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6,316 '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.

App Store changes ‘Free’ button to ‘Get’, likely due to in-app purchase controversies

Avatar for Zac Hall Nov 19 2014 - 9:47 am PT
24 Comments
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Apple has introduced a small but interesting tweak to the way it markets apps on the App Store. As you can see in the screenshot above, non-paid apps are now presented with the word ‘GET’ rather than ‘FREE’. While the reason for the change in how Apple is presenting non-paid apps isn’t clear, it’s likely due to the popularity of ‘freemium’ apps and in-app purchases, something that has been the source of controversy for Apple in the past…
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Here’s why beacon networks are the way to go for retailers & app developers supporting iBeacon

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Nov 19 2014 - 8:22 am PT
6 Comments
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If you’re a retailer, you have two options when it comes to deploying Bluetooth beacons. You can deploy the hardware yourself and build an accompanying mobile app for the experience, or you can open the experience to existing apps that users already have on their device using a beacon network. Some retailers have decided they want to own the experience and have everything go through their own mobile app, but new data suggests that might not be the way to go.
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Fitbit users can finally view their data in the Health app thanks to 99 cent sync tool

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Nov 19 2014 - 6:54 am PT
15 Comments
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A 99 cent app finally allows owners of Fitbit activity trackers to view their data in Apple’s Health app. Sync Solver for Fitbit provides a daily sync of ten different pieces of data to the Health app built into iOS 8 – a feature the company itself said it had no plans to introduce.

The first sync needs to be performed manually, by tapping a button in the app, after which it will sync data automatically every 24 hours … 
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Adobe streamlines transition from Aperture to Lightroom with built-in migration tool

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Nov 19 2014 - 4:01 am PT
0 Comments

Aperture users worried about transitioning to Lightroom following Apple’s decision to cease support for its full-featured photo editing software will now find life a little easier. The latest version of Lightroom includes a built-in migration tool to import both photos and associated metadata from both Aperture and iPhoto.

Star ratings, keywords, color labels, face tags, GPS data, stacks, hidden files and rejects are all transferred into Lightroom to make the transition as painless as possible.

Apple announced back in June that it was ceasing development on Aperture in favor of a more basic Photos app launching next year – leaving pros and enthusiasts out in the cold. Adobe responded initially with a transition guide followed by a plugin migration tool. With Lightroom 5.7 (a free update for existing users), the migration tool is built-in.

Adobe also release DNG Converter 8.7, with support for 24 new cameras.

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Google Chrome for Mac goes 64-bit in latest update, gains new APIs and other enhancements

Avatar for Mike Beasley Nov 18 2014 - 3:39 pm PT
5 Comments

As promised in September, Google has launched the 64-bit of the Chrome browser for Mac to the public after a few months in beta. According to Google’s original announcement, the update drops support for 32-bit extensions, requiring all developers to update with 64-bit support.

The update also fixes over 40 security flaws and adds many new APIs for extension developers. Chrome uses a silent update mechanism that will automatically download and install the latest update, but if you find that you’re still on version 38 in the “About Chrome” window, you can manually download and install the update from Google.

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9to5Toys Last Call: PNY storage up to 50% off, Lenmar iPhone 5 battery case $30, AirPort Express (refurb) $60, more

Avatar for Nov 18 2014 - 11:29 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:

Updates:

Up to 50% off select PNY memory & mobile power chargers – 128GB as low as $30 Prime shipped

Lenmar Meridian MFi 2300mAh iPhone 5/5s Battery Case $30 Prime shipped (Reg. $90)

Certified refurbished Apple AirPorts: Extreme 802.11ac $120 (Reg. $199 new), Express 802.11n $60 (Reg. $99 new)

Twelve South makes the best iPhone 6/iPad dock even better by simplifying its setup and adding a gold color option

Apple TV (newest version) at Black Friday pricing right now: $79 shipped (Reg. $99)

We’re updating our email newsletter with Black Friday/holiday shopping ideas and savings

Small States – TM1985: former Ralph Lauren designer goes American made w/ elegant backpacks, $407 giveaway + 25% discount

Other new deals:


More deals still alive:

Black Friday:

Top leaks:

All other leaks/info:

New products/ongoing promos:

Facebook launches dedicated ‘Groups’ app for iPhone

Avatar for Zac Hall Nov 18 2014 - 10:28 am PT
4 Comments
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Today Facebook has added yet another app to its growing portfolio. Facebook Groups is its latest standalone app with features dedicated to managing and interacting with groups on the iPhone. Unlike its approach to Facebook Messenger, however, the social network says it will not remove existing group features from the primary Facebook app.
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WhatsApp Messenger is now optimized for iPhone 6/Plus

Avatar for Zac Hall Nov 17 2014 - 12:44 pm PT
4 Comments

Huge news for frequent WhatsApp Messenger users: the app will no longer look huge on the latest iPhones.

If you bought an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus between now and September when they were released, you’ve probably been waiting for WhatsApp to update with optimization for the bigger displays and that update is finally out. The Facebook-owned messaging app released version 2.11.14 today with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus support and will “fix bugs and crashes” according to the release notes.
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9to5Toys Last Call: AirPort Extreme (newest, refurb) $120, Seagate 2TB Slim $80, Apple TV $79, GameStop Black Friday, more

Avatar for Nov 17 2014 - 11:10 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:

AirPort Extreme 802.11ac Wireless Base Station (Geek Squad Certified Refurb.) $120 (Reg. $199 new), more

Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive (multiple colors): $80 shipped (Reg. $100)

GameStop’s full Black Friday ad leak: PS4 bundle $400, Xbox One from $330, GTA V Shark cards 50% off, more

Small States – TM1985: former Ralph Lauren designer goes American made w/ elegant backpacks, $407 giveaway + 25% discount

Other new deals:

More deals still alive:

Black Friday:

Top leaks:

All other leaks/info:

New products/ongoing promos:

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First ACEs Conference for Apple consultants scheduled for May 2015 in New Orleans

Avatar for Zac Hall Nov 17 2014 - 8:33 am PT
2 Comments

A new Apple-focused meetup for consultants is kicking off its inaugural conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, this coming up May. The event is called the ACEs Conference and it’s put on by two members of the Apple community, Justin Esgar and Luis Giraldo, both of whom run Apple consultant businesses in Manhattan and Canada, respectively. The two describe the event as being for Apple consultants by Apple consultants:

The Aces Conference is the first of its kind. Apple consultants teaching Apple consultants not only tips and tricks of tech, but of business too. Learn how to be a better consultant, a better technician, a better everything at Aces Conf.


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Disney announces Disney Infinity 2.0 mobile built w/ Metal, new ESPN app, and more during today’s special event

Avatar for Nov 14 2014 - 4:59 pm PT
8 Comments
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Today’s Disney Mobile Product Showcase kicked off with Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, sharing a Steve Jobs anecdote. No matter the time or place it’s always incredibly interesting to hear personal stories of Apple’s late leader.

Iger recalled the time when he contacted his buddy Jobs with what he thought was a novel idea: to unleash movies/TV shows like iTunes did for music. Of course, being the visionary he was, Jobs had already thought of this and even brought an early version of the iPod with video to the meeting. And of course, being the businessman he was, Jobs then asked Iger if he would commit Disney content to the project.

Iger used this story as a jump off for a two hour presentation in which other Disney, ESPN, and ABC executives would showcase a smattering of new mobile apps, games, and products…


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9to5Toys Last Call: Retina MacBook Pro (2013) $200 off, Air-Fi wireless over-ears $40, 4-port charger $10, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Nov 14 2014 - 2:36 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:

Apple Deals:

MEElectronics Air-Fi AF52 wireless over-ear headphones $40 shipped (orig. $120), more

USB Charging: 4-port wall charger $10, Lumsing 4000mAh powerbank $18, Poweradd charger w/flashlight $19, 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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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
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:

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
0 Comments

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
0 Comments

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: