Apple

How to step up your Evernote account security with two-step verification

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 30, 2013

Following in the footsteps of Twitter, Apple, Dropbox, Google and others who recently ramped up security by rolling out two-step account verification, the note-taking platform Evernote today announced similar security features. Small wonder, given recent security exploits which prompted Evernote to issue a password reset across the board.

In a nutshell, two-step authentication makes your notes more secure by requiring a verification code sent to your phone whenever you’re asked to provide your username and password.

This will usually happen when logging into the web interface or installing Evernote apps on a new device, such as your iPhone, iPad or Mac. Additionally, Evernote is also launching Access History and Authorized Applications features. I've included more information right after the break...

Tweetbot for Mac refreshed with Media timeline, profile cover image support

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

TapBots' Tweetbot to this date is my go-to Twitter client, both on iOS and Mac. The iOS app was updated a month ago with a handy new Media timeline, revamped image viewer and a few under-the-hood tweaks. Today, Tapbots gave the Mac edition some love.

On top of fixing a few nagging issues, the new Tweetbot 1.3 brings the Media timeline to your desktop. As part of Twitter's new guidelines, tweet details now have favorite and retweet counts, which comes in handy when checking how viral a tweet is. Another nice-to-have: the Mac edition now supports Twitter's profile cover images...

Aspyr releases Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic for iPad

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 30, 2013

Nine days ago, Mac games developer Aspyr inadvertently told customers in an email communication that "the critically-acclaimed Star Wars RPG is now available on iPad." Following that "leak," Aspyr today released Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on the App Store.

The iPad-only title is based on BioWare's classic 2003 RPG game and includes unique characters, creatures, vehicles and planets.

On top of that, you get to choose from nine customizable characters, use over 40 different Force powers, roam odd planets and vast galaxies and much, much more. If you're a Star Wars fan, this one's a no-brainer...

After Samsung makes Smart Scroll popular, Apple renews gaze detection work

Ed Sutherland ∙ May 30, 2013

Apple apparently is renewing efforts to add the ability for the iPhone to detect whether or not it has your rapt attention. It's not enough that you're holding the smartphone, the company now wants to be sure you are looking at the phone's screen.

Originally seen as a way to save battery life, iPhone gaze detection may be Apple's latest bid to keep up with rival Samsung.

Apple's patent application, filed in 2013, adds to an earlier 2008 filing and describes 'Electronic Devices with Gaze Detection Capabilities.'

The technology uses the iPhone's front-facing camera along with the device's accelerometer to detect when you look away from the screen or put the phone down. Glancing away would automatically pause any running videos while also dimming the screen...

Google: All Access streaming coming to iOS in coming weeks

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 6, 2020

Earlier this month, the search monster at the Google I/O developers conference unveiled its new $9.99 a month subscription service called Google Play Music All Access. It offers streaming from Google’s catalog of "millions of tracks" and supports curated playlists, radio stations and ability to remove unwanted songs.

While Google initially said the service will run on Android devices and on the web, there was no mention of iOS whatsoever. During today's interview at the D11 conference, Google's new Android lead Sundar Pichai confirmed that Google Play Music All Access is coming to iOS in the next few weeks...

Skype for iPhone gains improved calling and chatting features

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 30, 2013

Today, Microsoft-owned Skype has been updated on the iPhone and iPod touch (the latter sold 100 million units since its 2007 inception). The enhancements include a pair of features related to the application's chatting and VoIP calling capabilities.

For starters, one-to-one chats now appear in the correct order. There's also a new introduction screens for first-time users. More importantly, the VoIP application now lets you switch easily between headset, speaker or Bluetooth device, without interrupting call in progress...

Grand Theft Auto 3 refreshed with cloud saves, iPhone 5 support, custom playlists

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 30, 2013

Rockstar Games has refreshed Grand Theft Auto 3: The 10 Year Anniversary Edition for the iPhone and iPad today, adding several notable features that enhance the experience. Like Electronic Arts' Real Racing 3, the Grand Theft Auto game now supports cloud saves for hassle-free gameplay across devices.

Now you can start playing on your iPhone and continue right where you left off on the iPad, and vice versa.

This is tremendously useful in today's multi-device world and it's a shame other game makers don't support cloud saves out of the box. Grand Theft Auto 3 also now plays nice on the iPhone 5's taller screen and you can use your own iTunes playlist...

Apple pushing interactive flexible displays

Ed Sutherland ∙ May 30, 2013

So far, Apple devices with touch screens react to taps and swipes. Future applications could also respond to pressure. The iPhone maker has applied for a patent on technology which would detect when you press your finger.

The invention may further expand how consumers interact with technology, particularly with wearable devices. The patent application, filed in 2011 and published Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, provides the popular GarageBand music app.

The ability to sense increasing finger pressure could allow virtual pianists to play notes louder, Apple writes. Although GarageBand on iPhone and iPad already imitates pressure by measuring device vibration via the accelerometer sensor, Apple's invention calls for a new force detection layer on mobile screens...

Alleged case video depicts reduced iPad 5 width and height

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 30, 2013

A rather credible Vietnamese publication has posted a video Thursday which purportedly depicts a case thought to have been designed for Apple's next-generation full-size iPad, the iPad 5. Now, rumor mills expect the next iPad to adopt the iPad mini's narrow side bezels and thinner appearance.

Although iDB couldn't confirm the authenticity of the video at press time, it does indicate that narrower side bezels on the iPad 5 could result in a device that's both narrower and has slightly reduced height compared to the current-generation iPad 4...

Apple accelerating custom chip development

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Apple has seen a few high-profile departures of its silicon experts for graphics giant AMD. For example, Apple’s lead chip designer Jim Keller left the company last August to join AMD's Mark Papermaster, who was briefly Apple's VP of iPhone engineering.

Another example: Wayne Meretsky, who is known for his work on Macs and other Apple products, in January became AMD's VP of Software Development. And perhaps most importantly, director of graphics architecture Raja Koduri in April left for AMD, where he had previously worked before Apple poached him in April 2009.

Now, Apple is striking back. According to a number of job listings and LinkedIn profiles, Apple this year picked up at least a dozen former AMD graphics engineers for Orlando Design Center, its rumored brand new shop for custom chip development. These hires indicate Apple's accelerated custom chip development as the firm seeks to further distance itself from rivals, whose products mostly incorporate off-the-shelf chips...

Apple announces London iTunes Festival starring Justin Timberlake and others

Cody Lee ∙ May 29, 2013

Apple has tonight announced details for its upcoming iTunes Festival, an annual music festival it's sponsored for the last 5 years. This year's event, like last year's, will be taking place at London's historic Roundhouse venue throughout the month of September.

Head of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue says that the Festival will be the "best ever," with a star-studded lineup of over 60 acts. Global superstars like Justin Timberlake and Thirty Seconds to Mars are scheduled to perform during the 30-day event...

Google rolling out new-look Gmail inbox with categories and tabbed UI

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 29, 2013

In a steady stream of updates, Google has been perfecting its mobile Gmail app, adding new features and smoothing out rough edges over time. For example, back in March the Gmail iOS app added new gestures so you could swipe left and right to move between messages, without having to return to their inbox. And in a minor update earlier in the month, the software gained ability to open web links in Google's other apps, like Maps and YouTube.

Well, today's a big day as the Gmail team just announced a brand new inbox across mobile Gmail apps and on the web. So, what's new? Basically, categories and tabbed interface, to allow for easier organization of email messages.

Read on for additional details and promo video...