Apple and IBM team up to put more iOS devices in the workplace
If you had any lingering notions that Apple and IBM were still bitter arch-rivals, they just got swept away. The two companies have just launched a partnership that could give iPads and iPhones a much larger presence in the workaday world. IBM has agreed to develop over 100 enterprise-grade apps solely for iOS, along with iOS-focused cloud services; it will also sell Apple’s mobile gear as part of its larger solutions, and it’s even handling on-site support. Apple, meanwhile, is offering a special business-friendly support plan.
IBM doesn’t have as much clout as it did when it was a direct competitor to Apple in 1984, or even as much as when it was putting PowerPC chips in computers like the Power Mac G5. However, this deal is still huge. While Apple has been spending a lot of energy making iOS suitable for work, it’s still primarily focused on personal devices — the IBM pact gives it an important ally who can court the less exciting (but clearly important) corporate crowd. Google is making big strides toward improving Android’s business credentials, and Microsoft has a longstanding advantage of its own, but the new agreement could give them significantly tougher competition. Don’t be surprised if you end up getting a company-issued iOS device where you didn’t have one before, or suddenly get the all-clear to bring one into the office.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Apple
Google Plus finally lets you use any name you like
When Google+ first debuted, it insisted that you use your real name on your profile in an effort to “create a community made of up real people” and reduce the trollish behavior often associated with the anonymous internet. As you might expect, it’s suffered some backlash due to this policy, especially for folks who wish to keep their online identities separate from their real ones. Over the years, it’s loosened that restriction by allowing folks to use their desired name on their profile pages plus eventually letting YouTube users use their existing usernames. Today, at long last, Google’s social network has lifted any and all name restrictions entirely, finally letting you pick whatever name you like. So if you’ve always shied away from Google’s social network because of its insistence on real names, you can now go ahead and sign up with any name of your choosing. Unfortunately, you’ll still have to use actual letters or numbers — those who yearn for emoji usernames might want to take a look at this instead.
[Image credit: Shutterstock]
Source: Google Plus
Anomaly series and Plex all on Sale for a limited Time
Looking for something to spend some money on today? 11 Bit Studios has placed all three of their tower defense games series, Anomaly, on sale.
Each of the three tower-defense games has been steeply discounted this week, and this week only. Anomaly Warzone Earth HD and Anomaly Korea are on sale for $0.99 vs their normal $3.99 and Anomaly 2 is down to $.99 from $4.99. Basically you can get all three for the price of one.
If tower-defense gaming isn’t you thing, then maybe media is. One of our favorite apps fro delivering media from you PC to your tablet, phone, Chromecast and other devices is Plex. As luck would have it, the Plex team has put the Plex app on sale as well. Taking it from the usual $4.99 down to $1.99. It is a good time to check it out if you don’t already have it.
To snag any of the deals just direct yourself to the Play Store via any of the links below.
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Root app offers Chromecast Screen Mirroring to those of us without It
I was pretty excited for screen mirror through Chromecast when Google announced it and showed it off at Google I/O. It took some time for the Chromecast app to finally get the update that would allow for it to happen. Google stressed that it is currently still in a beta phase and the devices that are supported could still have issues. The list of supported devices is pretty small but does include the Nexus line, some Samsung, HTC and LG devices. Even with some reports of no audio, major lag or just plain not having the option, we all still want it. Luckily there is a way for those of us that don’t have it to give it a whirl. .
I caught a shared post from QBKing77 lastnight that alerted me to a apk that was created by XDA developer r3pwn. With a simple install on a rotted device, you should be able to utilize the screen casting function. It really is a s easy as side loading the apk, hitting the button and letting it do its thing. I gave it a whirl on my stock, but rooted, T-Mobile Sony Xperia Z late last night to see if it would actually work.
As you can see, after installing the app and hitting the button, I was able to open up the Chromecast app and be greeted with the “Cast Screen now available”. I was pretty stoked to finally get a chance to check it out. I cast the screen, checkout out a few apps and was satisfied it worked and went to bed. Today I checked on the casting again and opened Angry Birds Star Wars just to see about sound and things. I had sound through my TV just fine, doesn’t mean everyone will of course.
There is a slight lag on that particular game, but it isn’t like Angry Birds is a fast paced shooter. I know the cast screen isn’t designed really as a gaming alternative to your big screen, but it works. I did notice that the back of the Xpeia Z was getting quite warm after a few minutes of using it though. You should use this option at your own risk.
The current list of devices that the #MirrorEnabler app is said to have been tested on and verified working is as follows:
ASUS PadFone X
ASUS PadFone 2
Droid RAZR MAXX HD
Droid RAZR M
Sony Xperia Z
Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Sony Xperia Z1
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Sony Xperia Z2
Sony Xperia ZL
Huawei Honor 3C
HTC One M8 (Including GPE)
Motorola Moto X
Motorola Moto G
Samsung Note 8 Tab
Samsung Note 10.1 Tab
Samsung Note Pro 12.2 Tab
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4
Nexus 7 2012
Oppo Find 7
Oppo Find 7a
OnePlus One
LG GPad 8.3
LG G2 Mini
LG Optimus G
LG G Flex
NVIDIA SHIELD
Xiaomi Mi2
Stock only:
Samsung Galaxy S III
Samsung Galaxy Note 2
HTC Droid DNA
Tested Not Working:
HTC EVO 3D
Droid 4
Galaxy Nexus
Samsung Galaxy S II
Most older devices
It doesn’t hurt to give it a shot so long as you have the latest Chromecast app and root. To get started, visit r3pwn’s thread over at XDA to pick up the apk and give it a shot.
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Wi-Fi Calling is finding its way to the Sprint HTC One M8 with Android 4.4.3 Update
Sprint is working on pushing out a OTA to those of you that are rocking a HTC One M8 that moves the device to Android 4.4.3. The update will bring Wi-Fi calling and a HD Voice Icon to the flagship device. Their description of the changes is limited to just those three mentioned above. We assume there are a number of little tweaks and bug fixes as well.
Interestingly enough though, it would seem that after a number of sites reported on the update appearing in the Sprint support pages, listed as version 2.16.651.4, Sprint has since removed it. We hope that there wasn’t some sort of major issue sprouting up on devices that already received it. If you see it, let us know. Maybe it was a snafu and it was supposed to be Android 4.4.4. We can hope, right?
Source: Sprint, 9to5Google
Img: AndroidPolice
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iPhone 6 Cases and Images Circulating on Amazon Based on Rumor, Don’t Offer Insider Information
Prior to the launch of a new iOS device, accessory manufacturers often create cases months in advance in an attempt to gain publicity and score pre-orders from users eager to protect their new devices. These cases are often created based on leaked schematics and the manufacturers themselves rarely have any information on the devices they’re creating cases for beyond what’s seen on rumor sites.
While third-party cases for the iPhone 6 have been available for purchase for months, several different cases from popular accessory manufacturer Spigen have been generating a growing amount of interest on Amazon.com.
Spigen has listed multiple cases, both for the 4.7-inch iPhone and the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6, which it has taken to calling the “iPhone Air.” MacRumors has been contacted several times in regard to these cases, which many readers believe offer legitimate details on the iPhone 6 because they’re coming from a “reputable” source.
Spigen uses photoshopped iPhone 5s images with curved edges to fit into its iPhone 6 cases, which are undoubtedly based on leaked schematics that have been circulating around the Internet for months. The images do not offer any insight into the next-generation iPhone’s appearance and Spigen’s “iPhone Air” moniker for the 5.5-inch iPhone is a mere guess, based on a term bandied about by Chinese media reports. Spigen’s September 30 release date also delivers no inside information about the iPhone 6, as it is a safe date in line with rumors pointing towards an early September introduction.
Along with the cases posted on Amazon by Spigen, Amazon Japan also made headlines last week when an iPhone 6 listing appeared with specific details on the iPhone 6, including a 4.7-inch display, dimensions of 13 x 6.5 x 0.7cm, and a weight of 113 grams.
Many sites reported on the listing as a leak directly from Amazon.com, but in fact, it was listed by a third-party seller who used images taken from MacRumors and coupled them with details derived solely from rumors. The listing was later removed by Amazon.
As we draw closer to the launch of the iPhone 6, similar “leaks” will undoubtedly pop up from seemingly reliable sources taking advantage of the iPhone 6 frenzy, but it is important to note that accessory makers and third-party vendors are unlikely to have insider information sourced directly from Apple.
Apple and IBM Team Up For Major Enterprise Mobility Partnership
Apple and IBM today announced plans for an exclusive partnership that will see them teaming up to “transform enterprise mobility” through a series of new business apps and services for iOS devices that will undoubtedly skyrocket Apple’s enterprise sales.
IBM will begin selling iOS devices to its corporate customers and will also create more than 100 industry-specific native apps that are built from the ground up for the iPhone and the iPad. IBM will also provide cloud services optimized for iOS with capabilities like device management, security, analytics, and mobile integration.
As part of the deal, Apple also has plans to offer a new AppleCare service that will be tailored to meet specific enterprise needs.
Apple CEO Tim Cook appeared on CNBC to discuss the news, where he said the partnership is about “transforming enterprise” and delivering on “the promise of mobile in a big way.”
The partnership will join IBM’s data and analytics capabilities with Apple’s consumer experience and its hardware and software integration, allowing the duo to create apps able to “transform specific aspects of how businesses and employees work using iPhone and iPad.”
Nike’s new baseball glove construction doesn’t take months to break in
If you’ve ever had to break in a new baseball glove, you know that the process take time — usually a few months at best. It can take all of Spring Training for pro players to get the leather worked out, but even then, fielders are left with hauling the weight of that material. The folks at Nike have a knack for sporting goods innovation, and working alongside Colorado Rockies’ all-star left fielder Carlos Gonzalez, it crafted the Vapor 360 Fielding Glove.
Nike’s on-campus Innovation Kitchen tackled the challenge, designing a glove that requires no break-in time and weighs about 20 percent lighter than full-leather options. Taking cues from its footwear advances, the outfit leveraged its Hyperfuse and flexible Flywire technology to cut the extra heft and add versatility. Leather is still the best option for the palm though, but the material has a perforated pattern allowing it to be game-ready immediately. There’s also “tunable” inserts inside the thumb and pinky for a custom feel. Lastly, a TrueAdapt heel has thinner layers of leather, tweaked binding and soft foam that further contributes to the pliability and increases comfort.
“We’ve taken a traditional leather for the palm and perforated it to remove some of the structure so it forms more quickly,” said Matthew Hudson, Nike Baseball Senior Designer. “Therefore, the glove is ready to use straight out of the box.” In fact, the Gonzalez will be snagging fly balls with the glove during tonight’s MLB All-Star Game in Minnesota. While the Vapor 360 is making its on-field debut at Target Field, it’s expected to hit retail in time for the holidays.
Filed under: Misc
Source: Nike
FCC extends the deadline for comments on net neutrality until Friday night
The FCC asked for comments on its proposal for a new version of net neutrality — that sets up rules allowing ISPs to sell access to “fast lanes” — and the internet has responded loudly. Over 647,000 messages were received as of last week, and today the commission announced that because of problems with its website, it’s extending the deadline until midnight on Friday. Last night folks on Reddit noticed the counter for comments received was suddenly bouncing around, but it appears that the “overwhelming surge in traffic” is just overloading the system. If the electronic comment system isn’t working for you, there’s still the openinternet@fcc.gov email address available, and as astounding as it seems, FCC Special Counsel Gigi B. Sohn says every single comment received will be read by FCC staff.
[Image credit: AFP/Getty Images]
In light of problems with our filing system, @FCC just extended deadline to file #netneutrality comments until Friday July 18.
– Gigi Sohn (@GigiBSohnFCC) July 15, 2014
FCC Extends Open Internet Comment Period Until Friday, July 18 at Midnight.
– The FCC (@FCC) July 15, 2014
So many net neutrality comments that FCC’s servers are crashing. New extended deadline is Friday: https://t.co/Darkq5aRwQ
– EFF (@EFF) July 15, 2014
Source: FCC
PayPal’s app can now save your loyalty cards
If Joe’s Diner gives you a free slider every ten meals, you may no longer need to schlep around a punch card if you use PayPal. It’s latest iOS app now works with loyalty cards from select retailers just by scanning a barcode on your physical card. That’ll save it into your PayPal wallet in a similar way to Apple’s Passbook and Microsoft’s Wallet, letting you score discounts or other deals. The company also squashed a few bugs and killed the old-school check-scanning feature. So far, the update applies only to iOS devices, but we’d imagine it’ll hit Android soon as well.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile
Via: TNW
Source: iTunes
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