Google Maps 5.5 for Android cops more Latitude, tweaks Places and transit pages
Last month we asked for a “funny pages” display in Google’s next release of Maps that shows a thick dotted line depicting where we’ve traveled, but it appears the folks at El Goog had a different agenda in mind for version 5.5. This time around, we see a few redesigns as well as some streamlined Latitude features. First, check-ins and ratings have now been added to the Places page, giving you one extra point of access; you also now have the option of changing your home or work address within your Latitude Location History, in case you ever move or just like to roam from place to place. Last but not least, Google Maps 5.5 for Android also offers reorganized transit station pages that now list off upcoming departures, transit lines serving that particular station, and links to other stops nearby. Though not a substantial upgrade from previous versions, it’s still impressive that Google pushed it out less than a month after 5.4. The new update is available as a free download in the Android Market.
Google Maps 5.5 for Android cops more Latitude, tweaks Places and transit pages originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 16:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Yahoo buys TV companion app developer IntoNow and its database of sounds
Earlier this year IntoNow launched its iPhone app that could identify what TV show you were watching by the audio Shazam-style and then share it with others over Facebook or Twitter, pull in additional information, or add the DVD to your Netflix queue. Now, Yahoo has purchased the company and according to the press release (after the break) wants to integrate its SoundPrint tech with its existing services including the Connected TV platform. As NewTeeVee suggests, this could tie-in nicely with its existing plans to use audio watermarks to identify advertisements and display additional info on screen or work with a companion app, both of which it demonstrated at CES. That database of sounds reportedly stretches back over five years and is continually being updated, which could give a major lift to Yahoo over other smart TV platforms that goes far beyond just check-ins and badges.
Continue reading Yahoo buys TV companion app developer IntoNow and its database of sounds
Yahoo buys TV companion app developer IntoNow and its database of sounds originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Google expands NFC check-ins, clutters more restaurant windows
Google’s love affair with NFC continues to blossom, and QR codes are starting to feel like a neglected stepchild. After a successful trial run in Portland, the once-upon-a-search company is expanding its NFC check-in program to four new cities, slapping RFID “Recommended on Google” stickers on windows in Las Vegas; Madison, Wisconsin; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Austin, Texas. The company wants to be the best in the location-based service market, and NFC is its crane kick. While Foursquare and Facebook users are forced to do silly things like track down the right business in an endless list of nearby results or try and focus their cellphone’s camera on a dimly lit QR code, you could simply be swiping over a sticker, scoring discounts and moving on. Provided, of course, you happen to have one of the few NFC-equipped phones on the market (such as the Nexus S), live in one of Google’s five testbed cities and really want your friends to know you hit Planet Wings for lunch — again. Full PR after the break.
Continue reading Google expands NFC check-ins, clutters more restaurant windows
Google expands NFC check-ins, clutters more restaurant windows originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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New York City marks April 16th as Foursquare Day, Mayor feeling good about his chances
16 is the product of squaring four, so naturally the date of April 16th is the most logical one to be called Foursquare Day. Just why such a celebration should exist is less obvious. As it turns out, a grassroots movement of Foursquare users built up steam around the idea of dedicating a day to the online check-in service, that concept then filtered through to Foursquare’s founders who decided to go “100% in on this,” and now, somewhat surprisingly, so has New York City Mayor (the elected one) Mike Bloomberg. As Mike sees it, Foursquare represents a fine example of NYC’s startup-friendly environment, which is why he’s giving it and its heretofore informal Foursquare Day celebration the official NYC seal of approval. He even went so far as to deliver a Mayoral Proclamation to the Foursquare offices, which you can see for yourself after the break.
New York City marks April 16th as Foursquare Day, Mayor feeling good about his chances originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Google Latitude, now with 100 percent more check-in deals
A couple of months back, Google brought check-ins to Latitude, its location-sharing service, through Google Maps 5.1 for Android. Naturally, iPhone users only recently received the same functionality, but some would argue they should be grateful to be included at all. (Kidding. Sort of.) Now, Latitude’s inching closer to direct competition with Foursquare and Groupon by offering check-in deals at retailers like RadioShack, American Eagle, Quiznos, and Finish Line. Google is currently namechecking over a dozen nationwide partners, and that list will surely grow as the bandwagon approaches Mach 5. Curious as to how this all works? Check in at RadioShack, for example, and you might receive ten percent off an in-store purchase. Offers are tied to check-in frequency, building on Latitude’s three-tiered status system; higher status means better deals. If you’d rather peek nearby offers before you decide to leave the house, head to Google’s official check in page in the source link below.
Google Latitude, now with 100 percent more check-in deals originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Foursquare tries out an NFC-based check-in system at its HQ
There’s not exactly a lot of details on this one, but Business Insider discovered something of a surprise while touring Foursquare’s New York headquarters for launch of Foursquare 3.0. It turns out that the company is already testing out an NFC-based check-in system at its HQ, which lets those with a suitable phone (such as a Nexus S) share their location simply by tapping it against a blue dot on the wall. Unfortunately, there’s no indications on any plans to actually expand it beyond its own HQ, although you can bet that it’s pretty high up on the list of inevitable things or the company.
Foursquare tries out an NFC-based check-in system at its HQ originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 06:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Google Maps routes itself to v5.2, gets hotpot tweets, Latitude ‘pings’ and better search results
We’re still waiting for someone to one-up Google Maps Navigation, but until that fateful day shines down upon us, it looks as if we’ll have to once again point our attention to El Goog. Google Maps has just been updated to version 5.2, with three main additions to focus on. For one, the new edition allows users to tweet their reviews of places and share recommendations with Hotpot friends. Next up, there’s Latitude pinging, which enables you to send a quick message to a nearby Latitude friend rather than having to use a text or call; they’ll receive an Android notification from you asking them to check in at a place, and when they check in using your request, you’ll get a notification right back so you know which place to go to meet up with them. Finally, a new ‘Search More Places’ button has been added under the standard list of places to check in at, which ought to prove helpful in highly congested cities with multiple places stacked atop one another. Hit that Android Market link below to get your update going, and if you’re fixing to use that new ping feature, you and your friends will need v5.2 (or higher, if you’re reading this in the year 2043).
Google Maps routes itself to v5.2, gets hotpot tweets, Latitude ‘pings’ and better search results originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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inPulse Bluetooth smartwatch gets Facebook Places check-in app for Android (video)
Ever since Allerta released an SDK for its well-hyped inPulse smartwatch, it was only a matter of time before we start seeing more practical applications that take this Bluetooth peripheral beyond the BlackBerry ecosystem. For instance, the latest example comes from the inPulse’s very own Lead Designer Eric Migicovsky, who happens to be a fan of Facebook Places and possibly an Android convert. Rather than having to pull out his Nexus One for every check-in, Migicovsky can now use his simple app on his inPulse to grab a list of nearby locations off the phone, and then check in with just a click of a button. Pretty neat, eh? For those interested, you can grab the project code off inPulse’s website and get programming.
inPulse Bluetooth smartwatch gets Facebook Places check-in app for Android (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 11:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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How to keep your friends from checking you in on Facebook
Facebook tonight announced its "Places" feature, wherein it allows you to directly "check in" at any location, without the use of a third-party app to do so. And that’s fine. And it also lets your friends check in for you, which is not so fine. The good news is that the first time someone does this, you’ll get an e-mail asking if it’s OK and if you want to allow people to check you in in the future. It’s currently available in the updated iOS app, say our pals at TiPb, and at touch.facebook.com if your browser supports HTML5 and geolocation — two things Google’s made a big deal of in its mobile browser technology – and it’s safe to assume it’ll be coming to the Android Facebook app at some point.
Me? I’m not taking any chances. (And, quite frankly, if you’re in the same place as me, you’re incriminating yourself just as much.) You can disable that "feature" now by going into your privacy settings. Hit the "customize" link, scroll down to the "things other share" section, and disable the "Friends can check me into places" feature."
Last time my friends checked me into somewhere, I woke up in a padded room with a single light bulb and a bunch of ink blots. Never again, folks. Never again. [Facebook]
Posted originally at Android Central
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GetGlue releases Android application
GetGlue, a popular web-based and iOS social networking application, has announced its new Android application. For those who are unfamiliar with GetGlue, it is a social networking game, similar to Foursquare, except you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your house. Users are able to "check in" to share with their friends what book they are reading or what movie they are about to watch. Once you check into a few of a particular category, the system can pick up your trend and it will actually begin to provide you with suggestions of other books, movies, or musicians you may be interested in. In addition to the release of their Android application, they are also announcing some new partnerships with companies like HBO, PBS, Universal, and more, which just helps expand their game.
Instead of receiving badges upon check in’s, users receive stickers instead as part of the game. One of the neatest features is that a user can go online to their website at any time and request physical copies of any stickers that they may have earned. GetGlue will send you, free of charge, a copy of the stickers and all they ask in return is a picture showing where you used the sticker. With over 500,000 users, and nearly five million check ins and ratings a month, this application is bound to keep those looking for new material on their toes. Finally, in addition to their iOS, web based, and Android application they will be offering a very light mobile web version so you can keep up with your friends on the BlackBerry and webOS devices for the time being, so spread the word! Download link and screenshots are after the break.
Posted originally at Android Central
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