Ekko Player for iPhone will read the latest news headlines & stories to you

Ekko Player for iOS is a neat app that will read news headlines and stories to you. In addition to reading the headlines and articles to you, the app also allows you to use you voice to navigate between stories, making it an excellent way to digest news while on-the-go.

Ekko aggregates news from a variety of sources, including CNN, ABC, BBC, Time, and more. To change the source, simply tap the icon in the lower right corner, then choose the ‘+/-” option, which will then allow you to view categories. Tapping on the headline of an article will prompt the app to begin reading the full story. The speed and accent of the voice used in the app are both adjustable to your liking, as well.

As far as voice commands go, the app allows you to say things such as “headlines” to have all of the titles read to you and “next” to move on to the next headline.

Ekko Player is free on the App Store and it’s an excellent way to consume news on-the-go. There are some bugs, though they are expected in the launch version of an app.

From the description of the app in the App Store:

ekko™ lets you use spoken commands to access news and web content on the go. It offers you the ability to take your eyes off the screen and listen to news and other web content spoken to you. This is voicecasting.

Once you’ve chosen the news you want, you won’t need the Internet to control and listen to voicecasts with spoken commands. You’ll enjoy listening to web content of your choice while doing activities without needing your eyes on a screen and your hands for control.

ekko offers more opportunities in more places for you to listen to the news you choose on the go.

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Some Apple Watch Users Experiencing 'Sticky' Digital Crown, Apple Suggests Water Rinse to Fix

With any new Apple product launch, there are always several issues that pop up in the days following release, and the Apple Watch is no exception. Thus far we've seen sensor issues with customers who have dark wrist tattoos and problems with bands that don't lock. It appears there's another minor problem Apple Watch users are encountering -- malfunctioning digital crowns. The digital crown is located on the left side of the watch and is used as the primary input method on the Apple Watch, aside from touch.


A number of users on both the MacRumors forums and Apple's own support communities are reporting issues with the digital crown of the Apple Watch becoming stuck or difficult to turn. Some users have said the stickiness causes the crown to feel stuck for a moment before loosening when turned, while others say the digital crown feels consistently difficult to turn.

I'm experiencing light stickiness every time I go to turn the crown, but it smoothens out shortly after. And this repeats itself after the crown isn't touched for a few seconds. It wasn't like this on day one. Mine doesn't take considerable pressure to turn though, you just feel that it's sticky at first as if there was a bit too much friction.

On Apple's support communities, some users are speculating that the issue is perhaps caused by sweat getting into the digital crown resulting in crystallized particles that block movement, but there are reports of problems from users who have not used their devices while exercising. Many of the Apple Watches affected are the Sport model, but stainless steel Apple Watch owners have also reported issues.

Several users have taken their Apple Watches in to be assessed by Apple employees and were told that the stickiness of the digital crown is not normal.

Well started experiencing same issue with my sport. Bad enough that double clicking was almost impossible. Took in today to Genius and three diff people came over and tested. All said was not normal. But I decided to send back now. Will be interesting test to see how much I miss it. Bigger concern is why and perhaps the sport vs ss and possibility of it keeps happening.

Ps. We compared to four diff demo units and all had same tactile feel except mine.

Some users have discovered that the problem is resolved by a quick rinse in water, a fix that Apple recommends in a support document. According to Apple, if the digital crown gets stuck or won't move, it could have dust or debris underneath, fixable by running the Apple Watch under fresh water from a faucet for 10 to 15 seconds.

If the Digital Crown gets stuck or won’t move, it might be because of dirt or debris. If you find substances like dust or lotion around the Digital Crown, follow these steps to clean, and repeat as needed:

1. Turn off your Apple Watch and remove it from the charger.
2. If you have a leather band, remove it from your Apple Watch.
3. Hold the Digital Crown under lightly running, warm, fresh water from a faucet for 10 to 15 seconds. Soaps and other cleaning products shouldn't be used.
4. Continuously turn and press the Digital Crown as water runs over the small gap between the crown and the housing.
5. Dry your Apple Watch with a non-abrasive, lint-free cleaning cloth.

Some affected users have said that a water rinse does not solve the problem, or solves it only temporarily, while others have expressed dissatisfaction at potentially needing to rinse the Apple Watch after every workout. Customers who have gone to Apple Stores for a fix for their malfunctioning digital crowns have received either repairs or replacement devices, with Apple quoting week-long wait times for a fix.

Apple Store app on iOS updated with support for Apple Watch

As we reported would happen earlier this week, Apple this evening has updated its Apple Store app with support for Watch. From the app, users can get real-time order status updates, initiate the process of picking up an order, make and search for Genius Bar appointments, and discover events and workshops taking place in nearby Apple Stores.

The update is available on the App Store now. We reported earlier this week on the update and noted that since the Apple Watch does not have a keyboard, more detailed processes will have to be completed on the user’s accompanying iPhone. Apple’s full description regarding Apple Watch support for its retail app can be read below:

The convenience of the Apple Store App on your Apple Watch. Get real-time order status updates, quickly get your pick up order started, check in for Genius Bar reservations and discover nearby in-store events and workshops.

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Apple Store App for iOS Updated With Apple Watch Support [iOS Blog]

Apple today updated its Apple Store app for the iPhone with support for the Apple Watch, making it possible for Apple Watch owners to get real-time order status updates, check on Genius Bar reservations, and find nearby in-store events and workshops, all on their Apple Watches.


When opening the Apple Store app on the Apple Watch, the first option lists stores that are located nearby. Swiping upwards on the first screen offers up a map with an address for finding the closest store. The second screen in the Apple Watch app displays a scrollable list of all nearby workshops (signing up for a workshop is done on the iPhone), and the third screen offers up a list of all product orders. Scrolling to the bottom of that list gives an option to view a complete list of orders on the iPhone.

At an Apple Store, additional features mentioned in the app's description are unlocked, letting users check in for a Genius Bar appointment or get started on a pick up order.

The convenience of the Apple Store App on your Apple Watch. Get real-time order status updates, quickly get your pick up order started, check in for Genius Bar reservations and discover nearby in-store events and workshops.

Unlike with the Apple Store for iPhone app, the Apple Watch app is rather limited in scope, offering up just a few quick-glance functions that accurately represent how Apple hopes Apple Watch apps will be used.

The Apple Store app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]