Google Chrome for iOS Updates With Improved Voice Search

Pending an official announcement from Google, Google Chrome for iOS now contains the previously announced voice improvements that lets you search the web without typing out a single letter. Covering the extra row of keys that used to present themselves as you typed, a floating bar replaces the previous voice button from the omnibox. Tapping it brings up a microphone where you can speak your query, and depending on the question, Google will read the answer back to you (for example, ask it what time it is in Italy). Just like Google Search, Chrome will read back the text to you as you speak, and the results feel nearly instant.

You can download Chrome for iOS from the App Store.

WWDC 2013 App Now Available on the App Store

Apple’s WWDC app is now available on the App Store, providing attendees with pertinent information on sessions while giving developers who are not attending a way to browse session videos. This year, Apple will be publishing videos for developers who can’t attend during the conference, instead of afterwards. Thanks to iCloud, developers can start watching a session on one device and pick it up on another. The app provides tools for scheduling session attendance, directions for finding your way around Moscone West, and the ability to leave feedback for sessions attended. Lastly, attendees can add their information to Passbook for faster on-site registration.

Download the WWDC app here.

WWDC takes place next Monday on June 10th.

Automatic Reminders for nvALT→

Another nifty solution by Brett Terpstra:

Inspired by Evernote, I whipped up a little script to find “@reminder” tags with date parameters in nvALT notes (or any folder of text files). It can generate notifications or send HTML emails at the specified time. It’s just for fun right now, but I thought I’d put it out there to see if anyone had any ideas for it.

Brett is already working on Reminders integration, but I’m more interested in the idea of “self-hosted” Evernote-like reminders from nvALT. This is a great match for a TextExpander feature that’s not mentioned very often – date/time math macros.

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Kickstarter: Pocket Tripod Slips Into Your Wallet

Pocket Tripod, an iPhone stand that’s no bigger than a couple credit cards, provides a steady platform for propping your iPhone up on a table, nightstand, or kitchen counter. Only 2.3mm thin, Pocket Tripod was designed to be practical, available for any given moment to fill a variety of needs. Pocket Tripod unfurls to become a angled stand on an airline tray or an immediate tripod for capturing a family portrait. Because of the iPhone’s uniform edges and design, the stand is able to accommodate the iPhone in a variety of positions in portrait or landscape, seating it vertically or tilted back at any angle.

The card sized stand was designed to meet manufacturing goals and to withstand abuse. As the stand packs flat and unfurls or disassembles to prop up the iPhone, ensuring the stand doesn’t wear out is a concern. Geometrical Inc., the company behind Pocket Tripod, claims that its design is up to the challenge of everyday use.

Kickstarter pledges start at $20 for a black or white model, which are currently all sold out. For $25, backers can expected an expedited copy of the Pocket Tripod off of the assembly line if the project is successful. Pocket Tripod has a goal of $45,000 with 29 days to go. Pocket Tripod is expected to retail for $30 when it’s available.

Learn more and back Pocket Tripod on Kickstarter here.

Tweetbot for Mac 1.3 Adds Media Timeline, More Tweaks

Following the 2.8 update released on iOS in April, Tapbots today updated Tweetbot for Mac to version 1.3, which adds various tweaks to the interface as well as the media timeline that debuted on the iPhone and iPad.

To access the new media timeline, which provides an inline media view of all timelines in Tweetbot, you can hit ⌘F and click on the icon next to the search bar, or, alternatively, choose View > Media Timeline (⌥⌘M with the keyboard). The media timeline retains the same functionality and design that Tapbots first brought to the iPhone; to switch back to the default timeline, you can click another icon next to the search bar or go to View > Default Timeline (⌥⌘T).

Complying with Twitter’s new display guidelines, the tweet detail view now comes with retweet and favorite counters – again, implemented just like in Tweetbot for iOS. And alongside a series of bug fixes and improvements, Tweetbot 1.3 brings a welcome enhancement to profile views: besides Cover Image support, you can now double-click the titlebar on a profile to scroll back to the top. Double-clicking again will scroll a profile’s timeline to the top as well.

Tweetbot for Mac 1.3 is available now on the Mac App Store.

Apple Announces iTunes Festival 2013 in London→

Apple PR:

Apple today announced that global superstars including Justin Timberlake, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Jack Johnson and Jessie J are among the headliners at this year’s iTunes Festival in London. Running every night in September at the Roundhouse, the iTunes Festival features over 60 acts performing at the legendary venue.

The festival schedule for this year’s iTunes Festival hasn’t been posted yet, and Apple says that more details on the 30 nights of free live shows will be made available as they get closer to September. As with last year’s iTunes Festival, viewers from around the world will be able to watch live shows using iTunes, an Apple TV, or a dedicated app for iOS.

iTunes Festival used to take place in the month of July, but Apple moved it to September in 2012. Tickets will be available with a lottery system run by Apple and its media partners.

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Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Coming To iPad→

BioWare’s classic, released 10 years ago, is coming to the iPad. IGN’s Steve Watts has a review:

Knights of the Old Republic is a classic-style BioWare RPG, and still stands up remarkably well. Though its action mechanics aren’t quite as polished as those of Mass Effect and Dragon Age, the characters, setting, and infamous plot twist are as well-delivered today as ever. The iPad’s touch interface is largely an improvement over the original, save for a few reservations.

Knights of the Old Republic is widely regarded as one of the best Star Wars games ever made. IGN’s review doesn’t mention a release date, but it’s safe to assume the game should be released very soon. As Pocket-lint notes, the game is being ported to the iPad by developer Aspyr, who accidentally leaked information about it in a newsletter last week.

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