Sunday, June 14, 2015

Best Twitter apps for iPhone on iOS 7 Tweetbot 3 Twitterrific 5 Echofon and more!

iPhone Screenshot 2iPhone Screenshot 4

Twitter has changed. Its no longer the domain of nerds and conferences but now serves the mainstream, not to mention pop stars with tens of millions of followers.

Twitters official app has changed with it, altering the way everything from the timeline to direct messages work and are surfaced. Its not what it once was, and its certainly not for everyone. While Twitter is no longer supportive of third party apps, and is actively trying to strangle them out of existence, many really good Twitter app alternatives still call the App Store home. And thats a very good thing, because many people use Twitter very differently. For some, its just a way to follow celebrities or keep up with news. For others, its a virtual water cooler to chat around during work breaks. For yet others, its a network to expand their social connections and market their wares. Different apps suit different use-cases. But which one is best, and for whom? Here are some of my favorites!


Tweetbot 3


Tweetbot by Tapbots has been completely rebuilt and relaunched for iOS 7. The look is completely new, but the feeling is still very Tapbots. The same great features are there including support for lists, push notifications, profiles (and the ability to edit them), and more. A recent update to Tweetbot 3 also brought some new swipe gestures which are intuitive and easy to use. the media timeline view in Tweetbot is unique in its own right and gives you an easy way to browse images without being interrupted by text. The media timeline feature is also great.

If feature-set is important to you, get Tweetbot.

$2.99 - Download Now


Twitterrific 5


The Iconfactorys Twitterrific was the first Twitter client on the iPhone, and Twitterrific 5 remains among the best. Its got gestures, push notifications, transparent menus, and pretty much everything youd want for an iOS 7 app (though it was, presciently, released before iOS 7!) Youll find all the basic Twitter features youd expect such as conversation view, list support, built-in translations, and more, though not as many power-user features like profile and list editing. Theyve also still got the unified timeline, which includes posts, mentions, and direct messages all merged together, they made famous.

If you want a gorgeous, effortless way to read and enjoy Twitter, you want Twitterrific 5.

$2.99 - Download Now


Echofon Pro


Echofon has also been completely redesigned with iOS 7, but if youve used Echofon Pro in the past, you can still jump into the new app and use it just as you did before. Timeline view and live streaming are lightning quick on Echofon Pro, as are push notifications. It also retains the ability to tweet over 140 characters thanks to built-in tweet extender support.

If speed is important to you, Echofon Pro will impress.

$4.99 - Download Now


Twittelator Neue


Twittelator Neue got redesigned ahead of iOS 7 but still looks great on it. The interface is card-style, with a floating menu bar along the bottom. Swiping left and right takes you between different sections of the app while tapping on a tweet expands details and shows conversation views. Twittelator Neues overall layout takes a different approach than most others and if youre still getting used to iOS 7, its a happy medium between textured and too flat. Twittelator Neue also supports push notifications that are fast as easy to turn on and off within the app itself.

If you want something different, you want to give Twittelator Neue a try.

$4.99 - Download Now


Tweet7


What Tweet7 lacks in power-user features, it makes up for in design and experience. There are no menus to toggle and tap, just you and your Twitter stream. To the right you have three blue bars. The top is your mentions, middle is messages, and bottom is profile. Swipe to the left to expand any of them, swipe them back to return to your main feed. Its an incredibly unique design thats refreshing and a joy to use. Lack of push notifications currently will be a deal breaker for many, but simplicity can also be a feature.

If you want a calm yet beautiful Twitter experience, check out Tweet7.

$2.99 - Download Now


Twitter for iOS


The original Twitter app for iPhone was based on Loren Brichters classic Tweetie 2. Thats gone now and in its place is something that changes and evolves based on the latest direction and feature sets of Twitter itself. That includes interactions, like your follower count and how many people favorited or retweeted something you posted. It also links conversations with blue lines, and does other things to make the experience more... mainstream. The iOS 7 redesign is good, and the past few iterations of the official Twitter app have not only made is usable, but quite pleasant.

If you want a Twitter app thats totally aligned with Twitter itself, and gets all the latest features first (and sometimes only!0 you want the official Twitter app.

Free - Download Now


Data source: via iMore (By Allyson Kazmucha)

Read more »

Friday, June 12, 2015

Apple Plans to Integrate the NFC Technology into iPhone 6


Apple plans to incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in the iPhone 6, according to a report from BrightWire citing sources close to the matter, the report also mentioned that Apple has tied up with China UnionPay to integrate the banking companys services into Passbook app for mobile payments.

The addition of NFC into the iPhone 6 it would come as a bit surprise, as Apples head of marketing Phil Schiller stated in 2012 that the technology was "not the solution to any current problem." Notably, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last month predicted that Apple would incorporate NFC chips into the iPhone alongside other features.
Apple is likely to incorporate a Near Field Communication (NFC) payment function in the next generation iPhone and has reached an agreement with China UnionPay on a mobile payment service, according to a source close to the matter.

...In addition to NFC payment, the two companies will also work together on another mobile payment solution that can be used for purchases in Apple Stores, added the source.
There are many steps on the ground show that Apple work to develop a mobile payment solution, even the Touch ID fingerprint sensor was a portion of that endeavor, as CEO Tim Cook stated during Apple’s Q1 2014 earnings conference call. 
“The mobile payments area in general is one that we’ve been intrigued with and that was one of the thoughts behind the Touch ID. But we’re not limiting ourselves just to that.”
Apple also possible combines NFC technology and its existing Touch ID fingerprint scanner into the home button, as the company filed for a patent detailing such a system last September.

Apple is expected to release the iPhone 6 in two sizes of 4.7-inches and 5.5-inches later this year. Besides to larger screen, next generation-iPhone is expected to sport an ultra-thin design with rounded edges. It may include A8 processor with 1GB RAM, Touch ID fingerprint sensor and an upgraded camera featuring optical image stabilization. Jefferies analyst Peter Misek reported that Apple is negotiating with carriers for a $100 price increase on the iPhone 6 as the device gets larger and the company packs more technology into it.


Source: BrightWire  via MacRumors

Read also:
  • Report: 5.5-inch iPhone Air may Be Delayed Due to Battery Issues
  • iPhone 6 Renderings Based on Case leaks and Recent Rumors
Read more »

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Limefuel Rugged L150XR Battery Pack Designed for Adventures


We know that there are several battery packages in markets, provide users many choices, the common denominator among them is intended for home and office use, but this time with us a Limefuel Rugged L150XR battery pack, which can coexist with harsh conditions like rain, dust, crushes, and shocks.


The Limefuel Rugged L150XR battery pack capacity is 15,000 mAh (57 Wh), which can charge like iPhone 4 or 5 ten times (10X), iPad 4 (1.3X), and Samsung Galaxy s4 (5.5X), the pack weight is 12.8 ounces (365 grams). It comes with two USB ports, that allowing you to charge two devices simultaneously.

As has been pointed out Limefuel Rugged is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crush and vibration proof. Its outer shell is covered with a smudge-proof grey rubber thats ridged to make it easy to grip. And addition to its nice design like the power indicator, it contains an carabiner-equipped strap that you can use to attach the Limefuel Rugged to a belt loop or backpack. You can review more info on the Kickstarters page product.


It seems Limefuel Rugged keeps the best chose for people that love adventures and for owners of coarse occupations. Rugged L150XR 15000mAh is priced for $ 84.99, Limefuel is also going to be selling a 10,400 mAh version called the L104XR for $64.99.

Read also:
  • Logitech Unveils New Case [+] Product with Multiple Accessories Lets Users Swap out Add-ons
  • Prong’s New PWR Case For The iPhone Features Built-in Plug and Backup Battery
  • No Headphone Adapter Needed For PhoneSuit’s New iPhone 5s Elite Battery Case
  • Mophie brightens up the Juice Pack Helium with a rainbow of colors
  • Kii is One of the Smallest iDevice Chargers You’ll Ever Use
Read more »

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Apple to patch more bugs with release of iOS 7 0 3 next week report


Apple is rumored to roll out another minor update to iOS 7 next week, addressing several small and lingering issues in the companys latest mobile operating system.


iOS 7.0.3, sporting build number 11B491, has been released to employees and select external partners for testing, BGR reported on Tuesday. The new version is said to be made available in advance of iOS 7.1s expected reveal alongside new iPads at Apples rumored October event.

The new build may address performance issues that have lingered since iOS 7s debut last month as well as new lock screen bypass security concerns that have surfaced since last weeks iOS 7.0.2 release. For comparison, iOS 7.0.2 carries build number 11A501.

The same site incorrectly claimed that Apple would release a seventh beta of iOS 7 in August. Apple instead skipped from iOS beta 6 to iOS 7 Golden Master on Sept. 10.

Apple released iOS 7.0.1 with "bug fixes and improvements" as an over-the-air update for the iPhone 5s and 5c on the handsets launch day, with iOS 7.0.2 following just six days later to address bugs related to lockscreen passcode security.


Data source: via AppleInsider (By Shane Cole)

Read more »

Monday, May 25, 2015

Apple Now Allowing iOS Developers to Generate 100 Promo Codes Per App Release


Apple has recently doubled the number of promo codes that developers receive per app release, according to multiple developers on Twitter. The company is now allowing 100 app download codes to be generated with each app update instead of 50, giving developers more codes to share with friends, family, and press.

Each time a developer releases a new app or an app update, they can generate promotional codes that allow users to download an app ahead of release. Generally these codes are provided to press for reviews, and when the generated codes are used up, no additional codes can be obtained until the app is updated.

With an extra 50 codes to go around, developers will have more freedom and flexibility when promoting their apps in the future. While Apple has yet to confirm the promo code increase, developers are already seeing the additional codes in iTunes Connect.


Data source: via MacRumors (By Juli Clover)

Read more »

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Apple Investigating Ways to Add Depth to iPhone Photos


Entitled simply "producing stereoscopic image," the patent describes a system in which a computer can identify two suitable digital photographs from a range of options, then combine those photographs into a single stereoscopic image. 

This is particularly challenging, the patent argues, for photographers due to the need to manually ensure that the chosen photographs are properly matched.

A computer, rather than a photographer, would be responsible for selecting and 
aligning suitable photographs to create a stereoscopic image.

Stereoscopic imaging is a technique designed to replicate the way humans perceive depth in real life. Because peoples eyes are offset from one another, each eye receives an image of the subject at a slightly different angle — the brain then stitches these images together, creating the appearance of depth.

Most stereoscopic cameras achieve the effect using two offset lenses in a design that mimics the way a person would view the scene. Where previous Apple patents covered the integration of multiple cameras into a single device, this new patent would allow stereoscopic images to be captured from only a single camera, with the work of selecting and aligning suitable photographs performed by the device, rather than the photographer.

An anaglyphic image

The most familiar form of stereoscopy in popular culture is the anaglyph technique used to create 3D movies and images. Two scenes are overlaid on top of each other in in different colors; colored lenses — like the ubiquitous cardboard red-and-blue glasses often distributed in cereal boxes during the 1990s — are then used to filter the images to each eye, resulting in a three-dimensional effect.

U.S. Patent number 8,600,151 B2 was originally filed on Jan. 3, 2011, and credits Louis James Beato and Andrew C. Blose as inventors. The patent is one of a number of patents Apple acquired from Kodak when the imaging giant auctioned off its intellectual property portfolio last year in a $525 million sale.


Data source: via AppleInsider (By Shane Cole)

Read more »

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Olloclip Releases New Clip On iPhone Photo Lens with Refined 4 in 1 Capability


Olloclip has released a new version of its quick-connect photo lens for the iPhone, which has been redesigned to now include four refined optic modes.
The lens includes dual-sided functionality with a fisheye lens and a 15x macro lens with a 12mm focus distance on one side and a wide angle lens and a 10x macro lens with an 18mm focus distance on the other side.
The four new quick-change lenses are similar to those available with larger DSLR cameras, yet fit easily in a pocket and palm of the hand. Simple, elegant and unobtrusive, the olloclip 4-IN-1 lens connects to the iPhone within seconds. With the fisheye and wide-angle lenses on opposite sides, selecting a lens is as simple as flipping the lens over. The macro lenses are cleverly revealed by unscrewing either the fisheye or wide-angle lens.

The lens also works with all apps, including the official Olloclip app in both photo and video mode, and is designed from a new aircraft-grade aluminum material that houses a new version of the coated, precision-grounded optics. The Olloclip 4-in-1 lens is compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and iPhone 5s, along with the iPod touch 4th and 5th generation, and is now on sale for $69.99 through Olloclips online store.


Data source: via MacRumors (By Richard Padilla)
Origine source: Olloclip

Read more »

Friday, May 22, 2015

iOS 7 Tips Make FaceTime Audio calls and check how much data they use


New in iOS 7 is the ability to make FaceTime Audio calls. FaceTime Audio works internationally and works on a Wi-fi network, or on a cellular connection.


Using Facetime Audio sounds nicer than actually using the iPhone to make calls. FaceTime Audio sounds deep, and closer to the actual sound of the voice. Another benefit of using FaceTime Audio is that it is associated with your Apple ID and phone number and is built right into the core operating system. For example, while you are texting someone, and you want to make a FaceTime Audio call, you can press the Contact button in blue in the upper right hand corner:


Pressing the Contact button gives you three different options: an i for info, a video camera and a phone.



Pressing the i button shows you your contacts card. Pressing the video camera icon will FaceTime that contact so you will see their face. Pressing the phone icon will prompt you with either making a phone call or a FaceTime Audio call.



Then it will make a FaceTime Audio call.



You can also use Siri to make FaceTime Audio calls, by saying “FaceTime Audio Mark.”

Since you are using FaceTime Audio, instead of worrying about minutes for the calls you will have to worry about data being used. You are able to track your FaceTime data usage while tracking your device’s cellular usage. When FaceTime is listed it will not break it down: FaceTime audio versus FaceTime classic. Instead, it just gives you the data for all of your FaceTime use. To actually see how much data you are using per FaceTime call, open up the FaceTime app and make sure Recents is highlighted in blue down at the bottom.



Then tap on the blue i next to when FaceTime was initiated. It will show you how long the FaceTime call was, what type of FaceTime was used, and how much data was actually used.



There doesn’t seem to be any pattern, or any formula as to how many minutes equals how much data being used when it comes to FaceTime. Regarding FaceTime Audio, in Australia, a spokeswoman for Apple said FaceTime Audio is:

more about the quality of the call and international calls.
This same spokeswomen also mentioned that the amount of data used by FaceTime audio would vary depending on different factors including the type of network and if there is any congestion in the network. Senior consultant and telecommunications analyst firm Ovum Craig Skinner said Apple added FaceTime Audio to capture market share in the US, since a lot of customers still have unlimited data plans and they try to avoid having high voice plans. He also said,
For Apple [Facetime Audio] is more about locking people into their services and using it to call customers on other iPhones. In the US it is substantially cheaper to make the data call. If you are an iPhone customer calling another iPhone customer it is cheaper, but if you are calling an Android customer you have to pay more.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

Data source: via 9To5Mac  (By Sarah Guarino) 


Read more »

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Square launches Square Cash allowing money transfers between anyone through email

iPhone Screenshot 1iPhone Screenshot 2

Square has just launched a new service called Square Cash, which allows quick money transfers between any two parties using through an email.
Contrary to what you might be expecting, you don’t need to sign up or get all of your friends onto Square Cash to share funds. Instead, you just need to link a debit card to your account.

Once you’ve done that, sending an email to any contact with a dollar amount in the subject line and adding cash@square.com in the CC field will allow the recipient to collect the money with one or two business days. Once you’ve linked a debit card to your account, money can also be deposited to that card whenever your friends transfer money to you. The payments are processed for free through Square.

To review and download Square Cash on the App Store click here.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Free Apps
Category: Finance
Released: Oct 16, 2013
Version: 1.0
Size: 10.3 MB



Data source: 9To5Mac (By Mike Beasley)

Read more »

Monday, May 18, 2015

Take a Look of New Features in New Apple Products iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus Apple Pay and Apple Watch


Apple has announced at its special September 2014 media event, as expected two larger iPhone versions, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, as has been announcement of new long-awaited born, Apple Watch, beside the unveiling of a new payment system, Apple Pay.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus



In line with many earlier rumors Apple unveiled two larger iPhone versions compared with the current generation iPhone 5ss 4-inch display. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus: 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches respectively. The two versions feature a new sharper displays called "Retina HD Displays." The iPhone 6 resolution is 1334 x 750, with a pixel-density of 326 PPI (pixels per inch), while the iPhone 6 Plus has 1920 x 1080 at 401 PPI. Apple stated that both screens are more durable than before.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus chassis are thinner than iPhone 5ss 7.6mn, where the thickness of iPhone 6 is 6.9, while the iPhone 6 Plus is 7.1mm.


Regarding to hardware, both models have a new generation 64-bit Apple A8 chip and an M8 coprocessor, The A8 delivers 25% faster CPU performance, up to 50 % faster in graphic (GPU) performance, and is 13% smaller and 50% more energy efficient when compared to iPhone 5s chip A7. New Apple A8 chip features 2 billion transistors on a 20nm processor.

They both get more advanced wireless capabilities, including 150 Mbps LTE, Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) technology and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which delivers 3x faster. The battery life has also improved in the two new models, as the photo below demonstrates.

click to larger

iPhone 6 camera



Two models have featured a new camera, which gets a range of improvements. The new 8 megapixel camera has featured a 2.2 aperture that empowered users to capture better photos in low-light situations, along with a circular true tone flash. One of the standout feature is "Focus Pixel" technology, which allows the lens to move in and out to better determine autofocus points. The feature usually reserved for high-end mirrorless cameras and DSLRs. The camera has also featured next-gen tone mapping and noise reduction. Especially for the iPhone 6 Plus, got an optical image stabilization, which typically only found on larger cameras. The cameras will also support a new face-detection algorithm. 

The video capabilities, both devices shoot in 1080p at 30fps and 60fps, along with 240fps slo-mo video, which is up from 120fps on the iPhone 5s.

Both models will be available in differnet storage size: 16 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB in the iPhone 6 the price will be $199, $299 and $399, respectively, while the iPhone 6 Plus the cost will be $299, $399 and $499. Both models will launch on September 19 in the first wave of countries, with pre-orders starting on September 12.


Apple Pay



Apple has announced its new payment system, which depends on NFC (near-field communication) technology, Touch ID, and a new "Secure Element" functionality along with a credit card stored on iTunes or a card that you photograph with your new iPhone. Apple Pay will also be compatible with Apple Watch.

The idea is that you will be able to hold the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus up to a receiver at a store’s cash register, then use Touch ID to complete the purchase. Apple Pay will be able just on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which are equipped with the requisite NFC radio antenna. Apple stated that is not record what users bought, where, or how much they paid. Cashiers also do not see your card number, security code, or even your name.


Apple mentioned that card numbers will only be stored or shared in Secure Element. Once your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can shut down payments from that device by using Find My iPhone.

Apple Pay will first launch in the United States next month, as an update to iOS 8 and will be compatible with many great bank agencies like American Express, Mastercard, Bank of America, and Visa credit and debit cards, and others that handle 83% of credit card volume in U.S.

Apple also highlighted that the program will work with over 220,000 U.S. retail stores like Walgreens, Duane Reade, Macys, Nike, Staples, Bloomingdales, Subway, McDonalds, and more. Apple will also launch a new Apple Pay API for developers to integrate the feature into their apps.


Apple Watch



Finally Apple announced its long-rumored wearable device, the Apple Watch. the device available in three different collections, to meet all tastes. Watch, Watch Sport, and Watch Edition. That include an array of different color and materials, with six different straps, including a sport band, a leather loop, a classic leather buckle and a stainless steel strap that is easily adjustable. The watch will come in two different sizes 38mm and 42mm, and the watches have a flexible, durable sapphire display.

Watch face has come in six colors and materials different: Stainless Steel, Silver Aluminum, 18-Karat Yellow Gold, Space Black Stainless Steel, Space Gray Aluminum, and 18-Karat Rose Gold.

Inspired from old-fashioned analog watch, it is a dial or a crown which Apple refers to as a "digital crown" on the device. This scroll-type wheel allows users to zoom and scroll through various user interface elements. For example pressing on the crown will take you to the watch’s home screen, which users can personalize it. There is also other physical button, which empower users to bring up a list of contacts and then communicate with friends by sending quick drawings, your heartbeat, messages, and animated emoji. Apple developed something it calls “digital touch” to allow you to quickly send a sketch you draw on the watch face.


Apple Watch is enhanced by a range of sensors and lenses. Inside the device, theres a new Taptic Engine that allows users to hear and feel the design of the user interface, so according to Apple the users will be able to feel and respond to notifications "easily and intuitively". The back of the watch is constructed from zirconia with four sapphire lenses that can detect pulse rate. In addition to other metrics, which help to improve the health and fitness of its users.


An Activity App gives users an overview of their daily fitness levels, with three "rings" representing calories burned, exercise done, and how often a break has been taken from sitting. and the “Workout” app, on the other hand, focuses on specific sports. The two apps are developed by Apple itself, and come preinstalled with the device in addition to other significant apps, like Maps, American Airlines, and Photos app.


Developers will also be able to create apps specifically for the watch, in addotion to the apps that extended notifications from the iPhone. The Apple Watch will rely heavily on the iPhone, and will also be using voice input through Siri. It doesnt have a keyboard. The Apple Watch does include support for NFC, and it will function Apple Pay.

Apple has declined to comment on battery life at this point. Some reports claimed that the Watch will require the daily charging in line with similar smart watches from Samsung and Motorola.




The Apple Watch starts at $349 and will be available early next year.

 Read also:

  • How to Use Find My iPhone Pre and After the Losing of Your iPhone or iPad

  • Photos App in iOS 8

  • How to Delete Photos from iPhone

Read more »

Saturday, May 16, 2015

New Google Maps Update Brings Lane Guidance Improved Offline Maps Uber Integration and More


Google yesterday updated its Google Maps app to version 3 with some powerful functionality including offline maps support, turn-by-turn navigation that gives lane guidance and quick access to route overview, transit results, advanced search filtering and more.

The Google Maps has always give you the ability to storage maps for use offline, while in this new version there is a specific "save maps to use offline" option within the app, the name of the map can even be customized to retrieve it later.
Dont worry if youre not online. Before setting off on your next vacation, hike, or roadtrip, search for an area and tap on its place info sheet, then when available, you can select "Save map to use offline," and give your map a custom name, like "Toronto Vacation." To find your offline maps, sign-in, tap the profile icon next to the search box in the top right corner, and scroll to see "Toronto Vacation" and other saved maps.
With the new filters that the app bring, you can browse through restaurants and venue selections by opening hours, ratings, price, and more to find exactely what you are looking for, with the ability to save it in the app. If you have the Uber app installed you can now compare an Uber ride option with transit and walking directions to determine the faster travel option in some cities.   

Whats New in Version 3.0.0
New features
• Turn-by-turn navigation now gives lane guidance and quick access to route overview
• View travel time, distance, and estimated arrival all at once in navigation mode
• Save offline maps to a custom list for when youre traveling or have a slow connection
• Transit results now display total walking time of your trip and the next scheduled bus or train
• Filter search results for restaurants, bars and hotels by rating, price, opening hours, and more
• Sign in to see your “Places to review” list from recently saved or searched-for places
• If you have the Uber app installed, open it right from Google Maps when comparing route options
Things you’ve been asking for
• Access your iPhone or iPad contacts directly from the Google Maps app
• Tap and hold anywhere on the map to drop a pin, save and share that location
• Search without typing using Google Voice Search
• Scale bar to estimate distances on the map
To review and download Google Maps on the App Store click here.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Free Apps
Category: Navigation
Updated: May 06, 2014
Version: 3.0.0
Size: 13.4 MB



Source: Google via MacRumors

Read more »

Friday, May 15, 2015

BBM Now Available On iOS Android


BBM for Android and iOS is now officially available to download from the App Store and Google Play. 


It’s the first time in its history that the popular messaging service has been brought to a third-party platform — but with services like WhatsApp and Viber already dominating cross-platform chat, is it too late?

BBM for Android and iOS is completely free, and it supports all Android-powered smartphones running Ice Cream Sandwich and above, and iPhones running iOS 6 and above. It comes with all of the features users have come to love from BlackBerry’s messaging service, including traditional instant messaging, group chat for up to 30 people, and user profiles.

You’ll need a BlackBerry ID to use the app, but you don’t have to be a BlackBerry user; simply sign up for an account through the app after you’ve first installed it. You’ll be given your own BBM PIN, which means you don’t have to give out your phone number of email address if you don’t want to.

But is it too late for the service to compete with rivals like WhatsApp and Viber, which are already hugely popular on Android and iOS? Only time will tell. BBM already has a massive fan base, though, and lots of people who now use iPhones and Android-powered smartphones are previous BlackBerry owners — which will certainly help it take off.

You can download BBM for Android now from Google Play, and for iOS from the App Store. It’s currently available in New Zealand on iOS, but it will rollout to the U.S. and other countries at 12:01 a.m. local time on September 22.


Data source: via CultofMac (By Killian Bell)

To review and download BBM on the App Store click here.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

Free Apps
Category: Social Networking
Released: 22 September 2013
Version: 1.0.0.67
Size: 30.6 MB

Read more »

Thursday, May 14, 2015

How to Import iPhone Contacts into Gmail


Transferring contacts from one device to another has historically been one of the biggest headaches users face when upgrading their devices.

It was such a problem that carriers now offer to do this for you, though many find that either not all of their contacts transfer over or that they end up with many duplicates. Fortunately, you can take matters into your own hands and import your iPhone’s contacts into Gmail, which powers the contact list on Android, without outside assistance. Here’s how to import iPhone contacts into Gmail.

1. Tap the Settings Icon on your iPhone.


2. Tap iCloud to enter iCloud settings.

3. Enable Contact Sync with iCloud. Make sure the slider bar for the “Contacts” category is enabled (green). This will make sure your iCloud account is always synced with your iPhone.


4. Navigate to iCloud.com. Using the web browser of your choice, navigate your PC or Mac to icloud.com, and sign into your iCloud Account.enter your Apple account credentials.


5. Click the Contacts Icon.


6. Click on Settings, then “Export vCard.” This will download a file to your computer which you’ll use to upload into Gmail’s contacts screen.


7. Navigate to Gmail.com.

8. Click Contacts.


9. Click the “More” dropdown menu in Contacts, and select “Import.”


10. Click ”Choose File” and find the .vcf file you downloaded from your iCloud account. It will likely be found in your “Downloads” folder on a PC or Mac.

11. Click “Import” to bring your contacts into Gmail. After a quick upload, all your contacts will be linked to your Google account and automatically loaded on our Android device.



Data source: Laptopmag (By Anthony Domanico)

Read more »

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Most iPhone users have activation lock enabled survey finds


Four out of five iPhone users have enabled a feature that allows them to locate, lock and wipe their phones if they are lost or stolen, according to the results of a survey by the San Francisco district attorney’s office.


The survey was conducted over the first two weeks of November as part of District Attorney George Gascón’s push to get smartphone makers to address the rising problem of smartphone theft in major U.S. cities.

It was advertised by the district attorney’s office through social media and attracted 347 responses. While the survey lacks a wide sample base and is skewed towards social-media users, it found 245 of 313 respondents—78 percent—had Apple’s Find my iPhone with an activation-lock feature enabled on their phones.



  • Read also:  How to Use Find My iPhone to Locate a Lost or Stolen iPhone

The software lets iPhone users see the location of their phone on a map, lock the phone and remotely erase personal data. A new version supplied with Apple’s iOS 7 operating system includes an activation lock, which keeps the phone from being unlocked, wiped or erased by a third party without the input of a passcode.


Gascón has been pushing smartphone makers to include just such a lock in their phones. He believes that if smartphones can be rendered useless after they are stolen, their resale value disappears and so does the incentive for theft.


Find that iPhone! 

The district attorney commended Apple on its introduction of the feature but said more needs to be done.


”Until Activation Lock is fully opt-out, it appears many iPhone owners will not have the solution enabled,” he said in a statement. “This leaves iPhone users at risk, as thieves cannot distinguish between those devices that have the feature enabled and those that do not.”


Smartphone theft is a growing problem in large cities across the U.S. Users often have their phones snatched from them while in public, sometimes after being threatened with guns or knives.


Gascón and Eric Schneiderman, the state attorney general for New York, are spearheading efforts in the U.S. to get smartphone makers and cellular carriers to tackle the issue. The two have been in talks with Apple, Google, Samsung and Microsoft since earlier this year about activation locks. Apple responded with the new functions in iOS7, and Samsung has begun installing a security app on its devices that users can pay annually to activate.


Earlier this month, Schneiderman sent the five largest U.S. cellphone carriers each a letter asking why they are opposing the installation of a “kill-switch” device in their handsets as a deterrent against theft. The letter alluded to possible collusion among the carriers on the decision.


  • Read also: How to Use Find My iPhone Pre and After the Losing of Your iPhone


Data source: via PCWorld (By Martyn Williams)

Read more »