News - Softonic English

Adblock, Apple, and EA news

This week on the Softonic Roundup we checkout what’s going on between YouTube and Adblock, get excited about Apple’s announcements, and ponder why EA is taking games off the App Store.

Ad-blockers were in the news quite a lot last week. We start looking at recent clashes between the Chrome YouTube App and AdBlock Pro (Source: Neowin), but then have a closer look at a recent report regarding the impact of ad-blockers on websites. (Sources: BuzzFeed, Ad Age, and PageFair)

Obviously, last week’s Apple Keynote is also a focus of this week’s Roundup. Information on the WatchOS2, iPad Pro, and the new iPhone 6S (and iPhone 6S Plus) all got us excited. That said it was the new Apple TV announcement that got our minds racing, pondering how the tech company intends to change how we behave in our living room. (Source: Apple)

Finally, game news from EA. The gaming giant has removed a number of its games from the App Store (including Flight Control, Real Racing, and Dead Space). There is still no words as to why, but we are guessing it is will be due to either compatibility issues with iOS 9 or a move to re-release them in a free to play format as they did with Peggle. (Source: Touch Arcade)

That’s it for this week. Subscribe, like, share, and check back in the week for more Softonic videos.

Apple conference rumors, Instagram changes, and Windows 10 news

If you feel like you missed some of the big tech news last week, then the Softonic Roundup is here to help with rumors about the next iPhone, the latest Windows 10 news, and everything that has happened with Instagram.

The big Instagram (Android|iOS) news is that the photo-based social network now allows you to upload your pictures and videos in portrait and landscape formats. This means your carefully crafted composition can now go up in its natural form. Source: Instagram Blog

Our Apple information this week is all speculation in advance of their conference on September 9th. Of course the new iPhone is a large part of this, but the bigger rumors surround Apple TV. With the possibility of Siri and the App Store being added, Apple TV could become a far closer cousin to other Apple devices – possibly providing a sneaky way for the company take over your living room. Sources: MacRumors & TechCrunch

But even before the Apple event starts it has been grabbing people’s attention by allowing you to stream the conference over Windows 10’s Edge browser – rather than limiting it to the company’s own products. Maybe this is due to the new OS’s huge install base, or maybe we can expect some surprises. Sources: The Verge & Windows Blog

In other Windows news; there is a new Windows 10 build for Insiders to try, and Windows 7 and 8 updates that include monitoring tools similar to those in Windows 10. Sources: WinBeta & Ghacks

Finally this week, Minecraft’s creator Notch has revealed that since selling Mojang to Microsoft for 2 billion dollars he has felt sad and lonely. I guess you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. Source: ReCode & Twitter

Subscribe so you don’t miss any of our great video shows, and I will see you on September 14th with more news.

Spotify’s controversial new Terms and Conditions and other news in the Softonic Roundup

On this week’s Softonic Roundup we talk about Spotify’s controversial new Terms and Conditions, Google Maps’s photo service, and a few intriguing Android and iOS bits.

Our first story is about how Google Maps is to take on Foursquare with its new food photos service. That’s right, now if you take a picture of a tasty treat a prompt will appear asking if you would like to upload it to Google Maps, then ask for a review – slowly building picture of restaurants in the area. Source: Android Police

In iOS news, you can now sync your iPhone WhatsApp account with the web version of the service. True, this has been an option on Android for a while, but better late than never. Source: Whatsapp Blog

Android users may be pleased to hear that Google is to preload fewer apps on their devices, allowing you more space to fill up with photos of food. Unfortunately, phone manufacturers can still install whatever they like. Source: Android Central

In other Google news, the company’s plans to bring internet to the world continue a pace, with the release of an Infinix’s HOT 2 – a $90 mobile phone that will be sold in six African nations. Source: Engadget

Lastly this week, are Spotify’s controversial new Terms and Conditions. By agreeing to these you will be giving the company access to your photographs, videos, contacts, location, and voice commands. The reaction to this on social media has not been good, leading to the company CEO, Daniel Ek, posting an apology on the official blog. Source: Forbes

That’s if for this week, we will be back next week with more tech news.

Gamescom, YouTube, and Windows 10 news: Softonic Roundup

Last week was pretty full, so there is lots to cover in this week’s Roundup. And from Gamescom to Windows 10, we look at it all.

We kick off with YouTube’s new video player and counter. The first of these you have probably already noticed, as the video streaming service’s slick new player is a clear change. Source: Google System

Less obvious is the new counter, which no longer stalls at 301 if your new video is getting a lot of views. This is because of a change in the way views are tracked – find out more in the video. Source: ReelSEO

Next up is our weekly check in with Windows 10, which kicks off with Cortana. Microsoft’s personal assistant just released on Android in private beta, signaling its upcoming full release on the platform before finally hitting iOS later this year. Source: The Verge

In other Windows 10 news, it seems to be going well for the new operating system with some reports claiming it has been downloaded on over 25 million machines. Source: Neowin

It doesn’t stop there, with the Start Menu having won a design award. This is especially great news for Windows 8.1 RT users as – while they may not get Windows 10 for free – they will get the menu in their next update. Source: The Verge

Microsoft has just released Windows Bridge, the program that allows developers to easily port apps from iOS to Windows 10. With any luck, this will hugely bolster the number of apps available on the Windows Store. Source: Engadget

Finally this week, Gamescom – which also seems to feature a lot from Microsoft. The biggest news from the show for PC gamers is that Microsoft is going to introduce more Cross-Play features, allowing Xbox One and Windows 10 games to share save games, DLC, and in-game purchases between devices – as well as enabling them to compete against each other in multiplayer. Source: Kotaku

Other big PC game news from the show includes new expansions packs for both The Sims 4 and World of Warcraft. Source: PC Gamer

We will be back next week with more news, see you then.

Windows 10 upgrade, Angry Birds 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s 4, Twitter, and YouTube – News Roundup

Welcome back to the Softonic Roundup, where we review the most important news of last week.

First up, news from Twitter last week saw the company starting to protect people jokes. That’s right, from now on tweets that borrow, plagiarize, or steel jokes and do not give due credit to the original author will be removed upon request by the originator. Source: TechCrunch

Also last week, YouTube made changes to their smartphone app to allow videos to be viewed vertically in full screen. With the portrait orientation becoming increasingly popular with video makers, this change could make the smart phone app the best way to watch these videos, as it removes those ugly black boarders. Source: The Verge

Gamers also had a surprise on Friday, as Five Nights at Freddy’s 4 was unexpectedly launched on Steam and Google Play. Subtitled the Final Chapter, we would be amazed if this is truly the last time we see Freddy Fazbear – especially as developer Scott Cawthorn is promising something for Halloween. Source: Softonic Spain

This week will also see two big releases. Angry Birds 2 and Windows 10.

While developer Rovio has released two videos to promote Angry Birds 2, little is yet known about the game. With its release this Thursday, however, you can be sure we will have plenty of information on the site soon. Source: Official Site

On the other hand, we already know a good amount about Windows 10. Microsoft new OS will be released this Wednesday, which is when most Windows 7 and 8 users will be able to start downloading it for free. Source: Microsoft

Unfortunately, users with Windows RT, Windows 7 Enterprise, or a version of Windows prior to 7 will not be eligible for the free update. But if you think you should be eligible and haven’t yet seen the update button in your task bar this link should show you how to fix that. Source: Microsoft Answers

That’s it for this week, we will be back with another tech roundup next week.

Softonic News Roundup: Mozilla blocks Flash, Angry Birds 2, and more Windows 10

The Softonic News Roundup is back once again to catch you up with last week’s tech news.

We start this week with Mozilla’s banishment of Adobe Flash from its Firefox browser. The reason for this is decision is that, despite Flash’s popularity, the program has been connected to many security issues. Mozilla is just the latest company make its opinion of the player known, joining Facebook and Google. Source: The Verge

Last week also saw the announcement of Angry Birds 2, yes 2. Believe it or not, Seasons, Rio, Space, Star Wars, Go, Transformers, Epic, Stella, et al. have not contributed to the franchises number progression. Little is known about the upcoming game, but we shouldn’t have to wait long to find out. Source: Rovio

In Windows 10 news, Microsoft is getting ready for the operating system’s launch in a little over a week. As part of this it has begun to release a series of videos on their blog to show off its benefits. Source: Neowin

Other Windows 10 news has revealed that if you purchase the new OS in a store you will get it on a USB stick. Source: Softpedia

And, finally, more updates on Windows 10’s integration with Xbox One, with conformation that console owners will be able to stream action directly to any Windows 10 devices – a feature now available to all beta testers. Source: The Verge

We will be back next week with more tech news, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it.

Softonic News Roundup: Windows 10 to get Firefox and Minecraft, and Nintendo’s CEO Satoru Iwata dies

After a brief hiatus, the Softonic News Roundup is back to get you caught up with all the tech news that you may have missed over the weekend.

We begin this week with news that Facebook is planning giving you more freedom to customize your feed – meaning you can banish all those food photos. Though this is initially only to be only available on the mobile app, we hope that it will come to desktop soon. Source: TechCrunch

Second we have Apple’s iOS 9 public beta. This will let iPhone and iPad users don’t mind suffering the problems that come inherent to an unfinished software, a chance to try out Apples new mobile OS. If you fancy giving it a shot just head here – just backup your phone or tablet first. Source: CNET

With Windows 10 out at the end of the month we are expecting solid stream of news about it, and this week bears that out. First, it seems that Mozilla are to have a Windows 10 version of its incredibly popular browser, Firefox, ready to go. Source: VentureBeat

We also learned this week that there will be a beta version of Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition that will be launched on the Windows 10 store on July 29th alongside the new OS – a powerful brand of the store. Not to worry if you own the Java version of the game already though as, not only will that still work, but you will also receive a copy of the beta for free. Source: Mojang

And finally this week, incredibly sad news as we pay our respects to Satoru Iwata. The respected President and CEO of Nintendo has passed away at just 55 years old. Having helmed the company for many years, he was a true visionary who shaped the landscape of all gaming, he will be sorely missed. Source: Nintendo Japan

We will be back next week with more tech news, be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss out.

With UR 3D Launcher, personalizing your Android device has never been so easy or fun

UR 3D Launcher isn’t just another Android Launcher. This application lets you personalize your Andriod OS to a mind-blowing degree, including a huge gallery of animated 3D wallpapers, dozens of icon packs, smart folders that organize your apps more efficiently, and a memory optimizer for your device. And all this is free.

One of the advantages of Android is the ability to personalize the system and set up your device — whether cell phone or tablet — the way you want. In addition to changing how things look — such as new wallpapers and icons — you can also change system settings and even include extra features. Launchers were developed to help you do this, but the downside is they’re not always easy to use. Not with UR 3D Launcher and their new user-friendly interface. Everything is done with just a few clicks, and it’s all intuitive, making your device even more fun to use.

UR 3D Launcher offers customization that starts with your home screen. This is where you can always find the apps you use the most, so that you won’t have to spend unnecessary time trying to find YouTube hidden amongst a huge list of apps, for example. To give your device a look that reflects your own style, the app includes 25 3D animated wallpapers and more than 100 2D images, divided into categories such as “Vintage,” “Love,” and “Nature.” Several icon packs are also available to complete the transformation.

And there’s more: UR 3D Launcher offers extra features to make it even easier to navigate the operating system. Just install and start up Launcher, and it will create a series of smart folders that separate your apps by type, such as “Games,” Social,” “Photography,” and “Productivity.” Each folder offers recommendations for new apps in that category for you to discover and download.

Another new feature is the sidebar, which you open by sliding your finger to the right or left, depending on your preference. This space contains your most recently used apps, and also offers quick access to the UR 3D Launcher settings and customization screens, as well as the Launcher’s very own Android app store. UR 3D Launcher also makes the search bar at the top of the screen smarter and more powerful, with the ability to search through apps, contacts, and the web, all in one place.

The developers at UR 3D Launcher know that many of us run out of storage space on our devices from saving photos or installing new apps, so they’ve gone beyond customization to include a memory optimizer. UR Booster Lite frees up space on your device with a simple tap on the screen.

But what if you get tired of UR 3D Launcher’s “special effects”? Don’t worry! With UR 3D Launcher, it’s also easy to restore the default style of your phone or tablet without having to turn off the application or restore it to the original factory settings and run the risk of losing everything you’ve saved. A few intuitive taps on the screen is all it takes – this application is truly this easy to use!

UR 3D Launcher offers a complete set of personalization packs and features. Although you’ll need to individually download wallpapers and icons — which actually helps save space on your device — the app offers everything you need to set up your device with your own style, free of charge and free of hassles.

Download UR 3D Launcher for Android

News Roundup: No free Windows 10 for pirates and more

This week we have a new video series for you guys. Alex breaks down the top news stories you missed from last week. Start off your Monday right by catching up with the most important app news.

Our first story is about a security flaw found on the Apple Watch. Attackers can apparently reset Apple’s smartwatch without a passcode, making it a target for theft. While the iPhone has a feature where the phone can’t be reset without your iCloud password, the Apple Watch has no such feature. This seems like a bizarre oversight by Apple.

One of gaming’s biggest names, Konami, is abandoning its traditional PC and console games for mobile. This came as a shock to many as Konami has big PC and console franchises like Metal Gear and Pro Evolution Soccer. “We will pursue mobile games aggressively. Our main platform will be mobiles. Following the pay-as-you-play model of games like Power pro and Winning Eleven with additional content, our games must move from selling things like ‘items’ to selling things like ‘features,'” says Konami CEO Hideki Hayakawa.

Next up, we have Facebook Instant Articles. The social network is solving the problem of slow loading web pages by hosting publisher’s content on its own platform. This allows Facebook to load stories with almost zero lag. No more waiting for images and ads to load. While this is great for Facebook users, some publishers fear it may give Facebook too much control over their content.

And our last news stories for today are about Windows 10. The upcoming operating system will get Candy Crush Saga, makes porting Android and iOS apps easy, and will not be free for pirates. Microsoft wowed developers with its new tools to easily port Android and iOS apps to Windows 10 Mobile. However, many developers are worried porting apps will lead to a sub par user experience and disincentivizes native development for Windows Mobile.

More shockingly, Microsoft is backtracking on its promise to allow pirated copies of Windows to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Windows chief Terry Myerson originally stated that pirated versions of Windows were eligible for free upgrades to Windows 10 but company representatives quickly qualified that promise with an ambiguous statement. Now the company has flat out stated that pirates will have to pay, but there will be some “very attractive Windows 10 upgrade offers” pirate users can look forward to.

That wraps up our first Softonic news roundup. Remember to subscribe to stay up to date with the latest Softonic videos. Let us know what you think in the comments and we’ll be back next week with another news roundup.

Call of Duty: Black Ops III first details announced

Developer Treyarch is back in the driving seat for this year’s installment of Activision’s huge franchise. Call of Duty: Black Ops III will arrive on PC, Xbox 360 and Playstation 4 on November 6th 2015. You can watch the reveal trailer and read the PC specifications below.

Set in 2065, and continuing the story of Black Ops II, Call of Duty: Black Ops III looks to gently evolve the series in a few ways.

Firstly, the campaign mode will support four player co-op. Of course, you’ll be able to play solo too, but co-op promises new ways to experience the game, with each soldier taking a different role in the various scenarios. As well as playing through the story normally, you’ll be able to play any level in any order with friends. This co-op emphasis means Call of Duty: Black Ops III environments will be more spacious and open, so there should be less of the corridor-style gameplay of earlier games.

It’s good to see a Call of Duty title putting more emphasis on the campaign mode, which has sometimes just felt like a controversy-filled add-on to the multiplayer part of the series that keeps players coming back.

The futuristic setting allows Treyarch to introduce even more technology to the battlefield. Soldiers are augmented with a variety of technological upgrades, turning them into superhuman fighters. You’ll be able to double jump, wall run and thrust slide, thanks to new cybernetic limbs. This may bring Titanfall to mind, but that game wasn’t the first to introduce technologically improved super soldiers to FPS gaming either, and last year’s CoD Advanced also featured robotically-enhanced soldiers.

As you can see in the reveal trailer, soldiers will have more than super powerful limbs. Weapons will be highly technological too, and there will even be underwater combat sections. Just like we’re used to in multiplayer today, you will also be able to customize and upgrade your campaign character as you play through the story.

So far we know that the multiplayer will feature ‘Hardpoint, Domination and Team Deathmatch‘ modes, but more have yet to be announced. Zombie mode will also return.

If you pre-order, you’ll be able to take part in a multiplayer open beta for the game later this year.

These are the minimum PC requirements for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.

Operating System: Windows 7 64-Bit / Windows 8 64-Bit / Windows 8.1 64-Bit

Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-530 @ 2.93 GHz / AMD Phenom™ II X4 810 @ 2.60 GHz

Memory: 6 GB RAM

Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 470 @ 1GB / ATI® Radeon™ HD 6970 @ 1GB

DirectX: Version 11

Network: Broadband Internet connection

Sound Card: DirectX Compatible

Stay tuned for more features on Call of Duty: Black Ops III this year.

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Follow me on Twitter: @jonathanriggall

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