Apps

Tweetbot for Mac, the popular desktop Twitter client from Tapbots, has been updated to version 1.6 today. The update introduces support for viewing and uploading multiple images on Twitter’s native photo sharing service. The new version also includes a “play” icon on Instagram videos to better differentiate them from photos on the same network. You’ll also find “various bug fixes” in this version.

Tweetbot for iPhone got support for multiple images in its last update, so this once again brings the two apps in-line, feature-wise. The full change log for Tweetbot for Mac 1.6 is below:

What’s New in Version 1.6

– Support for viewing/posting multiple twitter images (multiple images won’t show up in search or streaming timeline until Twitter enables it in the future)
– Instagram videos now marked with play icon
– Various bug fixes

Yahoo brings its personalized Mail experience to iPad, adds filter support

Zac Hall Jul 1 2014 - 11:59 am PT

3 Comments

Earlier this year Yahoo introduced a new version of its Mail app for iPhone that added additional content like web search, sports scores, weather information, and news events to the email client making the experience more like the web experience in terms of consuming content. Today Yahoo released an updated version which extends the web-like experience to the iPad version as well:
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9to5Toys Last Call: Seiki 4K TVs from $299, Bose QC15 headphones $269, Skylanders for iOS goes free, more

Justin Kahn Jul 1 2014 - 9:29 am PT

The updated Pebble software is available via the Pebble app’s software update function and you can grab the latest Pebble for iOS via the App Store for free.

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

Media: Futurama complete on DVD $64, James Bond Blu-rays $5 each, iTunes albums from American Icons $8, more
Free 10 day MLB.TV subscription, watch every out-of-market game live

Display deals:

Seiki 4K TVs drop at Walmart: 39″ $299, 50″ $429, 55″ $579 shipped or in-store
Samsung 28-inch 4K UHD LED 60Hz Monitor $600 shipped (Reg. $700)

Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling over-ear headphones $269 (Reg. $300), more

Skylanders Battlegrounds goes FREE on iOS (Reg. $7)

~~iOttie 50% off sitewide sale: save on top-rated iPhone car and bike mounts, more~~

Other new deals:

New! Samsung’s new 850 Solid State Drives pre-order: $129.99 shipped (24% off )
New! Daily Deals: Samsung Galaxy Gear $99, Aluminum 4-port USB Hub: $12, more
New! Foscam Pan & Tilt IP/Network Cam w/ Night Vision $55 shipped (Orig. $160)
New! Games/Apps: MLB 14: The Show $40, Scanner Pro $3, iOS freebies, more
New! Canon imageCLASS Monochrome Laser Printer $70 shipped (orig. $395), more

More deals still alive:

iPad mini Smart Cover (multiple colors) as low as $17 from Best Buy (58% off)
Samsung 46″ LED 3D HDTV: $500, LG 47″ Smart TV: $650 + Free $300 Dell GC
Save 25% on Nomad’s new carabiner, key & credit card sized MFi Lightning cables
Home deals: blenders, food processors, patio umbrellas, mixers, more
Bowers & Wilkins recertified: P5 headphones $200 (Reg. $300 new)
Seiki Digital 50″ 4K UHD 2160p 120Hz LED HDTV $450 shipped (Reg. $700)
Fashion: up to 40% off North Face apparel, Sperry Top-Sider shoes from $37, more
Bose OE2i on-ears $100 (Reg. $180)
Synology DiskStation 4-Bay NAS (DS412+): $567 shipped (orig. $735)
Media: free movie money for new Transformers/Planet of the Apes flicks
Harman Kardon 5.1-channel, 70-Watt Audio/Video Receiver refurb $119 (Orig. $479)
Samsung 32″ 1080p $250 (orig. $480), more
Anker Ultra-Slim Qi-Enabled Wireless Charging Pad $20 (Reg. $46)

New products/ongoing promotions:

Jabra unveiled two new ‘Next Generation’ Bluetooth products this week
JBL announces two new lines of headphones
Vector Unit announces new Beach Buggy Racing title coming to mobile this Summer
Best Buy slashes $100 off new MacBook Air, deals as low as $650 with .EDU email
Save 25% on handcrafted DODOcase accessories for iPad, iPhone, more
Steam’s Summer Sale starts with deep discounts on PC/Mac games
D-Link expands smart home lineup with new Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and mobile control app
Jump on Apple’s new $1099 1.4GHz iMac? We might have a better offer for under $1000
Nest Protect relaunches with a 22% discount, now just $99
E3 Pre-order guide: Destiny PS4 bundle, PlayStation TV, next gen GTA V, more

Microsoft/Google/Android:

Asus Google Nexus 7 Tablet 16GB (2nd Gen) refurb $130 shipped (Reg. $230)
AT&T offering $50 Google Play credit with purchase of an Android device

Pebble smartwatch updated with improved Bluetooth and notification management

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 4:43 pm PT

1 Comment

Pebble has updated its smartwatch software and iOS app to bring various improvements, including improved Bluetooth LE connectivity and quick notification management. The notification improvements are shown in the brief video clip above. Here are the release notes:

Pebble Firmware 2.3 (Release Notes)

Improved Bluetooth LE connectivity.
Added the ability to skip to the next notification with a double-click of the Down or Up buttons.
Bug fixes and stability improvements.

iOS Pebble App 2.2.2 (Release Notes)

Enabled more new JavaScript apps to be downloadable in the Pebble appstore (Pebble apps included in this latest bundle will no longer say “Coming Soon” for iOS users).
No other major changes from version 2.2.

Spotify for iPhone/iPad (finally) lets you search downloaded music while offline

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 10:48 am PT

Spotify has updated its iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch application with the ability to search for downloaded tracks while offline. It is shocking that it has taken several years for the service to gain such rudimentary functionality. The iPhone app gained a new design earlier this year.

9to5Toys Last Call: iOttie iPhone mounts 50% off, Bose QC15 headphones $269, Macbook Air 11″ (refurb) $500, more

Justin Kahn Jun 30 2014 - 9:32 am PT

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

iOttie 50% off sitewide sale: save on top-rated iPhone car and bike mounts, more
Samsung 46″ LED 1080p 120Hz 3D HDTV: $500, LG 47″ 1080p Smart TV: $650 + Free $300 Dell GC
$100 Toys R Us gift card for $85 (15% in savings)
Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling over-ears $269 (Reg. $300), Philips O’Neill over-ears $105 (Reg. $300), more

Save 25% on Nomad’s new carabiner, key & credit card sized MFi Lightning cables

Apple deals:

Apple Macbook Air 11.6 Inch 128GB refurb $500 shipped (orig. $1,200)
iPad Air WiFi 32GB $490 (Reg. $599), 64GB $580 (Reg. $699)
iPhone 5c 32GB GSM (unlocked) $450 shipped (Reg. $650)
iPad mini Smart Cover (multiple colors) as low as $17 from Best Buy (58% off)

Logitech Ultrathin Bluetooth keyboard case for iPad mini $20 shipped (Reg. $80)

Other new deals:

New! Bowers & Wilkins recertified: P5 headphones $200 (Reg. $300 new)
New! Daily Deals: Sony A/V Receiver $329, Logitech UE 4000 Headphones: $20, more
New! Games/Apps: Watch Dogs $50 (Reg. $60), 1yr. PlayStation Plus $40 (Reg. $50), more
New! Home deals: vacuums, blenders, food processors, patio umbrellas, mixers, more

More deals still alive:

Seiki Digital 50″ 4K UHD 2160p 120Hz LED HDTV $450 shipped (Reg. $700)
OtterBox Commuter Series for iPhone 5/5s (black or white) $15 Prime shipped (Reg. $35)
Fashion: up to 40% off North Face apparel, Sperry Top-Sider Boat shoes from $37, more
Bose OE2i on-ears $100 (Reg. $180)
WD Elements 2TB portable USB 3.0 hard drive $85 shipped (Reg. $130)
Home Deals: Dyson DC40 vac (refurb) $230, more
Synology DiskStation 4-Bay Network Attached Storage (DS412+): $567 shipped (orig. $735)
Media: free movie money for new Transformers/Planet of the Apes flicks
Harman Kardon 5.1-channel, 70-Watt Audio/Video Receiver refurb $119 (Orig. $479)
Samsung 32″ 1080p $250 (orig. $480), LG 42″ 1080p, 120Hz $460 (orig. $900), more
Epson WorkForce Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer w/ AirPrint $100 (Reg. $150)
Samsung 840 EVO 2.5″ 120GB SATA III SSD $70 (Reg. $110)
Anker Ultra-Slim Qi-Enabled Wireless Charging Pad $20 (Reg. $46)
Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB USB 3.0 portable hard drive in red $55 shipped (Reg. $120)

New products/ongoing promotions:

Jabra unveiled two new ‘Next Generation’ Bluetooth products this week
JBL announces two new lines of headphones
Vector Unit announces new Beach Buggy Racing title coming to mobile this Summer
Best Buy slashes $100 off new MacBook Air, deals as low as $650 with .EDU email
Save 25% on handcrafted DODOcase accessories for iPad, iPhone, more
Steam’s Summer Sale starts with deep discounts on PC/Mac games
D-Link expands smart home lineup with new Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and mobile control app
Jump on Apple’s new $1099 1.4GHz iMac? We might have a better offer for under $1000
Nest Protect relaunches with a 22% discount, now just $99
E3 Pre-order guide: Destiny PS4 bundle, PlayStation TV, next gen GTA V, more

Microsoft/Google/Android:

Asus Google Nexus 7 Tablet 16GB (2nd Gen) refurb $130 shipped (Reg. $230)
AT&T offering $50 Google Play credit with purchase of an Android device

Twitter’s mobile app install advertising feature comes out of beta, goes global

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 9:19 am PT

Twitter has taken its mobile application install advertising feature out of beta and it has also taken the service global. Twitter talked about the feature, which allows companies to advertise mobile apps within the Twitter mobile app timeline, earlier this year. The video above explains how the service works. The app install feature can show apps from the App Store and Google Play based on “interest, keyword, TV targeting and tailored audiences” as well as based on “gender, geo, language and mobile platform targeting.” The service allows apps to be installed on smartphones directly via the Twitter app and the Twitter app will even notify users when the app is ready to use.

Twitter explains how advertisers can use the functionality:

Apple announces iTunes U update with iPad Course Creation, Student Discussions & more

Jordan Kahn Jun 30 2014 - 5:43 am PT

3 Comments

Screenshot showing new iTunes U “Student Discussions” feature

Apple today announced an update to its iTunes U educational app that includes a number of new features for iPad including course creation tools, a Student Discussions feature and improved management tools for teachers.

“Education is at the core of Apple’s DNA and iTunes U is an incredibly valuable resource for teachers and students,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “iTunes U features an amazing selection of academic materials for everyone around the world. Now, with the ability to better manage and discuss educational content, learning becomes even more personalized on iPad.”

The new features will begin rolling out July 8 with the ability for teachers to create and manage previously uploaded lessons directly from the iPad. Apple says the course creation features will let teachers grab content from iWork, iBooks Author or “any of the over 75,000 educational apps available for iPad.” It will also let teachers use the iPad’s camera to include shots and video of real-world items in courses. The course creation feature will be available to educators in all 69 with the materials they create distributed in up 155 countries.

As for students, a new Discussions feature will bring a social element to the app allowing students and teachers to easily interact with one another: With Discussions in the iTunes U app, students can automatically follow classroom discussions and join conversations on new topics, or set up push notifications for when new topics are started or replies are added to active exchanges. Teachers can participate in forums too, and have the ability to moderate discussions by removing any off-topic messages or replies.

In its press release, Apple said “nearly 30,000 Multi-Touch™ books have been created by independent teachers and publishers worldwide.”

Apple now updating Maps data every day with user-submitted corrections

Mike Beasley Jun 29 2014 - 12:02 pm PT

20 Comments

When Apple launched its first-party mapping software alongside iOS 6, users immediately discovered that there were a significant number of issues with the map data. Apple eventually issued an apology and said that the release was not up to the company’s standards. A new Reddit post today seems it point to the fact that Apple is finally ready to start making serious changes to how it corrects Maps data.

Ever since the app debuted, it has had an option to report incorrect POI data to Apple. Until recently, however, it seemed that those reports were simply going to an unmonitored inbox to make users feel like they’d done something to help.

Just over a week ago, Reddit user “heyyoudvd” noticed that a number of incorrect data points in his area had been corrected—more than had ever been fixed in the previous two years, and many of which he had reported. Now “heyyoudvd” says he’s noticed an even bigger change…

Apple releases updates for Final Cut Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage

Zac Hall Jun 27 2014 - 11:05 am PT

8 Comments

Shortly after announcing that its pro photography app Aperture is being discontinued, Apple released a number of updates to its remaining professional desktop applications. Final Cut Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on OS X all received updates via the Mac App Store today. See the changes for each professional desktop application below:
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Creators of Siri launch next-gen Kasisto personal assistant technology for businesses

Jordan Kahn Jun 27 2014 - 10:46 am PT

SRI International, the team behind the technology that later became Apple’s Siri voice assistant feature in iOS, today announced a new product that it says “aims to improve the consumer experience on mobile devices through intelligent conversation.” Kasisto will be a similar intelligent voice assistant but the company will open it up to business customers to integrate into their own apps:

“Virtual personal assistant technology has revolutionized consumer interaction with mobile devices,” said Norman Winarsky, Ph.D., vice president, SRI Ventures. “Now consumers expect a more human-like experience when interacting online. Kasisto represents a new user experience—one that is context aware, personalized, and more effective.”

The company says Kasisto will allow businesses to integrate the virtual personal assistant features into mobile apps in days or weeks intend of months while greatly decreasing the costs currently associated with similar technologies. “It is context-aware and provides text, touch, and speech modalities, and natural language understanding and reasoning. The platform also includes a powerful software development kit (SDK) for easy customization and integration into existing mobile applications.

You can learn more about Kasisto at the company’s website.

9to5Toys Last Call: 2-pack RooCASE iPad Air cases $12, Seiki 50-inch 4K $450, up to 70% off Sony memory, more

Justin Kahn Jun 27 2014 - 9:21 am PT

1 Comment

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

RooCASE Slim-Fit Folio + Slim Shell Origami Case for iPad Air $12 shipped (orig. $80)
Seiki Digital 50″ 4K UHD 2160p 120Hz LED HDTV $450 shipped (Reg. $700)
Fashion: up to 40% off North Face apparel, Sperry Top-Sider Boat shoes from $37, Oakley Vault up to 85% off, more

Amazon Gold Box: up to 70% off select Sony memory cards and flash drives

OtterBox Commuter Series for iPhone 5/5s (black or white) $15 Prime shipped (Reg. $35)

Griffin PowerDuo Universal Micro wall & car charger $5.20 shipped (Reg. $35)

Apple deals:

15.4″ MacBook Pro w/ Retina 2.0GHz i7/8GB/256GB $1,699 shipped (Reg. $1,999)
iPad Air 16GB WiFi $400 (Reg. $499), 32GB $490 (Reg. $599), 64GB $580 (Reg. $699)
iPhone 5c 32GB GSM (unlocked) $450 shipped (Reg. $650)
iPad mini Smart Cover (multiple colors) as low as $17 from Best Buy (58% off)

Other new deals:

New! Belkin Slim Laptop (up to 15-inch) Polyester Backpack $25 shipped (Reg. $70)
New! Daily Deals: Samsung 40″ Smart HDTV $479, Sony iPhone Clock Dock: $40, more
New! Games/Apps: Real Boxing for iOS FREE, IM+ Pro7 $2 (Reg. $5), iOS freebies, more
New! Amazon App Store for Android 2-day sale: get 31 paid apps worth over $100 for free

More deals still alive:

Bose SoundTrue over-ears $124 (Reg. $180), OE2i on-ears $100 (Reg. $180)
1 year mag subs: GQ w/ digital $5 (Reg. $48), Macworld & MacLife $30, more
WD Elements 2TB portable USB 3.0 hard drive $85 shipped (Reg. $130)
Home Deals: Dyson DC40 vac (refurb) $230, Cuisinart Coffeemaker (refurb) $30, more
Synology DiskStation 4-Bay Network Attached Storage (DS412+): $567 shipped (orig. $735)
Media: free movie money for new Transformers/Planet of the Apes flicks
Harman Kardon 5.1-channel, 70-Watt Audio/Video Receiver refurb $119 (Orig. $479)
Samsung 32″ 1080p $250 (orig. $480), LG 42″ 1080p, 120Hz $460 (orig. $900), more
Kingston MobileLite wireless card reader for iOS $25 w/ Prime shipping (Reg. $60)
Epson WorkForce Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer w/ AirPrint $100 (Reg. $150)
Samsung 840 EVO 2.5″ 120GB SATA III SSD $70 (Reg. $110), 500GB $240 (Reg. $350)
Anker Ultra-Slim Qi-Enabled Wireless Charging Pad $20 (Reg. $46)
$100 Toys R Us gift card for $85 (15% in savings)
Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB USB 3.0 portable hard drive in red $55 shipped (Reg. $120)

New products/ongoing promotions:

Jabra unveiled two new ‘Next Generation’ Bluetooth products this week
JBL announces two new lines of headphones
Vector Unit announces new Beach Buggy Racing title coming to mobile this Summer
Best Buy slashes $100 off new MacBook Air, deals as low as $650 with .EDU email
Save 25% on handcrafted DODOcase accessories for iPad, iPhone, more
Steam’s Summer Sale starts with deep discounts on PC/Mac games
D-Link expands smart home lineup with new Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and mobile control app
Jump on Apple’s new $1099 1.4GHz iMac? We might have a better offer for under $1000
Nest Protect relaunches with a 22% discount, now just $99
E3 Pre-order guide: Destiny PS4 bundle, PlayStation TV, next gen GTA V, more

Microsoft/Google/Android:

Asus Google Nexus 7 Tablet 16GB (2nd Gen) refurb $130 shipped (Reg. $230)
AT&T offering $50 Google Play credit with purchase of an Android device

Apple’s official Podcasts iOS app broken for many users (Update: Resolved)

Zac Hall Jun 26 2014 - 1:53 pm PT

37 Comments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9CdISVlWGs&feature=youtu.be

Update: the app seems to be back to normal now.

Several users have reported that Apple’s official Podcasts app has suddenly stopped working on iOS. Users experiencing the issue report that the latest version of Apple’s Podcasts app, version 2.1.2 released on May 29th, no longer launches or functions on iOS 7.1.1, the latest stable version of the iPhone software. While the Podcasts app will download from the App Store, opening the app quickly crashes it after a few seconds as seen in the video above.
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Opera Mini for iOS gets redesign, themes, QR code reader & much more

Jordan Kahn Jun 26 2014 - 11:02 am PT

3 Comments

Opera Mini, the mobile version of Opera’s desktop web browser, today gets updated to version 8 with a brand new UI and much more. On top of a completely redesigned UI that makes the app fit in nicer with iOS 7, the update also introduces enhanced options for Opera’s power saving and compression modes that offers data savings:

Opera Mini 8 lets you choose from three different modes of exploring the vast world of the web:

* Opera Mini mode offers huge compression of web traffic, up to 90%, and data savings. In areas with poor coverage and tough network conditions Opera Mini saves both time and money.

* Opera Turbo mode saves slightly less data than Opera Mini mode, but offers better website compatibility, making it the ideal browsing mode for most users.

* Data savings off is a no-compression, straight-to-the-source option, that ensures maximum website compatibility.

Also new in the updated version of Opera Mini is a new and improved customizable Speed Dial page, a Discover tab that serves up content from your favorite sources, and a new tab gallery. The app also makes it easier to switch between search sources, offers the ability to share URLs via QR codes, and introduces customizable themes.

The app is available on the App Store now for both iPhone and iPad. Screenshots of the iPad app are below:

Rap Genius now lets you annotate, copy, and paste lyrics and news from your iPhone

Zac Hall Jun 26 2014 - 9:34 am PT

The popular lyrics and annotation site Rap Genius launched its iPhone app earlier this year, and today it released a big update. The latest version of Genius by Rap Genius, version 1.5, now lets you create annotations to content directly from your phone. Previously you could only view annotations from the mobile app. The update also adds another desired feature: copy and paste support. Now you can finally highlight lyrics, copy them, and paste them somewhere else on your iPhone as you would expect.
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The Weather Channel iPad app gets new iOS 7-style redesign

Jordan Kahn Jun 26 2014 - 7:21 am PT

11 Comments

The Weather Channel app for iPad gets a nice update today that brings an overhauled design that the company says is closely aligned to the iOS 7 aesthetic. It also introduces new background photos that display the current weather conditions of the location you’re viewing and tweaked navigation that makes moving around the app easier.

The Weather Channel will officially be replacing Yahoo as the source for Apple’s stock Weather app in the upcoming release of iOS 8 this fall. Part of that decision, according to a recent report, was due to some new enhancements made to The Weather Channel service over the last year.

The Weather Channel app version 4.0 for iPad is available for free on the App Store.

What’s New in Version 4.0.0

Design— Beautiful and easy-to-use. This app is closely aligned to the iOS 7 aesthetic, and our amazing background photos match your current weather conditions.

Apple said to be working on ‘mainstream’ Smart Home hardware

Mark Gurman Jun 26 2014 - 6:47 am PT

42 Comments

With iPhones in pockets, Macs on desks, iPads in bags, and iWatches soon coming to the wrist, Apple is said to be eyeing another category for continued growth: Smart Home hardware. The Cupertino-company is said to have assembled a team to work on various hardware products for the home that deeply integrate with the existing array of Apple devices on the market…

MacUpdate app keeps your non-Mac App Store software up-to-date – at a price

Ben Lovejoy Jun 26 2014 - 6:23 am PT

4 Comments

While your Mac should automatically alert you to updates downloaded from the Mac App Store, you may not be aware of updates available for software purchased elsewhere. MacUpdate Desktop 6 alerts you to updates on thousands of software titles, as well as enabling one-click installation of new apps.

The software and corresponding MacUpdate account are free – for up to five updates a month. Unlimited updates will cost you $20 a year.

The video below gives an overview of how it works, and you can download the software here.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4MaYixgKhA]

SoundCloud iPhone app gets complete redesign, iPad update coming in future release

Jordan Kahn Jun 26 2014 - 6:17 am PT

SoundCloud, the popular music and audio uploading and discovery service, today released an update to its iPhone app that introduces a completely new design. For users of the previous version, the updated design is instantly noticeable with a much cleaner and more streamlined look and feel throughout the app.

There are also a number of navigation and user experience enhancements included in the update:

– Beautifully simple design. Cleaner look. Simpler controls
– ‘One thumb’ interface. Play, pause, skip and explore on the go
– Open another user’s profile straight from a track or playlist
– Your likes and playlists are now all in one place, making it easier to play more of your favorite tracks and artists

While the iPad version of the app isn’t getting the same treatment today, the company says “iPad updates are being worked on for a future release.”

The updated SoundCloud app for iPhone, version 3.0, is available for free on the App Store.

Car makers will offer Android Auto alongside CarPlay later this year

Jordan Kahn Jun 25 2014 - 12:26 pm PT

19 Comments

How will Google’s new ‘Android Auto’ CarPlay competitor compare? On top of opening up the SDK, unlike Apple, to messaging and audio apps, it also has a ton of support right of the bat through the Open Automotive Alliance. Following Google’s unveiling of its new Android Auto connected car platform, a long list of both new and old members of the Open Automotive Alliance have confirmed support for the new feature. Many of which are also confirmed partners for CarPlay and at least some plan to launch both platforms simultaneously in upcoming vehicles. A press release lists a number of new OAA members including Bentley, LG, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Maserati, Volvo and many more. The news also confirms that we’ll see aftermarket solutions for Android Auto from companies like Pioneer, Parrot and Alpine, which are also building aftermarket solutions for CarPlay. Here’s a full list of new OAA companies that will support Android Auto:

Alpine
Bentley
Clarion
CloudCar
Delphi
FIAT Chrysler
Freescale
FUJITSU TEN
HARMAN
Infiniti

JVCKENWOOD
LG
Maserati
Mazda
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Panasonic
Parrot
Pioneer

Renault
Renesas
SEAT
Škoda
Subaru
Suzuki
Symphony Teleca
Volkswagen
Volvo

That list doesn’t include founding and old members like Audi, GM, Google, Honda, Hyundai and others. Volvo and Hyundai have now independently confirmed that they will both support the platform. Interestingly, both companies are also confirmed partners of Apple’s competing CarPlay platform.

When it comes to Volvo, the company announced today that it’s joining the Open Automotive Alliance and plans to bring Android Auto to all its cars using a new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) starting with the all-new XC90. That’s notable considering that’s also the first vehicle Volvo will use to introduce Apple’s CarPlay feature later this year. Up until now there was some question about how a platform from Google might co-exist alongside Apple’s platform, but it appear at least some manufacturers plan to offer both of the competing platforms side by side in new vehicles. We’ll have to see if others decide to go Apple or Android only or offer exclusivity windows for either platform. We’ll also have to see if aftermarket solutions– like these ones from Pioneer— pack in support for both features or limit hardware to Android or CarPlay.

Hyundai, another confirmed Apple partner, will also be bringing Android Auto to its in-dash displays alongside CarPlay. Honda, also a confirmed Apple partner, released a similar announcement on Android Auto saying the feature will appear in select vehicles starting in 2015. It noted “Applicable Honda vehicles will be cross-compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto. The vehicle will automatically detect the smart phone OS.”

Google Drive 3.1 for iOS released with activity stream, sharing enhancements, more

Zac Hall Jun 25 2014 - 12:25 pm PT

In addition to previewing the next version of Android dubbed “L”, Android Auto, Android TV, new Chromecast features, and more, Google released an updated version of Google Drive for iPhone and iPad. The new version brings enhances to file sharing giving users the ability to allow files or folders to be viewed, commented, or edited by anyone with a link. The update also adds a new incoming view for seeing files that have been shared as well as an activity stream for seeing changes you and others make to files and folders in one place.
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9to5Toys Last Call: 4-port USB Wall Charger $10, Kensington Lightning dock $12, Harman Kardon 70W AV receiver $119, more

Jun 25 2014 - 9:39 am PT

1 Comment

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

Home Deals: Dyson AM01 Fan (refurb) $90 (Reg. $300 new), Saeco Auto Espresso Machine (refurb) $330 (Reg. $999 new), more
WD Elements 2TB portable USB 3.0 hard drive $85 shipped (Reg. $130)
Synology DiskStation 4-Bay Network Attached Storage (DS412+): $567 shipped (orig. $735)

Seiki 39-inch 4K UltraHD 120Hz LED TV $350 shipped (Reg. $700) http://t.co/e0NdzohM9F pic.twitter.com/8OvFdfiY95

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) June 25, 2014

4-port high power 20W USB Wall Charger: $10 Prime shipped ($15 off)

Kensington AbsolutePower Lightning iPhone charge & sync dock $12 shipped (orig. $50)

Harman Kardon 5.1-channel, 70-Watt Audio/Video Receiver refurb $119 (Orig. $479)

Speck MacBook Pro and Air laptop cases in multiple colors: $24 shipped (Reg. $50)

Apple iPad mini w/ Retina display 16GB WiFi (silver or space gray): $330 shipped (Reg. $399) http://t.co/nD2TMy6HFE pic.twitter.com/Ip0H1MC2JC

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) June 25, 2014

Other new deals:

New! Optoma HD131X 1080p 3D-Home Theater Projector $600 shipped (Reg. $729)
New! BT speakers: Mpow portable $32 (orig. $110), more
New! Media: free movie money, Twilight Zone complete $107, more
New! Games/Apps: Dreamdays free, My Movies Pro $4 (Reg. $7), more freebies
New! Daily Deals: Sony 5.2-Ch. A/V Receiver: $179, Jawbone Jambox: $59, more
New! JBL announces two new lines of headphones

Get $14 in credit to be used towards a Fandango movie ticket for just $7 http://t.co/WWTtLh3Bn6 pic.twitter.com/f3AEKaIOg8

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) June 25, 2014

More deals still alive:

Samsung 32″ 1080p $250 (orig. $480), LG 42″ 1080p, 120Hz $460 (orig. $900), more
Kingston MobileLite wireless card reader for iOS $25 w/ Prime shipping (Reg. $60)
Epson WorkForce Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer w/ AirPrint $100 (Reg. $150)
Home Deals: Cuisinart Digital Toaster $55 (orig. $185), more
Samsung 840 EVO 2.5″ 120GB SATA III SSD $70 (Reg. $110), 500GB $240 (Reg. $350)
Anker Ultra-Slim Qi-Enabled Wireless Charging Pad $20 (Reg. $46)
Apple iPad Airs: 32GB $490 (Reg. $599)
$100 Toys R Us gift card for $85 (15% in savings)
Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB USB 3.0 portable hard drive in red $55 shipped (Reg. $120)
iRig PRO Mac/iOS recording bundle w/ interface, mic, more $189 shipped (Reg. $300)
Apple iPad mini Smart Cover (multiple colors) as low as $17 from Best Buy (58% off)
Fashion: Movado watches starting at $220, more

New products/ongoing promotions:

Vector Unit announces new Beach Buggy Racing title coming to mobile this Summer
Best Buy slashes $100 off new MacBook Air, deals as low as $650 with .EDU email
Save 25% on handcrafted DODOcase accessories for iPad, iPhone, more
Steam’s Summer Sale starts with deep discounts on PC/Mac games
D-Link expands smart home lineup with new Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and mobile control app
Jump on Apple’s new $1099 1.4GHz iMac? We might have a better offer for under $1000
Nest Protect relaunches with a 22% discount, now just $99
E3 Pre-order guide: Destiny PS4 bundle, PlayStation TV, next gen GTA V, more

Microsoft/Google/Android:

Asus Google Nexus 7 Tablet 16GB (2nd Gen) refurb $130 shipped (Reg. $230)
AT&T offering $50 Google Play credit with purchase of an Android device

Dropbox iOS app uses iPhone camera to make setting up desktop app easier

Zac Hall Jun 24 2014 - 12:23 pm PT

Dropbox updated its iPhone and iPad app today bringing a list of new features to the mobile cloud app. Here are the changes Dropbox points out in the update:

• Reorder your Favorites list with a simple touch and hold
• Set up Dropbox on your computer using your camera
• Dropbox now remembers recent locations when importing files
• Accessibility improvements
• Support for additional languages: Danish, Dutch, Swedish, and Thai
• Lots of bug fixes and usability improvements

That second feature seemed somewhat vague from the description but interesting so we decided to test it out.

Using the latest version of Dropbox, users can now set up the Dropbox desktop app on a new computer by scanning a QR code in the web browser with the iPhone camera. Below you can see part of the process…

The idea is you can scan the QR code on Dropbox.com/connect using the Dropbox iPhone app to prompt your computer to download and login to your account automating the process.
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Apple adds MLB At Bat to list of CarPlay-supported apps

Zac Hall Jun 24 2014 - 11:16 am PT

(Screenshot from USA Today demo)

We already saw MLB.com At Bat make an appearance in USA Today’s demo of CarPlay during Apple’s WWDC developer conference earlier this month, and today Apple has updated its CarPlay microsite to include the baseball-dedicated app to its list of apps that support the feature. In the shot above and below you can see the icon for At Bat as well as a preview of the CarPlay specific user interface from USA Today’s demo. The app is expected to support streaming audio from baseball games for MLB.com At Bat subscribers.

MLB At Bat is the first app to join the CarPlay compatible apps announced earlier this year with major third party apps like Google Maps and Pandora Radio notably lacking support. As it stands currently, though, Apple is the gatekeeper for integrating CarPlay support as it decides which apps it wants the feature to support.