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Apple's iOS support app is now live in the US
After quietly launching in the Netherlands last month, Apple's standalone support app is now finally available in the US. Serving as iOS users' one-stop-shop for Apple product problem solving, the app offers a wealth of product information and advice on how to resolve common issues. If you find yourself with a more serious problem, the app can also be used to contact support technicians and even to schedule repair appointments with the Apple Store or an approved third party.
Apple's iOS support app surfaces in the Netherlands
Reports of an Apple support app began making the rounds a year ago and now it looks like the company may be close to an official launch. The software is now available in the Dutch App Store, but our editors have confirmed the switch hasn't been flipped for iOS users in the US, UK or Hong Kong. We've reached out to Apple for more information on availability and we'll update this post if we hear back.
Leaked Google support app shares your Nexus phone's screen
Buying a Nexus device straight from Google can be a little intimidating to newcomers. It's not as if you can visit a Google store or your carrier for help, after all. If an Android Police leak is accurate, however, you might not have to. The Android creator is reportedly working on a Google Support app that would offer live help somewhat akin to Amazon's Mayday. If needed, you'd have the option sharing your screen with a service agent -- they could walk you through changing a setting without having to guess what you're looking at. It's not certain what else is in store, but it's safe to say that chat would be part of the experience.
Uber wants to offer help entirely within its app
Uber's ridesharing service is good when it works, but getting help for it can be a mess -- just ask anyone who has botched a payment or tried to get a refund. Thankfully, though, the company isn't deaf to your complaints. It's moving all of its customer support into the app, sparing you from firing off an email and the occasional back-and-forth while the help team tries to clarify the problem. The new, messaging-focused approach should save time by eliminating a lot of the guesswork. In test runs, Uber says more customers have been getting solutions within the first response.
Twitter, Reddit and more file brief to support Apple vs the FBI (update)
Several tech companies have voiced support for Apple in its battle with the FBI over iPhone encryption. Today, lawyers for a group of 16 companies, including Twitter, filed a brief formally backing Cupertino in regards to the case. The group also includes Airbnb, eBay, GitHub, Kickstarter, LinkedIn, Reddit, Square and Squarespace, among others. In the brief, the group explains that its members "regularly assist in law-enforcement investigations" and look to make sure "government requests for user data are made within the bounds of applicable laws."
Apple opens a Twitter account to answer your tech problems
Sometimes it's infuriatingly difficult to get a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple store. So if your Mac is on the fritz and you've got an important meeting to attend, what are your options? Ask a friend, or dive into some forums? How about asking for help on Twitter? If that last one appeals to you, good news -- Apple has set up an account today to facilitate just this sort of Q&A. Why it's taken so long to create is anyone's guess, but it's here now, so feel free to bombard @AppleSupport the next time everything randomly disappears from your iCloud account.
Facebook makes it easier for Brits to report suicidal posts
Facebook users can share almost anything on the social network, from interesting news stories to silly GIFs, and sometimes their darkest thoughts. For several years, Facebook has offered concerned friends a way to flag posts that indicate suicidal moods or the potential for self-harm, via a clunky web form. The platform vastly improved on this last year by adding the flagging mechanism to the existing "Report Post" menu (accessible in the drop-down at the top right corner of any post). The new reporting tool debuted in the US originally and after being rolled out in Australia a few months ago, is now available to UK users.
Leaked Apple support app could save you a trip to the store
The Genius Bars in Apple's retail stores are supposed to be convenient ways to answer questions and get repairs, but the ever-growing deluge of customers sometimes makes it a pain. Ever waited 20 minutes just to get a Lightning cable replaced? Well, the Cupertino crew may have a clever way to speed up that wait time... and in some cases, save you a trip altogether. Both uSwitch and leaker Sonny Dickson understand that Apple is working on a support app for iOS that would help you get the fix you need. The app would narrow down the cause of your problem by asking questions, and offer chances to contact support, book a Genius Bar appointment or (if it's a relatively minor issue) fix it yourself through how-to guides. Think of it as Apple's support website distilled into a simpler, more powerful form.
Facebook rolls out new tools to help prevent suicides
With over a billion users, Facebook plays an important role in keeping people connected. It serves as a place to share good news, but also provides a platform for users to request support from their digital peers. The company is keenly aware that it can assist users when there is a cry for help, which is why it rolled out a (lengthy) way to flag suicidal content back in 2011. Now, it's taking that one step further by introducing new tools to boost its suicide prevention efforts.
A guy walks into an Apple Store with an Apple Watch
In this hypothetical situation, what do you think happens? Recently I was having a discussion with a person I know in Apple Retail and the question of support for the Apple Watch came up. It just so happens that Apple has changed how support calls are handled, and there's a certain trepidation about handling the support needs of, shall we say, even pickier (and wealthier) customers. Selling the Watch is one thing, but supporting it is another entirely. Apple might sell the Watch in fine shopping stores (which I doubt, but it's been floated as a possibility), but support will either be via phone or Apple Store. This could be a problem. While I can't get into the details of how Apple changed its support system, I can say that it potentially could lead to even more traffic jams at the Genius Bar. I don't know about where you live, but with one Apple Store where I live, the store itself is pretty jam-packed. Getting an appointment is easy enough, but on regular occasion a Genius is helping more than one person at a time. And there are a lot of people who drop in, adding to the general cattle-yard feel. Plus, let's be honest and admit that if you pay $800 for a watch you probably don't want a simple phone call. But you also won't want to rub elbows with the flu-stricken schmo who just dragged a Mac SE/30 into the building only to ask how to install iWorks on the thing. It's a little too early to worry, I suppose. Apple has been snatching up smart people who know fashion, retail and watches lately -- I'm certain that brainpower is being put to good use. Then again, Apple's retail division has suffered from a lack of leadership for a while, and recent changes are making it slightly more difficult for workers to serve customers. Adding a Watch, with myriad configurations and a very particular set of features to the mix could lead to a ding in Apple's otherwise industry-leading customer satisfaction scores. Yet I still can't wait to see the first hysterical, monied customer shouting at a hapless rep in a store that they "can't believe" they "have to wait" for someone to help them do something with the Watch. We all know what that looks like:
WWE 2K15's 'My Career' mode crashing Xbox One systems
WWE 2K15 launched off the top ropes and into Xbox One and PS4 systems this week, and was met with a number of technical issues as it landed. Polygon reported that Xbox One versions of the game crashed during multiple attempts to play My Career mode, a game-breaking problem listed by others on 2K's official support forums. One player discovered a trick that appeared to solve the issue: Disconnecting their system from the Internet seemed to make My Career mode available to them. 2K's support team addressed other concerns, such as instances where PS4 players are unable to download add-on content like the Sting and Hulk Hogan characters. Additionally, the publisher offered a guide for players stuck on the game's demo match, which happens for those downloading the launch update at the same time. We've reached out to 2K for information on the game's early issues and will update as we learn more. [Image: 2K]
Oculus now an official platform, build target for Unity 5
Oculus is now an official platform and build target for Unity 5, Oculus VR's VP of Product Nate Mitchell announced during today's Oculus Connect event. A related press release notes that Unity will "now fully support Oculus and the Rift with a dedicated add-on that includes stereo imaging optimizations, 3D audio support, and other features specifically for virtual reality." [Image: Oculus VR]
RIFT adds experimental support for the Oculus Rift
RIFT heard you liked rifts, so it's added some rift support to your RIFT. Specifically, it's added in support for the Oculus Rift development kits. Yes, that means that players who have headsets and want to really feel as if they're right there staring into the game world can play around with doing exactly that. What's not to love? The official posting notes that support at this time is highly experimental and may be discontinued at any time on the whims of the developers. UI support is also very primitive, which could lead to issues with the game experience beyond just looking at stuff. Despite that fact, the support is available for testing now on the public test server and is expected to go live this Wednesday, giving players a chance to play around with the support and see how they like it. Assuming they have Rifts, of course. [Thanks to Rick from Santa Cruz for the tip!]
The Daily Grind: Which MMO has the best newbie support system?
Everybody's a new player to a particular MMO at some point, even if grizzled vets would like you to believe that they were already at the level cap when the cosmos came into being. I think it's easy to forget how complex and mystifying these games can be to a fresh set of eyes, especially when one is coming into the game long after launch. That's why I always applaud an MMO that puts an emphasis on supporting newbies with helpful advice and even structured mentorships. Two examples come to mind: Fallen Earth has a terrific help channel that's staffed with volunteers and CMs on a regular basis, and Anarchy Online had a player advisory group that roams the beginner zones looking to help lost players. So which MMO do you think has the best newbie support system? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
China bans the installation of Windows 8 on government computers
China believes that Windows 8 poses enough of a future security risk that it's banning government agencies from installing the operating system on any of its new computers. In a statement issued last week and picked up by China's official news agency today, the Central Government Procurement Center has dealt Microsoft a massive blow by stating that all desktops, laptops and tablets must now run an OS other than Windows 8. Consumers aren't affected, as it'll only focus on computers used by government offices. It's a curious decision, given the fact a reported 70 percent of Chinese computers run Microsoft's 13-year-old Windows XP platform, but it's believed officials are trying to stop agencies from being left in the cold should the company pull official Windows 8 support in the future. The government will now focus its efforts on its own Linux-based OS, which is an idea it's been flirting with for a while already, firstly by promoting its use in an official capacity and then by attempting to persuade consumers in China to switch too.
Black Gold shows off the Geomancer
Do you like healing people? Do you like drawing strength from the land? Do you hate pants? Then Black Gold's Geomancer might just be for you. (You might have access to pants in the game, though.) The Geomancer is meant purely as a support class, focused on healing and supporting team members. While the class is weak in one-on-one combat, it excels at supporting a group and healing injuries. Many Geomancer abilities pull double-duty as they both harm nearby enemies and heal and buff nearby allies. In lore terms, the class was originally unknown to the Kosh despite their knowledge of magic, as working with Earth was problematic and required a great deal of practice. Only the great mage Damerhyn was successful, leading to the order of Geomancers that will be available to Yutonian and Kosh players in the game. For more details, take a look at the official preview page.
HTC offering free screen replacements within the first six months, but only in the US
HTC clearly doesn't think that promising two years of Android updates is enough to win over American smartphone buyers. It's launching HTC Advantage, an upgrade to its US support policy that goes beyond the usual warranty limits. In addition to delivering on earlier promises of OS upgrades and extra cloud storage, the Advantage program replaces one cracked screen for free within the first six months of ownership. You're only covered if you buy a One series phone from today onward, but the initiative could be just the reassurance you need if you're worried about dropping a shiny new handset.
HTC will bring all 'major Android updates' to new flagship devices for two years (update: only in North America)
Members of HTC's US product team have just started taking questions from Android fans over on Reddit, and they're already dropping some goodies. After conceding that the company's track record with updates isn't spotless, they confirmed that HTC plans to bring "all major Android updates" to its forthcoming North American flagship devices for a full two years after they've been released. We can hazard a guess at what those new flagships may be, but it's heartening to see HTC pledge prolonged support for its new phones. After all, few things are as frustrating as buying a shiny new smartphone only to see its maker basically forget about it after a few months. Sadly, HTC isn't a stranger to that stuff: the company caught flack for refusing to update the One X past Android 4.2, a decision it made to maintain a level of software parity between the Tegra and Snapdragon variants floating around out there. The move ruffled enough feathers to get HTC working on exploring the idea of an Android 4.4 update for the One X, but if the company sticks to its word such headaches will be a thing of the past. Update: The original AMA post said HTC would "support all new flagship devices going forward with all major Android updates," but the company has clarified that it meant North American flagships specifically.
The Summoner's Guidebook: Supports are ruling League of Legends
I think Season 4 of League of Legends has been dominated by support play. Some of this is because there have been a number of really inspiring star support players at the pro level, and their brilliance is shining down a bit on us plebians. Although I think that the Season 4 jungle is still really messed up, the support role has really solidified in a good way. What do I mean by "good"? Supports still get less gold than other roles and don't generally rock huge K/D ratios. They're still the team's ward machines, as we talked a bit about last week. However, the support's overall game impact has increased dramatically. Supports get more gold than before; they are making plays, initiating fights, and making way more of an impact in those fights than they ever were before. There's no more need for a support who is an ult and ward bot; you can now tank, deal damage, or whatever mix of support you want.
The Summoner's Guidebook: Wards win League of Legends
A lot of you have noticed that I've been talking a lot about wards over the past several months. This is for a good reason: Wards win League of Legends! I think that every one of my past wins on Summoner's Rift has been either due to wards or a complete blowout laning phase. Of those two things, there's one you have almost zero control over, even as a jungler. You can outlane the person you're against, but there's no telling when your opponent is just better than you. If you're a jungler, sometimes the enemy lanes don't give you any openings or your lanes just throw kills away to the enemy jungler. No matter how good you are, someone can always be better than you -- or your allies can be horrible. However, in Season 4, if you place down a ward, in probably 90% of circumstances you're getting vision for the full duration of the ward. No matter how good the enemy team is, if it moves through that area, you get intel. If it doesn't, you also get intel.
