Google Maps gets Apple Watch support

The latest update for Google’s mapping service on iOS brings with it Apple Watch support, among several new features. You can use your Apple Watch to get you directions to different places. You can now also compare ETAs of different modes of transportation to see how much faster you can get to your chosen destination. You can even call a business to get directions to a location from a list. The usual bug fixes have also been added into this version 4.11.0 update.

Source: 9to5Mac | Download: iTunes App Store (Free)

Skype introduces Android Wear support

Microsoft’s messaging service Skype is coming to your Android Wear-donning wrist. The latest app update now supports Google’s wearable platform. You can read and reply to messages right from it either by using pre-written responses or by using the voice-to-text feature. You can even draw emojis on the watchface and that app will recognize those. You can take calls from it but, of course, this’ll push it back to your phone.

Skype names some Android Wear watches that the messenger will work with including Moto 360, Huawei Watch, LG Watch Urbane, and ASUS ZenWatch. You can try it out with the other smartwatches you have though, they might be able to work since Skype didn’t say any limitations in its announcement post.

Source: Skype | Via: Engadget

HTC promises a new Marshmallow-focused HTC One device on Oct. 20

HTC's set to launch their first Android M or Marshmallow powered device on October 20th through their www.thc.com/launch/ website. Little is known about the new device and where it will place in HTC's current lineup (i.e. will it replace the HTC One M9 or will it be a midrange model?). The #BeBrilliant hashtag and the coal background of the invitation hints at something diamond-related. We'll have to wait and see.

OS X El Capitan arrives as a free upgrade tomorrow

While the Mac and OS X El Capitan didn't get any love during the jam packed Apple event earlier this month, it was hinted at that event that the latest update to the Mac operating system, El Capitan, would be coming on September 30th.

While not as dramatic in look or feel as Mavericks or Yosemite were, El Capitan focuses on various enhancements and refinements to make compuiting on MacBooks, iMacs and Mac Pros more efficient and secure.

Improvements include smarter Spotlight searches, the ability to silence audio from browser tabs, streamlined Mission Control features and a much anticipated Split View feature for better on screen multitasking. Stay tuned for my full review of OS X El Capitan coming in a few weeks. 

OS X El Capitan is available as a free update starting Wednesday, September 30 from the Mac App Store. El Capitan supports all Macs introduced in 2009 and later, and some models introduced in 2007 and 2008.