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Facebook acquiring web video startup QuickFire Networks

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Facebook is purchasing the San Diego, California-based web video startup QuickFire Networks for an undisclosed amount. The company announced the acquisition on its website today, saying that "key members" of its team will be joining the social networking giant as it "winds down operations."

QuickFire is known for its propriety software tech that significantly reduces the bandwidth needed to view video online without degrading its quality. The startup will help Facebook build an infrastructure capable of supporting the massive influx of video consumption it's currently experiencing.

Task-focused email app Mail Pilot 2 gets previewed

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 6, 2018

Following its iOS and OS X debut in April 2013 and January 2014, respectively, Mail Pilot, a powerful task-focused email application by Mindsense, is about to get a whole lot better and prettier.

Mail Pilot 2, currently in beta, looks really nice with its overhauled interface that was redesigned around getting you on your with your day even faster.

Just earlier this week, Mindsense, the brains behind Mail Pilot, has shared some of the upcoming enhancements in a brand new preview video. You may not necessarily need yet another email app in your life, but I urge you to give this clip a quick watch as it could make you reconsider your stance.

Many early HomeKit devices require Apple TV for remote Siri features

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Folks looking to take advantage of the onslaught of HomeKit products being introduced at CES this year will need to make sure they have an Apple TV. The Verge is reporting that many of the just-announced HomeKit accessories require the set-top box for select features.

More specifically, the outlet says that new smart home devices from iHome, GridConnect, Chamberlain, Elgato and others require users to have a third-gen Apple TV (running software 7.0 or later) on their network in order to take advantage of Siri remote control capabilities.

Apple is Charlie too!

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Following the terrorist attack on the office of French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday, Apple is now showing its support by displaying a black banner reading "Je suis Charlie" on its French website. Je suis Charlie (I am Charlie) has been a statement used by supporters of free speech in France and many places around the world, following the terrible massacre that left 12 people dead yesterday.

As a French citizen and a firm believer in free speech, I feel terribly saddened and enraged by the attack. As a human being, it definitely feels good to see the support the whole world has been offering.

Apple names unique puzzler ‘Mujo’ its free App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 2, 2018

Apple has just named Mujo, by Oink Games, its App of the Week for this week. This means that from now through next Thursday, you’ll be able to pick up the unique puzzler for both iPhone and iPad, for free—a nice little savings of $3.

In Mujo, players are tasked with fighting off monsters using power obtained through an on-screen puzzle. The gameplay feels like a mix of tile-stacking, similar to that in the hit game Threes!, and strategic character leveling of an RPG.

Apple hires former HP exec to boost corporate sales

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple has hired former HP senior vice president John Solomon, according to a new report from Recode. A spokesperson for the handset-maker has confirmed the hire, but would not specify what Solomon's title or role would be with the company.

Recode's Arik Hesseldahl is hearing, though, that Solomon will be "central to Apple’s push to boost sales to big companies and government agencies with large technology budgets." He may also play a part in international sales of the Apple Watch.

Evernote launches ‘Scannable’ iOS app for automatic document scanning

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 2, 2018

Evernote today released a new app for scanning various types of documents called Evernote Scannable. The app, which has been in beta for several months, is capable of scanning and managing contracts, receipts, business cards, and virtually any other kind of paper item you can think of.

Scanning happens quickly and automatically. Simply load up the app and point your device's camera at the document you want to scan in, and it will capture the image and make adjustments on the fly—such as rotating, cropping, sharpening, etc.—so your scans are clear and easy to read.

BlueSkyMe for iPad debuts: manage your time, relationships and projects

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 8, 2015

The App Store has some tremendously useful apps to get the most out of your busy schedule, but wouldn't it be nice if there was a single app to manage your contacts, mails, reminders and calendars and activities instead of a fiddling with a multitude of different applications from multiple devs?

Now there is: BlueSkyMe by Dynamic Elements. The iPad productivity app gives you a comprehensive outlook of your time, relationships and projects in one place.

Eye-candy renderings of one-port MacBook Air with laser-cut Apple logo that shines at the edges

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

Our favorite rendering artist, Martin Hajek, has created a gorgeous batch of renderings based on the mockups and information from 9to5Mac's scoop regarding Apple's rumored one-port 12-inch Air.

The images give a closer look at some of the rumored features of the purported notebook that've been making rounds, such as distinct iPhone-like finishes in Silver, Space Grey and Gold.

I've included the gorgeous renderings for your enjoyment right below.

New noise-cancelling headphones from Philips draw power from Lightning port

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 8, 2015

As The Verge reported Thursday, Consumer electronics maker Philips took the wraps off its new on-ear headphones that don't have a built-in battery, instead drawing power from the Lightning port of an iOS device.

The Fidelio NC1L features noise-cancelling technology which uses four different microphones to suppress background noise. Audio quality is improved further thanks to the use of Philips's own integrated 24-bit digital-to-analog converter instead of the one built into iOS devices.

Claimed iPad Pro manufacturing mold shown in leaked photo

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 8, 2015

A photograph of a manufacturing mold for the rear shell of an ‘iPad Pro’ was posted Thursday to China's Weibo microblogging service, indicating that Apple's ostensibly larger iPad model could be entering mass production pretty soon.

As first reported by MacRumors, it wasn't immediately clear whether the supposed mold is for an actual iPad Pro shell or for a dummy unit which was posted online back in May 2014.

Apple announces new records for the App Store, New Years day was its best day ever

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple on Thursday announced that the first week of January set a new record for billings from the App Store, with customers around the world spending nearly half a billion dollars on apps and in-app purchases. It also revealed New Year’s Day 2015 marked the single biggest day ever in App Store sales history, as customers presumably used gift cards and took advantage of App Store sales.