The Apple iOS development scene has gotten to a point where it will always be under the watchful gaze of outsiders looking in. And considering the emergence of mobile technology and software, it is hardly surprising. Mobile tech players play an important role in our everyday lives such that they are bound to come under intense scrutiny. Recent happenings surrounding the beautiful Path application have also made sure that all eyes remain firmly fixed on application security and how developers react to recent media reports.
CyanogenMod is, as most Android enthusiasts will know, the most popular custom ROM for rooted devices. It is popular because of its roots in open-source Android, lack of bloatware, customizability and, of course, unique features that can’t be found elsewhere.
Ever since Apple bought Siri and released it as part of the iPhone 4S, folks from the Android and Windows Phone camp have been looking to replicate its never-before-seen ease of use and tight integration with system apps. We’ve seen some nice alternatives like Dragon Go! and Speaktoit, but they just aren’t at the same level as Siri. Dragon Go! integrates with dozens of online services, but forgets system apps. Speaktoit is very flexible and does work with some system apps but has a unpolished look to it and require touch input (so it isn’t good for hands-free use).
Microsoft's Kinect was originally launched as a novel way of playing games which took the motion control gaming of the Nintendo Wii and made it truly controller-free. Using a camera and microphone, the Kinect changed the way we interact with our Xbox 360s, though whether much more than a novelty or a gimmick remains to be seen.
Regardless of whether you love or hate Apple, admire or resent them, or in just plain terms; plain don't care about the company, no-one can deny that they consistently churn out beautiful products. The design ethos isn't all about the product itself though, if you ever take the time to review the packaging that your new iPhone, Apple TV or iPod Shuffle comes in, you'll notice that it is just 'right'. I've lost count of the amount of times I have purchased a product from a different manufacturer only for it to be delivered in a mammoth box which is stuffed with protective bubble wrap, then to find that the product inside is swamped by free and unused space.
We are big fans of to-do apps here at Redmond Pie, simply because it helps us organize the work we do and, well, also reminds us of what ‘to do’ next. Putting the love for the to-do apps which we use aside, there’s one particular app which we were looking forward to be released for a couple of weeks now.
When Apple first launched the iPhone back in 2007, the world marveled at its all-new touch-based interface and the way the stylus had been consigned to the history books. Even before the App Store came along in a year later, the fledgling jailbreak community showed just what was possible with what amounted to a small computer that nestled happily in your pocket.
We've all been there - happily humming along to a song, unable to get it out of our minds, when suddenly - we don't actually know the next line of lyrics.
Jailbreaking is something of a cat and mouse battle between those seeking the exploits to create the utilities, and the creator of the devices - Apple.
Browsers, browsers everywhere, but which browser is your personal preference for all of your world wide web navigational needs? We tend to find that different browsers have different strong advantages and disadvantages over one another, but as with a lot of things in life; one of the key characteristics of a good browser is pure unadulterated speed.
