The People Have Spoken! Instagram Back Pedals From “New Terms” To Original Agreement
December 21st, 2012 by Christen
After the public outcry of “FAIL” against Instagram’s New Terms agreement, the photo sharing giant has announced that maybe they’ve made a few premature changes afterall. As previously reported earlier this week, Instagram had planned on instating new terms of use which would require users photos to involuntarily become property of Instagram for use in ads, promos and more. The terms of that user agreement said, “You agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your user name, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata) and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you.” Since the announcement, journalists, celebrities and users gallore have taken to Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram to share their distane for the new terms and even threatened to delete their Instagram accounts altogether.
In the aftermath of the uproar over changes to Instagram’s privacy policy and terms of service earlier this week, the company back-pedalled late Thursday. In a blog post on the company’s site, Kevin Systrom, Instagram’s co-founder, said that where advertising was concerned, the company would revert to its previous terms of service, which have been in effect since October 2010. “Rather than obtain permission from you to introduce possible advertising products we have not yet developed,” he wrote, “we are going to take the time to complete our plans, and then come back to our users and explain how we would like for our advertising business to work.” Users had been particularly concerned by a clause in Instagram’s policy introduced on Monday that suggested Instagram would share users’ data — like their favorite places, bands, restaurants and hobbies — with Facebook and its advertisers to better target ads.
Following a reaction that included customers defecting to other services, Mr. Systrom told Instagram users on Tuesday that the new policy had been misinterpreted. “It is our mistake that this language is confusing,” he wrote, and he promised an updated agreement. That statement apparently was not enough. With more people leaving the service, the company, which Facebook bought for $735 million this year, reacted again by returning to the old rules. Acknowledging those concerns late Thursday, Mr. Systrom wrote: “I want to be really clear: Instagram has no intention of selling your photos, and we never did. We don’t own your photos — you do.” Mr. Systrom said the company would still be tweaking its privacy policy to quell users’ fears that their photos might pop-up on third-party sites without their consent.
The day before Instagram announced changes to its terms of service, Flickr’s mobile app was ranked at around 175 in Apple’s overall iTunes app charts. Since that day, the application skyrocketed to #7, only three spots behind Instagram #4.
Were you worried about Instagram’s new terms of agreement? Have you already downloaded the new Flickr app?
Have An Happy “Appy” Christmas…Must Have Holiday Apps To Keep Spirits Bright
December 17th, 2012 by Tech StaffWith the numerous apps we have available to organize our time, shop, socialize, fashionize, and surf the web, there are a few apps that are perfect for the holiday season and to share with your loved ones. Here are a few entertaining app available for a great holiday season. Sit back relax an enjoy yourself. Do you find yourself inspired by the fireplace channel that makes its annual appearance every holiday season showcasing a beautiful fireplace and holiday music – and that’s it. It’s great! If so, we’re sure that you’ve wondered if there’s an app for that? Guess what? There is!
Fireplace Live HD
Price: Free
Turn your smart phone, tablet, laptop into a beautiful fireplace with the visual and sounds that a fireplace emits. You will feel a cozy, relaxing, and romantic. I have to admit when I first opened the App I was amazed by the sounds of the fire and wood and the visual beauty. Add music from your device (such as iTunes) to add to the ambience. The app features: Looped playback, runs in full screen, AirPlay support, selected fireplace sounds, and access to your music library.
Not into the fireplace, how about snowflakes?
Falling Snowflakes and Relaxing Snow
Price: Free
This app is great for children. Just like the Fireplace Live app it features falling snowflakes and Christmas objects with a blue or red background. It great for just having as a screen saver or stress reducer and just add your music. While you are relaxing by the fireplace or watching the falling snowflakes, create your holiday cards with the app OVER.
OVER
Price: $1.99
If you want to create beautiful and creative holiday e-cards, postcards, and holiday cards check out Over. With the Over app you take a photo or use a photo you already have and add typography on it for an overlay effect. Add creative, inspirational, funny captions, quotes, memes, and poems. Quickly publish your creation to social media, email, and send to the built-in photo service to get a 4 x 6 postcard printed and sent anywhere you want. And while you are creating those beautiful holiday cards, sip on your favorite cocktail using the Cocktails app.
Cocktails
Free: $1.99
The app is based on the cocktails poster by Konstantin Datz, featuring 79 cocktail recipes; you can create cocktails like a pro. Each cocktail a description of the drink, the appropriate cocktail glass, equipment needed and preparation details. The user interface is beautiful and easy to use. One feature I like, explaining the ingredients.
What are your favorite holiday inspired apps to keep spirits bright this season?
Get Your Life! Apps to Spice Up Your Social Life
December 14th, 2012 by TiffanyFeel like your social life could use a little boost? Have you gotten caught up in the work-sleep-work rotation each week that you miss what’s going on in the city around you? Have you become so consumed that you hardly get out? Check out these awesome apps that keep you informed on the best events wherever you live, work, or play. Don’t miss out on that free concert that’s less than five miles from your house! There’s no excuse to be bored or miss out with these free apps.
The timeRAZOR app ensures that you won’t miss out on what’s happening around you!
This geo-social app, with its “never-miss-out platform” is described as “the final solution to browsing, locating, and attending events for users on a nationwide platform.” TimeRAZOR’s event selection engine compiles over 300,000 events daily, geo-tags them, then customizes the data by user preference. The app even offers specials and limited-quantity promotions that can be used or cashed in from a user’s location.
Not only can timeRAZOR help manage your work-play balance, but it can also help one discover fun experiences that they might have otherwise missed out on. ”We want timeRAZOR to help people feel less time-stressed and more satisfied by the way they live, without the anxiety around trying to stay on top of everything,” said CEO and Cofounder Jeff White. “Imagine attending a business conference — or, even better, planning a vacation — and having the best events and experiences appear right at your fingertips. That’s the joy of discovery through timeRAZOR.”
Happy Hours app is a huge database of over 15,000 happy hour listings in 30 major US cities. Using the iPhone and Android’s GPS, Happy Hours provides a guide to all of the nearby happy hours in your town. You can filter your choices by searching by time, features and types of cuisine, or the best specials offered. Definitely helps you reach your drunken dreams and on a pretty penny. Furthermore, with the Village Voice extensive data on venues, you can find detailed reviews to help in your search.
It is a pretty comprehensive list and should make your next after work drinking session a smooth affair!
Dibbs is a revolutionary FREE entertainment and events information service. Dibbs offers the most complete event listings available, delivered straight to your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac, or other Internet-enabled device.
With a single tap of a button, you instantly connect to all the events going on around you. From concerts and sporting events, to theater and wine tastings and everything in between. Dibbs is your own personal awareness engine that finds ALL the events that interest you – from the underground to the mainstream.
Dibbs is currently only available for West coast cities in Nevada and California, but also Atlanta, with plans to continue spreading. If it’s not already in your city keep checking back as advancements are still being made.
Finally, Eventbrite has the most efficient app for events nationwide. Find local events, get tickets, and quickly access all of your Eventbrite tickets and event information from your iPhone or Android. The world of events – including your tickets -now right in the palm of your hand. You can search almost any city for tons of events in different categories. Eventbrite app even makes it easy to share events with Twitter, Facebook, Google+, email, or blue tooth with friends.
If you work hard, you deserve to play hard. Balance your work-play scale better with these social apps and join in on the fun around you. Stop missing out. After all, it’s just a click or two away. Get your social life back and you can thank us later!
Helpful Apps to Get You Through The Holiday Madness
December 3rd, 2012 by AnalieWe’re now in December. The holiday madness is officially upon us. Your smartphone can be a great help during this hectic season. Here are a few apps to help with the holiday season craziness that ensues.
Christmas List App (The Android Alternative is Free Christmas List)
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
If you have multiple gifts for each person on the list. The Christmas List app helps you keep track of presents you’ve bought and for who. Different lists bring organization to a new level from a “Purchased”, Wrapped, Shipping, Received. There will be minimal confusion. You can even sort the priority of a gift from “definitely wants” to a maybe. Tracking a budget with each person and as a total is a breeze with easy to read graphics. Christmas shopping was never so neat and organized.
Shopkick
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
Once you know what you’re going to get those on your list; why not make it worthwhile? With the Shopkick app. Over 4 million users can’t lie. What’s so great about this app? You don’t even have to buy anything to get rewarded. By just walking into certain stores; you get points. The app gives you a heads up on sales and discounts. With can redeem all sorts of rewards with the kicks you earn. Everything from Starbucks drinks to song downloads and trips. You’ve got nothing to lose; and tons of rewards to gain.
Sincerely Ink
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
This app is wonderful for those on the go that need to mail out Holiday Cards. With Sincerely Ink you can send design and send all types of cards (not just holiday cards) to anyone in your address book. With over one hundred customizable designs; your loved ones will feel extra special when receiving their personalized card from you!
Spotify
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
This is the mother of all music streaming apps. Whether you get the basic (free) version or the premium version you’re going to enjoy lots of music. By lots I mean millions. You can access Spotify on smartphones, tablets and desktops. You can stream your fave holiday hits or jam to oldies with customized playlist shared by family and friends. You can zone out a bit when holiday shopping or be the family DJ at gatherings.
Manilla
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
With all the holiday sales and gift giving; it’s easy to slip up on bills. With the Manilla app you can keep tabs on all of your bills. Everything from household, finance bills, subscriptions and rewards can be tracked with this app. Don’t lose track of your finances this holiday season. The Manilla app is available for both iOS and Android.
iFinger (For iOS only)
If you’re one of those who has trouble wrapping present. Cut the wrapping too large, or to small? That will no longer be a problem with iFinger. By just inputting the dimensions of your present you will save lots of time and wrapping paper. It gives you illustrated gift wrapping directions. Sorry guys, this one is only for iOS.
Beat The Holiday Pudge With These Five Fat-busting Apps Today
November 27th, 2012 by Tech Staff
Family time, awesome gifts and warm gloves aren’t the only thing that the holidays bring on! We’re eating for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years and everything else in between but how do we combat the winter weight gain that comes along with it? Sure we all want to go to the gym EVERYDAY, but will that really happen in reality? Doubt it! That’s why we’ve found the next best thing! Harness the power of your fingertips with fat-busting apps that’ll get you on the right path & a head start towards healthier living well before January. We’ve wrangled up five of the best apps to help you battle the holiday bulge starting today!
- Workout Trainer:
One of my personal favs, the Workout Trainer app lets you select from thousands of free workout programs and save your favorites for easy access. Customize your own workouts, and each exercise comes with photo/video tutorial (just in case you don’t know what Burpees, Spider Pushups or Seal Jacks are). You can even schedule your workouts and get reminders sent to your phone.
- P90X:
Yes there’s an app for that! One of the most intense workout dvd’s is now gracing iphones everywhere. You can try the Ab Ripper X program for free and receive a discount on ordering the dvd set via the app. Anyone that’s ever tried P90X knows how intense their exercises are, so if this can’t keep you from gaining this holiday season nothing will!
- Sworkit:
This one is a little less customizable than Workout Trainer but perfect for those who just want to get started! Target workouts to your lower body, upper body, core and yoga programs, or select Anything Goes to do a little of everything. Download on your ipad and listen along to workouts
How are you fighting the ‘holiday 15’ this season!?
This Season’s Holiday Shopping “Appvice” from Verizon Wireless
November 21st, 2012 by ChristenThere’s no better time to challenge the power of your smartphone to make your life a little easier this season. Black Friday chaos, Small Business Saturday shopping and Cyber Monday is right around the corner to kick off the holiday shopping season, and this year you have the power to control your entire shopping experience. Verizon is here to help! Tis the season to shop stress free this year and enjoy your holiday weekend with the help of these helpful apps, tips and Verizon’s 4G LTE Network:
Take Control of Your Commute with VZ Navigator
- Map out where you want to go and what route you want to take. Use VZNavigator for turn-by-turn directions, your location, and live traffic conditions to avoid the crowds. Use real-time, turn-by-turn spoken directions with street names and true-to-life images of highway and exit signs, many in 3D. Advanced navigation instructions include landmarks such as traffic lights and number of streets. Discover millions of destinations and businesses that are constantly updated for accuracy, including the nearest ATMs and low gas prices. Search by name or category: restaurants, shopping, airports, museums and more.
- If you’re interested in searching for deals by store, product categories, or most recent offers, download the TGI Black Friday App . This app lets you view Black Friday ads from all major retail stores, create a personal shopping list, and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal. TGI Black Friday is currently the highest rated Black Friday app for the Apple iPhone in 2011. The free app allows you to search thousands of Black Friday deals for every major retail store. You can create a personal shopping list and use your iPhone to shop smarter and faster on Black Friday.
- Worried about your favorite team rather than a shopping deal? Don’t! With the Verizon NFL Mobile you get 24/7 access to everything NFL. Check out scores, latest news, and highlights.
- Ready for Small Business Saturday? Make sure you stay fueled so your shopping experience is a marathon not a sprint. Small Business Saturday, is Saturday, November 24th! Support local business and download the Yelp app so you know where to get the closest cup of joe or sandwich to keep you going. Find and read reviews about great local businesses near you. Looking for a burrito joint open now? An Irish pub nearby? A gas station you can drive to before your tank hits empty? Yelp for Android is here to help. Use us to search for places to eat, shop, drink, relax and play then read reviews from an active community of locals in the know.
- Cyber Monday is important and on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network you’ll be able to search and shop faster. With the Amazon.com app you can use that power to compare prices, read reviews, and buy all the latest gear and gadgets. Browse, search & buy millions of products right from your Android device. The Amazon Mobile App allows Android users to browse and “Shop by Department”, quickly search, compare prices, read reviews, share products with friends, access Gold Box Deals, and make purchases on Amazon.com.
Five Mobile Tips Guaranteed To Keep You Prepared During Emergencies!
October 29th, 2012 by Tech Staff
Just like Hurricane Ilene in 2011, It’s unavoidable. For residents off the Mid-Atlantic (including DC, New Jersey & New York City) – Hurricane Sandy is an unreasonable force of Mother Nature not to be reckoned with. With expected wind gusts of over 100MPH, coastal flooding and more – both New York and New Jersey has ultimately declared a state of emergency. Your smartphone is much more than a mobile device for voice conversations, using it efficiently could keep you safe in times of emergencies. If you’re reading this, chances are that you still have residential / commercial power and you have time to implement these ‘Five Mobile Tips Guaranteed To Keep You Prepared During Emergencies’ below…
#HurricaneSandy Tip #1 – If you don’t have a wireless hotspot on your smartphone yet, you may want to make that call NOW… (This week’s productivity may depend on it…)
#HurricaneSandy Tip #2 – Make sure to charge all laptops, smartphones, tablets & battery packs completely today — who knows if we’ll have power tomorrow…
#HurricaneSandy Tip #3 – Portable chargers like Mophie, MyCharge and Duracell Powermat are great charging alternatives for your mobile device in case you lose power…
#HurricaneSandy Tip #4 – Download a flashlight app on your smartphone NOW (remember that you can use the video feature on your smartphone w/ flash on in an emergency too). If the lights go out, you don’t want to be left in the dark.
#HurricaneSandy Tip #5 – Turn all the location service options on your phone ON! (in case of emergency, it’ll be a lot easier for friends/family to locate you while in need!) Try using Apple’s “Find My iPhone” app for free. It’ll keep tabs and location on your iPhone, iPad and MacBook!
***** BONUS TIPS ****
#HurricaneSandy Tip #6 – Got homeowners/renters insurance? Take photos/video (via smartphone) of your home intact now, in case you need proof for a claim later. #Sandy
#HurricaneSandy Tip #7 – In case of emergency, conserve battery life & ease network congestion by limiting voice calls (keep them short) & sending text messages instead.
#HurricaneSandy Tip #8 – Sign up for mobile alerts to stay in the know in case of emergency - http://www.nyalert.gov/
For more tips, stay tuned to our feed on Facebook.com/DivasandDorks – Good Luck & Stay Safe!
Could Google Possibly Create An Android Only App?
October 1st, 2012 by ChristenLast week, while on the phone with my sister – I gave her an impromptu tutorial on iOS 6 and the pros and cons on updating her phone. While we both were excited about the VIP email, Do Not Disturb feature and phone call answering/text feature – we both agreed that the Google maps discontinuation on her phone wasn’t worth the hassle of updating her device. Sure, there are other iPhone users that haven’t taken the plunge into iOS 6 and if they’re heavy Google map users then they have good reason. Since it’s clear that Google isn’t in a hurry to release an iPhone app of its’ own – is it safe to say that some sort of app release retaliation is eminemnt?
What if Google released an exclusive Android only app?
We already know that in this day and age of smartphone devices, they’re all running neck to neck in all the top areas including design, technology and over-all user experience and the smartphone you own is strictly based on preference, not performance. Forbes.com questions if an exclusive Google maps app could become Android’s killer app and I think it absolutely could happen. Forbes.com states:
There’s no relief in sight to Apple’s flawed Maps app; to get the full fledged Google Maps, you must be on Android. This has essentially been the approach that Google has taken. Google Maps on Android has gained more and more features than what was on the iPhone. But Google has done this in a subtle manner, without the clear delineation of choice for phone buyers. Instead, Page could take a page from Steve Jobs’ playbook and go “thermonuclear,” as Jobs did against Google’s Android and Adobe’s Flash.
For the gambit to succeed, Google would have to make Google Maps the clear industry standard and continuously extend its lead. It has to be so good that buyers otherwise predisposed to Apple or Microsoft would buy an Android phone instead. That’s a big bet. But with a 6-year head start in mapping and complete control of the hardware and the operating software, it is plausible bet.
With trillions at stake, it might even be a good bet.
What do you think? Do you depend on Google maps strongly? If you’re an iPhone user and Google created an Android-only app, would you make the switch? Why? Sound off below…
A Few Good Apps For Fashion Week Fun! {Infographic}
August 29th, 2012 by ChristenUsing your smartphone for all your New York Fashion Week needs is now easy as pie! HTC put together some helpful tips and tricks on how to get the most out of Fashion Week using an HTC smartphone (below). Advanced camera features and easy access to social networks make it easier than ever to stay in the loop while making your way to shows, events and after parties throughout Fashion Week.
What are some of your favorite apps to use during fashion week! Share in the comments section below!
Own A Smart TV? These Are The Must Have Apps That You Can’t Be Without…
July 19th, 2012 by Christen
If you own a Smart TV, chance are – you’re not getting the most out of your entertainment. ”Younger adults desire a more social TV viewing experience,” says Manny Flores, Senior Vice President at Harris Interactive. “With the proliferation of social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Google+, younger adults are not only more tech savvy, but are accustomed to being able to share their online experiences with their friends and family. So why not add TV viewing to the list of online experiences to share?”
Smart TV manufacturers are hoping that the popularity of apps with smartphone and tablet users makes its way to the living room. Manufacturers and retailers are selling more and more televisions preloaded with Internet-connected functionality, frequently referred to as Smart TVs. This provides an environment where consumers can use apps to do anything from surfing the Internet using a fully functional web browser, to streaming their favorite movies, TV shows and music right on their TV sets. Streaming video apps are the most popular apps for both Smart TV owners and consumers who don’t yet have a Smart TV. Three of the top five “must have” apps are Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Instant Video. Social media giant Facebook and online radio leader Pandora round out the top five.
These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,634 U.S. adults (ages 18 and over) surveyed online between May 7 and May 15, 2012 by Harris Interactive.
Younger adults (those 18-35) chose YouTube (Owners 57%) as their top “must have” app over the more traditional experience offered by Netflix (Owners 54%) and Amazon Instant Video (Owners 38%).
“As the TV becomes a more overall entertainment device, it is only a matter of time before we see the mainstream use of additional content apps, such as Facebook, being used on the TV,” added Flores. “Yet, manufacturers and retailers evidently have to do a much better job of educating their consumers on what a Smart TV is and the benefits of a Smart TV experience. Increased familiarity appears to be the key to driving purchase consideration. Also, manufacturers need to hope that familiarity with smartphone and tablet apps translates into greater interest and adoption for apps that can be used on a bigger screen in the living room.”
Are you a smart TV user? Which apps do you currently own?
