Opinions are clearly divided on the need to have applications like the new Facebook Poke offering hanging around the iOS App Store, but regardless of individual opinion on the topic it would seem that users seem to enjoy having the ability to send short messages with attached media to friends that then later self-destructs into oblivion. Although the core functionality of the app is to send these types of messages that do disappear a few seconds after being viewed, it is entirely possible to permanently save whatever the sender has sent to your devices.
They do always say that no press is bad press and considering all of the internet chatter that has surrounded Instagram recently over their flip-flopping terms of service, it would seem that there is no better time to discuss the new Piktr Instagram client that has just landed on the Windows Store. Piktr is obviously a third-party development project and although it doesn't come from Instagram or Facebook themselves, it is a fairly comprehensive and modern offering that should fill the void that exists for those mostly happy and content Windows 8 / RT users out there.
Despite having been around for considerably less time than the App Store, Google Play has grown to house almost as many apps as its Cupertino rival. With 2012's conclusion nigh, the Big G has released a list pertaining its favorite apps and games released this year in two separate lists. "Games We Love" focuses on those addictive, exciting, and thought-provoking releases this year, while "App Focus" gives an insight into the rich, diverse quantity of apps available.
LockMemos is one of the latest tweaks to land on the Cydia store for jailbroken devices, and although, it doesn't bring an eye watering amount of additional functionality to the iPhone, the obtrusive nature of its feature set may be beneficial to those who constantly need reminding of things. Whenever LockMemos is active, the device will display a standard iOS formatted alert to the user to remind them to carry out a specific task or complete a certain chore.
It is being reported that the Samsung Galaxy S IV, the next generation of Samsung’s flagship smartphone, will hit the shelves in April 2013 and include features from the Samsung’s mini-tablet, the Galaxy Note, such as the infamous ‘S Pen’.
For the last few years, Apple and Samsung have been on a legal battle over smartphone patents, demanding massive cash settlements and attempting to ban the sale of each other’s devices. According to the European commission, Samsung might now be issued fines for attempting to use standard-essential patents in its lawsuits, unlike Apple’s, which refer to less restrictive patents.
In the Android ecosystem, the first ever tablets (other than the first experimental builds like original Galaxy Tab and HTC Flyer) ran on Honeycomb, Android 3.0, which was tailor-made to suit the tablet devices’ larger screens. Unfortunately (or not), Android 3.0 didn’t really see much glory for two reasons. One, it was rather buggy in itself, and two, when Ice Cream Sandwich was released, it unified both tablet and smartphone versions of the Android ecosystem, making it redundant to have a separate OS in the first place. For the same reasons, the said Android version didn’t see much developer love, either.
With the holiday season over, the Apple rumor mill is clearly back at work. According to a new report, Apple is getting ready to revamp its notebook line yet again, introducing more models with high-resolution Retina displays, or maybe even phase out the older displays completely.
Every now and then, an app for the iPhone will come along and leave us totally speechless, making it something that we have to own and have to use as many times as possible in front of friends or family. Thankfully, this year is coming to a nice end with one of those apps that appears to be somewhat of a gimmick that provides great entertainment at social gatherings or dinner parties, but at $0.99, we really don't mind. Cycloramic allows all iPhone 5 owners to capture a Street View-esque video of their surroundings without even touching the device.
Galaxy S4 Concept Features An Edge-to-Edge 1080p Display, Laser Keyboard, Android 5.0 & More [VIDEO]
The Galaxy S IV is yet to be announced officially by Samsung, but given the popularity of Android's most successful smartphone series, it's not too surprising to see the blogosphere abuzz with speculation regarding the features of the Galaxy S III's eventual successor. We've heard various talk of 1080p unbreakable displays, CES announcements, and April release dates, but as yet, we haven't much of an idea of its aesthetic form. As we await our first leak, Russian blog rozetked has thrown up a very intriguing concept design featuring a laser keyboard, super-svelte form factor, and an edge-to-edge display, all topped off with a delicious helping of Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. Sound intriguing? We've got more juicy details - and a sumptuous demonstration video - right after the break!
