Year: 2014

Vine updated with focus and exposure lock

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

Twitter's Vine is on an update spree. Earlier in the week the company rolled out two new features specifically covering Vine's web interface, one allowing users to browse, like share and comment on Vines on the web, bypassing the mobile apps, and the other called TV mode that lets you play all of the videos from your home feed, or from any given profile, in sequence.

Twitter has now turned its attention back to Vine's iPhone app which has been bumped up to version 1.4.7. In addition to bug fixes and performance improvements, this Vine edition allows you to capture sharper videos and achieve better effects by locking your focus and exposure with the focus tool, here's how it works...

‘7 Minute Workout Challenge’ goes free in the Apple Store app

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

A lot of folks were unhappy with the free download items Apple offered during its 12 Days of Gifts event. Many felt that the company, which is worth some $140 billion, was a little cheap with the giveaway. But the good news is, it's not done giving.

Last fall, Apple started offering free content in its Apple Store app in an effort to drive more traffic to its online storefront. And today, it's posted a new free item: the popular '7 Minute Workout Challenge' fitness app for iPhone by Fitness Guide Inc...

Galaxy S5 confirmed: due late-April, iris scanner a possibility, beast specs rumored

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated July 15, 2017

Yesterday, I told you that Dennis Miloseski, head of studio for Samsung Design America, basically confirmed that the Galaxy maker will be adding new wearable devices to its Galaxy Gear smartwatch lineup in 2014. He also noted that the South Korean company tends to have two major launches.

One is for its Galaxy S flagship handset in the Spring and the other tends to be for the Note phablet in the Fall. Speaking to Bloomberg today, a Samsung executive vice president has now officially confirmed that the Galaxy S5, a successor to the current S4, is coming by the end of April.

It will feature a brand new design and may or may not take on Apple's Touch ID with an iris scanning technology. Hardware-wise, Samsung shouldn't disappoint as the S5 is shaping up to be quite a beast of the phone.

With the upcoming iPhone 6 in the pipeline, I thought we should compile everything we "know" about Samsung's next big thing that'll take on the iPhone in a few months time, all over again...

Snapchat is ‘sorry’ for data breach, strengthens mobile app security

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Snapchat has found itself in some pretty hot water after a group of anonymous hackers on New Year's Eve breached its database and leaked 4.6 million usernames and phone numbers on the web. The controversy wasn't necessarily about the security breach itself, but over Snapchat's stubborn refusal to publicly acknowledge the situation, apologize for the inconvenience and update customers on steps taken, if any, to rectify the situation.

It's mind-boggling that Snapchat was aware of a security hole in its API for several weeks yet did absolutely nothing to plug it, an inexplicable move that has in turn allowed the hackers to successfully exploit Snapchat's shortcomings and steal user data.

Today, the company has finally gone on the record to confirm that a new update to its Android and iOS apps improves security by letting folks opt out of the Find Friends feature which has, partially, allowed for the hack.

And although the company has yet to formally apologize for the messy handling of the situation, it now says it's "sorry" for any problems this issue may have caused its users...

Sunrise Calendar becomes a universal app, now available on iPad

Lory Gil ∙ Updated February 21, 2018

Back in October, we took a look at Sunrise Calendar for the iPhone. Its direct connection with social networking apps, like Facebook and Twitter, makes it convenient for sending birthday wishes, getting event info, and a whole lot more.

Sunrise Calendar has received a major update that brings iPad support and a weekly view that will make your schedule easier to see than ever before…

Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project hits iOS, total mutant mayhem guaranteed

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 9, 2014

If you're in your 30s, surely you must remember an action videogame franchise that set the genre on fire. Starring a larger-than-life character called Duke, itt was originally created by Apogee Software and 3D Realms, with the voice actor Jon St. John borrowing Duke his distinct voice.

The long-standing Duke Nukem series has since seen numerous releases and the last installment was published back in 2011 by Gearbox Software, which acquired the rights of the franchise the year prior.

Duke Nukem II was ported to iOS last year and now the original king of action is making a comeback in Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project, now available for the iPhone and iPad for $1.99...

Lyne is casual puzzle game with a minimalist appeal

Lory Gil ∙ January 9, 2014

Casual puzzle games in the App Store have traditionally involved cartoon characters, flowing water, and other cute themes. The puzzles may be challenging, but grown ups don’t necessarily want to get caught playing around with big-eyed aliens or plump farm animals. Thanks to iOS 7, many developers have turned to minimalism for casual puzzle games.

Lyne is one of those apps that looks simple, but is a real brain scrambler. It features basic geometric shapes and a calming soundtrack so you can play in public and not feel like you have to hide your screen from coworkers…

Apple, Samsung CEOs agree to mediation ahead of patent trial

Cody Lee ∙ January 8, 2014

According to new paperwork filed earlier this afternoon, Apple and Samsung have agreed to attend a mediation session next month ahead of their second major US patent trial, which is slated to begin on March 31.

The meeting is to take place on or before February 19, and is to be attended by Tim Cook, Samsung's Oh-Hyun Kwon and their respective in-house lawyers. And they will attempt to discuss settlement opportunities...

FCC chairman talks AT&T’s controversial ‘Sponsored Data’ program at CES

Cody Lee ∙ January 8, 2014

AT&T raised more than a few eyebrows on Monday when it announced a new 'Sponsored Data' program. The goal of the program is essentially to offer a way for companies to pick up the tab for 4G data usage whenever specific products or services are being used.

Initial feedback to the announcement has been a mix of "what an interesting idea" and complaints from net neutrality advocates. And today, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler chimed in, using his time at CES to discuss his off-the-cuff thoughts on AT&T's proposition...

Let’s Talk Jailbreak 39: Tweaks, tweaks, and more tweaks

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 8, 2014

Sebastien returns from vacation in Mexico to talk about about all of the newest and coolest jailbreak tweaks released in the last week. Jeff highlights his favorite Touch ID tweaks, and Cody discusses the newest jailbreak tools.

CES 2014: introducing Voyce, health and activity tracking collar for dogs

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 4, 2017

We've seen all sorts of crazy stuff coming out of CES 2014 (the hype machine is strong) and I'm guessing half of the announced, shown off and written about whiz-bang gadgets will get forgotten as soon as the last drunken journalist checks out of an overpriced Las Vegas hotel.

The Voyce isn't one of such easily forgettable products. If you love dogs and own one, I'm guessing your four-legged pet friend would love to wear this app-enabled collar that can track his activity, measure heart and respiratory rates and record other data pertaining to his wellbeing..

How to add Twitter and Facebook share widgets to Control Center

Sébastien Page ∙ January 8, 2014

A few days ago, I wrote a post showing how to bring Twitter and Facebook share widgets back to the Notification Center using an app called Share Widgets for iOS 7. In this post, I noted that Apple probably didn't add these share widgets in the iOS 7 Notification Center because that's not the right place for them. When you think about it, sharing something on Twitter or Facebook has nothing to do with notifications.

A more natural fit for Twitter and Facebook share widgets is Control Center. With an array of tweaks now being developed for Control Center, one in particular grabbed my attention as it allowed me to do what I really wanted from the beginning: add Twitter and Facebook share widgets to Control Center.

This tweak, some of you may have already guessed, it CCToggles...