App Store

2,201 'App Store' stories December 2010 - July 2013

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Hit indie game ‘Limbo’ arrives for iPhone & iPad for $4.99 in App Store

Jordan Kahn Jul 3 2013 - 5:59 am PT

We already knew critically acclaimed indie game Limbo would be arriving on iOS this week after an announcement from Danish developer Playdead late last month. Today the title has finally arrived in the App Store for all users and comes with a mere $4.99 price tag for one of the best reviewed indie console games in recent years.

Early reviews for the iOS port seem to be positive and, apart from some tweaked controls for the touchscreen, includes the entire game experience from the console versions.

Limbo ($4.99) for iPhone and iPad is available on the App Store now.
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USA TV network lands on iOS with new app to watch full show episodes

Mark Gurman Jul 2 2013 - 9:49 pm PT

The NBC-owned USA TV network has launched its own iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch application to bring the USA show viewing experience to the small-screen. The application, like many TV network apps currently on the App Store, allows customers to watch shows the day after they air. The application also includes a backlog of past show episodes.

Like some other applications of the same category, users will need to authenticate the application with their credentials for their home TV provider. If a user does not subscribe to USA on their home TV setup, they can still watch some exclusive content via the application. Besides TV shows, the application can access behind-the-scenes clips, a full programming guide, interviews, and more.

USA today airs popular shows such as Burn Notice, Graceland, and Suits. The new app is free on the App Store.

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Real Racing 3 adds Bentley & Mercedes-Benz vehicles, progression system, improved graphics & 180+ events

Jordan Kahn Jul 2 2013 - 1:45 pm PT

EA updated its popular freemium Real Racing 3 game for iPhone and iPad today with a number of new features including over 55 vehicles from Bentley and Mercedes-Benz. On top of a new Time Trail event type and 180+ new events, EA is also adding a progression system that will allow users to “unlock cars and events as you progress through the new career.” That sounds like a nice addition for those that were complaining of EA’s decision to stick with the freemium model for the title.

Also included in the update is improved graphics with “Per-pixel shadowing on high-end devices” and new bonuses:

What’s New in Version 1.2.0

The Prestige Cars Update is here! Bentley and Mercedes-Benz join Real Racing 3’s extensive stable of manufacturers, while the highly requested Time Trial mode arrives with global leaderboards and ghost racing!

• New manufacturers – Bentley and Mercedes-Benz join an exciting line-up of over 55 licenced cars
• New event type – Time Trial! Race against yourself, your friends and the world for the top leaderboard position
• Bonus R$ – Get an R$ boost for the first race of each day, earn bigger bonuses for consecutive days of play
• Clean Race Bonus – Drive cleanly and fairly to receive R$ bonuses
• New progression system – Unlock cars and events as you progress through the new career
• Improved graphics – Per-pixel shadowing on high-end devices!
• 180+ new events!

Spotify for iOS gets ‘Discover’ feature, editable playlists, new icon and more

Jordan Kahn Jul 2 2013 - 6:09 am PT

Spotify updated its iOS app today with a few new features, one of which is a brand new ‘Discover’ experience that is rolling out to all users as we speak. As you might expect, the feature allows users to discover content based on their previous listening habits, and is of course a nice feature to have as Apple prepares to roll out its iTunes Radio service with built in Genius features.

Also included in today’s update for Spotify is a brand new logo and the ability to edit playlists directly on your iPhone. Spotify noted that “a shiny, new Now Playing view, featuring the ‘Up Next’ queue” is available now on iPhone and rolling out to all users soon.

A full list of what else is new and fixed in today’s release is below:

What’s New in Version 0.7.1

• New: Ever find yourself wondering what to play on Spotify? Introducing the new Discover experience on iPhone. (Coming soon to everyone.)
• New: A shiny, new Now Playing view, featuring the ‘Up Next’ queue on iPhone. (Again, rolling out to everyone soon.)
• New: Say hello to our new logo.
• New: You can now edit your playlists on your iPhone.
• Improved: We’ve changed the order of the iPhone search tabs. Now it’s Artists, Albums, Tracks. (iPhone/iPod only.)
• Improved: We’ve moved the … context menu button in the Playlist and Album views to the top right of the screen. It’s better there. (iPhone/iPod only.)
• Fixed: Ford integration now works correctly when your iPhone/iPod is set to a language other than English.
• Fixed: In your playlist folders, “All Tracks” will now show you the actual number of tracks.
• Fixed: We’ve sorted lots of crash issues too.
• Fixed: The unread messages in your inbox will now update correctly.
• Fictitious: This app shares 73% of its DNA with bees.

In an iOS 7 world, here’s how Apple’s iLife, iWork, iBooks and other apps could look

Michael Steeber Jul 1 2013 - 7:01 am PT

The introduction of iOS 7 brought forth a new era of iOS design: one that discards old thinking and draws little inspiration from past designs. While Apple’s included applications in iOS 7 have all been updated for the new design aesthetic, their App Store apps haven’t. Installing any of Apple’s other applications alongside iOS 7 reveals a huge discrepancy between the old, skeuomorphic design, and the new, flatter look. Obviously, Apple will have to redesign all of their App Store applications. So, what will they look like?

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Review: Hotwire travels to iPad with intuitive app

Mark Gurman Jun 27 2013 - 3:02 am PT

After arriving on the iPhone late last year, Hotwire, the popular travel discount site for flights and hotels, has arrived on the iPad via an intuitive App Store app. The iPad version launches today as a free, universal update to the existing iPhone app.

The iPad app is very simple to use. From the start screen of the app, a user can input either their current location or another location where they want to travel, check-in/check-out dates, a number of rooms and guests, and tap a single button to immediately search for matching hotels.

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Google Earth for iOS gets new UI w/ sidebar, Street View & improved directions/search

Jordan Kahn Jun 26 2013 - 1:06 pm PT

Google updated its Google Earth app for iOS and Android today with a few new features including a revamped interface that includes the left side panel it has been bringing to lots of its mobile apps.

Also new in version 7.1.1 of Earth is Google’s Street View feature, as well as improved directions and search with the ability to “visualize transit, walk, bike and drive directions in 3D while update search result list will let you browse search results quickly.” Google also announced that it is now making Google Earth available in over 100 countries worldwide:

Also with this release, we’re making Google Earth for mobile available in more than 100 countries worldwide, so you can start their virtual journey in Google Earth from almost anywhere on Earth. To unleash your inner explorer, check out your local Google Play store or iTunes to download the latest version of Earth for Android and iOS.

Version 7.1.1 of Google Earth for iPhone and iPad is available on the App Store now.

What’s New in Version 7.1.1

* Google Maps Street View: With Street View, you can explore the world at street level.
* Improved directions/search: Updated directions let you can visualize transit, walk, bike and drive directions in 3D while update search result list will let you browse search results quickly.
* Improved interface: Easily browse and enable different layers through use of new left hand panel

Award winning indie game ‘Limbo’ arrives on iOS July 3 for $4.99

Jordan Kahn Jun 26 2013 - 8:33 am PT

The award winning indie game Limbo from independent Danish developer Playdead has made its way to just about every platform over the last few years since launching on Xbox Live in 2010 and eventually PS3, Windows, & Mac. Today, Playdead announced that it’s now created iOS ports of the game for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch that will be arriving in the App Store next week.

We have worked very hard to bring LIMBO to as many devices as possible; rethinking the controls and performing extensive optimizations to ensure an amazing touch-based experience across iPad 2 (and higher), iPad Mini, iPhone 4S (and higher) and the latest generation of iPod Touch.

The game, which has sold over 3 million copies since it launched, will be available on the App Store July 3rd for $4.99.

Digg’s Google Reader replacement now rolling out to all on web & iOS

Jordan Kahn Jun 26 2013 - 7:04 am PT

Digg-reader-01

From 9to5Google:

After launching a private beta of its new Google Reader replacement, Digg announced today that it is now rolling out the beta to all users signed up to test the new app. Digg just sent out the first batch of invites to the new web app, but promises it will be “adding users in increasingly larger batches.”

The app is still a work in progress and won’t get you every feature you might have had with Google Reader, but for now you can easily import your Google Reader content, use Google Reader-like shortcuts, and save and share to all the usual third-party services.

iOS versions of Digg Reader land for iPhone and iPad in the App Store sometime today, and Digg says an Android app will be available before the end of July.

Update: The iOS version is now available.

Digg warns that the app is still very much in beta, but reminds us of a few features it plans to add in the coming months:
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iTunes U iOS app updated with pull-to-refresh, improved language support

Mark Gurman Jun 25 2013 - 10:21 am PT

Apple has updated its iTunes U app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with the ability to check for course updates via a pull-to-refresh animation. In line with this tweak, Apple says that today’s update resolves an issue with updating course information. Importantly, today’s update also brings improved language support for Arabic, French, German, Greek, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. The update is free on the iTunes App Store.

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Sony’s ‘Music Unlimited’ iOS app adds offline playback & high-quality 320kbps AAC streams

Jordan Kahn Jun 24 2013 - 3:01 pm PT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CLC2u6lErGk

A nice update is landing any minute now for Sony’s Music Unlimited iOS app, which is continuing to improve thanks to some nice improvements coming with PS4 and PlayStation Plus. On top of some big discounts for PS Plus members, Sony announced today that iOS users will soon have the ability to download tracks for offline listening (something already available on Android devices):

Another improvement coming in version 1.3 of the Music Unlimited app is “crystal clear 320kbps AAC high fidelity audio while streaming.”Users can access the feature by turning on “High Quality Audio HQ Streaming”.in the app’s settings. The new high-quality audio will not, unfortunately, be available for offline playback.

Similar to the Music Unlimited Android app, iOS users can now download individual albums and tracks, as well as any playlists they have created to their device and enjoy music even when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection isn’t available, or when they want to conserve battery life or curb data usage.

Sony hasn’t picked up a ton of traction with the service among smartphone users, but it will certainly attempt to attract more users as it adds new features and closer integrates it with its revamped PS Network arriving alongside PS4.

As for deals:

If you’re not a subscriber to the Music Unlimited service, this is a great time to jump aboard! For a limited time, a 12 month Premium subscription to the Music Unlimited service is just $41.99 for PS Plus members – a discount of over 65 percent from the regular monthly price. Those who don’t have a PS+ membership can also take advantage of a special rate of $59.99 for the 12 month Premium subscription. More information about the offer can be found at PlayStation Blog.

Microsoft bringing Xbox & PC games to iPhone starting with free-to-play Age of Empires

Jordan Kahn Jun 24 2013 - 12:47 pm PT

According to a report from Nikkei (via Reuters), Microsoft has signed up Japan-based game developer Klab Inc to bring some of its console and PC games to the iPhone and Android devices. There aren’t many other details, but the report claims Microsoft’s next title to arrive on smartphones will be a free-to-play version of Age of the Empires:

Microsoft’s “Age of the Empires” will be available as a free-to-play game worldwide on smartphones by the end of the fiscal year 2013 and other titles will follow, the report said.

KLab is behind a few titles already on the App Store and Google Play, including Arcadia, Gigabot Wars, Eternal Uprising, and Lord of the Dragons.

It actually wouldn’t be the first game that Microsoft has published for iOS devices as it recently brought its previously Windows Phone only title “Tentacles: Enter the Dolphin” to the App Store for both iPhone and iPad.

From beta 1 to release: how each major iOS version has transformed

Michael Steeber Jun 24 2013 - 7:00 am PT

Following its introduction earlier this month, Apple’s newest operating system has fallen under criticism and scrutiny from both designers and casual users alike. Due to both the tight development timetable and the new design direction under Jony Ive, following the removal of former iOS SVP Scott Forstall last fall, iOS 7 is, understandably, the most controversial and intriguing iOS version yet.

In response to much of the negative criticism directed towards iOS 7, some have suggested that iOS 7 will change substantially before it is released to the general public. Looking back at previous versions of iOS reveals a long trend of subtle refinements to the operating system during beta periods, not dramatic changes. Let’s take a look at how each version of iOS has transformed:

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Apple notifies iTunes users of $100M in-app purchase settlement details, $5 credit to those inappropriately charged under $30

Scott Buscemi Jun 23 2013 - 6:41 pm PT

Parents of kids who racked up hundreds of even thousands of dollars in in-app purchases can now begin to seek compensation for their bills.

The “Apple In-App Purchase Litigation Administrator” just sent out an email with information regarding the settlement and deadlines for submitting payment requests.

In short, those with charges under $30 will receive a $5 iTunes gift card. Cash refunds will be distributed to those with bills exceeding that amount.

Here’s the email in its entirety:

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

Jordan Kahn Jun 19 2013 - 5:56 am PT

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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Facebook iOS app updated with emotions for status updates, better control over sharing

Jordan Kahn Jun 18 2013 - 1:48 pm PT

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

Air France Mobile app updated with Passbook support for boarding passes

Jordan Kahn Jun 18 2013 - 7:59 am PT

Following 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.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown for iOS lands June 20 for $20

Jordan Kahn Jun 17 2013 - 6:16 am PT

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.

Apple adds around a million new store accounts (most with credit cards) every two days

Jordan Kahn Jun 13 2013 - 9:25 am PT

Asymco’s Horace Dediu points out with the graph above that Apple has been adding about a million new store accounts every couple of days. The numbers seem to be based on Tim Cook’s announcement at WWDC that Apple now has 575,000,000 million store accounts (which we assume includes all App Store, iTunes, and Apple Online Store accounts). That means most of them have credit cards on file and as Cook noted, that’s “more accounts with credit cards than any other store on the internet.”

Apple posts new video: Making a difference, one app at a time

Michael Steeber Jun 12 2013 - 12:17 pm PT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtP6ZQ6Lt8

Apple has just posted a new video to its YouTube channel titled “Making a difference. One app at a time.” The nine minute video highlights ways that developer’s apps change people’s lives.

Featured apps in the video include Skyscape Medical Resources, Galileo, Cherokee Language, and Proloquo2Go.

Coming hot off the heels of Apple’s WWDC keynote on Monday, the video is a collection of stories from individuals who’s lives have been touched thanks to some of the remarkable apps developers have created for the iOS App Store.

At Monday’s keynote, Tim Cook also addressed his appreciation for developers, citing that Apple has paid developers over 10 billion dollars.

Apple today also posted its full iOS 7 promotional video to its YouTube channel (below).
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Apple releases iAd Workbench, shifting iAd’s focus towards app developers rather than large brands

Benjamin Mayo Jun 12 2013 - 6:31 am PT

With the latest changes to iTunes Connect, Apple has clearly changed its approach to mobile advertising. For the last three years, Apple has targeted large brands with minimum buy-ins ranging in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, uptake of iAd does not seem to have been at the level Apple expected, which has had a negative impact on developers, who have commonly observed low fill rates for their ads.

In mid 2010, Apple allowed app developers to participate in the advertising side of iAd program, by showing banner ads that link directly to their apps. With newly announced changes to iAd, which have been discussed in-depth at WWDC, Apple has furthered this push.

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iOS 7 to include support for standardized, MFi hardware game controllers, new turn-based game modes, & more for gamers

Zach Kahn Jun 12 2013 - 6:04 am PT

In what seems to be an announcement lost within the buzz of iOS 7 and OS X Mavericks (amongst other WWDC news), Apple will finally open up the iOS SDK to fully support hardware game controllers, enabling handheld-esque gaming experiences akin to the Nintendo 3DS and Playstation Vita on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

As with background apps downloads and new Directions APIs, Apple announced hardware controller support during Monday’s keynote address in one of those ‘things we added but didn’t have time to talk about’ slides (pictured above). The slide indicates that the iOS 7 SDK will support ‘MFi game controllers,’ which is a reference to Apple’s licensing program for third-party hardware accessories. Additionally, Touch Arcade points us to images from Apple’s iOS 7 Developer Guide showing a graphic of two controllers, strikingly similar to the Nintendo 3DS and Wii Classic Controller (from left to right), showing new methods of interacting with iOS via hardware buttons and joysticks. Moreover, we can’t help but notice that this announcement comes right off the heals of Tim Cook’s pledge at D11 to be ‘more open’ than before.

There are also a few other enhancements for gamers coming in iOS 7….Here’s how Apple explains the new Game Controller framework:

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Wishlist: 10 things Apple should, but likely won’t, announce at WWDC 2013

Seth Weintraub Jun 9 2013 - 8:18 am PT

We’ve got a pretty good idea of what Apple intends to give us at WWDC. Even the things we’re not so sure about seem on the radar.

But what does Apple need to do long term to tighten up the ecosystem and bring some excitement back into its hardware, software and services? I’ve got a few things…

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Man of Steel game trailer for iOS and Android revealed, release is June 14th

Jared Weintraub Jun 7 2013 - 5:11 am PT

Warner Bros has revealed the Man of Steel game for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android smartphones and tablets. The game will be available from June 14, 2013 on the App Store, Google Play and Amazon Appstore for Android. We’ll keep you updated