Spotify finally adds Android and iOS staples to its Windows Phone app
Windows Phone users sometimes get left behind when it comes to new apps and freshly updated software. Unfortunately, Spotify is no exception. Today, the music streaming service finally added three core features to the WP offering that have long been key pieces for Android and iOS — ones that it promised back in February, in fact. Browse, Discover and Radio sections are now included in version 3.0, allowing you to hunt for tracks by mood, easily access new releases, create Pandora-like stations and more, all from the comfort of your handset’s touchscreen. In addition to the add-ons, a tweaked interface is the app’s first since it launched back in 2011, but it’s still a far cry from the new coat of paint that’s been applied elsewhere. Let’s hope this bit of attention paid to Windows Phone is a sign of things to come, especially in terms of adding the service’s new features as they arrive.
Source: Spotify, Windows Phone Store
Windows Store now helps you find apps faster, even if they’re for your phone
Although Windows 8.1′s store has a healthy stock of apps, actually finding those apps has been a pain at times. Much of the store’s interface has been hidden, and it hasn’t always been clear where to go if you’re just getting started. Starting today, it’s considerably easier to get around: Microsoft is pushing out a Windows Store update that puts more content front and center. The navigation bar is now a permanent fixture on the screen, and points you to popular areas like the categories and top app charts. You’ll also see themed collections (such as music apps) and multiple featured selections right on the first store page.
The improved shop takes better advantage of Windows’ increasing cross-platform app support, too. Developers can link their desktop software to its Windows Phone equivalent, making it clear that you’ll get both titles — handy if you didn’t realize that there was a pocket-sized version of a hot new release. The store tweaks are rolling out gradually to Windows users, so don’t be dismayed if you don’t see the new portal right away. However, the wait might be worth it if it helps you discover a hidden gem or two.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Microsoft
Via: WPCentral
Source: Windows Experience Blog
The Boyfriend Log merges data obsession with your love life
If we can log our exercise and eating data to get recommendations on how to improve our health, who’s to say we can’t apply the same concept to our love life? After all, with every day comes 1,440 minutes in which your relationship will live, breath and — gasp — change. Sometimes those fluctuations can be a lot to digest, and an app called The Boyfriend Log is here to help. Currently available on iOS, it does exactly what you’d think: monitor satisfaction with your S.O. on a day-to-day basis, showing you mood patterns to help you decide whether or not you’ve found “the one.”
With The Boyfriend Log, you answer the question “How was your relationship today?” with one of several color-coded responses, including romantic, flat, sad, happy and angry. A calendar view lets you see which moods are the most predominant; a lot of blue days might mean you have some reevaluating to do. If you’re dating multiple people at once, comparing your calendars for each suitor could provide some additional clarity. According to the app’s website, you might even use the data as a jumping-off point for a “loving, truthful discussion about what’s really going on.”
Hey, if it helps you to keep a diary of your relationship’s ups and downs, more power to you. And, interestingly, one of the App Store reviewers notes that she’s used it to rate her success at work each day. (Talk about dating yourself!) That said, not every boyfriend (or girlfriend) would be thrilled to learn they’re being treated like the subject of a study. And while the app is protected by a PIN of your choosing, if your partner does crack the code, you could no longer have a relationship to analyze.
Filed under: Software
Sonos’ revamped, search-friendly music controller is now available to everyone
Should you own any Sonos audio gear, you’ve probably been on pins and needles waiting for the company’s big (and frankly overdue) controller app revamp. Well, it’s here: starting today, both Android and iOS users can snag the redesigned remote without having to sign up for a beta test. As before, the centerpiece is a universal search that makes it easier to find music, whether it’s on your phone or a streaming service like Google Play. You’ll also get a truly modern-looking interface that’s far simpler for both finding your next tune and setting up multi-room sound. The app is available as we write this, so have at it if you’re a fan of Sonos’ wireless speaker tech.
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile
Source: Sonos Blog, App Store, Google Play
Square’s new app lets you pre-order food and drink before picking it up
Square is one of those apps you may have heard of, but have no idea what it does — because it mostly sells point-of-sale software and readers to businesses. It has just quietly expanded its consumer presence with Square Order, however, which looks like the customer-based app used in conjunction with Square Pickup for merchants. We says “looks like” because the app has quietly slipped into the iOS and Android (Beta) Play stores without any official announcement. Using it seems simple enough: you locate a restaurant, cafe or shop (Whole Foods, for instance) from a list of Square Pickup merchants. Then, you can place a pre-order, pay for it and receive a notification from the app when it’s ready. That’ll put it into competition with apps like PayPal’s wallet and GrubHub, though so far Order is only available in New York and San Francisco (more cities are promised soon). We’ve reached out for more info, but if you’re in one of those ‘burgs, grab it here.
Filed under: Software
Via: TNW
Source: Square
Virgin Media to soon offer access to Sky Sports and Movies on mobile
Virgin Media might be locking horns with Sky in a battle over broadband and phone lines, but when it comes to programming, cable customers have enjoyed the results of a content truce. Having delivered many of its channels for a number of years, Virgin today announced it has extended its deal with Sky by another five years, ensuring that it can deliver more content in high definition and also bring some Sky channels to its mobile streaming apps for the very first time. To begin with, subscribers already paying £7 a month to access to Sky’s high-definition content will see Sky Sports 3 HD, Sky Sports 4 HD and Sky Sports F1 HD added to their set-top box, with Sky Sports News HD and Sky News HD set to follow later. Virgin customers will also be able to access Sky’s entertainment channels (not including Sky Atlantic) via the TV Anywhere app and, perhaps more importantly, will be given access to movies and sport via Sky’s dedicated apps in the coming months. Best of all, as long as you’re already paying for Sky content, you’ll soon get more stuff in more places for no extra cost.
Filed under: HD
Source: Sky Press Office
WhatsApplebees: Lunch with America’s hottest chain-restaurant app
When news broke Friday of WhatsApplebees, an Applebee’s-exclusive networking app, we were pretty pumped. A place for us to network with like-minded Steak Quesadilla Tower lovers sounds like it deserves a permanent place on the dock of our iPhone (move over email!). Anxious, of course, to take it for a spin for ourselves, we headed over to the Taj Mahal of neighborhood Grills in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf (San Francisco’s first location) for lunch to check out the amazing experience first hand.
If you’re traveling and aren’t quite sure where your nearest Applebee’s location is, the app has you covered – offering directions in both Apple and Google Maps to the promised land. Our office (unfortunately) is a few miles away from our closest location, so we took an Uber. On the way to paradise, we casually mentioned the app to our driver. “Tell me more,” he said instantly, with the enthusiasm of a true believer. Obviously a trendspotter, after hearing about WhatsApplebees he said he thinks it’s going to take off, and even offered this accolade: “Nowadays people are always on their phones, so that might be a good idea.” Might be a good idea? It’s definitely a good idea.
“I wanted to create something just on the other side of that line – something that’s clearly a terrible idea.”
WhatsApplebees is the brainchild of New York developer Mike Lazer-Walker, who doesn’t seem to realize the app’s full potential — he actually built it as a joke (whaa?). “Lately I’ve seen so many apps that seem like they’re a parody of Silicon Valley culture but are in fact real, actual products,” Walker told us. “I wanted to create something just on the other side of that line – something that’s clearly a terrible idea, but not SO outlandish compared to the current state of things that you might, for a second, believe it’s real.”
And real it is. Anyone within “around 100 meters” of an Applebee’s is free to chat within the app. Conversations are presented anonymously with just text and time codes, and are archived for viewing later on. Walker says diners are kept secret on purpose. “I originally thought of making it pseudo-anonymous, with each user being given a randomly-generated username/avatar (a la the app Secret), but laziness prevailed. I would have loved to make a username generator that came up with fake Applebee’s menu items to use as names.” Good idea — Bourbon Street Chimicheesecake does have a special ring to it.
Photos are a no-go within the app. Walker says the feature is “probably not” coming in the future, leading us to believe there’s still a chance we might be able to share our 3-cheese chicken pasta with another connoisseur across the country soon. That said, it seems like word of the app hasn’t quite gone bicoastal. While at the restaurant we were able to chat amongst ourselves, and what appeared to be just one other enthusiast — we assume all the other fans are waiting to break it in over a Happy Hour Applebeetini.
“Some people have it on their phone. I do not.”
Oddly, our waiter was not a fan of WhatsApplebees. He was exceptionally friendly for our whole meal, but his mood became immediately sullen when we asked about the app. “Some people have it on their phone. I do not, ” he said before rushing away Why not? Our guess is he’s holding out for an official version to arrive on the restaurant’s tablet service — it already has table-side “Couples games” built in, so chat seems like the obvious next step, right?
Walker doesn’t currently have plans to bring the model to any other chains or platforms, however, when he does (because this is obviously going to take off), below are a few other “opportunities” for spinoffs. Vote and let us know what your faves are.
Which restaurant social app would you like to see next?
John Colucci contributed to this report.
Foursquare goes Oprah: You’re a mayor and you’re a mayor
When Foursquare announced plans to split check-ins off into their own app last week, it didn’t reveal too many details on how the finer points — like Mayorships — would factor in. Well, starting today, those virtual offices are safe until Swarm launches next week. Once the new arm of the location-based outfit rolls out, it will handle those accolades in addition to insights (five weeks in a row at breweries, for example) and allow you to afix stickers to notable check-ins. In what Foursquare is calling Mayorships 2.0, you compete only with your friends to hold office at your favorite coffee shop — not the fella that sits in the corner all day, every day. Of course, this means that venues can have multiple Mayors, which means you’re likely to see fewer faux political-based discounts. Bummer.
Don’t worry, badges will remain in the regular Foursquare app too. They’ll be used to reward explorers for discovering new places and offering insight. You know, now that the namesake option is going to be focused on local search and reviews. The direct Yelp competitor isn’t due to launch until later this summer, so once users leave the for hive, there’s a chance they won’t look back.
Source: Foursquare
New app brings doctors to doorsteps in New York City
Uber’s been making waves (and pissing off city governments) by letting you flag down fancy cars, so is it any surprise that one of its early engineers created another “we’ll come to you” startup? It’s called Pager, it just launched today in Manhattan, and it promises to bring doctors to your doorstep… for a price. First things first: after you install the Pager app, you’re asked to set up a profile with a photo and store your credit card information. When that’s done you’ll be treated to a list of participating board-certified doctors that you can sift through based on your symptoms.
Once you’ve found someone whose equipped to tackle your particular ailment, a quick tap sets up a near-immediate phone consultation. That’s the ideal experience, anyway. The startup is so young that there are only about 20 doctors onboard, and they simply won’t appear in the map view if your domicile is too out there. As you’d probably expect though, the price tags are the real rub here. If that little bit of phone advice is all you need, you’ll shell out $50 and call it a day. Actually getting a doctor to make a house call is just a hair pricier: think $300 ($250 of which goes in the MD’s pocket). And just to keep the inevitable Uber comparisons going, the startup told the Wall Street Journal that it may give surge pricing a shot down the road too.
Via: Wall Street Journal
Source: Pager
Google’s camera app once again lets you snap photos while recording video
Google’s redesigned Android camera app wasn’t a full step forward. While you got a much improved interface, you also lost the ability to snap photos while recording video — not so hot if you want more than just movies from a friend’s wedding dance. Well, it’s back. A low-key update to Google Camera once again lets you capture stills in mid-video, making sure that you’ll have album-worthy images alongside your YouTube clips. If you’ve been holding off on upgrading the camera app because of that earlier omission, it’s now safe to jump in.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google
Via: Phone Arena
Source: Google Play
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