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Posted by on Mar 21, 2013 in Mobile | 0 comments

Sony has a SmartWatch? No, Really They Do.

Sony has a SmartWatch? No, Really They Do.

Evidently it does. And,  it just had a major update that  brings new watch faces, other tweaks to the device.  This is the first major software update since its release (more than 1 year ago in April of 2012). In that time it has received one of two minor software revisions. This new update brings with it six new watch faces as well as other tweaks.  Perfect timing, as both Apple and Samsung heat up their product development strategy (allegedly) to bring their own devices to the market. The new software update includes new retro, wacky and contemporary watch faces that by default are set to only be visible when the watch is manually activated, or when it senses movement, or with a quick double tap. Additionally, notification previews have now been added, which allows users to see snippets of messages, tweets and wall posts. Other tweaks revolve around a  more consistent UI between the SmartWatch and the Android app upon which it depends entirely. Being Android-based,  it distinguishes itself in operation and function from...

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Posted by on Mar 21, 2013 in Android News, Apps, Mobile | 0 comments

Watch Out Evernote – Google’s Keep Will Keep You On Your Toes.

Watch Out Evernote – Google’s Keep Will Keep You On Your Toes.

Google has officially unveiled Keep via a blog update. The video below goes into more depth on how it works. Currently only available on Google Play (not surprising) it works for devices running Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwhich and above. You can access, edit and create new notes on the web at http://drive.google.com/keep and in the coming weeks you’ll be able to do the same directly from Google Drive. Whether or not I think Google Keep is personally better than Evernote, not really.  I love Evernote to death, and that’s only because it’s a kick-ass app, that deserves every penny, download, and user it has.  However, with this release, Evernote will certainly have to do their competitive analysis to stay ahead of a company that no doubt has more funding than them.  At the same time, the release is only on Android at the moment, so they can still keep dominating on iOS for the time being.   As Katherine Kuan describes in the blog post, “Every day we all...

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Posted by on Mar 21, 2013 in Mobile | 0 comments

W3i Rebrands as nativeX

W3i Rebrands as nativeX

A bit surprised when I went over to the (former) w3i blog, I thought that I had saved the wrong bookmark for a second – but then noticed a small little image in the top left assuring me that I was indeed in the right place. The company, (formerly W3i), nativeX was formed in 2000 by Rob, Ryan, and Aaron Weber, three entrepreneurial brothers who created a solution for the distribution of consumer content on the Web. The company captured the attention and the ad dollars of companies like Google, Yahoo!, and Symantec. With 45 consecutive quarters of profitability, nativeX continues to evolve and innovate to create value for the app ecosystem.  Having driven more than 1 billion app downloads, and nativeX has helped developers achieve their dreams by turning their apps into successful businesses.   While I have to admit, I don’t even remember what the old site looks like anymore – because this one is so over the top, I think it was a wise move –...

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Posted by on Mar 19, 2013 in Apps, iOS Updates, Mobile | 0 comments

WhatsApp Shifts iOS App to Subscription Model

WhatsApp Shifts iOS App to Subscription Model

Mobile messaging app WhatsApp made a big change yesterday.  The company (which delivers free SMS-like messages to other WhatsApp users), is said to be moving to an annual subscription model.  Where, the first year is free then $1 per year thereafter.  While the plan won’t affect current users it will not be without competition. The biggest selling point thus far with WhatsApp has been the fact that their is no in-app advertising.  With ore than 100 million subscribers, and 17 billion messages delivered every-day it is regarded as the most popular alternative messaging service outside of Apple’s own iMessage.  Which, last year only mentioned it was handling more than 1 billion message per day.  Evidelty, Apple’s messages app has become so popular it was blamed in part for the first-ever decrease in annual SMS messaging last year.   While WhatsApp may be the most notorious of the bunch, alternatives such as Line (which recently passed 100 million users) is seeing tremendous growth in the Japanese, Korean, and Chinese markets...

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Posted by on Mar 19, 2013 in Apple, iOS Updates, Mobile | 0 comments

Google Now for iOS Could Very Well Be the Death of Siri

Google Now for iOS Could Very Well Be the Death of Siri

“Siri, schedule an appointment with John for next Wednesday at 1pm.” “I’m sorry I don’t understand what you mean.” “Siri, put on my calendar  – lunch with John at 1pm on Wednesday” “What would you like me to put on your calendar?” “Lunch with John” “When would you like to have lunch with John?” “Wednesday” “Is that this wednesday?” “Yes” “I’m sorry, I don’t understand what you mean”   If you’re an iPhone user, you can probably relate to the above.  Being a wishful thinker, I was hoping that when I got my iPhone Siri would be able to be my very own ‘virtual assistant’.  Fact of the matter is, I spend more time correcting what this silly little robot interprets than it would take me to insert the said task myself.  Quite a shame – really. Luckily, there is hope.  Google Now has officially launched on iOS for iPhone and iPad.  Take a look at the video below, and tell me that doesn’t look sexy.  If you ask...

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Posted by on Mar 19, 2013 in Mobile | 0 comments

Samsung Smartwatch? The Race Begins – LEAKED Photos

Samsung Smartwatch? The Race Begins – LEAKED Photos

Samsung, known for being a ‘fast follow’ company has confirmed today to Bloomberg rumors of it working on a smartwatch to rival the widely-speculated Apple iWatch.  Personally, I think once people are all wearing their Google Glasses they won’t have any need to look down at their wrist that much.  On another note, what I have been waiting to see for what seems like FOREVER – is: A pair of bluetooth headphones that connects to your ‘SmartWatch’ so when you’re in the gym you can control your music, monitor your workout, and more from your watch and really bring your A-game.  No one’s thought of this?  Really?   I digress, so any way – much like Apple, Samsung is currently silent about everything except for the fact that they’re working on the device.  Samsungs EVP of Mobile Business Lee Young only said, “We’ve been preparing the watch product for so long. We are working very hard to get ready for it. We are preparing products for the future, and...

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Posted by on Mar 18, 2013 in Mobile | 0 comments

App Annie Releases Beta for Amazon AppStore

App Annie Releases Beta for Amazon AppStore

Today, App Analytics company App Annie has announced its Open Beta of Amazon Appstore support for App Annie Analytics and App Annie Store Stats.  This now gives developers the options to push their apps onto: iOS, Google Play, and – Amazon.  Here’s a look at how the UI Looks: To get started, you just simply log in to your App Annie Analytics, and click “Add Account” where you’ll see the popup (below), selecting Amazon will then prompt you to enter your account information.   Just as App Annie Store Stats has helped you become an expert on the iPhone, iPad and Google Play trends, you can now browse the Amazon Appstore top charts to uncover the next big stories before anyone else. Such as.. “What are the opportunities on the Amazon Appstore?” “Who’s dominating the Amazon Appstore?’ “What kinds of apps are people downloading?” “What kinds of apps are making...

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