Learn how to preview links in Safari when you hover over them to find out where the link is taking you before you click it on Mac and iOS.
How to preview a link URL in Safari on Mac, iPhone, and iPad
Web
Check out Snapdrop, a web-based clone of Apple’s AirDrop
The easiest way to share content between your Mac and an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad is AirDrop, a device-to-device wireless transfer technology built into the bowels of iOS and OS X. But when you want to transfer files between Apple devices and other platforms, AirDrop isn't very helpfu.
AirDrop, as you know, is limited to iOS and OS X and doesn't work on Android, Windows or other operating systems and computing platforms. Enter Snapdrop, an interesting web-based HTML5 clone of AirDrop by German developer Robin Linus.
Billed as the easiest way to transfer files across different devices, Snapdrop runs in a web browser and doesn't require you to install any special software. But does it work as advertised? Read on to find out.
Google accelerates mobile pages
Google has been working with a small group of publishers for weeks on news articles that load almost instantaneously on smartphones, doing away with long loading times that eat up your battery and consume resources.
The Accelerated Mobile Pages Project went live today with mobile-optimized content from more than two-dozen participating publishers. These stories are searchable via mobile Google Search like regular searches.
Upon tapping on a link in Google search results, these article appears on your iPhone's screen almost immediately, like magic. It's a really cool glimpse of what mobile web should have been from the onset and we have a few examples you can check out yourself right now.
Apple merges product and store pages in major site redesign
Apple on Thursday launched a new version of its website, Apple.com, featuring merged product and store pages. The standalone 'Store' tab has been removed from the top navigation bar, as is the infamous 'store.apple.com' domain.
Now, the online store is integrated throughout the website, with purchasing buttons and options pinned at the top of every product page. The goal here is to streamline the experience, allowing you to explore and shop in one place.
Siri website gets prettier and more helpful
Apple on Wednesday launched a revamped Siri website with a slew of changes, including an all-new design and several other improvements. Atop the new page is a video of Siri in action, followed by a comprehensive page of information on the digital assistant's features.
Users can now sort Siri's abilities into categories, such as 'Staying in Touch, Getting organized, Sports, and Entertainment. There are also dedicated sections for how to get directions and how to find answers to commonly-asked questions, all by talking to your device.
Facebook launches standalone web version of Messenger
Facebook on Wednesday unveiled a new standalone web version of its Messenger chat service, giving users a way to message their friends and family without dealing with News Feed and other interruptions. It can be accessed at Messenger.com, and can be used in a browser tab on your desktop the way you'd use the mobile app.
"Messenger.com is for users who want to message without the other distractions that Facebook can provide," a spokesperson told Recode. "If you’re messaging through Facebook, that means News Feed and your friends’ user profiles are nearby. Messenger.com is about focus."
New job listing suggests web version of Apple Maps is on the way
Apple is working to bring its Apple Maps app to the web, according to a new job listing on its website. First spotted by 9to5Mac, the listing calls for a "talented and passionate web developer" to help make the company's mapping software "work seamlessly on the web."
This is fairly significant, as the lack of a web version is one of the most glaring holes in Apple Maps right now, other than perhaps transit and maybe some sort of Street View-esque feature. The mapping service is currently only accessible via iOS and Mac hardware.
The best blogging apps for iPhone and iPad
If you participate in the digital information age through blogging, then you know how difficult it is to keep up with your daily posts. Whether you are just too busy, or don’t want to sit in front of your computer after your workday is over, writing and publishing can be a daunting task.
There are a handful of excellent mobile apps that make it easier to stay active in the blogosphere while on the go. We’ve got a list of what we think are the best blogging apps for the iPhone and iPad for you today.
iCloud web portal again employing two-factor authentication
Several users have noticed that iCloud.com is once again employing two-factor authentication for users who have activated the security measure. The two-step process first popped up on the iCloud web portal back in June, but the feature was quickly pulled for unknown reasons.
For those unfamiliar with Apple's implementation of two-factor authentication, it requires users to verify their identity via text message or Find My iPhone push notification. It provides an extra layer of security in the event a user's device or Apple ID info becomes compromised.
iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are now available for pre-order
Following their unveilings on Tuesday, Apple has made both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus available for online pre-order. I want to be up front and say that I have not seen the online store (website) come back up yet, but myself and a number of readers/colleagues have managed to place orders through other avenues.
It seems like people are having the most success with the Apple Store app. It takes some patience, and maybe even a few tries, but that's how I placed my order, and was able to opt for in-store pickup. Otherwise, you can try your carrier's website—I see some folks on Twitter have had luck ordering with AT&T and Verizon.
Apple’s online store down ahead of iPhone 6 pre-orders
Apple has just taken its online store down, ahead of the pre-order launch for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Beginning at 12:01 am Pacific Time, or 3:01 am Eastern Time tomorrow, customers will be able to place pre-orders for both of the handsets.
Apple unveiled the 6 and 6 Plus at a major media event on Tuesday, announcing that both models have bigger screens than any other iPhone before them. The iPhone 6 has a 4.7-inch display, and the iPhone 6 Plus has a larger 5.5-inch display.
Apple offering free shipping on all online orders
Apple has launched a new promotion on its web store, which gives customers free shipping on all online orders through the end of the month. It doesn't give a specific reason for the event, but we're coming up on both Memorial and Father's Day.
While Apple has long-offered free shipping on orders over $50, this deal would allow you to purchase a case, Lightning cable, or any other low-cost accessory without having to spend the extra $4-$6 (depending on location) for standard shipping...