Max Firtman in MoDev 2013

TASK Mobile solutions had the pleasure of attending an excellent presentation from Maximiliano (Max) Firtman [http://firt.mobi] from Argentina on Mobile Web Development at the MoDev conference in McLean, VA http://east13.gomodev.com. The room was packed and there was a long line for the book signing. Max had two O’Reilly books available to sign: jQuery Mobile and Mobile Web… though choice!
All I can say is that Max is a smart professional, a well rounded instructor with an easygoing style, but covering all bases and answering all audience questions with confidence and authority.

Max book signing in Modev

Max book signing in Modev

Max presentation on JQuery Mobile

Max presentation on JQuery Mobile

Max and Adrian shake hands

Max and Adrian shake hands

Max book signing line in Modev

Max book signing line in Modev

Using The New iOS 7 Siri Commands

f you find yourself fumbling with your iPhone to make a simple phone call, locate and launch an app, set a reminder or wake-up alarm then you’re probably not using Siri enough. If you still don’t know about Siri or you’re new to the iPhone or iPad, Siri allows you to issue voice commands on your device, saving you the trouble of all the tapping, typing, and searching by hand.

Siri was first introduced with iOS 5, back in 2010. We have covered what you can do with Siri, from calling people and making restaurant reservations dictating messages and notes using the voice to text feature. In this article I highlight some of the new commands in the iOS 7 version of Siri, as well as suggest some tips for getting the most out of the feature
Your First Siri Command

Your first Siri command couldn’t be easier. Whether your iPhone or iPad is in lock mode or not, simply press down on the Home button until you here the two-tone prompt and the new Siri screen comes up. If you don’t know what to say, you can tap on question at bottom-left of the screen to get a list of commands, or if you don’t speak for a few seconds a list of commands will appear on the screen.

Siri-1

The list of Siri commands you see are related to all of the default iOS apps. Tapping on a listed app gets you additional commands and questions you can use. But if you’re just getting your feet wet with Siri you might feel a little overwhelmed with the long list. I will highlight a few of the new and most practical commands you might should know about.

Phone Calls and Messages
Voice Command Control Center
Launch Applications
Play iTunes Radio Station
Twitter Searches
Questions & Answers
Siri Settings
Siri Does It Faster

Source: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/do-more-with-siri-using-the-new-ios-7-siri-commands

5 Great Android KitKat Features You Could Get Right Now!

5 Great Android KitKat Features You Could Get Right Now!

Android KitKat is out, and there’s no way you’ve missed it. Whether you’re an Android fan, an Apple buff or a Windows Phone enthusiast, you must have heard something about Android 4.4. But should you care?

The simple answer is that you probably should. Android 4.4 is not only the latest and greatest from Google, it’s also made to run smoothly on lower-end devices. This means you may be using this version of Android before you know it, no matter
which device you own (as long as it runs Android, of course).

So what’s new and exciting about Android 4.4? What’s worth waiting for, even for non-techies? Here’s a full list

  • Google Experience Launcher
  • Hangouts 2.0
  • Screen Recording
  • Caller ID
  • Gallery

KitKat comes with a lot of new features, but most of them are pretty minor. Some of the smaller updates include the stock apps like Email, Clock, Camera, and several new fonts, wallpapers, sounds, and boot animations. All of these can (hopefully) work on your Jelly Bean device thanks to the amazing folks over at Android Police and XDA-Developers. Follow the links for installing/flashing instructions.

Conclusion

This is part of what makes the Android community so great. A new version comes out and suddenly everyone’s up in a flurry grabbing APKs, explaining how to get certain features now, modding, rooting, and flashing everything they can get their hands on. It’s fun, and it also makes for a great smartphone.
What’s your favorite new feature in 4.4 KitKat? Will you be flashing a new 4.4 ROM when it makes it to your device? Let us know in the comments.

Source: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/dont-wait-5-great-android-kitkat-features-you-could-get-right-now

Mobile Security

Well, there is a lot of noise in Washington DC this week!…
But I’m NOT talking about the IRS or Benghazi, I’m talking about high tech and the final approval of the US Department of Defense (DoD) of the iPhone! Android had been previously cleared. Unfortunately, bring your own device (BYOD) is still NOT secure enough for defense work…

See related links below.
http://appadvice.com/appnn/2013/05/pentagon-officially-grants-security-approval-for-apples-ios-devices
http://www.itwire.com/your-it-news/mobility/59896-ios-and-android-cleared-for-us-military-use-%E2%80%93-special-versions-required

Mobile Security – Android vs. iOS

Android vs iOS infographic

Infographic by Veracode Application Security