Google has updated its Google Maps SDK for iOS to version 1.1, opening up its API to all third-party developers who now have the ability to build iOS apps with Google Maps embedded. The update also adds support for ground overlays, gesture controls, and more. So now iOS apps will be able to fire up Google Maps instead of Apple Maps.
All posts by Gavin Fabiani-Laymond
Facebook Tax refund
This post is not just aimed at Facebook but other large online corporates that wipe out smaller companies. Amazon is top of my list for tax evasion.
So Facebook makes $1bn profit and is due a $429m tax refund.
Speechless.
HTC One IR API Opensense SDK
Looks like HTC is on a roll with its HTC One. It is now offering developers a new SDK for the IR API so that new apps can take advantage of the phone’s IR port.
I believe this is a good move by HTC, since the IR function is one of its unique features.
Bye Bye Mac Pro
The Mac Pro is now no longer available in European stores due to it not reaching new regulatory requirements. Apparently Apple might be releasing a new version from June but there has been no official confirmation.
From 1st March the Mac Pro is gone completely.
Somehow I won’t miss it and I have never really noticed it in an Apple store. Have you ever seen one in a store?
The Sony Xperia Z
The new phone from Sony is now officially on sale. They have also been offering a deal with a £300 pair of headphones thrown in for nothing. Sony have taken out marketing campaigns all over the place and also have a very strong newspaper presence.
I must admit the offer of a free pair of £300 headphones was tempting. The pay as you go price on Three was £449. My theory was I could sell the headphone if they were poor and lower the total cost of ownership.
Of course if the cans were excellent then I would have to keep them.
This does make me wonder just how much the actual phone costs to manufacturer and once the limited free headphone offer goes, will the price drop.
I really like this phone from Sony. I think they have thought of every aspect of the phone from the design, everyday practicality, sound and video quality and using it with a Sony Eco system.
I hope this is a success for Sony as it has stiff competition from Samsung with the S4 soon to be announced. Mind you if the S4 looks like a slightly bigger S3 then Sony should have nothing to fear as the S3 doesn’t look special like the iPhone or Sony Xperia Z.
I intend to spend some time with the Z over the weekend along with a Note 2 and will add a short post next week on my views.
Google launches Chromebook Pixel
The new touchscreen laptop is out from Google. $1,300 dollars for wifi and later the LTE for $1,450.
Specs include –
12.85-inch, 400 nit display at 2560 x 1700 resolution (239 PPI)
Gorilla Glass multi-touch screen
32 GB storage
Backlit Chrome keyboard
HD Webcam
2 x USB 2.0 ports
Mini display port
2-in-1 card reader supporting: SD, MMC
Intel Core i5 Processor (Dual Core 1.8GHz)
Intel HD Graphics 4000
4 GB DDR3 RAM
59 Wh battery
Just who will buy this at the high prices I’m not so sure.
eBay goes pictures
eBay has a new home page style.
Your new eBay homepage features a personalized feed of products based on the interests, brands and trends that match your passions and preferences. The ever-changing collection of items – pulled from eBay’s selection of over 400 million listings – creates an inspiring, visual shopping experience that’s just for you.
Not sure what to make of this but maybe it will highlight stuff I need without searching. But another question is will sellers have to pay more to be seen. Another money making exercise by eBay in my book.
New Acer phones
Acer has released 2 new phones.
The E1 packs a dual-core 1GHz processor and runs Jelly Bean on a 4.5-inch qHD display — and will be available in both dual and single SIM configurations. The E1 includes two speakers with DTS Sound, plus “Float” software that prevents notifications from popping up when you’re watching videos.
The Liquid Z2 is an entry-level handset with a dual-core 1GHz CPU and a 3.5-inch HVGA screen. It runs Jelly Bean with an optional interface that mimics a feature phone’s home screen. Like the E1, it’s available with one or two SIM cards, and you have your choice of a 3-megapixel or 5-MP camera.
These phones are budget affairs and will suit somebody just not sure who when there are better options available. Maybe the dual sim arrangement will be the key selling point.
Tizen 2
Tizen 2.0 SDK and source code has appeared laden with enhanced support for HTML5 and a beefed up Web UI framework that enables full-screen and multi-window features. Developers can now leverage new hardware APIs for Bluetooth and NFC support, and access a device’s call history, calendar and messaging “subsystems.” Support for background applications, text-to-speech and IP Push have also made it into the operating system along with reference applications including the likes of a calendar, gallery and phone app. In addition, a native IDE and a spruced up web development environment have been released with the latest code.
Is this Samsung’s new super weapon to take on Google and ultimately dump the need for android. Time will tell. But the new operation system shows promise.
The Sony PS4 – Apps, Facts & Photos
Sony held a press conference today to release details of its new Playstation 4. It is also releasing an app.
The PlayStation App will allow gamers playing Sony’s newly announced PlayStation 4 gaming console to look at in-game maps, buy games from the PlayStation Store while on the go, or watch other gamers play on their own PS4s.
As to what the PS4 looks like, well that’s a mystery. Who on earth does a press conference on a new device but doesn’t show you what it looks like !
Similar to PC architecture, the PlayStation 4 will run on a high-end X86-based CPU, with a “highly-enhanced” PC GPU, and 8GB unified GDDR5 RAM, with 176GBps bandwidth. The system will have a powerful 8-core 64-bit AMD CPU and its 1.84 TFLOP Radeon GPU will reside on the same die to enhance performance. In addition, the system will use a hard drive to provide ample storage capacity. It will also sport a 6X speed Blu-ray drive, as well as USB 3.0. Sony’s spec sheet is as below.
So that’s the news on the PS4.
