Modern day computer systems are far too complex to be explained through one key process. They contain a mx of hardware and software working together with several other components to deliver us the smoothest possible computing experience. Even if we look at just the software part of such an environment, there are so many inner lines of code topped by a graphical user interface, that there is a potential of so much going wrong without us noticing. At times, it does happen that a feature that was implemented to help smoothen the user experience, becomes the cause to disrupt it.
The introduction of iMessage along with iOS 5 back in 2011 may have ensured Apple's Messages app didn't remain completely ignored, but despite the popularity of the powerful, versatile, cross-device featurette, there are still plenty of shortcomings therein. Jailbreak apps like BiteSMS always ensure the native offering pales by comparison, but even the powerful pink icon-bearing app misses a trick or two in its quest to bring a sense of completion to iOS Messages. For example, if you receive an attachment but don't deal with it instantly, it can quickly find itself hidden away among pages and pages of back-and-forth chit-chat. This can be rather annoying, particularly if you deal with attachments on a frequent basis; but leave it up to jailbreak dev DrComputerIT to come up with the remedy in the form of MediaExport.
OpenSignal, a popular app for Android allowing users to survey local mobile phone network and WiFi coverage based on crowd-sourced info from other users, has just made its way to iOS via the App Store. Details, as well as the download link, can be found after the break.
Facebook's Home launcher may only have catered to a small number of Android devices, but by ensuring Chat Heads, one of the marquee features of Home, made its way to the rest of the Android community via the Messenger app, the Menlo Park company made sure the remaining Droidsters got at least a taste of the new features. In what was seen as something of a surprise, this was then followed by an update to Facebook for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, which saw a rather limited Chat Heads effort manifest itself on Apple's iOS. As well as not being able to work across the system (a situation currently being looked into by one jailbreak developer), the limit to the number of Chat Heads at any one point renders the feature pretty restricted; but thanks once again to the great work of the jailbreak scene, you can now enjoy more of those little bubble Chat Heads at any one time.
Two-step verification procedure for owners of Microsoft Accounts has been officially announced by the Redmond-based software company. The new system, which is entirely optional, will help bolster the security of users' accounts by including an additional verification process featuring codes. And we have a complete guide on how to enable two-step verification on your Microsoft Account right after the jump!
For the last few months, the rumor mill has been churning out new reports of what Apple may have in store for the next iPhone. One of the great possibilities assumed by the tech scene has been a lower-cost iPhone aimed at the low-end of the market. Continuing to feed this speculation, an alleged picture of the shell of the upcoming device has been leaked onto the web this morning, by the same source who leaked an alleged case along with the iPad 5 release date. Could this be the new low-end iPhone? Find out after the jump.
The rumor that Twitter's eagerly anticipated music service would be dropping late last week may have turned out to be false, but today, Twitter #music is finally upon us. With many hundreds of millions of active users on its network, a concentrated music discovery service would seem the natural next step, and although still in the early stages, it will help users source new artist recommendations based on their Twitter activity. An iOS app also accompanies the launch, and although there isn't a corresponding Android version just yet, it should hit the Google Play Store before long. Full details can be found right after the break!
It's arguably the most highly anticipated technological release of the year, and Google's Glass is already causing great waves long before it is available for just anyone to buy. In fact, the only way to get one currently is to be chosen by Google and then handing over a cool $1500 bucks.
As if we've been short of future-gen iPhone concept ideas of late, German designer Eric Huismann has once again explored the idea of a transparent display in his 'iPhone 6' design. The very slick looking device is 17% thinner than the already svelte iPhone 5, packs a 10-megapixel camera with 1080p video recording, and an upgraded A7 processor. Feel free to drool over the images after the break!
Samsung has adopted a yearly cycle of releasing new flagships in its Galaxy lineup of Android smartphones, and this year was no exception, brining to Android fans all across the globe the new and fabled Galaxy S4. While the latest king has already taken the throne and caused its predecessor, the Galaxy S III GT-I9300, to step aside in the smartphone arena, there’s no denying the fact that the device still remains a very capable and powerful one, fulfilling the needs of millions of users out there. Another testament to the fact is that Samsung is continuing to bring newer firmware for Galaxy S III International, with the latest one being released just this month, coming with PDA build I9300XXEMC2 and Android version 4.1.2. While the Galaxy S III still has to see an official Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update from Samsung, there are open source, community driven projects available that can let you taste the latest Android on GT-I9300. If you don’t opt that way, you may want to root your device on the latest firmware, for which we offer you this guide.
