Category: Apps and Software

Games, Apps, Softwares, Operating Systems and Software Hacks

Facebook to launch Facebook Credits for India today

Social networking site Facebook will finally introduce a payment system ‘Facebook Credits’ for Indian users. Members can then spend the virtual currency across various games or applications on Facebook.

Facebook Credits is already a popula virtual currency in many countries.

Facebook will introduce a new payment system Facebook Credits in India from July 1,” a company spokesperson told media.

Starting July 1, we will require all social game developers on the Facebook canvas platform to process payments through Facebook Credits. Facebook Credits is currently used in more than 350 applications from 150 developers, representing more than 70 percent of virtual goods transactions volume on Facebook,” Facebook Platform Marketing Manager Deb Liu wrote on the company’s official blog in January

This will also help various brands, which use the medium of Facebook to retail them goods through their social pages. Many developers such as Zynga, Playfish, CrowdStar , Digital Chocolate, PopCap and Arkadium have already adopted Facebook Credits for in-game virtual goods.

July 1, 2011
SENTINEL – The First Women’s Security App

MindHelix Technologies LLP, a Kochi based IT company, has launched an app called SENTINEL which is the first app designed with women’s security in mind. The app can send instant alerts in case of any problems. A forced power-off of the phone or an improper exit of the application will trigger an alert to be sent. Prolonged signal loss will also cause a ‘fail safe’ alert SMS and email to be sent from the company’s server.

Co-Founder & CEO Christin Emmanuel George said

[quote]We want to add a direct emailing or texting to nearest police station as soon as possible. We hope to get their consent in receiving and acting on such information.[/quote]

According to a survey by Assocham Social Development Foundation, more than 53% of women feel unsafe in their workplace, especially at night. With crimes against the fairer sex on the rise, applications like these could provide a sense of security for women. Records show that crime rates against women have increased dramatically in the metros.

Sentinel can send multiple SMS and e-mail alerts to preconfigured numbers and e-mail ids. The alerts would include last known location, direction of travel, mode of transportation and vehicle number (which the user can enter). The app has been designed for smart phones including all devices with Android, Blackberry, Symbian, iOS and Java operating systems. The application was designed with the urban woman in mind and requires a continuous cellphone signal.

The free app can be downloaded from http://sentinel.mindhelix.com/

July 1, 2011
Facebook will Launch some thing Awesome Next week

Facebook might launch something in the Mobile or Tablet division next week, if rumors are to be believed. Chief Executive and founder Mark Zuckerberg told reporters that the company planned to “launch something awesome” next week.

He said the project had been developed at the 40-person Seattle office, Facebook’s only major engineering center outside of its Palo Alto, California headquarters.

The iPad app and a specialized photo sharing app for the iPhone have been long overdue.

Facebook, the world’s largest Internet social network with more than 500 million users, is increasingly challenging established online companies like Google Inc and Yahoo Inc for consumers’ time online and for advertising dollars.

[via reuters]

July 1, 2011
Angry Birds – Now on Windows Phone 7

For those of you who own a Windows Phone 7 Smart-phone, there’s some good news! You can now download Angry Birds from the Marketplace onto your phone. The first time we heard that this game was coming to the platform was in October 2010, even before the mobile OS was launched. A few days before its launch, Microsoft included an image which hinted at the game being a part of the platform. However, Rovio, the company behind the physics game, had not developed a version for the platform.

Microsot and Rovio later made up and the software giant hinted at a 2011 release. The game was scheduled for mid May and then pushed back to 29^th June. On Wednesday, users from around the world could download the game from the Marketplace.

June 30, 2011
Internet Explorer 10 Preview 2, holds upcoming strength for Microsoft

Microsoft has released a new Internet Explorer 10 preview, the second pre-release of Internet Explorer 10 designed to give developers access to the new technologies that Internet Explorer 10 will deliver.

Still in preview mode the explorer does not grant access to technologies and structure that will be available in the final build, but it does give a preview of the browsers capabilities.

Preview 2 also includes support for the new Web File API, Web Worker API, HTML5 Test, Javascript test and Acid 3. All of which show that Internet explorer is making good progress with its new capabilities. As it is Microsoft is ahead of schedule in releasing beta updates for the IE platform. It shows the ability MS has in bringing its primary browser up to speed with the competition sometimes even leaving it behind.

Features like Web worker and Web Sockets will make developers really happy, and the end product which is just a fast paced internet experience would do the same for end users.

June 30, 2011
How to : Upgrade the Spice Mi 410 to 2.3.4 Gingerbread Step by Step
The Spice Mi 410 was launched some time back, we also got an unboxing video for you guys. Now thanks to several readers of iGyaan, we found a way to update the Mi-410 to the latest Software Update Android 2.3.4 aka Gingerbread, and we tell you how!

Note : Please take a backup of your device, contacts/ pictures / files, anything thats important.

Also Note : This might void your warranty or damage your device and you do this at your own risk

What you Need!
1. Spice Mi 410 (Duh!)
2. A Windows / Mac
3. Data cable (USB-microUSB) / Memory Card reader
4. Patience
5. Combo Update [button link=”http://www.cherrymobile.com.ph/downloads/MAGNUM_softwareupdate2.zip” style=”download”]DOWNLOAD [/button]
Step 1

Download the above mentioned file, its an update for Cherry Mobile Magnum, which is actually the same handset, branded under the cherry mobile name.

Step 2

Extract the ZIP file. downloaded above and copy the extracted FB0-318B-0-5019-A01.nb0 to your SD card. Make sure it is placed in the Root Folder and not in the Downloads folder.

Also rename the file FB0-318B-0-5019-A01.nb0 to firmware.nb0 you can do this before or after copying the file, it does not matter.

Step 3

Enter bootloader mode :
- To do this first power off your device.
- Once off, Hold – Vol Up + Vol Down + Power Button and you will see the Android Image as below
- Next Hold down on the home button and you should be in the bootloader mode see below
Step 4
- Use the volume down button to scroll to “Download nb0 from SD card”
- Then tap the back Button
Your phone should now upgrade to the new firmware and reboot into the new os with the Cherry Mobile Logo.

Quickly jump into Settings to confirm the Upgrade
June 30, 2011
App of the Day : Postale for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

Once in a while an app comes along that reminds of the good old times, Postale is that app. Possibly the easiest to use Postcard making and sharing app available in the App Store.

The app is simple to use and has a minimalist menu with just the right amount of selections. You select the layout and theme of your Postale card, place your photo just right, then type in your message. When you’re ready to share it, select one of the twelve retro-styled postage stamps to place on your postcard.

FEATURES

• 3 card layouts and 3 card themes
• Choose a photo from your Photo Library or snap a picture with your device’s camera from right inside the app
• Position, rotate, and scale your photo right onto the card
• Optionally change the color of your photo to Black & White or Sepia-Tone
• Type in your own custom title and message
• 5 fonts to choose from
• 12 retro-styled stamps
• Send right from the app via email, Facebook, or Twitter

It literally takes a few seconds to create a beautiful postcard and share it with your friends or favorite social networking sites.

iG Rating : 4/5

Download

Postale – 7twenty7 LLC

June 27, 2011
Hacked Nexus S : Benchmarks Could Leave you Gasping for Air : UPDATED

We always knew the Google Phones had juice under their hoods, But never did we expect it to be a steroid injected super powered beast. Android Community forum member Simms22. hacked and rooted his Nexus S installed Cyanogen Mod 7 and overclocked it to 1.544GHz apart from other little changes. The result ? you ask ! A massive 10082 on the Smartbench 2011 score card, where our beloved Samsung Galaxy S2 only scores 2600.

Check out the pictures.

Oh and did we forget to tell you we have a special offer on the Google Nexus S at INR 19,000/- (now with even more reasons to buy this powerhouse device)

Thats about 1000/- cheaper than any online retailer.

Leave a comment below if you want an offer

UPDATE : DUE TO TO OVERWHELMING RESPONSE ON THE NEXUS S and a lot of queries about it, we decided to give you guys an update.

– The Phone is official and brand new in a new box with full warranty and no issues

– Its not our review unit

– This price is for Delhi only

– Please email us with your contact information for the offer – name , phone number.

– We have only about 10 units left so its first come first serve.

– We apologize for not being able to contact everyone.

[Android Community]

June 24, 2011
Mac OS 10.6.8 Released, The Last Version Before Lion
Apple has just released version 10.6.8 of Mac OS X Snow Leopard. Mac OS 10.6.8 prepares Macs for the Lion upgrade through the Mac App Store and also fixes some errors and bugs in the current build.

The 10.6.8 update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, including fixes that:
- Enhance the Mac App Store to get your Mac ready to upgrade to Mac OS X Lion
- Resolve an issue that may cause Preview to unexpectedly quit
- Improve support for IPv6
- Improve VPN reliability
- Identify and remove known variants of Mac Defender
[Apple]
June 24, 2011
Apple Releases Final Cut Pro X (64 Bit), Motion 5 and Compressor 4 (PR) : DOWNLOAD LINK

Apple finally and on time launched the much awaited Final Cut Pro X today. Possibly the most awaited Video Editing software in a long time. Final Cut Pro X brings simplicity of the iMovie interface with advanced features of Final Cut along with multi-core performance.

The software is available in the Mac AppStore for $299. Add-ons Motion 5 and Compressor 4 are also available today for $49.99 each from the Mac App Store.

DOWNLOAD

Final Cut Pro – Apple®

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Compressor – Apple®

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Motion – Apple®

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We will have a full review on the Final Cut Pro X Shortly!

[toggle title_open=”COLLAPSE PRESS RELEASE” title_closed=”READ THE PRESS RELEASE” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Apple Revolutionizes Video Editing With Final Cut Pro X

CUPERTINO, California-June 21, 2011-Apple® today announced Final Cut Pro® X, a revolutionary new version of the world’s most popular Pro video editing software which completely reinvents video editing with a Magnetic Timeline that lets you edit on a flexible, trackless canvas; Content Auto-Analysis that categorizes your content upon import by shot type, media and people; and background rendering that allows you to work without interruption. Built on a modern 64-bit architecture, Final Cut Pro X is available from the Mac® App Store™ for $299.99.

“Final Cut Pro X is the biggest advance in Pro video editing since the original Final Cut Pro,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “We have shown it to many of the world’s best Pro editors, and their jaws have dropped.”

“I’m blown away by what Apple has done with Final Cut Pro,” said Angus Wall, Academy Award-winning film editor. “Final Cut Pro X is incredibly modern and fast, but most importantly it lets you focus on telling your story in the most creative way, while it actively manages all of the technical details.”

At the heart of Final Cut Pro X is the Magnetic Timeline, a trackless approach to editing your footage that lets you add and arrange clips wherever you want them, while other clips instantly slide out of the way. You can use Clip Connections to link primary story clips to other elements like titles and sound effects, so they stay in perfect sync when you move them. You can even combine related story elements into a Compound Clip that can be edited as a single clip. The groundbreaking new Auditions feature lets you swap between a collection of clips to instantly compare alternate takes.

Content Auto-Analysis scans your media on import and tags your content with useful information. Final Cut Pro X then uses that information to dynamically organize your clips into Smart Collections, so you can easily find the clips you want by close up, medium and wide shots as well as media type and the number of people in the shot. You can also tag parts of clips with Range-based keywords to add custom search criteria to your media.

Completely rebuilt from the ground up, Final Cut Pro X is a 64-bit app that takes full advantage of the latest Mac hardware and software so you never have to wait for the next edit, even if you’re working with 4K video. Final Cut Pro X uses multi-threaded processing and the GPU on your graphics card for blazing fast background rendering and superb real-time playback performance. Additionally, a ColorSync-managed color pipeline ensures color consistency from import to output.

Final Cut Pro X also includes powerful tools for audio editing and color correction, and is complemented by two companion apps, Motion 5 for professional motion graphics and Compressor 4 for advanced media encoding, available from the Mac App Store for $49.99 each.

Pricing & Availability
Final Cut Pro X is available today for $299.99 from the Mac App Store. Motion 5 and Compressor 4 are available today for $49.99 each from the Mac App Store. Full system requirements and more information on Final Cut Pro X can be found at www.apple.com/finalcutpro.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.[/toggle]

June 22, 2011
App A Day : Age Of The Zombies: Review : iPhone | iPad | iPod | Android

Halfbrick Studios’ Age of Zombies is a fun dual stick shooter with varied scenery, lots of weapons and thousands of zombies, ranging from cavemen to mobsters and even dinosaurs. It’s easy to play, oftentimes funny and quite intense. The Main Character of this game is Barry Steakfries, who grabs a pistol and is ready to kill zombies, with his i don’t give a monkey’s behind attitude.

The game is set in various locations and Barry travels through time to visit Prehistoric times, the 1930s and ancient Egypt, among other locations. Killing zombies along the way obviously. SMG, shotgun, grenades, a mini gun, buzz saw and flamethrowers pop up as bonuses during the game, but only one item at a time can be selected. The default pistol has unlimited ammo, but does not always get he work done.

If you play anything like us the game will last only a couple of hours and will entertain you throughout. The app can be had for US$ 2.99 and will not disappoint, if you are looking for a fun, fast action game with zombies and blood and lots of guns. If you are not looking for this, better look elsewhere.

We Rate it : 4.5/5

DOWNLOAD

Age of Zombies™ – Halfbrick Studios

Price: 2.99 US$

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later

June 20, 2011
Microsoft gets Green Signal from Antitrust for Skype Acquisition

Microsoft has been given the US antitrust approval for the large acquisition of Skype for its VOIP integrations within all of its offerings including, and not limiting to, Windows, Xbox and Zune. The total cost of this is set at US $8.5 Billion and the transfer of funds will commence and end in one single sweep.

Microsoft will be updating the Skype APIs to make them usable within their own infrastructure, and should be updating the end user clients very very soon. Microsoft has constantly repeated that existing Skype users will and should not be affected by the new changes.

June 18, 2011
Microsoft releases SDK for Kinect for Windows

A huge number of developers rejoiced as Microsoft on Thursday announced the new SDK for Kinect on WIndows. What this means is that the already hacked and exploited Kinect will now bring a full Sdk to be used for gestures and computations while in an open framework officially supported by Microsoft themselves.

This will also begin a new era of Gesture controlled PC games . If you want to download and develop using the SDK head on over to the link mentioned to kick-off.

[Microsoft Blog]

June 17, 2011
Angry Birds Daily Downloads greater that 1 Million

This week Rovio’s Peter Vesterbacka said that the smash hit game Angry Birds is now downloaded more than one million times per day. About 8 months ago in a similar situation the company had given the 2 million number for 2 days, i.e. 2 mill downloads in 2 days. But, for a similar trend to continue for so long is really applaudable.

Rovio’s super hit angry birds is available in various versions like Seasons, Standard and Rio. Angry birds is also the most cross platform game, available on iOS / Android / Mac / WebOS and soon on Windows Phone 7 Devices.

June 17, 2011
Lulzsec Targeting more Games for its Titanic Takeover Tuesday

The hacker collective known as Lulzsec has singled out MMORPG Eve Online, Indie-Hit Minecraft and RTS League of Legends as their next targets. All three games faced distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on Tuesday and their login servers went down. Eve took its servers off the Public Internet when it realized what had happened. No news on when it would be back up. The Minecraft servers were the first to recover as they have faced massive DDoS attacks in the past, which might have helped them to rectify the situation faster. League of Legends seems to have fared no better.

The arm of Lulzsec seems to have grown long indeed and they seem to be soliciting targets now. They said this in a tweet:

[quote]Call into 614-LULZSEC and pick a target and we’ll obliterate it. Nobody wants to mess with The Lulz Cannon – take aim for us, twitter. [/quote]

June 16, 2011