Technology, Gadgets, Mobile Phones, iPad, DVR, GPS, Camera, Music News | Electronista

Skyfire Web Browser 4.0

| FREE | Skyfire

Skyfire drops Symbian, Win Mobile after Android, iPhone | Electronista - Technology, Gadgets, Mobile Phones, iPad, DVR, GPS, Camera, Music News | Electronista

Skyfire has quietly said it was dropping Symbian and Windows Mobile support for its browser. The two would phase out at the end of 2010 and would only see the more advanced Android and iOS 2.0 versions available in the near future. Both being initially free made them unsustainable, but the age of the apps and problems with the platforms themselves made it unrealistic to charge a device for a product that would be dropped earlier, Skyfire said. The web browser company blamed both technology and the state of copy protection on the older platforms for the shift. They typically lack proper support for HTML5, full-screen video and other features Skyfire's signature Flash conversion technique needs, the company said. Both also have poor copy protection and have seen rampant piracy. Skyfire began enjoying wider success with its Android version but only saw more significant success with the iPhone version, which made $1 million in a week and was the only version to strain the company's servers. Apple's decision against incorporating Flash was a major factor, but the popularity and feature support of iOS helped play a role. An iPad version is already in the works, but other platforms are still to be determined. The firm is considering developing for BlackBerry 6, MeeGo and Windows Phone 7 but so far has only been targeting the more established platforms. By Electronista Staff Share the Article Read More

Maps

| FREE | Google Inc.

Google Maps Navigation on Android gets walking directions | Electronista - Technology, Gadgets, Mobile Phones, iPad, DVR, GPS, Camera, Music News | Electronista

Google posted its second Android app update for today with word of updates to Google Maps. Walking Navigation has entered the app as a beta and, like the web version, will plot paths through parks and other areas unique to foot traffic. Adjustments have been made to reflect pedestrian travel: the phone vibrates for direction changes, voice guidance can be turned off and the bird's eye satellite view is turned on by default. The company hoped to ward off lawsuits like one it encountered recently by warning users to use common sense and avoid walking routes that aren't meant for pedestrians. A second update distinct to Street View also simplifies jumping between points. Rather than tap arrows, users can drag the peg figure in the street-level photo itself to reach the intended point. The Google Maps search bar has been updated regardless of mode and allows filtering by distance and ratings, view prices, and see cross streets. Google Maps can be updated directly today through Android Market for any Android 1.6 or later phone. The Street View option requires looking for an update to a Street View for Google Maps app. By Electronista Staff Share the Article Read More

Rdio

| FREE | Rdio

Rdio launches beta app for Android handsets | Electronista - Technology, Gadgets, Mobile Phones, iPad, DVR, GPS, Camera, Music News | Electronista

Rdio has launched a beta version of its Android app that connects to the company's streaming music service. The utility syncs with content chosen from the web-based portal, which provides access to albums and individual tracks from a wide range of artists. The startup, formed by founders of Skype and Kazaa, aims to bring a social networking focus to its service. Rdio features lists of friends and what they are listening to, which can then be added to the user's personal collection. Links to favorite songs can also be shared with friends via Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail. The portal provides options for syncing tracks or albums to the mobile device for offline listening, while a scanning tool attempts to replicate iTunes or Windows Media Player libraries. Available music includes over five million songs from major labels and independent sources. The Rdio Android app is currently limited to an invite-only beta, with several thousand spots available for now. Web and mobile access, which also includes an iPhone app, is available for $10/month, while web-only access can be purchased for $5/month. [via TechCrunch - Invite link] By Electronista Staff Share the Article Read More