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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw3w68YrKwc]

Back in July, Square Enix released the mobile-exclusive game Deus Ex: The Fall as a tie-in to the popular console and PC franchise. Today the company published a free version of the game that allows players to run through the full game’s opening mission. Other than the limit on how far into the game you play, everything else is unrestricted.

Even though the iTunes requirements say that the iPhone 4 and fourth-generation iPod touch are compatible, the company notes in the app’s description that it will not actually run on those devices. Players looking to take the mobile Deus Ex experience for a test run can grab it now for free on iTunes.

CloudMagic brings cloud-powered email search to the iPhone

Mike Beasley Oct 30 2013 - 9:00 am PT

A brand-new mail client called CloudMagic launched today on the App Store. The app supports most email services and has all of the basic features you’d expect from a mail app. One CloudMagic feature blows most other apps away, though: search.

Rather than searching on your phone for a certain email and then remotely searching each individual mail account to find what you’re looking for, CloudMagic caches your entire mail account on their server and uses server-side search to find any message almost instantly. The search is powerful and intelligently suggests words and phrases that I found to be exactly what I was looking for.

Twitter for iPhone updated with in-line photos and Vine videos, quick-actions in the timeline

Mike Beasley Oct 29 2013 - 12:10 pm PT

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Twitter for iPhone was updated today to version 5.12, which includes in-line photos in the main timeline view rather than using photo links. Vine videos now show up in the timeline as well, although it seems other video services will still require you to tap a link first.

The update also adds buttons to quickly reply, retweet, or favorite a tweet without having to swipe or tap it first. The new version of Twitter for iPhone is available for free in the App Store now.

Review: Flamingo for Mac looks to improve on Messages for Mac

Mike Beasley Oct 29 2013 - 12:00 pm PT

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Messages for Mac may support a few different chat services, but there are still a variety of features that would vastly improve the experience of messaging on the Mac. Flamingo is a new app designed to make chatting even better with a whole host of features you didn’t even realize you were missing.

Unfortunately because Apple keeps iMessage pretty locked-down, you won’t be able to use Flamingo with that. You can still use it with your Facebook, Google Hangouts (text, not video), and other XMPP-based chat services. But should you use it for those things? Keep reading for our full review.

Clear iOS apps updated with support for iOS 7’s Background Refresh

Jordan Kahn Oct 28 2013 - 9:05 am PT

The popular Clear productivity apps for iOS have been updated today with support for Apple’s Background Refresh feature new in iOS 7. That means your lists in Clear will now update more often, refreshing from iCloud in the background so they’re always up to date across all of your devices running Clear.

The update is available for the $1.99 Clear app for iPhone and the $4.99 Clear+ for iPhone and iPad now. Developer Realmac Software also teased that it’s working on other big new features for a future update:

We’re hard at work on some great new features for Clear – and today we’re releasing a small update to Clear and Clear+ to take advantage of a great new iOS 7 feature: Background Refresh.

iOS 7 launches your most frequently-used apps in the background throughout the day, allowing them to refresh their data. This means that, with today’s update, Clear will refresh your lists from iCloud to ensure they’re always up to date on all your devices.

NBA Game Time apps updated for 2013-14 season w/ iOS 7 redesign, new free content, and much more

Jordan Kahn Oct 28 2013 - 7:02 am PT

The NBA Game Time apps for both iPhone and iPad have been updated today with a redesign for iOS 7 alongside full support for the 2013-2014 regular season and new content for both free and paid subscribers.

On top of the redesign pictured in the screenshots above, the apps add home and away broadcasts for every game and archives for each nationally broadcast game for those that have an NBA League Pass. It also adds new content for free users, however, including the Game Recaps, Team Video, Player Statistics, Team Rosters, and Team Statistics features previously only available to paid users.

Version 5.1 of NBA Game Time also includes alerts for live streaming videos and push notifications for League Pass subscribers.

NBA Game Time is available for free from the App Store now as separate downloads for iPhone and iPad.

What’s New in Version 5.1

Redesigned and Optimized for iOS7

Full support for the 2013-2014 NBA regular season

NBA League Pass subscribers will now be able to enjoy both the home and away TV broadcasts from every game.

NBA League Pass subscribers will now be able to enjoy archives from each nationally broadcast game.

Game Recaps from every game now free.

Team Video from every team now free.

Player Statistics, Team Rosters, and Team Statistics now free.

Live Video alerts let you know when we’re streaming press conferences and events live.

League Pass Push Notifications now let NBA League Pass users know when games they can watch get exciting.

Many performance improvements.

Google Hangouts for iOS adds outgoing and incoming voice calls through Google Voice

Mike Beasley Oct 18 2013 - 4:51 pm PT

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The Google Hangouts app for iPhone and iPad got a significant update to version 1.3 today. The update introduces Google Voice integration that allows incoming calls to your Google Voice number and outgoing calls to U.S. and Canadian numbers. Also included in the new version is the ability to see which friends are currently online, support for animated GIFs, and a fix to keep the app from stopping your music when a message comes in.

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

Redesigned iPhoto & Garageband iOS icons appear, indicate likely makeovers next week

Mark Gurman Oct 16 2013 - 8:00 pm PT

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Redesigned icons for iPhoto for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch and Garageband have appeared in the iCloud Storage Management function in the iOS Settings app. The new icons are simpler, flatter, and is designed with iOS 7’s new icon grid system in mind. They are a stark contrast from the colorful, 3D-like icons used in the current versions of the apps.

In line with the app redesigns for all of Apple’s bundled iOS 7 apps, it is likely that the new icon will come as a complement to a completely redesigned version of the iPhoto app. When Apple released iOS 7 last month, the designs to Apple’s App Store apps went noticeably unchanged. Besides iPhoto, Apple has a slew of other App Store apps (like iWork’s Pages, Numbers, and Keynote & iLife’s iMovie). However, there are yet to be any solid indications of redesigns for the other apps…

Square launches Square Cash, allowing money transfers between anyone through email

Mike Beasley Oct 15 2013 - 6:26 pm PT

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Square has just launched a new service called Square Cash, which allows quick money transfers between any two parties using through an email. Contrary to what you might be expecting, you don’t need to sign up or get all of your friends onto Square Cash to share funds. Instead, you just need to link a debit card to your account.

YouTube for iOS updated with ability to choose video quality on Wi-Fi, iOS 7 improvements

Jordan Kahn Oct 15 2013 - 2:59 pm PT

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YouTube has updated its app for iPhone and iPad today to version 2.2.0 and with it comes a few performance enhancements and new features.

One highly requested feature that YouTube is making available in the latest version of the iOS app is the ability to select video quality, much like you can on the full desktop website, while over WiFi.

The updated app also includes improvements for iOS 7 compatibility and Accessibility.

What’s New in Version 2.2.0

* Choose your video quality while on Wi-Fi
* Accessibility improvements
* iOS 7 compatibility improvements

Google Play Music ‘All Access’ for iOS reportedly landing this month following internal beta

Jordan Kahn Oct 3 2013 - 8:57 am PT

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Since first announcing its Google Play Music ‘All Access’ streaming service earlier this year on Android, Google has been delaying the release of an official Google Play Music app for iOS for unknown reasons. Android chief Sundar Pichai originally said the app would be out in “the next few weeks” in May, but four months later we’ve yet to get an iOS app or access to the $9.99 month streaming service on iOS. Today, Engadget reports that Google is continuing to test the app internally and will launch it later this month:

Sources aware of Google’s plans have let slip to Engadget that not only is the company currently testing a native Google Music iOS app internally, but that it’ll launch later this month. We’re told that while employees have been invited to test the app, Google still needs to fix a few bugs before it’s ready for release… The company had previously closed the door on iOS users because Flash was needed to enforce DRM restrictions set by music labels. Now, Google appears to have overcome that issue and is nearly ready to launch.

Until the official app from Google launches, popular third-party clients like the gMusic app have been updated to support the “All Access” streaming service.
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Paper by FiftyThree app now lets you create & order customized Moleskine books

Jordan Kahn Oct 1 2013 - 6:58 am PT

Paper by FiftyThree, the popular sketching and illustration app, today announced that it has teamed up with Moleskine to offer its users the ability to create and order customized 15-page Moleskin books directly from the app. The partnership with Moleskine means you’ll get a quality, hand-assembled 15-page foldout book on sustainable matte paper, but it also means you’ll have to hand over $40 USD in the process:
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App Store makes it easier for parents to find apps for their children with new Kids Category in iOS 7

Sarah Guarino Sep 19 2013 - 8:17 am PT

In iOS 7, Apple has made it easier for parents to find great age-appropriate, kid-friendly educational apps by gathering them all in one location. It’s currently being featured on the Featured page. Also you can find it by pressing on the blue word Categories in the upper left hand corner of the screen and then scroll down until you see Kids or click here. (ages 5 & under, ages 6-8 and ages 9-11).

By pressing on the Kids category the apps are split up based off the kids age. They have sections for ages 5 & under, ages 6-8 and ages 9-11.

There are even categories that cover key learning concepts like creating, shapes, colors, discovering the world, reading, music, and interactive books. To see them all, just swipe right to left on the boxes to view them all.

So parents, the next time you give your device to your children, you can now have them play with apps that are truly developed with them in mind and that are educational!

Apple confirms Cards app for iOS is discontinued, recommends iPhoto

Mark Gurman Sep 10 2013 - 5:54 pm PT

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We’ve received multiple tips indicating that Apple’s Cards app and service for iOS has stopped functioning. Cards was launched alongside the iPhone 4s in fall 2011 and served as an easy way for users to create custom-made letterpress cards and have them shipped to another person.

Apple has confirmed that Cards has been discontinued as of today:

Cards ordered before 1 PM Pacific time on September 10, 2013, will be delivered, and push notifications will continue to work. You can view your previous purchases by tapping Saved Cards in the app.

As a replacement, Apple recommends creating letterpress cards on iPhoto for Mac. Thanks, Zac Coffman!

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

Mark Gurman Sep 6 2013 - 7:20 pm PT

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Gurman Sep 5 2013 - 9:06 am PT

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

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

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

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

The update is available for free on the App Store.

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

Mark Gurman Sep 5 2013 - 8:29 am PT

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

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

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

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

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

Google launches app for iOS to set up Chromecast, manage settings

Mark Gurman Aug 27 2013 - 6:27 am PT

Google has released a new application for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to make it easier for users to setup and manage the Chromecast TV device.

• Set up your Chromecast to work with your Wi-Fi network
• Manage your Chromecast settings (such as changing your device name, Wi-Fi password, etc.)

The application is free on the App Store. The Google Chromecast is a device that plugs into a TV set via an HDMI port and allows users to stream content, such as YouTube and Netflix, from devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Update: Chromecast is currently available at Best Buy for $35 including the 3 months of Netflix (value $27)

YouTube for iOS gains video playback while searching, improved ChromeCast integration

Mark Gurman Aug 20 2013 - 10:07 am PT

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir1xdtIb-g0&feature=player_embedded

Google has announced an update for its YouTube for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch application that brings multiple new features. Notably, the app will now allow users to watch a video in the corner of the display while browsing and searching for other videos.

The app also gains support for viewing playlists and more content on mobile. Also new is deep integration with the ChromeCast:

The Cast button on YouTube already lets you send YouTube videos from your phone or tablet to your connected TV, like on Chromecast, Google TV, Playstation 3 and other TVs. To make it easier to choose what to watch next, you’ll see a preview screen when your devices are connected and you select a video, with options to play the video to queue it up to watch next.

The app update is available now on iTunes for iOS and is also available for Android.

How to enable the Google+ Photos Chrome app on Mac

Jordan Kahn Aug 18 2013 - 10:18 am PT

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Last month we reported that Google’s slick new “Google+ Photos” app that launched exclusively on the Chromebook Pixel could possibly be making its way to Mac. The proof came from a newly posted listing on the Chrome Web Store that made references to auto-uploading features specifically for OS X. Unfortunately, launching the app would give Mac users a “not supported on this platform” error message. While Google has yet to officially launch the Mac and PC versions of the Chrome app, there is a way to bypass the error message and enable the app now.
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WatchESPN app updated for iOS 7, adds ‘Live Toolbar’ that lets you stream two videos at once

Jordan Kahn Aug 15 2013 - 8:18 am PT

ESPN has updated its WatchESPN app for iOS today with a new feature called “Live Toolbar” that allows users to multitask while continuing to watch live programming. Rather than having to leave the live stream of whatever event you’re watching at the time, the new live toolbar will allow you to keep up with scores, browse upcoming events, and even watch video highlights or a second video stream. Perhaps the most notable new feature is the ability to watch a second video next to live programming when rotating the device into landscape mode:

Top Videos: Watch multiple things at once! Keep up with the latest news and highlights right alongside the live ESPN programming you’re watching. Rotate your device while watching two videos.

The new live toolbar feature is only rolling out to users on iPad and iPad mini, and will also let users “switch to additional ESPN programming without exiting the video” and follow scores of additional games while watching live programming.

Version 1.7 of the WatchESPN app also includes iOS 7 support, more events from “ESPN on ABC”, and ESPN3 access for users connecting from a college or military network.

Apple just recently added the watch ESPN service, alongside HBOGo and a handful of others, to the AppleTV.

What’s New in Version 1.7

Introducing the WatchESPN Live Toolbar on iPad! Now you can keep up with news, scores and on-demand video from your favorite sporting events while watching live programming on ESPN.

The live toolbar includes:
– Live TV Lineup: See what’s on ESPN’s networks and switch to additional ESPN programming without exiting the video.
– Scores: Follow additional games while watching your game on ESPN. Launch video highlights at the conclusion of an event (where available).
– Top Videos: Watch multiple things at once! Keep up with the latest news and highlights right alongside the live ESPN programming you’re watching. Rotate your device while watching two videos.

*The Live Toolbar is available on iPad and iPad Mini only.

Also new in 1.7:
– Users connecting from a college or military network now get access to ESPN3 events automatically!
– WatchESPN is now compatible with iOS7.
– “ESPN on ABC” events will now appear in the WatchESPN app. Selecting these events will bring you into the WatchABC app.

*WatchESPN 1.7 requires iOS 6 or above.

Apple’s new App review guidelines strengthen protection for children & clamp down on gambling

Ben Lovejoy Aug 15 2013 - 4:53 am PT

Apple has strengthened its App Review Guidelines to require greater protection of children under 13 years and to clamp down on gambling apps that involve real money.

Some of the changes were required in order to comply with tougher requirements in the newly-expanded Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prohibits apps from collecting personal data from children under 13 without ‘verifiable parental consent.’ Personal data initially meant name, address, phone numbers, email address and present location, but has now been expanded to include photos, video and audio. Apple has, however, gone further …
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Apple Store app now offering free book amid iBooks retail push

Mark Gurman Aug 12 2013 - 9:05 am PT

The iPhone Apple Store app has been updated over-the-air today to offer a free iBook download to customers. The book is Away in My Airplane by Margaret Wise Brown. According to a note sent to Apple retail employees today, the free book download is meant for employees to have context when discussing and pushing the iBooks app and iBookstore to customers.

As we reported last month, Apple will be pushing free content to the Apple Store app in order to entice customers to download the app. Apple Store employees are also instructed to ask new iOS Device customers to install the app. In turn, if more people have the Apple Store app on their devices, Apple could sell them more products.

The new book offer expires on August 28th, and it is exclusive to the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Sweden, according to an Apple employee.

As part of a general iBooks push, Apple started providing its retail employees with free book titles in order to boost familiarity of the service.

The Apple Store app received its first free piece of content in the form of the Color Zen iPhone app earlier this month.