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Cablevision launches iOS app to track down Optimum WiFi hotspots, keep you off the 3G sauce
Some internet purveyors make a big fuss over having public WiFi. It's not often that they go out of their way to help you find that WiFi, however, and that's where CableVision's recently posted (but just now official) Optimum WiFi Hotspot Finder comes in. If you're one of the cable company's Optimum Online subscribers, the currently iOS-only app will pinpoint the 35,000 access points that you can call a home away from home. As we'd hope, the app both finds hotspots nearby for an immediate fix or drills down to specific hotspots if you're just that determined to find a restaurant with a data pipe. The app and WiFi access are both free -- apart from that small matter of the cable account, of course -- and will no doubt help iPad and iPhone owners for whom Optimum WiFi's 15Mbps speed is an oasis in a sea of pokey 3G.
Cisco rolls its first Linksys 802.11ac WiFi router and bridge, kicks off Connect Cloud app platform (video)
Cisco won't be the fastest out of the gate with an 802.11ac WiFi router, but it's certainly one of the most ambitious. The dual-band Linksys EA6500 and a companion, single-band Universal Media Connector network bridge hike the bandwidth up to 802.11ac's 1.3Gbps peak, each of them carrying their own quartet of gigabit Ethernet jacks. A pair of USB ports on the EA6500 should make sharing storage that much faster as well. If you ask Cisco, however, the real highlight is the new Cisco Connect Cloud app platform. Not unlike Novatel's MiFi apps, the software helps either manage the router itself (think parental controls) or tap into other devices around the home, including AirPlay sharing and remote camera monitoring. There's even a new SimpleTap hardware integration platform that will pair third-party WiFi gear like Onkyo receivers to a router through Android and iOS smartphone apps. Eventually, that should include a gentle NFC-based nudge. A Linksys Developer Community is starting now with six app developers already lined up, and support is due for any access point Cisco deems worthy of the Smart Wi-Fi Router name. That said, you'll have to wait awhile if you want the 802.11ac tag attached to that router at the same time. The currently-without-a-price EA6500 doesn't hit shops until early August; you'll have to wait until September for the equally priceless Universal Media Connector. %Gallery-159086%
PLX's XWave Sport gives brainwave interfaces a casual look, triggers '80s flashbacks
Brainwave-guided interfaces are common. Most of the time, though, they're not what we'd call subtle. PLX Devices hopes to have that licked through the XWave Sport, a brain interface that disguises all its sensors through a fuzzy, exercise-friendly headband. Underneath the incredibly 1980s-retro (but washable!) look, you'll get about six hours per charge of tracking for concentration, relaxation and other noggin-related data that can transmit over Bluetooth to apps for Android, iOS or old-fashioned PCs. An SDK is available now, but pre-orders for the $100 XWave Sport won't ship until September 20th. That should give us enough time to perfect our Flashdance reenactments.
Apple sends iOS 6 beta 2 to developers
The wait between iOS 6's unveiling and its planned fall release just got a little bit shorter, as Apple has just pushed out beta 2. If you're in the developer crowd that can try it out, don't expect any revelations: the primarily focus is on the bug fixes that nudge the software closer to a final release. As in past years, multiple additional betas are expected between now and the time the iOS 6 is ready to come to the general public, so there's likely still lots of room left for Apple to polish the release to a shine. Those paid up on their developer accounts can grab the update through the usual means and see just how much luster has been added since WWDC. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i delivers scans to Android or iOS, spreads a little cloud love as well
Fujitsu's original ScanSnap S1300 earned a soft spot in our hearts -- no mean feat for a scanner -- so it's with piqued interest that we catch word of a direct upgrade. The S1300i is all about serving those of us who might never send scan results to a printer. Android and iOS aficionados now only have to send the results to a relevant mobile app, skipping the usual computer-to-phone shuffle. That stack of receipts can also go skip devices entirely and go straight to the cloud, whether it's Dropbox, Evernote, Google Docs, Salesforce Chatter or SugarSync. However that paper gets converted to digital, it'll be accomplished about 50 percent faster, or 12 double-sided, color pages every minute. All the extras lift the price price even higher, though: $295 is a lot to ask for a scanner. Even so, if that stack of bills is high enough to trigger an avalanche, it might be worth the premium to avoid being snowed in.
Nike+ Running comes to Android with Facebook Open Graph, iOS lands a big update to match
Android fans have been largely cut out of the Nike+ ecosystem, but that changes tonight: the shoemaker has kicked off a major redesign by giving the Google faithful their own version of its GPS-based run tracking app, now called Nike+ Running. Both it and an ample version 4.0 remake for iOS make starting a run that much quicker, and the whole experience has been tuned to compare runs and set goals without having to squint too closely at a phone that should be far from your mind. Facebook's Open Graph steps into the arena to share run data and track friends; even if you're not a social networking maven, you can tag your shoes to find out if that worn out pair of cross-trainers is holding you back. Both app versions are free to grab, so you've got an easy avenue to loading up your Galaxy S III (or iPhone) and shedding a few pounds.
Hitachi, NEC lead 70-strong coalition pitching iPad, iPhone for the business crowd
The Japanese must have more of a thing for Apple than we thought. A group of 70 local companies, led by heavyweights such as Hitachi and NEC, wants to spur iPad and iPhone app development for the corporate world. Along with helping to get the apps built in the first place, the alliance could help spread the work abroad. Members have even said they'll press Apple to get more information for writing business apps, although we wish them the best of success on that front -- Apple isn't exactly known for letting developers learn more about iOS' inner workings. With as many as 600 members joining over time, the coalition's success could shake up a Japanese suit-and-tie culture led by domestic cellphones and PCs. There also wouldn't be any shortage of irony from NEC partnering to support a platform that undermines its own tablets.
Plex for iOS 2.4 lets you get social with video, tie into Facebook
It's been awhile since we last saw a big Plex update for mobile apps, so it's with some relief that version 2.4 has just crossed the path of iOS users. The upgrade is all about socializing and introduces a friend system both to get viewing ideas as well as to recommend favorite videos to others. Those especially eager to make the link can go on to bind a myPlex account with Facebook. Even if social networking is furthest from viewers' minds, they can still remotely delete content from a supporting Plex media server, launch the app from the browser and regain the adaptive video quality that they'd lost in an earlier iteration. More fixes are in place, so head on over to the source link to feed that iPad or iPhone as soon as you're willing; other platforms will get the social aspects before too long.
Google Offers swings by the iPhone, saves dough for Apples
iPhone owners bummed that their Android-using friends were taking advantage of Google Offers they couldn't use can now level the playing field: an iOS port has just gone live. Much like its Google-native peer, the iPhone-optimized version can spot discounts in the neighborhood and will let you claim them on the spot. The chronically inattentive still get a lot of love in the process with both mentions of new offers and warnings for soon-to-expire deals. In keeping with Google Offers' current US-only focus, the app won't show outside of American borders just yet -- but if you've been thinking those yoga classes in Portland were a bit too dearly priced, your iPhone (and a well-timed sale) is now all it takes to set things right.
Twitter brings expanded news tweets to the web, makes skimming articles all too easy (update: Lytro too)
While Twitter has had expanded tweets for photos and videos, it's been necessary to click through to full news articles to see any of their content, sometimes even for the headline. A newly-launched update to the desktop and mobile web versions of Twitter is making that at-a-glance reading easier. Major traditional outlets like the New York Times, Der Spiegel or Time now show a brief snippet of an article when the linking tweet is given a click. More Internet-focused sources such as BuzzFeed and TMZ are also in the batch, and videos from the likes of BET and Dailymotion will play in-line. Android and iPhone users will see the same expansion from their native apps in the near future, although we're already weeping quietly for attention spans everywhere. Update: If you're craving shots taken with a Lytro camera, the company has revealed that its interactive, infinite-focus photos are included in the expanded tweet collection.
PSA: Which iOS 6 features can my device run? (update: more iPhone 3GS support)
So you're eagerly awaiting iOS 6 in the fall, but you'd like to know just how many features you'll end up skipping if you cling on to your existing iPad, iPhone or iPod touch for one more generation. Apple has gone to the trouble of alerting would-be upgraders just what features they'll get when they check for the update this fall, and we've compiled it in a chart for an at-a-glance view of what you'll need. The short answer: you'll want an iPhone 4S if you're craving every iOS 6 feature. Some feature gaps are defined by obvious differences like the absence of cellular hardware, but the performance limits of the iPhone 3GS or fourth-generation iPod touch turn their upgrades into a patchwork. There's also a pair of questions about iPod touch support and whether or not "iPhone 4 or later" explicitly rules out the media player; we'll update should we know more. Either way, it's evident that Apple is bending over backwards to support burgeoning markets, but also that anyone who bought in 2010 or earlier is feeling the pressure to pick up something new -- especially original iPad owners, who can't upgrade at all. iPhone 3GS iPod touch iPhone 4 iPhone 4S iPad 2 iPad (2012) Chinese service integration X X X X X X Facebook integration X X X X X X FaceTime over 3G/4G - - - X - X Flyover and turn-by-turn GPS - - - X X X Guided Access X X X X X X Made for iPhone hearing aids - - - X - - New content stores X X X X X X Offline Reading List - ? X X X X Passbook X X X X - - Phone replies and reminders X - X X - - Safari tab syncing X X X X X X Shared Photo Streams X X X X X X Siri - - - X - X VIP list, flagged/VIP mailboxes X X X X X X Update: Since we first posted this, Apple has updated its support to add Shared Photo Streams and the VIP list support going all the way back to the iPhone 3GS. Support is much more consistent now, even if it still leaves the 3GS lagging in some areas.
Apple's WWDC keynote video is up, play along at home (update 2: video for everybody)
Next-generation MacBook Pros? iOS 6? The new Maps app? Sure, you watched the whole thing live, but is that really enough? Apple's tossed up the Tim Cook-led WWDC keynote, so now you can experience the magic of liveblogging the whole thing all over again. Check out the video in the source link below. Update: Looks like it's only Safari users who get a peek at first: if you're on Chrome, Firefox or another browser, you'll have to sit tight for a little while longer. Update 2: The keynote video now looks to be working for most, so stream away.
Apple integrates Facebook into iOS 6, App Store, Macs
The string of iOS 6 updates has brought one of the more heavily requested social networking features: Facebook integration. You can share from core apps like Maps, Photos and Safari, but it's woven even more deeply than Twitter was in iOS 5: you can use Siri to make your commands, and there's now a public API for Facebook so that other apps can do the same. The App Store gets its own share of integration, with app recommendations based on what friends are using, and contact syncing now makes sure your social network is all lined up. Best of all, the Facebook integration is coming to Macs as well -- so you'll have a consistent experience no matter what device you're on. Check out our full coverage of WWDC 2012 at our event hub!
Apple teases Eyes Free, Siri car integration
Apple's VP of iOS Software Scott Forstall just demoed Eyes Free, Siri's new vehicle integration. The feature is being framed as a safety booster, letting you tap a steering wheel-mounted button to toggle Siri on your iOS device, rather than reaching around for your iPhone or iPad and taking precious seconds away from the road. This being Apple, there are already plenty of partners lined up -- BMW, GM, Mercedes, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda are all said to be on board, with Siri support making its way to vehicles within the next 12 months. It's certainly not the first example of smartphone/car integration we've seen, but it could soon end up being one of the most widely utilized, despite the years-long head-start competing technologies have enjoyed. Check out our full coverage of WWDC 2012 at our event hub!
App Store hits 650,000 apps, 30 billion downloads, $5 billion doled out to developers
One of the first pieces of news out of the gate at Apple's WWDC 2012 keynote is its success with mobile apps so far. The company has hit 650,000 apps in the App Store -- 225,000 of which are specific to the iPad. Customers have downloaded 30 billion of the apps since they became an option four years ago. Developers also have a good reason to salivate: there are now over 400 million iTunes accounts with credit cards, and they've been paid a total of $5 billion for all of their app sales. Whatever pressure exists to support other platforms, Apple wants its coders to know they're taken care of. For more coverage of WWDC 2012, please visit our event hub.
Apple alternative to UDID may come soon, track app use without pesky privacy issues
Apple has already provided a few clues as to what it's going to put on the plate for developers at WWDC. One change that's unlikely to be touted at the keynote, or even the entire conference, could prove to be the most important for app writers: an alternative to the UDID (Unique Device Identifier) that Apple started phasing out a year ago. If Wall Street Journal tipsters are right, the hardware-specific ID will be replaced with tagging independent of any one iPad or iPhone, such as a number sequence. The system as it's teased would let developers track user behavior and improve their apps without spooking users worried that Apple, or someone else, might snoop over their shoulders by linking a UDID to the owner. It sure sounds like a remedy to mounting privacy concerns to us, although an unveiling supposedly due within the "coming weeks" raises the possibility that the new ID won't show its face until after the programming hordes have already left San Francisco.
Facebook App Center for mobile leaks out on iOS, uses peer pressure to clinch the sale
While Facebook said it would deliver a version of its App Center store for mobile, it was shy on how that would work. An early iOS tester (since confirmed by TechCrunch) apparently didn't want to wait for an official explanation and slipped out a handful of shots: they show a mobile-optimized store that will look familiar to anyone who's picked up an iPhone or an Android phone in the past few years, but with an appropriately social bent. Friends' recommendations come front and center, and are so prominent that they take precedence over the app description; we're wondering if Facebook isn't pressuring us into downloading apps like it's a schoolyard dare. Facebook is still reluctant to say when App Center will hit pint-size proportions for everyone, though the largely complete-looking test version gives us hope for a quicker launch.
Foursquare 5.0 hands-on
Foursquare just posted its promised mobile app overhaul this morning, and it's a doozy: virtually everything in 5.0 has been given a fresh look or, in some cases, a complete rethink. The changes are, ideally, to goad us into using Foursquare to find places to visit, not just to check in after we're already past the front door. But is Foursquare pushing too hard? Will mayors want to resign in protest? We're digging in to find out. %Gallery-157474%
Google Maps, Earth take on full 3D imagery
Google is keeping the string of Maps launches going -- it's just rolling out very, very detailed 3D maps for technology like Google Earth, using a "new process" to get extra depth. In some areas, such as San Francisco, it models every building and delves down into the trees. The new fully textured, fully modeled imagery is coming both to Android and iOS in the "coming weeks," and Google even made a point of showing the update running on an iPad. Just how deep this rabbit hole goes is an unknown right now, but it certainly ups the ante for Apple's rumored giant iOS 6 Maps revamp and the 3D mapping it might be using from C3 Technologies. Update: We just followed up with Peter Birch following the keynote regarding version compatibility for offline and 3D Maps, and were told that Google "has nothing to announce at this time," but will do so in the coming weeks. We prodded a bit to see if 2.x devices would be in the mix, and all we got was a non-confirming reply about an "assumption" that if Google Maps Navigation is supported, offline and 3D would be as well. Relive the memories in our liveblog... right here!
NYT: Office for iPad is still on
Microsoft vehemently objected to Office for iPad rumors almost as soon as they first showed up, quashing hopes in the process -- or so we thought. The New York Times now contends that Redmond's PR might just have been exercising plausible deniability: sources for the newspaper assert that Office for iPad is still a reality and that the details, not the app itself, are in dispute. Most of the questions instead surround the launch day and price. A follow-up answer from Microsoft hasn't settled much other than to get the boilerplate no-comment remark, but we wouldn't be surprised if Google's acquisition of Quickoffice spurs a few discussions at Microsoft about tablet-native Office suites for more than just Windows 8.
