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T-Mobile Moto X gets updated with significant camera enhancements
In our review of the Moto X, we determined that while its ClearPixel camera was decent, its performance was hit or miss. Fortunately, Motorola has taken a lot of feedback and has cranked out a software update with improvements to the camera's performance, specifically in the areas of exposure, color accuracy and focus speed. The refresh, which is so far getting pushed out to T-Mobile phones -- we expect it to roll out to other carriers as soon as each one is done testing the new firmware, though nothing is currently confirmed -- appears to make a rather substantial difference in several scenarios, such as reducing noise in low-light and eliminating haze in outdoor shots. Anandtech's Brian Klug had the opportunity to take the updated shooter for a test run and declared it to be "nothing short of the biggest [improvement] I've ever seen come across in an OTA update." In addition to the camera improvements, Motorola also threw in a few other enhancements as well. Users who have downloaded the update should expect increased Touchless Control accuracy, a fix for the choppy audio issue some have experienced in voice calls and an improvement to Moto Assist as well.
Apple TV 6.0 quietly pulled following bricked updates, connectivity issues
If you haven't already updated your Apple TV to version 6.0, you'll have to wait: Cupertino has discreetly pulled the software upgrade. Although no official statement has been made, users on Twitter have been reporting connectivity issues and accidental resets throughout the weekend. An unlucky few even saw their devices bricked entirely. Now, manually checked boxes report that version 5.3 is "up to date." There's no word yet when a more stable version of the software will be available for download, but when it is, it should bring users the AirPlay from iCloud support (for devices running iOS 7) and iTunes Radio access Apple promised on Friday.
Apple TV gets iTunes Radio, AirPlay from iCloud and more with latest software update
Apple may not have made any mention of an Apple TV software update at its event earlier this month, but it turns out it did have one set to roll out alongside its new iPhones. Available for download now, version 6.0 is a fairly big upgrade compared to other recent updates, bringing with it support for Apple's new iTunes Radio service, along with new features like AirPlay from iCloud and the ability to browse and buy music from the iTunes store right from the Apple TV. You can now also sync podcasts across your various Apple devices and listen to them on your Apple TV, and view photos and videos you've added to your shared photo streams. The UI, however, hasn't been updated to match iOS 7, remaining mostly unchanged from the most recent redesign. Update: As All Things D notes, the AirPlay from iCloud feature is only available to devices running iOS 7.
iOS 7 released: go forth and update!
It's finally here! Apple has released iOS 7 to the public. The new firmware is now available through iTunes and as an over-the-air update for WiFi connections. (The firmware occupies something north of 1.25 GB, so caveat updateus, aka updater beware.) The new update requires iTunes 11.1, which was released earlier today. If you use your iPhone primarily with a computer, you'll want to grab a copy. iOS 7 introduces many fabulous new features, which we've been covering today at TUAW. Ready to dive into the amazing new Jony Ive-led redesign? I've made sure to enable comments on this post. Share your experiences in download, installing and using this new update!
iTunes 11.1 is available
The latest version of iTunes is now available for download. iTunes 11.1 provides Mac users with the ability to listen to iTunes Radio, Apple's new streaming radio service. There are over 250 pre-set stations to choose from, and users can create their own stations by simply entering the name of a favorite artist or song. Genius Shuffle is another new 11.1 feature, providing a way to hear songs that "go great together." Each click of the Genius Shuffle button starts up a fresh shuffle of tunes so you can hear something new. Are you a fan of podcasts? You can create "Podcast Stations" of your favorite podcasts that update automatically with each new episode. All stations, subscriptions and current play positions sync through iCloud to the iOS Podcasts app. Lastly, iTunes can be used to Sync music, movies and other media to devices running iOS 7. At publication time, the update did not appear in the Mac App Store, but could be downloaded directly from the iTunes Web page.
Apple's AirPort Utility, iBooks updated with iOS 7-friendly look, compatibility
Sure, it's not the most exciting news to drop on this iOS 7 official "birth" day, but Apple has updated several apps to bring them into the brave new world of the new iOS. Both AirPort Utility and iBooks have received updates in the last few hours. The notes for iBooks -- which seems to be sporting the same non-flat icon that it has since it first became an iOS app -- show that "This version of iBooks improves compatibility with iOS and iCloud." The app is still as Scott Forstall skeuomorphic as it always has been, complete with the faux wood library shelves. For the AirPort Utility, the release notes simply say, "Adds support for iOS 7." I'd let you know what that means if I had half a clue, but there's just not a whole hell of a lot of detail there. If you're an iOS 7 user already and set up your devices for automatic downloads, those updates should already be installed.
Venerable PCalc app gets an upgrade to version 3.0 for iOS 7
PCalc may not be the longest-lived app in the Apple world (I believe ProVUE Development's Panorama database for Mac may be the winner at 25 years old), but the scientific calculator app from developer James Thomson is pretty darned close. The Mac version of PCalc will be old enough to drink legally in most states -- 21 years to be exact -- in December of 2013, and it has a younger sibling in the iOS world that just received a new coat of paint and a major tuneup for iOS 7. PCalc 3.0 (US$9.99, universal) can now be switched into a new default iOS 7 theme called "Samurai" that brings the thin, flat minimalism of the new OS to light. Other themes that you've grown used to in the past are still available, however. But the looks aren't all that have changed for PCalc. On the iPhone, there's now a "smarter display" that uses a larger font size for entries and results if there are fewer lines of data to display. That should make it much easier to read numbers on the small screen as you're using a Lorentz Transformation to calculate tips at your favorite restaurant. The list of improvements goes on and on, so I've added them to the "Press Release" button below. If you need more than just a four-function calculator for your favorite iOS device, definitely check out PCalc 3.0. And if you've been using PCalc for iOS, be sure to load the update as soon as you can. Show full PR text What's New in Version 3.0 Added full support for iOS 7, including a new minimalist look for PCalc. Added a new default iOS 7 theme, "Samurai". The other themes are still available in the settings. Smarter display on iPhone, uses bigger font size when there's fewer lines of data to display. The tape now shows all operations including functions, conversions, and constants. Added a two new layouts on iPhone that let you have the tape permanently on-screen. Added support for speaking actions and results on iOS 7. Added new digit display options. Added "Gas Mark" to the "Cooking" section of the unit conversions. Added an option for constant functions in algebraic mode - press equals to repeat the last calculation, or enter a new value and then press equals. Added an option to greatly increase the size of the text on all buttons. Added an option to use dynamic type on iOS 7. Added an option to hide the status bar. Added an option to switch off all animations. Added an option to switch off changing the number of display lines by swiping. Added a button to change all settings back to their default values. You can now double-tap the 2nd button to lock it in the on position. You can now set the current layout via the PCalc URL scheme - useful with apps like Launch Center Pro for launching PCalc in different setups. Usage is pcalc://layout/name. PCalc now inserts an implied equals if you start entering a new number mid-calculation. On the phone, tapping the display at the bottom while in settings, conversions etc. will quickly return you to the main calculator. Fixed a problem with user constants not syncing correctly via iCloud. Fixed a crash when editing functions and conversions. Improved startup speed.
Photoshop Express for iOS gets updated with new filters
Adobe's Photoshop Express app for iOS has gotten a fresh coat of paint and some new features thanks to an update. Version 3.0 of the mobile editing suite comes with a new streamlined interface to make the app easier to learn and use. It also comes with a set of more than 20 new filters to help clean up your favorite snapshots on the go. Subscribers to Adobe's Revel Premium service can also now upload unlimited photos and videos via their iOS devices. Revel costs US$5.99 a month. The app also now allows you to directly share your content to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and other services. You can find Photoshop Express for iOS in the iTunes store right now as a free download.
Angry Birds Space gets new Cosmic Crystals update
After all these years, the birds are still angry. You can hear the cries of their swine enemies as structures fall around them in all eras, be it in the future or a galaxy far, far away. That's right guys, the Angry Birds franchise is back with a new update for Angry Birds Space. So what exact shape will your pig-destroying adventures take this round? Why just the sparkling wonder of Cosmic Crystals. Here are the details. Continue the space adventure in the Cosmic Crystals update with 35 sparkling new levels! Those Space Birds find themselves in a strange part of the galaxy with exploding crystal planets and a crazy mutant Space Pig! NEW LEVELS! 35 brand new levels, including a Space Eagle level and a big boss fight with a fearsome mutant Space Pig! NEW BREAKABLE PLANETS! Welcome to Cosmic Crystals with fragile planets that shatter and explode on impact! NEW RICHES TO DISCOVER! Sparkling mineral-rich planets filled with precious jewels and greedy Space Pigs! Angry Birds Space is available for download in the App Store for just US$0.99. Updates, as always, are free. Head over to iTunes to pick it up and kiss your productivity goodbye.
Microsoft releases fixes, critical security update for Office 2011
Microsoft has pushed out an update to Microsoft Office 2011 that fixes numerous issues with the suite as well as addresses a critical security flaw. The Office for Mac 2011 14.3.7 fixes a long list of bugs, most notably several with Outlook: Improves opening and checking out a file from SharePoint in Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac. This update fixes an issue that may sometimes cause Mac Office to crash when you try to open Office documents from a SharePoint site. Improves access to customer's spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel for Mac. This update fixes an issue that causes Excel to randomly crash when a file contains several drop-down macros. Improves message browsing using screen reader software in Outlook for Mac. This update fixes an issue that causes certain information in the navigation pane and message list to not be read by screen reader software. Adds item sort order to the View menu in Outlook for Mac. This update includes functionality that lets you change the sort order of Outlook items in the Outlook item list through the View menu. Menu items are located in the Arrange By submenu. Includes pane navigation functionality in Outlook for Mac. This update includes functionality that lets you move quickly through the navigation pane, the reading pane and the Outlook item list using the View menu, the Previous Pane keyboard shortcut and the Next Pane keyboard shortcut. Improves message and meeting viewing and composing using screen reader in Outlook for Mac. This update fixes an issue that causes certain message and meeting information to not be read by screen reader software. Improves the Contacts Search panel in Outlook for Mac. This update fixes an issue that causes action buttons for search results to not be keyboard-accessible. Adds an Insert Image command to the Format menu in Outlook for Mac. This update includes functionality that lets you insert images into Outlook items through the Format menu. Improves the ability to move through meeting attendee free / busy information using screen reader software in Outlook for Mac. This update fixes an issue that causes free / busy information in the Scheduling Assistant to not be read by screen reader software. Improves the ability to add and edit accounts using screen reader software in Outlook for Mac. This update fixes an issue that causes certain account information to not be read by screen reader software. The Office for Mac 2011 14.3.7 update is recommended for all users and can be downloaded by running Microsoft AutoUpdate on your Mac or via the Microsoft Download Center here.
Twitter for iOS update brings a new way to look at conversations
Twitter today rolled out an update to its iOS app which introduces a new way for users to view conversations. Under the new conversation scheme, conversations between people you follow are connected via a blue line. The aim here is to make it easier to keep track of conversations of interest in what can often be a flurry of Twitter activity. Twitter writes: As you can see, Tweets that are part of a conversation are shown in chronological order so it's easier for you to follow along. You'll see up to three Tweets in sequence in your home timeline; if you want to see more, you can tap a Tweet to see all the replies, including those from people you don't follow. We will start rolling this out to everyone today. Note that the first tweet in a conversation will appear first, even if it was sent hours previously. Twitter today also put out the following video highlighting the new changes: The full changelog reads: • A blue line indicates a conversation between people you follow. • The first Tweet in the conversation now appears above the most recent reply. • Tap to see all of the replies. This release also includes various other improvements: • New notification settings. • Bug fixes for direct messages, login verification and more.
BBC iPlayer for iOS updated with AirPlay for downloads, improved search
Our big sister site Engadget is reporting today that the BBC iPlayer for iOS received a big update that will make it easier to watch your favorite shows even when your internet connection is on the fritz. The app update is limited to the UK version of the BBC iPlayer, but now supports AirPlay streaming of downloaded shows. If you've captured your favorite episodes of EastEnders or Doctor Who to your iOS device, you can blast 'em to your big screen via Apple TV even if your internet connection is down. BBC iPlayer now has improved searching as well. Search responses are grouped by series, and iPad users now have a dedicated search section. If you're a UK user, get the update now through the link above.
Apple releases iTunes 11.0.5 with bug fixes
Apple has released a small update to iTunes that fixes playback and iCloud issues. According to the description accompanying the update, the iTunes 11.0.5 release: corrects an issue with iTunes in the Cloud, where some purchases may download or play unexpected items. The update is available on the Mac via Software Update and on Windows by selecting "Check for Updates" from the menu bar, or via direct download here.
Finish 2.0 for iPhone adds reminders, rewards and more
Last January I reviewed Finish for iPhone (US$0.99), a task-management app that went on to win an Apple Design Award. Today, version 2.0 has been released with some sweet new features, including pesky reminders and rewards. My favorite new feature is the "Bother Me" reminder. It's similar to my beloved Due in that it won't stop nagging you until you act. Finish reminds you hourly that a certain task must be completed. No more forgetting this and that. The rewards feature is interesting, too. As you get things done, you can earn real-world rewards via Kiip, which is a service that lets business and consumers connect through mobile rewards and other contests. You can't predict when you'll receive a reward through Finish, but getting your work done sooner rather than later seems to be a good thing. This is a nice update to an already successful app. Those who don't need the industrial strength of the OmniFocuses of the world ought to give it a try. Plus, how many great-looking purple apps are there? I can only think of one.
Daily Update for August 14, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
WordPress app update adds new Native Reader and improved account management
Wordpress has updated its iOS app to version 3.7 to provide readers with an improved browsing experience. The app's new Reader is designed to enhance the user experience by being rebuilt from the ground up with 100 percent native code, an improvement from the original Reader's blend of JavaScript and native code. Account management has also been improved, although it may take some users a while to notice as the improvements are entirely under-the-hood. Visually, the app looks the same, but WordPress owners Automattic have improved how the app connects to the various services used to manage WP sites. The iOS app now does a better job of connecting to Jetpack, the online Reader and notification features. In addition to these improvements and the usual bug fixes, version 3.7 changes how the View Admin feature works, at it now opens a page in Safari instead of inside the app. Finally, the update is rounded out with the addition of Thai language support. WordPress is already working on the iOS 7 version of the app, and has launched a new blog for fans to follow the progress of their mobile development. You can find version 3.7 of the WordPress app now in the iTunes store.
Daylite 4.3 adds new forms and attachments to management app
Marketcircle's Daylite app has been updated with some exciting new features for business, project and client relationship management. Both the iOS and OS X versions have their own specific new improvements, creating a well-rounded management suite for home or mobile use. Daylite 4.3 for iOS users can look forward to these new features: Linked Forms: Users can now create and edit forms on the go that are linked to specific records. Even while away from the office, you can quickly keep track of changing information from the comfort of your iPhone or iPad. Attachments: Store files directly in the Daylite database to be shared, downloaded and previewed directly on your iOS device. Resource Calendar: A calendar to keep track of resources, like if you have a meeting room booked at a specific time. Relationships: Daylite users can now view and edit relationships between people and companies remotely. Daylite OS X users are also getting an update to version 4.3 bringing these new tools: Duplicate Records: Easily duplicate records into new forms to save time and money on re-entering data. New Report and Print Layouts: Further streamline your business with new report options like Won Opportunities, Activity Time by Category and Incomplete Tasks. Smartlists for Birthdays and Anniversaries. Enhanced column sorting options based on keywords, appointments and tasks. In addition, both the iOS and OS X versions now have support for Spanish and Dutch language options. Daylite 4.3 for OS X and Daylite 4.3 for iOS will be available in the App Store sometime today.
Facebook adds OpenTable reservations plus TV, movie information
According to Facebook, over 800 million people access their pages monthly via a mobile device. Now those users will be able to book tables in the 20,000+ restaurants served by OpenTable from within the Facebook Mobile app. You do not need to be a member of OpenTable or leave the Facebook app; just go to your desired restaurant's page on Facebook. This new service, beginning on Monday, according to CNET, is available to iOS and Android users. Mac|Life notes that you can search for your desired restaurant or use Facebook's "Nearby" feature on your iPhone to find a restaurant. They further state that your reservations will not appear in your News Feed nor can you share your reservations with friends, so your privacy is preserved. In addition to this gastronomic boost, Facebook is also adding TV and movie information to their Facebook pages. CNET reports that associated air times, channel information and content descriptions for US prime-time TV shows and movies will appear on the program's Facebook page automatically. Jennifer Van Grove at CNET states, "Both additions turn Facebook's mobile properties into places where people can go to fulfill more of their needs." Leif Johnson at Mac|Life gives Facebook credit for "working to keep itself relevant and to make business pages 'more useful and actionable for people.'"
CBS Sports app updated for iPad, adds live video
Finally catching up to the tablet generation, CBS has released an updated version of its CBS Sports app that comes complete with full iPad support. On top of that significant upgrade, the app now also features live video for a variety of sports including NCAA basketball, college football and the PGA Tour. Until today's addition of live video, the app was designed solely as a portal for checking scores and stats for just about every sports organization you can think of. The early user reviews of the updated app appear to be almost universally positive. If you're looking for a free app for live sports, it seems CBS is on top of its game. [via 9to5Mac]
Skype update for iPad and iPhone brings HD video support
iPhone and iPad owners will be happy to learn that there was a Skype update today which finally brings support for 720p HD video calls. Note that HD video calls are only supported on the fourth-gen iPad and the iPhone 5. The full changelog reads: - Call quality improvements. - Make HD quality video calls from your iPad 4. - General improvements to call quality and stability. General fixes and improvements. - A redesigned country code picker on the dial pad.
