Like Apple Maps and Notes before it, I've finally found an app that performs the functions of my iPhone's phone app better than Apple's native offering. For the past few weeks I've been playing with Contrast's Contact Center, and based on my usage I don't think I'll be going back any time soon.

Launching today, Contact Center acts like speed dial built for the way we communicate with others on smartphones today. You're given a set of customizable tiles that can be edited to show common functions, like calling, texting, or sending GIFs, or to show your favorite contacts. I'm not one to use a bunch of different apps for messaging or talking on the phone, so I decided to use the space to show the six or so people I frequently communicate with outside of work — family, the roommates, and my significant other.

instead of opening the phone app, going to the recent calls tab, and scrolling to find the person I want to chat with, they're right there as soon as I open the app. If my sister (an avid user of Pinterest and Tumblr) sends me a GIF of a French Bulldog puppy jumping into its owner's arms, I don't have to rush off to a web browser to go find something to send in response, as the app has a GIF-search function powered by Giphy. I can simply pick one, choose my sister from contacts, and it's sent over through iMessage.

There are ads in the app by default, but their placement at the bottom of the screen isn't too obtrusive. Unless you're the kind of person who jumps from text to voice toFaceTime and back, you can fill up the app's home screen with functions and favorite contacts without putting any near the ad where you might accidentally press it. If you absolutely can't stand them, there's always the option to get rid of ads for a few bucks with an in-app purchase.

If anything, I'm surprised that this wasn't already an app. Before using Contact Center I was a big fan of Contrast's Launch Center Pro, an app that uses a similar interface to let you quickly jump to common tasks, like tweeting the last photo you took or posting a selfie to Facebook. I've always felt that Launch Center perhaps offers too many features for most people to “get it,” while Contact Center offers very clear advantages for a very specific group of use cases: you need to contact someone, and you need to do it quickly.

You can see Contact Center in action in the video below:

This article originally appeared on TechCrunch at http://techcrunch.com/2014/08/28/contact-center-has-changed-the-way-i-use-my-iphone/

Apple has set Sept. 9 as the date for a big announcement.

What will the company unveil?

"Wish we could say more," reads an invitation sent to media members on Thursday.

Multiple reports over the past few months have suggested that Apple plans to roll out two versions of an iPhone 6 this year, with screens that are 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches, when measured diagonally.

Is bigger really better for Apple?

That would be a massive leap from the iPhone 5S and 5C's 4-inch screens and an apparent move to battle competitors like Samsung and HTC who have been making bigger phones for years.

But the "say more" tease prompted immediate speculation that new phones might not be all that's on the agenda. The safest bet is that a long-anticipated "iWatch" smartwatch will be introduced as well.

Apple was granted a patent for a smartwatch in July and reports have suggested now is the time for its debut. The device, which will compete with existing offerings from Samsung and other top competitors, is expected to have a heavy focus on health and fitness apps.

The Apple event will be at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts, a 2,400-seat venue in the company's hometown of Cupertino, California.

Apple has traditionally rolled out new iPhones in the fall, in advance of the winter holiday season.

If your update went wrong then you may well find that your iPhone is stuck on a blank boot screen or on the Apple logo and it won’t start up properly. You’re going to want to connect to iTunes and try DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) mode.

Potential solution:

1. Hold down the Sleep/Wake button to turn your iPhone off.
2. Open iTunes on your computer and connect your iPhone.
3. Hold down the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button together for ten seconds, and then release the Sleep/Wake button.
4. Continue to hold down the Home button until you see a pop-up on iTunes stating that “iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode. You must restore this iPhone before it can be used with iTunes.”
5. Your iPhone screen should be blank, if you see a logo or message on it then you are not in DFU mode.
6. Select your iPhone in the left hand column of iTunes and select Summary then Restore.
7. You may need to install the iOS 7 update again.

I don't take responsibility if anything goes wrong

If you’ve run into problems with making or receiving calls after updating to iOS 7 then you are not alone. You might find that people are trying to call you, but your iPhone is not ringing, or perhaps you are unable to make a call. Some people report calls apparently connecting, but the line seems to be dead and they can’t hear the other person. Assuming you’re not just in a dead spot (try making the call from another location), there are a few things you can try.

Potential solutions:

• Go to Settings and toggle Airplane Mode on for five seconds and then turn it off again.
• Make sure that Do Not Disturb in Settings is not turned on.
• Go to Settings > Phone and make sure Call Forwarding is not turned on.
• Go to Settings > Phone and check under Blocked.
• Make sure you have the latest carrier update by going to Settings > General > About. If there’s something available then you should be prompted to download it (make sure you’re connected the Wi-Fi and your mobile network).
• Make sure there isn’t another iOS update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Try removing the SIM card, make sure it’s clean and replace it carefully.
• Try resetting your network settings via Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
• Go to Settings > Cellular and try toggling Enable LTE and/or Enable 3G.
• Contact your carrier and make sure there’s no problem on network

If everything fails try to Factory reset

I don't take responsibility if anything goes wrong during the process!(chill it won't )

Every new operating system has its issues and Apple’s iOS 7 is certainly 

Every  new operating system has its issues and Apple’s iOS 7 is certainly no exception. We’ve seen a multitude of bug reports rolling in and, while many people have updated successfully, there’s no shortage of people encountering glitches or even major problems.  now it’s time to review some common iOS 7 problems and, where possible, identify solutions. We’ll refer to the iPhone throughout the article, but the majority of the problems and fixes will apply to the iPad and iPod Touch as well.

A bug that seems to have cropped up for a lot of people, particularly on the iPad, but also various iPhone models is a random crash from the home screen which soft reboots the device and brings up a screen with the Apple logo. The background color matches the device, so a white iPhone will have a white boot up screen with a black Apple and vice versa. There’s some suggestion that this is linked to the battery, but it’s not clear.

Workarounds:

• Press and hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button until you see the Apple logo to restart your device.
• Try DFU mode, explained below under the Glitch: Stuck on Apple logo.
• Backup and factory reset your iPhone.

Potential solution:

• Apple has acknowledged this issue, Apple spokesperson Trudy Muller told Mashable “We have a fix in an upcoming software update for a bug that can occasionally cause a home 

Inputs from digital trends

Google has plans to release a SDK that will help developers and manufacturers put Android on smartwatches and other wearables,Sundar Pichai, Google SVP of Android and Chrome, announced at SXSW in Austin, TX on Sunday.

Pichai said the software framework is a "vision for developers of how we see this market working” and reiterates the rumours Google has been eyeing the wearables market. The wearables SDK will presumably be made for lower-grade hardware and tap into sensors found on smartwatches.

Up until now, smartwatch developers have had to rely on forking and heavily modifying Android code intended for smartphones and tablets. As we saw with the original Galaxy Gear released in September 2013, this can be a hard thing to do, and maybe ultimately why Samsung chose Tizen for its second version.

Google didn't name potential partners to use the Android wearables SDK, but given the nature of Android, it will be available for everyone. If rumours are to be believed, Google has teamed up with LG for a smartwatch launch in June. Of course, Pichai remained quiet on any broader plans.

Wearables have become a fascination of the industry, with Pebble kicking things off in 2013, followed bySamsung and Sony making bigger plays as the smartphone market begins to slow down. HTC and Apple have also been tipped to have a wearable smartwatch in the works.

It will be interesting to see what companies can do with the new software.

1 / 4

Ever get an iMessage on your iPhone from someone you know that contains smiley or frowny faces, or even pictures of animals or cars, flowers or dancers, space ships or iPhones, and wonder how they did it? In the old days it was emoticons. Now it's emoji. EveryiPhone and iPad has the ability to send and receive them. All you have to do is turn them on!

• How to enable emoji on your iPhone oriPad
• How to use emoji on your iPhone oriPad

How to enable emoji on iPhone and iPad

Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Tap on General.

Scroll down and tap on Keyboard.

On the next screen tap on Keyboards.

Choose Add New Keyboard...

All the keyboards are in alphabetical order. Scroll down to E and tap on Emoji.

How to access and use emoji on iPhone and iPad

Launch any app that uses the keyboard. In this example, I'm going to use the Messages app.

Go to compose a message or type in any field as you normally would.

When the keyboard pops up, tap on the Globe key which is to the right of the number toggle in the lower left hand corner.

You can now explore all the different sections and choose the emoji you'd like to send. Once you're done picking your emoji, just tap the Globe key again to get back to the regular keyboard.

That's all there is to it! Emoji will work in any app that supports keyboard input. Just keep in mind that for the most part, only people using iPhones, iPads, or Macs can see your emoji.

Inputs from -IMore

This is just in. Team Evad3rs has just released untethered Evasi0n iOS 7 – 7.0.4 jailbreak for 

Available for both Windows and Mac users, Evasi0n iOS 7 jailbreak works on all iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models running iOS 7.0, 7.0.1, 7.0.2, 7.0.3 and 7.0.4.

This includes:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 5c
• iPhone 5
• iPhone 4S
• iPhone 4
• iPad 2
• iPad 3
• iPad 4
• iPad Air
• iPad mini
• iPad mini 2
• iPod touch 5

We will be back with full how-to tutorials. Those of you who want to jailbreak right away can do so by downloading Evasi0n from official website at Evasi0n.com or through the links given below.

Download Evasi0n for Windows 
Download Evasi0n for Mac

Update x1: This release has also caught Saurik, the founder of Cydia, by surprise. He has clarified it on Twitter that the Cydia build included in version 1.0 of Evasi0n 7 isn’t official, and hence will be prone to bugs. Tweaks relying on Substrate will have issues with this early release of Evasi0n. This issue will be fixed in later versions of Evasi0n 7.

Update x2: Evasi0n 7 is also compatible to work with iOS 7.1 beta 2.

Update x3: Our full step by step video tutorial is up and embedded below! For full written instructions, check out: Jailbreak iOS 7 – 7.0.4 Untethered On iPhone 5s, 5c, 5, 4s And More With Evasi0n 7 [Video Tutorial]

Update x4: Make sure you check out: List of iOS 7 Compatible Jailbreak Tweaks And Apps In Cydia.

Update x5: Evasi0n has been updated to version 1.0.1, removing the TaiG App Store completely. The download links above have been updated.

Update x6: Evasi0n 7.x Untether 0.2 update now available on Cydia, bringing Evasi0n 1.0.1 features to Evasi0n 1.0 users.

Update x7: Download links for Evasi0n embedded above have been updated to the latest version 1.0.2. This version adds fix for iPad 2 stuck at boot loop issue.

Update x8: Apple released iOS 7.1 beta 3 recently. Fortunately, the exploits used in Evasi0n7 still work on the latest beta of iOS 7.1. An unofficial version of Evasi0n7 is now available that lets youjailbreak iOS 7.1 beta 3 untethered on all the devices.

Update x9: Evasi0n 1.0.4 is out with important security patches related to untether, as well as a fix for reboot loop issue on Retina iPad mini. The download links of Evasi0n above have been updated.

Update x10: New version 1.0.5 of Evasi0n is out. Adds support for the latest iOS 7.0.5 firmware which Apple released recently for iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. Download links for Evasi0n jailbreaktool have been updated.

Update x11: Evasi0n7 1.0.6 is out to jailbreak iOS 7.0.6 untethered. You can download iOS 7.0.6from here, and then jailbreak iOS 7.0.6 with our guide. Download links for Evasi0n given above have been updated with latest version.

Inputs from -Redmond Pie

Download Torrentz on IPhone ,IPad without Jailbreak

Apple has never been too keen on BitTorrent clients, blocking every single one from ever reaching the App Store. But even if you don’t want to jailbreak your phone, there’s a way around this restriction, and best of all, it’s totally free!

Let me first begin by saying that if you have a jailbroken phone, you can simply download a torrent client (here,here, or here) from Cydia.

Okay, so the first step is to install Filer, an iOS App that lets users manage different files, as well as download them. For the purpose of this tutorial, the Lite version is enough, but if you’re looking to store more than 7 files, the $3.99 full version is highly recommended. You’ll also need a www.torrific.com account, which you can get herefree of charge. Please make sure you use a real email address, since you’ll need it later.

First off, open your browser, from your desktop or your phone, you’ll only need the phone in a bit. From there, locate the torrent you want to download and copy its URL. Once you’ve done that, point your browser towww.torrific.com, a service that lets you download torrent files without a Torrent client. Can you see where I’m going with this already?

Paste the torrent’s URL into the only text field on Torrific and hit "Get". You’ll then see another screen so you can make sure you’re getting the real file. If everything looks like it should, click "Initiate BitTorrent Transmission". You’ll then get a login screen, if you haven’t logged in already. Please enter your details. From this point, the torrent you’re so eager to get your hands on is already supposed to be downloading behind the scenes, on the site’s servers, even if you leave your browser or shut down your computer or phone.

Once the download is done, you’ll receive an e-mail notification with a direct link to your file. From your iDevice (no, you can’t do this on your computer), copy that direct link, open Filer app and point it to said direct link. The download should begin momentarily.

As a final word of caution, keep in mind you’ll need a fast connection to do this properly, since you’ll have to download large files. Wi-Fi is highly recommended, and 3G if there’s no other option, as long as you have a generous data plan. Also use common sense when downloading files onto a device with really limited storage: make sure you have enough space on your phone (you can find out by going to System Settings > General > About).

Check out our iPhone Apps Gallery and iPad Apps Galleryto explore more apps for your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

(via iPhoneItalia)

You can follow us on Twitter or join our Facebook fanpageto keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google and Apple.

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Why can't I find the update in the Store?

Applies to Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1

If your PC is currently running Windows 8 (or Windows RT), and you want to update to Windows 8.1 (orWindows RT 8.1), in most cases, you’ll see this free update prominently featured on the Windows Store home page. If you’ve opened the Store and you don’t see the update, it could be for one of these reasons:

Show all

You might need the latest updates from Windows Update

Although the Windows 8.1 update is downloaded and installed from the Store, your PC needs another update, KB2871839, before Windows 8.1 becomes available to you in the Store.

If you’re using Windows Update to get automatic updates, KB 2871839 will be downloaded and installed automatically.

If you’ve turned off automatic updates, or if your PC is so new that automatic updates haven't been downloaded yet, or if you’d rather not wait for Windows Update to do this automatically, you can go to Windows Update and install KB 2871839 manually.

To install the update you need

1. Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), tapping or clicking Settings, tapping or clicking Change PC settings, and then tapping or clicking Update and recovery.

2. Tap or click Check now, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your PC.

3. If updates are found, tap or click View details.

4. In the list of available updates, select KB 2871839, and any other updates you want to install, and then tap or click Install.

5. Read and accept the license terms, and then tap or click Finish, if the updates you’ve selected require it.

Note

• You might need to restart your PC to finish installing some updates. Save and close all your files and apps before you restart so you don't lose anything.

  Hope this helps!

After months of reviews and nearly a year of anticipation, the final version of Windows 8.1 is now available for download. If you already have Windows 8, you can get the OS upgrade for free and, considering all its great new features, you should do so right away. Here's how you can download and install Windows 8.1 on your Windows 8 PC in just a few simple steps.

1. Launch the Windows Store app. You should see a button that says “Update to Windows 8.1 for free.” If you do not see this button, make sure you download all the latest Windows updates then reboot and launch the Windows Store again.

2. Click the Download button which appears. The system will then download a huge install file that's over 3GB. You can keep using your computer while this download occurs in the background.

3. Restart your PC when Windows 8 tells you the download is completed. Your computer will take several minutes to install Windows 8.1, during which time you will be unable to use it.

4. Accept the License Terms that appear during the install.

5. Choose Express or Custom settings for your install. Express is usually the easiest and best set of choices.

6. Log into Windows using your normal username and password.

7. Allow Windows to send you a security code via SMS and enter the code at a prompt. If you skip this step, you may have trouble syncing your settings from other PCs.

8. Click Next on the Skydrive screen.

And you are done!!!

IOS 7 Is out now ...we all love it ..but one feature I miss is the "Tap to Post on Facebook" and "Tap to Post on Twitter"

I Did some digging and found That this Feature is present in IOS 7 and has been neatly Hidden and embedded in Siri..

Here are the steps on how to use the shortcuts

1-Open Siri as Usual

2-just say Twitter Or Facebook on Siri depending on which service you Want to use and viola It works and it works perfectly! 

here's the proof 

NOTE :other command may also work like 

1:Post On Facebook or Twitter 

2:Use Facebook or Twitter

Tell us which command Worked for You!,

With hundreds of new features to boot, iOS 7 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is a gold mine waiting to be explored to its full potential. Today, we’re going to go through some of the most lesser known features and tips which we believe you should try right now.

1 USE SAFARI TO TWEET WITH LINKS

Want to quickly see all the tweets in your timeline with URLs / links in them? Simply launch Safari, press the bookmarks button – the one that looks like an open book, obviously – then press the @ button on top. Boom! All the tweets with links in one place. You should be signed in to your Twitter account in Settings > Twitter in order for this feature to work.

2:Turn Parallax On/Off

Personally I love the Parallax effect and don't know why Anyone would like to reduce it...This has been one of the most awaited features of IOS 7

Don’t like the new iOS 7 Parallax effect on wallpapers – or 3D wallpapers as we would like to call them? Fear that it might be draining your battery? Simply turn it off. Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Reduce Motion and turn it on or off according to your wish

3. Enable Motion Sensing Controls

iOS 7 lets you launch Siri or press the Home button by simply tilting your head, or pull down Notification Center by tilting your head to the left. Sounds epic? Indeed it does. Head over toSettings > General > Accessibility > Switch Control to turn it on. Now go to Switches and set up switches to perform different actions.

4. Enable / Disable Bold Text or Change Font Size System-wide

Don’t like iOS 7’s new thin font size? Bold it up! Head over to Settings > General > Accessibility >and enable Bold Text. Changing the system wide font size is as easy as pie, too. Head over toSettings > General > Text Size and adjust the font size to your liking.

5. See Your Frequently Visited Places On A Map

This feature lets you see on a map which places you have been visiting. Might be concerning for some, but here’s how you can find out: go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Frequent Locations. I would suggest keeping this one off for obvious reasons.

6. Block Callers and Unwanted Messages

This feature is a gem to use. Open the contact which might be bugging you, scroll all the way down in contact details and tap Block this Caller. That’s it. The contact will never be able to bug you again. If you want to manage blocked messages, then head over to Settings > Messages > Blocked. This also applies to FaceTime and iMessages.

7. Show Timestamps In Messages App

Open a conversation thread, and swipe from right to left while holding your finger down on the screen. You will see the timestamps of all your sent and received messages.

8. Use Siri To Enable / Disable System Toggles

Siri shed its beta tag along with the release of iOS 7, and can do a lot more than just telling you the weather, calling a certain contact, settings reminders etc. Press and hold the Home button to launch Siri and say – for example – ‘Turn Wi-Fi on’ and Siri will turn on Wi-Fi for you. Same works for Bluetooth and other system toggles.

9. Use Swipe Gesture To Go Back One Screen

In iOS 7, you can simply use swipe gestures to go back a screen, rather than pressing that pesky back button on the display. In Messages for instance, if you’re in a thread, simply swipe from the left corner towards the right and you’ll be taken to the main Messages window. This works pretty much throughout iOS 7, like Mail, Settings, Contacts etc.

10. Take Square Photos Using Camera App

Regular photos aren’t cutting the mustard for you? The native Camera app in iOS 7 now lets you take square photos. Launch the Camera app, and swipe to the right to take photos in square proportions. You can use the same swiping gesture to go through Panorama and Video modes.

11. Update App Content In The Background

Use an app frequently but don’t like to refresh every time you launch it? iOS 7 has you covered. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and enable all the apps you wish to update themselves in the background. Note: this feature really takes a toll on battery, therefore select the apps which are most relevant for you to be updated.

12. Use Panorama Photos As Lock Screen Wallpaper For Added Effect

Use a panorama photo as your lock screen wallpaper which you’ve taken with your device’s camera for a cool spinning effect. Enable Parallax mode for this one which we’ve outlined in feature # 2.

13. Bubble Level In Compass App

The native Compass app in iOS 7 is more than a direction telling companion. Swipe to the right after calibrating the compass to reveal a new screen that lets you access and use a bubble level.

14. Use Siri For Updates From Texhnogadget live

, you read that right. Siri can show you the latest updates from any handles feed on Twitter. Launch Siri by holding down the Home button and say ‘What is Technogadgetlive  saying’. And voila, all our latest updates in one place. Neat right? Give this one a shot, it’s our personal favorite.

15. Enable / Disable Control Center In Lock Screen Or Apps

Don’t want anyone else, or yourself mistakenly launching Control Center on the lock screen or running apps? Why not disable it? Go to Settings > Control Center and enable or disable access to Control Center on the lock screen or apps.

16. Turn Automatic App Updates On / Off

iOS 7 updates your apps in the background, saving you time and the cumbersome process of launching the App Store and performing manual updates. You can turn automatic app updates on / off by heading over to Settings > iTunes & App Store and turn on / off Updates in the Automatic Downloads section.

17. Unlimited Apps In Folders

Folders in iOS 7 are like a black hole. You keep on throwing apps inside them and there’s no limit on how many apps you can have inside one.

18. Enable / Disable Advertising Tracking

Don’t want your iOS device to be tracked for specific ads? Head over to Settings > Privacy > Advertising and disable Limit Ad Tracking. We’ve heard reports occasionally that this feature also saves battery life by a fraction.

19. View All Received Media In Messages App In One Place

Received a bunch of photos or videos from someone in Messages app but lost it in a mile long thread? iOS 7 now lets you view your media all in one place. Simply tap open the last received photo / video, and press the list view (the one with three dashes, as shown in the screenshot) button.

20. Dynamic Wallpapers

Go to settings then go under Wallpaper and select dynamic wallpapers

TELL ME IF YOU KNOW ANY MORE HIDDEN FEATURES

Picture courtesy : Redmond Pie

Help taken from Redmond Pie