Facebook testing voice transcription feature in Messenger ahead of official rollout

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 18, 2015

Facebook has begun testing a new feature in its mobile Messenger software that can read transcripts of received voice messages in case you don't want to listen to them.

The company is currently testing the feature with a tiny subset of Messenger's more than 500 million users ahead of a forthcoming launch in the near future.

In addition to Messenger's voice transcription capability, the firm announced buying a successful boutique design firm which has created popular mobile applications and online services, including the read-later app Readability and the rising blogging platform Medium.

Read More

Apple adds Tennis Channel Everywhere to Apple TV

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

The Apple TV content march continues, as the company has added Tennis Channel Everywhere to the set-top box for tennis lovers.

Previously just an iOS app, the Tennis Channel Everywhere app on the Apple TV extends its functionality to the larger screen. The app streams live matches for $69.99 per year, or if you don't feel like paying, highlights from some of the recent matches are available to view for free.

Read More

Apps of the Week: AllCast, Shadowmatic, Starlike and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Welcome back everyone to our weekly roundup of noteworthy iOS releases. We've seen some great new apps and games land over the past 7 days, from new remote desktop control software from Google, to a new Wii-like bowling game for Apple TV, so you don't want to miss this week's picks.

Read More

Bowling Central teams up with your Apple TV for Wii-like bowling action

Cody Lee ∙ January 16, 2015

Rolocule, the veteran developers behind games like Motion Tennis and Dance Party, is back with perhaps its most ambitious title ever called Bowling Central. At its core, the game offers a stellar mobile bowling experience, with state-of-the-art physics, stunning 3D graphics and over 30 unique challenges. But things get really interesting when you turn on your Apple TV.

Utilizing Apple's AirPlay Mirroring technology, Bowling Central can stream gameplay footage from your iOS device to your television set by way of Apple TV. This not only gives you a much better view of the game, but it also frees up your iPhone or iPod touch to be used as a controller for what is best described as a Wii-like gaming experience. Here, check out the demo:

Read More

Apple still ironing out bugs in iOS 8.1.3, seeds second beta to retail workers

Cody Lee ∙ January 16, 2015

Apple is still hard at work on iOS 8.1.3, issuing a second beta (build 12B466) to retail employees in its testing group yesterday. The firmware was expected to be released to the public this week, but according to a report from MacRumors, engineers are still trying to iron out bugs.

The site notes that it continues to see a steady uptick of visits from devices running iOS 8.1.3, and iDB can confirm we're seeing similar patterns in our own analytics (above). This again suggests that a public release is imminent, but whether it'll be this week or next we don't know.

Read More

Kickstarter revamps iOS app, adds iPad UI, iPhone 6 support and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 9, 2016

The official Kickstarter app is now available on the iPad, nearly two years following its iPhone debut in February of 2013. Not only does the software sport native tablet interface, it's been thoroughly redesigned as well and now looks way more in line with iOS 8's design aesthetics.

Those who have purchased an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus will be happy to know that Kickstarter will now take full advantage of the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screen resolutions rather than look like a ridiculously blown up version of its former self.

Read More

Instagram, Google Maps, Foursquare, Uber and other apps get conceptualized for Apple Watch

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 16, 2015

As noted by Fast Company, Digital agency Huge took it upon themselves to imagine what Apple Watch editions of popular apps would look like.

A batch of believable mockups envision apps like Fandango, Foursquare, Google Maps, Chase Bank and more running on the Watch. The authors also offered a few smart suggestions on how such applications might take advantage of the Watch's unique hardware and software features.

Read More

One-stop shop for your entertainment needs: Time Inc. releases new iOS video streaming app

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 24, 2018

Publishing company Time Inc. has released a new application that acts as a one-stop shop for video content from its many properties.

The Daily Cut, now available free in the App Store, lets you stream videos produced by Time, Sports Illustrated, People, Instyle, Entertainment Weekly, Real Simple, Golf, Cooking Light, Southern Living, Fortune, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, Essence and a plethora of other brands and channels.

Though basically an iOS version of Time Inc.'s newly launched website of the same name, available at dailycut.com, the app is pretty nicely done and has some compelling features you should know about.

Read More

Apple now offering refurbished models of 27″ iMac with Retina 5K display

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 16, 2015

If the thought of burning $2,500 on a brand spanking new iMac with Retina 5K display gives you sleepless nights and panic attacks, perhaps you wouldn't mind getting a little used machine for less money? If so, Apple's got you covered: the dream all-in-one with its unmatched industrial design and remarkably clear 27-inch screen is now available on the Refurbished Online Apple Store.

Read More

Virgin Mobile launches contract-free LTE data sharing plans with unlimited talk and text

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Wireless service plans for families are great until you realize that getting out of your contract often yields a huge penalty in the form of early termination fees and other dirty tactics carrier pull to discourage switching.

As announced Friday, Virgin Mobile USA, a prepaid wireless carrier wholly owned by Sprint, just started offering contract-free LTE data sharing plans that permit families to cancel the service if need be without breaking the bank.

Read More