proactive
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Apple is reportedly working on its answer to Google Now
Apple has made some efforts to give you relevant info when you need it (such as iOS' Today screen), but it hasn't really had a response to Google Now, which brings you everything from timely directions to cheap flights. According to 9to5Mac's sources, however, that's going to change soon. The crew at 1 Infinite Loop is reportedly working on Proactive, an effort to unite Siri, contacts, schedules and apps in a way that surfaces info at just the right time. A revamped Spotlight search screen in iOS will automatically fill with content based on your schedule and habits. If you're going on a trip, for example, it'll pop up your Passbook ticket when it's time to go; if you always check Facebook in the morning, you'll get an app shortcut. There are also promises of restaurant suggestions showing up at meal time.
Foursquare's new push recommendations appear even when you don't check in
Sure, Foursquare is a nice option for recommendations from friends and those who have already explored your current locale. It appears, though, that the days of manually searching the app for nearby treasures will soon be a thing of the past. Today, Foursquare began a rollout to select Android users a "smarter" version of the service -- one that's proactive with its recommendations. That's right, folks, the app will ping you via push notification when you're near a friend's go-to sushi place or offer up cocktail suggestions based on the bar that you just cozied up to. Fret not, you can still check in like you're used to, but now Foursquare will offer up recommendations even if you don't. Battery drain shouldn't be a concern here as the company says a day's worth of advice should roughly translate to a 20-minute Angry Birds session. In the next few months, the feature will reach all Android users, with iOS to follow sometime after that. For now, if you're not one of the lucky thousand or so, you can peruse the backstory via the source link below.
Reminder: Stockpiled Wii sale tomorrow -- plan ahead
The bulls are humans and the people are the Wii -- go get 'em. It's no secret that attaining a Wii since Christmas has been far more difficult than originally anticipated. Anyway, between Gamestop's $50 Gamecube trade-in deal and the stockpiled Wiis at some retailers, expected to be "officially" announced in tomorrow's Sunday flyers, it might be a good idea to start getting a move on today and plan ahead to camp out if you're still trying to get the system. And, because Joystiq cares, please check your local weather report before camping. Please dress appropriately. The Wii is not worth dying for.
