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Learn about the latest news for iOS, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV apps

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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9to5Toys Last Call: The Interview comes to Netflix, Kensington iPad Air keyboard case $35, NBA League Pass free week, 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: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

Sling Media SlingBox 350 live TV streamer $70 shipped (orig. $180)

Kensington KeyFolio Pro Plus Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard case for iPad Air: $35 Prime shipped (orig. $90)

Free week of NBA League Pass for iOS, Android, Apple TV, more

Belkin Loft MacBook Stand $32 Prime shipped (Reg. $50)

Small States: Paper by FiftyThree pursues the new digital American Dream, multiple giveaways

More new deals:

  • New! Logitech PowerShell Controller for iPhone 5/5s $18 shipped (Reg. up to $60)
  • New! Games/Apps: Week Calendar goes free (Reg. $2), iOS freebies, more
  • New! Daily Deals: iPad Air 16GB WiFi: $350, Withings activity/heart rate monitor: $80, more
  • New! Three-pack Seagate 1.5TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drives $180 (orig. $240)more
  • New! Headphones: Sennheiser HD 518 over-ears $70 (Reg. $130), Velodyne vFree wireless on-ears w/ mic $40 (Reg. $80+)

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Review: MacID, the app that lets you unlock your Mac using Touch ID on your iPhone

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[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuDa0pzmMP0]

No sooner did we get Touch ID on our iPhones than it started to feel horribly old-fashioned and tedious to have to login to our Macs by typing in a password. Apple will no doubt add Touch ID sensors to Macs soon I imagine, but if you can’t wait that long–or don’t want to have to lay out the cash on a new Mac–there’s an app for that.

MacID is a $4 app allowing your iPhone to unlock your Mac via Bluetooth LE. As you can see from the above video, once you’ve performed the setup, unlocking your Mac is as simple as selecting the device on your iPhone and then placing a finger or thumb on the Touch ID sensor …


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LastPass password manager debuts on Mac w/ offline support, security check feature, more

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Smart password and security techniques are becoming increasingly important in our digital lives as new hacks seem to appear all the time, and having a unique and secure password (unlike these) helps ensure that your online identity is safe in the event of such a compromise.

LastPass, a cross platform secure digital vault app, is helping Mac users tackle the password management problem with the debut of its new Mac app. Previously only available for Mac as a browser extension and web portal, the new LastPass for Mac app brings new features to the desktop including quick search, security check, and more.
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Apple reminds developers once again of upcoming 64-bit requirement for iOS apps

Apple has issued what will likely be the final reminder for developers building iOS software about the upcoming changes to requirements for new app submissions. Starting on February 1st, all new apps submitted to the App Store must include 64-bit support and be built using the iOS 8 SDK.

Existing apps already in the store won’t be removed if they don’t meet the standard, but starting in June, any further updates submitted for those apps will need to comply.

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Screenshots show Google’s upcoming Calendar iPhone app w/ Gmail, Photos, & Maps integration

It appears that Google could soon release its promised redesigned Calendar app for iPhone after first making the announcement and releasing the app for Android last November. The Next Web this morning shared a handful of leaked screenshots that provide a first look at Google Calendar for iOS, including info cards that indicate Gmail, Photos and Maps integration will be key features of the app.
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9to5Toys Last Call: Belkin MacBook stand $32, Insignia 50″ HDTV $350, SwissGear laptop backpack $40, more

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Belkin Loft MacBook Stand $32 Prime shipped (Reg. $50)

HDTVs: VIZIO 65-inch 4K $1,500 (Reg. $2,200), Insignia 50-inch 1080p $350 (Reg. $500), more

SwissGear laptop backpack $40 shipped (orig. $120), other styles 40% or more off

Last Call updates:

  • Break is exclusively streaming 200 Lionsgate movies for free
  • Free week of NBA League Pass for iOS, Android, Apple TV, more
  • $100 iTunes Gift Card for $87 shipped
  • Transcend JetDrive 240GB SSD Upgrade Kits for MacBook Air & Retina Pro: $169
  • Home: Braava 380t Mopping Robot $240 shipped (Reg. $300), more
  • Speakers: Pioneer Floorstanding Pair $120 (orig. $200), Klipsch Outdoor $130 (orig. $350)
  • The Myo armband that lets you control your favorite devices with hand gestures is set to go mainstream

Logitech K480 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard and iPad/iPhone stand $30 w/ in-store pick up (Reg. $50) * Just sold out, sorry about that*

Small States: Paper by FiftyThree pursues the new digital American Dream, multiple giveaways

The iMacompanion is the front USB Port your iMac deserves (15% off)

More new deals:

More deals still alive:

Software bundles/app deals/more:

New products/ongoing promos/info:

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the brand new 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

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Sid Meier’s Starships, a new interstellar strategy game, heads to Mac & iPad early this year

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgCt3zWkxCg]

2K and developer Firaxis today announced Sid Meier’s Starships, a new interstellar strategy game arriving early this year on Mac, iPad and PC. The game extends the sci-fi universe introduced last year in Civilization: Beyond Earth, the latest title in Sid Meier’s Civilization series.

The Starships press release describes gameplay as taking “the role of a fleet commander after the age of the Seeding, and tasking them to lead their starships across the universe to defend planets against various enemies, grow their empire, and usher in a new age of peace in the galaxy.” That includes turn-based combat with customizable starships and dynamically generated missions.

Not only will Starships borrow from the universe of Civilization: Beyond Earth, but players with both games will also find integration between the two that 2K says “will enhance and expand the depth of both game experiences.”

“When designing Starships, I was intrigued by the idea of exploring the next chapter in the story of Civilization: Beyond Earth. What happens after we colonize our new home and eventually build starships to take to the stars? What has become of our long-lost brothers and sisters from the planet Earth?” said Sid Meier, director of creative development at Firaxis Games. “My goal was to create an experience that focuses on starship design and combat within a universe filled with interstellar adventure, diplomacy, and exploration.”

2K says the game will arrive sometime in early 2015 for Mac, PC and iPad. Screenshots are below:

iOS developers share their earnings, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way

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If you write iOS apps and wonder how your earnings compare against those of other developers – or you have an idea for an app, and are wondering whether it’s worth pursuing – it can be tough to find any hard information. We hear occasional stories about hugely successful apps like Flappy Bird making hundreds of thousands of dollars per day, and we know there are some apps with literally zero downloads to their name, but what about the middle ground?

Jared Sinclair, developer of the RSS reader Unread, decided last year to share both his earnings from the app, and the lessons he’d learned along the way. It’s taken six months, but several other developers started the new year by following his example, with numbers and lessons shared for podcast player Overcast, graphical game Monument Valley and developer aid Dash … 
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Kickstarter iOS app updated w/ new design and iPad support

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Almost a year after shipping its iPhone app, Kickstarter has released version 2.0 which includes full iPad support for the crowdfunding service’s app as well as a new design using a card interface for projects. As with the iPhone version, Kickstarter says its iPad app helps users find new projects to back and keep up with updates on projects you follow, now only bigger with the tablet…
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9to5Toys Last Call: 2-pack Anker iPhone 6/Plus cases $10, Sennheiser in-ears $40, Free App of the Week, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the brand new 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

Anker iPhone 6/6 Plus Accessories: 2 Cases + Screen Protector $10, more

Sennheiser MM70S universal in-ear headphones w/ mic & remote $40 shipped (Reg. $72+), more

iTunes Free App of the Week: Marvel Pinball ($1 value)

The iMacompanion is the front USB Port your iMac deserves (15% off)

Apple-certified MFi 3.3ft Lightning USB Cable: $7 Prime shipped, more

LAST CHANCE!!! – Small States: Bison Made crafts heirloom quality iPhone 6 wallets and other men’s accessories

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Amazon renames Cloud Drive Photos app, adds iPhone 6/6+ support, full-res downloads, more

Amazon has released an update to its Cloud Drive Photos app introducing a new name alongside iPhone 6/6 Plus support and new features. The updated, now called “Amazon Photo,” also includes support for full resolution photo downloads, iPad landscape support, and more.

Full resolution photo downloads – You can now download your photos to your device in full resolution so you no longer have to worry about losing details when you print your downloaded photos or display them on a larger screen… Improved iPad Landscape support – Navigate through the app without ever needing to switch back to Portrait mode.

In addition, version 3.3.0 of the app includes duplicate photo detection that will detect matches and avoid uploading duplicates, and a new “report problems” feature directly through the app.

The updated Amazon Photo app is available on the App Store now.

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Things for iOS updated with Notification Center widget, improved inter-app functionality

Cultured Code released an update for its Things to-do list manager on iPhone and iPad today that added support for a Notification Center widget. The new plugin allows users to keep a list of reminders in the Today view, mark off completed tasks, or quickly access a shortcut for creating new to-dos.

The widget pulls its data from the app’s Today list, and can also let you know which items will be due soon so you can prioritize your activities.

The update also adds a new URI scheme that enables developers working on other apps to integrate their software easily with Things.

You can grab the iPhone version of Things for $9.99 on the App Store. The iPad version is available separately for $19.99.

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9to5Toys Last Call: iPad Leather Smart Covers $15, WD 2TB desktop HDD $65, iPhone 6 ultra-slim case $1, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the brand new 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

Apple iPad Leather Smart Covers for iPad 2/3/4 (variety of colors) $15 shipped (orig. $70)

Daily Deals: WD 2TB My Book External HD $65, Klipsch/Bose headphones from $30, Logitech wireless keyboard $18more

iPhone 6 Ultra-slim matte cases in a variety of colors: $1 shipped (up to 8 weeks shipping)

Apple-certified MFi 3.3ft Lightning USB Cable: $7 Prime shipped, more

Small States: Bison Made crafts heirloom quality iPhone 6 wallets and other men’s accessories

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Touching the dial: How iTunes Radio could be tuned for a better user experience

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iTunes Radio, Apple’s first real foray into streaming music, made its public debut back in June 2013, where it was announced alongside iOS 7. Over a year since its release, the service hasn’t exactly taken over the world, quite literally. It’s still only available in the United States and Australia. If you compared iTunes Radio today with iTunes Radio as it existed the day it was first available to use, you’ll notice that not much has really changed.

Of course, just last May, Apple announced its acquisition of Beats Electronics, which brought along with it Beats Music, a robust and almost entirely different approach to streaming music. While Apple may seek to integrate Beats Music more tightly with iTunes in the future, at this time it hasn’t.

So in the meantime, what could Apple do to make iTunes Radio more appealing to customers? Some might say the music selection is limited, or that streaming doesn’t always work correctly. However, focusing on the service strictly from a feature standpoint, there are many small changes and additions Apple could implement that would have a huge impact on the usefulness and utility of iTunes Radio. Let’s take a look.


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Opinion: Could there be method in Apple’s apparent madness in removing freebies?

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I was extremely surprised when Apple made the decision to drop its Single of the Week, after doing the same thing with its 12 Days of Christmas promo. As I wrote then, the free single seemed a win-win-win: consumers got free music, lesser-known artists got exposure, Apple got the goodwill that stems from giving away free stuff.

But thinking more about it, perhaps there is method in Apple’s madness after all. Let’s start with the obvious point: the company is about to launch an Apple-branded Beats Music service, and it would then make sense to say that this, not iTunes freebies, is the way to discover new music.

But it’s not just music: 12 Days of Christmas was content of all types, apps included, so I think there could be a bigger picture here. Bear with me while I make that case in a slightly roundabout fashion …


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Logitech announces Harmony API, begins accepting applications for beta access

Logitech has announed a new API for developers that will allow them to integrate their software with the many smart home devices supported by the Harmony system. There are currently over 270,000 different automation products and services that work with the Harmony API.

The API will enable the creation of new control platforms that let users carry out automated tasks using voice control, gestures, and more. Many developers have already been granted beta access, and others who would like to give the system a try can request access by emailing the company. The full press release is available below.

Logitech Harmony Opens Largest Library of Home Entertainment and Smart Home Products to Developers

New Harmony API Empowers Developers To Build Exceptional Home Control Experiences

NEWARK, Calif. — Jan. 14, 2014 — Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced the availability of a new Harmony API that allows developers to leverage the vast Logitech Harmony platform of more than 270,000 home entertainment and automation devices to create smart home experiences. Select companies and products including SmartThings, IFTTT, Ivee, Myo armband, Playtabase, and UCIC, creators of the Ubi, have already begun development using the API to bring new home control experiences to the Harmony home.
“We know that entertainment is critical to the smart home experience, and will be a main driver for mass adoption of smart home products,” said Mark Spates, head of the smart home platform for Logitech Harmony. “By opening our platform to developers, we’re giving developers the ability to create complete smart home experiences that include the living room, knowing that their entertainment component will offer the same flawless experience that consumers have come to expect from Harmony.”
The Harmony API gives developers access to some of Harmony’s most powerful features — one-touch Activities such as “Watch a Movie”, “Play Games” and “Listen to Music”. Imagine starting your favorite movie with a wave of your arm, or turning on your TV, media player, and sound system while simultaneously lowering the lights all by saying a single word. Using the API, developers are already working to add voice, gesture and motion control to the Harmony smart home control experience.
Availability
The Harmony API is available now and can be found at www.myharmony.com/developer. To learn more, please visit www.myharmony.com, or read our blog.

About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech’s combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

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Google Maps for iOS gains restaurant filters, weather info, and more in new update

Google today released an update for its iOS mapping application. The latest build, version 4.2.0, allows users to filter their restaurant searches by the type of food offered, get global weather reports, and add transit directions to your phone’s calendar. You can also add pins to the origin and destination during navigation.

There are, of course, other miscellaneous “bug fixes” that have been applied. The free update is available from the iOS App Store.

What’s New in Version 4.2.0
• Filter searches for restaurants by cuisine type
• See current weather information for cities around the world
• Drop a pin for your starting and destination points in directions and navigation
• Add transit directions to your calendar
• Bug fixes

Google rolling out updated Drive app for Mac w/ new status menu & bandwidth control

Google is rolling out an updated version of its Google Drive app for Mac and PC this week with a few handy new features. First, you’ll find (as you can see above) that Google has updated the status menu to show much more information than before. Now, you can see the files that are being synced up to the cloud as well as a check mark next to them that will appear as they do so. The app will also make it clear which files are currently syncing and which files are yet to be synced. Additionally, hovering over an item will let you share it straight from the menu.


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Google releases Classroom mobile app for iPhone and iPad

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2fC7yrj984]

Google announced today that it’s releasing mobile apps for its Google Classroom service for both Android and iOS devices. The company officially launched Classroom to its Apps for Education customers in the US during the summer offering them a web-based platform for planning lessons, handing out assignments, and working alongside students. Teachers and students will now be able to access those features from mobile devices through the new apps and Google is also adding a could of new features to the platform.

In addition to a new teacher assignments page and archiving functions for Classroom, Google notes that the mobile apps will let users snap a photo to share or attach to assignments, share content from other apps, and access content cached for offline viewing.

Snap a photo: Right from the assignment page in the mobile app, students can snap a photo and attach it to their assignment — whether it’s the experiment they just did for a science class, or a drawing they made of their family tree. And if they’ve forgotten their homework, they can ask someone at home to snap a photo, text it and then turn it in with the app. Of course, if the dog has actually eaten it, Classroom can’t help you.

The new Google Classroom apps are available on Google Play and the App Store now as well as on the Google Play for Education store.

9to5Toys Last Call: LifeProof iPhone 6 cases 26% off, D-Link iOS WiFi camera $25, new 3DS XL preorders, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the brand new 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

LifeProof frē waterproof iPhone 6 case in multiple colors: $59 shipped (26% off)

Wireless Surveillance Cameras: D-Link $25 shipped (orig. $120), TRENDnet $50 shipped (Reg. $70)more

New Nintendo 3DS XL arrives Feb. 13 for $200-$230, Super Mario Series + Wave 4 Amiibo coming

Apple-certified MFi 3.3ft Lightning USB Cable: $8, 5 ft: $7 Prime shipped

Small States: Bison Made crafts heirloom quality iPhone 6 wallets and other men’s accessories

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Image from Sole Collector

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Apple TV adds official Cricket Australia channel down under

Apple TV users in Australia are receiving new content today with the launch of Cricket.com.au on the platform. Cricket Australia, the governing body for professional and amateur cricket in Australia, made the announcement today noting that the channel will be free and offer the “latest videos as well as highlights from the archive.”

Cricket Australia on Apple TV will give fans free and immediate access to the latest news and features, extended highlights from every day of international cricket played in Australia this summer, as well as rare footage from the archives that showcase some of Australia’s most famous cricketing clashes… Cricket fans will also enjoy unique feature videos that go behind the scenes of Australian cricket and get closer to current stars and legends, like Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist. Fans will also find cricket skills tutorials from the likes of George Bailey, Nathan Lyon and Ellyse Perry.

Apple TV users should be able to access the new Cricket Australia channel starting today. The press release says the app is entirely free but doesn’t specify whether or not users might be required at some point to purchase one of the service’s streaming subscriptions that usually cost $5/month or $30/year.

Last summer Apple TV users in the US also received access to cricket content through sports broadcaster Willow TV, the Official Broadcaster of Cricket in the United States and Canada. That channel, however, requires a $15/month subscription for access to most content.

Skype for iPhone updated with UI improvements, limited pre-release program now available

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Microsoft is rolling out a new version of Skype for iPhone today, version 5.9, which brings enhancements to the user interface making communicating faster and easier. The latest version adds contact suggestions to the dial pad when entering a number making the process of finding the right person to dial quicker. The update also adds shortcuts for starting video or audio calls from Skype’s chat picker window.

In addition to introducing the latest Skype for iPhone user interface improvements, Microsoft announced a limited pre-release program for testing early versions of Skype in exchange for sharing feedback and ideas…
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Google rolling out major update to Google Translate iOS app with Word Lens and near-realtime conversation translation

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Google has announced that it will shortly be rolling out a new version of its Google Translate iOS app, with two significant enhancements.

First, it is replacing the existing camera-based text translation with the far slicker Word Lens system. Google acquired Word Lens back in May of last year with this upgrade in mind. If you haven’t ever tried it, this was the app that brought home to me the truth of the Arthur C Clarke saying that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

The near-instant augmented reality translation of signs and menus from any one of French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish–without needing an Internet connection–still makes me boggle every time I use it …


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9to5Toys Last Call: 5′ MFi Lightning cable $7, Retina iMac w/ AppleCare $2,299, software bundles, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the brand new 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

Image from Sole Collector

Apple-certified MFi 3.3ft Lightning USB Cable: $8, 5 ft: $7 Prime shipped

Apple 27-inch iMac w/ Retina 5K display + AppleCare $2,299 shipped ($2,668 value)

Software bundles/app deals/more:

Small States: Bison Made crafts heirloom quality iPhone 6 wallets and other men’s accessories

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