Looking for a Place to Eat? Check Your Wrist

Posted: April 19, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Yelp has announced an Apple Watch app with local listings and reviews. 9to5mac.com says you will see the majority of the info you’re used to seeing about eateries right on the small screen, without having to fish in your pocket or purse for your phone. As with the Yelp smartphone app, the Watch app is integrated with Apple Maps, too.

Google has announced that it’s encrypting the vast majority of its search ads and YouTube ads….finally. TechCrunch.com notes that gmail was encrypted back in 2008. The new HTTPS encryption will apply to Google Display Network, AdMob, and DoubleClick, and will be in place by June 30th.

Amazon is dropping one of the coolest features of its Android app store. Engadget.com reports they are killing TestDrive, the try before you buy feature where you could run apps on a virtual machine, and compare them before downloading. Amazon points to the fact that the vast majority of apps are free now anyway as the reason for dropping the service.

Ubuntu Smartphone On The Way

Posted: February 7, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

As if the mobile world needed another operating system, and that Android and iOS didn’t dominate the landscape, there’s a smartphone running geek favorite Ubuntu coming out from Spanish maker BQ. It will roll out in Europe with a yet to be announced web only flash sale, tipped on the BQ and Ubuntu Twitter feed and Facebook accounts, according to thenextweb.com. The $195 smartphone has a 4.5 inch screen and dual SIM card slots.

Microsoft Office is going to have an assistant again…and not the annoying paperclip. The verge.com says Microsoft is testing a Work Assistant app that uses Cortana, to open, edit, and share documents using voice commands and Cortana. If it works as planned, the Cortana-based assistant will be particularly helpful on mobile versions of Windows, Android, and iOS.

Google Maps for Android has added a Local Guide, which rivals Yelp’s Elite Reviewers. It is just about to be officially rolled out, but you can get it over at bgr.com and download it now. BGR also has a link for you to sign up as a Local Guide reviewer.

Selfie iPhone Planned?

Posted: August 8, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t expect it on the iPhone 6, but bgr.com says Apple has patented a front facing camera that lurks inside the speaker port and has a flash. Your selfies will be amazing!

If you are going overseas, and want to check out places on Yelp, the updated iOS app will translate reviews on the fly. Engadget.com reports the translation is powered by Bing.

People may file business cards, or toss them in a drawer. Techcrunch.com notes that a Kickstarter called SwivelCard is perforated, and has a USB interface…users plug it in, and it loads your website. They’re $289 for 200, and ship in October.