Facebook closes down Creative Labs; removes Slingshot, Riff, and Rooms from the App Store

Today is not a good day for some apps, as earlier Dropbox announced the End Times for its own Carousel and Mailbox. Now Facebook is working on its own closures.

As reported by CNET recently,
Facebook has decided to close down Creative Labs, the source of many
different Facebook apps over the years. That includes a Snapchat
competitor called Slingshot, which launched in June of 2014; Riff, the app that let friends create videos together which launched in June of this year; and, Rooms, an app meant to build forums for people to talk about whatever they wanted, which launched in October of 2014.

These apps have ceased development, and, moreover, are no
longer available within the iOS App Store. Creative Labs will also be
shutting down. The features that were baked into the aforementioned apps
will now be integrated into other Facebook services, including the main
app proper, and the Messenger app.

Facebook is just as willing to launch apps as it is to close those
that aren’t living up to expectations, so the closure of these apps may
not be all that surprising. It will be interesting to see how the
features in the closed services resurfaced in the already existing apps
from Facebook.

Did you use any of these?

[via CNET]

Facebook closes down Creative Labs; removes Slingshot, Riff, and Rooms from the App Store

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Google Calendar to get Reminders and to-do integration; rolling out this week

Google today announced that it is bringing Reminders and to-do integration to Google Calendar for Android and iOS.

Thanks to the integration, you will be able to view your reminders
and to-dos in Google Calendar right beside your calendar entries. Unlike
calendar entries, Reminders and to-dos will stick around at the top
until you complete them. Once you are done with a reminder, you simply
swipe on them to remove it.

Reminders will also show important information like phone numbers,
addresses and more. It does so automatically by pulling information from
your Contacts and Knowledge Graph. You can create reminders and to-dos
from various Google services: Keep, Google Now and Inbox, and they will
show up instantly in your calendar.

Reminders integration will be added to Google Calendar for Android
and iOS through an update that is rolling out this week. Google is also
working on bringing Reminders integration to the web version of Google
Calendar, though it did not provide a timeframe as to when it will go
live.

[Via Google]

Google Calendar to get Reminders and to-do integration; rolling out this week

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Dropbox announces it’s shutting down Mailbox and Carousel apps in 2016

Dropbox is the owner of two iOS apps, Mailbox and Carousel, the
former focused on emails and the latter on photos, but those apps have
their days numbered.

Dropbox on Monday, December 7,
officially announced that it would be shutting down both apps, along
with any and all development on them, in the early part of 2016.
Specifically, Mailbox will be shutting down on February 28, 2016, while
Carousel will be seeing its final twilight on March 31, 2016.

“Building new products is about learning as much as it’s
about making. It’s also about tough choices. Over the past few months,
we’ve increased our team’s focus on collaboration and simplifying the
way people work together. In light of that, we’ve made the difficult
decision to shut down Carousel and Mailbox.”

Dropbox has made the decision to close down both apps because it
wants to focus the teams on productivity and, while not completely
ignoring emails altogether, by streamlining the work experience that
eventually leads to emails at some point down the road. As such, Dropbox
is essentially focusing entirely on new ways users can collaborate with
one another, and even communicate during those work sessions, even if
that doesn’t include an email app.

On February 26, Mailbox users won’t be able to log into the app
anymore, and any “auto-swipe” patterns that users have put together over
the years will be deleted and disabled as well. All email drafts will
be deleted on that day, too, while all “Snoozed” emails will find their
way back into the user’s Inbox.

As for Carousel, Dropbox says that while Carousel was great as a
standalone app, and that many people used it, they’ve found users
actually prefer the “convenience and simplicity” of interacting with
photos within the Dropbox app/service itself:

“When we introduced Carousel in April 2014, we believed a
standalone app would be a better way to experience photos. We’re proud
to have created a photo app that many of you use and love. However, over
the past year and a half, we’ve learned the vast majority of our users
prefer the convenience and simplicity of interacting with their photos
directly inside of Dropbox.”

Dropbox acquired the popular email app Mailbox back in March of 2013. In April of 2014, Dropbox officially debuted the Carousel app as a new way to share photos, while in the same month debuted Mailbox for Mac — a highly requested app that, eventually, saw a beta release on Apple’s desktop software.

Did you use Mailbox or Carousel?

[via Dropbox]

Dropbox announces it’s shutting down Mailbox and Carousel apps in 2016

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Apple patent describes ‘woven display’ created using fabric for Apple Watch bands, MacBook chassis and more

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has published a patent from
Apple that describes using light-transmissive materials like nylon to
create a woven display for Apple Watch
, MacBooks and more.

The “Woven display” patent from Apple details a method of weaving
light pipe fibres into a fabric like nylon to “as light guides visually
display indications or messages.” The patent describes multiple
techniques to create different types of ‘woven display.’

Once weaving is complete, the light pipe
fibers can be connected to a light source, such as an LED. By varying
when and where these light sources illuminate, the woven display can
present a user with readable information. For example, light
transmissive areas can be selectively illuminated to display the time,
temperature or any other arrangement of alphanumeric characters. If
multicolored LEDs are employed, the entire band can be glow red to
denote a system notification, or perhaps flash yellow for a low battery
alert.

In its patent application, Apple specifically shows a
wristwatch as a use case for its ‘woven display.’ The straps of the
watch will feature light pipes with LEDs integrated into the watch body.
The display is then used to show the time, though it can also be used
to show simple notifications. The patent also details Apple using woven
displays on the surface of its MacBook chassis and iPod-style wrist
loops for iPhones.

The “Woven display” patent was first filed by Apple in may
2014 with Douglas J. Weber and Teodor Dabov being credited as the
inventors.

Apple is already using a conductive fabric instead of flex cables to transmit data and power on the Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro.

[Source USPTO; Via Apple Insider]

Apple patent describes ‘woven display’ created using fabric for Apple Watch bands, MacBook chassis and more

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Some iTunes songs reverted to 30 second previews, down from 90 seconds

Based on scattered reports, it looks like iTunes has reverted some songs from their 90 second previews down to 30 seconds, a number that hasn’t seen major play in iTunes since 2010.

Initially reported by MacRumors, based on posts put up in the publication’s forums, it would appear that some songs found in the iTunes library have been reverted to their former preview glory. This is a case present both in the mobile version of iTunes, as well as the desktop client. Albums that have songs longer than 2 minutes and 30 seconds, like the artist Sia’s most recent release, are all showing only 30 seconds previews.
Back in 2010, Apple began a sweeping change to their preview lengths, hinging on the length of a particular song. If the track is longer than two minutes and 30 seconds, the preview was upgraded to 90 seconds. For tracks shorter than that, they remained at their 30 second preview length. There wasn’t any word that a change could be coming, so the shock to many users seems to be deep, as tweets indicate plenty of upset feelings for the change.
Some are even reporting that songs that had 90 second previews just hours before are now indicating only 30 second previews. Back in 2010, Apple had initial issues with rolling out the longer previews based on licensing deals, and it’s believed that this could have some connection, but nothing is certain just yet. Interestingly enough, while many songs are showing 30 second previews, there are still some tracks that have the 90 second preview, like the ones available through Apple’s Top Charts list.
Are you noticing the 30 second previews?
[via MacRumors]

Some iTunes songs reverted to 30 second previews, down from 90 seconds

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FCC data shows a strikingly low accuracy rate in location data with emergency wireless calls in Washington, D.C.

With a stronger focus on “cutting the cord,” and leaving all phone calls to our wireless devices, a new report based on FCC data may lead some to want to hold off.

According to a report from public interest group Find Me 911, which was published on July 10, based on FCC data the group ascertained through the Freedom of Information Act, 9 out of 10 emergency wireless calls based in Washington, D.C., in the United States, lack accurate location information. The result is that emergency workers have a harder time responding to emergencies. The data was based on information gathered through the first half of 2013.
From the report:

“According to data filed with the FCC by the D.C. Office of Unified Communications last fall, just 10.3% of the wireless calls made to the District’s 9-1-1 communications center from December 2012 to July 2013 included the latitude-longitude (or “Phase II” location) needed to find a caller. Of the 385,341 wireless calls made over that period, just 39,805 had that “Phase II” information, while the remaining “Phase I” calls only showed the nearest cell tower, an area too broad to be useful for emergency responders.“

In the report, the data collected showed that both Verizon and Sprint fared better than T-Mobile and AT&T. The pair of GSM carriers managed to bring in about 3.2% and 2.6% accurate data, respectively. Compare that to the average of about 24% from Verizon and Sprint.
Part of the problem cited in the report is the use of A-GPS, which requires a direct view to the satellite reporting location. This can be blocked or otherwise impeded by buildings.
You can check out the full report through the source link below.
[via Find Me 911]

FCC data shows a strikingly low accuracy rate in location data with emergency wireless calls in Washington, D.C.

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iPhone 6 leak showcases the reported LCD shielding and Home button bracket

The leaks continue for the iPhone 6, as we inch ever closer to the expected September launch date. This time around, a new photo gives us a real clear look at what the LCD shielding for the iPhone 6 could look like, as well as the Home bracket for good measure.

This new photo comes courtesy of Apple.club.tw, which believes this is indeed the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, even though there’s not much information there to make that a definitive statement. The size of the device is indicative of a larger iPhone, that’s for sure, but nothing is confirmed in this report. It’s just blurry enough that it could be the real deal, though. (Thanks, Mr. Blurrycam!)
From what we can see here, the image shows us what the LCD shielding would look like in its place between the display itself, and the rest of the internal components. We can also see the metal bracket covering the area where the supposed Home button would go.
As many times as we’ve seen the front panel, and even seen it get torture tested, seeing what’s likely going to be behind it is a bit of a change of pace. Though, we’ll probably see more pieces and leaks like this in the weeks to come, considering we’ve still got some time in front of us before Apple gets around to officially announcing the device.
Are you getting excited for the upcoming iPhone 6?
[via MacRumors; Apple.club.tw]

iPhone 6 leak showcases the reported LCD shielding and Home button bracket

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Nike Football puts the focus on the sport, from professional players to talking trash to friends

Considering the focus on the World Cup this year, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Nike would launch a new Football-focused application into the iOS App Store. Nike Football brings the best parts of the game to your iOS-based device, while also making sure you don’t miss out on Nike products at the same time.

The new application, which is called Nike Football in the rest of the world, and Nike Soccer in the United States, is a way for football/soccer fans to stay connected to the sport, whether it’s through Q&A sessions with players, or even exclusive content that Nike brings to the fore. Of course, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Nike is also making sure that you can catch up on all of the latest Nike-branded football products the company launches.
Another benefit from the new application is the social function, which allows you to not only plan and organize a pick-up match with friends (and friends-of-friends), but you can also use the app to talk trash to your mates.
Here’s the official description of the app:

“Nike Soccer is a free app that lets you play more and stay connected to the products, athletes, and events that revolutionize the game of soccer. This is the best of Nike Soccer in your pocket.
Chat non-stop soccer with your crew using exclusive Nike Soccer emoji.
Easily rally your crew for a game of pick-up, set a time and location, and keep track of who’s in.
Be the first to know about new product launches and get closer to the pros with exclusive content and athlete Q&As.
Get access to exclusive trials for the Nike Academy.
Never miss out.“

The mention of Nike Academy is certainly interesting, especially for those who keep track of the trial events that take place. These events are the only way for someone to get into the Nike Academy at the St. George’s Park National Football Centre in the United Kingdom.
You can check out the app in action in the video below.

Nike Football (or Nike Soccer in the U.S.)

Available in the App Store: Free

Version 1.0.0

Requires: iOS 7 or later

Size: 11.2MB

Nike Football puts the focus on the sport, from professional players to talking trash to friends

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MLB enters phase two with iBeacon, will support interactive ballpark attractions

Apple’s iBeacon, which launched at the end of 2013, set up a whole new way for iOS-based devices to interact with locations around them. Major League Baseball was one of the first to utilize the technology inside ballparks, and now they’re reportedly entering Phase Two.

A report from TechCrunch states that Major League Baseball will enter Phase Two of their support and usage of iBeacon with a new push for interactive attractions inside their ballparks, starting with their All-Star Game at Target Field, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The result will be in-park attractions that use the iBeacon technology to offer interactive features and additional content to those who have the At the Ballpark application installed on their device.
Within the ballpark, users will find nine different attractions that will use the technology to expand the experience for fans, but you’ll need to remember to have the At the Ballpark (which is available for free through the App Sore source link at the bottom of the article) installed on their device. Major League Baseball is also still working on rolling out more iBeacons throughout their ballparks across the United States.
The use of iBeacons is a growing trend for Apple, especially in their own retail locations. Based on the usage developed by Major League Baseball, it’s easy to see where other companies or organizations, even museums, could use the functionality for exhibits and attractions.
Have you used iBeacons yet? What did you think?
[via TechCrunch; MLB At the Ballpark]

MLB enters phase two with iBeacon, will support interactive ballpark attractions

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‘Assassin’s Creed Pirates’ is now free as Apple’s App of the Week

Apple has announced Assassin’s Creed Pirates as its latest App of the Week, meaning that the exciting action-adventure stealth game has gone free on the App Store for the next seven days. Assassin’s Creed Pirates, based on the popular game franchise, launched on the App Store in December and regularly costs $4.99. 

Become one of the most feared pirates of the Caribbean, playing as a young and ambitious captain named Alonzo Batilla. Engage in brutal naval combats, build up your crew and ship and discover a groundbreaking world with treacherous fog that conceals your enemies until the very last moment.

“Acquire the most iconic boats of the Golden Age of Piracy; ranging from the smallest gunboat to the Man O’War floating fortress. Upgrade your vessel using the massive bounty plundered from your encounters. Recruit the finest crew members and learn more than 50 new pirating techniques to become a better captain and the true master of naval combat.”

When you are not battling your enemies, explore the immensity of the Caribbean by sailing through a vast array of islands on a search for nearly one hundred treasures and lost parchments. Embark on an epic quest to discover the truth about La Buse’s mysterious lost treasure and more.
Assassin’s Creed Pirates is now free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad.

‘Assassin’s Creed Pirates’ is now free as Apple’s App of the Week

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