You may already be familiar with ToyTalk entertainment applications for iOS devices, but you may not be aware that the startup is led by former Pixar CTO, Oren Jacob (whose claim to fame includes titles like Toy Story 1&2, A Bug's Life, and Finding Nemo) and Martin Reddy (who came to the company from SRI, which you know better as Siri). The company's aim has moved toward … [Read more...] about ToyTalk Launches SpeakaLegend Interactive iOS App for Kids, Bigger Things Coming
Android News
Google Tightens the Reins on Android
It's true that Android is open source software, but it's also the case that if you manufacture handsets and you'd like to run it as your operating system, there are rules (and now, even more than there were in the past).You must include the search bar positioned near the top of your display (currently on the home screen, though it may also become a requirement for every … [Read more...] about Google Tightens the Reins on Android
Rovio Releasing Angry Birds Transformers for iOS Ahead of Android
Even if you aren't familiar with Rovio, you have almost certainly played their games. As the creators of the Angry Bird franchise, Rovio is one of the most successful mobile development stories out there. In addition to the classic title that made them famous, the development house is constantly releasing updates and additional spins on the original physics-based bird-tossing … [Read more...] about Rovio Releasing Angry Birds Transformers for iOS Ahead of Android
Mobile Analytics Firm Profiles the Android Gamer
According to Flurry, mobile gaming has become the new global pastime. Self-described as a market leader in mobile analytics, Flurry uses data gathered from over 150 billion app sessions per month to provide countless developers with "the business data they need to understand their audience, usage and performance." With the release of their latest report, a lot has been learned … [Read more...] about Mobile Analytics Firm Profiles the Android Gamer
The Truth About iPhone 6+ Bendgate, Galaxy Note 3 Compared
Before I begin, let me say that there are a lot of idiots on this planet... and with all due respect, a large percentage of them are outraged right now because if they put a smartphone the size of a small tablet in the front pocket of their skinny jeans, it might bend. Shocking to be sure.The real question in my mind, is whether this same smartphone bends when being used in … [Read more...] about The Truth About iPhone 6+ Bendgate, Galaxy Note 3 Compared
Google Play Newsstand Arrives on iOS, Replacing Currents
Android users have been using Google Play Newsstand instead of the older Currents app for quite some time, but thanks to an update this week, iOS users will get the same pleasure. Advertising itself as a way to "discover more of the news you care about," Google Play Newsstand is more like a digital magazine and less like a traditional aggregator.Now featuring the updated … [Read more...] about Google Play Newsstand Arrives on iOS, Replacing Currents
Amazon Updates Goodreads App for iOS
Amazon acquiring Goodreads back in March 2013 wasn't without controversy; weathering accusations of censorship and hindering creativity when user reviews and ratings were deleted without any warning. Since then, Goodreads has held steady as the go-to book recommendation service. This week, Amazon has released a welcome update to their iOS app (with an Android update heading our … [Read more...] about Amazon Updates Goodreads App for iOS
Google Adding Transparency to In-App Purchase Prices
According to Google, price ranges for in-app purchase will be listed on their detail pages within the Play store --including those fees payable for virtual products and subscriptions. Recent changes had already indicated whether in-app purchases were present within each title, but this takes it a thankful step further.I expect reactions to this change will be mixed. In … [Read more...] about Google Adding Transparency to In-App Purchase Prices
Major Fruit Ninja Update Coming in Early October
Fruit Ninja is one of those games that is cleverly simple but difficult to master; it is face-paced enough to keep you engaged, but quick enough to play it easily passes the time in waiting rooms. Fans of the existing 'swipe and slice' styling may be excited to discover that the game is being rebuilt from the ground up in early October, with a fresh user interface and new menu. … [Read more...] about Major Fruit Ninja Update Coming in Early October
Play Alien Creeps: Tower Defense Extraterrestrial Style
There are plenty of games around just like it, but sometimes you need a little tower defense strategy game time to help you unwind. To that end, Alien Creeps TD is a game worthy of your attention. Brought to you by the developers at Outplay Entertainment, Alien Creeps TD is equal parts challenging and addictive. A quick tutorial when you begin the game will get you started, and … [Read more...] about Play Alien Creeps: Tower Defense Extraterrestrial Style
Patent Reveals Possible New BlackBerry Keyboard Design
Since the beginning of the smartphone, BlackBerry has held fairly strong (with very few exceptions) to the idea that users want a physical keyboard. With the upcoming BlackBerry Passport, this philosophy stays true --and if a patent application that was recently discovered is any indication, nothing will be changing anytime soon.Text from the patent application indicates a … [Read more...] about Patent Reveals Possible New BlackBerry Keyboard Design
The Maze Runner Game Arrives on Android
The Maze Runner phenomenon is running wild --beginning with a book series by James Dashner and evolving into an action film currently in theatres, the trilogy is now complete with an officially licensed mobile game released by PikPok (developed by Sticky Studios). Players are invited to follow a group of teenagers known as the Gladers around a complex maze in which they have … [Read more...] about The Maze Runner Game Arrives on Android
Amazon Allows Family Sharing for Purchases
One of the joys of reading has always been the ability to share books with your loved ones --how many times have you found a new favourite book that you can't wait to discuss with the people around you? While there have been band-aid solutions and workarounds for a while now, being able to share digital book purchases from Amazon hasn't been possible... until now! Amazon's new … [Read more...] about Amazon Allows Family Sharing for Purchases