AppDate: Kaspersky clamps down home networks

In this edition of AppDate, SEAN BACHER highlights the Kaspersky Lab IoT device scanner, Knysna’s Municipality Citizen Engagement Application, Lego Mindstorms, the Exclusive Books app, HeyLets and Showmax for Xbox One.

Kaspersky Lab IoT device scanner

The Kaspersky Lab IoT device scanner allows home users to monitor their networks and see which devices are connected. The app does an overall scan once installed and notifies the user of any security flaws that may be present. For instance, when installed on my network, it alerted me that a port was open on my router that could allow hackers to gain access and steal sensitive data.

The app continually monitors the network and offers alerts should new devices try to connect with incorrect credentials.

Platform: Android

Expect to pay: The app is still in a beta and has not yet been officially released.

Stockists: Visit www.kaspersky.co.za for more information.

Knysna Municipality Citizen Engagement Application

The Knysna Municipality and ComUnity have collaborated to create the Knysna Municipality Citizen Engagement Application (Knysna app) in order to drive a more direct, interactive and open relationship between the municipality and its communities.

The app was designed to make it easier for emergency services to respond to needs faster, as app users receive the most relevant and up-to-date information directly on their mobile devices. Community members can log and track service issues or phone any municipal division from the app, allowing them to report or inform other community members of incidents.

The municipality can also keep communities informed of upcoming events and festivals, and can post public service delivery notices, such as electricity or water interruptions and weather forecasts.

But the app also proved to serve a much deeper purpose when devastating fires swept the region in June – the Knysna Joint Operations Centre (JOC) that coordinated the crisis response was able to use it to keep in close and constant touch with communities, which assisted in prioritising their safety and that of their families, pets and belongings.

Platform: Android and iOS

Expect to pay: A free download

Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device.

Lego Mindstorms

Lego Mindstorms is designed to give children a head start in their programming careers. The app works in conjunction with the Lego Mindstorms EV3 robotics construction set and allows kids to use basic programming code to make their robots move, shoot and act in a particular way.

This app also lets kids create their own robot programs from scratch by dragging and dropping blocks of code into sequence and then playing that code out to see what each block does.

Platform: Android and iOS

Expect to pay: A free download, but the construction set will need to be bought first.

Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device.

Exclusive Books app

The Exclusive Books app sends users special offers, alerts them to in-store promotions and activities, and allows Exclusive Books’ Fanatics members to link their membership and carry around a virtual Fanatics card in their mobile devices.

In addition, the app stores a ‘Favourites’ list to receive notifications of special offers at the stores and gives directions to Exclusive Books Cafes and Social Kitchen & Bar outlets.

Platform: Android and iOS

Expect to pay: A free download.

Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device.

HeyLets

HeyLets is a personalised feed of fun experiences and cool places recommended by people that enjoy doing the same things you do. Discover new food, nightlife, shows and outdoor adventures in your hometown, and get travel tips from around the world.

Select Your Interests –- Easily and quickly choose from 45 interest categories. This will help us deliver the best experiences possible to you and locate other community members who share the same interests.

Explore What Locals Recommend –- Scroll through a beautiful feed of hidden gems, fantastic new places and amazing new experiences you never knew existed.

Once installed, filter experiences by categories, from nightclubs and extreme sports to scenic hikes and farmers markets. Or search by keyword to find the ultimate truffle fries. User can filter by location to find things to do on upcoming trips and Wishlist option saves experiences you want to try.

In addition, if you have had a good meal or just enjoyed a good concert, you can share what you love by posting a video or photo along with a short description about what made it great.

Platform: Android and iOS

Expect to pay: A free download.

Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device.

Showmax for Xbox One

In addition to streaming Showmax content though a DStv Explora, Android and iOS devices, viewers can now use their Xbox One consoles.

To get the app, they need will need their Showmax username and password and go to the Store tab on their Xbox One. Once signed in, the app will download to the Xbox, where it can be pinned to a user’s home screen.

The app looks and functions very similarly to the other Showmax apps, so users should have no problem using it once signed in.

Platform: Xbox One

Expect to pay: A free download, but users need to be signed up for Showmax.

Platform: Any Xbox One console.

* Sean Bacher is editor of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter on @SeanBacher