Splashtop for iPad gets major update: Retina support, easier remote desktopping (update: but at a price)

Splashtop gets major update retina support, new UI, easier remote desktopping over the web

If you wake up to find the Splashtop Streamer widget on your PC or Mac begging to be updated, then it’s probably worth it — especially if you have a new iPad lying around. Splashtop 2 has been optimized to work with the Retina display, which makes it a cinch to squeeze your entire Windows or OS X desktop onto the 10-inch screen without it looking terrible. The system has also been redesigned to avoid the need to enter IP addresses, passwords, port numbers or Google account details. Instead, you’ll create a new Splashtop 2 login that should work once across all your devices. The UI seems a lot friendlier, there’s a new in-app purchase to “supercharge” network performance (edit: also required for connections outside of the same WiFi network if you’re a new customer, see below), plus there’s improved support for fluid video streaming at up to 30fps. (Alas, there’s still no fullscreen support for Windows Media Center users though.) The new streamer and iPad app are available now, while the Android update should arrive soon. Want to see it in action? Head past the break for the promo video.

Update: We didn’t fully appreciate this at first, but cross-network remote desktopping is no longer free to new customers. If you’re coming to Splashtop for the first time, you have to make the in-app purchase ($1 per month or $10 per year) to enable “Anywhere Access.” That said, the Splashtop 2 app for iPad is currently selling for $2 — an 80 percent discount which largely compensates for the first year of charges.

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Splashtop for iPad gets major update: Retina support, easier remote desktopping (update: but at a price) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 03:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlueStacks brings Android apps to OS X, wolves planning a rest with some lambs

BlueStacks brings Android apps to OS X, wolves planning a rest with some lambs

BlueStacks is releasing the first public alpha of its Android App Player capable of running on OS X. The virtualization company’s software is powered by its Layercake technology and includes a bundle of apps from its various partners. CEO Rosen Sharma hopes the move will encourage developers to build “retina-friendly” apps for Google’s mobile OS that can then be sold to those on the other side of the technology divide. There’s a sign-up sheet for developers itchy to get their hands on the goods on the company’s website, but don’t expect a response right away — there’s still a few more days of Google I/O to go first.

Continue reading BlueStacks brings Android apps to OS X, wolves planning a rest with some lambs

BlueStacks brings Android apps to OS X, wolves planning a rest with some lambs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google+ on Android, iPad goes tablet-sized

Google on Android, iPad goes tabletsized

Google+ just got a makeover very recently, but it was still very much oriented towards phones — that’s been solved as of today. The social networking app is now optimized for Android tablets and the iPad, with a whole new navigation system and Hangout video chats suited to bigger screens. The layout is landscape-friendly and, if you have a new iPad, will take advantage of every pixel on that Retina display. Android users can get the update today; iPad owners will have to wait for a release coming “soon.” Android phone owners are getting some of the benefits of the supersized interface in their own, more modest screen sizes as well.

Check out our full coverage of Google I/O 2012’s opening keynote at our event hub!

Google+ on Android, iPad goes tablet-sized originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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