Facebook's initial decision to separate the instant messaging functionality from the main, official iOS app was met with a few raised eyebrows. However, since that point way back in August 2011, the Messenger app has been at the crux of the social network's major expansion plans, and with VoIP calling being among the more significant implementations to Facebook Messenger, those residing in the United Kingdom can also join in the fun. The service, which goes straight for the jugular of services like Skype, has hitherto only been available to those in the United States (and, more recently, Canada). The news will certainly delight many British Facebook users, and seeing as the feature is running live, users do not need to download a new version of Facebook Messenger in order to enjoy it.
Back in August of 2011, the author of the well-known Android custom ROM - CyanogenMod - joined Samsung in order to improve the company’s fortunes with the Android operating system, which back in the day only occupied a small niche in the market. He has now revealed that after nearly two years, he’s a free man once again. What could he be up to next?
When I adopted the internet as a part of my life back in the early years of this millennium, one of the biggest things in town used to be chatting – instant message based conversations that were the new “in”. In fact, if I recall even further back, chat rooms were even a bigger hit, making it possible to meet new people and make new friends using the power of the internet in a very public environment. While that edge may have rubbed off in the last few years, even today, IRC rooms remain popular amongst certain specific communities. The advantage that IM clients held over these chat rooms, however, were the privacy, and the fact that you could control who can contact you etc. There was more customization in how your messages appeared, too, and quite a few other distinctive features.
Since the release of Windows 8 last year, Microsoft has not stopped the development of Windows for a second. More evidence of an upcoming version of Windows, code named “Blue”, have emerged as a new build has leaked onto the Web. While the release looks overall similar to Windows 8, there have been quite a few changes that are worthy of note.
It's a fact of humanity that some of us are better at managing money than others, and for those looking looking to keep track of every outgoing bill, help is at hand in the form of BillTracker for iOS. Created by developer SnapTap and costing $1.99 over at the App Store ($2.99 on iPad), it syncs effortlessly into your schedule, and makes the process of monitoring your money less taxing than Uncle Sam.
For the longest of time, we have known that Sony has been preparing a new console launch, which was finally confirmed when the company held an event in New York City late last month showing off the technical aspects of the upcoming PlayStation 4. It has not, however, shown off the new hardware design, leaving many to speculate what the next console may look like. A new artist-created render shows off just what might be in store for the next PlayStation.
Windows might be the most popular operating system for desktop computers and notebooks out there, but there are certain areas where Apple’s OS X leaves the Redmond offering biting the dust. While the list is rather large (system stability, quality of applications, notification center and the device ecosystem, just to name a few), top of the list is the aesthetics of the operating system itself. Every element of the OS, be it buttons, navigation/scroll bars or any other area, is beautifully crafted and gives a pleasing environment to work with. It may be just my personal opinion and preference, but even if you look at just how OS X takes a snapshot, you’ll see what I mean.
In my general experience, the iPhone lineup of smartphones has much better battery life as compared to most Android phones out there as of today. Partially, it’s due to how you use your device, but it’s also the fact that iOS’ battery utilization and resource management is far superior to what Google’s smartphone operating system has on offer. I know I would’ve irked a lot of Android fans here, but hey, I already said that’s my personal assessment. However, as of late, iOS has been struggling with batter woes really severely, and the rapid releases of iOS 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 are testament to that fact. Fast battery drains are frequent, and while the Cupertino company is really making all the efforts to fix these, they’re having a hard time.
Fancy controlling your computer from an Android device, but don't want to go installing third-party apps on that computer just for the privilege? Mac Remote for your Android phone or tablet may just be what you need.
Samsung has only just walked off the stage in New York, but the Galaxy S4 is set to be old news already, especially if you're shopping on a budget or would prefer something smaller than a small ship. The Galaxy S4 Mini is on the horizon, and it's just been leaked online. Check out the details after the jump.
