Find Our Latest Video Reviews on YouTube!
If you want to stay on top of all of our video reviews of the latest tech, be sure to check out and subscribe to the Gear Live YouTube channel, hosted by Andru Edwards! It’s free!
Latest Gear Live Videos
You can now Pay with Square at Starbucks

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Internet, Software,
Remember the deal that Square struck with Starbucks that'll allow you to pay with the service at all of the infamous coffee locations? Well, it's all been put in place, and you can now pay with Square Wallet at over 7,000 Starbucks locations nationwide. You won't earn reward points like you would using the Starbucks official app, but you also don't need to remember to refill your virtual gift card either. Starbucks doesn't yet allow customers to use the cool Square tab feature where you just pay with your face without having to bust out a wallet or smartphone, but this deal is still in its infancy, so give it some time, m'kay? Hit the source link below for more on how it all works.
Read More | Square
Gallery: You can now Pay with Square at Starbucks
Advertisement
Tweetbot for Mac 1.0.1 now available

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,
Tweetbot for Mac has just been updated to version 1.0.1, bringing with it a few nice improvements, including integration with OS X 10.8 Reading List when you want to mark a URL to be read later. Here's the full changelog:
- added support for Reading List as a Read Later service (OS X Mountain Lion only)
- added j/k navigation support in timeline
- added ability to disable Streaming in Preferences
- improved keyboard support in people searcher
- fixed an issue where timeline would scroll down to tweets that were already read
- fixed streaming on accounts with more than 1500 followers
- fixed other reported issues and bugs
Grab the update from the Mac App Store now!
Read More | Tweetbot for Mac
Gallery: Tweetbot for Mac 1.0.1 now available
iA Writer 1.4 brings responsive design, Retina display optimization

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, PC / Laptop, Software,
iA Writer, our text editor of choice for the Mac, iPad, and iPhone, has been updated today to version 1.4 for Mac. The update brings:
- Responsive design: resize the windows to change the font size
- In-app preview panel
- Optimized for Retina displays
- Formatted QuickLook preview
- Standardized Find and Replace
- Selection-sensitive word count
The responsive design aspect is a nice touch. iA Writer is currently on sale for $4.99 on the Mac, and 99 cents for iPhone/iPad. We highly recommend it.
Gallery: iA Writer 1.4 brings responsive design, Retina display optimization
Siri will be able to purchase movie tickets for you in iOS 6.1

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Software,
We often wonder when Apple will add more abilities to Siri, such as being able to purchase a movie ticket on the go. Well, it appears that Siri will do just that in the upcoming iOS 6.1. 9to5Mac has received word from developers who are using the beta version of iOS 6.1 that Siri now has the movie purchase functionality. However, since the transaction is processed through Fandango, the Fandango app needs to be installed, otherwise Siri prompts the user to download it. This functionality works somewhat like when users make a restaurant reservation with Siri, requiring the OpenTable app to function. Currently this feature only works with select US movie theaters.
Read More | 9to5Mac
Gallery: Siri will be able to purchase movie tickets for you in iOS 6.1
Aside from today's iOS 6.0.1 update, Apple was so inclined to also release updates for both Aperture and iPhoto. You can grab Aperture 3.4.2 and iPhoto 9.4.2 now in the Mac App Store. Both updates include a host of new tweaks and optimizations, and we've got the full rundown after the break.
Click to continue reading Apple releases iPhoto 9.4.2 and Aperture 3.4.2
Gallery: Apple releases iPhoto 9.4.2 and Aperture 3.4.2
Apple releases iOS 6.0.1 bug fix and optimization update

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Software,
Apple has just released iOS 6.0.1, a maintenance update for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. The update adds a plethora of fixes and software optimizations, fixing things like that nasty Microsoft Exchange meeting cancellation bug. So now those employees with BYOD policies under IT rule can get a green light to update. This comes just in time for the new iPad mini and fourth generation iPad, both of which launch tomorrow. As always, do a backup before updating. Here is a list of changes that iOS 6.0.1 brings:
Click to continue reading Apple releases iOS 6.0.1 bug fix and optimization update
Gallery: Apple releases iOS 6.0.1 bug fix and optimization update
Apple iTunes 11 delayed, will launch by end of November

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Music, Software,
For those who wanted a faster, redesigned and polished iTunes, you're going to have to wait a bit longer. iTunes 11, which was slated for an October release, has been delayed, and will instead appear by the end of November. AllThingsD has received confirmation from an Apple representative.
“The new iTunes is taking longer than expected and we wanted to take a little extra time to get it right. We look forward to releasing this new version of iTunes with its dramatically simpler and cleaner interface, and seamless integration with iCloud before the end of November." - Tom Neumayer, Apple Spokesperson
iTunes 11 is said to have a cleaner revamped UI, deeper iCloud integration, a refined mini player, and faster search functionality. The inspiration is similar to the iPad music app, which reduces the amount of chrome visuals, for a better jukebox experience.
Click to continue reading Apple iTunes 11 delayed, will launch by end of November
Read More | AllThingsD
Gallery: Apple iTunes 11 delayed, will launch by end of November
Microsoft announces Windows Phone 8 SDK now available

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Software,
Throughout all the hoopla of the past week with the launch of Windows 8, Surface, and Windows Phone 8, developers have been left wondering how they'd go about coding up their apps for Microsoft's new smartphone platform. Well, at this morning's Build 2012 conference (see our live Build 2012 keynote coverage,) that question was answered with the announcement that the Windows Phone 8 SDK is now available. Hit the source link below to grab it. We're getting a look at it right now, and it's impressive. You can easily share code between phone, tablet, and PC, making multi-platform apps with relative ease.
Read More | Windows Phone 8 SDK
Gallery: Microsoft announces Windows Phone 8 SDK now available
Live from Microsoft’s Build 2012 keynote!

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Features, Microsoft, Software,
We are live, front and center, in one of the largest tents ever contructed getting ready for Microsoft to kick off Build 2012, it's annual developer conference. It's been a big week for Microsoft, what with the launch of Windows Phone 8, its Surface tablet, and of course, Windows 8. The last piece of the puzzle is making sure developers are on board with all the new stuff, and Build is where Microsoft will push that message. Things get kicked off in just a bit, so keep it locked here on Gear Live for live coverage of the Day One Keynote!
Click to continue reading Live from Microsoft’s Build 2012 keynote!
Gallery: Live from Microsoft’s Build 2012 keynote!
Kid’s Corner brings guest account sandbox to Windows Phone 8

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Microsoft, Software,
Parents--how many times have you handed your smartphone to your little one, only to find apps moved around, deleted emails, and text message gobbledygook sent to your boss? Windows Phone 8 is set to eliminate these fears with the introduction of Kid's Corner. From the lock screen, rather than swiping up, you swipe to the right to enter the Kid's Corner interface. This area only allows guest users to access the specific apps, games, music, and videos on your phone that you allow. Quite honestly, we are left scratching our heads wondering why something this smart has yet to appear on iOS or Android.