PlayMemories Studio update for PS3 brings 4K image support, cloud features and more

Sony has been continually pushing its PlayMemories brand of apps across its hardware offerings, and this latest update falls at the feet of PlayStation 3 owners. It's PlayMemories Studio in particular, and a forthcoming patch that adds new functionality. The meat of the update centers around PlayMemories Online integration for added cloud-based photo and video sharing options, with slide shows. Other revisions include support for "improved" resolution of exported videos (up to 1080p), faster thumbnail display, more choices of background music, improved editing features and -- of particular interest to early adopters -- support for 4K photos with Bravia TVs. The version 2.0 release is slated for release "soon" but in the meantime head to the Sony Japan source link for a little more info in the interim.

[Source: Engadget]

CloudOn outs v3.0: iPhone compatibility, optimization for 7-inch tablets and SkyDrive integration

Suffice it to say, CloudOn never quite stops polishing its iOS / Android productivity app, with the service often adding feature after feature and reaching more and more folks around the world -- with that in mind, today's update will be no exception. With the introduction of version 3.0, CloudOn's now bringing its handy Microsoft Office tools to the iPhone, marking this the first time the application will be available on any smartphone. In addition to making its debut on the smaller screen, CloudOn has also included optimization for 7-inch tablets like the ASUS-made Nexus 7 and the slightly larger iPad mini, while integration with Redmond's SkyDrive cloud and support for Mountain View's Jelly Bean OS can be found inside v3.0 as well. All in all, CloudOn's third major installment could very well be considered its most substantial yet -- and, according to CEO Millind Gadekar, there are no plans to slow down anytime soon, telling us that this is just another step toward the outfit's "mission of reinventing mobile productivity." Very well, then.

[Source: Engadget]

Instagram responds to user concerns, adjusts new Terms of Service to allay fears

Were you among the many put off or freaked out by Instagram's changes to its Terms of Service announced yesterday? You're not alone, as many informed the Facebook photo sharing platform that they weren't pleased by the new language -- they mistook it as a means for their photos to be monetized in unscrupulous ways. Good news is, Instagram heard these complaints and has responded, explaining the changes and pledging to nix parts that caused unnecessary confusion.

In a blog post today, co-founder Kevin Systrom made clear that the ToS tweaks were meant to inform Instagrammers that the company wants "to experiment with innovative advertising." What kind of advertising? Say a company wants more folks following its Instagram account. According to Systrom, the changes allow Instagram to see which of the people you follow also follow that business and can use that information to better promote said company.

Basically, the changes were made so Instagram can find ways to increase ad revenue without spoiling the UX with banner ads, but the service still retains the rights to use your information in ads -- and yes, even users under 18 are included. Additionally, Systrom made clear that users own their content and Instagram will not be selling user photos to advertisers. And, he has pledged that updated language to that effect is in the works. Still uneasy about using Instagram for your filtered photography needs? Head on over to the source for the full explanation straight from Systrom himself.

[Source: Engadget]

Google adds the scrolls of Genesis and the Ten Commandments to the cloud

Following through on its mission to help digitally preserve the Dead Sea Scrolls, Google announced today that it's working with the Israel Antiquities Authority to bring more ancient text to the cloud. The latest archived entries include an early copy of the Book of Deuteronomy and part of the first chapter of Genesis, which describes the creation of the world. In addition, hundreds of other 2,000 year-old texts outlining the history of Judaism and the life of Jesus will be added to the Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library at a 1,215 dpi resolution. Utilizing Google's hosting, this project houses around 900 manuscripts that support commenting, image zoom and fullscreen viewing. Stop by the coverage link below to get up close and personal with these pieces of history.

[Image Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority]
[Source: Engadget]

Twitter notches more than 200 million active monthly users

Sure, Facebook may have scored one billion active monthly users earlier this fall, but Twitter has some celebrating to do as well -- albeit for a significantly smaller figure. Rather than commemorating the announcement with an awkward commercial comparing itself to furniture, Twitter sent out a solitary tweet stating that it now has more than 200 million monthly active users. We last checked in on the microblogging service's traction when it had 175 million registered users in 2010, and as of last summer it's said to be sitting pretty with more than 500 million in total. Costolo and Co. may not have numbers as enormous as Facebook, but these stats aren't exactly something to scoff at.

[Image credit: Coletivo Mambembe, Flickr]
[Source: Engadget]

Apple releases iOS 6.0.2 update for iPhone 5 and iPad mini, promises fix for WiFi bug

It doesn't look to bring with it any major changes, but Apple has just released its latest iOS update, which takes things up to version 6.0.2. According to the company, this one primarily addresses a bug that "could impact WiFi." An issue that, incidentally, has been at the center of a number of previous iOS updates. You should be able to find the update now or in the near future in either iTunes or Software Update on your iOS device.

Update: As MacStories notes, this particular update appears to only be for the iPhone 5 and iPad mini.

[Source: Engadget]

Twitter for Blackberry 4.0 adds Connect tab, more modern UI

RIM may be finally ready to move on to its platform-in-waiting, BB 10, but that's doesn't mean its current user base has been forgotten. In fact, Twitter's just announced a 4.0 update to its native BlackBerry app, bringing it mostly up to par in looks and functionality with existing Android and iOS offerings. The most notable addition to this version bump is the inclusion of Connect: the "@" tab which lets rampant tweeters keep abreast of who's favoriting, following and retweeting them, as well as filter information on that feed. The Discover and Me tabs have also been expanded, with the former now featuring information on trends and suggestions for "Who to follow," while the latter neatly consolidates all of your DM, lists and favorited tweets. The update's currently available on the BlackBerry App World store, so hit up the link below to start your download.

[Source: Engadget]

Google Field Trip makes its way to the UK, helps you one-up the Queen with Buckingham Palace trivia

Want to learn a bit about that giant obelisk just outside your bedroom window? Or perhaps you're curious about the 16th century structure a few blocks away. As you approach, Google's Field Trip app will chime in with a bit of trivia, along with a photo of the site -- and, if you're wearing headphones or using Bluetooth speakers in your car, it'll even "read" that description to you. The app has been available to Android users in the great US of A since September, but it's now making its way to the UK as well, displaying content from local partners Dezeen,Historic UK, Historvius, Time Out and Run Riot, among others. Looks like it's time to dust off those walkabout shoes and hit up the source link to snag the latest version for your smartphone.

[Source: Engadget]

Google's Blogger for iOS adds iPhone 5 support, more save post options

Regardless of the mobile platform, Google's oftentimes keeping the majority of its apps up to date, and while the iPhone 5's been around for a few months now, it's still nice to see more and more software be optimized for the device. That being said, on-the-go typers will be glad to learn that Blogger for iOS has been on the receiving end of an update today, which, most notably, makes the application friendly with the 4-inch screen found on Apple's flagship handset. Additionally, Blogger now includes native support for the first three generations of the iPad, while other useful features were also added to the blogging app, including handy post options like "Save as Draft," Publish" and "Cancel." The new version is live in the App Store, so go on and tap the source link below if you're looking to improve your powered-by-Google blogging experience.

[Source: Engadget]

Sony outlines Jelly Bean update schedule for 2012 Xperia smartphones

Sony's chimed in with an update regarding Jelly Bean upgrades for its 2012 Xperia models, and the Xperia T, TX and V are right on time, set to receive Android 4.1 beginning in February and March. Xperia P, J and Go owners will see Google's latest confection-themed OS land on their devices starting at the end of March, while those who call the Xperia S, SL, Ion and Acro S their daily drivers will receive the update in the weeks after. Unfortunately for the Xperia U, Miro, Tipo, and Sola, Hirai and Co. have seen fit to keep the hardware on a steady diet of Ice Cream Sandwich.

[Source: Engadget]

Apple releases WiFi compatibility update for late 2012 Macs

Earlier today, Apple released a WiFi update for late 2012 Mac systems. The new software improves compatibility for devices on the 5GHz band and requires that your machine be running OS X 10.8.2. Qualified users looking to expand their system's connectivity can snag the 1.49MB update through the Apple Menu's Software Update tab, or by visiting the source link below.

[Source: Engadget]

Garmin smartphone apps updated with Foursquare integration, location-sharing via Glympse

Garmin's StreetPilot Onboard and Navigon apps were recently updated to include public transport information and a parking finder, and a just-announced refresh will add even more navigational goodies: namely, integration with Foursquare and the location-sharing service Glympse. The Foursquare tie-in will help users find venues and access special deals -- and once a Foursquare account is linked, checking into locations can be done directly through the apps. Glympse, on the other hand, lets users share their location with contacts via email and text, with info on current location, ETA and even speed. Finally, the update brings iCloud support for syncing saved destinations across various Apple devices. Perhaps in light of the holiday hustle ahead of us, Garmin is offering the apps for 25 percent off until January 7th through App Store or Google Play. (Of course, the update is a free download for those who already have them.)

[Source: Engadget]