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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.

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Feedly launches new cloud backend & web interface, hits 12M users ahead of Google Reader demise

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From 9to5Google:

Following Google’s announcement that its RSS Reader product would be retired on July 1st, apps like Feedly that relied on the Google Reader backend announced big plans to help itself and other apps through the transition. Feedly has been preparing its move to its own “feedly cloud” back end since the announcement, and earlier this month transitioned its own iOS client to the platform. Today, Feedly is officially launching the new back end and API, as well as a brand new web interface and the first apps to integrate the feedly cloud platform:

As of today, feedly cloud is now live, providing a fast and scalable infrastructure that serves as the backbone to feedly, as well as a number of connected applications. Feedly cloud is open today to all users visiting http://feedly.com, providing a simple one-click migration path from Google Reader.  And thanks to the great developer community that has gathered around it, providing multiple safe and sound alternatives to Google Reader.  With the release of feedly cloud, feedly today transitions from a product to a platform. We are also today delivering a new, completely stand-alone Web version of feedly.

On top of the new API and feedly cloud back end, the company is also delivering on one of the most requested features for the service: a standalone new web interface that doesn’t require any plugins or browser extensions.

While there are many others trying to provide an alternative for Google Reader, Feedly tells us it’s had significant traction since Google’s announcement and hit 12 million users at the end of May. That’s up 8 million from the 4 million users it had before Google announced Reader would be retired back in March. It’s also currently processing around 25 million feeds a day.

feedly-cloud-appsAs part of its ‘Normandy’ project, Feedly has been building its own backend and API for third-party RSS apps and readers that also previously relied on the Google Reader API. It isn’t the only one: Earlier this week Digg teased images of its Google Reader replacement coming to the web and mobile devices on June 26th. It too is planning to offer an alternative API for third-party devs.

Today Feedly is announcing the first apps to integrate with its new backend but promises more will be added in the coming weeks as more than 200 developer have shown interest:

-IFTTT
-Sprout Social for iOS/Android
-Nextgen Reader for Win 8 and Win Phone
-gNewsReader for BlackBerry 10/Symbian/MeeGo
-gReader for Android
-Press for Android
-Newsify for iPhone/iPad
-Pure News Widget for Android
-Menere for Windows

Developers and users interested in learning more about the new and improved Feedly can do so here.

Feedly offers one-click migration from Reader to its service to ensure an easy transition and reminds us just 10 days remain before Google Reader officially shuts down.

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Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour ‘Meltdown’ update brings new maps, perks, weapons, & multiplayer modes

Modern-Combat-Meltdown-updateA huge update today is available for Gameloft’s popular Modern combat 4: Zero Hour app. The ‘Meltdown’ update brings three new maps, 7 new perks, and much more content to the latest in the Call of Duty-like series for iOS devices.

New maps in the update include a train station and city streets in Barcelona and a research facility in Antarctica, while new weapons on offer include the SFS CTK-12 sniper riffle and the 40mm Thor GLP Grenade Launcher Pistol.

Also included in the update is two new multiplayer modes including “Bomb Squad” where “Attackers must plant a bomb and make sure it goes off before the defenders can defuse it,” and “Destruction” where “Attackers must sabotage a series of devices while the defenders must stop them cold.”

What’s New in Version 1.1.0

Get ready to be blown away by the new Meltdown Update for Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour!

3 NEW MAPS
√ Fracture: Barcelona Train Station
√ Extraction: Antarctica Research Facility
√ Backfire: Barcelona Streets

NEW “DEMOLITION” SPECIALIZATION WITH 7 NEW PERKS
√ Ammo Pack: Carry 50% more ammunition
√ Dedication: Dying from explosions doesn’t reset your streak
√ Readied Shot: Crouch to boost accuracy
√ One Last Thing: Drop a grenade whenever you die
√ Gun Expert: Increase reload speed
√ Sentry: Place sinister traps
√ Paragon Destroyer: Trigger deadly explosions when shooting machinery

2 NEW WEAPONS
√ SFS CTK-12 – Charbtek Special Forces Sniper Rifle
√ 40mm Thor GLP – Grenade Launcher Pistol

2 NEW TEAM MULTIPLAYER MODES
√ Bomb Squad: Attackers must plant a bomb and make sure it goes off before the defenders can defuse it
√ Destruction: Attackers must sabotage a series of devices while the defenders must stop them cold

OTHER IMPROVEMENTS
√ Edit your signature to display your clan prefix
√ Random quick match: Play a ranked game in the first mode available
√ Turkish language support
√ Many balancing changes: Visit the website www.modern-combat.net for all the details

XCOM: Enemy Unknown for iPhone & iPad now available on the App Store

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We told you that XCOM: Enemy Unknown, a critically acclaimed game of the year on PC and consoles from 2K Games, would be arriving in the App Store starting tomorrow on June 20. However, today the game has already started hitting App Stores around the world at the expected price of $20 USD. The game of course features enhanced controls specifically suited for the touch screen, but otherwise aims to bring the full XCOM: EU experience to iOS devices:
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Simple banking app updated with Goals

IMG_1198Trying to save up for a vacation? Or working tirelessly to pay off that pesky loan? Simple’s new app update will help.

Simple is an online bank replacement that has been in the App Store since January 2012. With no monthly fees, mobile check deposits and free ATM locations (through their banking partners), it’s definitely a great alternative to other banking solutions out there. Personally, I made the jump last month by canceling all of my other bank accounts and moving everything to Simple.

With the 1.6 update that came out today, their Goals section is now accessible with the app. Once you set a name, amount, and pay-off date, Simple will siphon off the necessary “daily contribution” from your Safe-to-Spend amount and put the contribution toward your goal. If need be, you can pause the automatic siphoning or change the payoff date, all within the app.

The new version is available right now in the App Store.

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New app displays timely ICE information as push notifications

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A long time ago, I would Photoshop my iPhone background with ICE (In Case of Emergency) information since my contacts are locked behind a passcode. It’s obvious how this solution became a hassle after I decided to switch my background a few times.

In comes the free activICE app. After the initial configuration, the app will use iOS’s built-in background geolocation services to check if you are in a hospital. If you do not deactivate the app’s alert system, it will push out a slew of notifications with your ICE contacts and important health information.

The app also provides in-app subscriptions for their notification system. Once purchased, you can configure up to 5 contacts to receive SMS or email messages with your hospital location (given you don’t deactivate the alert system).

If you’re looking for added comfort in your life and don’t want to go crazy ‘shopping your background every few weeks, be sure to check out activICE in the App Store.

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9to5Toys Last Call: $20 Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac/iPhone/iPad, App/game deals, more

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 roundup 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... TwitterRSS FeedFacebook

Today’s Featured deals:

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Logitech Compact Bluetooth Keyboard for iPads/tablets, Macs/PCs: $20+$5 shipping (Reg. $50)

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Solid Mac Bundle including Corel Painter, iTunes TuneUp, DiskDrill, Mac Scan, Netspot pro, more: $30

Some great Specials.9to5toys.com happening currently including half off Nuance PDF maker/editor ($49) and Dragon Dictate for Mac 3 ($100)

Other great deals we love:

  • New! Gamers’ Deals: PlayStation Vita Madden 13 Bundle $210 + Shipping, App freebies, more
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Facebook iOS app updated with emotions for status updates, better control over sharing

Facebook updated its iPhone and iPad app today with a couple new features. Users can now attach a number of different emoticons to status updates organized into several categories based on emotion, content, and location. For example, the “Feeling” category will allow users to attach an emoticon next to a message like “Im feeling happy,” while the “Watching” and “Listening to” sections let users link to Facebook profiles associated with content they want to share.

You can also now start a conversation with photos you’ve received in messages and Facebook says the updated app includes the ability to “Easily change who can see something you’ve shared.”

What’s New in Version 6.2

• Add icons to status updates to show what you’re feeling, reading, watching and more (English only)
• Easily change who can see something you’ve shared
• Start a new conversation with photos you receive in messages
• Bug fixes

Rockstar releasing ‘Max Payne 3’ for Mac on June 20

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Originally released back in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and later Windows, Rockstar announced today that it’s bringing Max Payne 3 to the Mac later this week through the Mac App Store. We don’t get any details on pricing, but Rockstar notes that the Mac version includes a “number of advanced graphics options, scalable high-resolution textures and character models, DirectX11 features, multi-monitor support and 3D.”



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Review: Is Chatology the solution for Messages search?

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Messages for Mac is buggy. There’s no denying that fact. At some point, all of us have tried to search for a specific message in the app only to be confronted by everyone’s favorite multi-colored symbol of despair.

Several weeks ago, Flexibits, developers of Fantastical for Mac and iPhone, announced a new project called Chatology that would finally solve this issue once and for all. Today, they unveiled the app to the world. So what exactly is Chatology? Does it solve the problem it sets out to solve? Keep reading to get answers to those questions and more.


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Air France Mobile app updated with Passbook support for boarding passes

Air-France-iconFollowing British Airways earlier this month, Air France has just updated its iPhone app with support for storing digital boarding passes in Passbook. The feature of course requires iOS 6 and up, and will also require an update to version 4.5.1 of the Air France Mobile app.

New for Passbook and the camera app developers in iOS 7: the ability to scan barcodes.

What’s New in Version 4.5.1

Passbook is now available to store your boarding pass on your iPhone!
This feature requires iOS 6 operating system.

Team behind iPad App of the Year 2012 gets $15m backing for ‘Office suite of the future’

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http://vimeo.com/fiftythree/hellopaper

FiftyThree, the software development team behind Paper, the highest-grossing app in the iTunes store, has raised $15 million in investment funding to create what it thinks of as the Office suite of a more creative future, reports The Verge.

“Our goal is to build essentially a suite of mobile tools for creativity,” says FiftyThree founder and Microsoft vet Georg Petschnigg, which means for all intents and purposes, FiftyThree has just begun. Well, Microsoft just debuted Office for iPhone, but an app that defined productivity on desktops — ported to mobile — doesn’t seem to be what Petschnigg has in mind. “It’s about imagining the right solution,” he says, “and that takes time.” … 
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Adobe’s new Creative Cloud ‘CC’ apps now available to all

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Back in May, we told you all about Adobe’s brand new Creative Cloud suite and its decision to end support for CS6 following its presentation at the MAX 2013 Creativity Conference in LA. Adobe introduced big updates and new features to just about every app in the CC suite, including updates to its design apps like Illustrator, a new Kuler iPhone app, revamped web tools such as Dreamweaver and Edge Animate, and updates to just about every other app it makes. Today, Adobe is finally making the massive Creative Cloud update available to all users and is also offering a number of promotional discounts to celebrate. Head below for details.
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Mailbox for iPad gains support for portrait orientation, bug fixes

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Today, Mailbox for iPad has been updated with support for the iPad’s portrait orientation. In previous versions of the iPad app, email viewing, composing, and other functions were exclusive to landscape mode. Additionally, today’s 1.3.1 update brings unspecified bug fixes. Mailbox for iPad launched last month following the app’s March acquisition by Dropbox.


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Crytek shows off iOS tactical action game ‘The Collectibles’, coming later this year with MFi controller support

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Crytek, the company behind CryEngine and the popular Crysis series, is planning to release a new tactical action game later this year for iOS called ‘The Collectibles’.  We’re told the company implemented support for Apple’s new MFi gaming controller framework just in time to give developers a preview of the game and new controls during a session last week at WWDC.

Developers tell us team members from Crytek’s Budapest studio demoed the game on stage, which has the player command a squad of five through your typical war-torn environment. It isn’t the first time Crytek has released a game for iOS devices, but it is the first time it’s bringing a shooter of sorts– the genre its best known for– to the platform. There doesn’t, however, seem to be any first-person shooter elements, as the title looks to be an overhead, tactical action game from the screenshots below.
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XCOM: Enemy Unknown for iOS lands June 20 for $20

Following the release of XCOM: Enemy Unknown Elite Edition for Mac in April, Firaxis and 2K Games announced today that the game will finally be arriving on iOS devices on June 20. The highly anticipated iPhone and iPad port of the game was already announced back in March, but today we learn the game will be landing on the App Store for $20 and support iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad mini, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and iPod Touch 5th Generation.

Leader designer on the game Jake Solomon gives us a break down of what to expect in the iOS version in the above.

(via GameSpot)

As Apple’s built in camera gets filters, Instagram planning to move into Vine territory with Video?

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Instagram_logoJust as Apple introduced iOS 7 equipped with Instagram-like filters built-in to the redesigned camera app (although not for video), word has it Instagram is looking to move into Vine’s territory by adding video features in an upcoming update.  According to a report from TechCrunch, Facebook’s event later this week won’t focus so much on that rumored news reader, but more so on integration of a Vine-like short video feature for Instagram:
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This could be one of the first Apple authorized iPhone gaming controllers

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We already know that Apple has added support for game controllers in iOS7, but it appears that these plans are further along than first thought.  According to Kotaku, the above image shows an early  iOS gaming controller prototype made specifically for the iPhone 5 by gaming giant Logitech. While they weren’t forthcoming with details of where the device was seen or who showed it to them, Kotaku is standing firm that they believe this photo to be absolutely authentic.  The decision to support integrated gaming accessories is in stark contrast to Steve Jobs’ stance that such products would ruin the “elegance” of Apple devices (even though he got his start at Atari).

A reader reached out with this image from one of Apple’s WWDC sessions, which appears to show the same Logitech controller.

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Bluetooth gaming devices have existed for iOS devices for quite some time but most have had limited compatibility and fragmented compatibility.  An integrated, Apple authorized (MFi) gaming controller is going to be a welcomed addition for the iOS gaming community.

Screen Shot 2013-06-17 at 8.13.24 AM3rd party gaming accessories like the iCade Mobile (Above) have existed for years


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9to5Toys Father’s Day Deals: $100 iTunes Gift Card for $85, $966 Seiki 50″ 4K HDTV, $10 Apple Lightning Cable, more

From 9to5Toys.com:

This Father’s Day holiday weekend is bringing some terrific deals on everything from iTunes Gift Cards to HDTVs and everything in between.  Our 9to5Toys deals team has rounded up the absolute best deals we’re seeing from online retailers and B&M stores.  Feel free to stop by throughout the day as new deals are constantly being added.

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... TwitterRSS FeedFacebook

Today’s Featured deals:

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Sold out $100 iTunes Gift Card for $85: Save 15% on future purchases of Apps, Music, Movies, more

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HDTV Deals:

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Sold out. Apple 3-foot Lightning cable $10 or 2 non-MFI Lightning cables with Car/wall adapters $7 shipped

iottie-iphone-mount-car

iOttie Easy View iPhone Car Windshield/Dashboard Mount $12.50 + Free Shipping for some (Reg. $25)

Some great Specials.9to5toys.com happening currently including half off Nuance PDF maker/editor ($49) and Firecore adds all kinds of cool stuff to your 2nd Generation appleTV (720P).

Other great deals we love:


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TweetDeck for Mac gets a cleaner look, new sidebar and easier customisation

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The Mac version of TweetDeck has been updated with a cleaner look, a new nav bar on the left and easier customisation. This follows an earlier update back in March.

You can now reorder columns simply by drag-and-dropping the icons in the sidebar, you can expand & collapse filters, and opt to see the bios of followers. It’s available as a free download from the Mac App Store.

Microsoft Office 365 comes to the iOS App Store, iPhone only so MS doesn’t have to change its ads

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Microsoft just released the Office 365 iOS application (iPhone only), allowing 365 subscribers to “access, view and edit … Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint documents from virtually anywhere”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDR150tAOkk

Of note, Microsoft is currently running a commercial and online campaign touting the Windows 8 RT tablets’ ability to edit Office documents (they claim that the iPad can only read documents rather than edit them). It seems that Microsoft violated the letter of this ad campaign and the spirit while somehow still giving Apple folks a sub-par experience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pHg0ZEY4NXA

From the first look, it seems the formatting abilities are extremely limited – especially compared to other document editing iOS apps like Quickoffice Pro – but the integration with 365 will definitely be appreciated by subscribers of the service. In the meantime, you can find a quick gallery here: 
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Want to know what makes you happy? There’s an app for that! [giveaway]

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I have a confession to make. For the past two months, I have been receiving a push notification at 9 PM that asks me for my mood. With a quick swipe, I scroll through the various faces and describe my mood for the day. The app also gives me the option to leave a quick comment or reason for my mood.

Now why would I do such a silly thing? Because the Mr Mood app allows me to view my moods over time and look through the notes to find out what makes me happy or sad. In addition, the new 2.0 version that was released last night brings with it new mood calculations for different time ranges. You can see if your “average mood” for the past month is higher than the past week and look through the comments to investigate.

The interface is extremely straight forward and you can set a reminder for any time of the day to receive a quick push notification that asks for your mood. It may sound crazy, but this app has actually helped me to become happier, understand what I need to do every day to stay smiling, and what needs to be gone from my daily life.

You can find Mr Mood on the App Store for just $0.99. It’s well worth it and receives an A+ from this happy guy. Check out the gallery below for some screenshots.
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9to5Toys Last Call: Up to 70% off select ZAGG iPad keyboard cases, $60 iGrill iOS Cooking Thermometer, more

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 roundup 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... TwitterRSS FeedFacebook

Today’s Featured deals:

zagg-keybaord-proplusSave up to 70% on select ZAGG Keyboard cases for iPad 2/3/4/mini, starting at just $29 + free shipping

igrill-cook-androidiGrill Cooking Bluetooth Thermometer for iOS / Android $60 w/ free in-store pickup (Reg. $80)

Some great Specials.9to5toys.com happening currently including half off Nuance PDF maker/editor ($49) and Firecore adds all kinds of cool stuff to your 2nd Generation appleTV (720P).

Other great deals we love:

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iWork for iCloud beta now available for developers

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Apple just notified developers that iWork for iCloud, Apple’s online document editing service that was announced at WWDC 2013, is now available at beta.icloud.com. However, some developers are reporting that it’s still showing the old “iWork” icons rather than the new Google Docs/Drive competitor that was demoed during the keynote while others have had it since Monday.

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Just a few days later, Android users already mimicking iOS 7 icons and Parallax

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From 9to5Google:

Some iOS users might not be too happy about the big design changes in iOS 7, but Android users are already finding ways to get a few of the new features on their non-Apple phones. The image above shows a set of icons created by one Android user to mimic the new home screen icons on iOS 7 (via Cnet).

Android users can grab the icons through a download on Dropbox and use Nova Launcher or other home screen replacement apps to get Apple’s controversial new look on their Android device now.

That new 3D parallax effect Apple showed off for iOS 7? Android users have also found a way to get a similar 3D effect, as pointed out by AndroidCommunity in the video below:

The 3D Image Live Wallpaper seen in the video above has been on Google Play since November, but you’ll have to judge for yourself to see if it compares to the new parallax feature in iOS 7.

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