Apps

6,298 'Apps' stories April 2010 - July 2014

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.

Sunrise Calendar announces new Mac client with offline mode, third-party app integration

Chance Miller Jul 3 2014 - 10:15 am PT

0 Comments

Just a few weeks after rolling out a major update its iOS apps, Sunrise Calendar today announced the first version of Sunrise for Mac. Sunrise for Mac includes a variety of features and capabilities, many of which are similar to what you’d find in the company’s iOS apps. On OS X, the app takes almost all of its design cues from the iOS client with color-coded events, although the team notes that the Mac client was built “specifically for the desktop.”

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9to5Toys Last Call: Day One goes free, Infinity Blade sale, iPad mini 32GB AT&T $330, InvisibleSHIELD 20% off, more

Justin Kahn Jul 3 2014 - 9:30 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:

Last Call Updates:

Save 25% on three wireless accessories at AT&T, includes GoPro, Mophie Space Case, more

Game/App Deals:

Day One iOS journaling app goes free ($5 value)
Rayman Fiesta Run available for free on iOS (Reg. $3)
All 3 Infinity Blade titles go on sale $1/$2/$3 (Reg. $6+), Mario Kart 8 $45 shipped, more

Apple iPad mini 32GB w/ 4G AT&T $330 (Reg. $559), 64GB (1st Gen) w/ 4G Verizon/AT&T $360 (Reg. $659)

Save 20% on ZAGG InvisibleSHIELD protection for iPhone, iPad and more

WD My Cloud 4TB Personal Cloud Storage NAS $180 shipped (Reg. $220) http://t.co/W03o457a5v pic.twitter.com/PXpEi8xx84

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) July 3, 2014

Other new deals:

New! Amazon Gold Box: Save 40% or more on select iOttie smartphone car mounts
New! Daily Deals: Panasonic 55″ 1080p TV $700, Apple Leather Case for iPad $30, more
New! Powerline Kits: D-Link AV500 w/ wireless $72 shipped (Reg. $120), more
New! $75 off Clearance Laptops and Desktops Today only

More deals still alive:

Mophie Juice Pack Helium 1500mAh iPhone 5/5s battery pack $40 shipped (Reg. $80)
1 year magazine subs: Wired + Macworld w/ digital $11.50 shipped (Reg. $42+), more
Music Production Deals: $300 off NI Komplete , up to 44% off Apogee interfaces, more
Home Deals: Nespresso Espresso Maker w/ Frother $249 (Reg. $300), kitchen items, more
3D Printers: UP! Mini 3D $600 (Reg. $900+), more
Westinghouse 24″ 1080p HDTV w/ HDMI $100 shipped (Reg. $150+)
WD 3TB Elements External Desktop Hard Disk Drive $93 shipped (Reg. $129)
Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker and Smartwatch $130 shipped (Reg. $200)
Seiki 4K TVs drop at Walmart: 39″ $299, 50″ $429, 55″ $579 shipped or in-store
Samsung 28-inch 4K UHD LED 60Hz Monitor $600 shipped (Reg. $700)
Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling over-ear headphones $269 (Reg. $300), more
Skylanders Battlegrounds goes FREE on iOS (Reg. $7)
Foscam Pan & Tilt IP/Network Cam w/ Night Vision $55 shipped (Orig. $160)
Samsung’s new 850 Solid State Drives pre-order: $129.99 shipped (24% off )
Media: Futurama complete DVD $64, James Bond Blu-rays $5 each, more
Free 10 day MLB.TV subscription, watch every out-of-market game live
iPad mini Smart Cover (multiple colors) as low as $17 from Best Buy (58% off)
Samsung 46″ LED 3D HDTV: $500, LG 47″ Smart TV: $650 + Free $300 Dell GC
Save 25% on Nomad’s new carabiner, key & credit card sized MFi Lightning cables
Bowers & Wilkins recertified: P5 headphones $200 (Reg. $300 new)
Fashion: up to 40% off North Face apparel, Sperry Top-Sider shoes from $37, more
Bose OE2i on-ears $100 (Reg. $180)

https://twitter.com/iDannyOcean/status/484327987958259712

New products/ongoing promotions:

Jabra unveiled two new ‘Next Generation’ Bluetooth products this week
JBL announces two new lines of headphones
Vector Unit announces new Beach Buggy Racing title coming to mobile this Summer
Best Buy slashes $100 off new MacBook Air, deals as low as $650 with .EDU email
D-Link expands smart home lineup with new Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and mobile control app
Jump on Apple’s new $1099 1.4GHz iMac? We might have a better offer for under $1000
Nest Protect relaunches with a 22% discount, now just $99

Microsoft/Google/Android:

AT&T offering $50 Google Play credit with purchase of an Android device

Facebook Messenger finally arrives on iPad, complete with calling and stickers

Zac Hall Jul 3 2014 - 8:23 am PT

5 Comments

Facebook today updated its Messenger for iOS app finally adding a full iPad version. The iPad version works like the version found on the iPhone and iPod touch but takes advantage of the much larger display by showing more content like message threads while in other messages. The iPad version also features the same calling features found on the iPhone and iPod touch versions. Facebook’s various supported sticker packs are also featured on the messaging app for iPad.
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Support for .Mac and .Me AIM logins ends for OS X 10.7.1 or earlier, newer versions unaffected

Jordan Kahn Jul 2 2014 - 10:14 am PT

4 Comments

As Apple previously announced in April, today marks the end of support for AIM in iChat using a me.com or mac.com ID for Macs running OS X Lion 10.7.1 or earlier. While some reports are claiming the change also appears to be affecting users on newer versions of OS X, we’ve confirmed with sources with knowledge of the situation that users running 10.7.2 or higher, including Yosemite, will continue to have support for AIM.
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9to5Toys Last Call: 3D printers from $600, Westinghouse 24″ 1080p HDTV $100, Mophie 1500mAh Juice Helium 5/5s battery pack $40, more

Justin Kahn Jul 2 2014 - 9:31 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:

Last Call Updates:

Mophie Juice Pack Helium 1500mAh iPhone 5/5s battery pack $40 shipped (Reg. $80)
1 year magazine subs: Wired + Macworld both w/ digital access $11.50 shipped (Reg. $42+), more
Music Production Deals: $300 off Native Instruments Komplete 9, up to 44% off Apogee interfaces, more
Home Deals: Saeco Auto Espresso Machine (refurb) $330 shipped (orig. $1800 new), kitchen items, more

3D Printers: MakerBot Replicator 2 (refurb) $1200 (Reg. $2200 new), UP! Mini 3D $600 (Reg. $900+), more

Westinghouse 24″ 1080p HDTV w/ HDMI $100 shipped (Reg. $150+)

Games/Apps: Fantastical 2 for iPad $15, Injustice: Gods Among Us $30, iOS freebies, more

Samsung 28-inch 4K UHD LED 60Hz Monitor drops to $580 shipped (Reg. $700) http://t.co/tJyNvUOFhj pic.twitter.com/IAX9of52xG

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) July 2, 2014

Other new deals:

New! WD 3TB Elements External Desktop Hard Disk Drive $93 shipped (Reg. $129)
New! Daily Deals: HP 14″ Chromebook w/ 4G: $205, Fujifilm 16Mp Cam: $120, more
New! Winegard FlatWave Amplified HDTV Indoor Antenna (refurb) $20 (Reg. $100 new)
New! Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker and Smartwatch $130 shipped (Reg. $200)

Synology DiskStation 4-Bay Network Attached Storage (DS412+): $540 shipped (orig. $735) http://t.co/OO0GqAvbMD pic.twitter.com/hIRxscf2mx

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) July 2, 2014

https://twitter.com/iDannyOcean/status/484327987958259712

More deals still alive:

Seiki 4K TVs drop at Walmart: 39″ $299, 50″ $429, 55″ $579 shipped or in-store
Samsung 28-inch 4K UHD LED 60Hz Monitor $580 shipped (Reg. $700)
Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling over-ear headphones $269 (Reg. $300), more
Skylanders Battlegrounds goes FREE on iOS (Reg. $7)
Foscam Pan & Tilt IP/Network Cam w/ Night Vision $55 shipped (Orig. $160)
Samsung’s new 850 Solid State Drives pre-order: $129.99 shipped (24% off )
Media: Futurama complete DVD $64, James Bond Blu-rays $5 each, more
Free 10 day MLB.TV subscription, watch every out-of-market game live
iPad mini Smart Cover (multiple colors) as low as $17 from Best Buy (58% off)
Samsung 46″ LED 3D HDTV: $500, LG 47″ Smart TV: $650 + Free $300 Dell GC
Save 25% on Nomad’s new carabiner, key & credit card sized MFi Lightning cables
Bowers & Wilkins recertified: P5 headphones $200 (Reg. $300 new)
Fashion: up to 40% off North Face apparel, Sperry Top-Sider shoes from $37, more
Bose OE2i on-ears $100 (Reg. $180)
Synology DiskStation 4-Bay NAS (DS412+): $540 shipped (orig. $735)
Media: free movie money for new Transformers/Planet of the Apes flicks
Harman Kardon 5.1-channel, 70-Watt Audio/Video Receiver refurb $119 (Orig. $479)

New products/ongoing promotions:

Jabra unveiled two new ‘Next Generation’ Bluetooth products this week
JBL announces two new lines of headphones
Vector Unit announces new Beach Buggy Racing title coming to mobile this Summer
Best Buy slashes $100 off new MacBook Air, deals as low as $650 with .EDU email
D-Link expands smart home lineup with new Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and mobile control app
Jump on Apple’s new $1099 1.4GHz iMac? We might have a better offer for under $1000
Nest Protect relaunches with a 22% discount, now just $99

Microsoft/Google/Android:

AT&T offering $50 Google Play credit with purchase of an Android device

How many apps do you use a month? Study shows the average is 26 [Poll]

Ben Lovejoy Jul 2 2014 - 4:03 am PT

6 Comments

A Nielsen study (via TechCrunch) reveals that while we all spend much longer using mobile apps than we did two years ago, and we may have many more apps installed on our phones, the average number of apps we actually interact with in any given month hasn’t changed nearly as much.

While time spent using mobile apps climbed from 18h 18m in 2011 to 30h 15m by the end of last year, the total number of apps actually used only increased from 23.3 to 26.8. So we’re spending more time using pretty much the same number of apps …
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OS X’s Aperture/iPhoto replacement ‘Photos’ appears to focus on iOS 8’s editing features, not pro tools

Mike Beasley Jul 1 2014 - 8:48 pm PT

62 Comments

During the 2014 WWDC keynote, Apple demoed a very early build of its upcoming Photos application for Mac. The app will be available next year for OS X Yosemite, but for now all we really know is that its arrival will bring about the end of both iPhoto and Aperture. That news drew the attention of everyone who uses either of those applications, with many saying Apple no longer cared about pro-level users.

In an attempt to quell the outrage, Apple released a statement to ArsTechnica saying that Photos for Mac would still support pro features, but what exactly constituties a “pro-level” feature in Apple’s eyes? According to the statement, Photos will feature support for third-party plugins, library search, and advanced editing. If that sounds a little vague to you, it’s probably because Apple doesn’t really want to answer the question.

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iMovie for Mac updated with stability improvements and bug fixes

Mike Beasley Jul 1 2014 - 4:08 pm PT

4 Comments

Apple updated iMovie for Mac today with fixes for bugs that could cause the app to crash. This is only the fourth update to the app since it was redesigned last year, but so far this seems to be the smallest. Most of the other updates have included new features or at least listed which bugs were being fixed.

You can grab the update for free if you already own iMovie 10.0, or buy the app for $14.99 from the Mac App Store.

What’s New in Version 10.0.4

• Improves stability and resolves issues that could cause iMovie to quit unexpectedly

Tweetbot for Mac updated to view and upload multiple images on Twitter’s native photo service

Mike Beasley Jul 1 2014 - 3:38 pm PT

0 Comments

Tweetbot for Mac, the popular desktop Twitter client from Tapbots, has been updated to version 1.6 today. The update introduces support for viewing and uploading multiple images on Twitter’s native photo sharing service. The new version also includes a “play” icon on Instagram videos to better differentiate them from photos on the same network. You’ll also find “various bug fixes” in this version.

Tweetbot for iPhone got support for multiple images in its last update, so this once again brings the two apps in-line, feature-wise. The full change log for Tweetbot for Mac 1.6 is below:

What’s New in Version 1.6

– Support for viewing/posting multiple twitter images (multiple images won’t show up in search or streaming timeline until Twitter enables it in the future)
– Instagram videos now marked with play icon
– Various bug fixes

Yahoo brings its personalized Mail experience to iPad, adds filter support

Zac Hall Jul 1 2014 - 11:59 am PT

3 Comments

Earlier this year Yahoo introduced a new version of its Mail app for iPhone that added additional content like web search, sports scores, weather information, and news events to the email client making the experience more like the web experience in terms of consuming content. Today Yahoo released an updated version which extends the web-like experience to the iPad version as well:
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9to5Toys Last Call: Seiki 4K TVs from $299, Bose QC15 headphones $269, Skylanders for iOS goes free, more

Justin Kahn Jul 1 2014 - 9:29 am PT

2 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:

Last Call Updates:

Media: Futurama complete on DVD $64, James Bond Blu-rays $5 each, iTunes albums from American Icons $8, more
Free 10 day MLB.TV subscription, watch every out-of-market game live

Display deals:

Seiki 4K TVs drop at Walmart: 39″ $299, 50″ $429, 55″ $579 shipped or in-store
Samsung 28-inch 4K UHD LED 60Hz Monitor $600 shipped (Reg. $700)

Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling over-ear headphones $269 (Reg. $300), more

Skylanders Battlegrounds goes FREE on iOS (Reg. $7)

~~iOttie 50% off sitewide sale: save on top-rated iPhone car and bike mounts, more~~

Other new deals:

New! Samsung’s new 850 Solid State Drives pre-order: $129.99 shipped (24% off )
New! Daily Deals: Samsung Galaxy Gear $99, Aluminum 4-port USB Hub: $12, more
New! Foscam Pan & Tilt IP/Network Cam w/ Night Vision $55 shipped (Orig. $160)
New! Games/Apps: MLB 14: The Show $40, Scanner Pro $3, iOS freebies, more
New! Canon imageCLASS Monochrome Laser Printer $70 shipped (orig. $395), more

More deals still alive:

iPad mini Smart Cover (multiple colors) as low as $17 from Best Buy (58% off)
Samsung 46″ LED 3D HDTV: $500, LG 47″ Smart TV: $650 + Free $300 Dell GC
Save 25% on Nomad’s new carabiner, key & credit card sized MFi Lightning cables
Home deals: blenders, food processors, patio umbrellas, mixers, more
Bowers & Wilkins recertified: P5 headphones $200 (Reg. $300 new)
Seiki Digital 50″ 4K UHD 2160p 120Hz LED HDTV $450 shipped (Reg. $700)
Fashion: up to 40% off North Face apparel, Sperry Top-Sider shoes from $37, more
Bose OE2i on-ears $100 (Reg. $180)
Synology DiskStation 4-Bay NAS (DS412+): $567 shipped (orig. $735)
Media: free movie money for new Transformers/Planet of the Apes flicks
Harman Kardon 5.1-channel, 70-Watt Audio/Video Receiver refurb $119 (Orig. $479)
Samsung 32″ 1080p $250 (orig. $480), more
Anker Ultra-Slim Qi-Enabled Wireless Charging Pad $20 (Reg. $46)

New products/ongoing promotions:

Jabra unveiled two new ‘Next Generation’ Bluetooth products this week
JBL announces two new lines of headphones
Vector Unit announces new Beach Buggy Racing title coming to mobile this Summer
Best Buy slashes $100 off new MacBook Air, deals as low as $650 with .EDU email
Save 25% on handcrafted DODOcase accessories for iPad, iPhone, more
Steam’s Summer Sale starts with deep discounts on PC/Mac games
D-Link expands smart home lineup with new Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and mobile control app
Jump on Apple’s new $1099 1.4GHz iMac? We might have a better offer for under $1000
Nest Protect relaunches with a 22% discount, now just $99
E3 Pre-order guide: Destiny PS4 bundle, PlayStation TV, next gen GTA V, more

Microsoft/Google/Android:

Asus Google Nexus 7 Tablet 16GB (2nd Gen) refurb $130 shipped (Reg. $230)
AT&T offering $50 Google Play credit with purchase of an Android device

Pebble smartwatch updated with improved Bluetooth and notification management

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 4:43 pm PT

1 Comment

Pebble has updated its smartwatch software and iOS app to bring various improvements, including improved Bluetooth LE connectivity and quick notification management. The notification improvements are shown in the brief video clip above. Here are the release notes:

Pebble Firmware 2.3 (Release Notes)

Improved Bluetooth LE connectivity.
Added the ability to skip to the next notification with a double-click of the Down or Up buttons.
Bug fixes and stability improvements.

iOS Pebble App 2.2.2 (Release Notes)

Enabled more new JavaScript apps to be downloadable in the Pebble appstore (Pebble apps included in this latest bundle will no longer say “Coming Soon” for iOS users).
No other major changes from version 2.2.

The updated Pebble software is available via the Pebble app’s software update function and you can grab the latest Pebble for iOS via the App Store for free.

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Spotify for iPhone/iPad (finally) lets you search downloaded music while offline

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 10:48 am PT

2 Comments

Spotify has updated its iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch application with the ability to search for downloaded tracks while offline. It is shocking that it has taken several years for the service to gain such rudimentary functionality. The iPhone app gained a new design earlier this year.

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9to5Toys Last Call: iOttie iPhone mounts 50% off, Bose QC15 headphones $269, Macbook Air 11″ (refurb) $500, more

Justin Kahn Jun 30 2014 - 9:32 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:

Last Call updates:

iOttie 50% off sitewide sale: save on top-rated iPhone car and bike mounts, more
Samsung 46″ LED 1080p 120Hz 3D HDTV: $500, LG 47″ 1080p Smart TV: $650 + Free $300 Dell GC
$100 Toys R Us gift card for $85 (15% in savings)
Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling over-ears $269 (Reg. $300), Philips O’Neill over-ears $105 (Reg. $300), more

Save 25% on Nomad’s new carabiner, key & credit card sized MFi Lightning cables

Apple deals:

Apple Macbook Air 11.6 Inch 128GB refurb $500 shipped (orig. $1,200)
iPad Air WiFi 32GB $490 (Reg. $599), 64GB $580 (Reg. $699)
iPhone 5c 32GB GSM (unlocked) $450 shipped (Reg. $650)
iPad mini Smart Cover (multiple colors) as low as $17 from Best Buy (58% off)

Logitech Ultrathin Bluetooth keyboard case for iPad mini $20 shipped (Reg. $80)

Other new deals:

New! Bowers & Wilkins recertified: P5 headphones $200 (Reg. $300 new)
New! Daily Deals: Sony A/V Receiver $329, Logitech UE 4000 Headphones: $20, more
New! Games/Apps: Watch Dogs $50 (Reg. $60), 1yr. PlayStation Plus $40 (Reg. $50), more
New! Home deals: vacuums, blenders, food processors, patio umbrellas, mixers, more

More deals still alive:

Seiki Digital 50″ 4K UHD 2160p 120Hz LED HDTV $450 shipped (Reg. $700)
OtterBox Commuter Series for iPhone 5/5s (black or white) $15 Prime shipped (Reg. $35)
Fashion: up to 40% off North Face apparel, Sperry Top-Sider Boat shoes from $37, more
Bose OE2i on-ears $100 (Reg. $180)
WD Elements 2TB portable USB 3.0 hard drive $85 shipped (Reg. $130)
Home Deals: Dyson DC40 vac (refurb) $230, more
Synology DiskStation 4-Bay Network Attached Storage (DS412+): $567 shipped (orig. $735)
Media: free movie money for new Transformers/Planet of the Apes flicks
Harman Kardon 5.1-channel, 70-Watt Audio/Video Receiver refurb $119 (Orig. $479)
Samsung 32″ 1080p $250 (orig. $480), LG 42″ 1080p, 120Hz $460 (orig. $900), more
Epson WorkForce Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer w/ AirPrint $100 (Reg. $150)
Samsung 840 EVO 2.5″ 120GB SATA III SSD $70 (Reg. $110)
Anker Ultra-Slim Qi-Enabled Wireless Charging Pad $20 (Reg. $46)
Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB USB 3.0 portable hard drive in red $55 shipped (Reg. $120)

New products/ongoing promotions:

Jabra unveiled two new ‘Next Generation’ Bluetooth products this week
JBL announces two new lines of headphones
Vector Unit announces new Beach Buggy Racing title coming to mobile this Summer
Best Buy slashes $100 off new MacBook Air, deals as low as $650 with .EDU email
Save 25% on handcrafted DODOcase accessories for iPad, iPhone, more
Steam’s Summer Sale starts with deep discounts on PC/Mac games
D-Link expands smart home lineup with new Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and mobile control app
Jump on Apple’s new $1099 1.4GHz iMac? We might have a better offer for under $1000
Nest Protect relaunches with a 22% discount, now just $99
E3 Pre-order guide: Destiny PS4 bundle, PlayStation TV, next gen GTA V, more

Microsoft/Google/Android:

Asus Google Nexus 7 Tablet 16GB (2nd Gen) refurb $130 shipped (Reg. $230)
AT&T offering $50 Google Play credit with purchase of an Android device

Twitter’s mobile app install advertising feature comes out of beta, goes global

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 9:19 am PT

0 Comments

Twitter has taken its mobile application install advertising feature out of beta and it has also taken the service global. Twitter talked about the feature, which allows companies to advertise mobile apps within the Twitter mobile app timeline, earlier this year. The video above explains how the service works. The app install feature can show apps from the App Store and Google Play based on “interest, keyword, TV targeting and tailored audiences” as well as based on “gender, geo, language and mobile platform targeting.” The service allows apps to be installed on smartphones directly via the Twitter app and the Twitter app will even notify users when the app is ready to use.

Twitter explains how advertisers can use the functionality:

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Apple announces iTunes U update with iPad Course Creation, Student Discussions & more

Jordan Kahn Jun 30 2014 - 5:43 am PT

3 Comments

Screenshot showing new iTunes U “Student Discussions” feature

Apple today announced an update to its iTunes U educational app that includes a number of new features for iPad including course creation tools, a Student Discussions feature and improved management tools for teachers.

“Education is at the core of Apple’s DNA and iTunes U is an incredibly valuable resource for teachers and students,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “iTunes U features an amazing selection of academic materials for everyone around the world. Now, with the ability to better manage and discuss educational content, learning becomes even more personalized on iPad.”

The new features will begin rolling out July 8 with the ability for teachers to create and manage previously uploaded lessons directly from the iPad. Apple says the course creation features will let teachers grab content from iWork, iBooks Author or “any of the over 75,000 educational apps available for iPad.” It will also let teachers use the iPad’s camera to include shots and video of real-world items in courses. The course creation feature will be available to educators in all 69 with the materials they create distributed in up 155 countries.

As for students, a new Discussions feature will bring a social element to the app allowing students and teachers to easily interact with one another: With Discussions in the iTunes U app, students can automatically follow classroom discussions and join conversations on new topics, or set up push notifications for when new topics are started or replies are added to active exchanges. Teachers can participate in forums too, and have the ability to moderate discussions by removing any off-topic messages or replies.

In its press release, Apple said “nearly 30,000 Multi-Touch™ books have been created by independent teachers and publishers worldwide.”

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Apple now updating Maps data every day with user-submitted corrections

Mike Beasley Jun 29 2014 - 12:02 pm PT

20 Comments

When Apple launched its first-party mapping software alongside iOS 6, users immediately discovered that there were a significant number of issues with the map data. Apple eventually issued an apology and said that the release was not up to the company’s standards. A new Reddit post today seems it point to the fact that Apple is finally ready to start making serious changes to how it corrects Maps data.

Ever since the app debuted, it has had an option to report incorrect POI data to Apple. Until recently, however, it seemed that those reports were simply going to an unmonitored inbox to make users feel like they’d done something to help.

Just over a week ago, Reddit user “heyyoudvd” noticed that a number of incorrect data points in his area had been corrected—more than had ever been fixed in the previous two years, and many of which he had reported. Now “heyyoudvd” says he’s noticed an even bigger change…

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Apple releases updates for Final Cut Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage

Zac Hall Jun 27 2014 - 11:05 am PT

8 Comments

Shortly after announcing that its pro photography app Aperture is being discontinued, Apple released a number of updates to its remaining professional desktop applications. Final Cut Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on OS X all received updates via the Mac App Store today. See the changes for each professional desktop application below:
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Creators of Siri launch next-gen Kasisto personal assistant technology for businesses

Jordan Kahn Jun 27 2014 - 10:46 am PT

0 Comments

SRI International, the team behind the technology that later became Apple’s Siri voice assistant feature in iOS, today announced a new product that it says “aims to improve the consumer experience on mobile devices through intelligent conversation.” Kasisto will be a similar intelligent voice assistant but the company will open it up to business customers to integrate into their own apps:

“Virtual personal assistant technology has revolutionized consumer interaction with mobile devices,” said Norman Winarsky, Ph.D., vice president, SRI Ventures. “Now consumers expect a more human-like experience when interacting online. Kasisto represents a new user experience—one that is context aware, personalized, and more effective.”

The company says Kasisto will allow businesses to integrate the virtual personal assistant features into mobile apps in days or weeks intend of months while greatly decreasing the costs currently associated with similar technologies. “It is context-aware and provides text, touch, and speech modalities, and natural language understanding and reasoning. The platform also includes a powerful software development kit (SDK) for easy customization and integration into existing mobile applications.

You can learn more about Kasisto at the company’s website.

9to5Toys Last Call: 2-pack RooCASE iPad Air cases $12, Seiki 50-inch 4K $450, up to 70% off Sony memory, more

Justin Kahn Jun 27 2014 - 9:21 am PT

1 Comment

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:

Last Call Updates:

RooCASE Slim-Fit Folio + Slim Shell Origami Case for iPad Air $12 shipped (orig. $80)
Seiki Digital 50″ 4K UHD 2160p 120Hz LED HDTV $450 shipped (Reg. $700)
Fashion: up to 40% off North Face apparel, Sperry Top-Sider Boat shoes from $37, Oakley Vault up to 85% off, more

Amazon Gold Box: up to 70% off select Sony memory cards and flash drives

OtterBox Commuter Series for iPhone 5/5s (black or white) $15 Prime shipped (Reg. $35)

Griffin PowerDuo Universal Micro wall & car charger $5.20 shipped (Reg. $35)

Apple deals:

15.4″ MacBook Pro w/ Retina 2.0GHz i7/8GB/256GB $1,699 shipped (Reg. $1,999)
iPad Air 16GB WiFi $400 (Reg. $499), 32GB $490 (Reg. $599), 64GB $580 (Reg. $699)
iPhone 5c 32GB GSM (unlocked) $450 shipped (Reg. $650)
iPad mini Smart Cover (multiple colors) as low as $17 from Best Buy (58% off)

Other new deals:

New! Belkin Slim Laptop (up to 15-inch) Polyester Backpack $25 shipped (Reg. $70)
New! Daily Deals: Samsung 40″ Smart HDTV $479, Sony iPhone Clock Dock: $40, more
New! Games/Apps: Real Boxing for iOS FREE, IM+ Pro7 $2 (Reg. $5), iOS freebies, more
New! Amazon App Store for Android 2-day sale: get 31 paid apps worth over $100 for free

More deals still alive:

Bose SoundTrue over-ears $124 (Reg. $180), OE2i on-ears $100 (Reg. $180)
1 year mag subs: GQ w/ digital $5 (Reg. $48), Macworld & MacLife $30, more
WD Elements 2TB portable USB 3.0 hard drive $85 shipped (Reg. $130)
Home Deals: Dyson DC40 vac (refurb) $230, Cuisinart Coffeemaker (refurb) $30, more
Synology DiskStation 4-Bay Network Attached Storage (DS412+): $567 shipped (orig. $735)
Media: free movie money for new Transformers/Planet of the Apes flicks
Harman Kardon 5.1-channel, 70-Watt Audio/Video Receiver refurb $119 (Orig. $479)
Samsung 32″ 1080p $250 (orig. $480), LG 42″ 1080p, 120Hz $460 (orig. $900), more
Kingston MobileLite wireless card reader for iOS $25 w/ Prime shipping (Reg. $60)
Epson WorkForce Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer w/ AirPrint $100 (Reg. $150)
Samsung 840 EVO 2.5″ 120GB SATA III SSD $70 (Reg. $110), 500GB $240 (Reg. $350)
Anker Ultra-Slim Qi-Enabled Wireless Charging Pad $20 (Reg. $46)
$100 Toys R Us gift card for $85 (15% in savings)
Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB USB 3.0 portable hard drive in red $55 shipped (Reg. $120)

New products/ongoing promotions:

Jabra unveiled two new ‘Next Generation’ Bluetooth products this week
JBL announces two new lines of headphones
Vector Unit announces new Beach Buggy Racing title coming to mobile this Summer
Best Buy slashes $100 off new MacBook Air, deals as low as $650 with .EDU email
Save 25% on handcrafted DODOcase accessories for iPad, iPhone, more
Steam’s Summer Sale starts with deep discounts on PC/Mac games
D-Link expands smart home lineup with new Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and mobile control app
Jump on Apple’s new $1099 1.4GHz iMac? We might have a better offer for under $1000
Nest Protect relaunches with a 22% discount, now just $99
E3 Pre-order guide: Destiny PS4 bundle, PlayStation TV, next gen GTA V, more

Microsoft/Google/Android:

Asus Google Nexus 7 Tablet 16GB (2nd Gen) refurb $130 shipped (Reg. $230)
AT&T offering $50 Google Play credit with purchase of an Android device

Apple’s official Podcasts iOS app broken for many users (Update: Resolved)

Zac Hall Jun 26 2014 - 1:53 pm PT

37 Comments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9CdISVlWGs&feature=youtu.be

Update: the app seems to be back to normal now.

Several users have reported that Apple’s official Podcasts app has suddenly stopped working on iOS. Users experiencing the issue report that the latest version of Apple’s Podcasts app, version 2.1.2 released on May 29th, no longer launches or functions on iOS 7.1.1, the latest stable version of the iPhone software. While the Podcasts app will download from the App Store, opening the app quickly crashes it after a few seconds as seen in the video above.
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Opera Mini for iOS gets redesign, themes, QR code reader & much more

Jordan Kahn Jun 26 2014 - 11:02 am PT

3 Comments

Opera Mini, the mobile version of Opera’s desktop web browser, today gets updated to version 8 with a brand new UI and much more. On top of a completely redesigned UI that makes the app fit in nicer with iOS 7, the update also introduces enhanced options for Opera’s power saving and compression modes that offers data savings:

Opera Mini 8 lets you choose from three different modes of exploring the vast world of the web:

* Opera Mini mode offers huge compression of web traffic, up to 90%, and data savings. In areas with poor coverage and tough network conditions Opera Mini saves both time and money.

* Opera Turbo mode saves slightly less data than Opera Mini mode, but offers better website compatibility, making it the ideal browsing mode for most users.

* Data savings off is a no-compression, straight-to-the-source option, that ensures maximum website compatibility.

Also new in the updated version of Opera Mini is a new and improved customizable Speed Dial page, a Discover tab that serves up content from your favorite sources, and a new tab gallery. The app also makes it easier to switch between search sources, offers the ability to share URLs via QR codes, and introduces customizable themes.

The app is available on the App Store now for both iPhone and iPad. Screenshots of the iPad app are below:

Rap Genius now lets you annotate, copy, and paste lyrics and news from your iPhone

Zac Hall Jun 26 2014 - 9:34 am PT

0 Comments

The popular lyrics and annotation site Rap Genius launched its iPhone app earlier this year, and today it released a big update. The latest version of Genius by Rap Genius, version 1.5, now lets you create annotations to content directly from your phone. Previously you could only view annotations from the mobile app. The update also adds another desired feature: copy and paste support. Now you can finally highlight lyrics, copy them, and paste them somewhere else on your iPhone as you would expect.
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The Weather Channel iPad app gets new iOS 7-style redesign

Jordan Kahn Jun 26 2014 - 7:21 am PT

11 Comments

The Weather Channel app for iPad gets a nice update today that brings an overhauled design that the company says is closely aligned to the iOS 7 aesthetic. It also introduces new background photos that display the current weather conditions of the location you’re viewing and tweaked navigation that makes moving around the app easier.

The Weather Channel will officially be replacing Yahoo as the source for Apple’s stock Weather app in the upcoming release of iOS 8 this fall. Part of that decision, according to a recent report, was due to some new enhancements made to The Weather Channel service over the last year.

The Weather Channel app version 4.0 for iPad is available for free on the App Store.

What’s New in Version 4.0.0

Design— Beautiful and easy-to-use. This app is closely aligned to the iOS 7 aesthetic, and our amazing background photos match your current weather conditions.