Year: 2014

Facebook launches Graph Search on iPhone

Facebook on Monday confirmed that it's at last gearing up to launch Graph Search in its mobile application for the iPhone and iPad this week following what has turned to be an incredibly extensive period of testing.

Tapping Facebook's vast database, Graph Search uses natural language queries to surface content information from within a user's network of friends that would be impractical or impossible using the standard and fairly limited search feature.

Another way to describe Open Graph: this tremendously powerful tool makes it easy and fun to explore the world through the eyes of your friends.

Sons of Anarchy: The Prospect game coming soon to iOS

As a big fan of the FX series Sons of Anarchy, I'm pretty excited to learn that Fox Digital Entertainment has partnered with game studio Orpheus Interactive to work on the development of an interactive game titled Sons of Anarchy: The Prospect. Previously teased by SOA creator and executive producer Kurt Sutter, the first episode of the game should make its way to iOS early 2015.

Legendary Grim Fandango adventure has been remastered, coming to Mac in January

Grim Fandango, the legendary neo-noir adventure game that LucasArts released back in 1998 for Windows, with Tim Schafer as the game's project leader, is getting a thorough makeover soon. This classic dark comedy style game made history as the first LucasArts' adventure to use 3D computer graphics overlaid on pre-rendered backgrounds.

According to DoubleFine Productions, Tim Schaffer's publishing company established in July 2000 after his departure from LucasArts, the game will be launching next year on January 27 across the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PC, Mac and Linux.

Featuring revamped graphics optimized for today's high-resolution screens, Grim Fandango Remastered sticks to the original vision. The game takes place in an afterworld called the Land of the Dead, through which recently departed souls must travel before they reach their final destination, the Ninth Underworld.

Control up to five Bluetooth devices with the Satechi wireless keyboard

Apple only produces a small wireless keyboard, which is frustrating for users that require the benefits of a full sized option. Using an Apple wireless keyboard for home use is usually manageable. However, using a reduced keyboard in the office is more of a struggle. The lack of a number pad is extremely complicated when entering digit data and the like.

Why Apple is yet to produce a full size, Bluetooth keyboard is beyond understanding. Third party companies are starting to enter the space with designs that compliment Macs. For several years, Logitech and other companies offered wireless keyboards, but they are bulky and clash with Apple's aesthetic. Satechi's Wireless Smart Keyboard is filling the gap.

App Recap: Facebook’s Graph Search launches on iPhone, MasterCard’s Apple Pay ad and more

App Recap welcomes you to Monday. Our daily column that helps make sense of the latest iPhone, iPad and Mac apps, games and media on iTunes is back with tons of goodies, discounts, software news and more.

We also feature a new Apple Pay television commercial by MasterCard featuring Gwen Stefani and a huge update to Paper by Fifty-Three while casting spotlight on a holiday-themed update to The Sims FreePlay and the latest Star Wars: Commander refresh that features Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.

Premium and Stylish Phiaton Bridge MS 500 Headphones [review + giveaway]

Headphones are one of those device categories where more money does not necessarily equate to a better quality product. Many branded, read "designer," headphones cost extra simply because they have a celebrity backing them. There is a single branded headphone line that gets most of the attention and offer a high price tag for entry.

There are ways to more intelligently choose a pair of cans. Make sure the sound is superior quality. Of course, pay attention to build quality, but sound is paramount when purchasing headphones. Start with plastic. If the entire headphone is plastic, start second guessing your purchase. Pulling the Phiaton Bridge MS 500's from the box was quite a rewarding experience, complete with machined aluminum, perforated leather, and red stitching.

Poll: did you donate to (RED)?

Apple's (RED) campaign to help raise funds to fight AIDS in recognition of the World AIDS Day 2014 is over now and we wanted to ask if you had taken an opportunity to donate to the charity.

You donated to the Global Fund to fight AIDS if you purchased one or more (RED) apps in the App Store or made In-App Purchases in (RED) apps from Monday, November 24 through Sunday, December 7; bought PRODUCT(RED) merchandize at Apple’s retail and online stores on Monday, December 1; bought select Apple products in the U.S. retail stores on Friday, November 28 and received a special edition (RED) iTunes gift card; made a donation through a special page on App Store/iTunes; or donated directly through RED.org.

Apple posts iTunes Best of 2014 charts

Like in years past, Apple ahead of the holidays published its list of the best and most popular apps, movies, TV shows, music and books available on iTunes. In the category of the top paid iPhone app, Heads Up! came in first. Facebook's Messenger is Apple's top free iPhone app and Clash of Clans emerged as the top grossing iPhone app, respectively. On the iPad side, Minecraft, YouTube and Clash of Clans have been rated as the App Store's top paid, free and grossing apps, respectively.

Without further ado, here's the rest of Apple's most popular apps and media in 2014.

Dustoff Vietnam puts you in the pilot seat of a rescue chopper

Flying simulation games can be loads of fun because you are tasked at figuring out how to lift off, adjust altitude, and land without crashing. As much fun as it can be learning to fly, it is just as much fun watching your aircraft explode in a fiery ball.

Dustoff Vietnam puts you in the cockpit of a Minecraft-style rescue helicopter as you head into the battlefield to save stolen cargo, hostages, and wounded soldiers in mission after mission. No one ever said war was easy.

One List is a simple list maker

Around this time of the year, I’m all over the place with my many lists. I’ve got parties to plan, cookies to make, presents to buy, and all of that has to revolve around my normal busy schedule.

One List is a simple to-do list maker with very little extras so you don’t get distracted by too many options. Make a list, complete a task, and mark it off. Plus, you can see your top three to-do tasks right on your Lock screen with the Notification Center extension.

Predix: predict when your iPhone’s battery will fully charge or die

Predix is a new jailbreak tweak that presents the time until your device's battery is scheduled to die or fully charge. It does so by means of a heads up display in the center of the iPhone's screen.

If you're looking for an easy way to keep tabs on battery life, including handy predictions on charging and discharging remaining time, then you'll want to look into this thoughtful jailbreak tweak.

Interstellar wallpapers for iPhone and iPad

There are only a few movies over several years that make a lasting impression on the viewer. Movies are created, launched, watched, and forgotten. However this season's Interstellar continues to grip audiences worldwide. The three-hour space odyssey piques the imagination and is arguably one of the most well written blockbuster movies in many years.

To fully enjoy the experience, I went to see the film in IMAX. The stunning visuals were all wallpaper worthy shots. I try not to toss around this word lightly, but Interstellar was epic, from the story and character development to the cinematography.