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6,260 '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.

Google Hangouts iOS app updated with intelligent location sharing, status messages and more

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jan 6 2015 - 3:54 am PT
8 Comments
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Google has updated its text, video and voice messaging app Hangouts, adding all the new features added to the Android version last month – including intelligent, one-tap location sharing.

Google promised that it would be building more intelligence into the app, and the new location-sharing feature is the first step along that path. The app automatically detects when a contact in a text chat asks where you are, and allows you to share your location with a single tap … 
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9to5Mac’s CES 2015 sponsor Qardio offers first look at its new iPhone-connected health sensors

Avatar for Jeremy Horwitz Jan 5 2015 - 10:11 am PT
1 Comment
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It’s that time of year again: CES, the mega-event in Las Vegas where every company except Apple releases its upcoming product roadmap. 9to5 has six people on the ground this year, and we’re covering big ticket items, as well as searching for the sort of hidden gold nuggets only the massive CES can deliver.

Qardio, maker of award-winning, smartphone-connected healthcare accessories including the already-available QardioArm wireless blood pressure monitor, was nice enough to sponsor us this year. And we’ve just had a chance to see two seriously smart new products it’s releasing in the spring, as well as its software platform for delivering health data to doctors.


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9to5Toys Last Call: OtterBox iPhone 6/Plus cases $22+, MEElectronics headphones $11+, VIZIO 4K 55″ $1000, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Jan 5 2015 - 9:00 am 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:

Last Call Updates:

OtterBox iPhone 6/Plus cases in multiple styles and colors from $22 Prime shipped

Amazon Gold Box – up to 67% off select MEElectronics fitness and fashion headphones

VIZIO Smart 240Hz LED HDTVs: 55-inch 4K UHDTV $1,000 (Reg. $1,400), 50-inch $500 (Reg. $700)

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

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Apple transforms retail stores into art galleries for ‘Start Something New’ campaign

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jan 2 2015 - 8:28 am PT
9 Comments
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Following the launch of Apple’s “Start Something New” campaign on its website featuring artwork created on Mac and iOS devices, Apple is now transforming its retail stores into temporary art galleries showcasing art from the campaign.
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Apple increases iOS and Mac Developer Program pricing in EU countries to £79/€99

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jan 1 2015 - 11:57 am PT
10 Comments

Apple has quietly increased the cost of its iOS & Mac Developer Programs in some EU countries with price hikes confirmed for at least the UK and Germany. In Germany, the programs are up from the previous €80/year to €99/year, while in the UK pricing has been adjusted from £60/year to £79/year.

While the price increase is already live in at least the UK and Germany, pricing for the program in the US remains at $99/year.
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9to5Toys Lunch Break: Belkin 30% off sitewide, ZAGG iPad mini keyboard case $26, D-Link AC router $35, more

Avatar for Dec 31 2014 - 9:18 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:

Belkin 30% off sitewide: iPad Air 2 keyboard case $91, Thunderbolt 2 dock $210, WeMo Light switch $35, more

ZAGG Bluetooth keyboard case for iPad mini w/ backlit keys $26 shipped (orig. $100)

D-Link Wireless AC 1200 App-Enabled Dual-Band Broadband Router $35 shipped (orig. $140)

PSA: this is your last chance to get in on the official Xbox One price drop

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GoodReader app forced to remove some iCloud Drive features to comply with App Store policies (update: reversed!)

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Dec 31 2014 - 2:03 am PT
15 Comments
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Update: GoodReader 4.8.1 has now been released and the iCloud functionality has returned without explanation. It is unclear what prompted the reversal, although it is likely that Apple has once again backtracked on a public App Store decision.

Continuing the string of controversy regarding App Store approval in recent weeks, an update pushed through by GoodReader ($4.99, iPhone and iPad) earlier today shows that the company has been forced to remove some significant iCloud Drive features, in order to comply with iCloud Drive usage guidelines and remain in the App Store.

Specifically, the GoodReader update removes the ability to add folders, remove folders or move files around the iCloud Drive storage location. The update notes reference a ‘usage policy’, although it is unclear what document the company is referring to.


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9to5Toys Last Call: SanDisk memory cards up to 70% off, Klipsch KMC3 $155, Xbox One price drop ending, more

Avatar for Dec 30 2014 - 9:13 am 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:

Amazon Gold Box – up to 70% off SanDisk memory cards: microSD 32GB $13, 64GB $25, $128GB $90, more

Klipsch KMC3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker w/remote: $155 shipped (orig. $400)

PSA: this is your last chance to get in on the official Xbox One price drop

Giveaway: Henge Docks Gravitas iPhone 6/Plus dock made from solid zinc alloy ($69 value)

More new deals:

Last Call updates:

  • New! Samsung 11.6″ Chromebook 2 1.9GHz/4GB/16GB: $240 (Reg. $300)
  • New! Games/Apps: Nintendo 3DS XL $130 (Reg. $180+), iOS freebies, more
  • New! Daily Deals: Onkyo A/V Receiver: $255, Logitech speaker system w/sub: $29, more
  • New! Home: Cocktail Kingdom metal ice ball maker $83 (Reg. $150), more

More deals still alive:

New products/ongoing promos/info:

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9to5Toys Last Call: iOttie iPhone 6 car mount $14, Anker iPhone 6/Plus cases $7, Free App of the Week, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Dec 29 2014 - 2:17 pm 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:

Amazon Gold Box – up to 50% off iPhone 6 cases/mounts, iPad accessories, Bluetooth speakers, more

Anker Ultra Protective Case for iPhone 6 or 6 Plus $7 Prime shipped (orig. $40)

iTunes Free App of the Week – Icycle: On Thin Ice ($2.99 value)

Giveaway: Henge Docks Gravitas iPhone 6/Plus dock made from solid zinc alloy ($69 value)

iTunes year-end blowout: discounted HD movies/bundles, music, more

More new deals:

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Mac Starter Pack: unleash your iTunes gift card and upgrade your Mac with these great apps

Avatar for Zac Hall Dec 25 2014 - 6:00 am PT
8 Comments
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Let’s assume you unwrapped a brand new Mac this year (awesome!) or scored a ton of iTunes/iBooks/App Store credit (still awesome!) and you need ideas for awesome apps to buy and check out for your new MacBook or iMac. Tons of new apps have launched on the Mac this year and even more have added new features and remain essential. Below are some of my favorite Mac apps that I’ve used needed from time to time or even use daily and should give you a solid place to start whether your a brand new Mac user or Mac veteran looking to do more with your machine.
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The best iOS app sales/freebies for the holidays: GTA, Day One, Infinity Blade, Rayman, Tweetbot, Batman, many more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Dec 24 2014 - 6:23 am PT
7 Comments
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From 9to5Toys.com:

We have seen a massive selection of iOS apps and games go on sale over the past week or so. Now that Apple has locked price changes on the App Store until December 29th, we thought we would put together a master list of only the best apps on sale for the holidays.

You can grab iTunes gift cards for 15% off right now to get even deeper discounts on iOS apps, music and movies. Head below for the best iOS price drops of the season:


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9to5Toys Last Call: the best iOS app sales/freebies for the holidays, PlayStation 4 bundles from $350, much more

Avatar for Dec 23 2014 - 2:50 pm 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:

Updates:

Amazon Gold Box: Pioneer SC-1223-K 7.2-Channel AirPlay/MHL 4K A/V Receiver: $499 shipped ($600 off)

Daily Deals: iPhone 5c 32GB Unlocked (refurbished) $209, much more

Giveaway: Henge Docks Gravitas iPhone 6/Plus dock made from solid zinc alloy ($69 value)

iTunes year-end blowout: discounted HD movies/bundles, music, more

Speck CandyShell iPhone 6/Plus cases in multiple colors/styles from $17 Prime shipped (50% off)

Holiday Gift Guides:

More new deals:

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Facebook Messenger and Heads Up take top slots in Apple’s most popular iOS app lists

Avatar for Mike Beasley Dec 23 2014 - 2:40 pm PT
11 Comments
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Apple has released the list of this year’s most popular iOS apps, with Facebook’s Messenger app and Warner Bros.’ Heads Up! game taking the top spots on the free and paid charts, respectively. The freemium Clash of Clans was the top grossing app of 2014.

Social networks claimed all of the top five free spots, with Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram coming in behind Messenger. Between the main Facebook client, Messenger, and Instagram, the social networking company managed to capture the majority of the top five slots.


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Facebook launches ‘Stickered’ companion app for Messenger on iOS

Avatar for Mike Beasley Dec 22 2014 - 6:03 pm PT
12 Comments
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After moving the messaging component of its iOS client out into a separate app, Facebook has continued its pattern of breaking up the functionality of its software today by launching a new iOS application called Stickered.

The app launched a few days ago on Android, but only became available today for iOS users. It allows users to add stickers to photos from their camera roll, or overlay them directly on a live camera view before snapping a photo.


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9to5Toys Last Call: Speck iPhone 6/Plus cases 50% off, PlayStation 4 $329, Retina MacBook Pro $550 off, more

Avatar for Dec 22 2014 - 2:40 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:

Speck CandyShell iPhone 6/Plus cases in multiple colors/styles from $17 Prime shipped (50% off)

PlayStation 4 hits all-time price low of $329 in Walmart last-minute gift sale

  • Add-on! Best Buy Gamers Club Unlocked Membership, get 20% off all video games for 2-years: $30 shipped (70% off)

13″ Retina MacBook Pro 2.8GHz/8GB/512GB (late 2013) $1,449 (orig. $1,999)

Holiday Gift Guides:

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Apple Pay in-app checkout added to Ticketmaster, LoungeBuddy, more

Avatar for Zac Hall Dec 22 2014 - 8:49 am PT
6 Comments
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While retailers and venues have steadily been rolling out Apple Pay support for buying goods in the real world, Apple Pay is possibly even more popular with checking out for physical goods and services within apps. This week’s additions include Apple Pay in-app checkout support on iOS with Ticketmaster, LoungeBuddy, and more.
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Google+ iOS app adds higher resolution experience for iPhone 6/6 Plus Retina screens, more

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Dec 22 2014 - 8:01 am PT
0 Comments

Google today updated its Google+ app for iPhone and iPad adding support for the higher resolution screens on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

In addition to the Retina imagery for the new iPhones, the app gains a few new features for both iPhone and iPad users in addition to the usual performance improvements and bug fixes.

Other features in version 4.8.0 include the ability to “vote on polls from people and brands” and an option to share to Google+ through an iOS 8 extension (pictured right).

The updated Google+ app for iPhone and iPad is available on the App Store now.

A full changelog is below:

What’s New in Version 4.8.0

What’s New
• Retina HD resolution on iPhone 6 and 6+
• Vote on polls from people and brands
• Easily share to Google+ from your device
• Performance improvements and bug fixes

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Accidental iPhone developer gets handed lemons by life, makes lemonade

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Dec 22 2014 - 5:46 am PT
3 Comments

If there were prizes for turning a horrible experience into a positive one, Mark Major, a Reddit user who goes by the handle Kindlingapp, would have to win one. After breaking his back in a freak accident at a construction site, he decided to turn the experience into an iPhone game Plummet under the name Broken Back Games.

Seven years ago while in Beijng I had a freak accident.With no warning, I tumbled down a construction shaft and fractured my spine. My sole memory of the accident was the free falling plummet I had before hitting my head on the side. I woke  to find myself at the bottom of a construction shaft with a sore head, tight chest and the broken pieces of a wooden plank which I had crashed through during my plummet.

It was a second unpleasant experience – being made redundant – that gave him the time to pursue the project. He started with hand-drawn stick-man graphics then partnered with a Serbian designer and Romanian developer to turn the idea into the game based on his real-life fall.

Plummet is due out on 4th January, and you can sign up here to be reminded.

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9to5Toys Last Call: iPad Air 2 15% off, Samsung 40″ LED HDTV $298, Sony on-ear headphones from $8, more

Avatar for Dec 19 2014 - 3:45 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:

Get 15% off iPad Air 2 at Target stores

Samsung 40-inch 1080p 60Hz Slim LED HDTV: $298 shipped (Reg. $400)

Amazon Gold Box: Save up to 60% on Select Sony Headphones – prices as low as $8 (orig. $20)

Last Day: Four magazine subs for $16 incl. Wired, GQ, Rolling Stone, Men’s Fitness, ESPN, many more

Giveaway: Grado Prestige Series SR80e Open-Ear Headphones ($99 value)

More new deals:

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Holiday Gift Guides:

Savage Interactive debuts Procreate Pocket, bringing iPad illustration tools to larger-screened iPhones

Avatar for Jeremy Horwitz Dec 19 2014 - 9:50 am PT
6 Comments
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Demonstrating the types of apps that will increasingly migrate from Apple’s tablets to its larger iPhone 6 models, Savage Interactive has released Procreate Pocket ($3), a shrunken-down version of its signature iPad app Procreate. Widely admired for its professional-grade drawing tools, Procreate previously enabled tablet users to compose multi-layer illustrations using numerous brushes and a mistake-friendly, multi-layer Undo tool.
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Bing iOS apps updated with refreshed homescreens; iPad gets instant translation within the app

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Dec 19 2014 - 4:21 am PT
0 Comments

Microsoft’s search engine Bing has updated its iPad app to offer instant translation of webpages, and the ability to display trending stories and the image of the day in the Notification Center. The app could previously translate via a Safari extension, but can now do so within the app.

The iPhone app also got a visual refresh, with a swipe-up ‘popular now’ tab at the bottom and the ability to swipe through a choice of background images for the app’s homescreen.

Bing and Yahoo are both reportedly making a bid to become the default search engine for iOS when Google’s contract expires next year.

Both iPhone and iPad apps are a free download from iTunes.

Via TNW

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9to5Toys Last Call: iTunes gift cards via email 15% off, iOttie iPhone 6/Plus car mount + charger $22, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Dec 18 2014 - 3:12 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:

$100 iTunes gift card for $85 w/ email delivery from PayPal (15% savings)

iOttie Easy One Touch 2 iPhone 6/Plus Car Mount + Dual-Port USB Car Charger: $22 shipped (up to $50 value)

Enjoy free shipping today with delivery by Christmas Eve from hundreds of online retailers


Mac Desktops: iMac 5K $200 off, Mac Pro up to $800 off, Mac mini up to $150 off

Giveaway: Grado Prestige Series SR80e Open-Ear Headphones ($99 value)

More new deals:

More deals still alive:

New products/ongoing promos/info:

Holiday Gift Guides: