Showing posts with label app. Show all posts
Showing posts with label app. Show all posts
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Google Play Movies TV app arrives on iOS
Google has brought its official Play Movies & TV app to iOS, allowing you to watch Google video content on your iPhone or iPad.
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Google Play Movies & TV has been enabling Android users to purchase, rent, and view films and TV programme content for years now as part of the wider Google Play Store. Now, this element has been made available on iOS - with some notable compromises.
While this iOS version allows users to watch previously purchased and rented content on their devices, it doesn’t permit them to actually do any of that purchasing and renting directly through the app.
Instead, you have to use your computer or Android device to obtain the material.
This is down to Apple’s stringent policies on such digital content, which would require them to take a 30 percent cut of any purchases made through the app. Google was always unlikely to be onboard with that.
More annoying is the app’s complete unsuitability for usage on the go - which is kind of what you want a mobile video app for. There’s no offline playback option, and you can’t even stream your video content over a network connection. It’s Wi-Fi-only.
There’s also no AirPlay support in this Google Play Movies & TV app, so you won’t be able to stream Google video content to your Apple TV. Instead, Google has incorporated Chromecast support for a similar effect.
All of which might have you questioning the purpose of this app. After all, we’ve been able to watch (and stream) video content purchased or rented from Google Play on iOS for some time now, through Google’s own YouTube app.
The simple inclusion of offline playback would have justified this latest iOS app release from Google, but as it is we’re struggling to see the point without a sizeable update.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Official Facebook app finally accepts Windows Phone 8 friend request
The official Facebook app for Windows Phone has finally arrived.
The app, titled Facebook 5.0, is available now through Microsofts Windows Phone 8 app marketplace.
Its the first official app from the social network to make it onto Microsofts mobile OS, but the 5.0 indicates that it includes improvements made in previous iterations on other platforms, like iOS and Android.
Only third-party Facebook apps were available on WP8 handsets until now, and the official app looks like the only one without any glaring shortcomings. Go figure.
The Windows Phone 8 Facebook app brings an altered look and functionality exclusive to the OS, fitting well with the tile-based aesthetic of Microsofts mobile UI.
It was available previously in beta, and that beta Facebook app is still available in a separate listing from the official Facebook 5.0.
Word is the Facebook beta app will host new, untested features that may eventually make it into the official WP8 app.
Both apps are available now for Windows Phone 7.5 in addition to Windows Phone 8.
Microsoft used its Build 2013 conference last week to announce that the official Facebook app would arrive shortly alongside a new Flipboard app.
Read more »
The app, titled Facebook 5.0, is available now through Microsofts Windows Phone 8 app marketplace.
Its the first official app from the social network to make it onto Microsofts mobile OS, but the 5.0 indicates that it includes improvements made in previous iterations on other platforms, like iOS and Android.
Only third-party Facebook apps were available on WP8 handsets until now, and the official app looks like the only one without any glaring shortcomings. Go figure.
This is not a test
The Windows Phone 8 Facebook app brings an altered look and functionality exclusive to the OS, fitting well with the tile-based aesthetic of Microsofts mobile UI.
It was available previously in beta, and that beta Facebook app is still available in a separate listing from the official Facebook 5.0.
Word is the Facebook beta app will host new, untested features that may eventually make it into the official WP8 app.
Both apps are available now for Windows Phone 7.5 in addition to Windows Phone 8.
Microsoft used its Build 2013 conference last week to announce that the official Facebook app would arrive shortly alongside a new Flipboard app.
Monday, June 9, 2014
No more flicking switches! Samsung designs smartphone app to turn off lights and home appliances
There is someone in every household who always forgets to turn off the lights or television before bed.
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But rather than squabbling over it, families will soon have a simple solution.
A smart home system is on the way which allows householders to control appliances by voice.
A simple ‘goodnight’ or ‘going out’ command will shut down all gadgets and turn off lights without the need to go around the house flicking switches.
The Samsung Smart Home was unveiled by the South Korean technological firm at the US Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas yesterday.
It enables smart televisions, home appliances and smartphones to be connected and managed together and will be introduced in the first half of this year.
Users will be able to access the system through Samsung’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch, their TV remote control, a smartphone or by computer app.
The smart devices will alert owners to faults in the appliances, and they can even keep an eye on their homes while they are away. The system connects to cameras in smart TVs, fridges and dishwashers, which can then give the owner a glimpse at their home from anywhere via a smartphone.
And an application called device control will allow householders to turn air conditioning or lighting on or off by phone, even when abroad.
Initially, the Samsung system will only work with its own brand of televisions, home appliances and smartphones.
It will then be expanded to include other manufacturers’ appliances.
Andy Griffiths, president of Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland, said: ‘With Samsung Smart Home, we are bringing our capabilities as the world’s number-one manufacturer of smart devices to make the connected home a reality for consumers today.’
A Samsung spokesman said: ‘Users will be able to control and manage their home devices through a single application by connecting personal and home devices, from refrigerators and washing machines to smart TVs, digital cameras, smartphones and even the wearable device Galaxy Gear, through an integrated platform and server.’
‘With Device Control, users can use customised settings on their mobile devices or Smart TV to monitor or control home devices - turning on air conditioning or activating lighting, for example - while inside or outside the home, or even while travelling abroad.
‘At the touch of a dedicated Smart Home app icon on their device, the service enables users to control one or multiple devices simultaneously no matter where they are.
‘Smart Home also offers a voice command function on all the controller devices. If a user says ‘going out’ to his Galaxy Gear device, home lighting and selected appliances are turned off.
‘If the user says "goodnight" to their Smart TV remote control, the TV will be turned off and lights dimmed and gradually turned off. Users can also use chat control on their smartphone app as a fun, convenient way to communicate with their devices.
‘With the service’s Home View feature, users can use their smartphone to get real-time views of the home via in-built appliance cameras.’
Initially, the Samsung Smart Home system will focus on its own Smart TVs, home appliances and smartphones. It will then be expanded to include appliances made by other manufacturers.
All the major electronics companies are working on their own smart home devices. In theory, people returning home from work will be able to turn on the lights, the heating, the oven or the washing machine.
It will also link to smart door locks, allowing people to open the front door by talking to their smartwatch or phone.
Samsung Smart Home, a service enabling Smart TVs, home appliances and smartphones to be connected and managed through a single integrated platform will be rolled out in the first half of this year.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Sky Sports iPad app gets Ashes cricket makeover adding Hawk Eye camera access
New Sky Sports Ashes Event Centre lets you analyse decisions and rewind the action so you dont miss a single delivery.
Cricket-lovers planning to tune into the Ashes on Sky Go via an iPad will be able to access the new Ashes Event Centre to play with new features while you watch the action unfold live.
In what Sky Sports is calling a ‘second-screen cricket experience’, the Ashes Event Centre will let users view the same statistics that the Sky Sports commentary team will have access to during the five test series.
You’ll also be able to use the Hawk-Eye review system to do your own analysis on the game-changing decisions made by the third umpire.
If you happen to miss a wicket or a face-off between Joe Root and David Warner, the new timeline feature will let you re-watch the action simply by stepping back in time.
Forming part of Sky Sports’ comprehensive coverage of the Investec Ashes Series 2013 this summer, the Ashes Event Centre can be found inside the current Sky Sports app and will be free to download for Sky Sports subscribers.
If you don’t have Sky, but do own an iPad, you’ll need to pay £4.99 to unlock the Ashes content from the in-app purchases section. If you don’t own an iPad but do subscribe to Sky Sports, you can get check out the new features via the Sky website.
The Ashes iPad app follows in the footsteps of similar offerings introduced by Sky Sports to accompany its coverage of Formula 1 and Premier League football giving users access to the same stats and tools used by Sky Sports presenters and pundits.
Read more »
Cricket-lovers planning to tune into the Ashes on Sky Go via an iPad will be able to access the new Ashes Event Centre to play with new features while you watch the action unfold live.
In what Sky Sports is calling a ‘second-screen cricket experience’, the Ashes Event Centre will let users view the same statistics that the Sky Sports commentary team will have access to during the five test series.
You’ll also be able to use the Hawk-Eye review system to do your own analysis on the game-changing decisions made by the third umpire.
If you happen to miss a wicket or a face-off between Joe Root and David Warner, the new timeline feature will let you re-watch the action simply by stepping back in time.
Forming part of Sky Sports’ comprehensive coverage of the Investec Ashes Series 2013 this summer, the Ashes Event Centre can be found inside the current Sky Sports app and will be free to download for Sky Sports subscribers.
If you don’t have Sky, but do own an iPad, you’ll need to pay £4.99 to unlock the Ashes content from the in-app purchases section. If you don’t own an iPad but do subscribe to Sky Sports, you can get check out the new features via the Sky website.
The Ashes iPad app follows in the footsteps of similar offerings introduced by Sky Sports to accompany its coverage of Formula 1 and Premier League football giving users access to the same stats and tools used by Sky Sports presenters and pundits.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Pirate Bay co founder to release surveillance proof messaging app
Hemlis app for iOS and Android is an encrypted messaging service that will keep your conversations private.
Peter Sunde, co-founder of Pirate Bay is trying to raise funds for a messaging app that encrypts both ends of the conversation.
Hemlis, which is Swedish for secret, will prevent ISPs and the government from accessing the information. It also aims to keep your conversations so private that even the creators of the app will not be able to see what you are talking about.
The app will be free to download and will also have in-app purchases to unlock new features like the ability to send images. The creators also claim it has no plans to use advertising in the Hemlis app or sell user data to raise funds for the project.
Instead Sunde and his team are taking the crowdfunding route through PayPal, Bitcoin and the Heml.is website. Depending on how much you donate, you will be able to access unlock codes or pre-register user names.
The app appears to be a clear response to the recent Prism scandal. The Heml.is website makes reference to the surveillance program operated by the NSA (National Security Agency) that is alleged to have collected data from users of Facebook, YouTube, Yahoo and Google amongst others popular web services.
On the website it states, "Companies like Facebook, Twitter, Apple and Google have been forced to open up their systems and hand out information about their users. At the same time they have been forbidden to tell anyone about it!
"Were building a message app where no one can listen in, not even us. We would rather close down the service before letting anyone in."
You can watch a video of Peter Sunde talking about the Hemlis app below.
Read more »
Peter Sunde, co-founder of Pirate Bay is trying to raise funds for a messaging app that encrypts both ends of the conversation.
Hemlis, which is Swedish for secret, will prevent ISPs and the government from accessing the information. It also aims to keep your conversations so private that even the creators of the app will not be able to see what you are talking about.
The app will be free to download and will also have in-app purchases to unlock new features like the ability to send images. The creators also claim it has no plans to use advertising in the Hemlis app or sell user data to raise funds for the project.
Instead Sunde and his team are taking the crowdfunding route through PayPal, Bitcoin and the Heml.is website. Depending on how much you donate, you will be able to access unlock codes or pre-register user names.
The app appears to be a clear response to the recent Prism scandal. The Heml.is website makes reference to the surveillance program operated by the NSA (National Security Agency) that is alleged to have collected data from users of Facebook, YouTube, Yahoo and Google amongst others popular web services.
On the website it states, "Companies like Facebook, Twitter, Apple and Google have been forced to open up their systems and hand out information about their users. At the same time they have been forbidden to tell anyone about it!
"Were building a message app where no one can listen in, not even us. We would rather close down the service before letting anyone in."
You can watch a video of Peter Sunde talking about the Hemlis app below.
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