In this AppDate, SEAN BACHER highlights Facebook, Messenger and Instagram for Windows 10, Soundcloud Go for South Africa, Anti-Ad from Kaspersky Lab, Friendbase virtual chat and JustWatch streaming search engine.
Facebook, Messenger and Instagram for Windows 10
The new Facebook, Messenger and Instagram apps for Windows 10 devices are designed to take advantage of the operating system’s Live Tiles. This means, that once a user pins an app to the Home screen, updates and news feeds are immediately available without having to open each app individually. In addition, the Instagram app now offers direct messaging, an updated search and explore function, and easy account switching.
Platform: Windows 10 phones and tablets
Expect to pay: A free download.
Stockists: Visit the Windows Store from a Windows 10 device.
Soundcloud Go in South Africa
As with many video and music on demand services, a lot of the content is not available in South Africa due to licensing issues – the latest being Soundcloud Go. The service offers an expanded musical catalogue due to licensing deals with Warner, Universal and Sony, as well as tracks from 20,000 independent labels – many of which are not available in South Africa. However, virtual private network provider (VPN) NordVPN now allows South Africans to access the songs by installing the VPN before signing up for the Soundcloud Go service. Incidentally, NordVPN also allows South Africans to access the full Netflix range of movies and series by performing a similar setup.
Platform: Most smartphones and tablets as well as desktop and laptops.
Expect to pay: NordVPN is a free download, but subscribing to Soundcloud Go will cost around R150 per month.
Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device to download NordVPN and then sign up for Soundcloud Go.
Anti-Ad from Kaspersky Lab
Anti-Ad from Kaspersky Lab is a free extension for iPhone users for Safari. It automatically blocks the advertising banners, links and popup windows that infuriate most users . The extension can be customised to allow certain adverts to display and, if need be, the extension can be completely disabled should one want to see the entire page.
Platform: Most iOS device running iOS 9 and above.
Expect to pay: A free download.
Stockists: Visit the App Store for downloading instructions.
Friendbase virtual chat
Friendbase virtual chat allows one to connect with friends and family around the world. Nothing new there, but it does make chatting a little more interesting as it allows users to customise their chat room’s look and feel. One can also add pets, and challenge friends to multiplayer games like tennis. The chat room can be navigated, meaning once an avatar has been chosen, it can be directed around the room.
Platform: Android, iOS and Facebook play.
Expect to pay: A free download.
Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device.
JustWatch streaming search engine
With all the VoD services currently available and new ones being added every day, it starts to become a little difficult to find certain shows. JustWatch makes things a little easier as it allows one to search across multiple VoD providers from a single search bar. JustWatch is able to search Netflix, Showmax, BoxOffice, iTunes and Mubi – with other providers like Google Play being added shortly.
Platform: Android and iOS.
Expect to pay: A free download.
Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device.
* Sean Bacher is editor of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter on @SeanBacher