Posts Tagged ‘Apps’

RIM unveils details of BlackBerry US$10k Developer Commitment initiative

Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

RIM has announced the details to two initiatives to attract developers to the BlackBerry 10 platform: the US$10k Developer Commitment initiative and Built for BlackBerry initiatives.

RIM BlackBerry 10 US$10K Developer Commitment.

RIM BlackBerry 10 US$10K Developer Commitment.

First announced during BlackBerry 10 Jam Singapore, the US$10,000 Developer Commitment initiative is offered to developers that meet the following criteria.

US$10K Developer Commitment

Developers must certify their apps through the Built for BlackBerry program and submit them prior to the launch of BlackBerry 10.

RIM Built for BlackBerry developer initiative.

RIM Built for BlackBerry developer initiative.

Over the period of 12 months from launch of BlackBerry 10, if the app earns at least US$1,000 on its own but less than US$10,000, RIM will pay the developer the difference between the revenue earned and US$10,000.

Developers are only eligible to receive this one time. In the event where the app earns less than US$1,000 or more than US$10,000, the app is not qualified to be part of the program.

Built for BlackBerry

The Built for BlackBerry program will be initiated this September and allow developers to submit their BlackBerry 10 apps for third-party review.

From productivity apps to lifestyle apps to games, developers will be able to submit their BlackBerry 10 WebWorks or BlackBerry 10 Native app to the Built for BlackBerry program, and when cleared through the review, will receive the “Built for BlackBerry” quality status.

The “Built for BlackBerry” designation will convey to customers the added level of evaluation an app has gone through and that it meets RIM’s high standards for quality and performance.Developers will be able to display this title on their website, on the BlackBerry App World storefront, and anywhere else they market their apps.It is a means for professional developers to differentiate their apps on BlackBerry App World.

The program will be free for now.

Sneak peek: Episode 2 of SingTel TGIS Season 2

Tuesday, August 28th, 2012

Episode 2 of TGIS Season 2 is due tomorrow. But if you’re still awake, you can watch the embedded video here.

In this episode, Joanne-Marie chats with Singapore’s youngest iPhone developer: 12-year-old Lim Ding Wen, who created his first iPhone app (Doodle Kids) when he was only nine.

There is also a contest that ends on 4 September, with SingTel vouchers to be won.

Nikon launches 6 new cameras in Singapore

Thursday, August 23rd, 2012

Nikon spearheaded its Autumn 2012 collection of cameras with 6 new cameras, 1 lens and 1 waterproof casing. Among these cameras are the super compact S01 and the Android-equipped S800c.

All will be available in September. Prices TBA.

Update (4 September, 2012):

The COOLPIX L610 is now available in Singapore at S$339.

Nikon launched 6 new cameras and accessories in Singapore to spearhead its Autumn 2012 collection.

Nikon launched 6 new cameras and accessories in Singapore to spearhead its Autumn 2012 collection.

Most camera launches roll out more of the same, with slight improvements in features or specifications.

The Nikon P7700 is the new flagship of the COOLPIX lineup. 12.2MP, 7.1x Zoom, f/2.0-4.0 lens.

The Nikon P7700 is the new flagship of the COOLPIX lineup. 12.2MP, 7.1x Zoom, f/2.0-4.0 lens.

So its most refreshing to see Nikon trying to innovate by launching cameras that genuinely push the boundaries.

My favourite among the slew of cameras launched in Singapore today is the S01.

You’ve got to see it to believe it and you’ve got to handle it to appreciate it.

The S01 is smaller than a credit card!

It’s thicker than the card of course, but it’s like one of those charms people dangle from their keychains, although I wouldn’t want the camera slamming against the dashboard as I drive.

And people with big hands might not appreciate the compactness as much.

The Nikon COOLPIX S01 is smaller than a credit card. 10.1MP, 3x Zoom, 77 x 51.2 x 17.2mm

The Nikon COOLPIX S01 is smaller than a credit card. 10.1MP, 3x Zoom, 77 x 51.2 x 17.2mm

It’s a bold step for Nikon to take – pushing the limits of camera miniaturisation.

Nikon COOLPIX L610 has 16MP and 14x Zoom.

Nikon COOLPIX L610 has 16MP and 14x Zoom.

I’m sure smartphone makers would be very keen to adopt some of the technologies developed to make their smartphone cameras perform even better.

Already, these camera phones are encroaching into the market share of compact cameras with the only difference being image quality, which is made up for by the convenience of having the smartphone camera being available and handy at all times.

I won’t be surprised if some of Nikon’s sub-contractors are already talking to smartphone makers on possible collaborations.

The Nikon COOLPIX S800c runs Android 2.3 and has Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Nikon COOLPIX S800c runs Android 2.3 and has Wi-Fi connectivity.

On the same front, Nikon is hitting back at the smartphone camera sector with the S800c – a compact camera with an Android OS (2.3) and Wi-Fi connectivity.

So you can use photo-editing apps (such as Photoshop, Instagram and PicsArt) from the Google Play store to edit photos taken with the camera, and share it online on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

You can also use any of the other 500,000 apps on the Google Play for gaming or other purposes.

The Nikon COOLPIX S6400 has 16MP and 12x Zoom

The Nikon COOLPIX S6400 has 16MP and 12x Zoom

What the S800c doesn’t have yet is 3G connectivity, to give it 3G data connectivity in case there’s no Wi-Fi connectivity.

Who knows, you might even see a Nikon camera-phone (in that order) in the future!

The other products launched today are more run-of-the-mill cameras and accessories.

These include three new compacts from the COOLPIX family: COOLPIX P7700, L610, and S6400.

The Nikon 1 J1 MIL camera has been upgraded to the J2, with new Creative Modes, a new 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5/5.6 lens, and an Underwater Case.

The Nikon 1 J1 MIL camera has been upgraded to the J2, with new Creative Modes, a new 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5/5.6 lens, and an Underwater Case.

For its mirrorless interchangeable lens line, Nikon has launched the Nikon 1 J2, 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm F/3.5-5.6 lens, and the Nikon 1 water proof case.

I’ll be posting more details of each camera so you can check the tech specs in those articles.

TomTom updates its Navigation app for iPhone and iPad

Thursday, August 23rd, 2012

TomTom has launched a new version (v1.11) of its Navigation app for iPhone and iPad. Users will be able to navigate to addresses found on the Internet, search with foursquare, and get the very latest TomTom maps.

Customers with an older version of the app can download it for free. For new customers, the app can be purchased for US$49.99 at the Apple App Store.

TomTom Navigation app for iPhone/iPad v1.11

TomTom Navigation app for iPhone/iPad v1.11

Drivers can now quickly and easily navigate to places they’ve found on websites and other apps by copying an address and pasting it into their TomTom Navigation app.

There’s no need to type as the app will automatically work out the destination and direct them straight there.

While v1.10 integrated Facebook with the app, v1.11 adds foursquare.

After linking foursquare to the TomTom app, users can search and navigate to their favourite foursquare places, checking in to collect points on arrival.

Samsung launches Angry Birds and SingTel mio TV PLAY apps for Smart TV

Friday, July 27th, 2012

The two new apps joins more than 400 other apps available for the Samsung Smart TV, with more to come in the next few months.

Angry Birds is developed by Rovio Entertainment. Throughout game play, all actions - including level of difficulty selection and screen zoom in/out - are performed using motion control. Players can activate the unique skills of each bird and even control the game’s trademark slingshot action using arm movement enabled by the built-in camera.

Angry Birds is developed by Rovio Entertainment. Throughout game play, all actions – including level of difficulty selection and screen zoom in/out – are performed using motion control. Players can activate the unique skills of each bird and even control the game’s trademark slingshot action using arm movement enabled by the built-in camera.

The two new apps are part of a slew of high quality content that Samsung has lined up for consumers in the next few months.

New Smart TV apps in the pipeline

  • Entertainment: Angry Birds, SingTel mio TV PLAY, StarHub Video Store, WOWtv and Viki Premiere
  • Edutainment: Yummy Science, Calculus, Ferog in the Well, My First World and E-Assessment
  • Information: Maybank

The new Angry Birds app for Samsung Smart TV utilises Samsung’s Motion Control technology, which works with just the wave of a hand in front of the screen.

The SingTel mio TV PLAY is an over-the-top (OTT) video streaming application providing access to web video content in SD, HD and 3D format through an online catalogue and an online video store with Hollywood and Asian movies.

The SingTel mio TV PLAY is an over-the-top (OTT) video streaming application providing access to web video content in SD, HD and 3D format through an online catalogue and an online video store with Hollywood and Asian movies.

Four interactive edutainment apps developed by the local developer community will be launched in September 2012.

These apps are a result of a joint call-for-proposal for the development of educational TV apps for the Samsung Smart TV platform and ecosystem announced in September 2011 with the Media Development Authority of Singapore’s (MDA) Interactive Digital Media Programme Office (IDMPO).

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New BlackBerry smartphone: Curve 9320

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

RIM has announced that the BlackBerry Curve 9320 is now available in Singapore at S$328. Get it from authorised BlackBerry partners including local carriers SingTel and M1.

BlackBerry Curve 9320 is now available in Singapore for S$328.

BlackBerry Curve 9320 is now available in Singapore for S$328.

The Curve 9320 has the traditional half-body screen cum signature hardware keypad design of BlackBerry smartphones.

BlackBerry Curve 9320
OS BlackBerry 7.1 OS
Screen 2.44″ TFT
Resolution 320 x 240, 164 ppi
Battery 1,450 mAh
Processor Single-core, 806 MHz
Camera Rear: 3.2mp
Front: Nil
Video VGA, 640 x 480
Memory Int: 512 MB
Ext: 32 GB microSD
Size /mm 109 x 60 x 12.7
Weight 103 g
Price S$328

Customers can interact with their social network in real time, using preloaded apps for Facebook and Twitter.

The new Social Feeds 2.0 app is also preloaded, allowing customers to post updates to multiple social networks simultaneously and capture updates from news sources (RSS), social apps and instant messaging apps all in one consolidated view.

The integrated camera includes a flash and supports video recording, and pictures can be tagged with their location thanks to the smartphone¹s built-in GPS.

The budget smartphone includes a built-in FM radio, allowing customers to tune into their favorite local stations.

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Some BlackBerry apps for the London 2012 Olympics

Saturday, July 21st, 2012

Since the London 2012 Olympics is just next week, here are some free BlackBerry apps to stay in tune with the Games.

Weekend diversion: Download some free BlackBerry apps for the London 2012 Olympics.

Weekend diversion: Download some free BlackBerry apps for the London 2012 Olympics.

The London 2012 Olympics will be from 27 July to 12 August. The Opening Ceremony will be on Friday (27 July).

If you’re using a BlackBerry, here are some free apps to welcome the games. Click the thumbnail to get to the apps page on BlackBerry App World.

London 2012: Official Join In App for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

London 2012: Official Join In App for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

Before the Olympic Torch arrives in London for the 2012 Summer Olympics, download the London 2012: Official Join In App for the Olympic and Paralympic Games – your pocket guide to the activities on your BlackBerry smartphone.

Endomondo Sports Tracker

Endomondo Sports Tracker

Feeling inspired by the athletes? Endomondo Sports Tracker is your free personal coach and training partner.

FanFeedr Personal sports news

FanFeedr Personal sports news

Check out the latest news, analysis or tweets by your favorite sports teams with FanFeedr Personal sports news.

Wild Olympics Athletics

Wild Olympics Athletics

Lastly, don’t leave your PlayBook out in the games- go race some gazelles on Wild Olympics Athletics.

Samsung rolls out locally developed edutainment apps

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

Samsung has rolled out more than 40 new interactive edutainment apps in partnership with Singapore developers. These apps will be available on Samsung smart mobile devices.

Overview of content strategy and edutainment apps by Winston Goh, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Mobile Communications, Samsung Asia

Overview of content strategy and edutainment apps by Winston Goh, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Mobile Communications, Samsung Asia

The 40 new apps are entertaining, intuitive, social and visual in nature and allows users to engage in self-learning experiences, whether at home or on-the-go.

The suite of edutainment apps includes:

  • Mandarin Speaking Skills for Kids: comprises speech interactive exercises to build Mandarin speaking skills for kids from Primary 1 to 6.
  • Zalairos Adventures: comprises 25 e-books for kids aged between 5-10 years old to improve vocabulary, reading and comprehension skills.
  • Skoolbo Core Skills: comprises more than 50,000 questions designed for kids aged between 4-10 years old to improve mathematics and language skills.
  • PREPTEST: standardized self-assessment modules and admission guidelines for GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and more.

Samsung is working with the developer community to promote the creation of interesting educational content.

The company commits the tools, resources, technical content and support that app developers require, to create rich applications optimised for its GALAXY range of tablets and smartphones, as well as the GALAXY Note.

The local app developers that Samsung is working with for this range of edutainment apps are B-Secure Technologies, Prep Zone, iQ-hub and Skoolbo.

Some of these apps, such as those developed by B-Secure Technologies and Prep Zone will be made exclusively available on Samsung mobile devices.

The launch was held at Samsung’s store at Vivocity.

I tried out some of the apps during the launch and it’s quite impressive what our local developers are capable of.

Also launched at the event were Samsung’s two new GALAXY smartphones.

These are the GALAXY beam (S$648) and the GALAXY Ace 2 (S$438).

Both are based on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and will be available this month.

The list of Edutainment Applications and their availability date are listed below.

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RIM to launch more BBM-Connected apps

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

RIM has announced a series of updates to its popular BlackBerry apps that will make it easier for users to to keep their BBM community in the know.

BlackBerry apps for Facebook and Twitter, BlackBerry Travel and BlackBerry App World will be integrated with BBM.

BlackBerry apps for Facebook and Twitter, BlackBerry Travel and BlackBerry App World will be integrated with BBM.

BlackBerry apps for Facebook and Twitter, BlackBerry Travel and BlackBerry App World will be integrated with BBM, thus making it easier for users to share updates with their BBM groups or friends.

By adding BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) connectivity to these apps, Research In Motion (RIM) aims to make it even easier for users to stay in touch with their contacts, share experiences and content, and discover new things from their BBM community.

Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones (version 3.0) and Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones (version 3.0) will allow users to automatically share their Facebook status or latest Tweet with their BBM friends right from within the app.

“Since we provided developers the means to build BBM connectivity into their apps, we have seen more than 800 hundred new BBM-connected apps come to market, which has been followed by a huge uptake by users – about one of every five apps being downloaded on BlackBerry App World is a BBM-connected app,” said Alec Saunders, VP of Developer Relations at RIM. It is now easier than ever to update those who matter most about your travel plans.

The new BlackBerry Travel app (version 2.5) is now BBM-connected, allowing users to share their travel plans and flight changes directly with select BBM contacts or with their entire BBM community.

With BBM (version 6.2) and BlackBerry App World (version 3.1.2), users can easily update their BBM profile to let their friends know about new apps they’ve just downloaded on BlackBerry App World.

With this updated version of BlackBerry App World, users can also instantly share info about their favorite app or a list of their installed apps with friends using BlackBerry Tag**.

“Today we’re excited to announce that RIM has also integrated BBM connectivity into a number of our own popular apps.” – Alec SaundersThe enhanced BBM will also offer a polished, enhanced and more personal experience.

It includes a new selection of animated avatars, a simpler way of updating one’s personal message in their profile, and now allows users to quickly send voice notes.

** BlackBerry Tag requires an NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphone running BlackBerry 7.1 OS or higher.

I tried out Zinio on the BlackBerry PlayBook

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

The free Zinio app was released on BlackBerry App World on Tuesday, 20 March. I’ve tried it out for the past few days to read the two free magazines that came with the “magazine stand” app.

Zinio stocks over 5,000 titles in more than 30 languages.

Zinio stocks over 5,000 titles in more than 30 languages.

Installation was easy and fuss-free. Fire up App World on the PlayBook, search for Zinio, click the Download button.

The 1.8 MB app is downloaded and installed in a jiffy (depending on your bandwidth) and you’re set to go.

Zinio starts you off with two free magazines when you first install the app.

Zinio starts you off with two free magazines when you first install the app.

Starting up Zinio, you’re prompted to sign in if you have an existing account with Zinio (which is also available through a browser and via apps for iOS and Android tablets), or sign up for a new account.

All you need to sign up is an email and a password. Once logged in, you remain logged in on the PlayBook until you log out.

Once in, you get to the library with two free magazines for installing the app. At this point, you get the March 12 issue of Esquire and April 12 issue of Elle.

Click on the thumbnail to download the magazine. Once downloaded, you can read the magazine even when offline.

View two pages at a time in landscape mode, with navigation interface when you tap on the screen.

View two pages at a time in landscape mode, with navigation interface when you tap on the screen.

The user interface is simple and intuitive. In portrait mode, you view one page at a time. In landscape mode, you view two pages on the screen.

Pinch to zoom out and spread the fingers to zoom in.

View one page at a time when in portrait mode.

View one page at a time when in portrait mode. Shown with navigation thumbnails below and options above.

Double-tap to zoom-in quickly and single tap to display options, such as a row of scrollable thumbnail pages at the bottom for quick navigation.

Navigation was easy and smooth and the app has been stable in the few days that I’ve played with it.

Want more magazines? Hit the online shop. The categories are listed to the left, and the magazine covers in the category listed to the right.

Selecting a magazine will bring you to the details page where you can choose to purchase either a single issue or subscribe for a number of issues.

After that, it’s the typical payment transactions, with entry and verification of credit card details.

Zinio has more than 5,000 titles (magazines and newspapers) in more than 30 languages from around the world.

Publications purchased or subscribed to can be perused on any compatible device as long as the user is logged in with the account used to make the purchase, and a version of the magazine compatible for the OS is available on Zinio.