Velox is one of those tweaks that just brings a ton of new functionality to iOS. Whether you like it or hate it, developers have already stepped up to the plate to bring addons for the tweak. Of those currently available on Cydia are Torch, Compass, App Store, Stopwatch, Google and others. Keep reading for the full roundup. (more…)
As we all know, the native Google Maps application was recently released following its departure in the iOS 6 update. Today, iDownloadBlog is reporting that the app includes a hidden feature — topography.
Early feedback shows the app may be superior to the Android version, even though both versions of the app offer the same basic set of features. While the Android version offers more features such as Wikipedia integration and other Google services, the iOS version offers a more clean and intuitive experience.
Both may be useful apps, but the more recent iOS version seems to have one feature that has yet to be publicly announced. (more…)
Since the release of Apple’s own mapping solution found on iOS 6, the app has received generally unfavorable reviews. Most critics have described Apple Maps as inaccurate and lacking in features compared to Google Maps. But after Apple ditched Google Maps as the native mapping app for iOS after around five years, users had little choice for the past several months.
However, it was said that Google was working on a brand new mapping application for iOS that would soon be released into the App Store. Google has since fulfilled that promise, as users saw the return of Google Maps as a third-party app. Response to the app has been phenomenal, with over 10,000,000 downloads already. But, unfortunately, the app is not completely native on iOS devices.
Predictably, iOS 6 still redirects users to Apple’s own map application, even though Google’s fresh — and arguably better — intake of maps is now available. Thankfully, that’s where a new jailbreak tweak called MapsOpener from developer HASHBANG Productions comes in, setting the new map application as the default app on your iPhone or iPod touch.
MapsOpener is a “simple tweak [that] makes Google Maps links open in the new App Store app rather than the built in iOS app on iOS 5 and earlier.” It seems to permanently make Google’s new app the default application across the whole iOS ecosystem. For example, entering or clicking this link in Safari will direct you to Apple Maps on iOS 6, but with the tweak installed, the link will then direct you to Google’s new app. One thing to note about this tweak is that lifehacker “had mixed results getting MapsOpener to open the location in Google Maps,” but with few updates, that should be resolved. MapsOpener is a free jailbreak tweak found on the BigBoss repository in Cydia.
Samsung and Google may be able to breathe easy for the time being, thanks to a new temporary conclusion in their patent case against Apple. Earlier this afternoon, it was reported by The Verge that the ban on the Galaxy Nexus has been temporarily suspended while a decision from the appeals court is issued. The decision to suspend the ban, which was made at Samsung’s request, will only be in effect until Apple has a chance to respond. Hopefully, the appeals court will soon decide whether or not to continue the ban for the remainder of the trial. Also worth noting, the similar patent infringement ban on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 has been upheld, and does in fact remain in effect. (more…)
![[IMG]](http://s.iosfans.com/?u=https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cpkOQKfT1Kk/T-0ndpJUfEI/AAAAAAAADvs/tUHi82YGyMU/s750/Banner1.jpg)
Google has updated their official app for their Google+ social network with several new features. One of the new updates is instant uploading, which means that the app will automatically upload any photos or videos that you take with your iPhone or iPod touch to a private album on your Google+ profile.
Instant uploading will only work when the Google+ app is open and for a short period afterwards. This new feature can be adjusted in the app settings to allow for uploading on Wi-Fi networks only, in order to prevent exorbitant data fees through your mobile carrier. Other new features included in this update are the addition of a “What’s Hot” stream and the ability to see who has clicked “+1″ on items.
[App Store via iPhone Hacks]
The device is currently only available to Verizon customers (at least in the US), but the handset should also be available on the Now Network soon.
[Google]
Larry Page of Google has announced that their social network, Google+, has broken the 40 million user mark. What we wonder now is if people will actually keep using the service and even go so far as to delete their Facebook or Twitter accounts. Only time will tell.
Google also announced their third quarter earnings today. They made $9.73 billion in revenue, which is 33% higher than the same quarter last year. But that’s not all: their operating income for this quarter was also higher than last year’s, coming in at $3.06 billion versus $2.55 billion previously.
[Google]
AllThingsD reports that Samsung and Google will be holding off their Nexus Prime launch event out of respect for Steve Jobs’ death. The event was originally scheduled for this coming Tuesday, the 11th. However, in the light of recent events, they have postponed the launch until October 27th. Additionally, TNW reports that the event has been moved from San Diego to London, UK.
The Nexus Prime has become highly anticipated since it’s the first device to run Google’s upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich OS. It looks like fans will have to wait an extra two weeks or so for the release dates and prices that they want. Until then, they can rely on rumors – which are in large supply.
[AllThingsD, TNW] (more…)
Google has reached an agreement with Hachette Livre to scan and sell out-of-print books. The publisher will control the content and pricing of books, points of contention that led Hachette to withdraw some its e-books from Amazon earlier this year, and take a hard stance with Apple and their iBooks releases.
29 countries claim French as its official language, with 250 million persons speaking French as their first or second language. An additional 500 million are estimated to parles les mots. Hachette also distributes a variety of Spanish titles.
The agreement represents another step forward by Google in its attempt to create a universal library, a project started in 2004, and is a major toehold for Google in the European market. In the U.S., Google is close to finalizing a settlement with the Authors’ Guild over copyright issues.
Publishers are scrambling to defend their content and pricing from Internet sales, as e-books’ market share grows rapidly. The deal lays the foundation for future releases and the control publishers are desparate to maintain.