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eBay 4.0 arrives on iPhone, offers simplified selling and revamped UI

In celebration of its 20th birthday, eBay has launched a brand new mobile app with a new focus on selling and a more attractive and intuitive user interface. eBay describes the app as having a “more browsable design” with much easier access to features like top deals, promotions and events. What’s more, the seller dashboard has been refreshed to offer a more personalized look at how well you’re doing and give you relevant tools, tips and guides on how to improve.

Focused on creating more vibrancy in our marketplace, we’ve elevated selling within eBay 4.0, and have designed a more personalized experience based on a seller’s level and activity. The new app offers more information to help first-time and new sellers be successful, and a new dashboard for more regular sellers with at-a-glance activity updates. We are passionate about creating a great experience for our buyers and enabling the continued success for our sellers.

eBay 4.0 offers a new Activity feed giving consumers personalized updates on the objects and goods that are important to them. Alongside that is the new Shop tab, with a bespoke feed of items tailored for each individual user. eBay 4.0 is available to download from the App Store.

[vimeo 138589685 w=500 h=281]

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• Facebook Messenger
• LinkedIn

LinkedIn revamps messaging experience on iOS with redesigned app

LinkedIn, the popular social network for connecting business people, has announced that its messaging experience is getting a serious design overhaul from today. Unlike the previous inbox, messages will no longer follow a traditional email format. Instead, it’s turned towards a messaging app design similar to Facebook Messenger.

LinkedIn has built everything from scratch, from the ground up with a cleaner, streamlined look with a brand new chat-style user interface. You can chat with contacts individually or send group messages, and conversations are organized around the people who are important to you. What’s more, you’ll be able to send documents, images, stickers, emojis and GIFs in your messages.

Starting today, we are rolling out a new messaging experience on LinkedIn that offers an easier and more lightweight way to have professional conversations with your connections.  We know many of you have been asking for this ability and we’ve taken a thoughtful approach to reflect the evolving ways professionals are communicating with one another today, as well as, the different ways our members are interacting with each other across our international markets.

From today, the new messaging experience will by rolling out to English-speaking LinkedIn members across the globe on iOS, Android and on the web. If you have LinkedIn installed on your iPhone, check the App Store for updates and you should find one waiting for you over the coming days or weeks.

• Apps & Updates
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• Twitter
• App Store

Twitter introduces Music on Vine: Better audio controls and music discovery on Vine app

Last night, Vine announced that it’s bringing greater music controls to its popular video-looping app on iOS. While users have always had the ability to include audio of any kind in their Vines, this new update makes it far more precise. The biggest update is a feature called ‘Snap to Beat’ which enables users to more easily create a seamless loop, or perfect loop where you can’t tell the beginning of the audio from the end.

To get Snap to Beat working for you, choose a song by tapping on the music note in the ‘Details’ screen. Snap to Beat automatically identifies how much of the song to use to make a seamless loop, then trims the video to fit that music clip. If you don’t want it happening auto-magically, you can switch off Snap to Beat and edit the audio manually yourself. This gives the user complete control over how much sound to include in the Vine, and which part of the video it should play over.

As a part of Vine’s new-found focus on music, there’s also a new audio discovery tool within the app. First up is a new ‘Featured Tracks’ section which you can explore when you create a new Vine and tap on the music note to add a song. What’s more, you can use Vine to detect what you’re listening to while watching other Vines. If a musical note icon appears beneath a Vine, tap on it, and it’ll show you the name of the track, and the name of the artist performing.

The Music on Vine updates will be rolling out to iOS users from today and will be available to download from the App Store for free.

• Apps & Updates
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• Instagram
• App Store
• update

Instagram rolls out support for portrait + landscape photos & videos

Instagram today announced that it’s rolling out two new orientations for photos and videos including portrait and landscape formats to add to the old square photo format that was previously the only option for users uploading content.

It turns out that nearly one in five photos or videos people post aren’t in the square format, and we know that it hasn’t been easy to share this type of content on Instagram: friends get cut out of group shots, the subject of your video feels cramped and you can’t capture the Golden Gate Bridge from end to end.

When users upload an image in the app, they’ll now be able to tap a new icon to get access to the new portrait and landscape orientation options. In the screenshots above, Instagram gives us a look at how the new photo orientations will appear in a user’s feed.

The company notes that “To keep the clean feel of your profile grid, your post will appear there as a center-cropped square.” And lastly, Instagram is making all filters available for videos, which previously had its own set of separate filters:

We’re especially excited about what this update means for video on Instagram, which in widescreen can be more cinematic than ever. While we’ve historically had separate filters for photos and for videos, all filters will now work on all types of moments. You can also adjust the intensity of filters on videos, too.

The new features are available in the updated iOS app, version 7.5, landing on the App Store today.

• Apps & Updates
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Pocket 6.0 rolls out for iPhone & iPad with new Recommendation feature

Pocket is one of the most popular read-it-later apps available on iOS, and the service is about to get better (or perhaps worse depending on your viewpoint), with the public launch of recommendations. The feature has been tested in beta for some time, and is now officially out in the wild and will be available to users on iOS, Android and on the web. Pocket describes it as “high-quality content without the noise”.

Recommendations takes the absolute best content being saved across Pocket and tailors it to your own saving and reading habits. The result is a feed that’s completely unique and personalized to you, and is filled with the most interesting articles and videos you might have missed otherwise.

Instead of being a collation of the most viewed web pages from the web, recommendations are based on how popular stories are with people with your interests. Since they’re already curated by humans, the company hopes that helps tune out the noise. For instance, if you happen to save a lot of technology articles to read later in Pocket, you’ll be served up tech-based recommendations. What’s more, if you find a recommendation you don’t like, just press the ‘X’ and remove it from your feed.

Recommendations are currently available in English only currently, but the company states that it is working on a wider roll out in more languages. You can download Pocket 6.0 for iPhone and iPad from the App Store for free.

• Apps & Updates
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• alerts
• rain

Winter is coming: Yahoo Weather app adds near-term rain and snow alerts

Yahoo is today updating its Yahoo Weather app for iOS with near-term rain and snow alerts (not that we needed a reminder that summer is nearly over). With the updated app, users will receive alerts for rain and snow 15 minutes before an expected downpour.

In addition to the new weather alerts, Yahoo notes that the app is now more accurate with improvements made to the methods it uses to “determine and serve forecasts.” As an example, Yahoo says the app will now “even zoom in on microclimates.”

The updated Yahoo Weather app with rain and snow alerts, version 1.8, is available for iPhone and iPad on the App Store now.

What’s New in Version 1.8

Introducing new weather alerts around the world!

Yahoo Weather, our beautiful and intuitive weather app, will alert you 15 minutes before rain or snow is expected so you can grab your jacket, boots and umbrella!

• AAPL Company
• Apple Books
• App Store
• iTunes
• outage

The App Store, iTunes, iBooks, and more are down once again (update: fixed)

Update (6:45ET): Apple says the problem is resolved.

It’s been less than a month since the last iTunes Store outage, but Apple’s various digital storefronts are once again down for many users. According to Apple’s status page, the App Store, iTunes, iBooks, the Mac App Store, and the Volume Purchase Program have all suffered from unplanned downtime for about an hour and a half now.

The problems aren’t affecting all users, as no one here at 9to5Mac has noticed any disruption, but Apple says “some users” will see interruptions. No other services are impacted.

• iOS
• App Store
• Apple Inc
• App Store (iOS)

App Store currently showing all apps as having only five reviews (Update: Fixed)

Update: The issue was resolved after a few hours.

A glitch in the iOS App Store means that all apps are shown as having only five reviews on category listings screens. The correct number of reviews is shown once you click through to the app.

Apple last month moved to fix another issue with App Store reviews. Those using iOS betas were leaving poor reviews for apps simply because they didn’t work with as-yet unsupported versions of the mobile OS. Apple solved the issue by blocking attempts to write reviews while using iOS betas.

Thanks, Phillip

• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• iOS
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• Games

Lara Croft GO by Hitman creators Square Enix launching for iOS on August 27

Hitman creators, Square Enix are about to launch their next mobile title for iOS. Lara Croft GO will hit the App Store on August 27 and will feature similar gameplay to the popular Hitman GO title. The developers promise beautiful graphics and challenging stages:

Square Enix Montréal today announced that Lara Croft GO™, the follow-up to the hugely successful Hitman GO® mobile game, will release on mobile platforms Aug. 27. The turn-based puzzle game offers a never-before-seen take on the iconic franchise, featuring challenging levels, gorgeous visuals and a mesmerizing soundtrack.

If it’s anything like the Hitman GO title, the Tomb Raider inspired version is going to be frustratingly addictive and could be one of the surprise hits of the year. Hitman GO was incredibly well reviewed. Just browsing through the App Store listing shows glowing reviews. And — for once — it’s not a freemium game. So let’s hope Lara Croft’s version sticks to that pricing model.

As well as announcing the impending arrival of Tomb Raider GO, Square Enix has joined with Crystal Dynamics to launch an art contest. Artists are being invited to submit their own original Lara Croft GO-inspired artwork between now and August 21. The top 10 entries will be selected by a panel of “experts” and will be showcased during a party at PAX Prime in Seattle on August 28, one day after the game lands on the Play Store. Of these 10 entries, three will be selected to go to auction, with the proceeds going to Child’s Play, a “game industry charity”.

If you want to submit artwork, simply email info@square-enix-montreal.com with the subject line ‘Lara Croft GO Art Contest Submission’, along with your name.

• Apps
• iOS
• iPad
• iPhone
• App Store

Angry Birds 2 released for iOS, free to download on the App Store

Rovio has finally released the long-awaited sequel to the original Angry Birds hit mobile game. Since the first title saw phenomenal success on the iOS App Store, the game has gone on to amazing heights with tons of spinoffs. With several official movie tie-ins, including the popular Star Wars titles, Angry Birds is the ultimate success story of the mobile app world. And now, Angry Birds 2 is available to download.

The game retains the key features, in that you fling birds with a catapult in an attempt to destroy blocks and kill green pigs. However, it does have some new features. Some levels now have multiple stages to complete, and you have to choose which bird to launch next. You can challenge other players and there are even more magic spells too, to help you complete difficult levels. As always, there are plenty of pig bosses to wipe out.

It’s free to download and has the expected in-app purchases. Download the app from the App Store.

You can watch the official gameplay trailer below
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• Apps & Updates
• Apps
• iOS
• Apple Music
• Apple Pay
• App Store

StubHub iOS app adds Uber and Apple Music integration

StubHub is rolling out an updated version of its iOS app today that adds integration with both Uber and Apple Music.

For Uber, users can now request a vehicle directly from within the app when purchasing event tickets or setup a reminder to do so for an upcoming event. Once you’ve booked a ride with Uber, StubHub automatically provides the location of the event venue to the driver:

After completing a ticket purchase on StubHub, fans will now be able to set a reminder to arrange transportation through Uber when the event is imminent. Users who purchase tickets within two hours of the event will be able to order an Uber directly from the order confirmation page.

As for the Apple Music support, the app can now tap into your Apple Music library to automatically scan for new artists to add to your StubHub ‘favorites’, a feature that lets users track upcoming events for their favourite artists.

The Uber and Apple Music integration is available for StubHub users in the updated StubHub app, version 6.0.4, on the App Store. The Uber feature, however, is available only for users in the UK, US, and Canada.

• iPhone
• iPad Air 2
• Powerbeats
• 9to5Toys
• App Store

9to5Toys Last Call: Black Friday in July, 5K iMac $1,800, Powerbeats2 Wireless $130, iPhone car mount $17, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

This Lightning cable cleverly solves an annoyance every iPhone user deals with

• Giveaway: 50 licenses for QuickRes – the app that changes your resolution in a click
• Save 50% on brand new Screenium 3 high-res, high-speed screen capture app for Mac
• JBL details new Flip3 & Xtreme portable Bluetooth speakers w/ fresh designs & features
• Magazine subs from $3/yr: Motor Trend, ESPN, Wired, GQ, Dwell, Rolling Stone, many more
• Home: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter $14, Oster Food Steamer $15, much more

Back in stock! GoPro HERO4 Black 4K Action Camera for $399 shipped (Reg. $500) http://t.co/MHVnGXo8Gw pic.twitter.com/FqetJN8XRY

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) July 24, 2015

Best Buy Black Friday in July Apple deals: iPad Air 2 $125 off, 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro $1,750, 27-inch 5K iMac $1,800, more

Best Buy Black Friday in July more deals: Beats by Dre Powerbeats2 Wireless in-ears $130, Seagate 1TB Portable HDD $50, more

iOttie Easy One Touch 2 iPhone car mount: $17 Prime shipped (Reg. $25)

Apple launches massive iOS sale w/ 100 apps for $0.99 ea: Rayman, Angry Birds, Pixelmator, Spider-Man, many more

App Store Free App of the Week: SpongeBob Moves In ($4 value)

Disney’s award-winning Animated iPad app hits a new all-time low price of $3 (Reg. $10)

iPhone 6/Plus $100 off w/ VZW or Sprint 2-yr contract: 16GB $100, 64GB $200, 128GB $300

iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi 128GB in Silver or Space Gray for $450 shipped (Reg. $599)

Giveaway: Grain Audio OEHP.01 Over-Ear Headphones are an ideal daily set of cans, $199 value – LAST CHANCE!

More new gear from today:

Games/Apps: Sleeping Dogs DE from $22, Wii U bundle w/ Pro Controller & Power A kit $300, iOS freebies, more

• New! TRENDnet Wireless 802.11n Wi-Fi Range Extender: $16 Prime Shipped (Reg. $25)
• New! Daily Deals: Baytek PartyMix Bluetooth/NFC Speaker $22, Sylvania Portable DVD Player $40, more

More deals still alive:

Anker Bluetooth iPad Keyboards from $20: Folio Case for iPad Air/2 $30 Prime Shipped (Reg. $40), more

• VIZIO 43-inch 4K 120Hz Smart LED UHDTV: $500 shipped (Reg. $600)
• Tweetbot for Mac hits its lowest price ever: $10 (Reg. $13)
• Sennheiser Urbanite on-ears for $75 or XL over-ears for $130 (Orig. up to $250), more
• Magnetic Air Vent Car Mount Holder for iPhone 6/Plus $6 Prime shipped (Orig. $11)
• Timbuk2 Iris Gym Duffel Bag (Black) for $30 shipped (Reg. $54)
• Apple-Certified MFi Lightning Cables: 1-ft braided nylon $12, 10-ft $10, 3-ft $5, more
• Canon PIXMA Inkjet Photo All-in-One Printer + software $20 shipped (Reg. $40+)
• Jabra SOLEMATE Portable Bluetooth Speaker $60 shipped (Reg. $90+), more
• Urge Soundbrick $18 shipped, waterproof shower speaker $10 shipped, more
• Samsung 850 EVO 250GB 2.5″ Internal SSD: $85 shipped (Orig. $140), more
• Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Wireless On-Ear Headphones in Titanium: $209 shipped (Orig. $380)
• Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II is now available for Mac: $7 (Reg. $10)
• Save 30% on fashion at Amazon: Herschel Supply Co., Lacoste, PUMA, more
• Learn to build 11 apps with this exclusive iOS 9 Swift coding course: $59 (Orig. $299)
• Blinkist Premium 1-yr Subscription: 1000+ Grasp Nonfiction Books: $30 (Orig. $80)
• Spigen’s latest Apple Watch dock is made for watchOS 2, pre-order now for $12
• Pay what you want for the 7-course Web Hacker Bundle ($1,043 value, currently $6)
• Complete this Chipotle trivia game & receive a buy one, get one free coupon
• Sennheiser HD650 + Apogee Groove portable DAC/amp $550 shipped ($755 value)
• Bose SoundTouch Portable Series II Wireless Music System from $269 (Reg. $325)
• Media: Blu-ray/DVD combos from $8 including Interstellar & Lucy, $1 HD Rentals, more
• Router Roundup: Linksys dual-band Smart Wi-Fi Router (refurb) $28 (Orig. $50), more
• Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear Headphones in black $65 shipped (Reg. $80)
• Aukey USB Chargers: 5-Port USB Desktop Charging Station $22, more
• JBL Control One 4″ Indoor/Outdoor Speakers: $80 or 2-pairs for $150 shipped (Orig. $180)
• Kmashi 10,000mAh Dual-USB Power Bank: $9.39 Prime shipped (Orig. $50)
• Seagate 5TB USB 3.0 Desktop HDD $125, WD Elements 2TB Portable HDD $70, more
• Discounted gift cards up to 20% off: JCPenney, and more
• 4K A/V Receivers: Denon w/ AirPlay $499 (Orig. $999), Onkyo 5.2-ch $200 (Reg. $250)
• American Express rolls out PayPal competitor, offers $10 statement credit for trying it
• Free PS Plus Games for July: Styx Master of Shadows, Rocket League, more
• Free Xbox Gold Games for July: Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, more

New products & more:

Converse upgrades its Chuck Taylors with new technology for the first time in 98 years

• Dad makes a custom Mario Kart 8-inspired nursery and becomes instant internet sensation
• The Panono panoramic camera is filled with 36 lenses that total 108MP, available today
• Stary Board cuts the weight to become the “world’s lightest” electric vehicle
• Cusby adapters work like LEGO to let you build a custom USB-C hub
• ZNAPS gives any Lightning or microUSB charging cable a MagSafe-like connector
• Jet.com is ready to battle Amazon and Walmart for your online shopping needs
• A-Bike Electric has powered assistance in the “lightest” package in the world
• Hot Toys is partnering with Disney to create an 18-foot long Millennium Falcon model
• Acer’s $100 Liquid Leap+ Fitness Watch for iOS/Android with a 20% discount
• The Remix Mini is a low-cost Android-based PC alternative

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