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2,094 'App Store' stories December 2010 - June 2014

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Hands-on: 1Password beta highlights iOS 8’s Touch ID & Extensions APIs (video)

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 9:22 pm PT

14 Comments

Besides new user features such as health tracking, user interface optimizations, and improved messaging, iOS 8 introduces several new APIs for developers that will result in improved App Store apps that tie even deeper into the system. Two of the most notable API additions in iOS 8 are Touch ID and Extensions. The Touch ID feature will allow developers to design applications that can use the iPhone 5s’s fingerprint scanner, and Extensions will allow them to integrate their own software into share sheets within other apps.

1Password, a popular password management program, is testing an updated version of its iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch application that taps into both of these APIs. We’ve gone hands-on with the beta version—which developer AgileBits stresses is still a pre-release build with functionality and interface elements that can and will change—and both features feel right at home in a third-party app. You can find tours of both the Touch ID and Extensions features below:

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Twitter’s mobile app install advertising feature comes out of beta, goes global

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 9:19 am PT

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Twitter has taken its mobile application install advertising feature out of beta and it has also taken the service global. Twitter talked about the feature, which allows companies to advertise mobile apps within the Twitter mobile app timeline, earlier this year. The video above explains how the service works. The app install feature can show apps from the App Store and Google Play based on “interest, keyword, TV targeting and tailored audiences” as well as based on “gender, geo, language and mobile platform targeting.” The service allows apps to be installed on smartphones directly via the Twitter app and the Twitter app will even notify users when the app is ready to use.

Twitter explains how advertisers can use the functionality:

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The Weather Channel iPad app gets new iOS 7-style redesign

Jordan Kahn Jun 26 2014 - 7:21 am PT

11 Comments

The Weather Channel app for iPad gets a nice update today that brings an overhauled design that the company says is closely aligned to the iOS 7 aesthetic. It also introduces new background photos that display the current weather conditions of the location you’re viewing and tweaked navigation that makes moving around the app easier.

The Weather Channel will officially be replacing Yahoo as the source for Apple’s stock Weather app in the upcoming release of iOS 8 this fall. Part of that decision, according to a recent report, was due to some new enhancements made to The Weather Channel service over the last year.

The Weather Channel app version 4.0 for iPad is available for free on the App Store.

What’s New in Version 4.0.0

Design— Beautiful and easy-to-use. This app is closely aligned to the iOS 7 aesthetic, and our amazing background photos match your current weather conditions.

MacUpdate app keeps your non-Mac App Store software up-to-date – at a price

Ben Lovejoy Jun 26 2014 - 6:23 am PT

4 Comments

While your Mac should automatically alert you to updates downloaded from the Mac App Store, you may not be aware of updates available for software purchased elsewhere. MacUpdate Desktop 6 alerts you to updates on thousands of software titles, as well as enabling one-click installation of new apps.

The software and corresponding MacUpdate account are free – for up to five updates a month. Unlimited updates will cost you $20 a year.

The video below gives an overview of how it works, and you can download the software here.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4MaYixgKhA]

SoundCloud iPhone app gets complete redesign, iPad update coming in future release

Jordan Kahn Jun 26 2014 - 6:17 am PT

2 Comments

SoundCloud, the popular music and audio uploading and discovery service, today released an update to its iPhone app that introduces a completely new design. For users of the previous version, the updated design is instantly noticeable with a much cleaner and more streamlined look and feel throughout the app.

There are also a number of navigation and user experience enhancements included in the update:

– Beautifully simple design. Cleaner look. Simpler controls
– ‘One thumb’ interface. Play, pause, skip and explore on the go
– Open another user’s profile straight from a track or playlist
– Your likes and playlists are now all in one place, making it easier to play more of your favorite tracks and artists

While the iPad version of the app isn’t getting the same treatment today, the company says “iPad updates are being worked on for a future release.”

The updated SoundCloud app for iPhone, version 3.0, is available for free on the App Store.

Significant enhancements coming to AppleCare+, Apple IDs, iOS support

Mark Gurman Jun 19 2014 - 12:36 pm PT

27 Comments

Apple’s vice president of AppleCare and technical support initiatives, Tara Bunch, held a Town Hall meeting for for AppleCare employees earlier this week, according to several employees in attendance who asked to remain anonymous. During the meeting, Bunch, along with a few other Apple executives, spoke about Apple’s progress in customer service and support over the past few years, improvements from 2013 to 2014, and future plans.

Throughout the meeting, Bunch noted that customer satisfaction numbers from AppleCare and Apple product users are at the top of the industry. Going into the 15th year of AppleCare, Bunch asked employees to celebrate and be proud of their accomplishments, but she also noted that Apple still has room to improve its support practices. Employees in attendance during the meeting have shared some details regarding Apple’s future plans for its support initiatives…

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Skype 5.1 for iOS rolling out with improvements to conversations and favorites

Mark Gurman Jun 19 2014 - 9:31 am PT

1 Comment

Approximately a week after releasing Skype 5.0 with a completely revamped design and new features, Microsoft is now rolling out version 5.1 with various improvements. Notably, there are enhancements to managing conversations, favorites, and finding the status of Skype contacts. From the Skype blog:

You can now delete a conversation from the recent list with a long press on recents. You can also edit messages you’ve recently sent with a long press on the message. (Just as you can long press on an individual message to delete it.)

Tap the “add favorites” link to easily fill your favorites screen with the people you contact the most.

The People list now matches the desktop better: we have added the “Skype” filter; the “online” filter now includes users set to online, away and do not disturb; and best of all your filter settings are saved.

The update also includes improvements to VoiceOver. The update is rolling out on the App Store today for free. Skype says more improvements are coming in the future. Be sure to check out our look at the new Skype design along with an interview with the lead designer of the software.

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Disney launches ‘Star Wars Scene Maker’ iPad app

Jordan Kahn Jun 19 2014 - 6:32 am PT

5 Comments

With hype building surrounding the filming of the latest Star Wars reboot, Disney is taking advantage by launching a new iPad app called ‘Star Wars Scene Maker’. The app allows users to create Star Wars scenes by selecting from various 3D assets like characters and environments, camera angles, dialogue (you can also record your own), musical scores, and more:

MAKE STAR WARS YOUR OWN!

Become the master of your own Star Wars video universe! Create your own scenes, choose your favorite characters, control their actions and dialogue, record your masterpiece, and share your Star Wars story! The Force of your imagination is with you!

FEATURES:

· Create your own Star Wars universe and bring it to life with imaginative play and countless options.

· Select from 3D environments with 3D models of your favorite characters, weapons, and ships.

· Use dialogue straight from the Star Wars films, or record your voice and apply a Darth Vader, Rebel Pilot, or Storm Trooper filter to put your words into any character’s mouth!

· Switch between three cameras, each of which can track or follow the action, to record your scene from multiple angles!

· Chooose a musical score taken from the Star Wars films, write your own iconic Star Wars “Title Crawl” and end credits, and share your finished scene with your friends!

Star Wars Scene Maker is available as a free download for iPads running iOS 7 and up (Disney says it’s “most compatible with the newest generation of iPad”), but you will find some paid in-app purchases and Disney ads within.

Adobe launches powerful Mix iPad app, brings Lightroom to iPhone, updates Creative Cloud, Ink & Slide available

Michael Steeber Jun 18 2014 - 8:30 am PT

7 Comments

As part of a totally revamped Creative Cloud Photography Plan, Adobe today launched both Lightroom for iPhone, a companion app to the desktop version and twin of the recently launched iPad version, as well as Adobe Mix, a completely new iPad app that brings down many powerful features previously only available on the desktop versions of Photoshop.

Corresponding with these new iOS apps, Adobe has launched new versions of 14 of its Creative Cloud desktop apps. Let’s take a closer look at the new iOS offerings from Adobe.

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Apple removes iAd Gallery from the App Store

Michael Steeber Jun 17 2014 - 2:28 pm PT

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After almost 2 years without any updates, Apple’s iAd Gallery app has been pulled from the App Store. Originally introduced in April of 2011, the app was meant to showcase the best ads on the iAd Platform, Apple’s then relatively new mobile advertising push.

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Snapchat debuts new ‘Our Story’ function for communal snap stories at events

Mark Gurman Jun 17 2014 - 9:27 am PT

0 Comments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZeDPfHiBC8

Social network app Snapchat is today rolling out a new feature called Our Story. It’s just like the My Story feature, where you can put a bunch of photos into a single album-like story, but multiple people can contribute to it. The feature works based on events and on your location. As Snapchat explains on its blog:

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Facebook’s Slingshot app said to launch tomorrow after last week’s botched debut (update: It’s out)

Mark Gurman Jun 16 2014 - 5:38 pm PT

4 Comments

Update: Like clockwork, it’s out.

Facebook plans to launch its long-awaited Snapchat competitor called Slingshot tomorrow, according to a source. The application briefly became available in some international App Stores last week, and then it (appropriately) swiftly disappeared. The new standalone iPhone application allows users to send a photo or video with text or drawings to another person, but the recipient cannot view it unless they acknowledge that they want to view the message…

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Facebook Paper 1.2 adds new photo features, trending section, performance improvements, more

Zac Hall Jun 16 2014 - 10:34 am PT

3 Comments

In addition to a few changes to its iPad app, Facebook today released the second major update to its app Paper bringing it closer to feature parity with the main Facebook iPhone app. While the list of changes included in Facebook Paper 1.2 is rather long, the changes largely focus on improving the photo experience. For example, Paper uses can now adjust both profile and cover photos from the app. The update also includes photo tag support and improvements as well as greater support for tilt to explore feature for viewing photos.

Paper 1.2 is out today! Lots of new features: https://t.co/JB6JaXVbsI

I built privacy editing and lots of under-the-hood improvements.

— Grant Paul (@chpwn) June 16, 2014

Facebook Paper 1.2 is available for iPhone and iPod touch today on the App Store. For more on what’s new, view the full change log below…
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Angry Birds Transformers mash-up game coming soon from Rovio and Hasbro

Zac Hall Jun 16 2014 - 6:40 am PT

0 Comments

Rovio has a lot in the works. The Finnish-game maker last week released Angry Birds Epic, an RPG-style game and a first for the series, and later this year Rovio will release Angry Birds Stella led by the lady bird in the saga.

On top of all that, Rovio is announcing something they’ve been working on with Hasbro: Angry Birds Transformers. The latest title in the series will be like Angry Birds Star Wars, another Hasbro partnership for Rovio, combining the iconic gameplay with characters that resemble those from the movies.
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Ahead of Apple’s HealthKit, WebMD app now tracks health & fitness data from connected accessories

Jordan Kahn Jun 16 2014 - 6:22 am PT

4 Comments

WebMD today launched “Healthy Target”, a feature within its iOS app that lets users track health data from a variety of sources like activity trackers, glucose meters, and other iPhone-connected health and fitness accessories. The feature lets users set goals, track habits, get easy to understand summaries of biometric data, and also provides progress reports and inspiration along the way. WebMD says the feature “will provide valuable assistance to individuals looking to manage chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as to a broader audience interested in achieving their fitness goals or more generally living a healthier lifestyle.” The feature acts a lot like Apple’s new Health app, which is about to launch alongside its new HealthKit platform for developers this fall with iOS 8.
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Bitcoin wallet apps returning to the App Store after Apple relaxes rules on virtual currency

Benjamin Mayo Jun 16 2014 - 5:11 am PT

2 Comments

After an App Store guideline change earlier this month, it seems that Bitcoin wallet apps are once again welcome on the platform, as noticed by Coindesk. The updated rules said that Apple would allow virtual currency apps if they do not violate any federal laws. Apps like eGift and are now available for download in the App Store.

Albeit merely a wrapper around a web app, Coin Pocket does indeed enable the exchange of Bitcoin from within the app itself. This would have not passed Apple approval just a few weeks prior, as Apple’s previous stance did not allow any app that allowed transfers to take place.

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How-to: Request an iTunes purchase refund if you have a legitimate reason

Jun 14 2014 - 12:00 pm PT

8 Comments

When you purchase an item from the App Store or iTunes, it is possible to obtain a refund on items purchased within the past 90 days if you have a legitimate reason. For example, you might buy the live version of a song when you meant to get the studio version. It is certainly possible to download the wrong app inadvertently, especially on an iOS device.

In this article, I will outline the process of how report a problem (and request a refund) with items purchased in the App Store or iTunes.

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Tweetbot for iPhone can now post and view multiple images per Tweet

Mark Gurman Jun 12 2014 - 5:27 pm PT

6 Comments

Popular third-party Twitter client Tweetbot for iPhone was updated to version 3.4 with some nice new features and enhancements today. Most notably, the app can now post and view up to four photos per Tweet. This is in line with functionality that Twitter added to its official application a few months ago.

Support for viewing/posting multiple twitter images (multiple images won’t show up in search or streaming timeline until Twitter enables it in the future)
Image detail views show corresponding tweet when relevant
Instagram videos now marked with play icon
Spanish Localization

The update, as can be seen in the release notes above, also adds various other images enhancements, a new play icon for Instagram videos, and localization for Spanish. For what it’s worth, users are also reporting that this update fixes some problems for iOS 8 Tweetbot users. The update is free on the App Store, and the app costs $4.99 for new downloads. You can read our full review of Tweetbot 3.0 from launch here.

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Apple’s App Store editorial team now curating seven additional categories in Europe

Zac Hall Jun 12 2014 - 6:52 am PT

2 Comments

(Before and after screenshots via The Guardian)

Just over a week ago at WWDC, Apple announced several changes and improvements coming to the App Store this fall with the public release of iOS 8 including new ways to navigate through the App Store as well as explore new apps. As The Guardian points out (via MacStories), App Store customers across Europe will notice improvements in the following categories: health, lifestyle, music, photo and video, productivity, and sports. Prior to the editorial expansion, every App Store category aside from education, games, food, kids, and Newsstand were populated solely by use of an algorithm of new and popular apps…
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Google Search iOS app adds World Cup Google Now cards ahead of event

Jordan Kahn Jun 11 2014 - 12:08 pm PT

1 Comment

Google has been adding StreetView, Maps, and new search features specifically for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup, and today it brings new Google Now cards to the Google Search app for iOS. The new cards for the Google Now feature in the app will present the latest on World Cup news including “scorers, match statistics, group standings and more.”

Also new for this year’s tournament, you don’t even have to search to get updates on your favorite teams—just open Google Now. You’ll be given an option to start seeing cards with stats about each match that you can tap for more detail… Make sure you are signed in to Google, and have your Google Now turned on in your settings. Swipe up to see your Google Now cards and follow your favorite team!

The updated Google Search app for iOS is available on the App Store now.

Skype removed from App Store ahead of major 5.0 update

Mark Gurman Jun 10 2014 - 6:31 pm PT

7 Comments

You may have noticed Skype for iPhone/iPod touch disappear from the App Store in select markets today. Skype tells us that the reason is preparations for the upcoming 5.0 update. Here’s the statement:

We have removed the Skype for iPhone app from the Apple iTunes store in some markets, as we begin rolling out the latest version. Skype 5.0 for iPhone will soon be available worldwide for download – in the meantime, you can learn about the great new features coming with the new version here.

The new version should officially launch in the coming days. You can find all the details about the completely revamped design and improving chatting in our preview from yesterday.

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Apple launches new ‘Soccer Fever’ App Store section prior to FIFA World Cup

Stephen Hall Jun 10 2014 - 2:54 pm PT

6 Comments

Apple has launched a new “Soccer Fever” section on the App Store, fittingly with June 12th marking the first day of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The page has four app sections, including one for “Soccer Apps” (such as the official FIFA app itself), one for featured soccer-related games, a variety of typical social apps labeled as “Share the Fever,” and a plethora of apps for exploring the country of Brazil.
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Apple cracking down on apps offering third-party music downloads, incentivized ad watching & social sharing?

Jordan Kahn Jun 10 2014 - 6:21 am PT

3 Comments

Apple has reportedly started cracking down on apps offering the ability to download music from third-party services like YouTube that normally don’t allow users to do so. In addition, a separate report claims that Apple has also started going after apps that incentivize users to either watch ads or share content through social media networks.

The first report comes from MacRumors, which notes the App Store has replaced results for the search query “music download” with an advertisement for iTunes Radio followed by other music services like Spotify (pictured right). At first glance it appears to be Apple simply cleaning up search on the store (I’d expect to get iTunes Radio, Spotify, etc for the search “music download”), but MacRumors also claims that “Apple has asked them to remove audio downloading functionalities from their app, perhaps to prevent potential piracy.” For now the apps still live on the App Store and the change doesn’t appear to have taken place in countries outside iTunes Radio availability. Results in the Canadian App Store continue to show apps for download music illegally from YouTube and other online services.

Another report has popped up claiming that Apple is also not too happy about apps that are encouraging users to watch ads or share to social networks in exchange for rewards. A report from TechCrunch detailed the change, which also appears to extend to apps promoting apps other than their own through the methods mentioned above.

It’s worth noting that Apple’s App Store guidelines have always had rules against promoting other apps and we’ve seen Apple reject apps in the past that include functionality that might compete with the App Store. There are a lot of grey areas in the App Store guidelines.

We’ll have to wait and see if this is part of a broader change to the App Store in iOS 8, which also introduced app bundles, Editor’s Choice picks, app video previews, and more, and if Apple is truly going to remove these third-party music downloading apps for good.

Skype for iPhone gets ground-up redesign; top designer talks future iPad & iOS 8 updates

Mark Gurman Jun 9 2014 - 9:24 am PT

22 Comments

A few years ago, Skype was the rockstar of the messaging world, but now with smartphones and mobile messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage, Skype’s iPhone feature-set and application have begun to stagnate. However, the Skype development team has not been standing still. The Microsoft-owned company is revealing today that it is nearing the launch of a completely revamped Skype application for the iPhone and iPod touch. I met with lead Skype designer Guilherme Schneider last week for an exclusive preview and an interview regarding the new software, and the application certainly seems impressive…

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