App Attack and Tech News

APP ATTACK

SMTH:
On the list of bad ideas for smartphone apps, SMTH is high. Literally. The Norwegian-made app dares users to lob their smartphones as high as they can into the air. The phone’s accelerometer measures how far the device has travelled. The higher you throw, the greater the score. Unsurprisingly, the app comes with a disclaimer. CarrotPop, the creators of SMTH, have created other hilarious/useless apps, including ISCRM, which dares you to scream as loud as you can into a phone’s mic.

SMTH users might want to put their names down for a new app that helps you track down lost Android phones. The app finds the lost device on a map, and can erase stored data remotely. Google are releasing the app - which has yet to be given a name at the time of print - for devices running Android version 2.2.

TECH NEWS

FLIX OF THE TRADE
Netflix users need not worry about sharing their dubious viewing habits with family and friends, after the TV network set up a Profiles feature. Using the feature, you can set up five individual profiles on the same household account. Each profile moulds programme and genre recommendations according to viewing habits. Profiles can only be set up within a PC web browser or on a PlayStation 3 device. Then, you can access profiles on most Netflix friendly devices, including Android tablets and smartphones, iPads and iPhones, Apple TV, and smart TV’s. Ashamed Made In Chelsea fans can finally keep it on the QT.

SCOUSE HONOUR
Footy fans can rejoice after Liverpool FC teamed up with EA Sports for the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season. The partnership will give fans the opportunity to play the upcoming FIFA 14 at Anfield, and upload their best FIFA 14 goals to be in with a chance of winning Liverpool-related prizes. EA has captured 360 degree 3D digital head scan of Liverpool FC team, including Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. The game is out on September 27 for Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and later in the year Xbox One and PS4.

MIXED EMOTIONS
Spotify has come under fire of late, with artists like Thom Yorke accusing the streaming music service of ripping them off. Meanwhile, music lovers have criticised the service for becoming a soulless search box. Spotify honchos hope to rectify this with the introduction of a Browse page, offering themed playlists on iOS and Android. The page suggests playlists according to context and mood. Context includes “commuting”, “parties” and “early-morning blues”. Mood ranges from romance to “songs for you, not your parents”. Spotify staff chooses the selections, however, so the Browse function will be a matter of taste.