Category: Apps and Software

Games, Apps, Softwares, Operating Systems and Software Hacks

WhatsApp to Support Video Calling and Multiple Chat Tabs

According to a report published in Germany, WhatsApp users would soon be able to make video calls. A small window would appear on the top of the video feed which would allow the user to see their video image. The user would be able to move this window around while at the same time having the option of switching between front and rear cameras.

The video calling feature would come to iOS first followed by Android, and would be supported both by WiFi and cellular connections. Muting the microphone would be another option available to users.

Version 2.12.16.2 of WhatsApp is expected to have video calling. Keeping in mind that version 2.12.12 is already available in the App Store, the next WhatsApp update for iOS users may support this feature.

Along with video calling, new WhatsApp updates are also expected to include a makeover centered around WhatsApp’s trademark green colour. There will also be support for multiple chat windows at one time, allowing the user to move back and forth. We’ll keep you updated as and when new changes develop.

December 23, 2015
Kim Kardashian Kimoji App – Breaks the App Store

After making a super popular game, Kim Kardashian now wants to get into the emoji business. The new App for Kim Kardashian emojis aka “Kimoji” is live. The app that currently costs US $ 1.99 and in India Rs.120. Is not a big fan favourite, especially since people need to pay to even try the App.

When the App went live however, many of the reality star’s fans have taken to Twitter to complain they were unable to download it. According to Kim the App was so popular it caused problems for the App Store servers.

Apple, I'm so sorry I broke your App Store!!!

— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) December 21, 2015

I can't believe so many people downloaded my KIMOJI app that it affected the entire app store!

— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) December 21, 2015

Kardashian West announced the app, which launches Monday, on Twitter and Instagram.

KIMOJI

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Dec 20, 2015 at 9:43pm PST

One user said

Well first off it began with asking for full access and if you don’t give full access you can’t use it. (Possibly out of your $1.99 if your lazy enough to ask for refund) It reads it will not store any info you type but yet when you click full access it reads it will save all info. Including credit card information :|. The emoji design themselves are great, they couldn’t be more perfect for her. I do wish they were a bit smaller like the original emojis. The keyboard crashed or just didn’t appear the first time I tried using it. I had to delete and reinstall. Every so often it will appear blank, no emojis will pop up only the letters keyboard. I think over all it’s a great idea but room for improvements

Either way, there are still a lot of Kardashian fans that would love to get these “Kimojis” in play. Sigh!

App Store

December 22, 2015
Has Apple Given Up on its Final Cut Pro X Video Editing Software?

You may be familiar with Apple’s Final Cut Pro X video editing software that was touted as quite a breakthrough in the software world. However, after its launch four years ago, the software has earned the complete opposite title for itself. It has come to be a software that video editors love to hate. Quite rightly so, as the Final Cut Pro X focused a lot less on professional photography than it was supposed to.

Missing features and issues essential to professional video production in FCPX included lack of edit decision list (EDL), XML and Open Media Framework Interchange (OMF) support, inability to import projects created in previous releases of Final Cut Pro, and a lack of a multicam editing tool (which it tried to fix in later updates), among other things.

Basically, the software was so maligned by the public that its very own creator, Apple, has now refused to endorse its use internally. In a job listing for Assistant Editor under Beats by Dre, the Final Cut Pro X software seems to be completely missing from the positions required skills and know-how.

Judging by this, it looks like Apple has finally called it a day with its software, which is currently lying under a layer of dust. But Apple may not forget about the software entirely, and will likely have to do something about it in the near future. Whether the Cupertino company will go for a complete overhaul or return with minor updates is unknown.

Via: The Verge

December 14, 2015
New Yahoo App Helps You Find Your Favourite Shows And Movies

Ever find yourself in a state where you just have to watch a new TV show or movie but just don’t know where to begin? Yes, there are a number of streaming sites out there that cater to the movie and TV junkie in you, but seldom do you find someone to tell you where to start. Yahoo has heard your plight and has come out with an app that generously tells you what to watch and where you can watch it.

The app is called Yahoo Video Guide runs through all of your available services to find where your favorite shows are playing. Once it does that, a simple click will take you to that episode or movie if it is available from one of your streaming services. The app also lets you purchase the videos as well.

But that’s not all the app does. We all have preferences based on our current mood. So, the app also features a Mood Picker, which suggests videos based on your mood. There are GIFs that correspond to your current state of emotions. Pick the GIF and the app will do the rest.

Yahoo Video Guide is available for free from Google Play Store for Android users, and the App Store for iOS users. The app is yet to be made available globally.

December 12, 2015
Now Use the Apple Watch to Control Your GoPro

GoPro has an iOS app and it’s great. But this was not enough and so, now the app has an amazing update which allows GoPro to be controlled using the Apple Watch.

The most important GoPro functions like starting or stopping recording, previewing shots and adding “HiLight” bookmarks can now all be taken care of using the Watch. This iOS app is compatible with the GoPro HERO3 or any of the Wi-Fi equipped GoPro models, though previewing shots on the Apple Watch is not compatible with the HERO3 or the HERO2 with Wi-Fi Bacpac.

The app has definitely made things more convenient for GoPro users by allowing them easier movement, especially if their devices are needed to be mounted in inaccessible locations minus any kind of viewfinders.

Apple Watch, after being panned by the majority of users, has still a long way to go in terms of customer satisfaction. The GoPro-Watch app has definitely helped its case but it’s still not too conclusive a factor. While GoPro users stand to benefit incredibly from it, it is pretty much pointless for others.

December 12, 2015
Cortana Comes to iOS and Android, With Especial Features for Cyanogen

Microsoft revealed in an official announcement that Cortana is now available on select iOS, Android and Cyanogen OS powered devices. It is available in the US and China for iPhones running iOS 8 and above and Android 4.1.2 and above. For OnePlus One powered by Cyanogen OS in the US, it will be made available later this month with the 12.1.1 over-the-air update.

“…as a result of our close partnership with Cyanogen, we created a more integrated experience to enable Cortana’s voice activation ‘Hey Cortana’ on Cyanogen devices so you can call on her while on any screen or when you’re immersed in an app,” says Microsoft.

The Android and the iOS version of Cortana look pretty much the same as the Windows version that came out earlier this year in July. However, there will be some differences in the capabilities of the assistant across various operating systems owing to API availability of the respective platforms.

It would be interesting to see if Cortana on an iOS device makes its mark. Features like “Hey Cortana” hands-free capability and SMS replies from the PC for missed calls would be missing on iPhones, putting the voice-enabled personal assistant at a disadvantage over Siri. In a recent survey where Cortana, Siri and Google Now were put to test, Siri had emerged as the winner in accuracy. Let’s see if Cortana’s presence on Android and iOS devices can change that. It’s available in the App Store and the Google Play Store in the US as of now.

December 10, 2015
Cool Things Your Smartphone Can Do

Smartphone is one of the best things to have happened to the realm of technology. With an endless list of features that make it such an amazing gift of technology to mankind, here’s a list of some of our favourite features:

Identifying Songs:
Apps like Shazam and SoundHound have made life so much better for music lovers. Remember that gnawing, annoying feeling of trying to identify a song you happen to hear at a restaurant? Yes, you don’t because your smartphone identifies songs for you and saves you the torture of obsessing over a tune or rhythm.

Navigation:
Any geographically-challenged smartphone user would agree about how wonderful life has been ever since the introduction of apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps. Navigation has never been easier. Whether or not geography has been a source of bother for you, smartphone navigation has come to the rescue of many lost travellers more than once.

Fitness Tracker:
Hello, fitter bodies and healthier minds. Nike+, Daily Yoga and many such apps help users maintain a fitness regime with regular updates about their progress and motivation in the form of points earned or badges won. Water Drink Reminder and Waterlogged are examples of two other fitness-related apps -they remind you to drink water at regular intervals and keep your body hydrated.

Fake Calls:This is by far one of the coolest features of smartphones. Ever tried getting out of an awkward situation by pretending to be busy with your phone? There, there -we have all done that. Fake Call is an app which takes it a step further to help you be a better liar in situations that require an immediate exit. We wonder what awkward situations looked like before smartphones.

December 9, 2015
Is Apple Maps a Better Choice Than Google Maps?

The company introduced Apple Maps in 2012 and ushered in a series of glitches which involved the Madison Square Garden, New York being labelled as a ‘park space’ because of the word ‘garden’ in its name. However Apple acted promptly, fixed these goof-ups and now three years later Apple Maps has overtaken Google Maps as the most used navigation app on iPhones.

Even though Apple Maps lacks many features which Google Maps provides, users end up using the former more because it is already installed on their devices. Even if the phone has third party apps, Siri and Mail automatically take the user to Apple Maps. This, along with Apple’s efforts to improve the over-all experience of the app, has helped them get more users to choose Apple Maps over other options.

Google Maps, on the other hand, has not lagged behind either in improving itself. Starting last month, it now allows users to store maps and data on their phones to refer to it even without internet access. It also includes search tools for landmarks and business listings, transit maps that cover more region than Apple and options to exclude highways and toll roads.

As more and more iPhone users switch to Apple Maps, do you think Google Maps could be a better choice?

December 8, 2015
Android 6.0.1 to Bring Quick Launch to Nexus 5, 6, 7 and 9

Users of Nexus 5, 6, 7 and 9 are going to get the camera quick launch option with the Android 6.0.1 update. Among new emoticons, this is another feature users will now be able to enjoy with the update.

Double pressing the power button would immediately launch the camera, as is possible with devices like 5X and 6P that run on stock Android. This sounds like a cool, short way to get to the camera.

However because the feature is tied down with the power button, it might sometimes cause the device to go to sleep, or ask the user for a security password before launching the camera if there is extra security on the lockscreen.

Google is sure to smoothen out these glitches as the update starts rolling. Let’s see where it goes from there.

December 8, 2015
Best Tech Deals on the Flipkart ‘Power Packed Festival’

Flipkart is having its ‘Power Packed Festival’ starting today; and we bring to you a short list of the best deals.

1. iPad Air 2

Apple’s iPad Air 2 comes with a 16GB of internal memory along with Wi-Fi connection. It has a 1.2 MP secondary camera and an 8MP primary camera with a 9.7 inch display. The tablet is run on the iOS 8 operating system. Originally priced at Rs.35,900; it is now priced at Rs.32,065 on the Flipkart smartphone app.

2. iPhone 6s

Apple’s iPhone 6s will be available on Flipkart at Rs.49,290 rather than its original MRP of Rs.54,490. What’s more is that this is the fashionable Rose Gold version with a 16GB of internal memory. Furthermore, this iPhone runs on the iOS 9 and has a 4.7 inch display along with a 12MP primary camera and 3D Touch & Live photos feature.

3. HTC Desire 820S

The HTC Desire 820S will be sold on Flipkart at Rs.15,999 instead of Rs.17,199. The version that is on sale is the Santorini White 16GB version.This handset is run on the Android v4.4.4 (KitKat) operating system and comes with a 5.5 inch display and 720 x 1280 pixels resolution. It has a 13MP primary camera and a 8MP secondary camera.

4. Mi Pad White

The Mi Pad 16 GB, white coloured Wi-Fi only variant will be available on the Flipkart app at Rs.11,999 instead of Rs.12,999. It comes with a 7.9 inch display with 2048×1536 pixels resolution and a 2GB RAM and memory that is expandable up to 128GB.

5. Nikon D3200

The Nikon D3200 is available on Flipkart at a ridiculously low price of Rs.18,990. The particular variant is the Nikon D3200 with an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II Lens. It has a 24.2 MP camera with CMOS and a 3 inch LCD display.

6. Samsung On5

The Samsung On5 is being sold at Rs.8,900 on Flipkart. This phone comes with a dual SIM connection with 4G and a 5 inch HD TFT display, an 8MP rear camera and 5MP front camera. The entire device is fueled by a 2600mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy On5

7. iPhone 5s

Apple’s iPhone 5s comes with an 8MP iSight Camera along with full HD recording and an HD FaceTime Camera. The device is run on the iOS 7 operating system. The 16GB Gold version is being sold on Flipkart at Rs.30,453.

8. Micromax Canvas Xpress 2

Micromax Canvas Xpress 2 is run on the Android v4.4.2 OS. It comes with a 13MP primary camera and 2MP secondary camera. This phone also has a dual SIM connection and will be priced at Rs.5,799 on Flipkart.

December 7, 2015
Yu Announces Cyanogen And Android Updates for Yuphoria

Yuphoria has announced that the 12.1 Cyanogen update would start rolling out starting today, along with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and software version: YOG4PAS47N. The update will be rolled out in phases over the coming two weeks and include features like app drawers and folders redesigned to enhance accessibility.

LiveDisplay would be able to adjust the screen based on environmental conditions and Calendar Together with Email would let the user share availability and schedule appointments. Additionally, the company also promises an enhanced and smoother user interface, along with substantially increased support of codecs for video and audio playback

December 4, 2015
Google Now Lets You Hear and Reply to Messages With Voice Command

Google Now has come out with yet another feature that will allow you to ask to hear your last messages and then proceed to give them to you.

The voice command “show me my last messages” will lead Google Now to list your newest five SMS messages. It would first ask if you wish to hear them, followed by if you wish to reply to them. However, the user has to word the command either as “show me my last messages” or “show me my latest messages” for Google Now to decipher it correctly. A variation of these two manners might lead Google Now to simply open your Gmail messages and leave it at that.

Additionally, this feature only works with carrier SMS messages. It is pretty much useless for Google Voice for SMS as of now. But if you use carrier SMS, it doesn’t care much for the default SMS app and should work with anything.

December 4, 2015
Motorola Spotlight is How Google Revolutionised Art and Technology

Back in 2013, Motorola and Google together came out with Spotlight Stories – a interactive medium to tell stories which puts users inside an animated featurette. The user would have to turn and tilt their phone in all directions and angles to let the story unfold, and follow the character on its journey.

The first Spotlight Story was Windy Day in October, 2013, followed by Buggy Night in 2014, for Moto X phones.

https://youtu.be/Fa0so7mjS_s

Google got on-board the most talented and brilliant team for the first two installments of Spotlight. The director for the films was Jan Pinkava, creator and co-director of Ratatouille, and veteran animator Mark Oftedal -the animator of films like Toy Story and A Bug’s Life.

The third Spotlight Story, Duet, which came out in 2014, completely outdid the previous Stories as French animator Glen Keane provided the most breathtaking film so far.

With these three films Google had revolutionised story-telling and art by fusing it with technology. Mobile graphics processors now not only rivaled the capabilities of video game consoles such as that of PS3 and Xbox 360, but also put the tech to a very interactive use for the average smartphone owner. Gone were the days of the primitive world of Candy Crush and Angry Birds.

Don’t believe us? Take a look at the Glen Keane film below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qnQqXr838E

“…with Duet we learned to coax rather than control. Because of the nature of this virtual world technology there were no individual shots cut together. It is all one continuous living moment. I think of it less as a traditional film and more as a visual poem,” explains Keane.

The Story can be viewed in its interactive form on the Moto X, Moto X (1st Gen.), Moto G (2nd Gen.) and Moto G 4G LTE. Take a quick look at what it’s like to follow a Spotlight Story.

https://youtu.be/VAJXkZ0WB_o

The interactive element of the Stories makes sure they last for as long as the user desires. The amount of time they want to spend exploring the world of Spotlight Stories directly determines how long the film will run for. The more the camera is moved, the longer the story will last. Thus, there is not only an element of physicality, but also direct involvement on the part of the viewer, who is now also the story-teller.

This mobile-specific story-telling experience however did not go down too well with all users. The internet saw its own set of frantic questions about disabling Spotlight Stories. But there will always be haters now, isn’t it?

December 4, 2015
Yahoo Relaunches Messenger, Attempts to Take on Facebook

Yahoo announced today that it’s launching an entirely new Messenger platform on mobile, web and within Yahoo mail that is faster, smarter and better than ever before. You may remember that Yahoo Messenger did exist many years ago, much before WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger took over the world. Yahoo is back and wants to level the playing field a little – and it has the app to do so.

Yahoo Messenger introduces a whole bunch of new and unique features. Like on WhatsApp, you can name each conversation group like maybe one for “drinking buddies” and another for “office peeps”. Anyone in the group can add another chat buddy.

But messaging isn’t the only thing the app boasts off. One of the highlights of Yahoo Messenger is photo sharing that unlike any other messaging service today. Since Yahoo owns Flickr, it was able to harness the latter’s powerful photo management platform.

“In most messaging apps, you have to decide between quality or speed,” explained Austin Shoemaker, senior director of product management for Yahoo Messenger to Engadget. iMessage, for example, allows you to send high-res photos, but it takes awhile to do so. WhatsApp, on the other hand, downgrades images in order to send them quicker. “But we thought: Why not have both?”

“The new Yahoo Messenger achieves both speed and quality by streaming photos into the conversation,” explains Shoemaker. “A small preview of the photo is uploaded and appears in the conversation. The original photo is then uploaded in the background.”

Moreover, if you send multiple photos at once, they’ll be displayed horizontally underneath the message rather than vertically as is the case with mostly all messaging services out there. On the new Yahoo Messenger, you can simply swipe through the photos from left to right. This way, Shoemaker says, you can view the photos while remaining in the context of the conversation.

But that’s not all Yahoo Messenger does. You can also send GIFs, similar to Facebook’s Messenger service. Yahoo Messenger also pulls an Instagram where you can double tap to ‘like’ or ‘heart’ a message. Finally, and this might just win heart here, you can also ‘unsound’ a message. if you sent a photo that you regret, you can easily delete it from the thread later on and it’ll be wiped from the conversation history. And this rule stands not just for photos but for messages and GIFs as well.

The Yahoo Messenger app is available on Android and iOS starting today. Though it will take some time for the app to be made available everywhere.

December 3, 2015
Here’s a List Of Android Games You Must Play This Week

We cannot even remember the time when mobile phones were only used to make a call and send a text, today we can do almost everything on it. One of those many things include modes of entertainment; and we are here to bring you a list of six Android games that you must play this week.

December 1, 2015