Updated Google Map Maker accents neighborhoods, shows changes in Activity Strea

Google wants you to think locally with its new Map Maker update featuring neighborhoods and an Activity Stream to track mapping changes. The site now launches into My Neighborhood mode, suggesting places you've rated or searched on Google Maps and allowing you to add and edit your own haunts. From there, a list of your changes (or those of other users) can be viewed in the left-hand pane and filtered by review, date or category. You can also see additions anywhere in your current map view by panning, zooming or searching and even help other users out by reviewing pending edits. If you're ready to channel your inner cartographer, check the source.

[Source: Engadget]

Apple now asking potential Genius Bar customers to reboot iPhone before making an appointment

So, your new iPhone 5 is acting quirky, and you want to make an appointment at the Genius Bar to see what's wrong with it. You go to the Apple website, enter the location of your local store and let the concierge know what device you want to get help with ... and you're promptly greeted with the window seen above, asking you to reset your iPhone before continuing.

This little trick often does help, and it's not surprising that a lot of new iPhone customers don't know about this. As Reddit user ehsteve23 pointed out in the first of 368 comments on brewstah's post of this screen on imgur.com, "Suddenly the number of Genius Bar appointments fall by 30%.

[Source: TUAW]

Apple to allow employees time off to work on special projects

If you walked into your boss's office and asked for two weeks off to work on an unspecified side project, what would their reaction be? The Wall Street Journal is reporting that if you happen to be one of a select group of Apple employees, you'd be granted the ability to do just that. Tim Cook has introduced an initiative nicknamed "Blue Sky," which allows certain employees the privilege of taking time off to work on special projects not necessarily related to their duties at Apple.

The concept of giving employees the freedom to work on side projects isn't new to tech companies. Google has had a similar program in place for a while now, but what is new is Apple's willingness to embrace this approach.

Blue Sky is apparently designed as a type of benefit addition, allowing some of Cupertino's staff more freedom than they are used to. The program, which was introduced earlier this year on an internal basis, is yet another sign of the cultural shift taking place within the company.

Keeping its top staff happy has become a renewed goal for Apple since Cook took the reins in August 2011, and giving employees some additional breathing room might help prevent the company's hottest talent from looking elsewhere.

[Source: TUAW]

Xbox SmartGlass app turns your iOS device into a remote control

If you have an Xbox 360 and an iOS device, congratulations, Microsoft has offered you a free touchscreen remote control! Well, not literally, but the new Xbox SmartGlass app turns your iPad or iPhone into a do-it-all control center for your game console, and it's actually a pretty slick experience.

Once you've connected your SmartGlass app to your console -- by syncing the devices via the Internet using a short code -- you can do pretty much everything using your iOS device that you would normally do with your controller, aside from playing games. You can compose messages, browse your achievements and launch apps such as Netflix with just a tap.

[Source: TUAW - Click here to read the full story]

iPhone 5 ship times improve from online Apple Store

If the three- to four-week wait time for a new iPhone 5 has kept you from placing your order, you'll be happy to know that some progress is being made. TechCrunch noticed that as of today, the wait time has been cut down to two to three weeks. OK, it's not much, but at least it's something!

Just last week, Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou spoke about the manufacturer's struggle to meet the massive demand for Apple's new smartphone. In fact, he made it sound like producing the allegedly difficult-to-assemble iPhone 5 was a losing battle. Though now it appears that supplies are beginning to meet demand a tad quicker, the day when Apple can boast the new iPhone as "in stock" is likely still a ways off.

[Source: TUAW]

Sky+ app update brings remote control features to iPhone, iPod touch

It's been a few months since UK TV operator Sky added remote control features to its iPad app, and now it's brought similar controls to the iPhone and iPod touch. The v4.2 update gives users brings remote control with support for gestures, DVR scheduling and management, a new guide as well as revamped navigation and search on the smaller screens, as long as they're connected to the same WiFi network as the box. The Android app is still without the new features, however they're promised to arrive there "in the coming months."

[Source: Engadget]

Google Play Music adds gapless playback, automatic Instant Mixes

Google is expanding its media umbrella to cover more countries, and it's marking the occasion with a new version of the Google Play Music app for Android and Google TV. While there's no explicit mention of the newly opened regional access, the update does add long-requested support for gapless audio playback: Jelly Bean users will hear smooth transitions between tracks, although it works best when all the music is offline. The tweak also turns listening into more of a hands-off process, as it now automatically generates Instant Mixes (instead of requiring input) and lets us cache free, purchased, recently added and thumbs-up songs. If you've refused to sully that DJ set or Pink Floyd album by playing it through Android's stock music player, it's time to give the app another chance.

[Source: Engadget]

Android 4.2 reaches some Galaxy Nexus phones early, grab the GSM version here

As Google Play groans under the clicks of early shoppers, Google's apparently got its software sorted too. A new Android 4.2 file for the Galaxy Nexus over at XDA-Developers matches reports we've had from users who have already been gifted the latest version of Jelly Bean over-the-air. Now, this is the 'takju' version, meaning it's meant for GSM devices ordered directly from Google, although the phone meddlers at XDA-Developers already have all the details needed to make the switch to this specific iteration. Sure you've got the right GSM Galaxy Nexus? Then, once you've read all the instructions and warnings from those aforementioned developers, you can pick up the download at the source below.

[Source: Engadget]

Internet Explorer 10 preview for Windows 7 could be available tomorrow

Microsoft may well be releasing the preview version of Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7 tomorrow, if tech blog ifanr has got it right. A Weibo post from the Chinese site claims that Roger Capriotti, Director of Product Marketing for IE, announced the news during a press event in Beijing today. It wouldn't come as that much of a surprise, as it fits nicely with the mid-November slot Microsoft penned in last month. There's still no word on when the final version might be ready, but if you'd like to try a little MetroWindows 8 style browsing on that Windows 7 machine, expect your chance tomorrow.

[Source: Engadget]

Steven Sinofsky leaves Microsoft, Julie Larson-Green and Tami Reller take the Windows reins (update: Sinofsky email)

It's an eventful month for Microsoft in more ways than one -- its long-serving executive (and Windows lead) Steven Sinofsky is leaving the company, effective immediately. Internet Explorer, Office and Windows interface veteran Julie Larson-Green will be taking on most of his duties by heading up all Windows development, including hardware "opportunities" like Surface; CFO and CMO Tami Reller will take on the pure business and marketing sides of the OS. Microsoft declined to comment to us regarding the departure, although there's rumors of an uncanny parallel to Scott Forstall's departure at Apple --AllThingsD claims that there was "growing tension" between Sinofsky and fellow executives. Whatever the reason Sinofsky left and regardless of where he's going, the move deprives Microsoft of an executive known for getting the development trains running on time.

Windows-focused writer Paul Thurrott has obtained a copy of Sinofsky's email, which might shed some light on the departure. He portrays it as the outcome of some post-launch reflection and a chance to "seek new opportunities" based on his experience. It's clear Sinofsky anticipated that critics would be suspicious -- he's adamant that it was a personal decision and not the result of an internal scuffle. The sudden exit, he claims, is to help make "space" for his new replacements.

[Source: Engadget]

Earth friendly MacBook Pro Retina 13 Sleeves Now Available at ColcaSac

Contrary to most Apple cases and covers, the sleeves made by ColcaSac are smartly designed to provide sturdy protection for the MacBook while promoting nature conservation. All products are handmade using the most durable organic materials such as hemp canvas, woven bamboo, jute burlap and recycled polyester fleece.

Each MacBook sleeve from ColcaSac is a tight fit and features a dual layer of hemp, bamboo or jute burlap exterior and a super soft fleece interior. The outer layer makes it comfortable and secure to hold the MacBook, as the inner layer makes a great cushion to protect the device from scratches and bumps. Both layers are highly breathable, while the fleece lining is thermal resistant to weather conditions. It also features a functional front pocket which makes it possible to carry along the power adapter securely.

ColcaSac's MacBook sleeves come in five stylish designs: Uintah, Hanakapiai, Zagora, Chevron and Juan Valdez.

Eco-friendly Sleeves for iPad Mini Now Available at ColcaSac

Unlike most iPad Mini cases and covers out in the market, ColcaSac iPad Mini sleeves are smartly designed to provide maximum protection for the iPad Mini while conserving the environment. Each sleeve is handcrafted from natural, heavy-duty materials such as hemp basket weave, woven bamboo, jute burlap and recycled polyester fleece. 

The iPad Mini sleeves from ColcaSac features a double layer of protection in a snug design that is both comfortable and secure to hold. First is an outer layer of breathable canvas (hemp, bamboo or burlap) that provides an organic durable exterior. Then, a plush fleece lining that offers a great cushion from bumps and dings. It also cleans the iPad Mini's surface and gives it a glossy finish each and every time it is taken out of the sleeve.

ColcaSac's iPad Mini sleeves come in two sizes: One for using the iPad Mini naked, and another one for using the iPad Mini with an Apple Smart Cover. And there are five stylish designs to choose from: Uintah, Zagora, Hanakapiai, Juan Valdez and Chevron.