iOS 5.1 Upgrade Details

iOS 5.1The latest Apple operating system, iOS 5.1, to hit devices is pre-supplied with the new iPad. the new Os has been designed to fix a few bugs that were previously identified with iPads and iPhones, and also beings better battery life and WiFi connectivity. There are also a host of brand new features which are available on the new iPad 3.

The Camera App

The new camera is a massive upgrade on the iPad 2 and is something that many users will be attracted by specifically. Not only the camera hardware but also the new camera app itself has been redesigned with a view to allowing buyers to make the most of the massive 5MP camera and the new iPad’s revolutionary Retina display.

With iOS 5.1 there is also a change to the way the face detection works. This feature previously was only able to focus on one face per picture, which was perfect for individual portraits but not so good for group shots. It’s now possible to detest many faces in one photo, so group shots will be much easier to set up and the photographer can concentrate on composing the image instead of messing about with the settings.

Improved Photo Stream

A great new improvement under iOS 5.1 is the enhancements to the Photo Stream. Prior to this edition, users could not delete individual photos from the Photo Stream, which meant that if you were going to use it, you had to accept that along with your perfectly composed shots you would also get a bunch of blurry images and accidental photos of your feet. This really was a ridiculous oversight and put many people off using the Photo Stream service completely.

However with iOS 5.1 users can now individually select photos for sharing with Photo Stream and discard the remainder, rather than having to reset the whole stream of 1000 pictures every time.

Improved User Experience

iOS 5.1 brings with it a host of other updates which bring an enhanced user experience to the iPad. Sound quality has been greatly improved, meaning watching videos and movies and listening to music on the new iPad will be a more enjoyable experience.

Playback speed can now be controlled on each video, and a 30 second rewind function has been implemented. The Safari browser has some enhancements to its bookmark functionality, too.

And finally (and importantly for those who are using their iPad on the move and need to download and sync large files) the bandwidth limit has been raised – instead of the maximum 20mb download size previously you will now be able to download up to 50mb.

In conclusion, the new iOS 5.1 brings several important improvements and enhancements to the new iPad 3, but the OS features alone will not be reason enough for most people to consider upgrading to the new iPad 3.

Source: http://tabletbuzzblog.com/ios-5-1-upgrade-details/

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New iPad Smart Covers

new ipad smart coverAt the release of the iPad 2, Apple also brought out its Smart Cover product, which quickly became a favorite. Although the new iPad 3 is a little thicker through the middle than the iPad 2 (due to a bigger battery), it is still compatible with the previous Smart Covers that are currently for sale. This is excellent news as the Smart Cover not only protects the iPad screen from scratches and scrapes but is also functional and practical, and a stylish choice.

The Smart Cover uses magnets within the iPad to align it perfectly to the iPad. Third party cases can sometimes be a bit of a struggle to line up on the iPad – sometimes the case slips and the home button is not easily accessible, or it can be a struggle to fit the charger lead into the socket. So the magnetized Smart Cover is a welcome change.

The Smart Cover can automatically wake the device when the cover is opened, meaning users no longer need to hit the home button or power button to access the iPad. This is just a small and simple feature but incredibly useful.

The Smart Cover is also capable of supporting the iPad in a standing position so that you can easily view movies and videos. The cover simply folds behind the iPad to prop it up. This is also very useful for FaceTime and Skype sessions. The cover can also be folded at a different angle to prop up the unit to make typing easier. This can be especially helpful if you are composing a long email or document.

There are two material choices with the Smart Cover, and a whole range of colors to choose from. For bright vibrant colors, the obvious choice is the polyurethane cover, available in black, gray, pink, green and blue. There is also a traditional leather cover which comes in brown, black, gray, white and red. Both of the materials are lined with microfiber which works to remove smudges and fingermarks from the screen when the cover is closed, as well of course as keeping it safe from scratches.

No matter your personal preference in terms of color and material, the Smart Cover cannot be beaten on functionality and usefulness. Many cases for the iPad can be quite bulky and add a significant amount of weight and bulk to the device. However the Smart Cover is slim and sleek while still giving protection. In addition, the extra features make it a great and stylish choice for any new iPad owner, or a great gift choice for the iPad owner in your family!

Source: http://tabletbuzzblog.com/new-ipad-smart-covers/

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Deezer looking for a D.E.A.L. to R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.

Deezer's been making a fair amount of noise around the world over the past week, and now the French company is looking to bring its block rockin' beats to the States. That news comes straight from the mouth of the company's chief executive, Axel Dauchez, who told The Wall Street Journal that Deezer's "looking for a partner in the US" to help the music streamer pick up a significant number of subscribers and justify the "unbelievably high" cost to enter the market in this country. According to Dauchez, the company has been in talks about such a deal for months now, in order to compete on a more level playing field with the likes of Spotify, Rhapsody and Rdio.

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Source: The Wall Street Journal

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/21/deezer-us/

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Google Voice Search learns Latin American Spanish, Indonesian, and Malaysian

google voice search
Google Voice Search has just introduced localizations for Latin America, Indonesia and Malaysia, enabling native language search for hundreds of millions of users.

Google's official blog post offers some interesting insights into the process of collecting and analyzing the speech data needed to expand support. Thousands of hours were spent gathering voice samples and choosing key regional accents to analyze, and International Program Manager Linne Ha is clearly very appreciative of the Google users who helped the company complete the expansion. Without an enthusiastic base of users to lend a hand, Google Voice Search's polyglot powers would have been nearly impossible to deliver.

Google Voice Search learns Latin American Spanish, Indonesian, and Malaysian originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-voice-search-learns-latin-american-spanish-indonesian-a/

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ZAGG invisibleSHIELD EXTREME for the iPhone 5 review

I have considered ZAGG invisibleSHIELDs one of the Cadillac protective films on the market for sometime. A majority of my tech-gear has ZAGG‘s military grade films protecting them from what life’s hard knocks throw at them. As their products have evolved and improved, I have reviewed many of them, so much so I thought I was done – that is, until ZAGG recently released their invisibleSHIELD EXTREME for the iPhone 5.

The invisibleSHIELD EXTREME is engineered to not only protect your device from scratches and scuffs, but impacts and beyond. Instead of being a thin film like previous invisibleSHIELDs, the EXTREME is a thick piece of relatively rigid plastic. This video by ZAGG is to illustrate just how much punishment the EXTREME can protect your iPhone against.

The Full Body iPhone 5 invisibleSHIELD EXTREME includes protectors for both the front and back of the device, installation fluid, cleaning cloth, squeegee, and installation instructions. The ZAGG invisibleSHIELDs also includes a lifetime warranty.

Installation:

As with all ZAGG invisibleSHIELDs I have previously applied, the EXTREME uses the same liquid installation process as the rest. To begin the process, you must clean the surface of the iPhone 5 to remove any dust or oils that might interfere with placing the protector on the surface of your device.

Next you spray your hands with the solution to reduce the chance of oils and fingerprints getting on the sticky face of the screen protector.

The EXTREME is MUCH thicker than the other invisibleSHIELDs I have used, making it easier to manipulate and apply.

Once removed from the plastic backing, you spritz the face that will be pressed onto the front (or back) of the iPhone.

As I said, placing the thicker film is easier to set and maneuver compared to its much thinner counterparts.

Once situated, you use the squeegee to force the extra liquid from between the phone and screen protector.

I typically remove the solution as I go so to not impact whatever device I am working with.

As you can see, the invisibleSHIELD is many times thicker and stiffer than than any liquid-installed film I have ever seen/used.

Even though I did my best to remove all the liquid between my iPhone 5 and the invisibleSHIELD EXTREME, this is what it looked like 48 hours after applying it. It really did make the Retina display screen look bad.

This is how my iPhone 5 screen looked at day 9; there are still a few small bubbles. The bubbles looked so bad day 4 or 5, I was ready to take it off and go with a different protector. According to the ZAGG website, ‘Cloudiness may appear under the invisibleSHIELD EXTREME for up to 4 days after installation.‘ So, it is apparent that this is a known issue and will eventually completely go away. Where the screen does lay properly, its clarity is very good.

The top and bottom edges of the EXTREME have not setup (cured) to the iPhone very well at all, with nearly zero improvement since the first few days. This is a picture from day 9, and I have little hope that it will eventually get better. Other than looking bad, dust and other gunk can get under the plastic, causing the film to potentially come up over time.

It has been a long time since I have been this unimpressed and dissatisfied with a screen protector. The brown dots in the middle of the screen will eventually go away and are a function of the thickness of the film. But its failure to adhere along the top and bottom edges is unacceptable. I consider ZAGG to be one of the top protective film manufacturers, but in the case of the invisibleSHIELD EXTREME, they have missed the mark. In theory, the EXTREME has the potential to raise the bar in the world of screen protection, but unless it looks as good as a naked screen, it fails in one of its primary functions.

Product Information

Price:As tested: $49.99
Manufacturer:ZAGG
Requirements:
  • - iPhone 5
Pros:
  • - Fitted for the new iPhone 5
  • - Crystal clear
  • - Great scratch and (now) impact protection
  • - Easier to apply than the original
  • - Lifetime warranty
Cons:
  • - Expensive
  • - Takes a week plus for liquid to completely disappear
  • - Edges never completely cured to screen surface

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod, Reviews

Tagged: ,

ZAGG invisibleSHIELD EXTREME for the iPhone 5 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 20, 2012 at 11:00 am.

Give your child unlimited access to age-appropriate books, games, and videos on your Kindle Fire

kindle-freetime-for-kidsKids I’ve seen seem to be fascinated by tablet computers, and many of them want their own.  The problem with tablets and children is there isn’t a lot you can do to restrict what they can access with the tablet, and there’s a worldwide-web of things out there that you may not want them to see.  With a Kindle Fire or Fire HD, you can use the Kindle FreeTime Unlimited app to restrict your child from the things they aren’t ready for yet while giving them access to special, Amazon-provided content – unlimited books and entertainment that’s age appropriate for kids ages 3-8.  Each child has an account that lets them read books, play games, or watch videos, and they can’t escape from that app without knowing the password.  You can tailor each account for the child’s age and set limits on the time they can spend watching videos, playing games, or reading.  There’s a monthly subscription fee for each child, but there will be no surprise charges from in-app purchases (there are none) or from watching too many videos or reading too many books.

A subscription for a single child is $4.99 a month or only $2.99 if you are a Prime member.  Up to six children, each with their own customized account, cost $9.99 a month or only $6.99 a month if you are a Prime member.  You can even try the service free for one month.

Filed in categories: Android related, eBook Readers, News, Tablets, Ultra Portables

Tagged: ,

Give your child unlimited access to age-appropriate books, games, and videos on your Kindle Fire originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 18, 2012 at 10:00 am.

BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 screenshots leak

bbm 6
A leaked early version of RIM's upcoming BlackBerry Messenger 6 has been making the rounds since late February, but images of the new app are just now beginning to appear. Over at CrackBerry, the crew has shared a handful of images of BBM 6 in action. Unfortunately, you won't get a glimpse at a chat or file transfer -- only the profile screens (after the break) and what you see above. All that's really revealed so far is the option to set custom contact and chat colors and BlackBerry OS 6.1-style icons.

CrackBerry also warns against installing the leaked BBM 6 app. There's no guarantee this app hasn't been tampered with, and BlackBerry devices are becoming a more common target for cybercriminals.

Continue reading BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 screenshots leak

BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 screenshots leak originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/blackberry-messenger-6-0-screenshots-leak/

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Google adds localized graphics support to the Play Store

Play Store

Google has released today on its Android Developers blog information about localizing graphics for Play Store listings. It's no secret that Google Play is quickly expanding its reach to many new countries. Part of making the expansion to new markets successful is targeting promotional materials to specific countries. Along with offering localized translations of apps and descriptions, developers can now use different graphics and promotional materials depending on the country the user is accessing the Play Store from as well. Developers could now, for example, offer a different splash page for a country or region's holiday during a certain period, or offer language-specific graphics in each region which the app supports the language.

Google notes in its blog post that a full 2/3 of app revenue in Google Play now comes from outside of the United States, making it clear to developers that this is something important to pay attention to.

Source: Android Developers Blog

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/WacR9PRFlxU/story01.htm

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iPhone and iPad gifts for gamers: 2012 holiday guide

Hopefully at this point, you've done most of your holiday shopping. Let’s say you felt really generous this year and bought a youngster (or someone young at heart) an iPad. It’s nice that it’s a completely clean slate, ready for them to make their own, but to personalize the gift yourself, you might be loading it up with pictures, music, and apps. This is a great way to get folks excited about their shiny new toy, not to mention adding that personal touch. Here are a few of the iconic, recognizable, essential games and accessories that you should be sure to include on any new iOS device that you’re giving away during the holidays.

Fling Joystick

As anyone who's spent any time gaming on an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad knows, there's nothing worse than getting really into the action only to find your finger has drifted off the virtual controls just when it matters most. And that's exactly the problem the Ten One Design Fling mini solves. Made of anodized aluminum and tough, flexible engineering-grade resin, it's both durable and see-through so it doesn't break and doesn't completely obstruct your view of the iPad or iPad mini screen. (Technically the Fling mini is meant for the iPhone and iPod touch rather than the iPad, for which they have a full-size Fling Joystick, but the mini works great on the iPad as well and doesn't cover anywhere nearly as much of the screen.)

iCade Arcade Cabinet

If you know a retro gamer who loves old school Atari-style games, and the old-style arcades they used to be played in, the iCade is the perfect gift. All they have to do is insert their iPad into the cabinet, pair it over Bluetooth, launch a compatible game, and they'll be joysticking and button mashing like it was 1980 all over again.

Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth speaker

Gaming on the iPhone and iPad looks great, especially on Retina screens. But the sound? It just doesn't measure up. You can plug in a headset, of course, or AirPlay to a compatible home audio system. If you want something you can take with you, wether it's from room to room, or to friends and parties, the Jawbone JAMBOX is it. Connect over Bluetooth, start your game, and feel your hair get blown back.

Apple TV

While gaming on iOS is fantastic, beaming the a game to your big screen HDTV takes it to another level. Apple builds AirPlay into every iPad and iPhone, so you can mirror whatever you see on your mobile device right to your TV. Some apps even optimize for it, so you get the best of both worlds -- perfect iPhone or iPad controller, killer big screen gaming. A few even let you go multiplayer on the big screen. And for party games with family and friends, there's nothing better.

Angry Birds

Angry Birds is the quintessential iPhone game. At this point it has spawned a variety of off-shoots - most recently, Angry Birds Star Wars. On the off-chance you haven’t tried the game, it’s a simple physics game where players have to slingshot birds into rickety structures in an attempt to squish the pigs living within. The birds have a variety of attributes that keep things interesting, and the variety of level layouts keeps things very challenging, but ultimately it’s the Angry Birds style and branding that has made it such a huge success. Be sure to keep in mind that the HD versions are optimized for the iPad.

Plants vs. Zombies

Plants vs. Zombies is a colorful but smart strategy game where players have to defend their home against a ramshackle horde of zombies using plants (of all things). Players need to pick which plants they have available for any given level, collect sunshine points as they appear, and use those points to plant defenses. The tactical landscape shifts dramatically as you move from the front yard to the back yard pool to the roof, and then have to start factoring in night and day cycles. The goofy style will rope players in while the deep strategic gameplay is bound to keep them locked in for the long haul.

Cut the Rope

Cut the Rope is a simple, casual puzzle game where players have the deceptively simple task of putting a piece of candy into a tiny green alien’s mouth by slicing a string it’s attached to. To pull this off, stages are littered with a variety of physics tools, ideally moving the candy over the three bonus stars along the way. Cut the Rope remains a long-standing family-friendly iOS classic, and not to be missed on any new iOS device.

Fruit Ninja

Fruit Ninja is reflex game where players simply have to swipe through fruit as they sail through the air. A bunch of different game modes keep things fresh, such as local multiplayer, timed rounds, and free play. Various power-ups and bombs keep players swiping with precision rather than clawing randomly at the screen, and though there are leaderboards and all, the graphics and audio are done in such a way that simply slicing open an orange is a rewarding experience into itself.

Tiny Wings

Tiny Wings is an adorable classic endless runner with simple one-touch controls. By pressing the screen, players add inertia to a bird in the air so that they can hit a valley below at just the right angle and slingshot off the opposing ridge. The core game’s goal is got make it as far as possible before running out of daylight, but luckily if you gain enough speed, you can out-fly the sun. Later updates have added multiplayer, and even now after a couple of years, the graphics and audio remain as charming and whimsical as ever.

Modern Combat 4

Modern Combat 4 is without question the best mobile adaptation of the current breed of console and PC shooter games. Anybody that has spent time playing Modern Warfare or Battlefield games will familiar with the perk system, multiplayer game modes, ranking system, and wholly customizable weapons. There’s a single-player campaign in there to warm you up to the game’s arsenal and subject players to some cinematic highlights, but the real game is online.

Real Racing 2

Real Racing 2 is a top-notch racing game for iOS, offering realistic graphics, AirPlay optimization so you can play on your TV, and some excellent multiplayer options. Players will be amply impressed by the subtle, detailed graphics, and hardcore car fans will be happy to see the wide array of brand names being represented. As great as Real Racing 2 continues to be, keep in mind that Real Racing 3 is right around the bend...

Temple Run

Temple Run is the iconic endless running game for iOS. Players have to swipe and tilt to avoid obstacles as their hero sprints at break-neck speeds through a ruined temple. While fleeing the angry spirits trying to take back the idol he has stolen, your character picks up gems along the way, which can be spent in between rounds to activate and upgrade power-ups throughout a level. You can also unlock vanity items to spruce up the experience. Overall, Temple Run provides a snappy, bite-sized, and exciting gaming experience that’s well-suited for the iPhone.

Words With Friends

Words With Friends has become a hugely popular Scrabble-ish game that works cross-platform with Facebook users. Players take turns piecing together words with random letter tiles that they’ve been assigned across a grid. Certain squares provide points bonuses to the score on each letter or the sum total of the whole word. An easy-to-use chat system keeps the banter going back and forth, and thanks to the asynchronous play style, you can have a bunch of games going at the same time.

Infinity Blade

Infinity Blade is a high fantasy dueling game that really set a new standard for mobile games - not only for graphics, but gameplay as well. The action RPG pits a lone hero against an unrelenting gauntlet of opponents. With swipe gestures, players parry and dodge attacks while administering attacks of their own. Before long, players learn to harness magical powers, gather up powerful (and gorgeous) new equipment, level up, and unravel a lengthy mystery behind a protected artifact. Since launch, Infinite Blade II has included a bunch of new items, and a social game mode called ClashMobs. Both Infinity Blade games are excellent, and a great introduction to just how graphically powerful an iOS device can be.

Honorable mentions: Flight Control, Jetpack Joyride, Draw Something

Like I said, this is a far from exhaustive list. A big part of the joy of iOS is the continual discovery of games and apps, but if you’re looking for more, be sure to check out our top free games round-up. If you’d rather keep the new iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad pristine, you can always give games through iTunes once your giftee has set up their account. For those looking for more along the lines of accessories, check out some of Chris' picks from last year.

Have you bought an iOS device as a holiday present? What kind of content are you loading onto it?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/mMh43xU0TPQ/story01.htm

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Science Answers the Question if Money Can Buy Happiness

A lot of people say that money can't buy happiness. Or that more money causes more problems (RIP Biggie). Are those people right? NO! Of course not. Money can definitely buy you happiness, it just depends how you spend it. ASAP Science took a look at the age old question and shows you how scientifically you can get happy with money. Best tip: spend it on experiences, not things. [ASAP Science via Laughing Squid] More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/oBZR1UZ_nNg/science-answers-the-question-if-money-can-buy-happiness

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