PlayStation 4 update turns Android devices into controller, display

PlayStation 4 owners will be able to use Android devices as displays and controllers after Sony updates the console’s system software to version 7.00 later this week.

Those with handsets or tablets that run Android 5.0 or higher will be able to use an official Remote Play application to stream PlayStation 4 games to their mobile device.


Android 10 or higher is required to then connect a PlayStation DualShock 4 wireless controller to an Android device via Bluetooth.

The scheme had previously been limited to Android devices in the Sony Xperia range.

An iOS application was released in March 2019, and iOS 13 or iPadOS 13 is required for the DualShock 4 control pad feature.

PlayStation noted in a blog post that system software 7.00 would also allow users to increase the size of text and voice chat groups from 8 to 16. Meanwhile, Microsoft increased the size of Xbox Live parties from 8 to 12 in 2015, and then from 12 to 16 in 2016. RGA

source: technology.inquirer.net

Google Duo eight-person group calling rolls out globally

After only being available in select regions for a few weeks, Google Duo’s group calling feature started rolling out Thursday, May 23, to all iOS and Android users across the globe.

After Microsoft rolled out support for 50-person Skype group calls in April 2019 and Apple’s Facetime gained group call support up to 32 members in October 2018, Google has finally entered the race, albeit only offering eight-person support, thanks to Duo’s new group calling feature that officially rolled out this week for both Android and iOS users.

This update was accompanied by two additional features, a new data saving mode and the ability to personalize video messages.

The former update allows users in designated regions like Indonesia, India and Brazil, where using data is spendy to limit data usage on mobile networks and wi-fi on Android.

Already on Android and coming soon to iOS, users can personalize video messages with text, emojis and drawings. Data saving mode will roll out in the upcoming months. HM/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

Instagram Stories can now upload multiple photos, videos

Tired of uploading photos and videos onto your Instagram Story one by one? This new update might benefit you.

Android users of the social media app can now share their “Stories” all at once, Instagram said on Tuesday.

Users may now enjoy this when they click the new icon at the top right of the screen. From there, they can now select up to 10 photos and videos from their gallery. And when tapping the edit screen, users will be able to view the media lined up and customize with texts and GIFs.

The feature is now available for Android, and will soon roll out on iOS users in the following weeks.

Aside from this update on Stories, Instagram has also created the “Data Download” option where it lets users download their account information through a web browser.  /ra

source: technology.inquirer.net

New dating app helps ‘geeks’ find true love

Socially inept persons, or more popularly referred to as today’s geeks and nerds, may have a hard time scoring dates even with the use of popular dating applications.


However, a new app is looking to end this misery once and for all by hooking up people with the same “unusual” interests like cosplaying, comic fandom and the works.

According to Mashable, new dating app Cuddli is launching on iOS in the following days after garnering positive reviews among Android users.

One of the app’s founders, Pinguino Kolb, explained that “geeks” need their own platform since not many dating app users understand comic culture and fandom.

Oftentimes, “nerds” who discuss such topics on mainstream apps like Tinder often get ridiculed, since most people “don’t understand the passion behind fandom or geekdom, and they can belittle it.”

Unlike previous platforms where users are required to create thorough profiles describing oneself, Cuddli offers interest icons on profiles to help identify what, specifically, makes the user “geek out.”

Like Tinder, the app also uses GPS and the “swiping” feature, but does not feature a pending list of matches. Instead, users must first respond to existing match requests before they can start matching again with new people.

Furthermore, those who hit it off with someone could also switch to “Couples Mode,” which somehow makes the virtual relationship official. This feature would still enable users to chat to other profiles, but it won’t let them match with anyone else anymore.

The Cuddli app is available for download on Google store and will soon be live on iOS.  Khristian Ibarrola /ra

source: technology.inquirer.net

Apple users could get some cash from app privacy lawsuit settlement

iPhone users who have used certain apps such as Twitter, Yelp and others between 2009 and 2012 could be getting a small cash back from the settlement of the app privacy lawsuit concerning the misuse of the “Find Friends” feature on iOS.

Foodspotting, Foursquare, Gowalla, Instagram, Kik, Path, Twitter and Yelp will be contributing a total of $5.3 million as payment to customers based on the terms of settlement, according to Fortune.

The amount will be seeded to customers through Amazon credits or by check. The payments are expected to be processed late this year.

“Find Friends” allows users to see who among their contacts are also using certain apps. However, app makers violated user privacy by failing to inform them that user contact lists are being transferred to company servers.

Despite the large amount being pooled together by these eight companies, it is likely that users eligible for the settlement money will only get a few dollars due to the sheer number of users who downloaded the aforementioned apps.

Either way, eligible users will receive an email from the app makers. In Twitter’s case, users will be prompted by a tweet with a ”@settlementnews” handle. Alfred Bayle/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

YouTube Uptime lets users watch videos with friends

YouTube users who often squirrel away while binging on all sorts of videos can now share the experience with friends through a new app.

The app is called Uptime and has been created by Google’s Area 120 division. It’s currently exclusive to iOS devices and offers more than the standard YouTube app, reports TechCrunch.

Initially spotted by The Verge, the main function of the app is to allow users to share YouTube videos with friends and watch them together in real time without the need to switch to another messaging app.

Area 120 also made it a more fun experience with the “reactions” feature. These are basically emojis that users can post and will appear on the video, similar to Facebook Live and Twitter’s Periscope. At the same time, users watching the video will have their profile icons float across the screen. They can also post comments. There’s even a “sparkles” feature that makes the video sparkle when tapped in real time.

Uptime is by no means the first of its kind, but what it does offer is a more polished design. It also offers ways of enjoying the app even without friends joining to watch videos immediately.

Since the app is still new, it doesn’t have an address book sync feature yet, nor will there be a lot of people to share videos with. But overtime, the app’s goal of creating a more social and real-time video sharing experience should become apparent.

Uptime is currently in invite-only mode. Just use the invite code “pizza” to get in. Alfred Bayle/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

FB Messenger debuts new camera app with Snapchat features

After Instagram shamelessly took a page out of Snapchat’s book, it’s Facebook Messenger’s turn to get into the ‘Stories’ trend.

The universally acclaimed Facebook messaging app has rolled out a new update that rivals Snapchat’s most prominent feature of expiring and customizable photos and videos, according to Tech Crunch.

Aside from communicating with friends through chat, Messenger users can now also add stickers, emojis, masks frames and other form of filters to their snaps, through the new feature called ‘My Day’.

Despite its seemingly blatant duplication of another app, Facebook added innovative features—including the option of enabling users to create their own masks instead of just relying on default presets.

An algorithm that creates new text filters based on the user’s preference is added as well. Still, its most unique offer is a stylized camera button which notifies users about fresh effects to try out.

It also directs focus on the image-taking process by capturing images first before giving users the choice of handpicking the recipients that could view the material.

The update, meanwhile, is among Facebook’s latest salvo to convince users to see Messenger not just as an app for text, but also as an alternative platform for photos and selfies.

The new Messenger camera is out today, for both iOS and Android users. Khristian Ibarrola

source: technology.inquirer.net

Pokémon Go update released for Android and iOS

Just when people thought that the Pokémon Go hype has waned, Niantic releases a new update that may get some of the players that have grown bored with the mobile game to become active again.

The new 0.37.0 update includes the activation of the previously announced Buddy Pokémon system wherein trainers are able to assign one of their Pokémons as a “buddy.” By doing so, trainers can earn candy for their buddy Pokémon by walking a certain distance.

Other parts of the update include several fixes for known issues such as eggs hatching without displaying the animation. Smaller Pokémon are also made easier to select. Players may notice improved performance whenever their devices switch networks where the previous version would sometimes hang or stop updating.

Niantic is continuing its crackdown on bots and scrapers. Jail-broken and rooted devices will also no longer be supported by the game to help stem the number of game-hacking incidents.

Finally the update adds support for the Pokémon Go Plus accessory that will alert trainers to nearby Pokémon without the need to constantly watch their screens while walking.

The Pokémon Go craze has died down just as quickly as it had gained initial popularity. It is hard to predict whether or not the new update will be able to win back the players that had gone inactive. Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Pokémon Go to let players swap pokémon soon

Addicted players of the viral smartphone game Pokémon Go can expect more reforms and exciting twists, such as allowing them to trade pokémons with each other.

In a report by Tech Insider, Niantic CEO John Hanke said that players could soon trade monsters to encourage them to cooperate in both virtual and real worlds.

“It’s kind of a core element,” Hanke said.

Also, Hanke divulged that virtual Pokémon Go “trainers”  would soon experience more ways to use Pokéstops and Gyms, which are landmarks designed for item restock.

Hanke also revealed that Pokémon Go would soon showcase a “global leadership scoreboard” that tallies all the world’s “valedictorian” and “salutatorian” players of the game. This will come side by side with the launch of Pokémon Go on other augmented reality (AR) devices, such as wearable gadgets.

“That may be a fun thing to take advantage of,” Hanke told the news site.

Pokémon Go aced both iOS and Android platforms despite its launch in a few ‘”favored” countries including Australia, the US and New Zealand.  Gianna Francesca Catolico

source: technology.inquirer.net

New app deletes messages before recipients get to read them

Ever written a text message, clicked send then felt regret afterwards? Or ever discovered an embarrassing screenshot of your drunken escapade, roaming around social media?

Well worry no more, as a new app called ‘Protect you Privates!’ aims to tackle both these social nightmares by allowing users to delete messages, even after they’ve already been sent.

The new security app comes with a built-in function which prevents recipients from taking screen grabs of photos and videos, while also blocking unauthorized sending and leaking copies of messages.

As per reports from UK-based media, Mirror Online, the app comes with end-to-end encryption, including a ‘recall’ button which will delete messages on the users and recipients’ respective phones.

Speed, however, will be key for users, as the process only works if a message remains unopened.

Also, much like Snapchat’s security setting, Protect your Privates will also automatically delete unread messages after either 24, 12 or three hours, depending on the user’s preference.

Meanwhile, the app’s creator Dr. Isaac Datikashvili revealed that he had originally designed the app as a way of securely transferring medical records.

It was only after the overall design process that he saw the potential uses in personal messaging.

For now, Protect your Privates is only exclusive for iOS users, but developers claimed that they are working to extend its services to Windows and Android phones as well. Khristian Ibarrola

source: technology.inquirer.net

Apple's upcoming iOS 9 to focus on stability, optimization

 

Unlike the more recent iOS updates, Apple will be focusing on stability and optimization in the next major update to its mobile operating system iOS.

 

Apple's iOS 9 will focus more on stability and optimization than new features, enthusiast site 9to5mac.com reported.

 

"While stability is normally an expected component in Apple software rather than a marquee feature, the rapid pace of iOS releases and feature introductions has taken a toll on the operating system’s overall performance, recently leading to numerous complaints from long-time Apple users and regular customers alike," it said.

 

Codenamed "Monarch," iOS 9 is due later this year, and will feature "under-the-hood improvements," the site said.

 

Quoting its sources, it said engineers are "putting a 'huge' focus on fixing bugs, maintaining stability, and boosting performance for the new operating system, rather than solely focusing on delivering major new feature additions."

 

Apple will also try to keep the size of the OS and updates manageable, especially for owners of iPhones, iPads and iPhone touches with 16GB storage.

 

THe site noted Apple had featured a major new release of the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch operating system each year since 2007, with major iOS changes as a reason to buy the new devices.

 

Meanwhile, 9to5mac said it is not immediately clear if iOS 9 would be limited to relatively recent devices.

 

"If the iPhone 5c, original iPad mini, and fifth-generation iPod touch are discontinued by the end of 2015, all of Apple’s 'currently available' iOS devices would be using 64-bit A7, A8, and A9 processors. This could simplify iOS development for both Apple and third-party app developers," it said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News

 

source: gmanetwork.com

iOS users warned versus spy app

 

Mobile securit researchers warn of a mobile app that may have been used to collect users' personal data as part of an  "economic and political cyber-espionage operation" targeting military, governments, defense, and media—with civilians unwittingly caught up as collateral damage.

Users of Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod touch running iOS were warned this week against an espionage app being used in a targeted attack campaign.

 

Trend Micro said the app is used in Operation Pawn Storm, an "economic and political cyber-espionage operation" whose targets include the military, governments, defense and media.

 

"We believe the iOS malware gets installed on already compromised systems, and it is very similar to next stage SEDNIT malware we have found for Microsoft Windows’ systems," researchers Lambert Sun, Brooks Hong and Feike Hacquebord said in a blog post.

 

According to the researchers, they found two malicious iOS applications in Operation Pawn Storm.

 

One of the two, IOS_ XAGENT.B, uses the name of a legitimate iOS game "MadCap." The second was identified as XAgent (IOS_XAGENT.A).

 

Both apps are related to SEDNIT, which the researchers said aims to personal data, record audio, make screenshots, and send them to a remote command-and-control server.

 

"As of this publishing, the C&C server contacted by the iOS malware is live," Trend Micro said.

 

XAgent, once installed on iOS 7, hides its icon and runs in the background immediately.

 

"When we try to terminate it by killing the process, it will restart almost immediately," the researchers said.

 

But on iOS 8, the icon is not hidden and it cannot restart automatically.

 

"This suggests that the malware was designed prior to the release of iOS 8 last September 2014," they said.

 

The researchers said the app is designed to collect all kind of information on an iOS device and can:

 

• Collect text messages
• Get contact lists
• Get pictures
• Collect geo-location data
• Start voice recording
• Get a list of installed apps
• Get a list of processes
• Get the Wi-Fi status

 

Even works on un-Jailbroken phones

 

What is potentially dangerous is that the iOS device "doesn’t have to be jailbroken per se," the researchers said.

 

"We have seen one instance wherein a lure involving XAgent simply says 'Tap Here to Install the Application.' The app uses Apple’s ad hoc provisioning, which is a standard distribution method of Apple for iOS App developers," they said.

 

Via ad hoc provisioning, the researchers said the malware can be installed simply by clicking on a link. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News

 

source: gmanetwork.com