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Daily Archives: August 7, 2012
Apple takes another swing, knocks Google out again.
Just recently, it had been revealed that Apple didn’t want to have anything to do with Google, when it comes to their Maps app. Now, in the beta developer’s preview of iOS 6, Google gets knocked out again, with the native YouTube app being totally deleted from the pre-packaged iOS. In case it wasn’t totally clear, Google owns YouTube.
Google is one of the main competitors to Apple, and it’s clear that neither wants anything to do with the other. An Apple spokesperson stated in a statement on Monday:
“Our license to include the YouTube app in iOS has ended, Customers can use YouTube in the Safari browser and Google is working on a new YouTube app to be on the app store.”
However, Google was unavailable to comment. It would appear that YouTube is just far too popular for Apple to try and remove completely from their devices, but it is clear that they are trying to no-longer promote Google in anyway possible, which includes removing native apps for their services.
Apple and Google previously had a relationship in their attempts to remove flash from the iOS, working with capabilities in the realease of HTML 5. More information on the technical background between the companies can be found on the post made by AppleInsider.
I’m not bothered about this at all, Apple has already confirmed that YouTube will work in Safari, along with the fact that Google are still working on an iOS 6 compatible app. If Apple were to make YouTube totally inaccessible for iPhone, iPod and iPad users, then their sales would dramatically drop, as too many people unconsciously rely on the video site. Obviously the two companies can’t completely ignore the others existence, as their combined global impact has been larger than the pool of others.
I’ve already downloaded a bunch of apps for third-party services, one more couldn’t hurt, right?…
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Posted in All, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Other News
Booktrack App Review: Interactive Reading on iPhone and iPad
Reading your favourite e-book on iPhone or iPad has just become a lot more exciting with Booktrack. This app was founded by a New Zealander and has revolutionised the e-book experience.
Booktrack synchronizes music and sound effects to match the story you are reading. For example when reading about a boy running through the forest, the reader can hear everything from the leaves rustling to the bees buzzing. The App has the ability to sense the speed at which you are reading by recognising when you turn each page. This technology makes the sounds happen at the right time for the reader.
Some people think that listening to music while reading is distracting, but the Booktracks are synchronised so well, it enhances the experience. There are some similar apps out there but this one has a real ‘Kiwi’ influence. All of the software development is completed in Auckland.
To get the best experience headphones are essential, the music and sounds are so well synchronised, it is very easy to get lost in the story. The tempo of the music rises and falls depending on the situation in the story. The reader can chose from a number of guides, which displays where the app is currently up to.
With just a simple tap on the screen, the story pauses and the viewer can change the following settings. Clockwise from the top left-hand corner:
- Go back to the home screen
- View the contents page of the book
- Share the book via social media
- Add a bookmark to a page
- Tool settings- edit the speed
- Audio settings- edit volume of different effects
- Font settings- edit font type, size, and colour
Co-founder Mark Cameron is Originally from Auckland and Booktrack is now based in New York City.
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Posted in All
