone can be downloaded from the App Store for $1.99. [Direct Link]
To create a refocusable photograph, FocusTwist takes several different images of an object at once, each with a different focal point. Because the camera is capturing multiple photographs, the app requires a steady hand or a tripod to produce accurate results.
Capture and share images that can be refocused later!The developers suggest composing scenes with an object that is three to four inches away from the iPhone's camera and another object that is positioned further in the background for optimal results.
Add a cool and fun dimension to your photographs and impress your friends and family.
Twists are great for food, toys, fashion, nature, architecture - any scene with multiple elements to focus on.
With multiple images captured, users can click through images to choose different focus points after an image has been taken. Focus shifting is done through the company's servers (which also compensate for shaking) and finished images can be shared with a link.
FocusTwist for the iPhone can be downloaded from the App Store for $1.99. [Direct Link]
Apple to Open New Retail Locations in Melbourne and Quebec on Saturday
Tuesday April 23, 2013 11:26 am PDT by Juli Clover
Two new Apple retail stores will open on Saturday, April 27 in Melbourne, Australia and Quebec, Canada.
Apple's new Melbourne store will be located in the Highpoint Shopping Centre, a large indoor mall with more than 500 stores. This will mark the fifth Apple retail location in the Melbourne area.
The Quebec Apple Store, a large 7,000 square foot retail location, will be located at Quartier Dix30 in Brossard, adjacent to the Holt Renfrew HR2 clothing store. Quartier Dix30, located near Montreal, is a large outdoor shopping center with over 200 stores.
Photo via iPhoneInCanada
At store openings, Apple typically hands out commemorative T-shirts to the first 1,000 customers to visit. Both stores are set to open at 10 a.m. and have begun accepting reservations for workshops and Genius bar appointments.
Apple's new Melbourne store will be located in the Highpoint Shopping Centre, a large indoor mall with more than 500 stores. This will mark the fifth Apple retail location in the Melbourne area.
The Quebec Apple Store, a large 7,000 square foot retail location, will be located at Quartier Dix30 in Brossard, adjacent to the Holt Renfrew HR2 clothing store. Quartier Dix30, located near Montreal, is a large outdoor shopping center with over 200 stores.
At store openings, Apple typically hands out commemorative T-shirts to the first 1,000 customers to visit. Both stores are set to open at 10 a.m. and have begun accepting reservations for workshops and Genius bar appointments.
Tweetbot for iOS Updated with Redesigned Image Viewer and New Media Timeline
Tuesday April 23, 2013 10:37 am PDT by Juli Clover
Tweetbot has been updated to version 2.8, notably adding a new media view to the iPhone and iPad apps.
The media view, which can be accessed by scrolling to the top of a timeline and then tapping the square next to the search button, offers up an in-line view of photos and videos that have been tweeted. Tweets themselves serve as captions, offering context to images.
Tweetbot's image viewer has been redesigned as well, with significant speed improvements and a new image opening animation that is similar to the Mac version of Tweetbot. The tweet detail view has also been updated to display a live count of favorites and retweets.
-Tweetbot for iPad [Direct Link]
-Tweetbot for iPhone [Direct Link]
The media view, which can be accessed by scrolling to the top of a timeline and then tapping the square next to the search button, offers up an in-line view of photos and videos that have been tweeted. Tweets themselves serve as captions, offering context to images.
Tweetbot's image viewer has been redesigned as well, with significant speed improvements and a new image opening animation that is similar to the Mac version of Tweetbot. The tweet detail view has also been updated to display a live count of favorites and retweets.
-New media timeline. Scroll to the top of a timeline and switch to the new media view (next to the search box). This view displays only supported image and video tweets.Both versions of Tweetbot can be downloaded from the App Store for $2.99.
-Completely redesigned image viewer
-Tweet/status detail view now displays the number of Favs and Retweets
-Fixed Instagram Previews
-Various other bug fixes
-Tweetbot for iPad [Direct Link]
-Tweetbot for iPhone [Direct Link]
Logitech Announces New FabricSkin Keyboard Folio
Tuesday April 23, 2013 10:00 am PDT by Juli Clover
Logitech has released a new $150 folio-style keyboard case for the iPad, featuring a fabric or leather skin that comes in a range of bright colors including red, black, blue, and yellow.
Because the keyboard is integrated directly into the fabric, the entire case is thin, with a depth of just 20mm. Logitech's FabricSkin Keyboard Folio can be preordered for $150.
Specifically for the Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio, we developed the industry's first tablet keyboard that's fused directly into its interior fabric. Through integrating the keyboard with its bold interior fabric, it creates a cohesive look and protects your iPad with the added benefit of a comfortable keyboard when you need it.The folio case, which offers complete protection for the iPad, utilizes a magnetic stand to hold the tablet in place when typing or watching videos. A magnetic clasp keeps the case closed when the keyboard is not in use and both the interior and the exterior feature a liquid repellant coating.
Because the keyboard is integrated directly into the fabric, the entire case is thin, with a depth of just 20mm. Logitech's FabricSkin Keyboard Folio can be preordered for $150.
'FedEx Mobile' Now Lets Recipients Sign for and Manage Shipments
Tuesday April 23, 2013 9:51 am PDT by Jordan Golson
FedEx has updated its iOS app with a number of new features to make life easier for customers receiving packages. Previously, the app focused more on shippers rather than parcel recipients.
Customers can use the app to track shipments, receive shipment history, forward tracking results and more, while U.S. residential FedEx customers can now use the app to:
Customers can use the app to track shipments, receive shipment history, forward tracking results and more, while U.S. residential FedEx customers can now use the app to:
Sign-up and use FedEx(r) Delivery Manager to customize deliveries to your home. You can request to:FedEx Mobile is a free download for the iPhone and iPad. [Direct Link]
- Schedule the delivery
- Deliver to another address
- Provide delivery instructions
- Sign for a package
- Schedule a vacation hold
- Hold your package at a FedEx location
$15 iPhone 4 Antenna Settlement Checks Now Being Received
Monday April 22, 2013 8:16 pm PDT by Husain Sumra
The first responders to the iPhone 4 antenna class action lawsuit are receiving their $15 settlement checks, reports to 9to5Mac.
The settlement, which came about in February 2012, is limited to people who experienced antenna issues with their iPhone 4 but were unable to return their device and opted not to receive a free bumper case from Apple.
The settlement, which came about in February 2012, is limited to people who experienced antenna issues with their iPhone 4 but were unable to return their device and opted not to receive a free bumper case from Apple.
Apple will provide a $15 cash payment to Class Members who send in a valid claim form. The claim form will require you to declare that you: (a) experienced antenna or reception issues with your iPhone 4; (b) were unable to return your iPhone 4 without incurring any costs; (c) were unwilling to use a case or free bumper for your iPhone 4; and (d) completed certain troubleshooting steps or are unable to complete the troubleshooting steps because you no longer own your iPhone 4.The first checks were issued on April 17, 2013 and are void after July 16. Apple accepted claims until August 28 of 2012.
Apple Cuts Prices on Refurbished 2nd and 3rd Generation Cellular iPads
Monday April 22, 2013 4:49 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Apple has dropped the price on some of its refurbished iPads, offering an additional $50 discount on the iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G and the third generation iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular.
Earlier this month, the entry level iPad 2 with 3G capabilities was priced at $399, but now the tablet can be purchased for $349, a total savings of $180. The entry level third generation cellular iPad was previously priced at $459, but can now be purchased for $409, a total savings of $170.
The price drop applies to all refurbished second and third generation iPads with cellular capabilities, regardless of storage capacity. With 32GB and 64GB of storage, the iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G is priced at $429 and $529, while the 32GB and 64GB versions of the 3rd generation iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular cost $499 and $579.
Apple is not offering further discounts on the Wi-Fi only versions of the second and third generation iPads, which remain priced at $319 and $379 for 16GB, respectively.
As always, the availability of refurbished products from Apple's online store is subject to rapid change. Refurbished units include the same one-year warranty as standard products, plus a new battery and outer shell.
Thanks, Phil!
Earlier this month, the entry level iPad 2 with 3G capabilities was priced at $399, but now the tablet can be purchased for $349, a total savings of $180. The entry level third generation cellular iPad was previously priced at $459, but can now be purchased for $409, a total savings of $170.
The price drop applies to all refurbished second and third generation iPads with cellular capabilities, regardless of storage capacity. With 32GB and 64GB of storage, the iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G is priced at $429 and $529, while the 32GB and 64GB versions of the 3rd generation iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular cost $499 and $579.
Apple is not offering further discounts on the Wi-Fi only versions of the second and third generation iPads, which remain priced at $319 and $379 for 16GB, respectively.
As always, the availability of refurbished products from Apple's online store is subject to rapid change. Refurbished units include the same one-year warranty as standard products, plus a new battery and outer shell.
Thanks, Phil!
Apple Wins Victory Against Motorola After ITC Invalidates Sensor Patent
Monday April 22, 2013 3:04 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Apple has won a small victory in its long standing case against Google's Motorola, reports Bloomberg, after the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) upheld an earlier invalidation of a patent that threatened imports of the iPhone 4 into the U.S.
Patent No. 6,246,862 references a "sensor controlled user interface for portable communication device," or the sensor in the iPhone that prevents the phone from being activated when close to a user's face.
The dispute between Motorola and Apple began in 2010 after Motorola filed a lawsuit against Apple, claiming the Cupertino-based company infringed on eighteen of Motorola's patents. After being acquired by Google, Motorola expanded its charges against Apple, stating that the company violated six patents having to do with iCloud.
The patent that was invalidated today is the final patent in the above mentioned case, with all other charges against Apple previously cleared by the ITC. Google will likely appeal the decision, thus further extending the litigation between the two companies.
Earlier this month, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Scola chastised Apple and Google for their patent disagreements, stating that the two had "no interest in efficiently and expeditiously resolving this dispute." He gave the companies four months to streamline the case before it would be put on hold.
The decision marks the latest instance in which neither Cupertino, California-based Apple nor Google has been able to strike a decisive blow against its competitor in a squabble that began more than two years ago. Each has claimed the other is infringing patents, and Apple accused Motorola Mobility of breaching obligations to license some of its most widely used technology on fair terms.
Patent No. 6,246,862 references a "sensor controlled user interface for portable communication device," or the sensor in the iPhone that prevents the phone from being activated when close to a user's face.
The dispute between Motorola and Apple began in 2010 after Motorola filed a lawsuit against Apple, claiming the Cupertino-based company infringed on eighteen of Motorola's patents. After being acquired by Google, Motorola expanded its charges against Apple, stating that the company violated six patents having to do with iCloud.
The patent that was invalidated today is the final patent in the above mentioned case, with all other charges against Apple previously cleared by the ITC. Google will likely appeal the decision, thus further extending the litigation between the two companies.
Earlier this month, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Scola chastised Apple and Google for their patent disagreements, stating that the two had "no interest in efficiently and expeditiously resolving this dispute." He gave the companies four months to streamline the case before it would be put on hold.
Netflix Launches Family Plan, 4 Simultaneous Streams for $12/Month
Monday April 22, 2013 2:35 pm PDT by Jordan Golson
Netflix announced today that it is rolling out a number of family friendly features in the coming months, designed to make it easier for families with multiple Netflix users to use the service.
First, the company is introducing a new $12/month streaming plan that offers four simultaneous streams of video, meant for members with large families that run into Netflix's two-simultaneous stream limit. The normal Netflix subscription is $8/month.
Second, the company is introducing a new feature to allow different family members to log their own viewing habits and get recommendations based on what shows they like. Currently, all viewer activity -- parents and kids -- are combined into one stream. As a result, recommendations for kids shows and adult movies are shown next to each other.
Netflix reported today that it has 29.2 million U.S. streaming subscribers, with shares up close to 25 precent after hours.
First, the company is introducing a new $12/month streaming plan that offers four simultaneous streams of video, meant for members with large families that run into Netflix's two-simultaneous stream limit. The normal Netflix subscription is $8/month.
Second, the company is introducing a new feature to allow different family members to log their own viewing habits and get recommendations based on what shows they like. Currently, all viewer activity -- parents and kids -- are combined into one stream. As a result, recommendations for kids shows and adult movies are shown next to each other.
Netflix reported today that it has 29.2 million U.S. streaming subscribers, with shares up close to 25 precent after hours.
Yahoo Updates iOS App with Summly Integration, Major Redesign
Monday April 22, 2013 9:47 am PDT by Juli Clover
Last month, Yahoo acquired news summarizing app Summly for $30 million and today announced that it has incorporated Summly's technology into its newly redesigned Yahoo app.
The new Yahoo app uses natural language algorithms and machine learning to offer up quick summaries of news articles, which are now served up in a non-stop stream within the app. Yahoo's redesign focuses on providing an endless newsfeed to iPhone readers.
In addition to improving the design of the app with Summly, Yahoo has improved its search experience with enhanced video and image searches. Users will also find new social and personalization features, such as categories that can be selected and retained cross-device with a Yahoo ID login.
The new Yahoo app uses natural language algorithms and machine learning to offer up quick summaries of news articles, which are now served up in a non-stop stream within the app. Yahoo's redesign focuses on providing an endless newsfeed to iPhone readers.
In addition to improving the design of the app with Summly, Yahoo has improved its search experience with enhanced video and image searches. Users will also find new social and personalization features, such as categories that can be selected and retained cross-device with a Yahoo ID login.
-Personalized stories based on your interestsYahoo for the iPhone is U.S. only and can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
-Beautiful article pages
-Endless visual stream of stories
-Summaries by Yahoo!
-Ability to select topics you want more stories about
-Revamped web search experience
Volkswagen Debuts 'iBeetle' With iPhone Integration and Special Badging
Monday April 22, 2013 9:42 am PDT by Jordan Golson
Volkswagen has introduced a new version of the Beetle that "integrates" the iPhone into the vehicle. However, that integration amounts to little more than an iPhone dock on the dash, a Beetle app, and iBeetle badging on the car.
Autoblog is unimpressed with the iBeetle, hoping for more from a car that VW says is "one of the first cars in the world to have a genuine integrative interface for the iPhone that was coordinated with Apple".
The iBeetle will be available at the beginning of 2014 with preorders beginning in October.
Autoblog is unimpressed with the iBeetle, hoping for more from a car that VW says is "one of the first cars in the world to have a genuine integrative interface for the iPhone that was coordinated with Apple".
This is the kind of kit we expect to see as a bullet point on an option sheet, but instead, VW has made this dock+app an entire model by including special "Disc" wheels and iPhone-matching color schemes. The iBeetle will land on dealer lots in the US in 2014, but you can probably make something similar yourself today with an aftermarket dock and an iTunes gift card's worth of third-party apps.The app does offer some unique features because it talks to the car while docked, getting information such as oil and coolant temperatures, a G-meter, and more. The iBeetle app allows users to send map-based postcards and to measure driving times and fuel economy to determine the best route to a destination.
The iBeetle will be available at the beginning of 2014 with preorders beginning in October.
Netflix Updated with Minor Redesign, New Episode Selector Feature
Monday April 22, 2013 9:07 am PDT by Juli Clover
Netflix has updated its iOS app to version 4.0, making it easier to navigate through episodes with a new episode selector feature on the iPad. The update also adds a redesigned audio and subtitle selector on both the iPad and the iPhone, along with bug fixes.
Though this is a minor update, the addition of the episode selector to the top of the menu bar when watching videos is a welcome improvement. The button, which is located next to the sound bar and the subtitle options, can be tapped to give a dropdown list of other TV show episodes in the season.
Though this is a minor update, the addition of the episode selector to the top of the menu bar when watching videos is a welcome improvement. The button, which is located next to the sound bar and the subtitle options, can be tapped to give a dropdown list of other TV show episodes in the season.
This new app release makes watching Netflix TV shows and movies an even better experience.The universal Netflix app is available for download from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
-Easy episode selection with a brand new episode selector on the iPad
-Redesigned audio and subtitle selector on iPad and iPhone
-Bug fixes
Twitter to End Support for TweetDeck for iPhone on May 7
Friday April 19, 2013 2:11 pm PDT by Juli Clover
As noted in March, Twitter is planning to end support for TweetDeck for iPhone, TweetDeck for Android, and TweetDeck AIR. In an update to its original blog post today, Twitter announced that the services will be shut off on May 7.
Twitter will also be dropping Facebook integration from the remaining versions of TweetDeck.
TweetDeck for Mac, which is still supported, is a free download from the Mac App Store. [Direct Link]
TweetDeck AIR, TweetDeck for Android and TweetDeck for iPhone will be removed from their respective app stores and will stop functioning on May 7. Our Facebook integration will also stop on May 7.Though it is ending support for the aforementioned services, Twitter will continue development on its TweetDeck web app and Google Chrome apps, with a secondary focus on its native Mac and PC apps.
Twitter will also be dropping Facebook integration from the remaining versions of TweetDeck.
TweetDeck for Mac, which is still supported, is a free download from the Mac App Store. [Direct Link]
Nomad 3-Inch Lightning Cable Now Available for Preorder, Shipping in June
Thursday April 18, 2013 3:04 pm PDT by Juli Clover
The Nomad Lightning Cable, a 3-inch Lightning to USB cable, was a spectacular success when it hit Kickstarter back in November and now it is available for preorder for $24.99. Orders placed now are expected to be shipped in June.
The team behind the Nomad worked directly with Apple, which means this is a fully Apple-certified Lightning accessory. The USB side of the Nomad locks into a keychain adapter, which makes it convenient to carry in a pocket alongside a set of keys.
A 3" Apple certified lightning USB cable for your key ring. Sync/Charge capability. The Nomad cable is perfect for use at work, in the car, at home, or anywhere on the go - it's there when you need it!
The team behind the Nomad worked directly with Apple, which means this is a fully Apple-certified Lightning accessory. The USB side of the Nomad locks into a keychain adapter, which makes it convenient to carry in a pocket alongside a set of keys.
Halfbrick's Newest Title 'Fish Out Of Water' Hits the App Store
Thursday April 18, 2013 12:14 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Halfbrick Studios, the team behind hit iOS apps like Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride, has released an addictive new game called Fish Out Of Water. In Fish Out Of Water, the idea is to launch fish through the air, earning scores based on flight time and number of skips across the water.
The game incorporates a variety of fish with different abilities, along with hourly weather changes that alter the fish hurling conditions. Players will experience tsunamis, icebergs, and swarms of jellyfish while competing to throw fish the furthest. Our sister-site TouchArcade has an overview of the gameplay:
After three fish tosses players are judged and given an overall score to compete in daily league score competitions with friends. The game also incorporates Game Center support with leaderboards and achievements.
Fish Out Of Water is a universal app that can be downloaded from the App Store for $0.99. [Direct Link]
The game incorporates a variety of fish with different abilities, along with hourly weather changes that alter the fish hurling conditions. Players will experience tsunamis, icebergs, and swarms of jellyfish while competing to throw fish the furthest. Our sister-site TouchArcade has an overview of the gameplay:
Imagine skipping stones in a constantly changing ocean that's directly linked to the weather in game, only instead of stones you've got a variety of fish that each have slightly different abilities such as being able to fly extra far or being able to skip across the surface like mad.
Each attempt is graded by a set of judges who each look for specific things in your tosses, and doing well involves not only choosing the right fish for the weather but also throwing them appropriately to best handle the current state of your waves.
After three fish tosses players are judged and given an overall score to compete in daily league score competitions with friends. The game also incorporates Game Center support with leaderboards and achievements.
Fish Out Of Water is a universal app that can be downloaded from the App Store for $0.99. [Direct Link]
LinkedIn Overhauls iOS App with Simple Design and Enhanced News Stream
Thursday April 18, 2013 11:30 am PDT by Juli Clover
LinkedIn has updated its LinkedIn iOS app to version 6.0, introducing a complete redesign that offers an enhanced news stream incorporating original content posts, updates, and conversations.
The revamp is meant to provide a more personalized experience for LinkedIn users and also allows for customizable navigation.
The revamp is meant to provide a more personalized experience for LinkedIn users and also allows for customizable navigation.
We want to make it easier for our members to quickly discover and engage with the rich professional insights being shared across LinkedIn to help them make smarter decisions from wherever they may be working. We've designed the new LinkedIn mobile phone app for every professional, with a richer and more engaging stream and more personalization features.Currently, the redesigned experience is available solely on the iPhone, with no word on when it might be added to the iPad.
iPhone:LinkedIn is a free app that can be downloaded from the App Store. [Direct Link]
-New beautiful and simpler design
-Now you can to invite, follow, like, share and comment on content right from the updates stream
-New personalized and customizable navigation for quicker access to your favorite features on LinkedIn
-Ability to follow Influencers to get access to original insights and content
iPad:
-Bug and crash fixes for improved app quality and performance