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6,254 'Apps' stories April 2010 - November 2014
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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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Apple seeds Xcode 6.1.1 GM to developers w/ fixes for Swift & more

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Nov 14 2014 - 12:31 pm PT
4 Comments

Apple today seeded Xcode 6.1.1 GM (build 6A2006) to developers ahead of a public release. The release includes a number of fixes for Apple’s new Swift programming language, Interface Builder, Xcode Server, and more.

Version 6.1.1 follows Apple’s release of Xcode 6.1 in October with updated SDKs for the recently released OS X 10.10 Yosemite and iOS 8.1.

The release is available for developers to download from Apple’s developer portal now. Developers can view Apple’s full release notes for Xcode 6.1.1 here.

You can now use Apple Pay for parking, rent & at more retailers

Avatar for 9to5 Staff Nov 14 2014 - 12:22 pm PT
25 Comments

Apple Pay launched in the United States last month with support at over 220,000 stores operated by participating merchants, including Apple Stores, American Eagle, Aeropostale, Bloomingdale’s, Champs Sports, Chevron, McDonald’s, Nike, Office Depot, Radio Shack and Walgreens. Additional retailers and apps have since added Apple Pay support including Staples, and now the mobile payments service can be used for parking, rent and at even more retailers as of this month…


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Microsoft begins inviting users to Skype for Web beta

Avatar for Zac Hall Nov 14 2014 - 6:45 am PT
10 Comments
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We told you Microsoft released a redesigned version of Skype for the Mac earlier last month, and today Microsoft says the communication software is starting to roll out as a service on the Web. Skype for Web will allow users to chat, video call, and manage contacts from a web browser without having to download the Skype app. Microsoft is currently offering Skype for Web as a beta to select users.
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Bluetooth-connected kitchen scale and iPad app aim to make baking foolproof (Video)

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Nov 14 2014 - 5:27 am PT
7 Comments
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If you enjoy baking but need close supervision from a grown-up, Drop’s Connected Scale and accompanying recipe app for the iPad may be just the thing. A clever combination of interactive recipes and automatic weighing means that the iPad effectively supervises you as you work.

You can use the Connected Scale on its own, displaying the weight of ingredients on your iPad screen, but it’s when you use it with the free recipe app that it comes into its own … 
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9to5Toys Lunch Break: Canon laser printer $100, PNY 256GB flash drive $70, Harman NI in-ear headphones $19, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Nov 13 2014 - 11:08 am PT
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Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Canon Laser imageCLASS AiO wireless monochrome printer $100 shipped (orig. $495) at Amazon

PNY Turbo 256GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive $70 shipped (orig. $130) at MacMall

Harman Kardon NI in-ear headphones: $19 AC shipped (Reg. $100)

Small States – DODOcase uses old world craftsmanship to protect your modern devices, giveaways & 20% off promo code

Other new deals:

More deals still alive:

Black Friday:

New products/ongoing promos:

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Photo Editor by Aviary for iOS updated with $200 worth of free tools

Avatar for Mark Hearn Nov 13 2014 - 11:04 am PT
4 Comments

Today, Aviary announced the release of its a new update for its Photo Editor mobile application for iOS. This is the company’s biggest update software’s biggest update since its maker was acquired by Adobe just a few short months ago. This massive overhaul adds around $200 worth of stickers and effects when synced with an Adobe ID.


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Activision’s ‘Call of Duty: Heroes’ freemium iOS app goes live, with scary in-app purchases

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Nov 13 2014 - 5:56 am PT
10 Comments
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Activision has officially launched Call of Duty: Heroes, its 3D combat strategy game for the iPhone and iPad. Unlike the companion app for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare launched earlier this month, this latest offering is a full standalone game like Strike Team.

While the basic game is free to play, you might want to take note of the cost of the optional in-app purchases before you get hooked: these range from $9.99 to a frightening $99.99 … 
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Rdio matches Spotify’s family deal of $5/month for each extra person

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Nov 13 2014 - 3:57 am PT
3 Comments

Streaming music service Rdio has reduced the price of its family membership plans to match the deal Spotify announced last month of half-price subscriptions for additional family members. This means the first member pays the standard $10/month fee while up to four extra family members get their own account for $5/month.

Rdio has offered family memberships for several years now, but this price reduction brings the service into line with Spotify. As with Spotify, each family member gets their own playlists, keeping things tidy – especially now that you can listen to Rdio in your car thanks to CarPlay support.

With our Family Plan, say goodbye to having only one person being able to listen at a time — or having to share favorites and playlists that aren’t really your own. And say goodbye to friends wondering why “you” are listening to your kid’s music that’s overcrowding the Home feed.

Interestingly, $5/month is rumored to be Apple’s target price when it relaunches Beats Music under its own branding. The company has reportedly been asking record labels to reduce the fees they charge for music streaming to make the deal possible. It has been suggested that the relaunch may take place in February.

Apple has been under pressure to launch a true on-demand music streaming service in addition to iTunes Radio as the money continues to move from downloads to streaming.

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2K brings XCOM: Enemy Unknown expansion ‘Enemy Within’ to iOS as standalone app

Avatar for Mike Beasley Nov 12 2014 - 9:32 pm PT
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2K games, maker of BioShock and XCOM have released a new “expansion” for the popular XCOM: Enemy Unknown titled Enemy Within. While the company calls the game an “expansion,” the term “sequel” might be more apt for the iPhone version, which functions as a standalone app rather than an add-on to the previous game.

Enemy Within, which was released for PCs exactly one year ago this past Tuesday to high praise from players, builds on the gameplay of Enemy Unknown, but adds several features and updated mechanics, including new enemies, weapons, abilities, and even an expanded story.

XCOM: Enemy Within is available on the App Store for $12.99. In lieu of a change log, the full App Store description, including a detailed list of the new content, in included below:

COM®: Enemy Within is a standalone expansion to the 2012 strategy game of the year XCOM: Enemy Unknown and it’s now available on iOS devices! Enemy Within features the core gameplay of Enemy Unknown plus more exciting content. Check out the new soldiers, abilities, enemies, maps, missions, and multiplayer mode for the fresh new strategy gaming experience!

• New Soldier Abilities: Build new base facilities to unlock unearthly new capabilities for XCOM’s soldiers. The Genetics Lab will allow soldiers to receive powerful genetic modifications, and the Cybernetics Lab allows soldiers to use devastating mechanized cybersuits in battle.

• New Weapons and Equipment: Give your operatives an extra tactical edge with new projects from your engineering team and the Foundry.

• New Enemy Threats: Adopt new tactics to counter the threats from two new alien types and a deadly new organization known as EXALT.

• New Strategic Resource: A valuable new alien resource, known as Meld, has been discovered. Secure it on the battlefield, research a new technology to unlock its power, and use it carefully back at base to unlock new upgrades and weaponry.

• New Story Elements: Investigate a terrifying threat in an abandoned fishing village, and defend the XCOM headquarters from alien attack in a series of new plot-driven missions.

• New Multiplayer maps, units, and abilities: Create your custom squad from a wider array of options and dominate your opponent in intense, one-on-one, turn-based matches.

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YouTube for iOS updated with new music dashboard, ‘YouTube Mix’ mode

Avatar for Mike Beasley Nov 12 2014 - 7:50 pm PT
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YouTube has updated its iOS app with support for a new music-focused view of the dashboard. The new screen features the most popular music videos and artists on YouTube, genre-specific charts, and curated playlists.

The new version also introduces a music playback option called “YouTube Mix” that allows users to create an iTunes Radio-like randomized playlist based on a song or artist.

Earlier today YouTube debuted a related service called YouTube Music Key that includes perks like offline music and video playback, unlimited on-demand streaming, and access to full albums for $10 a month.

You can get the updated YouTube app for free from the iOS App Store.

What’s New in Version 2.16.11441
Music on YouTube is better than ever. Find your favorite videos and get recommendations on a new music homepage, listen to an endless YouTube Mix based on your favorite song or artist, and play albums right from search.

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9to5Toys Last Call: Beats Executive headphones $170, Rosewill Powerline kit $10, iSmartAlarm system $120, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Nov 12 2014 - 1:59 pm PT
0 Comments

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Beats by Dr. Dre Executive over-ear headphones (silver) $170 shipped (orig. $300)

Rosewill 200Mbps Powerline AV Wall-Plug Adapter Starter Kit $10 shipped (orig. $50). That’s less expensive than many Ethernet cables and we rarely see these things below $20, let alone $10. Great reviews at Amazon too!

Home: iSmartAlarm Home Security System $120 (orig. $200), Breville Frother/Hot Chocolate Maker $85 (orig. $149), more

Small States – DODOcase uses old world craftsmanship to protect your modern devices, giveaways & 20% off promo code

Other new deals:

More deals still alive:

Black Friday:

New products/ongoing promos:

Flashlight alpha app for Mac could show us the future of Spotlight

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Nov 12 2014 - 5:49 am PT
6 Comments
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Spotlight, the search tool built into OS X, got a lot smarter in Yosemite – but one developer thinks it could go a whole lot further. He’s developed Flashlight, an app that extends the capabilities of Spotlight to include weather animations and Wolfram Alpha searches.

More interestingly, he’s intending it to act as an unofficial API other developers can use to add functionality to Spotlight … 
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Box for iPhone app gets Touch ID support and new features geared to ease of use

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Nov 12 2014 - 4:42 am PT
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Box for iPhone and iPad – an app designed to allow convenient access to more than 100 document types in the cloud – has been updated to allow unlocking via Touch ID and given a bunch of new features designed to make it easier to use.

Touch ID support should make a big difference to heavy users, who the company says typically use the app 50 times a day.

A Notification Center widget makes Box significantly more convenient, allowing you to view recent files and add new notes. A new Favorites feature allows fast access to frequently-needed files without having to load them into the app first.

What’s New in Version 3.5.0

  • Now use Box from your Today view in Notification Center to quickly and easily create Box Notes, view recent documents and more (requires iOS 8)
  • Use your fingerprint to unlock the Box app at the touch of the home button with Touch ID (compatible devices only, requires iOS 8)
  • Add files and folders to a Favorites list for easy access without having to download any data ahead of time with our new Favorites feature
  • In-folder search capabilities
  • Box Bookmarks are now accessible
  • Support for previewing password protected Office and iWork files
  • Automatic photo upload for Personal Pro subscribers and Enterprise users
  • Additional stability improvements and bug fixes

Box appears to be a favored app at Apple, featured in Best New Apps and used to demonstrate app extensions during this year’s WWDC.

Box for iOS is a free download from iTunes, with 10GB of storage included. An in-app purchase of $79 a year for the Pro version boosts storage to 100GB and allows individual files of up to 5GB to be uploaded.

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Innovative new Type Nine keyboard for iOS 8 takes you way back to 1993

Avatar for Mike Beasley Nov 11 2014 - 9:41 pm PT
7 Comments

Gather round, children, and let Grandpa Beasley tell you a story about the olden days. Long before these newfangled iPhones and Androids existed, most people didn’t have full keyboards on their cell phones, unless they were using a BlackBerry (but that’s a story for another time). In order to type out our text messages, we had to use “T9” keyboards that required you to press the numbers on the dialpad a few times to select each letter individually.

And now, youngin’s, you, too, can experience all of the fun and frustration of ye olde keyboards right on your iPhone. All you have to do is log into the App Store and download one of those fancy “app” things you’re all so keen on. It’s called Type Nine, and it puts a good ol’ fashioned T9 keyboard right on your screen so you can learn to type the way your forefathers did.

Of course, since you kids seem to love your “predictive text” so much, the Type Nine keyboard includes that function, too, meaning you won’t have to wear your fingers out tapping the same key over and over to get the right letter. All of the punctuation marks get their own special page as well, rather than requiring you to mash the 1 key until you accidentally pass the one you’re after and have to go all the way around again.

If you youngsters really want to see what typing on a phone was like back in my day, you’ll need to track down a Moto RAZR. If that’s not an option, you can take the Type Nine keyboard for a try on your iPhone running iOS 8. It’s available on the App Store for $.99. Now scram. Grandpa Beasley needs a nap.

Overcast 1.1 adds CarPlay, iPad layout and landscape mode on iPhone

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Nov 11 2014 - 3:40 pm PT
2 Comments
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Overcast 1.1 is out now, bringing several big improvements to the podcast client. The update adds rotation support for the iPhone, which is particularly helpful for people with car docks that enforce landscape device orientation. Arment tastefully uses popovers for the playback settings, a UI element that is generally underused on the iPhone.

For iPad, the app is now truly optimized for the larger canvas, making liberal use of split views and modal sheets. Given that Overcast prides itself on a clean appearance, a native iPad UI for navigation is very welcome indeed. Like the stock Mail app, a list view sits side-by-side with episode details like artwork and show notes. 9to5Mac reviewed Overcast when it originally launched, so check that out if you are looking for more details about the app’s functionality.


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Netflix updated for iOS 8, adds 1080p video playback for iPhone 6 Plus

Avatar for Zac Hall Nov 11 2014 - 1:16 pm PT
5 Comments
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Netflix updated its iPhone and iPad app to version 7.0 today adding optimization for the larger displays on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus introduced in September. The updated version of Netflix shows more content like titles and genres as well as previews of movies and TV shows when browsing for something to watch. In addition to optimizing the Netflix app for iPhone 6 users, Netflix says the new version of its app will now offer video playback in 1080p, full HD, for users with the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus.
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9to5Toys Last Call: Sony memory cards up to 60% off, Belkin 25% off sitewide, Drobo 5-bay NAS $360, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Nov 11 2014 - 12:00 pm PT
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Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Amazon Gold Box: Sony memory up to 60% off – 128GB SDXC $70, 64GB microSDXC $26, 16GB SDHC $8, more

Belkin 25% off today only:

Drobo 5-Bay NAS Storage base unit $360 shipped (orig. $600)

iTunes gift cards w/ email delivery up to 20% off from PayPal

Best Buy’s 2014 Black Friday ad is out! Includes: Samsung 55″ 4K $900, iPad Air 2 $100 off, Beats Solo $80, much more

Small States – DODOcase uses old world craftsmanship to protect your modern devices, giveaways & 20% off promo code

Other new deals:

More deals still alive:

Black Friday:

New products/ongoing promos:

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9to5Toys Last Call: iTunes gift cards up to 20% off, Raspberry Pi A+ $20, Retina MacBook Pro 15″ $1800, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Nov 10 2014 - 2:51 pm PT
0 Comments

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

iTunes gift cards w/ email delivery up to 20% off from PayPal

Smaller, more efficient Raspberry Pi A+ comes in at just $20 ($15 less)

Logitech UE 4000 on-ear headphones (white) $15 shipped (orig. $100)

Best Buy MacBook sale: Pro w/ Retina Display 2.2GHz/16GB/256GB: $1,800 or less (Reg. $2,000)

Target Black Friday preview: iPad Air 2 w/ $140 GC $499, iPad mini w/ $80 GC $249, more

Small States – DODOcase uses old world craftsmanship to protect your modern devices, giveaways & 20% off promo code

Other new deals:

More deals still alive:

Black Friday:

New products/ongoing promos:

Instagram revamps Explore tab, adds caption & location editing

Avatar for Zac Hall Nov 10 2014 - 12:38 pm PT
3 Comments
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After updating its app for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus last month, Instagram is out with a feature update today with some welcome features.

Users will likely appreciate the ability to edit photo captions and locations attached to photos in post now. That means if you make a typo on your caption, you no longer have to choose between correcting yourself in the comments, deleting and re-posting the photo with the correction caption, or just ignoring it altogether.
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Microsoft Office’s Dropbox integration and move to free is paying off on the App Store

Avatar for Zac Hall Nov 10 2014 - 10:35 am PT
10 Comments

Microsoft announced a number of changes to its Office for iOS apps last week: deep Dropbox integration, dedicated iPhone versions, and editing and saving features without the need for an Office 365 subscription. All of those changes seem to be paying off, at least in the short term, as TechCrunch points out the new and updated Microsoft Office apps are now on top of the App Store charts.

Currently on the iPhone App Store, Microsoft Word takes the #1 spot for Top Free iPhone Apps while Microsoft Excel ranks in at #8 and Microsoft PowerPoint follows at #10. It’s a similar scene on the iPad side with Microsoft Word at #1, Microsoft Excel at #3, and Microsoft PowerPoint at #7 on the Top Free iPad Apps list.
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Facebook Messenger mobile apps surpass 500 million monthly users

Avatar for 9to5 Staff Nov 10 2014 - 9:29 am PT
4 Comments

Facebook announced this morning that over 500 million people are now using its Messenger app per month. The impressive milestone comes just days after Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg explained why Facebook Messenger was turned into a standalone app for iOS and Android, a move it made in July after disabling messaging in the main Facebook app.
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