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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

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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.

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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.

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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

1 Comment

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.

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

Jordan Kahn Feb 10 2014 - 10:12 am PT

1 Comment

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:

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Shazam iPhone app redesign incoming w/ new features

Jordan Kahn Feb 10 2014 - 8:07 am PT

0 Comments

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.

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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

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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: 

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

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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.

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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

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• Apps & Updates
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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.

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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.

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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

0 Comments

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.

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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)

• Apps & Updates
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• FileMaker

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.

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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)

• Apps & Updates
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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.

• Apps & Updates
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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.