Apps

Learn about the latest news for iOS, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV apps

5,934 'Apps' stories April 2010 - September 2013

Apps for iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS power our modern world. 9to5Mac will update you on the latest news, review, and updates for all types of apps. “There’s an App for that”.

The term came became part of our vocabulary when Steve Jobs announced The App Store as part of the iPhone 2.0 software update in 2008.

Over the years, the term has become as common as kleenex for describing applications on all of our devices. Apple’s platforms have apps for just about anything from finance, banking, sports, social media, podcasting, music, and more. We have a guide for helping you discover the best ones as well. Apps are now on everything from our TV, to our smartphones, on our laptops, and all the way down to our wrists.

As new ones are released or existing ones have major updates, the team here at 9to5Mac will bring you the latest news and reviews. If you want to follow along with video footage, be sure to follow 9to5Mac on YouTube. Scroll down below our latest updates on all things relating to applications on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.

Photoshop CC update brings open source ‘Adobe Generator’ tool for real-time image asset generation

Jordan Kahn Sep 9 2013 - 6:05 am PT

11 Comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TRz-gNdQFg]

Updates out today for Photoshop CC (version 14.1) bring new features for Creative Cloud members including a brand new open source technology that Adobe is calling “Adobe Generator”. The new feature will allow users to automatically create image assets in real-time without the need “of copying, slicing and exporting each layer manually.” Here’s how it works:

Simply add a file extension to the name of your layer or layer group, and Photoshop will automatically create a JPG, PNG or GIF from the contents of that layer. If you make a change to that layer, the file is immediately updated. This means that you now have a folder of images that are always up-to-date with your Photoshop design. If you need larger dimension images for Retina displays, you can also quickly create those by adding a scaling factor.

In Photoshop, Adobe Generator can be turned on by navigating to File -> Generate -> Image Assets and renaming layers with supported tags. Adobe notes some examples in its blog post. For example, “200% logo-retina.png, logo.png” produces both a 2x and a 1x asset, while “heroImage.jpg10” produces a 1x asset with max quality.

Adobe noted that the new generator feature also provides “a real-time connection between Photoshop and Edge Reflow,” allowing users to bring in assets from Photoshop with a single click. Generator is an open source project, which will allow users who know JavaScript to modify or write their own plug-ins using the technology. The company posted the video below that shows developers who are using Generator to write a custom plug-in for a mobile game that allows them to “change the UI of a game in Photoshop while the game is being played.”
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VMware Fusion 6: optimized for new operating systems, hardware, and more powerful VMs [Review]

Scott Buscemi Sep 9 2013 - 12:25 am PT

11 Comments

VMware Fusion 6

Prologue: I’ve been a Parallels Desktop user since the Windows XP days (and recently reviewed the latest version, Parallels Desktop 9). However, I’ve always been watchful of VMware and their offerings. This review of Fusion 6 is from my perspective as a Parallels user and potential switcher.

Mac users who need to pull up Windows, Linux, or guest OS X virtual machines usually don’t care too much for the whistles and bells of the virtualization software – they simply want a solid, fast experience to get in, run professional programs or play a few games, and get out. For VMware Fusion users in particular, they tend to care more about the CPU performance for professional apps rather than 3D graphics and frame rates.
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Microsoft releases Xbox Music for iOS with ad-free music streaming and cross-platform syncing

Mike Beasley Sep 8 2013 - 9:01 pm PT

5 Comments

Microsoft released a brand-new Xbox Music app for iOS this evening. The app features ad-free streaming from Microsoft’s massive song catalog, with custom stations built around specific artists, songs, or albums. These playlists can be synced to your other Xbox Music-capable devices, such as an Xbox 360.

The app requires an Xbox Music Pass to work, which comes in both free or paid varieties. The app description doesn’t state that a paid subscription is needed, but free accounts are limited to only ten hours per month after the first six months of use.

The iOS app is available now for free on the App Store.

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Amazon issues “required” iOS Kindle app update to install prior to iOS 7

Mike Beasley Sep 8 2013 - 2:36 pm PT

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Amazon’s Kindle for iOS app got an update today to prepare for iOS 7’s upcoming release. According to the change log, the update is required before users update to iOS 7. Failure to install the new version of the app prior to updating to iOS 7 could cause users to have to login again and re-download their books.

While this issue isn’t as signficant as losing all of your Google Authenticator tokens, it could be a bit of an annoyance for users to have to re-download their reading material.

The Kindle update is available on the App Store now.

VLC for iOS updated with improved international support, FTP server discovery

Mark Gurman Sep 6 2013 - 7:20 pm PT

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VideoLAN’s VLC application for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch has been updated with some significant enhancements. Notably, the version 2.1 release includes improved international support. This includes subtitle options for non-western languages, and localization to the following languages: Bosnian, Catalan, Galician, Greek, Marathi, Portuguese, Slovenian.

Improvements are present for subtitles, VoiceOver, Accessibility, video output, and password locking.

In terms of new features, audio-only playback is now supported. Additionally, FTP server discovery for streaming and downloading, UPNP network compatibility, and improved Bonjour featured are present in the update.

VideoLAN tells us that the launch version had 2.5 million downloads during the first week of availability. The update is available for free on the App Store.

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Parallels Desktop 9: Noticeably faster, smarter setup and ready for Mavericks and Windows 8.1 [Review]

Scott Buscemi Sep 6 2013 - 6:07 pm PT

29 Comments

[youtube=http://youtu.be/Copuyw_qQdA]

With over 90% market share in Mac desktop virtualization software (according to NPD), Parallels is the clear leader in the industry. Now, Parallels has introduced Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac, bringing in new features, improving performance, and preparing for Mavericks and Windows 8.1. How does this version stack up? Is it worth the price? Read on to find out.

Performance

parallels desktop 9

With the software at its ninth version, some may be content with their version of Parallels and think the upgrade isn’t worth the price. However, as a previous PD8 (and all the way back to PD3), allow me to be straight-forward: this upgrade gives the biggest noticeable performance boost ever. The company claims the updated software provides 40% better disk performance, 25% faster virtual machine shutdown times, 20% faster virtual machine suspend times, and 15% faster web browsing and 3D graphics.
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Hands-on with new iPad DJ controllers from Philips & Pioneer at IFA 2013 (Video)

Jordan Kahn Sep 6 2013 - 5:36 pm PT

1 Comment

Philips announced this week at its IFA press conference in Berlin that it’s teaming up with DJ and music producer Armin van Buuren for a brand new DJ controller designed specifically for the iPad and iPhone. It certainly isn’t the first controller on the market designed for iOS devices, and Philips isn’t exactly a company that comes to mind when we think DJ controllers, but its new M1X-DJ does have a few unique features apart from the celebrity endorsement. It’s also another win for Algoriddim’s djay app that Philips makes a point of noting is fully supported.

Rather than trying to mimic professional DJ controllers like the recently announced DDJ-WEGO2 controller from Pioneer (which we also got hands on time with this week at IFA), the M1X-DJ is aiming to reinvent the ghetto blaster by building in an 80-Watt speaker system underneath the controller. It’s clearly aimed at beginners with much more simplified controls compared to your standard controller (no quick looping functions and FX built-in like Pioneer’s), while Pioneer’s new model takes the other route by essentially shrinking down its higher-end professional products for the iPad. They are aimed at slightly different audiences: the Philips M1X-DJ has obvious upsides for casual, social settings, and the EUR 399.95 price tag might be a little easier to swallow when it also comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker that packs in some serious punch. The much more capable DDJ-WEGO2 controller will sell for $429 when it goes on sale in October.

The M1X from Philips is set to launch in November.

We went hands on with the DDJ-WEGO2 at IFA today:
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iBooks Textbooks category leaks out on iOS 7 iPhone App Store

Mark Gurman Sep 6 2013 - 2:21 pm PT

1 Comment

Following some adjusted wording on iBooks Textbook pages inside of iTunes that ignited speculation of iBooks Textbooks finally becoming compatible with the iPhone, a new iBooks Textbooks category has begun populating on the iOS 7 App Store for iPhone. The section is currently accessible via the Education category of the store.

As you can see in the screenshots above and below, the category is not currently populated or fully functional. However, there is promotional imagery for several categories (including Life Sciences, Humanities, and a High School Core Curriculum) that is fully optimized for the size of the iPhone’s display…

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Apps

BlackBerry Messenger for iPhone submitted to the App Store two weeks ago

Mark Gurman Sep 6 2013 - 1:56 pm PT

4 Comments

BlackBerry’s Messenger (BBM) app for the iPhone and iPod touch was submitted to the App Store two weeks ago, according to a Tweet from a BlackBerry Senior Manager who is working on the software.

Earlier this year, BlackBerry announced that it would be bringing its popular messaging platform beyond its own devices and onto the application stores for both iOS and Android…

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OneNote for iPad update untethers app from PC-based OneNote program

Scott Buscemi Sep 6 2013 - 9:51 am PT

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Microsoft OneNote, the software giant’s note taking application, has been updated to version 2.1 today. With this update, the iPad app can act as a standalone and doesn’t require a PC to create new notebooks or edit sections. As noted on the OneNote blog, the functionality is now live in the iPad app, but while the iPhone app received an update today the new features aren’t available there.

New SkyDrive notebooks

Notebooks are an essential part of OneNote and play a significant role in helping you organize all of your content. Many of our customers submitted feedback requesting the ability to create new notebooks. We’re happy to announce that OneNote for iPad now has full support for creating new SkyDrive notebooks.

On the Notebooks list, tap Create Notebook.

Enter a name for your new notebook, then tap Create. You’re all set!

Add, rename, and delete sections

Sections are a great way to help you group your notes within a notebook. With this update, you can add, rename and delete sections.

It’s really easy to add a section on OneNote for iPad: On the sections bar, tap the plus button, enter a name for your new section, and you’re on your way.

Tap the desired section title to bring up the two options, Delete and Rename.

If you’d like to rename a section, select that option, and the section title will be automatically highlighted. Just start typing and tap Done on your keyboard to save the new name.

The update also brought a few other bug fixes and features. Microsoft OneNote for iPad and Microsoft OneNote for iPhone are free in the App Store.

Google Drive revamped for iOS with improved previewing, file sorting, searching

Mark Gurman Sep 5 2013 - 9:06 am PT

1 Comment

Google has redesigned its Google Drive application for iPad, and iPhone, and iPod touch to appear more in-line with the designs of the company’s other apps on iOS. The new design focuses on improved previewing of files, and it also includes improved management and sorting of files.

Also new is improved landscape editing support, copying links to files, and the overall sharing of files with other people.

The update also brings an enhanced focus on searching through files:

And last, we brought search to the forefront of the app so you can find the exact file you’re looking for, whether you’re on a small iPhone or a larger iPad. And remember, Drive search recognizes objects in your images and text in scanned documents. So the next time you’re looking for photos of that trip to the Statue of Liberty, just enter the phrase “Statue of Liberty” and your photos will appear – voilà!

The update is available for free on the App Store.

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PayPal for iPhone redesigned, adds ability to pay at local shops

Mark Gurman Sep 5 2013 - 8:29 am PT

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRdRwyFceJY

Today, PayPal has announced a significant update to its iPhone app. Ahead of iOS 7, the application has been completely redesigned with a simpler, flatter user-interface.

Feature-wise, the app update focuses around mobile payments. With a new “Shop” tab, users of the new PayPal app can find restaurants, shops, and venues that support paying with PayPal. On top of that, some of these shops even support purchasing and paying for food or another item before walking into the store.

As explained to TechCrunch, some of these shops even support coupons. Ordering ahead includes the nice benefit of skipping the line. Another feature that goes nice with the “Shop” feature is the ability to pay a restaurant bill via the app.

A bill-me-later option has also been added. The new update for iPhone is expected to arrive on the App Store today.

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EA’s Real Racing 3 adds Porsche 911s to its garage, iOS 7 compatibility

Mark Gurman Sep 5 2013 - 8:14 am PT

3 Comments

Electronic Arts has updated its popular Real Racing 3 car-racing game for iOS with a significant car expansion. This update’s additions focus on the Porsche 911, adding several generations of the iconic car and a new game mode:

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‘Ping’ brings iMessage-like functionality to email

Scott Buscemi Sep 5 2013 - 8:00 am PT

4 Comments

iOS has seen its fair share of new email applications over the past few years. Most notably, Mailbox found itself overly popular and was eventually acquired by Dropbox. Now, a new mail app called Ping will take email another step forward by bringing in new features that are, by far, revolutionary.

The most notable feature is the iMessage-like responses: if you are emailing with another Ping user, it turns your email into a chat where each user can see when the other is typing and emails appear instantly.

The app also allows you to set custom notifications per contact, so you can know if you really need to dig into your mail app and respond quickly.

Ping will be launching September 18th, but you can reserve your spot today at PingApp.com. I’m betting this app will be much more successful than Apple’s Ping social network…

Ping reimagines email from the inside out with the following capabilities:

A smart, people-centric feed: Organize messages by people and groups of people, then everything else (subscriptions, newsletters, etc.) so messaging history with each person and group is in ongoing, contextual streams, like chat. Emails from the most important people and groups are in one feed so you can immediately see what matters most, while subscriptions, newsletters and marketing emails are automatically filtered into a separate workspace.

A playful, easy interface: Communicate in a natural, dynamic environment with rich media sharing (personal photos, Web photos, video), voice recording, video chat, doodling and the all bells and whistles that make chatting fun. By eschewing the formal, antiquated letter format, unnatural terms like “Best Regards” are no longer a part of conversations with your colleagues or friends.

And, for the utility-minded, Ping offers:

Super real-time responses: Receive emails the exact moment they come in, seconds before you would using any native mobile email app. Users can even see when another person is typing, as you would with iMessage or chat.

Better notifications: Stop checking your phone every time it buzzes. Assign custom notification alerts for different types of messages and contacts, and keep it in your pocket.

Instant access to shared media: See all recent attachments and documents within a conversation by flipping your phone to horizontal view.

Snooze: Hit the Couch button to save messages for later.

Quick search: Find friends or conversations instantly with a universal search bar.

By supporting real-time messaging, document and photo sharing, voice and video calls, and more, Ping brings it all together, eliminating the need to use multiple apps to stay in touch. Ping syncs with desktop emails so chats, documents and media are stored right in your cloud, not in a separate app that wipes out your history when you stop using it. Ping solves the fragmentation issues associated with many messaging apps because it’s an open platform and is not limited to communication within the app itself.

All new Call of Duty first/third-person shooter hits iOS devices

Sep 5 2013 - 6:49 am PT

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Activision has just dropped a brand new Call of Duty game built from the ground up specifically for mobile devices. Strike Team is set in the year 2020 and puts gamers in control of a Joint Special Operations Team attempting to bring justice to an unknown enemy. Gamers are able to freely switch between the traditional first-person shooter view as well as a third-person view. This game features a Campaign mode which promises to be “full of epic, cinematic moments in diverse locations around the world,” and Survival mode that “Put[s] your skills to the test as you fight off waves of increasingly difficult enemies.”

Call of Duty: Strike Team is available exclusively as a universal iOS download for $7. It requires iOS6 and an iPhone 4S/iPad 2 or newer. No word yet on future release dates for Android or Windows devices.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbQkwsW8GlU&w=640&h=480]

Call of Duty®: Strike Team delivers an all-new, first-person and third-person Call of Duty® experience built from the ground up for mobile and tablet devices. Fully customize your squad’s loadouts and abilities before leading them into combat in diverse gameplay environments. Call of Duty®: Strike Team features the revolutionary ability to dynamically switch from run-and-gun first-person view to reconnaissance and coordinated squad attacks in third-person view.

The year is 2020. Tensions run high amongst the world’s superpowers. In a surprise attack, the U.S. finds themselves in a war with an unknown enemy. Your mission is to lead a Joint Special Operations Team in a global effort to hunt down those responsible.

Play your way. Switch between first-person and third-person action at almost any time. Strategically customize the members of your squad with weapons, perks or body armor.
CAMPAIGN MODE: Experience an immersive single-player campaign full of epic, cinematic moments in diverse locations around the world.
SURVIVAL MODE: Put your skills to the test as you fight off waves of increasingly difficult enemies. Compete against family, friends and the Call of Duty®: Strike Team community for leaderboard domination.

Bundles! Camtasia/Crossover/+8 more for $10, Metakine 10 apps: $40, AfterShot Pro+10 apps: $49

9to5 Staff Sep 5 2013 - 6:06 am PT

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Specials.9to5Toys.com this month has a “Name Yor own Price Bundle” which is a bit of a misnomer since you’ll need to pay above the average which is currently below $10. You’ll get Camtasia which allows you to “Easily Create Stunning Screen Captures & Video Recordings” and well as CrossOver which allows you to run Windows programs on your Mac for the sub $10 price. Then there are 8 more great Mac Apps. At below $10, you can’t miss.

Then there is the 11 app AfterShot Pro bundle from MacLegion, below:
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“2K Drive” iOS exclusive lands on the App Store for $6.99

Jordan Kahn Sep 4 2013 - 9:00 pm PT

5 Comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOeno8XsIY8]

2K has been teasing its upcoming “2K Drive” title developed by Lucid Games in recent weeks, and tonight the game is officially landing in the App Store. The iOS exclusive won’t be going the popular freemium model route, as 2K has informed us it will be selling the iPhone/iPad game for $6.99. The game features a number of real world vehicles, 100+ unique events, 25+ tracks, and a “RaceFace” feature that will let users put their own face on their character in the game. Licensed vehicles include Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GM, Icon, Local Motors, Mazda, McLaren, Nissan and So-Cal. The game’s official launch trailer is above and full details are in the press release below.

2K Drive Now Available Worldwide for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch

Immerse yourself in a new dynamic automotive experience for your mobile deviceJoin the conversation on Twitter using the hash tag #2KDrive

New York, NY – September 5, 2013 – 2K and Lucid Games, a boutique studio founded by creators of the Blur and Project Gotham Racing series, announced today that 2K Drive is now available for download from the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch for $6.99. 2K Drive is a cutting-edge racing simulator that brings the depth and richness of console-based driving mechanics to gamers on the go. Featuring high-quality licensed and original cars, iconic locations, precision controls, and an integrated feed for the latest automotive news, 2K Drive brings the fast-paced world of automotive racing culture right to gamers’ fingertips.

With a wide variety of racing modes for both single and multiplayer, 2K Drive promises a dynamic gaming experience for motorsports enthusiasts of all interest levels. Offering more than 100+ unique events on 25+ tracks in five environments, 2K Drive provides mobile gamers with the chance to get behind the wheel of more than 25 licensed cars, from manufacturers including Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GM, Icon, Local Motors, Mazda, McLaren, Nissan and So-Cal. And by using the “RaceFace” function, players can put their own face on their driver’s, as well as see their friends behind the wheels of their cars when playing in asynchronous multiplayer.

“2K Drive was designed to offer the most comprehensive driving simulation experience in today’s mobile market,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “The game successfully combines the appeal of a premier console racing game with some of the leading automotive editorial content available on the Web, to create an all-inclusive entertainment hub for auto-enthusiasts.”

Through the game’s live newsfeed and multiplayer options, 2K Drive also offers players the opportunity to build a strong, authentic connection with car enthusiasts and automotive communities. Gamers will have the opportunity to view video and photo galleries, as well as read, “like” and “share” the latest news from popular automotive blogs and outlets, such as Car & Driver, Road & Track, Autoblog,Between The White Lines (BTWL), CaniBeat, Cars X Hype, Distraction Control, DUB Magazine, eGarage, Electric Cars Report, Fatlace,The Lowdown, Hemmings Motor News, Hooniverse, My Life @ Speed, and My Ride Is Me.

“Lucid has been thrilled to work with 2K in creating a rich and authentic mobile gaming experience that transcends traditional racing games on the platform,” added Pete Wallace, studio head at Lucid Games. “2K Drive immerses players in a vast expanse of dynamic content that allows each user to tailor their individual experience to better suit their own interest and level of engagement with the auto genre.”

2K Drive is available for $6.99 from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.AppStore.com/2KDrive.

For the latest breaking news surrounding the game, look for updates on the 2K Drive Facebook and Twitter pages.

2K is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About 2K

Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment globally for console systems, handheld gaming systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, which are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services. 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, sports, casual, and family entertainment. The 2K label has some of the most talented development studios in the world today, including Firaxis Games, Visual Concepts, Irrational Games, 2K Marin, 2K Australia, 2K Czech, Cat Daddy Games and 2K China. 2K’s stable of high quality titles includes the critically acclaimed BioShock®, Borderlands™ and XCOM® franchises, the beloved Sid Meier’sCivilization series, the popular WWE 2K franchise and NBA 2K, the #1 rated and #1 selling basketball franchise*. 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). For more information, please visit www.2K.com.

*According to 2008 – 2013 Metacritic.com and The NPD Group estimates of U.S. retail video game sales through July 2013.

9to5Toys Last Call: 1 yr. Macworld Magazine subscription $6.50, up to 80% off Apple cables/adapters, Sony 4K video downloads, more

Sep 4 2013 - 3:00 pm PT

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From 9to5Toys.com:

A large majority of the deals we cover each day come from a variety of ‘Daily Deal’ websites or are so popular that they don’t even last 24 hours. We know you can’t be at your computer every second, so we’re going to round up the best deals each day to make sure you have a fair shot at the deals you want. Be sure to follow 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+.

1 year magazine subscription to Macworld Magazine w/ digital access: $6.50 ($78 off)

iGear: 40-80% off cables, docks, power banks and other accessories

Sony officially begins serving up 4K Ultra HD video downloads with one big caveat

Other great deals we love:

New! Logitech T400 Zone Touch wireless optical mouse $15 shipped (Reg. $40)
New! Game/App Deals: XCOM for Xbox 360: $15 shipped, iOS freebies, more
New! Powerbag sale up to 79% off: Instant Messenger bag: $35 + $5 shipping (Reg. $100), more

Google Play launches ‘A Rock and a Hard Place’ music promotion offering albums as low as $3.99 http://t.co/IpOJG6nfyH

— 9to5Google (@9to5Google) September 4, 2013

Roku 3 1080p streaming media player w/ private listening mode $85 Shipped (Reg. $100)
Game/App Deals: Pacific RIM: FREE, Street Fighter 2 Collection: $1, more
Amazon announces the all-new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, now available for preorder starting at $119
Western Digital fills out its NAS-optimized RED hard drive line with new 2.5 inch versions
eBook Freebie: 50 Ways to Protect Your Identity in a Digital Age… (Reg. $25)
Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad Mini: $60 shipped (Reg. $80)
Review: The Just-Mobile UpStand, a functional iPad stand wrapped in a beautiful design
NFL Sunday Ticket for $55 after early Madden 25 video game trade-in at Best Buy
New Ultrathin multi-touch Bluetooth mice made to match your MacBook & Ultrabook
Save $50 on any new iPad 2 (starts at $349) or Retina iPad 4th gen (starts at $449) at Walmart
Game/App Deals: Amazon end of summer sale up to 80% off, Cut The Rope: FREE (first time EVER!), and more
Hipo waterproof Bluetooth shower speaker $35 shipped (Reg. $100)
Get an extra 1GB of Dropbox space for free

Sharknado, you'll want to have this timeless classic on Bluray or DVD http://t.co/QhKo64gCNC

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) September 3, 2013

VMware Fusion 6 released: ready to take advantage of Haswell processors and upcoming Mavericks features

Scott Buscemi Sep 4 2013 - 4:20 am PT

3 Comments

VMware has just released the immediate availability of VMware Fusion 6 and VMware Fusion 6 Professional. The new version of the virtualization software boasts over 50 new features and is prepared for the new operating systems coming from both Apple (Mavericks) and Microsoft (Windows 8.1).

Supports Mavericks multi-display features and even AirPlay displays
Enhanced dictation support
Run Mavericks as a guest operating system – can be installed using the recovery partition in just a couple of clicks
Ready for Windows 8.1
Built-in optimizations for the Haswell processors
Up to 16 virtual CPUs, 64GB of RAM, and 8TB of disk space – ready for the new Mac Pro coming soon

VMware Fusion 6 is available exclusively on the VMware Online Store for $59.99 or $49.99 for VMware Fusion 4 or 5 upgraders. A 30 day trial is available as well.

The announcement comes just days after Parallels announced the release of Parallels Desktop 9, which is currently available as an upgrade. The full version will be available tomorrow. We’ll have a full review of both apps shortly.

Generally Parallels is geared toward single users and has better performance whereas VMware is geared toward larger enterprise and folks who also work on PCs.
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Google Authenticator for iPhone redesigned, supports iPhone 5 & Retina

Mike Beasley Sep 3 2013 - 8:48 pm PT

11 Comments

Update: As was pointed out by 9to5Mac readers in the comments below, the update was zapping account data. Google says that it is aware of the issue and has removed the app from the App Store.

The Google Authenticator app for iPhone was updated this evening with an entirely new design. Version 2.0 introduces a host of visual changes, including the long-awaited addition of Retina graphics (which have been missing from the app since the iPhone 4 launched) and support for the iPhone 5. Even after the long wait for what seems like a relatively minor update, the app still does not natively support the iPad.

The app’s new look is based on the “cards” motif seen in other Google app releases recently. Most of the functionality seems unchanged.

Google Authenticator is Google’s two-factor authentication app, which is used similarly to the Find My iPhone app (or an SMS message) in Apple’s 2-step verification process.

The update is available for free now on the iOS App Store.

9to5Toys Last Call: 2200mAh portable power bank: $8, Pacific Rim (iOS): Free, new Kindle Paperwhite preorder, app deals, more

Sep 3 2013 - 3:00 pm PT

0 Comments

From 9to5Toys.com:

2200mah Portable Back Up Charger for USB Devices $8 shipped

Game/App Deals: Pacific RIM: FREE, Street Fighter 2 Collection: $1, more

Other great deals we love:

New! Amazon announces the all-new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, now available for preorder starting at $119
New! Western Digital fills out its NAS-optimized RED hard drive line with new 2.5 inch versions
New! Monster NCredible NErgy in-ear noise isolating headphones $25 shipped (Reg. $60)
New! eBook Freebie: 50 Ways to Protect Your Identity in a Digital Age… (Reg. $25)
New! 1 year magazine subscriptions: GQ & Wired: $5 each (up to $48 off)
New! VIZIO HDTVs (new and refurbished) 32″-70″ for $148–$1,299

Sharknado, you'll want to have this timeless classic on Bluray or DVD http://t.co/QhKo64gCNC

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) September 3, 2013

Review: The Just-Mobile UpStand, a functional iPad stand wrapped in a beautiful design
Roku 3 1080p streaming media player w/ private listening mode $85 Shipped (Reg. $100)
Save $50 on any new iPad 2 (starts at $349) or Retina iPad 4th gen (starts at $449) at Walmart
Game/App Deals: Amazon end of summer sale up to 80% off, Cut The Rope: FREE (first time EVER!), and more
Surf Sound Talk Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker & Handset For Cell Phones, Tablets, & PC’s
Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad Mini: $60 shipped (Reg. $80)
New Ultrathin multi-touch Bluetooth mice made to match your MacBook & Ultrabook
Sony & Samsung drop as much as $1500 off 4K Ultra HD TV sets
Logitech releases a limited edition ‘Tippsy the Elephant’ UE BOOM Bluetooth speaker exclusively at the Apple Store
Hipo waterproof Bluetooth shower speaker $35 shipped (Reg. $100)
NFL Sunday Ticket for $55 after early Madden 25 video game trade-in at Best Buy
Get an extra 1GB of Dropbox space for free

Apple updates iLife for iOS (iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband) with compatibility fixes

Mark Gurman Sep 3 2013 - 1:37 pm PT

6 Comments

Apple has updated its iLife suite of iOS apps, which includes iPhoto, iMovie and Garageband, with fixes related to compatibility and stability. With iOS 7’s launch right around the corner, perhaps these updates include improved compatibility with the revamped operating system. Apple has released compatibility updates for its App Store apps ahead of major iOS updates in the past. Thanks @preshit!

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Shazam iOS app updated with Twitter previews and faster recognition on older iPhones

Ben Lovejoy Sep 2 2013 - 6:26 am PT

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The latest version of music tagging and discovery app Shazam now offers instant previews when you tweet a track and offers faster song recognition on the iPhone 4 and 3GS.

○ Much faster recognition, especially on the iPhone 4 and 3GS.
○ Better recognition in difficult environments.
○ Now when you tweet, your followers can play previews right in Twitter through our Twitter Card.
○ Explore charts are more dynamic, showing you what’s hot in the last seven days.
○ New TV experiences (US only).

The update also mentions ‘new TV experiences,’ but Shazam hasn’t yet revealed any details. Shazam’s previous update added multi-track purchases. The free app is available for download on iTunes.

Apple inadvertently asking developers for iOS 7-optimized app icons

Mark Gurman Aug 30 2013 - 10:02 am PT

23 Comments

Ahead of Apple’s iOS 7 launch (presumably alongside the new iPhones in September), Apple seems to be asking developers to submit larger app icons. As part of iOS 7’s dramatic interface changes, the Home screen icons have been slightly enlarged compared to the iOS 6 icons.

For example, as shown in the image above, the non-iOS 7-optimized Netflix icon has a small white border compared to Apple’s icons.

In order to avoid this interface issue, developers will need to include larger icons in their applications. iOS 6 icons on the iPhone come in at 114 x 114 pixel resolutions, while iOS 7 icons are slightly larger at 120 x 120 pixel resolutions. For the iPad, iOS 6 icons are at resolutions of 144 x 144, and on iOS 7 they come in at a resolution of 152 x 152:

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