Apps

Learn about the latest news for iOS, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV apps

6,061 'Apps' stories April 2010 - February 2014

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.

Infuse 2.2 for iOS incoming with new features & performance improvements

Jordan Kahn Feb 7 2014 - 5:56 am PT

1 Comment

We were quite impressed with the redesigned Infuse media player from developers FireCore when it first launched version 2 last month. The app, which supports 14 video formats and 1080p playback, is today getting an update to version 2.2 with a few notable new features and performance enhancements.

The update includes some features highly requested by users including the ability to download files form network shares for offline playback, as well as new “rich cover art and video info” when browsing network shares. Other new features include a new list view option, a volume boost setting, and an option to disable metadata fetching.

A full list of improvements in today’s update below:

Download files from network shares (for offline playback)
Browse network shares with rich cover art and video info
List view option
Volume boost setting
Option to disable metadata fetching (good for home videos)
Improved streaming speed and reliability
Improved detection of network devices
Improved clarity of In-App purchase prompts
Improved playback of some video formats
Other performance and stability improvements

The Infuse 2.2 update should be hitting the App Store any minute.

Incipio’s NFC-enabled iPhone case for ISIS payments now available to Verizon customers

Jordan Kahn Feb 6 2014 - 10:46 am PT

1 Comment

First launched by AT&T at the end of last month, Verizon announced today that it too will be selling Incipio’s Cashwrap iPhone case that builds in an NFC chip for using the ISIS mobile wallet service. The Google Wallet competitor was previously only available to Android users and is backed by a number of major mobile carriers and credit card companies. It’s supported at around 200k contactless payment locations in the US so far and, like Google’s Wallet app, also supports loyalty reward programs. To go with the case, the ISIS Mobile Wallet for Verizon app is also now available on the App Store.

To celebrate the national launch of the new Isis Mobile Wallet, Verizon Wireless customers will receive $10 when they download Isis Mobile Wallet and activate a new American Express Serve Account, as well as an additional $10 after their first tap-to-pay transaction at a Verizon Wireless location.

The Incipio Cashwrap ($69) is available now through Verizon for iPhone 4, 4S, 5, and 5s in Black and requires the ISIS mobile app for Verizon from the App Store. It’s also available in several other colors for the same price through AT&T.

Apple pulls last remaining Bitcoin wallet app from App Store

Ben Lovejoy Feb 6 2014 - 4:08 am PT

17 Comments

Photo: wired.com

Blockchain, the most popular Bitcoin wallet app, has become the latest casualty of Apple’s apparent crackdown on Bitcoin apps. The app was removed from the App Store yesterday without explanation.

Apple had previously removed BitPak and Coinbase, leaving Blockchain the only remaining Bitcoin wallet app. Blockchain had been in the store since April 2012, and has around 120,000 users, and developer Nicolas Cary is accusing Apple of having an ulterior motive for its removal …
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Phonejoy app provides complete list of App Store games compatible w/ MFi controllers

Jordan Kahn Feb 5 2014 - 8:52 pm PT

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One of the complaints about Apple’s new MFi game controllers has been the lack of an App Store section that lists games updated with support. Some of the manufacturers are maintaining lists of their own online, but it would be nice to be able to browse the App Store and easily find games that work with the controllers. That’s why I’m pleased about a new app called Phonejoy that offers a slick UI to browse around 100 iOS 7 games and counting that are compatible with the MFi game controllers. It’s also listing games that support the popular iCade controllers and other gamepads released before Apple’s new MFi program.

Over the last month we’ve seen the first few Apple authorized game controllers released by manufacturers through Apple’s new MFi program hitting the market. While the program’s aim to implement a standardized controller framework brings a lot of potential for gaming on iOS, we’ve covered in detail how the first few controllers have had a bit of a rough start. On top of lack of support from developers and users not being able to easily find content, consumers also rebelled against the $99 price point leading several manufacturers to drop launch prices as low as $70.

We’ve covered some of the issues with Apple’s new MFi game controller program and also reviewed the first few to hit the market from Logitech, Moga, and SteelSeries.

The Phonejoy app is available on the App Store for free now and the company also has a Kickstarter project for its own controller that it plans to ship in March.

9to5Toys Last Call: Seiki 39″ 4K UHDTV $400, Lightning cables $10, headphones from $10, daily deals, more

Feb 5 2014 - 9:54 am PT

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

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

ZAGG MFi Lightning cables (various colors) $10 w/ free shipping (Reg. $19)

Seiki 4K TVs/displays drop again: 39-inch now under $400 shipped

Audio-Technica Solid Bass In-Ear Headphones $30 (Reg. $70) + others from MEElectronics, Klipsch, Sennheiser, more

Daily Deal Roundup: Car Digital Media Receiver $60, 24-inch 1080P TV w/DVD: $149, iPad 4 128GB: $599, much more

Anker Astro E5 15000mAh Dual-USB Power Bank $40 shipped (Reg. $100)

Other great deals from today:

New! Game/App Deals: Angry Birds Star Wars for 3DS: $10, Jet Ball: FREE, Xbox 360 wireless controllers from $30, iOS freebies, more
New! $500 Lowe’s Gift Card for $450 shipped (10% savings)
New! Google Nexus 7 tablet 32GB w/ HSPA+ 4G (2012): $190 shipped
New! Anker Valentine’s Day Sale: Save up to 20% on power banks, Bluetooth speakers, iPad keyboards, more
New! Google Nexus 5 16GB + Wireless Qi Charger WCP-400 for $372 or $15.50 x 24 months

Not many reviews, but at just $12 you’ll be hard pressed to find a better deal on a power bank http://t.co/Co8eZKfyoD pic.twitter.com/NHB3nmK2bw

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 5, 2014

More great deals still alive:

Creative T30 wireless Bluetooth speakers: $100 shipped (Reg. $130)
Seagate Backup Plus Slim (.38″) 1TB USB 3.0 portable hard drive $69 shipped (Reg. $95)
Logitech UE 4000 on-ear headphones w/ mic and controls $25 shipped (Reg. $100)
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
The Oontz XL Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $80 shipped (Reg. $150)
Amazon celebrates Seahawks win by knocking $30 off Kindles Fires. HDX:$199, Kindle Fire HDX 8.9″: $339, HD 8.9″:$189
Get a $50 Amazon credit w/ the purchase of any Sonos PLAY:3 or PLAY:5 wireless speaker
Up to 50% Off Kingston V300 Solid-State Drives: 120GB $70, 240GB $130, 480GB $266, more
PNY 128GB USB 3.0 flash drive: $57 shipped (Reg. $100)
Free and discounted music from Super Bowl Halftime performers on Google Play
Hitachi 4TB 3.5-inch Coolspin internal drive: $152 shipped (Reg. $190)
LifeProof Fre case for iPhone 5 (black): $30 shipped (Reg. $80)
Anker 5-port Family iPad/tablet/iPhone USB charger: $16 shipped
Apple TV 3rd gen. 1080p streaming media player $84 shipped (Reg. $99)

Apple subsidiary FileMaker passes 1 million downloads of iOS app on App Store

Jordan Kahn Feb 5 2014 - 6:29 am PT

0 Comments

Apple subsidiary FileMaker announced today that it has reached over 1,000,000 downloads on the App Store of its FileMaker Go database management app. The news follows the release of FileMaker 13 in December, which came alongside a streamlined iOS companion app for iPhone and iPad with new features including barcode scanning, native iOS behaviors, gesture-based navigation and much more.

“Businesses are using the FileMaker Platform to create solutions that manage everything from sales contacts and inventory to medical data on iPad and iPhone,” said Ryan Rosenberg, vice president, marketing and services, FileMaker, Inc. “With the recent launch of FileMaker 13, customers will find it easier than ever to design innovative mobile solutions.”

The FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone App is part of FileMaker’s comprehensive lineup of desktop, server and iOS software for creating custom business solutions that run on iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac, and web browsers. The FileMaker 13 Platform includes expanded support for native iOS behaviors (such as popovers and slide controls) and new features (such as bar code scanning) that speed data capture on iPad and iPhone. FileMaker Go is now a single app for both iPad and iPhone.

The latest version of FileMaker Pro 13 is available through Apple for $329 (on Amazon as low as $280) and the FileMaker Go app for iPhone and iPad is on the App Store for free.

Epic Games partners w/ Kamcord to bring mobile gameplay recording to Unreal Engine

Jordan Kahn Feb 5 2014 - 5:59 am PT

0 Comments

Epic Games announced today that it’s partnering with Y Combinator-backed startup Kamcord to offer its in-game recording platform to iOS and Android devs using Unreal Engine 3. We spoke to Kamcord CEO Matt Zitzmann who told us why it’s a big deal that Epic Games and the Unreal Engine team are backing Kamcord— and not its competitor— as the go-to platform for implementing in-game recording features in mobile apps.
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9to5Toys Last Call: Belkin iPad theater case $130, Anker 15000mAh power bank $40, Logitech UE4000 ‘phones $25, more

Feb 4 2014 - 2:25 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 subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Belkin Thunderstorm iPad home theater speaker case 30-pin/Lightning: $130 shipped (Reg. $170/$200)

Anker Astro E5 15000mAh Dual-USB Power Bank $40 shipped (Reg. $100)

Logitech UE 4000 on-ear headphones w/ mic and controls $25 shipped (Reg. $100)

Other great deals from today:

New! iPhone 4/4s: 3M Projector Sleeve $100 (Reg. $230), Mophie Charging Case Refurb. $15 shipped (Reg. $100)
New! Seagate Backup Plus Slim (.38″) 1TB USB 3.0 portable hard drive $70 shipped (Reg. $95)
New! Creative T30 wireless Bluetooth speakers: $100 shipped (Reg. $130)
New! 1 year magazine subs: Wired w/ digital access: $5 (Reg. $60), GQ & Esquire bundle: $9 (Reg. $90), more
New! $200 Toys “R” Us gift card for $180 (10% savings)
New! Game/App Deals: Skylanders Swap Force: $40 (Reg. $75), LEGO: Marvel Super Heroes: $30 (Reg. $60), iOS freebies, more

OtterBox Defender Series case for iPhone 5 in multiple colors/designs from $10 shipped http://t.co/N9kk19KIX6

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 4, 2014

More great deals still alive:

Get a FREE $50 Best Buy gift card with the purchase of a new cell phone in 2014
The Oontz XL Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $80 shipped (Reg. $150)
Amazon celebrates Seahawks win by knocking $30 off Kindles Fires. HDX:$199, Kindle Fire HDX 8.9″: $339, HD 8.9″:$189
Get a $50 Amazon credit w/ the purchase of any Sonos PLAY:3 or PLAY:5 wireless speaker
Up to 50% Off Kingston V300 Solid-State Drives: 120GB $70, 240GB $130, 480GB $266, more
PNY 128GB USB 3.0 flash drive: $57 shipped (Reg. $100)
Free and discounted music from Super Bowl Halftime performers on Google Play
Hitachi 4TB 3.5-inch Coolspin internal drive: $152 shipped (Reg. $190)
LifeProof Fre case for iPhone 5 (black): $30 shipped (Reg. $80)
Virgin Mobile cuts unsubsidized iPhone 5s to $440 or iPhone 5c for $360 shipped (Update)
JBL Micro II ultra-portable speaker in black or white: $21 shipped ($30 off)
Anker 5-port Family iPad/tablet/iPhone USB charger: $16 shipped
Apple TV 3rd gen. 1080p streaming media player $84 shipped (Reg. $99)

Google Wallet iOS app gets loyalty card scanning, notifications for nearby merchants

Jordan Kahn Feb 4 2014 - 9:44 am PT

0 Comments

After rolling out the update to Android devices last week, Google today updated its Google Wallet app for iOS with the ability to scan physical loyalty cards. Rather than having to type out your account information to join a new program within the app, scanning a physical loyalty card from a supported retailer will auto-populate your info and automate the process.

The updated app also now includes new notifications for nearby retailers related to loyalty programs you’ve joined. If you’ve joined the Walgreens program, for example, you’ll get notifications reminding you “to shop and earn rewards” when close to a brick and mortar retail location.

The updated Google Wallet iOS app is available on the App Store now.

Google Maps for iOS now notifies drivers of alternative, faster routes while driving

Benjamin Mayo Feb 4 2014 - 4:23 am PT

4 Comments

Google continues to push its Maps product on iOS in the latest update, version 2.6. The app now alerts the driver when faster routes become available when navigating. This reflects functionality found in dedicated sat navs. Rather than simply offering several routing options at the beginning of your journey, Google will keep aware of traffic and road conditions in case a faster route appears later.

Theoretically, this means you are always on the fastest route possible when navigating. As always, the app is free.

Pebble launches smartwatch app store w/ 1000 apps & watchfaces through iOS app

Jordan Kahn Feb 3 2014 - 10:35 am PT

2 Comments

Previously revealed in December alongside a new SDK for developers, smartwatch maker Pebble is today launching its dedicated app store for the device. The company’s blog post says the store is now live through the Pebble app on iOS and currently offers over 1000 apps and watchfaces:

The appstore features separate areas for apps and watchfaces, with six app categories: Daily, Tools & Utilities, Notifications, Remotes, Fitness, and Games. This makes it easier than ever to find your next favorite app — whether you’re tracking your workout, managing your music, or controlling your thermostat.

Since Pebble is only capable of running eight apps at any one time, the app also features a locker feature that will allow users to store and manage downloaded apps. All content in the store is currently offered for free as Pebble does not yet allow developers to charge for apps or watchfaces.

You can download the updated Pebble Smartwatch app rolling out today for iOS to check out the new app store.

Google brings Google Now notifications to Chrome beta for desktop users

Jordan Kahn Feb 3 2014 - 9:27 am PT

0 Comments

After appearing in a developer build of Chrome last month, Google announced today that this week it will be rolling out Google Now notifications to the desktop through the latest beta version of Chrome. Google Now notifications were previously available to Android and iOS users, but can now be accessed through the Chrome notification center on Mac (that little bell icon in your menu bar) as well as through Chrome on Windows and Chromebooks. Google notes that Chrome will show a a subset of the cards that appear on iOS and Android including “weather, sports scores, commute traffic, and event reminders cards.”

So the next time you’re finishing up emails at your desk, Google Now might suggest that you leave the office a bit early to beat the heavy traffic on the way to your dinner date. To view the notifications, click on the bell icon on your desktop (on Mac and Windows) or the numbered box (on Chromebook) to open the Chrome notification center.

The feature can be enabled for Chrome beta users by signing into the same Google Account used for Google Now on Android or iOS device. The feature is only available in English when it rolls out this week, but Google says it will be adding support for other languages in the future. Now that the feature has finally hit the beta channel, it won’t be long before Google rolls out Now functionality to all Chrome users.

(image via GigaOM)

Cycloramic hits top of App Store after Shark Tank appearance, $500k investment & 100k downloads in an hour

Jordan Kahn Feb 1 2014 - 4:42 pm PT

24 Comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeZhnEHOMzY]

What happens when your app gets featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, the TV show where rich investors listen to pitches from wannabe entrepreneurs looking to raise funds? For app developers Egos Ventures it means shooting up hundreds of spots on the App Store charts to become the top paid app in the store overnight. The developers behind the hands-free panorama app called Cycloramic were able to capture a $500k investment from two of the Sharks on last night’s episode. We spoke to the developer who appeared on the show last night, Bruno Francois, to find out a little about the experience and get some stats on downloads following the investment.
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Offers you can’t refuse: $100 off all MacBooks, up to 70% off 2K iOS games, Samsung 3D BR player $55, more

Jan 31 2014 - 11:58 am PT

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

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Best Buy 2-Day Doorbusters: $100 off all Apple MacBooks and 21″ iMac for $1,150 ($150 savings)

Game/App Deals: Up to 70% off 2K iOS games, Tilt to Live: $1 (Reg. $3), 100 Rogues: $1 (Reg. $3), iOS freebies, more

Samsung Smart 3D Blu-ray Wifi BluRay player (refurb): $55 shipped. Add Godfather series Blu-ray for an offer you can’t refuse

Today’s your last chance to get a free copy of Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour for iOS http://t.co/dwzk8CQ1ue

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) January 31, 2014

Other great deals from today:

New! Microsoft Surface Pro: $500 shipped, Surface RT (pre-owned): $220 shipped
New! Seagate Backup Plus 3TB desktop hard drive $100 shipped (Reg. $135)
New! Google Nexus 7 tablet (2nd gen) 16GB $189 (Reg. $229), 32GB $229 (Reg. $269)

More great deals still alive:

Hitachi 4TB 3.5-inch Coolspin internal drive: $152 shipped (Reg. $190)
Bose OE2 on-ears: $100 shipped (both Reg. $150), Denon over-ears: $29 shipped (Reg. $80)
Bose AE2 fold-flat headphones $99 shipped (Reg. $150)
HooToo USB 3.0 Hubs: 7-port $27 (Reg. $65), 4-port slim bus-powered $11 (Reg. $15)
iOttie Easy View Universal iPhone car mount $13 shipped (Reg. $23)
Google Chromecast $25 for .EDU emails or $30 for everyone else
LifeProof Fre case for iPhone 5 (black): $30 shipped (Reg. $80)
Monitor Deals: Dell 24″ w/DisplayPort (refurb): $165, Viewsonic 24″ monitors (refurb): $125
Samsung 840 EVO Series 750GB 2.5″ SATA III Solid State Drive $400 shipped (Reg. $530)
Virgin Mobile cuts unsubsidized iPhone 5s to $440 or iPhone 5c for $360 shipped (Update)
Seagate 2TB Backup Plus Slim USB 3.0 portable drive: $120 shipped (Reg. $200)
JBL Micro II ultra-portable speaker in black or white: $21 shipped ($30 off)
Anker 5-port Family iPad/tablet/iPhone USB charger: $16 shipped
Apple TV 3rd gen. 1080p streaming media player $84 shipped (Reg. $99)

How to live stream NFL Super Bowl XLVIII on your iPhone or iPad

Jordan Kahn Jan 31 2014 - 8:57 am PT

13 Comments

Was Apple’s long time advertising partner Lee Clow— the guy behind Apple’s 1984 Super Bowl ad, PC vs Mac, and many others— really hinting at an Apple Super Bowl ad for this Sunday? Would you like to see a commercial from Apple at the game this weekend?

NFL Super Bowl XLVIII between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks officially kicks off this Sunday at 6:30pm ET in chilly New Jersey, and this year there are a few options for live streaming the game from your iPhone or iPad. It’s going to be tough to get an official stream on your iPhone if you’re not a Verizon and NFL subscriber, but all iPad (and Mac) users will be able to get an official stream of pre-game coverage and the actual game for free through FOX in the US. Head below for all the info on what apps will have live streams and the best places to find Super Bowl ads, replays, and more.
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Adobe VideoBite, a bite-sized video editor for iPhone, now allows titles, photos & music

Ben Lovejoy Jan 31 2014 - 6:06 am PT

10 Comments

Adobe VideoBite, an iOS app designed to make video editing as quick and easy as possible, has been updated to allow titles, photos and music to be added, turning it into a fully-fledged editor while retaining its simple user-interface.

Heartwarming Apple ads aside, I’ve always been rather skeptical of the real-world practicality of video editing on a phone, but I have to confess that VideoBite does make it a very slick process. Trimming clips, for example, involves nothing more than pressing a heart icon at the beginning and end of the bit you want to keep. Adding transitions and music is just as easy, and your finished masterpiece is saved to your camera roll, with exports to Facebook, YouTube and email also supported …
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Apps

MLB begins rollout of iBeacon technology in baseball stadiums for next season

Mike Beasley Jan 30 2014 - 4:25 pm PT

0 Comments

Last year it was reported that Major League Baseball fans would soon be able to take advantage of iOS 7’s iBeacon support inside professional baseball stadiums. The technology would be utilized in the MLB.com At The Ballpark app to customize the app’s interface to any given ballpark.

The app could direct users to their seats or points of interest such as concessions stands. Similar to Passbook’s lockscreen functionality, plans were also reportedly underway to allow the app to automatically present a ticket upon entering the gate.

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9to5Toys Last Call: AirPort Extreme $169, JBL/Bose/Denon headphone deals, HooToo USB 3.0 hubs from $11, more

Jan 30 2014 - 10:03 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 subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

Hitachi 4TB 3.5-inch Coolspin internal drive: $152 shipped (Reg. $190)
Google Nexus 7 32GB (2012): $130 shipped

Apple AirPort Extreme (6th gen) 802.11ac wireless base station $169 shipped (Reg. $199)

Headphone Deals:

JBL premium over-ears: $65 shipped, Bose OE2 on-ears: $100 shipped (both Reg. $150), Denon over-ears: $29 shipped (Reg. $80)
Bose AE2 fold-flat headphones $99 shipped (Reg. $150)

HooToo USB 3.0 Hubs: 7-port $27 (Reg. $65), 4-port slim bus-powered $11 (Reg. $15)

Other great deals from today:

New! Game/App Deals: Mini Ninjas, City Maps 2Go Pro and Car Club go free on iOS, Terraria for Android: $2 (Reg. $5), iOS freebies, more
New! iOttie Easy View Universal iPhone car mount $13 shipped (Reg. $23)

Sony RX100 Cyber-shot 20.2 MP digital camera w/ Carl Zeiss lens (black): $400 shipped (Reg. $650) http://t.co/NdKmrrZd68

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) January 29, 2014

More great deals still alive:

Google Chromecast $25 for .EDU emails or $30 for everyone else
LifeProof Fre case for iPhone 5 (black): $30 shipped (Reg. $80)
Monitor Deals: Dell 24″ w/DisplayPort (refurb): $165, Viewsonic 24″ monitors (refurb): $125
Samsung 840 EVO Series 750GB 2.5″ SATA III Solid State Drive $400 shipped (Reg. $530)
Virgin Mobile cuts unsubsidized iPhone 5s to $440 or iPhone 5c for $360 shipped (Update)
Seagate 2TB Backup Plus Slim USB 3.0 portable drive: $120 shipped (Reg. $200)
JBL Micro II ultra-portable speaker in black or white: $21 shipped ($30 off)
Anker 5-port Family iPad/tablet/iPhone USB charger: $16 shipped
Apple TV 3rd gen. 1080p streaming media player $84 shipped (Reg. $99)
Staples 1080P Monitors $30 off $150: HP Pavilion 22″: $110, Samsung 24″: $120, AOC 27″: $170
Get 50% off all Otterbox Armor Series cases & 25% off select Otterbox Defender cases
Philips Shoqbox splash/drop-proof portable Bluetooth speaker $80 shipped (Reg. $150)
Philips Monitor Deals: 27″ Quad HD w/ mic & webcam: $600 (Reg. $900), 29″ UltraWide HD display: $450 (Reg. $700), more
Pad & Quill Little Pocket Book for iPhone 5/5S $60 shipped ($10 off)
Western Digital My Net N750 Dual-Band wireless router w/ dual USB, quad Gig Ethernet and QoS: $30 shipped (Reg. $90)

Evernote iOS apps get new customizable home screen w/ three color themes & much more

Jordan Kahn Jan 30 2014 - 8:25 am PT

0 Comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HOROMnILMo]

Evernote pushed out a nice update to its iOS app today that brings a new customizable homescreen that will offer a few ways for users to personalize their experience. First off, the new home screen includes three color themes– Light, Dark, and Classic– but it will also now let users “add, remove, and rearrange sections” and quickly hide & reveal details for each:

The first thing you’ll notice are the redesigned New Note buttons that now sit at the top of the screen. They’re big, clear and easy to tap. Right above them, is the Settings gear. Tap it to get to the home screen customization options.

Also new in today’s update is the ability to automatically save scanned business cards to your contacts and adjust the quality of audio notes to “optimize for sound or file size.” Another new option will put the sync status bar below the Settings gear. In addition, Evernote said in a blog post that the new app is faster and more responsive:

We’ve made the app snappier and more responsive. For example, titling and retitling notes is now approximately a lot faster. Tap into the note title and the cursor pops in right away, note title suggestions appear to make things even quicker. We’ve also tweaked the note editor to make frequently used features easy to find. No more delays. In and out.

Version 7.3.0 of Evernote for iPhone and iPad is available on the App Store now.

Launch Center Pro lands on the iPad

Zac Hall Jan 30 2014 - 7:06 am PT

6 Comments

Last October I reviewed Launch Center Pro for iOS 7 and shared a few actions and shortcuts I found useful. Today Contrast is out with Launch Center Pro for iPad, and it’s just as neat for anyone wanting to build shortcuts and more efficient workflows on the iPad.
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SwiftKey keyboard arrives on iOS as Evernote-infused app, third-party integration possible

Mark Gurman Jan 30 2014 - 5:59 am PT

3 Comments

SwiftKey, a popular Android keyboard option, has arrived on iOS. No, not as a keyboard that you can install to replace Apple’s iOS touchscreen keyboard, but in the form of a free App Store application. The name of the application is SwiftKey Note and it is available on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. More details below:

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UK watchdog finalizes rules for free-to-play games, requires compliance by April 1st

Benjamin Mayo Jan 30 2014 - 4:57 am PT

2 Comments

The UK’s Office of Fair Trading has today published its final “principles” for free-to-play games, after starting an investigation back in April last year. Publishers have until April 1st to comply to the regulations or their titles breach UK consumer law and may result in legal action …
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New official Paper app aims to turn Facebook into a beautiful, magazine-style experience

Ben Lovejoy Jan 30 2014 - 4:54 am PT

11 Comments

Update: Now available

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhrbT9O6kW8]

Facebook has made many changes to its newsfeed over the years (each usually generating howls of protest on launch and then viewed as business as usual within a week or two), but the interface on web and iOS app alike has seen only minor tweaks. Popup photos aside, it’s essentially remained a clean but uninspiring scrolling layout.

All this is set to change with the launch of Paper, a new iOS-only app set to launch in the U.S. on 3rd February.

Paper makes storytelling more beautiful with an immersive design and fullscreen, distraction-free layouts. We’ve also made it easier to craft and share beautiful stories of your own …

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Twitter for iOS updated with improved photo tools, content recommendations, more

Zac Hall Jan 29 2014 - 11:30 am PT

0 Comments

Twitter released a feature update to its iOS app today bringing new photo-centric features to the social client. Version 6.1 delivers a photo gallery to the tweet compose view making it quicker to sort through your images as well as improvements to photo editing.

Users should also find new content recommendations at the top of the timeline, a feature that may have been popping up for some users before.

The last major update to Twitter also focused on photo sharing as it introduced DM image support.

Twitter 6.1 is available for free on the App Store.