Apps Lists, News/Rumors

Google updates Chrome and Maps for iOS

Google today updated its Google Maps for iOS to version 1.1, marking the first update since the company launched its standalone app in mid-December after Apple replaced Google with its own default mapping app in iOS 6. A separate update for its Chrome browser, gives iDevice users improved search functionality and browser navigation, as well as better sharing features.
Google Maps version 1.1 brings the ability to search Google Contacts and to sign in to have saved addresses show up when searching for friends and family by name. It also brings the ability to search for local places by category, such as restaurant, bar, cafe, etc. Google Maps version 1.1 is available as a free download in the iTunes App Store. The 7.6MB download requires an iDevice running iOS 5.1 or later.

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Tuesday’s release is the first major update for Google Maps since the software hit the App Store in December. The software was highly anticipated after Google’s mapping data was removed from the iPhone with the release of iOS 6.
Chrome version 25.0.1364.86 brings the requisite stability and security improvements and bug fixes for an update. It also adds a feature where a long press on the back button will allow a user to quickly access any page in the tab’s history.

Users now also have the option to share web pages using messages. Going to “Menu” and then to “Share” will allow users to share content through emails, Message, or their favorite social network. The new version also changes the search experience so that search terms now appear in the browser’s omnibox instead of as part of a longer search URL. According to Google’s post on the feature, it will be rolling out in the coming weeks, so users may not notice it immediately.

iPhone, Jailbreak, News/Rumors

Long-awaited “jailbreak” of Apple’s iOS 6

A new software tool promises deep system access to the inner workings of the iPhone 5, as well as Apple’s latest devices, running the newest iOS.For the first time ever, iPhone 5 and iPad mini owners can jailbreak their device with the release of Evasi0n, the new jailbreak for Apple’s iOS 6 mobile operating system. The software itself runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux and can be used on all iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and iPad mini models.However this new, much-awaited tool continues to work even if you restart your iPhone or iPad, and also works with the iPhone 5.

jailbreak-ios-6-1-beta

Once installed, users can install applications on their phone outside of Apple’s App Store using such stuff like Cydia. Some of those same software tweaks can also be used to make major changes: reskinning the operating system, adding extra functionality to your iproduct .

iOS, News/Rumors

iOS 6.0.1: So Far, So Good

Last week, Apple released its new update iOS 6.0.1.This is the premiere update since the release of the iOS 6 operating system. If you are anything like I am, you probably have yet to decide to download it, with fears that it may make your phone worse or cause it to crash. None of us wants to have to schedule a day filled with waiting around the one Apple store in your area to talk to a Genius. After a lot of research, I became confident enough about this update and went ahead and downloaded it.

First Glance

From an overall look at the performance, I found that the new update has not caused a delay with the speed of my iPhone, which is one of the biggest things that I was concerned about with the update. It can also be affected by your wireless internet providers. Previously, with my iPhone, the lock screen would stick. With this update, Apple has fixed the screen locking issues.

The Deal Breaker

We all know that the biggest concern that we have with updating our iPhones is if we are going to take a loss or a gain with the battery life. Previously, iOS updates for my old iPhone 3GS would drain my battery more quickly or made my phone last longer. It was always a gamble that I took with applying an update to my phone.

Updating to iOS 6.0.1 on my iPhone 4s, I have not noticed any changes for the better or worse. Battery life is still strong and will obviously drain more if I do not close out of my applications. This update would not be good for a user who is only looking to improve battery life.

Group Texting has Improved

With iOS 6 for my 4s, I had experienced many troublesome issues where the push notifications for my friends’ group texts would not appear on my lock screen. My phone would often freeze, and I was unable to type my passcode to unlock it and or read the message. I have yet to have this issue since I updated to the iOS 6.0.1. Fingers crossed, it does not continue to occur!

Do It!

All in all, I feel that this update is quite harmless and would be more beneficial for users of the iPhone 5, which has many bugs that have created a variety of issues.

 

Author Bio: Frank is a tech geek who likes to write about the latest in technology from phones to networks.

 

 

iOS

App Store Search Layout redesigned in iOS 6

With iOS 6, both the iPhone and iPad will receive a new search result interface for App Store. The redesigned search layout was released last night and adds a cards-style interface instead of the old list format.

Overall, the new App Store layout has a more appealing aspect. Besides displaying the application icon, the price and rating, it now displays also an application screenshot, turning the interface more detailed. Yet, the redesigned interface may make it easier for you to find the perfect app but will require some extra fingers activity.

Also, an additional section that has no title and that may very well be a bug, includes a medley of different apps, such as Starbucks, Yelp, Instagram, Tweetbot, and Pandora.

Read more details on Cult of Mac.

 

iOS, News/Rumors

iOS 6 Apps Tips for Developers

As officially announced and in some cases speculated, in September Apple will come with a lot of goodies that are already carrying both users and developers of their feet. The sixth-gen iPhone with a faster and a cutting-edge processor, a larger display, and more powerful graphics, iOS 6 with NFC, iWallet, a revolutionary payments system, new maps, and Facebook integration are only few of the surprises to challenge the developers.

Fellows at Fueled shared some iOS 6 app ideas to prepare other eager developers for the new technical era that will begin in about three weeks.

  • With Google out of the picture, the same will happen with Google Maps and YouTube. The latest iOS 6 Beta version released does not include YouTube anymore, thus, developers should be prepared to develop a YouTube app for iOS 6.

  • As announced at WWDC, Apple will add Bluetooth sharing to iOS 6. This widens the horizons, giving to developers the options to integrate this feature in their apps in order to make them work better, especially when it comes to photo and video sharing apps. Moreover, if we are to add the Facebook integration, too, making apps will definitely come to a new dimension.

  • The fact that Apple was granted with iWallet patents and that it bought AuthenTec, a company that produces chips for fingerprint recognition and NFC, cannot but to inform us that iPhone 5 will come with NFC and with a mobile payments system. As Fueled suggests, this should make developers think of making a gaming app that allows players to exchange items or tokens.
  • Last but not least, it is confirmed by lots of leaked parts that the new iPhone will have a larger screen, involving thus a more powerful processor and advanced graphics. This being the situation, gaming on iPhones will be the next big thing about the iPhone 5, leaving aside the camera. The Retina Display on the new MacBook Pro was and still is a truly challenge for developers, but the Retina Display on an iPhone should be nothing but fun.

These are the options, so developers, get prepared!

iOS, News/Rumors

iOS 6 Beta 4 is now available for Developers

It seems that after 3 weeks of the latest release of iOS beta 3, Apple has provided a new beta version for developers. The update comes as built 10A5376e, being available for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch 4th generation, iPad2 and the new iPad.

Developers could get full advantage of the beta update through Over the Air. Other releases that are worth taking a glance are Xcode beta and Apple TV iOS 6 beta. The operating system update focuses especially on bug fixes and performance amplification.

Apple users are waiting eagerly for the release of iOS 6 this fall, expected to be launched with the latest generation of iPhone. 200 new features will be possible with iOS 6, some of them being Facebook Integration, Google Maps, Do Not Disturb, Lost Mode, 3D Flyover and so on and so forth. 

9to5Mac has provided bug fixes and some new features of the new updates, namely Address Book, Apple TV, Dictionary, Game Center, iTunes, iCloud, Location, Maps, Newsstand and Passbook etc.

Source: 9to5Mac

iOS, News/Rumors

App Store Does Not Require Password to Download Free Apps in iOS 6

iOS 6 beta 1 that debuted in June after the World Wide Developers’ Conference has provided the possibility of downloading updates and previous purchase from App Store without the need of entering the iTunes password.

It seems that iOS 6 beta 3 offers new appealing features, namely downloading free apps from App Store without having to enter the Password. So even if you have owned the app before or not, there will be no more Apple ID Password required. You’ll only need to enter your Password when downloading paid apps.

Apple ID Password required only for Paid Apps

Although the new feature comes in handy, it also allows everyone that has access to your Apple device to download free apps and afterwards delete then without even noticing. Is the new feature that appealing?

iOS

iOS 6 Eases Access to Music and TV Episodes with New Feature

The iOS 6 theme for iDevices running iOS 5 unveiled a redesigned Music App that has new, cooler buttons. It seems that Apple will, in deed, redesign the Music App and will also enhance it with a new and practical feature.

With iOS 6 Apple will add to the list of features at the bottom of albums a new Complete My Album toggle button that will bring new iTunes content into the app, making it easier for users to buy new music. The same will happen with the Video App, too; a Complete My Season button will expand a list of new movies, offering direct access to iTunes content without the need to send the user to iTunes for browsing and downloading new stuff.

Unfortunately, the revamped Music and Video apps have several issues that Apple should fix. The magical button in the Music App appears only when navigating through the Albums tab, and songs cannot be previewed in the Music App only if purchased.

Source: 9to5 Mac

Apple, News/Rumors

New iPhone and iOS Interface Patent Scored by Apple

The new patent received by Apple concerns the way in which electronic lists and documents are displayed on an iPhone’s new graphical user interface. I reckon that this patent is one of the surprises that Apple has prepared for us and that it will bring with iPhone 5 and with iOS 6 a revamped GUI.

The patent covers the use of a multi-touch interface and of various modules and programs, such as email, camera, video player, calendar, widgets, search, notes, maps and others and a virtual keyboard respectively. This patent is closely related to another recently granted patent, namely that concerning music playlists and multiple windowing.

The iOS interface relates to a method that is based on movement detection; users will be able to select and to display certain portions of a document. The method is detailed in the figure below.

Source: PatentlyApple

iOS

Emergency Alerts on iPhone with iOS 6

Apple described at WWDC the new features in iOS 6, but it seems to have failed to mention one. Editor from GottaBeMobile discovered that iOS 6 is compatible with the national cell phone emergency alert system, thus, that iOS 6 can deliver emergency alerts on iPhones. The system relies on Broadcast SMS to send weather threats and AMBER alerts on smartphones.

The notifications will be on by default, but iOS 6 beta offers the possibility to turn off the AMBER alerts or the Emergency alerts. Due to the fact that the system relies on tower location, the notifications will come straight to you without the need to sign up for alerts, even if you are from Paris and you are on vacation in L.A.