973,086 iOS devices were jailbroken in a single weekend thanks to Absinthe 2.0, which was released on Friday. Chronic-Dev, one half of the Jailbreak Dream Team tweeted the announcement yesterday, adding that 211,401 of those freed were third-generation iPads. If you want to loosen your own Apple-branded handheld from the clutches of Cupertino's control, then the warranty-worrying software is still available -- with the promise that it's so easy, your grandma could do it.

Absinthe 2.0 used to jailbreak nearly one million iOS devices in a single weekend originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2012 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Let's say you're a developer eager to convert your apps for Windows 8 as soon as possible. Where do you start? Microsoft Developer Evangelist Jennifer Marsman is very much aware that you might be at a loss, so she has done the rather large favor of rounding up every porting guide the company has to offer in one handy place. Some of these are pure design guides, like a previously spotted iPad-to-Metro layout article, but others dig deep into converting code for the land of home tiles and charms. The focus is on porting from the web and Windows Phone 7, so we wouldn't work up hopes of bringing your high school computer class project to Metro. Still, Marsman is looking for more guides from readers; if you've developed just the technique to convert 10 PRINT "HELLO WORLD" 20 GOTO 10 into a tablet-native Windows 8 app, return the generosity and leave pointers at the source link.

Microsoft posts Windows 8 app porting guide roundup, forgets to include BASIC originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 May 2012 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Absinthe's "so-easy-your-grandma-could-do-it" jailbreak tool just got an update to version 2.0, enabling support for a handful of Apple portables running iOS 5.1.1. Absinthe 2.0, which was developed by the "Jailbreak Dream Team" (Chronic-Dev and iPhone Dev) joins Redsn0w's tool, and will support all iPhone and iPad versions, with the exception of iPad2,4 -- the most recent iPad 2 variant, shipping with a 32nm A5 chip. The jailbreak tool can also be installed on iPod3,1 and 4,1 models. Assuming your iOS device is up and running with firmware 5.1.1, you can hit up the source link after the break to get your download on. AppleTV (second gen) users can get in on the fun too, with the latest version of Seas0npass for 5.0.1.

Continue reading Absinthe 2.0 hits the download wire, jailbreaks all iOS 5.1.1 devices but the 32nm iPad 2

Absinthe 2.0 hits the download wire, jailbreaks all iOS 5.1.1 devices but the 32nm iPad 2 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Tweetbot just got the update treatment, enabling a handful of features aimed at optimizing the way you interact with Twitter, both online and off. These added gems include an option to mute certain keywords ('cereal' may be a good start), location-based keyword searches, along with offline favorite and read later support (for booting links to apps like Instapaper or Pocket, for offline viewing). Most other functionality remains unchanged, as does the $2.99 price tag. You'll find the full list of updates after the break, with download links just below.

Continue reading Tweetbot 2.4 brings keyword mute filters, offline favorite and read later support

Tweetbot 2.4 brings keyword mute filters, offline favorite and read later support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Facebook has kept itself rather busy in the last month or so with such tasks as going public and purchasing popular photo-sharing app Instagram, but that doesn't mean it stopped working on other projects in the meantime. This realization is apparent with the launch of Facebook Camera, a photo-centric application that chooses to remain separated from the company's general mobile representation. It's still connected with the social network, of course, but it brings a fresh user interface and some light Photoshop-esque features to the table: filters, cropping, zoom, twist and so on. We had the opportunity to grab the new app and take it for a spin on an iPhone, so check out the gallery and continue below for our first impressions.

Gallery: Facebook Camera hands-on

Continue reading Facebook Camera hands-on

Facebook Camera hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We're all familiar with syncing bookmarks and save-for-later web services like Instapaper, but it's not often that they come with a full web component. Yahoo's hoping to hit the proverbial two birds tonight with Axis, which combines a desktop web browser extension (your choice of Chrome, Firefox or Safari) with a mobile app on the iPad and iPhone. You can bookmark any page and get at it later through a common portal -- hence the Axis name. That unity idea also extends to the idea of browser searching, where you'll see both trending topics as well as immediate answers and visual thumbnails of the top search results. Mobile users can share content through email, Pinterest or Twitter, if that's their inclination. Axis is ready and free to use as of today, although Android users won't get their turn until closer to the end of the year.

Engadget had a chance to give Axis a quick spin, and we largely like what we see, even if we'd say it's not for everyone. The desktop browser extension largely stays out of your way until you need it, although we're surprised the social sharing elements are left out. On the mobile side, it's effectively a full, tabbed web browser, and a fairly solid (if simple) one at that. Most of the advantage comes through having the deeper search options just a pull away. Our issues mostly stem from the need for the app and the ecosystem it's leaping into. If you already thrive on (or want to try) services like Instapaper or Pocket, you're not going to get significantly more here, especially since you can't save content offline. Choosing iOS also means you can't make Axis your default browser, so any links you get from other apps can't be directly shared with Yahoo's mobile app.

Gallery: Yahoo Axis

Yahoo Axis on desktop, iOS unifies your bookmarks, makes the web visual (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

If there's some video chat corollary to Moore's Law, ooVoo is adhering to it. Almost a year to the day after announcing six-way calls, the company is expanding its offerings to include 12-way chats on both Facebook and ooVoo's iPad app. It would seem that on FB, at least, that means true 12-way, face-to-face conversations -- an obvious one-up to Facebook's native video calling app, which is powered by Skype. On the iPad, however, that 12-way claim comes with a substantial quid pro quo: while you can partake in chat with 12 people at once, you can only view up to four people's streams at a time. Moving on, folks using ooVoo on Android or the iPhone will notice some UI tweaks starting today, while people plugged into the desktop version will be treated to a more drastic overhaul. Rounding out the list of newsy bits, the ability to record and upload video chats to YouTube, Facebook and Twitter is now free. You can get your update on now at ooVoo.com, the Apple App Store or Google Play, and we've got one last screen shot after the break to help illustrate what's on tap.

Continue reading ooVoo opens up 12-way chat on Facebook and the iPad, gives other apps a facelift

ooVoo opens up 12-way chat on Facebook and the iPad, gives other apps a facelift originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Love driving but hate traffic? We hear you, and so do the people at Inrix. While the company might not come to the forefront of your mind when you consider the crowded world of navigation solutions, Inrix is a significant player in the field -- even if much of its presence exists behind the scenes. The company collects and analyzes data points from nearly 100 million sources, and now it's putting that information to work with Inrix Traffic 4 for iOS. In addition to helping users avoid congestion brought on by road work, police activity, local events and traffic accidents, the app now provides drivers with optimal routes and estimated arrival times for their two most common destinations -- a feature that's somewhat reminiscent of Nokia Drive 3. Inrix also leverages its data analysis to provide users with ideal departure times and even estimate traffic congestion throughout the day based on historical information. What's more, commuters can now quickly provide these estimated arrival times and routes to loved ones and co-workers via text message or email.

While the basic version of Inrix Traffic 4 is free, you'll have the option of upgrading to a premium version for $24.99, which brings traffic camera information and allows you to add more than two common destination points. We're told that Android users will soon find these features work their way across the aisle, although Inrix isn't yet ready to give a specific arrival date. If you're curious to learn more about Inrix Traffic 4, just hop the break for a demo video and the full PR.

Continue reading Inrix Traffic 4 for iOS helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and estimate arrival times (video)

Inrix Traffic 4 for iOS helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and estimate arrival times (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Android and PlayStation Vita owners have felt the Music Unlimited love on their respective devices for quite some time now, but the Spotify / MOG / Rdio competitor has finally made its way to the App Store, bringing with it yet another option for streaming music on iOS. The free app appears to be optimized for iPhone and iPod touch (though it's also compatible with iPad), and will enable on-the-go jammin' with a $4-per-month Basic subscription over 3G, 4G or WiFi connections. You can pull in tunes from the millions of tracks in Sony's collection, or access songs on your PC using the Music Sync service. The app is currently only available in the New Zealand App Store, but it's expected to hit other Music Unlimited countries soon. For now, you can hit up the source link for the Kiwi App Store preview, or head over to the Music Unlimited site to sign up.

Continue reading Sony Music Unlimited comes to iPhone with streaming music app

Sony Music Unlimited comes to iPhone with streaming music app originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

If you're pining for another way to keep tabs on your Facebook pages while out and about, you're in luck -- that is, if you live in Australia, New Zealand or Ireland. Stealthily launched yesterday for iOS, Facebook's Page Manager app lets administrators keep an eye on page-specific notifications and Page Insight (read: number of likes, shares, views, et cetera) in addition to the normal management fare already available in Facebook's official app. For those in other territories dreaming of using the app, hope is not lost. As a late addition to Ireland's iTunes' Store after its initial appearance for Aussies, it looks like the app is following protocol by holding out on most of the world with its initial launch. As for page owners wielding other operating systems, there's no word on when your app's coming down the chute.

Facebook Pages Manager for iOS sees soft launch, stats junkies rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

If you're needing to keep Mike & Mike an arm's length away at all times, ESPN has refreshed its Radio app to help with just that. Now optimized to the iPad in addition to the iPhone and iPod touch, the software allows you to sort your listening habits by sports, teams and athletes that you follow. The free version offers access to podcasts, the 20-minute SportCenter cycle, and offline listening for on-demand content. Currently, the premium version of the app is free as well -- touting custom stations / playlists, live audio pause / rewind, myESPN personalization, alerts / push notifications and a few more gems to keep you well informed on the latest Red Sox debacle. After a "limited time," though, you'll have to shell out $4.99 for the premium app and its 35 ESPN radio stations. What about Android and WP7 devices, you ask? The folks in Bristol claim that apps for those platforms will arrive later this summer.

Continue reading ESPN Radio app gets a refresh, now properly outfitted for the iPad

ESPN Radio app gets a refresh, now properly outfitted for the iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 03:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

RIM's latest on-screen keyboard effort may bear a passing resemblance to Swiftkey, but it also has us itching to see how the rest of the BlackBerry 10 UI will turn out. It looks like we're not the only ones, as Octopus Keyboard aims to bring the same slick prediction interface to jailbreaking iOS users. Swiping up will access suggested words depending on which letters are pressed, while the keyboard will also memorize new vocab like the iOS original. You can see how it works in real life -- and gauge whether it's worth the jailbreaking rigmarole -- in a quick walkthrough video after the break.

Continue reading BlackBerry 10's predictive keyboard gets transplanted with Octopus Keyboard for jailbroken iOS devices

BlackBerry 10's predictive keyboard gets transplanted with Octopus Keyboard for jailbroken iOS devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Granted, Apple and Google aren't quite the bosom buddies they once were, but how far is Cupertino going to free itself from the Android-maker? Well, Apple's picked up a number of mapmakers and is now reportedly getting ready to unveil a Google map competitor for iOS. 9to5Mac is reporting that the mapping solution will be in-place for the next major version of the mobile operating system, combining technologies gathered with the acquisition of Placebase, C3 Technologies and Poly9. The star of the show is said to be the 3D mode with graphics nabbed from C3. All Things D has "independently confirmed" the forthcoming app reinvention, with sources adding, (hopefully a bit hyperbolically) that it will "blow your head off." According to rumors, we'll be finding out a lot more come WWDC next month.

Update: To add more fuel to this rumor, a TechCrunch source notes that the iOS 6's "Sundance" codename is aptly named after a resort, just as previous versions have. Hit up the more coverage link below for further insight.

Report: Apple dumping Google for own Maps app in iOS 6 (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Moving along a similar path to his previous untethered jailbreak for iOS 5.0, hacker pod2g has followed up announcements of an untethered jailbreak for the iPhone 4 and iPad 3 running iOS 5.1 with a quick demo video (embedded after the break) as evidence. The video shows a jailbroken iPad 3 that manages to stay that way even after a reboot, the key difference from the current tethered hack already available. There's still no word on when the community at large may get a crack at the software, although tweets mention "stabilizing the payload" before taking a crack at the recently released iOS 5.1.1, and that the new Apple TV may not be able to come along for the ride.

Continue reading iOS 5.1 untethered jailbreak gets a video demo, not yet ready to meet the public

iOS 5.1 untethered jailbreak gets a video demo, not yet ready to meet the public originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 21:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Autodesk's had its 123D Catch iPad application in the works for quite some time now, but starting today, you'll finally be able to use that Cupertino slate to turn those beautiful snaps into three-dee creations. Similar to its desktop counterpart, the 123D Catch app won't cost a dime, and it's compatible with the second and third-gen iPads. To go along with the application, the company's also introducing its "MyCorner" cloud locker, which will let users store their pictures as well as share them between other Autodesk 3D apps. You can grab 123D Catch from the iTunes link below or via the app shop on your iPad. There's also a video after the break for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading Autodesk launches 123D Catch for iPad, lets you turn pics into 3D models

Autodesk launches 123D Catch for iPad, lets you turn pics into 3D models originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Plugged your iDevice into an iTunes-equipped machine lately? You should. Apple has just let loose iOS 5.1.1, a seemingly minor point update that actually promises to fix quite a few (potentially) substantial quirks. Coming two months to the day after the iOS 5.1 software update, the extra 0.0.1 is said to improve reliability of the HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut, address bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks and solve a few issues that were affecting AirPlay video playback "in some circumstances." There's also improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List, and Apple has purportedly fixed an issue where 'Unable to purchase' alert could be displayed after successful purchase. Sucked the update down yourself? Let us know how it goes in comments below, and peek the full changelog just after the break.

Update: Looks like iOS 5.1.1 has already been jailbroken. Huzzah!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Apple's iOS 5.1.1 update for iPad, iPod touch and iPhone: fixes AirPlay and network bugs, jailbroken already

Apple's iOS 5.1.1 update for iPad, iPod touch and iPhone: fixes AirPlay and network bugs, jailbroken already originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Adobe's famous desktop browser plugin may be looking forward to a 2013 overhaul, but that doesn't mean it isn't out to improve itself in the here and now. Flash Player's 11.3 beta, for instance, rolls in low latency audio support through NetStream, designed specifically to cut back audio lag in cloud gaming. The beta also introduces support for complete keyboard control when in full-screen mode, background Flash updating on Macs, and a Protected Mode for Firefox that keeps rogue Flash files from compromising Windows PCs using Vista or later.

The AIR 3.3 beta, on the other hand, smooths the runtime's iOS experience, allowing compiled apps to run in the background more like their natively-compiled siblings. It's also friendlier to developers, with new USB debugging and simulator support that now doesn't require a physical device. Android 4.0 users aren't entirely left out, getting stylus support for AIR apps on their platform. Adobe hasn't said when the finished versions of Flash 11.3 and AIR 3.3 will reach its servers, but if you're willing to live life on the bleeding edge, you can find the download links below.

Third betas of Adobe Flash 11.3, AIR 3.3 give peeks at low-lag audio and deeper iOS support originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 08:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Been itching for Facebook's iPhone-dedicated Messenger app to make its way over to the iPad? ? Maybe for the iPhone variant to finally reap the benefits of Skype video chat integration as well? Well, according to 9to5Mac, Camp Zuckerberg is testing both in-house, with the latter planned to hit iPhones this summer. According to the site, one of its trustworthy tipsters was able to grant it access to beta versions of the new apps, and it has the pictures to prove it. Unsurprisingly, the Messenger app for iPad is described as simply a sized-up port of the iPhone version, but surely the bump would be appreciated by many if it ever gets officially released. Perhaps more interesting, though, is having Skype video chat baked into the iPhone version -- tapping an arrow next to a contact initiates your video session, and 9to5Mac reports that it's "smooth most of the time." Of course, it's always worth taking such leaks with a grain of salt, but hit up the source link below if you'd like to find more information and screenshots of the apps in question.

Facebook's iPhone Messenger to get video chat, enlarged variant for iPad? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's here. After all the rumors, leaks and false alarms, Sweden's top music streaming service is finally ready for the big(ger) screen. Spotify has landed on the iPad, and not surprisingly, the new app is a no-brainer of a download for anyone currently in possession of a premium account and an Apple tablet, -- that much we can say right off the bat. But how well did the company harness the capabilities of the magical device, and is the whole thing worth the wait? We got some fingers-on with the app -- follow along after the break.

Continue reading Spotify for iPad launches: impressions and a visual tour of the new app

Spotify for iPad launches: impressions and a visual tour of the new app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's taken a bit longer than we expected, but following Apple's acquisition of app search engine Chomp, the Android option has now been cut out from its homepage. We're now left with the choice between iPhone and iPad categories, alongside existing shortcuts for popular freebies and apps on sale, in a few efforts to cut through Cupertino's 600,000-strong app selection. Hit up the source to give it a run for yourself.

Apple spits out Android option from Chomp app navigator originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

When not wearing women's clothing and hanging around in bars, the crew at Engadget towers enjoys nothing better than chomping down on an albatross while watching Monty Python. Heuristic Media has released Python Bytes, the first of six apps that bring together the best clips from each of the four series, Holy Grail and Life of Brian*. You'll be able to watch (say no more, nudge, nudge) the back-story of each sketch and you'll even be able to create your own personalized playlists. It's available right now, costing £1.99 / $2.99. Now, let's all get back to learning how to identify trees from quite a long way away: there's an instructional video after the break.

*All of which are also available unabridged from iTunes.

Continue reading ... It's... ... ... ... Python Bytes (video)

... It's... ... ... ... Python Bytes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Interested in getting a tattoo but disappointed by your lack of completely random options? Then Instattoo might be just the app for you. Released today for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, it lets you automatically generate a one-of-a-kind tattoo with just a few taps and swipes, which you can then print out and get transferred to your own body with the aid of a skilled professional -- but not before you share it on your social network of choice, of course. You can get a taste of what you might be getting yourself into in the pair of videos after the break, and grab the app in the App Store now for $5 if you're not dissuaded.

Continue reading Instattoo iOS app lets you randomly generate tattoos, can't turn back time

Instattoo iOS app lets you randomly generate tattoos, can't turn back time originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

What's Onavo Extend you ask? It's a free app that lets you save money on your data plan by compressing unencrypted data between your device and the web. The result is that you consume up to five times less data -- convenient when you're on a tiered / capped data plan, when you're roaming abroad or when you're on a slower 2G network. In addition, the app keeps track of how much data (and money) you save and which apps use that data. This works by setting up a local proxy server (and changing your APN), then connecting to the company's back end which accesses the internet on your behalf.

Onavo Extend -- which was released for iOS last year and was launched on Android (Ice Cream Sandwich) at Mobile World Congress -- is gaining CDMA/LTE support today for the new iPad and the iPhone 4S on Verizon and Sprint. We first experienced the app at the Google booth in Barcelona and we've been using it on and off since. We've tested it on several devices, including a Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ and an unlocked iPhone 4S on T-Mobile's network (EDGE only) and it works pretty much as advertised. Want to find out more? Hit the break for a demo video along with the obligatory PR.

Continue reading Onavo Extend stretches your data plan, now with CDMA/LTE support

Onavo Extend stretches your data plan, now with CDMA/LTE support originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

One of your favorite, dock-worthy iOS apps just got a tad bit better. We're talking 'bout Line2, who's just hit version 8.0.0 and is bringing with it a slew of long-awaited traits. Of these, the most notable is the inclusion of MMS, which now allows users to send out pics to other folks using Line2's service. That said, you can share media with people outside the Line2 network, but due to carrier restrictions, the MMS being sent will only show up as a link on the receiving end. To go alongside that Multimedia Messaging Service, the app's also adding a new location sharing feature (for those who don't mind the occasional stalking). As of now, the fresh goods are exclusive to the iOS crowd, while an update for the Android variant is said to be in the works. As usual, you can grab the app straight from the App Store on your device or via the iTunes link below.

Line2 for iOS now offers MMS support within its network, adds location sharing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

After flinging avian creatures no longer provides a suitable outlet for your mental acumen, you may wish to graduate to a more challenging level of iPad gameplay. Might we suggest moving crates? Seriously, though, while the premise behind Cargo-Bot may seem effortless, it's actually nothing of the sort. In the game, players must program a crane to properly situate boxes, but with the help of loops and conditional variables, it rewards players for discovering the most efficient method. We definitely dig the idea behind Cargo-Bot, but what makes it truly unique is the fact that it was programmed entirely on the iPad with Codea -- which also makes it a first of its kind. Go ahead and check out the free app for yourself in the source below, but if you need a bit more convincing, just hop the break for a quick premise of the game.

Continue reading Cargo-Bot is a deceptively simple iPad puzzle game, made on the iPad (video)

Cargo-Bot is a deceptively simple iPad puzzle game, made on the iPad (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

What better way to finish off your night than by updating your favorite jailbreaking tool? Now, you'll be able to do just that after the whiz-kids from the iPhone Dev-Team have pushed out a new copy of their famed RedSn0w application. In what's perhaps the biggest inclusion, version 0.9.10b7 now adds implementation of that untethered Corona jailbreak for A5 devices, making it easier for the iOS 5.0.1 crowd to do bits like reinstalling the tweaked software. In addition, the app's now capable of grabbing SHSH blobs (you know, those tiny files that grant your phone freedom) straight from Cydia, while also giving users the ability to see if their slab carries a vulnerable bootloader or if it's exploitable. RedSn0w 0.9.10b7 is out now for both Windows and Mac, and you can grab it at the source link below.

RedSn0w updated for Mac and Windows: adds Corona A5 jailbreak, other tools originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 06:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Confined to the imposing shadow of a certain filter-heavy Facebook purchase, 500px is another photo-sharing network making the eco-system leap to Android. 500px is built around collections of high-quality images that are automatically updated and streamed, with a full search option to seek out specific images. Alongside the ability to share photos on the likes of Twitter and Facebook, professionals can attempt to make their fortune by selling their images through the app and companion website. If you're just there for the sumptuous landscapes and close-ups, however, you can collate slideshows from photostreams and build up your own collection of favorite images. 500px has unleashed an update to its iPad version at the same time, cranking up the resolution to make the most of the new retina display and adding the ability to download full-size HD versions of your purchased photos. Anyone concerned with the little ones perusing some of the more risqué images can also breathe a sigh of relief -- 500px has added an improved NSFW filter. If you're overwhelmed with Instagram's new influx of enthusiastic patrons, you can try 500px's slightly different approach to photo sharing at the download links below.

500px launches Android app, adds iPad update on the side originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sometimes, standard two dimensional photos, even those taken by a 41-megapixel sensor, simply aren't enough to accurately depict a three dimensional object. Enter Arqball Spin, a free app that lets anyone with an iOS device create high-quality 3D models of whatever they like. Using the iPhone's camera, the app takes a series of images and uses some software black magic to create the finished product. The model, or "spin", can be cropped and adjusted (brightness, saturation and contrast) like a regular photograph, plus users can create custom annotations to identify or comment on specific parts of the "spin" as well. Viewers can then rotate the model 360 degrees and zoom in on any part that piques their interest. While it's currently an Apple-centric affair, support for DSLRs and other hi-res cameras (by uploading videos to the company's website for processing) and other mobile platforms is in the pipeline.

The app works best if the object is situated on Arqball's stage, which rotates at an optimal three RPM -- the stage isn't available yet, but the company's going the Kickstarter route to get the capital needed to start manufacturing. Those who pitch in now can grab a stage for $60, and it'll cost $20 more if you want to wait until it's on sale. Of course, the app still functions if you want to hold your iPhone or iPad and walk around your subject, but you won't get near the quality result that you can when using the stage. Because the "spins" are hosted on Arqball's servers, they can easily be embedded on any website via HTML.

By making photo-realistic 3D modeling so easy and accessible, Arqball sees this technology as a perfect fit for online retailers, educators, and, ahem, even gadget reviewers. While the app holds obvious commercial appeal, the company's not counting out casual users, and hopes to see a future filled with user-created 3D content. We got to see the app in action, and walked away thoroughly impressed with both the speed of the app and the detailed models it produces -- but you don't have to take our word for it, see a sample spin and our hands-on video after the break.

Continue reading Hands-on with Arqball Spin, the app that lets you create interactive 3D models

Hands-on with Arqball Spin, the app that lets you create interactive 3D models originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's never a great sign when the first thing you see upon entering a press conference is a giant Coca-Cola logo. iPad and web platform rumors aside, today's Spotify "special announcement" event was all about the soft drink side of things, marking a partnership between the music streaming service and Coke, which involves, at present, some Spotify / Coke apps. The first question from the audience, however, revolved around the rumored tablet version of the service. Spotify founder Daniel Ek acknowledged that it is indeed "in the works," otherwise evading the question, insisting that the event was all about the Coke partnership, to the relief of the two beverage reps who joined him on stage.

Spotify: the iPad app is 'in the works' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Creative types working their magic on Windows may already be familiar with KillerKeys, a desktop app that brings push-button control to most Adobe apps, Microsoft Office, Sony Vegas and a few others, letting you tap a preset action rather than digging through a multi-layer menu or remembering hundreds of keyboard shortcuts -- if you use any of these apps as part of your workflow, the $10 (and up) investment certainly seems to be worthwhile. Now, Bella, the company behind KillerKeys, is bringing the tool to iOS (the iPad, more specifically), letting you tap your intentions on your tab, rather than using the mouse to click around the desktop.

You can group buttons by function, and the panel adjusts automatically to match the current app -- there's also an application launcher available at the bottom corners of the display, which helps to minimize your mouse time. To that end, you'll also find an on-screen trackpad (which unfortunately wasn't functional during the company's demo at NAB), and once it's enabled you'll be able to reposition your pointer from the tablet, letting you hide that cumbersome mouse. Initially, the app will only be available for iOS when it ships next month, though an Android version is in the works, as is a Mac OS version of KillerKeys, which should launch with the iPad app. The mobile application will set you back $10, and you'll also need to pick up a copy of KillerKeys, which ranges in price from $10 for a home and student addition to $90 for the whole shebang. Check out the hands-on demo after the break.

Gallery: Bella KillerKeys for iOS hands-on

Continue reading Bella KillerKeys brings desktops shortcuts and control to iOS for $20, we go hands-on (video)

Bella KillerKeys brings desktops shortcuts and control to iOS for $20, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Read it Later becomes Pocket, drops its price to free

Read it Later becomes Pocket, drops its price to free originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Splashtop Win8 Metro Testbed for Apple iPad

Continue reading Splashtop brings Windows 8 Metro Testbed to Apple's iPad (video)

Splashtop brings Windows 8 Metro Testbed to Apple's iPad (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading CloudOn bolsters its Office-friendly iPad app with support for Box and Adobe Reader

CloudOn bolsters its Office-friendly iPad app with support for Box and Adobe Reader originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Are you a smartphone user with an itchy trigger finger? Listen up. Rockstar Games has announced that the one and only Max Payne will begin terrorizing your iOS and Android devices in the very near future. The wares will be available for Apple-branded gear (iPhone 3GS, 4 and 4S, along with the iPod touch 4 and all iPad iterations) on April 12th, and Google's implements two weeks later on the 26th. Max Payne Mobile is promising to deliver HD graphics, high resolution textures and exclusive content via the company's Social Club service to your miniaturized screen. Rockstar did not elaborate on which Android sets would be supported, but promised to publish a full list "in the coming weeks." Limber up those thumbs, charge up that handset and get ready to lay waste to... pretty much anything that moves.

Max Payne to rampage on iOS April 12th, Android April 26th originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 03:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Tweetbot for iOS updated with iCloud syncing of timelines and more across devices originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

NOOK for iPad now with Retina content, improved highlighting features originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Switched On: Angry Nerds

Switched On: Angry Nerds originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading PSA: Interactive Starry Night now available for the iPad (video)

PSA: Interactive Starry Night now available for the iPad (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Paper: the iPad sketchbook app from the brains of Courier (video)

Paper: the iPad sketchbook app from the brains of Courier (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 02:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Interactive Game of Thrones content comes to HBO Go iPad app

Interactive Game of Thrones content comes to HBO Go iPad app originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.