Thứ Hai, 17 tháng 10, 2016
If you have an iPhone 7, you should download the latest version of iOS now. Apple just released an iOS update for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus devices, which fixes a bug that apparently caused some users to "temporarily lose cellular connectivity." This is the second iOS 10 update that has addressed issues with cellular connectivity. Previously, during the initial iOS 10 rollout, T-Mobile reported a bug that caused some iPhone 6 and iPhone SE users to lose signal. Apple later addressed that bug in a subsequent update. The latest iOS update includes other bug fixes as well, though Apple hasn't elaborated on them. The iOS 10.0.3 update includes the same security content as the iOS 10.0.1 update, according to Apple's website. Despite these issues, though, iOS 10 is seeing wide adoption just a few weeks after its formal release. The update is already installed on more than half of iOS devices, according to the latest numbers from Cupertino, and third-party estimates suggest adoption has been growing rapidly as well. Though an important update, iPhone 7 owners will still need to wait a little longer for an iOS update that brings new features to their phones. Notably, a forthcoming update will bring a new Portrait Mode to iPhone 7 Plus devices later this year. That update is currently part of the iOS 10 beta release, which suggests it should be getting an official release soon.
Chủ Nhật, 16 tháng 10, 2016
With recent tech headlines dominated by Samsung finally killing the Note7 and Periscope launching its new Producer platform, you may have missed some of this week's best new apps. Each weekend, we round up a few of our favorite new and updated apps. This week's list includes an app for face swapping, an artificially intelligent messaging app and Pandora's new iMessage app. Check out the gallery below to see our top picks. If you're looking for more items to fill up your phone, take a look at our last roundup of can't-miss apps. This app takes the face swap trend a step further. Face swap in real time from your video feed and record the results. Swap with someone you're with or grab a celebrity photo. The app recommends you "put your moving mouth onto a pic of your favorite pet," or Marilyn Monroe. Yes, please. The latest golf-themed game from the creators of the Super Stickman Golf series, Flappy Golf 2 brings you a new set of challenging courses. Unlike the Stickman games, Flappy Golf uses mechanics more similar to Flappy Bird than the typical gold game. Rather than putt the ball to the hole, you need to fly it over with expertly timed taps. You are in control of guiding the ball down the track at the right speed to make it through as many gates as possible without falling off. True to its name, the track is just about impossible to navigate with crazy turns, jumps and other obstacles. Free: iOS It’s the same Pandora you know and love, only now with the latest update it’s been optimized to work within iMessage if you have iOS 10 (sorry Android users). The iMessage app allows you to share 30-second previews of tracks you like or start new radio stations mid-text conversation. Switchcam is an app that lets you upload photos and add masks or 3D stickers to them to transform anyone into whatever your heart desires. Meaning you can finally be a puppy like you’ve always wanted. Free: iOS Tribe wants to take video messaging to "the next level." Send 15-second videos (take that, Snapchat) the way you would a text. You can video chat with your friends conference call style. And you can learn more about the trending topics you've been chatting about, as Tribe's "magic Words" feature will automatically send a link with news/updates if you've mentioned a celebrity or breaking story. Ever wondered how crazy your friends really are? Well now you can find out. This party game app generates hypothetical "what if" scenarios paired with hypothetical monetary rewards, so you can see just what your friends are willing to do for money. You can also play by yourself and compare how many times you "fold," to how many times your other friends with the app have "folded."7 can't miss apps: Switchcam, Face Swap Live and Tribe
Face Swap Live
Free: iOS and Android
Flappy Golf 2
Free: iOS
Impossible Road
Pandora
Switchcam
Tribe
Would Ya Fold
Free: iOS
Thứ Bảy, 8 tháng 10, 2016
With Google showing off a boatload of new hardware and Facebook showing off its new virtual reality prototype, you may have missed some of this week's best new apps. Each weekend, we round up a few of our favorite new and updated apps. This week's list includes an app to help you take better 360-degree photos, an app to help you avoid getting regrettable tattoos and a music app for better playlists. Check out the gallery below to see our top picks. If you're looking for more items to fill up your phone, take a look at our last roundup of can't-miss apps. 360 Panorama uses algorithims and the sensors in your phone to help make your 360-degree shots better. Start snapping and the app stitches your photo into a 360-shot you can save and share (and it works with Facebook, which now supports panoramic photos.) $1.99: iOS This new game features a character named “Slimie,” a creature you must help swing through the forest to circumvent the "evil" harvester machine so that you can save and protect the homeland. The game also has a "story mode" you can play after you unlock the first 10 levels of "survival mode." Remember Draw Something? Guess What is a new take on the idea with an iMessage app that lets you doodle and guess what's in your friends' drawings directly in your conversation. Not sure how you feel about that idea for a tattoo you've had for a while? Now you can try it on. Ink Hunter allows you to see how tattoo designs would appear on your skin before you commit to them. You upload your own sketch or choose from other tattoo designs within the app. Mona aims to provide a more personal shopping experience. Just type in exactly what you're looking for and the Mona app will come back with a variety of options. You can than rate how well the app performed in finding what you were looking for so that it begins to learn more of what you want for next time. Pacemaker allows you to make a custom "mixtape" with different songs and playlists from your Spotify account. Choose the songs and the app expertly mixes the tracks for you. You can also follow other people on the app to listen to their mixtapes and share your own creations. Free: iOS If you don't trust the restaurant reviews of strangers on Yelp, the smaller food community of Wine N Dine consolidates restaurant reviews into a more intimate, curated network of friends and other users. The app aims to help you find the best food in every restaurant and every city you visit.7 can't-miss apps: Ink Hunter, Pacemaker, Guess What and more
360 Panorama
Flying Slime
Free: iOS
Guess What
Free: iOS
Ink Hunter
Free: iOS and Android
Mona
Free: iOS
Pacemaker
Wine N Dine
Free: iOS
Thứ Hai, 3 tháng 10, 2016
At last, there's another place to sell items to strangers on the internet. Facebook debuted a new "Marketplace" for its iOS and Android apps Monday, allowing users to buy and sell items via a new tab at the bottom of their News Feed. Marketplace will let you make offers for items, but no money is directly exchanged on Facebook's platform, product manager Mary Ku told Mashable in an interview about the feature. "We're facilitating the connection between buyer and seller, and then they can figure out how to do the transaction themselves," Ku said. This is Facebook's take on Craigslist, in other words. You'll see items from people in your area, offer them money and figure out the details later. That's a clear distinction from sites like Etsy or eBay, which are glutted with businesses and directly facilitate transactions via credit card or PayPal — if all goes well, you never have to talk to a person to get your item. Not so with Facebook's Marketplace. It's pretty straightforward: Hit the new Marketplace tab at the bottom of your screen and you'll be taken to a page with listings in your area. You can search according to keywords or categories, and you can also broaden your query to include different cities. Once you've found something you want, you can message the seller directly or tap into their public profile — the same one they use to interact with friends — to make sure they seem legit. Image: facebook You'll have to come to reach an agreement with the seller about how you complete the transaction. Maybe you pop over to their apartment, pick up the basket of Beanie Babies and Venmo them a few bucks. Or perhaps you settle on a cash-for-cat-toys situation. Facebook doesn't care how you pay, which makes a lot of sense: In order for people to use Marketplace over an established service, it needs to be easy — no fussing over shipping fees, taxes, linked credit cards and so on. Selling an item is simple, too: Just hit the "Sell" button, snap a picture and fill out some details. Ku told Mashable that Marketplace will only work for people ages 18 and up, and it's only available in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand for now. While Facebook made headlines earlier this year with the introduction of chat bots — automated assistants that can help you order food and flowers via Messenger — Ku characterized Marketplace as by humans, for humans. Businesses will not be able to target individuals based on how they use the feature "We've seen a lot of people organically discover products on Facebook," she said. "We're building on top of that." There are no ads within Marketplace, a representative for Facebook told Mashable, and businesses will not be able to target individuals based on how they use the feature. People will be able to report items that violate Facebook's terms (no guns allowed) and listings will be monitored by Facebook staff — though the company wouldn't say if there's an automated process in place to catch forbidden goods. Facebook started testing this iteration of Marketplace earlier this year, but the feature actually made its debut in 2007. At the time, users could use Facebook's desktop version to create their own classified ads. You might recall seeing your friends try to unload their used textbooks at the end of each semester. Facebook also claims that 450 million people already buy and sell items each month via its online groups. The social network just wants "to make this easy and accessible," Ku said.How it works
Not automated — yet
A new take on an old concept
If you were hoping to hear more about the next version of Android Wear at Google's big hardware event next week, you might not want to get your hopes up just yet. Google has now pushed back the date for the official release of the update to "early 2017." The company didn't provide a reason for the change, which was buried at the bottom of a post on its Android Developers blog. But the delay isn't terribly surprising to those who have been following closely. Earlier this month, CNET reported that many of Google's biggest Android Wear partners, including LG, Lenovo and Huawei, wouldn't be releasing new watches before the end of the year. Given that it wouldn't have any new watches from many of its biggest partners, it makes sense that Google would want to delay the launch to coincide with new hardware. (We have seen a few new Android Wear devices from smaller partners, like Michael Kors and Asus.) The update, originally slated for release this fall, adds standalone app functionality, new text input options and other features. Google also launched the third version of its developer preview Thursday, which adds a watch-specific version of Google's Play Store. This will allow you to download apps to your watch independently of your smartphone. Delays aren't the only problems Google is facing with Android Wear. Many smartwatches are apparently not working with Apple's iPhone 7, according to a report in 9to5Mac. The source of the issue is unclear but Google has reportedly made Apple aware of the issue.
Chủ Nhật, 2 tháng 10, 2016
If you were hoping to hear more about the next version of Android Wear at Google's big hardware event next week, you might not want to get your hopes up just yet. Google has now pushed back the date for the official release of the update to "early 2017." The company didn't provide a reason for the change, which was buried at the bottom of a post on its Android Developers blog. But the delay isn't terribly surprising to those who have been following closely. Earlier this month, CNET reported that many of Google's biggest Android Wear partners, including LG, Lenovo and Huawei, wouldn't be releasing new watches before the end of the year. Given that it wouldn't have any new watches from many of its biggest partners, it makes sense that Google would want to delay the launch to coincide with new hardware. (We have seen a few new Android Wear devices from smaller partners, like Michael Kors and Asus.) The update, originally slated for release this fall, adds standalone app functionality, new text input options and other features. Google also launched the third version of its developer preview Thursday, which adds a watch-specific version of Google's Play Store. This will allow you to download apps to your watch independently of your smartphone. Delays aren't the only problems Google is facing with Android Wear. Many smartwatches are apparently not working with Apple's iPhone 7, according to a report in 9to5Mac. The source of the issue is unclear but Google has reportedly made Apple aware of the issue.
Thứ Tư, 21 tháng 9, 2016
Tinder power users, rejoice: You can now swipe in iMessage. The dating app rolled out a new experience for iMessage, an app called Tinder Stacks, that allows people to create their own Tinder-like swiping experiences directly in their conversations. The idea behind Tinder Stacks is to give Tinder users a way to allow their friends to "vote" on collections of photos while they chat. Though the experience is technically separate from Tinder's dating features, you will need to have the main Tinder app installed in order to use it. You'll also need to make sure your iPhone is running iOS 10, which added the new iMessage App Store. (You can read more about how iMessage apps work here.) Once set up, using Tinder Stacks is fairly straightforward: create a "stack" based on photos from your camera roll and share it with friends who can vote on the images you share. You can keep tabs on how they vote within iMessage. Image: tinder Tinder's swipe-based user interface is, of course, one of the most recognizable parts of the app. When Mashable published its list of the 100 greatest iPhone apps of all time, we noted the greatest contribution Tinder (#20) has made to the app world is its design. The "swipe right to like" dynamic has now been copied so much it's almost a cliché. Now, Tinder is finally starting to expand its swipes to more use cases than dating alone, which certainly seems to fit in with its stated goals of empowering others kinds of social experiences than the dating and hookups its known for.
Thứ Tư, 14 tháng 9, 2016
If you've been paying attention, then you know Apple made Messages one of the stars of iOS 10. The update supercharged the operating system's messaging features with the ability to add a whole boatload of new animations and other fun effects to your messages. But not all of the new features are easy to find. SEE ALSO: 12 hidden features in iOS 10 The ability to send messages with the new "invisible ink" feature, along with some of the other new effects, is not immediately obvious when you open the new Messages app. To send a message with invisible ink (or other animations, like adding balloons or confetti) you first need to type your message as you normally would. Then, use 3D Touch (or just hold down if you have an older iPhone) on the send button to bring up the menu for changing the look of your text. Select "invisible ink" from the menu. This will allow you to preview how your message looks before you finally send it. Check out the GIF below to see it in action. Of course, it's important to keep in mind that these features will only work with iMessage, not if you're texting a friend who uses Android or another type of device. Additionally, the message may not render for the recipient if they haven't yet updated their device to iOS 10. Also, unlike Snapchat, these messages don't actually disappear. Anyone who taps on the message can reveal its contents, so it's probably best to avoid sending messages you actually want to keep secret. But even so, it's a fun (if slightly gimmicky) way to exchange messages with friends.
Thứ Sáu, 26 tháng 8, 2016
Though Google and Apple have introduced caller ID and spam protection features for their users in their upcoming OS updates, third-party app Truecaller offering similar service continues to gain popularity. And now the seven-year-old Sweden-based company is partnering with Huawei to expand its global presence. Truecaller says its service is now being used to make half-a-billion calls per month. The announcement comes four months after the company shut down its Truedialer app and added its features to the core Truecaller app. Truecaller previously focused on providing its Android and iOS users the ability to know who was calling them. But in 2014, the company launched Truedialer, a dialer app for Android which enabled users to make calls through the app (it only served as the interface for your calls) and see information of people in real-time as they typed a phone number. It also let users check availability of their friends (that is, whether they are free to take a call), duration of calls, and the ability to block spammers. But Truecaller remains unfazed. The company earlier said that it would take years for the vast majority of Android users to get to Android Nougat, and smartphones with older versions of Android will likely never get those features.
The company also has partnered with Huawei to pre-install the app in the Chinese brand's smartphones. The integration will be rolled out in America, Middle East & North Africa, as well as South East Asia and India by end of September 2016. The move could help Truecaller grow its presence in some of the regions where it does not have a significant user base. As of earlier this year, Truecaller had 250 million users, of whom India alone accounted for over 100 million users.
The move comes at a time when Google and Apple themselves have introduced features to block spammers and identify callers on their respective mobile operating systems. Android Nougat, which began rolling out to select Nexus smartphones earlier this week, can tell a user about the caller if the number is not stored in the phone's contacts. Apple is also introducing a similar feature with iOS 10.
Spam calling remains a major issue worldwide. But in emerging regions such as India, where the telecom regulations and awareness about them aren’t as strict as they are in some other places, people receive many calls from telemarketers. Over 300 million spam calls are placed in India every month, according to Truecaller.
Thứ Năm, 25 tháng 8, 2016
Facebook just announced it is changing one very important part of WhatsApp. The messaging app, which was acquired by Facebook in 2014, will soon begin to share its users' phone numbers and usage information with the social network as part of an effort to build out its own business communication platform. The change marks the first time WhatsApp is formally sharing user data with its parent company. It's also a move that some users have been dreading since Facebook's acquisition was first announced. Luckily, there is a way to opt out. Whether you find WhatsApp's assurances that it won't misuse user data unconvincing or you're simply uncomfortable with the idea of your WhatsApp account being linked to Facebook, you can easily opt out, although you only have a limited time to do so. WhatsApp is providing users with two ways to opt out. One way can only be done the first time you see the new terms of service so if you have already agreed then skip ahead to the second. You're able to opt out of sharing your WhatsApp account information the very first time you see the app's new terms of service. After seeing the notification that the terms of service have changed you'll need to hit "read" to view the full document. Scroll all the way to the bottom and you'll see a checkbox that says "share my WhatsApp account information with Facebook to improve my Facebook ads and products experiences." Uncheck it, then tap agree. Image: Whatsapp If you have already agreed to WhatsApp's new terms of service and the account sharing, you can still opt out provided you do so within 30 days of when you first agreed. Head to Settings —> Account —> Share my account info and uncheck the box. You can read more about opting out on WhatsApp's FAQ page. Note that WhatsApp says that even if you opt out, "the Facebook family of companies will still receive and use this information for other purposes such as improving infrastructure and delivery systems, understanding how our services or theirs are used, securing systems, and fighting spam, abuse, or infringement activities." So you may never be fully unlinked from Facebook. But, at the very least, your WhatsApp account can't be used to surface more creepily targeted Facebook ads. Option #1
Option #2
Thứ Bảy, 20 tháng 8, 2016
With all the news about driverless cars, Tinder and No Man's Sky, you may have missed some of this week's best new apps. Each weekend, we round up a few of our favorite new and updated apps. This week's list includes a makeup swatch app for women of color, an app that gives you instant homework help and an extremely addictive puzzle game. Check out the gallery below to see our top picks. If you're looking for more items to fill up your phone, take a look at our last roundup of can't-miss apps. It's not news that the beauty industry inexplicably doesn't make enough shades or sample swatches for darker-skinned women. Thanks to beauty blogger Ofunne Amaka, though, makeup buying has gotten a little easier. She's developed an app that, you know, shows what you might actually look like in certain makeup before you buy it (it makes a difference... makeup is expensive.) The app also includes information about the value of products, and how long they'll last. The name makes Ducky Fuzz sound cutesy, which is a little weird considering that the object of the game is to blow up pixie animals. Tap your way through different Whac-A-Mole-esque levels, earn different creatures and keep beating your high score. It might leave you asking, though, where do they go in the winter? Free: iOS Pokémon trolls, unite! This app lets you make fake screen shots of rare Pokémon, tricking your friends into thinking you're a master of the game. In fact, the entire Pokédeck is at your disposal, with over 200 to choose from. "What, this old thing? Just an Articuno, nbd," is a thing you will be saying soon, promise. Free: iOS Back to school, back to confusing homework problems that teachers can't (or won't) understand. GotIt! tackles that problem in a way that will make even your teachers wish they had it in school. Take a picture of your physics, chemistry or math problems and get matched with a degree-holding expert for homework help in seconds. The tutors have all been screened and trained to help you actually learn the problem, not just get the answer. Logic Traces is sort of like Tetris if it had more logic, numbers and a definite solution. You have to fit lines within certain spaces in a puzzle, and it hooks you fast. The design itself is clean and colorful, which is no surprise coming from the makers of Logic Dots. Also, for anxious gamers or those who simply don't want to be rushed, there's no time limit. If you wanna be the next DJ Khaled on Snapchat, you've gotta work for it. With Snapspot, you can create a custom Snapcode that makes it super easy to add you from other social networks. Even better, they' come in 10 different colors and two different frames. Soon, you'll be looking like the next #majorkeyalert. $1.99: iOS Tired of the same boring conversations? Need a way to convey something that cannot be put into words? Meet Vibe, the keyboard that lets you text music reactions to your friends. Unfortunately, it only works on the iPhone's messaging app, but it's still a quirky way to impress your friends. Free: iOS7 can't-miss apps: Fake it for Pokémon Go, Cocoa Swaps, 'Ducky Fuzz' and more
Cocoa Swatches
Ducky Fuzz
Fake it for Pokémon Go
GotIt!
Logic Traces
SnapSpot
Vibe Music Sharing Keyboard
Thứ Sáu, 19 tháng 8, 2016
Your airplane snaps are about to get a whole lot cooler. Snapchat just added a new type of filter to its lineup: altitude. The new filter joins the speed, temperature, time and battery life filters as one of Snapchat's dynamic filters, which show real-time data based on your current activity. You can find the new filter alongside those other dynamic filters. Like them, the altitude overlay will change based on your location. Keep in mind that you can only add these types of filters to an image one at a time. (You can add up to three filters at once to any single snap, but you can only use one each of the three types: geofilters, color and dynamic filters.) Image: snapchat Like the speed filter, it appears the altitude filter taps into your smartphone's sensor data (iPhones and most Android devices are equipped with altimeter sensors) to display the data in real-time. It looks like the filter is just starting to roll out to users now, so if you don't have it yet hang tight: it often takes just a day or two for Snapchat updates to make their way to all users. Naturally, those who have already gotten the capability have wasted no time in taking advantage of it. (No surprise, snapping it while aboard airplanes seems to be an early favorite.) Today I learned Snapchat has an altitude filter. #Travel #FlyingHigh pic.twitter.com/mKjR3JIKOe — Kelsea Lynn (@Littl3stP3nguin) August 19, 2016
Thứ Ba, 16 tháng 8, 2016
Google is updating its search features to make it easier for people to find information about how to vote. The feature follows a previous update aimed at educating users about voter registration. But while that feature pointed to voter registration deadlines as well as places to register online, the latest update provides information people may need on voting day. With the update, when you search for "how to vote," or a similar query, Google will serve up detailed information about what you will need in order to vote in your state on election day. This includes when you can vote and whether or not you will need to show an I.D. to vote. Though first-time voters may find the details particularly useful, it could also be a handy resource for those looking to vote by mail, as the results will explain how you may be able to vote early or get an absentee ballot. Image: Google Google is also sharing some new data around how search trends for voting information have changed since the last presidential election, with a new interactive map. The map shows how interest in registering to vote has changed since the 2012 election, based on Google searches. Interest in registering to vote has increased across every state since that election, with the exception of Kansas and Oregon, according to the company's data. Google also notes that several swing states — including Ohio and Virginia — have seen significant spikes in voter registration searches since 2012. Google is also making much of this data available to some third parties in an effort to continue "making it easy for people to find information, and have their voices heard in November." Google's "how to register to vote" and "how to vote" data will be available to nonprofits and other organizations that promote voting.
Thứ Hai, 15 tháng 8, 2016
Dating app Bumble just added a new premium tier that lets users access three special features. Bumble's first paid offerings, the features allow users to reconnect with previous matches, extend the 24-hour time limit on matches, and get new matches without swiping. All of the new features will be available as part of Bumble Boost, the app's $10-a-month subscription service. Formally called BeeLine, Rematch and Busy Bee, Bumble's new features are in line with premium features from other dating apps like Tinder. BeeLine will automatically match you with people who have already liked your profile. Rematch allows you to reconnect with someone who you previously matched with. BusyBee gives you unlimited extensions on the 24-hour time limit for contacting a new match. Image: Bumble The new features also mark Bumble's first foray into in-app payments — a significant move for the startup, which had previously never charged users for features. (Tinder implemented its first paid features last year.) Prior to Boost, Bumble expanded the options available to its free users with Bumble BFF, a friend-finding feature, and tools to help you match with people based on their musical taste or political beliefs. The company also recently introduced BumbleBizz, an upcoming networking service to help Bumble users make professional connections.
Chủ Nhật, 14 tháng 8, 2016
With an impressive new VR headset launching and even more iPhone rumors, you may have missed this week's best new apps. Each weekend, we round up a few of our favorite new and updated apps. This week's list includes a game that lets you explore Mars, a funky chat app and a guitar-tuning app. Check out the gallery below to see our top picks. If you're looking for more items to fill up your phone, take a look at our last roundup of can't-miss apps. With Craves, you can upload photos of clothes and the app shows you where you can get similar items within your price range. Now you can also follow celebrities for style inspiration and be notified when an item you like goes on sale. Free: iOS If you like action games with physics puzzles, Eraser is a game worth checking out. The platformer-style game is premised on players "erasing" obstacles in their paths in order to get to the end of each level. Complete over 70 levels, with a pretty design against a blueprint background. Free: iOS From the famed guitar company comes a tuner app for players of all skill levels. You can tune manually (where the app will just play a pitch) or automatically (where you play a string and it tells you how to adjust the note). There are also a bunch of different options for different guitar types and custom tunings. Free: iOS Parfait is an app that aims to help you pick out the best selfies. Snap a bunch of photos and choose the spots you want to make sure look their best (like your eyes and smile) and the app helps you go through each photo -- zooming in on your highlighted areas -- so you can pick the best shot. Free: iOS7 can't-miss apps: Chaatz, SplitMoji, Eraser and more
Craves
Eraser
Fender Tune
Parfait























