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iOS 6 to feature new Apple-powered Maps, eliminating Google

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Google, Rumors, Software,

iOS 6 Maps

Google Maps has been a mainstay on in iOS since the birth of the original iPhone back in 2007. For us, the Maps app is one of our most used apps on the device, and we'd bet that this is the same for many others. However, Apple need Google Maps anymore. The company has purchased multiple mapping companies in the past couple of years, including C3 Technologies, Poly9, and Placebase. We haven't really seen the fruits of these acquisitions yet, but that may all be changing with iOS 6.

Click to continue reading iOS 6 to feature new Apple-powered Maps, eliminating Google

Read More | 9to5Mac

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Internet Explorer coming to Xbox 360, to be revealed at E3?

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: E3, Internet, Kinect, Microsoft, Rumors, Xbox 360,

Internet Explorer for Xbox 360

Looks like Microsoft is finally ready to bring Internet Explorer to the Xbox 360 after many years on the market. It turns out that the company has been testing an Xbox-optimized version of Internet Explorer 9 that supports the Bing voice search feature that's currently available on the platform. As with most things that Microsoft builds for the Xbox 360 these days, IE will have deeply-integrated Kinect integration, allowing users to speak web pages into existence, and wave to navigate. No word yet on availability, but E3 is just a few weeks away, and we'd bet that we'll see it in all its glory there.

Read More | The Verge

Apple releases Mac OS X 10.7.4

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,

Mac OS X 10.7.4 download

The latest update to Mac OS X Lion is now available in version 10.7.4. According to Apple, here's what you should expect:

The 10.7.4 update is recommended for all OS X Lion users and includes general operating system fixes that improve the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac including fixes that:

  • Resolve an issue where the “Reopen windows when logging back in” setting is always enabled
  • Improve compatibility with certain British third-party USB keyboards
  • Address an issue that may prevent files from being saved to a server
  • Improve the reliability of copying files to an SMB server

You can grab the update now by using Software Update!


How to install Flipboard for Android right now

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Features, Google, Software,

Flipboard for Android apk

As we reported, Flipboard for Android has leaked and is now available for download to pretty much any Android device, obliterating the Samsung Galaxy S III limited exclusivity window. Want it right now? Sure you do. Here's how to get it:

Click to continue reading How to install Flipboard for Android right now


Flipboard for Android leaks, available to all

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Software,

Flipboard for Android leak

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S III, one of the little touches of the presentation was that Flipboard would finally be coming to Android, with limited exclusivity to the Galaxy S III. Well, it looks like that's out the window. Now, if you're looking to pick up the Galaxy S III, no worries, you still get Flipboard. However, the app has leaked, and pretty much anyone running an Android device can install it, right now, long before the Galaxy S III even ships. You can grab the APK (Android installation file) over on the XDA-developers forum. We've got full instructions on how to install Flipboard for Android as well.


Apple releases iOS 5.1.1

iOS 5.1.1 features

Apple has released iOS 5.1.1 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and with it comes various bug fixes and improvements. According to Apple, you should expect the following:

  • Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using Lock Screen shortcut.
  • Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks.
  • Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances.
  • Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List.
  • Fixes an issue where "Unable to Purchase" alert could be displayed after successful purchase.

iOS 5.1 was released two months ago, right before the release of the new iPad. You can grab iOS 5.1.1 by going into the Software Update option within the Settings app on your device, or you can connect your device to iTunes and do it there.

Read More | Apple

Decide releases iPad app to help you shop wisely

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Lifestyle, iPad Apps, Free Apps,

Decide for iPad

We're always on the hunt for a good deal, which is why we're fans of Decide. The site finds the best deals on electronics and appliances, and through its algorithm, predicts when you should buy things based on price trends. Recently, Decide launched its "Got Your Back" feature, which suggests 10 products at bargain basement prices. If you buy one and the price drops within the next two weeks, Decide will pay you the difference, for free.

Today the company continues its roll with the release of the Decide iPad app. It's basically everything you already love about Decide (and if you don't use them, you should,) optimized for the iPad. Yes, that includes high-resolution Retina display graphics as well. It's a beautiful app, and it's available now on the App Store for free.

I spent some time at the Decide offices earlier this week--great people over there, and we look forward to what the future holds for the company.


Skype for Windows Phone now out of beta

Skype Windows Phone 7

It’s been long in the making and long-awaited by many (ever since Microsoft bought Skype,) and now Skype is officially available for Windows Phone. The beta version of Skype has been around since February, but wasn't functional on all Windows Phone devices, according to Skype. However, with its official release, no such warnings exist. You can download Skype from the Windows Phone Marketplace now.

Read More | Skype

How to bring Siri to your Mac

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Software,

Siri for Mac

Siri has been relegated to the confines of the iPhone 4S for the past six months, while many a new iPad owner and Mountain Lion beta tester have wondered what's taking Apple so long to release the feature from beta. For those of you running the latest version of OS X, Reddit user Moosehadley figured out that you can inject Siri's female voice right into OS X Lion (we've confirmed that this works for Mountain Lion as well.) All you need to do is go into System Preferences > Speech > Text to Speech. Use the System Voice pulldown, and choose Customize. From the list, select "Samantha" and let it install. This is the same voice used for Siri, and should hold you over until her full functionality makes it to the Mac.


OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion Developer Preview 3 now available

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,

Mountain Lion Developer Preview 3

Apple has just released a new OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion Developer Preview about a month after the last release. Dubbed Mountain Lion Developer Preview 3, build 12A178q is the third beta release of the company's next major desktop operating system. Developers can grab a download redemption code in the Apple Developer portal, which will be used to get the update from the Mac App Store. OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion will be publicly released late this summer, but anyone with a Mac developer account can get access to the Developer Previews immediately. Release notes after the break.

Click to continue reading OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion Developer Preview 3 now available


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