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Google chairman: Android is clearly winning the smartphone war

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

Google chairman Eric Schmidt thinks his company is clearly winning the smartphone war with Apple and he goes on the record to say it in no ambiguous terms. The numbers certainly support Android's position as the world's most popular smartphone platform in terms of volume.

According to Gartner, both Samsung and Apple controlled nearly half the world's smartphone market in the third quarter, or 46.5 percent. When it comes to mobile operating system share for smartphones, Android is in the clear lead with nearly three-quarters the market, or 72.4 percent, up from 52 percent in the year-ago quarter. Apple's iOS held 13.9 percent. However, when it comes to the profits, Apple leads smart device profits and by a large margin, too...

Yahoo updates Flickr app with the obligatory Instagram-like filters

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 29, 2012

Following Instagram's update that added a new Willow filter and yesterday's big refresh of Twitter's iOS client that now lets you crop a photo and apply up to eight brand new filters before tweeting it out, Yahoo too has joined the fray by revamping its aging Flickr iOS client this morning. And guess what? The redesigned app also touts filters as Yahoo attempts to stay relevant in the social photography space. There are sixteen unique camera filters to choose from, twice as much as in Twitter's app (and also powered by Aviary). More features and screenies right after the break...

The Hercules: a slim backpack with a pocket for everything [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

I am a big fan of backpacks, all shapes, sizes, and purposes. Like everyone's father told them growing up, there is a right tool for everything. Backpacks are no different. About two months ago, we took a close look at the B7103 Lance Daypack by ECBC. It was a larger, bulky bag that I would hardly call a "daypack," as you read in the review. However, ECBC has taken a step back and produced a new bag that is truly top-shelf.

The new K7102 Hercules is a slimmer, more agile pack that, most importantly, boasts dedicated iPad and iPhone pockets and TSA FastPass computer pocket for jet setters. We are pretty excited about the changes ECBC made with such a quick turn around and more excited to offer one as a giveaway to a lucky reader! Check below the fold for all the details...

WSJ: Apple testing TV set designs with Asian suppliers

Cody Lee ∙ December 12, 2012

Finally, after months of listening to pundits and analysts wildly speculate on an Apple TV set, there's actually some real evidence that it exists. Well, sort of. Citing the usual 'people familiar with the matter,' The Wall Street Journal is reporting that it has learned that the Cupertino company is working with component suppliers in Asia to test several TV-set designs...

The WynCASE: an interesting take on the iOS gamepad

Cody Lee ∙ December 12, 2012

Now, I know what you're thinking, "ugh, not another iOS gamepad! We've seen dozens of these already and they're either too expensive, too bulky, or too complicated." And you're right, we've seen a number of these things, and most of them fit that description.

But what if I were to tell you that this new gamepad called the WynCASE was different? What if I told you that it was inexpensive, extremely thin, and didn't require a Bluetooth connection or batteries? Does any of this pique your interest? Good. Keep reading...

How to reply to a selected passage of text in Mail app on iOS

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 16, 2017

The Mail app in iOS isn't going to win any 'best email client' awards, but it's usable for what it is, and Apple continues to make improvements. Most recently, it improved the file attachment process in iOS and also allows to annotate PDF documents.

There's also some non-feature things — shortcuts, if you will — that make the app more useful. We've shared some of these with you before, like how to quickly open your last Draft. And today, we've got another one to show you.

The Daily Recap – Dec 11, 2012 edition

Jeff Benjamin ∙ December 11, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq2-taRl-Nk

Welcome to The Daily Recap for December 11th, 2012. Watch our video for a quick look at some of the top stories from the day in less than two minutes. If you missed out on any of today's big news, this is a great way for you to get caught up fast.

For your convenience, you'll also find links to all of the stories listed in today's recap inside...

FTC investigating children’s apps over privacy concerns

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 9, 2023

The US Federal Trade Commission released a report yesterday regarding mobile apps that are aimed at children. It has been investigating kids titles from both the App Store and the Google Play marketplace, and has found that there has been little done over the past few years to address privacy concerns. These apps are still collecting kids' data, and sharing it, without their parents' knowledge or consent...

Time names the iPhone 5 ‘Gadget of the Year’

Cody Lee ∙ December 11, 2012

The year is winding down, and like clockwork, TIME Magazine has released its annual collection of 55 lists showcasing the best and the worst of the past 12 months. And as you've probably already gleaned from the title, the publication has named the iPhone 5 its 'Gadget of the Year.'

Apple's handset beat out several rival products from Samsung and Microsoft, including the Note II and the Surface tablet, as well as Nintendo's new Wii U gaming console. In fact, author Harry McCracken says that it's is one of the most artfully polished gadgets anyone’s ever built...

Reuters scolds Americanos for spending way too much money on Apple gear

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 11, 2012

Whenever one parts with one's hard-earned cash in order to get one's hands on a shiny Apple device, there's always people questioning the buyer's sanity.

The inevitable 'Apple tax' every now and then raises its ugly head through click-bait blog posts.

Even more worryingly, this non-topic somehow manages to find its way into write-ups of traffic-hungry newspapers. You can now totally put Reuters on your list of sensationalist media outlets. The otherwise respectable news gathering organization yesterday published an article titled 'Your Money: The "Apple Tax" - America's costly obsession'.

Here's what's wrong with their story and why I'm bitching about it on a lazy Tuesday afternoon...

Microsoft pressing Apple to take smaller cut on Office for iOS sales

Cody Lee ∙ December 11, 2012

Apple has just rejected the latest update to Microsoft's iOS SkyDrive app, a client for its popular cloud-based storage service. The reason for this is that the update includes the ability for users to purchase more storage through the app, and Microsoft isn't giving Apple its 30% cut of the sales.

Apparently the two companies are at serious odds over the commission fee, and the situation may not be resolvable. Microsoft has even offered to remove all subscription options from the app, but to no avail. And according to a new report, the beef has spilled over into Office for iOS discussions...

Google News improves iPad experience with cleaner UI and new gestures

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 11, 2012

Google today announced some welcome (if not way overdue) changes to its free news aggregator platform, Google News. The enhancements are aimed specifically at Apple's iPad and, of course, Google's own Nexus tablets and include new gestures and more breathing room between articles, which de-clutters the interface. If you used to dislike Google News because it threw every link it could at you, give the updated web app another try as it does feel more natural and fluid on iPads than before...