Yahoo Mail adds to the types of content that can be added to emails

The updated Yahoo Mail app users can now send files from Google Drive or Dropbox, as well as GIFs from Tumblr when as part of their email messages. Now that users can manage multiple mailboxes from the Yahoo Mail app, the latest update helps them send emails that include content via more sources from any of their email addresses.

Source: Yahoo. Add GIFs
from Tumblr to emails.

When composing an email in the Yahoo Mail app, users can choose from top-trending GIFs around the world, courtesy of Tumblr. Tapping on the cloud icon in compose mode will lead to an invitation to connect Google Drive or Dropbox accounts, allowing instant access to all files in the cloud. Yahoo Mail will also surface items based on title or file contents for easier searching.

Additional features:

Preview large files instantly on iPhone and iPad, without downloading it first

Delete drafts permanently on Android

Android home screen widgets offer dynamically-updated information about the inbox: a preview, a badged icon, and a shortcut to the compose screen.

Interested?

These updates to the Yahoo Mail app are available for iOS (version 4.3) and Android (version 5.4).

posted from Bloggeroid

Singtel releases iPhone SE pricing

Source: Apple. The iPhone SE.

Singtel has announced that it will offer Apple's 4" iPhone SE from 31 March, 2016, with preordering available. Prices range from S$350 for a 16 GB model on the cheapest plan, which costs S$27.90 for 24 months.

The telco recently released the the results of a crowdsourcing survey that shows it offers the fastest and widest 4G experience in Singapore. According to IDA’s MyConnection SG crowdsourcing survey and 4G Mobile Service Coverage results. Singtel registered a strong and consistent performance, edging ahead with 4G peak speeds at 130.8 Mbps and 3G peak speeds 31.2 Mbps* and 99.87% Nationwide Outdoor Service Coverage**.

Tay Yeow Lian, MD of Networks, Consumer Singapore, Singtel, said, “Investments in networks enhancements have enabled us to provide a consistent high-performance 4G experience that serves our customers well. We are in tune with their speed and coverage needs, and will plan ahead with network upgrades and new capabilities to ensure that customers continue to enjoy superior connectivity and unparalleled throughput speeds.”

Singtel topped the nation’s widest 4G outdoor coverage chart for the fifth consecutive quarter (Q414 to Q415) and is set to raise the bar for 4G indoor coverage with its nationwide deployment of a 4G LTE network on 900MHz spectrum band by end March 2016.

Interested?

Customers can preorder the iPhone SE till March 30 4pm, with the phone delivered from 31 March 10am. Silver models are sold out, and space gray is popular.

View pricing

Re-contracting customers can check mobile upgrade eligibility status via:

• The My Singtel app (select 'View Your Plan')
• The Singtel hotline at *1688 (select Option 2 in the interactive SMS menu)
• My Account (for personal mobile lines only)

Read the WorkSmart Asia about the iPhone SE launch, including availability in different countries.


*IDA Singapore: MyConnection SG, July 2015 – December 2015 highlights (PDF)
**IDA Singapore: 4G Mobile Service Coverage in Q4 2015

Flickr for iOS 9 is out

Yahoo has introduced Flickr for iOS 9, which supports some of the new features native to iOS 9.

Source: Yahoo.

The app supports 3D Touch on the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, enabling previews with a light press of the screen. In the Flickr Camera Roll, there is now a new 3D Touch gesture that previews pictures with a light press, and pops the picture to the full screen mode with a harder press.

Another new feature is 3D Touch “Quick Actions”. A light press of the app icon uploads a photo, skips to notifications or the feed or to kicks off a search. Spotlight search in iOS 9 allows searches for albums, groups or recently-viewed photos without opening the Flickr app.

With universal link support, links sent or received will now open directly in the Flickr app, instead of as a web page in Safari.

Interested?

Get the latest Flickr app for iOS

Pixelglow Software updates Instaviz, launches free lite version

Source: iTunes.
Instaviz 2.1 screen.

Pixelglow Software today launched Instaviz 2.1 to support Apple's iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and the iOS 9 update. The intelligent diagram sketcher now works with iPad multitasking in both Slide Over and Split View modes, allowing users to run another app at the same time. The developer also launched Instaviz Lite, a free app that showcases the core sketching features of Instaviz.

"Our customers absolutely love our rebuilt Instaviz 2, giving us 75% 5-star reviews since our relaunch in June," says developer Glen Low, winner of two Apple Design Awards. "With the new free Instaviz Lite, even more users will see how easy it really is, turning doodles into diagrams."

Instaviz users create formal diagrams by beginning with rough sketches of shapes, typing in some text, then linking the shapes together. Instaviz and Instaviz Lite neaten and rearrange them as the users work. With the paid app, the users can refine their ideas with different fonts, colours, styles and shapes. The diagrams can be shared on the paid app in different formats and through different channels, including email, message, print, AirDrop, and a number of popular social networks such as Facebook, Flickr, Pinterest, Twitter or WhatsApp.

"This is the best simple visual thinking, simple diagramming or back-of-the-napkin thinking app available for the iPhone and iPad," said Dr George Huba, a prominent mind-mapping and healthcare advocate. "And, unlike the napkin you draw on at lunch, diagrams from the program can look good enough to use in books and professional journals without further enhancements. And unlike those napkins, the diagrams from Instaviz come without ink smears, coffee cup rings, and grease stains from errant French fries, freedom fries, chips, British fish and chips, sweet potato fries, tempura, or pizza!"

Instaviz is built on two key technologies: Recog and Graphviz. Recog is a new shape recognition library. Trained on over 2,500 sketches drawn by real users, Recog uses advanced fuzzy logic and sophisticated geometric algorithms to recognize sketches in a split second. Graphviz is an automated graph layout engine. The industry standard for automated graph layout, Graphviz represents over 20 years of AT&T information visualisation research.

Interested?

Download version 2.1 of Instaviz or Instaviz Lite

View a collection of Dr Huba's mind maps

Watch the associated video

Download the PC/Mac companion app, Instavue (Instaviz app on a mobile device required)

Apple releases iOS 9

Source: Apple. 

Apple has announced that the iOS 9 mobile operating system will be available on Wednesday, September 16 as a free update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users. iOS 9 comes with powerful search and improved Siri features.

New multitasking features on the iPad let users view and interact with two apps at once, side by side. With Picture-in-Picture, users can play video while browsing the web, composing email or using other apps. Built-in apps become more powerful with a redesigned Notes app offering new ways to capture ideas, detailed transit information in Maps, and an all-new News app for the best news reading experience on any mobile device.

“iOS 9 is packed with intelligence that makes every experience with iPhone and iPad even more powerful — Siri can do more than ever and new proactive assistance helps you get more done before you ask, all while protecting users’ privacy,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior VP of Software Engineering. “With iOS 9 we focused on strengthening the foundation of iOS with a deep focus on quality, and with the help of more than one million users who participated in our first ever public beta programme, we’re excited to release the best version of iOS yet.”

In iOS 9, proactive assistance presents the most relevant information at a given time of day and suggests actions in context, based on the apps used frequently. Siri features a new design, contextual reminders based on time and location, and new ways to search photos and videos. Search queries deliver more relevant results from more categories, including sports scores and schedules, simple math calculations, weather conditions and stock prices.

This latest release features refinements such as battery optimisation, resulting in an additional hour of battery life with typical use, and a low-power mode to further extend battery life.* Software updates require less space to install and the Install Later feature can perform updates to your device when it’s not in use. Enhanced security features in iOS 9 keep your devices and Apple ID secure by strengthening the passcode that protects your devices and improving two-factor authentication by building it directly into iOS, making it harder for others to gain unauthorised access to your Apple ID. iOS 9 apps and the user interface now take advantage of Metal to deliver faster scrolling, smoother animation and better overall performance.

New multitasking features designed for the iPad include:

• Slide Over lets you simultaneously work in a second app without leaving the one you’re in and easily switch between your apps.
• Split View allows you to view and interact with two apps at the same time, side by side, and resize your view to prioritise one app over another.
• Picture-in-Picture lets you continue a video or FaceTime call while using your favorite apps. 
• Typing is faster and easier with an all-new Shortcut Bar that displays convenient editing tools, and new Multi-Touch gestures make it even easier to select, edit and move text.

In iOS 9, Apple has a completely redesigned Notes app, support for transit in Maps, an all-new News app and new capabilities in Apple Pay.

The completely redesigned Notes app includes the ability to draw a quick sketch using your finger, easily create checklists to keep track of your to-dos or snap a photo directly in a note. Important items can be saved directly to the Notes app from other apps and are kept in sync across all your enabled devices with iCloud.

Maps adds support for metropolitan transit systems and schedules, and subway station entrances and exits are precisely mapped. When you plan your trip, Maps can offer a combination of trains, subways, buses and walking, and presents you with what’s nearby, delivering options for local food, drinks, shopping and more.**

News delivers a reading experience that combines the design of a print magazine with the interactivity of digital media. News can learn your interests and suggest relevant content that’s easily shareable or saved for later, and delivers the best articles from more than 50 publishers, representing hundreds of titles from the world’s most influential news, sports, business and magazine brands, covering over one million topics.***

Apple Pay adds support for Discover, merchant rewards programmes and participating store-issued credit and debit cards. Shoppers will be able to manage their cards in the new Wallet app.

Interested?

iOS 9 will be available beginning Wednesday, September 16 as a free software update for iPhone 4s and later, iPod touch 5th generation and later, iPad 2 and later and iPad mini and later. Some features may not be available in all regions or all languages. 

*Battery life depends on usage and settings.

**Transit information in Maps is available in select major cities, including Baltimore, Berlin, Chicago, London, Mexico City, New York City, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, Toronto and Washington D.C., as well as over 300 cities in China, including Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. Nearby information is available in the US and China.

***News app availability varies by country.

Your jailbroken iOS device may be compromised

In cooperation with WeipTech, a technical group consisting of users from Weiphone, Palo Alto Networks, the security company, has identified 92 samples of a new iOS malware family that is currently active.

The malware, named KeyRaider, targets jailbroken iOS devices and is distributed through third-party Cydia repositories in China. In total, it appears this threat may have impacted users from 18 countries including China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Some victims have reported that their stolen Apple accounts show abnormal app purchasing history and others state that their phones have been held for ransom.

Palo Alto Networks estimates that the 225,000 valid Apple accounts with passwords stored in on a server is the largest Apple account theft caused by malware. The malware steals Apple account usernames, passwords and other sensitive information by intercepting iTunes traffic on the device. The data is used to download applications from the official App Store and make in-app purchases without actually paying. According to Palo Alto Networks, around 20,000 users are abusing the 225,000 stolen credentials.

Source: Palo Alto Networks blog.
Phone held for ransom.

Palo Alto Networks and WeipTech have provided services to detect the KeyRaider malware and identify stolen credentials. 

WeipTech has provided a query service in their website for potential victims to query whether their Apple accounts have been stolen. 

Palo Alto Networks has also protected its customers. The company also suggests that all affected users change their Apple account password after removing the malware, and that they enable two-factor verification for Apple IDs.

Interested?

The Palo Alto Networks blog post lists a method to check if an iOS device is infected (search for the phrase 'protection and prevention')

360 Security, iQIYI claim top spots in App Annie download rankings

360 Security, a mobile antivirus and performance application for Android users, said it had gained 11 places on the Google Play download chart to rank as the 6th most popular app to download worldwide in July according to the App Annie Index. A heightened awareness of mobile security among consumers combined with the recent launch of a campaign in Korea and Japan is credited with contributing to this most recent ranking.

360 Security offers consumers an all-in-one utility for virus protection, memory optimisation and power saving. According to the App Annie report, the 360 Security app has been gaining popularity globally, when security apps have seen a rise in downloads. Since launching on Google Play two years ago, the 360 Security app has become a top security application among Android users, ranking number one in 90 countries on the Google Play Store's Tools Ranking, the company said.

Stated Yan Huang, COO of 360 Security: "We have seen an increase in awareness among consumers to take extra steps to protect their mobile devices. Our latest ranking on Google Play further establishes the importance of 360 Security and mobile protection. Furthermore, the continuous improvement of the user experience and our new features increased our popularity."

The app is the only all-in-one free speed booster and antivirus app. With one click, users can speed up their devices, or clean up junk files for bigger memory space and longer battery life, while protecting their devices from viruses, malware, adware, ransomeware, vulnerabilities or trojans.

iQIYI, an independently operated subsidiary of Baidu and one of the largest Internet and mobile video service providers in China, separately announced that App Annie had named its iQIYI Video HD app as the 6^th most downloaded app worldwide for iOS and 9^th by revenue. The app gained 10 places by downloads and nine places by revenue in July 2015. The app also ranked among the top five iOS Entertainment apps in China by monthly active users.

The report attributed iQIYI Video HD's surge in the worldwide rankings to iQIYI's growth in paid subscribers, driven by its "massive library of premium content".

Interested?

Read the App Annie report
Download the 360 Security app from the Play Store
Download the iQIYI Video app from the App Store

SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick transfers images across mobile devices, computers

SanDisk, a flash storage solutions provider, has expanded its mobile memory solutions suite with the SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick, a wireless mobile flash drive. Building on its award-winning SanDisk Connect Wireless family, the reinvented SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick enables easy sharing, transferring and accessing of photos and videos between mobile devices and computers through Wi-Fi*.

“With more and more content being consumed on multiple handheld devices, we realized there is a need to reinvent our category of mobile memory solutions. The new SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick, compatible with iOS and Android, is designed to meet the growing storage needs of today’s generation at an affordable price,” said Mark Eng, Country Manager, SanDisk Singapore. “The redesigned SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick is the perfect companion to help people expand storage and wirelessly transfer content on their favorite mobile devices.”

The SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick is Windows 10 compatible, has up to 128GB of capacity and allows up to three mobile devices to transfer content at a time. It can support a single stream for up to 4.5 hours on a single charge**. The SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick is bundled with the SanDisk Connect app, which enables easy management of content between devices*** including iOS and Android devices; tablets; Macs and PCs – all via password-protected Wi-Fi connectivity.

Besides the SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick, SanDisk’s mobile memory solutions now include SanDisk microSD cards; the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive; the SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive and the new Dual USB Drive with Type C Connector.

Interested?

The SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick features a two year warranty**** and is available in Singapore at capacities of 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB at manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRPs) of S$49, S$69, S$99 and S$169 respectively.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about SanDisk's other mobile memory solutions.

*Compatibility: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4Ghz capable device. Mobile device: iOS version 8.0 or higher. Other Wi-Fi enabled devices: a web browser, WebDAV client. PC or Mac: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Mac OS 10.6 or higher

**Based on streaming 720p content at 2mbps to one device; actual life and performance may vary depending upon usage and settings; battery not replaceable
***App available for download on the App Store, Google Play store and Amazon Appstore for Android.
****See www.sandisk.com/wug

Use PC or Mac apps from iOS, Android devices

Source: Parallels website.

Parallels has updated its Parallels Access app for remote access to PCs and Macs* on both iOS and Android platforms, a move targeted at various user segments including professionals who want to travel light, but still access all their computer files on the go.

Parallels Access transforms mobile devices into more powerful computing machines by allowing them to remotely run any application, edit documents, and search through and access all the files on a remote computer through a universal file manager. It also allows users to tap any computer with a web browser to access and run everything on a remote computer without requiring any plug-ins or extensions. 

“The need to do more on mobile devices has been a growing trend among both consumers and business professional alike. Our latest Parallels Access update brings new features that make it easier than ever before to get work done with native touch gestures on mobile devices, as well as from any computer with a web browser,” said Jack Zubarev, President of Parallels. “Parallels Access makes every application and file on your remote work and home computers available at your fingertips no matter where you are, so you can be productive on the go.”

“As the market shifts increasingly towards mobile applications, solutions that can further turn a mobile device into a powerful computer are becoming increasingly necessary,” said Laura DiDio, IT Analyst and Principal of ITIC. “The latest update to Parallels Access further extends this invaluable functionality to make the practice of working remotely from your mobile device more efficient and powerful.”

Additional features for both Android and iOS include:

· Universal File Manager with local file support, cloud storage, file previews and access to photos

· New “remoteless” connection for File Manager–connect to a computer to access files without taking over the screen

· Ability to transfer files from a remote computer to other apps on iOS and Android

· Enhanced file preview for files on a remote computer–now supports Microsoft Office files

· Improved Wake-on-LAN feature which offers additional ways to wake a remote computer

· Ability to work with multiple monitors in a web-browser session from a remote computer allowing the user to switch between available displays, or see them all at once

· Access to photos on a mobile device from the desktop agent, including the ability to take photos and copy them to a remote computer

Additional updates for iOS only include:

· Universal support for portrait and landscape for enhanced usability

· New OneDrive support for cloud storage in addition to existing support for Google Drive and Dropbox providing consumers additional options

· File previews in icons through File Manager for easier navigation

· 64-bit support for new CPU architecture on iOS devices

Interested?

Parallels Access 3.0 is available in the Apple iTunes App Store and on Google Play with a one week free trial. Individual subscriptions are available for purchase for US$19.99 for one year or US$34.99 for two years. Users can access up to five remote computers from an unlimited number of iOS and Android tablets and phones or computers with a modern web browser. As a limited-time offer, new customers who purchase Parallels Access can get a two-year subscription for US$29.99.

*Hardware requirements:
iPad: iPad mini 2 and iPad 2 or later running iOS 7 or later
iPhone: iPhone 4s and later running iOS 7 or later
Android: most tablets and phones running Android 5.0

Remote computers can be a PC running Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8 or Windows 7, or a Mac running OS X El Capitan (experimental support), OS X Yosemite (10.10) or OS X Mavericks (10.9).

Agent upgrades will happen automatically once the update becomes available or users will be notified immediately if not. Parallels recommends users update their client software on their mobile devices following agent upgrades on their computers to ensure compatibility.

Plantronics headsets to be controlled from Apple Watches and Android Wear wearables

Plantronics, an audio and wearable technology specialist, announced that the latest version of its Plantronics Hub for iOS and Android now supports the Apple Watch and Android Wear, broadening the company’s reach to include other devices within the growing mobile device ecosystem.

With the new smart watch extension, people can now manage the headset experience directly from their wrist. Plantronics Hub v3.5 for iOS and Android lets users manage, customise, and control premium Plantronics Bluetooth headsets, including Voyager Legend, Voyager Edge, and Voyager Focus UC. The controls include muting and unmuting the headset, volume control, battery status, and ending calls. 

Interested?

Plantronics Hub v3.5 for iOS and Android with smart watch support is free and available* now..

*Plantronics Hub for iOS requires iPhone 5, 5S, 5C, 6, 6 Plus and iOS 8.3; Plantronics for Android requires OS v2.3.3 and later

iOS conceptualisation tool Instaviz 2.0 debuts

Pixelglow Software, which focuses on developing intuitive business applications, has launched Instaviz 2.0. Released in December 2008, Instaviz allows users to visualise, refine and share ideas and concepts, and is one of the most popular diagramming apps on the iOS platform.

Source: Pixelglow Software. Click on the image to view a larger version.

Instaviz is regularly seen in the Top 100 Business Apps list at the App Store, and over 17,700 copies have been purchased, Pixelglow says. Users have rated it three-and-a-half out of five stars at the App Store.

"Here's what I like about it," said Terry White, Worldwide Design Evangelist for Adobe Systems. "I don't have to worry about picking tools to draw the various shapes. I have a tool right here: it's my finger!"

Users start by sketching some rough shapes, adding some text, then linking the shapes together. Instaviz neatens the shapes and arranges them elegantly as the users work, turning them into coherent diagrams that can be customised with different fonts, colours, styles and shapes. The work can be shared through email, messages, or AirDrop, as well as on social media such as Facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp.

Version 2.0 is a major rewrite of what the company says is the first iOS diagram sketcher. Diagrams, mind maps and flowcharts can be shared more easily with the new version, said Australia-based Pixelglow Developer Glen Low.

"I've always seen Instaviz as an extension of my mind," Low said. "When I have an idea or relation in my head, I want to get it down quickly without fussing about where to place the concepts, or getting stuck in endless popups and modes. In pursuing that seamless experience for all users, I've rebuilt the app from the ground up over 4.5 years to create this new version."

Low has revamped the user interface and included help demo videos for the upgraded app. New features include:

• Fresh graphics, icons and toolbars
• Improved layout, text, animation, interaction and rendering
• Enhanced font, colour and style settings
• Sharing through email, message, print, over-the-air and social media
• Help demo videos
• Support for iOS 7 and 8
• Compatibility with iPhone 5, 6, and 6+ screen formats

Instaviz 2.0* is US$7.99 and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store Productivity category. Existing users can upgrade for free. Multiple languages are supported, including English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), and Japanese.

Interested?

Purchase the app

*Device requirements: iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPod Touch 5G or better; iOS 7, 8 or better; 4MB of space.

Prefer Macs? Acronis Access Connect lets you use them with PCs and mobile devices

Acronis, a data protection specialist, today unveiled Acronis Access Connect – a file and print sharing solution for businesses. Acronis Access Connect (formerly ExtremeZ-IP) integrates Macs into businesses.

With this new release, Acronis Access Connect adds broad support for mobile workers to securely access files using iOS, Android, and Windows phones and tablets. This combined support across the range of PC, Mac and mobile platforms lets employees keep using the devices they love, while enabling IT departments to deliver a seamless, scalable, and problem-free file server access and print sharing experience for users.

With Acronis Access Connect, mobile workers and road warriors can now access their work files wherever they need them using the intuitively designed Access Connect mobile clients for iOS, Android and Windows mobile devices. Minimal or no end user training is required for mobile users, especially those familiar with Mac and Windows file sharing environments.

For IT managers and professionals, Acronis Access Connect eliminates SMB protocol bugs, performance issues and compatibility problems related to integrating Macs into Windows environments, reducing help desk calls by as much as 70%. Acronis Access Connect installs in a matter of minutes on Windows servers, delivering immediate time-to-value for IT administrators and support personnel. The solution allows employees to be more productive when working with files on their PCs, Macs and mobile devices – as they choose.

As bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies continue to transform the way employees work worldwide, Macs in the workplace are becoming more common. A 2014 survey of 376 IT professionals conducted by Dimensional Research found that user preference is the top reason given by IT administrators for supporting Macs. The survey also found that 66% of businesses are already using Macs today, and more than 70% officially support Macs as a company endpoint.

While many employees clearly prefer Macs, there are challenges from an IT perspective when it comes to file sharing, including compatibility, search performance issues, and a poor user experience. Acronis Access Connect allows Mac users to take advantage of key features they expect when connecting to Windows or networked attach storage (NAS) file servers, including:

· Fast, full content searching using Network Spotlight
· Automatic backups using Time Machine
· Fast browsing of network shares
· Glitch-free operations when using key applications, such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Suite

“Acronis Access Connect cures two of the biggest IT headaches when it comes to file sharing,” said Serguei Beloussov, CEO, Acronis. “First, we help IT support the increasing numbers of Mac users by virtually eliminating file sharing support issues, and second, we have opened up filer server access across any device – empowering all of your employees to work and collaborate from anywhere.”

Interested?

View the associated video. 

HelloTalk language learning app passes 1 million downloads

Source: HelloTalk app page
at the Play Store.

Social language learning mobile app developer HelloTalk has announced its iOS and Android language learning app, also called HelloTalk, has surpassed 1 million registered global users. 

The HelloTalk app is unique in that users teach each other their respective native languages across their mobile and tablet devices. HelloTalk also provides a variety of mechanisms whereby users can engage in real-time practice of the language they're learning with native speakers of that language.

HelloTalk's more than one million users hail from over 200 countries around the world, with 59% learning English, 9% learning Korean, 8% learning Japanese, 5% learning Spanish, 4% learning Chinese, and 15% learning a variety of other languages including French, Italian, Finnish, Russian, Arabic, German, and more. HelloTalk supports over 100 languages, which includes Navajo and Esperanto.

HelloTalk is a platform where users learn and practice languages and share culture with people around the world. With HelloTalk, you pick the language you want to learn, and instantaneously you're learning and practicing with native speakers of that language. HelloTalk isn't a course the user strictly follows; rather, they learn at a pace that best meets the way they learn. HelloTalk makes the process of learning a new language faster and more intuitive. 

Said Zackery Ngai, Founder and CEO of HelloTalk: "We're excited for HelloTalk's continued user base growth, and we look forward to HelloTalk supporting even more languages in the future. People have come to realise it's much easier learning a new language when they do so, and practice with, native language speakers in real-time, at their own pace. The HelloTalk experience is so much more natural and engaging than that provided by other language learning solutions."

HelloTalk is available for the iPhone and iPad here and at the Play Store here.

Trend Micro warns iOS users about Operation Pawn Storm

An alert from Trend Micro has identified an active economic and political cyber-espionage operation called Operation Pawn Storm (OPS). It says OPS targets a wide range of entities, like the military, governments, defense industries, and the media. 

The operation uses three known attack vectors: spear phishing emails, a network of phishing websites that use typo-squatted domains (editor's note: links that are very similar to well-known website links and which could be typed by mistake, such as micrsoft.com), and malicious iframes injected into legitimate websites. 

The actors of Pawn Storm are so called as they tend to target a lot of pawns in the hopes they come close to their actual high-profile targets. When they finally successfully infect a high profile target, they might decide to move their next pawn forward: advanced espionage malware. Trend Micro has also discovered an interesting poisoned pawn—spyware specifically designed for espionage on iOS devices. While spyware targeting Apple users is highly notable by itself, this particular spyware is also involved in a targeted attack.

It is believed the iOS malware gets installed on already compromised systems, and it is very similar to next stage SEDNIT malware Trend Micro found for Microsoft Windows’ systems. Two malicious iOS applications were found in OPS. One is called XAgent and the other one uses the name of a legitimate iOS game, MadCap. 

Source: Trend Micro.

XAgent is designed to work specifically with iOS7, which is still on one of every five iPhones and iPads. IOS 8 users will see multiple notifications that the phone is trying to install an app, and it cannot run without the user launching the app. Both tools have the ability to record audio, which suggests the targeting of offline and confidential information.

Following analysis, Trend Micro concluded that both are applications related to SEDNIT – which is spyware that aims to steal personal data, record audio, make screenshots, and send them to a remote command-and-control (C&C) server. Some of the data theft capabilities include:

· Collecting text messages, contact lists, pictures and geo-location data

· Starting voice recording

· Getting lists of installed apps, processes

· Recording the Wi-Fi status

There may also be other methods of infection that are used to install this particular malware. One possible scenario is infecting an iPhone after connecting it to a compromised or infected Windows laptop via a USB cable.

More information on the malware can be found on Trend Micro’s blog. 

Parallels Access 2.5 now available on Google Play and App Store worldwide

Source: Parallels website.

Parallels, a cross-platform solution provider, has made Parallels Access 2.5 available on Google Play and the App Store worldwide. Parallels Access enables users to be effective anytime and anywhere, even with a mobile device or a borrowed computer. 

The company says Access works well with 3G connections, and has applification” technology that lets users run desktop applications as if they were native apps for the iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

The app includes new features such as a universal file manager, computer-to-computer remote access and more support for Samsung devices. The new release also supports the recently released OS X Yosemite and Windows 10 Technical Preview.

“In our new era of even more devices, interfaces and form factors, it is extremely important for people to have a consistent application experience from any device, anywhere. Today’s workers need tools that connect the applications they depend on with devices and services from multiple platforms for a seamless user experience,” said Parallels President Jack Zubarev. 

Features include:

· Universal file manager: A cross-platform mobile experience for accessing all your files across remote locations, including computers and the cloud (iOS today, Android soon). Most local and remote files can be previewed.

· Samsung Galaxy Tab S and Galaxy Note 4: Access your computer and files from Samsung’s latest phones and tablets. There is full support for S Pen input on the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge.

· iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus: Optimised for new iPhone screen sizes and resolutions.

· Kindle Fire: Optimised for Kindle Fire.

· Sound where you want it: Users decide where they want to hear audio – on the mobile device or the computer.

View the associated videos here (iOS), here (Android) and here (computer to computer).

Parallels Access 2.5 is available now on the App Store, Google Play, Samsung Galaxy Apps and the Amazon Appstore for Android with a two-week free trial. Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge customers receive a free six-month subscription to Parallels Access as part of their Galaxy Gifts. Current customers get Parallels Access 2.5 for free. 

Individual subscriptions are available for S$25.98 for one year or S$44.98 for two years, and they include the ability to access up to five remote computers from an unlimited number of iOS and Android tablets and phones, and an unlimited number of computer-to-computer connections. 

Parallels Access for Business is available for a 30-day free trial, after which it costs S$59 for five computers and unlimited devices. 

HandySpeech handwriting-to-speech app now on Android devices

iSpeak4U, which makes mobile apps for people with speech and hearing disabilities, has announced the availability of an Android version of HandySpeech, an app that gives people with speech disabilities a quick and easy conversational tool.

Source: iSpeak4U. HandySpeech running on various devices.

HandySpeech allows users to write on a device screen with their finger or stylus and have the device read aloud what an individual wants to say. The app remembers frequently used phrases and learns the user's handwriting style. 

"The HandySpeech app is appropriate for individuals who have a speech disorder resulting from a vocal fold pathology (i.e., affecting the larynx)," said Dr Bernard Grela, Associate Professor, Department Chair of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Connecticut. "This includes individuals with oral and laryngeal cancers, motor speech disorders affecting the larynx and oral structures such as apraxia of speech, and patients who are placed on vocal rest due to recent surgery to treat vocal nodules or overuse of their voice. This app could also be useful for individuals with ALS and muscular dystrophy as long as they have enough motor control to write. This app will help to reduce the frustration and helplessness associated with the inability to talk."

The application was created by a twelve-year-old boy who was inspired by his sister, an autistic girl with speech disabilities. "I invented HandySpeech to give a voice to people who are unable to speak," said Eric Zeiberg. "The application is dedicated to courageous people who struggle every day to overcome their disabilities. I hope that HandySpeech will provide much needed help and open new opportunities for people in need."

HandySpeech for Android costs US$29.99 on Google Play and at the iTunes Store.

Fishbat comments on iOS8 developments, Apple Pay

Apple recently released the first beta of iOS 8.1, an upgrade to iOS 8 that followed just a few days after the release of iOS 8.0.2, which itself fixed a bug in the recently-introduced iOS 8.0.1. 

The new beta version includes these features:

• A newly designed iBooks icon.
• A new Enable Dictation toggle in the keyboard settings.
• New permission settings of applications.
• Larger application icons for new widgets in the notification center.
• Solutions to issues relating to mail, notifications, & photos.

With all the releases and changes, it's getting pretty hard to keep up, notes Internet marketing firm fishbat.

Apple is expected to be launching Apple Pay on or around October 20. Many believe that will be the launch date of iOS 8.1, the company points out. Apple Pay is expected to change the way users pay for items by using payment technology built into the device, so they no longer need to carry around credit cards. The current 8.0 version has a credit card icon in the Passbook, but lacks functionality, fishbat observed. Rather than abolishing credit card companies completely, Apple Pay will simply store the credit card information in Passbook, in a secure enclave.

Scott Darrohn, COO, fishbat, said: "Apple's beta process typically takes months, not weeks, therefore it will be interesting to see if the rumours hold value." 

Fit Spotting helps users locate hotels with great gyms

Fit Spotting is an iOS app which allows users to find, rate, and review hotel gyms and fitness centres.

"As an avid gym goer and also as a constant traveller due to my job, finding hotel gym reviews and pictures was a pretty daunting task when booking for my next hotel stay,” says Fit Spotting Founder Tarek Atwan. "The information is all over the place on the web and there was no centralised platform that contains community feedback, rating and photos to describe what is really being offered at the hotel." 

The app can be downloaded here.

Wondershare transfers Blackberry data to other phones in minutes

If you are replacing your Blackberry with a different phone, have a look at Wondershare. Blackberry phone users can now transfer Blackberry phone data including SMS, contacts, call history, and more to other devices the updated Wondershare MobileTrans Version 4.1. 

Source: Wondershare website

According to the company, Wondershare MobileTrans is the world's first and only Blackberry SMS to iPhone SMS transfer solution.

Using the Blackberry desktop backup, Blackberry users no longer need to connect both the old and new phones to a Windows computer to transfer content. Simply launch MobileTrans, and select the source Blackberry desktop backup file and the target phone, select what content types to transfer, then click "Start Copy."

Wondershare Marketing Director Summer Qin says, "MobileTrans greatly simplifies the process of moving to a new phone for Blackberry users. All of your data can be switched over, or you have the option to pick and choose the content you want to keep - it's that simple."

New Features of MobileTrans for Win Version 4.1 at a glance:

• Retrieve contacts and SMS from the BlackBerry Desktop Software backup and transfer to iPhones.
• Retrieve contacts, call history, and SMS from the BlackBerry Desktop Software backup and transfer to Android phones.
• Retrieve contacts from the BlackBerry Desktop Software backup and transfer to Nokia phones.
• Works with the latest smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S5, iPhone 5S, etc.
• Supports BlackBerry Desktop Software for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier

Wondershare MobileTrans for Win Version 4.1 for the Windows platform is currently available from the Wondershare web store for a single-use price of US$19.95; or US$39.95 for unlimited use.

Tile's tiles make the Internet of Things real, without even being on the Internet

Heard about the Internet of Things*? Thought it had nothing to do with you? Take the example of Tile, a startup which hopes to become the world's 'lost and found'. 

Rather than it being about your fridge being connected to the Internet to the point where it can send spam to others, it could be about Tile's reality: tiles which are small enough to fit on a keyring, and which never get lost.

Source: Tile website.

Strictly speaking, the tiles don't actually get on the Internet either, but it's close. Compatible iOS devices like iPhones and iPads can check where nearby tiles are via Bluetooth 4.0, and report their GPS locations to the Tile cloud. The actual locations are only shared with the owner of the tile, and there can be up to 10 tiles per account.

If there are enough Tile users, you could conceivably track your tiles and the items they are attached to. Stick the tiles to office property like laptops, and if they are stolen or misplaced, you can still find out where they are if an iOS device nearby your lost tile checked for tiles, noted the GPS location of your tile, and then reported it to the Tile cloud.  

The challenge is that there have to be enough Tile users for the tracking to occur. At the same time, the GPS signal has to be clear; there are cases where there is no signal, among tall buildings or underground, for example. And in a case where a tile is in a skyscraper, you would likely only obtain the address of the skyscraper, and not which floor it is on.

There is still a lot of utility for tiles within a confined space, however. With tiles, anything could be made to show up location-wise, even a non-electronic item like a plastic file full of paper, or a nametag for a visitor. Important files could be tagged with tiles so that it becomes clear whose desk they are on, for example, and you would theoretically be able to track your visitor's whereabouts at all times to ensure he or she doesn't wander into sensitive areas. 

*The Internet of Things refers to non-computer items being given the ability to communicate with the Internet. Prior to Tile, there was little indication about what they might want to communicate, or how useful that communication would be.