Comixology now offers DRM-free comic backups, but only from select publishers
When Amazon purchased Comixology, it was a herald of change: iOS users lost the ability to purchase comics in-app, Android users were gifted with a new purchasing system and, now,the digital book seller is going DRM-free. Sort of. Comixology CEO David Steinberger announced today that DRM-free backups of select comics are now available to download in PDF and CBZ format, giving readers the ability to enjoy their content outside of the Comixology ecosystem for the first time. That said, it’s somewhat limited: backup downloads are only available to book published by Image Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Zenoscope Entertainment, Thrillbent, Top Shelf Productions and MonkeyBrain Comics — in other words, publishers that have already dabbled with DRM-free comic distribution.
There’s no word if publishing juggernauts like DC or Marvel will make their books available for download (don’t count on it), but the option seems to be available for both big and small publishers. Even so, there’s quite a few title available (this editor’s list of downloadable backups tallied over 300 comics), all of which can be accessed under the “My Backups” tab of the user’s library. Sounds like a winner to us — though, Comixology does caution that fans of its “guided view” reading mode won’t be able to access it in their downloaded backups.
Filed under: Software, Mobile, Amazon
Source: Comixology
New Apple TV game brings the ‘Dance Party’ to your living room
Apple’s set-top hobby has come a long way since its major refresh in 2010, thanks largely to a variety of services bringing different content to the platform. When it comes to gaming, however, the Apple TV isn’t exactly a powerhouse, despite being able to support it through AirPlay features — something similar to what Real Racing has done in the past. Another developer that’s made use of this particular second-screen kind of experience is Rolocule Games, and it just announced a new free title (with in-app purchases) dubbed Dance Party.
The game, which clearly takes a cue from Dance Central, comes in the form of an app and uses an iOS device as a motion controller, allowing players to see their virtual, groovy moves on the bigger screen by way of Apple TV. Dance Party also lets you challenge other people who have the application, even if they’re not in the same location as you. It may not be the best way to play games on the tiny box, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be fun.
Filed under: Misc, Gaming, Home Entertainment, Software, HD, Mobile, Apple
Source: App Store
Instagram’s Snapchat competitor Bolt leaks
Snapchat’s meteoric rise made one thing abundantly clear — the market would soon be flooded with copy cats. The next major player to try and drink Snapchat’s milkshake might be Instagram. A banner introducing Bolt, a service for “one tap photo messaging,” appeared at the top of the company’s mobile app last night. The announcement was quickly pulled, but not before several people grabbed screenshots and started passing them around on Twitter. Unfortunately there’s not much more detail to share at the moment, but the move will definitely raise a few eyebrows. For one, it would seem like a trivial feature to simply integrate into the existing Instagram app. Secondly, with Facebook’s Slingshot already offering ephemeral photo and video messages, Bolt seems like a duplication of efforts. Of course, there’s always the chance that Bolt will offer some truly unique twist on the format and shove pretenders to the media messaging crown aside.
Filed under: Software, Mobile, Facebook
Via: The Verge
Source: @yo_areli (Twitter)
Apple reportedly releasing OS X Yosemite in October alongside 4K desktop and 12-inch Retina MacBook
Well, this is a timely rumor: Today is the day Apple opens up OS X Yosemite for public beta-testing, and now we’re hearing the final version of the OS will come out in late October. The report comes from Mark Gurman at 9to5Mac, who has a strong track record when it comes to Apple rumors, and he claims that in addition to OS X, Apple will release a 12-inch Retina display MacBook, and either an iMac or a standalone monitor with a 4K screen. Obviously, Apple could do a 180 and release the same old computers with minor spec bumps, but if you ask us, everything Gurman is reporting seems plausible. First of all, Apple already promised it would release a final version of OS X sometime in the fall, and surely it plans to do that before the holiday shopping season starts up in November.
Secondly, a Retina display MacBook Air has been rumored for ages now, and the way the laptop market is going, it seems Apple is going to have to release a Retina-grade Ultrabook sooner or later; it’s already getting tough for us reviewers to make excuses for the Air’s 1,440 x 900 screen when you can easily find Windows machines with 2,560 x 1,440 or 3,200 x 1,800 screens. As for the 4K all-in-one? That seems inevitable too, though we’ve admittedly heard less scuttlebutt about that one.
Both computers are expected to be available in late Q3 or early Q4, according to the report, but constraints having to do with Intel chipsets — among other possible delays — could push the on-sale date to early 2015. If Gurman is correct, we’ll find out more at a fall media event — again, very typical of Apple. The one thing we’re not sure of? Whether the mythical iWatch will be there, as Gurman says. Because we’ve been hearing about that thing forever now. We’ll believe that one when we see it.
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Software, Apple
Source: 9to5Mac
Google banks on its own tech to protect Chrome users from another Heartbleed
Last month Google said that it was tired of mashed-together bug fixes for OpenSSL and decided to create its own fork called BoringSSL. It has now implemented that variant in the latest Chromium build, the open-source software that eventually arrives in Chrome. OpenSSL is software used for secure connections — created largely by volunteers — and an overlooked code problem recently caused the infamous Heartbleed bug. When BoringSSL was first announced, there was some grumbling from the security community about yet another flavor of SSL. But Google said that with over 70 patches now in OpenSSL, it was becoming much too unwieldy to implement in Chrome. It added that it wasn’t trying to replace OpenSSL and would continue to send any of its own bug fixes to that group. It’ll likely be implemented in the next version of Chrome, but you’ll be able try the beta soon here, if you’re feeling lucky.
[Image credit: AP/Mark Lennihan]
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Source: Google
Uber’s back on Windows Phone minus some key features
If you’ve hailed an Uber ride on a Windows Phone handset, you’re aware that the you were beamed to the service’s mobile site rather via a full-fledged app. That changed today, as the taxi outfit returns to Microsoft’s mobile OS with proper software. This means users can lock in location, call for a ride and sort payments with a properly equipped handset. Uber’s app is missing a few key features though, as in-app fare quotes, sharable trip info and fare splitting are on the way soon. While that’s a bit of a bummer, the new version is available now for those looking to take advantage.
Filed under: Transportation, Software, Mobile
Source: Windows Store, Uber
Summer sales continue with NBA Jam, Dead Space, King of Fighters ’97 and More
Tis the season for summer sale savings apparently. A whole host of games and apps showed up on sale yesterday such as Terraria, Worms 3 and a couple Final Fantasy games. Today a slew of other apps have been listed on sale that you might want to grab while you have the chance.
We have three games on sale from Electronics Arts today. First being the classic two-on-two fast paced tournament style basketball game NBA Jam. I can vividly remember spending countless hours playing this title back in the day. A more recent update back in MAy added in Google+ game activity as well as real-time online multiplayer. NBA Jam is on sale from the usual $4.99 to just $0.99. BOOMSHAKALAKA! Grab NBA Jam on the Play Store here.
Another EA title, Dead Space, is also up for grabs at a discount. I know this one has landed on a number of sales in the past, I even think it was part of a $0.10 or $0.25 sale at one point. While many of you already have it, there are thousands of new Android users added daily that might not. Now is a good time to grab the sci-fi horror masterpiece since it is on sale from $6.99 down to just $1.99. Get Dead Space on the Play Store here.
The third title we on sale from EA is one of their Monopoly variants, Monopoly Millionaire. The classic board game has been full of fun graphics and animations to add a little extra flare during your race to a million. The deal on this one is a little silly, but hey, a sale is a sale. Monopoly Millionaire is usually just $1, but EA apparently has good friends at Google and they have managed to bring it down to $0.50. Get it on the Play Store now.
Moving on to SNK Playmore we get another run at another classic game that has been brought to the new mobile age with The King of Fighters ’97. I know you spent many hours in-front of the SNK machines in the late 90′s playing this one, and probably Metal Slug, like I did. Maybe you had it for the Dreamcast? Hopefully we see the Metal Slug series and Samurai Showdown II make that summer sales cut at some point too. This fighting game is on sale from $3.99 down to $1.99. Grab it in the Play Store here.
Next we have one of Mediocres titles, Sprinkle Islands. This is the second, I do believe, installment of the popular water physics puzzle game Sprinkle. Using your trusty little fire truck, a limited supply of of water and your wits you have to put out the fires and save the island. The title is a lot of fun and pretty entertaining for all ages. Mediocres has placed Sprinkle Islands on sale from $1.99 down to $0.99. Snag it on the Play Store here.
Rounding out some of the bigger names in the game we also have Beautiful Widgets Pro from LevelUp Studios. This is a clock/weather widget app that has been around since the dawn of Android. It has landed on just about every app sale promotion that I can ever think of and they have had plenty of their own sales too. The widget app lets you take and create beautiful weather and clock widgets using a whole host of options from custom weather icons to clock fonts to background colors. The app also features a ton of toggle switches for various things like Wi-Fi and such. Although much of those are sort of useless to most since Android now handles those in the drop downs. LevelUp is a pretty good group of guys that regularly update and fix things in their apps. They also strive to add new functions and features as well. Beautiful Widgets Pro is usually $3.99 and is on sale for $0.99. You can snag it in the Play Store here.
There are a number of other titles on sale as well. Here is a list of the ones I see right now.
- Train Crisis Plus – on sale for $1.33 from $2.04 ( so says the app anyways.)
- Nightmares from the Deep Full – On sale for $2.99 from $4.99
- Dr. Panda’s Restaurant 2 – On sale for $0.99 from $2.99
- Knock-Knock – On sale for $2.99 from $3.99
- Temple Run: Oz – On sale or $0.99 from $1.99
- House of 1000 doors full – On sale for $0.99 from $2.99
- Toca Builders – On sale for $0.99 from $2.99
- Call of Atlantis (Full) – On sale for $0.99 from $2.99
- Cameringo – Effects Camera – On sale for $0.99 from $2.49
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Modern Combat 5: Blackout launches in the Play Store ditches IAP’s Thankfully
Gameloft‘s highly anticipated first person shooter Modern Combat 5: Blackout has made its debut on the Play Store today. Unlike its predecessor MC5 is back to a regular ‘purchase it and be done’ style of game. Meaning you won’t be dropping cash on the game just so you can spend more cash in the game.
The new title brings 4 character classes that you can work to level up as you play. The classes are similar to most war game styled classes with Assault, Heavy, Recon and Sniper. You level up through single player and multiplayer with a traditional XP accumulation and unlock higher-tier weapons when you master the lower tier ones. Much like Battlefield 4, each weapon can also be customized with a variety of attachments to enhance your gaming experience. The multiplayer aspect of the title brings in Squad vs. Squad matches and you can squad and global chats.
From what I have seen over the last few weeks, Modern Combat 5: Blackout looks to be the best version to date. Be prepared for the premium title to carry the premium price tag of $6.99. It should be well worth the money, especially since there aren’t any in-app purchase tucked inside. The download is rather large so you might want to have Wi-Fi available before you pick it up. Also something else to note is that an internet connection is required to play the game. So says the description notes. I assume this is to verify and validate your copy to help prevent thievery, much like what went down over the weekend.
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Foursquare shows off its new look for local searches
The Foursquare faithful have had some time to get used social venue tracker’s Swarm option for sorting check-ins, as the outfit jettisoned the activity to a second app. Folks who didn’t want to give up the OG method were still able to tally stops, but now the redesigned search-focused software is imminent. As of tomorrow, you’ll have to use Swarm for all check-ins, and Foursquare claims that about 75 percent of your fellow users have already made the leap. What’s more, the company has a new logo to go along with the upcoming app that it’s teasing as well. Once you pipe in info on your personal tastes, follow a few experts and make a few stops, the new Foursquare will learn about your delicate sensibilities and make recommendations based on the gathered info. However, you don’t need to have Swarm installed to make use of the original app’s new focus on “personalized local search.” As you can see in the screenshots above, the directory will offer to hop over for a check-in — if you’ve installed both applications, of course. Unfortunately, there’s no date for the official arrival, but the announcement claims you’ll be leveraging the tidied up ratings and tips “really soon.”
Source: Foursquare
Dropbox for Business lets you limit your coworkers’ access to shared files
Dropbox for Business is good for collaborating on files stored in the cloud, but it hasn’t had fine-grained permission control — not great if you have a sensitive project you’d rather not share with the folks in Accounts Receivable. You’ll be glad to hear, then, that Dropbox is introducing some much-needed access limits. You can now say which of your colleagues can edit or view a given file, and you can both set expiry dates and passwords for shared links. In other words, contractors won’t get to peek at that big company report once their work is done. The new tricks are available through Dropbox for Business’ early access program today, and there are promises of more features within a few months; they’ll get the ability to search for text within files, work on Office documents with others and preview that same content on Android.
Filed under: Storage, Internet, Software
Source: Dropbox (1), (2)
AIVAnet 