Viper outs SmartStart 3.0, knows where your car is and what it’s up to

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Viper reckons it can be your singular, all-round vehicle app judging by the considerable leap in features for version 3.0 of its Android, iOS or Blackberry SmartStart. On top of previous car lock, security and ignition controls, the aux channels now let you monkey with other parts from afar, like the sunroof, windows, stereo, AC and more. The new SmartSchedule pings you when it's time to (remotely) start 'er up, and vehicle diagnostics flag engine issues through DTC repair codes, if you drive certain models. The jazziest addition is the Directed Cloud Services which let you monitor your car's status and position through GPS, and start it, lock it, or access the other aforementioned controls -- regardless of where in the world you both are. For the true micro-manager, there's no such thing as overkill.

Viper outs SmartStart 3.0, knows where your car is and what it's up to originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thefuture.fm launches iPhone app for discovering DJ mixtapes, hopes to steal Spotify’s thunder

Thefuture.fm launches iPhone app for discovering DJ mixtapes, hopes to steal Spotify's thunder

Internet radio purveyors from Spotify to Rdio keep upping the ante with more playlist features and design overhauls, and the competition for your ears' attention is only getting fiercer. One of the newest players is Thefuture.fm (formerly known as Dubset), which launched last month with a focus on DJ-curated mixtapes. Today the service outed its iPhone app, which includes a "smart search" feature for finding mixes by song or artist and lets users sync their web accounts with saved playlists for listening on the go. Looking for a new online-listening destination? Head past the break for a look at the press.

Continue reading Thefuture.fm launches iPhone app for discovering DJ mixtapes, hopes to steal Spotify's thunder

Thefuture.fm launches iPhone app for discovering DJ mixtapes, hopes to steal Spotify's thunder originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 06:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insert Coin: Neva smart ski poles keep you connected while shredding powder

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Insert Coin: Neva smart ski poles keep you connected while shredding powder

Hitting the slopes means ditching your phone for a few hours, or risking losing it while bombing down the mountain. More troubling than an AWOL handset, though, is getting yourself lost in the backcountry sans smartphone while searching for fresh powder. An intrepid skier / software coder is well aware of this, and he's taken to Kickstarter to fund the Neva ski poles, which keep you safe and connected by wirelessly communicating with the Android or iPhone in your pocket. Incoming calls and text messages pop up on the built-in OLED display, and a finger swipe lets you answer the phone without lifting your gaze from the path ahead, as long as you've managed to mod your mitts accordingly. It's on you to decide which calls are really so pressing they need to be taken on your downhill runs -- though, to do so, you'll probably want to buy one of those Bluetooth-enabled jackets. The poles also display temperature, time and elevation, and the related smartphone app lets you toggle features such as calculating your slope angle and tracking your route.

As far as Kickstarter pledge rewards go, the Neva project is quite generous. The base $1 donation gets you early access to the smartphone app, while stepping up to $120 earns you a pair of 7075 aluminum poles (only one is data-enabled), the app for Android or iPhone and a vinyl Neva decal. Of course, you could always shell out $2,500 or more and get a reseller pack of 25 Neva ski pole sets. While those are enticing offers for backers, the project has raised just $851 of its requested $100k -- and there are only 26 days left. Hit up the source link to donate, and check out the video past the break for a look at the poles in action.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Neva smart ski poles keep you connected while shredding powder

Insert Coin: Neva smart ski poles keep you connected while shredding powder originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 08:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skype iOS apps hit v4.0: improved stability, minor UI tweaks in tow

Skype iOS apps hit v4.0: improved stability, minor UI tweaks in tow

Everyone's favorite VoIP service, Skype, has rolled out a fresh update to its iPhone / iPod Touch and iPad clients. First off, the Microsoft-owned outfit added a revamped login screen to both iOS applications, and now offers the ability to move your vid preview around the screen -- much like FaceTime does. To go along with the new pair of features, Skype's changelog also notes the app will now automatically restart after a sudden crash, while other undisclosed enhancements were made to improve the overall UI, stability and accessibility. Of note, Skype v4 requires folks to be running iOS 4.3 or later. So, those of you keeping that Cupertino OS current can hit either of the iTunes links below to get the goods, or grab it from the App Store on your device.

Skype iOS apps hit v4.0: improved stability, minor UI tweaks in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In Ticketing increases options for venues and promoters, as long as they’re using iOS

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Converting a cellphone into a credit card reader is nothing new, but transforming one into a box office for live events could shake things up a bit -- or, at least provide a bit of friendly competition for NFC-based alternatives. In Ticketing has just launched InHand Box Office software for use at live events. The company claims to be one of the greener ticketing outfits out there, and plans to turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a device capable of wirelessly processing payments (and printing out paper receipts, unlike Square or PayPal Here) at independently run concerts or festivals. Potentially reducing time spent in line and preventing congestion at the entrance translates into more people inside the venue, and using your phone instead of a difficult-to-establish credit card merchant account should reduce the friction in throwing such an event. As long as you tend to carry the appropriate iDevice with In Ticketing's new app installed, you can marry it to that iAPS Sled you see above to create your own personal CC processing machine. The only issues? Convincing Gotye to play your house party instead of Coachella next year, and that awkward lack of support for Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone.

Continue reading In Ticketing increases options for venues and promoters, as long as they're using iOS

In Ticketing increases options for venues and promoters, as long as they're using iOS originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Instattoo iOS app lets you randomly generate tattoos, can’t turn back time

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Interested in getting a tattoo but disappointed by your lack of completely random options? Then Instattoo might be just the app for you. Released today for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, it lets you automatically generate a one-of-a-kind tattoo with just a few taps and swipes, which you can then print out and get transferred to your own body with the aid of a skilled professional -- but not before you share it on your social network of choice, of course. You can get a taste of what you might be getting yourself into in the pair of videos after the break, and grab the app in the App Store now for $5 if you're not dissuaded.

Continue reading Instattoo iOS app lets you randomly generate tattoos, can't turn back time

Instattoo iOS app lets you randomly generate tattoos, can't turn back time originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Line2 for iOS now offers MMS support within its network, adds location sharing

Line2 for iOS now offers MMS support within its network, adds location sharing feature

One of your favorite, dock-worthy iOS apps just got a tad bit better. We're talking 'bout Line2, who's just hit version 8.0.0 and is bringing with it a slew of long-awaited traits. Of these, the most notable is the inclusion of MMS, which now allows users to send out pics to other folks using Line2's service. That said, you can share media with people outside the Line2 network, but due to carrier restrictions, the MMS being sent will only show up as a link on the receiving end. To go alongside that Multimedia Messaging Service, the app's also adding a new location sharing feature (for those who don't mind the occasional stalking). As of now, the fresh goods are exclusive to the iOS crowd, while an update for the Android variant is said to be in the works. As usual, you can grab the app straight from the App Store on your device or via the iTunes link below.

Line2 for iOS now offers MMS support within its network, adds location sharing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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