Twitter: From Text-Only to Multi-(Tweet)-Media?
Social media and technology website Mashable recently discovered a potential new feature for Twitter, the popular micro-blogging service. In an article entitled Twitter to Show Photos and Videos in the Stream, Mashable writer Ben Parr described a new option that he had stumbled across in his Twitter settings, tentatively called Tweet Media. In a screenshot from the article, the new setting had the following description:
“By default, you’ll only see images and videos shared by people you’re following, and reveal those by people you’re not. Check this box to see media from everyone on Twitter.”
Parr speculated that this potential new feature could signify a fundamental change in the Twitter experience for users. He later updated his article twice: initially to report that the new setting had been removed and then to include a statement from an anonymous source at Twitter, who stated:
“We’re constantly exploring features and settings. What you saw was a small test of a potential consumption setting for inline media. We show inline media on our own iPhone and Android apps.”
Did the Library of Congress just say jailbreaking the iPhone is legal?
Earlier this morning, the word began circulating that jailbreaking of the Apple iPhone will soon be a legal practice. Yes, you read that correctly…legal. According to an Associated Press story published earlier this morning, the U.S. Government, specifically the Library of Congress, triennially reviews approved exemptions and restrictions relating to copyright-protected material.
What this means is that the Library of Congress didn’t specifically say, “You may unlock and jailbreak your iPhone.” What they did do, though, is add some exemptions to DMCA Section 1201. This is the set of rules that governs approved exemptions for access-control technologies. Before your head starts to hurt from Government jargon, we’ll put it into plain English for you.
Operation Bar Boost: How to take advantage of the Apple iPhone 4 Case Program
It is now official. In the spirit of famous U.S. led rescue operations, like Operations Vittles, Baby Lift, and Unified Response, Apple is honoring their promise to rescue iPhone 4 owners with antenna issues. Current iPhone 4 owners can now visit Apple’s website for detailed information on how they can request their case. So, how is Apple ensuring that only people who actually own the device request them? As usual, there’s an app for that.
Yes, iPhone 4 owners who didn’t previously purchase a case can now download the iPhone 4 Case Program app from the iTunes App Store, to request that a free one be shipped to them. Those who previously purchased one from Apple or AT&T can also request a refund for the purchase price, plus any applicable taxes and shipping. Overall, it is a pretty straight-forward process. Apple is obviously not going to make things any more difficult than they have so far. Even so, there are some rules to which owners will want to pay attention, in order to make sure they get their free case or their refund.
Review: The best iPhone and iPod Touch games for the Sesame Street crowd
As you may know, if you follow me on Twitter (@GizmoAlex), I have a mini-dragon I like to call Erin. She is my beautiful 3 year old daughter, who has basically repossessed my iPod Touch. It is no longer loaded with my music. It has Disney Songs, Yo Gabba Gabba, and, most importantly for her, games. There are SO MANY games for the platform that it gets really hard to wade through the options. So I want to recommend some of her favorites (for tiny minds). Each of these have definitely helped us survive mini roadtrips without too many meltdowns.
Angry Birds for iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad
Android Bloatware – What does it mean and does it really matter to you?
It seems that even the newest platforms aren’t immune to old annoyances. The sad news that began making the rounds yesterday is that the Android platform is latest victim of smartphone bloatware. What exactly is bloatware? Since the first cell phones with more than just voice functionality began to hit the market more than a decade ago, manufacturers and wireless companies preloaded them with trial-based games and other apps that users couldn’t delete. As the smartphone, with its wonderful data functionality, began to proliferate, the annoying practice has only grown. Today, devices come preloaded with apps for everything from mobile-based television viewing to location-based mapping.
To put is plainly, bloatware is nothing more than extra applications that aren’t free but consume precious space and processing power from a devices onboard storage quota. The practice goes back farther than smartphones, though. Many users will remember buying Windows 98 PCs, which came preloaded with trial versions of Microsoft, Quicken, and other office productivity software. That practice has continued unabated, and the same types of try-before-you-buy software can be found even on the latest Windows 7 PCs. What is the difference between the bloatware found on PCs and that found on smartphones? Very often, it can’t be uninstalled from a smartphone in the same way that it can be on a PC. Now, we’ve begun to hear complaints from users that Android devices are the latest casualty in the gadget-based disease that is bloatware.
Antennagate: Real-world solutions to the iPhone 4 antenna problem
If you’ve been conscious anytime in the last month, you’re certain to have heard about the drama surrounding the iPhone 4’s antenna problems. The complaints began to surface back in June. It wasn’t until tech circles began calling it Antennagate that Apple really began to take notice. What was their response? Well, initially the solution was rumored to be a software update that would fix a flawed formula in the way the “bars of reception” was calculated and displayed. This was followed up by an official Apple press release on July 2, 2010. When that explanation didn’t quell the angry masses, Apple went a step further and, on July 16, 2010, held a press conference wherein the solution identified was to distribute free cases to those who had already purchased the iPhone 4. If that logic hurt your brain, don’t fell bad. It hurt ours, too.
So what is the solution? The logical step might be reevaluating and reengineering something. It could be software or hardware fix, or, as Steve Jobs suggested, just holding it the “correct” way might work. Let’s pause and think for a minute. Are iPhone 4 cases the answer, either? What about those who don’t like cases on gadgets. Some don’t want to bulk it up with armor. Some like to carry it in their pockets. Adding even a quarter of an inch of width, length, or depth is unacceptable for many size-conscious users. Should we complain about Apple’s solution, though? The question brings to mind the old addage, “It’s better to be part of the solution, not the problem.” We choose this route. As a result, some Geek Shui geeks (okay, one Geek Shui geek…okay, me) sat down and decided to come up with some alternative solutions to holding the phone correctly or using a case. Take your pick. Ultimately, they can’t make the situation any worse….well, probably not, anyway.
Apple’s Version 2.1 finally makes the MobileMe iDisk app useful
Apple afficionados who have annually forked over $99 for the convenience of MobileMe can breathe a sigh of relief. Finally, they’ll be getting a little more for their money’s worth. In newly released version 2.1, Apple has taken a leap in the right direction by adding some key functionality that was, previously, sorely lacking.
Of course, the update provides support for the recently released iPhone 4 and its multi-tasking goodness. The app is also universal now, meaning it will work and render properly on both the iPhone and iPad. Most importantly, though, the latest version gives paying customers what they’ve long hoped for…some real functionality.
Samsung Epic 4G features and specs announced
In an official press release dated June 28, 2010, Sprint has formally announced the official release of the Samsung Epic 4G. The device is the second Android-based offering from the company and is known as a “Galaxy S” smartphone that is designed to take advantage of the company’s 4G-enabled wireless network.
Essentially, it is a 4G-capable device that features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and super-bright, AMOLED touch-screen, and the much sought-after front-facing camera. According to Steve Elfman, president of Network Operations and Wholesale at Samsung, the Epic 4G “joins a portfolio of powerful devices offering an unprecedented simplicity and value” to customers. The obvious question is whether or not the features and specifications of the Epic 4G are enough to pose additional composition to Apple’s latest marvel of technology, the iPhone 4?
Kindle for iPhone and iPad update brings audio and video to readers
Yesterday, Amazon released an update to its Kindle app for iPhone and iPad that adds support for embedded media. Ironically, the app will now allow readers on the non-Amazon device to hear and see audio and video content included as part of the book.
According to Amazon, the first books to include the new feature are Rick Steves’ London by Rick Steves and Together We Cannot Fail by Terry Golway. Of course an app update wouldn’t be complete without some iPhone 4 related changes.
iPhone 4 vs iPhone 3GS: A comparison of features normal users care about
Yesterday, the iPhone 4 officially hit the streets. Those who were lucky enough to get their pre-orders in on June 15, 2010 feverishly tore open boxes, activated SIMs and played happily, like 7-year olds on Christmas morning. We’ve all heard about the improved technical specifications and additional features, from tech sites around the web. For that matter, we’ve heard about them ad nauseam. There is (at least) one big question left.
The big question is whether or not the improvements are any more than words on paper. Are there any real differences that a normal user can see and use to their advantage? Here at GSL, we were lucky enough to get our hands on one and take it for a test drive. The normal user is exactly who we kept in mind while examining a few features that are part of everyday iPhone usage. What’s the verdict? Will the iPhone 4 take us in a better direction than the iPhone 3GS? We’ll lay it all out, and you can decide for yourself.
