Google maps app is back

Finally, Google has released a downloadable map app. Way to go, I can safely upgrade to iOS 6 without fears of navigating into the deserts, driving to lakes or seas or getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Google Maps app has now shot right up to the first place in app store as the top free app.

With the new Google Maps app, users can access vector maps which do not need constant data downloads and turn-by-turn navigation. In addition, there are embedded public transport directions. Cool stuff to have if I go backpacking overseas.

However, Google maps app can only work on iPhones for now.

Scientific calculator function

iPhones come loaded with two default calculators.

When the calculator app is launched in portrait orientation, it shows a basic calculator. To access the scientific calculator, turn the iPhone sideways into landscape orientation, the basic calculator morphs into a scientific calculator.

Video shooting made easy in iOS 5

When you turn your iPhone side ways to take a video, the volume-up button serves as a start and a stop button to video recording.

iOS 5 camera shutter shortcut button

In iOS 5, if you need to take a picture in landscape, simply press the volume up button to snap the picture. This gives a point and shoot feel.

iPhone battery tips - Number 1

Tip 1 Turn off wifi when not used Some of us may be wondering, how does this help? When wifi is turned on, the iPhone actively searches out wifi networks regardless the iPhone's status or users' activities. Although the iPhone may or may not prompt the user to join a network, battery juice is still drained in the process of searching. Hence, to conserve energy, it will be a good idea only to turn on wifi when you need it and turn off the function once you are done using.

Quad-core processor for iPhone 5

It seems quite likely that we will be expecting an iPhone 5 to be fitted with a quad-core processor as Apple positions the iPhone 5 to compete with Samsung Galaxy S 3.

Well, all waits to be confirmed as we await eagerly for iPhone 5 to be unveiled.

VoiceTra

U-Star has successfully developed a new speech translation app VoiceTra4U-M. VoiceTra will be officially introduced during the London Olympics. This free app is available for download from App Store and Android now.

VoiceTra is a network based speech to speech translation system which is able to translate up to 23 different languages at the moment including:

1. Japanese
2. English
3. Mandarin
4. Taiwanese Mandarin
5. Korean
6. French
7. German
8. Hindi
9. Indonesian
10. Italian
11.  Malay
12. Portuguese
13. Brazilian Portuguese
14. Russian
15. Spanish
16. Tagalog
17. Thai
18. Vietnamese
19. Arabic
20. Dutch
21. Danish

 The app also allows users to enter text for direct translation. On top of this, reverse translation can also be done on the app. This way, translation can be checked for accuracy immediately. No more "lost in translation" moments!

iPhone jeans?

No kidding!

Alphyn Industries has came up with a pair of jeans specially designed for iPhones and iPod Touch or devices not exceeding 3 x 5 inches.

The right side of the jeans comes with a special pocket - open the denim cover flap and you get a clear polymer film pocket that allows you to access your phone

The DELTA415 Wearcom jeans comes with a huge price tag of US$160.

Erm, any takers?

Wireless charging for iPhone 5

Samsung is releasing a new wireless charging accessory for its Samsung Galaxy S 3. Apple has won patents for inductive charging dock. Does this pave the way for wireless charging in new iPhones? Especially now the closest competitor to iPhone is Samsung Galaxy. Wireless charging dock here we come!

Likely new features on iPhone 5

Speculations are rife, iPhone 5 may come with the following new features:

1. iPhone 5 will come loaded with iOS 6. Wow!
2. iPhone 5 will come with a bigger screen - a large 4 inch screen. Cool! Especially for users like myself who love to watch videos on my iPhone.
3. Rumors had it that we will also be expecting a screen with retina display capabilities!
4. There is even a spanking new touch technology to boast.
5. A revolutionary switch from the 30 pin to 19 pin connector.
6. For the very time, 3D map functions. No more guessworks during navigation!
7. An updated version of the personal assistant, Siri
8. iPhone 5 will be compatible on the 4G network and global LTE network. Support on 3G network continues as Apple ties up with China Mobile to penetrate the largest Asian consumer market. 
9. iPhone 5 will support Near Field Communication (NFC) to bring itself on par with Samsung Galaxy Nexus
10. With the new NFC chip, iPhone 5 will be able to handle mobile payments, swipe to pay payments securely. Mobile wallet or digital wallet storing tickets such as air tickets and theatre tickets functions are found to be in iOS 6.
11. Interchangeable lenses for the camera on iPhone 5 This looks like quite and incredible line up of new features to look forward to.

iPhone 5 will be more expensive

We are concerned now. There has been no confirmation from Apple yet.

iPhone 5 will be sporting a smaller dock connector. The 30 pin connector is going to be replaced with a smaller 19 pin port. This is to pave the way for further internal hardware development as there will be more space in the internal structure of the new iphone.

However, from a consumer point of view, this spells that all the expensive gadgets bought previously for use with earlier generations iPhones such as high end speakers, peripherals and accessories will be made obselete immediately on the day Apple launches iPhone 5.

For some of us who may be thinking of the good ole backup of third party accessories. This time it may be very different. The new 19 pin connector is rumored to be chipped. This means that only genuine and original or certified Apple accessories will be able to work with the all new iPhone 5. It will take some time for the third party developers to figure out and manufacture the accessories.

Our advice:  Start saving!

iPhone 5 release date

iPhone 5 release date is expected to be in late 2012. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, iPhone 5 will make its debut in early September. Kuo is well connected and has previously accurately reported on Apple's unannounced products.

iOS jailbreak

It is finally released! To jailbreak your iPhone, you may download any of the following:

iOS 5.1
iOS 5.1 on RedSnow 0.9.10b6 is a tethered jailbreak and you will need to plug your iphone to the computer to patch the kernel for each reboot.
It is compatible on iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

iOS 5.1.1
iOS 5.1.1 on Absinthe 2.0 is untethered jailbreak. Kernel is automatically patched each time you reboot.
It is compatible on iphone 3GS, iphone 4 and iphone 4S.

 

   
   
   
   
   
 

iPhone untethered jailbreak

Untethered jailbreak is the recommended jailbreak option:

1. Allows user to boot and reboot device at own convenience
2. iPhone device does not need to be plugged into the computer to boot device
3. Allows user to run Cydia apps and tweaks

iPhone tethered jailbreak

Should you do a tethered jailbreak? The answer is No.

If you need to do swtich on or reboot your iphone, you need to be at your computer to do a tethered boot.

How to make an app (Part 1)

There is a whole list of free app makers in the market. One of them is AppMakr.

1. You do not need to do coding

Here is the catch:

1. Ads will be displayed in the app
2. Ads will be distributed free
3. You will need to register with them to charge your app in the iTunes App Store
4. Subscription fee of $79 per month for each app to have your own brand, customise the app outlook and content and insert your preferred ad provider to monetise the app
5. Subscription fee excludes third party developer account and app store fee

IOS 6

IOS 6 has been released!

1. Enhanced maps with spoken directions which route you to your destination
2. Siri can now tweet for you
3. Siri can launch apps
4. Siri can report on football scores
5. Share photos with family and friends in photo stream
6. Reply phone calls with a message
7. New Find My Friends app allows you to share your location with family and friends

How do you trace a mobile number

You have just received a call from someone. However, the number looks unfamiliar. You are worried it might be a scammer. Should you call back? The struggle starts.

Is there someone stalking or harrassing you?

On the other hand, the number looks vaguely familiar. But the number was not stored in the contact list before. Who is that?

Before you call back, try this free app, key in the phone number in the box below and hit the Search button.

   

  ex: 555-555-5555

 
 
 
 

What to expect in the report:

1. Phone owner's full name
2. Phone owner's current address
3. Names of Phone owner's household members
4. Phone owner's line type - landline or mobile
5. Phone company / carrier
6. Issuing location with map
7. Previous addresses

Further requests available:

1. Criminal record searches 
2. Bankruptcies
3. Liens
4. Judgments
5. Businesses owned
6. Professional associations
7. Background reports
8. And more

All these will be done discretely and kept strictly confidential without informing or alerting the phone owner.

Great for employers, recruitment firms, private investigators and anyone who need to do a background check on someone