September, 2012 - Softonic English

Google releases new YouTube app for iOS

When it was revealed that Apple removed YouTube as a native app in iOS 6, it was a welcome sign that Google would regain control over the stagnant app that Apple rarely updated. Today, Google released a new standalone YouTube app for iPhone, a day before Apple’s announcement.

Apple may announce the official release date for iOS 6 and possible updates to devices tomorrow, but iPhone users are currently able to experience an improved redesign and functionality of the YouTube app today. YouTube for iOS mirrors the Android app with a similar layout that includes the different sharing options with an increased response time when browsing videos or channels.

Adding a voice search gives another level of functionality for quick browsing. If you have been disappointed with the old YouTube app in iOS 5, the new app is a substantial evolution.

Continue reading “Google releases new YouTube app for iOS”

Google Drive updates with native editing and more for its mobile apps

If you’re a Google Drive user, you will want to check the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for updates for the mobile apps. When Google Drive was released on iOS, I was disappointed to find that it couldn’t edit documents on mobile devices. That changes today, as Google Drive finally supports creating editing documents on iOS. It boggles the mind that Google didn’t include these basic features right out of the box.

Those on Apple’s device can edit documents with rich text. Users have the option to change background colors, fonts, and indent. Also new is the ‘presentation’ mode where Slides can be set to full screen. This is great, especially for people who want to give presentations with iPad mirroring over AirPlay or using cable. Continue reading “Google Drive updates with native editing and more for its mobile apps”

How to play Minecraft mod MineZ

Minez is a Minecraft mod that turns the survival/building game into a blocky version of DayZ, the excellent Arma 2 mod.

If you’re new to Minecraft, it might not be clear how to play Minez, so here are the simple instructions you need to get going.

1. Minez only works if you have bought Minecraft. Head over to minecraft.net to buy the game, if you don’t already own it.

2. Download the Minecraft client, open it and log in.

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Essential guide to what’s new in iOS 6

iOS 6 post banner

A new iPhone means a new iPhone operating system – and iOS 6 promises to be the best yet. Even if you’re not getting the iPhone 5, you should still be able to upgrade to iOS 6 and in enjoy the benefits of a richer smartphone experience.

We’ve put together a series of posts about iOS 6 to help you find out what’s great about the new operating system, what’s not so good, and how you can upgrade your Apple device to the new OS. We’ll keep this post updated with any new iOS 6-related stuff as we publish.

Get YouTube back on your iPad running iOS 6

How to get Google Maps on iOS 6

9 hidden features in iOS 6

iOS 6 allows users to opt out of targeted ads

How to set up Do not Disturb in iOS 6

Editors’ choices: 8 best new features of iOS 6

iOS 6 features don’t work everywhere

Apple announces release of iOS 6 and new iTunes

Search problems blight new App Store in iOS 6

YouTube and Google Maps removed from iOS 6 by Apple

Android 4.1 vs iOS 6 vs Windows Phone 8

Impressions of iOS 6: Maps

WWDC 2012: Apple announces iOS 6

The best and worst iOS 6 rumors

How to manually install iOS 6

Search problems blight new App Store in iOS 6

There are thousands of great apps for iOS around, but thanks to some upcoming ‘improvements’ to the App Store it could be harder to find what you’re looking for.

The official release of iOS 6 on September 12 should implement all of the features announced at WWDC 2012, along with a revamped App Store. The new App Store will include some important additions, such as Genius recommendations, easy re-downloading of apps, and search support for podcasts.

The search function of the App Store is arguably the biggest change though, but after testing the latest build of the iOS 6 developer beta, I was less than impressed with it. In fact, searching apps in the new App Store can be very frustrating.

Continue reading “Search problems blight new App Store in iOS 6”

Lost Photos for Mac available for free today

I recently tested and reviewed Lost Photos, a desktop app for Windows PCs that has been incredibly useful in helping me locate and organize lost photos in my Gmail account. For someone who’s been using Gmail as long as I have (and who will freely admit to not being the best at deleting or filing away old messages), Lost Photos was a lifesaver for finding photos that I’d sent or that had been sent to me since I opened my account back in 2007.

Lost Photos is free on Windows PC and generally costs $2.99 in the Mac App store for Mac users. For today only though, Lost Photos for Mac is free. Continue reading “Lost Photos for Mac available for free today”

AVG gets a Windows 8 inspired redesign

AVG has released its entire security lineup for 2013 with some radical changes. The biggest change users will immediately take notice of is AVG’s Modern UI inspired interface. The old AVG interface has been thrown out and the new look is modern and easy to use, which goes in line with what Microsoft is doing with Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. This also means that those running AVG on a tablet will have a touch friendly interface.

Of course, AVG didn’t just stop at cosmetics. Under the hood, AVG has made its scanning engine 36% faster. Boot times have been shaved as well with a 200% speed increase when loading the app. AVG’s antivirus scanning engine also received some updates to reduce the number of false alarms. AVG includes a firewall with its security products as well, making it easy for users to protect their privacy and identity on the internet.

Let’s take a tour of AVG’s new interface. Continue reading “AVG gets a Windows 8 inspired redesign”

Google Chrome turns 4

Back in September 2008, Google launched a beta version of its web browser, Chrome, into a highly competitive market that was primarily dominated by Firefox and Internet Explorer.

It’s hard to believe Chrome is 4 years old, isn’t it?

While it by no means put competing browsers out of business, Chrome did mix things up more than a little and was a driving force when it came to innovation on many fronts. Here’s a look at some of the great features Google has brought us during four years of Chrome development. Continue reading “Google Chrome turns 4”

Preview: Double Fine leaks Middle Manager of Justice for iOS

Independent gaming developer, Double Fine Productions, accidentally leaked their new iOS game on Tuesday, which was quickly pulled. Luckily we had a chance to download Middle Manager of Justice before it was removed from the iTunes Store. There is a good amount of hype around this game as Double Fine is known for their funny writing and beautiful art style, as seen in their most famous game, Psychonauts.

While we did get our hands on the leaked game, we want to emphasize that this is only a preview of the game. Double Fine has come out and stated that this version shouldn’t be indicative about what is going to be released during the next few weeks. There is still plenty of time for Double Fine to polish and address any issues.

With that being said, let’s see what Middle Manager of Justice is all about. Continue reading “Preview: Double Fine leaks Middle Manager of Justice for iOS”

How to enable HTML5 in YouTube

YouTube displays video using Adobe Flash and previously there weren’t many problems with streaming video. Now with many video quality options and longer videos, Flash has become unreliable in playing video content sometimes freezing or crashing.

Add in the multiple Java or Flash banners that also take processing power to animate and sometimes you’re lucky to even watch the latest fail compilation. Since Google Play Music supports HTML5 playback over supported browsers, I was curious if YouTube also had the option for HTML5.

Apparently YouTube is in a trial phase for HTML5 playback for some videos.

It’s simple to opt-in and enable HTML5 in YouTube. You help developers get important data and you get to experience a smoother experience with the wide variety of videos. There are some limitations in the implementation, but as a work-in-progress, it’s a great step forward for HTML5 over Adobe Flash.

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