Apps

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:

Western Digital My Passport Ultra 2TB portable USB 3.0 hard drive $95 shipped (Reg. $180)
Logitech Harmony smart control w/ smartphone integration & simple remote $100 shipped (Reg. $130)
eneloop XX high capacity pre-charged rechargeable batteries: AA 4-Pack $13.39 (Reg. $25)

Up to 70% off Netgear networking products at Amazon

PNY 128GB Turbo High Performance USB 3 Memory stick: $61 shipped

Logitech Ultimate Ears 600vi Noise-Isolating In-Ear Headset $39 shipped (Reg. $120)

Apple iPad Air WiFi 32GB $550 shipped (Reg. $599) http://t.co/WBQ3o14L6k

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) January 8, 2014

Other great deals from today:

New! Game/App Deals: Tomb Raider: $15, 3DS XL special edition: $150 shipped, iOS freebies, more
New! Asus Google Nexus 7 16GB or 32GB Tablet (Gen 2) Refurb $190–$220 + $5 shipping
New! Eton American Red Cross Hand Turbine AM/FM/NOAA Emergency Radio/Flashlight $10 shipped (Reg. $30)
New! Anker Astro 15000mAh Portable Ultra-High Capacity External Battery Backup Charger: $42.49

More great deals still alive:

Apple iPod Touch 32GB 5th gen in multiple colors $260 shipped (Reg. $300)
Jawbone UP fitness tracker $100 shipped (Reg. $130), Fitbit Aria WiFi scale discounts
Google Chromecast streaming media player $30 or $25 for students (Reg. $35)
25% off a variety of tech accessories for a limited time at T-Mobile
Monoprice $10 off $30 Coupon: Save on cables, headphones, chargers, more
iPhone 5/5S Wallet Case $7 shipped (Reg. $30)
Amazon Kindle Wifi 6-inch eReader: $50 shipped ($20 off)

U: Back in stock!

RT @9to5toys: Kingston Digital 120GB V300 2.5" Solid State Drive $70 shipped (Reg. $194) http://t.co/UhYty69F5A

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) January 7, 2014

Apps, rather than streaming music, may be responsible for ‘peak iTunes’ – analyst

Ben Lovejoy Jan 8 2014 - 5:51 am PT

11 Comments

We noted at the end of last year that iTunes music downloads appeared to be on the decline for the first time, a shift that was confirmed this month. The operating assumption has so far been that music streaming services are taking over, and that a growing number of consumers are now content to simply have on-demand access to music, rather than to own it.

Asymco’s Horace Dediu, an analyst who often has interesting things to say, has suggested an alternative explanation: that we’re actually listening to less music …
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Google updates YouTube for iOS 7 with improved search results and captions

Mike Beasley Jan 7 2014 - 5:23 pm PT

1 Comment

The YouTube app for iOS has been updated with a new design for iOS 7, including the new keyboard and status bar, and a blurred sidebar design like that found in other apps.

The update also includes improved search results that include videos, playlists, and channels all on one screen. Finally, the new version introduces new settings for closed captioning and subtitles.

You can grab the free YouTube app on the iOS App Store.

CES 2014: Hands-on w/ Parrot’s Jumping Sumo insect robot toy (Video)

Jordan Kahn Jan 7 2014 - 3:46 pm PT

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wZWtH_rsOM&feature=youtu.be]

Yesterday we gave you our hands-on demo video of the latest MiniDrone quadricopter from Parrot, and today we got a demo of the new Parrot Jumping Sumo: a Wi-Fi connected “insect robot” toy that can turn on a dime and jump up to 30 inches.It’s controlled via an iOS app, packs in a gyroscope and accelerometer, and can roll and turn 90 degrees with quite impressive precision.
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Yahoo announces News Digest, a new iOS app that provides only essential news stories

Chance Miller Jan 7 2014 - 2:27 pm PT

During its CES keynote, Yahoo announced a new iOS app that it hopes will help people stay informed on the big news of the day. Dubbed News Digest, the app will send out updates twice a day with the big news. The information comes from several different sources and Yahoo calls each individual story an “atom.” The app focuses on all news categories, not just technology.

Each story is created from multiple sources to present the essential bits and pieces of information, known as “Atoms”. Atoms are key quotes, images, videos, stock tickers, maps, infographs, and Wikipedia excerpts among others. These atomic units provide a unique context to the news. Our stories are both algorithmically and hand curated to ensure high quality, and come with a textual summary.

Apple announces App Store sales top $10 billion in 2013, $1 billion in December alone

Benjamin Mayo Jan 7 2014 - 5:42 am PT

5 Comments

Today, Apple has announced that App Store sales topped $10 billion in 2013. In December alone, customers spent over $1 billion in the store, a record-breaking figure — the most successful month in App Store history. In total, developers for iOS and OS X have now earned $15 billion on the App Store.

Kindle for iOS updated with new flashcard feature, dictionary redesign, more

Zac Hall Jan 6 2014 - 10:50 am PT

Starting off the new year with new features and improvements, Amazon updated its Kindle app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch today to version 4.1.

The update brings new features to users like the ability to create flash cards from text books for studying. This feature essentially creates bookmarks outside of the content for reviewing information on specific characters, places, or topics, and uses data from Wikipedia as part of Kindle’s X-Ray feature.

The update also includes a number of requested features and performance enhancements (full change log below).
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Apps

Crowd-sourced app development startup Dandy launches first app w/ PictureThis

Jordan Kahn Jan 6 2014 - 9:48 am PT

Dandy, a new Waterloo-based startup that crowd-sources the development of mobile apps, today launched its first ever app developed by its community of contributors during the ShowStoppers CES event. The concept is a simple but unique one: apply Kickstarter-style crowd-sourcing to the development of mobile apps. Dandy, however, takes things one step further than your average crowd-sourced product campaign by allowing members of the community to contribute to the development process and earn revenue from app sales based on the level of their contributions. Here’s how it works:
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Editors Keys turns Apple’s wireless keyboard into the first Logic Pro X shortcut keyboard

Jordan Kahn Jan 6 2014 - 8:39 am PT

9 Comments

Editors Keys today announced the first ever wireless shortcut keyboard for Apple’s recently released Logic Pro X audio suite. The keyboard sports 150 shortcuts and the company notes it was also able to fit in some extra shortcuts as icons sitting behind the text on each key. Perhaps the best part of the new Logic Pro X keyboard is the fact that Editors Keys used an actual Apple wireless keyboard for the product, which means you’ll be able to swap out your current Apple keyboard without sacrificing the look and feel. The company says it worked with the Logic Pro X community to develop the best experience possible for users:
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Sephora begins offering free downloads of popular iOS apps and other media

Jan 6 2014 - 6:58 am PT

4 Comments

From 9to5Toys.com:
Sephora is doing its best Starbucks impersonation by giving away music, magazines, books, and apps for free. The content will continually change, but right now you can get Day One, djay 2, Silk, A Beautiful Mess, and an 8-song playlist for free. Unfortunately, as with many similar promos, it is only available in the US.

At Sephora, we think sharing is beautiful. So discover and download our favorite songs, playlists, magazines, books, and apps—for free. Our curated selections will be available for a limited time and will rotate regularly, so download the Sephora To Go app to get them all. Available for iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod touch®.

Keep your kids amused while you can with unofficial cartoon streaming app

Ben Lovejoy Jan 6 2014 - 5:56 am PT

4 Comments

We don’t expect Cartoon HD to last on the App Store for long, but at the moment you can grab this free iOS app that says it offers streaming access to 2000 cartoons.

– Larva Movie – Multi chapter
– Mr Bean Cartoon
– Pixar sort film (updating)
– Donald Duck
– Nu, pogodi! You Just Wait!
– Tom & Jerry
– Scooby Doo
– The Smurfs
– Pink Panther
– Mother Goose Club
– Yo Gabba Gabba!
– Merrie Melodies
– Looney Tunes
– The Simpson (updating)
– Johnny Test (updating)
– Chowder (updating)
– Ben 10 (updating)
– Ed, Edd & Eddy (updating)
– Naruto (updating)
– Superpuff girls X (updating)
– Doraemon (updating)

There’s also a paid ‘Pro’ version which claims to allow downloading, but from the reviews it sounds like you shouldn’t waste your money.

CES 2014: Parrot demos new iOS controlled ‘MiniDrone’ quadricopter coming later this year [Video]

Jordan Kahn Jan 6 2014 - 2:01 am PT

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoVlNc2mEiw]

Parrot, the company best known for its AR Drone quadricopter, today unveiled a few of its latest iOS controlled vehicles including a smaller quadricopter called ‘MiniDrone’. We shot the videos above and below tonight during the official CES Unveiled press event and were quite impressed with the MiniDrone’s agility. Unlike its bigger brother, Parrot’s new drone sports removable wheels on either side allowing it to run smoothly along the floor, wall, or ceiling before taking off again into mid-air. It’s also extremely agile thanks to a number of built-in sensors, an auto-pilot mode, and a super lightweight design, as you’ll see in the video below.
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CES 2014: Belkin shows off app controlled WeMo lightbulbs, Crock-Pot Slow Cooker, & ‘Maker’ DIY kit

Jordan Kahn Jan 6 2014 - 12:10 am PT

2 Comments

Belkin is the official sponsor of 9to5Mac’s International CES 2014 coverage

At CES this year Belkin is focusing on expanding WeMo, its lineup of home automation products that allow you to control power outlets and connected products using an iOS app. We reviewed the company’s original WeMo kit, but it’s come a long way from just the socket and motion detector it first launched. Today we got a look at three new WeMo products coming soon, including: smart LED lightbulbs, a Crock-Pot slow cooker, and a new DIY kit dubbed “Maker”.
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Apple wraps up 12 Days of Gifts with free Rolling Stones live album

Mike Beasley Jan 6 2014 - 12:00 am PT

Apple has released the 12th and final gift in its 12 Days of Gifts campaign. The last free item from the iTunes Store is a three-track live album from the Rolling Stones—Sweet Summer Sun, Live in Hyde Park 2013. The album was first released on New Years Day and features live performances of “Beast of Burden,” “Tumbling Dice,” and “Doom & Gloom.”

This marks the end of Apple’s campaign for this year, which was the first time the promotion has ever been available in the United States.

Just in time for the NFL playoffs, Yahoo Sports updated with iOS 7 design, gif creation tool

Chance Miller Jan 3 2014 - 11:25 am PT

Just in time for the NFL playoffs, the Yahoo Sports iOS app has been updated with a plethora of new features, the biggest of which are a totally new iOS 7 design and a new “Loops” service (via TechCrunch). Loops allows users to search through a game, select a short portion of it, and create an animated gif with that footage, along with captions, effects, and looping. Right now, Loops is compatible with the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, and NCCAB, though Yahoo says it plans to expand support to other leagues soon.
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Anki Drive iOS app updated with new car upgrades, customization options

Chance Miller Jan 3 2014 - 10:44 am PT

1 Comment

Anki Drive got the ultimate endorsement last summer when Apple allowed the company to demonstrate its product on stage at its WWDC conference. For those unfamiliar, Anki Drive is a platform that allows hardware cars to be raced around a track and controlled wirelessly with an iOS device. Today, the company updated its iOS app with a host of new features, upgrades, and customization options. With today’s update, players can now take advantage of 20 new upgrade options, in addition to be able to further customize their car.

9to5Toys Last Call: Western Digital 2TB HD $90, iPhone wallet case $7, Monoprice $10 off $30, Cowbom 20% off, more

Jan 3 2014 - 9:49 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:

Onkyo TX-NR network A/V receivers (refurb): 5.2 channel $200 (Reg. $500 new), 7.2 channel: $300 (Reg. $600 new) + $5 shipping
Logitech On-Ear Headphones (dented box): UE 4000 $30 (Reg. $100), UE 6000 $70 (Reg. $200)

Western Digital My Passport Ultra 2TB portable USB 3.0 hard drive $90 shipped (Reg. $180)

iPhone 5/5S Wallet Case $7 shipped (Reg. $30)

Monoprice $10 off $30 Coupon: Save on cables, headphones, chargers, more

Cowboom 20% Off Sitewide: Save on iPads, game consoles, laptops, more

iOttie One-Touch iPhone Car Windshield/Dashboard Mount $12 shipped (Reg. $25)

Other great deals from today:

New! Game/App Deals: XCOM: Enemy Unknown for 360: $12 shipped (Reg. $40), Sesame Street iOS sale, freebies, more
New! Sony MDR-EX58V earbuds w/ in-line control $10 shipped (Reg. $30)

More great deals still alive:

Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Episodes I-VI) on Blu-ray $60 (Reg. $140) http://t.co/HAqox7WJd5

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) January 2, 2014

Kingston Digital 120GB V300 2.5″ Solid State Drive $70 shipped (Reg. $194)
Insignia 32″ 720p LED $150
Amazon Kindle Wifi 6-inch eReader: $50 shipped ($20 off)
Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch $240 shipped (Reg. $300)
Free Month of Redbox Instant Streaming + 4 DVD Rentals Free
Pad & Quill: $5 off any product
Olloclip 4-in-1 iPhone 5/5s lens kit: $50 shipped (Reg. $70)
Mpow 12000mAh Backup Battery Portable Charger Power Bank $41 shipped (Reg. $66)
Dell ST2421L 24″ 1080P LED Monitor w/HDMI for $110 shipped
OtterBox offers up to 15% off sitewide
HP X2401 24-Inch ultra-thin 1080P LED display with HDMI: $160 shipped

Review: StorySkeleton, an iPad story-planning app and Scrivener companion

Ben Lovejoy Jan 3 2014 - 6:42 am PT

15 Comments

As you doubtless gathered from my recent Scrivener review, I’m a massive fan of the best Mac app I’ve ever used for creative writing. The TL;DR version is that I wouldn’t dream of attempting to write a novel in anything else. My only real grumble is that we’ve as yet seen no sign of the long-promised iPad version of the app.

I’ve used PlainText with a Dropbox sync as a way of working on Scrivener projects on my iPad, and that works well enough at the writing stage. At the planning, stage, though, I love the corkboard interface. I was thus really interested to see an iOS app that not only provides a very similar corkboard view, but which can export and import to and from Scrivener …
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Scanner Pro for iOS available for free as the first iTunes App of the Week in 2014

Mike Beasley Jan 2 2014 - 4:16 pm PT

4 Comments

Scanner Pro, the document-scanning app for iPhone and iPad created by Readdle, is available for free this week as part of Apple’s “App of the Week” promotion. The app uses an iOS device’s camera to scan documents, complete with real-time border detection for perfectly-sized scans, and stores them as PDFs in a variety of cloud services, including iCloud and Google Drive.

The app also supports outgoing faxes directly from the app, in case you need to fax a signed document back to someone. Outgoing fax credits are available as in-app purchases.

You can grab your free copy of Scanner Pro on the App Store for this week only. After that the price goes back to the regular $6.99.

Starbucks now supports redeeming Pick of the Week cards with iOS 7’s camera feature

Sarah Guarino Jan 2 2014 - 4:03 pm PT

11 Comments

Starbucks, this week, updated their iconic Pick of the Week promotion to take advantage of iOS 7’s ability to use the device’s camera to redeem iTunes gift cards. Before that, customers had to pick up a physical card featuring a promo code to redeem the Pick of the Week app and manually type the code into the iTunes Store. Earlier this year, Starbucks began offering the promotion via an App Store app. The pick of the week promotion allows customers pickup cards from participating Starbucks locations and download an app or other piece of iTunes media for free:

CES 2014 to host iBeacon scavenger hunt w/ official mobile apps

Jordan Kahn Jan 2 2014 - 3:02 pm PT

Today, the Consumer Electronics Association announced that it will be using Apple’s new iBeacon technology to host a unique scavenger hunt of sorts at its International CES event scheduled for next week. Using the official CES mobile apps for iOS or Android, attendees will be able to collect badges for encountering the location-aware Bluetooth iBeacons placed throughout the CES showfloor. CEA is using a Bluetooth iBeacon development kit from Radius Networks (pictured above) and Texas Instruments’ SensorTag technology. It hopes the scavenger hunt will encourage attendees to explore more areas of the show.
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No Bible available? NY swears in politician with iPad Bible app

Jordan Kahn Jan 2 2014 - 1:11 pm PT

35 Comments

NewsDay reports Republican Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano was sworn in for his second term today using an iPad and Bible app when officials were unable to locate a physical copy of the Bible:

Addressing a standing room audience at Bethpage High School, where he graduated in 1980, Mangano took the oath of office on an iPad featuring a text of the Bible when a printed copy could not be located.

Not surprisingly there is much debate heating up online over whether or not an iPad and Bible app should qualify as a replacement for the real thing. Video from the ceremony is available here.

NFL playoffs! Some great apps and free AFC streams from CBS Sports

Jordan Kahn Jan 2 2014 - 10:52 am PT

1 Comment

According to a report from Broadcasting & Cable, CBS for the first time will live stream its coverage of the AFC portion of the NFL playoffs starting with a game between the Chargers and Bengals this weekend. In addition to the wildcard matchup this Sunday, the network will also live stream two divisional round games and the AFC conference championship. The live stream will be available to users tuning in on desktops, laptops, and tablets through the CBS website, but there’s no mention of mobile phones or apps.

While you may or might not be able to get the live stream through the official CBS Sports mobile app, there are a number of great iOS apps to keep up to date on the latest as the NFL playoffs kick off this month. Here are a few of our favorite NFL apps to keep you up to date on all the official news coverage, video highlights, customized team alerts, real-time scores and more during the playoffs:
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9to5Toys Last Call: iOttie iPhone windshield mount $12, tons of app price drops, HP 27″ IPS monitor $355, Blu-rays, HDTVs, more

Jan 2 2014 - 9:50 am PT