CarPlay Now Available in Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia and Sweden [iOS Blog]
Apple today updated its iOS 8 Feature Availability page to note that CarPlay can now be used in five additional countries: Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, and Sweden. With the addition of these five countries, CarPlay is now available in a total of 25 countries around the world.
Apple’s been expanding CarPlay support to additional countries rapidly in the month of April. On April 8, CarPlay support was added to Brazil, China, India, Thailand, and Turkey.
Due to the wide range of partners Apple has to work with and varying methods of implementing support, CarPlay has been slow to get off the ground. CarPlay continues to be primarily available through aftermarket in-dash systems from companies like Pioneer and Alpine, but several car manufacturers have pledged to release vehicles with support for CarPlay in 2015.
Former iOS Chief Scott Forstall Serving as Snapchat Advisor [Mac Blog]
After being forced out of Apple in 2012 following a major Maps debacle and clashes with other execs, former Apple Senior Vice President of iOS Software Scott
Forstall has kept a low profile, largely staying out of the public eye.
He hasn’t taken on a major role at any company, but in late 2013, news surfaced suggesting he had been spending his time advising startups and becoming involved in philanthropical causes. As of today, news has leaked about one of the startups Scott Forstall is involved in — Snapchat.
A leaked email from the late 2014 Sony Pictures hack discovered by TechCrunch suggests that Scott Forstall has been serving as an advisor to popular ephemeral photo sharing app Snapchat, earning himself .11% of the company’s stock. Forstall’s shares in the company vest over the course of 24 months and could be worth approximately $16.5 million at Snapchat’s current $15 billion valuation.
When TechCrunch questioned Snapchat about its relationship with Scott Forstall, the company did not deny that he was an advisor, stating “we have a number of advisors, but we don’t comment on the specifics of their relationship with the company.”
Scott Forstall first fell in league with Apple in 1992, when he took on a job at Steve Jobs’ company, NeXT. When NeXT was acquired by Apple in 1997, Forstall stayed on, working on the Macintosh user design team. He was promoted several times and in 2005, he began working on iOS. Forstall has been largely credited with the skeuomorphic design present in the early years of the operating system, an aesthetic that eventually led to disagreements with other executives at the company following Steve Jobs’ death.
Steve Dowling’s Role as Apple PR Chief Now Permanent [Mac Blog]
Longtime Apple public relations veteran Steve Dowling was today added to Apple’s executive page, marking his official promotion to Vice President of Communications.
The role has been open since Katie Cotton retired in 2014, but Steve Dowling has been serving as the interim head of public relations for several months now. His position was initially temporary as Apple searched for other high-profile external candidates, but it appears Apple could not find a suitable person to fill the role.
Following Katie Cotton’s departure from Apple, Tim Cook was reportedly searching for a “friendlier” PR chief with a “more approachable face” to take over, to continue on with Apple’s trend of being more open under Tim Cook’s leadership.
Dowling has worked for Apple for twelve years and before taking over Cotton’s former role, he served as the senior director of corporate public relations at the company. Before that he worked at CNBC’s Washington Bureau for eight years.
Yelp Releases Apple Watch App With Nearby Location Listings, Reviews [iOS Blog]
Apple Maps partner Yelp has today announced an update to its iOS app that will bring the service to Apple Watch. The announcement comes in the midst of more and more companies announcing their Apple Watch apps as the April 24 launch races forward.
The Yelp app for Apple Watch serves up nearby restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and new businesses along with their star rating, review count, business category, price range, distance from your exact position, and hours of operation. We’ve stylishly packed in millions of local reviews with petite precision so you have vast insider knowledge right at your fingertips. Now that’s what we call a micro machine!
The app allows users to search for places of interest in addition to receiving recommendations nearby businesses and restaurants. It also comes with Handoff support, allowing users to jump from the Apple Watch to their iPhone to make a phone call, write a review, add photos or video, or check in for potential rewards. The Apple Watch app is live today.
Yelp can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Daily Roundup: Social media at Coachella, new ‘Star Wars’ droid in real life and more!
In today’s Daily Roundup, find out what it was like to try and document the Coachella music festival from a variety of social media accounts, see a drone from the new Star Wars movie in real life and get all the details on Microsoft apps getting bundled with Cyanogen on Android devices. Read these stories and more below.
How I tried and failed to be social at Coachella
I arrived in Palm Springs, California, with the best of intentions. I was to document — painstakingly document — the entire Coachella experience with all of the available mobile social tools at my disposal. I would Meerkat and Periscope and Instagram and Snapchat and tweet from Engadget’s official accounts and the folks peering through from the other side of the digital window would watch, fave, like, retweet and comment live.
Adorable new ‘Star Wars’ droid proves it’s not CGI
When the first trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released, the internet lost its collective mind. Not only were people up in arms over the fact that a stormtrooper could be gasp black, but also nobody could believe that this incredible rolling droid, dubbed the BB-8, was actually real. It must be CGI, right? Well, during today’s Star Wars Celebration convention in Anaheim, California, the BB-8 made its first real-life debut by rolling onstage to riotous applause from the crowd.
Microsoft apps will be bundled on Cyanogen Android devices
Cyanogen has revealed that it will pre-install Microsoft apps on its modded Android OS later this year, including Bing, Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook and Microsoft Office. The news doesn’t come as a huge surprise, since it was rumored that Redmond had purchased a minority stake in Cyanogen with the express intention of bundling its software. As part of the deal, Microsoft will also create “native integrations” on Cyanogen OS, presumably to make all its apps play well together. Microsoft has avoided porting its productivity software over to Android and iOS for quite awhile, but finally made the jump earlier this year.
Meerkat looks to Android for a chance at beating Periscope
Can an Android launch save Meerkat? SXSW must seem like a long time ago for the folks behind the livestreaming app that took Austin by storm back in March. It was just a few weeks later that Twitter launched Periscope, which, thanks to the social network’s clout and a better user experience, has quickly become the streaming app of choice. Right now both services are iOS only, though, and Meerkat is hoping to hook the hundreds of millions of Android users on its app with a public beta launch.
Can a head-worn fitness device work? Recon seems to think so
Long before Google had ever uttered the word glass, Recon Instruments was rising to prominence with a head-worn display designed for snow sports. You’d be forgiven for not knowing the name, since the technology was buried inside expensive sets of ski goggles like Oakley’s Airwave. Then, the company announced that a new product for cyclists and runners would arrive, this time branded under its own name. Few outside the running/cycling community paid attention to the Recon Jet, since they were all distracted by Google’s rival.
Jawbone’s latest health bands: $99 Up2 & Up4 with AmEx payments
We’re still waiting for Jawbone’s long-delayed Up3 to start shipping next week, but that’s not stopping it from debuting two new health bands today. The $99 Up2 (pictured above) sits between its $50 entry-level Up Move and the $179 Up3, and it includes pretty much all of the features from last year’s Up24, just in a more stylish frame. The $199 Up4, on the other hand, is basically the same device as the Up3 with one big difference: NFC payments, courtesy of a partnership with American Express.
Google search ‘Find My Phone’ to locate your missing Android
Google’s making it even easier to track down your misplaced mobile device. While Android Device Manager already exists to help find lost phones and tablets, just getting to your account’s ADM menu often requires a search of its own. But Find My Phone is as simple as a web query. In fact, that’s literally what you’re doing. Simply open a Google omnibox and type “find my phone” to display a map that reveals the phone’s current resting place.
Filed under: Internet
Masked Shooters review: a fun FPS with some kinks
First-person shooters are always fun to play and are an easy way to pass the time. It’s easy to start playing one and then realize that you have been playing for hours. The Play Store is full of these games, and Masked Shooters is one that is fun if you can look past some of the bugs.
First off, Masked Shooters is really easy to start up. After installing you can have it up and playing in seconds. After starting, you are brought to your character screen where you can choose your name, see how many games you have played, how many games you have won, and how many kills you have. You are also given a score and a title. However, I do not know how the score is calculated. There are no instructions for this game nor any type of leader board. I am also unsure of how you receive certain titles since there is no sort of explanation anywhere in the game. The next screen lets you select your room. You can name the room, select the number of players, select the game mode, the game location, and what weapons are available. One thing that I enjoy about this game is that all weapons are unlocked from the beginning. You do not have to earn a certain amount of points to unlock a better gun. One more continue and you are playing. The controls are simple. A joystick to move and a “Change Weapon” button on the right. On the left, you have a firing button, a sights button, and a jump button. You look around by sliding your finger across the screen. Once you have mastered the controls, it is time to go on a rampage and shoot anything that moves. And that…is…about…it. There is not other objectives for this game. There is no story line, achievements, rewards, anything. Sure, you have that score I mentioned earlier, but who knows what that is even for? That being said, this game is a great way to blow off steam. Since you have all the guns one the game begins, you can spend forever just shooting people and them switch to an RPG for some sweet explosions. The game does not look half bad, and the locations are pretty cool. Once you start playing, it is actually pretty hard to stop. After installing it, I played for about an hour without even realizing it.
Back at the start screen, you have some options that you can choose to change around your gameplay. By default, the quality is set to “Fastest” but you can set it to whatever level you want and whatever your device can handle. I played this on a Nexus 6, and when I attempted to set the quality to “Beautiful” or “Fantastic,” it would crash. I restart the app, restarted my phone, and reinstalled with no luck. I am not sure why this happens, but hopefully the developer fixes it soon. If you are like me, the sensitivity was a little too high. You can change that in the options, too. However, the slider for sensitivity is actually labeled “Sensibility.” It is a small typo, but I feel like the developer should have caught that. You also have the option to raise and lower the sound. One more complaint is that the game does not rotate with your device. If I turn my device the wrong way, I am just staring at an upside down game because it does not rotate on your screen.
With all these issues stated, the game is still super fun. If you are looking to find a fun little FPS to play in your spare time, then this is definitely the game for you. You will not have to commit much time to it because there is nothing to unlock or upgrade, just things to shoot. While I reviewed the single-player version of this game, there is also a multiplayer version which might bring some more competition. Masked Shooters is available on the Play Store for free.
What we liked:
- Quick to start playing
- Everything is already unlocked
- Graphics are nice
- Controls are simple and easy to learn
- No tasks to complete, just things to shoot
What needs improvement:
- Crashes when the quality is set past a certain level
- Does not rotate with your device
- No storyline or achievements
- No instructions
- Not sure how to points are earned and titles are gained
Did you check out Masked Shooters? Tell us what you thought in the comments!
The post Masked Shooters review: a fun FPS with some kinks appeared first on AndroidGuys.
All metal Xperia Z4 with finger print sensor rumored for September
Twitter account ViziLeaks has tweeted that Sony plans to change up the Xperia design by “going all metal” and even changing their iconic power button. Sony has kept a relatively similar design to their Xperia line since the first Xperia Z smartphone.
The tweet also states that Sony may be including a finger print sensor on their flagship as well, following the latest trend among flagship smartphones. Whether the sensor will be on the front or back is still a mystery, as is the validity of this tweet all-together.
What’s more interesting is the September date mentioned in the tweet. Sony was expected to release the Z4 in the next couple months, following their 6 month refresh cycle. If this is true, the Z4 may turn out to be a very changed and unexpected phone.
The post All metal Xperia Z4 with finger print sensor rumored for September appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Amazon launches Lost Within – a new horror survival game for Fire tablets
If you’re a fan of really scary mobile games and own a Fire Phone or tablet, Amazon may have something that will get your adrenaline pumping. Lost Within, a new game out of Amazon Game Studios, has just launched in the Amazon Appstore. It’s a creepy survival game that puts you in the middle of an abandoned insane asylum, and your goal is to get out alive.
Weatherby Asylum is where all of this scariness goes down, and it’s now overtaken by monstrous Inhabitants. You can choose to go through the game by sneaking around, running away or fighting. If you choose to fight, you’ll need to create makeshift weapons out of materials lying around to thwart off the baddies. Any way you choose to play the game, it’s bound to give you a fright or two.
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Here’s a bit more on the game’s storyline:
The building itself seems to be trying to tell you something. Strange visions of the past reveal buried secrets— terrors that are now coming alive all around you. To get out, you must solve a series of dark mysteries and discover the shattering secret that led to the asylum’s condemnation. But the legendary serial killer who is rumored to inhabit the asylum is no myth … and he knows you are here. His howls of rage seem to shake the very walls. You must escape, but be careful. Though there are many doors, there is only one way out.
Unfortunately, the game is currently only available on the Fire Phone, Fire tablets (2013 and newer) and iOS devices. We’re really hoping Amazon will soon open up compatibility to all Android devices, but for now, it’s unavailable if you don’t own one of those compatible devices. Lost Within can be yours for $6.99 from Amazon.
‘WWE 2K’ soars off of the turnbuckle and into the Play Store
The engine of sports entertainment shows no signs of slowing down now that it has a fully-online network and a slew of games to keep fans occupied. The minds behind WWE have continued the company’s expansion into gaming with the release of WWE 2K. This wrestling game, priced at $7.99 with no in-app purchases, does its best to replicate the console counterpart. WWE 2K has full entrances, moves, and match types to make any wrestling fan salivate. It has career, training, and multiplayer modes to throw players into the ring and climb the turnbuckle after a victor. And, like any mobile game, there are rewards and unlockable items to keep players wanting more.
Hit the break for the gallery and download links.
Come comment on this article: ‘WWE 2K’ soars off of the turnbuckle and into the Play Store
Apple Stores to Offer ‘Apple Watch Basics’ Workshops Beginning April 24
Starting on April 24, it appears that Apple will be offering “Apple Watch Basics” workshops in some of its retail stores around the world, helping customers who begin receiving their watches on that day to learn how to use them.
The classes are not yet listed on the company’s website, but in the “Stores” section of the Apple Store app, the workshops are listed as an available option on April 24 for some retail stores both in the United States and other countries. Workshops take place at 1.5 hour intervals all day long in most locations and are also available on Saturday and Sunday. It appears that some locations may be offering extended hours to allow more time for hosting workshops.
Customers who are interested in attending one of these workshops to learn more about the Apple Watch can schedule an appointment beginning today in a store where the appointments are listed. Not all stores are showing the workshops that will be available on April 24, however.
Some stores are showing additional Apple Watch classes beyond the introductory basics class, with a “Stay in Touch with Apple Watch” class also available in select locations.
Due to constrained supplies, there will be a limited number of customers who will be receiving their Apple Watches on April 24, but users who have pre-ordered and do not yet have their devices can also attend to learn more about the device. Given the few customers who will have watches in-hand on April 24, Apple recently ceased emphasizing the date on its website, replacing all “available 4.24.15″ launch wording with “the Watch is coming.”
Pre-orders for the Apple Watch began on April 10 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time and began selling out within mere minutes. Within six hours, all Apple Watches were sold out and no models offered the initial 4/24 to 5/8 shipping estimate. Apple Watch orders placed today will not ship until June and beyond.
(Thanks, Caleb!)
AIVAnet 