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PayPal’s Chief Of Security Hints At ‘iPhone 5S’ Arriving With Fingerprint Scanner

2013-05-18T16:23:44Z

While we may not know when the next iPhone will be available, we can dream and pursue leads on what may disclose future features of the iPhone. One of these leads is from PayPal‘s own Chief Security Officer, Michael Barrett.

Barrett hinted at the idea of Apple including a fingerprint in the soon-to-come device. “It’s widely rumored that a large technology provider in Cupertino, California, will come out with a phone later this year that has a fingerprint reader on it,” he said. While this is a bit vague and hints at more manufacturers other than Apple, it seems to be a bit of a confirmation.

Earlier this year, Apple acquired AuthenTec — which almost went unnoticed. AuthenTec is said to be playing a major role in Apple’s push for better (and more appealing) mobile security. Not only from a product feature standpoint, but also for business competition. AuthenTec’s patents will give new methods of password input to move away from the old ‘numeric’-based entry. Apple’s acquisition of AuthenTec also stole one of Samsung’s major suppliers; smart thinking Mr. Cook.

My big interest in this is how Apple decides to incorporate this concept into the iPhone and its assortment of other iOS devices. Will it be a sensor on the side of the device, or built directly into the screen? … Could Apple possibly get rid of the physical home button and replace it with some obscure type of fingerprint scanner?

It will be interesting to see further innovation in Apple’s security, and if the fingerprint scanner will be another Siri; which, (let’s face it), wasn’t incredibly unsuccessful, but had enough glitches for prominent blogs to label it a flop. It also played a harsh role in another executive being fired from the bruised company.

Innovation is your job Apple. Just remember to innovate with class.

Google I/O ’13 – [THE FULL RECAP]

2013-05-16T21:16:46Z

Yesterday, executives from Google took to the stage at San Francisco‘s Moscone Center to kick-off ‘Google I/O’ 2013. The company’s annual developer-focused media event, the conference was simply awash with new service announcements, software improvements and Android updates, despite Google seemingly ‘downplaying’ this year’s event to the world’s press – beforehand.

The event started with a few updates on how the Android OS platform has grown over the last several years. The company announced that activations of Android OS devices are now sitting at a whopping 900 Million, with sales mainly driven by the main appealing factor of Android – Google Play – which the firm added has seen 48 Billion installs (so far), 2.5 Billion of which were achieved in the last 4-months (alone). Revenue generated by Google Play has impressively also grown to reflect a 2.5x increase, globally.

Google Play Services

The first subject on the agenda at Google’s conference yesterday was ‘Google Play Services.’ Introduced recently, the services are distributed through the firm’s ‘Play’ store to Google’s millions of Android users — and yesterday, the company added several new APIs to those services.

These included:

- Location API
Using a fused location provider, Google says that the API is both faster, easier to use and more accurate at grabbing your location than ever before, and the best part is; the new API claims to use less than 1% of battery per hour.

- Geo-Fencing API
Providing the ability for developers to set out location ‘boundaries’ to trigger certain actions upon both entering and exiting those boundaries, Google says the new API will support up to 100 geofences per application you own.

- Activity Recognition API
One of the more interesting APIs added to Google Play Services, Google explained the new addition will automatically figure out movements of the current user using an array of sensors, allowing them to track their own activity via the use of an accelerometer.

- Cross-Platform Single Sign-On
Google yesterday also announced that it is unifying its single sign-on services so that they work across all your devices.

Google Play Gaming Services

Talk of new APIs didn’t stop there, though. Alongside revamping and adding new APIs to Google Play Services, Google also announced a number of new APIS related specifically to gaming. The new APIs being added will bring a whole new level of interaction for gaming on Android, with the software update adding cloud saves, new APIs for achievements and leaderboards, (and more). These leaderboards, Google adds, use your Google Plus account to not only grab the names of your friends, but also allow you to share your game progress across the social network.

As part of its “re-thought” approach to gaming on Android, Google also demoed (albeit, unsuccessfully) a new “multiplayer” API. Handling all the hard-networking and player-vs-player modes, Google says the new API will allow developers to fully integrate multiplayer functionality into Android games – like never before.

Android Studio

Sticking with the ‘developer’ focus, the search company then went on to talk about a new product it will introduce later this Summer, called ‘Android Studio.’ Based on the community available ‘intellij,’ the new app will provide developers will full and complete control over their code, providing a new ‘real-time’ preview view so that developers can not only see what their code will eventually look like on an Android OS device, but using the new tool developers will also be able to see what their code looks like on different devices, (both tablets and smartphones), which have different resolutions.

Developer Console

Tying in with its updated tools for developers, Google also showed-off its completely redesigned ‘Developer Console.’ The new dashboard, designed to provide developers with an at-a-glance look at how their apps are currently performing, Google explained that the developer-accessible dashboard will soon include support for insights on the improvements Google thinks might be best for your Play app(s), app translation services – (allowing you to order your translation directly from within the dashboard interface) – referral tracking for the ads you may have originally placed in your application(s), usage metrics (provided by Google Analytics), and revenue graphs to provide you with a quick overview on which day, week, and month app sales were the strongest.

Google Play Store Enhancements

Looking forward, Google then switched gears from talking solely ‘developer’ and instead focused on some of the end-user features users are likely to see come to fruition over the next several weeks and months.

The first of those was the Google Play Store, itself. Recently redesigned to provide a more artwork-centric experience (did I mention I design icons for iOS and Android?), the company’s executives briefly showed how the Play store will serve up a more personalized experience to the user, now showing a ‘Recommended for You’ section.

In addition, applications designed for tablets are (finally) getting the attention they truly deserve with a dedicated ‘Tablet 101’ section, which is accessible from the main ‘Apps’ navigation menu. You’ll now also find tablet apps in the Google Play top charts, too – which must be music to the ears of any Android tablet owners out there, (I know it is to mine, owning a ASUS Transformer).

The Next-Generation Of ‘Music’ On Android

With the audience all “API’d” out, Google next had some announcements regarding that long-rumored, subscription-based music offering we’ve been talking about for months – (yes, it exists!) The company announced that it now successfully serves music to 13 countries, but noted that what it really wants to do is take its current music offering to the next level.

That next level is ‘Google Play Music (All Access),’ a subscription-based service which allows users to access all the music they’ve stored in Google’s cloud music locker, alongside millions of other tracks, for just $9.99. With a free 30-day trial available to all those who sign-up, and the offer of signing up before June 30 and Google knocking off $2 on your required monthly subscription fee, we’ve got a feeling it’s going to be pretty successful for those Android users who just like their music in one place.

The service arrives complete with all the expected features, such as; serving up music recommendations, being able to browse what’s ‘featured,’ providing music from several different music genres, and a curated ‘editors’ experience for that extra layer of music-discovery. You’ll also get the ability to create custom radio stations with a tap, and search Google’s millions-strong track library for exactly the track you want to listen to through a feature the company is dubbing “Listen Now.”

Google Maps

Taking a quick stab at Apple and the accuracy of its maps offering compared to the recently launched, App Store-available Google Maps for iOS, Google swiftly moved on to detail the next-generation of its mapping service.

Announcing that Google Maps is now available in 199 countries, with North Korea being the most-recent added of those thanks to citizen-sourced mapping efforts in the country, Google continued by highlighting that it is now providing ‘Street View’ to users in 50 of those countries, with its ‘3D’ mapping technology (while admittedly still in its infancy), expanding its reach as each year passes.

In fact, Google Maps is now running on over 1 Million websites, and the company claims that the service receives over 1 Billion visitors per week.

With the above figures in mind, Google unveiled the next-generation of its Maps service. Arriving with a brand new ‘fullscreen’ design – (which the firm stressed is now focused on the map as the user interface, rather than the other way around), the revamped mapping service will (going forward) now provide users with restaurant reviews from Zegad – allowing them to see a 5-star rating of what their friends on Google+ thought about eating at each establishment.

Alongside the addition of restaurant reviews, Google is also adding support for indoor maps. In a really neat demo, executives on stage showed how you can now actually go inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and take a virtual tour of the building as if you were actually there. The functionality will arrive on the service for end-users later this Summer, but nonetheless, it was quite incredible to see.

Directions are also receiving a revamp. When looking up your route, you’ll now be shown a live view of traffic alerts and news coverage in real-time, meaning if you’re traveling in one direction and a traffic accident happens on your route, Google will now alert you of the accident in real-time.

If you thought that was incredible, Google later went on to explain that Google Maps will no longer operate on a ‘one map for everyone’ system. Instead, the company aims to be able to provide all of its 4 Billion monthly maps users with a map of their own. Logging-in into your Google account will, (going forward), result in you being shown your own personal map, complete with points-of-interest and highlighted places that only interest you.

Focusing heavily on this idea of Maps being ‘Built for You,’ the new maps was described as being redesigned from the ground up with no limit on the amount of search results or ‘POIs’ shown to you at any time. You can even “fly-in” to the places you wish to peek inside, see public transit schedules, departures, and see Google Earth imagery (which is now built right into the service).

If you don’t fancy waiting to check out all the new awesome features Google is bringing to Maps on desktop and mobile, you can always sign up for a preview of the new Google Maps – right here.

Devices

The only new device announced during the event was a slightly surprising one. An executive from the conversational search company stepped on stage with a Samsung Galaxy S4 … running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. ‘Unlocked’ from the get-go, the device will be available on both AT&T and T-Mobile, going on-sale exclusively through the Google Play on June 24.

The ‘Android OS’ version of the S4 will set you back $649.

Chrome

Shifting focus to its other products, Google then went on to discuss the status of its Chrome business. Announcing the browser has 750+ Million active users, the company highlighted that Chrome is all about “making the web better,” and so, the firm proceeded to promise everyone in attendance a Chrome Pixel – a powerful workhorse for those who love to push pixels.

The presentation also covered a number of different aspects Google is looking into with Chrome cross-platform, including; a new image format which provides the same compression quality as a ‘jpeg’, but with less bulk, and a new web-based 3D engine technology that supports gestures, and will hopefully allow developers to build even more immersible and fun experiences for the web.

In Chromebook news, the company announced that it is launching ’Google Play for Education‘ which will provide faculty with app and book-focused sections relating to subject matter and grade levels. Just like the consumer-focused Play Store, Google’s new ‘Edu’ store will also serve up recommendations for content such as; apps, books (and more), with members of staff and faculty able to instantly deliver purchased items from the Play Store to Android devices, wirelessly, directly from the store itself, or through a purchase order.

Google+

Google’s ‘plus’ network also got a well-needed update, yesterday. The new version of the person-centric network brings with a brand new, ‘responsive’ column-based layout which adapts to the user’s screen size. As apart of the redesign, the company announced a complete re-brand of its video and audio-instant messaging and conversation ‘Hangouts’ service, complete with a new iOS app (available below).

Overall, the network gained 41 new and improved features.

Conversational Search

Towards the end of the conference was a look into the future of Google’s search business. Relating directly to its ‘Now’ discovery service, the company demoed how it would soon be bringing ‘conversational search’ to the desktop through its popular browser Chrome. Complementing this, Google announced that it would be updating Google Now to provide cards for reminders, public transit schedules (tying in with new Google Maps), music, TV shows, books, video games (and more).

You can get ‘Google Now for iOS’ as part of Google’s ‘Search’ client from the App Store, today. The app is completely FREE to download and is currently providing Apple’s own offering – Siri – with some serious virtual assistant completion.

/ Cover Image: Courtesy, AnandTech

The Next Versions Of iOS (and OS X) Need A Design Revamp

2013-05-15T22:53:39Z

For years now, the guys at One Infinite Loop have been churning out breakthroughs in technology. In the most recent years, every shiny new Apple product has been out performing the competitors in hardware design, but the Mac and iPhone’s software has been lacking a little. So what’s next?

Taking a look back at the transition between System 9 and Mac OS X, it blew people away. The beautiful Unix-based operating system came over from Steve Jobs’s baby, NeXT.

OS X was built on top of Darwin and Quartz and used Apple’s GUI solution, the Aqua interface. As Steve Jobs put it, “buttons on the screen look so good you’ll want to lick them,” and this was true.

The use of soft gradients, translucent colors, and gel-like water blue buttons introduced a software model of not just usability, but precise design. Apple improved upon the Aqua UI by releasing the Mac OS X public beta and then making changes to Aqua based upon feedback. Throughout the developer previews, Apple made continuous efforts to improve the GUI while updating the developers with periodical releases.

The biggest UI refitting Apple created was introduced in 2007. It was called iPhone OS, later changed to iOS. It was said to be a version of OS X running on an iPhone, and while it retained almost no design traits of OS X, it was built upon the same kernel. iOS has, for a long time, remained the same with design. Not so much as improvements within iOS, but with design overhauls such as the difference between Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X.

Much of Apple’s innovation in the past five years has come from a mobile market focus. This shift was noticeable in Mac OS X Lion, which focused prominently on bringing over features of iOS. The iPhone home screen was made native on the Mac via an application dubbed Launchpad, along with Multi touch gestures, a popular trait of the iPad. Apple further expanded the cohesion of iOS and Mac OS X with the release of Mountain Lion bringing over applications including Game Center, Messages, Reminders, Calendar, and Notification Center.

Thinking about this, if the introduction of the iPhone prompted a design change in Mac OS X and now Apple is furthering the line of iOS features introduced in Mac OS X; — How are they going to further unify the operating systems?

iOS is said to be moving towards a flatter interface, so would this push Mac OS X in that direction? – It has been a while since either of the operating systems has seen a significant renovation. iOS has made small improvements that have added up over time, but when you look at the fact that they have released six versions, it’s not much. I’m not begging for a radical change or entire shift to something else, but there are multiple improvements that could be made.

Things such as the skeuomorphic design have to go. It used to look ‘lick-able’, but now it’s just old and annoying. It clutters the interface and looks cheap. Remember those cars that had the wood grain vinyl on the outside of the door? — There’s a reason no-body drives your grandmother’s PT ~~Cruiser~~ Loser anymore. I know I would like to see a update to the Notification Center. If only third party widgets could be added, it would simplify a lot of the tasks that I end up fumbling through in settings to toggle on or off.

Thankfully Jony Ive, Apple’s revered hardware designer, is now in charge of iOS. This puts him in complete control of what software works on his hardware and what hardware runs his software. For a long time Scott Forstall, (former iOS SVP), was said to push for ‘skeuomorphic’ design while Jony Ive, and other Apple officials, are said to object the tacky look. Apple has already made changes in the past year illustrating the design shift they wish to make with the revamp of their podcasting app.

We are expecting major design changes with the next iOS and hopefully something refreshing for OS X.

Just to put things in perspective, the change may be crazy to a few, but in the end it will look a lot cleaner and ultimately allow more features like gestures to become a large part of the iOS experience. A good way to see this is by taking a look at Apple’s reminders app. It features the skeuomorphic design and an older form of checking items off a list as you would mark on a clipboard with check boxes. Comparing that to Clear, which has a much more intuitive interface and a flat design, Clear relies heavily on gestures, and while it may seem a bit odd, it works and ends up saving your time.

Rumors are spreading that, with this upcoming WWDC, Apple seems to be hinting at a design shift. I can see where the legitimacy of this claim comes from, being that if you look at previous events Apple has held, the logo has teased what is to come, in a bit of a questionable manner. This years logo features a font they’ve never used before and what appears to be ‘flat’ layers on top of one another.

Now with Jony Ive pushing for a move towards a heavy renovation and the execs on board, there is nothing holding them back. It’s up to Apple now. Do they want to keep the design trend that has overstayed its welcome? … Or, do they want to transform and wow us again?

For years Apple has been changing things up and doing it exactly against the books. It has appeared to work for them in the past, so we guess we’ll just have to see what rule they’re going to break now.

‘Android 4.3’ Mention Leaks In Search Results Prior To Google I/O

2013-05-15T15:15:09Z

Just under an hour to go before Google I/O 2013 officially kicks-off, and already the good folk over at The Verge are reporting that a (not-so-subtle) mention of Android 4.3 has actually leaked on Google’s official developer website.

Although full details on the new version of the popular OS are not yet known, the publication adds that it expects Android 4.3 to arrive carrying full support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), alongside OpenGL for the “Embedded Systems 3.0” graphics specification.

It is so far unclear if we will actually see the public release of Android 4.3 at the keynote, today, or if Google plans to simply preview the software during the conference and release it to end-users at a later date.

Watch Google I/O LIVE from Moscone Center.

Watch The Google I/O Keynote Live, Right Here! – [VIDEO]

2013-05-15T14:05:12Z

Perhaps not managing to beat the 2-minute window that it took for tickets to “sell out” for Apple’s own developer conference, executives from Google will, in just a few hours time, take to the stage at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, for Google I/O 2013.

At the center of the announcements expected at this year’s conference lies consistent whispers that the company may be planning the imminent launch of its next Nexus 7 tablet offering, alongside a new, (all-you-can-eat) cloud music service to compete with the likes of Spotify.

As for new handsets, the only real one of note was going to be the Nokia Lumia 925, but – (seeing as though this was officially launched by Nokia itself in London, yesterday) – we wouldn’t hold out for any airtime regarding that, unless a U.S launch is on the cards.

It is possible we could also learn of some solid dates regarding the launch of Nvidia’s ‘Shield’ gaming console. Heck, we might even see some free giveaways.

Overall, though, we’re getting the general sense that Google is downplaying this year’s event. As highlighted by PCAdvisor, in a recent interview with WIRED head of Google’s Android division, Sundar Pichai, was quoted as saying:

“It’s going to be different. It’s not a time when we have much in the way of launches of new products or a new operating system. Both on Android and Chrome, we’re going to focus this I/O on all of the kinds of things we’re doing for developers, so that they can write better things. We will show how Google services are doing amazing things on top of these two platforms.”

You can watch all the action LIVE, from Noon EDT – (above).

‘RFlyGD’ Relaunches As ROCKLA. iOS & Android Icon Design From Just £99.

2013-05-15T11:35:33Z

Hi, I’m Arron (@ArronHirst). Some of you know me personally, others know me best for founding this site. The following is the condensed story of the last year of my life. I’ve been wanting to write this post for some time, and I think now is the right time to both write and share it with you all.

So, here it goes …

In the Beginning

Anyone who has followed me socially over the past several years will likely also know that, (alongside freelance writing, and what I do here at RazorianFly), my other real love is visual design.

In fact, before I turned this site into one operating solely for profit, some of you out there may remember that I used to run my own visual design studio – RazorianFly Graphic Design (RFlyGD). The studio exclusively focused on designing icons for Apple’s iOS platform, and gained acclaim around the world, even managing to snag a mention in a few print books – (for example, iPhone for Programmers: An App-Driven Approach By Paul J. Deitel).

Long story short, (and for whatever reasons drove me at that time), I made the executive decision to focus my full-time efforts on RazorianFly and freelance writing. What followed was the process of incorporating RazorianFly as a UK company, and as a result, I found myself spending the best part of 24-hours a day reporting on the movements of the technology industry, (including Apple).

I entered what I like to call “the never-ending cycle” that most professional bloggers out there can probably relate to: Write. Generate traffic. Make commission.

I was so dedicated to this cycle that I found myself not wanting to stop. A typical day would have me working 20 out of 24 hours — I simply had no spare time to continue running RazorianFly Graphic Design, (despite business being good) — and the writing? … Well, you could call it a form of addiction. I couldn’t stop.

Where The Book (Eventually) Stopped

Things were good for a long while (despite the long hours), and thanks to the help of @zkahn94 (Zach), and some seriously awesome other folk, who offered their services on both a paid (and non-paid) basis, the site continued (and continues) to publish great content.

However, I can tell you now that – after landing in the emergency room for the second time due to “stress” – I knew something eventually had to give. So, about two months ago, I set out a productive plan to return RazorianFly to being an “aside” to my life, rather than being my life.

Over the past few months, it has become increasingly clear to me that giving up on visual design in place of persuing freelance writing was simply the wrong decision for me. You may have noticed this when a few weeks ago, I published a post entitled ‘Indie App Marketing: The Impossible Mission?’ — and towards the end of that post, I wrote:

“The only way I see to avoid this method of ‘pageviews as business’ is to find a site which is not operating solely for profit. There are a few out there, and I wish them all the success in the world. I’ve been there — and there comes a time where you either have to; find a sustainable income alongside doing what you love, or, turn what you love doing into your sustainable income.

I chose the latter — and looking back, I can say – (without reserve) – that this was the wrong decision. Whilst I love what I do here at RazorianFly, as some of you may have already gathered, I have recently had to pursue other avenues for generating a sustainable income for myself. I now run RazorianFly as a “hobby,” but one which still makes a small income (for the time being).”

I love writing, and that’s why I will continue to write. As of May 3, though, RazorianFly is no longer operating solely for profit. I’ll still be updating the site with the topics that most interest me, (hopefully with the help of a few others about to join the team), but on my own terms.

Thankfully, I can sit here today and say that RazorianFly is (finally) returning to what I originally wanted it to be when I started the site back in 2008 as a fledgling WordPress.com blog — a hobby.

Looking Forward

The good news is – (as a result) – I have chosen to re-enter the design market with my new visual studio – ROCKLA (@ROCKLACO). Relegating RazorianFly to “hobby” status again allows me to fully focus on designing icons for mobile platforms.

Consider it the public re-launch of RFlyGD.

I learned a lot whilst running RFlyGD, and I am insanely grateful to those who originally gave me the chance to design their icons for them. Over the past few years, I’m also thankful that I’ve had (at least some) time away from RazorianFly to focus on enhancing both my user interface (GUI) and user experience (UX) design services.

Consequentially, ROCKLA is launching with both a more mature, and enhanced understanding attitude of what it takes to create great visual identities for today’s market. For starters, I’m now offering icons which are “Retina”-Ready, (some of which are available to buy immediately from £45). I’m also, for the first time, adding Android OS to the list of mobile platforms I will design for going forward.

See the above designs in full-res over at rockla.co.

The aim of ROCKLA is simple. The company will provide both a professional ‘immediate purchase’ avenue, for those developers who would prefer to “cut out” the back-and-forth design process, and simply have the option to instead ‘one-click’ purchase a new visual identity for their app.

Alternatively – you can choose to hire me, professionally, and I’ll aim to design your new application icon to your specific specification. If you wish to hire me, prices start at £99 for Android OS icon design, and £119 for iOS icon design. You can learn more about these services today, at rockla.co/services.

You’ll be pleased to hear that I’m feeling much better about my life now, and the position both ROCKLA and RazorianFly will play in it going forward.

I look forward to playing my part in designing the app artwork of the future for both developers of the iTunes App Store, and Google Play. I simply can’t wait to get started.

Thanks for reading, (as ever).
I greatly appreciate it.

Arron

ABC To Begin Live-Streaming Its Programming To iOS Devices, Starting This Week – [UPDATED]

2013-05-13T02:39:44Z

Beginning with New York and Philadelphia, Disney-owned television network ABC over the weekend announced that it would become the first television network (at least, in the U.S) to offer a live-stream of its current programming to viewers who happen to own either an Apple iPad or iPhone.

Set to go live sometime this week, the new functionality will arrive as part of an upcoming update to the official ABC catch-up app, and will see the app gain a new ‘LIVE’ button, which – (when tapped) – will provide a live-stream of local programming to those living in supported areas.

The New York Times, (also the first publication to report on the feature), says that the new functionality will be featured at ABC’s “upfront” presentation for advertisers on Tuesday.

“This week ABC will quietly revolutionize its app for iPhones and iPads with a button called ‘live.’ Users around New York and Philadelphia will be able to live-stream all the programming from ABC’s local stations there, the first time that any major broadcaster has turned on such a technology,” the report reads.

ABC – which is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company – noted in its announcement that it would be adding live iOS programming for six other U.S cities where it already offers its television programming, this Summer.

But, it doesn’t stop there …

The announcement by the company is part of a string of deals the network is currently pushing through with its over 200 different affiliates, in order to ensure that this new branch of “live”-access programming eventually works in all other markets ABC operates in as a network.

“ABC finished the first of its affiliate deals, with Hearst Television, on Sunday afternoon; it said the live streams would work in Hearst’s 13 markets, including Boston and Pittsburgh, in the coming months.”

The move, Brian Stelter for The New York Times says, “may [eventually] prod the other broadcasters to follow ABC.” As ever, we’ll be sure to let you know when the feature goes live.

UPDATE: Subscription Required

GigaOM (via TUAW) reports that the new feature will give access to the live programming, for FREE, during an introductory six-week period. After which, viewers will be required to have a paid subscription to ABC in order to continue enjoying live content on-the-move.

/ NYT

iTunes Single Of The Week – [May 12, 2013]

2013-05-12T21:38:39Z

It’s Sunday – and you know what that means. That’s right – Apple is offering up yet another FREE single for you to download!

Hit the break for full details on this week’s FREE tracks …

iTunes Single of the Week – (UK)

Music fans across the UK might be surprised by Apple’s choice of single this week. Arriving from alternative band, Savages, this week’s single is the rather weirdly named ‘City’s Full.’

A London-based band, the band’s guitarist, Gemma Thompson, reportedly come up with the name after discussing the idea with singer, Jehnny Beth, for almost a year. Said to be inspired by Lord of the Flies, the band is currently made up of Camille Berthomier (vocals), Gemma Thompson (guitar), Ayse Hassan (bass) and Fay Milton (drums).

Releasing their first official single “Husbands” b/w “Flying to Berlin” in 2012, later releasing “She Will” earlier this year, the band debut album – Silence Yourself – was just released on May 6, 2013.

Single Preview

Previews courtesy of iTunes.

Download “Spoons” for FREE.

iTunes Single of the Week – (US)

Meanwhile, those in the U.S can this week soak up the sounds of talented brothers, Baby Bee. Consisting of Joe and David Stark, the duo teamed up to form the stripped down rock and roll duo in the fall of 2011. After recording an independent 7-song EP with producer Dave Cobb, the brothers quickly began earning a loyal following close to their home in South Louisiana.

“We wanted to do a project with just us two, and really get back to the basics,” says lead singer and guitarist Joe — and, Baby Bee does indeed take things ‘back to the basics,’ but also ensures to deliver a musical sophistication that matches the the ‘house on fire’ immediacy with which it is played.

Sons of musician parents, (and no strangers to boozy Mardi Gras parties, according to the band’s official website), these brothers play their brand of music with one foot in the swamp and the other in a pool of infectious pop melodies. The band has an instinctual inclination to write songs with big choruses and a boogie beat that makes everyone want to move their feet.

Taken from their brand-new EP – The Shaker – the brothers are this weekend giving away the highly-infecious ‘High Heel Leather Boots.’

Short from the song being the perfect backing for a TV spot, the track takes the listener on a fun-filled trip, and is sure to have their feet moving in no time!

EP Preview

Download “High Heel Leather Boots” for FREE.

My Initial Thoughts On @Pebble

2013-05-12T20:55:04Z

About a year ago, I came across a project on the crowd-funding site Kickstarter. Let’s be clear. It wasn’t the first project I’d backed on the site, so I knew what I was (potentially) getting into when I clicked that ‘Back this project’ button.

The Hype

Just 28-hours into Eric and the team at Pebble beginning their crowd-funding drive, Pebble had surpassed $1 Million. I was in — On April 12, 2012, I backed Pebble to the tune of $140. That pledge level got me one Arctic White model with shipping to the UK.

What happened over the next 4-weeks leading up to the end of the project’s funding run on May 18, would go down in internet history – as Pebble managed to raise over $10,000,000 to put its Bluetooth-enabled, iOS and Android-compatible smartwatch into production.

After Pebble’s worldwide crowd-funding success, Kickstarter almost instantly became seen as a new, viable method to raise Venture Capital-style funding.

A year passed since I had pledged towards the project, but I figured I’d receive Pebble someday — so, I largely forgot about the project, despite others choosing to do anything but the latter. In the meantime, the company posted semi-consistent updates of the product’s production, and – (due to a reported delay in regards to manufacturing ‘coloured’ Pebbles) – I was eventually given the option to switch my ‘Arctic White’ Pebble to a ‘Jet Black’ model.

The company explained that, by switching to ‘Jet Black,’ I could expect my Pebble to be ready to ship in 2-weeks. My shipment email came in at the beginning of the third week, and my order status remained in ‘Processing’ for a further 1.5 weeks.

The Arrival

My ‘Jet Black’ Pebble (finally) arrived in the UK on May 3, and delivery was delayed due to the Bank Holiday. I went and picked up Pebble from my local post office on Thursday of last week, having been stung (a largely expected) £25.06 in both customs fees and Royal Mail handling charges.

Opening the box, I was slightly dismayed to find that the unit I had received hadn’t been given the ‘Kickstarter Edition’ mark the guys at Pebble originally advertised the device would have as a ‘bonus’ of helping to fund and make the project possible.

@arronhirst It will.

— Pebble (@Pebble) April 11, 2013

Granted, it was expected – (given the obvious problems in manufacturing) – but it did show a slight lapse in care to attention to detail. I was yet to physically turn the device on, so I was prepared to give the company the benefit of the doubt providing the model actually worked.

Luckily, it did. Booting Pebble up for the first time I was asked to launch the official Pebble app and ensure ‘Bluetooth’ was turned “ON” on my iPhone. Launching the app (which I’d had on the smartphone for several weeks), I was met with an alert regarding a new software update being available. The process of updating Pebble was seamless and took only a minute or so to complete.

Once updated, Pebble’s display sprung to life with an inviting “Hello” message. The message confirmed that Pebble had been updated to the latest version of software. I was then free to explore Pebble’s features.

The Hardware

First things, first — Pebble is light.

In fact, Pebble is so light that you actually might forget you’ve got a watch on your wrist. Despite this, the build quality of the unit does appear to be of a high standard. There are no obvious splits or cracks in the outer casing (apart from the join lines where the front faceplate meets the back plate).

Pebble’s front faceplate is made from a sturdy (but scratch-prone) glossy plastic, which is transparent but painted on the inside. This front plate covers and protects the device’s e-paper display, which measures in at 1.26-inch and has a resolution of 144 × 168 pixels. The display is completely black and white, and takes advantage of an ultra low power “memory LCD” made by Sharp. I won’t lie, they’ve done a great job on their choice of display.

Internally, the device carries a backlight (for reading the watch’s display in low-light conditions), a vibrating motor, a magnetometer, a three-axis accelerometer and some ambient light sensors. Pebble also supports both Bluetooth 2.1 and Bluetooth 4.0 (Bluetooth Low Energy), and – despite packing all of this – the watch’s weight has been kept to a minimum.

On the left of the device you’ll find only one button. This button acts as both the ‘Power’ button and the ‘Back’ button, which, (in the latest version of Pebble OS), will return you to your chosen watch face. On the right, however, there are three more buttons. From top to bottom the buttons actions are ‘Menu Up,’ ‘Select,’ and ‘Menu Down.’ These buttons also appear sturdy in their overall design and have a nice ‘click’ for providing feedback and confirmation to the user.

The Software

Out of the box, Pebble comes with three watchfaces pre-loaded. Accessible by pushing the ‘Select’ button (middle, right), these include: Text Watch, Fuzzy Time and Classic Analog. From the ‘watchfaces’ menu you can select one of these watchfaces to use as your everyday face, and doing this will see that watchface become the face you’re returned to whenever you push the ‘Back’ button (left).

Installing new watchfaces couldn’t be easier. Right now, there are 11 officially ‘supported’ watchfaces which can be downloaded from the official Pebble watchface repository. These include: Wordsquare, Snake Finn, 91 Dub, Simplicity, Times Square, Hoe Laat is Het, Brains, Segment Six, Just A Bit, Big Time and TicTockToe.

Those are the officially supported watchfaces.

The launch of the first iteration of the Pebble SDK happening on April 14 has resulted in a sheer explosion of third-party watchfaces – (and so-called ‘watchapps’) – for Pebble. There’s also a number of third-party sites which have sprung up around the idea of making these developed watchfaces and applications for Pebble easily downloadable. My personal favourite of those being mypebblefaces.com.

At your own risk, (due to third-party code potentially having the ability to mess with Pebble OS), you have the option to install a number of third-party watchfaces onto your Pebble. These come in the form of .pbw files and can be wirelessly loaded onto Pebble via Mobile Safari using the official Pebble app.

Third-party watchfaces I currently have installed:

- Noms
- Revolution

Note: You can cycle through the watchfaces you currently have installed on Pebble by using the ‘Menu Up’ and ‘Menu Down’ buttons (right).

Receiving e-mail alerts on Pebble from the iOS ‘Mail’ app is sketchy at best, (right now)

On the notifications front – (especially in regards to iOS) – Pebble needs some serious work. I’m unsure as to whether these issues relate to the Bluetooth MAP Profile in iOS, directly, and it’s ability to hold a persistent connection with a connected device, or whether Pebble is yet to figure out how to get third-party notifications to deliver to Pebble on a consistent basis while connected to an iOS device. Either way, currently, Pebble can only receive call and SMS alerts – reliably.

Other notifications require the coined “finger dance” — and even then, it’s pot-luck if iOS notifications are delivered to Pebble successfully throughout the day. When third-party notifications actually work, they’re great – but don’t expect it to be a smooth ride on iOS. Running Pebble with an Android device, (whether it be either a smartphone or tablet), from my experience, was a much better experience.

Briefly: Here’s How To Get RSS Notifications From RazorianFly On Your Smartwatch

Separate from notifications on both iOS and Android, Pebble also has the ability to tap into the third-party “do” service – IFTTT. Right now, Pebble doesn’t have a dedicated channel setup for actions and ingredients, which means, for pretty much every notification you setup through IFTTT for Pebble, you must also rely on a mobile notification delivery service – such as Pushover and Boxcar.

Sadly, this also means that you have to rely on iOS to deliver notifications to Pebble via these apps, reliably – (and this simply doesn’t happen right now).

Final Thoughts

Overall, after a few days with Pebble, the final product I finally have in my hands is far from what I originally envisaged. That said, I am also aware that building a viable platform takes time, and because of this I am excited to see where Pebble goes next.

For now, using Pebble with my iPhone 5 is a largely disappointing experience, with the watch only currently able to receive SMS and call alerts - reliably.

The ability to install third-party watchfaces makes up for some of the smartwatch’s current downfalls – somewhat, but what I’m personally really excited about is full integration with IFTTT, without the need to rely on third-party notification delivery services.

In the meantime, I’m having to use my Pebble with my Android tablet. That’s an inconvenience for me, personally, as I tend to use my iPhone more than my Android OS tablet. As for if you should take the plunge to line-up and order one? — Pebble is a modern smartwatch with big dreams for the future.

It’s getting there, but it’s not fully there yet.

New Study Shows iPad Smart Cover Magnets Can Shut Off Pacemakers (In Some Cases)

2013-05-09T23:43:35Z

A rather alarming discovery has been made by a 14-year old, which could affect anyone who happens to have a heart-pacemaker and an iPad Smart Cover.

According to the teen’s discovery, (which surfaced as a result of a science fair project), the magnets contained in Apple’s popular ‘Smart Cover’ accessory could (in some instances) disrupt the workings of a heart-pacing device, and if held close enough for a significant period of time, may cause the device to “shut-off.”

Specifically referring to the iPad 2, the study notes that “if a person falls asleep with the iPad 2 on [their] chest,” the magnets in the cover can “accidentally turn off the heart device.”

Speaking as someone who has a brother with a heart pacemaker, this was initially extremely alarming — and had me checking with my brother to see if he is actively using his iPad Smart Cover at college.

However, taking a step back from the headline for a moment, I realized that any magnets could essentially cause this effect – (providing they were strong enough). This is a fact our family has been aware of for some time, considering my brother’s condition (which he has had since birth).

Gianna Chien, a high-school freshman from Stockton, California and the original person to bring such an issue to light, says that “[she] definitely think[s] people should be aware” of this fact.

“That’s why I’m presenting the study,” she concludes.

Not to cause panic unintentionally, though, the study makes sure to stress that the magnets in Apple’s Smart Cover would not necessarily be able to “shut off” pacemaker devices under normal use, but may be able to in a situation where the pacing device is in close-distance exposure of the magnets for an extended period of time.

/ MacRumors

Apple Shifts Its Frontpage Focus To Hitting 50 Billion App Downloads

2013-05-09T20:46:28Z

Apple has tonight shifted the main focus of its official website‘s frontpage away from promoting its latest products, and is instead now focusing on the iTunes App Store imminently crossing 50 Billion App Downloads.

Apple’s official website is now displaying a live countdown to the 50 Billion app download milestone, with the company also displaying a series of interesting facts relating to the number ‘50,000,000,000.’

Alongside visually cycling a selection of thought-provoking (and amazing) facts in its rather prominent new frontpage feature, with each fact Apple is also displaying a corresponding application available for download on its App Store, to further drive home the main point of each fact displayed.

The featured section links to the company’s ‘50 Billion App Downloads’ promotion announced just recently, through which the Californian company will give one lucky iTunes customer the chance at winning a $10,000 App Store Gift Card. The people who are quick enough to download the next 50 apps after the 50,000 milestone has been achieved will win a US $500 App Store Gift Card.

“As of today, nearly 50 billion apps have been downloaded worldwide. And we couldn’t have done it without you. So we want to say thanks,” the promotion’s official page reads.

“Download the 50 billionth app, and you could win a US $10,000 App Store Gift Card. Or download one of the first 50 apps after that, and you could win a US $500 App Store Gift Card.* Browse the App Store and download your next favorite app.”

You can also enter the promotion without purchase or download by filling in this form. For full terms and conditions relating to Apple’s latest App Store promotion, see this page.

Netflix Updates With ‘Post-Play’ For Movies (and TV Shows)

2013-05-09T19:54:39Z

The official client of video-streaming service Netflix has tonight gained a few new features, which are just bound to make your late Friday night watching experience all the more fluid.

Describing the feature as being an “even easier [way] to enjoy movies and TV shows,” Post-Play will now see the Netflix app automatically cue, and then start, the next episode of that TV show you’ve been watching religiously, whenever you happen to finish watching an episode of that same TV show.

But the new feature doesn’t just stop at TV Shows. For those of you who are maybe more interested in watching Movies, ‘Post-Play’ will now also show you three movie recommendations, tailored specifically for you, at end of the movie currently being watched — giving you yet even more options when deciding what movie you might want to watch next on the service.

If that wasn’t enough, the update to the video client also arrives with added and enhanced ‘second screen’ options, just incase you want to throw that movie action to the big-screen TV.

Grab Netflix 4.1 with ‘Post-Play’