TextnDrive Offers More Attention To The Road, Less To Your Handset
A new application that has emerged in the App Store dubbed TextnDrive allows for sending emails completely hands-free, preventing the modern habit that has become the subject of talk of people ranging from Oprah Winfrey to Tyra Banks: Texting while driving. This application makes answering a message (email for now) can all be done with the command of your voice and not of your hands.
The developer has stated that the app, at the moment, doesnt support the functionality for SMS right now, as the name might make you think, but is under development currently and is being aimed for released no later than the end of this summer. The application does allow you to send emails hand-free, though.
FaceTime compatibility coming to Macs and PCs?
Apple had their quarterly conference call this week and while most of the stuff discussed were financials and other miscellaneous questions, some questions about the future of Apples core business, software, arose and was avoided being answered. The main software that was mentioned was the future of FaceTime and its potential to become universal as Apple has plans to make the source code open. Although some of the analysts try to squeeze something out of the tight-lipped company, Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook simply replied punting that one for another day and stressed that the call should be channeled for financial related inquires.
Apple Launches iPhone Case Program
Apple has launched the iPhone Case Program by way of an application on the App Store. The app is free to download and provides, in Apple fashion, a seamless way (and the only way) to receive a free iPhone case on behalf of the company. With your purchase of an iPhone 4 (before September 30) you will be eligible to receive a free select case of your choice from Apple. The application for the program can be downloaded by clicking the iPhone icon below
iOS 4 Now Operating On Half Of The iPhone Population
Chitika, a third party research firm, is reporting that 50% of the iPhone ecosystem is now operating on iOS 4.x. The research excludes applications installation and focuses on users who are likely to install software updates.
Safari Security Hole in Autofill Function
New information about a potential security risk in Safari was presented this week by the Register. According to the group, there is a security exploit in the AutoFill function of Safari that could possibly allow malicious infiltration of personal data from the Address Book service within the Safari web browser. Security research Jeremiah Grossman follow-up with a demonstration of the exploit on his blog to show users what exactly someone with malicious intent can obtain from this security hole.
Flipboard is on the App Store
Our friends over at Cult of Mac discovered a new social application that turns you iPad into a magazine that catalogs all of your social content into a magazine-like interface.
Skype Updated to 2.0.1, Brings Multitasking
The much anticipated Skype update to allow background activity in the application for users is now live in the App Store. Many users of the application have been anxiously waiting for the multitasking switch to be turned on from Skype to allow them to experience the software outside the application before the sometime in August deadline approached.
Apple Will Not Be Charging iPad Users For iOS 4.x
There has been a rumor floating about that Apple is planning to charge iPad users for the new iOS 4 update that they are currently developing for the device. However, after some investigating into the licensing agreement, Apple clearly states that the next update will be free of charge.
iBooks Updated to 1.1.1
Apple has updated iBooks to version 1.1.1 in line with the iTunes 9.2.1 update for the Mac. The new update brings several new features to the software including audio and video capabilities, viewing detailed images within books and stability and performance updates as well.
Apple Subsidiary Filemaker Releases Filemaker Go For iPhone And iPad On Tuesday
There has been word floating about that FileMaker, subsidiary of Apple, planned on taking their widely acclaimed software to the mobile space on the iPad and the iPhone Tuesday on the App Store. Well, the app has been released for the iPhone for $20 and for the iPad priced at $40. FileMaker Go will allow users to view their FileMaker Pro records on the Apple branded devices as well as granting them the ability to edit and search their content. Users will also be able to swap between different layouts and organize their search results by form, table and list views. Many of the features that you are probably familiar with (if you are one of the many FileMaker abusers) such as QuickFind, Data Sources, Tab Controls, portals and a bundle of other recognizable things will be present in the new mobile version of its desktop counterpart. The app even plans on using iTunes File Sharing to transfer files, despite you not being connected to a FileMaker hosted network. Users can, alternatively, download all their content from any one of the various file sharing networks. FMG is available for the iPhone running the iOS 4 software and the iPads iOS 3.2.1 as well.
