Tag: featured
Apple Camera App Gets Improved in iOS 8
We saw Apple launching its new mobile operating systems for both mobile and desktop platforms at its annual WWDC event a few days back. Both of the operating systems are in their testing period and scheduled for the public release later this year. There’re lots of new features and improvements could be seen coming from Apple. Today, we’ll talk about Apple Camera app that has been revamped with new advanced features.
Apple’s new mobile operating system, the iOS 8 is now in developer’s hands for testing purposes so that they can contribute for the betterment of this new operating system. They’re supposed to find every glitch of iOS 8.
Let’s find what Apple brings new to its Camera app. Before we had to stick with the basic controls such as ISO boosting, HDR, Flash and other simple things. In order words, we can’t do anything new to our shots. But in iOS 8, it seems like we’ll be enjoying its camera app more than before. It’ll add more extra features like aperture, ISO, shutter-speed control and many more.
Users will be having new additions such as timer and special controls for exposure and focus. Now, they get on-screen taps to control exposure and focus independently. The timer lets you set 3- or 10-second to take your perfect photo.
Another feature that grabs attention is ‘Time Lapse’ mode letting you create a video that’s a combination of different shots. You’ll need to swipe left to use the Time Lapse and then press Record button to capture the desired period. Once all the shots are captured, then these pics are arranged together and played at the higher frames. The iPad users will also get panorama mode that wasn’t in iOS 7.
Latest iOS Apps of the Week
This week’s roundup of iOS apps includes many titles that help you explore more about stars and science, listen radio with ease, lose weight and learn foreign languages. Scroll down to know more about them.
Pimsleur Course Manager
It’s a free iOS audio app that lets users learn other international languages in an easy way. All you need to pay attention on a 30-minute lesson every day that gradually will make you speak other languages. The app will get you to the exact point where you left it off. So, there’s no chance of skipping any line of your lesson.
Lose It!
Want to get a slim body or remain fit? Here’s a handy iOS app I’ve known about, the Lose it! (free) motivates you to choose the best for you and help you get a desired figure. With this app, you know your daily calorie budget so you don’t eat more that disturbs your budget. The app tracks your exercise and food to ensure you’re running on a right track.
Kiwaka
Everybody here loves to know about the space and science. The Kiwaka ($3) for iPhone and iPad offers a learning experience in a game. You start your expedition right from the African jungle, you need to catch the fireflies (that’ll lighten up the stars in the sky), name and explain the constellations.
Hitch Radio
It’s a free iOS app that brings you a social networking experience while you’re listening to radio. Set your tune from the 20,000 stations and then let your pals know what you are listening to. That’s great as it involves a social interaction. To share, you need to tap your pals with a message that’ll last 3 to 9 minutes, when they got it they can ‘Hitch’ a ride with you to hear what you hear and go where you go in real time.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S Could Give a Run to Apple iPad
iMage; Mashable
Samsung on Thursday announced its Galaxy Tab S tablets in the New York. This time the Korean manufacturer has come up with a slim and light contour that could give a run to Apple’s iPad range. The new tablets come in two screen sizes; 10.5-inch and 8.4-inch getting closer to the public needs. Let’s compare both of the manufacturers in order to get the exact idea of which can give you the best tablet experience.
Screen Size
There’s not much difference in the screen sizes as Apple offers 7.9-inch and 9.7-inch with 2048 x 1536p resolution while Samsung goes for the slightly larger displays such as 8.4-inch and 10.5-inch with 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution.
Portability
Clearly, Samsung takes the floor when it comes to portability. Its 8.4-inch and 10.5-inch tabs are just 0.25-inch thin as compared to the Apple iPad that is 0.37-inch thin. The Wi-Fi versions of Samsung’s tablets weigh only 0.64 pounds while the Apple’s iPad is 0.73 pounds. The LTE models of Samsung are just 0.66 pounds heavy while the Apple’s iPads are 0.75 pounds heavy.
Processor
Apple employs its A7 chip together with M7 Motion coprocessor and 64-bit architecture. While the Samsung uses its Exynos 5 Octa (1.3GHz Quad-core + 1.9GHz Quad-core) or a Quad-core 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. Samsung Galaxy Tab S operates Google’s latest Android OS v4.4 (KitKat) while Apple iPad runs its own iOS.
Camera
Both of the devices from the Samsung sport an 8 megapixel rear and 2.1 megapixel front-facing cameras. Apple also lacks here and stands with 5MP rear and 1.2MP front sensors.
Want to add more to this story? Please feel free and let us know about your viewpoint in the comment section given below.
Microsoft to Bring a ‘remaster’ Version of Skype for iPhone Users
Microsoft on Monday said, it’ll be releasing a ‘remastered’ version of Skype for iPhone users in upcoming few days, making it more like those Android and Windows versions.
The new version for iPhone combines enhanced performance that you don’t need to worry about the battery issues, according to the Microsoft. There’re also some other new features that company will be debuting on the iOS platform such as offline messaging and improved message syncing. Microsoft also promised for an iPad version but didn’t mention when it will come.
Though, there’s no dearth of communication options on iOS platform like Messages and FaceTime, but it’s the fact that a large number of smartphone users use Skype. The company said on May 2013, the numbers of new Skype users are growing and double as compared to the last year.
‘’Just like the redesigned Skype for Android app, we took the opportunity to rewrite this new version from the ground up and customize it to fit iOS best,’’ Eric Lin (Product Marketing Manager for Skype) said, ‘’The new Skype for iPhone is redesigned to put your conversation at the center of a faster, smoother and far more integrated experience. Our designers AND engineers have obsessed over every pixel.’’
Really, iPhone users have been experiencing problems with the Skype on their devices. So, finally Microsoft has decided to bring them a relief in its Skype v5.0 especially devoted for the iPhone users.
We’ll let you know when Microsoft releases Skype v5.0 for iPhone users. Stay Tuned!
Source: Skype
How to Download iOS 8 Beta Before the Public Release
A few days, Apple announced its new mobile operating system, iOS 8 along with OS X Yosemite at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. The iOS 8 brings more new features and some improvements as well such as smarter spotlight, interactive notifications, QuickType and more. The final release of iOS 8 is supposed to be happened late this year when Apple will be announcing its iPhone 6.
Anyhow, it is now available for download for the registered developers only. There’re some users who aren’t developers but want to download iOS 8 Beta. They can become the registered developers by paying $99 per year. If this sounds you expensive, then no need to get worried if you know a developer. A developers has the authority to register around 100 devices, so get your device registered if you have a good relation with any developer.
If you don’t have any developer in your circle, then there’s also a way to get your device registered. This is through the UDID number, an alphanumeric code consists of 40 letters and numbers. Every iDevice has this unique code. So, you can get your UDID registered from the services available on the web. They usually charge few bucks for it. Here’s one I’ve known about, iMZDL.
The iOS 8 Beta under the build number of 12A4265u is available for the following iDevices:
iPhone 5S – iPhone 5C – iPhone 5 – iPhone 4S
iPad Air – iPad mini – iPad 3 – iPad 4 – iPad 2 – Retina iPad mini
iPod Touch (5th generation)
Here’re the direct download links of iOS 8 Beta given below:
iPhone
- iPhone 5s (Model A1453, A1533)
- iPhone 5s (Model A1457, A1518, A1528, A1530)
- iPhone 5c (Model A1456, A1532)
- iPhone 5c (Model A1507, A1516, A1526, A1529)
- iPhone 5 (Model A1428)
- iPhone 5 (Model A1429)
- iPhone 4s
iPod Touch
iPad
Here’s how you can install iOS 8 beta after getting your UDID registered:
- Connect your iOS device with iTunes through USB
- Restore your iDevice to iOS v7.1.1 through iTunes > Setup as the new iPhone
- Now download iOS 8 Beta 1 for your iOS device
- You need to hold SHIFT and then left click on the Check for Updates in iTunes > Choose iOS 8 Beta 1 that you just have downloaded in 3rd step > wait for some minutes and now you’ve iOS 8 on your iDevice.
The process is only valid when your UDID number is registered otherwise you can’t access iOS 8 beta before the public release.
iOS 8 Vs iOS 7 – What Apple Brings New in iOS 8
On June 2, 2014, Apple finally took the wraps off its new mobile operating system, the iOS 8 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. It is in line for the final release in the fall of this year when Apple will release its next generation iPhone 6. Anyhow, today we bring you a match of iOS 8 Vs iOS 7 to let you know what Apple brings new in iOS 8.
First off, let’s talk about the look of both versions. Honestly, we don’t see any difference between them. But there’re some minor changes found in iOS 8 like notifications now have become more interactive; you can reply to your texts and Facebook messages simply tapping on the notification without need to open the app individually. But in iOS 7, we need to open the relevant app to answer the notification we get from that app.
See Also; The New Features of iOS 8 You Need to Know About
In iOS 8, there’s a new Double-tap function that’ll bring you a new multitasking interface. There you’ll find a list of the most frequent contacts from where you can easily call, text or video call to your pals. While in iOS 7, tapping on the Home button simply gets you to the home screen.
The Mail also gets changed in iOS 8 but the layout is same as found in iOS 7. The later includes swipe gestures to make your mail experience more cozy. In iOS 7, you have to stick with Apple’s default keyboard while iOS 8 lets you use 3rd party keyboards like Swiftkey and Swype.
Camera app doesn’t see any improvement expect a few new shooting features like Time Lapse and Panorama mode is now getable on iPads. Photos interface also gets a revamp in iOS 8 that now shows more photos on the screen.
With a new feature Handoff in iOS 8, users can interact with their Macbooks or iMacs running the latest OS X Yosemite. Means, you can see the same webpage on your iPhone that you’ve opened on your Mac and vice versa. It works with Safari, Mail, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, Messages, Maps, Calendar, Contacts and Reminders.
One thing in iOS 8 that’s being discussed largely around the tech society is Apple’s all-new Health app. It’s the first move of Apple to cover health issues. As its name suggests, it tracks everything that is required for being fit. It collects your health data from variety of 3rd party iOS apps showing heart rate, blood sugar level, calories burned, sleep patterns, cholesterol and many more in one place. For more about Apple Health app, click here..
Top 4 iOS Games to Supercharge Your Idle Time
Looking for some interesting games to avoid your boredom? You’re at right place where you’ll get some of the best iOS games realeased last month. We’ve assorted top 4 iOS games that give you a real entertainment in your pass time. Let’s find what’s new in this list.
Table Tennis Touch
If you’re after some games that require no complex work and sound easy to mind. The Yakuto’s Table Tennis Touch ($4) is one of them. Easy game play makes it the best deal for your idle time. Here’s a description from its developer;
‘’We also love games with awesome arenas, epic career modes and insane mini-games – so we made Table Tennis Touch, the most advanced table tennis game on the App Store.’’
Bridge Constructor Medieval
The app’s name itself describes the story line. All you need to build sturdy bridges across the areas where they are required. Sometime, you advertently make feeble bridges in order to defeat attacking troops. There’re total 5 materials that’ll be available such as stone, wood, ropes and heavy wood. First, it may feel you a little difficult but will get easy after multiple game plays.
Frontline: Road to Moscow
The Slitherine’s Frontline: Road to Moscow ($3) puts the users into a task of commanding their forces to get a control over Russia. You’re back in 1941, time to plan the comprehensive strategies to invade the territory of the Soviet heartlands. The energetic gameplay is surely going to have you for long hours.
Kiwanuka
Here’s another title that involves bridge construction but in a different style. This time, you’re not gonna use the materials like wood, stones, ropes or any other like this. It’s the people that connect with each other to find a way out. They are lost and want someone that can lead them to the right direction. It’s a simple gameplay with stunning visual effects.
What You Need to Know About Apple’s New Health App
After seeing Apple announcing its all-new iOS 8, everyone involved in the world of gadgets wants to know more about iOS 8. So now, things are getting clear as what we got new in iOS 8. Here we’ll discuss Apple’s new Health app that may wonder many.
Apple on Monday unveiled its new Health app covering all from your diet to workout plans. It comes with other new features of iOS 8 that we’ve already covered, click here if want to know about them. Anyhow, this is the first time Apple is focusing on the health issues perhaps seeing the urge of being well among the folks.
It’s like an aggregation app that gathers different things together at one place. It may sound you like apple’s existing Passbook app that allows users to amass things like coupons, boarding passes and movie tickets at one place. In other words, it’s a one-place shop where all of your needs get solved.
Here’s a statement from Apple issued right after the WWDC keynote elaborating company’s health plans;
“iOS 8 offers developers the ability for health and fitness apps to communicate with each other. With your permission, each app can use specific information from other apps to provide a more comprehensive way to manage your health and fitness. For example, the Nike+ apps using NikeFuel will be able to pull in other key HealthKit metrics such as sleep and nutrition to build a customer user profile and improve athletic performance.”
Apple also has a partnership with a non-profit organization, May Clinic to let users share their medical data with the top healthcare professionals making it easy for the patients to communicate with the doctors.
Honestly, we don’t see Apple coming with any of the big enhancements expect a main focus on health in iOS 8. Want to share your own thoughts? Please sound off in the comment section given below.
The New Features of iOS 8 You Need to Know About
Apple announced its new operating systems for both mobile and desktop platforms at its annual WWDC show. Apple didn’t hint about any of its upcoming devices except the software announcements. Anyhow, today we’ll let you know about all the new features of iOS 8 that haven’t been discussed in the event.
Wi-Fi Calling
It’s what every users would appreciate, really you don’t need to worry about your network signal as iOS 8 enables users to make calls using Wif-Fi only. T-Mobile has confirmed the new feature that’ll be applicable to the devices running iOS 8.
Safari Desktop Option
If you were in desire to see desktop version of a website on your iPhone, then say thanks to iOS 8 that brings an option to the Safari browser that turns you desire into the reality. The iOS version of Chrome already has that handy option.
Photo App
The iOS 8 brings an update to Photo app that allows users to disable or rearrange the app icons. They can also re-arrange the activities icons such as Slideshow, Assign Contact and Copy. The panorama mode will also be getable on iPad.
Camera App
The Camera App also gets updated in iOS 8. Users can now adjust exposure by a tiny slider located near to the onscreen focus icon. There’s also a self-timer option that comes handy while taking group photos. The Slo-Mo feature also becomes better with a time lapse option.
Messages
It’s not necessary that all of the messages in our inbox need to be preserved. Many of them are surplus and have no worth. So, iOS 8 does the job bringing a new ability that lets users set how long they like to save their messages: 30 days, one year or forever.
Battery Usage
The new operating system will allow the users to see their battery consumption (in number percentages) by individual app. So, you will able to know which app is using battery the most.
Apple Makes a New Move for Home Automation with HomeKit
We have been hearing different reports saying Apple is planning to announce a new Smart Home experience at its annual WWDC event. So, Apple approves them by announcing Homekit, its first move for home automation at its Worldwide Developers Conference.
Now, users can interact with the things at their homes with the help of iOS devices. Your entire home now can be controlled remotely using your iPhone or iPad. For instance, users can control their door locks, grarage doors, webcams, lights and thermostats using HomeKit app in iOS 8.
Once you got all of your home devices integrated with HomeKit, you can create different scenes like when you’re dozing and want to fall asleep, you just need to say ‘Go to bed’ to Siri. Then your iPhone will take the responsibility making sure all the doors and lights are turned off. You can also customize the lights and other devices which you think shouldn’t be working while you’re having sleep.
‘There are a lot of great home automation devices coming on the market these days,” Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of software engineering, said during the keynote event. “And they all have apps.”
Apple also mentioned the names of device manufacturers with whom this system will be working. Among them there’re some big names including Schlage, Haier and Philips. Let me tell you one thing, any device can go with Homekit if it is MFi certified meaning it contains a wireless chip that can be communicated over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or ZigBee. But, Apple didn’t specify any communication protocol in the event.
Overall, it’s a good move of Apple for the home automation as its competitors like Samsung and Google have already introduced their Smart Home concepts. Unfortunately, we can’t get our hands on it until Apple finally releases iOS 8 along with a new iPhone 6 in the fall of this year.
