The Download Blog - CNET

Nokia delivers live traffic, geocoding to Bing

Don Reisinger — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:17:14 PDT

A look at Bing Maps powered by Nokia's services.

(Credit: Nokia)

Nokia has brought a couple of its location-based services to Bing Maps.

The company announced yesterday that Bing Maps users will now have traffic information available to them from Nokia's Where platform. Where is available in 24 countries, including the U.S., the U.K., and Canada. According to Nokia, users in the U.S. already had traffic information available to them, but this addition now includes support for side streets.

Nokia is also bringing geocoding to Bing Maps, allowing the platform to take latitude and longitude information, and connect that to a readable address.

"It's how we know that Seattle's Space Needle is at the geocoordinates N47 degrees 37' 13.807", W122 degrees 20' 57.088" and vice versa," the company wrote on its blog. "But in practical terms it means something simpler."

Freeware Friday: Concert guides for Android

Eddie Cho — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:00 PDT

Never miss a concert

The concert season is finally upon us! Summer is a popular time to head out, soak up the sun, and, of course, plan concert trips to see your favorite bands and singers. Whether you're into Bieber or Jagger, these apps will help you track events and schedule concerts to see your faves perform.

OnTour On Tour lets you discover new artists and track concerts as well as read band bios. The app will generate a list of concert tour dates and events based on your interests and existing music files. The interface has an easy-to-use design; swipe left and right to switch between event details, read singer biographies, and check out a list of bands that are similar to your musical taste.

JamBase JamBase is another useful alternative app for tracking concerts and other musical events, but focuses more on local performances. JamBase finds live shows that are specific to your current location and enables you to quickly plan ahead. In addition to having easy access to your calendar and maps to the venue, JamBase also allows users to track the artists' other shows and offers direct links to buy tickets.

[Read more]

Apple's App Store gets new Editors' Choice picks

Don Reisinger — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:47:26 PDT

CoBook takes the inaugural Editors' Choice.

(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)

Apple has silently added a new feature to its App Store: Editors' Choice.

When users boot up the Mac App Store or App Store, they'll find a new promotional feature, called Editors' Choice. On the Mac App Store side, Apple says that for its "inaugural pick," it chose CoBook, an address book application that supplements usability by accessing social networks. In addition, the company chose Deus Ex Human Revolution as another Editors' Choice worth checking out.

Kaspersky to cut phisher lines before they hook you

Seth Rosenblatt — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:11:05 PDT

Kaspersky's 2013 interface features some tweaks, but most of the major changes are under the hood.

(Credit: Kaspersky)

SAN FRANCISCO--Ever click a link to a Web site and discover that while it looks like your banking site, or Facebook, the URL didn't match your expectations? That's called phishing. Kaspersky revealed a new feature at a reviewer's conference here yesterday that the company says can stop such credential-stealing attacks before you get hooked.

Automatic Exploit Prevention, as the feature is called, is expected in the Kaspersky 2013 security suites due in August. The premise behind it is simple: Phishing attacks are on the rise, due in large part to the plummeting cost of entry to the malware market, so stopping those attacks from reaching you has become the focus of the upcoming software update.

The BlackHole exploit kit, a server-side polymorphic attack, is the source of 95 percent of the phishing attacks in the world, said Oleg Ishanov, antimalware research director for Kaspersky.

"Exploit packs cost a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars," said Roel Schouwenberg, a senior antivirus researcher at Kaspersky and founding member of the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization. The Eleonore exploit pack, for example, will run you around $2,200, he said, and includes 14 kinds of exploits. Another exploit pack, the Java-specific Sparky, is a cloud-based serv... [Read more]

Google announces in-app subscriptions for Android apps

Scott Webster — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:30:53 PDT

The new in-app subscription feature should open up new revenue opportunities.

(Credit: Google)

Google today announced a new feature for Android applications offered through the Google Play store. Available immediately for Android developers, in-app subscriptions will allow users to pay for monthly or annual subscriptions directly inside of apps. And as detailed by Google, the feature is set to auto-renew by default with transactions managed by the Google Play store.

In addition to adding a new level of convenience, the move opens the door to added revenue streams and even new types of content through Google Play. Looking forward, today's announcement could entice magazines and news journals to offer subscriptions to consumers directly through Google Play.

After introducing in-app billing a year ago, Google now says that it has become quite profitable for developers. According to the Android Developers blog, 23 of the 24 top-grossing apps in Google Play take advantage of the feature, and the total revenue gen... [Read more]

Get started with Facebook Camera

Jason Cipriani — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:45:47 PDT

Facebook Camera was just released for any iPhone and iPod Touch running iOS 4.0 and later. The new Camera app from Facebook allows you to upload and share multiple photos, whereas the Facebook app restricts you to uploading only one photo at a time. With Facebook Camera you can also crop, rotate, and even add 1 of 14 total filters to a photo. Even having just bought Instagram, Facebook has proceeded to release an app that some would say competes directly with Instagram.

If you're curious about the look and feel of the app, watch the video below for a complete walk-through of Facebook Camera.

Or check out the slideshow below.

Facebook Camera released for the iPhone (pictures)

1-2 of 9 Scroll Left Scroll Right

[Read more]

Microsoft gives Flash a reprieve in IE10

Stephen Shankland — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:24:44 PDT

It appears that ditching Adobe System' Flash Player wasn't as easy as Microsoft thought earlier this year.

Because screenshots from WinUnleaked show the browser plug-in working even in the Metro version of IE10 where Microsoft had earlier said plug-ins would be barred.

Microsoft and Adobe declined to comment for this story. But a source familiar with the plans said IE10 will build in a version of Flash Player optimized for Windows 8 matters such as touch-screen interfaces, power consumption, and security.

The reason, the source said: browsers just aren't ready yet to ditch Flash, so Microsoft will give it a more graceful exit while Web developers figure out Web standards that can replace it.

'Men in Black 3' game: Let's hope the movie is this good

Rick Broida — Wed, 23 May 2012 09:45:55 PDT

Build your MIB agency with the resources you collect by completing missions.

(Credit: Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET)

The summer movie season is officially under way, and that can only mean one thing: movie tie-in season is also under way.

Exhibit A (or should I say Exhibit K): "Men in Black 3," which opens in theaters Friday, just got the app treatment. Gameloft's Men in Black 3 is available now for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.

Obviously any game based on the MIB franchise is going to involve a lot of running and gunning, right? Wrong. Men in Black 3 combines resource management with turn-based combat. And there's way more depth and replay value here than you'd expect from a movie tie-in.

As the new agent on the block, it's your job to manage the MIB agency. You'll train agents, develop weapons and gadgets, expand the agency with new rooms, and fight aliens on the streets of New York -- in both 2012 and 1969. (Hope that's not a spoiler; anyone who's seen the movie trailer knows the plot involves time travel.)

... [Read more]

Symantec takes up the iAntivirus reins

Topher Kessler — Wed, 23 May 2012 09:31:13 PDT

When it comes to anti-malware and security software for OS X, while tools like ClamXav and the recently released Sophos home edition for OS X are popular free options, another package that has fallen off the radar has been the relatively lightweight iAntivirus utility.

iAntivirus was originally developed by PC Tools in 2008 as a free Mac-specific antivirus tool, but the project did not last long and the latest version (1.36) was released in 2009 with no further updates. This has resulted in iAntivirus losing its relevance as a valid anti-malware tool for OS X users, and PC Tools has dropped support for it.

However, recent malware scares for OS X such as the Flashback "drive-by download," DNSChanger Trojan, and MacDefender scams have renewed interest in malware scanning utilities for OS X. In light of this, the Symantec company (makers of Norton AntiVirus for Mac) have taken up the iAntivirus reins and revived the name for its offering of a basic and free anti-malware utility for OS X users.

iAntivirus' interface is basic and to the point.

(Credit: Screenshot by Topher Kessler/CNET)

Even though the software does not have advanced features such as background scanning or on-access scanning that are available in its larger Norton AntiVirus util... [Read more]

Browser choice: A thing of the past?

Stephen Shankland — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:48:47 PDT

Like to pick your browser? Beware, because new mobile devices threaten to stifle the competitive vigor of the market for Web browsers on PCs.

On personal computers running Windows, Macs, and Linux, you can pick from a variety of browsers, finding the best combination of user interface, performance, expansion, customization, and other attributes.

There are real differences between browsers, and the shifting share of browser usage shows that millions of people aren't content with whatever came with their computers. IE6 security flaws getting you down? Firefox to the rescue! Firefox seeming bloated? Chrome to the rescue! Chrome invading your privacy? Try Opera!

But on a host of devices ranging from today's iPhones to tomorrow's Windows RT tablets, though, things are very different. The idea that the browser is a feature of the operating system -- an idea Microsoft floated to defend against an antitrust attack in the 1990s regarding the link between Internet Explorer and Windows -- has boomeranged back.

Mozilla pushes for stronger 'maker' philosophy on Web

Seth Rosenblatt — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:33:39 PDT

Webmaker is Mozilla's plan to bring DIY gusto to the Web this summer.

(Credit: Mozilla)

Mozilla whisked the covers off Webmaker today, a new development initiative intended to encourage Web-based development across the globe.

The company stated that Webmaker's goal is to, "move people from using the Web to making the Web," in a blog post. Mozilla is encouraging people to participate in a series of coding events it's calling the Summer Code Party, and has partnered with some notable organizations and individuals to further its agenda, including author Cory Doctorow, OKGO musician Damian Kulash, Tumblr, Creative Commons, the London Zoo, and the San Francisco Public Library.

Firefox flirts with Blekko for 'instant' search

Seth Rosenblatt — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:09:23 PDT

The Blekko add-on from Mozilla Labs provides a new take on 'instant' search results.

(Credit: Mozilla)

Mozilla may not have a dedicated in-house search engine division the way that Google and Microsoft do, but it does have a new partnership with alterna-search Blekko.

The Blekko add-on (download), developed by Mozilla Labs' Prospector team, aims to cut down on the repetitive search behaviors of many Firefox users. Mozilla says that its research indicates that people often search for the same term, not because they're looking to find it again but because they're attempting to navigate elsewhere. This add-on, like Google's Instant search feature, cuts down on the extra steps by pre-caching sites, showing preview pages, and recognizing commonly searched-for terms from only a few typed letters.

The add-on changes your default search to Blekko, and it's restartless, which means that Firefox won't have to be closed and re-opened to use the add-on.

To use it, go to your search box and begin typing. If the first letter you hit is "T," a drop-down will appear with links to Target, Twitter, Ticketmaster, and a few other sites. Direct links are indicated by the site's icon, while search results for a particular term are d... [Read more]

Top weather apps for iOS

Jason Parker — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:29:34 PDT

Whether you live in rainy Seattle or are expecting thunderstorms in Albany, N.Y., it's always a good idea to carry solid weather apps on your iPhone for quick forecasts.

The Weather Channel released version 5.0 of its app late last week with an upgraded interface and a few more features that will be useful to amateur meteorologists everywhere, but it doesn't have everything. One of the more useful parts of any local weather forecast is when you get to see the live Doppler radar for your location. The Weather Channel will show you a radar overlay, but you can't see it move. That's where the second app in this one-two punch comes in, NOAA Hi-Def Radar.

With this pair of apps, you might find that one or the other is the best weather app for you, but hopefully this comparison will help you find what best fits your needs.

You'll get almost all the weather info you need, but you'll have to put up with the ads.

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET)

The Weather Channel (Free) is a weather-monitoring application that provides many more features than Apple's built-in Weather app. Released first in 2008, the app recently received a complete overhaul to the interface, adding features that make it even easier to check weather conditions wherever you are.

You can find paid ... [Read more]

Apple releases digital raw compatibility update 3.13

Topher Kessler — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:02:32 PDT

For photographers who use the raw sensor data format for image manipulation, Apple has issued an update that supports new camera models from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony.

The raw format is a device-specific collection of raw sensor data (hence the name) that, like the film of a contemporary camera, can be manipulated in similar ways that a developer could use to produce unique adjustments to the image that cannot be done with the final positive bitmap image. Since the sensors and other features in each camera are different, each device will have its own raw format and needs specific support before editing programs can make use of them.

Apple has regularly provided raw support updates so photographers can use their raw image formats with both iPhoto and Aperture, and today's update adds support for some of the latest camera models to the full list of supported devices. This update specifically adds support for the following models:

Canon EOS-1D X
Nikon D800E
Nikon D3200
Olympus OM-D E-M5
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF5
Sony Alpha SLT-A57

The update should be available via Software Update, but it can also be downloaded from the Apple Support Web site. It is a relatively small 8MB download and requires at least OS X 10.6.8 to install.

Questi... [Read more]

Get fast directions to your favorite destinations with QuickMaps

Rob Lightner — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:52:35 PDT

QuickMaps
(Credit: Rob Lightner/CNET)
Google Maps has made it much easier to get directions from one place to another, but it can still be a pain, especially on mobile devices. QuickMaps aims to make it much simpler to get to your favorite destinations. Here's how it works:

Install QuickMaps (Android | iOS).
You should see a screen preloaded with sample destinations.

Press "Edit" at the top right and tap any of the eight circles on the periphery to edit the location name and address. Continue until you've got as many destinations as you'd like (well, up to eight).
To get directions, just select a mode of transportation from the top and then swipe from one circle to another. Google Maps comes up immediately and shows you the best route.
That's it! This is a simple, intuitive app that makes mobile navigation even easier.

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Clueful scans your iOS apps for privacy behavior

Josh Lowensohn — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:17:29 PDT

Clueful tells you what kinds of information your apps access.
(Credit: Josh Lowensohn/CNET)
A new iOS app aims to make app privacy more transparent and easier to stay on top of, especially when it comes to information-tracking you might not have even realized what was going on behind the scenes.

Security firm Bitdefender today rolled out Clueful (iTunes), an app that lets you see what information other applications installed on your phone might have access to.

Once installed, the $3.99 app scans your device to see what's installed and puts it in an ordered list that can be filtered based on the various kinds of behavior. This includes things like:

Apps that can track location

Apps that can read the address book

Apps that might drain battery

Apps that use iPhone's unique ID

Apps that display ads

Apps that gather analytics

These behaviors are listed in the results, and -- if present -- are explained in each app's detail page; however, the app doesn't go so far as to show you a log of how often this happens. Clueful also notes whether your data is being encrypted, and if app makers anonymize you as a... [Read more]

Use Hashtag App to monitor Twitter, Instagram hash tags

Jason Cipriani — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:39:38 PDT

Hash tags on Instagram and Twitter both offer a great way to follow what's going on with a particular topic or event. One providing the conversation, while the other provides an illustration.

Tracking a hash tag in most Twitter apps on the iPhone is a simple process. Tracking a hash tag in the Instagram app takes a bit more work, however. If you have an event coming up and want to quickly and easily follow it on Twitter and Instagram, give Hashtag App (free) on your iPhone a try.
(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)

You can either enter a custom hash tag in the text field at the top, or quickly search a trending hash tag by tapping on it at the bottom.

After entering a search term, Hashtag App will search the public Twitter and Instagram streams and display any results in one convenient feed.
(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)
Once you are done viewing a particular hash tag, tap on the X to go back to the main screen. That's all there is to it.

The ability to save a search term for quick access is missing from the app and would be a great addition. All in all, the app works as advertised and makes the following of a topic on more than one social network a breeze.

(Via: ... [Read more]

How to protect your smartphone from malicious QR codes

Ed Rhee — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:25:34 PDT

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)
QR codes are a fun way to share information and they're starting to appear in all sorts of places. QR codes often contain Web links, that when scanned, automatically take you to the Web site.

As QR codes become more prevalent, however, it might be a good idea to start checking the QR codes, before allowing your browser to load unknown links.

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To address potentially malicious QR codes, Symantec has released a QR code scanner that will check links before loading them in your browser. Scanning a QR code with Norton Snap (iOS | Android) will check the link, then provide you with a clear safety rating. If you want to continue loading the link, you simply tap on the full link address. You can also tap on the rating box to view more details about the site.

Norton Snap... [Read more]

Amazon brings Appstore Test Drive to the handset

Don Reisinger — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:08:37 PDT

Amazon's Appstore Test Drive.
(Credit: Amazon)
If you're not sure if you want to buy an application, you can now try it out before you drop your cash.

Amazon announced yesterday that Android device owners will now be able to test drive applications, in its Appstore before they buy. The new Test Drive feature is currently available in beta, and only supports apps that use the touch screen and accelerometer features. Apps that require using the keyboard, multitouch, or the camera, among other components, are not currently supported.

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... [Read more]

Microsoft: 350 million Windows 7 devices to be shipped in 2012

Don Reisinger — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:28:35 PDT

(Credit: Microsoft)
Although Windows 8 is expected to hit store shelves later this year, Microsoft believes its current operating system, Windows 7, will have an awfully good year.

Speaking at a forum in Seoul this week, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said that his company expects 350 million Windows 7-based devices to be shipped this year. Bloomberg, which was in attendance at the event, was first to report on the news. Ballmer said that the operating system's success "makes Windows the most popular single system."

If that many Windows 7 devices are actually shipped this year, it would indicate accelerated demand for the platform. In April 2011, Microsoft announced that it had sold 350 million Windows 7 licenses in the operating system's first 18 months of availability.

Related stories

No, half a billion people won't be using Windows 8 next year

Kaspersky to cut phisher lines before they hook you

... [Read more]