With Google’s vast resources, Nest CEO Tony Fadell is hoping to bring home appliances and consumer electronics together in a new line of sleek connected home devices. The plan is to develop a line of smart refrigerators, TVs, light bulbs, thermostats, smoke alarms, and security cameras that can all interact with each other. In typical Google fashion, Nest wants anybody to be able to connect to their hardware, so they released a developer program for other companies. Continue reading Nest and Google are Aiming to Design Smarter Home Devices

Some analysts are suggesting that we avoid underestimating smartwatches, which could eventually become indispensable as a wide array of useful apps come to market. Major players such as Samsung, Google and Apple will release wearables that can be used for health and fitness tracking, interacting with our phones and vehicles, and much more. The platform is expected to usher in a new frontier of accessories and apps, and the ability to develop them in a more sophisticated manner. Continue reading Will Accessories and Apps Make Smartwatches Indispensable?

The Makr app turns iPhone users into t-shirt and tote bag designers. Anyone can upload a design, which can be printed on t-shirts, bags, even temporary tattoos. The iPad version also allows users to design paper goods like wedding invitations and business cards. These items are sold through Makr’s online store and the designer gets $2 per sale without having to worry about production, shipping or payments. The tool could help YouTube celebrities and other online stars sell merchandise to fans. Continue reading Makr Produces, Ships, and Sells Custom Design Merchandise

Netflix’s new privacy feature will now allow users to select which shows they want to share with Facebook friends. In the past, people who decided to link their Netflix and Facebook accounts shared their viewed titles to all of their Facebook friends. Now, each user can recommend a TV show or movie to just one or more friends. With this update, Netflix users now have the ability to be more selective about which programs they recommend to others, and which programs they hide. Continue reading Netflix Users Control What Shows They Share with Privacy Tool

Apple plans to turn its new iPhone into a mobile wallet via partnerships with various banks, payment networks and retailers. The company has agreements with Visa, MasterCard and American Express, according to a person familiar with the plans. The new iPhone, expected to debut at Apple’s September 9 press event, will reportedly make mobile payments easier with a new NFC chip and the company’s Touch ID fingerprint reader. A mobile wallet could help keep consumers within the Apple ecosystem. Continue reading Will Apple’s New iPhone Help Pave the Way for Mobile Wallets?

On August 28, Apple distributed press invitations for a Cupertino event scheduled for September 9. Earlier reports suggest the company is ready to unveil its new iPhone 6, possibly in 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions, both with a new A8 processor. In recent years, Apple has released new iPhones during September or October, so speculation that the iPhone 6 will hit shelves weeks after the press event may not be far-fetched. Additional rumors point to the possibility of a new iPad and/or a long-awaited iWatch. Continue reading Apple to Hold September Press Event: New iPhone Expected

Dropbox has cut the cost of a gigabyte by 90 percent on Dropbox Pro, changing the price from $9.99 for 100 gigabytes to $9.99 for one terabyte of data. Dropbox also claims that the algorithms it uses to sync files across devices are faster and easier than offerings from any other file-sharing services. The reason for the dramatic price reduction rests in Dropbox’s competition, where Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive both offer similar features for lower amounts. Continue reading Dropbox Pro Reduces the Cost of a Gigabyte by 90 Percent

Following reports that the upcoming new iPhone will have a bigger screen, Apple may also have an even larger iPad in the works. The new iPad with a 12.9-inch display would dwarf the current models of iPads, which measure 9.7 inches and 7.9 inches diagonally. Tablet sales have been on the decline for the past two quarters, but the iPad remains Apple’s second-biggest product. The larger screen could give the iPad more functionality and appeal for businesses, schools and government customers. Continue reading Apple Plans to Target New Customers with Larger iPad Screen

Starting in July of next year, all smartphones sold in California must have a “kill switch,” a software feature that allows smartphone owners to disable a phone after it has been stolen. The “kill switch” will make it more difficult for thieves to resell stolen phones because the phone can only be reactivated with the owner’s correct password. Smartphone manufacturers will be required to ship these phones with the anti-theft technology activated as part of the default settings. Continue reading New California Law to Require ‘Kill Switch’ on Smartphones

Vine’s new import feature is aimed at brands that want to produce videos without the limitations of a smartphone camera. Previously, Vine only allowed for six-second videos to be recorded and shared using the camera on users’ phones, which boosted creativity for individuals but hindered any commercial use. Now, users can upload videos shot with professional-grade cameras that are edited with computer software. The move is a step toward Twitter’s plan to monetize its video-sharing service. Continue reading Twitter Hopes New Import Feature for Vine Will Attract Brands

NimbleTV now allows users to stream live TV for free, no matter where they are. The cloud-based service can stream via computer, Android phone, iPad, iPhone, Roku and Apple TV. With any cable subscription, users can view the same channels as they can on their television, with the option to search for favorite shows. While expansion to nine other cities is expected this year, the user’s choice of cable company is currently limited to a subscription from an address in New York or Chicago.

Continue reading Cable Subscribers Can Watch TV from Anywhere via NimbleTV

Snapchat, the mobile app that creates vanishing messages and currently touts 27 million users, may soon become a service for distributing television and movie clips, news videos and articles, and advertisements. According to people familiar with the matter, the startup has met with advertisers and media companies in recent weeks about a service to launch in November called Snapchat Discovery. At least a dozen newspapers, magazines and TV networks have reportedly discussed providing content. Continue reading Snapchat Mobile App Plans to Add News Content and Sell Ads

According to videos recently posted to YouTube, Best Buy will offer a smart home hub through a $9.99-per-month service called Peq, which is provided by the newly launched SmartHome Ventures. Ted Schremp, CEO of SmartHome Ventures, suggests that Peq makes setting up and operating home automation and security very simple. Best Buy will become the fourth major retailer to join the home automation space following Lowe’s Iris, Staples Connect and Home Depot’s deal with Wink-Quirky. Continue reading Best Buy Plans to Offer Smart Home Hub via New Peq Service

Apple has invested $700 million in producing synthetic sapphire, one of the hardest minerals on Earth, for the newest iPhone’s display screens. Sapphire is expensive to produce, but the material does not crack or scratch as easily as the glass currently used in iPhones. Apple and GT Advanced Technologies have opened a facility in Arizona to produce the new material. The facility’s ability to meet the demand will determine whether Apple rolls out an iPhone with a sapphire screen. Continue reading New iPhone May Feature Scratch-Resistant Sapphire Screen

Groopie, an app that just launched on iOS, is hoping to be the next maker of online stars. Now, a team of vloggers can collaborate on episodes of their own shows. Friends can shoot video at the same time, and use built-in editing tools to select the camera angle and audio source. The beta testers who have been experimenting with the app for the past six months have already created reality and scripted shows. Groopie videos can also be shared on Facebook and Twitter. Continue reading Groopie Social Network Lets Vloggers Collaborate on Episodes