Apple Releases iOS 12.2 Beta

Apple’s imminent iOS 12.2 beta 3 update was released to everyone in its public beta software program on the 20th of February 2019.

iOS 12.2 comes with subtle but distinct changes. Some of these changes include:





Hardware device model name is now listed on the “about” screen, in settings app

Date is properly displayed on the lock screen

The apple behind “Apple News” is omitted. It’s now “News” instead

Remote tile made suitable for Apple TVs and HomeKit TVs

More buttons included in Wallet application details

Auto-play of music videos in full screen is no longer available

Group Facetime is re-activated

Display of charge indicator on the lock screen, due to a particular bug, has been repaired.


Diving Deeper

At last Apple includes an update to Siri up to the third iOS 12.2 Beta. The digital assistant will adapt to your phone usage habits by suggesting “Today at Apple” sessions, based on the data garnered from the apps you use and the sites you visit.

For example, Siri suggests an art session to an Iphone user who uses design apps, or a wellness session to those interested in health and fitness. However, you can adjust Siri’s behaviour through Settings > Siri & Search > Apple Store.

Updates from past iOS 12.2 betas were also included, and will most likely make it to the last release.

In addition to the afore-mentioned updates and changes, the new release has: four animoji characters (a boar, giraffe, owl, and shark), more security options in Safari, news support for Canada in two different languages– French and English, Airplay 2, and HomeKit support for smart TVs (third-party).

Downloading Procedures for iOS 12.2 Beta 3

Members of Apple’s beta software program can download the new iOS 12.2 Beta 3 on iOS devices as an over-the-air update with the required certificate. However, you have to be a registered member before you can test the latest release.

To join the program and access the new release, click here.

source: usa.inquirer.net

LinkedIn adds voice messaging function

LinkedIn is letting users communicate with contacts by recording and sending voice messages of up to a minute long.

According to LinkedIn, the function has been developed to help people communicate more quickly and easily, as rather than writing out a long text, they can simply record their voice, whether for giving an in-depth explanation or responding while multitasking, for example.

The voice message system could also be used instead of traditional phone calls, which can be more intrusive, since users can listen to messages and reply at their convenience.


The voice messaging system is easy to use. Simply tap the microphone icon in the mobile messaging keyboard, then tap and hold the record button that appears onscreen and release your finger to send. To cancel the message before sending, slide your finger away from the icon while holding it down.

The voice messaging function is available on the LinkedIn mobile app for Android and iOS. Messages can also be received and listened to via the web version. JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

Facebook’s new beta features 2nd news feed option

Tired of the same old material flooding your news feed?

You’re in luck, as Facebook is testing out a new feature that offers users a second optional feed.

The beta update, which was recently rolled out on Android and has been noticed on iOS since January, features the second news feed under the “Explore” tab.

According to UNILAD, the default news feed remains on the “Home” tab featuring pages that the user likes and follows, while the alternative will show a combination of  photos, videos and articles tailored to the user’s interest—but hasn’t liked yet.

The feature is eerily identical to Instagram’s Search and Explore tab, the report said.

The tab will also be more video-centric, which aligns with Facebook’s constant push for users to view more videos.

With thousands of new pages sprouting each day, the secondary feed looks to be a way for users to engage more with content that they have yet to encounter, based on their personal preferences.

Facebook’s complicated algorithm once again plays a crucial part toward recommending pages based on what the user likes, as well as urging people to explore more, as the tab suggests.

As of this writing, Facebook has yet to acknowledge or formalize the second feed option, which is reportedly still under close monitoring. The experiment only works for randomly selected users and tests different features all the time.  Khristian Ibarrola /ra

source: technology.inquirer.net

Mobius Final Fantasy to launch on iOS and Android

The release date for Mobius  Final Fantasy on Android and iOS has been set for Aug. 3 this year.

According to a report on IGN, players who pre-registered on the registration site will receive various Final Fantasy X items. This includes Tidus’ weapon, Brotherhood and a Yuna character card. Pre-registration is still ongoing.

Mobiles is an episodic RPG game for mobile devices. It is being spearheaded by producer Yoshinori Kitase who has worked on the classic  Final Fantasy VII as well as the Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Mobius Final Fantasy has been out in Japan since June of 2015 and is quite popular among fans. It was included in iTune’s Best 2015 games for the country.

The game follows the story of Wol who must fulfil a prophecy which states that one of the Blankers is a “Warrior of Light” who will free the world from darkness. He will be accompanied by Princess Sarah Lotte Cornelia, a princess for one of the kingdoms in Palamecia, and Mog, a moggle who decides to join Wol’s quest.  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Nintendo’s first smartphone game attracts over one million users

TOKYO — Nintendo said Tuesday its first smartphone game attracted more than one million users three days after release — good news for the Japanese game giant that was long reluctant to stray from its console-only policy.

Last week Nintendo released “Miitomo” — a free-to-play and interactive game which allows users to create “Mii” avatars — as it tries to compete better with rivals.

Users can customize the avatars’ outfit through in-app purchases and interact with characters created by other people or friends.

The avatars ask players questions such as “What did you do on the weekend?” and “What is your favourite food?”, with the answers shared with other characters.

The number of users for the game, rolled out in Japan last Thursday, surpassed the one million mark on Saturday, a spokeswoman said, adding the company does not have an updated figure.

The news sent shares in Nintendo soaring 8.18 percent higher to close at 16,515 yen Tuesday, a day after a national holiday.

The official Twitter account for the game said on Saturday the company was surprised the game attracted so many players so quickly.

Nintendo has struggled as Sony and Microsoft outpaced it in console sales. The three companies are also fighting off a trend toward cheap — even free — downloadable games for smartphones and other mobile devices.

Kyoto-based Nintendo had been criticised for its longstanding refusal to license some of its iconic brands for use on mobile applications.

Last year the holder of the Super Mario and Pokemon franchises announced a tie-up with Tokyo-based mobile gaming company DeNA to develop games for smartphones.

Nintendo also bought a stake in DeNA as part of a deal to develop smartphone games based on its host of popular characters, possibly including Super Mario and Donkey Kong.

Miitomo was only released in Japan initially but will be rolled out in 15 other countries including the United States and France in eight languages this month.

source: technology.inquirer.net