Stories by Gary Ng

Starbucks App Pick of the Week: Pocketbooth [Update]

This week's Starbucks App Pick of the Week is the $0.99 cent app, Pocketbooth. The app replicates a photo booth to allow you to take fun pictures with friends and family, either using the front or rear cameras of your iOS device. You can customize different effects (ie Black and White, Sepia, etc.), pose options...

Snapseed Receives iPhone 5, iOS 6 Support and Loses Flickr Sharing

Snapseed, probably the easiest iOS photo-editing apps to learn, has just been updated on the App-Store to receive iPhone 5 and iOS 6 support. We have went as far as to label Snapseed "the best photo editing app" on the market. Click here to view our full video review of the application. Along with iPhone...

Microsoft Office for iOS Reportedly Coming in 2013 [Update]

The Verge reports Microsoft Office for iOS is set to arrive in 2013, according to confirmation from Microsoft's Czech Republic team (via IHNED): A press release, seen by The Verge, from Microsoft's Czech Republic team confirms the availability for iOS and Android. "In addition to Windows, Office will be also available on other operating systems, Windows...

Apple’s Choice of Aluminum Slowing Down iPhone 5 Production

Bloomberg reports the production of iPhone 5 units have been hampered due to Apple's decision to use a choice of aluminum that is lighter, but more easily scratched: Apple Inc.'s iPhone 5 supply shortfall is being exacerbated by a quality-control crackdown at Foxconn Technology Group that’s designed to cut the number of devices shipped with...

Apple’s iOS Web Page Updated to Stress Security Features

Apple has updated their iOS feature page to highlight security features of iOS (as noted by Apple Bitch) with the following addition under the subsection 'Safety and security by design': "Low-level hardware and firmware features are designed to protect against malware and viruses, while high-level OS features help to secure access to personal information and...

Rogers Partners with Gemalto for SIM-Based NFC Mobile Payments

Rogers has announced a partnership with digital security technology firm Gemalto to offer mobile payment solutions via NFC (near field communication). Currently, Rogers is undergoing pilot testing of NFC-enabled devices, announced earlier this year in a partnership with CIBC. Gemalto's Upteq NFC is an EMV-ready (Europay, MasterCard and Visa), high-end SIM UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) solution...

Apple’s Lightning Authentication Chip Cracked by 3rd Party Cable Maker

On the weekend M.I.C Gadget noted Apple's Lightning authentication chip was cracked, allegedly by the Chinese accessory maker, iPhone5mod. MacRumors has followed up with the latter over the claim the chip has been cracked. iPhone5mod said they are currently using original chips directly from Apple's supplier, but more importantly, they also have on hand unauthorized cracked...

Apple Lightning to 30-pin Adapter Review Hits the Web

iLounge has received their Lightning to 30-pin adapter and has posted an early hands-on review of the accessory, which retails for $35 in Canada ($29 USD). Their initial tests have revealed the adapter works with their old speakers for audio and power and also the transmission of data over cables, plus it is strong enough...

TELUS Launches LTE Network in Camrose and Wetaskiwin

TELUS continues to expand its 4G LTE network and today it has launched in Camrose and Wetaskiwin in Alberta, part of a $750,000 investment to extend wireless and wireline networks. The company notes more than 80 percent of the province will receive LTE by the end of 2012. “TELUS is committed to offering the best...

U.S. Warns Canada of the Dangers of Chinese Firm Huawei, Again [Update]

The U.S. government has once again warned about the dangers of Chinese company Huawei, the world's second-largest supplier of telecommunications equipment. We last reported about these American concerns back in May, but the U.S. Intelligence Committee has released a new report that once again questions the national security concerns about trusting Huawei with our telecommunications,...

Watch the Red Bull Stratos Freefall Live from your iPhone

If you haven't heard about the Red Bull Stratos freefall project, you're about to. Felix Baumgartner will jump from 120,000 feet, essentially free falling 37 kilometres (23 miles) and will attempt to break the sound barrier over a desert in New Mexico: THE MISSION Red Bull Stratos is a scientific mission to 120,000 ft. Jumping...