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Tumblr for Android gets overhauled with new interface
It looks like April is the month for major Android apps to get a visual overhaul. Following Twitter's refresh last week (and Facebook's decidedly more ambitious effort), Tumblr has today released its own app update that offers a whole new user interface. As you can see above, that includes some Path-esque expandable controls for creating various types of posts, as well as new post animations and a general appearance that's more consistent with Android's "Holo" theme. There's no indication yet of that new interface heading to iOS, which just got its own Tumblr update last month.
Texts From Azeroth
Texts From Last Night (NSFW language warning) isn't exactly a new website, and neither is the idea of taking one of the texts featured there and pairing it with some sort of imagery to add to the hilarity. So really, the appearance of Texts From Azeroth, where selected texts are paired with WoW screenshots, was only a matter of time. I feel compelled to say this again: just assume that nothing beyond either of those links is safe for work. It's better that way. I am almost embarrassed at how entertaining I am finding this blog. At first I saw it and thought, "Oh, this might be amusing" and within ten minutes I was weeping with laughter, linking pictures to Facebook, and trawling the Texts From Last Night page looking for inspiration. Making that header image up there represents a few glorious moments of my life that I can never get back. Oh yes. Cherished readers of WoW Insider, do share in the comments -- which are your personal favorites? I'm quite partial to Garrosh and Kromgar here, for example. If you decide to make your own, link it here, and/or submit it to Texts From Azeroth yourself! Just please include a warning if the subject matter could potentially get someone in trouble. That's all we ask.
Tumblr 3.3 hits iOS with new camera, easier link swapping
After a complete refresh of its iOS app and full-on iPad support, Tumblr's keeping the updates coming for the Apple set with version 3.3. The main tweak is with the camera, which the microblogging company's taken from a fairly barebones affair to one in which you can adjust the flash, add a rule-of-thirds grid and access galleries by swiping up from below. Other features include the ability to create photosets straight from the app, double-tap posts to like and easily change your avatar or add URLs. The latter will seek out the title of an article when you type in the web address -- always a bonus on a site where pop culture references flow like water. Nicole Lee contributed to this post.
Tumblr web update lets us write posts as we'd see them
Tumblr has no shortage of fans, but its desktop posting interface hasn't exactly embraced the immediacy of the social networking world. A composer redesign pushing out today puts the service squarely in 2013. Its new web interface drops the blog-style editor in favor of laying out content much in the same way that visitors would see it themselves. While the switch-up drops some of the more advanced layout options, it should give a better hint as to what will happen after hitting the "create post" button -- not to mention make more sense in a world of full of fast-updating Instagrams and Paths. Not everyone will see the Tumblr update as of this writing, although it won't be long before everyone is all too literally on the same page.
Tumblr adds native iPad support to its iOS app
Back in November, popular blogging site Tumblr updated its iPhone app to be completely native (as opposed to an app in an HTML wrapper), which brought tremendous speed improvements to users. Now the company has updated its app again -- but this time they've made it universal, bringing native iPad support to it. Besides the new Tumblr app allowing users to view Tumblr blogs on everyone's favorite tablet, the update also adds Markdown support and a new Explore tab, which makes it easier for users to find new and interesting blogs. Tumblr for iOS is a free download.
Tumblr updates its app with iPad support and Explore tab, ends day of Android envy
More than a month after launching its native iOS app and a day after releasing a tablet-friendly layout on Android, blog network Tumblr has updated its app to support Apple's tablets. It's also added markdown support and a new Explore tab, but the big bonus for iPad owners is sharing Community GIFs and other memes without having to slog through that silly 2x zoom of an iPhone menu. The free app is in iTunes now, check for the latest update or just hit the link below to try it out yourself.
Tumblr Android app update brings tablet support, new 'following screen'
Tumblr users have been managing their online repositories via mobile apps for a while now, but that software has been tailored specifically for smartphones thus far. The latest version of the blogging service's Android app has changed that, however, finally adding support for tablets, as well as a new "following screen" and tweaked design. Unfortunately for iPad users, you're still stuck in iPhone / iPod view, as Tumblr hasn't gotten 'round to releasing a slate-supporting update for iOS yet. It's strange that such optimization was omitted from the recently launched native app, but for now, both platforms have exclusives to boast about -- tablet support for Android, and Tumblr's Photoset app for iOS.
Flickr for iOS gets a major overhaul, we go hands-on (video)
Just like Marissa Mayer promised, Yahoo has revamped its Flickr app for iOS to bring it back in line with the oh-so-social modern era. Whereas the Android app was updated back in August, the iPhone version has had only minor improvements over the last few years and was starting to look seriously dusty compared to the competition. In terms of individual features, the new app doesn't do much that various other third-party apps can't do already, but it does bunch them all into one polished package that is happy to work across multiple networks. In addition to Flickr, for instance, you can readily share your snaps with Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. You might also dig the camera app, which separates exposure and focus points to give you more creative control over your images -- and yes, there are the obligatory filters too. The app is live on the App Store right now, but check out our brief hands-on after the break for a preview of its strong points.%Gallery-173199%
Hacker group rewriting Tumblr pages into a racist, anti-gay screed (update: Tumblr says it's fixed)
Some Tumblr users are seeing their pages replaced with several dozen duplicate posts from a known hacker group, warning that deleting said message will delete the Tumblr page in question (it's unclear if this is actually true, but seems to be false in our testing). Tumblr confirmed the ongoing issue to us this morning, and warned users who've seen the message to "please log out of all browsers that may be using Tumblr," as that's one way the "viral post" is being spread. The message from the group is aimed at the wide world of "bloggers," and insists Tumblr users should take their own lives. Tumblr says its team is "working to resolve the issue as swiftly as possible," though there is no timeline for when it'll be fixed. In the meantime, we suggest changing your Tumblr password (though there's no indication that passwords were necessarily taken, or any other personal information) and staying away from the site until the all clear is given. Thus far, it doesn't seem that any previously written posts have been deleted, but simply pushed dramatically far down the timeline by a deluge of duplicate posts. We'll update this post as we learn more. Update: A Tumblr rep tells us, "Tumblr engineers have resolved the issue of the viral post attack that affected a few thousand Tumblr blogs earlier today." The sites we were seeing affected earlier seem to have returned to normal.
Tumblr iOS app updated, now completely native
Finally jumping headfirst into iOS with a redesigned experience, the updated Tumblr app is now live on the App Store. Whereas the previous version relied in part on simplified web views to replicate the Tumblr feel, the new experience is 100 percent native to iOS. After playing around with the new app for a few minutes, it's obvious how much faster it is compared to the previous version. Flipping from screen to screen is quick and responsive. Composing a post actually feels like something you might want to do on the go, now that there's no frustrating lag. The app has undergone a pretty significant redesign with larger photos, new blog portraits, additional gesture controls for ease of use and -- gasp -- animated GIF support. These new bullet points are great additions, but it's hard to believe it's almost 2013, and the Tumblr iOS app just now added the ability to play animated GIFs automatically. I mean, have you ever logged in to your Tumblr account and not viewed at least a dozen adorable cat GIFs? It's just us? Oh... [Via TechCrunch]
Tumblr for iOS goes native: now with redesigned Dashboard, improved notifications and more
Just as Facebook did a while back, Tumblr, too, has decided to rebuild its iOS application from the ground up. Inside this new version (3.2), daily users of the blogging service will find a completely redesigned Dashboard, which displays larger pictures and offers faster overall speeds when loading posts. In addition, Tumblr's also added "spiffy" notification previews to its iOS application, allowing folks to see when other users reply, like or reblog their posts -- oh, and better yet, GIFs now automatically play on the all-new Dashboard. The new Tumblr app's now live on Cupertino's App Store -- all you have to do is either hit the source link below or snag it directly via your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.
Adventure Time creator loves games, you guys, and started this Tumblr
Pendleton Ward, the beard behind the cult-cute cartoon series Adventure Time, loves games. He says so right on his new Tumblr called "I Love Games You Guys," which is where Ward plans to "interview people who work on games."Apparently it's also where he plans to post adorable video game gifs, starting with Mario. Ward is gearing up for his first interview with Charles Martinet, who has provided the voice of Mario since 1994. I Love Games You Guys is a community effort, with Ward asking readers if they can help him snag contacts or make connections with interviewees in the industry.Considering there's an Adventure Time game on its way, maybe Ward should interview himself. If you have a helpful connection or just want to watch Mario stick a plunger on his face for a few hours, check out Ward's Tumblr right here.
Last Shot for iOS posts your most recent photo to social sites
Urban Apps' "The Last Shot" (free for a limited time) is an app that provides extremely narrow utility. The Last Shot posts your most recently-snapped picture to social networking sites. And that's about it. Fortunately, that functionality is both well thought out and convenient. The developers realized that the next step after "snap" is "share," and they built this tightly edited app to do exactly that. It offers a well-designed interface enabling you to select from a half dozen or so sites, and move your most recent picture from the camera roll to your friends, colleagues, and contacts through services like Facebook, Twitter, Posterous, Tumblr, and more. You launch the app, add a caption, choose destinations, and go. It's that simple. The app knows to grab the most-recent photo. The interface is clean and sparse. I found the entire app easy to use and on-point. I like how the Last Shot integrates into many services, offering one-stop sharing. If you regularly post to multiple sites, this might be the app for you. Will I personally be using it? I think I might, although I tend to rely on the photo-snapping built into my existing Twitter client for my current needs. I'm not a big cross-platform social user. For those who are, this app should be a treat. %Gallery-162270%
Tumblr 3.0 for iPhone completely rebuilt
Easy blogging service Tumblr has released an update for its official iPhone app, and its interface has been completely rebuilt. The dashboard is cleaner, and it's done away with that custom bottom bar found in the original app. There are almost too many big updates to count: You can now upload high res pictures and browse them in a new interface, you can search tags, notifications have been gathered in one place (hopefully not in your feed, like the last version), and the whole app is faster to load, navigate and use. There's even offline support, which is a big gamechanger. In other words, if you use the Tumblr app on your iPhone, you probably want to grab this free update right away. I use Tumblr for a quick foodie photoblog of mine, and it works great for that purpose, so this new update should work even better. Next up, Tumblr: iPad support?
Blogger brings Azerothian fashion trends to the real world
One of our pals from Massively.com, Jeremy Stratton, pointed us in the direction of the tumblr Azerothian Appearance. While there are countless tumblrs, blogs, and other fansites compiling in-game outfits for transmogrification, this one has turned its gaze toward looking good in the real world. Using the web fashion tool Polyvore, Azerothian Appearance sets out to recreate World of Warcraft's in-game clothing trends in the real world. Don't expect to find a set of rogue tier 9 in the real world, but there are certainly themes, styles, and colors that can be used as inspiration for a more Earthly, less fantastical outfit. Some of Azerothian Appearance's attempts are better than others. Tyrande (seen above), the aforementioned rogue tier 9, and an outfit based on the aesthetics of Crystalsong Forest all look great, but the Stormrider's Regalia ... perhaps not so great. Go show Azerothian Appearance some love, and come up with some of your own WoW-inspired outfits! I would, but I have the fashion sense of a dog with mange.
Spotify offers up playlist radio stations and more with latest upgrade
For an upgrade with a fairly underwhelming number like 0.8.3 attached, the latest version of the Spotify desktop client brings the goods. First up is much requested the ability to create radio stations based on playlists or albums, with the click of a button (that would be the Start Playlist Radio or Start Album Radio button, for the record), generating a queue of similar music. A new boost to search brings up music in the main view when you hover over it in search results, while embeddable HTML codes have been added to right click functionality. The service has also added Tumblr posting to the game. The update is rolling out today for Windows and Mac users. More info in the source link below.
Spotify launches Play Button in bid to become the web's default music player
The music streaming wars have been heating up a good deal, as of late, thanks in no small part Spotify's long-awaited US launch. Since then, Rhapsody bought its one-time chief competitor Napster, both Pandora and Rdio underwent major redesigns and Mog finally launched a Windows client. Naturally, all of this has proven good news for the consumer, as services have a features arms race of sorts, gunning for the top spot. None of the contenders are quite perfect, of course -- when Spotify launched, for example, we couldn't help but note the absence of a browser-based option of the sort employed by Rdio and Pandora. Today's announcement still leaves open that possibility, but it does mark a new web-focused strategy for the company -- on that could arguably have a much larger impact on Spotify's fortunes than a simple browser-based UI.Today marks the launch of the Spotify Play Button -- a name we assume the Swedish company settled on before Google announced the whole Android Market rebranding thing. The button is, essentially, a widget that allows site owners to embed songs and playlists directly from Spotify's massive catalog of songs. It's a simple idea, sure, but well executed, it could prove a major win in the service's attempt to stand out in the ever-more competitive world of music streaming. After all, embedding music on sites has long been a fairly haphazard deal -- unless you happen to have a deal with a proprietary player, it means snapping up something like a YouTube video, which often live in, at best, a legal gray area.
Google, Facebook, Twitter and others speak out against the Stop Online Piracy Act
Earlier today, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (or SOPA) which, depending on who you ask, is either a means to stop piracy and copyright infringement on so-called "rogue" websites, or the most serious threat of internet censorship that we've seen in some time. In the latter camp are some of the biggest internet companies around, including Google, Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, eBay, LinkedIn, Mozilla, Zynga and AOL (full disclosure: Engadget's parent company), who today made their stance clear by taking out a full-page ad in The New York Times. The ad itself is a letter sent by the nine companies to Congress, which states that while they support the stated goals of the bill and the related Protect IP Act, they believe that, as written, the bills "would expose law-abiding U.S. Internet and technology companies to new uncertain liabilities, private rights of action, and technology mandates that would require monitoring of web sites." The companies further went on to say that they believe the measures also "pose a serious risk to our industry's continued track record of innovation and job-creation, as well as to our Nation's cybersecurity." While they didn't all sign onto the letter, those companies also also joined by a host of others who have spoken out against the legislation, including Foursquare and Tumblr. The sole witness against the proposed measures at today's hearing, however, was Google's copyright policy counsel, Katherine Oyama -- you can find her testimony on Google's Public Policy Blog linked below.
Blogging with your voice: Siri, Blogger, and post-by-SMS
As I mentioned on my earlier post, Steve Sande and I have been hard at work collaborating on "Talking to Siri," an ebook that will soon hit the Kindle store. One of the topics we're exploring is how to push Siri beyond its advertised limits. Take blogging, for example. Did you know that you could create blog posts entirely by voice? I'm not talking about basic dictation either. That's because Siri supports SMS messaging, and a little known feature of Google Blogger allows you to create blog posts directly from SMS text messages. [You can also use SMS to post to Tumblr and Posterous, although it's a bit more finicky. Services like ping.fm or HelloTXT may help if you plan to update several social networks right from Siri. –Ed.] Interested in giving it a spin? Send REGISTER to 256447. Blogger replies to your registration text by texting you a URL for your new blog and an optional claim code. This code can be used to associate your new access with an existing blog. It just as easy, however, to work with the automatically generated blog that is sent to you. To create a new post, just reply to the 256447 conversation. Dictate your new blog post to Siri and send it. Once you do, the text contents are instantly posted to the blog. If you want to start posts from scratch, just give that SMS number a memorable contact name in your address book (I used 'Geronimo Blogger' in the screenshot). You can visit the mobile blog I created this way over at Blogger and see the two posts I created using Siri. If you're on a limited SMS diet, posting by text message may prove too rich for your blood. There's still a Siri-capable workaround for that, but you must use an existing blogger account to create a Mail-to-Blogger address. You'll find a complete set of instructions at the Blogger help article on this subject. That write-up shows you how to use your account settings to establish your blogging email address, which consists of your user name and a secret word. You can then use Siri to send an email to that address whenever you want to post-by-voice. If you'd prefer not to use Blogger, there are plenty of other services that work with post-via-email. Tumblr, Posterous and Wordpress.com all support creating a custom address that you can use to post directly. Simply add the email to your address book with a distinctive yet pronounceable contact name ("Erica Tumblr" will work, but you might want to include a phonetic last name to help Siri suss out that it's pronounced 'tumbler'), then tell Siri "Send an email to Erica Tumblr." You can dictate your post and share it with the world.
TUAW's Daily iPhone App: Tumblr
Tumblr is, of course, the blogging platform that's taken off lately, featuring an easy way to quickly post a lot of different kinds of media, as well as share it across friends and networks. Tumblr's iPhone app has been serviceable since it came out, but it hasn't always been the best option for posting to the service. Still, a 2.0 complete rewrite has helped a little bit, so if you're a Tumblr user who wants to post more while mobile, it's worth another look. The new update brings a brand new interface to handling multiple blogs, as well as improvements to posting and the main dashboard. You can now read and reply to messages on the service from right in the app, and if you're new to Tumblr, you can sign up right from the iPhone app, too. The service is free, and so the app is too. Power users will probably still find some issues with the app, which makes sense -- posting blog posts from the iPhone is probably never going to be quite as easy as doing it from a PC. But for those times when you're out and about and want to do a quick Tumblr post, the app should serve you just fine.
