Tag: iPhone

View All Tags

/ / / / / / / / /

iOS 6 Maps Drools, Google Maps Rules

September 24, 2012 at 12:11 PM | by | Comments (0)

Another day, another slew of inaccuracies discovered in iOS 6 Maps. The app, which comes new with the software update on iPads and iPhones but deletes Google Maps, is so crazy bad that it's become the butt of late night comedian monologue jokes, even spawning a particularly hilarious mocking Tumblr.

And it's not just getting driving directions wrong or putting a park where there's actually a parking lot. iOS 6 Maps has managed to make the world appear to be melting in 3D view, reverted some cities to their occupied names from World War II and, well...they're just generally confused about Australia (examples here & here).

Heck, Apple Maps can't even get their own worldwide flagship store to look like it's not in some post-apocalyptic state. Hey, at least North Korea looks awesome!

more ›

/ / / / / / / / / / /

Five Airlines Already Supporting Mobile Boarding Passes on Apple's iOS 6 Passbook

September 21, 2012 at 10:42 AM | by | Comment (1)

"Mobile Boarding Passes are God's gift to modern air travel." That was the title of one our stories way back in May 2010, when such technology was still on the drawing boards at airlines. Still, a few pioneering airlines were already allowing flyers to go paperless and, after using our first mobile boarding pass on a Lufthansa flight, we thought it pretty neat.

Apple completely agrees that mobile boarding passes are pretty neat, and they've put so much brain power into making the use of them easier, faster and prettier that their new iOS6 app, Passbook, heavily features mobile boarding pass integration.

more ›

/ / / / / / /

Did You Know? The iPhone Has an Issue with Taking Photos of Propellers

September 14, 2012 at 11:32 AM | by | Comment (1)

Fun fact: fun facts are awesome. Whether you're trying to chat up a flight attendant or simply love learning something cool, we've got some tidbits to share. So all this week, we'll be squeezing our mindgrapes to bring you some awesome, random travel factoids.

Fact: That weird effect of floating propellor pieces, caused when a mobile phone camera takes a photo of a turboprop, has a name (and an explanation): Propeller Aliasing.

Cameras in iPhones and other mobile devices don't have a shutter; instead, they snap a photo by scanning. It's quick, but propellers in rotation are faster. When your camera scans, line-by-line, to capture the shot, the propellers have moved.

more ›

/ / / / / /

'Airport Scanner' Should Be the First Game You Download to the iPhone 5

September 13, 2012 at 10:07 AM | by | Comments (3)

Sorry to have to say it, but both Words With Friends and Draw Something as so over, in terms of trendy iPhone app games. These days, we're way into a whole other game, one that pits your finger-eye coordination with weapon-spotting skills. It's called Airport Scanner and yes, it is a TSA-themed iPhone game and it is awesome. AND IT'S FREE!

The aim of the game? Well, to do a good job as a TSA agent, really. Here's the official spiel:

PROTECT THE SKIES - JOIN THE TSA Airport Scanner puts you in charge of operating a life like X-RAY scanner working for the TSA. Mark illegal items, expedite flight crew + first class passengers and look out for air marshals all while getting every flight out on time so passengers don’t riot!

more ›

/ / / / / / / / /

Airlines Updating Apps ASAP to Prep for iPhone and iOS Updates

September 11, 2012 at 9:02 AM | by | Comments (0)

Tomorrow is a pretty big day for fans of the iPhone, and if the rumors are true it’s the big reveal of the next generation of the mobile device—along with other Apple products as well. Some are preparing by ditching their current generation phones on Craigslist or eBay in order to raise some funds for the latest and greatest in iTechnology, but there are others—like some airlines—burning the midnight oil in preparation for the launch.

Part of tomorrow’s announcement is expected to be the arrival of iOS 6, which is pretty much what makes everything from the iPhone to the iPad tick. One of the new features is going to be something called Passbook, and if all goes according to plan this will be some sort of digital wallet for everything from tickets and coupons to loyalty cards. This also might just include access to airline reservations, ticketing details, and other travel tidbits—and that’s where American Airlines and Delta come in.

more ›

/ / / / /

The National Park Service's 96th Birthday Wish? An iPhone App.

August 27, 2012 at 2:05 PM | by | Comments (0)

Happy birthday to the National Park Service! Not only are they responsible for maintaining Uncle Sam’s backyard and making sure you aren't mauled by grizzlies, but they're behind the scenes working on spruce-ups to celebrate their 96th year. Sure there are some national parks older than that, but it’s been almost 100 years since the government decided to organize the parks into one big happy family.

Up first is a new mobile website—www.nationalparks.org—optimized to look great and load quickly on your phone or other device. Here they’re promising a one-stop-shop source for news, commentary, videos, photos, and pretty much everything else you’d want to know regarding each and every one of the country’s national parks. The website can also pinpoint some of the parks closest to your location, and it’ll provide the current weather and related information—so you know whether it’s safe to venture out of your RV.

more ›

/ / / / / / /

Even More Tablets and At-Gate Delivery Arriving for Hungry Airport Travelers

August 15, 2012 at 8:22 AM | by | Comments (0)

Thankfully for our taste buds there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of restaurant options popping open at airports across the globe. And while there’s no new celebrity chefs putting their finishing touches on terminal tables and concourse chairs this week, there are a few technology tidbits.

HMSHost—known for creating and serving airport delicacies—is at it again with their gate delivery service. They’ve expanded their reach into Utah, as they’re now offering up free delivery at Salt Lake City International Airport. The B4 You Board app is now serving up stuff like a chicken and pork souvlaki plate from Greek Souvlaki over in Terminal 2. In case you don’t remember how things work, all you have to do is browse menus on your mobile device, place your order, and then it will be delivered right to you at the gate. We just remind you to take it easy on the tzatziki, as we’re not sure about the odor of Greek yummies at 35,000 feet.

more ›

/ / / / / / / / / / /

Another Airport Will Now Deliver Your Food Straight to the Gate

May 3, 2012 at 8:50 AM | by | Comments (0)

Total laziness—we mean convenience—is on its way over to Sacramento International Airport, as HMSHost introduces their tasty travel app to hungry travelers. We’ve already mentioned how ordering up lunch, dinner, or just a snack is an option at airports like MSP, JFK, and ORD, but now the fun has arrived at SMF.

Esquire Grill or Burgers & Brew are the two initial offerings available through the B4 YOU BOARD app. Salads, cheeseburgers, and even macaroni and cheese are available at your fingertips, and then things will be delivered right to your where you’ve parked yourself near the gate. It sounds like the serving hours are scheduled between 10:30am and 6:30pm each and every day, so you might just have to order the old fashioned way if you’re looking for some breakfast.

more ›

/ / / / / / /

Want a Mobile Hotline Direct to the TSA's Complaint Department? You Got It.

May 1, 2012 at 9:06 AM | by | Comments (0)

If you’ve already battled your way through Angry Birds Space, then we might just have another app for you. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly a game, but it’s pretty darn neat if you’re sick and tired of being felt up and pat down at the airport security line.

The FlyRights app is available in both iPhone and Android flavors, and its sole purpose is to provide travelers a direct line to the TSA complaint department. Now, when you suspect that the airport security officials are going above and beyond in an unnecessary way, you will be just a few clicks and swipes away from letting someone know.

The app is specifically targeting passengers who are being unnecessarily screened or profiled based on their personal this, that, or the other thing, and it’s all made possible from the people over at The Sikh Coalition.

more ›

/ / / / /

10 Outstanding Travel Instagrams: Week of March 19

March 23, 2012 at 9:39 AM | by | Comment (1)

We're kind of obsessed with browsing Instagram for travel inspiration and, every other Friday, we'll bring you 10 of our favorite shots that impart major wanderlust. Don't forget to follow our own shots on Instagram under "jaunted," "hotelchatter" and "vegaschatter."

· Photo via jimeryjem — Sunrise over Mumbai.

· Photo via cocorocha — Model Coco Rocha (daughter of a flight attendant) flies Porter

· Photo via sentinelchicken — Mmm private jet. *drool*

more ›

/ / / / / / /

Three New iPhone Apps to Jumpstart Spring Travel

March 9, 2012 at 11:05 AM | by | Comments (0)

· Travel Channel Layover Guide with Anthony Bourdain
Big fan of Anthony Bourdain? Looking for great places to eat and hang out, Bourdain-style, in cities around the world? This app was made with exactly you in mind. The Layover Guide ties in with the popular Travel Channel show by giving users photos, videos and tidbits from Anthony on his top spots in Miami, New York, LA, SF, Montreal, Singapore, Hong Kong, Rome and Amsterdam—plus the promise of 10 more cities coming soon.
There's the addition of a little Foursquare-like action in the app, earning badges as you "check in" at the venues, but to us, the real value of this app comes from the ability to quickly decide on a cool place, get Bourdain's two cents and then head off directly using the location info.
Buy on iTunes: $1.99

more ›

/ / / / / / / /

Scared to Use a Mobile Boarding Pass? Don't Be.

March 5, 2012 at 2:15 PM | by | Comments (0)

We need to have a talk about mobile boarding passes. Are you using them? Most major airlines are these days, including (but not limited to) Delta, United, American, Alaska, SAS, British Airways, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific and Qantas.

If you're just a little bit uncomfortable with getting through and airport and onto a plane using only your phone, read on. If you're totally cool with mobile boarding passes, awesome. Though we're seeing increasing use of mobile boarding passes—just look around next time you're waiting in a security line to have your ID checked, and note how many others have their phones ready to scan—there is still much hesitation and "I'll just wait 'til the airport."

So, we'll walk you through the five steps of checking in, this time on a real Delta flight. Their app is ace.

{Above} Step 1: Make sure you have your airline's app downloaded. Sign in. This is the welcome screen, displaying the indication that it's time to check in for one flight.
Step 2: Press "Check In," doublecheck the details of your flights on the next screen, and hit "Check In Now."

more ›