Third-Party Siri Support in iOS 10 ‘Long-Overdue’ and ‘Useful in Everyday Life’

iOS 10 lets Siri work with third-party apps for the first time, enabling a whole range of features the personal assistant is able to help with, from summoning an Uber to sending cash to sending a message via WhatsApp.

Ahead of the launch of the new operating system update, The Wall Street Journal’s Nathan Olivarez-Giles was able to go hands-on with some of the apps that will support Siri and give a little more insight into how the feature will work in practice.

After using the feature, Giles called Siri support for third-party apps “long-overdue” and a factor “important to making Siri more useful in everyday life.” He was able to test apps for sending mobile payments, image search and messaging, but Siri will also support ride booking apps like Uber, VoIP calling apps like Skype, and workout apps. Giles says asking Siri to perform tasks was “quicker than launching the app” and carrying out the task himself.

As has been previously described by Apple, Siri commands like “Siri, send Catherine $20 for lunch with Square Cash” or “Send Jim a Message in LinkedIn” work in iOS 10, and with the former, security is maintained with Touch ID authentication. Commands vary from app to app and Siri support can also be built into watchOS 3 apps.

Strings can get even more specific. For instance: “Siri, show me photos of what Kanye West wore to the VMA awards this year in Looklive.” This command pulled up pictures of the rapper’s wardrobe, along with links to buy what he was wearing, in the celebrity shopping app. In most of these demos, Siri carried out the task without opening the app itself. Instead, a card, styled like the app, appeared with the details of the action.

According to Giles, some of the first apps to integrate with Siri in the chat, mobile payments, and photos categories will include LinkedIn, WhatsApp, WeChat, Slack, Square Cash, Monzo, Pinterest, Vogue Runway, Looklive, The Roll and Pikazo. Apple has previously said apps like Lyft, Uber, and Fandango will be compatible with Siri, along with CarPlay-specific apps.

Not all apps will work with Siri, but Apple has plans to expand the app types that can interface with the personal assistant in the future. When iOS 10 launches, the following app categories will have the option to enable Siri support: ride booking, messaging, photo search, payments, VoIP calling, and workouts.

Apple has limited SiriKit to certain kinds of apps in order to keep a tight rein on privacy, control the Siri experience, and develop Siri’s understanding of language and context. Apple has promised that third-party apps are only privy to the specific data necessary to perform a requested function, keeping user information locked down.

Siri support for third-party apps is baked into iOS 10 and will be available as soon as the new operating system launches to the public in September. Apps will need to update to support the new feature, but many companies are undoubtedly planning launch day updates to be among the first to work with Siri.

Related Roundup: iOS 10
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Corning Announces Super Scratch Resistant ‘Gorilla Glass SR+’ for Wearable Devices

In 2015, Corning announced “Project Phire,” a new material that combines the strength of Gorilla Glass with the scratch-resistance of sapphire, and as of today, the result of that project is ready to launch.

Now called “Gorilla Glass SR+,” Corning’s latest product is a composite material for wearable devices. It’s been designed to cut down on visible scratches while continuing to deliver all of the features of the original Gorilla Glass.

According to Corning, Gorilla Glass SR+ offers scratch resistance similar to sapphire but with 70 percent better damage resistance against impacts and 25 percent better surface reflection. Corning says these optical improvements enable better battery life and improved outdoor readability.

“In early 2015, Corning launched Project Phire with the goal of engineering glass-based solutions with the scratch resistance approaching luxury cover materials, combined with the superior damage resistance of Gorilla Glass,” said Scott Forester, director, innovation products, Corning Gorilla Glass. “Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ delivers a superior combination of properties that is not available in any other material today – it is in a class of its own.”

Corning is a long-time Apple Supplier, and its Gorilla Glass products have been used in the iPhone and the iPad for several years. For its wearable device, the Apple Watch, Apple currently uses Ion-X glass for the Sport model and sapphire glass for the stainless steel and Edition models.

It is not clear if Apple will consider Corning’s newest product for any future versions of the Apple Watch, but if it is superior to current technology, it is a possibility. Corning says Gorilla Glass SR+ is now commercially available and is expected to be in products from “leading global brands” starting later this year.

Tags: Corning, Gorilla Glass
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Apple Adds New 2TB iCloud Storage Tier for $19.99 Per Month

Apple today quietly added a new iCloud storage tier, offering customers 2TB of data storage space at a price of $19.99 per month in the United States. Apple now offers four iCloud storage tiers at prices that start at $0.99.

The new 2TB iCloud storage option comes just over a week ahead of the company’s September 7 event, where new versions of the iPhone and Apple Watch are expected to debut alongside new operating system updates.

Rumors have suggested camera improvements could be one of the features coming to the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, and that could be one of the reasons Apple is introducing more storage space. A dual-lens camera, as is rumored for the iPhone 7 Plus, could potentially produce images that are larger, resulting in customers who need more space to store their photos and other files.

We’ve also heard rumors that the high-end iPhone models could offer up to 256GB of storage (perhaps limited to the iPhone 7 Plus), which could be another factor leading to Apple’s decision to increase available iCloud storage space.

Perhaps the biggest reason for the jump in iCloud space is a new desktop syncing feature coming to macOS Sierra. In the new operating system, all files stored on the desktop or in the Documents folder of a Mac are automatically uploaded to iCloud to make them available across a wide range of devices.

Related Roundups: iPhone 7, macOS Sierra
Tag: iCloud
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BitTorrent app once again linked to Mac malware

The developers of Transmission can’t catch a break. Just months after their BitTorrent app was linked to the first known instance of Mac ransomware, security researchers at ESET have pinpointed another form of malware taking advantage of Transmission to infect Mac users. Keydnap, as it’s called, takes advantage of a modified version of Transmission (planted on the developer’s site without its knowledge) to attack your computer. It’s similar to the ransomware’s approach in more ways than just its choice of host app — it even uses a signing key to trick Apple’s Gatekeeper safeguard into letting it through.

The malware’s effect may be limited. Transmission only had the affected version available for about a day before they pulled it, and ESET has already told Apple about Keydnap about the relevant key. It’s just a matter of blocking that key to prevent the malware from running. Nonetheless, this is a reminder that even stringent system-level protections won’t always catch rogue code.

Via: MacRumors

Source: ESET

Pebble introduces Quick Looks, Fast Actions and more

Pebble has introduced version 4.0 of its Pebble Time software focusing on speed and making it work better for you. From a faster launcher with app glances to an all-new Pebble Health app, there is a whole lot of changes in this update. The new health app brings redesigned cards that give quick glances to your stats, and from there you can dive deeper into the stats if you want. The timeline has quick views and the 4-button quick launch lets you access your favorite apps in just seconds.

Pebble detailed some of the update features as:

• All-New Pebble Health App. Press Up from your watchface to review your Pebble Health activity and sleep. Enjoy redesigned cards for quick glances at your current step and sleep performance. Press Right from each activity to dive deeper into your historical performance data.
• Timeline with Quick Views. Press Down from your watchface for current and future views of your personal Timeline. Gaze up to three days into the future. Enjoy Quick Views—peeks at what’s coming up next—from your watchface. Press Down on a Quick View to see more about it, or press Back to dismiss it.
• Better, Faster Launcher with App Glances. Press Select from your watchface for a new Launcher menu that’s built for speed. The banner design shows more items at once. App Glances show preview info without even opening an app.
• 4-Button Quick Launch. Your favorite Pebble apps are just a press and hold away from your watchface. Assign a Quick Launch favorite to the Up, Down, Back, and Select buttons and blast off.
• Built for Speed. New system animations make the overall watch experience faster.

You can grab the latest Pebble Time update from Google Play now. Once running the latest version of the app, you can update the software on your Pebble by launching the app and heading to Menu » Support » Update Your Pebble.

Best cases for Galaxy Note 5

What’s the best case for Galaxy Note 5? Here are a few of our favorites!

Your Galaxy Note 5 is a big phone, which means more phone to love, but more phone to break. Protect it with a decent case – from rugged, armored types to thin, low-profile cases, there are a ton to choose from.

We’ve curated the best of the best, just for you.

UPDATE: We’re constant researching the absolute best cases for the Galaxy Note 5. This latest update on August 30th, 2016, represents the best of the best.

• Abacus 24-7 wallet case
• Ringke Fusion Crystal
• Poetic Affinity
• SUPCASE Heavy Duty Case and Holster
• Spigen Slim Armor Case
• Urban Armor Gear Case
• Spigen Ultra Hybrid
• Caseology Wavelength Series

Abacus 24-7 wallet case

Your Note 5 is a BIG phone and there isn’t much sense in carrying around both a wallet and your phone, so combine the two with the Abacus 24-7 wallet case!

You have three spots for cards and a little slot for some cash, so grab your essentials and ditch the extra bulk in your pockets. The Abacus 24-7 is made of synthetic leather, which makes it nice and flexible, so folding it back into a stand is easy and hands-free viewing is comfortable – you won’t have to constantly adjust.

Comes in black, brown, blue, or purple.

For around $10, you really can’t go wrong with this one from Abacus.

See at Amazon

Ringke Fusion Crystal

The Ringke Fusion comes out on top for a solid clear case for the Galaxy Note 5. Not only is this hard case slim, but it shows off the Note 5’s good looks through its transparent plastic. Although it features a scratch resistant coating, it’s likely you’re going to pick up some imperfections on the case over time, but better on the case than your Note! You’ll find TPU plugs on the bottom that keep debris from infiltrating your ports, and a bonus screen protector is included in case you haven’t picked one up yet.

See at Amazon

Poetic Affinity

Poetic’s hybrid Affinity case has a hard polycarbonate back with a TPU bumper around the edge, so you’re covered from bumps, dings, scratches, and drops all around. The raised bezel on the front prevents your Note 5’s screen from getting scratched if you lay it face-down, and you still have access to all buttons, ports, and the S Pen.

You can also add a sense of your personal style to your Affinity, since you can opt for black, blue, pink, or clear TPU.

The TPU bumper around the edge of your Note 5 is ridged, allowing you to securely grip the phone and making it pretty hard for it to slide out of your hand.

If you want to maintain your Note 5’s natural beauty, but also want a protective case with a little something extra in terms of style, go for the Poetic Affinity.

See at Amazon

SUPCASE Heavy Duty Case and Holster

Just because you want superior protection for your Galaxy Note 5 doesn’t mean you need to drop big bucks on an OtterBox. SUPCASE’s Heavy Duty Combo provides that next-level protection at a fraction of the price. A built-in screen protector shields your display from scratches and the polycarbonate shell with a flexible TPU enhances grip while handling impacts like a boss. Its rugged design looks tough in any color — especially matched with the included belt clip holster.

See at Amazon

Spigen Slim Armor Case

Rocking a built-in kickstand and dual-layers that do a lot for impact control, the Spigen Slim Armor Case for Galaxy Note 5 is a great choice for protection and functionality. The TPU core helps to enhance grip around the edges while the smooth polycarbonate shell looks and feels great in the hand. While side buttons are raised, they sit flush with the rest of the case to retain a slim design. The Slim Armor Case comes in gunmetal, champagne gold, metal slate, or violet.

See at Amazon

Urban Armor Gear Case

Offering a rugged design that doesn’t bulk up your Galaxy Note 5 any more than it should is the Urban Armor Gear Case. This slim hard cover snaps around your new Note and features a feather-light way to protect against even some of the harshest drops. Constructed to meet military standards, the hybrid design features both TPU and polycarbonate materials fused into one solid solution. There’s plenty of texture to enjoy on this case along with reinforced corners for optimal impact control. Colors include black, clear, gray, orange, red, and white.

See at Amazon

Spigen Ultra Hybrid

The Spigen Ultra Hybrid case is the perfect blend of a hard polycarbonate back and flexible TPU bumper that makes for excellent protection from bumps and scratches and helps to prevent shattering, thanks to the shock-absorbing air cushions in each of its corners.

The best part of this clear case is how well it fits – it feels sturdy and strong on your Note 5 and fits very snugly, so you don’t feel your phone moving around inside.

Don’t worry about the smooth polycarbonate either – the TPU bumper is textured and won’t slip out of your hand.

If you’re after a well-fitting clear case that amps up protection better than some other clear cases, then check out the Spigen Ultra Hybrid.

See at Amazon

Caseology Wavelength Series

This unique hybrid cover has grip written all over it. The Caseology Wavelength Series Case for Galaxy Note 5 adds a bit of flare to your device while shielding it from impacts and scratches. There’s a durable polycarbonate frame that’s smooth to the touch, but the matching TPU that surrounds most of it is what adds a firm grip when held. Side buttons are raised through the plastic frame for an easier press, while the camera and ports are left open. The Wavelength Case comes in black, pink, navy blue, or mint.

See at Amazon

What’s on your Note 5?

Are you using a great case for your Note 5 that I didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!

Google might axe Nexus brand, including for new HTC-made phones

Google’s next Nexus smartphones won’t actually carry the “Nexus” brand.

According to Android Central, Google will ditch the Nexus branding for its upcoming, HTC-made smartphones, with the idea that it will market the duo under a different name and really focus on the Google brand instead. Keep in mind Android Police also said earlier this year that Google would ditch Nexus from the 5-inch and 5.5-inch devices, codenamed Marlin and Sailfish, respectively, and would instead use its own “G” logo.

Google usually only uses its brand name for software services, so the change would be a dramatic shift. And it’s currently unclear why Google would go that route, though the report mentioned Google plans to give the HTC phones a special version of Android Nougat rather than the standard version of the latest Android, which always ships with Nexus devices. It’s also unclear what makes this special version different.

Does this mean that Google is killing the Nexus brand? All we know for sure is that Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, said at the Code Conference in June that Google plans to become “more opinionated about the design of [Nexus] phones”, adding that the company is hoping to add more features on top of Android on Nexus phones in the future. So maybe that’s what Google is now doing with these upcoming HTC phones.

Android Central seems to think the end of Nexus is near, and that Google has begun to forge a new path in terms of phones that it helps develop to showcase both its design chops and mobile operating system.