Source: Reddit
Earlier this year, we told you about a social image/message app called Path – well its just been updated and it looks real good. For a quick recap, Path is like Twitter and Instagram mixted together - allowing a small group (no more than 150) friends to share images and info about each other. This 150 person limit allows the group to be very personal and connected – something that Facebook has destroyed.
The updated UI is simply beautiful – minimalistic and to the point, as you would want from any app limited by a phone’s small screen size. Along with the increase in friends allowed, Path also allows you to share the song you’re listening to, share the images you take to more social services and they have even included a new automatic option, allowing the app to share when you’ve visited a new location. Yet, with all these improvements, Path still suffers from stagnent marketing and a tiny user base; even with Facebook integration, many people still don’t know about it. Path is available for Android and iOS – highly recommended.
Source: Path
If you’ve got an Android device, then you’ll love what Google’s added to maps! Google Maps 6 adds indoor view/layout to some of America’s biggest malls and airports: Mall of America, IKEA, The Home Depot, select Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s locations, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago O’Hare Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Narita International.
I know, the list is limited but Google has allowed retail stores to upload their own floor-plans, thus adding to the database – yet another jump forward for Google’s amazing Maps platform. Along with indoor view, Google has also changed around the UI a little; allowing for quicker switching between subscreens and views. Want more info – Click here.
Source: BGR
Source: Flickr
With the majority of iOS users still using the 3GS or iPhone 4, Siri has been an unattainable bossy robotic voice but things are looking up….thanks to Siri0us. Yes, you heard that right – Siri0us! This of course, will only work on jailbroken devices such as the iphone 3GS, 4 and 2nd gen iPod Touch and can be found on Cydia. While is doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of Siri, its speech to text function works extremely well. Worth checking out.
Source: TheVerge
If you want to protect your smartphone or laptop, why not do it in an artistic and stylish way. GelaSkins works with hundreds of artists from all over the world, creating amazing cover for all types of gadgetry. Take advantage of these before hipsters get their hands on them and ruin everything for the rest of us.
Source: GelaSkin
Source: Tom Jenkins
Source: Reddit
I believe that the once amusing and somewhat wonderful day of Black Friday, where one could do all his/her Christmas shopping in one day and save big, has turned into a rabid animal. It seems that the previous 5 years or so have seen an increase in violent and disturbing acts being committed, all in the name of big savings. Walmarts and BestBuys turn into battle grounds, where elbows are thrown, hair is pulled, babies cry, faces are punched and then….someone gets shot.
Is it the down economy? Is it people trying to spend less and get more? Is it mob mentality? Whatever the reason or reasons, what is the solution to this growing problem of gluttony/violence? Has an amazing deal at Walmart turned into the equivalent to shouting fire in a movie theater? For me, the solution is to shop online and last year was the first year that I did all my shopping online – Amazon Prime is a great thing. Yet, not all things can be bought online, especially articles of clothing, which need to be tried and fitted. Additionally, there are many people that like to shop locally, even if it’s to large box stores – so what is the solution for them?
Is the solution more Black Fridays, so the mob is spread out – more thin? Would having a Black Friday type fire sale at the end of every season (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) be more helpful? This might help but it wouldn’t be addressing the larger issue, which is this ravenous appetite Americans have for these types of events. If you take them away, millions of people would stand up and shout, “You’re stepping on my liberties!” If you place limits on companies, as to how they should conduct their Black Friday sales, they’ll respond by saying, “You’re stifling our profits and hurting the economy!” How did we get to this point, where Tickle Me Elmo is so lusted after, you need to punch the middle aged soccer mom next to you? The video below is from this years Black Friday Sales – very disturbing.
Samsung’s new commercial, shown above, does a great job of mocking the rabid Apple fanboyism that takes place during a new product launch but does it do more harm than good? Pointing out the loyal Apple following is in itself, pointing out how successful the brand and products are – there is a fine line that has to be walked by Samsung, as to make a point but not be dickish about it. That said, one could argue that Android fanboys/girls are equally crazy when it comes to product launches. What do you think, does this commercial work?
Source: Vimeo
Occupy Stockholm – Police Bringing Food To Protesters. Different folks, different strokes…
Source: Reddit
Yesterday, Google held its music even in Los Angeles and unveiled Google Music – a music store to take on Apple’s iTunes but in a slightly different way. Sure, you get the much expected music store, where one can download song (99¢-$1.29 each) - Google has managed to sign 3 of the 4 major music labels, leaving only Warner on the sidelines, plus hundreds or thousands of independent labels. So, what does that give us? Millions of songs and a very strong competition to both Amazon’s music store and Apple’s iTunes.
As the story goes: A guys left his large national bank for a local credit union and asked for all his money in $1 bills – then had his girlfriend cover herself in it – makes it look like she’s Scrooge Mcduck.
Source: Reddit
Anyone that got burned from Google’s previous try at releasing a native iOS app for Gmail – here is your second chance. If you’re not happy with Apple’s native mail app for iOS devices when accessing Gmail and you hate going through the mobile version of the website - you’ll be very happy with Google’s second attempt. There are some bugs still, especially with notifications but it’s a more cohesive, more uniform experience and a very long time coming. Go and grab it – click here.
Source: iTunes
Source: Reddit
Square announced today an update for the iPad & iPhone, bringing even more merchant services to their amazingly handy small business payment system. Those who doesn’t know the power of Square, it’s quite simple. Essentially, it allows anyone to accept credit card payments from their iPad or iPhone, through a simple app+free hardware card reader (picture above). This tech has enabled thousands of people to start their own business or simply expand their existing businesses - with little or no cost. A perfect example is an individual that sells products at a farmers market or meet-up, where before everything had to be done in cash. So, what’s the catch? Square takes 2.75% of each transaction but that’s still far less than other/more main stream merchant services charge for the same service. I recommend it.
Source: Square
Source: Reddit
“Condition ONE is a technology company developing next generation immersive video applications enabling media companies to move into the tablet space. Condition ONE combines the power of the still image, the narrative of films and the engagement of tactile experiences to create a new immersive language that shakes viewers out of their numbness to traditional media and provides them with a powerful emotional experience…”
Next Gen is right! Condition One’s emotional video is only the tip of the iceberg, as their app is an emerging new way to view video. While we’ve seen augmented apps before, Condition One’s immersive “first person” style interface is a very new experience when manipulating video. For decades, we have experienced video in a very passive, very un-involved way and it looks like things are quickly changing. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, download it now…
Source: 9to5Mac
Today, Apple began selling the iPhone 4S unlocked to people interested in having the handset but not so happy about being tied to a ridiculous contract. Additionally, an unlocked iPhone 4S is perfect for people that travel and would like to be able to swap GSM SIM cards at will. In my opinion, this is a major step in the history of the iPhone, as previous versions were only sold unlocked months before newer version of the handset were to be released. For anyone wanting to use T-Mobile’s services but not wanting data – here is your chance. There is 1-2 week waiting time but I foresee Apple selling tons of unlocked handsets, not to mention the people wanting to bring iphones back to their own countries, as they are most likely cheaper to buy in dollars.
Source: Apple
Source: TangYauHoong