Software & Apps News - Page 75

Google has yet another messaging client in the works. Called Allo, it effectively replaces traditional SMS texting with a Facebook-like interface and features while still using phone numbers as the contact method. So, you can benefit from read message notifications, typing notifications, emojis, stickers, group chats, and improved picture display among other things.

In addition to that, there are some cool Google-specific features such as Ink (handwriting and drawing as seen in MSN Messenger many moons ago), Whisper Shout (increase text size for a given message to 'shout' at people -- great for arguments!), and smart reply (quick reply options that learn from your chat history).

And then there's Google assistant, which lets you do things like check sports scores, book dinner, play games, search Google, use Maps, share YouTube videos, look at photos from your Gallery, and so on, all without leaving Allo. Voice interaction is supported here, too.

Google will be releasing Android N later this year, but during its ongoing Google I/O event, the company has begun peeling back the layers from Android 7.0 and teasing the world.

Android 7.0 focuses on the way users interact with the OS, with improvements to the already great user experience that'll be made through faster runtime and reduced storage space that gets sucked up by apps. Google is bringing the most optimized experience to Android 7.0, explaining: "We are redesigning how the features and the OS works to make the user experience better".

Google took to its Twitter account, tweeting: "The biggest changes in Android N are around performance, security and productivity". Android 7.0 will include a new Direct Reply feature that will let you long press a notification, and then respond directly from the notification itself. Improved multi-tasking abilities will arrive with Android 7.0, with split-screen support and an iOS-like Picture-in-Picture mode.

Microsoft has at long last released what's effectively Windows 7 Service Pack 2 (SP2): a "convenience rollup" of updates that makes a fresh install or format of the beloved operating system much simpler than it has been. Until now, you'd have to install tons and tons of separate updates and reboot approximately a bajillion times in order to keep the OS current, but this update changes all that.

It's still not nearly as convenient as it could be: you can't download it through Windows Update for some ungodly reason and must download it manually instead, but not before installing the April 2015 servicing stack update for Windows 7. Also, you still need to install any updates that came out after April 2016.

On the bright side, non-security Windows 7 updates (and 8.1 updates) are now on a monthly schedule. Also, you can slipstream the rollup into Windows 7 install media to make the process easier.

Multiple users have reported the recent WhatsApp Android beta included an option to initiate a video call. Although it's said most users couldn't actually activate it and it was later removed in an update, its very presence indicates a release is likely not far off.

Signs have been pointing to video calling coming to the popular chat app since at least December thanks to leaks and translation requests for "Video Call."

Audio calling came to WhatsApp last year. As with that feature launch, it's probable that video calling will be available only to a small number of users at first. To increase your chances, sign up for the beta program.

Google is aiming to make texting much easier and more interactive with Gboard. Essentially, you hit a button inside a text conversation and can then search for things on the web and link them, all without leaving the conversation. Whether it's flight plans, restaurant locations, GIFs, emojis, or whatever else, you're covered.

Gboard actually works in any app, including email and YouTube, but the most popular application of it will likely be messaging.

Oddly, the new service is available for iPhone only, at least for now. We've put in an inquiry with Google regarding whether or not it will come to Android and will update this story should we hear back.

Instagram gets a makeover today, complete with a snazzy new icon and refreshed interface.

The new icon is inspired by the previous icon, while the design is intended to be simpler in an effort to put greater emphasis on photos and videos.

"The Instagram community has evolved over the past five years from a place to share filtered photos to so much more - a global community of interests sharing more than 80 million photos and videos every day," says Instagram. "Our updated look reflects how vibrant and diverse your storytelling has become."

Last week it was reported WhatsApp might be on its way to Windows. Turns out that's true, as a new Windows download on the official site proves.

Now for the bad news. The app isn't exactly an app, but a wrapper, meaning it simply mirrors the mobile version of WhatsApp -- which is required to use the Windows version -- rather than being a native UWP app as you'd hope. It's possible WhatsApp is working on a UWP version and this is merely to tide users over; it's also possible it's done this way for security reasons.

So while no native app is disappointing, it's better than nothing, no?

The Windows 10 free upgrade will expire July 29, and with it will go the 'Get Windows 10' nagware that's been so persistent for Windows 7 and 8 users these last months.

"Details are still being finalized, but on July 29th the Get Windows 10 app that facilitates the easy upgrade to Windows 10 will be disabled and eventually removed from PCs worldwide," said a Microsoft company spokesperson. "Just as it took time to ramp up and roll out the Get Windows 10 app, it will take time to ramp it down."

Battlefield 1's 64-player matchmaking is still intact, and it's even better than ever.

Today DICE revealed Battlefield 1, the World War I FPS that's built on a more brutal world-on-fire approach. As such, multiplayer will be even more chaotic and brutal, with tons of explosive vehicle combat including biplane dogfighting in the skies, different variations of tanks, zeppelins, battleships--just all-out war across the land, sea and air.

"Battlefield 1 is all about the old world meting the new world, we wanted to depict this. the old tactics meet the new with cataclysmic results," said Lars Gustavsson. "The battles will be intense, the physicality really brings the immersion to the battles, and allows players to turn beautiful pristine landscapes into devastated landscapes." DICE affirms that multiplayer includes some of the "largest ever vehicles we've ever built", and combat will be much more brutal and impact players in a significant way,

As of today, Apple is offering a discount to students who sign up for its streaming service Apple Music.

If you're enrolled in an eligible institution, you'll receive 50 percent off your subscription. In a somewhat unexpected twist, the offer is available outside the US for once: those in many other countries -- the U.K., Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, among others -- will be able to take advantage. Once you've done so, the offer is good for four not necessarily continuous years.

The offer is no doubt a bid to better compete with rival Spotify, which has done the same for awhile now. Last we checked, Spotify sat at 30 million subscribers with Apple Music at 11 million; news is in now that the latter has grown to 13 million, attributed in part to its $14.99/mo. family plan. Soon, a new interface is said to arrive, which should help matters further.