Virtual Assistant from Apple:

The voice control feature that comes with the latest version of iOS 5 may outshine the release of the newest iPhone model even if consumers have already eagerly waited for the announcement the latter mentioned device.

The voice control feature, which Apple calls as a Virtual Assistant, is deemed to change how people will interact with their iPhones.

People can practically converse with the devices when they are deciding on things and activity schedules.

This service, which has been reported by Charles Golvin from Forrester as a catch up act from Apple with Google has actually been around for quite some time now in concept.

This has been described by Former Apple CEO John Sculley as “Knowledge Navigator” in his 1987 released book Odyssey.

Apple had been exploring the concept over the next years and the Knowledge Navigator took form in a tablet computer that was made prior the production of iPad.

This had incorporated an advanced text to speech function with a speech comprehension system and multi-touch gesture interface, technologies that were much similar to iOS.

Technically then, Apple has had the hardware technology for iPad practically established for years now due to Knowledge Navigator but it has not perfected the text-to-speech and speech understanding chops until the Siri start-up came.

Siri started as an iPhone application utilizing voice recognition. This is much similar to the iOS Google Search and Android apps for voice search.

The difference is with Siri, one ought to give descriptive instructions and Siri would deliver results for the highest ranking items that reflect what has just been described. It also gives the nearest GPS determined location for the searched items.

The Siri is actually the one that serves as the Virtual Personal Assistant. It functions in such manner because it does not only search for results but also does other things.

The user for example can ask it to make reservations in restaurants that provide services through the internet. Also, it can analyze the user’s personal preferences and interaction history to accomplish other tasks.

This happens as it is used several times.
Given these functions, then Siri may just take over the new iPhone’s popularity.

Virtual Assistant from Apple may just surpass the New iPhone model is a post from: Tech Pinger

Are reading emails soon to be extinct? Not yet..

The first to go in the written communication era were post mails, although a few people still use post mail to contact others and to send important documents.

Post mail services have almost died out due to the over popular communication means through electronic mail or email. Today webmail however is going for a dramatic dive to the pits due to mobile devices invading the technology market.

But this does not entirely mean that emails are dying out. What this only implies is the fact that people are relying less on webmail and desktop options when they check their emails.

Instead, they try to connect to their email accounts using their iDevices like their iPhones and iPad. This is of course, at the expense of web based providers, but with advance technology, the providers cannot really complain.

Further research by Litmus’ Email Analytics showed that in the past year alone, the email behaviour of most users have changed, with 150% of emails opened through mobile devices.

What is surprising however is the fact that although people use their mobiles to access their email accounts, Outlook and Apple Mail have still maintained a steady hold over usage because of its applications, giving problems again to webmail popularity.

Speaking of webmail popularity, Litmus’ Email Analytics also looked into the browser preferences of webmail users.

The company found out that the Internet Explorer browser is the browser most preferred by those who use Yahoo! Mail and Hotmail while Firefox (in the lead), Internet Explorer and Google Chrome are in a close tie in when it comes to the preferences of Gmail users.

The other communication means that are considered to be part of the trending electronic lifestyle are SMS, social media and IM.

Much of these communication processes are also accessed through mobile devices thereby emphasizing the fact that the mobile devices are really taking the lead in the communication process.

The 13% of all email accounts have been even opened through again the iDevices, thus, needless to say, mobile are really getting much used for email access.

Clearly then, given these facts and findings, email usage is not near extinction yet. People still rely on the comforts email can offer its users. In fact, by 2014, it is estimated that about 3 billion people will be using electronic emails worldwide.

Emails: are Almost Extinct? Not when they are read even through iPhones and iPads is a post from: Tech Pinger

For that reason, let’s take a look on the following apps below:

Honks

Honks are so far the best parking alarm app for iPhone. It was developed by Math Game House Software. Under the category of navigation and car find category, it is the choicest app rated over at the AppAdvice.Com.

It comes in its latest version 1.1.0, upgraded to be compatible with iPad 2 camera functions, it displays time alarm expiration with up to 5 hours maximum meter options and improved GPS location recording. Along with these improvements are minor tweaks and bug fixes.

You can view it on iTunes in 4+ rating, priced at $1.19. It is also compatible with iPad and iPod touch with iOS requirement of 4.2 or later.

AirMusic

AirMusic is an awesome music streaming app developed by Plutinosoft. It is also
has 4+ rating under the category of music in iTunes. It is designed for both iPhone and iPad at $5.99.

Currently, it is upgraded to version 1.2 with the following updates:

-Fixed stuck loading screen issue
- Podcasts support
- Better detection of library changes
- Fixed occasional crash when backgrounded
- Added support for Boxee Box
- Universal app (iPad support)
- Fixed device detection issue when flipping switch
- Internal optimizations (www.iTunes.Apple.Com)

Meanwhile, it was loaded with praise as the most flexible and fastest music app for iPhone.

Total Baby App

Total Baby is the best baby logging and tracking app iTunes has ever had. ANDEsigned, its developer has upgraded it with new functionality in version 2.0.6. Accordingly, it has added growth date to the setting screen and E-mail export type count to make clear with the on/off icon.

It also fixes the issue crashes and one-note only display. It is also rated 4+ at the price of $5.99.

Nomis

This app is best known as the music release notifier developed by Taprockets. For only $4.99 you won’t miss any album release.

Best Useful iPhone Apps Right Now? is a post from: Tech Pinger

The thriving industry of smartphones and its related devices has created the technology driven world into somewhat more of a fantasy than the real one.

Almost all of the world’s largest industries have entered the virtual world of technology by venturing into its different aspects of where they can have the most gain.

While it can be argued that there’s nothing wrong in this trend, still we should not forget that we are real people who should face the real challenges in the world.

Speaking of challenges, what can be more challenging for the other phone carriers in the US with the announcement of LTE that they won’t be providing the 4G broadband network compatibility for them?

Good thing, the anticipated Samsung Illusion is included in the Verizon LTE lineup.

We have recently seen the leaked photo of this smartphone on Verizon. This is known as the Viper or SCH-I110. It runs with Gingerbread which feature includes the 800MHz CPU and a 480 x 320 HVGA smaller-screen display.

Its Sustainable Product Certification indicates that it has least addition of eco-friendly features.

But turning back to the issue of other carriers, it can be noted that Big Red and AT&T separately owns a block of 700MHz spectrum each that resulted to limited phones to be carried on both networks.

Add to that are the 1700MHz wave by MetroPCs and the 1500MHz of LightSquared.

This only implies that it’s less likely or not easy to have a very good roaming status in the country.

{Source: flickr}

Samsung Illusion: Gets Exclusive with LTE Verizon, how about the other carriers? is a post from: Tech Pinger

iPhone 5 is really close a release now.

US Carriers of iOS 5 have begun the final testing of the software and the staffs from Apple Stores have started training for it via internal application.

9 to 5 Mac has said that the training processes done by other carriers in the world are well underway too.

Such trainings however are similar to the trainings that happened prior the release of iOS 4 and iPhone 4. Aside from these trainings, the major carrier support divisions of iOS 5 are also being taught with iCloud too.

The reason for teaching iCloud together with iOS 5 is that Apple’s considering iCloud and iOS 5 to be integrated products.

This is because many of their features relatively interact with each other. Included in the training aids developed through Apple’s help consist of video based instructions and PDF files. With these things on the way, Apple will probably speak about it sooner.

A testing priority for the final builds of the iOS 5 is the workings of FaceTime via 3G.

This is technically a new feature in the iOS 5 system. Latest inside news have already claimed that the FaceTime via 3G feature is now actively working.

Some say however that Apple is not sure whether this will really be part of the features available in the final build that would be released to users.

Aside from FaceTime via 3G, other final build tests include Nuance Dictation speech to text feature. Such is similar to the version present in Android OS but such is more quick and accurate to use though.

The news on iOS 5 software up and coming release implies one thing, that iPhone 5, which will be using the software, will technically be already in its final production and shipment too. If this is true, then it is possible that Apple TV sales will soar high.

The new operating system will open up different never been seen before possibilities to Apple users.

iPhone 5 Is Just Right Around The Corner! is a post from: Tech Pinger

The mobile world is now circulated with rumors about Sony Ericsson’s plan to work on an almost 5 inches 3D smartphone.

The said smartphone is going to have the glasses -free 4.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels and a dual core Snapdragon processor.

These features although leaked are extremely going beyond the normal 3D smartphones we have today.

If the said resolution could be true, then we can say that the distinction between a tablet and a smartphone is no longer applicable.

Why? It’s because 1280×720 pixels is the standard resolution for a normal 13 inches laptop screen, but if we will transfer this huge resolution onto a 4.7 screen then we will be expecting an ultimately sharp and clear images.

No wonder, Sony Ericsson remains in the top global mobile phone industry.

They have really served the worldwide communication market with a very high-end technology such as this.

Although, the sources of these rumors are not yet confirmed, I think that this has already reached the ears of Sony Ericsson’s competitors.

Particularly by the HTC, as they claimed to be the first in America who had released the glasses free 3D 4G devices, only that the measure of the device’s screen is lesser than 4.7 inches.

Setting aside the features of this rumored 3D smartphone, one thing that I see in this rumor is that the reason for the fast growth of mobile industry is not only based on the number of consumers, but also on how innovative you are with the use of technology. And that I think the edge of Sony Ericsson.

{Photo: johnk }

Sony Ericsson’s Plan To Work On A 4.7inch 3D Smartphone: Leaked is a post from: Tech Pinger

The blogging app is said to allow the users to post blogs, edit blogs and view other members with ease.

This recent move is not unusual for WordPress to make, as it is the most popular content management system (CMS) in use on the internet today.

Aside from its web template system, WordPress has given the users a lot of ease in maintaining their own site.

However, Keen Studios, the developer of the said WordPress app says that this requires the plug-in ‘WPre’ for some of its functionality.

That’s why they are now working hard to get the release of this blogging app for WebOS in BETA as soon as possible. And that’s good news for me as I can’t wait to see and try this latest blogging app. I hope that they can really make it through their deadline.

Meanwhile, the mobile operating system based on Linux Kernel, WebOS, has long been featured on several devices since it was acquired by Hewlett Packard (HP).

But due to the recent announcement of HP in discontinuing the production of WebOS related hardware devices, it is unclear whether we can enjoy the newly developed app in our mobiles.

Also, there are no official statements from HP whether they are going to consider the licensing of WebOS to other manufacturers.

For all of these, we can’t say anything, but to wait for this upcoming WordPress blogging app.

The Newest WordPress App For WebOS To Come Soon: Requires ‘WPre’ Plug-in is a post from: Tech Pinger

Earlier in the year, rumor has it that all the finished devices of iPhone 5 are still awaiting the installation of iOS 5, thus, the finished products were not packed yet in full blast.

But iPhone 5 is now near its full production as the carriers have begun testing the final build for its operating system.

Inside reports say that Foxconn Electronics has even upped its production of iPhone 5 to 150, 000 units per day. It is expected to produce a total of six million in a month. Soon, shipments of the device will be on its way.

The suppliers for the iPhone 5 components are also already on the go. The companies Largan Precision for the lens, G-Tech Optoelectronics for the reinforced glass supplier, Simplo and Dynapack for the batteries, and TPK Holding makers of the touch panel have definitely gone to full production.

A total of 22 million iPhone 5s are to be made by the time they would be released in 2012.

The number is based on the fact that distributers have already started to make orders of the device from the producers. Even Pegatron have received increasing order demands for the device but Pegatron made public that they will not be shipping their shares unless the releases are really on their way next year.

There are however speculations that iPhone 5 will be available on October but most likely, Apple will just probably showcase the product and will stick to the original date of release.

Added speculations also say that the iPhone will perhaps include a 3G capable iPod Touch.

Hopefully, with all these speculations for the iPhone 5, whether these are true or not, Apple will still have enough units for all those who want to have a taste of this product.

iPhone 5 Demand Pushes for Full Production is a post from: Tech Pinger

History traces one country’s rich events of the past that lead them to where they are now and made them to what they have become now.

Each country has its own history that they can be proud of, but in this article we take focus on the American History of which one of the most powerful and famous country in the world history. For that we have a list here of top 5 best iOS apps on American history.

1. Native American Indian Pictures and History: This is developed by the BustedBooks.com of which made available at the App Store for only $1.99 through the iTunes App Store.

The pictures that it contains are real photos of Native Americans such as the tribes from Apache, Cherokee and Pima that includes Geronimo, Amos Two Bulls, Iron White Horse and many more.

2. Native American History for Dummies: This app by Dorothy Lippert & Stephen J. Spignesi teaches about the Native Americans, American Indians, indigenous peoples, first nations with vast array and diverse nations, tribes and the the population of cultures before the arrival of Christopher Columbus.

3. American Old West Study Guide: This is developed by Brigthouse Labs to let us know more about the American old West.

The articles in this app is taken from Wikipedia of which are all indexed so that you can still read and view the information even without internet access.

4. HD History: This app is available for iPad by Jose Barrientos at $0.99. It is the historical compilation that incorporates details on events from various eras that describes the economic and social evolution of U.S North America.

5. Presidents of the United States for iPad: This app is from Clint Clayton which gives detailed information on the U.S. Presidents.

It is arranged chronologically from former President George Washington to the current President Barack Obama.

Top 5 Best American History iOS Apps is a post from: Tech Pinger

Self-defense is one of the main principles in martial arts. In today’s increasing crime rates, it is quite important for you to arm yourself with knowledge to take both defense and offense, in case some bad men may intend to harm you.

And for that, we have a list of top 7 best martial arts iOS apps below:

1. Marine Martial Arts: This is available for $1.99 at the iTunes App Store. Its developer is Double Dog Studios of which the main features of this app include the 500 plus pages of the U.S.

Marine Corp training manual. It contains tactics, techniques and procedures for close combat with or without arm, as well as lethal techniques. This app also trains you with the fundamentals in fighting.

2. Wing Chun Masters: This educational martial arts app is created by Crooked Creative LLC and is available at App Store for $5.99. This app trains you the never ever seen before videos of Wing Chun techniques.

3. Martial Arts – Learn How To Protect Yourself: This is available at the App Store for $0.99 by the AppWarior. It teaches the art of self-defense with jujitsu, of which it includes the four methods of combat and five main sectors of jujitsu arts training. Jujitsu is useful in improving both mental and physical form.

4. Kung Fu 101: This app is available for $2.99 at the iTunes App Store.

If you’re one of the fans of Kung Fu Panda, then this app is one of the best ways to learn the Chinese Kung Fu. It also features the Tai Ji techniques, a systematic thought of balance of which basic instructions were profound in this app. apparently, you will learn both the techniques of Tai Ji and Kung Fu in this app.

5. Martial Arts Study: This encyclopedic type of application is made available to us at the App Store for $0.99.

This includes informative explanations of the traditions of combat, the look of martial arts and the objective of defense from physical threats. It contains details about the Brazilian jujitsu, Hapkido, Martial Arts China, Dragon Kung Fu, and other martial arts.

6. iKata Karate: This is available for $9.99 at the App Store. It teaches the essential katas in Shotokan of which you can prepare yourself for an upgrade in the examination of Shotokan style.

7. Taekwondo Personal Trainer: This is the first ever personal Taekwondo trainer you can have at home for only $1.99. You can learn the correct moves of Taekwondo with basic systematic images for each.

Top 7 Best Martial Arts iOS Apps is a post from: Tech Pinger