Scott Buscemi

• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• update
• app
• Path
• Social Networking

Path 3.1 released: stickers in comments, new iPad interface, more

Scott Buscemi Jul 9 2013 - 1:58 pm PT

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Path, the “personal social network”, has just released version 3.1 of their application. The company details out all of the new features on their company blog:

You told us you wanted more stickers in more places. So Path 3.1 is for you. Now, any sticker, whether you buy a new pack or use an old one, can be used to quickly respond to your friends’ moments, to add color and depth to your commentary. Now, stickers can be part of the full story. We are excited to bring you stickers in comments, a new way to express yourself.

We also used this release as an opportunity to update Path for iPad. Improved navigation in both landscape and profile views means you’ll never miss a moment or message. Landscape view now has a fully functioning composer button and feed, so you can share and view moments however you prefer. Plus, any conversations you’re having with friends are simply one tap away.

But we’re not done. Now it’s even easier to send a friend request to that friend you’re standing next to. We generate a QR code for you, your friend scans it, and voila, it’s official! And a refined friends list makes it faster to find and message your friends and family so you can quickly be in touch.

The application has been updated for both iOS and Android. Just a couple of months ago, users being complaining Path was sending spam messages to their friends, even though then company said it was a feature. Nevertheless, the app receives mostly 5-star ratings in the App Store.

• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• Twitter
• Twitter for Mac
• Twitter clients
• twitter for iso

Twitter for iOS and Mac updated with Direct Message syncing, more

Scott Buscemi Jul 8 2013 - 10:54 am PT

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Twitter for iOS and Mac have been updated with Direct Message syncing and other UI changes.

Here’s the changelog for Twitter for iOS version 5.8:

New to Twitter for iPhone and iPad: when you read a Direct message it will be marked as read in all of your official Twitter apps, including twitter.com, mobile.twitter.com, Twitter for Mac, Twitter for Android and TweetDeck. When you read a message on another official Twitter app, it will be marked as read on iPhone and iPad.

We’ve also made more improvements in this version:
• It’s easier to join conversations with a new reply composer in the Tweet details view on iPhone
• Find new accounts to follow by tapping the new people button in the navigation bar
• Richer search results indicate when there are new Tweets for your query and show account results with bios and social context
• Report unwanted Tweets via the “More” button

Here’s a screenshot of the new reply composer:

Twitter for Mac has been updated to 2.3:

Now you can see when your Tweets have been retweeted or favorited, when you have a new follower, and when you’ve been added to a list in your @Connect timeline. You can also update your notification settings to see interactions in real time.

Other improvements and bug fixes in this version include:
* When you read a Direct message on Twitter for Mac it will be marked as read in all of your official Twitter apps, including Twitter for iPhone, Twitter for iPad, Twitter for Android, twitter.com, mobile.twitter.com and TweetDeck. When you read a message on another official Twitter app, it will be marked as read on your Mac.
* Support for 6 new languages: Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Thai and Filipino
* Real names and @usernames appear together in all parts of the app
* Fixed character counting bug in the Tweet composer
* Fix for unfavoriting Tweets
* Fix for Growl notifications
* Other nifty fixes and improvements

The official Twitter blog has a new post regarding these updates.

• AAPL Company
• Fortune 500

Apple jumps 36 spots to #19 in Fortune Global 500 list

Scott Buscemi Jul 8 2013 - 7:28 am PT

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Just two months ago, Apple ranked 6th in the Fortune 500 list – breaking in to top 10 for the first time. Today, the Fortune Global 500 list was revealed with Apple at #19. Apple was ranked at #55 last year and #111 the year before.

Fortune attributes the increase to the launches of the iPhone 5 and iPad mini, which helped bring annual revenues up 45% to $157 billion in 2012. Of note, Apple has already brought in $98.1 billion in revenue the first two quarters of this financial year.

• Apps
• candy crush

Top grossing app ‘Candy Crush’ raking in an estimated $633k a day

Scott Buscemi Jul 8 2013 - 6:18 am PT

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So much for a simple Bejeweled knock-off. According to ThinkGaming (via Slate), the #1 Top Grossing app Candy Crush is currently pulling in an estimated $633,000 a day. At this rate, the creators of the game could bring in $230 million a year from the revenue of this one game.

Candy Crush is yet another success story for the freemium app model. Currently, 45 of the top 50 grossing applications in the App Store right now are free – one of which is Bejeweled Blitz at #45.

The Candy Crush craze is turning into a massive cash cow and incredible example of the potential success for freemium apps.

• AAPL Company
• Mac OS
• Mountain Lion
• Lion
• osx

New security update available for Lion and Mountain Lion

Scott Buscemi Jul 2 2013 - 12:32 pm PT

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Apple has just posted Security Update 2013-002 for OS X 10.7.5 and 10.8.x. The Apple Security Updates knowledge base page hasn’t been updated with details regarding the update, but it’s recommended for all users to download and install through Software Update or apple.com.

• Reviews
• Backpack
• laptop backpack
• ecbc
• hercules

The laptop backpack to rule them all: ‘Hercules’ from ECBC [Review]

Scott Buscemi Jun 28 2013 - 6:03 pm PT

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It feels like I’ve gone through dozens of laptop backpacks over the years. Either the zipper breaks in a disastrous way, the bottom tears, or the weight becomes hard to bear. But that may be about to change with the new Hercules Laptop Backpack from ECBC.

Right off the bat, I’m going to mention the biggest thing I love about ECBC: they offer a 3-year warranty with their products. Since most of my backpacks end up with some sort of a problem within the first year – I promise, I try to be nice to them! – this is a huge advantage.

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• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• Twitter
• app
• Tweetbot
• Updates

Twitter #music and Tweetbot for iOS updated

Scott Buscemi Jun 27 2013 - 1:29 pm PT

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Both Tweetbot and Twitter #music have released minor updates this afternoon, extending the capabilities of these social applications.

The two versions of Tweetbot, one for iPhones and iPod Touches and the other for iPads, have been updated to version 2.8.2 and now support Instagram video according to the release notes, although there have been some reports of the feature not working at all.

The Twitter #music update is a bit more substantial, bumping up the app to version 1.1 with the addition of genres:

Genres! Get hip-hoppy or get your metal on or get your dance beats grooving with Twitter #music genres! Tons of genres plus Superstars, Popular, Emerging, Unearthed and Hunted charts.

This build also includes:
• Fixes for some scenarios that could cause tracks to be unavailable.
• Rdio authentication now happens in-app, rather than kicking you out to Safari.
• We have stomped many bugs so that you don’t have to.

The free Twitter #music app is available in the App Store.

• Reviews
• iphone dock
• ipad mini dock

The micro-suction dock that appears to defy gravity [Review]

Scott Buscemi Jun 24 2013 - 5:43 pm PT

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This morning, I received what appears to be magic in a box. Bracketron’s NanoTek Stand uses micro-suction technology to stick to flat surfaces and hold iPhones and iPad minis without a ledge or any magnets. This device was originally a Kickstarter project called the “SETA Smartphone Stand” and now Bracketron has partnered with SETA to offer the product to the masses.

From the Kickstarter project:

How It Works. SETA incorporates NanoSuction™ technology that synthetically emulates the adhesive qualities of gecko feet. Your phone magically clings to the NanoSuction™ SETA pad while another pad on the base secures the stand to most flat, non-porous surfaces.

When I put my iPhone or iPad mini on the dock, it feels like a tiny vacuum holds it in place. Swiping left to right or scrolling through webpages does not move the phone or the dock at all, but when you want to take your device off, it just takes a simple pull or tug to the left or right. The micro-suction leaves no residue or stickiness on the device.

At first, the small size made it seem like the dock would only work with small phones like the iPhone. However, it has no problem holding up my iPad mini in the landscape or portrait position.

The angle is great for Facetime calls, sending snapchats, texting, or watching videos. Unlike some other docks that closely resemble the design, the NanoTek Stand does not use gravity as a factor (the angle is there just to make it easier to see) and the footprint is extremely small. In addition, there is a slot for a 30-pin or lightning connector.

Bracketron’s NanoTek Stand can be found on BestBuy.com for just $27.99 with free shipping. The durable construction and amazing technology makes it a steal at that price. In addition, the small size means you could fit both your iPad mini and iPhone on your desk, each with their own stand.

• Tips and Tricks

iOS 7 beta supports Google contacts syncing without using CardDav

Scott Buscemi Jun 24 2013 - 4:45 pm PT

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According to Google’s current documentation, syncing Google contacts with an iOS device requires setting up an additional CardDAV account. However, as discovered by 9to5Mac reader Nikhil, iOS 7 Beta makes it easier than ever to sync contacts using the same on/off switches as Mail, Calendars, and Notes.

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• Reviews

Cover your ears: the tiny Rocksteady XS 1.5 can get loud [Review]

Scott Buscemi Jun 23 2013 - 7:50 pm PT

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Bluetooth portable speakers are become more and more popular. Whether you’re having a party outside, working out, or just wanting some loud speakers wherever you move, these devices boast great battery life and the simplicity of Bluetooth connectivity.

Back in April, Seth posted a “Mega Review” of many of the Best portable Bluetooth speakers on the market. Jawbone’s Jambox was truly the first innovator in the market, but now companies like creators of the RockSteady XS, KillerConcepts, have brought in less expensive or more powerful alternatives. Today, we’re taking a look at the updated Rocksteady XS 1.5.

Look & Feel

The device’s case is all-aluminum, which is pretty clear when you pick it up. It’s extremely lightweight – it almost feels like the battery is the only component inside. On the bottom of the device is the cover to the removal battery. The controls (mode, pause/play, volume, skip/back) are on the front of the device. In addition, there is a microphone for phone calls… but more on that later. The back of the device has the on/off switch, AUX line in, DC power, and USB plug (more on that port in just a second). The main speakers are on the sides of the device, but there is also a speaker on the top for additional sound.

The design and structure of the device get a big two thumbs up.

Sound

On the press sheet we received with the device, one of the questions they answer is, “Why is it so loud?” I read that question before I actually used the device and thought it was the weirdest “issue” for them to address. But after I turned up the volume, it all made sense. To turn up the volume to 100%, I had to set it down on my desk then walk into another room and increase the volume using my phone. I couldn’t sit right next to it without my ears falling off. Even in such a small casing, this device has no problem pumping out over 90dB. If you main concern with a portable Bluetooth speaker is volume, you have no need to worry about that with the Rocksteady.

Speakerphone Feature

New in this version, the Rocksteady boasts a speakerphone function and even has an “answer/hangup” button right on the device. This would be a great thing… if anyone could actually hear you. I called up my colleague Zac and he could not even hear a word of what I was saying even when I spoke right into the speakerphone. On the other hand, I could hear him just fine, although I couldn’t get his voice to be loud.

Additional Features

Other new features include the ability to connect two devices at the same time (up to four can be paired with the Rocksteady) and the dual function USB port that allows you to charge your phone. If you don’t take advantage of this feature, expect over 10 hours of battery life (and our real-world tests brought us to just about the same amount).

Conclusion

What started as a niche product is becoming increasingly popular as people discover new places where they can be handy. At just $99.95 on Amazon, the Rocksteady XS is a great choice for audiophiles and casual music listeners alike.

• Apps

Messenger app IM+ puts “off-the-record” encryption feature on sale

Scott Buscemi Jun 21 2013 - 12:02 am PT

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With all of the privacy invasion news (read: PRISM) going around nowadays, lots of encryption and security solutions have been seeing record sales. iMessage uses end-to-end encryption, but the security of Skype, AIM and MSN are questionable.

The popular IM+ app (free version, pro version) is offering their $4.99 “off-the-record” feature for just 99 cents until the end of tomorrow. Rather than using a single, proprietary messaging services, IM+ uses the OTR standard that can be used with many messaging services and across many devices.

On their Facebook page, the company details OTR.

First of all, OTR is end-to-end encryption, which means that message is encrypted on sender’s side and decrypted on receiver’s side.

This distinguishes OTR from other encryption methods. For example, almost every messenger (including IM+) uses SSL encryption to connect to its own server. But what happens then, when it connects to AOL, Facebook, ICQ or any other IM server? There is no guarantee that messages are encrypted there and on the way to your contact.

But if you use OTR, no matter how many servers are used to pass message from you to your contact – none of them is able to decrypt the message, it may be decrypted only on your contact’s smartphone or computer.

In short, it’s an encryption system that works with any service by creating encryption/decryption keys that only last for a short amount of time. As detailed on the Facebook post, Pidgin (for Windows) and Adium (for Mac) support OTR.

If you want to keep all of your communications secure from all outsiders, definitely check out  IM+ in the App Store (free version, pro version).

• Apps
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Want to know who unfollowed or unfriended you? There’s an app for that.

Scott Buscemi Jun 20 2013 - 12:22 pm PT

1 Comment

That hurts, Zac.

Your follow count is dropping fast, but who are the ones that are unfollowing you? Was it spammers who don’t matter or was it Scoble who grew tired of your tweets? With the free Friend Check app, you can find out.

Once you install the app and give it permission to access your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram account, it will take a snapshot of your followers, mutual, and following lists. At any time, you can create a new snapshot and compare that to the previous one. The screenshot above shows the exact snapshot where fellow 9to5Mac reporter Zac Hall decided to unfollow me (only to test the app, of course!).

The only “con” I’ve found with this app is that they give you step-by-step instructions for literally everything the first time you use it. It is tiresome at first, but from then on it’s smooth-sailing unfollower goodness.

Friend Check is currently free to download in the App Store. You can add one account of each service or pay the 99 cents in-app purchase to enable multi-account support.