Apple

Google announces Android SDK for wearables releasing in two weeks

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 9, 2014

After becoming the world's top mobile operating system for smartphones and tablets, Google's Android software wants to become the leading platform for wearable devices.

CNET's Daniel Terdiman, reporting from the SXSW conference, has just tweeted that Google's Sundar Pichai confirmed that the Internet giant will be releasing its own Android software development kit (SDK) for wearable devices in the next two weeks.

The move indicates the search company's interest in the emerging wearable devices market, which has not exploded yet but is being closely watched in part due to Apple's rumored iWatch wearable project. Google itself is thought to be working on a smartwatch of its own...

AT&T discounts single-line data plans, 2GB now $65 per month

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 9, 2014

AT&T, the nation's #2 wireless carrier, said yesterday that its customers can take advantage of cheaper single-line data plans. Starting today, two gigabytes of high-speed 4G data will set you back $65 per month, which represents a $15 savings compared to the cost of the previous plan. The plan includes fifty gigabytes of cloud storage as well as unlimited international messaging and calling.

An additional line can be added for $25 per month. A month ago, the carrier slashed the prices of its Mobile Share family plans...

Twelve South launches BookBook case for iPad Air

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 16, 2016

After months of waiting, premium accessory maker Twelve South has finally introduced its BookBook vintage case series for the iPad Air. Like the BookBook for the iPhone 5/5s, BookBook for the iPad mini [review] and full-size iPad, BookBook for the MacBook Air and other BookBook cases, the iPad Air edition is hand-distressed using high-quality leather to give each one a slightly different appearance.

It's also a nice theft-deterrent thanks to its dusty tome appearance hiding your iPad Air completely from prying eyes while keeping it protected from elements, dust, nicks and scratches. And like other BookBook cases, it allows you to prop up your device at a 30-degree angle for prolonged text entry and showing off your media. ..

Updated iTunes Festival channel added to Apple TV for SXSW

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Following the release of an updated iTunes Festival app for iOS on Thursday, Apple has rolled out a new TV channel for its Apple TV. For us, the icon is showing up in the second row of icons, right in the middle, so it's almost impossible to miss.

Clicking on the icon takes you to the Festival channel, where you can get the low-down on all of the major acts that are going to be playing at Apple's SXSW event this week. You can also view their concert dates and listen to samples of their music...

Rad concept imagines iWatch as a timeless watch without a touchscreen and voice control

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 7, 2014

There's definitely no shortage of both beautiful and terrible iWatch concepts these days. At this point, it's all but certain that Apple's been cooking up some kind of a wearable device. That said, I don't think the iWatch will be a smartwatch at all.

Needles to say, this isn't stopping 3D artists from dreaming up the ultimate wrist-worn smartwatch with the Apple logo on it.

But as gorgeous as some iWatch renderings are, their envisioned interfaces are classic examples of form over function. Although I don't see myself wearing any kind of wristwatch, earlier today I stumbled upon a fresh batch of stylish concept images by the talented Hungarian designer Gábor Balogh that could easily have me change my mind as to what a smartwatch should actually be...

Google+ gains pinned posts, new location reporting and history settings, more

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 7, 2014

It's been a while since the Internet giant Google updated the Google+ client for the iPhone and iPad, available free of charge in the App Store. Last we heard, Google+ was refreshed more than three months ago with such new features as full-resolution photo and video backup, inline translations and the ability to share your location, to mention but a few.

In today's Google+ update, the app has gained the ability to pin posts to the top of a community stream while allowing you to adjust your history settings and location reporting...

Yahoo Mail now lets you block images, web UI gains improved Folders, compose and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Yahoo keeps on meticulously improving both its Mail service on the web and companion mobile apps. Today, the firm has bumped Yahoo Mail for iPhone to version 2.0.6 which comes with your usual dose of bug fixes and performance improvements, in addition to one new feature: the ability to block images.

Now available in the App Store, a new setting lets you tell the app to skip loading images in HTML-styled email.

Security-minded users will love this feature given that spammers and attackers typically use embedded images to tell whether you have opened the message, sometimes even using images to leverage security exploits.

Yahoo's web interface has also received its fair share of enhancements, including improved handling of folders, new shortcuts, an improved multitasking chat and more...

Target now lets you trade-in your iPad 2 for nearly half off a brand new Retina iPad mini

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated July 17, 2017

The American retailing company Target is running various deals concerning Apple's popular devices on a regular basis. In its latest move aimed at encouraging users to ditch their legacy iPad 2, the retailer is offering at least a $150 gift card for an iPad 2 or newer in good condition.

According to TechnoBuffalo, the promotion begins today, March 9, and runs through Saturday, March 15, and is valid in-store only, through Target's participating locations...

Square Enix slashes Deus Ex and Tomb Raider games to $0.99 until Monday

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Publisher Square Enix is holding a surprise sale of some of its most popular iPhone and iPad titles in the App Store. Starting today and valid until next Monday, January 10, Deus Ex: The Fall, Tomb Raider I, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light HD are available for just 99 cents each, in celebration of World Book Day.

Deus Ex normally sells for seven bucks, Tomb Raider I is a $2.99 value and Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light versions for the iPhone and iPad are respectively $2.99 and $5.99 so you're looking at the combined saving of sixteen bucks if you download all four titles right now.

For reference, you can't buy a decent book these days for less than five bucks. Fret not, dear sirs, your download links follow right below...

Beats Music opens up its API to developers

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 24, 2018

Beats Music has entered the crowded music-streaming space less than two months ago and already the startup is making moves with the aim of becoming a music platform of sorts.

Akin to Rdio, Spotify and other subscription-based music services, Beats Music offers unlimited streaming for ten bucks a month through the web and via their awesome iPhone app.

CNET is now reporting that the company has now officially opened up its application programming interface (API) to all third-part developers as it seeks to foster the creation of mobile apps with Beats Music integration...

Star Wars KOTOR goes half price, now with iOS 7 controller support and iCloud saves

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 7, 2014

Mac games developer Aspyr released Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) for iPad last May and today the app has received its second major update while slashing the retail price in half. Previously costing ten bucks a pop, the game is now available 50 percent off celebrating this update, or just $4.99 a pop in the App Store. The price drop is valid for a limited time only so bargain hunters should grab the game now before the price goes back up.

As for the new features, the freshly updated versions has an improved support for iOS 7 'Made for iPhone' controllers, such as Steel's Series Stratus, Moga's Ace Power Controller and Logitech's PowerShell. Both extended and standard controllers are fully supported. There are also new languages in this KOTOR update as well as iCloud saves for keeping your progress synchronized across all devices...

Video of Tim Cook’s meeting with Israeli PM offers brief look inside Apple HQ

Cody Lee ∙ March 7, 2014

Earlier this week we noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be touring the United States for a few days, and that one of his planned stops in the country would be at Apple's Cupertino, CA campus for a luncheon with Tim Cook.

Well that meeting took place on Wednesday, as evidenced by a newly uploaded video clip. It's not known exactly what the pair discussed, but the video itself is rather interesting as it offers a brief look inside the walls of Apple's usually-secret headquarters...