Lift App Tracks Your Goals and Habits

Lift, a goal tracking app is a "small step closer to releasing a groups feature." The upcoming feature will bring forth coaching and advice from top experts. Although these features aren't officially released yet, the goal tracking app is very effective for practicing good habits.

The app at its core is a list of habits you set for yourself. The habits list is kept over the course of each day so after completing a habit you have the ability to check into them. There is also a section that lets you view your overall progress.

Lift is unique because it brings it's own social networking aspect to the table. Lift users can give other users props or comment on their check ins which encourages them to continue making good habits. Users can also follow other users to follow their activity.

In the latest update, users can get a preview of the new Lift Groups feature by selecting Groups from the cog on the upper right of the Me screen. Lift Groups are goals that are held together with multiple habits with advice from experts and other users that share those same goals. Once reviewing and joining a group, the habits from that goal will be added to your own list so you can start checking into those habits as well.

Lift is an app that everyone can benefit from using. From an addictively fun interface to a incredibly supportive network of users, Lift is a must download for those who want to take better control of their lives.

Download Lift from App Store

Use Lift for Web

iOS 7 Beta: Comprehensive First Look

With Apple's WWDC being over for almost a week now, eager developers (and resourceful consumers) have got their hands on iOS 7 Beta. Reviews have been mixed stating that the release is the revival of the Apple mobile operating system, while others say that the update isn't offering anything new in terms of functionality. Here's a breakdown of the features you may have not heard of.

Improved Notification Center

Notification Center

-today summary

-reminders

-calendar day view

-stocks

-tomorrow summary

-sort manually or by time

-today, all, and missed notifications

The notification center has changed quite a bit since iOS 6. Instead of one unified list of notifications, the notifications have been split into three different lists: today, all and missed.

The today view lists the "today summary" which includes the current weather condition as well as travel navigation which seems to be tied together with the Maps application. The "reminders" are intended to be integrated into this section as well, however with this beta, it doesn't seem to be working properly. The "calendar day view" does work though displaying the current day agenda which is very useful for keeping track of events. There is also a "tomorrow summary" which says what is upcoming in the next day.While the social sharing widget to tweet or post on Facebook has been removed with the beta, the stocks widget remains.

The all and missed notification views of the notification center remain virtually unchanged from the traditional notification center seen in iOS 6. Here users can view their incoming notifications from applications. The notifications that aren't acted on in all are then sent to the missed section. On either list, the user can open the notification or dismiss them with the clear option. Another new feature is that users can sort the notifications by the time they were received in addition to configuring the order manually.

New Control Center

Control Center

-swipe up from the bottom
-toggle settings
-music settings
-AirDrop/Airplay
-quick access to important apps

Control Center is Apple's answer to users complaining about going through the settings to change simple options. Android has been known for their quick toggles, but for whatever reason, Apple refused to do anything about those who wanted to bring it to iOS. Nevertheless, the quick toggles finally came and they include airplane mode, WiFi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb and lock orientation.

Do Not Disturb settings

All of these are old functions, however Do Not Disturb did get a small update. If the user received a notification while the device was being used while Do Not Disturb was activated in iOS 6, the notification sound would still go off. Fortunately with iOS 7, the all notifications can be silenced once Do Not Disturb is activated.


In addition to the quick settings toggles, there are also 3 sliders to adjust screen brightness, song progress, and media volume. In between the song progress and the media volume is the song navigation where the user can play or pause a song as well as go to the previous and next track of music.

Below the music settings, is another new feature called AirDrop. AirDrop is Apple's answer to NFC (or Near Field Communication) which a lot of Android devices have been utilizing in order to transfer files by touching two devices together. With this feature, Bluetooth would be enabled to allow iPhone users to transfer contacts, pictures, and videos with each other.

Finally below Airdrop, is application quick starts. From the left to the right: toggle the camera flash as a flashlight, clock, calculator and camera. Overall all of these are really useful to have with a swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

Spotlight's new location

Spotlight

-swipe down from the home screen
-quickly search through your device

Spotlight also got a subtle new update iOS 7. Instead of navigating all the way to the leftmost page to access it, spotlight has been cleverly hid above the home screen by sliding down on any of the home screens. Spotlight can search across events, reminders, notes, contacts, email, applications, music, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, and messages.

iTunes Radio Home

iTunes Radio

-create radio stations

-add songs to wishlist
-built within the music app

iTunes Radio was also unveiled sporting simililar functionality to popular online music streaming services such as Pandora and Spotify. With the already existing Music app, users can create radio stations through suggested genres or search for an artist, genre, or song to create a station out of. Additionally, the user can create stations from their own music.

Other features for iTunes Radio includes the ability to skip songs playing, and be able to add songs to your wishlist or purchase the song right then and there. Users can also tune the station more by starring songs that they like or skipping songs similar to the ones that they dislike. The history of the songs being played are also recorded to reference later for purchases. The overall playback seems solid with limited commercial interruption, however iTunes Match subscribers will be able to use iTunes radio without the advertisements.

Multitasking in iOS 7

Multitasking

-double click the home button to activate
-swipe through applications
-swipe up to close an app

Multitasking too got a major revamp. Instead of holding on the icons to reveal the red  minus to kill applications in the background, double clicking the home button lays the apps out in card preview. Users can then slide across the previews and tap on the app that they want to open or they can swipe up to close them.

Toggling settings with Siri

Siri

-toggle settings

-search results within interface

Siri also saw an update at WWDC where it too also has a sleeker design. Instead of the traditional gray panel obstructing the view of the phone, a semi transparent layer comes over the screen when asking the personal assistant for help.

The big changes this time around are the ability to toggle settings including Bluetooth, WiFi, Airplane Mode, Brightness, and Flashlight. With iOS 7, Siri also has the ability to embed search results from Wikipedia, Twitter, and Bing. While Bing replaced Google as the deafault search engine for Siri, users can still return search results from Google by saying "Search Google for..." however the result will be opened in Safari, not within the Siri interface.

Another interesting fact is that if Siri is turned off, Voice Assistant will take it's place offering commands from the 4th Generation iPod Touch.

Contact option in Messages

Contacts/Messages/FaceTime

-custom notifications
-contact option
-FaceTime Audio

As for the communication portion of iOS 7, not much has changed. Contacts now allows users to set custom ringtones or vibrations for specific contacts. For messages the edit button that was seen on the top right of the screen in iOS 6 was replaced with contact, so users can easily view the contact's information, FaceTime, or call them using FaceTime Audio. FaceTime Audio, similar to last years iMessage with text messages uses WiFi to make phone calls to other iDevice users.

Filters in Camera

Camera/Photos

-toggle between camera views
-built in photo filters
-organize and share moments

Both the camera and the photos app in iOS 7 received a pretty significant update. Now with the camera, users can toggle between regular frame, square frame (for social networks such as Instagram), panorama, and video. The update also included the ability to add photo filters to images while you are taking them.

As for the photos themselves they are organized in a completely new way. Instead of being simply organized by date taken, Apple has introduced moments, identifies your location paired with the date to intelligently determine a group of photos that you took at once. By doing so, the photos are much easier to view, edit and share with your friends.

Tabs layout in Safari

 Safari

-full page browsing

-starred bookmarks

-shared links

-private view

-tab navigation

-unified search and address bar

Safari in iOS 7 now supports several new features. The first being full page browsing. Instead of the user being weighed down by the frame of options while online, they disappear as the user scrolls down. In addition the bookmarks were modified to include starred bookmarks for important and useful books and shared links which lists all of the shared links through the native sharing within the OS. Private view was also introduced along with a new tab layout and a unified search and engine address bar for a neater and cleaner mobile browsing experience. 

Near Me in App Store

iTunes Store/App Store

-Near Me

-Automatic Downloads

iTunes Store and the App Store received small updates as well. iTunes Store introduced a slick new layout which changes color based on whether the content is audio or video. For audio the layout is white and for video the layout is black all within the same iTunes app.

As for the App Store, Apple scrapped Genius and replaced it with Near Me. Instead of Apple trying to determine what apps you may enjoy based on the ones that you already have, it would make more sense to determine what apps other people have nearby.

For both iTunes Store and the App Store there are now automatic updates so users no longer have to worry about missing out on the content.

Calendar main view

Calendar/Reminders

-week view
-endless agenda
-drag and drop
-improved notifications

Calendar and Reminders also received some pretty simple, but useful features. Calendar now has a more clean UI to view upcoming events and even has the ability to rearrange events by dragging and dropping them to a different time slot. The user can also access an endless agenda that goes over every event in the calendar by tapping on the search icon.

Improved Notifications

While only the layout changed Reminders and Calendar alert notifications have been improved as well. Now when a calendar event pops up on the screen the user has the ability to snooze the event, view the event, or close the dialogue box. Similarly with Reminders, when the dialogue appears, the user can be reminded again of the task in 15 minutes, mark the task as completed, view the reminder all from that same window.

iOS 7 has a lot of features, but not everything can be covered as it is currently still in beta. There is no telling how much or how little it will end up changing by Fall 2013. Where do you think the OS stands or will stand in comparison to iOS 6, Android, and Windows Phone?

Here are some additional screenshots from the native apps

Weather emulates actual weather

Mail uses gestures

Passbook can scan barcodes

GameCenter received a new look. Feel free to add me!

Apple Needs Services Not Products at WWDC XIII

With WWDC happening next week there is a lot of speculation of what Apple will need to do in order to be back on top of the market. The company has had a great deal of success since the launch of their first iPhone in 2007. However the iconic company seems to be running out of updates to continue winning over the eager costumers.

Apple's unique line of products are no longer unique to the consumer base. The iPhone 5 was a thinner and taller version of the iPhone 4S that featured all of the same features. The iPad Mini was a stripped down version of the iPad ditching the retina display for a second version that will most likely be released coming months. And finally, the most recent product to date, is the iPod Touch that Apple quietly released. The device is completely stripped of a back camera and comes with memory storage.

In a world of growing alternatives, even the dedicated Apple consumers are getting worried that Apple isn't the way to go. Although the rapid release of products has worked in the past, we have yet to see any new releases that have trumped competitors such as Samsung or even Google.

But it's not just the devices that Apple needs to step up. Last year's WWDC unveiled the much anticipated iOS 6. Much to everyone's surprise, the OS didn't bring much new to the table.

Original iPhone vs iPhone 5

Apple's features in iOS included getting rid of Google Maps, adding a minor update to Siri, along with Facebook integration, and the introduction of shared photo streams and passbook. Other updates were included, but weren't much different from iOS 5, but instead a modification of what already existed.

The problem lies in the fact that iOS has remained virtually unchanged since it's initial release. While it's simplicity has won over many loyal customers, it seems boring comparative to the capabilities of Android powered phones.

The difference between the two rivals is that Apple is known for making great hardware, while Google is known for making great services. The two have fought back and forth for many years, but Apple always found a way to stay ahead. However, this was the first year that the iPhone didn't win over the market. Instead, phones such as the Samsung Galaxy SIII and the Nexus 4 found a way into costumers hearts. The reason being: Google has the better services.

Google Now vs Siri

Apple may turn to features such as Siri and iCloud to make an argument that the iPhone is better, but when push comes to shove, Android has them beat. The great thing about Google is that once you log in, you have access to all Google services that are brought together with Google Now, which works much faster than Apple's Siri. Google Now provides the user with everything they may need before they ask for it by keeping track of weather, traffic, calendar evens, travel information, and sports updates all with a swipe up. If Apple is going to compete with such a service, Siri needs a major overhaul.

In addition, most iPhone users don't know the first thing about iCloud. Even if they did, they'd realize it's a dead end cloud storage option. The reason being that it is primarily used for Apple applications and users can't utilize it as say Google Drive. With iCloud users don't have the luxury of adding or accessing their own files from their computer. However rumors state a service called AirDrop may be reintroduced to be used with iOS devices to potentially fill that void.

Apple may also release a music service similar to Pandora, Spotify and most recently Google Music All Access. The service would most likely be called iRadio, however many are unsure how it could be different from it's predecessors.

Potential Apple Streaming Service

The good news is that iOS 7 will most definitely get an overhaul with Jony Ive hard at work. Reports say that the OS will be flatter, getting rid of the trademark realistic aesthetics that Apple has been known for on their icons and within their applications. Additional Apple services may appear alongside the pretty new user interface, but only time will tell.

iOS 7 Mockup

How to Spend $100 on a Cell Phone Plan a Year with Google Voice

In today's cell phone market, companies are taking advantage of the consumer's addiction to smartphones and overpricing phones and their plans. However you still can enjoy the benefits of having a smart device and use it as a phone for about $100 a year with Google Voice. Here's how:

1. Purchase any unlocked iOS or Android device and a Pay-As-You-Go phone
2. Create/Configure a Google Voice account
3. Download a VoIP/Texting app

1. Purchase any unlocked iOS or Android device and a Pay-As-You-Go phone

The first step is to purchase a smart device. The device can be a phone or tablet as long as its unlocked and able to connect to either Google Play for Android or the App Store for iDevices.

For Android, the Nexus line is a really great option to buy. They all feature the latest firmware and get updates straight from Google as they come out. They are pretty affordable and can easily be suited up with the necessary apps to take full advantage of Google Voice.

As for those Apple users out there, it's going to be difficult to find an unlocked iPhone that is less than $500. Unless you find a good deal, consider purchasing the latest iPod Touch instead. While it's specs aren't on par with the iPhone, they are fairly similar. Both the iPad and iPad Mini could also work if you're looking into the tablet market.

NOTE: Keep in mind that if the smart device you purchase is not a phone, you will not be able to have phone conversations privately. However, you can purchase a bluetooth headset to remedy this problem.

Along with your smart device(s), you want to pick up a Pay-As-You-Go phone as well. TracFone and Net10 have the best values, offering a year's service (with double/triple minutes for life) with at least 1000 minutes for around $100-$150. This phone should be used only when there is no internet connection for your smart device so your minutes on your Pay-As-You-Go phone can be conserved. Activate your phone and move to the next step.

2. Create/Configure a Google Voice account

Now that the devices are purchased, visit https://www.google.com/voice to log in with your existing Google account or register for a new one. After logging in, you will have the option to choose a new number to use as a Google Voice number or to use your existing mobile number.

The best option is to choose a new number. With a new number, you have the flexibility to swap phones or carriers because you are no longer at the expense of the phone carrier's service (Tracfone, Net10, or if you stay with your current plan). In contrast, if you use your mobile number, people that are trying to get ahold of you can be rerouted to another device. However, chances are the services would no longer work if you received phone number by switching carriers, so choosing a new number is your safest bet. Once you have done this, you are ready to configure your Pay-As-You-Go phone.

In order to configure your device, click the cog symbol and click settings.

Setting up Google Voice is fairly straightforward. Add the number of your Pay-As-You-Go phone and go through the confirmation process to add it to your account. Once it's added, make sure all the checkmarks on that phone are checked in order to receive all of the calls and texts on that phone.

Text Messages
Now if someone texts your Google Voice number, the texts are forwarded to your Pay-As-You-Go phone. Google forwards texts to you with a different number than the actual contacts number, so it's important to add everyone to you Google Contacts in order to see who is texting you. The messages should look like this if you're phone and contacts are configured correctly:

"Corbin Briske - This is a test message."

Fortunately, replying to a message such as this from Google's generated number will return a message to the contact from your Google Voice number, but you may want to add the generated number for that specific contact into your phone so you can compose a new message without any problems.

Phone calls
If someone calls your Google Voice number, the call is forwarded to your Pay-As-You-Go without a problem. Using the same Google generated numbers, you will be calling them and be seen as calling from your Google Voice number.  To make a call outside of the Google generated numbers, you must call your own Google Voice number and select the option to make a call and then dial the contact's actual number.


3. Download a VoIP/Texting app

Android
Your first download will be Google Voice. While the app has the ability to text for free and call, you will not be able to make free phone calls without an additional app that supports VoIP.  Groove IP or Spare Phone are the most reliable options. Once you've logged into your account within the app, you can simply make a phone call like normal.

iOS
Fortunately for iOS users GV Mobile+ is the only app you'll ever need to send text messages and make calls. While the app is 2.99, the Google Voice client does everything including allowing you to send picture messages (Google doesn't support this, but the app generates a link to view) and even multiple account support. Unlike other Google Voice clients, the notifications are always in sync after going through the initial Notification Setup Guide within the app.

Now that all of the steps are completed, you can enjoy the benefits of your smart device without the weight of the phone plan!

Final Thoughts
While Google Voice may not be the perfect solution for you, it is definitely one to consider. It is a solid service that saves quite a bit of money. However, if after reading this article, you are convinced that this isn't the method for you, there are other options out there to save you some money. If you're simply looking for an actual phone plan for an individual user, check out services such as Ting or StraightTalk which both offer some pretty reasonable deals for their services.

Ting is fairly new services that allows the customer to choose their own plan based on how they will be using their phone on a monthly basis. Although you have to pay a pretty steep price for the phones that can be used, the selling point is the user has complete control over what they are paying for. Here is a more in depth explanation of their plan:

StraightTalk is a branch of TracFone which offers three plans. The first is the All You Need plan which includes 1000 minutes, 1000 text/picture messages, and 30MB of web for $30 per month. The second plan is an unlimited plan for $45 a month. The third plan offered is $60 per month for unlimited international. Much like Ting, it's phone prices are pretty steep but if you do the math, the monthly bill is well worth it.

LiFE OS

Welcome to LiFE OS. This is my blog for all things technology. From general things to the more technical, I want to share a wide variety of things that I have discovered in the tech world. After years of being a tech consumer, I finally want to give back to a community that can gain something from it. Hope you learn something!