Mobile Apps (travel, lifestyle, entertainment, etc.)

Thank you everyone for attending the Devices SIG meeting that took place yesterday (April 15th). We had an interesting conversation on topics that we plan to talk about after the summer.

During that meeting we talked also about several travel, lifestyle, food, drink, entertainment mobile applications that you might find useful. Summer is coming so many of us are planning some vacation – check the list of apps below.

Here is a list of some of the mobile apps you might find useful  (here you can find also the presentation from yesterday):

Would you like to find out even more mobile applications: here is a link to 13 Travel Mobile Apps (click here)

Have a great summer and stay safe on-line!

Be Aware of the Latest Tax Scam

When we think April 15th – we think taxes and IRS and this is not the best combination we can think of. Just thinking about IRS make us feel (at least) uncomfortable. That’s why it’s so easy to fall for that type of scam.

“Fake IRS agents call taxpayers, claim they owe taxes, and pressure them with demands for payment using a prepaid debit card or a wire transfer. They threaten their targets with arrest, deportation or loss of a business or driver’s license, said J. Russell George, Treasury inspector general for tax administration.

The fake agents mask their caller ID, making it look like the call is coming from the IRS. In some cases, even more frightening, fake agents know the last four digits of Social Security numbers. They go so far as to follow up their targets with official-looking emails.”

In case you are not sure or you answer that scam-call please contact IRS office by yourself (call or visit) and make sure what’s going on.

More information please visit Forbes website – click here

Happy (10) Birthday Facebook

The social media giant enters its 2nd decade! Still strong and still big. First as just web-based application (www.facebook.com) now also as mobile application.

As a birthday present for users – Facebook created a new mobile application (now available only on Apple devices) – Facebook Paper. I’m going to publish a post on that new application soon.

Here is a short history of Facebook:

 

What do you think about Facebook?

“My Home is Burning” Scam on Facebook

Facebook Safety Tip:

Be aware of ‘My Home is Burning’ Facebook private messages that pretending to be from a friend, claims that your friend’s house is burning and you can click a link to see footage of the fire – it’s a Facebook phishing and malware SCAM. Do not click on the link.

You need to use caution when clicking on links in messages (even if the message appears to come from your friend.)

If the link leads to a page that asks you to login to one of your online accounts in order to see the content, make sure to use caution. Message that claims that you must download something (program, update, etc.) to be able to view a video or see pictures or read article should be treated with suspicion.

and as always: if something seems just “not right” – be careful!

Android KitKat

Jelly Bean…KitKat are not only names of sweets we can buy but also are the names of Android operation system.  KitKat is currently only available on Nexus 5 (Android smartphone). Btw. each Android release is names after something sweet 🙂

“Smart – Simple – and Truly Yours”*

• more polished design
• improved performance
• “OK Google” – you can launch voice search, use maps, play a song, send a text
• faster multitasking – improved touchscreen
• new phone application – automatically prioritizes your contacts based on the people you talk to the most
• caller ID – whenever you get a call from a phone number not in your contacts, your phone will look for matches from businesses with a local listing on Google Maps
• better cloud print feature
• low-power audio playback – up to 60h of audio
• music and movie-seeking from lock screen

*list of features from android.com

 

iCloud Keychain

“iCloud Keychain is a password syncing and storage service that works on Safari in iOS and OS X Mavericks. It includes the ability to create a strong password that is then stored and synced to all of your iOS and Mac devices.

The iCloud Keychain service can also store your credit card information, though users will need to enter the credit card security code manually. Still this is a nice addition. Users who don’t want to sync this information are not forced to use it, but many average users will appreciate the convenience.”

for more information and step-by-step set up please visit GottaBeMobile.com

 

Instagram – Something New

There is a chance you heard about Instagram or maybe you use this mobile application. So you know that:

• It’s a simple way to capture and share pictures
• Customize your photos and short videos (every video up to 15sec.) with one of several filter effects
• it’s free
• unlimited uploads (so you can share as many photos and videos as you want)

 

Available on iPhone/iPad and Android

Application of the Day: SeatGuru

Do you like to travel? Would you like to make sure that you have a good seat during your flight? Are you frustrated at the differences between seating arrangements across airlines? SeatGuru application can help

A single, color-coded interactive airplane seating chart. Green is a ‘good’ seat, yellow is a ‘not-so-good’ seat, and red is a ‘avoid-at-all-costs seat’.

Specification:

• seat-map – so you can decide which seat is right for you
• you can check the flight status
• search for flights
• post photos/view photos shared by others – review seat and cabin photos
• connect to Facebook
• real-time flight status alerts

Availability:

• iPad/iPhone (free) – iTunes.com
• Android (free) – GooglePlay

Additional useful information:

• Guide to airline boarding procedures – click on this link to SeatGuru website article
• Additional iPhone travel applications reviews – click on this link to SeatGuru website article
• The ultimate guide to in-seat laptop power ports – click on this link to SeatGuru website article

…and before you book your flight and choose the “right” seat check this short video: