Apps

Alas, we’re one step closer to an App Store not filled with iOS 6 keyboards. Google released Translate 2.1 today, bringing support for the iOS 7 keyboard released last September to the iPhone and iPad.

The update also expands support for its new handwriting input method to a number of additional languages including Arabic, Esperanto, Gujarati, Hebrew, Javanese, Maltese, Maori, Marathi, Persian, Punjabi, Telugu, and Zulu.

Google first introduced its handwriting input method last September. Google Translate 2.1 is available now on the App Store.
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Realmac asking Clear+ users to migrate to Clear, going free for 24 hours

Zac Hall Feb 18 2014 - 6:00 am PT

10 Comments

2/27 Update: It’s live.

3/6 Update: Last round.

tl;dr Use this, not this, and read on to find out how and why.

Last September, Realmac released a new version of its to-do list app Clear that included visual tweaks and iOS 7 feature support. This version of Clear also ran natively on the iPad for the first time and was a separate purchase from the App Store.

This lead to a great deal of feedback from customers displeased with having to buy a new version of Clear for an iOS 7 update on the iPhone (especially when iPad support for the biggest selling point, but not every iPhone customer has an iPad)…
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9to5Toys Last Call: Dell 28″ 4K display $560, Brother Laser Multi-Fuction Copier $86, Coboc 6′ MFi Lightning cable $10, more

Feb 17 2014 - 10:06 am PT

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

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

HooToo 4-Port Slim Bus-Powered USB 3.0 Hub $11 shipped (Reg. $15)

Coboc 6' MFi Lightning cable (Black) $10 shipped (Reg. $20) http://t.co/yCHcZWTEyO

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 17, 2014

Dell 28-inch Ultra HD P2815Q 4K display: $560 shipped

Brother Printer Monochrome Laser Multi-Function Copier $86 shipped (Reg. $180)

Google Chromecast streaming media player $30 w/ free shipping (Reg. $35)

Free Apple media: $100 iTunes Gift card for $85 at Best Buy

Pioneer SP-BS21 bookshelf speakers: $50 + $3 shipping (Reg. $100) http://t.co/xTp2awnugz

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 17, 2014

Other great deals from today (and weekend leftovers):

New! Belkin Fusive Slim Portable Bluetooth Speaker $100 shipped (Reg. $130)
New! Home Deals: Up to 60% off Gerber hand tools, Margaritaville drink mixer: $170, cookware, more
New! Game/App Deals: 50% off Batman Arkham Asylum & City for Mac, Trine 2: $3 (Reg. $15), Twitterrific 5: $1 (Reg. $3), more iOS freebies
New! Daily Deal Roundup: Insignia 42″ 1080p HDTV $250, Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard Cover for iPad $40, much more
New! Kindle Fire HD 32GB (Refurb) $185 (Reg. $299), Nexus 7 32GB LTE $320 (Reg. $350)
New! Samsung 840 EVO Series SSD Deals: 750GB: $379, 1TB: $500 shipped
New! LG 24″ LED 720p 60Hz HDTV $130 shipped (Reg. $200)
New! Amazon Bundle: Slingbox 350 and Roku 2 media player $168 shipped (Reg. $260)
New! Logitech K360 Wireless Keyboard w/3 year battery for $15

More great deals still alive:

$50 Parallels update bundle: 1Password, Fantastical, Kaspersky, CleanMyMac and more or $80 w/ a full copy of Parallels 9
Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock: $200 shipped ($100 off)
Get 20% off site-wide on Griffin accessories for iPhone, iPad, and more
Polk Audio 35B bookshelf speakers: $100 + $2 shipping (Reg. $249)
OUYA game console, controller, and $25 game credit for $85 ($125 value)
Scoshe reVIVE.II Dual 2.1A USB Tablet/Phone Car Charger: $5 shipped
Take $150 off MacBooks and iMacs at Best Buy with .edu email
Yamaha RX-V375 5.1 Channel 3D A/V Home 4K Theater Receivers: $200 shipped
Apple TV 3rd gen. 1080p streaming media player $84 shipped (Reg. $99)

New products:

Just Released: Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III: $299

Played out: Apple now rejecting apps that attempt to ride Flappy Bird’s tailfeathers

Mike Beasley Feb 15 2014 - 3:31 pm PT

It seems the App Store has reached peak “flappy.” According to TechCrunch, multiple developers report that Apple has started blanket-rejections of apps using the word in the name, and perhaps it’s for the best. Four of the top ten free apps on the store are Flappy Bird clones—including all of the top three. Granted, only two of those four apps includes the word “flappy” in the title, but they all follow a pretty basic naming scheme that’s easy to spot.

According to Apple, the apps are rejecting for “attempt[ing] to leverage a popular app.” Can’t really argue with that logic. It’s not the first time Apple has made sweeping rules for a very specific, popular app category. From the App Store review guidelines:

Microsoft Office for iPad is reportedly on the way, but does it even matter now? [Poll]

Mike Beasley Feb 14 2014 - 2:59 pm PT

49 Comments

Microsoft Office for iPad is still on the way, and could be launched before the Microsoft even releases a Windows 8 version of the productivity suite, according to a report from ZDNet. The app (or suite of apps) is said to require a paid Office365 subscription and will sync with Microsoft’s services.

But with the iWork now shipping for free on all new Macs and iOS devices—requiring only a free iCloud account to sync and accompanied by an open public beta of a cross-platform web version—is Microsoft preparing to offer too little too late?

Poll images via The Daily/The Inquirer

9to5Toys Last Call: Belkin Thunderbolt dock $200, Sony Lightning clock radio $68, Anker iPad Air cases $6.50, Galaxy Gear $150, more

Feb 14 2014 - 10:21 am PT

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

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

Ultra Slim iPad Air cases by Anker $6.50 (50% off)
Get 20% off site-wide on Griffin accessories for iPhone, iPad, and more

Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock: $200 shipped ($100 off)

Sony Lightning iPhone/iPad clock radio speaker dock $68 (Reg. $100), Bluetooth dock $98 (Reg. $179)

Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch (various colors) $150 shipped (50% saving)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXZp5H95ujI]$50 Parallels update bundle: 1Password, Fantastical, Kaspersky, CleanMyMac and more

https://twitter.com/iDannyOcean/status/434387468616347648
Other great deals from today:

New! Apple iPod nano 16GB MP3 Player 7th Generation Latest Model $120 shipped (Reg. $150)
New! Game/App Deals: 50% off Sketchbook Pro 6 & DataMan Next, Arkham Origins: $30, 50% off used games, iOS freebies, more
New! Daily Deal Roundup: 16.1MP Cyber-shot $75, Otterbox Defender Cases $13, iPad Mini BT case $20, more
New! Valentine’s magazine sale: GQ & Men’s Health: $5 each w/ digital, Macworld, Popular Science, Motor Trend, many more

Get a FREE $1 Amazon MP3 Credit http://t.co/s7i56yPcz4

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 10, 2014

More great deals still alive:

iOttie Easy Flex 3 car mount/desk stand for iPhone $12.50 w/ free shipping (Reg. $25)
Polk Audio 35B bookshelf speakers: $100 + $2 shipping (Reg. $249)
OUYA game console, controller, and $25 game credit for $85 ($125 value)
Scoshe reVIVE.II Dual 2.1A USB Tablet/Phone Car Charger: $5 shipped
iOttie Easy Flex 3 car mount/desk stand for iPhone and many other smartphones $12.50 (Reg. $25)
Take $150 off MacBooks and iMacs at Best Buy with .edu email
Coboc 6′ MFi Lightning cable $10 shipped (Reg. $20), Mota 10′ in various colors $20 shipped (Reg. $30)
Yamaha RX-V375 5.1 Channel 3D A/V Home 4K Theater Receivers: $200 shipped
Save $50 on all iPad mini w/ Retina display models, deals start at $350 shipped
Kindle Paperwhite e-reader w/ high resolution display and built-in light $100 shipped (Reg. $119)
PNY Attache 128GB USB Flash Drive: $42 shipped
Get a free $50 Amazon gift card w/ the purchase of Beats Mixr Headphones for $250
Apple TV 3rd gen. 1080p streaming media player $84 shipped (Reg. $99)

New products:

Just Released: Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III: $299

Apps

MLB completes installation of iBeacons for Dodgers & Padres ahead of Opening Day

Jordan Kahn Feb 14 2014 - 10:07 am PT

After reports that Major League Baseball was running a trial of Apple’s new iBeacon technology to provide fans with a personalized, interactive experience at ballparks, Recode reports today that the league is about to announce it’s completed installation of the beacons at two stadiums. As reported previously, the league is hoping to have around 20 stadiums equipped with iBeacons by Opening Day in March. The first two teams to have ballparks equipped include the Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers:

The installation of 65 iBeacons at Dodger Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego’s Petco Park, home of the Padres, will be followed by similar work at more than a dozen and a half other MLB stadiums, the league said. The plan is to have more than 20 ballparks in total equipped with the technology by Opening Day in late March. The Padres host the Dodgers on Opening Night on March 30.

With iBeacons installed at the parks, fans arriving with their iPhones will be automatically presented with notifications that include info related to the game and stadium through the MLB At the Ballpark app.

Image via Qualcomm

BlackBerry Messenger for iOS adds voice calls, one-touch file-sharing and more

Ben Lovejoy Feb 14 2014 - 4:54 am PT

Version 2.0 of BBM for iOS app now allows free voice calls to BBM contacts, as well as a range of other new features that include one-touch file-sharing, Dropbox integration, location-sharing, 50-person BBM groups and interest channels.

Today, we’re excited to be adding those great new features and more to BBM that users on iPhone, Android and BlackBerry** can enjoy. When the update becomes available later today, these new features will give you more ways to chat and share than ever before on BBM.

Voice calling is supported on both wifi and mobile data. Note that while voice calls don’t incur any direct charges, as with other forms of VoIP calling you’ll eat into any data allowance you have.

Full details of the new features from the BlackBerry blog below …
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9to5Toys Last Call: iTunes gift cards 15% off, home deals from Hoover and others, OUYA game bundle $85, more

Feb 13 2014 - 10:00 am PT

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

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock: $200 shipped ($100 off)

Apple iTunes/App Store Gift cards at Best Buy 15% off: $25-$50 cards now $21.25-$42.50

Home Deals: Hoover Windtunnel Air $80, Nespresso espresso maker $150, FitBit Aria 10% off, Jamba Juice BOGO, much more

OUYA game console, controller, and $25 game credit for $85 ($125 value)

iOttie Easy Flex 3 car mount/desk stand for iPhone $12.50 w/ free shipping (Reg. $25)

It’s not too late to order V-Day gifts online. Best Buy and Amazon are offering FREE 1-day shipping on select items. http://t.co/g2BmZTJDA5

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 13, 2014

Other great deals from today:

New! Game/App Deals: Phase 10, Wipeout & Guitar Hero for iOS: $1 each, $5 credit w/ Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze preorder, iOS freebies, more
New! Daily Deal Roundup: Apple Wireless Keyboard $50, Powerskin battery case for iPhone 5/5s $18, much more
New! Polk Audio 35B bookshelf speakers: $100 + $2 shipping (Reg. $249)
New! Kindle Fire 7-inch Android tablet 2nd Gen, certified refurb: $79 or new: $99 shipped

Get a FREE $1 Amazon MP3 Credit http://t.co/s7i56yPcz4

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 10, 2014

More great deals still alive:

Valentine’s Day Bailout: Amazon free 1-day shipping and 20% off jewelry/clothing/shoes
Scoshe reVIVE.II Dual 2.1A USB Tablet/Phone Car Charger: $5 shipped
$50 Parallels update bundle: 1Password, Fantastical, Kaspersky, CleanMyMac and more
iOttie Easy Flex 3 car mount/desk stand for iPhone and many other smartphones $12.50 (Reg. $25)
Take $150 off MacBooks and iMacs at Best Buy with .edu email
Eye-Fi 16GB Pro X2 SDHC Class 10 wireless memory card $60 shipped (Reg. $100)
Coboc 6′ MFi Lightning cable $10 shipped (Reg. $20), Mota 10′ in various colors $20 shipped (Reg. $30)
iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robots: Model 630 $280, Model 770 $400
Yamaha RX-V375 5.1 Channel 3D A/V Home 4K Theater Receivers: $200 shipped
Save $50 on all iPad mini w/ Retina display models, deals start at $350 shipped
Kindle Paperwhite e-reader w/ high resolution display and built-in light $100 shipped (Reg. $119)
PNY Attache 128GB USB Flash Drive: $42 shipped
Get a free $50 Amazon gift card w/ the purchase of Beats Mixr Headphones for $250
Apple TV 3rd gen. 1080p streaming media player $84 shipped (Reg. $99)

New products:

Just Released: Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III: $299

Rovio announces new ‘Angry Birds Stella’ game coming this fall

Jordan Kahn Feb 13 2014 - 6:32 am PT

After a couple of teases that a new Angry Birds title was incoming, Rovio today announced that a new game called “Angry Birds Stella” is coming soon. The game features a female lead character unlike the majority of Rovio’s other games, but there aren’t many details about how else it might differ from other Angry Birds titles.

Angry Birds Stella will open a door to a part of the Angry Birds universe you’ve never seen before! There will be plenty of fun and adventure, but the bunch of passionate pals will also have to deal with some serious issues in order to protect their friendship and the environment they live in. Luckily, Stella and her friends are good at finding creative solutions!

No word on an official release date, but Rovio says the game will ship sometime in the fall.

Sonico Mobile releases iTranslate Voice 2 with iOS 7 redesign and more

Michael Steeber Feb 13 2014 - 6:28 am PT

Sonico Mobile, of iTranslate fame, released today version 2 of iTranslate Voice, bringing an entirely new design and a few new features as well. Let’s take a look at what’s new.

The first thing you’ll notice in iTranslate Voice 2 is the completely new design. Sonico Mobile has always done a great job making their apps fit very well with the design aesthetic of iOS, and today’s update is no departure. iTranslate Voice closely adopts the look of Apple’s Messages app, creating a natural, conversation-like feel. There’s also lots of great design details you’ll notice while using the app, like live voice recognition waveforms, and a clever pull-to-clear animation. Clearly, there was a lot of time put into this app.

9to5Toys Last Call: $150 off Macs, Anker iPad Air keyboard case $20, V-Day 20% off clothing/jewelry, more

Feb 12 2014 - 10:17 am PT

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

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

iOttie Easy Flex 3 car mount/desk stand for iPhone and many other smartphones $12.50 (Reg. $25)
Scoshe reVIVE.II Dual 2.1A USB Tablet/Phone Car Charger: $5 shipped
$50 Parallels update bundle: 1Password, Fantastical, Kaspersky, CleanMyMac and more

Take $150 off MacBooks and iMacs at Best Buy with .edu email

Anker iPad Air Magnetic Bluetooth Keyboard Case: $20 shipped

Valentine’s Day Bailout: Amazon free 1-day shipping and 20% off jewelry/clothing/shoes

PlayStation 4 is back in stock at Amazon for $399.99 with free shipping http://t.co/Ic01GsI9yv

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 12, 2014

Other great deals from today:

New! Game/App Deals: Titanfall pre-order w/ $25 credit, Frogbert & Monkey Ninja go FREE, more iOS freebies
New! Daily Deal Roundup: Samsung 32″ Smart TV $285, Logitech Speaker for iPhone $40, Insignia 28″ DVD Combo $180, much more
New! 1 year magazine subs: Men’s Health & Fitness bundle: $10 (Reg. $85), Rolling Stone: $5 (Reg. $102), more
New! Eye-Fi 16GB Pro X2 SDHC Class 10 wireless memory card $60 shipped (Reg. $100)
New! Motorola Moto G no-contract $80 shipped (Reg. $190)

Get a FREE $1 Amazon MP3 Credit http://t.co/s7i56yPcz4

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 10, 2014

More great deals still alive:

Coboc 6′ MFi Lightning cable $10 shipped (Reg. $20), Mota 10′ in various colors $20 shipped (Reg. $30)
iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robots: Model 630 $280, Model 770 $400
$200 Babies “R” Us gift card for $170 shipped (15% savings)
Accessory Deals: Mini BT speaker $20, USB 3.0 portable SD card reader: $7
LG 50″ 1080p 120Hz LED-LCD HDTV $490, Seiki 40″ $290
Yamaha RX-V375 5.1 Channel 3D A/V Home 4K Theater Receivers: $200 shipped
Save $50 on all iPad mini w/ Retina display models, deals start at $350 shipped
Kindle Paperwhite e-reader w/ high resolution display and built-in light $100 shipped (Reg. $119)
PNY Attache 128GB USB Flash Drive: $42 shipped
Get a free $50 Amazon gift card w/ the purchase of Beats Mixr Headphones for $250
SkyDock In-Vehicle Satellite Radio for iPhone and iPod touch $7
Logitech LS21 2.1 Speaker System $18 shipped
HP Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard in Black $25 shipped (half-off)
Walmart rolls back price on iPad 2 in Black or White to $299 ($100 off)
Netgear Centria WNDR4700 Wireless Router/NAS $80 shipped (Reg. $200)
LifeProof Fre case for iPhone 5 (black): $30 shipped (Reg. $80)
Apple TV 3rd gen. 1080p streaming media player $84 shipped (Reg. $99)

New products:

Just Released: Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III: $299

Rdio iOS app gets playlist editing, user & critic reviews, more

Jordan Kahn Feb 11 2014 - 1:04 pm PT

Rdio, the popular subscription music service, is rolling out an update today to its iPhone and iPad app that brings a couple of welcomed new features including playlist editing for iPhone and iPod touch and reviews. As for the new playlist editing features, Rdio explained in its blog post:

Now, you can update your playlists from your iPhone or iPod touch — in addition to creating playlists and adding new tracks, you can now remove and rearrange tracks until you’ve made the best playlist ever (or it’s dethroned by your next playlist, of course). You can also customize the playlist artwork, change its visibility and collaboration settings, and more.

The new Rdio app also includes reviews for albums and playlists from both users and critics. Not only will you now be able to write your own album and playlist reviews from within the app, you’ll also be able to browse reviews from critics in addition to reviews written by other users.

Rdio notes in its blog post that it has “also made tweaks to the app’s design, user interface, and overall performance.”

The updated Rdio app for iPhone and iPad is available on the App Store for free.

9to5Toys Last Call: 6′ MFi Lightning cable $10, rare Roomba discounts, 1-day Seagate hard drive sale, more

Feb 11 2014 - 9:54 am PT

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

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

LG 50″ 1080p 120Hz LED-LCD HDTV $490, Seiki 40″ $290, Insignia 46″ $400, Insignia 40″ $250 shipped
Philips DS1155 Lightning speaker dock: $49 shipped (Reg. $90)

Coboc 6′ MFi Lightning cable $10 shipped (Reg. $20), Mota 10′ in various colors $20 shipped (Reg. $30)

iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robots: Model 630 $280, Model 770 $400

Amazon Gold Box Seagate Hard Drives: 3TB Backup Plus desktop $95, 1TB Expansion portable $55

Get a FREE $1 Amazon MP3 Credit http://t.co/s7i56yPcz4

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 10, 2014

Other great deals from today:

New! Game/App Deals: Assassin’s Creed Pirates: $3 (Reg. $5), 50% off Diner Dash & Top Gear, BioShock triple pack: $15, iOS freebies, more
New! Daily Deal Roundup: Logitech UE 6000 Headphones $50, Philips Blu-ray Player Refurb $40, WD 1TB Portable Hard Drive $60, much more
New! $200 Toys “R” Us gift card for $170 shipped (15% savings)
New! 1 year magazine subs: Maxim: $3.50 (Reg. $48), Popular Science: $5 (Reg. $48), more
New! Roku 1 Streaming Player $40 shipped (Reg. $60)
New! Accessory Deals: Mini BT speaker $20, USB 3.0 portable SD card reader: $7

More great deals still alive:

Yamaha RX-V375 5.1 Channel 3D A/V Home 4K Theater Receivers: $200 shipped
Save $50 on all iPad mini w/ Retina display models, deals start at $350 shipped
Kindle Paperwhite e-reader w/ high resolution display and built-in light $100 shipped (Reg. $119)
PNY Attache 128GB USB Flash Drive: $42 shipped
Get a free $50 Amazon gift card w/ the purchase of Beats Mixr Headphones for $250
SkyDock In-Vehicle Satellite Radio for iPhone and iPod touch $7
Logitech LS21 2.1 Speaker System $18 shipped
HP Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard in Black $25 shipped (half-off)
Walmart rolls back price on iPad 2 in Black or White to $299 ($100 off)
ZAGG PROfolio Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad 2/3/4 $40 shipped (Reg. $60)
Netgear Centria WNDR4700 Wireless Router/NAS $80 shipped (Reg. $200)
Get a FREE $50 Best Buy gift card with the purchase of a new cell phone in 2014
Get a $50 Amazon credit w/ the purchase of any Sonos PLAY:3 or PLAY:5 wireless speaker
LifeProof Fre case for iPhone 5 (black): $30 shipped (Reg. $80)
Apple TV 3rd gen. 1080p streaming media player $84 shipped (Reg. $99)

New products:

Just Released: Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III: $299

Filmmaker Ken Burns launches interactive American history iPad app

Zac Hall Feb 11 2014 - 8:48 am PT

4 Comments

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and company have introduced an American history-centric app exclusive to iPad users. The app features a timeline dating back to 1776 and a number of themes with specific information and videos for each period and subject. Overall, the app is very fluid and sleek and worth checking out for iPad users interested in history and culture.
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Amex updates iPad app with Mayday-like live video chat to customer care team

Ben Lovejoy Feb 11 2014 - 5:03 am PT

American Express has updated its free Amex for iPad app to provide live video chat with a customer care rep somewhat similar to the latest Kindles and their Mayday functionality. The facility is available only when using wifi rather than mobile data.

The app description says that the video chat facility is limited to “eligible card members” – the definition of which Amex has not shared. I guess there’s one way to find out whether you’re eligible …

The app also allows customers to search for transactions, generate filtered statements, create expenditure charts, pay bills and manage rewards and offers.

Flappy Bird developer ‘It was just too addictive’, felt guilty for people wasting time

Benjamin Mayo Feb 11 2014 - 4:03 am PT

8 Comments

Getty Images

Dong Nguyen made waves at the weekend after announcing Flappy Bird would be removed from the App Store. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Nguyen explains his — unorthodox — reasoning.

“It was just too addictive,” Mr. Dong said. He says he didn’t intend for people to play the game for hours at a time, as many gamers appear to have done.

“That was the main negative. So I decided to take it down,” he said.

Path social networking app finally updated to version 3.4 with new design for iOS 7

Mike Beasley Feb 10 2014 - 3:26 pm PT

Path, one of the last major social apps still holding out on an iOS 7 update, has finally been updated with a new design as well as a set of new preferences and features.

The app’s settings have been reorganized to simplify certain actions, as noted on the development blog:

In Settings, you will find that we’ve simplified the more detailed controls into Account, Notifications and Sharing sections. In Account, you’ll be able to update your profile photo, cover photo, email and other personal information. In Notifications, you’ll be able to manage notifications for your Inner Circle and your Friends. In Sharing you can manage all of the networks you can post to from Path.

The shop that houses in-app purchases for sticker packs and premium account upgrades has also gotten an overhaul and now presents everything in a simpler interface. A new “purchased” tab like the one found in the iOS version of iTunes and the App Store allows users to revisit their list of purchases.

Path 3.4 is available on the App Store for free.

Manage Google Apps domains on your iPhone or iPad with new Google Admin app

Jordan Kahn Feb 10 2014 - 10:12 am PT

First launched for Android back in May, Google today started rolling out the Google Admin app for iOS to let Google Apps & enterprise Chromebook customers manage accounts. That includes the ability to “Add users, reset passwords, manage groups, contact support, view domain setting changes” and more:

It provides the following features:
* User Management Features – Add/Edit user, Suspend user, Restore user, Delete user, Reset password
* Group Management Features – Add/Edit Group, Add members, Email all members, Delete group, View group members
* Audit Logs – Review Audit logs, Filter logs by admin, date ranges and event types

Google hasn’t made an official announcement, but the app is already rolling out to App Stores around the world for iPhone and iPad. Screenshots of the iPad app below:

Shazam iPhone app redesign incoming w/ new features

Jordan Kahn Feb 10 2014 - 8:07 am PT

Update Feb. 25: The redesign we told you was incoming today started rolling out to iOS users globally. The updated app is available on the App Store now and the company notes that other new features are coming soon, including:

· Quick access to lyrics with a preview as soon as a track is matched, and with direct access to the music video and additional videos related to a song;

· Recommendations unique to Shazam;

· Lightning fast access to the most important information about any show broadcast on over 160 TV channels in the US: music in the show, cast and crew, and more;

· More engaging biographies and discographies, making it easy to go from discovering a great track to learning about and experiencing more from the band.

Shazam, the audio recognition app that lets users find currently playing songs and more, today announced that a redesign of its iPhone app is rolling out ahead of a larger change to the experience coming later this month. Today’s update replaces much of the light, baby blue color theme Shazam has long used and also introduces new features for accessing content and getting recommendations:

Over the coming weeks, Shazam’s more than 150 million iPhone users will see a new tag result experience as it is rolled out, with Android users getting it shortly thereafter. The new experience means Shazaming becomes the beginning of a journey, giving users effortless access to:

· A brand new look and feel for music and television results with easy access to previewing, buying, and sharing a track;

· Quick access to lyrics with a preview as soon as a track is matched;

· Direct access to the music video and additional videos related to a song; and,

· Recommendations unique to Shazam

The updated Shazam iPhone app will be available through both the Free and Encore versions.

9to5Toys Last Call: Yamaha 4K A/V receiver $200, HP 27″ IPS monitor $209, iPad mini Retina $50 off, iOS apps, more

Feb 10 2014 - 4:50 am PT

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

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Yamaha RX-V375 5.1 Channel 3D A/V Home 4K Theater Receivers: $200 shipped

HP Pavilion 27″ IPS HDMI LED Backlight LCD Monitor $209 shipped (Reg. $360)

Save $50 on all iPad mini w/ Retina display models, deals start at $350 shipped

Game/App Deals: Line Birds: FREE, 50% off Sonic Racing & Badland, Plex: $2, Final Fantasy 14: $15, iOS freebies, more

Get a FREE $1 Amazon MP3 Credit http://t.co/s7i56yPcz4

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 10, 2014

Other great deals from today:

New! Daily Deals Roundup: JAMBOX $59, LG Blu-Ray player $50, WD 1TB portable HD $60, much more
New! Get a free $50 Amazon gift card w/ the purchase of Beats Mixr Headphones for $250
New! Polk Audio CS2 Center Channel Speaker $70 shipped (Reg. $130)
New! PNY Attache 128GB USB Flash Drive: $42 shipped
New! $500 OfficeMax gift card for $425 shipped (15% savings)
New! Logitech LS21 2.1 Speaker System $18 shipped
New! SkyDock In-Vehicle Satellite Radio for iPhone and iPod touch $7
New! HP Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard in Black $25 shipped (half-off)
New! Kindle Paperwhite e-reader w/ high resolution display and built-in light $100 shipped (Reg. $119)

More great deals still alive:

Walmart rolls back price on iPad 2 in Black or White to $299 ($100 off)
ZAGG PROfolio Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad 2/3/4 $40 shipped (Reg. $60)
Netgear Centria WNDR4700 Wireless Router/NAS $80 shipped (Reg. $200)
Creative T30 wireless Bluetooth speakers: $100 shipped (Reg. $130)
New Trent Airbender Mini Bluetooth iPad Mini Keyboard case $39 shipped (Reg. $50)
Belkin Thunderstorm iPad home theater speaker case 30-pin/Lightning: $130 shipped (Reg. $170/$200)
Get a FREE $50 Best Buy gift card with the purchase of a new cell phone in 2014
Get a $50 Amazon credit w/ the purchase of any Sonos PLAY:3 or PLAY:5 wireless speaker
LifeProof Fre case for iPhone 5 (black): $30 shipped (Reg. $80)
Apple TV 3rd gen. 1080p streaming media player $84 shipped (Reg. $99)

New products:

Just Released: Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III: $299

Unverified: Flappy Bird pulled by Apple after copyright complaint from Nintendo? [Updated: Not true]

Ben Lovejoy Feb 10 2014 - 3:50 am PT

11 Comments

Update: Nintendo has sent an email to the WSJ denying that it has made any complaint about the app’s similarity to Super Mario Bros.

Apple’n’Apps, a relatively unknown site without much of a track record, is suggesting that Flappy Bird may have been pulled by Apple after Nintendo complained about copyright infringement regarding the graphics used in the game. Those pipes do look “Super Mario-esque”. The developer Dong Nguyen had claimed he was withdrawing it voluntarily, and that there were no legal issues. But there’s some gray area there we suppose.

A person familiar with the App Store review process tells Apple’N’Apps that Flappy Bird wasn’t removed voluntarily by Mr. Nguyen, as he claims. It turns out that Nintendo got in touch with Apple regarding the art assets in Flappy Bird claiming that they’re in direct violation of their copyrights. Apple contacted Mr. Nguyen regarding the copyright claim, and that’s why we saw the new updated version with graphic changes to the pipes [as well as fewer ads]. Nintendo already decided that they had seen enough, and Apple is the one who pushed Mr. Nguyen to remove Flappy Bird (with 24 hour notice).

We’ve asked Apple for a comment, and will update if we receive a response, though the version arguably makes more sense than a developer voluntarily forsaking around $50,000 a day in revenue due to the attention the game was receiving. Dong Nguyen’s two other games remain on the App Store, currently ranking #4 and #18.

Apple is know to err on the side of caution where copyright complaints are concerned.

The app has also been pulled from Google Play, which tells us nothing either way: if the claim is true then Nintendo would have approached Google also, but equally the developer would have voluntarily removed from both stores.

How-to: Setup and Use Chromecast to stream your content from a Mac and iOS device

Sarah Guarino Feb 9 2014 - 12:00 pm PT

33 Comments

The Chromecast, Google’s streaming HDMI dongle came out last summer. It is compatible with any Android device running 2.3 or later, iOS device with iOS 6 or 7, and any Mac or PC. Initially, users were able to stream Netflix or Youtube from an iOS device and Android device, Google Play Movies and Music only on Android, or cast websites using the Chrome browser on a computer. The Chromecast works differently from Airplay in that you can multitask and do other tasks on the device or you can let it go to sleep while streaming.

Very quickly after its release, Chromecast has received support for Hulu +, Pandora, and HBO GO. Last month a major update added ten new apps including Plex, Vevo, Songza, Red Bull TV, Post TV from the Washington Post, Viki, RealPlayer Cloud, Avia, Revision3 Internet Television and BeyondPod. The most recent update the Chromecast received allowed users to stream Google Play Movies and Music directly from the Chrome browser on a computer.

In this How-to, we’ll discuss how to setup the Chromecast, use it with a Mac and iOS device and explore its gaming potential.

Flappy Bird creator promises to remove popular game from App Store by tomorrow

Chance Miller Feb 8 2014 - 11:36 am PT

14 Comments

After reaching the top of App Store charts, the hit iOS game Flappy Bird will be removed from the App Store. According to tweets from the developer Dong Nguyen, it sounds like the game will be removed from both the iOS and Android app stores in just 22 hours. In the tweets, Nguyen says he “cannot take this anymore” and refers to the game’s success as ruining his “simple life.” He says the decision has nothing to do with legal issues. Nguyen also says he has no interest in selling the game to anyone and that he’ll continue to make games.

I am sorry 'Flappy Bird' users, 22 hours from now, I will take 'Flappy Bird' down. I cannot take this anymore.

— Dong Nguyen (@dongatory) February 8, 2014

I can call 'Flappy Bird' is a success of mine. But it also ruins my simple life. So now I hate it.

— Dong Nguyen (@dongatory) February 8, 2014