[New Android Wear App] Get news delivered to Android Wear with PaperWear
Watch any television show from days gone by and chances are good you will see someone break out a newspaper to get caught up on current events. The advent of online news sources delivered via computers and then mobile devices like tablets, smartphones and e-readers have changed the way “news” is created and how it is delivered. The explosion of interest in smartwatches is leading some to look to these new devices as yet another vector to deliver news as seen with the new PaperWear app released to Google Play.
PaperWear pulls top articles from sites like Medium.com, Vox.com, qz.com and others and delivers them to a users smartwatch running Android Wear. The app will automatically refresh the article list every 12 hours although users can pull a refresh manually. If reading an article on a smartwatch is a bit too much trouble, users can save articles to a service like Pocket or read the article on their smartphone.
To get PaperWear, hit the Google Play link below.
Come comment on this article: [New Android Wear App] Get news delivered to Android Wear with PaperWear
Foursquare can recommend places even if you don’t sign in
A new Foursquare update completely eliminates the need to make an account, letting anyone use it to find a decent place to eat or somewhere to spend time without having to log in or even to create an account. And you know what? It makes perfect sense, since Swarm has taken over its check-in capabilities anyway. According to Foursquare product manager Jonathan Crowley, the only reason it took time to nix that requirement is because it wasn’t easy changing the app’s framework. If you think back to the time you’ve registered, you’ll recall that signing up for Foursquare is quite tedious: it doesn’t only ask you to choose “tastes” (types of food and places) you like, it also wants you to link your other social media accounts. Now, both the iOS and Android app can just recommend establishments based on location, making them more akin to local directory services such as Yelp. The good news is that you can still add your preferences (without having to log in) later on if you want more personalized results.
Filed under: Misc
Via: Techcrunch
Study says Android 4.0 and iOS 8 are most likely to crash your apps
Ever had the feeling that certain phone operating systems are more likely to crash your apps than others? It’s not just you. Crittercism has posted its latest breakdown of crash reports from about 20,000 apps, and it’s clear that certain operating systems aren’t as friendly as others. On Android, Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) is most likely to wreck your day; KitKat (4.4) is close behind, while Lollipop’s early reputation for glitches apparently doesn’t affect apps. With Apple devices, however, the tables turn. While iOS’ app crash rate is lower overall, iOS 8 is a bit more problematic than its predecessor. That’s not surprising given that Apple hasn’t had as much time to tackle issues in 8, but you may feel better if you’re still holding on to 7.
Don’t be too quick to brag about your choice of platform. The stats say a lot about app stability, but they don’t tell the story of your operating system. A rock-solid social networking client doesn’t matter much if basic Android or iOS features are breaking down. Also, the info may be skewed by the number of active users. It’s hard to know how reliable Lollipop will be in the long run when only a small slice of Android devices are running it, after all. If nothing else, Crittercism’s figures show that stability doesn’t consistently improve or deteriorate — sometimes, it varies from release to release.
Photo by Will Lipman.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Google
Source: Crittercism
Nintendo toys with the idea of a Mii mobile app
Nintendo has been dropping hints for years about possible smartphone apps starring its classic characters or somehow tying into the Wii and Wii U. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata is back at it this week, this time with a specific idea: Mii for mobile devices. “It would be fun for players to use their Mii characters as icons on social media,” Iwata said in an interview with Nikkei. “We are currently developing an application that will allow users to do that.”
A socially focused Mii app would be Nintendo’s first solid commitment to mobile since the launch of the Pokedex in 2012. Iwata said Nintendo will announce the avatar app around March 31, when it discusses full-year financial results. But, it’s not all Peaches and Dream Lands.
“In the past, I have opposed making smartphone and tablet versions of Nintendo titles,” Iwata said. “Prices for content aimed at smartphones and tablets are falling quickly. I am still wary of the category.” Basically, he’s open to building Nintendo-based apps, but he’s not yet ready to port Duck Hunt to iPhone.
Another app idea that could boost the Nintendo brand? Tickle-me Mario. That one’s free, Iwata.
[Image: Nintendo]
Filed under: Gaming
Via: IGN
Source: Nikkei
Uber goes live in Birmingham, its fourth UK city
While there’s tonnes of competition between app-based private hire services in the US, if you want to move about UK cities, you’ll find the market is largely dominated by local taxi firms. Uber and Hailo are both intent on disrupting the space, though, and are slowly widening their presence. Today, Uber’s taken another step forward with its UK expansion, announcing that it’s now ready to accept fares in Birmingham. That takes the company’s city count up to four, with the Midlands city joining London, Manchester and Leeds. Currently, Uber’s footprint in Birmingham is quite small, meaning customers might have to wait for a car. However, with its driver loyalty program now fully operational, the company can offer new drivers more incentives than its traditional taxi counterparts.
Filed under: Internet
Source: Uber
Starbucks app lets you reload your card with Apple Pay
No, you still can’t go into a Starbucks and pay for that double-blended frappuccino with your phone. But if you update the company’s app, you should at least be able to quickly reload a Starbucks card from within your iPhone using Apple Pay. The cafe has long been listed as one of Apple Pay’s app partners, but it’s not clear if it will ever accept the payment method in its stores. Other than giving you the ability to load your card with caffeine money, the update also adds more calorie information to the items on the menu. And trust us when we say you’d want to check it first before ordering a second venti double chocolaty chip crème frappuccino.
[Image credit: Shutterstock]
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple
Via: MacRumors
Source: iTunes
Urban Engines app can help people catch buses and trains in big cities
It can be downright nightmarish having to squeeze and force your way into trains or buses during rush hours in big cities. A company founded by former Google employees called Urban Engines says its app can help you look for alternate routes, or even help you get around if you’re not familiar with the area. For one, it can work without mobile data in some locations (which makes it a good choice for those who regularly use the subway), so long as it has an offline map of the place. Right now, the app comes with the offline maps of 10 North American cities: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver and Washington, D.C.
Unlike in Google Maps, you don’t need to type locations: just drag the map to place your destination in the middle of the screen, and the app will come up with various routes for your commute. Finally (and best of all), the app has sort of an augmented reality feature called X-ray mode, which superimposes maps, bus or train routes and stops over the city as viewed by the camera. While this is Urban Engines’ first product for consumers, it has been around for at least a year. In 2014, it focused on providing commuting patterns and data to some cities across the globe in an effort to prevent passenger congestion. If you think it could potentially be of use for your daily commute, you can download the company’s app through either iTunes and Google Play.
Filed under: Transportation
Source: Urban Engines, iTunes, Google Play
Love or Lust, HotelTonight wants to help you score this Valentine’s Day
Travel app and booking service provider HotelTonight has announced they are making some special deals available for Valentine’s Day in partnership with a variety of some of the most exclusive hotels in the nation. A special “Love More” package is being made available for the romantics out there while the “Lust More” package is for those ready to party in some of the swankiest locations available. Even if you are not ready for one of these special packages, HotelTonight is offering 10% off all Valentine’s Day bookings made between February 9th and February 13th.
The rooms available through the “Lust More” offering are some of the most difficult to book, typically requiring some kind of insider connection. HotelTonight has secured exclusive access to the rooms which include places like the Hudson “Apartment Suite” in NYC, the L’ermitage “Grand Luxe Suite” in Beverly Hills, the Sir Francis Drake “Penthouse” in SF, the Langham Hotels Presidential Suite in Boston, and the Metropolitan by COMO “Lakeview Suite” in Miami. HotelTonight has also partnered with BloomNation to provide a floral arrangement valued at over $300 and the ability to make dinner reservations at locations like the Bazaar by Jose Andres (Miami), Craft and Nobu Fifty Seven (NYC), Craigie on Main and L’Espalier (Boston), and MK (Chicago).
Even if you are not ready to impress with one of these special packages from HotelTonight, if you grab the app you can still enjoy a special 10% discount on your booking by using the promo code LOVE starting next Monday.
You can grab the HotelTonight app from the Google Play Store using one of the download links below. Full details about the offer can be found in the full press release below.
HotelTonight Wants to Get You in (a Hotel) Bed this Valentine’s Day
Popular Travel App Offers Exclusive Love and Lust Hotel Packages;
Partners with BloomNation to Deliver the Most Over-the-Top Valentine’s Day Ever
SAN FRANCISCO (Monday, February 9, 2015) — The most romantic (and notoriously last-minute) holiday of the year is quickly approaching, and HotelTonightis here to save the day. This Valentine’s Day, HotelTonight is offering a variety of room and suite packages to fulfill all your needs. Whether you’re a “HighRoller” or just want a great, romantic night out, HotelTonight has you covered – grab a package (ahem) and make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.
HotelTonight’s Valentine’s Day room packages will be available in the app starting on Monday, February 9, 2015. Here are all the dirty details:
- “Love More” Package: The hand-selected hotels in these packages come with amenities perfect for an ultra-romantic Valentine’s Day. All “Love More” packages include a bottle of bubbly and guaranteed late check-out for some extra cuddling time the next morning. Look for these offers marked with a red heart in more than 25 destinations globally.
- “Lust More”Package: HotelTonight’s HighRoller rooms are some of the most lusted-after high-end luxury suites, penthouses and villas available, with perks like amazing views, wet bars, spa-like bathrooms and more. These Valentine’s Day HighRoller rooms come with a unique, over-the-top floral arrangement from BloomNation(valued at over $300!),custom designed for each couple to take home, plus a hard-to-get restaurant reservation (dinner’s on you, though). This package is sure to impress your plus-one. Look for these ballin’ offers marked with a yellow HighRoller badge in select major markets.
For more information, availability and details on how to find and score HotelTonight’s Valentine’s Day packages, please visit our blog: https://www.hoteltonight.com/blog/
With these hand-picked hotel packages, HotelTonight has done the legwork for those in need of Valentine’s Day plans at the last minute, regardless of budget. And for those not in or near one of the cities where HotelTonight is offering a special Valentine’s Day package, the app still offers great deals at hand picked hotels in more 500 destinations across the globe, making it incredibly easy to book a spontaneous and romantic evening.
Ready to lock down your February 14? Use promo code LOVE during the week leading up to the holiday and get 10% off your advanced Valentine’s Day booking. Book your Valentine’s Day today with HotelTonight – download the app here.
How HotelTonight Works:
· Book rooms on HotelTonight for tonight or up to a week out, at more than 15,000 hotels in over 500 destinations across the globe.
· Hotel rooms can be easily booked via the app in less than 10 seconds – just three taps and a swipe from app launch to completed booking.
· All hotels are handpicked by the HotelTonight team, given a style category (like Basic, Hip or Luxe) and illustrated by mobile-optimized hotel photos.
· As the check-in date approaches and rooms remain unsold, hotels drop their rates. HotelTonight plays matchmaker between these hotels and guests who are looking for a great deal at a great hotel.
About BloomNation:
BloomNation is the world’s largest online floral marketplace where consumers shop directly with top local artisanal florists in more than 3,000 cities around the country. Unlike other flower sites that only display stock images of generic, cookie-cutter options, BloomNation provides consumers with real photos of artisan florists’ unique and one-of-a-kind designs. Customers also receive a BloomSnap, a photo of their completed order, before anything’s hand delivered so you know that what you ordered on the site is what the recipient will receive. BloomNation’s funded by Andreessen Horowitz, Ronny Conway, Spark Capital, Chicago Ventures and other top investors. For more information, please visit http://www.BloomNation.com.
About HotelTonight:
Founded in 2010, HotelTonight is a mobile app for booking hand-selected hotels at exclusively low prices, from tonight to up to 7 days in advance. HotelTonight helps consumers plan less and live more, by offering incredible convenience and amazing value at hotels vetted by the HT team. For hotels, HotelTonight is a strategic partner for filling rooms that would otherwise remain empty. HotelTonight is currently available in more than 500 destinations across the globe. Based in San Francisco, HotelTonight is backed by top venture firms including Coatue Management, GGV Capital, U.S. Venture Partners, Accel Partners, Battery Ventures and First Round Capital and leading travel-industry pioneers. Visit http://www.hoteltonight.com for more information and to download the free app.
Come comment on this article: Love or Lust, HotelTonight wants to help you score this Valentine’s Day
Under Armour spent half a billion dollars on two fitness apps
Under Armour just outed its own fitness-tracking app at last month’s CES, but the company seems keen on continually improving its software arsenal. To do so, the Baltimore-based sports outfitter paid $85 million in early January Endomondo: an app for Android, iOS, Windows Phone and BlackBerry that keeps tabs on data from running, walking, cycling and other distance sports. Endomondo also plays nice with wearables from Jabra, Garmin, Fiitbit, Withings and more. But that’s not all: Under Armour also announced alongside its Q4 earnings report that it had nabbed MyFitnessPal for $475 million, too.
MyFitnessPal offers the nutrition piece of the healthy-living puzzle, allowing users to tally daily stats on their food habits. With 100 million registered users between the two, it’s easy to see why UA for be interested in the pair, and for now, they’ll operate individually as subsidiaries of the larger company. Of course, Under Armour has activity-tracking gadgets, and in late 2013, it nabbed MapMyFitness to bolster the software of things. One thing’s for sure: the folks in Maryland are getting serious about grabbing a share of the fitness tech space, unafraid to shell out some serious coin to do it.
Source: Under Armour (1), (2)
Adidas outs sneaker reservation app as Yeezy season approaches
If you’re into collecting limited-edition sneakers, Adidas has a new app that’ll employ your phone to help nab new shoes. The Adidas Confirmed allows you to reserve new designs as they become available — but It only works in New York City, for now. Push notifications will alert you when the reservation window is open, so you can nail down sizing and the pickup details. This only secures a pair of the rare kicks, and the actual exchange of funds takes place at the pre-determined retail location. The app’s arrival comes before the highly-anticipated release of the next Yeezy shoe designed by Kanye West. Those familiar with the sneaker buzz know Nike’s first two installments were snatched up in seconds, so best of luck grabbing some when the new version is finally revealed.
Via: Droid Life
Source: Google Play, iTunes
AIVAnet 
