Tag: application

NOW : Airbags in cellphones

Amazon CEO has applied for a patent that is quite a shocker, or shock preventer. The latest patent may seem ridiculous at first, but if implemented may actually turn out to be a great idea.

The patent calls for a sensor and airbags built within the mobile device. The sensor will sense the falling motion of the device and deploy airbags before it hits the ground. There is also the inclusion of springs and air streams to orient the device along the airbag.

A technology like this seems practically impossible, but also did a touch screen phone that does everything a phone does today.

[USPTO]

August 16, 2011
Skype for Mac updated to 5.3, Brings HD Video and Lion Support

The Skype for Mac app has been finally updated to support a full host of features, including HD video, group video calling, group screen sharing, and also brings OS Lion support. The Facebook chat module is now also integrated in the client.

[toggle title_open=”COLLAPSE” title_closed=” READ SKYPE ANNOUNCEMENT” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]

Lion Support & HD Video Calls with Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X

On the heels of our recent update to Skype 5.2 for Mac OS X, we are pleased to announce that we are making even more improvements to our Mac client with the release of Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X. Along with a number of fixes and improvements to the user interface, Skype 5.3 will feature support for the new Mac Lion and HD Video Calls.

Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X is built to work with Apple’s newest desktop operating system, Lion, in addition to being compatible with past versions of OS X going all the way back to Leopard.

With Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X, you’ll also be able to send and receive HD quality video when talking to your friends and family. You’ll need to use the Mac’s built-in HD webcam or choose from a variety of webcams from our Skype Shop, such as the Logitech C910, to make video calls in crystal clear HD quality. To receive clear HD video calls on your Mac, we recommend an upload/download speed of 1.5Mbps.

As with all updates, we ask that you download the most recent Skype update to take advantage of these recent features. If you have any questions or comments on the latest Skype software for Mac, please feel free to visit our new Skype Support Network. We hope you enjoy the new updates in Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X.

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[Skype]

August 9, 2011
The Future Of Shopping Has Arrived

In China, SK Telecom has begun pilot testing of a new shopping cart system dubbed the Smart Cart. These carts basically have an integrated tablet which is running a proprietary software that communicates with a shoppers smart phone through an application developed for this purpose.

Once users have downloaded the Smart Cart application to their phones, they can search for product information, discounts, coupons and they can even make a shopping list. When in the supermarket, the users phone is synced to the aforementioned tablet, which has a positioning sensor which can determine a shoppers location to 1m within the store. This allows users to get information about that section of the store and also allows store owners to provide targeted advertisements.

Upon checkout, the tablet shows a list of purchased items as well as any membership points and coupons earned. SK Telecom elaborates:

We expect that ‘Smart Cart’ will become a more personalized smart shopping service when combined with customer information– like shopping history and usage pattern– managed by existing retailers. Customers will shop conveniently through product recommendations based on analysis of user’s shopping history and location information; manufacturers will be able to carry out targeted marketing for customers located in the store; and retailers will secure a new marketing channel that enables integrated and seamless communication with customers.

July 29, 2011
iOS Is Still Bigger Than Android

Over 15,000,000,000 apps have been downloaded by some 200,000,000 users from the Apple App Store. In total, the App Store has around 425,000 applications available for sale. Last Thursday, Google announced that over 6,000,000,000 app downloads had been made by some 135,000,000 users form the Google Marketplace, which has around 250,000 applications available for sale.

The growth of Android is spurred on by the release of new Android smart phones and tablets in the market. While the tablets might not be able to dislodge the iPad from the top spot, the smart phones are giving the iPhone a run for its money. Google CEO Larry Page said that new Android devices are activated at a rate of around 50,000 per day. Despite the number of activations, the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch still lead the pack.

At present, Apple’s iOS remains the number one mobile operating system but speculation is ripe that its just a matter of time before Android overtakes iOS to become the leading mobile operating system.

July 18, 2011
The Apple App Store Crosses the 15 Billion Downloads Milestone

Apple has claimed that over 200 million devices running its mobile operating system, iOS, have been sold to people across 90 countries. With over 425,000 apps in its app store, the company claims that it has crossed the 15 billion app downloads milestone. Of these 425,000 apps, over 100,000 have been specifically optimized for the iPad.

These figures represent a considerable challenge for rivals like Hewlett Packard and Google who also offer online application storefronts. Of these competitors, the Android Marketplace possibly comes the closest to Apple’s App Store with hundreds of thousands of applications available to users on their mobile devices running Google’s Android OS. However, out of all the hundreds of thousands of apps available, a very tiny fraction have been optimized for tablets running Android which gives Apple’s iPad a huge advantage.

With the release of OSX “Lion”, Apple will be including a built in Mac-App store with the ability to download full screen applications for the companies line of Desktops and Laptops. This change shows how Apple’s advances in mobile software have affected its entire product line.

Apple’s soon to be released iOS5 will offer a huge number of improvements over its predecessor, some of which seem to be directly targeted towards its competition. The iMessage feature seems like a direct answer to RIM’s Blackberry Messenger service. Perhaps the most anticipated feature of iOS5 will be iCloud. The iCloud service allows users to keep all their devices and media in sync, over the cloud. It is also integrated with applications to allow them to push updates wirelessly. It remains to be seen how this update will affect the sale of Apple’s products as well as its competition.

July 8, 2011
App A Day : MoneyTron For iOS iPhone, iPad and iPod
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ho does not need an expense monitor, an easy to use and definitive way to organize and maintain your expenses. The new MoneyTron App for the iPhone, iPad and iPod does exactly that, and that too with an interesting user interface.

When you start Moneytron you are greeted with a nice startup screen with two options new or report. Taping on new shows a carousel which lets you select the type of record, ranging from incoming income, to expenses like clothing, drinking, eating , social and even household expenses and groceries. there are tons of options, and if you don’t like or use a particular option you can turn it off.

Next all you need to do is enter the value of your record and save, thats it you are done, a reassuring cash register sound confirms the record(the sounds can be turned off too). The app is an easy and effective way to record transactions. The report feature is excellent too, it lets you check your monthly, daily or total transactions. The new update adds a passcode lock which will help you avoid unwanted eyes. The add a note feature allows you to type in a quick note about the transaction.

One thing that majorly lacks in this app is the ability to export reports. There is no option to email or share reports, say you want to send your details to an accountant or a friend, you cant.

This app would have been perfect with an export feature so right now it gets one rank less.

[xrr rating=4/5 label=”We Rate it : ” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.1 or later
- Size: 4.6 MB
- Languages: English, Japanese
DOWNLOAD

INDIAN APP STORE LINK US APP STORE LINK

MONEYTRON for iOS
July 5, 2011
App A Day : TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch
Just as the movie releases the Game for iOS is out by EA and it delivers 13 levels of non-stop action spread across various settings, from cities like Chernobyl and Atlantic City to the Moon. Just like in the movies, the Autobots can transform between robots and vehicles.

The fight is basically between the Transformers and Decepticons You may unlock up to 13 weapons, each of which may be upgraded using blue energon cubes that you’ll be collecting as you roam about. In this same manner, you can also upgrade your character’s skills. All these upgrades may be performed between levels in the lab. In addition to the weapons, you have two types of special attacks, including one that allows you to lock onto multiple targets. You can also attack the Decepticons at close range with a melee attack button.

Although there is a lot of fighting and action involved, it just seems like the same thing over and over again. The game gets really repetitive and feels like a drag after some time.

The lack of a better storyline fails to impress us with this game.

[xrr rating=2.25/5 label=”We Rate it : ” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]

Released: Jun 28, 2011
Version: 1.0.0
Size: 175 MB
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later
Download

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON – Electronic Arts
July 2, 2011
Skype Video Calling Hacked to Work on Sensation and Galaxy S2 Update : Mi 410

The latest Skype update enables video calling on Android device, but is limited to a strict number of devices. The folks over at DroidLife have found a way to make it work on your new Android 2.3 devices including the HTC Sensation and the Samsung Galaxy S2.

Simply Download the Cracked Skype from the link on droidlife and copy it to your device and install it. (Make sure third party apps are enabled in your settings)

Oh yeah we tested it on the HTC Sensation, and it works flawlessly.

UPDATE: Big update we got the new Skype app up and running and making calls on the Mi 410 from SPICE. A video coming up soon.

July 2, 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
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
App a Day – 3D Board for iOS

Have you ever wanted to turn your iPhone screen into a 3D screen? Well now you can. With the 3D board application, your home screen turns into a glasses free 3D screen. The wallpaper moves and shifts based on how you’re holding the phone. It is available from the BigBoss repository in Cydia for $2.99. All in all its a fun application to fool your friends into thinking you’ve replaced your iPhone’s Retina Display with a 3D Retina Display. Check out the video for more info.

June 13, 2011
First iPhone in Space
The last space shuttle launch is scheduled towards the end of this year and its going to be carrying some special cargo. Two iPhone 4’s will be on board running special software designed by Odyssey Space Research.

Once the space shuttle docks with the International Space Station, the crew members will use the iPhones to conduct four experiments, using the iPhones’ cameras, gyroscopes, and other sensors.

[quote]”I’m pretty sure this is the very first iPhone to go into space,” said Odyssey CEO Brian Rishikof.[/quote]

The debut of the iPhone 4 in 2010 inspired the Odyssey team to create iOS based space experiments as the new phone had a built in gyroscope. The company has developed software and simulations for guidance and navigation used in several spacecraft; a gyroscope means that the iPhone could potentially be used to determine a vehicle’s orientation in space as well as its position.

The four experiments are:
- A “limb tracker,” which lets astronauts take a picture of the Earth’s limb (its curved edge). The app then estimates the iPhone’s altitude.
- A sensor calibration tool that uses camera images plus multiple sensors to calibrate the phone’s gyroscope and accelerometers.
- Latitude and longitude estimation using photos of the Earth and matching them to wireframes of coastlines.
- A test to see if space radiation affects computer memory by watching for unintended changes to single bits in the iPhones’ RAM.
June 13, 2011
Twitter acquires TweetDeck for $40 million

Twitter has finalized its purchase of TweetDeck in a $40 million cash and stock deal. Although both Twitter and TweetDeck Refuse to comment on the same. Twitter has been known to either downplay third-party apps or acquire them. In the past, Twitter has scooped up popular Twitter iPhone app Tweetie, and partnered with photo add-on TwitPic as it launched its new interface.

In February, reports surfaced that UberMedia, the leading developer of apps and Web-based services for Twitter users and other social media platforms, was in talks to purchase Tweetdeck.

But the deal never closed.

May 25, 2011
App of The Day : Kung Fu Panda 2 : Be The Master
Who doesn’t love KungFu Panda? The fact that the second movie is coming out is getting everyone excited. But, wait there is a game to go with that. Enter Kung Fu Panda 2 : Be The Master Game for iOS.
- Seller: THQ Inc.
- Genres: Games | Kids | Entertainment | Adventure
- Released: 19-05-2011
- Version: 1.0.02
- Size: 20.44 MB
DOWNLOAD :

Kung Fu Panda 2: Be The Master – THQ Inc.

The game comes in various different scrolls or Levels

I LOVE KUNG FU!!!
Po is finally a real Kung Fu warrior, but to become a true Master, he must dedicate himself to training. Shifu has revealed to him the Secret of the Thousand Scrolls, and Po’s awesome journey begins with the first two:

PAWS OF POWER – Train with Shifu in the Dojo, swiping and clawing your way through flying training dummies based on all of Po’s greatest foes. But watch out for the bee hives! They’re a major buzz kill.

FEET OF FURY – Scale the towering Waterfall of Agony, jumping higher and higher with the help of firework-powered chairs, bouncy bamboo stilts, and other special items. Leap to new heights… or else it’ll be one big belly flop below!

NEW SCROLLS ON THE WAY!!! – Dedicated warriors will be rewarded as two new Scrolls are revealed with coming updates! SKADOOSH!

KUNG FU TRAINING IS ITS OWN BEST REWARD…
But there are plenty of other perks, too!
Unlock collectible action figures of the Furious Five! TOTALLY SWEET!

Earn special Achievement Badges to guide you through your training.

Track your progress against other warriors on the Top Trainers leader boards.
May 22, 2011
Angry Birds for Windows Phone 7 delayed to 29th June

Despite early reports that Rovio would release Angry Birds for Windows Phone 7 on 25th May . Microsoft said on Wednesday that the game won’t launch until June 29th. The reason for the delay has not been mentioned by Microsoft. But it seems that Microsoft is launching major titles through May and june and don’t want the title launches to clash.

[Read]

May 20, 2011