Apple Seeds Second iOS 8.4 Beta With Revamped Music App to Developers and Public Beta Testers
Apple today seeded the second beta of iOS 8.4 to registered developers for testing purposes, two weeks after seeding the first iOS 8.4 beta and nearly three weeks after releasing iOS 8.3 to the public. Today’s beta is also the first iOS 8.4 beta to be made available to public beta testers.
The beta, build 12H4086d, is available as an over-the-air download and through the iOS Developer Center.
iOS 8.4 introduces an all-new Music app, which has a revamped design that shows pictures of artists in the Artists view and offers personalized playlists. It includes a new MiniPlayer, a redesigned look for “Now Playing,” global search capabilities that make it easier to search within the Music app, and a streamlined design for iTunes Radio to bolster music discovery.
The first iOS 8.4 beta had a long list of bugs associated with the new Music app, and it’s likely that today’s update fixes several of those issues to make the app more stable.
iOS 8.4’s redesigned music app comes ahead of the rumored debut of a revamped streaming music service that could make an appearance at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. The upcoming streaming music service is said to be similar to Apple’s existing Beats music service, but with a rebranding, a redesign, deeper integration into iTunes, and a focus on exclusive content.
Apple Adds New NBC Sports Channel to Apple TV
Apple today added the NBC Sports Live Extra channel to the Apple TV, adding to its growing collection of available sports apps the device. The NBC Sports channel on the Apple TV delivers videos and clips of sporting events that air on NBC, much like the iPad app.
NBC Sports on the Apple TV offers video on demand that includes access to video clips, previews of upcoming events, and highlights from past events, plus it offers live NBC Sports events and full event replays. While video clips and other content will be available to all users, watching live content will require a cable subscription and authentication to log in.
In addition to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Triple Crown, Live Extra streams all live sports content televised by NBC, NBCSN and Golf Channel, including: the Summer and Winter Olympics; Sunday Night Football and NBC’s NFL pre-season and post-season coverage; NHL regular-season games; the PGA TOUR, including the FedExCup Playoffs, and the LPGA; the Premier League; studio content surrounding many of the aforementioned properties; original programming such as The Dan Patrick Show and Men In Blazers; and much more.
NBC Sports joins a slew of other sports-oriented apps on the Apple TV, including WatchESPN, MLB.tv, NBA, NHL GameCenter, Major League Soccer, WWE Network, 120 Sports, Tennis Channel Everywhere, and more.
Android 5.0 Lollipop starts rolling out for T-Mobile Galaxy Note 4
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Happy Monday Android world! Over the weekend Des Smith posted a tweet that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.0 Lollipop update had been approved and to be on the lookout for it this week. I jumped to settings this morning and gave it hopeful tap to see, and there it was waiting for me to download.
The update weighs in at just over 1085MBs and takes about 25 minutes to download. On my Wi-Fi it took about 28 minutes for the full update to download, but another hour for the full install and app update process to finish. That time line might be less for some as it did optimize 390 apps on my device.
The update brings all the Lollipop things we have been waiting for like lock screen notifications, Privacy Mode, more fluid animations and seems to make it run a bit smoother. As with any update, it is rolling out in stages in an OTA. You will need well over 50% battery life, at least 3GB of storage available for it download and install and a solid Wi-Fi connection. In my experience it took about 30 minutes to download and another 45 to and hour before it was up and running smoothly due to the number of apps I have installed and because it needs to update Google Play Services and a number of other apps that have Lollipop variations.
If you don’t see the update immediately available, you do have the option of installing it via Samsung Kies on your computer as well. Sometimes that is a better option for some people.
Additional details at T-Mobile Support
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FreedomPop Nexus 5 + Talk & Text, $199.99
Today’s highlighted deal is one of the most beloved devices to have ever seen the Android community. That’s right, Google’s own Nexus 5. With its high-resolution 5″ display, colors are brilliant and details are crisp. Instant photo features such as collages, animations and panoramas make this device as fun as it is powerful. Up to 8.5 hours of battery life and the trusted reputation of Google’s flagship handsets are just icing on the cake with this $199 special. Plus, with the added talk & text bonus from FreedomPop, there’s even more reason to be excited.
See more at deals.androidguys.com
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ESPN sues Verizon over customizable FiOS TV plans
We knew ESPN wasn’t happy with Verizon’s recently announced flexible TV plans, and now it is ready to take legal action on the matter. According to CNBC, The Worldwide Leader in Sports is suing Verizon over the FiOS Custom TV package, only days after letting it be known that it objected to it. ESPN isn’t alone, either: last week, Fox Sports and NBC also came out against Verizon’s offering, which lets subscribers pick channels based on their viewing preferences. In a statement, ESPN said, “We simply ask that Verizon abide by the terms of our contracts.” Verizon, meanwhile, has said that FiOS Custom TV does not violate any contract agreements with the TV networks.
“ESPN is at the forefront of embracing innovative ways to deliver high-quality content and value to consumers on multiple platforms, but that must be done in compliance with our agreements. We simply ask that Verizon abide by the terms of our contracts.”
Source: CNBC
Google wants first refusal on the patents you want to sell
When a business is finished with a patent or just needs some cash, it often winds up selling its intellectual property to a patent troll. With it, these “non-practicing entities” can then fire courtroom broadsides at outfits like Microsoft and Google in the hope of raising a quick buck. It’s become so much of a problem that Google is hoping to tackle it simply by buying those patents before the trolls can get their hands on ’em.
The search engine’s first crack at a solution is with the Patent Purchase Promotion, a web portal where sellers can audition their wares. Businesses (and individuals) are asked to enter the full details of each patent it owns, along with a selling price it’d expect to receive should a transaction go through. Then, Google’s representatives will examine the claims and give a yes or no answer depending on if it wants to buy.
For now, the company is labeling this as an experiment, and the first period for pitches runs between May 8th and May 22nd. Sellers will then be expected to wait until June 26th for any response, after which point they’re free to go elsewhere. Of course, Google says that the move will “yield better, more immediate results for patent owners versus partnering with non-practicing entities.” Roughly translated into English, that means that patent owners will get some much-needed cash and Google won’t have to deal with a frivolous lawsuit in a few months.
Want the best Apple Watch display? Get a Sport model
Splurging on a gold or steel Apple Watch might get you a fancier timepiece, but there’s one thing you won’t get: the best possible display. DisplayMate has taken a close look at the OLED screen in the smartwatch, and it notes that sapphire carries its share of drawbacks over the toughened glass in the Watch Sport. While you’re still getting colorful, sharp visuals, the higher-end Watch’s sapphire reflects almost twice as much light and washes out the picture in very bright conditions. And no, Apple can’t use an anti-glare coating to fix this — that would scratch easily, which misses the whole point of sapphire. There will eventually be improved sapphire screens that are both scratch- and glare-resistant, but you’re currently best off with the Sport (and any other smartwatch with glass, really) if you’re an outdoorsy type.
Filed under: Displays, Wearables, Mobile, Apple
Source: DisplayMate
YouTube adds filter for videos shot in 360-degrees
In March, and after months of rumors toying with the idea, Google finally made 360-degree videos a reality on YouTube. The videos allow users to interact with the videos, allowing them to take advantage of every angle possible. While it’s not too hard to find them while searching YouTube, Google has made it a bit easier to find 360-degree videos specifically.
On the desktop, and after you search what you’re looking for, just find the “Filters” drop down menu. Under the “Features” option you’ll find a filter for 360-degree video. For Android, you can do the same thing but it’s under the “Filters” option next to the search bar.
Currently, 360-degree videos are only supported in Chrome for Desktop and in the YouTube app on Android. But, that said, if you have either and enjoy this type of video, Google’s got your back when it comes to finding them.
source: Google Operating System
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Samsung gets its edge back with opening of new production line
From the initial announcement, Samsung has been receiving a lot of good buzz about the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge smartphone, the companion to their Galaxy S6. The company may have thought the curved edges of the device would be seen more as a novelty for buyers who wanted to be early adopters or who were looking for a little “edge” over their friends’ devices. However, the device has proven to be extremely popular with the general buying public, putting Samsung in the situation of scrambling to meet demand. To do so, the Korean manufacturer has opened a third production line to handle demand for the curved screens on the device.
According to Samsung, the third production line is opening about two months earlier than planned to be able to meet demand for the the Galaxy S6 edge. Capacity will increase to 5 million screens per month versus the current cap of 2 million screens per month.
Along with their latest smartphone and last year’s Galaxy Note Edge which was released alongside the Galaxy Note 4, Samsung is adding curved edges to some of their Super Ultra High-Definition televisions and the Gear S smartwatch. Samsung clearly has a hit on their hand with curved edge screens. The challenge now, besides keeping up with the unexpected success, will be in keeping the momentum going with other devices and product lines as Samsung continues to work to turn things around from their 2014 dip.
source: SamMobile
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What we should expect spec-wise with tomorrow’s G4 unveiling from LG
With LG geared to announce the G3 successor tomorrow, there has been a wide-variety of leaks regarding the G4. Most of the leaks we’ve seen have been regarding the new leather backing the device is going to have. Others involve the camera. Well thanks to a last minute leak, we finally have an idea of the specs and size of the device.
According to the leak, the device will sit at 5.9 x 3 x 0.4 inches, just a wee bit bigger than that of the G3. The device will sport a slight top-to-bottom curve, much like the G Flex, and will come in at 0.14-ounces heavier than the G3 at 5.5-ounces. The screen itself will continue to pack the same size QHD (2,560×1,440) resolution as the current model, but will feature new display technology to improve image quality.
From what we see, it’s been all but confirmed that LG is using the Snapdragon 808 instead of the 810. It will also sport 3GB of RAM (DDR3 this time) and come with 32GB of onboard storage. Unlike the S6, the G4 will sport a microSD slot and will also have a 3,000mAh battery that’s swappable.
The camera gets a spec bump as well. The OiS, laser-focused camera is now 16MP and will feature a f/1.8 aperture lens. The front shooter will have an 8MP camera, up from 2.1MP. The device will have all the current wireless connectivity features and will come with both wireless charging and quick charging when plugged in.
Pricing and availability are yet to be announced, but we’re hopeful we’ll get an idea of what to expect tomorrow when the device is announced.
source: Mashable
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