miércoles, 26 de junio de 2013

iPad By Davis: “Apple expands in Eastern Europe, opening online store in Russia for the first time” plus 14 more

iPad By Davis: “Apple expands in Eastern Europe, opening online store in Russia for the first time” plus 14 more

Apple expands in Eastern Europe, opening online store in Russia for the first time

Posted: 26 Jun 2013 02:43 AM PDT

Apple has made a new, and quite significant, expansion in their Eastern European retail operations with the launch of an online retail store in Russia. Previously Russian Apple fans had to purchase their hardware via third-party resellers, and the online store represents the first time Apple has had any kind of retail presence there. This represents an ever increasing presence for Apple in the country, following the expansion of the iTunes Store to Russia in late 2012.

The Russian store is very much the same as every other worldwide online Apple Store, and is being linked to by this rather striking image on the Apple.com/ru homepage. Furthermore, expanding their online retail presence could potentially lead to physical stores down the line, with Apple previously having been rumored to be interested in Russian land.

Source: 9to5Mac

    

OS X Mavericks pre-reviews

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 03:56 PM PDT

OS X Mavericks pre-reviews

Some media outlets were given Macs pre-loaded with OS X Mavericks for review, and some of them have started sharing some thoughts. Since Mavericks is more of an iterative update -- especially compared to the highly visually differentiated iOS 7 -- it should come as no surprise that those who liked OS X Mountain Lion tend to like Mavericks, and tend to really like the under-the-hood improvements, and the power-user features. Here's a sampling of the thoughts shared so far.

Jim Dalrymple of The Loop:

The real shining point of Mavericks is the continued integration between OS X and iOS. Whether it's Maps directions shared to your mobile device or passwords being synced from your iPhone to your Mac, Apple is making their entire ecosystem work for the user.

Brian Heater of Engadget:

All told, Apple's promised 200 features with this release. As ever, that number includes large and minuscule additions alike. It's a list that includes some really nice additions like tabs and tagging. Again, there's nothing that's likely to lure in anyone who hasn't already made the jump from Windows. For the foreseeable future, OS X's growth will continue to be gradual. But there are certainly enough additions in here to make upgrading a no-brainer for Mac users when the final version hits in the fall. And in the meantime, hopefully Apple will reveal even more reasons to give it a try.

David Pierce of The Verge:

These are still early days for OS X 10.9, and Mavericks will likely change and shift much more before it's released this fall. It's clearly not going to be the total aesthetic overhaul iOS 7 is, though, and that's okay. It's a simple, familiar operating system, even less of a change than Mountain Lion, just with nips and tucks and a whole lot fewer sheets of weirdly torn paper.

Vincent Nguyen of SlashGear:

Apple saved the revolution for iOS 7 this year. The smartphone and tablet platform was overdue a refresh, and that's just what Apple has delivered. In contrast, the changes in OS X Mavericks feel solidly evolutionary, and while that has often come to be interpreted as a criticism, in fact it's exactly what the Mac needs. Apple is poised between its existing users and those fresh to OS X, with iOS often the point of entry. In that sense, Mavericks' drawing together of the ties between desktop and mobile makes perfect sense.

We'll update as more previews go live (or as we find more of them). Mavericks won't ship until the fall, so things can and will change. In the meantime, let me know what you think of the press coverage so far.

    

Clipchat for iPhone review: A Snapchat alternative minus the terrible interface

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 02:35 PM PDT

Clipchat for iPhone review: A Snapchat alternative minus the terrible interface

Clipchat for iPhone does pretty much the same thing Snapchat does, self destructing photos and videos. If you've ever used Snapchat before, you're probably already aware that the interface is terrible and to be quite honest, pretty tacky. Clipchat's design is quite the opposite actually, and provides the same functionality and allows you to search for friends or invite them directly from Facebook, Twitter, or email.

When it comes to sending incriminating images (we're not here to judge), the two games in town are Snapchat and Facebook Poke. While Facebook Poke has a decent interface, it's obviously only limited to Facebook users. If you'd like cross-platform support that doesn't depend on Facebook, your option is typically Snapchat. Clipchat is currently available for both Android and iOS and provides most of the same options.

You can add users to Clipchat either by their Clipchat username or by searching for users on both Facebook and Twitter. From there, you can get to taking videos. Clipchat allows you to take up to five second videos in the same manner as Snapchat. For the person on the other end to view the video, they'll need to hold down on the screen. If they take a screenshot or attempt to, you'll also be notified, much like the other guys do. The screenshot will simply appear as a blank black screen in their camera roll, therefore not incriminating you for anything you may want to send.

The side menu of Clipchat is actually quite nice and gives you pretty decent details at a quick glance. When it comes to taking photos or videos, you can use either the front-facing or rear camera. Just toggle between photo and video along the top. Clipchat will also allow you to overlay text on the image after taking it. Snapchat does allow you to draw which is one feature that Clipchat does not currently offer.

The good

  • A much nicer interface than Snapchat
  • Snappy response times for sending and receiving both photos and videos
  • Searching for friends via email, username, Facebook, and Twitter
  • Inability to screenshot photos along with detection when people try to take screenshots

The bad

  • No drawing on images the way you can with Snapchat

The bottom line

If you have a need for a self destructing photo and video app, and hey, we aren't here to judge, Clipchat is a great option. Mainly because it's got an interface that isn't downright ugly. Facebook Poke will tie you into Facebook users only while Clipchat doesn't do that. If you're okay with not being able to draw directly on photos, Clipchat is definitely a better option than Snapchat.

    

Sprint shareholders approve SoftBank merger

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 01:00 PM PDT

Sprint merger with SoftBank approved by shareholders

Sprint's merger with Japanese carrier SoftBank has been approved by Sprint's shareholders. At a special shareholder's meeting held today, the deal was overwhelmingly approved, with 98% of shareholders voting in favor to the merger. In a statement, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse noted that the deal would give Sprint more financial breathing room.

"Today is a historic day for our company, and I want to thank our shareholders for approving this transformative merger agreement," said Sprint CEO Dan Hesse. "The transaction with SoftBank should enhance Sprint's long-term value and competitive position by creating a company with greater financial flexibility."

This flexibility may help Sprint become more of a competitor to rivals Verizon and AT&T, primarily by building out their LTE network, which still lags behind the top two carriers in the United States, despite continued activations across the country. Now that the deal has been approved by the shareholders, it must be examined by the Federal Communications Commission, a process which Sprint and Softbank expect to be completed soon, with the merger formally taking place early next month.

Source: Sprint

    

Kelly Guimont talks App Camp for Girls and how to get things done

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 12:59 PM PDT

In between her speaking schedule at AltWWDC, Kelly Guimont, new co-host of the Angry Mac Bastards podcast, offered her perspective on why App Camp for Girls is important.

    

How to change the default volume for voice navigation in Maps for iPhone

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 12:51 PM PDT

How to change the default volume for voice navigation in Maps for iPhone

If you use Apple Maps for iPhone, odds are you use the voice navigation feature as well. Depending on how you use it, the default volume may be too low to use without an external speaker or too loud if you're using your car speakers.

You have the option to adjust this default setting whenever you'd like. Here's how:

  1. Launch the Settings app from the Home screen of your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Scroll down a ways and tap on Maps.
  3. Here you'll see an option for Navigation Voice Volume. Here you can adjust the loudness of the default volume Maps will use.

If at anytime you'd like to override the volume, you can of course use the volume controls to do so.

    

Watchup Video News iPad App Updated: New Watch & Read Feature and More

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 09:49 AM PDT

Watchup Video News for iPad

The Watchup video news app for iPad has just been updated again yesterday, to Version 2.0. This update brings some nice user interface changes and an impressive new Watch & Read feature.

One of the notable UI changes is that the app now opens with a newscast automatically starting, so it's a bit more like just switching on a TV news channel – except that this app aggregates a large number of quality news channels of course.

You can also use a drag-down panel to browse to other channels, or swipe left and right to move between news stories.

The new Watch & Read feature is a recognition of the fact that many of us don't like to just passivley watch the news these days – we're all about second screens when watching TV. The new feature is meant to make for a richer user experience in the app.

Watch and Read
So now with a quick swipe to the left on another panel you pull up a...

Read the whole entry... »

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Great Scott! Eyes on the Grays Sports Almanac limited edition case for iPad

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 09:28 AM PDT

Being a huge Back To The Future nerd, as soon as I saw this, I had to have it. On the one hand, it's another iPad case. On the other hand it's so much more than just another iPad case. This one is fashioned after one of the key elements of Back To The Future II, the Grays Sports Almanac. In the movie, Old Biff used it to change his own future. This one just takes good care of your iPad.

The front and back covers are nicely padded, and when closed the whole thing is about as thick as a book. But much thicker than the book in the movie. And there's a spelling mistake on the spine. But that doesn't matter, not at all. Inside, a frame stitched to the main cover holds your iPad in nice and snug, and a pair of magnets on the top and bottom right corners hold the front cover closed.

I bought this because I'm a huge nerd for the movies, but it is also actually a pretty nice iPad case. At the moment this one is exclusive to Firebox here in the UK, though they will ship internationally. Price in local currency is £19.99, and I think worth every penny. There's a few more images for you below, but tell me, who wants one?

    

Deal of the Day: 50% off the Body Glove ToughSuit Rugged Case & Holster for iPhone 5

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 07:36 AM PDT

Today Only: Purchase the Body Glove ToughSuit Rugged Case & Holster for iPhone 5 and save $24.99!

The ToughSuit Case and Holster is engineered to meet Military standards, built to withstand the roughest of conditions. The built-in screen protector shields your iPhone 5 from scratches, while the outside cover is made of shock absorbent rubber to protect your device from bumps and falls. Available in black, white and purple.

List Price: $49.99       Today Only: $25.00

Learn More and Buy Now

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Should Apple bring the iOS 7 design language to OS X? [Poll]

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 07:10 AM PDT

Will Apple bring the iOS 7 design language to OS X? [Poll]

Should Apple bring iOS 7's new, clarified, deferential, depth-driven look and feel OS X? For the last few years Apple has worked diligently and deliberately to bring iOS nomenclature and metaphors back to the Mac, and create a more consistent experience between their two platforms. Right now, however, iOS 7 and OS X Mavericks couldn't look further apart.

iOS 7 has an all-new physics and particle engine, making it feel like a collection of objects in space, and work more like a video game, as well as a completely new paint job with icons and interface elements the likes of which we've never seen on an Apple product before. They've both had their richly rendered textures removed, but where Mavericks lost the old leather, it didn't lose it's Aqua-era gloss, at least not entirely. It didn't gain any of the new modern, ultra-thin, color-tinted look, at least not yet.

Macs are often said to enjoy a halo effect from iOS devices. People buy iPhones and iPads and then start considering the Macs well. For the last few years, no matter how different the two platforms, the interfaces looked similar -- and more importantly, familiar -- enough that the Mac was approachable to iOS users in a very direct and comforting way.

Likewise, Jony Ive is now vice president of all design, not just hardware, and not just iOS. It's not unreasonable to think his grand digital plans will eventually encompass future versions of OS X, as well. (Even the best designer and design teams in the world can't do everything at once.)

On the surface it feels more like a question of when, not if, Apple's platforms regain their semblance of uniformity. And of what iOS looks like by then, and how well it's translated to OS X.

    

iOS 7 preview: Inter-App Audio

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 06:36 AM PDT

iOS 7 preview: Inter-app audio

While full-on inter-app communications -- similar to Android's intents or Windows Phone's contracts -- were high up on many geek's iOS 7 must-have list, nothing of the sort was announced by Apple at WWDC 2013. Well, almost nothing. Apple has added inter-app communications to iPhone and iPad, they've just restricted to one very specific type: Inter-App Audio.

Here's how the public-facing portion of Apple's developer portal describes it:

Now your apps can make beautiful music together. With Inter-App Audio, apps can register their audio streams to share with other apps. For example, a series of apps could publish audio streams of instrument tracks while another uses the combination of these streams to compose a song. Inter-App Audio also provides for MIDI control of audio rendering, remotely launching other registered Inter-App Audio apps and more.

Apple raised some eyebrows earlier this year when they updated GarageBand to support Audiobus, a third-party solution for doing pretty much what Apple is doing now with Inter-App Audio. In a post on their Tumblr blog, Audiobus commented:

We're excited about the great work the Core Audio team have done on the new functionality, which has some terrific features that only a team at Apple with system-level access could achieve. It validates the work we've been doing with Audiobus, and will pave the way for some great user experiences to come.

How exactly iOS 7 apps will take advantage of the new Inter-App Audio, where Audiobus will fit in a post-iOS 7 world, and what kind of music artists will be able to create using the new tools -- well, we'll know come the fall. At the very least, we should see a new version of GarageBand, along with a slew of other audio app updates, followed by a whole lot of new audio workflows.

As to whether or not Apple will ever expand Inter-App to include all the many different types of files and data power-users want to move around their mobile devices, it looks like that'll have to wait and see...

    

Take on the Empire in Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga on sale until June 26

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 05:57 AM PDT

Lego fans, Star Wars fans, or just fans of fun Mac games might be interested to hear that the Lego Star Wars: The Complete Trilogy game is on sale in the Mac App Store. The offer lasts until June 26, so not long left to catch it, but the title is 50% off so can be yours for just $9.99.

You don't need the absolute latest hardware to be able to play this, a 1.4GHz Intel processor, 1GB of RAM and a 128MB graphics card is what's required, along with OS X 10.6.6 and above. If you want it, jump on over to the Mac App Store and grab it before it's gone.

    

Grow Mobile launches a universal mobile app marketing platform for iOS

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 05:37 AM PDT

Grow Mobile app marketing platform reports

We don't normally cover this sort of thing here, but following up on Talk Mobile Gaming, and our discussion on how to market apps, we thought we'd take a look at closer look at third-party options. Game and app developers have a lot to consider when choosing to market their products through in-game/app advertising. Which advertising networks reach the most users? Who gives developers the best deal? If a developer decides to use multiple ad networks, tracking and comparing the results of each network becomes a time consuming task of its own.

 

San Francisco-based startup Grow Mobile seeks to reduce all those headaches with the launch of their new mobile app marketing platform. Grow Mobile's platform has just completed a successful closed beta, and today it becomes publicly available to iOS and Android developers. By providing a single cohesive dashboard and single integration for developers' apps, Grow believes that developers who sign on will be able to market their products more effectively and with fewer resources than before.

Grow Mobile platform features:

  • Media Planner: Create the most optimal media plans, leveraging Grow Mobile's proprietary algorithm and historical performance data to select the best mix of traffic sources for your marketing objectives.
  • Campaign Wizard: The self-serve feature makes it easy to syndicate campaigns live and change existing campaigns in minutes, without human interaction or signing multiple insertion orders.
  • Traffic Intelligence Directory: Make sense of the traffic sources available to promote your app. From pricing information to volume estimates, the Intelligence Directory allows users to quickly navigate through the complex mobile traffic ecosystem.
  • User Retention and Monetization Reporting: Understand users' retention and revenue attribution by traffic source. View the complete monetization picture.
  • Expected Life Time Value Reporting: Predict the eLTV of your users by channel, using Grow Mobile's proprietary eLTV algorithm.
  • Event Reporting: Tag in-app events like registrations and bookings to differentiate and track users' behaviors and milestones.
  • App Rankings Reporting: Track an app's movement in the app store rankings on the App Store or Google Play. Compare the ratio between install volume and app store ranking movement.
  • Geography, Device and Operating System Reporting: Breakdown users by geographic location, device and operating system.
  • Cohort ROI Reporting: Compare ad spending versus returned revenue by cohort and install channel.
  • Consolidated Data Reporting: Consolidate cost, performance, retention, monetization and life time value data in one place. Break down the reporting by app, campaign and traffic source to better understand results and to optimize faster.

Founders and clientele

Grow Mobile founders A.J. Yeakel, Brendan Lyall, and Minglei Xu

Pictured from left to right, the Grow Mobile founders consist of A.J. Yeakel (formerly of Zynga), Brendan Lyall, and Minglei Xu. The trio started their company in 2012.

Grow Mobile already has three major clients: GREE, KLab, and Zynga. Noby Ota, Chief Executive Officer of KLab America describes his company's experience: "Grow Mobile has been a valuable partner... Their industry experience and technology has provided us excellent results through their platform." KLab is a Japan-based social games maker who has published Gigabot Wars and Lord of the Dragons on iOS.

Potential for growth

Grow Mobile dashboard

Grow Mobile's platform sounds like it could be a good fit for app and game developers looking for these types of tools. Grow's lightweight SDK and API are available for iOS and Android right now.

More: GrowMobile.com

    

DODOnotes for iPhone 5: Less case, more notebook

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 05:21 AM PDT

The DODOnotes for the iPhone 5 grabbed a little attention when first announced, likely down to its unusual form factor. Less case, and more notebook, the DODOnotes is perhaps one of the more unusual accessories you'll find for your iPhone. We like unusual, so we sourced one to take a proper look at.

The DODOnotes is definitely less of a case and more of a notebook. Aside from the back of the phone, nothing else is covered. While this does mean easy access to the Lightning port and all external buttons, it also means this is definitely not for you if you're looking for something to protect your iPhone 5. And, because you strap your iPhone in by way of an elasticated band across the middle, it's pretty impractical to make good use of your phone while attached.

That isn't to say it's not a nice enough item in it's own right. It's a lovely looking notebook, following the sort of design that brands like Moleskine follow. However, while all the pages are detachable, it's pretty slim, so you won't get a whole lot of life out of it if you take a lot of handwritten notes. And, if I'm really picking I would have liked somewhere to attach a pen or a pencil as well.

The good

  • Nicely designed
  • Good quality paper
  • Holds the iPhone in nice and secure

The bad

  • Definitely a niche product
  • Impractical to use your iPhone while attached
  • Nowhere to attach a pen or pencil

The bottom line

The DODOnotes for iPhone 5 is a niche product, no doubt. But, in a previous life it's a niche that I would have taken advantage of in a job where I took notes every hour of every day. At $13.95 it isn't the cheapest notebook you're ever going to find, but it fits nicely in your pocket and you've always got both it, and your iPhone to hand. There is also now a version for the iPhone 4 and 4S, which also costs $13.95. Just don't jump in hoping to protect your iPhone with it.

    

Rdio family subscription plans now allow five people, pricing plans amended to suit

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 03:48 AM PDT

Rdio, the popular music streaming service, has announced some changes to their family subscription plans that increases the number of people allowed to five. This is up from the three people previously allowed on the plan, and Rdio has amended their pricing structure slightly to suit:

  • Two accounts cost $17.99 per month
  • Three accounts cost $22.99 per month
  • Four members cost $27.99 per month
  • Five members cost $32.99 per month

For a family of five, the $32.99 a month plan offers a $17 saving over each member having their own unlimited subscription, so in that regard it makes total financial sense. To activate the new plans, you need to designate someone as the master account holder, and then designate the sub-accounts from there. Any families out there happy to see this?

Source: Rdio

    
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