FTC may try to block Facebook from integrating apps

SAN FRANCISCO  — Facebook’s stock dropped almost 3% in regular trading after news reports suggested that the FTC may take antitrust action to prevent Facebook from integrating its disparate messaging apps.

The reports said the Federal Trade Commission may seek a court injunction that would block Facebook’s “interoperability” plans for Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram, which involves revising them to use the same underlying software.


Both the FTC and Facebook declined to comment on the reports.

Facebook has been planning to integrate the apps since early 2019. Federal regulators are concerned that Facebook’s plan could make it hard to break up the company should the FTC find that necessary. The news was first published by The Wall Street Journal.

source: technology.inquirer.net

Traveling to a foreign country? Google just named a language app as best app of 2018

A language learning app that promises to teach users the basics in as little as five minutes a day has been named Google Play’s Best App of 2018.

Drops is a visual-based learning system that teaches vocabulary through illustrations and fast-paced micro-games.

For travelers headed to a foreign country, the app might come in handy, particularly in restaurants, hotels and for public transport.

Because Drops doesn’t prioritize grammar. That’s more for people who want to become fluent in a language. Instead, the basic level focuses on vocabulary, teaching 1,700 words in 99 topics.

For languages like Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Hebrew, Arabic, Russian and Hindi, the app teaches a beginner alphabet course.

Users can also choose between different dialects and accents, from Mandarin or Cantonese Chinese, Castilian Spanish or Latin-American Spanish, American or British English to European Portuguese or Brazilian Portuguese.

Overall, the Drops app features 31 languages.

source: technology.inquirer.net

Facebook pushes video onto TV screens with new apps

SAN FRANCISCO, United States — Facebook on Tuesday announced it was rolling out apps to allow people to view videos posted on the social network on connected televisions.

The new apps — for Apple TV, Amazon’s Fire TV and Samsung Smart TV — will provide a more convenient way for users of the social network to view videos on a large screen.

The move could be a small step toward what some reports say is a more ambitious video plan by Facebook to compete with Google-owned YouTube or even with streaming services such as Netflix.

For now, the apps will simply make it easier to view and share user-generated video.

“Last year we rolled out the ability for you to stream videos from Facebook to your TV, and today’s announcement expands this capability,” said a blog post from product manager Dana Sittler and engineering manager Alex Li.

“With the app, you can watch videos shared by friends or pages you follow, top live videos from around the world, and recommended videos based on your interests.”

Facebook said it expects the applications to roll our “soon” for users of Apple, Amazon and Samsung, with additional platforms likely to be added.

Facebook also said it was modifying video playback for users, with sound to play automatically unless users silence their devices. CBB

source: technology.inquirer.net

How the New iPhone Update Can Help You Get Better Sleep

I am one of those people who got to sleep with my phone in my hand. I know I am not alone. It’s just addicting to stay hooked about every other news that pops up, whether it’s Tom Hiddleston giving you weather updates or this new mash-up for Rihanna’s “Work.”

 Either way, staying up because of your phone isn’t just how intriguing the latest news is, it also has something to do with how the light on your phone can suppress the melatonin (the hormone responsible for making you sleepy) in your body.

The smart people over at iPhone then developed Night Shift. A new update along with the iOS 9.3, Night Shift adjusts your phone’s light and screen colors so you won’t mess up your melatonin even if you’re updating yourself with everyone’s else Snapchat story at 10 p.m. In the morning, Night Shift will shut off to allow your phone to adjust back to your regular settings.

Watch this Instagram video to know how to activate Night Shift on your phone.


Sweet dreams, everyone!
[Allure]


Photo courtesy of Petra Collins’ Instagram account

source: preen.inquirer.net

App helps visually impaired enjoy movies

A new app allows visually impaired people to watch movies without missing the key scenes, offering them full audio descriptions of what is happening on the big screen.

Turkish mobile operator Turkcell's new app launched with a special gala screening of Turkish film, 'Kiss of Life', which was released in October.

Dozens of visually impaired movie-goers were able to experience what the actors and scenes look like through the app, called 'My Dream Partner', that provides them with a synchronized audio description of the film.

"When it comes to go and see a movie, we were going to the cinema and see the movie but we would miss the visual details of the movie," said Gamze Sofuoglu, of Turkcell, who is herself visually impaired. "Those parts would always remain woolly. Sometimes because of this we were unable to understand the movie, sometimes we would miss the ending," she added.

"For the first time in the world, with Turkcell's app, those scenes that used to be missing are being depicted and this app makes those scenes visible for visually impaired people. Today, I can watch the movies with the app with audio description and I can have a more pleasant experience without missing any scenes," she added.

Users simply launch the app before the screening of a film and plug in their earphones.

Visually impaired movie-goers at the launch were satisfied that the app had helped them to fully comprehend the movie.

"This was my first experience and there were many visually impaired users here. We were anxious about whether we would be facing technical difficulties due to heavy customer traffic but without any problems we had audio description for every scene and every second. I listened easily and I enjoyed it very much," said visually impaired viewer Kerem Altinok.

Director and lead actor of the movie, Ali Sunal was also excited by the experience. "I am very happy that 'Kiss of Life' was chosen for this project. I came here with great excitement. It is an enormous pleasure to see that the audience can fully understand everything I wanted to depict. It is great to see all the obstacles are removed," he said.

Turkcell's app is a free-of charge service available to all customers of all operators in Turkey.

The cellphone operator says it expects the app to be used by 800,000 visually impaired citizens in Turkey by 2016.  — Reuters

Google enables in-app translations in Android Marshmallow

Starting this week, users running the Android Marshmallow OS will be able to access in-app translations, according to a post on the Android Developers Blog.

To access this function, users need to have the Google Translate app installed. According to the post, apps that use “Android text selection behavior” will have this feature enabled by default.

The post also details programming steps that developers can take to add the in-app translation to their apps. — Bea Montenegro/TJD, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Apple lists top 25 apps hit by malware

Apple Inc said the WeChat messaging app and car-hailing app DiDi Taxi were among the 25 most popular apps found to be infected with malicious software.

Apple had previously not disclosed which apps had been affected, although many had been identified by third parties.

The company said on Sunday it was cleaning up its App Store, after several cyber security firms reported a malicious program, dubbed XcodeGhost, that had been embedded in hundreds, possibly thousands, of apps.

Apple said it was working with developers to get the apps back on the App Store and was blocking new apps that contained the malware.

"We have no information to suggest that the malware has been used to do anything malicious," Apple said in its XcodeGhost Q&A Web page.

Other impacted apps include Baidu Inc's Baidu Music app, the 58 Classified-Job, Used Cars, Rent, and a music app from Internet portal NetEase Inc.

Tencent Holdings Ltd is the owner of WeChat.

The company also said some of the affected apps could be fixed through updates.

The hackers targeted the App Store using a counterfeit version of Xcode "toolkit", Apple's app-building software.  — Reuters

Companion app lets friends virtually walk you home

For those worried about commuting home late at night, you might find a new app named Companion useful.

Using the app, users can plug in their destination and indicate what mode of transportation they’re using. They can then send a Companion request to any number of their contacts, even if they don’t have the app installed on their own phones. The contact receives a text message with a link that leads to a map that shows them where the user is using GPS.


The app detects changes in movement, like when the user starts running or if they fall, and asks them if they’re okay. If the user doesn’t press the “yes” button within 15 seconds, the app sets of a loud alarm on the phone and gives the user the option to call police.

The app, developed by five students from the University of Michigan, was originally designed to be used by university students walking home at night. However, the app can still be used outside of the US, though developers are still working on giving the app the capability to contact local police authorities. For users outside of the US, they need to enter their cellphone number along with the country code.

Companion is free and available on both Android and Apple devices. — Bea Montenegro/TJD, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

New mobile app lets you take back text messages

 

Just sent someone a nasty or inappropriate text message and want to take it back? Now, there's an app for that.

 

Introducing Strings, a messaging app that allows you to take back your messages by controlling "if and when content is deleted, immediately and permanently."

 

Strings can also allow a user to control if other users download photos and videos or share them with others.

 

The catch, however, is that the app is available only for iOS, at least for now.

Click here to see the app on the Apple iTunes store.
 

Another catch? Your recipients must have the app installed on their phones, too, so you can't use it if your friend's phone runs on Android or Windows Phone.

 

10 Commandments of Sharing (on Strings)

 

Strings also gives users a list of so-called "Ten Commandments of Sharing":

 

1. You need a smartphone and phone number to use Strings. No number, no use.
2. Your profile is not public. Only people who you add to your contact list can share with you.
3. The only people who can view your content are the ones you share it with. Add people and remove people anytime.
4. No one can download or share your content without your approval. Period.
5. If anyone takes screenshots of your content, Strings will detect it and their account will be suspended.
6. If you remove yourself from a conversation, anything you said will be removed with you.
7. If you delete a photo, video or chat that you created, it will be deleted on every participant’s device.
8. If you delete your account, your photos, videos and comments are deleted forever, on all phones and servers.
9. What you share will never be analyzed, mined, sold, filed, or otherwise used at your expense.
10. Strings is free to use and free of advertising.

  — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News

   

source: gmanetwork.com

Updated Google Calendar app automatically turns emails into events

Google has made its Calendar app smarter, extracting information from emails and automatically entering them as calendar events.

Product manager Ian Leader said the app, initially available for Android devices, turns the Calendar into a "helpful assistant" so there is less time spent managing one's schedule.

"It takes a lot of work to stay on top of your schedule, after all. You have to manually enter that hotel or dinner reservation, then update it if your plans change. You have to hunt around for addresses and phone numbers, then add them to your events. And if you’re on a mobile device, you might just give up on these kinds of tasks entirely," Leader said in a blog post.

With the new app, Leader said the new Calendar app extracts email information when booking a flight, buying concert tickets, or making a hotel reservation.

He said such calendar events come complete with details like flight numbers and check-in times.

"They’ll even stay updated in real time if your flight's delayed, or you receive another email update," he added.

A second feature involves suggestions, where the new Calendar app can "suggest titles, people and places as you type, as well as adapt to your preferences over time."

"For example, if you often go running with Peter in Central Park, Calendar can quickly suggest that entire event when you type ‘r-u-n,’" he said.

Leader said the Calendar app also has Schedule View that makes it "easy to scan and lovely to look at."

The new Schedule view includes "photos and maps of the places you’re going, cityscapes of travel destinations, and illustrations of everyday events like dinner, drinks and yoga."

Leader said the updated app will require at least Android 4.1, and will be available on all devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop.

On the other hand, he said a version for Apple's iPhone is in the works.

Material design

A separate report on tech site The Verge said the reworked app has the Material Design style that will be eventually adopted in all Google apps.

It will roll out to the Play Store over the coming weeks for everyone running Android 4.1 and above, it added.

Also, The Verge noted it will be the first time Google has actually released a proper Calendar app for iOS.  — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

New Android malware disguises itself as antivirus app

Users of Android devices may want to verify their antivirus apps before installing them, lest the apps turn out to be malware.

Security vendor McAfee issued the warning after the discovery of the "SandroRAT" malware, which it said initially targets Polish banking users.

McAfee's Carlos Castillo said the malware comes as an attachment in a spam email claiming the user's phone has malware.

"The email tries to scare a user with the following subject:

“Uwaga! Wykryto szkodliwe oprogramowanie w Twoim telefonie! (Caution! Detected malware on your phone!)"

The body of the message states that the bank is providing the attached free mobile security application to detect malware that steals SMS codes (mTANs) for authorizing electronic transactions," Castillo said.

He said the app tries to pass itself off as an app of Kaspersky Labs, "Kaspersky_Mobile_Security.apk."

But the app is actually a remote access tool (RAT), dubbed SandroRat.

"Just as any other Android RAT (such as AndroRAT), the malware can remotely execute several commands," Castillo said.

He said the app can:
- Steal sensitive personal information such as contact list, SMS messages (inbox, outbox, and sent), call logs (incoming, outgoing, and missed calls), browser history (title, link, date), bookmarks and GPS location (latitude and longitude).
- Intercept incoming calls and record those in a WAV file on the SD card.
- Update itself.
- Intercept, block, and steal incoming SMS messages.
- Send MMS messages with parameters (phone number and text) provided by the control server.
- Insert and delete SMS messages and contacts.
- Record surrounding sound.

The RAT can also open the dialer with a number provided by the attacker or execute USSD codes.

But the new threat can also access the encrypted Whatsapp chats and steal the encryption key using the Google email account of the device, though updated Whatsapp apps may offer better protection. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

3D display app lets real estate developer pitch to mobile clients

 

Interested in buying a residential condo unit but on the go? A real estate company has launched an augmented-reality app that can display a scale model of a residential unit in 3D.

 

Megaworld said the app, optimized for smartphones and tablets, is a first in the Philippine real estate industry.

 

“The 3D augmented reality is a technological breakthrough of Megaworld, aside for being the pioneer of building townships. In showcasing the intricate design of The Florence through this tool, it is important to us to be on top of our game in engaging our guests and clients to a whole new interactive print experience,” says SVP for sales Noli Hernandez.

 

The app made its debut at the launching of The Florence, the company's residential development project in the 50-hectare McKinley Hill area.

 

Smartphone and tablet users who want to view the residential units in 3D form can get the project's QR code at www.megaworldatthefort.com.

 

On their phones or tablets, they can search “Inglobe Technologies” at the app store, and download and install “AR-media,” then download "The Florence" model. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News

 

source: gmanetwork.com

Google ramps up Android security, now scans all apps

Google is ramping up security for users of devices running its Android operating system, by now scanning all apps on the device instead of just those installed via third-party app stores.

In a blog post, Android security engineer Rich Cannings likened the move – which fortifies Android's "Verify apps" service layer – to fortifying a home's security system.

"(W)e’re rolling out a new enhancement which will now continually check devices to make sure that all apps are behaving in a safe manner, even after installation," Cannings said.

He noted the "Verify apps" features already protects people when they are installing apps outside of Google Play at the time of installation.

Cannings said that in 2013, "Verify apps" had been used more than four billion times to check apps at the time of install.

With the new enhancement, that protection will now go even further, using Android’s powerful app scanning system developed by the Android security and Safe Browsing teams.

But Cannings also noted people will not likely see the warning or any other indication that the added layer of protection is there.

He said that in 2013, fewer than 0.18 percent of installs occurred after someone received a warning that the app was potentially harmful.

"Even though the risk is miniscule, we’re committed to making sure that the best available security protections are available to all Android users. This includes service-based protections such as Verify apps, as well as security features within the platform itself," he added.

A separate report on Mashable noted the "Verify Apps" setting is found under the security settings menu on most versions of Android, and is enabled by default on smartphones and tablets.  — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Apps aid fashionistas in tracking down desired clothing, shoes

TORONTO - Fashionistas envious of clothing, shoes and accessories worn by strangers or seen on websites can turn to new apps for hassle-free shopping to find, and buy or rent, similar items.

Like the music app Shazam, which identifies songs based on sound clips, new fashion apps use photos and image recognition technology to find similar clothing.

"People see items they like on the street but can't really go up to the person wearing them and ask where they got them," said Daniela Cecilio, the chief executive of London-based startup Asap54.

"Or they might see items they like on Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook or Twitter, but can't really click through to buy them," she added, referring to the social media websites.

With the Asap54 app for iPhone, which was launched last month, users take a photo of an item, or upload an existing one, and describe what it is to help the app identify it. The app recommends something similar from more than 150 retail partners across the United State, Europe and other countries.

The Style Eyes app for iPhone and Android also uses a photo to find the desired or a similar item, which can be purchased from its catalog of 600 retailers in Britain and 300 in the United States.

Mark Elfenbein, chief digital officer of Toronto-based start-up company Slyce, said its image recognition technology integrates with retail brands so shoppers can find things by taking a photo with their iPhone or scanning an image from their desktop.

"The way brands are trying to communicate with customers is changing. Historically, they would lure customers to their stores or websites, but now we're seeing that brands want to create transactions in other places too," Elfenbein said.

The technology recognizes information such as how far apart buttons are, and fabric and stitching to help power visual searches.

But image recognition is still inexact and depends on the quality of the photo and other factors, such as lighting. To overcome the drawbacks Elfenbein said, Slyce uses a mix of technology and crowdsourcing to improve its search results.

Other apps making shopping easier include Pounce for Ios, created by Tel Aviv-based company BuyCode Inc. It allows consumers to buy items directly from retail advertisements from stores such as Lord & Taylor and office supply company Staples, Inc by hovering their smartphone camera over an image.

With the eBay Fashion iPhone app users in the United States and Britain can upload an image to find similar items available for sale on eBay.

For consumers more interested in renting than buying, Rent the Runway's iPhone app uses a photo of an item seen in a store to find something similar that customers can rent instead. — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Hearing-aid apps pump up the volume, double as headphones

TORONTO - New smartphone apps that link to hearing aids are helping people with impaired hearing to pump up the volume on their devices or to use them as headphones to stream phone calls, YouTube videos and music.

About 36 million American adults have some hearing loss, according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. But only a fifth of people who could benefit from a hearing aid wear one.

"People will always need really good hearing aids, but moving forward, what will differentiate competitors will be connectivity (to smartphones), and it will need apps," Lars Viksmoen, chief executive of GN ReSound, a maker of hearing aids based in Denmark, said in a telephone interview.

The company's new, free app, ReSound Smart for the iPhone, turns hearing aids into headphones and allows users to remotely configure settings on their aids - such as volume, treble and bass. It also remembers particular settings for different venues.

"Let's say you're in a place you go to all the time, such as a coffee shop. You can make an adjustment and then it will geotag your location, so the next time you walk in, it will remember your settings," said Laurel Christensen, the company's chief audiology officer.

In noisy locations, a selection on the app can convert the iPhone into a microphone, streaming conversation into the hearing aids for better clarity. It also helps people find their aids, if they misplace them.

"As you walk around your house, the signal bars get stronger as you get closer to them, and it's like a game of hot and cold," Christensen said.

The company produces hearing aids, called ReSound LiNX, that cost around $6000 for a pair and can be used with or without an iPhone.

"I think we're going to see an explosion in this area because of baby boomers. They're into technology and they want to be connected," she said.

Other apps connect hearing aids to smartphones through an intermediary device, including miniTek Remote App for Android which links to Siemens' line of hearing aids via a streamer.

Steve Aiken, associate professor of audiology at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, said the apps were beneficial as they link hearing aids to other technology already integrated into people's lives.

Still, there are some risks, he said.

"One is that people could damage their hearing further if they adjust the settings incorrectly. And the other is that they miss out on the benefits if they're not configured properly because it takes people's brains a while to acclimatize to sounds they haven't heard in a long time," he said.  — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Pinoy Flappy Bird-inspired game Pugo is top pick on AppStore

Pugo, a Filipino-made Flappy Bird alternative, now ranks number one worldwide in the Top Chart of free apps two days after it became available on the iOS AppStore.

Co-creator Patrick Cabral posted a photo on his Instagram account on Friday to show that the game he and his wife Camy designed has topped the charts.




As in Flappy Bird, you have to tap the screen to control your character and avoid the obstacles. But instead of having a bird set in a pixelated, Mario-inspired world, you have a cute, pink quail exploring a forest.

You also acquire extra lives by picking up Philippine flags along the way, so you don't always die when you hit an obstacle.

Ranking high in the Top Charts is a crucial step for developers to monetize their free apps and generate revenue.

By ranking first in the top charts, a developer hits two birds with one stone: he proves that his game attracts a huge number of downloaders, thereby making it a hot pick for advertisers, and he makes his game more visible to future downloaders, since Top Charts are a main reference smartphone users rely on for quality downloads.

The three-day-old Pugo game now has ads that appear before you start the game and below the game's set.

Pugo is Patrick and Camy's first game. Both are designers and artists each with years of experience in advertising, web and graphic design, illustration and art direction, according to Pugo's official website. — Kim Luces/JDS, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Candy Crush, Gravity, Despicable me top 2013 app store charts

What do Candy Crush Saga, Gravity and Despicable Me 2 have in common?

All of them are chart-toppers on Apple's iTunes and App Store for 2013, tech site Slashgear reported on Tuesday.

"Not surprisingly, 'Candy Crush' topped the free iPhone apps chart, beating out Google’s YouTube app and similar, while Macklemore makes a double appearance on the music charts, Gravity trumps all other movies, and Happy Tree Friends takes top slot in the podcast category," Slashgear said.

Duolingo was the iPhone app of the year while Ridiculous Fishing: A Tale of Redemption was the game of the year, Slashgear said.

For the iPad, BADLAND was the game of the year while Disney Animated was the app of the year.

By category, Candy Crush was the top free iPhone and iPad app, and was also the top paid iPad app.

Minecraft was the top-slot paid app for the iPhone, while those in the Top 10 included Temple Run 2, Netflix, Apple’s iBooks, Facebook, Google Maps, YouTube, and Pandora.

Media segments

Gravity was the year's best movie, while Despicable Me 2 was the best animated movie.

But Skyfall was the best-selling movie, while the list also included Wreck-it-Ralph, Argo, and Star Trek: Into Darkness.

For TV shows, Breaking Bad: The Final Season came out on top, while the third season of Scandal was the best breakthrough.

"(T)he first season of Orphan Black was the best discovery, and the fourth season of Duck Dynasty was the best reality TV show of 2013," Slashgear said.

Music

Macklemore's album The Heist was the album of the year, while “The 20/20 Experience, Justin Timberlake” made Timberlake artist of the year.

Lord’s “Royals” was the song of the year, while “Good Kid, M.A.A.D.” was 2013's breakthrough album.

Books, podcasts

For books, Tenth of December by George Saunders was the best fiction of the year, while One Summer by Bill Bryson topped the nonfiction distinction list.

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson topped the young adult category, and Breaking Bad bagged the best “Made for iBooks” category. — TJD, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Apple fixes mail issues in OS X Mavericks update

Apple Inc. has rolled out an update for its new free operating system OS X Mavericks, addressing many issues in its Mail app.

Tech site The Next Web said OS X Mavericks 10.9.1 includes improved support for Gmail in OS X Mail, along with fixes for user with custom Gmail settings.

Many users had complained of issues in the Mail app in the first version of OS X Mavericks, which Apple had made free for download earlier this year.

"Shortly after Mavericks arrived in October, users reported compatibility issues between their Gmail service and Mail. Apple released an update to the app in early November," The Next Web noted.

It also said the update also improves the reliability of Smart Mailboxes and search in Mail, and fixes an issue that prevented contact groups from working properly in Mail.

Also, the update addresses another issue that prevented contact groups from working properly in Mail.

The update resolves an issue that prevented VoiceOver from speaking sentences with emoji, and updates Shared Links periodical when open in the Safari Sidebar, it added.

Retina Macbook

Meanwhile, a separate update is available for Apple Retina MacBook Pro laptops, with “system specific enhancements” that The Next Web said are "focused on stability and compatibility." — TJD, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Glassware apps coming soon with Google Glass update

Here's an update many users of Google Glass have long been waiting for: the ability to install third-party apps to go with their wearable tech.

A report on Geek.com said this could be one of the biggest updates the Glass developer team has been delivering to the platform on a monthly basis.

"Multiple sources have now confirmed to Geek.com that the update offers developers access to the sensors in Glass for use in motion tracking and development. Developers will also be able to create their own voice commands through Glassware, giving the user the ability to launch the app from the 'OK Glass' menu if they so choose," it said.

It added this may come in the next update - XE10 on Explorer Edition headsets. As such, it could be the most significant update yet for both developers and users.

Google usually releases updates to Glass within the first half of each month. Other updates by the Glass team had included extended battery life, better camera quality, and improved connection stability with smartphones.

Geek.com noted developers had gone to Google and signed non-disclosure agreements in exchange for space in the Googleplex to work with the Glass team.

"Month by month, Google brings Glass one step closer to being a viable platform that will make sense to average users, and bring wearable computing further into the mainstream," it noted. – KDM, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Google Translate now available offline for Android phones

Lost in a foreign land and need translation help quick, but there's no Internet? Google language packs to the rescue!

Google has rolled out offline language packs for the Google Translate on Android app (version 2.3 and up), with support for 50 languages.

"While the offline models are less comprehensive than their online equivalents, they are perfect for translating in a pinch when you are traveling abroad with poor reception or without mobile data access," associate product manager Minqi Jiang said in a blog post.

 

 

Before a user can avail of the language packs, he or she will first have to download and run the Google Translate app for Android.

 

 

The Translate app itself, however, usually needs an Internet connection to translate phrases from one language to another.

With the offline language packs, Jiang said a user can select "Offline Languages" in the app menu to see the offline language packages available for download.

"To enable offline translation between any two languages, you just need to select them in the offline languages menu. Once the packages are downloaded, you're good to go," Jiang said.

"So go out and explore another language or another culture without worrying about Internet access. There’s a whole world offline out there," Jiang added. — TJD, GMA News

 

source: gmanetwork.com