Any.do task manager now available for the web
Any.do task manager is on of the most robust, beautifully designed task managers out there. Using the app helps simplify your day by breaking your tasks down into Today, Tomorrow, Upcoming, and Someday categories. One of the most requested features to come from the app is the ability to manage your tasks from the web. Beginning today, that feature is available to the masses, bringing Any.do to the desktop.
The interface is just what you’d expect. It’s simple, clean, and doesn’t do too much for its own good. Once you sign in, you’ll see the categories towards the top, waiting for you to add something to them. Once a task is complete, hover over it and press the check mark button. It’s as easy as that!
There are two different interfaces you can choose from: Focus Mode and Planning Mode. Planning Mode is the default, giving the four columns in plain sight. After switching to Planning Mode, the interface switches to a more planner-like interface. It’s more of an agenda view, with the ability to scroll down to see your next events, rather than cluttering up the whole page. To switch between the two, click one of the two top-right buttons.
Users must “apply” to use the web app before use. Don’t worry, though. We got our confirmation email within a few seconds of “applying.”
Head here to use Any.do on the web. Now is a great time to begin if you’ve never tried it out. If you have used the web interface, how do you like it? We’d love to hear your experiences!
Via: Android Central
The post Any.do task manager now available for the web appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Apple Preparing iOS 7.1.2 Update, Likely Addressing Email Encryption and iMessage Issues
With just eleven days to go until the expected public unveiling of iOS 8 at its Worldwide Developers Conference keynote, Apple also appears to be working on an upcoming iOS 7.1.2 update, as has also been hinted at by recent statements from the company. Devices identifying themselves as running iOS 7.1.2 and coming from Apple’s networks have been showing up in our web logs since last Friday.
Activity is still low, but that is typical for the early stages of update testing, particularly minor ones that may not require widespread internal or external testing. As a minor update, iOS 7.1.2 is likely to focus on bug fixes and other tweaks rather than major feature additions, and it likely will not even be put through a developer testing period before release.
Visits to MacRumors.com from devices running iOS 7.1.2
Details on changes included in the update are currently unknown, but there are two issues likely to be addressed. One is a fix for an email attachment encryption issue disclosed several weeks ago. At the time the issue gained widespread publicity, Apple issued a statement indicating it was aware of the issue and that a fix would be included in a “future software update.”
The second is a long-standing iMessage issue that has recently gained new attention. The issue, which results in lost messages for those switching away from the iPhone to another device and not having their phone numbers disassociated from iMessage, has been worsened recently by server problems. Just today, Apple reported those server problems have been fixed and that it will be including “an additional bug fix in a future software update”.
For both of these issues, iOS 7.1.2 would be the first iOS update since Apple’s promise of fixes, so it’s reasonable to assume those problems will be addressed in the forthcoming update.
While Apple is expected to preview iOS 8 at its June 2 keynote and begin making builds available to developers, a public release of iOS 8 is not expected until around the September timeframe, in line with the release of new iPhone hardware. Apple has on occasion continued to release updates to iOS after it has begun developer testing of the next major version, but these updates have historically been specialized ones targeting significant performance or security issues rather than broader sets of improvements.
Heading into WWDC, traffic from devices on Apple’s network identifying themselves as running iOS 8 has been rising fairly steadily in recent months, while OS X 10.10 traffic has been fairly stable.
Environmental VP Lisa Jackson Discusses Apple’s Carbon Footprint Balancing Act [Mac Blog]
At Fortune’s recent Brainstorm Green conference, Apple VP of Environmental Initiatives Lisa Jackson spoke about her role at Apple and the company’s green initiatives, reports Philip Elmer-DeWitt of Apple 2.0. Jackson joined Apple’s executive team last year and formerly served as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
After a brief discussion of Jackson’s background and Apple’s green achievements, the highlight of the 16-minute interview occurs when Jackson was questioned by Patagonia’s environmental chief Rick Ridgeway. Ridgeway inquired how Apple can boast about reducing its carbon footprint on individual products, when its overall footprint increases each year as the business grows. After chuckling about being “put on the spot,” Jackson responded seriously:
Listen, if all of us sustainability professionals have to resort to “make and sell less stuff” as the answer to the problem, then we are suffering from an extraordinary lack of imagination. And innovation. One of the things that your company — certainly I think Apple — is about is trying to understand where the technology innovations and other innovations are that help us to reduce carbon intensity. We’re not advocating for less people to have access to our products. That’s not the answer we’re looking for.
Apple has made great strides in the area of the environment, reducing the carbon footprint of its Mac business by 27 percent over the past eight years and powering most of its facilities almost entirely with renewable energy.
Amazon invites customers to try Fire TV free for a month
Amazon is emailing some of its customers with an offer to try out the $99 Fire TV box free-of-charge for 30 days. If they don’t get along with the little Android-powered streamer and gaming console, they can return it without obligation and without being left out of pocket — so long as they follow the conditions of Amazon’s returns policy, which includes keeping the hardware in new condition. Of course, a regular customer could get a similar end result without the invite, by dabbling with the Fire TV for a month and then using the normal returns procedure to get a full refund, but they’d have to pay upfront and possibly also pay for return shipping costs.
Update: We incorrectly linked the 30-day trial with Amazon’s standard returns policy, when the former might have some genuine advantages. The post has been changed to reflect that.
[Thanks, Jeffrey]
A week with Leica’s T, the most beautiful mirrorless camera money can buy
Leica’s cameras have always been good-looking, and they’ve always been expensive. You might expect the German camera maker’s most visually stunning model yet to cost more than a pretty penny, and it does, but at $1,850 (body only), it’s also one of the company’s most affordable interchangeable-lens cameras to date. The Leica T, machined from a single block of aluminum and hand-polished for 45 minutes, is not going to be produced by the millions and marketed around the world. And considering the nearly $2,000 you’ll pay for each of the camera’s brand-new lenses, you can definitely invest in a more capable camera system for less. But the T is a work of art, and people will pay ridiculous sums for a desirable piece. This one just also happens to take pictures.
Shooting with the Leica T was quite an experience. It’s not inconspicuous — everyone from partygoers to construction workers noticed the camera every few minutes. Tourists stopped walking so I could finish taking a picture. One gentleman nearly tripped trying to duck below my subject. It’s clear that to passersby, I was no longer just another schlub taking pictures. I was a photographer. The T will definitely attract attention, making it either the best or worst camera for street photography on the market, depending on what you’re going for.
It’s clear that to passersby, I was no longer just another schlub taking pictures. I was a photographer.
One Leica rep I spoke to envisions the T being a hit with design-oriented professionals. Architects may use it to photograph their buildings, or an advertising executive could use it for casual shots while filming a campaign. Professional photographers could carry the T, too — it’ll certainly fit in at a high-end destination wedding — and for consumers that have the cash to spare, it’s without a doubt one of the most desirable mirrorless cameras you can buy.
Clearly, Leica’s primary focus is on the T’s physical design, but its capture capabilities have not been overlooked. There’s a 16.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor — the same size you’ll find in many other mirrorless cameras, like Fujifilm’s X-T1 (another pricey model) or Sony’s Alpha 6000. It can shoot 1080p video at 30 frames per second and still photos at 5 fps (for up to 12 consecutive frames). Physical controls are limited to a power toggle, shutter release and two dials on the top, so you’ll use the 3.7-inch 1.3-million-dot touchscreen to frame shots and control nearly all of the camera’s settings.
The screen is relatively bright (it adjusts automatically based on ambient light), but limited viewing angles make it difficult to use in sunlight. Fortunately, you can add on an electronic viewfinder, but that accessory will run you a whopping $600. Part of Leica’s justification for the shocking price tag is that the EVF includes an integrated GPS module (the T’s all-aluminum housing wouldn’t make it easy to find a signal otherwise), but WiFi connectivity is integrated within the body. Compared to other mirrorless cameras, image quality is excellent. Details were sharp; exposures were typically spot-on; and the T focused quickly. Again, glare can definitely be an issue in bright daylight, so you’ll want to add on the EVF in order to confirm settings and verify proper exposure when shooting outdoors.
I tested the camera with the versatile 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar-T lens. Normally, you’d receive such a lens as part of a kit, included in a camera’s price tag. Leica’s equivalent, however, costs $1,750 — almost as much as the T body itself. Granted, that lens is of much higher quality than its “free” counterparts from Samsung or Sony, but Leica’s glass pushes the camera out of reach for many consumers. You’ll probably also want to add on the 23mm f/2 optic, which retails for $1,950, or the $395 adapter you’ll need to use Leica M-mount lenses with the T. Of course, more lenses are coming later this year — eventually, you could expect to spend $10,000 or more to build out a complete collection.
Should you buy the Leica T? That’s tough to say. It’s an absolutely gorgeous camera that shoots great photos, but it costs a ton, and skimps on features that many pros need, like 1080/60p video, audio inputs and super-fast consecutive-shooting speeds. And while I love the clean design, the lack of physical controls is absolutely a dealbreaker for serious photographers. If you’re shooting outside on a sunny day, the touchscreen and its minimalist interface can really throw a wrench in your workflow. For casual users with (very) deep pockets, though, the T is a great option. It looks fantastic; it’s a ton of fun to use; and it’ll garner more attention than a fancy handbag or a piece of flashy jewelry. For what Leica set out to create, the T is definitely a winner.
Filed under: Cameras
Moonlight as a DJ using Spotify tracks and an iPad
We’ve living in an age of on-demand music and high-power hardware everywhere. That means (among other things) that it’s never been easier to play at being a DJ… especially if the streaming audio buffs have anything to say about it. You see, Spotify and Algoriddim — the makers of the popular iPad DJing app djay 2 — have partnered up to give would-be turntablists access to Spotify’s extensive audio archive, just in time for all those early summer shindigs.
In addition to just making those myriad tracks available for your mix, djay 2 can now suggest songs that would mesh nicely with what’s already playing (thanks to some help from Spotify-owned Echo Nest). And if you want your DJing experience to be even more laissez faire? A new Automix Radio feature will craft an entire mix for you — transitions included — so you can nip off for a drink and mingle while the tunes play on. Just note that you’ll still have to pay Spotify $9.99/month for that access, though djay 2 users get a 7 day free trial to whet their proverbial whistles. If this turn of events sounds just a little familiar, well, you’d be right. Spotify inked a similar deal with the folks behind the Pacemaker DJ app earlier this year too, but djay 2 has been downloaded some 10 million times to date — maybe appealing to those mobile DJs will help the streaming giant finally turn a profit.
Via: CNET
Source: Algoriddim
Amazon is giving away $10 in Amazon Coins
Amazon has been a giving mood lately with their previous $22 Amazon coin giveaway and now they’ve come back with another Amazon freebie. All you need to do is head over to this Amazon’s AppStore and download the five apps at this link.
Here is a list of the five apps for download:
- Food Network In The Kitchen
- Strawberry Shortcake Bake Shop
- iHeart Radio
- Dr. Panda’s Restaurant
- Don’t step the white tile
Each app you download equals 200 free Amazon Coins ($2). After you download the apps you can get rid of them or keep them at your leisure. Remember though: Amazon Coins can only be used for apps/in-app purchases in Amazon’s Appstore. So get our there and get some free Amazon Coins!
Via: Android Police Source: Amazon
The post Amazon is giving away $10 in Amazon Coins appeared first on AndroidGuys.
KitKat rolling out to Sony Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z
Earlier today we’ve reported that HTC One (M7) is getting updated in Europe and now we have another major manufacturer doing the updating as announced earlier this year.
Sony is rolling out Android 4.4 KitKat to Sony Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z devices. Sony pointed out that the rollout will vary depending on the market, which is expected of course. When done with the listed devices this Japan based giant plans on giving the KItKat treatment to its midrange offerings such as Xperia E1, Xperia T2 Ultra and Xperia M2. Sony is usually extremely late when updating its devices so this is a good sign.
Full update changelog:
- Google’s Android 4.4; KitKat as standard – bringing improved performance & user interface (UI) optimisation…
- If you’ve got a Sony PlayStation 4, you might recognize our new user interface – we’ve added the same sleek launch animation and live wallpaper across the lock and home screens. You’ll also spot a revamped Status Bar and Quick Settings… now more intuitive and customisable (also with a fresh new look)… cleaned up to ensure you only get the notifications you really need
- As you might expect, we’re also uplifting Sony’s entire native app portfolio to the latest versions bringing tweaked / improved / current experiences for one and all… some of our favourites look like:
- Messaging – a few UI adjustments here & there, including a slicker “send” animation, and deeper Emoji support for some expressive fun… also worth noting, you’ll find smileys wherever there’s an app with a keyboard
- Email – you’ll be able to both load and see more mails… but don’t fret, navigation of said load is easier with a more responsive viewing pane – split screen modes divide info for easy digest… especially useful / works a treat on Xperia Tablet Z
- Smart Social Camera – our social imaging experience makes its debut on our first Z Series devices; a selection of Xperia Camera apps directly accessible from your viewfinder… including personal favourite “Creative Effect”, and more for download to boot!
- Battery STAMINA Mode – level-upping our unique power management feature, bringing smarter data management & more for prolonging your juice
- Sony’s Media apps: WALKMAN, Album and Movies, with Sony Entertainment Network cloud service integration* – a more converged and full Sony entertainment experience – Sony Entertainment Network & PlayMemories integration with a more intuitive UI, better download speeds, and more…
- And proving pretty popular, now totaling over 2 million downloads (!) – our unique custom interface experience: “Xperia Themes”, with downloadable UI packs from Sony Select – skin up to 280 assets across your Xperia smartphone with a variety of styles…
- Compatibility with our SmartWear Experience; SmartBand SWR10 and Lifelog app– enabling you to record social, physical and entertainment activities and have them all visualised in a beautiful interface… reminisce at that past, make the best of the present and plan for the future
SOURCE: Sony
The post KitKat rolling out to Sony Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung: good vs bad and what I’d change [EDITORIAL]
No matter whether you love or hate Samsung, you have to admit they’re one of the strongest brands in smartphone industry. When it comes to Android they have consistently been perceived as the strongest one, particularly when we look at the market share.
According to Localytics Samsung owns 63.3% of Android market, followed by HTC with 6.5% and LG with 5.9% share. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I used the phrase „undisputed king of Android (share)“. Said data is dating back to November 2013, but not much has changed in half a year.
NOTE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS SPREAD OVER TWO PAGES
I personally don’t like Samsung’s take on Android… at all. I consider their TouchWiz skin to be extremely buggy, cartoonish and quite frankly crappy. There, I said it. All that considered, Samsung has one big thing going for them, an established brand. They quickly and steadily managed to put two words on the tongues of smartphone users around the world. The words? “Samsung Galaxy“.
As soon as people hear those words they know what you’re talking about – even if their knowledge of smartphone industry is almost non-existent. Heck, even the word “Galaxy“ on its own now makes people think about Samsung and their smartphone business.
A quick trip down memory lane reminds us that the “Galaxy“ brand came to life in 2009 when Samsung released their first Samsung Galaxy device running Android. Since then every Samsung’s phone running Google’s Android operating system was dubbed Galaxy. That first device, the Samsung Galaxy i7500, was released in April and came with Android 1.5 Cupcake out of the box. I had the pleasure of handling that very same device. At the time I was rather impressed by it; it was a nice piece of technology.
I don’t think Samsung realized that what they created back then would go on to be as big as it is today. Jump to today and we see that Samsung has released over 200 models carrying the “Galaxy” name. That’s a lot of stars.
We can separate Samsung’s Galaxy devices in a few categories:
- Smartphones (Ace, S, etc.)
- Phablets (Note and Mega lines)
- Tablets (Tab and Note lines)
- Other (Camera line, Gear line)
I did allow myself some freedom categorizing devices considering there are so many. What’s more, some really don’t belong anywhere, like the Galaxy Camera.
Samsung’s flagship “S” line is the iconic flagship line, having moved more than 210 million units since 2010. In the 1st quarter of 2014 alone Samsung shipped 85 million smartphones, with at least 80% of those being Galaxy devices. In comparison, Apple shipped 43.7 million smartphones, while Lenovo, Huawei and LG all shipped between 12 and 14 million units each. I believe these numbers speak for themselves.
Taking all of this into consideration it is obvious that Samsung is the king of Android and nobody seems poised to wrestle away the crown any time soon. But, as you know quantity does not equate to quality. And, even though the Galaxy S5 is already selling like crazy, it doesn’t mean they’re doing things 100% right.
I am sure that I am not the only one to think that Samsung has stopped pushing us forward. They’ve slowed down on innovation and most of what they do are gimmicks to appeal to people who are amused by them. Unfortunately, that is a vast majority of market today.
Some of you may disagree with me, that is just fine. Maybe you find Samsung’s gimmicks useful. I am not saying that some of their features are not useful but a lot of what I see is stuff that typical consumers don’t use on a daily basis. For all of the marketing done and the hype around the announcements, it feels like stuff that’s only there because Samsung could do it – not because users ask for it or need it.
It may seem like I’m hating on Samsung, but I’m not. I’m just disappointed in how things seem to evolve. There’s less “revolution” in today’s models and the last few cycles are more “evolution”. Maybe I demand a bit too much but it has been a while since I saw something that made me say, “WOW!”
Personally, and if nothing else, I would appreciate if they’d at least pay more attention to finer details and stop pushing buggy versions of TouchWiz.
Let me elaborate on the Good, Bad and the Bottom Line on the next page.
The post Samsung: good vs bad and what I’d change [EDITORIAL] appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Any.DO makes a serious push toward bigger screens with new web app
Task-managing applications like Any.DO are known for helping you stay on top of things, like reminding us to pick up that milk on the way home — because we all know how important it is to do that. But while the service has made its presence be felt on mobile, a dedicated web app is something that Any.DO users have long been waiting for. And now it’s here. As of today, you can start using Any.DO outside of iOS and Android and on any browser, not just via a Chrome extension. For the most part, it’ll be the same on your web browser as it is on the smartphone app, but there are some new features that Any.DO has tailored specifically for bigger screens. Focus Mode, as seen above, lets you quickly glance at what to-do’s you have coming up; Planning Mode, meanwhile, shows multiple folders and allows tasks to be moved across one another.
As part of this announcement, Any.DO also let it be known that it has now reached 10 million users worldwide, and it is hoping the newly minted web app will only help it grow further. “There’s a world of people who haven’t considered us because they need a full web experience, right on their computer screens. They’re going to use Any.do for the first time and that’s what I’m most excited about,” said Any.DO CEO Omer Perchik.
Filed under: Misc, Internet, Software
Source: Any.DO
AIVAnet 