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5 apps as good as or better than iMessage in iOS 8

Five apps as good as or better than iMessage in iOS 8

iMessage in iOS 8 adds new features, but it's mainly catching up to existing apps. Here's five apps you can use right now and get the same features.

There's no question Apple added some meaningful features to iOS 8, and in particular, iMessage. The ability to share locations, edit group threads, send voice notes and photos, or even mute a conversation are all welcome additions. But let's be honest: most of these features already exist in third-party messaging clients. I can't fault Apple for adding the features, as it only benefits its ecosystem and dedicated iOS users. With that in mind, here's five apps you can get right now with features you'll find in iOS 8's iMessage app.

BBM

The common reaction when I mention using BBM to someone is laughter. But if you've actually tried BBM on iOS or Android recently, you'd see it's no laughing matter. BBM is a competent messaging app, full of features that round it out as one the best for cross-platform messaging.

BBM offers location sharing, voice calls (over a data connection), voice notes, photo- and video-sharing, and Dropbox file sharing. You can even allow people to monitor your location using the built-in Glance integration.

A downside to BBM is that you're able to remain logged into only one device at a time. Meaning if you start a conversation on your iPhone, and want to finish it on your iPad, you'll have to log into BBM on your iPad (logging you out of BBM on your iPhone). You'll then have to figure out where you left off in the conversation due to conversation history not being synced.

Download BBM from the App Store.

There's no question WhatsApp is a popular app. With over 450 million users, WhatsApp is the king of the messaging space. If you don't believe me, just ask Facebook.

Naturally, after seeing some of the same features WhatsApp offers turn up in iMessage for iOS 8, theCEO of WhatsApp wasn't all that happy.

In WhatsApp you'll find standard messaging features such as group threads, location sharing, photo- and video-sharing, and voice notes. You can place calls from within the app, however the calls aren't routed over the Internet, using your wireless minutes instead.

As with BBM, WhatsApp also lacks the ability for multidevice conversation syncing.

Download WhatsApp from the App Store.

Facebook Messenger

Despite owning WhatsApp, Facebook has promised to keep Messenger and its recent acquisition separate. As such, one could argue Facebook Messenger is actually a better messaging solution than WhatsApp.

Not only does it offer feature parity with WhatsApp, but it also allows for voice calls over data, and it syncs your conversation history across multiple devices, in real time. You can access the service through any Web browser or through native apps on platforms such as Android and iOS.

Download Facebook Mesenger form the App Store

Google Hangouts

Google's Hangouts service allows for messaging, voice calls (over data), video calls, stickers, GIFs, and location sharing.

In addition to iOS and Android apps, Google also offers Hangouts through any Web browser by accessing your Gmail or Google+ account. Like with Facebook Messenger, your conversation text is kept in sync across multiple devices.

Download Hangouts from the App Store.

Viber

Viber is similar to WhatsApp, in that it's a stand-alone service. One feature it offers you won't find from WhatsApp or BBM is a desktop app. By using a mobile app, and connecting the desktop app to your Viber account, you're message history is synced. You can seamlessly switch between your mobile device and your computer, and the recipient won't have any idea you've done so.

You can also place calls, either to fellow Viber users, or any phone number of your choosing.

Download Viber from the App Store.

One added benefit all of these apps have in common over iMessage is that they allow you to talk to anyone, no matter what platform the recipient is using. While Apple locks you into iMessage (in some cases, quite literally), these apps allow you to roam freely between platforms, free of issues caused by switching platforms.

link:http://www.cnet.com/how-to/five-apps-as-good-as-or-better-than-imessage-in-ios-8/

How to switch between reading and listening in Kindle apps

Amazon's newly updated apps for Android and iOS support instant switching between text and narration. Here's how to make that switch.

Whispersync for Voice is now available in Kindle for Android and iOS.Amazon

Kindle owners have long enjoyed the option of toggling between text and audio versions of their books, a feature made possible by Amazon's Whispersync for Voice technology.

As of today, that capability comes to Amazon's Kindle apps for Android and iOS. The newly updated apps let you switch between reading and listening with the tap of an icon.

Some of the books you already own can be upgraded with narration.Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET

That's pretty cool. You can be listening to a book in the car, then switch to the text when you get home and want to keep reading. However, the process of doing so isn't immediately clear, so let's take a look at how Whispersync for Voice works in Kindle apps. Note that my testing was performed on an iPhone, but the process is virtually identical in Android.

Step 1: Make sure you have not only the Kindle app installed on your mobile device, but also the Audible app. It's the latter that will handle the heavy lifting, audio-wise. Update: According to Audible, the Kindle app has the necessary audio tech built in, and therefore the app itself is not required.

Step 2: The best way to see this in action is with a book that supports Whispersync for Voice. You can use Amazon's Matchmaker service to see which Kindle books you already own are able to be upgraded with audio, but you can also start with a freebie: Amazon is currently offering the classic "Black Beauty" for Kindle at no charge, with accompanying professional narration also at no charge. (After you "buy" the book, you'll see a button allowing you to "buy" the narration as well.)

Step 3: Load the Kindle app and open "Black Beauty." Tap anywhere on the screen to bring up the options menu, then look in the lower-left corner. You should see a headphone icon. Tap it, then tap the blue download arrow on the subsequent screen. This will start the download of the book's audio companion file.

Step 4: When the download is done, you'll see a familiar-looking set of play controls. Tap the big blue triangle to play/pause, or either of the quick-skip buttons to go forward or back in 30-second increments.

Step 5: To return to the text version, tap the little book icon in the lower-left corner of the screen. Because the book and audio editions stay in sync, you'll always be at the right location as you jump back and forth. Like I said: pretty cool.

By the way, don't let the headphone icon fool you. Although it would seem to indicate headphones are required (and Amazon's own promo page directs you to "pop in your headphones"), you can play the audio through your device's own speaker or an AirPlay/Bluetooth speaker.

link:http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-switch-between-reading-and-listening-in-kindle-apps/

How to send Facebook messages without the Messenger app

Not happy that Facebook now forces you to use its Messenger app? Here's how to beat the company at its own game.

If you're a Facebook user, you're probably aware by now that you can no longer send and receive messages from within the mobile app. The company now requires you to use the standalone Messenger app for mobile chats.

I suspect most users had the same reaction I did: Uh, no. Why should I install a second app just so I can trade the occasional message with a Facebook friend? It reminds me of when Apple ripped podcast management out of the Music app and forced users into a seriously awful standalone app.

Fortunately, there are two ways to deal with this.

First, you can open Facebook in your mobile browser, sign into your account, and access the service via its Web interface.

Open (then bookmark) Facebook in your mobile browser to continue enjoying integrated messaging.Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET

There are a few advantages here, not the least of which is integrated messaging, just like you're used to. This browser-based version also provides a nearly identical feature set and navigation menu, so there's virtually no learning curve. And as noted over at ITworld, the Facebook app can put a dent in your battery life, meaning you're actually better off deleting it and relying on the Web version instead.

So to make that your permanent option, just bookmark the mobile Facebook site (m.facebook.com), then add a shortcut to your Home screen.

Facebook Messenger does offer some benefits, like sharing your location with friends.

Your second option? Suck it up and use Facebook Messenger, especially if you're a heavy chatter. Annoying as it is to have to switch to a different app, Messenger itself is fairly robust, offering easy ways to create groups and send photos, videos, and even voice clips. It's chock full of emoji (or "stickers," to use FB parlance), if you're into that sort of thing, and you can use it to voice-call other Messenger users at no charge.

In other words, before you abandon Facebook in a huff, at least give Messenger a try. You might find it useful -- and at just 35MB (for the iOS version, anyway -- Android size varies), it's a reasonably compact app.

How to add loyalty cards to your PayPal app

The newly updated iOS app wants to help you lighten your wallet even further.

Reclaim your wallet! Use the PayPal app to store your loyalty cards.Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET

Loyalty cards can be great for scoring discounts, tracking purchases, and the like, but they're no friend to your already overstuffed wallet. That's why many smartphone owners have turned to apps like CardStar and Key Ring, which allow you to manage loyalty cards in digital form.

Now PayPal does, too. The newly updated app (version 5.5, if you're keeping score) lets you add loyalty cards to your account. If you're not already using one of the aforementioned card-management apps, or just feel like consolidating into a single app, here's how to use PayPal's new feature. (Note that it's currently available only in the iOS version, but it stands to reason the Android app will receive the same update soon.)

Step 1: Making sure you've updated to the latest version (via the App Store), fire up the app and sign in to your PayPal account.

Step 2: Tap the Wallet icon.

Step 3: Tap the plus sign in the top-right corner, then tap Loyalty Card.

Step 4: Scroll through the listings, or use the search tool to zero in on the one you want.

Step 5: Once you've chosen a store or business, you'll immediately have the option to scan the bar code on your existing loyalty card. If you've misplaced the card but still have the number, you can type that in manually.

Use Unclouded to analyze storage in Dropbox and Google Drive

Christian Göllner, an XDA member and Android developer, has released an app that helps you find out what's taking up all of your space in Dropbox and Google Drive.

Over time, your cloud storage might be hanging onto things you don't need anymore, or didn't even know you had. This is especially the case with Dropbox, since deleting files through the desktop app doesn't actually remove them from your storage, just that directory.

Unclouded lets you browse through your Dropbox and Google Drive storage like a file manager, and even helps locate duplicates that are taking space you could use for something else.

Right now Unclouded is in beta -- meaning you can't download the app from the Google Play Store without joining the Google+ community for beta testers. Thankfully, this just takes a moment and you'll be on your way to trying the app. Ready to give it a go? Here's how:

Step 1: Join the Google+ community for Unclouded.

Sign up for the beta test.Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 2: Agree to become a beta tester and then click the download link.

If the link doesn't work, give it a few minutes. As a last resort, you can sideload the APK from this link.

Open Unclouded. You can take the tour through the features, or skip ahead to get started.

Select an account from the menu.Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 3: Choose the cloud service you want to add first and grant the necessary permissions. To add another, open the slide-out menu and then tap on the existing service (this reveals the option to add another).

Now it's time to see where all of your cloud storage is allocated.

Account overview tab in Unclouded.Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 4: Tap the service you want to work with in the left-hand menu. The overview page will show you a quick breakdown.

Sorting preferences for file management.Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 5: Open the menu again to choose whether to sort your files by directory, category, last modified, or duplicates. The last one is extremely useful, since you don't need to store things twice. There are additional sorting options available in the top right-hand menu.

Files displayed by type.Nicole Cozma/CNET

Most features in the app are free, but if you want to upload, move, rename, or delete fields, you'll need to do an in-app upgrade for $1.99 (which converts to £1.18 or AU$2.14). Even without these features, this app lets you know which types of files are using the majority of your storage, and you can always organize from those accounts on the Web.

When I spoke to the developer, Christian Göllner, he mentioned that an update will be rolling out to the app today. Changes include the ability to use a grid view, see the size of multiple selected items, and see the trash area of Google Drive. These changes are live for the APK link and will reach Google Play soon, if they haven't already.

11 apps that help you save money

Heading back to school this fall? These apps will help you save money now and throughout the year.

Ready to buy new clothes, dorm furnishings, gadgets, or just want to make sure you can afford to eat? The good news is that you won't have to spend all of your time looking through the newspaper or local flyers to find the best deals. Here's a collection of 11 apps that will help you locate coupons, hidden rebates, and tips for getting the best prices everywhere:

Coupon Apps

You usually bring your phone with you everywhere, right? Instead of adding to the forgotten pile of newspaper clippings on the kitchen counter, just add one of these apps to your phone. Digital coupons are eco-friendly (save trees!) and don't require any email newsletters that clog up your inbox.

Coupon Sherpa (Android, iOS)

Want to dive right into digital coupons? This app doesn't require any account information and lets you browse coupons by category, or search for something specific. You can save your favorite places by tapping the star in the corner. It's that easy.

The Coupons App (Android, iOS)

As the name implies, you will find a wealth of coupons inside. And besides coupon browsing, you can scan items, share coupons with friends, or even check gas prices.

RetailMeNot (Android, iOS)

Thanks to the latest update, this app is now delivering offers on food. You can save your favorite stores and also get a notification when a new offer is available from them, which is a missing feature from many of the discount apps out there.

Restaurant.com (Android, iOS)

You have to eat, but maybe you want a break from cooking. This app will get you great deals on gift certificates for local restaurants -- like $4 for a $10 certificate.

Checkout 51 (Android, iOS)

More of a rebate redemption service than a coupon app, Checkout 51 will send you real money when you buy selected products. All you have to do is take a picture of your receipt and submit it to the app to verify your purchase. After $20, you can cash out.

Other discounts

KeyRing (Android, iOS)

Having trouble getting your keyring into your pocket? Removing some of your discount cards means you'll be missing the right one at the wrong time. Instead, add all of your discount cards to this app and the cashier will be able to scan your screen. Bonus: the app has a large selection of coupons, too.

Cartwheel by Target (Android, iOS)

This app displays items that have special sale prices, with one catch: you can only pick as many spots as your list will hold. The more you use the app, the more spots you'll earn for your list. After your list is built, the app will create a bar code that must be scanned at checkout to reap the savings.

ShopSavvy (Android, iOS) / RedLaser (Android, iOS)

Want to know if you're getting the best deal? The easiest way to check is with a scanner app like ShopSavvy or RedLaser. These apps are extremely similar (which is why they are grouped together here), but ShopSavvy is definitely the veteran of the two -- if that makes a difference to you.

Foursquare (Android, iOS) and Swarm (Android, iOS)

Believe it or not, you can score some sweet deals on food and other items with the Foursquare and Swarm apps. From discounts when dining out, to a percentage off your bill at major retailers. Just check-in and you'll see which offer you've unlocked. (The code for redemption is in fine print along the bottom.)

GasBuddy (Android, iOS)

If you're using your own car to get yourself (and maybe some friends) to class, then you'll want to know where to fill up. GasBuddy heavily relies on locals to report gas prices -- and it works! You're likely to save money each time you check the app before heading to the pump.

Setting a budget

Using coupons, collecting rebates, and getting discounts will definitely save you money, but you should still have a budget. In other words, don't let savings one place encourage you to overspend somewhere else. Many banks are now offering the ability to see where you're spending the majority of your income (if you use your bank cards) with their mobile app. However, if you're looking for an alternative, try this one:

Check (Android, iOS)

This app will help you manage your finances across multiple accounts. The bill reminders will help you avoid late fees, and you can make payments right through the app.

Get started with Instagram's Hyperlapse app

The new app helps you create time-lapse videos using your iPhone.

Creating a time-lapse video using your iOS device just got a lot easier (without the help of iOS 8, mind you). On Tuesday, Instagram released a stand-alone app called Hyperlapse. The app is currently only available for iOS devices; sorry Android users, you'll need to wait until Google makes some API changes to the gyroscope and camera, according to Wired.

Upon launching the app for the first time you're walked through some example time-lapse videos, and then asked to grant permission for the app to access your Camera and Microphone. Obviously lacking is the need to connect the app to your Instagram account. That's right, Hyperlapse isn't directly tied to your Instagram account -- its primary job is to help you create videos.

Capturing

Recording a video through the app is exactly what you'd expect from an iOS camera app. A tap on the white shutter button starts recording, with another tap to stop recording. Just under the shutter button you'll notice two different time indicators. The time on the left is the total time recorded, while the time opposite represents the time-lapse length at the default 6x setting.

You won't find an option to enable or disable the stabilization feature - it's baked in and on at all times. And after viewing a video in its "unstabilized" format, you'll be happy the app is designed this way.

Editing

Immediately after tapping the shutter button to stop recording, edit mode is launched. A slider allows you to adjust the speed of the video. With options ranging from 1x to 12x speed, you have complete control over how fast or slow the video plays back. Just keep in mind adjusting playback speed directly impacts the length of your video.

To view your video without the included stabilization feature, touch the screen as your video plays; "Unstabilized" will display along the bottom of the screen, showing you just how much better off you are when recording video within the app.

Sharing

Selecting the checkmark will save the video to your Camera Roll, followed by prompting you to share the video with either Instagram or Facebook. But as you already know, you can share content from your Camera Roll through various services.

Tapping on the red "X" will give you the option to delete the video, or save it within the app for editing later. Tap on the blue circle on the record screen to access your saved videos.

If you have a Hyperlapse video you're quite proud of, share a link to it in the comments. I have a feeling our Instagram feeds are going to be overrun with this feature for at least a few weeks.

How to force iOS 8 to use third-party maps

Don't want Apple Maps to navigate you? Here's how to "opt out" in iOS 8.

Has Apple Maps improved in iOS 8? Back in March, reports indicated "major upgrades" were coming to the unpopular app, which debuted in iOS 6 to widespread criticism. But Apple didn't say much about Maps when iOS 8 arrived, and the app never saw the public-transit option which was rumored to be in the works.

In any case, one thing hasn't changed: You still can't alter the operating system's default navigation app. If you tap an address in, say, your address book or on a website, you'll land in Apple Maps, like it or not.

However, there's an easy way to bounce out of Maps and into your preferred navigator. Here's how:

Step one: Open an address in Apple Maps as you normally would.

Step two: Tap the car icon to start the routing process.

Step three: Tap Apps in the route-selection menu.

Step four: Tap Route next to whatever installed navigation app you want to use.

And that's it! It's not quite as seamless as changing the default, but it's certainly easier than entering an address manually in your map app of choice. What's more, you also get a list of App Store options, just in case you need something more suitable than what's already installed.

As you may recall, iOS 7 offered a similar tweak, though it required you to choose the Bus option. That would connect you with installed apps offering public-transit directions. In iOS 8, it's a little more straightforward.

However, the underlying code apparently hasn't changed that much, because if you choose Google Maps, it will load the app with Bus as the default mode of transport. (Just tap car or another option to change it.)

Use Tinfoil for Facebook to protect your privacy on Android

Skip the official apps for Facebook and check out this privacy-focused one instead.

The Facebook app and its Messenger counterpart have been met with a lot of criticism from users. Among the reviews, you'll find complaints about permission settings and the lack of features in each app when compared to the mobile Web UI.

As an alternative to these apps, a recent post on Lifehacker recommends that you check out Tinfoil for Facebook. The developer, Daniel Velazco, refers to this app as "a wrapper for Facebook's mobile site," but it's much more useful than it sounds. Behind the scenes, Tinfoil creates a sandbox for all of Facebook's cookies, storing them independently from your normal browser cookies. This keeps your information from being leaked and tracked across other websites. Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Install

Grab a copy of Tinfoil for Facebook on the Google Play Store. It's free!

Tinfoil for Facebook slide-out menu.Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 2: Adjust the settings

Before using the app, you may want to tweak a few settings. Slide out the menu on the right-hand side of the screen and tap Preferences. Check the box next to Open links inside the app for additional sandboxing of your cookies (this should probably be a default). The rest of the settings are up to you: toggle the ability to check-in, block images, force a specific version of the site to load, or add a proxy.

Tinfoil for Android settings.Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 3: Extra precautions

Lifehacker's post reminded readers that the Tinfoil sandbox only works in one direction. If you're logged into other services (like your Google account), Facebook can use the data in those cookies to track your habits off its website. Ultimately this means that you'll need to logout of other services before opening Tinfoil for Facebook.

Note: Some users may have issues sharing photos through Tinfoil, but according to the developer, this occurs on Facebook's end as a result of testing features in waves.

5 tips for Google Voice in Hangouts on Android

Now that Google has finally rolled Voice into the existing Hangouts app, there are a few settings you may want to adjust for a better calling and texting experience.

The recent integration of Google Voice into the Hangouts application lets users call phone numbers and send texts, acting a second phone line. These new features are really useful if you have a limited number of minutes or texts on your carrier plan, or if your cellular signal is less reliable than your Wi-Fi signal.

Here are five tips to help make your Google Voice in Hangouts experience more pleasant:

Note: Before you get started with the tips, make sure that the boxes next to Incoming phone calls and Messages are checked in the Settings area of the Hangouts app.

Make calls over Wi-Fi/4G/3G

If you've used the Google Voice app in the past, you may have set it to use your Voice number when making calls. These calls still used your carrier minutes, instead of your data signal. As a solution, Google created a second app that acts as a plug-in for Hangouts, called Hangouts Dialer. This app will add a dialer tab to Hangouts, allowing you to make outbound calls with your Voice number over Wi-Fi/data. After you download the app, make sure to open it at least once to connect it to the original Hangouts app. You do not need this app to receive calls via Hangouts.

Disable double ring

Voice settings on the Web.Nicole Cozma/CNET

When a call is coming in, you don't need two separate notifications going off at the same time on your phone. To stop this from happening, disable call forwarding to your mobile number in your Voice account. Afterward, only the Hangouts app will ring. Here's how:

Log in to Google Voice on the Web.
Click the cog menu in top right-hand corner and choose Settings.
In the first tab, uncheck the box next to your mobile carrier number.

Adjust notification sounds

Hangouts app notification settings.Nicole Cozma/CNET

By default, the Hangouts will play the same alert for instant messages, Google Voice SMS and carrier SMS (if you are using it as your default SMS app). This may work for someone who always has a moment to check his or her phone, but if you want different notifications, you can easily change them in the Settings menu.

Instant messages

Settings > Google account name > Hangouts messages & invites > Sound

Google Voice SMS

Settings > Google account name > Google Voice SMS > Sound

Carrier SMS

Settings > SMS > Sound

Change 'send from' number

Choose an account for replying to SMS.Nicole Cozma/CNET

If you set the Hangouts app as your default SMS client, you may want to adjust which number is being used when replying to someone. You have three options:

Smart reply (uses the number that you were contacted on to reply)
Google Voice
Carrier

These options can be accessed through the Hangouts settings:

SMS > Send SMS from

Default dialer

Google Voice app call settings.Nicole Cozma/CNET

Unfortunately, you cannot set the Hangouts Dialer app as your default dialer. Whenever you tap a number on the web or in another app, you'll be met with your device's stock dialer app. As a solution, you can keep the original Google Voice app and let it continue using your Google Voice number for all calls, or asking which number you want to use.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014