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Ask Engadget: What are the best outdoor navigation apps?
The support shared among readers in the comments section is one of the things we love most about the Engadget community. Over the years, we've known you to offer sage advice on everything from Chromecasts and cameras to drones and smartphones. In fact, our community's knowledge and insights are a reason why many of you participate in the comments. We truly value the time and detail you all spend in responding to questions from your fellow tech-obsessed commenters, which is why we've decided to bring back our "Ask Engadget" column. This week's question asks about outdoor navigation apps. Weigh in with your advice in the comments -- and feel free to send your own questions along to [email protected]! I've been doing a lot of hiking and walking outdoors, as well as some bird watching. But Google Maps has turned out to be really unhelpful when it comes to walking directions, especially when it comes to trails in parks. What is the best app for navigating outdoors?
Netflix test brings human-curated 'Collections' to streaming
Netflix leans on algorithms for virtually all of its show suggestions, but it's trying something radical: curation from real, honest-to-goodness humans. The service is testing expert-crafted Collections that, much like music playlists, offer selections based around certain themes. You can check out a collection of light-hearted fare if you're looking for relief from a stressful week, or go for prizewinning titles if you only want critically-praised pieces.
'Minecraft Earth' beta brings AR building to Android next week
Don't worry, Android fans -- if you've been wondering when you can try the augmented reality experience of Minecraft Earth, you don't have too much longer to wait. Mojang and Microsoft have revealed that the Minecraft Earth beta will reach Google-powered devices sometime next week. It's encouraging users to sign up to get their earliest possible shot at playing.
Waze adds easy access to YouTube Music while you drive
You'd think Google would have raced to make YouTube Music controls available inside Waze, but not so -- numerous third-party services got there first. At last, though, there's some harmony. Waze has added YouTube Music integration that brings playback controls to your navigation screen on both Android and iOS. As with other apps, you can quickly skip a track or give it a thumbs-up without having to switch apps -- important when you're eager to put on a favorite tune before the traffic light turns green.
Apple delays kids app rule changes to help developers shape up
At WWDC earlier this year, Apple announced that children's apps will no longer be permitted to use third-party ads and analytics tools as a privacy measure to protect their target users. The tech giant was supposed to implement the new rules in September, but now it's putting off those changes, according to The Washington Post. Apple told the publication that while it's planning to delay the rule changes, it's not "backing off on this important issue."
Tidal shares songs as Stories in Facebook and Instagram
iHeartRadio isn't the only streaming music service helping you share music as Stories in recent days. Tidal has introduced an option to share tunes directly as Stories in Facebook and Instagram, helping you convey your musical mood to your followers. You can share videos, too -- viewers will see 15-second snippets of concerts and other footage if you post clips on Instagram, and still images on Facebook.
Facebook helps you control data shared from apps and websites
Facebook has been particularly busy improving its approach to data, and that now includes how it handles data coming from elsewhere. The company has introduced an Off-Facebook Activity tool that helps you manage the data apps and sites send to the site. You can see just who's sending data to Facebook and disconnect both current and future info from your account. If you don't like that your shopping habits in an app lead to endless targeted ads, these controls could depersonalize your ads in a heartbeat.
Hackers make jailbreaking iPhones a thing again
In the iPhone's early days, hackers would "jailbreak" the iPhone in order to install third-party apps that weren't available through the App Store. It's been a while since anyone seriously needed to jailbreak their iPhone, as there are plenty of apps and more customizable operating systems to choose from. But this weekend, hackers dusted off their jailbreaking skills when a vulnerability was discovered in iOS 12.4. Security researcher Pwn20wnd released the first free public jailbreak for a fully updated iPhone in years.
7-Eleven's cashier-free mobile checkouts are available in NYC
If you're in such a hurry that you can't even talk to a cashier at a convenience store, you're in luck -- 7-Eleven has formally launched its Mobile Checkout feature in New York City after some testing in Dallas. Locals can use the 7-Eleven app for Android or iOS to scan any product with a barcode and buy it on the spot, no store staff required -- the only extra step is scanning a QR code at a "confirmation station" to let the store know that you're not shoplifting. It's not quite as seamless as something like Apple's old grab-and-go purchasing, but it beats waiting in line to pay for a bag of potato chips.
Runkeeper drops its Wear OS app due to a 'buggy experience'
Add Runkeeper to the list of companies dropping their smartwatch apps -- albeit not for the usual reasons. The developer is warning customers that it's scrapping its Wear OS app as of the 9.13 release. It's "just not able" to deliver the best experience on Google's smartwatch platform, according to the notice. When a customer asked support for clarification, Runkeeper added that it was a "very buggy experience" and didn't work consistently well for most people. It's a "small team with limited resources," support added.
App allows citizen scientists to track monarch butterfly migration
If you've ever pulled out your phone to take a picture of a butterfly, researchers want your help. A team from the University of Maine is using an app that lets citizens scientists along the East Coast take photos of monarch butterfly migration sites and log details about where they're found. The responses will be compiled in an online database and help researchers determine if their monarch migration predictions are accurate.
Plex’s new desktop app packs a fresh look, streamlined downloads
Plex has a brand new app for Windows and Mac that offers a streamlined way to download the things you want to watch and listen to offline. The feature was previously called Sync, but it's now called Downloads -- a much clearer term. Your downloads should start faster and with a single click, while Plex'll offer clearer feedback on your download progress. However, the server owner still needs a Plex Pass to enable offline media access. This simpler, more reliable mechanism (as Plex describes it) should make its way to the service's mobile apps in the future.
iHeartRadio shares tunes as Stories in Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat
Do you really, really want to be sure everyone knows what you're listening to? iHeartRadio thinks it can help spread your musical message. The company has introduced sharing to Stories in Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat through its mobile app -- iHeartRadio claimed to Engadget that it's the first streaming service to tie into all three. Whether or not that's true, it's certainly a time-saver if you want to share to more than one medium.
Twitter starts testing DM searches
It didn't take long for Twitter to make direct message searches a practical reality after teasing them -- though you'll need a little luck to give them a try. The social network has begun testing a DM search bar in its iOS app and the web. It'll only sift through your "most recent" DMs, but that might be enough if you're trying to remember where you agreed to meet for a night out.
Twitter is finally working on search for DMs
Twitter isn't just launching a deluge of tests -- it just announced that a few sought-after features in the pipeline. Most notably, it's developing a long-overdue search for direct messages. Although there aren't many specifics at this point, it's reasonable to say this will spare you from digging through a conversation to find a crucial message from days ago. The social network added that it's "re-energizing" its work on DMs, so this is really just the highlight of a larger strategy.
Twitter's latest test lets you follow topics
Twitter isn't relenting in its eagerness to test new features. The social site has begun testing an option to follow topics in addition to people. You'll have to pick from a list of topics curated by Twitter, starting with sports, but it should expand to include celebrities, TV shows and other common discussions. When you do follow a topic, you'll see a handful of tweets in addition to those from people you follow.
Google Maps gives you more ways to find Lime scooters
Google Maps is making it easier to find a Lime bike or scooter on your own terms. As of today, the Android version of Google's app (iOS is due in the "coming weeks") can help you find Lime rides in the cycling and walking tabs, not just transit -- helpful if your leisurely stroll to work suddenly becomes much more urgent. You'll get detailed info like the time to walk to a scooter, the estimated ride cost, battery range and the all-important ETA. On-foot travelers will receive suggestions for Lime rides as an alternative when it's viable.
Google is working on a low light mode for Duo video calls
Google has released the latest version of Duo, which comes with the ability to permanently delete audio and video history. And based on 9to5Google's APK teardown, it also comes with code hinting at a bunch of upcoming features, including a low light mode and a dark mode. The latter could give the app's search interface and contacts list a dark-colored design, accessible by a new "Choose them" option in settings.
Venmo can instantly transfer money to your bank account
Venmo's instant transfers are no longer limited to sending money to debit cards. The PayPal-owned service now permits transferring money immediately to linked bank accounts. It still incurs the same 1 percent fee with a minimum 25-cent transfer cost and a maximum $10 outlay. If you can tolerate that, though, it might just save your hide if you're running low on funds or just want assurances that money is sitting in your bank account.
Twitter test notifies you of replies to interesting conversations
Twitter has a solution for anyone who's ever wanted to follow a juicy conversation without constantly refreshing their apps. The social site is testing notifications on Android and iOS for replies to a given tweet, ensuring that you won't miss a moment. You can limit it to replies from the author, mentioned people and those you follow, or open the floodgates to all replies if you're not worried about junk tweets and spam.