Google Now 4 iOS

As you may know, Google has come out with an update for their iOS app, the Google Search App. This includes "Google Now". This app is also on the Android App Store independently as an app. For iOS, this is a function that gives you "cards" much like Siri. Little bits of information when you need it. A trailer for Google Now for iOS was leaked earlier this year. Click here to go to the app's page.

How to Find the Highest Resolution Pictures on Google

Have you ever searched for an image on Google and it's not very clear? I know the secret to finding the best pictures on Google. It just takes a little extra work.

I hope this helps!

Will the Highlight of WWDC be new MacBooks?

The World Wide Developers Conference is coming up. Fast. And it is expected that the Non-Retina Display MacBook Pros may not be continued. However, I'm not sure what may be updated. More to follow soon.

Scrabble: Just not the way it used to be (even though the board was still digital)

Today, I want to bring out an issue that saddens me and many others. The Scrabble app has just gotten a brand new update. People HATE it! It removes many features and replaces them with new ones. The old update was just fine. My favorite was the game mode, "Party Play". I used to play this mode with my family all the time. It was where the iPad was the game board and you could use iPhones and iPod Touches as the tile racks. Those were the days. Bring this back! Please!

New iPhone TV Ad

It looks like Apple has a new iPhone TV ad! It talks about the camera. Let's check it out!

Not Now Siri!

I've noticed something that's been happening with Siri at my school and by other people I know. Siri will randomly go off during a class or a meeting. Don't worry! I know why. By default, Siri can be activated by holding the home button AND by raising the phone to your ear. To fix this, go to Settings > General > Siri > and turn "Raise to Speak" off. The reason that Siri will randomly go off is because when your iPhone is in your pocket, it thinks you're holding it to your face. This used to activate it (until you've completed the steps above). I hope this helps!

20,000 Page views!

Thank you for getting my blog to 20,000 page views!!! This is truly amazing. To think, only two months ago, there were 10,000 page views. I am very happy! Thank you.

Siris of the World!

If you're on an iOS device, you will enjoy this little post. It's interactive. First, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Speak Selection > and turn it on. Next, highlight the text below by double-tapping until the entire text is highlighted in blue. Tap "Speak". Different voices of Siri will speak according to the language. Make sure that your volume is turned up (iOS 6 provides the best functionality).

START HIGHLIGHT HERE:

Hi I'm Siri. Your virtual assistant.

こんにちは私は日本のシリだ。あなたの仮想アシスタント。

Ciao io sono Siri italiana. Il tuo assistente virtuale.

Hola soy español Siri. Su asistente virtual.

Γεια σας είμαι Έλληνας Siri. Εικονική βοηθός σας.

안녕하세요 저는 한국 시리 해요. 가상 비서.

Привет я русский Siri. Ваш виртуальный помощник.

Hej Jag är svenskt Siri. Din virtuella assistent.

嗨，我是中国Siri的。您的虚拟助理。

END HIGHLIGHT

As you can see, Siri changes her accent to match different languages. I hope you find this helpful.

Companies relying on hashtags isn't working out

If you've noticed lately, companies are using hashtags (#ThisIsAHashtag), and they're not being very used. Usually, the majority of hashtags on Twitter are user created. Such as, #iPad, #LikeAGeek, #LikeABoss, etc. Check it out.

Google Glass: Opening the Box

Recently, the first pair of Google Glasses were given out. The glasses contain:

- Google Glass
- Bag
- Charger
- 2 sets of shades

Here's a picture:

Find My Car

Need a way to find your car in a parking lot? Try this out! It's a parking app that uses augmented reality to help you find your car. It's called ".Parking". Don't ask me why. Check it out!

AppGratis Notifies Users That Push Notifications Have Been Disabled

Today, AppGratis, the app that was removed last week, put out a notification that notifications for free apps are now disabled. AppGratis asks the users for their email addresses for an alternate way to notify them. You can help AppGratis get back on the Apple App Store by signing the petition. Please sign. Thanks.

Is the MacBook Pro better than the MacBook Pro with Retina Display?

When thinking about buying a MacBook Pro, there are two models. The MacBook Pro and the MacBook Pro with Retina Display. While the Retina Display version is amazing and lighter, it's more expensive. In addition, the charging cord looks strange compared to the one the regular MacBook Pro comes with. Also, the is no CD slot (although obsolete), lock, Ethernet port, FireWire port, and other ports. It all depends on your lifestyle. I hope this helps!

Don't text and drive

Seriously, don't text and drive. Thousands have lost their lives to this. It's simply not worth it. Before you think different, think. Hopefully, cars will roll-out Eyes-Free for Siri integration. This means that you can use Siri to accomplish tasks for you without ever lighting up the screen. However, don't forget what I said. In addition, a vast majority of car accidents come from human error. Remember that. I hope this helps!

Click here to read article.

Apple Online Store now offers the refurbished iPod Touch 5th Gen.

The title says it all. The fifth generation iPod Touch is now available refurbished. It's been six months since it has been released. The refurbished model is at a 16% discount ($249). I hope this helps.

Link:
Apple Online Store

Boston Marathon Explosions

Today, an attack has happened. A horrible series of events injuring many. The Boston Marathon Explosions consisted of two massive explosions that detonated at the finish line of the annual Boston Marathon. If you or a loved one were involved, use Google Person Finder to let your friends and family that you are okay. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Here's the link:

http://google.org/personfinder/2013-boston-explosions

Unlimited is Patriotic

Recently, Sprint and T-Mobile, the only two major carriers to still offer unlimited data, seem to be running ad campaigns that say- although not said directly- that being unlimited is patriotic. In the Sprint commercial, it says "I have the right to be unlimited." In addition, the T-Mobile commercial has "The Star-Spangled Banner" (electric guitar version) playing in the background. What do you think?

Sprint Commercial:

T-Mobile Commercial:

Save AppGratis!

AppGratis, the app that gives you one free app a day, has been removed from the Apple App Store! But, is it all over? We get the final say. Please, sign the petition to bring back AppGratis by sending an email to save@appgrat.is and save AppGratis. I have, and you should too. AppGratis has put out an official statement.

Last week, on April the 5th, Apple decided to ban AppGratis from its App Store.

Because more than 12 million people in the world use AppGratis, this story has been all around the planet.

In an official statement to the Wall Street Journal on april the 8th, Apple said we violated two of its iOS Guidelines.

But we know we haven't.

And we have written our side of the story here.

Today we believe it's you, Apple's customers, who should have the final word.

Today, you can speak up.

Tell Apple that you think different.

Tweet it to the world! Save AppGratis! Here's my Google+ post:

Support AppGratis, sign the petition: http://save.appgratis.com 
The AppGratis app gives you a free app a day. Apple has removed the app from their store. Power to the apps. Save AppGratis. Because there should always be an app for that.
#ThinkDifferent 

- +Alex Baratti  

Old-School Apple: iPad Keyboard Stand

Old-School Apple is my new series that talks about discontinued or old Apple products. Today's post is on the iPad Stand Keyboard. It was one of the most popular accessories for the original iPad. It was released along with the original iPad in 2010. It was probably discontinued because the 30-pin connector and the stand weren't made well with each other and made it hard to put on the iPad. Check it out!

California: Maps are as bad as texting!!!

In my home state of California, apparently, you can't use your phone for directions. Weird, right? I mean, what are we supposed to do? Get lost? And for some reason, paper maps are allowed. The complicated, messy, hard-to-hold paper maps. Well, that makes PERFECT sense. In addition, in California, the majority of driving accidents happen because of– get this– daydreaming. In fact, cell phones only take up 12% of driving accidents (now there's something that I'd like to see a Math Joy post on). So if I get lost in a vast mountain range one day, I blame California.

iOS 7 to be based on cars?

WWDC 2013 is coming up in June. For those who don't know, WWDC stands for Worldwide Developers Conference in which products such as Mac OS X and iOS are announced. iOS 7 is expected to be announced. My personal idea is that iOS 7 will be based on cars, in addition to having widgets. When I say "based on cars", I mean there will be more car integration. Remember that this is my personal opinion and doesn't mean anything in the tech world. Features could include a car home screen that could quickly allow you to access icons (of course this totally defeats the purpose of Eyes Free). Another idea is an API for developers to access Siri to create Eyes Free commands. We shall see...

Project Noah

Some may recognize this title from one of my previous posts, iOS Lifestyle: The Outdoorsman. Project Noah is an app that gets you outdoors. People who know me know that I like to connect technology with things in life. For example, writing these blog posts as an online information source. One of my favorite ways to connect technology to life is by connecting technology to nature. And who would've thought that two of the most unlikely combinations would come together in perfect harmony? Project Noah does just that. You might be wondering, "What is the 'Noah' for in 'Project Noah'?" Well, let me be the first to say that Noah is actually an acronym:

Networked
Organisms
And
Habitats

Project Noah shows you information about organisms in your area. Whether it be a plant or a fish, Project Noah has it. It's an interesting feeling to walk by a tree and think of it being tagged to the internet. However, not every plant and animal is documented on this service yet. This is a community project and is ongoing. Thus, the word "Project" in "Project Noah". When you find something that isn't tagged, take a picture of it and add some facts. Where did you find it? Do you know it's scientific name? Do you need help identifying it? Be sure to get a clear shot for your viewers. They can correct you or help identify it for you. On the app, Project Noah even has a field guide! You can find organisms on a map or in a list. Even when it's not iPhone 5 optimized, this app has become one of those apps that just make me want to use it all day. However, I am still waiting for that iPhone 5 optimization. And perhaps an iPad update too. That would make my day. :-)

Farewell AppGratis!

If you haven't heard, AppGratis, the app that gives you one free app a day, has been removed from the Apple App Store. If you have it already, then don't worry. It still works (for now). Apple, nor AppGratis, has made any statement about the removal. Multiple theories are brought up about the removal. The first is that AppGratis violates the following guideline.

Source: TechCrunch Japan

"apps that display apps other than your own for purchase or promotion in a manner similar to or confusing with the App Store will be rejected"

- Updated Apple App Store Guidelines

However, multiple theories say that AppGratis may have a small bug or invalid code that can easily be fixed by an update to the app. No one quite knows. AppGratis has been noted in several tech magazines, has made small apps popular, and has just released the iPad version of the app last week. The service has even caused the Pets+ (formally known as "Pets+ | The Pet Organizer") server to crash due to the sudden popularity and had a negative impact on the app. Yesterday, Pets+ made a statement along with a 2.0 update to the app.

"NOTE: Due to a "free app of the day" promotion recently, we had a system overload and users were getting a lot of errors... unfortunately this generated a lot of negative reviews. Please be assured the problem has been resolved, thank you for your patience and support! Enjoy Pets+ =)"

- Pets+ Statement 

Hopefully, AppGratis will appear back on the Apple App Store soon. 

The Starbucks App

Do you have plastic (or wooden) Starbucks cards in your wallet? Then, get the Starbucks app! First, get a Starbucks account. Next, add your Starbucks card into your phone. When you walk into Starbucks, open the app and show the barcode of the card to the cashier to pay. Scan the card and… BOOM! You're done! Plus, you'll be earning stars towards your Starbucks Rewards! (Hint, hint… Aunt Junie) I hope this helps. Click here for more info, Starbucks iPhone App or Starbucks Android App

iOS Lifestyle: The Foodie

For this time on "iOS Lifestyle", we'll be talking about the foodie. The recipe keeper. The cooker. The dinner planner. Here are a list of great apps.

Yelp:
Yelp is the essential app for just about anyone! It's simple and turns going to restaurants into a game. You can become the duke of a business, get free coupons, and make a reservation. And of course, find reviews!

Urbanspoon:
What do you do when you have no idea what to eat? You can ask Siri or you could have some fun with it. With Urbanspoon, just shake your phone and it gives you a random restaurant based in your filters.

Evernote Food (and Evernote):
For those who collect recipes, you need Evernote Food! This is probably one of the best recipe holders because it collects ANY recipe. It also shows you restaurants and collects dinner party memories. When you get this app, you should also get Evernote and an Evernote account.

Cookbook iBooks:
In the iBookstore (get the iBooks app), there are many cookbooks with interactive media.

Solar : Weather

Today's free app is Solar : Weather. A simple way to view weather. It's free only for today so hurry fast. Use it for a rainy day. I hope this helps! As I learn more about this app, I hope to do a review of it.

T-Mobile + iPhone = Cheap Rates

T-Mobile is now accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 5. T-Mobile is the only major carrier to not have the iPhone 5 yet. For single lines, there is no contract. If I'm correct, this means you can cancel anytime without a fee. Also, you only have to pay $50/month for unlimited minutes, unlimited text, and 500 MB of data. $10 extra for 2.5 GB of data. Another $10 for unlimited. That makes two carriers still offering unlimited data for the iPhone. That's a good deal. A really good deal (hint, hint). Data is slowed to 2G speeds once the data cap has been reached. I'm not sure if there's any penalties for going over your limit. Apple has made no statement.

EasyPay

Are you ever at the Apple Store looking for a cashier to complete your payment? Then, get the Apple Store app! When you go to an Apple Store, a prompt will come up with multiple options. Choose EasyPay. Then, scan any accessory or item's barcode (that is not an iOS device, computer, or iPod; select items). Then, pay with your credit card on your iTunes account. If you want a bag, give your digital receipt to an employee. I hope this helps!

Google is downranking apps for iTunes in search results

Have you been looking for an app on Google and can't find the iTunes link lately? TechCrunch and I have noticed that links for iTunes apps are being "down-ranked". Take a look at the photos below (and don't worry about personalization).

When you type "Google iPhone", only the Google Maps app comes up
and its at the bottom of the page.

The iTunes link isn't even shown on this page

When you type "Twitter App", the Google Play app comes first (blue)

When you type "Twitter iPhone", the iTunes link is far down

Tripod Mount on Wii U Gamepad

A Wii U secret is that there seems to be a secret tripod mount underneath the Gamepad. Is this for a future game release, or possibly for the front camera. There is no photo taking app. Just a video chat app. There doesn't seem to be much use. However, it could be part of a racing game, or to become a stand for a board game. We shall see one day…

We Rule is over…

Ngmoco:), or should I say Ngmoco:(, has ended service for We Rule, God Finger, Touch Pets Dogs, Touch Pets Dogs 2, and Touch Pets Cats. Today, the servers are unreachable. I used all 364 of my mojo to get my final fill of We Rule. I will miss these games.