Windows 10 ‘on track’ for summer on PCs, other platforms come later
We still don’t have an official release date for Windows 10, but Microsoft maintains it’s on track for release this summer. That’s according to Joe Belfiore, its corporate vice president of operating systems, who spoke to media earlier today. You’ll have to wait a bit longer to get Windows 10 on your phone and Xbox, though. Belfiore noted that bringing the new OS to PCs is Microsoft’s main focus at the moment, but we’ll likely see it hit those other platforms in the fall. He also included HoloLens among his list of other Windows 10 platforms, which could be a hint that we’ll actually see it this fall. Or maybe that’s just very wishful thinking.
Windows 10 also won’t have all of the features we’ve heard about when it finally hits PCs, Belfiore added. For example, we likely won’t be seeing any Win32 desktop apps in the Windows Store at launch. While slightly disappointing, that’s something we’ll probably have to get used to. Microsoft is playing with the notion of “Windows as a service,” which means it’s never quite done. Sure, that’s not very different from how OS updates have worked in the past, but now it seems Microsoft is being a lot more flexible about how it’s building Windows.
“Our intent is to make this [Windows 10] the largest single developer platform that developers can target,” Belfiore said. So it’s no wonder Microsoft laid out an ambitious goal of bringing Windows 10 to a billion devices in the next few years.
[Photo credit: AP Photo/Elaine Thompson]
‘OK Google, Shazam this song’
Siri started handling song queries when iOS 8 arrived, and now Google’s voice commands recognize Shazam as a prompt to do the same on Android. That’s right, Android devices now recognize the “Shazam” command, in addition to “recognize” or “name” for “track,” “song” or “tune” identification. It’s not the only one either, as a few other apps like NPR One, TuneIn, Zillow, Flixster and TripAdvisor (a complete list is here) are also enjoying early access to the Custom Voice Actions feature. Previously you could search apps that way, but with this access developers can get more specific. It seems like the perfect kind of feature to use along with something like Android Auto, just when your phone is slightly out of reach.
With Shazam, after you’ve spoken the phrase the app will launch, do the heavy lifting and save the results for listening later. We tried it out, and the app only launched for commands that included “Shazam,” as in “OK Google, Shazam this song.” Phrases like “OK Google, name this song” kept the process inside the confines of the voice search interface. As you might expect, the music-searching software is one of the many third-party apps that display info cards in Google Now, and there’s easy access to listen, stream and purchase from Google Play Music. Other devs that want in are encouraged to apply here, and explain what kind of commands their apps will need.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Google
Source: Shazam, Android Developers (G+)
Apple Store App for iOS Updated With Apple Watch Support [iOS Blog]
Apple today updated its Apple Store app for the iPhone with support for the Apple Watch, making it possible for Apple Watch owners to get real-time order status updates, check on Genius Bar reservations, and find nearby in-store events and workshops, all on their Apple Watches.
When opening the Apple Store app on the Apple Watch, the first option lists stores that are located nearby. Swiping upwards on the first screen offers up a map with an address for finding the closest store. The second screen in the Apple Watch app displays a scrollable list of all nearby workshops (signing up for a workshop is done on the iPhone), and the third screen offers up a list of all product orders. Scrolling to the bottom of that list gives an option to view a complete list of orders on the iPhone.
At an Apple Store, additional features mentioned in the app’s description are unlocked, letting users check in for a Genius Bar appointment or get started on a pick up order.
The convenience of the Apple Store App on your Apple Watch. Get real-time order status updates, quickly get your pick up order started, check in for Genius Bar reservations and discover nearby in-store events and workshops.
Unlike with the Apple Store for iPhone app, the Apple Watch app is rather limited in scope, offering up just a few quick-glance functions that accurately represent how Apple hopes Apple Watch apps will be used.
The Apple Store app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Roman school kids give the Pope a drone of his own
From pizza to Fiats, people love giving gifts to Pope Francis. Most recently, students from a Jesuit school in Rome presented the Holy See with a customized quadcopter painted in the colors of the the Vatican flag and replete with the Papal emblem. According to a statement from the school, the UAV symbolizes “the values of technology in the service of man.” The school continued, “drones have proved useful to check the condition of structures [in quake-ravaged Nepal] and study paths from bringing relief to people who need this in remote villages.” There’s no word yet on whether Pope Francis will have the time for flying lessons. There’s a chance that he may auction off the UAV to raise money for the poor, as he did back in January with the Fiat and a number of other expensive gifts. Or, like the pizza, he could just be saving it for later.
[Image credit: The Associated Press]
Filed under: Robots, Wireless, Internet
Via: Washington Post
Source: Ansa
LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga makes its way to the Play Store
The LEGO Star Wars: TCS (The Complete Saga) made its way to consoles all the way back in 2007. This game has now cruised its way to the Android platform as well, courtesy of the Google Play Store. The app was available on the Amazon Appstore until a few days ago, but has surprisingly gone missing for some reason.
The app will set you back by $6.99, so it certainly won’t come cheap. But the game is a must have for classic Star Wars fans who don’t mind their favorite characters in the LEGO form. The app description tells us that there are over 36 story mode levels and some bonus action in there as well, so you are assured to be spending hours on this game.
Make sure you give it a go from the Play Store, even more so if you’re a fan of the Star Wars franchise.
Come comment on this article: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga makes its way to the Play Store
HTC Camera updated with raw image support for the One M9
The HTC One M9 now supports raw image files taken with its camera. The Raw Camera mode comes along with three other features that are also included with the latest HTC Camera app update. The app’s icon has been updated for the One (M8) and Desire EYE, too.
What’s New
– Raw Camera mode, only available on the HTC One M9
– Crop-Me-In mode, only available on the HTC One (M8 EYE) running Android 5.0 Lollipop and the HTC Desire EYE
– Adjustable divider in Split Capture mode
– Add and remove camera modes
The same trio of devices are also seeing the HTC Gallery app be updated. Check out the changelog:
What’s New
– Powerful adjustment tools in the new Photo Editor
– Stylish special effects: Shapes, Photo Shapes, Prismatic and Double Exposure
– Eye-catching animated effects: Elements
– Pinch to change views in the Timeline
– Image Match now searches photos for similar faces in One Gallery
Come comment on this article: HTC Camera updated with raw image support for the One M9
HTC INK campaign debuts with limited edition One M9 from supermodel Jourdan Dunn
Supermodel Jourdan Dunn has an HTC One M9 design to call her own. The company debuted its HTC INK campaign earlier today and Dunn is its first global embassador. The HTC INK campaign focuses on expanding the “definitions of beauty” by offering limited edition One M9 designs.
To encapsulate the exact design that Dunn wanted, HTC had the supermodel collaborate with tattoo artist Cally-Jo Pothecary.
Here is what the main logo, seen above, portrays:
The open hand and eye symbolize the need for protection and strength while still being open and approachable in personality and style. The natural leaf elements and patterns around the outside of each visual reflect the growth in creativity that Jourdan is feeling at this time, and the sun and moon together represent balance and harmony in her character.
Availability of HTC INK-related devices has not yet been clarified.
Source: HTC
Come comment on this article: HTC INK campaign debuts with limited edition One M9 from supermodel Jourdan Dunn
Fight as your favorite TEKKEN characters in the world of Galaga in new shooter for Android
Popular Japanese video game publisher BANDAI NAMCO has just released a new title to the Play Store that brings together two unlikely video game franchises. TEKKEN, the well-known fighting game, and Galaga, the fixed-shooter arcade game from the 70’s, have joined forces in the new free-to-play Android game.
TEKKEN is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, so BANDAI NAMCO wanted to give its fans something unexpected to celebrate the big milestone. You get to play in the world of Galaga as multiple different TEKKEN characters, thwarting off enemies as best you can by swiping left and right to clear the map. You can play as familiar characters like Lili, Claudio and Heihachi, and even play against enemies such as Bob, Ganryu, Jack, Xiaoyu, Panda and Alisa.
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Galaga: TEKKEN Edition is free to download and features no in-app purchases whatsoever. If you’re interested in this odd mashup, head to the Play Store link below.
Ford Working With Apple on CarPlay, But Won’t Give Up Control of the Dashboard
Ford has promised to bring CarPlay to its vehicles and is listed as one of Apple’s CarPlay partners, but Ford executives say the company will also focus on compatibility with Android and its own Ford SYNC in-car infotainment system to give consumers as much choice as possible. In an interview with Re/code, Ford CTO Raj Nair explained that the company doesn’t want people making car choices based on their smartphones.
CTO Raj Nair said part of the reason behind that is ensuring that car buyers have choice. “We want to make sure you are not pushed into a decision on a $40,000 car based on your $200 smartphone,” Nair said.
Ford, like the other car makers, also sees its infotainment system, known as SYNC, as a key selling point. “The data shows SYNC has been a significant draw in the showroom,” Nair said.
Ford’s focus is on SYNC, but the company says that it is planning to support Android Auto and CarPlay and will look to integrate SYNC more closely with both systems. According to Nair, a customer who wants to use Google Maps but listen to Sirius radio using SYNC will be able to do so.
Despite not wanting to hand over control of its in-car infotainment systems to Apple and Google, Ford is eager to embrace new technology. At the meeting with Re/code, Nair was wearing an Apple Watch sporting one of the apps that the Ford team built in a week. A MyFord Mobile research app that links the PHEV Fusion Energi, C-MAX Energi, and Focus BEV cars to the Apple Watch was shown off on Twitter earlier today.
Image via Said Deep, Head of Ford North America Product Communications
Ford’s upcoming SYNC 3 system is set to debut this summer with support for both CarPlay and Android Auto. Following the launch of the new system, Ford should be releasing vehicles with CarPlay support by the end of 2015.
Engadget Live is back and headed to Boston, LA and Austin!
The weather’s getting warm, which means here at Engadget HQ, we’re already planning our summer getaways. For us, that means we’re gearing up for the return of Engadget Live, where we throw a series of events in different cities across the US, allowing you to kick back, meet some of your favorite Engadget editors in the flesh, and try out some hot new gadgets first-hand. It’s like a reader meetup, only with more high-tech toys on hand. Oh, and a bunch of giveaways too — we always come ready to give away some free swag.
The tour kicks off July 17th in Boston, followed by LA on August 21st and wraps up in Austin on October 16th. Just hit the linked locations above, and you can reserve your tickets to any Engadget Live for free. We’ll have more details on each event closer to the actual date, so stay tuned for more updates. That said, if you happen to be a Bostonian, Angelino or Austinite, we suggest you mark your calendar now, and that you plan on getting to each Live event early — the crowds often stretch around the block. Oh, and if you’re a company interested in sponsoring or participating in any Engadget Live, drop us a line at sponsors@engadget.com?utm_source=Feed_Classic_Full&ncid=rss_full&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget. Get ready to party!
Filed under: Announcements
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