Google Keep launches share extension on iPhones and iPads
Google has given its Keep app for iOS new features that might make you consider using it more often. It’s now so much easier to save tidbits of whatever you’re reading on your browser, after all: simply highlight the part you want to copy, go to Share and look for the new Keep extension. If it’s the first time you’re taking advantage of the feature, just tap More and activate Keep on the Activities list. You can also add a quick view of the app and its contents under Today in the Notification Center, which you can click for quick access. Finally, it’s extremely easy to copy your notes to Google Docs now — choose the one you want to save and then click the appropriate option in the menu that pops up — in case you want to do a bit of spring cleaning and keep a record of all your previous notes at the same time.
Source: Google Docs (G+), iTunes
Luma’s ‘surround WiFi’ kills dead spots with multiple routers
Google appears to have started a trend with its easy-to-use but pricey OnHub WiFi router. A startup company has Luma created a router with the similar goal of giving you easy-to-use wireless security, monitoring and device connections. It adds a new twist by letting you use several throughout your home in order to kill increase coverage to, say a corner office, similar to how Sonos WiFi speaker system works. The company calls it “surround WiFi,” and each added device requires no additional setup — the system updates and tune the signals automatically in order to “always offer peak performance and speed,” according to the company. Slideshow-339215
Source: Luma
Fitbit-owned app creates customized exercises on Android devices
A couple of years before it was acquired by Fitbit in 2015, FitStar released an app starring NFL star Tony Gonzalez that can create customized workouts based on your goals and fitness level. Now, that app has arrived on Google Play. It’s officially called “FitStar Personal Trainer,” because it’s close to having a personal trainer: it digs into its stock video collection to stitch exercise routines together for you. Of course, you’ll need to be honest when keying in your details if you want the app to be able to craft the most effective sessions with the right moves and intensity.
Source: FitStar, Google Play
Google Maps for iOS speaks out traffic warnings while you drive
If you’re carrying an iPhone, Google Maps just got much more helpful in those moments when you’re determined to avoid gridlock. As on Android, Maps’ iOS app now speaks out traffic warnings in navigation mode. You’ll get a verbal summary of conditions before you start moving, and alerts for any congestion or crashes while you’re on your way. Is this a simple addition? You bet — but it could mean a lot if it helps you take a detour.
Source: App Store
Evernote adds sketching and split-screen features on iOS
Sketching has been available in Evernote’s Penultimate app for quite some time, but now the company’s main productivity app is handling your scribbles on its own. With an update for its iOS apps, Evernote now lets you sketch notes with a Jot stylus or Apple Pencil and stores them for safekeeping. What’s more, if your input device of choice supports 3D Touch, you’ll notice the line weight vary based on how much pressure you apply. You can also adjust the line thickness manually between five settings and choose between 10 color options. When you’re done, those drawings sync just like any other Evernote entry and the app’s handwriting recognition makes those scribbles searchable, should the need arise. The new version of the app also delivers split-screen multi-tasking that’s made possible by iOS 9, so long as you’re using it on a iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, or iPad Mini 4. Ready to give it a go? The update is available now from the App Store.
Source: Evernote
Mobile apps share a lot more of your data than you think
You’re probably well aware that many mobile apps want to share your data. They need your email address to set up an account, or your location to tag your photos. However, a research team has discovered that at least some of that software is sharing more than you might be comfortable with. On average, 110 Android and iOS apps sent data to three separate internet domains. That’s not necessarily a problem by itself, but that info sometimes goes to places you’d rather not send it (say, medical search terms sent to marketers). Also, this info sometimes arrives in combinations that could be used to track your behavior, like your name and location.
Via: Ars Technica
Source: Technology Science
Apple CarPlay review: A useful companion, even in its early stages
It’s been two years since Apple announced its plot to put your iPhone’s core features inside the dash of your car, but only now is its CarPlay software becoming available in lots of new models. In brief, CarPlay allows you to connect your trusty iOS device to a vehicle’s infotainment system to make things like texts, maps and music accessible from the console. Sure, the goal is to provide an easier way to use your phone on the road, but it also nixes the distraction of swiping through screens on the phone itself. To put CarPlay through its paces, I hit the highway for a 7.5-hour road trip in a 2016 Camaro SS, a model that’ll arrive soon at your local dealer. From Philadelphia to Raleigh, North Carolina, I used it to navigate, find food and stream in-car entertainment along the way. This first version of Apple’s software for the car is certainly useful, but as I found, there’s room for improvement. Slideshow-339027 Slideshow-339035
Pinterest’s shopping pins arrive on Android for the holiday frenzy
After launching its Buyable Pins on iOS earlier this summer, Pinterest is looking to let the Google faithful in on the goods, too. As of today, the online repository is rolling out the feature to Android users. This means that you’ll be able to purchase goods from retailers large and small without having to leave the app. We’re talking stuff from the likes of Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and more. In fact, the tally of Buyable Pins now numbers 60 million and a new Pinterest Shop curates trends for easy access. Just like regular ol’ pins, you can search for the shopping items and filter them based on price and other criteria to find the exact items you’re after. While today’s news means Buyable Pins are available on both Android and iOS, they remain absent from the web for now, but Pinterest plans to employ them in your browser “in the future.” Slideshow-338498
BBC Radio 1’s new show is designed specifically for iPlayer
Now more than ever, Brits are discovering new music through streaming apps such as Spotify, Rdio and Apple Music. Specifically, listeners are tuning in to playlists that are themed around artists or music genres they’re already interested in. The BBC seems to have recognised this and is doing something similar with a new, downloadable “Playlist” show on Radio 1. From January the programme will air every Thursday from 9 to 10pm, but more importantly, it’ll also be available to download in the iPlayer Radio app. The show will rotate every week, covering different themes and moods, like “Ellie Goulding’s Running Mix” and “Annie Mac’s Ibiza Classics.” The BBC already offers some show downloads in the iPlayer Radio app, so this idea isn’t entirely new. The difference, however, is that the broadcaster seems to be thinking iPlayer-first, rather than radio-first now. It could be an early glimpse at the new, playlist-centric music service that the BBC has in the works.
Source: BBC
Google’s Inbox gets a ‘Smart Reply’ tool that suggests short responses
Gmail’s Inbox app packs a number of features aimed at helping you better tackle your email load. Starting this week, it’s getting one more. The new tool is called Smart Reply and it automatically suggests short responses to messages where a lengthy discourse isn’t needed. After using machine learning to analyze the emails you receive, Inbox comes up with some appropriate responses to save time by allowing you to respond with fewer taps. And just like it does to wrangle spam, the app learns how you reply over time so it can offer better suggestions the more you use it. Smart Reply will be hitting both the Android and iOS versions of Inbox this week, so keep your eye peeled for the update to arrive.
Source: Official Gmail Blog
AIVAnet 