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Instagram launches Hyperlapse, a smart time-lapse video app

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 26, 2014

If you're looking for a clever use of the iPhone's gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, look no further than Hyperlapse, a new iOS app by Facebook-owned Instagram which lets you create panning and time-lapse shots, steadycam-style.

The time-lapse feature is similar to one Apple will bring to iOS devices with the release of iOS 8 in Fall.

As for the tracking shots, the software uses advanced algorithms and your iPhone's hardware to smooth out panning shots as if you recorded video with a Steadicam or a professional $15,000 tracking rig.

And in what prove to be a killer feature for folks who loathe Instagram, Hyperlapse can be enjoyed without an Instagram or Facebook account as no signup is required to use the app.

Hyperlapse is available free in the App Store.

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Verizon begins rolling out Voice over LTE ahead of iPhone 6 announcement

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 26, 2014

With precisely two weeks until Apple's rumored September 9 iPhone 6 announcement, the nation's leading carrier, Verizon Wireless, Tuesday morning announced the official beginning of nationwide Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology roll-out. The carrier in May laid out plans to deploy VoLTE using the AMR-wideband standard.

VoLTE uses high-speed 4G LTE data network to carry voice instead of the legacy circuit-switched voice network. Verizon says users can expect to enjoy higher-fidelity voice calls ”in the coming weeks.“

Additionally, the Big Red carrier said the feature will be enabled on supported devices via a software update.

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Poll: would you pay extra for sapphire-screened iPhone 6?

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

That sapphire has become the smartphone industry's latest new buzzword can be attributed to Apple. The Cupertino company has confirmed dropping north of $500 million for the procurement of cutting-edge furnaces and other sophisticated equipment needed for its new sapphire plant, the world's largest.

That facility is located in Mesa, Arizona and run on Apple's behalf by a company called GT Advanced Technologies.

Moreover, GT's scientists have created a process called Hyperion 4 Ion Implanter to help mass-produce sapphire at affordable prices. Now, it's been rumored for months that Apple, which holds a patent for ‘Sapphire Laminates,’ will protect the iPhone 6's screen with ultra-thin sheets made from the precious gemstone.

With sapphire's hardness being second only to diamond, such a device would feature a virtually unbreakable screen. And with an estimated 20 percent of all broken iPhones suffering from smashed displays, sapphire could protect your pricey investment in case of accidental drops.

Analysts caution that a high-end feature like a sapphire-strengthened screen could easily translate into a premium price. Which brings me to my question of the day: would you be willing to pay extra for an iPhone 6 with a sapphire screen?

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California governor signs smartphone kill switch bill into law

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

A bill that requires all smartphones manufactured after July 1st of next year, and sold in California, to include a remote kill switch was signed into law this afternoon. Introduced in February of this year, the bill hopes to make mobile devices less attractive to criminals, as smartphone thefts have grown exponentially in recent years, in several major US cities.

Specifically, the new law requires that each handset prompt an authorized user during initial setup to enable a "technological solution" that, once initiated, can render the essential features of the device inoperable to an unauthorized user. The solution must be reversible, must be able to withstand a hard reset, and may consist of software, hardware, or both.

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Microsoft gives OneDrive new Photos view, multi-file selection and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 11, 2016

After launching the official Kindle Fire and Kindle Phone app about two weeks ago, today the Windows maker Microsoft gets to refresh the iOS edition of its OneDrive app.

FYI, OneDrive used to be formerly known as SkyDrive.

The official cloud-storage service client for the iPhone and iPad, the just-updated OneDrive version 4.4 comes with an updated Shared view and a brand new Photos view.

Acting as the Camera Roll folder on steroids, the Photos view collates all the photos in your OneDrive in one convenient place.

Other features included in this update are listed after the break.

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App Store Productivity Monday: automate iOS with these fine apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Like any given Monday, Apple's App Store editors today highlighted iPhone and iPad applications aimed at increasing your productivity by helping you get organized and keep pace with your busy life.

In this week's edition of Productivity Monday, the App Store team is sharpening its focus on apps which help make the most out of iOS by automating the things that don't need your expertise, so you can spend your time wisely.

Here's a quick rundown of each featured app.

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Dropbox for iOS gains ability to search within Word documents and PowerPoint presentations

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 25, 2014

After introducing document previews and smarter search in its Android client two weeks ago, Dropbox today gave its iOS client a little love.

Bumped to version 3.3, Dropbox for iPhone and iPad has brought out an enhancement to the built-in search feature allowing you to search within Word and PowerPoint documents with "higher fidelity previews".

By the way, those who love to create memes will be pleased to know that Dropbox now syncs larger animated GIFs than before — my life will never be the same again! Other features included in this update are listed right after the jump.

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Facebook Messenger update prevents scammers from racking up your phone bill

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Facebook has begun rolling out an important update to its Facebook Messenger application on Monday, after it was found the app was susceptible to a security flaw forcing users’ iPhones to place expensive calls automatically - racking up a large bill.

Developer Andrei Neculaesei was first to identify the issue last week, saying scammers use the Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) scheme called ”tel” to trigger a call without a user knowing. Usually clicking on a link containing a phone number will take a user to Safari and then prompt them to confirm the call. However, apps like Facebook Messenger, Google+, Gmail, and FaceTime, make the call without asking the user.

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Poll: would you buy a notebook, a tablet, a phone and a watch?

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

We're living in a multi-device world. Taking into account the never-ending stream of both existing form factors and new-category products, small wonder that the line is blurring.

I'm of course referring to ultra-thin notebooks, smartphones, tablets and wearables that perform functions of smartwatches, fitness trackers, health bands and what not.

But do we really need all this hardware in our lives? And even more to the point, can anyone in today's multi-screen world safely do without owning all types of mobile gear?

That's the question I'd like to pose in today's poll. Assuming you have enough spare cash lying around somewhere, would buying a notebook, a tablet, a smartphone and a watch benefit your mobile computing, do you think?

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Spotify now lets you save whole albums to Your Music and access more album info

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 25, 2014

Spotify, arguably the most popular subscription-based music streaming service, on Monday refreshed its free iOS client with a few improvements.

In addition to adding Finnish language support that recently appeared in Spotify's Android client, the updated software now makes it possible to save albums to Your Music, from any album page. Moreover, you can now easily check out album release dates and total play time, too.

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