BlackBerry 10’s predictive keyboard gets transplanted with Octopus Keyboard for jailbroken iOS devices

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

BlackBerry 10's predictive keyboard gets transplanted with Octopus Keyboard for jailbroken iOS

RIM's latest on-screen keyboard effort may bear a passing resemblance to Swiftkey, but it also has us itching to see how the rest of the BlackBerry 10 UI will turn out. It looks like we're not the only ones, as Octopus Keyboard aims to bring the same slick prediction interface to jailbreaking iOS users. Swiping up will access suggested words depending on which letters are pressed, while the keyboard will also memorize new vocab like the iOS original. You can see how it works in real life -- and gauge whether it's worth the jailbreaking rigmarole -- in a quick walkthrough video after the break.

Continue reading BlackBerry 10's predictive keyboard gets transplanted with Octopus Keyboard for jailbroken iOS devices

BlackBerry 10's predictive keyboard gets transplanted with Octopus Keyboard for jailbroken iOS devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Telefónica launches Tu Me app: brings free VoIP calling and messaging to the iPhone

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Tu Me app

We don't understand exactly what European big-hitter Telefónica is set to gain from its new app. Free VoIP calls and messaging doesn't sound like a massive money-spinner for a company that steers several of Europe's biggest mobile carriers, but that's what its new app is offering. Tu Me can connect through either WiFi or your own phone signal and throws in some location-sharing features for good measure. The app still will still find it tough to break through on the iPhone, which already has plenty of options, include VoIP champ Skype and the home-grown iMessage. According to The Verge, an Android version is already in the pipeline, but if you're driving an iPhone, you can grab the free download from the App Store now.

Telefónica launches Tu Me app: brings free VoIP calling and messaging to the iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple spits out Android option from Chomp app navigator

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Apple drops Android search option from Chomp

It's taken a bit longer than we expected, but following Apple's acquisition of app search engine Chomp, the Android option has now been cut out from its homepage. We're now left with the choice between iPhone and iPad categories, alongside existing shortcuts for popular freebies and apps on sale, in a few efforts to cut through Cupertino's 600,000-strong app selection. Hit up the source to give it a run for yourself.

Apple spits out Android option from Chomp app navigator originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple, Samsung, HTC and Sony sued over graphics rendering patents

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Image

Sometimes, you have to go all-in. Why not sue all the leading smartphone makers at once? That's what Graphics Properties Holdings is doing, channeling the ghost (and intellectual back-catalogue) of Silicon Graphics. Filing six cases against Apple, Samsung, RIM, HTC, Sony and LG, the lawsuits reference floating point calculations for rendering graphics, something that the company received patent approval for only yesterday. GPH claims that several phones, including the iPhone, Galaxy S II and BlackBerry Torch, infringe on its intellectual property. Layman legal types can sniff around the patent in question at the source below.

Apple, Samsung, HTC and Sony sued over graphics rendering patents originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Path vows contact data ‘hashing’ in next update, chases privacy certification

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Path is still trying to pave over those privacy cracks, promising that its next update will "hash" the contact data it previously used to suck up without prior warning. Last month, the app was caught with its digital fingers inside users' address books and while the subsequent (and understandably swift) update allowed users to opt out, the Path devs are still looking to gain privacy certification with TRUSTe. They told The Verge that the next version will still allow contact matching without plucking the precise details at the same time, using a hashing technique that won't identify the data delivered to the social network app. The latest update adds compatibility with Nike+ GPS, plus improvements to the embedded camera and a new music recognition function. It's available now for the mobile OS of your choice at the sources below.

Path vows contact data 'hashing' in next update, chases privacy certification originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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StatCounter: Android web browser claims biggest user share

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Android's native web browser can now lay claim to being the most popular mobile browser, according to StatCounter's latest survey. Mapping use over the past year, Google's mobile internet browser has grabbed around 23 percent of all users, up from just over 14 percent back in February 2011. The phone and tablet-based browser may have soaked up BlackBerry and Nokia users on its way to the top, with the two companies dropping browser share to six and 11 percent, respectively. Opera continues to hold its own, with a stable market share of around 21 percent throughout 2011, while the iPhone's Safari isn't far behind, notching up 20 percent by the end of last month. Conspicuous by its absence, Windows Phone's Internet Explorer hasn't made the table just yet and Google is surely hoping to see its mobile version of Chrome enter the table soon -- presumably once it's available on more than one device.

StatCounter: Android web browser claims biggest user share originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 03:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Hong Kong revives reserve and pick up page, wants to stop iPhones going abroad

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Apple Hong Kong revives reserve and pick up page, wants to stop iPhones going abroad

In a bid to keep iPhones sold in Hong Kong on the island nation, Apple has reintroduced reserve and pick up pages for the smartphones. The difference this time around is the inclusion of the customer's Hong Kong identity card number within the registration form, which goes live between 9am and 12pm each day. The aim is put breaks on the speculative smartphone buyers picking up several devices to mule across to mainland China. You'll still need a bit of luck; Apple performs a random draw each day for those that registered, and 'winners' are informed via email. Each card can apparently buy a limited quantity of the in-demand phone -- one that's getting some smartphone obsessives a little too hot under the collar.

Apple Hong Kong revives reserve and pick up page, wants to stop iPhones going abroad originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forrester: Apple makes strides into enterprises, users iWork hard for the money

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Apple makes strides into businesses, users iWork hard for the money

Forrester has announced the results of its latest survey, which encompassed 10,000 enterprise computer users, across 17 countries. It looked at the degree of Apple product adoption in businesses and support for them within IT services. There's plenty to chew on, but here's the big one; over a fifth of those surveyed uses an Apple product for work. This, however, includes workers using their personal devices for work tasks, with 11 percent using their iPhone, 9 percent their iPad and 8 percent working on their Macs. Half of the enterprises included in Forrester's survey plan to increase the number of Macs used by 52 percent, while nearly half of the firms are already issuing Apple PCs to employees, gaining even more traction within IT departments in the US and Western Europe. Unsurprisingly, given its premium pricing, those using Apple gear are more likely to be higher paid, while also (paradoxically) younger and in a senior rank. More specifically, 43 percent of those making over $150,000 a year use an iPhone, iPad or Mac. No cause or effect here, ladies and gents, but we'll be putting in our expense claim for a new set of business iPads very soon.

Forrester: Apple makes strides into enterprises, users iWork hard for the money originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T reports ‘blow-out’ Q4, revenues up 3.6 percent, 7.6 million iPhones activated

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

AT&T is all smiles again, as it announces a quarter in which it managed to sell 9.4 million smartphones. It nearly doubled handset sales from Q3 and managed -- perhaps unsurprisingly -- 7.6 million iPhone activations, with the majority being Apple's latest flavor of phone. It looks like the loss of its exclusivity tag hasn't hurt its sales, with Ma Bell quick to note that it sold far more iPhones than its Big Red rival. Total consolidated revenues were up $1.1 billion from last year, that's a 3.6 percent increase and it's up just over $1 billion from last quarter. However, due to the failed T-Mobile acquisition (and the subsequent pay-off) net income was a loss of $6.7 billion, with $4.2 billion of this going to its previously potential partner. Aside from bumper smartphone sales, AT&T's attributed its revenue increases to a year-on-year increase in wireless subscriptions in all their forms -- including wireless internet. An additional 208,000 AT&T U-verse TV subscribers has tipped the viewer count to 3.8 million. See AT&T's own take on its results below.

Continue reading AT&T reports 'blow-out' Q4, revenues up 3.6 percent, 7.6 million iPhones activated

AT&T reports 'blow-out' Q4, revenues up 3.6 percent, 7.6 million iPhones activated originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple takes its recycling programme across to the UK, might pay for your old stuff

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

It looks like Apple loves recycling so very much, it's taking it across the Atlantic. The UK will also get to some cash for their technological old rope, with the Reuse and Recycling programme arriving to take that pesky dated tech off your hands -- and remunerate you for the effort. The news arrives not long after Apple published its annual responsibilty report, detailing its eco efforts across its supply chain. The project extends across iPods, iPhones, iPads, Macs and PCs -- and it doesn't even matter if they work. The program will assess whether there's cash value somewhere in it and will either credit your account or offer up free recycling options. Check the source to see whether your device qualifies, and just wait for the money to roll in.

Apple takes its recycling programme across to the UK, might pay for your old stuff originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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60beat GamePad connects to iOS devices, requests 50 bucks for the privilege

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.
iOS devices certainly aren't lacking for gaming accessories, but we're always willing to welcome a new contender. 60beat believes it's got the ideal solution in the shape of this familiar-looking controller. It connects to an iPhone, iPad or iPod through the headphone jack and offers up some familiar gaming options in the shape of dual-analog sticks and digital inputs. Unfortunately, the controller's been saddled with a $50 price tag and is only fully enabled with two games. More games are promised for next year, and here's hoping they'll include some big hitters. Anyone rolling in cash money can check out 60beat's hard sell -- and some unusual spa relaxation music -- in its promo vid right after the break.

Continue reading 60beat GamePad connects to iOS devices, requests 50 bucks for the privilege

60beat GamePad connects to iOS devices, requests 50 bucks for the privilege originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple kicks off 12 Days of iTunes, offers a dozen freebies to last into 2012

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Find yourself something Apple-flavored underneath the Christmas tree yesterday? Need some gentle coaxing into using iTunes? Well, you're in luck; Cupertino's annual download giveaway starts today and runs through January 6th. The free gifts kick off with some Coldplay tracks and videos from the band's latest Apple-sponsored festival appearance. But don't let that put you off; we expect to see more music, some apps and even books over the next few days. Each one's available for just 24 hours, so it could be worth checking the dedicated app daily. It's up for grabs at the link below.

Apple kicks off 12 Days of iTunes, offers a dozen freebies to last into 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iMAME app gets pulled from iTunes app store

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

In barely enough time to get out of the app store and into the hearts of retro gamers everywhere, the iMAME emulator on iOS has already been erased from iTunes -- just days since its release. Alas, that lack of any official endorsement may have reared its ugly head. Well, it was good while it lasted. Guess we'll carry on saving up for that Vita purchase...

[Thanks Zac]

iMAME app gets pulled from iTunes app store originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook app update brings Timeline to the iPhone, iPad version coming soon

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Facebook's Timeline feature has only just begun to roll out across the globe, and now an iOS version has sidled up next to its Android counterpart -- making it even easier for us to recheck our social network back stories. The new app is currently only available for the iPhone, but Facebook states that an iPad-friendly update will arrive soon. You will need to have already activated the timeline function on the web-based original, but downloading the latest version will also grant access to your friend lists and subscriptions. Some requisite performance improvements are also promised too. Cringe at some portable post-millennial fashion mistakes by grabbing the download at the source.


[Thanks Christoph]

Facebook app update brings Timeline to the iPhone, iPad version coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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xPrintserver offers up wireless printing for iOS devices, makes convincing argument for iPad business expenses

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.
So you have your iPad. You also have some highly important contracts that have just landed in your inbox and needed printing 30 minutes ago. There's no time to faff around with that archaic work PC -- what are you going to do? Well, Lantronix think it's got the answer in xPrintserver. This iPhone-sized box will plug right into your network and give you wireless printing from any iOS device you have hanging around the office. The device supports more than 4,000 printers, connects directly to the print option within iOS and will set back wireless-printing businessmen $150 when it ships January 2012. Anyone unconvinced by alternative methods can investigate the press release below for more details.

Continue reading xPrintserver offers up wireless printing for iOS devices, makes convincing argument for iPad business expenses

xPrintserver offers up wireless printing for iOS devices, makes convincing argument for iPad business expenses originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BBC launches iPhone iPlayer app in the UK, adds 3G streaming to its mobile site

Posted on by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.
While international viewers have had around a week to play with the new dedicated iPhone app, the Beeb has finally launched its iPlayer in its native UK. Replacing the browser-based player of old, it now allows you to stream both radio and TV shows through a 3G connection. The new app also adds HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) which allows itself to tweak the stream quality depending on your signal strength and hopefully allowing you to catch up on Top Gear uninterrupted. Like its overseas version, the new iOS app also throws in AirPlay streaming to Apple TV. Android and Symbian fans shouldn't feel too overlooked; The BBC are promising to enable 3G to all compatible devices through its mobile web version very soon, with a dedicated 3G-friendly Android app being primed for the new year.

[Thanks Michael]

BBC launches iPhone iPlayer app in the UK, adds 3G streaming to its mobile site originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple reportedly stepping its connectivity game, wants to be the center of your wireless universe

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Apple is purportedly readying a new certification chip for accessory makers that will allow wireless access and connectivity to that pile of iOS devices you're hoarding. Announced during an accessory manufacturer's conference in China, the new chip would allow connections across AirPlay, Bluetooth and WiFi. The Cupertino crew hope that this will encourage even more iOS-friendly add-ons and docks to market. Apple apparently added that it's working on support for AirPlay over Bluetooth, presumably bringing with it some improved battery longevitiy, and tying into the new low-powered Bluetooth 4.0 found on the iPhone 4S. Well, you know us, we always love seeing new iPad accessories.

Apple reportedly stepping its connectivity game, wants to be the center of your wireless universe originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jawbone offers ‘no questions asked’ refund for troubled Up band, even if you keep it

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

While Jawbone attempts to fix the handful of substantial issues plaguing its new Up lifestyle band, it's now announced that it will begin giving free refunds to dissatisfied customers -- and you can even keep hold of the band afterwards. Production of the bands has been put on pause, but the company is continuing to roll out app retweaks for existing lifestyle metric obsessives. The new guarantee starts on December 9th, and will only cover UP bands purchased this year. You can read up on all the refund specifics -- along with Jawbone CEO Hosain Rahman's apology -- at the source links below.

Filed under: , ,

Jawbone offers 'no questions asked' refund for troubled Up band, even if you keep it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get diagnosed by spitting on an iPhone, social graces terminal

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Korean scientists reckon that the capacitive touchscreens on our phones and tablets could help diagnose diseases from what's floating around in your mouth. It works through the screen's ability to detect minute capacitive differences in disease-carrying liquids placed on its surface. Experiments by Hyun Gyu Park and Byoung Yeon Won at the Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology in Daejeon managed to detect chlamydia microbes in three different concentrations. Once again, the iPhone acted as medical chief, although the setup isn't yet able to distinguish between different bugs. There are also teething troubles with the touchscreen, as capacitive read-outs can be affected by moisture and sweat that are on the screen alongside your 'sample.' One solution to this would be to create a disposable film that attaches to the iPhone surface. There's a second reason for this, as Park diplomatically puts it: "Nobody wants direct application of bio-samples onto their phone." Let's hope Siri doesn't take it personally.

[Sneezing photo via Shutterstock]

Get diagnosed by spitting on an iPhone, social graces terminal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone case offers up literal kaleidoscope of Holga lens effects

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Mat Smith.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Sometimes photo apps just don't cut it. Sometimes you want instant color filters and split image gratification. Now they're here with a turn of a dial, though it looks suspiciously like something your parents might have played with in the distant past. Holga's iPhone Lens Filter will fit both iPhone 4 and 4S models and there are nine different lens effects to meddle with. The case itself is up for grabs in some curiously Nokia-esque colors options available for $25 in white, silver, black, blue and red. If tinted photography sends you into a spin, you can direct yourself to the source link below.

iPhone case offers up literal kaleidoscope of Holga lens effects originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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