Apple hopes to empower musicians with new iOS music apps

Apple has released updated version of GarageBand (2.1) as well as a new Music Notes app that can turn any iPad or iPhone into a mobile recording tool whenever inspiration strikes.

The major update to GarageBand for iOS introduces multiple new features, including Live Loops  to make music like a DJ using only their iPhone or iPad. Garageband also includes the new Drummer feature with nine EDM and acoustic virtual session drummers that provide their own signature sound, as well as an expanded selection of amps for bass players. 

A completely new Music Memos app is inspired by Voice Memos and takes the functionality even further by adding musician-friendly features designed specifically for songwriting and developing musical ideas. Artists can record any musical instrument through the iPhone’s built-in microphone in a high-quality, uncompressed format, then name, tag and rate it to start building a library of ideas.

Music Memos is available for free on the App Store and is compatible with iPhone 4s and later, and iPad 2 and later. GarageBand 2.1 for iOS is bundled free with new iOS devices 32GB and larger, is available as a free upgrade for existing users with compatible iOS 9 devices or later, and is available to everyone else for $6.99 via the App Store.

Source: Apple

Review: HTC One A9

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The One A9 is HTC's take on the midrange market and while this model received a lot of criticism for looking just like an iPhone 6, which it totally does, it does manage to diversify HTC's product portfolio with the HTC One M9 remaining the flagship device and the Desire line as the more affordable option.

I commiserate with HTC. The company has long led the Android OEM space with stellar and bold industrial design and materials and way before competitors like Samsung or LG went for metal and glass look and feel. For the A9, the couldn't simply put out a smaller HTC One (that's something they've already done before but which didn't really work out too well).

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Video: Suicide Squad trailer shows why it might be one of the best films of 2016

With a great ensemble cast, a fresh story and characters that few people know about, and what appears to be non-stop action and stunt sequences (most of them shot in downtown, Toronto), Suicide Squad is gearing up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2016 and possibly one that could put DC back on the map before Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. 

The two minute trailer gives the first glimpse of our antiheroes backed by Queen's immortal Bohemian Rhapsody, while most squad members show what they can do, others are shrouded in mystery. Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn and Will Smith's Deadshot are obviously the leads in this story but Jared Leto's divisive take on The Joker looks like something to look forward to as well.  Suicide Squad comes to theatres August 2016.

ASUS launches Zenfone Zoom exclusively at B&H Photo Video

Asus will be selling its Zenfone Zoom exclusively from B&H Photo. The ASUS ZenFone Zoom is the world’s thinnest 3x optical-zoom smartphone with an innovative10-element HOYA lens arrangement for sharp detailed images.

Inspired by the latest DSLR cameras, the ZenFone Zoom’s textured finish offers a sure grip and premium feel with hand selected premium leather. There’s also an anchor loop with multiple strap options, so you can secure the smartphone to your wrist for confident shooting in any position.

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