Tag: updates

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UPDATED with Video! Qualcomm Enables Speech to Text on Toq Smartwatch

Qualcomm has pushed the update out! Let’s go hands on with the Toq’s newly added Speech to Text app!

***ORIGINAL POST***

qualcomm toq speech to text teaser videoQualcomm just keeps delivering on their Toq platform.

I had no idea the watch had an accelerometer built in, but a recent update included fitness tracking. Now it seems there’s a mic built into the wearable which just hasn’t been activated yet.

Teased in this Youtube video, speech to text is coming built on the Nuance recognition engine which also powers Siri. The system works server side, so your phone will need to have an active data connection. Continue reading “UPDATED with Video! Qualcomm Enables Speech to Text on Toq Smartwatch”

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Group Video Calling Now Free on Skype

skype group calling free

Skype set the standard for one on one video calling, but services like Facetime on the Mac and Hangouts through Google quickly ran with group video chat for free.

Skype offered a “Pro” version where you could conference call, but that was an additional cost over the free service. Announced today on the Skype blog, video group calls will now be coming to all for free. Initially available on the Mac, PC, and XBox One, free group calling will eventually make its way to all other platforms as well.

The one area Skype will still be behind is in video broadcast. Google scored a hit with Hangouts on Air, allowing users to broadcast publicly live, and automatically uploading that vid to Youtube. For folks coordinating podcasts, Skype could do well to offer some kind of video capture service to compete.

You can read Skype’s full PR below.

Continue reading “Group Video Calling Now Free on Skype”

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You can now upload pics to Google+ using IE on Windows Phone 8.1

google plus photo upload windows phone 8_1This has been a long time coming.

Even as recently as a week ago I was kvetching about not being able to share pics from my Windows Phone to Google Plus while on a recent trip.

It looks like I can finally stop whinging about it, as the updates to Internet Explorer have finally included file management support for sites like G+. We no longer have to jump through hoops, or transfer our photos to other devices to participate!

If you’re rocking Windows Phone 8.1, and you’re on the Googles Plus give it a shot. The best camera phones on the market can now properly share on one of the best photo sharing services on the net.

Enjoy!

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Hangouts 2.1 for Android Improves SMS, adds Homescreen Widget

google hangouts_resultGoogle has thrown a lot of muscle into improving the Hangouts experiences. It’s a one stop shop for group IM, video calling, and it can replace your phone’s stock app for text messaging.

Alongside some bug fixes and performance improvements, Hangouts 2.1 also brings a merged conversation interface for SMS and Hangout IM. This makes it easier to move conversations back and forth between SMS and IM-ing as it’s now all under the same view.

There’s also a new widget to throw on your homescreen to help you keep up to date on all your communication endeavors.

Full press release below, and the Hangouts update is rolling out now on Google Play! So Google, think you can turn some of that attention to Google Voice anytime soon?

Continue reading “Hangouts 2.1 for Android Improves SMS, adds Homescreen Widget”

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Windows Phone 8.1, Cortana, and Legacy Hardware Support – MEGA REVIEW!

Here’s the big daddy review and walk through of Windows Phone 8.1!

Even though it’s only a 0.1 update, Microsoft crammed A LOT OF STUFF into this update, so settle in as we check out all of the new apps and services on tap for our live tiled phones!

We’ll also take a quick look at legacy support for older Windows Phones, as well as discuss what’s still missing from the Windows Phone platform.
Enjoy!

Windows Phone 8_1 homescreen lumia 1520

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Phonebloks shows off new details for Google’s Project Ara modular phone

project ara prototype boardI’m really excited for modular phones. Replacing pieces when they get worn out, instead of having to buy a whole new phone.

Phonebloks took a tour around Google’s lab to see some of the new design work happening on Project Ara, recently acquired from Motorola. Discussing design and aesthetics, one of the highlights is the discussion on magnets for holding all the pieces together.

Here’s to hoping we see a full prototype in action soon!

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Free WiFi Calling For All Through Facebook Messenger

facebook messenger android free wifi callingIf you’ve been rocking the BETA, then you’re already aware of this, but it’s finally rolling out for all consumers.

If you’ve got the separate Facebook Messenger app installed, you can now call your Facebook friends over WiFi for free! The update to FB Messenger 4.0 brings this to all users alongside better support for creating chat groups and the ability to create shortcuts to specific chats on your homescreen.

Hit the update and get calling!

Facebook Messenger (Google Play)

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Microsoft Releases 16 Minute Preview Video For Windows Phone 8.1

windows phone update microsoft videoAfter their keynote today from Build, Microsoft has followed up their announcements with this sixteen minute long video hands on, detailing all the changes coming to the Windows Phone OS.

Hang out with Joe Belfiore as he walks you through all the updates coming soon to a Live Tiled phone near you.

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