Nokia’s Here Maps service comes to the Asha 501, beta release available now for download

DNP  Nokia's Here Maps comes to the Asha 501, beta release available now for download

The touchscreen Asha 501 Nokia unveiled back in May will now work with Here Maps, the company announced on its blog today. The navigation service is already available on Windows Phone 8, Firefox OS, Android and iOS, and its arrival on the Asha platform will boost that operating system’s more modest selection of apps. Available now as a beta release, Here Maps for the Asha 501 offers turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic information. It’s designed specifically for low-end smartphones without GPS on board, and Nokia’s post notes that the current version “is a starting point and we will improve the experience over time.” Upcoming changes will likely include improved satellite images, which the company says will soon be updated to a higher quality. Asha 501 users in select countries can nab the Here Maps beta via the source link below.

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Source: Conversations by Nokia, Nokia Store

DNP  Nokia's Here Maps comes to the Asha 501, beta release available now for download

The touchscreen Asha 501 Nokia unveiled back in May will now work with Here Maps, the company announced on its blog today. The navigation service is already available on Windows Phone 8, Firefox OS, Android and iOS, and its arrival on the Asha platform will boost that operating system’s more modest selection of apps. Available now as a beta release, Here Maps for the Asha 501 offers turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic information. It’s designed specifically for low-end smartphones without GPS on board, and Nokia’s post notes that the current version “is a starting point and we will improve the experience over time.” Upcoming changes will likely include improved satellite images, which the company says will soon be updated to a higher quality. Asha 501 users in select countries can nab the Here Maps beta via the source link below.

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Source: Conversations by Nokia, Nokia Store

DirecTV GenieGo takes the fight to Sling, brings TV streaming anywhere on PC and iOS

DirecTV GenieGo adds live streaming anywhere on PC and iOS, takes on Sling directly

DirecTV recently switched the name of its Nomad transcoding device to GenieGo to match its new DVRs, a change we first noticed on its Android app. On Windows PC and iOS the apps are about to get a new update that changes the name and lets users stream video from their DVRs over WiFi even when they’re away from home (Mac and Android support is due later in the year.) Previously, it allowed users to stream live and recorded TV, or download recorded TV to a mobile device for viewing offline, but Slingbox-style streaming of live or recorded TV anywhere is new, and brings it closer to the device we thought it could be when it launched. Solid Signal and DBSTalk report the incoming update (not live yet, but it should pop up tomorrow) is easy to use, letting users stream recordings, start a recording so it can stream or remotely setting up the transcoder to make a mobile copy users can download once they get home. Satellite TV competitor Dish has brought deeper integration of Sling into its new Hopper DVRs, and now DirecTV has its own in-house solution, anyone thinking of switching sides?

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Source: Solid Signal, DBSTalk, DirecTV

DirecTV GenieGo adds live streaming anywhere on PC and iOS, takes on Sling directly

DirecTV recently switched the name of its Nomad transcoding device to GenieGo to match its new DVRs, a change we first noticed on its Android app. On Windows PC and iOS the apps are about to get a new update that changes the name and lets users stream video from their DVRs over WiFi even when they’re away from home (Mac and Android support is due later in the year.) Previously, it allowed users to stream live and recorded TV, or download recorded TV to a mobile device for viewing offline, but Slingbox-style streaming of live or recorded TV anywhere is new, and brings it closer to the device we thought it could be when it launched. Solid Signal and DBSTalk report the incoming update (not live yet, but it should pop up tomorrow) is easy to use, letting users stream recordings, start a recording so it can stream or remotely setting up the transcoder to make a mobile copy users can download once they get home. Satellite TV competitor Dish has brought deeper integration of Sling into its new Hopper DVRs, and now DirecTV has its own in-house solution, anyone thinking of switching sides?

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Source: Solid Signal, DBSTalk, DirecTV

Vine for Android adds Facebook sharing, searches for hashtags and users

Vine on Android

Twitter isn’t about to let Video on Instagram go completely unanswered — it just posted an update to Vine for Android that could offer a few reasons to stay with the earlier service. Short-form movie makers on Android now have more of the features we’ve seen on iOS, including Facebook sharing as well as searches for hashtags and users. The release also smooths out the rough experience that has characterized the Android experience since launch, boosting both capture speeds and the final video quality. The app may still fall short of the newer Instagram release in a few areas, but those who prefer Vine’s approach can grab its refresh at Google Play.

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Via: Vine (Twitter)

Source: Google Play

Vine on Android

Twitter isn’t about to let Video on Instagram go completely unanswered — it just posted an update to Vine for Android that could offer a few reasons to stay with the earlier service. Short-form movie makers on Android now have more of the features we’ve seen on iOS, including Facebook sharing as well as searches for hashtags and users. The release also smooths out the rough experience that has characterized the Android experience since launch, boosting both capture speeds and the final video quality. The app may still fall short of the newer Instagram release in a few areas, but those who prefer Vine’s approach can grab its refresh at Google Play.

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Via: Vine (Twitter)

Source: Google Play

Sony Xperia ZR price and release for Russia

The Sony Xperia ZR price and release date for Russia has been announced by Sony Mobile on its Facebook page, it will be coming at the end of this month, at the moment we are not too sure about other European countries as of yet. However, for those in Russia the Sony Xperia ZR will…

Sony Xperia ZR price and release for Russia pic 1

The Sony Xperia ZR price and release date for Russia has been announced by Sony Mobile on its Facebook page, it will be coming at the end of this month, at the moment we are not too sure about other European countries as of yet.

However, for those in Russia the Sony Xperia ZR will cost 23,990 Rubles, which is about £483 ($749 US).

Sony Xperia ZR price and release for Russia pic 2

Sony Xperia ZR specs include a 4.6-inch HD Reality Display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, can be submerged in water up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes, and also comes running Android jelly bean.

Other features include a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, microSD card slot for up to 64GB cards, 8GB of built in storage, 2GB of RAM and a 2300 mAh battery. It also has a feature called ‘Battery Stamina’ and this will provide more standby time by up to four times, which works by closing apps that would suck the batteries life.

Some would say this is pricey for the Sony Xperia ZR, but for the specs we see it as reasonable and competitively priced, the specs are above average and we can see this doing very well in Russia.

That is all we have on the Sony Xperia ZR release for Russia for now, please do let us know if you live in Russia and will be purchasing the Xperia ZR?

Father’s Day Kids Activity apps for iPhone and iPad

This Sunday June 16 is Father’s Day in the UK, US and some other countries across the world. It’s often a day when families get together, and then you may well need some kids activities to keep them amused and busy. With this in mind we thought we’d round up some of the top Father’s…

fathers-day-kids-activity-apps

This Sunday June 16 is Father’s Day in the UK, US and some other countries across the world. It’s often a day when families get together, and then you may well need some kids activities to keep them amused and busy. With this in mind we thought we’d round up some of the top Father’s Day kids activity apps for iPhone and iPad, with coloring, painting, games and other recreations.

Father’s Day is a very special day for Dads, as it gives kids the opportunity to show how much they love and appreciate them. We’ve previously rounded up some of the Best Father’s Day apps with quotes, poems, greetings cards and more, so if you want these sorts of apps check it out at the link above. In this collection though, we’re concentrating on apps for the kids. If you want more info or to download any of these apps, simply click on the title links for each to be taken straight to the App Store.

The first app we have for you is Kids Fingerpainting – Father’s Day HD at iTunes. This one is obviously a free app and it’s compatible for the iPhone, iPod touch or iPod running iOS 4.3 or later and optimized for iPhone 5. This is a great way for kids to show their Dad’s some affection and they can color pictures and then add a frame and their own message or autograph. There are various coloring pages to choose from with 10 pre-set colors, a customizable color palate, color shading, variable brush sizes, and custom frames, and then they can save their work to a Photo Library.

Our next activity app for Father’s Day is Color and Play on Father’s Day HD. Again this is a free app but this one is for iPads only, running iOS 3.2 or later. Key features include a selection of original coloring pages, frames, sound effects and the ability to add an autograph. In fact many of the features are similar to the previous app. However, after the kids have finished their masterpieces they can then have them scrambled up to create a puzzle game, combining creativity and logic in one app.

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Moving on we come to Paint and Play – Father’s Day. This is another free app and it’s compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad running 4.3 or later, and it has been optimized for iPhone 5. This has 25 illustrations to color and the app also features interactive sounds and colors. There are 8 preset colors and a near infinite color palate, and you can use a camera to capture a pic to draw on or select a picture from the photo library. The app also has a spider puzzle game as well as a matching game, and the kids can save, email, or post the picture on Facebook.

This one is a neat idea to keep kids and their Dad’s amused as it’s a game that both can play. The Father’s Day Game: Fishing with my dad for iPhone app is priced at $4.99 /£2.99 and is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad running iOS 3.0 or later. This would be particularly good for Dads who enjoy fishing and the game involves catching fish for coins, which they can then trade in for more lures, bonus fish and point modifiers. Will Dad or the kids do best?

The next suggestion is not specifically for Father’s Day but is a great app for family occasions. It’s Fun for Kids: Activities For Your Family and this app is priced at $0.99 /£0.69. It’s compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad running iOS 3.1.3 or later and offers more than 200 fun activities including crafts, games and entertainment. This app also features integration with Facebook, Twitter and Email.

The very last app we have for you to consider is a little different and a great way to start Father’s Day. This is A Father’s Day Alarm Clock – wake to a photo and message from your kids! The title of this makes it fairly self-explanatory, and this is a unique alarm clock app that enables you to upload photos of the kids. They can also record their own personalized alarm to wake up Dad, and there are features such as a choice of alarm sounds and a white noise sound machine. It’s a really neat idea, and we’re sure most Dads would appreciate it (although not if they want a lie in)! This app is priced at $0.99 /£0.69 and is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd, 4th and 5th generation), and iPad running iOS 6.0 or later, and it has been optimized for iPhone 5.

This concludes our roundup of Father’s Day kids activity apps for iPhone and iPad, and we hope that among these suggestions you find just the one that you are looking for. If you have any other great Father’s Day apps that you wish to recommend from the App Store, why not let us know by sending your comments to us.

Samsung Galaxy S3, Note 2 Jelly Bean update and apps to SD

Over this weekend we featured an article looking at the Samsung Galaxy S4 Jelly Bean 4.2.2 update, and how it upset a few of our readers that own the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2. These users also want the Jelly Bean update and while some people understood why they have to wait, others have…

Galaxy-S3-Note-2-update-apps-to-SD

Over this weekend we featured an article looking at the Samsung Galaxy S4 Jelly Bean 4.2.2 update, and how it upset a few of our readers that own the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2. These users also want the Jelly Bean update and while some people understood why they have to wait, others have been growing a little tired of waiting.

This article received over 80 comments in the last 24 hours, and within these comments it seems there’s one feature that a lot of Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 users want above all else. This feature is the ability to put apps to SD and run them from that location, which has been a problem thanks to the way Android works with Samsung smartphones.

We have known apps to SD cards is something of an issue with Samsung’s Galaxy Note 2, especially considering the low storage size, so users want to make the most of the expansion options and feel they are being restricted in a very unproductive way.

How high on your wish list is the ability to install and use apps on SD? One of our readers stated, “Apps 2sd on my Galaxy S3 would be major” and another made it clear this is the one feature they want when they said, “I need only updates for app to SD for my Galaxy Note 2″.

Another one of Phones Review’s readers wanted to put everything into perspective, and they stated, “I can only see one must have update that would significantly change how I use my Galaxy Note 2, and that’s apps to SD”. They then continue to explain most of the improvements coming in the Jelly Bean 4.2.2 update are minor in comparison.

It is fair to say the next software update will bring a lot of features most people will love, but from the feedback we’ve received there’s a clear pattern of users wanting to install and use apps from an SD card.

Are you desperately waiting for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 or S3 Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 update?

iPhone 5S concepts continue release date build-up

Around the same time Tim Cook delivered some cryptic insight into the future of Apple during an interview, we have seen a number of iPhone 5S concept videos and photos go live that feature expectations arising after and before the interview. Today, we wanted to feature the latest collection of iPhone 5S concepts that are…

iPhone-Fingerprint-Scanner

Around the same time Tim Cook delivered some cryptic insight into the future of Apple during an interview, we have seen a number of iPhone 5S concept videos and photos go live that feature expectations arising after and before the interview.

Today, we wanted to feature the latest collection of iPhone 5S concepts that are certainly painting an interesting picture, and these designs are building hype to new levels as we move towards an iPhone 5S release date in around 3 months time.

The first two videos below this article are thanks to Concepts iPhone and they imagine what the iPhone 5S could look like from the latest rumors. The videos focus on expected features mixed with some more far-fetched specs that include a thinner Bezel, capacitive Home Button, 4.8-inch display and a number of bright new colors.

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In the third concept video you’ll see a feature that’s been expected on iPhone 5S for a number of weeks, and that’s a fingerprint scanner with a stylish curved display.

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This is one of the most professional concepts we’ve seen in a while, and the so-called “iPhone Fingerprint Scanner” concept is the result of recent rumors. We like the way a fingerprint sensor has replaced the home button and it shows one way the new technology could be introduced at the iPhone 5S launch.

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The second concept lacks the color appeal seen in the first visual, but this is made up by its professionalism. The start of the video includes a sketch of the concept followed by some general rendering.

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We have included a few screenshots on this page from the concept video by Ciccarese Design, so take a look at that video below and then share comment with your thoughts.

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Would you be happy to see the iPhone 5S release date arrive in 3 months with one of these designs?

Windows Phone app for Modern UI updated to include document browsing and syncing

Windows Phone app for Modern UI updated to include document browsing and syncing

Hot on the heels of an update to the Windows Phone desktop app for Win 7 and 8, the Modern UI version is now getting a solid refresh of its own. Enhancements include the benefit of browsing documents and adding them directly to the phone from the app, and the opportunity to open files stored on your phone with other programs. It’s not the meatiest update, but it’s available now in the Windows Store, and adding the document sync feature to the app — which was already capable of handling most other types of files — is still some pleasant news.

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Via: Neowin

Source: Windows Store

Windows Phone app for Modern UI updated to include document browsing and syncing

Hot on the heels of an update to the Windows Phone desktop app for Win 7 and 8, the Modern UI version is now getting a solid refresh of its own. Enhancements include the benefit of browsing documents and adding them directly to the phone from the app, and the opportunity to open files stored on your phone with other programs. It’s not the meatiest update, but it’s available now in the Windows Store, and adding the document sync feature to the app — which was already capable of handling most other types of files — is still some pleasant news.

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Via: Neowin

Source: Windows Store

Doodle 4 Google based apps

As we all know Google Doodle is fun and becomes the main logo attraction, these are made to celebrate holidays, birthdays, famous artists etc. We love them because they make the Google homepage more exciting and adds a little more eye candy, if you love Google Doodles then please do check out these Doodle 4…

Doodle 4 Google based apps

As we all know Google Doodle is fun and becomes the main logo attraction, these are made to celebrate holidays, birthdays, famous artists etc. We love them because they make the Google homepage more exciting and adds a little more eye candy, if you love Google Doodles then please do check out these Doodle 4 Google based apps.

Please remember these apps are just for fun, to submit your own Google Doodles please head on over to the official website.

Doodle 4 Google based apps pic 1

The first app is simply called ‘Google Doodle’ that can be installed via the App Store; this app will show users over 1,000 doodles ever created from around the world. The application is great because you can filter the doodles by country and/or year, once you open a doodle you can learn more about it.

The next app is via Google Play and called ‘CodeG: Google Doodle Widget’, this is said to be a fantastic app (We have not tested it so we will let you tell us what you think); it allows users to explore Google doodles in a notification dropdown window and widget.

Main App Features: Custom Frame, Auto Update Doodle, Save Doodle to device, Get Worldwide Google Doodle, Open Google Now directly from widget, Use doodle as Android 4.2 Lockscreen Widget, Custom notification and widget doodle, Explore old Google Doodle, Create widget to view nice doodle, you can even share these via Facebook, Whatsapp etc.

Last but not least is ‘Google Doodles 2’ also via Google Play, not a lot of information on this one, but well worth checking out.

What is the best Google Doodle you have ever seen?

eTrak GPS+ melds WiFi, cellular and GPS tracking, launches at CTIA 2013 (hands-on)

eTrak GPS melds WiFi, cellular and GPS tracking, launches at CTIA 2013

We’ve come across a number of GPS-based tracking devices over the years but most are rather bulky and difficult to setup. eTrak’s attempting to remedy this here at CTIA 2013 with GPS+, a fob-like product that combines WiFi, cellular and GPS tracking in a small, light and easy-to-use package. The device, which is about the size and weight of a box of licorice-flavored Tic Tacs, features a panic button, multicolor status LED and charging contacts,. It’s meant to be attached to a keyring, and comes with a matching charging base which includes a standard micro-USB connector. Battery life is about 5 days per charge — not too shabby for a product that packs WiFi, cellular and GPS radios. Speaking of which, eTrak’s partnering with Verizon Wireless for CDMA-based network positioning. The company provides a web-based interface which supports geo-fencing with SMS and email notifications, along with iOS and Android-compatible apps. GPS+ will retail for $129 and be available soon (production’s been under way since May 1st). Two plans will be available: $10 per month with a one-year subscription and $15 per month commitment-free. Don’t miss our gallery below and follow the source link for more info.

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Source: eTrak

eTrak GPS melds WiFi, cellular and GPS tracking, launches at CTIA 2013

We’ve come across a number of GPS-based tracking devices over the years but most are rather bulky and difficult to setup. eTrak’s attempting to remedy this here at CTIA 2013 with GPS+, a fob-like product that combines WiFi, cellular and GPS tracking in a small, light and easy-to-use package. The device, which is about the size and weight of a box of licorice-flavored Tic Tacs, features a panic button, multicolor status LED and charging contacts,. It’s meant to be attached to a keyring, and comes with a matching charging base which includes a standard micro-USB connector. Battery life is about 5 days per charge — not too shabby for a product that packs WiFi, cellular and GPS radios. Speaking of which, eTrak’s partnering with Verizon Wireless for CDMA-based network positioning. The company provides a web-based interface which supports geo-fencing with SMS and email notifications, along with iOS and Android-compatible apps. GPS+ will retail for $129 and be available soon (production’s been under way since May 1st). Two plans will be available: $10 per month with a one-year subscription and $15 per month commitment-free. Don’t miss our gallery below and follow the source link for more info.

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Source: eTrak