Categories

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Apple iOS App Switcher Improvements

Apple has created some great products (iPod, iPhone, iPad) and introduced us to the world of iOS.  iOS gave us capabilities on our phones that we didn't initially expect.  I mean multi-touch is a great feature!  Well, new technology is only new for a short time.  After we get used to features we didn't previously know we needed, we begin to think of new ways the technology could be improved.  There is always room for improvement, right?

Auxo has taken the iOS app switching feature to the next level.  I will just cover a couple of quick features because the video below does a great job of walking you through them.  Before you even play the video, you can already see the difference.  The icons have little previews behind them so you can quickly see what's happening with the app.  Another wow factor item is if you try to close an app that is currently running, you will be notified before the app is closed giving you the opportunity to change your mind.  I'm always rushing and closing apps on my iPhone only to realize one second too late that I wasn't ready to close an app.  The Music and Pandora apps are good examples.  They play in the background and sometimes you forget the iOS device is providing the music, especially if you're using AirPlay.  I don't want to ruin the video so I'll stop with those two features.  There are still more  that will interest you.  So take a look at the video and let me know what you think.  Is this app switching evolution?


Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Return of Google Maps App to iOS



There have been quite a few users that were unhappy with Apple's Maps app that was introduced this year with iOS 6.  It was Apple's attempt at moving aways from Google's Maps app.  Lots of people longed for the day they could have Google Maps app once again on their iPhones.  Well, the wait is over!

Now, you can download the Google Maps app for your iPhone.  It should work on the iPhone 4 as well as the iPhone 5.  The learning curve should be simple since most iPhone users were using it until Apple released its Maps app.

Honestly, I can't say that I have had many problems with Apple's Maps app but I think it depends on your location.  In some places, the app is more limited or inaccurate.  The next time I need navigation, I will have to compare the apps to see which works best for me

The link below provides all the details for Google Maps app.


Google Maps for iOS

Sunday, December 9, 2012

New Apple TV Update To Bring Bluetooth Keyboard Support



This is exciting news!  It's only minor news technically but it makes my mind wander about what this could mean in the future.  Apple's next iOS update to the Apple TV is expected to bring Bluetooth keyboard support.  Normally, the Apple TV is fairly easy to navigate with the remote but when you have to search for something, the process is lacking.  You have to arrow up, down, and side to side to get to each character and then press enter.  With a keyboard, you just type as you normally would.  This would definitely help the search function.  Now, my mind is wandering in the direction of thinking Apple is moving towards having a web browser added to the Apple TV.  This is just speculation on my part of course, but how cool would that be?  I understand some users have had this feature for a while by jailbreaking their Apple TV 2 or earlier editions and adding Couch Surfer (I think that's the name).  Since the Apple TV 3 has not been jailbroken yet, this is not an option so I'm excited by the possibility of what could follow the Bluetooth keyboard support.  Sorry, not trying to start the next rumor.  I'm just stating where I think Apple is heading.  I could be completely wrong.  Hopefully not.  Let me know your thoughts on the matter.  Below is the complete article.


Upcoming AppleTV Update

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Apple News and Updates: iMac, iTunes 11, and Unlocked iPhone 5



Whether you are a PC or Mac user, you can appreciate this.  The new iMac is now available for purchase.  I'm excited about the beautiful design.  This is expected from Apple but honestly, it did catch me by surprise when it was revealed.  I don't remember seeing anything in the rumor sites before the unveiling.  If you or your family and friends are looking for an all-in-one computer, I think this will be a great choice.  Apple has once again set the standard.  Due to competition, expect other companies to follow with their designs...so PC and Mac users can benefit.   The most exciting part is the design of the iMac but Apple did make other improvements such as reducing glare on the display.  If you like the details of how it performs, you can find the benchmarks below.  Also if you haven't done so, make sure you look at the video above.

iMac Benchmarks

Also, in news, Apple released iTunes 11.  It's about a month later than originally expected but hopefully, that is so Apple could release a polished product.  They don't need another Maps incident.  Apple's plan with iTunes 11 is to have a more simplified design for ease of use.  I've already downloaded it but haven't had a chance to play around with it yet.  Look at the links below for more details.  "What's New?" will take you to Apple's site where you can watch their video explanation.

What's New?

iTunes 11 Released

Now, don't forget.  If you're upgrading to iTunes 11, make sure you upgrade your Remote App and AppleTV also.

Update Remote App and AppleTV

The last update is that Apple now has unlocked iPhone 5's for purchase online.  This came a little late for me since I just went under contract with my iPhone 5.  You could already buy unlocked iPhone 5's in the Apple Retail Stores if they were available.  With them now being available on the Apple Online Store, you should be able to reserve them for next day pickup in the Retail Store.  Don't quote me on that one.  Of course, if you buy the unlocked iPhone 5, you will have to pay more upfront but it will give you flexibility in choosing service providers.  If you make the right choice and calculate over a 2 year period, you may actually save more than with a contract plan.  You can follow me on Twitter (@TigerDLG)  or Google+ and direct message me for service provider tips.

Buy Unlocked iPhone 5 in U.S.