Windows Live Messenger coming to Mac and iPhone [pic]
The Windows Live team has been released a new screen shot of the Windows Live Messenger iPhone app. As you can see in the shot, it still has the beta tag and no timeline has been confirmed, however the expectation is that it’ll launch around the same time as Windows Live Essentials 2011 in the coming months.
If Microsoft wants to send me a copy of the beta app to test, I’d be happy to review it for you guys.
In the description for this image, the Windows Live team say “We’re seeing the same question being asked: "Will the new Messenger be available for Macs?" The answer: YES! It will also be available on your iPhone, here’s a screenshot of what it will look like.”
This was immediately followed by comments asking about other platform support like Android, also if there is an iPad app in the works. Nothing confirmed, however I think an iPad app would fit the new social view in Messenger incredibly well.
29% of Domino’s customers order online
See that big red ‘Order Online’ button on the top-right of Domino’s site ? Well apparently it’s working ! Combined the Domino’s iPhone app, Domino’s say that online ordering now accounts for almost 30% of their business. It’s clear consumers like this method of placing an order, but the benefits could be more than easy of use and convenience. Should this trend continue, it’ll mean they can spend less time answering your calls and more time making pizzas, potentially resulting in a reduced delivery time.
The free Domino’s iPhone app has reportedly had 300,000 downloads, if your a fast food company, pay attention. Domino’s, you should get to work expanding your mobile applications to even more platform in an effort to drive even more business online.
More @ Lifehacker
Official Digg iPhone App now available in App Store
Whilst many have tried, almost all have failed at creating that killer iPhone app for Digg.com. The biggest stumbling block for other developers is that Digg has prevented Digging from within the app. Some opted to workaround this by using a Web View, but it just hasn’t been a great experience.
The Official Digg iPhone application offers a slick interface into stories on Digg.com. Whilst the app does a good job at delivering stories and social sharing, it fails to give any control over management of friends or your Digg Profile. This is a 1.0 product, so user feedback is sure to drive development of the app.
Not sure why it took so long to arrive, but I’m glad it’s here. Expect interactions on Digg to increase as a result of launching the application. You can easily Digg stories and comments up or down, as well as add stories to your list of favourites.
Download the free Digg app from the App Store.
iPad compliant apps start hitting the App Store
We knew the months between the iPad announcement and its release date would see developers hard at work making sure they had an iPad formatted application ready for launch. The first round of applications that are compatible with the iPad and iPhone are starting to reach the App Store. Version 2.8 of the tvGuide application by Orsome is one of the first to do so.
Location update: Gowalla and Foursquare update apps
Foursquare and Gowalla have both updated their iPhone apps overnight ahead of the SXSW conference in the US.
Let’s start with Foursquare, version 1.7 contains a refreshed UI, speed improvements, and places now support categories like the website.
Available from the iTunes Store
Gowalla gets a full point release, reaching version 2.0. This update also contains a update to the design, which increases usability and is easier to read. You can now add photos to a venue after checking in and browse photos others have taken at that location. That’s huge !
Available from the iTunes Store
Track your parcel with the Posted iPhone app
If your comfortable shopping online, then your likely aware of the wait that transpires after clicking on buy. Sometimes a few days, sometimes a few weeks before delivery, wouldn’t it be nice to know the progress of your delivery ? Whilst most stores provide you with a consignment number, checking it repeatedly isn’t a great experience.
Usually involving a hunt for the email containing the details, then its a matter of finding the right site, and entering your number. Fine for a once off, but really not conducive to repeated checks. A new iPhone application offers a much better solution to the problem.
The Posted iPhone app supports the tracking of goods from a wide range of Australian delivery companies. These include:
- Allied Express
- Australian Air Express (AAE)
- Australian Post – eParcel, Registered & Express
- Australia Post – Express Post Platinum
- Couriers Please
- DHL International
- Fastway Couriers
- Hunter Express
- Interparcel
- Smart Send
- Star Couriers
- StarTrack Express
- TNT Express Domestic and International
- TransDirect National Couriers
Once you enter in your tracking number, that’s it, whenever you want to see where your delivery is, just fire up the app, then select which parcel and you get to see the entire history of delivery points on that items journey. There’s also the added benefit of having this functionality with you all the time, wherever you go, wether your around a computer or not.
As someone who buys tech gear online regularly, this app is well worth the price. Normally A$2.49, Posted is currently on special, for A$1.19 for the paid version. The free Posted lite version has the restriction of only tracking one item at a time.
More @ PostedApp.com
HP MediaSmart iPhone app updated
Owners of the HP MediaSmart Home Server and an iPhone, should check the app store for updates.
There’s a new and improved version of the MediaSmart iPhone app. A couple of the new features are increased speed and coverflow for audio files.
For more details, checck out the pics below.
