BlackBerry’s BBM messenger app officially arrives on Windows Phone
Have a Windows Phone and crave access to BlackBerry’s famed messaging app? Today’s your lucky day. Announced in a video posted today, BBM is now exiting beta to become available for download in the Windows Phone store. The company said it spent considerable time tweaking the app’s interface to fit with Microsoft’s mobile OS, and the result is a clean UI that looks considerably different than the versions you’ll see on iOS and Android (not to mention BlackBerry OS 10). BBM for Windows consists of three main screens — chats, feeds and contacts — and you’ll have the ability to pin a chat right to your phone’s start screen. Windows Phone users who are new to BBM can pick up a few tips on getting started via the video (posted below). As of this posting, the app wasn’t yet live in the Windows Phone store, but the rollout should begin shortly.
Filed under: Storage, Software, Mobile, Microsoft, Blackberry
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CIA admits to spying on US Senate computer network
Back in March 2014, two United States senators accused the Central Intelligence Agency of infiltrating Senate computers. Worse, they accused the CIA of hacking Senate computer networks and accessing files while the Senate’s Intelligence Committee was actively investigating CIA detention practices. Following an internal investigation by the CIA, it turns out that the senators were right. “Some CIA employees acted in a manner inconsistent with the common understanding reached between SSCI (Senate Select Committee on Intelligence) and the CIA in 2009,” a statement issued by the CIA spokesman Dean Boyd says.
As McClatchyDC points out, the battle between the Senate’s intelligence committee and the CIA stems from a 2009 agreement that formed the basis of the Senate’s investigation into the CIA detention program. According to that agreement, the Senate committee could access classified CIA files through a database set up for and only accessible to the Senate. When CIA director John Brennan privately raised concerns to Senate Intelligence Committee chairwoman Dianne Feinstein, Feinstein realized that the CIA were monitoring the files her committee was supposed to access exclusively.
Feinstein then took to the Senate floor, accusing the CIA of intentionally intruding on her investigation. The CIA’s denied that claim. CIA director John Brennan said, “When the facts come out on this, I think a lot of people who are claiming that there has been this tremendous sort of spying and monitoring and hacking will be proved wrong.” This week, Brennan met with Senate Intelligence Committee chairwoman Dianne Feinstein and vice chairman Saxby Chambliss to apologize. The Senate Intelligence Committee’s report is set for release in the near future.
[Image credit: KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images]
Filed under: Networking, Internet, Software
Source: McClatchyDC
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Shazam takes its music discovery powers to the Mac
Shazam has already covered ground on mobile platforms such as iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8, but now it is prepared to bring its media identification software to more devices. And it all starts with Apple’s line of personal computers. The newly minted Shazam for Mac, naturally, features the same discovery tools which have made the app as popular as it is today, with the main differentiator being that it’s new for desktops and laptops. Once installed, the application performs in a rather subtle way, running its trademark ID work constantly in the background, if you allow it to. On the home screen, additionally, it only takes a spot on the menu bar to let you glance at recently discovered media. We say “media” because Shazam isn’t just capable of recognizing music playing around you, but also other stuff like TV shows — this is something that’s also possible on the smartphone/tablet apps.
When Shazam is activated on your Mac and recognizes, say, a track, it’ll let you know via an OS X notification pop-up, after which you can choose to ignore or click it for additional details, including quick access to lyrics, videos and links to the iTunes store. But why would someone want to use this over the smartphone equivalent? Daniel Danker, Shazam’s chief product officer, thinks this is perfect for users who may be on their laptop listening to Spotify, or on the couch watching something on TV. Ultimately, Danker says the goal is to “give people a magical, effortless connection to the world around them.”
“We want to continue making our music and media discovery experience seamless by reaching fans on the platforms they already know and love, so launching on Mac was a natural next step,” he told Engadget.” And of course in the fall we’ll take yet another step down this path when Shazam becomes a part of Siri with Apple’s iOS 8 launch, making it even easier for people to explore music, quite literally with the touch of a single button.” It’s available now from the Mac App Store — though, as is often the case, there’s a slight chance you won’t see it show up right away.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio/Video, Internet, Software, Apple
Source: Shazam
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Amazon’s offering 30 free Android apps to help make you a better person
Another month, another batch of 30 free Android apps courtesy of Amazon. Like the bookseller’s last Appstore promotion, the “Summer Self-Improvement Bundle” features $100/£100′s worth of complimentary apps, as long as you download them within the next two days (so don’t leave it ’til the weekend, basically). On-theme apps include exercise, nutrition, sleep, budgeting and learning aids, while games such as Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing and Carcassonne should provide a little entertainment. Other notable freebies include Kayak Pro for travel planning and management, and popular read-it-later app Instapaper. Remember, Amazon’s Appstore is available to any Android device (some side-loading required), not that we’re saying you could use a little self-improving. You’re perfect just the way you are.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, Mobile, Amazon
Source: Amazon
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Indiegogo has a new iOS app for mobile crowdfunding
Like giving money to ambitious projects but hate using your computer? Well, that’s pretty weird. We think that’s weird. Thankfully for you, though, the folks at Indiegogo think that’s totally awesome, and they wanna cater to your whims with a new iOS app (yes, an Android version is on the way). Guess what it’s called! If you guessed “Indiegogo,” you’re spot on. And frankly, we appreciate your gusto.
So, what can you do with said app? Well, back projects for one. There’s also discovery, and you can follow campaigns as they work toward funding goals. That said, as always, buyer beware: Indiegogo projects make no guarantee of delivery. And with Indiegogo, even if a project doesn’t reach its funding goal, the project owner keeps the money they raised. Wanna know even more about crowdfunding services? We’ve got you covered right here. And if you wanna snag the new Indiegogo app from the iTunes App Store, it’s free and available here.
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds, Software, Mobile, Apple
Via: The Next Web
Source: iTunes App Store, Indiegogo
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The second Oculus Rift headset uses the Samsung Note 3 screen, literally
Back when Oculus VR first showed off its second virtual reality development kit, the Facebook subsidiary wasn’t saying anything specific about the origins of its new, higher-resolution screen. But now that that second dev kit is shipping to pre-order customers, the teardowns have begun and we have a better idea of what it’s using: the screen from Samsung’s Note 3. Not a similar screen, but the screen directly taken from a Note 3 smartphone — an AMOLED pushing 1080 x 960 into each eye. Oculus VR even kept the touch module attached, though we’d strongly suggest against trying to use it while wearing the Rift headset.
As iFixit notes, the screen is being overclocked to run a higher refresh rate (75 Hz), which is important in creating what Oculus calls “low-persistence”. Hilariously, when the headset’s taken apart, you can see the directness of the screen’s use, camera-holes and all. Check out the video below for a full walkthrough of the new Rift dev kit.
Of course, Samsung and Oculus working together is interesting unto itself. We reported in May that Oculus VR and Samsung are collaborating on another VR headset — “Gear VR” — which Oculus is creating the software for while Samsung creates the hardware. That Samsung is providing the screen for Oculus’ new dev kit looks to be another component of the partnership.
Interested in learning more about the second Oculus Rift dev kit? Check out the video below!
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Wearables, Software, HD, Mobile, Samsung, Facebook
Source: iFixit
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1Password log-ins are coming to third-party iOS apps
The popular log-in repository 1Password is about to get a lot more useful on iOS devices. AgileBits has revealed an extension for using the add-on in third-party iOS apps — if the developer chooses to build in support. Thanks to the enhanced security measures taken by Apple’s pending mobile OS update, the option can be included and doesn’t require you to go elsewhere in order to sort your passwords in standalone apps. Of course, this is in addition to 1Password’s own built-in browser that currently included and Touch ID is leveraged to access the secured vault of username credentials. 1Password for iOS is a $18 purchase, and we’re not holding our breath for similar functionality to arrive on the Android version anytime soon (although on Android LastPass has a similar feature for logging into apps). While you wait for your favorite software to opt in, there’s a handy demo in GIF after the break.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile
Source: AgileBits
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Google’s 64-bit Chrome browser for Windows is available in beta
If you’ve wanted to try the 64-bit version of Chrome for Windows 7 and 8 but have been skittish about the flakiness of very early builds, your moment has come — Google has released a beta of its beefed-up browser. As with the Canary and developer editions, this more reliable software makes full use of modern computing power to both speed up web page rendering and tighten security. The code still isn’t complete, so don’t be surprised if there are a few hiccups. However, a beta means that a truly stable 64-bit browser is likely just weeks away. Even if you’re not willing to throw caution to the wind, it won’t be long before you can give Chrome’s big upgrade a spin.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Source: Google Chrome Releases
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Side scrolling monster slayer, Devious Dungeon, goes live July 31st [New Game]
NoodleCake Studios has put out some pretty amazing games over the years. Some of my favorite have been Super Stickman Golf 1 & 2, Punch Quest and the Mikey Shorts series. They are at it again, along with Ravenous Games, with another title that is scheduled to be released tomorrow, July 31st, titled Devious Dungeon.
Devious Dungeon is a medieval action platformer tat features randomized dungeons for you to explore. As you explore the devious dungeons you will have to fight off tons of monsters to earn experience and level up all while collecting loot on the way. You will slay your way through 5 different world with some killer bosses at the end of each before you can move forward. During your travels you will be able to visit the traveling merchant and purchase various weapon upgrades, armor, potions, rings, amulets and coins.
The game controls are simple and straight forward, like all of their games. You have simple, and responsive, left and right buttons along with your typical A and B buttons. That is all you need to navigate and slash the monsters. Take a quick watch of the games trailer to get a better look at how it all plays out.
Looks like it should prove to be a fun way to kill an afternoon or weekend. Devious Dungeon will be live on the Play Store July 31st and will pull in a price tag of $1.99. It will also offer in-app purchases, but it is promised that the balance between the games IAP and your ability to play and complete the game is spot on. In English, it just means that if you have ZERO patience and like to have everything upfront you can pay for it, but if you can work through the levels and spend wisely you can beat it without spending anything other than the games initial price tag.
We do have the link down below that will take you to the Play Store so you can pick this one up, but it won’t do you any good until tomorrow.
Devious Dungeon in the Play Store link
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Is Snapchat really worth $10 billion?
While competitors are busy cloning Snapchat in an attempt to replicate its success, Evan Spiegel and co. have continued to forge their own path. The company is already experimenting with new features in an attempt to generate revenue, but it’s also apparently talking to some big hitters to ensure it can keep growing until those profits come. According to Bloomberg, Snapchat is currently in talks over a new round of funding with investors, which include Yahoo-backed Alibaba, that if confirmed could value the company at an incredible $10 billion. It’s a significant figure, not only because it puts it on par with both Dropbox and Airbnb, but it’s around three times the amount Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook is rumored to have offered to acquire the company last year. Not bad for a service that’s known mostly for evaporating text and photo messages. Snapchat is understandably keeping quiet about its latest round of talks, and the figures could well change before its latest round of funding closes. Regardless of what happens, it appears Snapchat’s decision to hold out and grow the service was the right one.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Software, Mobile
Source: Bloomberg
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