O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: 6.0

  • Microsoft launches Xbox Music streaming service for iOS, Android devices

    microsoftlogo

    If you’re hankering for additional streaming music on your iOS device, Microsoft has its own offerings prior to Apple’s release of its iTunes Radio streaming service.

    Per The Unofficial Apple Weblog, Microsoft has released Xbox Music app for iPhone. Xbox Music was first unveiled last October and allows users to listen to ad-supported or ad-free music (depending on whether they have a paying subscription or not) on their Microsoft devices, such as Windows Phone, Xbox 360 and Windows PCs.

    With today’s launch on iOS and Android devices, Microsoft appears to acknowledge that it thinks Apple’s iTunes Radio could become a big player on the streaming-music front — something it hopes to stave off with the expansion of Xbox Music.

    Today’s release of the app offers users the following:
    – Stream ad-free music from a catalog of tens of millions of songs.

    – Add songs, albums and playlists to your Xbox Music collection and access them from other devices.

    – Create playlists that sync across your phone, Xbox 360, PC, tablet and the web.

    – Listen to music while using your iPhone.

    – Listen to artist-based radio stations.

    – Enjoy a rich visual experience for searching, viewing and playing back music.

    – The company also says it will be releasing an update soon that will allow users to download music for offline listening.

    Though Xbox Music is a free download, mobile users will be required to have an Xbox Music Pass to listen to the service on their iPhone. Xbox Music Passes are available for a free 30-day trial, but retail for US$9.99 a month after that.

    Xbox Music requires iOS 6.0 or later to install and run.

    If you’ve tried the app and have any feedback to offer, please let us know in the comments.

  • WatchESPN app updated to version 1.7, adds Live Toolbar, dual-stream viewing, other features

    watchespn-250x245

    I’m not completely indifferent to sports and I’ll support the Boston teams until the day I die.

    My mom, on the other hand, will gladly run out, try to flip a police car over and light it on fire whether the Red Sox win, lose or tie in a playoff game.

    That being said, the WatchESPN app for iOS received an update on Thursday that adds a new way to watch in-app content among other new features.

    Per AppleInsider, the new update for WatchESPN brings the app to version 1.7, and gives iPad owners access to a new Live Toolbar. Users can now stream scores and on-demand videos from sporting events at the same time that they’re watching live programming on ESPN.

    The Live Toolbar includes ESPN’s TV lineup, scores from games, and top videos. It’s available on the iPad and iPad mini only.

    The update also allows users connecting from colleges and military networks to get access to ESPN3 events automatically. Additionally, it adds compatibility with ESPN on ABC events and compatibility for devices running iOS 7.

    Version 1.7 of WatchESPN is available as a free download in the App Store. The 9.0MB download requires an iPhone, iPod, or iPad running iOS 6.0 or later to install and run.

    If you’ve tried the new version and have any feedback to offer, let us know in the comments.

  • Microsoft releases native Outlook Web Application for iOS

    outlookioslogo

    You may not love it, but your workplace does and Microsoft finally released a native version for iOS.

    Per The Unofficial Apple Weblog, Microsoft has released two different native versions of its Outlook Web Application for iOS, one for iPhone and one for iPad. OWA for iOS connects to the email, calendar, and contacts of Office 365 of business subscribers giving them complete access to their Outlook on the go. Beyond those basic tools the app features push notifications and a powerful voice search that can access your contacts or bring up your calendar.

    iOS for iPhone and iPad requires iOS 6.0 or later to install and run.

  • Google Maps app for iOS hits version 2.0, adds slew of new features

    Google-Maps-Logo

    The new version tends to offer something cool.

    Per 9to5Mac, Google began rolling out version 2.0 of Google Maps for iOS on Wednesday. Most notably, the new application includes support for the large touch screens found on the iPad and iPad mini.

    Additionally, like with the recent update to the Android version, enhanced navigation with incident reports and live traffic updates are included.

    Also new is an “Explore” function to browse popular places such as restaurants, shopping, playing, and sleeping. This feature is integrated with Zagat ratings and deals via Google Offers.

    The 2.0 update also includes indoor mapping functionality for malls, transit stations, and airports, according to Google. The new update has begun rolling out to some countries in Asia, but is not yet available in the United States. In fact, Google Maps is currently unavailable to download in the App Store for many countries until this update is released.

    Google Maps ia available for free and requires iOS 6.0 or later to install and run.

  • Amazon releases Cloud Drive Photos app for iOS users

    amazon-100037019-large

    Ne’er doubt Amazon’s ability to throw out a competing app.

    Per Macworld, Amazon’s Cloud Drive Photos app has gone live and is available free of charge from the App Store, the app can transfer photos back and forth between a device and Cloud Drive, where they can be accessed using a desktop computer, Web browser, or other compatible device, like a Kindle Fire.

    The app’s goal is to let customers enjoy the benefits of cloud storage—including ease of sharing and easier backups—regardless of what platform they use. In addition, the app lets you view your photo albums in various layouts from your iPhone or iPod touch and share Cloud Drive photos on Facebook, Twitter, and via email.

    Launched in March of 2011, Cloud Drive offers users 5GB of free storage, which can be used for files of all kinds, including music, pictures, and video. Additional space is available for fees that range from US$10 per year for 20GB to US$500 per year for 1000GB (1TB).

    The app is optimized for iPhone 5, and compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S, as well as iPod touch (3rd, 4th, and 5th generation), and iPad. It requires iOS 6.0 or later to install and run.

    If you’ve tried the Cloud Drive Photos app and have any feedback to offer, please let us know in the comments.