Are you looking for a cool way to edit short videos on your iPhone? VidLab may be the app for you. VidLab is a fun, easy, and exciting way to create 15 second videos with your iPhone. The app comes with an intuitive user interface that enables you to combine short, yet dynamic video clips in a matter of seconds. Video FX | Add Tracks | Add FiltersWith VidLab, you can create a video project or a photo story by importing videos and photos directly from the camera or preexisting media from the camera roll. Once you have added content to your project, you can add video effects and filters to enhance your visual presentations. At first, the minimalist design implies limited features, but, in actuality, you can add multiple tracks to give your project added layers of complexity. Music | Soundtracks | TextBy adding tracks, the user can add music, sound effects, text, and narration to projects for a more nuanced and informative video and/or slideshow. Sound levels can be controlled, and text options include various fonts, colors, and animations for a broader visual appeal. New Projects | Clip Adjustments | ShareAfter adding filters, effects, and text, you can fine tune your project by adjusting the volume and transitions in between your videos and/or soundtracks. Once your project is complete, you can share to Facebook, Instagram (which this app is ideally suited for), WhatsApp, YouTube, or you can email, text, and save to your camera roll.
With the popularity of Vine and Instagram, video editing apps designed to created videos under one minute are in high demand. VidLab has quickly joined ranks with some of the best apps available, making it one of the best video creation apps available for iOS. The app is currently free in the App Store, and comes with the option to purchase additional features as In-App purchases.
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Apple released Keynote 6.2 for the Mac and Keynote 2.2 for iOS, which both come with some very nice features. Check out the video below for a brief overview. Keynote for the Mac
Keynote 2.2 for iOS 7
Storehouse is wonderful application for the iPad that enables you to tell stories with text, photos, and videos, and share them with an online community. What is most striking about Storehouse is the user interface and how each story flows and undulates across the iPad screen as the user swipes, pinches, and scrolls through a menu of stories posted by users from all over the world. Tell Your StoryYou can begin your story by starting a draft and importing media into your project. The layout for your photos, videos, and text are established by moving each element around with your finger, using the crop tool to position and constrain the size and relative positions. Similar to the manner in which each Storehouse post ebbs and flows, each element coalesces, aligns and re-aligns in a likewise manner. The whole interface is amazingly graceful and visually pleasing to the eye. Browse Other StoriesIn addition to the pleasure you get from creating stories, you can browse stories posted by other Storehouse authors across the world. As you swipe horizontally from left to right, browsing through the undulating sweep of photos and videos, you can select the Storehouse icon at the top right to recommend a story and/or to share it on Facebook or Twitter or email a link. Each story is uploaded to the web and can be viewed full screen on any browser using parallax scrolling to simulate the same user experience as the iPad. Beauty, elegance, and artful design is what best describes Storehouse. Check out a post by My Apple Podcast to see for yourself. Currently, the application is free in the App Store.
Bazaart, the popular collage app for iOS, just received it’s most impressive upgrade to date. If you're not familiar with Bazaart, it is an application that enables you to create collages with images and text that you can share with an online community. And with the Bazaart community growing by the day, the developers decided to release a vastly improved user interface that makes it easier to search for images, browse a broad range of collages, and connect with other members of the Bazaart community. So let's explore the new features. Expanded Browsing Bazaart now features a menu bar along the bottom, which greatly enhances how users navigate through the app. The new “discover” tab allows users to browse for a wide range of collages created by other Bazaart members, including “Popular” and “ Recent” collages, and thematic sections like Art, Photomontage, Selfies, Funny, Nature, and more. In the previous version, users were limited to recent and popular collages, but the new thematic sections provide broader access to other collages. Making Connections In version 1.6.0, Bazaart introduced the option to leave comments. This feature opened up the possibility of connecting with other Bazzart members, but the comments were limited to specific collages. With the new version, users can now view an entire feed of comments, which can be found under the “Activity” section. The “My Bazaart” section has been greatly improved, as well, and functions more like a profile page. In the previous version, “My Bazaart” was a private page where individual users could access a library of their collages, but now, profiles are public! You can now click on any user name found under collage postings, and/or the “Activity” section, to view other profiles, including their personal inventory of collages, and the option to “ follow” them. Furthermore, each profile page features the number of people you are following and the people who are following you, and you can click on those lists at any time. Endless Creativity In earlier versions, Bazaart introduced new tools to enhance creativity by allowing the user to clone and flip images, manually erase sections, control the opacity, and add text to collages. The user had the option to import images from the camera roll and/or choose from a library of images that included solid colors, gradients, textures, and backgrounds. The latest version extends those features by allowing you to access images from a variety of sources, including Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Etsy, Flickr, Bing web searches, and a built-in inventory of albums that include “Fashion,” “Home,” “Photography,” “Backgrounds,” and “My Photos” from your camera roll. When you combine Bazaart’s editing tools, with increased access to resources, users have more options to stimulate their imaginations and explore new heights of creativity. Tap to Browse - It’s Back! In version 1.3.8, Bazaart introduced the popular feature “Tap to Browse,” but it disappeared when subsequent updates were introduced. Well, its back! With this feature, Bazaart members can tap on any collage, which flips around to reveal individual collage elements associated with that collage. You can then share those clippings to your camera roll or other social networking sites.
Art is universal and inspirational. It has the power to bring diverse communities together in ways that tap into the common core of our humanity. With this recent update, Bazaart fully embraces that power, providing you with the tools to fully express yourself, and to connect with others in a meaningful way. There seems to be a lot of iPad bashing going on from bloggers. Consistent with a lot of other criticisms about Apple's new products, such as the iPad Air, the argument is that Apple is not really introducing any new revolutionary features or products. The main problem with these criticisms is that people largely ignore Apple products relative to Apple's ecosystem. Apple will not introduce a radical new product, if it cannot benefit or be integrated into the entire operating system in a seamless way. Apple is not into gimmicks or market titillation. When Apple has introduced products or features that did not live up to their standards, they have sent out public apologies. While that is a noble thing to do, Apple is not in the habit of making a practice out of that sort of thing. I have a MacBook Pro, and iPad, and iPhone 5S, and what I like most about having those products is how well they work together. For example, I love how Safari, Notes, iBooks, iTunes, and iWork all work across platforms to maintain a seamless experience. This is what sets Apple apart from its competitors and which (not surprisingly) is almost, always ignored in the reviews. I'm not nearly as interested in fancy new features like 3-D video or something like that if it is not fully integrated and or complementing the operating system; it would be a complete waste of time and money for Apple to do such a thing. I would prefer not to be "wowed" by a new product or feature, if it does not work seamlessly with the overall user experience. And while I understand that competition is fierce, and it is important for tech companies to distinguish themselves from their competitors, Apple does not define itself by what its competitors are doing (although Apple's competitors are obsessed about what Apple is doing). While it is interesting to grab the public spotlight by introducing the idea of "drone deliveries," Apple prefers to remain low key.
The iPad bashers are not invested in Apple's ecosystem, so they hone in on isolated features and products. Yet, how can you objectify the entire user experience? KAMI
Since the release of Mavericks and iOS 7, we have received numerous updates from developers, and some new releases that are worth noting. For the desktop, KAMI by State of Play Games Ltd, is a beautiful puzzle game that offers some impressive U.I. elements reminiscent of iOS applications. Kami is an Origami inspired puzzle game that allows you to explore various configurations in triangular form that evolve into various fields of color. The concept is simple: Fold and Fill. The application comes with options to play sound effects and soundtracks for a soothing meditative experience. iOS apps tend to offer the best experience in terms of the user interface, but KAMI is an app that is superbly designed for the desktop. It's currently $4.99 in the App Store. LORYSTRIPES Photography applications are available by the millions, but you rarely find one that you can value for its originality. LoryStripes by Pixite LLC is a fun and creative application that enables you to add stripes to your photos in ways you would never dream possible. I know what you're wondering. Why do I want to add stripes to my photos? Once you discover what the app can do, you will quickly become a convert. The app comes with an infinite array of striped patterns that can manipulated with a move tool and with a "cube" tool to create the illusion of depth. Once you decide on your linear patterns, you can adjust the color, add gradients, control the opacity, and even use draw and erase tools for further modification. You can pinch and zoom to fine tune you photo designs, and even additional linear patterns to the same project. Don't take my word for it! You must try this app out for yourself. The app is currently $1.99 in the App Store. Paper, the beautifully designed sketch application for the iPad, now comes with a "Pencil." According to The Verge, the creator Fifty-Three announced on November 19th that "Pencil" is now available for purchase on their website and through an in-app purchase for $49.99.
The announcement by Fifty-Three to sell its own stylus is not surprising, since there is a huge market for stylus's to help improve drawing and sketching capabilities on iPad apps, such as Sketchbook Pro, Procreate, Brushes, etc. Paper falls into this category of creation apps, but also boasts some pretty impressive features of its own to set it apart from its competitors. For one, the app combines beautiful graphics with an intuitive design that makes full use of on screen gestures like pinching and zooming to navigate through the app and to assist in the creative process. Paper has received a rather exalted status, including a design award from Apple as the best app in 2012. For those who are big fans of Paper, "Pencil" will be a welcoming addition. Pencil come with the following features: Palm Rejection Pencil requires no calibration or set up. You just rest your hand on the tablet, like any other writing surface, and the device works in perfect harmony with the application. Erase Built into Pencli is the ability to erase any mark that is made with the device. This components sets itself apart from other stylus's, and will undoubtedly become its prized feature. Blending Simliar to stumps used to blend charcoal, marks made with Pencil can be blended with your finger (the finger is free). Pencil comes with one limitation. It will only work with iPads with retina displays. Pencil will work with other tablets, but the three main features listed above will not be included. The stylus comes with a rechargeable battery, an extra tip and extra eraser. Pencil comes in walnut and a graphite brushed aluminum, and is equipped with bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration. The device can also be charged from any USB source and boasts a battery life of a month before recharging. On November 21, 2013, Apple released updates for its iWork applications, Pages 5.0.1, and Keynote 6.0.1 for the desktop, along with comparable updates to Keynote 2.0.1 and Pages 2.0.1 for iOS. In the desktop versions of Keynote and Pages, Apple added the ability to customize the toolbar, a feature offered in previous versions, but removed when the apps were first released for Mavericks. As 9to5 Mac indicated, there were a number of complaints online and on various discussion boards about the missing features. The L.A. Times reported that Apple was working on returning the missing features, and within a couple of weeks, Apple released some updates. In terms of other updates, Pages for iOS received some stability improvements, while Keynote for iOS received new transitions and builds to coincide with the desktop version, including Blinds, Color Planes, Confetti, Fall, Perspective, Pivot, and Swoosh.
There were also a number of complaints about iMovie, including some missing features and the inability to open projects created on iOS devices. Apple was unable to address the latter issue, but they did release iMovie 10.0.1 which enables computers with older video cards to install the latest version of the software. Apple issued a statement that some features were removed due to how the apps were rewritten, but they are planning to return a lot of the old features, including some brand new ones over the next six months. In spite of these minor, momentary set backs, Apple made some huge improvements in the U.I., and design, with significant improvements to iCloud synchronization. Users can expect to see the following features in future updates of iWork: Pages
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courtesy of Martin Hajek With the great anticipation that greeted the iPhone 5S, Apple shows no signs of stopping, as the company has been reported to be working on its successor – the iPhone 6. Last November 11, Bloomberg detailed Apple’s move on releasing two new devices next year, comprised by bigger screens and new sensors. The same report revealed the likelihood of having a curved screen. While this may be a late move, this marks a big shift for the company, from having an LED screen technology to an OLED display. What other features does Apple have in store for the iPhone fans? Hardware: From LED to OLED The shift from LED to OLED is hoped to go against Samsung and LG, who perfected curved displays with their Galaxy Round and the G Flex, respectively. The five-inch curved display revelation coincides with a recent patent that Apple secured in March. Bloomberg’s sources said the device “curves downward” wrapping the entire bezel which may give the new Apple handset a more revolutionary design compared to the current flagship. The current flagship, as shown on O2’s iPhone 5S page, didn’t change much on the appearance of the device except for the integration of the Touch ID. If the curved phone will happen, then it’s a first of its kind from all iDevices.
Gaze Detection Technology Last May, Apple iPhone News reported that the company filed an eye tracking technology. Dubbed as the ‘Electronic Devices With Gaze Detection Capabilities’, the patent suggests that when you stare away from the device, it will dim the display screen. Such addition will benefit customers in terms of battery consumption. However, this idea isn’t entirely new, especially with Samsung’s Smart Pause and Smart Stay. Near-field Communication Since the iPhone 5S and 5C failed to incorporate a near-field communication (NFC) feature, rumors of a possible inclusion are starting to brew for the iPhone 6. Ideally, NFC is a mode of mobile payment, which converts your handset into an e-wallet. In this connection, CNET notes that Apple is only waiting for the trend to become rampant. While most mobile companies are now incorporating this feature, today’s mobile set-up shows that it’ll take a few more years before this technology to reach true consumer adoption. Regardless, Apple’s support for this technology, as CNET puts it, is a key player to drive NFC technology. Internal Features Whether they will mature or not, the features we’ve mentioned earlier are some of the iPhone 6’s most forward technology, based on patents. Meanwhile, here are some of the key internal changes that Apple is working on: · iOS TechRadar predicted the arrival of the iOS 8, the successor of the iOS 7. In line with previous releases, they said that it will come in September or October next year. · Camera A new patent suggests an improved iSight. Uncovered last May, the patent suggests that the iPhone camera can control other illuminating elements, including extra flashes. · Solar Technology CNET reported that Apple is looking for another patent for solar technology. If this materializes, then we may see an iPhone 6 getting rid of extra cables and chargers; or resolve the issues about the battery. With all of these features in mind, the iPhone 6 may arguable be the most advanced Apple device. What other features do you think the next iPhone will carry?
Apple introduced a brand new design language with the release of iOS 7. And with the release of 7.0.3, Apple's iWork and iLife applications come with a brand new design, including new icons to match the look of iOS 7. Each application deserves to be featured separately, so for this blog, I plan to cover the new features that come with iMovie for iOS. iMovie - A Brand New Look The new design for Movie is a lot more cleaner and elegant (arguably the best design for iMovie thus far). As you can see in the iPhone 5S screenshots, Apple has integrated the signature elements of iOS 7 into the iMovie interface, including thin fonts for text links, and a solid color background (there is no reference to metal, vinyl or leather). The icons for importing content and setting up new projects embody the same thin contour lines, which actually appear quite elegant against the black background. Emphasis is placed on the content, providing a more direct and intuitive way to create and customize your video projects.
iMovie also comes with some new features, including the ability to make videos fast or slow, and a picture and picture option to parallel features available in the desktop version. This is arguably the most exciting feature. When you import a video into your project, you will see a series of dots as one of the menu options. This indicates other options for how you want to add the video, using several composite options. Once the video has been imported, you can also choose several other options for how each video is split and/or how they occupy the screen space.Apple also added more flexibility for editing audio tracks, including the ability to separate audio tracks, and then split or control the speed of those tracks. This will come in handy when using music tracks along with narration. The most understated feature that will be used most often is the undo button which is clearly visibly throughout the editing process. With the new design and added features, iMovie will become your ideal method editing video on your iPhone and iPad. Check out one of my latest episode as I explore iMovie in more detail. |
Timothy Brown
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