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6,261 'Apps' stories April 2010 - January 2015
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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.

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

Avatar for Jan 14 2015 - 9:00 am PT
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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: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ 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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Apple TV adds official Cricket Australia channel down under

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jan 14 2015 - 7:20 am PT
2 Comments

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

Avatar for Zac Hall Jan 14 2015 - 6:30 am PT
2 Comments
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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

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jan 14 2015 - 6:16 am PT
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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

Avatar for Jan 13 2015 - 9:33 am PT
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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: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

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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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Facebook adding AMBER Alerts to its mobile apps and web

Avatar for Zac Hall Jan 13 2015 - 6:52 am PT
21 Comments
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Facebook shared its latest safety initiative today with a new feature focused on rescuing missing children. Through a partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Facebook will now include AMBER Alerts in the timeline of its users boosting exposure of the critical information needed in such cases.
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AllCast media streaming app makes it to iOS, works with Apple TV, Roku, Xbox, FireTV and more

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jan 13 2015 - 4:42 am PT
7 Comments
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[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k_NLVrbxss]

The AllCast media streaming app–which allows photos, music and video to be beamed from a mobile device to an Apple TV, Roku, Xbox, FireTV and a range of smart TVs–has now made it to iOS, following the release of the Android app last month (shown in the above video). It’s compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and is optimized for iPhone 5 and up.

The app works in a very similar way to the Chromecast stick–or, as the developer puts it, “no setup necessary, it just works like magic” … 
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Apple defends against EU 14-day refund abuse with App Store alert for customers with excessive refunds on file

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Jan 13 2015 - 2:27 am PT
32 Comments
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Last week, we reported on a flaw with the EU’s new no-questions-asked 14-day refund policy that meant customers could effectively get paid apps for free, as refunding the app does not delete it from customers’ devices.

In response, Apple has adjusted its App Store purchases slightly for customers who have an excessive number of refunds on file. This means people with a track record of refunding purchase effectively lose the right to refund their purchase.


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British prime minister says he’ll ban encrypted chat apps if he can’t see your messages

Avatar for Mike Beasley Jan 12 2015 - 3:15 pm PT
64 Comments
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For several months we’ve followed the U.S. government’s attempts to work around encryption in chat apps, even taking the hyperbole to an illogical extreme at one point, but we haven’t yet seen similar threats from other nations… or at least, we hadn’t until today.

British prime minister David Cameron said today that unless the government is given backdoor access to encrypted messaging services, he’s just going to outlaw them:


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CBS News app for iOS overhauled with 24/7 streaming live video

Avatar for Mark Gurman Jan 12 2015 - 1:40 pm PT
3 Comments

CBS News today released an overhauled version of its iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch application. Besides the new, starker design, there are some notable additions like 24/7 streaming video via CBSN and push notifications. Here are all of the release notes:

• CBS News has been completely redesigned and is now a single iOS 8 compatible universal app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
• Now featuring CBSN: a 24/7 streaming video news channel that features original CBS News reporting, live anchored coverage and on-demand news segments.
• Easy to use, customizable pop-out navigation, bigger story headlines, adjustable font sizes in news stories and better support for related stories, videos and galleries within the story view.
• Categorized news headline lists now include the “Quick Read” feature allowing users to read more than the headline before deciding to tap on the full article.
• Expanded video offering from the CBS News programs, now includes more show subcategories and complete 60 Minutes segments and 48 Hours episodes from the current week’s shows.
• New, gorgeous full screen photo galleries.
• Expanded In-Depth coverage for large, complex, or constantly evolving stories.
• Latest business headlines and market info from CBS MoneyWatch.
• Share interesting stories with your friends and family via email, Facebook, or Twitter.
• Breaking news push notifications.

CBSN, the aforementioned streaming network, was added to the Apple TV back in November. The app update is free on the App Store.


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9to5Toys Last Call: Retina iMac w/ AppleCare $2,299, Samsung 50″ Smart LED HDTV $650, Razer up to 50% off, more

Avatar for Jan 12 2015 - 9:30 am PT
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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: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

Apple 13.3″ MacBook Air (newest version) 1.4GHz/4GB/128GB: $850 or $800 w/ .edu (Reg. $999)

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is IGN’s free iOS game of the month ($4.99 value)

Brother Monochrome Laser Printer $55 shipped (orig. $120)

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

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Apple adds Games for Kids sub-section to App Store in ‘5 and under’, ‘6-8’ and ‘9-11’ groupings

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jan 12 2015 - 5:34 am PT
2 Comments
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Following the dedicated Kids section added to the App Store back in 2013, Apple has now added a Games for Kids sub-section. Like its parent category, Apple has split it out into three different age ranges: 5 and under, 6-8 and 9-11.

Apple is also featuring the free book Family Time with Apps in the new section, created by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center to “help parents better understand the variety of ways that apps can support children’s healthy development and family learning, communication and connection” … 
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French app to show support for Je Suis Charlie campaign approved in one hour after contacting Tim Cook

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jan 12 2015 - 4:35 am PT
15 Comments
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As iOS developers will know, it can take a while to get a new iPhone app approved, with one online tracker showing that the average time is currently around ten days. The developers of a free app enabling people to express support for the Je Suis Charlie campaign following the terrorist attack in France didn’t want to wait. French news agency Nice-Matin emailed Tim Cook to request an expedited review, an assistant replied ten minutes later promising a review within the hour, and the app is now online.

Literally translated as “I am Charlie,” the phrase voices support for freedom of speech and a refusal to be silenced by terrorists …


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9to5Toys Lunch Break: iPad Air 2 16GB WiFi $99 off, Dragon Dictate for Mac 4 $80, Free App of the Week, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Jan 9 2015 - 10:13 am PT
1 Comment

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: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Apple 16GB iPad Air 2 WiFi (silver or gold): $400 shipped ($99 off)

Amazon Gold Box: Save up to 65% off Dragon Naturally Speaking Software, Mac version $80 (Reg. $200)

iTunes Free App of the Week: MUJO ($1.99 value)

Review: SmartThings offers an open and flexible home automation experience with a few caveats

More new deals:

  • New! ASUS routers: AC1750 refurb $90, new $120, N150 $5 w/ MIR, more
  • New! Daily Deals: Sennheiser BT headset $80, LifeProof nüüd case iPad 2/3/4 $38, more
  • New! Games/Apps: Borderlands GOTY for Mac $10, Motocross Elite free, more
  • New! Lexar USB Flash Drives: 32GB TwistTurn $10, 64GB $20 with free Prime shipping
  • New! Magazine subs from $4.75 per year: ESPN w/ dig, Men’s Health, Fast Company,
  • New! Home: Philips Norelco Electric Razor $70, Sunbeam heated blankets from $30, more

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The fundamental flaw with EU 14-day refunds: you keep the app forever

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Jan 9 2015 - 7:42 am PT
62 Comments
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A week ago, Apple introduced 14-day no-questions-asked refunds in the EU for iTunes Store and App Store content. This means that, without the need for a reason, any Apple customer in Europe can get their money back for (primarily) app purchases in 5-7 days time. That’s how it is described, at least.

This opens up some possibilities for abuse. For instance, if you complete a game within two weeks, then you can get your money back and end up paying nothing. As a developer, I tested this out myself. It turns out there is an even bigger problem. At least, right now, when the refund is processed, the app continues to work. You get the app for free, forever.


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Higher European app store pricing takes effect in line with earlier email to developers

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jan 9 2015 - 4:46 am PT
23 Comments
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Update: It appears subscriptions through iTunes (like magazines) that saw price increases have seen the auto-renew function disabled, a 9to5Mac reader reports, likely to avoid a higher subscription rate being charged, although users have not yet been notified of the change.

Apple has increased the prices of apps in all countries in the European Union in line with the email sent to developers a couple of days ago. Apple has made the move in response to shifts in currency exchange rates and varying tax rules.

Prices are also being increased in Norway and Russia, though Icelandic residents will see a price cut … 
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Everyone’s favorite sadistic artificial intelligence is back to shame your diet with Carrot Hunger

Avatar for Mike Beasley Jan 8 2015 - 5:04 pm PT
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You all remember Carrot, right? The sadistic, sarcastic artificial intelligence that powers a series of productivity and fitness applications? Well, Carrot’s back with a few new tricks up her sleeve (and possibly some deadly neurotoxin, but who knows?) in a brand new calorie-tracking app called Carrot Hunger.


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Finish to-do list manager updated to version 3.0, drops in-app cost and goes completely free

Avatar for Mike Beasley Jan 8 2015 - 10:00 am PT
4 Comments

Apple Design Award-winning to-do list manager Finish was updated to version 3.0 today, and while the new version doesn’t introduce any additional functionality to the app, it will enable several existing features for even more users. In the previous version of the app, limits were placed on which features were available for free, with a $1.99 in-app purchase unlocking the rest.

With today’s update, Finish has gone fully free. The in-app “Finish More” purchase has been removed and the entire feature set is available for all users to take advantage of. App designer Ryan Orbuch says he’s hoping the change will allow more high school students to get things done.

You can grab Finish from the iOS App Store. (Note: The app is rolling out slowly but should be available soon.)

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9to5Toys Last Call: DJI Quadcopter $379, Canon Printer w/ AirPrint/Adobe Elements $98, Sony BT over-ears $80, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Jan 8 2015 - 9:03 am PT
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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: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

DJI Phantom 1.1.1 Quadcopter with GoPro Mount $379 shipped (Reg. $479)

Canon Wireless Photo All-in-One Inkjet Printer w/ AirPrint + Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 $98 shipped ($239 value)

Headphones:

Review: SmartThings offers an open and flexible home automation experience with a few caveats

More new deals:

  • New! Games/Apps: 3DS XL NES Edition $170, Xbox LIVE 1-yr Gold $40, iOS freebies, more
  • New! NETGEAR 2-in-1 WiFi Router/DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem $95 (Reg. $150)
  • New! Three-pack Western Digital 3TB 3.5″ Red NAS hard drives: $300 shipped (orig. $600)
  • New! Daily Deals: Klipsch in-ears $39, 2-packMFi Lightning cables: $12, more
  • New! Gaming For Couples: Monopoly Plus, or, if at first you don’t succeed, try again

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS2Ka4TeZV4

Apple announces new App Store records, says New Year’s Day biggest sales day in history

Avatar for Zac Hall Jan 8 2015 - 8:12 am PT
3 Comments
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Apple shared new numbers for the App Store today announcing that last week set a new record for App Store billings. According to the company, customers have spent almost $500 million dollars through app and in-app purchases over the App Store through the first week in January.. In addition to the company’s App Store record announcement, Apple has presented a new microsite focused on its job creation efforts.


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EFF takes issue with Apple’s developer agreement, refuses to launch mobile app for iOS

Avatar for Mike Beasley Jan 7 2015 - 4:23 pm PT
41 Comments
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EFF app for Android

The Electronic Frontier Foundation has released an app for Android devices, but announced today that it has no plans to bring the software to Apple’s iOS platform. The reason, the organization said, is that it simply cannot agree to Apple’s developer agreement.

The EFF specifically called out six points in the document that it took issue with, although it noted that there were even more problems it didn’t have the space to mention. The complaints aren’t new—many of them date back to 2010—but it seems the foundation is determined once again to make its points heard.


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9to5Toys Last Call: 13″ Retina MacBook Pro late 2013 $1000 w/MIR, Seagate 5TB HDD $130, iPhone 6/Plus case $2, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Jan 7 2015 - 3:25 pm PT
0 Comments

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: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro w/ Retina display 2.4GHz/4GB/128GB (late 2013) $1,000 w/ MIR (Reg. $1,300)

Seagate 5TB Backup Plus USB 3.0 External Desktop Hard Drive $130 shipped (Reg. $160)

iPhone 6/Plus Ultra Thin TPU Case (multiple colors) for $2 shipped

Review: SmartThings offers an open and flexible home automation experience with a few caveats

More new deals:

More deals still alive:

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9to5Toys Last Call: VIZIO 4K 50″ $800, JBL Lightning speaker/dock $109, 2,400 classic DOS games free, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Jan 6 2015 - 2:32 pm PT
0 Comments

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: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Update:

VIZIO 50-inch 240Hz Smart LED 4K UHDTV $800 shipped (Reg. $1,000)

JBL OnBeat Venue LT Bluetooth speaker w/ Lightning dock $109 shipped (orig. $240)

The Internet Archive steps up its game by offering nearly 2,400 MS-DOS classic titles for free

CES 2015:

Samsung portable SSD T1: smaller than a business card + 100 times faster than a traditional HDD
DISH brings Sling TV with ESPN, TNT, TBS and more to a myriad of streaming devices for just $20

Review: SmartThings offers an open and flexible home automation experience with a few caveats

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