Spotify - Transforming the way we listen to music on the move

Nowadays, we can live our life to a constant soundtrack as music is easier than ever to listen to on the go. Most people now have smartphones with access to the internet and downloadable apps, so will have a huge library of music at their fingertips. As well as fm and digital radio being a feature of many phones, Spotify is also available to make choosing and listening to music easy. Spotify began as a service accessible through your computer and in 2009 became available to mobile phone users too.

Don’t miss out on this revolution in mobile music, and upgrade your phone to a Spotify-compatible version. The app is free to download and you can also save money when purchasing your new smartphone. Rather than chucking your old model, why not sell it online and put the money raised towards a newer, better version. It’s simple to sell blackberry curve and a whole range of other mobiles using specialist websites. You can pop in the name and model of your phone and receive a quote, so you know how much you can expect from your sale. Then post your blackberry or other mobile device and receive a cheque in the post or direct to your account.

The launch of Spotify for mobile phones in 2009 heralded a new era of music on the go. At the time the app gave users access to around 4 million tracks, making it easy to search and pick music to suit your mood wherever internet access was available. Even when not in an internet hotspot, the launch meant that music was still accessible, as Spotify allowed users to save more than 3,000 tracks on their mobile to play offline.

You can personalise Spotify on your mobile phone by creating a playlist. Simply type in the name of the track you want and add this to your playlist – perhaps you could group tunes by band, year, genre or for a certain occasion so however you’re feeling and wherever you are, you’ll have a musical accompaniment! You can even share your playlist with your friends, by uploading it onto your Spotify public profile, or through Facebook.

If you’re looking to save money and aren’t sure about whether to pay Spotify’s subscription free, you can try out the service on your mobile with the Premium free trial. One of the service’s top features is its enhanced sound quality. Not only can you enjoy your music through headphones, but the great sound quality means you can switch your mobile to speaker and share your favourite tunes with your friends too. This version is free of ads, allows unlimited music and even lets you take tracks abroad with you.

If listening to music whilst you’re out and about sounds appealing, but you’re not sure which genres or bands to choose, why not use online radio through your mobile instead? Apps like BBC iPlayer give access to a number of digital radio stations, and also feature ‘listen again’ options providing further choice if there’s nothing live you fancy hearing. Or, for a personalised service, Spotify Radio will learn what you like and select appropriate tracks. Whilst listening to songs through the Spotify app you can rate them with a thumbs up or a thumbs down, which is logged by Spotify and used to choose songs you’ll like.

Listening to music whilst out and about – and even when travelling abroad – is quick, easy and affordable. Just make sure you have a top mobile phone to allow for these great services!

NVIDIA CEO Unveils Upcoming Tegra Chips, Dubbed Logan and Parker

NVIDIA on Tuesday unveiled its Tegra roadmap all the way through 2015, with the next two after Tegra 4 codenamed Logan and Parker. For now, it seems the company’s reference to Stark, which we saw all the way back in 2011, is nowhere to be found.

The company’s CEO Jen-Hsun Huang spoke at NVIDIA’s GPU developers conference, and shared a bit of info on what we can expect from this generation and beyond. Logan will apparently incorporate NVIDIA’s Kepler GPU, and also include CUDA. Parker, on the other hand, will usher in the company’s Project Denver, and will include full 64-bit capabilities and a Maxwell GPU.

“In five years, we’ll increase Tegra by 100 times,” Huang said. “Moore’s law would suggest an eightfold increase.”

With the PC market struggling, NVIDIA is attempting to gain ground in the mobile space; the company has pushed tablets hard in particular. NVIDIA most recently unveiled its Tegra 4 andTegra 4i chips, but is facing stiff competition from Qualcomm, which supplies chips for some of today’s biggest smartphones.

[Source: TechnoBuffalo]

WhatsApp on iPhone to charge yearly subscription fee

Here's a morsel of news for fans of WhatsApp -- the instant messaging app is going to start charging iPhone owners an annual fee to use the service.

Currently anyone using an iPhone or iPad will splash out a modest 69p to buy the app, after which you get unlimited use of the service. That's not how it works on Android and BlackBerry however, where customers download the app for free, and then pay an annual fee of $0.99 (about 65p) after that.

At some point this year the iPhone strategy will fall in line with other platforms, TechCrunch reports, citing interviews with WhatsApp's CEO.

The good news is that it seems the new approach will only apply to new customers, so if you've already shelled out your 69 pence, WhatsApp probably won't be demanding any more from you. It's also likely that you'd still get a year's worth of free use before you have to start paying.

WhatsApp is popular because it costs much less than texting, and lets you send messages, photos and emoticons to pals who are using rival operating systems. iPhone, Android phones, BlackBerry and Windows Phone devices all play host to the popular app. A testament to its popularity is that WhatsApp is occasionally plagued by daft hoax messages.

In the same interview, the WhatsApp boss said that a desktop version wouldn't be getting made "any time soon". As for networks getting irate at WhatsApp stealing its SMS customers, the head honcho is quoted as saying, "We actually have a really good relationship with a lot of carriers.

"We understand that a lot of people are switching to our product instead of SMS but we look at it as evolution."

[Source: CNET]

Apple releases Apple TV software update 5.2.1

Apple has released the Apple TV 5.2.1 software update. Hulu users will notice that the Hulu interface has been completely redesigned, including category enhancements and other UI tweaks.

The update also addresses a number of security issues on the Apple TV, including one in which a local user may be able to execute unsigned code. In a security document, Apple describes the issue: "A state management issue existed in the handling of Mach-O executable files with overlapping segments. This issue was addressed by refusing to load an executable with overlapping segments."

Other security fixes include changes to the kernel, including the ability for a local user to determine the address of structure in the kernel: "An information disclosure issue existed in the ARM prefetch abort handler. This issue was addressed by panicking if the prefetch abort handler is not being called from an abort context."

A third issue that allowed a user to execute arbitrary code in the kernel was also fixed: "The IOUSBDeviceFamily driver used pipe object pointers that came from userspace. This issue was addressed by performing additional validation of pipe object pointers."

Users can manually check for software updates on their Apple TV by selecting "Settings -> General -> Update Software".

[Source: TUAW]

Adobe Chief Technology Officer Kevin Lynch Reportedly Joining Apple

CNBC's Jon Fortt has just issued a Tweet reporting that Adobe Chief Technology Officer Kevin Lynch is leaving the company to join Apple. A second Tweet from CNBC claims that Lynch's departure from Adobe is coming this week.

It is not yet clear what role Lynch will be taking on Apple, but Fortt presumably has a full report coming soon.

Lynch spent ten years as Chief Software Architect at Macromedia before joining Adobe when it acquired Macromedia in 2005. Lynch has been Chief Technology Officer at Adobe since 2008.

In his executive role at Adobe, Lynch occasionally addressed tensions between Apple and Adobe over Flash as Apple chose not to support the technology on its iOS devices and to minimize its presence on the Mac platform. Lynch had expressed disappointment at Apple's "negative campaigning" against Flash, but the two companies have obviously continued to have a working relationship.

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

Apple releases iOS 6.1.3

Apple has released iOS 6.1.3, which contains a fix for the passcode bypass bug as well as improvements to Maps in Japan. This is the third minor update since the release of iOS 6.1 in late January.

The update is available over the air and through iTunes. Go to Settings > General > Software Update, or connect your device to your computer through USB.

[Source: iMore]

Google Flight Search now available in Europe

Previously limited to journeys starting in the U.S.Google Flight Search is making its European debut this morning. Starting today users in UK, France, Italy, Spain or the Netherlands can use Flight Search to compare trips to the hundreds of supported destinations. As well as searching the most affordable travel times and airlines, Flight Search allows you to compare alternative airports in the same country or region, and there's a handy map view to make this a little easier.

Sure, there are many other sites offering this kind of functionality, but Google's implementation is clean and functional. And interestingly, Google seems to use your search and location history to pre-populate the list of "destinations for you," which could be either pretty awesome or pretty creepy depending on your perspective.

Google Flight Search is live now at google.com/flights on the web, and there are full-sized and mobile versions of the site available.

[Source: AndroidCentral]

EA SimCity 'sorry' games include Battlefield 3, Mass Effect 3

Free games! Getcher free games! If you're still smarting from the disastrous launch of SimCity, the game's developer EA is offering a free game to say sorry, including Battlefield 3Mass Effect 3 and Dead Space 3.

And you can claim your free game even if you weren't affected by the server issues ofSimCity's launch. Just buy it this week and you can get a choice of these games for nowt:

  • Battlefield 3
  • Bejeweled 3
  • Dead Space 3
  • Mass Effect 3
  • Medal of Honor: Warfighter
  • Need For Speed: Most Wanted
  • Plants vs Zombies
  • SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition

If you're not a fan of blowing foreign people up or shooting aliens' heads off in extreme close-up, you may well be feeling hard-done-by: Bejeweled or Plants vs Zombies, anyone?

Several games on the list are rated 18, so if you're under 18 you get both Bejeweled andSimCity 4. Woo!

Your free game is available on Thursday 21 March if you're in the UK and you have until next Friday, 30 March, to claim it. To grab your gratis game, load up Origin and look for the free games in the Featured Today section.

You only have to have activated SimCity by next Monday, so you can claim a free game even if you haven't already bought it -- it's basically a week-long buy one-get-one-free offer.

Meanwhile, EA boss John Riccitiello has resigned, not specifically over the SimCity debacle, but rather the company's poor financial results. Other controversies in his six-year tenure as CEO include the failure of MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic, the botched ending of Mass Effect 3, and the closure of its UK studio.

The disastrous launch hasn't stopped SimCity doing boffo business, though, shifting 1.1 million copies in two weeks -- not bad for a PC game with no head-shooting.

[Source: CNET]

Google Street View Explores the Seven Summits

Not everyone has the resources or stamina to hike any of our planet’s Seven Summits—the highest mountains on each of Earth’s seven continents—so Google is bringing that experience to the Internet. When famous landmarks and beautiful national parks aren’t enough, the search giant’s Street View technology is making it possible for any old Aunt Sue to explore places like Aconcagua in South America and Everest Base Camp in Asia.

Google managed to capture four of the Seven Summits through the use of lightweight tripods and an unnamed digital camera with a fisheye lens. If you’ve been bitten by the adventure bug but you’re stuck in an office, or you just want to escape for a minute, traveling to some of Earth’s most impressive natural wonders is a nice way to get away.

In addition to announcing the new Street View locations, Google also put up a behind-the-scenes look at how the company made the project happen. “We’re honored to share this amazing imagery with you on Google Maps and show the world what life is like from the its highest peaks!” said Sara Pelosi, People Programs Manager at Google.

If you’re a would-be adventurer or just genuinely curious about what the view is like from Killimanjaro, you can take a peek from your computer, or even your Android or iPhone device.

[Source: TechnoBuffalo]

Hacker sentenced to 41 months for exploiting AT&T iPad security flaw

Hacker Andrew "Weev" Auernheimer was found guilty last year of spoofing iPad user IDs to gain access to an AT&T email database, and he's now been sentenced to 41 months in prison. The time was chalked up to one count of identity fraud and one count of conspiracy to access a computer without authorization. In addition to the nearly three and a half years behind bars, Auernheimer also faces another three years of supervised release, and restitution payments of $73,000 to AT&T.

Prosecutors in the case were asking for a four-year sentence, and reports say that they used both a Reddit Ask Me Anything post that Auernheimer did as well as quotes from the Encyclopedia Dramatica wiki. Auernheimer did give a statement before the sentencing, where he both read out a John Keats poem, and said that he was "going to jail for doing arithmetic."

Auernheimer has promised that he will appeal the sentencing, so this may not be the last we've heard of "Weev" just yet.

[Source: TUAW]

New Apple Stores set to open in UK and Germany

We heard earlier this year that Apple was planning to expand its retail business "disproportionately outside the US," and it looks like that plan is being put into motion starting now. In addition to a new Apple Store opening up this Thursday in Leeds, UK, the company has posted job listings for stores opening soon in both Munich and Dusseldorf, in Germany. So there are three stores starting up in Europe, and Apple's expanding in other countries as well -- it now has retail locations in 13 countries around the world, after opening up a store in Turkey last year.

And Apple's also expanding inside the US, bringing 20 of its local stores to larger spaces. I live right near the Santa Monica, Calif., Apple Store, and it seems that store was one of those that moved: Apple found a new location right down the street from the original, with a much larger space that's reminiscent of the company's flagship Grand Central Terminal store. The new space features high ceilings and lots of space above tables of course filled with various Apple goodies to buy. Most of the innovation we talk about from Apple comes with its new product releases, but it's clear the company is working hard on innovating in the retail space as well.

[Source: TUAW]

Sony Mobile adds two new Xperia smartphones to its Spring line up

Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today announced two new Xperia smartphone models to join its 2013 line up - the Xperia SP and Xperia L. The Xperia SP delivers 4G LTE performance and an exceptional viewing experience, with a razor sharp HD screen housed in a beautiful design. The Xperia L provides class leading camera technology with HDR for both photos and videos complemented by a high quality screen.

Both the Xperia SP and Xperia L offer the best of Sony with stunning premium designs and a range of technologies including a high quality screen for the ultimate viewing experience; the latest camera features for impressive pictures and videos; NFC connectivity for One-touch function; Battery STAMINA Mode for extended battery life; and Sony’s signature media apps for enjoying photos, music, movies and games on the go.      

“Xperia SP and Xperia L are ideally suited for those seeking stylish class-leading smartphones that don’t compromise on features”, said Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications. “Both of our new models benefit from Sony’s proven innovation and engineering expertise – whether you want to enjoy premium HD quality entertainment over 4G LTE on our mid-range Xperia SP or capture every moment in perfect detail with our more affordable Xperia L.”

Xperia SP – High Definition brilliance in a premium design

The Xperia SP utilises expertise from Sony’s BRAVIA® TV engineers to create its stunning 4.6” HD Reality Display for razor sharp pictures and superior brightness. The latest Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2 delivers an even better viewing experience by analysing your content type and adjusting the image automatically, making it one of the most intelligent smartphone screens around. The engine will make the adjustment by adding new real-time contrast optimisation to the sharpness enhancement, high-quality colour management and noise reduction.  

As well as delivering brilliant experiences, the Xperia SP looks beautiful too with a precision-crafted co-moulded aluminium frame, for a seamless look that is both sleek and solid. Adding to the unique design innovation is the colour-changing ‘transparent element’ with customisable illuminations which you can personalise to alert you of incoming calls and text messages. And you can even set the illuminations to pulse to the beat of your favourite music.

Key features for Xperia SP

  • Precision crafted co-moulded aluminium frame
  • Super-bright 4.6” 720p HD Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2
  • One-touch functions with NFC to display content on your TV or to share music and photos between devices
  • 4G LTE for superfast entertainment and browsing
  • Unique ‘transparent element’ can be personalised to change colour when notifying you of all your incoming messages and calls. Or simply set it to pulse to the beat of your music to stand out from the crowd.
  • 8MP fast-capture camera with “Exmor RS for mobile”, HDR and Superior Auto for the best photos, even at night or against a strong backlight
  • Battery STAMINA Mode for optimum battery life
  • Available in white, red and black colour variations

Xperia L – the perfect smartphone camera experience

The stylish and functional Xperia L features an 8 megapixel camera with Sony’s unique “Exmor RS for mobile” sensor technology for vivid colours and stunning clarity. HDR (High Dynamic Range) ensures that both your photos and videos are captured clearly, even at night or against a strong backlight. And with the dedicated camera key that goes from sleep to snap in just over a second even from a locked screen, this fast-capturecamera phone will ensure that you’ll never miss another moment. Get the most out of your viewing experience with the high quality 4.3” FWVGA screen that is ideally suited to enjoy all of your content. 

Key features for Xperia L

  • 8 megapixel fast-capture camera takes sharp pictures in any light
  • Enjoy all your content on the generous 4.3” FWVGA display
  • One-touch functions with NFC to display content on your TV or to share music and photos between devices
  • Fast performance with dual-core processor
  • Battery STAMINA Mode for optimum battery life
  • Available in white, red and black colour variations

Sony entertainment on the go 

Both Xperia SP and Xperia L benefit from Sony’s media applications offering a consistent entertainment experience across the range. The “WALKMAN”, “Album” and “Movies” apps, provide online and offline content through a single access point with new ways to enjoy and share that content. The “WALKMAN” application provides access to all your downloaded music, plus Music Unlimited* with over 18 million songs to explore from, and Facebook social integration. The “Movies” application gives consumers access to over 100,000 movies and TV series from Video Unlimited* while the “Album” application enables easy access to Facebook friends’ photos as well as browsing photos by location. 

One-touch functions for easy content sharin

Also featured on both models are Sony’s One-touch functions, allowing you to easily and instantly enjoy music and photos across an array of devices, such as Sony’s SRS-BTV5 portable speaker and latest range of NFC-enabled BRAVIA TVs, with just a single touch. It’s sharing made easy with no wires, cables, or fiddling with settings necessary.

The new Xperia SP and Xperia L from Sony Mobile will both be available worldwide from Q2 2013.