Hasta La Gadget!

Magellan’s RoadMate GPS app has always struck us as one of the better options within the App Store, and it just got a heck of a lot better with v2.0. One of the main reasons for sticking with Google Maps Navigation on the Android side is the availability of continually updated maps… at no charge. Now, folks who split with $59.99 will get the newest build of RoadMate, which just so happens to have lifetime map updates, Yelp and Google local search. Curiously, those “lifetime” maps run out after three years, but c’mon — you’re replacing that iPhone 4 just as soon as Steve trots out its finely tuned successor, aren’t you?

Continue reading Magellan’s iOS RoadMate GPS application gains free lifetime maps, Google local search

Magellan’s iOS RoadMate GPS application gains free lifetime maps, Google local search originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia’s freshman CEO is speaking at the Open Mobile Summit right now. As expected, he’s covering the same ol’ ground, explaining why Nokia ditched Symbian and MeeGo to build the “third ecosystem” with Microsoft — you know, after totally dominating the high-end smartphone market just three years ago. He’s also being credited with the following quote:

“Apple created Android, or at least created the conditions necessary for Android to come into being”

We’re on to you, Mr. Elop. It’s a classic diversionary tactic. Get the one and two smartphone / tablet OS vendors squabbling and then execute a flanking maneuver while nobody’s watching. Why else would the Nokia CEO make such an emotive claim? Unless it’s true?

CE-Oh no he didn’t!: Stephen Elop says ‘Apple created Android,’ the conditions necessary for its existence originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 05:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s not often that we get the opportunity to mention the Financial Times and Playboy Magazine in the same sentence, but the two publications do have at least one thing in common: App Store aversion. Today, the FT launched a new, entirely web-based app, designed to circumvent iTunes (and Apple’s 30 percent revenue cut) altogether. The paper says its single, cross-platform app will allow it to issue updates with more frequency, while reaching an audience that extends far beyond the iOS realm. Though the subscription service is only available for iPhone and iPad users at the moment, versions catered for Galaxy Tab, Xoom and PlayBook users are coming soon. Perhaps more important, however, is what this move could mean for other publishers — many of whom haven’t taken too kindly to Apple’s subscription revenue and data-sharing practices. FT managing editor Rob Grimshaw says his paper has “no plans to pull out of any apps store,” but if the system proves viable, it could open the door for others to pursue their own, similarly HTML5-based ventures, in the hopes of retaining full revenues and access to subscriber information. We’ll have to wait and see whether this iTunes exodus ever materializes, but in the meantime, iOS users can hit the source link to enjoy the new app, available for free until July 14th. Others, meanwhile, can head past the break to see a demo video, narrated in appropriately dulcet, British tones.

Continue reading Financial Times web app debuts for iOS, more tablets to come (video)

Financial Times web app debuts for iOS, more tablets to come (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 02:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We already got a chance to try out OnLive on the HTC Flyer early but now the company has made its plans official at E3, announcing a Player app will bring internet-streamed gaming to the iPad and Android tablets this autumn. Just as we saw, the apps allow for tablets to be used as the screen and touch / motion controller, touch / motion controller for games on an HDTV, or screen for games being played with the new universal wireless gamepad. The fun isn’t limited to just tablets though, the app will work the same way on smaller Android and iOS mobile devices. We’ll head over to South Hall and get some hands-on experience with the apps for ourselves shortly, until then you can check out an E3 trailer and all the details in the press release and after the break.

Update: We just got our hands on an early build of the tablet app on a Motorola Xoom, and we have to say it looks fairly promising — OnLive added a basic touchscreen overlay that could make sense for games that don’t require dual-analog support. Of course, you’ll want that fancy new universal wireless controller if you plan to take a hardcore FPS (like Homefront) on the go. Sadly, the tablet-as-TV-controller functionality wasn’t ready for prime time, but we did get a peek at a game designed specifically for the touchscreen interface: Ubisoft’s From Dust will have an OnLive-specific SKU. Get a glimpse at Homefront and From Dust via OnLive in the video below.

Update 2: We’re hearing that the OnLive Player will probably come to the HTC Flyer in August, and begin hitting other tablets in September and October.

Continue reading OnLive Player app for iPad and Android tablets meets the public at E3 (update: hands-on)

OnLive Player app for iPad and Android tablets meets the public at E3 (update: hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple threw quite the wireless party by introducing PC Free and iCloud at yesterday’s WWDC keynote, but it seems that the engineers in Cupertino may have even more tricks up their sleeve. Judging by a recently filed patent application, the company’s hoping to add charging to its list of cord-cutting services. Specifically, the patent describes building a NFMR (near-field magnetic resolution) power supply directly into your iMac so it can charge your iPhone, iPad, or even peripherals — such as a keyboard or mouse, when equipped with a special antenna — without the assistance of your ol’ trusty charging cords or batteries. Sporting a somewhat mature iMac that’s operating sans NFMR? Pop a special USB dongle in that bad boy and presto, you’re good to go. The patent points out that the range is limited to one meter, though there may be ways to install repeaters in peripherals to extend that distance further. Of course, patents won’t guarantee we’ll be grabbing the scissors to cut our cords anytime soon, but at least we won’t have to rely on these things for the rest of eternity.

Filed under: Wireless

Apple patent app sheds light on wireless charging dreams, NFMR love affair originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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