PC Tech World: updates

Showing posts with label updates. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Windows RT and Server 2012 updates mentioned in recent 8.1 leak

Windows Blue, Windows 8.1, Windows 8 SP1... whatever Microsoft wants to call it, it's coming soon. And along with it there will be updates to its RT and Server products too. References to Windows RT 8.1 Preview and Windows Server 2012 R2 were found buried in a DLL of a leaked build of Blue. (Build number 9374, to be specific.) The mentions turned up in basebrd.dll.mui, if you're wondering what file to start rifling through. Don't get too excited, though: there's basically no info to glean other than their existence -- which is no surprise at all. Hopefully all of the much whispered about updates will arrive sooner, rather than later, and pack a few tweaks that will make the Microsoft faithful feel a little bit more at home.

Via: WinBeta

Source: @Windows4Live (Twitter)

Monday, April 22, 2013

Cricket intros $40 per line family plan with unlimited talk, text and data, updates iPhone plans

Spring into Value with Cricket's New Family Plan

Money-Saving No-Contract Plan Includes Two Smartphone Lines for $40 per Line per Month and Muve Music

SAN DIEGO, April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cricket is providing added value for families this spring with an affordable family plan to go along with the coolest phones Cricket already offers. The new plan is available now to customers who purchase two or more smartphone rate plans[1] with Cricket's Automatic Bill Pay feature. The new family plan is available in Cricket company-owned stores and select dealers nationwide.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120202/LA46949LOGO)

"The Cricket family plan is half the price of AT&T, and value like that makes this plan a great way for families to save money by spending a lot less on their wireless bill," said Tyler Wallis, senior vice president, product and marketing for Cricket. "Each line includes unlimited minutes, texts, data and unlimited downloads from Muve Music. Cricket is the only carrier in the US to offer Muve Music, one of the leading on-demand digital music services in the country."

The family plan is available to new and existing Cricket customers and is also available to Cricket Lifeline customers. Customers may choose which Cricket smartphone plans best fit their needs and still get a family plan discount. Each family plan line includes all the stand-alone features of the $50 smartphone rate plan.

Cricket's all-inclusive smartphone rate plans start at $50 for unlimited talk, text and data (1GB of full-speed) per month. The $60 smartphone plan contains up to 2.5GB of full-speed data per month and the $70 smartphone plan offers up to 5GB of full-speed data per month. The $60 and $70 plans come with Mobile Hot Spot capability so that, customers can attach additional wireless devices to their smartphone. All Cricket smartphone plans include unlimited music with Muve Music featuring unlimited song downloads, ringback tones and ringtones. Each family plan must include Automatic Bill Pay. With Automatic Bill Pay a customer's monthly bill is automatically paid using a designated credit card, debit card, or bank account on file.

Muve Music

Muve is available on all Cricket smartphones and is included in the new family plan. With Muve Music from Cricket, customers have millions of songs at their fingertips, will never pay per song and the music service is built in to Cricket's no contract rate plans. Muve Music customers have the added benefit of discovering new music through its monthly artist programs such as Muve First and Muve Headliner, where featured artists offer exclusive commentary, music and videos every month only available to Muve Music.

Cricket Phones

Cricket offers a full range of high-quality, affordable devices, with solutions for every budget. The device portfolio continues to expand with well-known brands including Apple, HTC, LG, Samsung and BlackBerry. In 2012 Cricket became the first pre-paid carrier in the U.S. to offer iPhone to its customers.

About Cricket

Cricket is the pioneer and leader in delivering innovative value-rich prepaid wireless services with no long-term contracts. Cricket offers nationwide wireless voice and mobile data services over high-quality, all-digital 4G LTE and 3G CDMA wireless networks. Cricket's innovative products and services, including the award-winning Muve Music® - the first music service designed for a wireless phone, are available nationwide at Cricket branded retail stores, dealers, national retailers and at www.mycricket.com. For more information about Cricket, please visit www.mycricket.com.

[1] Cricket's Family Plan discount is available with the $50 smartphone rate plan

SOURCE Cricket Communications, Inc.

Source

By: Unknown On 11:53 PM

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Microsoft releases Surface RT and Pro updates, aims to fix WiFi issues again

Surface RT devices have already scored two updates that aim to fix problems with 'limited' WiFi connectivity, and now Microsoft is pushing out a third patch that aims to put its wireless troubles to rest. Redmond's fresh code also beefs up support for a "wide range" of access points and stomps out system crashes caused by some WiFi issues. As for Surface Pro, its own April update smoothes out Surface Type and Touch cover connectivity kinks, adds support for Japanese keyboards on North American hardware, stomps a bug that disables the WiFi driver when airplane mode is toggled and addresses an issue with touch navigation in the UEFI boot menu. Microsoft's remedy should get sucked down to your slate automatically, but you can grab it by hand through Windows Update as well.

Via: The Register

Source: Microsoft (1), (2)

Monday, April 8, 2013

Red Epic Dragon sensor updates start tomorrow for $8,500, watch the actual process at NAB

Red to start performing Epic Dragon sensor updates tomorrow at its NAB booth

Red has announced that Dragon sensor updates will start tomorrow for Epic-M and Epic-X owners and, interestingly, is letting owners (and the public) see the operation for themselves at its NAB booth. The new sensor will bring 6K resolution, 120 fps at 5K and 15+ stops of dynamic range in a slightly larger format, according to Red. Early adopters will be able to pre-order now for $8,500, while Epic owners who wait until Thursday or later will be able to grab the update for $9,500. Filmmakers hoping for a new Epic-M with the Dragon instead of the Mysterium-X sensor will be able to pre-order tomorrow for $29,000 or so. Meanwhile, there's good news for those with the more budget-minded Scarlet -- they'll be able to upgrade to the Epic directly or get a 6k Dragon sensor and ASICs, with pricing details coming tomorrow and pre-orders launching on Thursday. Red may have a tough row to hoe with recent NAB news from the likes of BlackMagic Design and Vision Systems, but how many companies will actually let you watch your camera get operated on? Check the source for more.

Source: Red

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Microsoft reportedly prepping significant first-party app updates for Windows 8 and Windows RT

A batch of first-party app updates could be incoming for Windows 8 very soon that have nothing to do with Microsoft's cross-platform Blue crush. That's according to CNet's Mary Jo Foley, whose sources have indicated that the refresh, previously rumored to arrive by month's end, would also apply to Windows RT. Microsoft's yet to officially comment on the matter, but as you can see from the screen above, users have already reported seeing a list of "installation ready" applications within the System log now. As for that round of major OS revamps, Foley says that's still on track and should begin to rollout sometime this summer.

Source: CNet

Friday, March 22, 2013

Apple updates iOS Podcasts app with new design, custom stations

Apple overhauls iOS Podcasts app, adds custom stations

There's been few Apple iOS apps that have garnered more complaints than the company's Podcasts app (outside of Maps, at least), and it looks like it's now finally taken some of those criticisms into consideration with the latest update (version 1.2). That includes the overly-stylized design, which has been ditched in favor of a simpler approach that's more in line with the iTunes app (including a far more basic player interface). Along with those changes come some new features like custom stations, which are each stored in iCloud and updated automatically, and so-called On-The-Go playlists that'll let you load up any individual episodes you like. You can find the app itself and the full list of changes now in the App Store.

Via: The Next Web

Source: iTunes

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Microsoft updates its Windows Phone web demo for WP8, hopes you'll update your phone too

Microsoft remains convinced that you'll like Windows Phone if you only give it a try. Accordingly, it just recently updated its web-based demo to reflect all the changes in Windows Phone 8. If you let the web app access Facebook, you'll get a personalized sample of the OS on your desktop or mobile browser that includes resizable home tiles, Kid's Corner and other newer additions. No, it's not a full-fledged simulator, but it does give about as good a taste as you'll get without the real hardware in your hands. We also can't say that everyone will be sold on the concept -- still, it's worth a spin for anyone keeping their smartphone options open.

Via: Windows Phone Blog

Source: Windows Phone

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Fitbit updates Android app with wireless syncing over Bluetooth 4.0

Fitbit Offers First and Only Connected Fitness Products with Bluetooth 4.0 Syncing on Android Devices

Fitbit continues to invest in mobile platforms to create the most motivating experience for users on the go

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., February 12, 2013 - Fitbit, the leading innovator and market leader in the growing Connected Health & Fitness category, today announced that Fitbit One, Fitbit Zip, and Fitbit Flex wireless activity trackers will now sync directly with select Samsung devices through the newest Fitbit Android app. Because the Fitbit App adds Bluetooth 4.0 syncing, you can see your Fitbit dashboard updated in real-time, receive motivating notifications, and engage in fitness competitions with friends all on your Android device. Since your data syncs throughout your day, both at home and on-the-go, it's easier than ever to make fitness a part of your everyday lifestyle.

Fitbit is on the forefront of mobile accessibility, initially as the first and only company in its category to offer an Android app, and the only to offer Bluetooth 4.0 syncing for iOS devices, Fitbit is now the first and only to offer Android Bluetooth 4.0 syncing.

"People are realizing that they are more active and can get more fit when they are more connected and aware of their fitness activities," said James Park, CEO. "An activity tracker transforms into a meaningful product when it makes a difference in your life, gets you to move more. We believe that is achieved through creating a great activity tracker that syncs with the devices you are currently using. Our goal is to provide the best customer experience on the devices people want to use, whether you have an Android or iPhone smartphone, a computer or a tablet, or all of the above."

Fitbit continues to invest in multiplatform mobility. This updated Android app joins Fitbit's iPhone, iPad and Microsoft Surface Tablet apps that essentially turn your smartphone or tablet into your dashboard, giving you access to Fitbit's rich graphs and tools (leaderboard, badges, etc.) when you're on the go to keep you motivated throughout the day.

The Fitbit app for Android is available for the Samsung Galaxy SIII and Samsung Note II, with more devices to come. Fitbit's app is now available in the Google Play marketplace and for all international markets.

Also, new to this Android app update is NFC compatibility, making the app even easier to use with the upcoming Flex, available this spring. Simply tap your Flex band on your Android phone and it will automatically launch the Fitbit Android app. Your fitness stats from Flex, which seamlessly sync throughout the day, will be immediately at your fingertips.

Expanding Family of Products and Company Success

Fitbit continues to build out its lineup of easy-to-use products that help people get more fit with the recent debut of the Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband at CES 2013. Flex follows on three successful Fitbit product launches last year: the Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale, Fitbit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker and Fitbit One Wireless Activity + Sleep Tracker. Fitbit products are carried in over 10,000 U.S. retail stores, and sold internationally in Canada, Spain, UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.

Source

By: Unknown On 1:45 PM

Friday, January 25, 2013

Neo Geo X still in production, Tommo plans to add 'more games, peripherals and software updates'

Despite reports claiming that Tommo Inc's portable re-launch of the Neo Geo had ceased production, that is apparently not the case. "There has been a recent rumor about the end of the production of the NEOGEO X System. This rumor is incorrect," Tommo told us in a statement. The reports apparently stem from ending production of the Limited Edition Neo Geo X Gold System, which Tommo says, "was always planned to be a limited edition product." Beyond just continued production of the standard model, Tommo adds that it'll be supporting the device with, "more games, peripherals, and software updates." The Limited Edition, however, will likely start to disappear by some point in April, when the company expects final stock to begin shipping. "Given the popularity of the NEOGEO X format, we don't expect this stock to last long," the company notes. Head past the break for the full statement.

Show full PR text

There has been a recent rumor about the end of the production of the NEOGEO X System. This rumor is incorrect. Tommo will be continuing to support the NEOGEO X format going forward with more games, peripherals and software updates, as well as more units of the console hardware. The NEOGEO X Gold System Limited Edition Collection Series that includes Ninja Masters, was always planned to be a limited edition product. We are currently manufacturing our final run of this Limited Edition Collection Series and our distributors worldwide expect to have the final stock in April. Given the popularity of the NEOGEO X format, we don't expect this stock to last long.

We are absolutely delighted with how the NEOGEO X has performed so far, and are incredibly grateful for the support of gamers and we are looking forward to continuing the development of this game platform.

Sourse

By: Dilusha On 10:09 AM

Apogee revamps One and Duet audio interfaces for iOS and Mac, updates Quartet to match

Apogee Electronics introduces all new "ONE", audio interface & microphone featuring iPad & Mac compatibility, upgraded sound quality and new Maestro control app for iOS

Anaheim, California, January 24, 2013 - Apogee Electronics is pleased to introduce the completely redesigned ONE, a 2 IN x 2 OUT USB audio interface and microphone. The all new ONE is the first studio quality audio interface and microphone that makes a direct digital connection to Apple's iPad (iPhone, iPod touch) and Mac. ONE features Apogee's Maestro control software, iOS device charging, optional battery power for portable recording with iPad and professional sound quality. ONE is the all-in-one solution that makes it easy for musicians, songwriters, recording engineers, film makers, audiophiles, and anyone else to enjoy professional sound quality on iPad and Mac.

ONE offers three input options; a built-in omni-directional condenser microphone, XLR input for dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones, and 1/4" instrument input for electric guitars, keyboards or any instrument with an electric pick-up. An upgrade from the original design, ONE now has the ability to record two inputs simultaneously (instrument plus built-in microphone or external microphone). The updated AD/DA converters and mic preamps deliver best-in-class, studio quality sound and allow you to capture and playback your recordings with incredible clarity and detail.

ONE's audiophile quality headphone amplifier/DAC is a favorite for enhanced music listening on Mac. Now ONE delivers the same hi-fi quality sound to iPod touch, iPhone and iPad users for listening to streaming radio and music libraries with incredible clarity and detail.

ONE's built-in condenser microphone is a unique feature allowing anyone to record with incredible results and without the need for an external microphone. This paired with the option of connecting to iPod touch, iPhone or iPad and battery power enables studio-quality recordings to be created in any location.

"We have completely redesigned ONE, incorporating highly anticipated features; iPad compatibility, simultaneous recording of guitar and a microphone, enhanced sound quality, and a much desired metal chassis," says Apogee CEO and Co-Founder Betty Bennett. "This is an innovative interface, ideal for the musician who wants an all-in-one solution they can count on for ease of use and professional studio quality results, no matter where they are. We're excited to welcome this next generation of a classic Apogee product and we know our customers will love it."

Apple's iPad has revolutionized music creation with an intuitive touch interface and a universe of powerful and very affordable music apps. As a studio quality microphone and audio interface, ONE delivers key features to this new paradigm. Apogee's Maestro software for iOS lets you control ONE's inputs, mic preamp, outputs and set up low latency monitoring. ONE's DC power charges iPad while in use so recording is not interrupted. The option of battery power for ONE allows for truly portable professional recording.

When used with iPad or an iOS device, ONE works with any Core Audio compliant app like GarageBand, Auria and MultiTrack. For recording on a Mac, ONE works with Logic, Pro Tools, GarageBand, Ableton Live and any Mac Core Audio compliant application.

ONE for iPad and Mac - Highlights

First studio quality audio interface and microphone for iPad
New circuitry, mic capsule and upgraded sound quality
Redesigned die cast aluminum chassis
Direct digital connection to iPod touch, iPhone, iPad
Works with new iPhone 5, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini
(Lighting adapter required - Sold separately)
Works with GarageBand, MultiTrack, Spotify; Any Core Audio compatible app on iOS
Works with GarageBand, Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton, iTunes; Any Core Audio compatible app on Mac
Low latency monitoring, complete input/output control with Apogee's Maestro software (iOS & Mac)
DC power supplies charge to iPod touch, iPhone or iPad
Optional battery operation for remote recording on iPad (2 AA batteries not included)
USB 2.0 audio with 24-bit/96kHz A/D and D/A conversion
Built-in omnidirectional condenser microphone (mic stand adapter included)
2 Analog Inputs (XLR microphone and 1/4" instrument connector on breakout cable)
Record up to 2 inputs at a time (instrument + internal microphone or external microphone)
1 1/8" stereo output for headphones or powered speakers
Legendary Apogee sound quality
Designed in California - Made in the U.S.A.

System Requirements

Mac OS:

Computer: Intel Mac 1.5GHz or faster
Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum, 4 GB recommended
OS: 10.7.5 or greater
Connection and power: Any available USB port on a Mac
USB bus powered; DC power optional
(DC power supply included)

iOS:

iOS version: 5.1 and later
Connection: 30-pin dock connector
Power supply or two AA batteries required
(Batteries not included)
iOS device compatibility (Lightning connector)

iPod touch* (5th generation)
iPhone 5*
iPad* (4th generation)
iPad mini*
* Requires Apple's Lightning to 30-pin adapter. Sold separately.

iOS device compatibility (30-pin connector)

iPod touch (4th generation)
iPhone 4S
iPhone 4
iPad (3rd generation)
iPad 2
iPad

Price: $349
Availability: March 2013

Apogee Electronics introduces new Duet featuring iPad & Mac compatibility, MIDI I/O and new Maestro control app for iOS

Anaheim, California, January 24, 2013 - Apogee Electronics is pleased to introduce Duet for iPad and Mac, a 2 input, 4 output USB audio interface. The new Duet is the first professional stereo audio interface that makes a direct digital connection to Apple's iPad (iPhone, iPod touch) and Mac. Duet features Apogee's Maestro control software, iOS device charging, MIDI connectivity and professional sound quality. Duet is the ideal personal studio interface for stereo music recording, mixing and audiophile-quality listening on iPad and Mac.

First introduced in 2007, the original Duet was a 2 IN x 2 OUT FireWire Audio Interface for Mac and became one of the most popular audio interfaces of all time, starting a home studio revolution and winning many industry awards and accolades. Duet received an upgrade in May of 2011 when Duet 2 took its place with a new 2 IN x 4 OUT format, redesigned AD/DA conversion and mic preamps, and USB 2.0 Mac connectivity. The new Duet for iPad and Mac builds on this legacy by offering the same professional quality as the Duet 2 for the iPad based personal studio.

"Apogee has pioneered professional digital recording on iPad and iOS devices with products like JAM, our studio quality guitar input, and MiC, the first studio quality digital microphone for iPad and iPhone. We are now taking the next step, offering a range of professional multi-channel recording solutions for iPad and all iOS devices," says Apogee CEO and Co-Founder Betty Bennett. "Enabling amazing products like Duet to be directly connected to the increasingly powerful iPad and all other iOS devices, seamlessly integrated with apps like GarageBand and Auria, controlled with our Maestro software allows you take mobile music creation to the next level. It truly is a new frontier for the personal studio and we're proud to be at the forefront."

Apple's iPad has revolutionized music creation with an intuitive touch interface and a universe of powerful and very affordable music apps. Duet delivers key features to this new paradigm that bring professional stereo audio recording to iPad for the first time. Apogee's Maestro software for iOS lets you control Duet's inputs, mic preamps, outputs and set up low latency monitoring. Duet's DC power charges iPad while in use so recording is not interrupted. Duet provides plenty of power for studio headphones, microphones and MIDI keyboards. In addition, Duet accepts and provides professional audio level (ie. balanced, +4 dBu reference level).

When used with iPad or an iOS device, Duet works with any Core Audio compliant app like GarageBand, Auria and MultiTrack. For recording on a Mac, Duet works with Logic, Pro Tools, GarageBand, Ableton Live and any Mac Core Audio compliant application.

Duet for iPad and Mac - Highlights

First professional stereo audio interface for iPad
Direct digital connection to iPod touch, iPhone, iPad
Works with new iPhone 5, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini
(Apple's Lighting to 30-pin adapter required - Sold separately)
Works with GarageBand, Auria, MultiTrack; Any Core Audio compatible app on iOS
Works with GarageBand, Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton; Any Core Audio compatible app on Mac
Low latency monitoring, complete input/output control with Apogee's Maestro software (iOS & Mac)
MIDI input/output (USB-A type connector)
DC power supplies charge to iPod touch, iPhone or iPad
USB 2.0 audio with 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A conversion
2 Analog inputs with world-class mic preamps and selectable 48v phantom power
2 Balanced analog line outputs
1 Independent 1/4" stereo headphone output
Legendary Apogee sound quality
Designed in California - Made in the U.S.A.

System Requirements

Mac OS:

Computer: Intel Mac 1.5GHz or faster
Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum, 4 GB recommended
OS: 10.6.8, 10.7.4 or greater
Connection and power: Any available USB port on a Mac
USB bus powered; DC power optional
(DC power supply included)

iOS:

iOS version: 5.1 and later
Connection: 30-pin dock connector
DC Power supply included
iOS device compatibility (Lightning connector)

iPod touch* (5th generation)
iPhone 5*
iPad* (4th generation)
iPad mini*
* Requires Apple's Lightning to 30-pin adapter. Sold separately.

iOS device compatibility (30-pin connector)

iPod touch (4th generation)
iPhone 4S
iPhone 4
iPad (3rd generation)
iPad 2
iPad

Price: $595
Availability: February 2013

Apogee Electronics announces iPad compatibility for Quartet USB audio interface and new Maestro control app for iOS

Anaheim, California, January 24, 2013 - Apogee Electronics is pleased to announce iPad compatibility for Quartet, a 4 input, 8 output USB audio interface. Quartet is the first professional multi-channel audio interface that makes a direct digital connection to Apple's iPad (iPhone, iPod touch) and Mac. Quartet for iPad and Mac features Apogee's Maestro control software, iOS device charging, MIDI connectivity, advanced monitor control and professional sound quality. Quartet is the ideal studio control center for multi-channel music recording and mixing on iPad and Mac.

"Enabling amazing products like Quartet to be directly connected to the increasingly powerful iPad and all other iOS devices, seamlessly integrated with apps like GarageBand and Auria, controlled with our Maestro software allows you take mobile music creation to the next level. It truly is a new frontier for the personal studio and we're proud to be at the forefront."

Apple's iPad has revolutionized music creation with an intuitive touch interface and a universe of powerful and very affordable music apps. Quartet delivers key features to this new paradigm that bring professional multi-channel audio recording to iPad for the first time. Apogee's Maestro software for iOS lets you control Quartet's inputs, mic preamps, outputs and set up low latency monitoring. Quartet's DC power charges iPad while in use so recording is not interrupted. Quartet provides plenty of power for studio headphones, microphones and MIDI keyboards. In addition, Quartet accepts and provides professional audio level (ie. balanced, +4 dBu reference level).

When used with iPad or an iOS device, Quartet works with any Core Audio compliant app like GarageBand, Auria and MultiTrack. For recording on a Mac, Quartet works with Logic, Pro Tools, GarageBand, Ableton Live and any Mac Core Audio compliant application.

Quartet for iPad and Mac - Highlights

First professional multi-channel audio interface for iPad
Direct digital connection to iPod touch, iPhone, iPad
Works with new iPhone 5, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini
(Apple's Lighting to 30-pin adapter required - Sold separately)
Works with GarageBand, Auria, MultiTrack and any Core Audio compliant app on iOS
Works with GarageBand, Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton and any Core Audio compliant app on Mac
Low latency monitoring, complete input/output control with Apogee's Maestro software (iOS & Mac)
MIDI input/output (USB-A type connector)
DC power supplies charge to iPod touch, iPhone or iPad
USB 2.0 audio with 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A conversion
4 Analog inputs with world-class mic preamps and selectable 48v phantom power
6 Balanced analog line outputs
ADAT/SMUX digital Inputs
Monitor control - up to 3 speaker sets
1 Independent 1/4" stereo headphone output
QuickTouch pads for input/output selection and advanced control
Legendary Apogee sound quality
Designed in California - Made in the U.S.A.

System Requirements

Mac OS:

Computer: Intel Mac 1.5GHz or faster
Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum, 4 GB recommended
OS: 10.6.8, 10.7.4 or greater
Connection and power: Any available USB port on a Mac
Power: DC Power supply included
iOS:

iOS version: 5.1 and later
Connection: 30-pin dock connector
DC Power supply included
iOS device compatibility (Lightning connector)

iPod touch* (5th generation)
iPhone 5*
iPad* (4th generation)
iPad mini*
* Requires Apple's Lightning to 30-pin adapter. Sold separately.

iOS device compatibility (30-pin connector)

iPod touch (4th generation)
iPhone 4S
iPhone 4
iPad (3rd generation)
iPad 2
iPad

Price: $1295
Availability: February 2013

Sourse

By: Dilusha On 9:56 AM

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Nokia will limit access to software updates via NaviFirm

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

By: Dilusha On 9:51 PM

Nokia will limit access to software updates via NaviFirm

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

By: Dilusha On 9:20 PM

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Five great holiday updates to popular iOS games

Follow @PhilipMichaels

Philip has covered the Mac market since 1999, with a focus on the iPhone, iPad and iOS in recent years. In all that time, he has never tested a fart app.
More by Philip Michaels

Let the record reflect that I am not a fan of holiday-specific iOS apps. Oh, there are a few out there that are worthwhile—A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to mind—but by and large, holiday apps tend to rushed-out-the-door unitaskers, poorly conceived one-trick ponies, and easily forgettable novelty items. More to the point, 11 months of the year, they have little practical use. Why give them any space on my iPhone or iPad?

But regular apps that are updated with a little holiday flair? Well, that’s another matter entirely.

It’s become a delightful tradition for developers—game makers, more often than not—to add some holiday flavoring to their mobile wares. Maybe it’s as simple as adding some festive decorations to the game’s background, maybe something more complex like a holiday-themed level. Whatever the addition, it’s a great way to breathe new life into old games. So I’d suggest heading to iTunes and seeing if you’ve got any updates to download. You just might find a holiday-themed surprise among some of the games you’ve downloaded over the years.

Here are a handful of my favorite seasonal updates this year—perfect for passing the time as you travel to holiday festivities.

I don’t know if this festively-themed iteration of Angry Birds—by far, my favorite app in the ever-expanding Rovio empire—was the first to roll out seasonal updates. But it’s certainly become the standard bearer for such improvements. This year’s Christmastime update, Winter Wonderham, is actually the third annual update, joining Wreck the Halls and Season’s Greedings in the Angry Birds Seasons canon. Whether you play the iPhone or iPad versions of the game, get ready to do battle with those naughty green pigs in a wintertime scenes filled with candy canes, snowballs, and the occasional exploding present.

The virtual apartment building in NimbleBit’s sim game has broken out the holiday decorations. But the most recent update did more than just add a few wreaths and Christmas lights. Visitors to your tower are wearing the holiday best and some of the floors you can build have a distinctive seasonal look. Tiny Tower’s pixelated Bitizens even are posting holiday-themed messages on the Facebook-like BitBook page.

In addition to its many puzzle levels, Scribblenauts also features a playground area which you can fill with just about any object that you can scribble the name of. The latest update from Warner Bros. adds another holiday playground—ideal if you’ve ever wondered what it would look like should you try to bring to life each element from “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

Ski Safari was easily my favorite game of 2012—there’s a reason why it won an App Gem award, after all. The latest in a series of regular updates from Defiant Development adds a North Pole-themed slope to the game’s collection of courses. An elf costume for Sven the hapless skier and new holiday-themed challenges—collect presents along the course or escape in a rocket sled pulled by a handful of tiny reindeer—add to the festive mood in Ski Safari.

This cartoonish real-time strategy game has added a winter theme with snow falling and villagers donning the occasional Santa cap. But Clash of the Clans didn’t stop with a few seasonal visuals: An Unpleasant Present explosive trap and a bombarding Santa Claus add to the holiday-themed mayhem in Supercell’s game.

View the original article here

By: Dilusha On 9:01 PM

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Google+ mobile app overflowing with updates

Share your full size holiday photos on Google+

Google rolled out an update to its mobile Google+ app as a holiday gift for both Android and iOS users.

The Android Google+ app receives the bigger update, with users able to upload full resolution photos from their smartphone by using the instant upload feature.

Previously, the app would compress photos in order to save on storage, but Google is now providing 5GB of space for Android users who want to back up their full size photos through Google+.

The Android Google+ app also now lets users edit their profile through the app, adds improved notifications, and the ability to take photo spheres for 360-degree panoramic shots.

The iOS Google+ app got its own photo viewing update, allowing for inline swiping through photo albums and adding "a subtle pan-zoom-scale effect to pictures in the stream."

Aside from the OS-specific improvements, both versions of the app can now access the newly added Google+ Communities.

Mobile Google+ users will also have better control over events with the option to send messages to individual guests, see who has opened their invitation, and RSVP with the number of guests you plan to bring along.

As a final feature for the update, the Google+ app on Android and iOS devices now supports Hangouts over connections as low as 150KB, which should be a big help in low bandwidth areas.

While Google was busy improving its social network for mobile devices, it also rolled out an update to its mobile banner ads.

The new banner ads are designed to avoid accidental clicks by requiring a second tap to confirm that users want to see the site being advertised.

Google says it found that users often accidentally click on banner ads while scrolling or clicking links near the edge of a banner. It's annoying for users, and expensive for advertisers who pay for ads on a per click basis.

Google had already implemented a similar confirmation click system on text-based banner ads, and found that it led to fewer accidental clicks and an improved rate of users actually buying products from the ads.

Confirmation clicks will now be implemented for in-app image banners distributed by Google Mobile Ads, which covers a wide range of apps available on all mobile devices.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Microsoft Surface updates out now, make apps load faster

Updates are out now

Microsoft's Surface tablet has just got its first firmware update, and it's good news if you're short of time.

Apps load around two seconds faster than without the update, according to a tester over at The Verge. That should be pretty noticeable, and should make a big difference if you're using apps a lot.

The bad news? The audio stuttering that users spotted previously hasn't been fixed. So your device may still be subject to random muting and jogging of sound.

The software fix also won't have addressed the Touch Cover issues the Surface has been suffering. A lot of users have been reporting the edge of the Touch Cover has been fraying, exposing wiring. Microsoft has confirmed it's been dealing with "a lot" of Touch Cover returns.

As well as overall slicker performance, the firmware update should fix some security flaws in the Internet Explorer browser, as well as the Windows RT OS itself.

Microsoft has also released an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services, and the Download Center.

Have a look at the Microsoft Security Bulletin for more info.

Microsoft Surface launched at the end of October. It runs Windows RT at the moment, but a version running Windows 8 should be out in the new year.

Microsoft surprised and annoyed its partners with Surface, using its insider knowhow to make a competitor product. Hopefully it'll spur everyone on to make better tablets, benefitting the consumer.

Via The Verge

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

HTC outlines priorities for Jelly Bean updates, some phones left out

HTC's Jelly Bean update is coming... eventually

After initial reports indicated HTC would be rolling out Android 4.1: Jelly Bean in October, there's been little to no movement from HTC in regards to pushing the update to any of its handsets.

Though the HTC One X, One S and One XL were confirmed to be the first to receive the update, none of those smartphones has been upgraded as of yet.

HTC finally broke its silence Monday, revealing in a new frequently asked questions post its plans for the future of the Android update.

As of Monday, only the One X and One S were confirmed by HTC as being eligible for a Jelly Bean bump.

While the company claimed other devices are currently being reviewed for Jelly Bean, HTC has decided to "prioritize review for devices launched in 2012" before moving on to devices from 2011 and earlier.

The good news is that only two phones from the manufacturer's entire lineup have been completely ruled out for the update.

HTC stated devices with 512MB of RAM or less will not get Jelly Bean, which, translated, means anyone with a One V or Desire C will be left behind.

Of course, that doesn't mean further support and updates will be taken away from those phones entirely; just that those devices won't earn the latest Android OS.

The Jelly Bean update also brings with it HTC Sense 4+, but there's no indication from HTC as to whether or not only phones getting Jelly Bean will gain access to the latest version of Sense.

Unfortunately, there is still no timetable in sight for when the Jelly Bean update will begin rolling out to One X and One S users.

HTC claimed there were "many aspects to the software development process that make it difficult for us to give specifics on upgrade timing."

Citing different testing protocols for each carrier and region as chief factors in the long wait for Jelly Bean, HTC assured that once testing was successful, the update would come.

The same could be said for the developer version of HTC's Jelly Bean update, which the company will announce whenever it is ready.

Not every user will get the update at the same time, but HTC also assured that every user would see Jelly Bean within 45 days of its release in a given region.

Though it's promising to hear HTC is somewhat closer to releasing Android 4.1 to its flagship phones, the lack of a concrete date is still disheartening.

Hopefully users won't have to wait much longer to enjoy all that Jelly Bean has to offer.