Apps

6,282 'Apps' stories April 2010 - June 2013

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

Apps for iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS power our modern world. 9to5Mac will update you on the latest news, review, and updates for all types of apps. “There’s an App for that”.

The term came became part of our vocabulary when Steve Jobs announced The App Store as part of the iPhone 2.0 software update in 2008.

Over the years, the term has become as common as kleenex for describing applications on all of our devices. Apple’s platforms have apps for just about anything from finance, banking, sports, social media, podcasting, music, and more. We have a guide for helping you discover the best ones as well. Apps are now on everything from our TV, to our smartphones, on our laptops, and all the way down to our wrists.

As new ones are released or existing ones have major updates, the team here at 9to5Mac will bring you the latest news and reviews. If you want to follow along with video footage, be sure to follow 9to5Mac on YouTube. Scroll down below our latest updates on all things relating to applications on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.

Plants vs Zombies 2 launches as free-to-play iOS title on July 18 [video]

Jordan Kahn Jun 3 2013 - 7:43 am PT

We already knew that the highly anticipated second instalment of PopCap’s popular Plants vs Zombies franchise was on its way, but today the developer has posted a new launch trailer for the game and officially announced a release date.

From PopCap’s press release it sounds like Plants vs Zombies 2 is only coming to iOS, at least initially, while the company also plans an invitation only beta that will launch next week during E3. For everyone else, the game will be available on July 18 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Unlike the original title, which is currently available for 99 cents on the App Store, PopCap is making the new game entirely free to play with some in-app purchases available, but not necessary to enjoy the full game:

Free to download, Plants vs. Zombies 2 will expand and extend the classic gameplay of the original and provide players with dozens of all-new levels, plants and zombies across multiple worlds at no cost. While the vast majority of the game will be entirely free to play (players can face every zombie and access every level in every world at no cost), Plants vs. Zombies 2 players will also be able to purchase upgrades and other in-game items.

PopCap adds that “New worlds with new levels, plants, zombies and new ways to play will be released on an ongoing basis.”

Designed from the ground up as a live service, the ever-expanding universe of Plants vs. Zombies 2continues the epic struggle of plants defending your brainz against zombies from your backyard through the vast reaches of time, both past and future. New worlds with new levels, plants, zombies and new ways to play will be released on an ongoing basis. Leveraging the touch interface of Apple’s popular mobile devices, Plants vs. Zombies 2 includes all-new touch-screen power-ups that enable players to “break the fourth wall” and interact with zombies directly, as well as via plant defenses.

Apple debuts WWDC 2013 app for iOS, will feature session videos, Passbook support, more

Zac Hall Jun 3 2013 - 7:16 am PT

Apple has rolled out its WWDC 2013 app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch (via MacRumors) this morning as WWDC quickly approaches. Apple has promised to push out session videos much quicker this year and will be available online as well as via its WWDC 2013 app for iOS.

Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference kicks off a week from today in San Francisco where we’ll be covering the event.

Apple is set to preview new versions of its iOS and OS X operating systems at its keynote, which we’ll be live blogging from location, and has already promised to deliver beta releases of both operating systems to developers so they can prepare their apps for the new operating systems:

“We look forward to gathering at WWDC 2013 with the incredible community of iOS and OS X developers,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Our developers have had the most prolific and profitable year ever, and we’re excited to show them the latest advances in software technologies and developer tools to help them create innovative new apps. We can’t wait to get new versions of iOS and OS X into their hands at WWDC.”

WWDC attendees can use the app to organize their session priorities, navigate around Moscone West, and save their registration information in Passbook.

Check out the details below:
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Konami releases ‘Contra: Evolution’ for iPhone & iPad, a remixed version of the classic shooting game

May 31 2013 - 5:38 pm PT

Update (6/26): A US-optimized version of Contra: Evolution has been re-released this morning on the App Store and is available for download now. This re-issued version of Contra also includes new levels, an improved control system and in-game weapon shop.

Update (6/3): We have been told that the release of ‘Contra Evolution’ on the US App Store was a mistake. Konami is currently developing a US version of this game that will be released later this year. Please stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Today Konami released a brand new iteration in the Contra series, although it should look pretty familiar. Contra Evolution is basically a remix of the original Contra most gamers fell in love with a long time ago in a classic arcade. At first glance, this title appears to include enough familiarity to embrace nostalgia, while mixing in some new features and characters to keep the gameplay fresh.

https://twitter.com/gmanagent32/status/340628590146252800

Gamers can choose to play as all the original characters plus two brand new female players. Konami boasts that the updated HD graphics and weapon system “will provide a whole new experience in the world of Contra!”

If you’re feeling nostalgic for some traditional Run n’ Gun gameplay, it’s safe to say Contra Evolution won’t disappoint. Available as an iPhone or iPad download for $.99 each.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic now available on iPad

Jordan Kahn May 30 2013 - 9:56 am PT

Originally released back in 2003, one of the most popular Star Wars titles ever is today making its way to iPad thanks to our friends at Aspyr. The company already brought the game to Mac a few years back, and today it’s released a port specifically optimized for the iPad.

Earlier this year we talked with Aspyr execs who hinted at plans to bring more of their titles to iOS in the future.

The game will run you $9.99 and take up around 2.5GB of space on your iPad, but early reviews on the classic BioWare RPG seem to be quite positive.

• An epic Star Wars™ role-playing experience with unique characters, creatures, vehicles and planets.
• Learn to use the Force with over 40 different powers, plus build your own lightsaber.
• Adventure through iconic Star Wars locations, including Tatooine and the Wookiee homeworld Kashyyyk.
• Choose your party from nine customizable characters, including Twi’leks, droids and Wookiees.
• Travel to eight enormous worlds in your own starship, the Ebon Hawk.
• A streamlined user interface custom-made for the iPad’s touch screen helps immerse you in the action.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic for iPad is available now on the App Store.

New Adobe Kuler iPhone app allows you to capture color themes anytime using the iPhone camera

Seth Weintraub May 30 2013 - 9:44 am PT

We talked about the free Kuler app and website during our live Adobe MAX 2013 coverage but today the app is officially out for iPhone (and other iOS devices with a camera)…

Adobe announced the app’s availability [iTunes, Free] in a blog post with the palettes created with the iPhone’s camera synching via the Creative Cloud to your Illustrator and Ideas CC applications.

The new Kuler iPhone app allows you to capture inspiring color themes anytime, using the iPhone camera. You can then sync those color themes to the Kuler website, which allows you to create and edit color themes and browse thousands of themes created by other users. All the themes you create with Kuler will be accessible in Adobe Illustrator CC and Ideas.

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Tweetbot for Mac receives profile cover image support, media timeline, more

Zac Hall May 30 2013 - 9:36 am PT

Tweetbot for Mac updated today receiving many of the features from its iOS version including support for Twitter cover images on profiles and the new media timeline for viewing images and the like.

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Popular ‘Dots’ iPhone game updated with iPad support, new multiplayer mode, more

Jordan Kahn May 30 2013 - 6:58 am PT

The extremely popular ‘Dots: A Game About Connecting’ title for iPhone, which happen to hit around 100 million games played in just a couple weeks after its launch last month, today received an update that brings the title to the larger screen with support for iPad.

Not only is Dots coming to iPad users today, developer Betaworks One is also rolling out a new multiplayer mode that allows users to pass their “iOS device between friends to compete on the same board.”

The iTunes release notes also mention that “Shrinkers now 5 / 500 dots to balance gameplay.” One thing to keep in mind: One commenter warns that on iPad dots are “so tiny now you can barely see the dots never mind connect them.”

A future update to the app will also include a new “Timeless mode.”

The update includes a couple other performance improvements as well:

What’s New in Version 1.7

What’s New
· iPad Support!
· Multiplayer mode! Pass your iOS device between friends to compete on the same board.
· High-contrast color options for color blind players

Heads Up
· Shrinkers now 5 / 500 dots to balance gameplay

Bug Fixes
· No more repeating colors dropping
· Fixes to the high score system
· Ability to disconnect from Twitter/Facebook

Grand Theft Auto 3 for iOS updated with iPhone 5 support & iCloud game saves

Jordan Kahn May 30 2013 - 6:50 am PT

Grand Theft Auto 3, the 10 Year Anniversary edition, for iPhone and iPad gets a nice update today that brings iPhone 5 widescreen support, as well as the ability to save games using iCloud so you can pick up playing where you left off on any device.

The update also now lets users create a custom playlist by simply titling an iTunes playlist “GTA3”.

What’s New in Version 1.30

iPhone 5 widescreen support
iCloud save game support for seamless progression across all your iOS devices.
Custom playlist support*
Various stability and bug fixes.
*To create a custom playlist, create a playlist in iTunes titled “GTA3”

Real Racing 3 for iOS updated with Dubai Autodrome, 50+ events, new Lexus & Dodge vehicles

Jordan Kahn May 29 2013 - 3:28 pm PT

We already knew that EA had plans to bring its Real Racing 3 franchise to the Middle East when it released the teaser for the Dubai Autodrome above. Today the update has officially landed in the App Store and also brings some other goodies to the extremely popular racing franchise.

On top of 6 track layouts for both day and twilight racing at the Dubai Autodrome, the game also now features Lexus vehicles including the Lexus IS-F and Lexus LFA. Other additions include the Dodge Charger RT and Dodge Charger SRT8, as well as 50+ new events to explore.

Second Gear teases upcoming app release with Passbook teaser

Zac Hall May 29 2013 - 1:46 pm PT

The folks over at Second Gear released a fun new teaser for their upcoming app using Passbook and a service they created called Pit Pass.

If you are as interested as we are about what Second Gear has up its sleeve, you can make use of Passbook on your iPhone with a unique pass that will update with more teaser details leading up to the anticipated app launch.

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Tempo smart calendar app for iPhone updated with support for 20 new conference calling services

Mike Beasley May 29 2013 - 12:00 pm PT

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srPSlTFrH2A]

Tempo, the smart calendar app that launched earlier this year, was updated today with dial-in support for the twenty most popular conference call providers. The complete list of new services includes AccuTalk.net, AdConferencing, AnyMeeting, Calliflower, Free Audio Conferencing, Free Conference Calling, Free Conference USA, FreeConference, FreeConferenceCall.com, Fuze, GlobalMeet, GoToMeeting, join.me, Powwownow, Rondee, TalkShoe, Totally Free Conference Calls, UberConference, Wiggio, and WebEx.

The update is live now in the App Store and is free for new and existing users.

Apple’s iOS Movie Trailers app updated with Fandango ticket purchasing integration, improved playback

Mark Gurman May 29 2013 - 10:14 am PT

Apple has updated its official iTunes Movie Trailers app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with some nice enhancements for video playback and movie ticket purchasing integration:
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Twitter refreshes iPhone app interface, adds new Tweet composer, notifications when friends sign up

Mark Gurman May 29 2013 - 10:08 am PT

Twitter has updated its application for the iPhone and iPod touch with a refreshed user-interface for the Tweets timeline.

Additionally, the updated application features a new Tweet composer interface that actually allows users to preview what a posted Tweet will look like in the timeline. Also notable is the new ability to receive notifications when friends join Twitter.

Improvements and fixes for the Lists functionality are also present in this 5.7 update.

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Amazon launches ‘Login with Amazon’ sign-in service for iOS, Android & web

Jordan Kahn May 29 2013 - 7:58 am PT

Amazon is announcing today the roll out of a new service called “Login with Amazon” t0 allow developers to easily offer an Amazon sign-in option in their apps, games, and websites. Amazon says in a trial with Zappos.com customers chose to sign in using the Login with Amazon service about 40 percent of the time, while a trial with Woot found customers using Amazon sign in “had the highest rate of order conversion”:

“Login with Amazon enables app developers and website owners to leverage Amazon’s trusted sign-in solution, allowing them to focus on providing a great experience for their customers,” said Michael Carr, Amazon Vice President, eCommerce Services. “Amazon customers now have a hassle-free way to quickly and securely sign-in to apps, games and websites, without having to remember yet another password.”

Amazon is making the service available free of charge to devs and has SDKs for both Android and iOS available to download through its new login.amazon.com website.

Mac version of Rdio app gets the same love as the iOS one

Ben Lovejoy May 29 2013 - 7:28 am PT

Rdio today launched a revamp of its Mac app, giving it the same minimalist user-interface as the iOS version, with album art taking center stage …
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Review: Analog Camera, a fun and fast camera app with personality

Zac Hall May 29 2013 - 5:45 am PT

Analog Camera for iPhone and iPod touch

As promised, Analog Camera for iPhone and iPod touch has hit the App Store to fulfill your filtered photo taking needs. I had a chance to spend some time with the app over the Memorial Day weekend and quickly decided it’s a keeper.

Analog Camera is a seriously fun and fast camera app with personality, as we would expect from the makers of Clear for iPhone and Mac (and soon iPad), that features eight different photo filters and all the social network sharing you could ever need.

Analog Camera’s easy sharing features allow you to open photos you shoot or edit within the app in other apps including Instagram. This feature is especially cool if you’re feeling spunky and want to experiment with double filters or blurring features offered with Instagram.

Capture and process an image in Analog Camera, then jump right over to Instagram or similar apps to share.

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iPhone owners get 50 percent more use from their phones – usage data

Ben Lovejoy May 29 2013 - 5:20 am PT

iPhone owners spend 50 percent more time using their phones than Android owners, according to new data from Experian, which sampled 12,770 American smartphone owners.

iPhone users spend an hour and fifteen minutes using their phones per day, a full 26 minutes more than the typical Android phone owner. Additionally, iPhone and Android smartphone owners use their phones in markedly different ways. For instance, 28% of the time that Android users spend using their phones is dedicated to talking, whereas iPhone users spend only 22% of their smartphone time talking on the device. Android owners also devote a greater share of time visiting websites on their phone than iPhone owners. On the other hand, iPhone owners spend a disproportionately greater share of smartphone time than Android owners texting, emailing, using the camera and social networking …
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Tim Cook: We have no religious issue with doing Android apps, but we won’t do Chat heads on iOS

Mike Beasley May 28 2013 - 8:24 pm PT

Tim Cook noted during his interview at the D11 conference tonight that “Apple has no religious issue porting an iOS app to Android,” but was careful to point out that they would only do so “if it made sense.”

When asked about Facebook’s Android home screen replacement and whether such access would ever be available to developers on Apple’s platform, Cook noted that there are plans to allow deeper access to iOS, but such changes will only be allowed if they don’t impact the customer’s experience. Kara Swisher specifically asked about the possibility of Chat Heads becoming part of iOS, but Cook was quick to shoot the idea down:
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Google+ iOS app updated with Auto Enhance, related hashtags, interactive Google Offers, much more

Jordan Kahn May 28 2013 - 2:11 pm PT

After showing off some new Google+ features earlier this month at I/O that ended up in the Google+ Android app last week, Google today is bringing Auto Enhance, related hashtags and much more to its Google+ apps for iOS.

Version 4.4.0 of Google+ for iPhone and iPad now includes new Auto Enhance photo editing features thanks to some technology from Snapseed, the new intelligent related hashtags feature to get more information related to photos in your stream, and the ability to “Share short animations, panoramas, and more.”

Other new features include interactive Google Offer posts, options to upload a cover photo and edit additional profile fields, and control the frequency of What’s Hot posts in your stream. Google is also reminding us that the Hangouts service has moved to its own standalone app:
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Dark Sky update delivers expanded hyperlocal forecasts, open source weather tips, UK support

Zac Hall May 28 2013 - 8:58 am PT

Dark Sky for iOS received a nice update today introducing new features including support for our friends in the UK as well as the ability to submit your own personal weather report. The update adds simple weather condition descriptions in addition to the hyperlocal and insanely accurate precipitation forecasts, which takes it from a niche precipitation app to a more go-to weather app.

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Video player app Infuse receives update, AirPlay and web interface coming soon

Michael Steeber May 27 2013 - 4:19 pm PT

Last month, we reviewed the Infuse video player app by FireCore, the creators of aTV Flash. Today, the popular app received an update that addresses performance issues, metadata support, and more. FireCore also notes that AirPlay and HDMI support will be arriving soon in a 1.3 update.

The following changes and improvements have been implemented in version 1.2.4:

• Pause or resume videos using headphone controls
• Updated movie search for recent TMDb API change
• Improved support for embedded metadata
• Re-enabled access to synced music videos
• Minor visual improvements to cover art on iPad
• Minor performance improvements

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Colorful drawing app hides a secret: a hidden tethering mode (Update: removed from App Store)

May 27 2013 - 2:06 pm PT

Update: Surprise! The app has been removed from the App Store.

Yet another iOS app developer has managed to sneak an app to unlock iPhone Internet Tethering into the App Store.

This time, the app is not a flashlight, but a colorful drawing app called “Little Artist Canvas“.

The tethering setup process is similar (and just as tedious as past solutions), but as AppAdvice notes, the $0.99 app could be worth it for those who want to circumvent paying official Internet Tethering carrier fees.

Speeds depend on your actual iPhone’s carrier data connection.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8MifBZoVJY?rel=0]Setup process (video) – Written info below

Results may vary, but we have independently verified with one iPhone that the app’s hidden tethering feature works. Apple will likely remove this app as soon as possible.

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9to5Toys Memorial Day Deals: $85 Fitbit Flex, $90 WD 1.5TB USB 3.0 HD, $80 Logitech UE Bluetooth speaker, more

May 24 2013 - 3:34 pm PT

From 9to5Toys.com:

A large majority of the deals we cover each day come from a variety of ‘Daily Deal’ websites or are so popular that they don’t even last 24 hours. We know you can’t be at your computer every second, so we’re going to roundup the best deals each day to make sure you have a fair shot at the deals you want.

Be sure to follow Follow 9to5Toys so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook

Today’s Featured deals:

ZAGG announces huge Memorial Day sale: 20% – 50% off site wide including invisibleSHIELD, iPad keyboards & more
Fitbit Flex fitness-tracking bracelet w/ iOS integration $75 + $10 Shipping (Reg. $100)
Western Digital 1.5TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive $90 Shipped (Reg. $130)
Logitech UE Mini Boombox Bluetooth speaker, “9to5Mac’s best portable Speaker you can buy” $80 Shipped (Save 20%)
SlickWraps 35% sitewide sale on all personalized mobile device protective skins

App Deals:

EA Games Memorial Day iOS App Sale: Over 55 games for Free or $.99
Gameloft iOS games: Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Rises $.99 (Reg. $7 ea)
Free and reduced Apps/Games: $20 BioShock Ultimate Rapture Ed. (Xbox 360 / PS3), COD Black Ops $25 (Mac), more
iPhone & iPad game, Angry Birds Space, Free for the first time ever (Reg. $.99-$2)

Other great deals we love that may not see tomorrow:

Logitech UE Boombox Bluetooth speaker: $180 Shipped ($70 off)
Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio for iPad $68 Shipped ($62 off)
VIZIO 42″ Ultra-Thin LED Smart WiFi HDTV w/ 120Hz, 1080p, Netflix, Hulu, more (Refurb.) $360 Shipped
Brother Wireless Color All-In-One Printer w/ Apple AirPrint / Google Cloud Print $60 Shipped (40% Savings)
ViewSonic 23-Inch 1080p LED Monitor w/ HDMI: $150 shipped ($40 off)
iMac $150 off most current generation configurations, now starting at $1,150 shipped
Sony MDR-V6 Monitor Series Headphones with CCAW Voice Coil $54 Shipped (Reg. $110)
Pioneer in-dash car receiver w/ remote and Apple iPhone / iPod connectivity $50 Shipped (45% savings)
iDock Mini Charging Dock for 30-Pin Devices $5 + $3 Shipping
Mac Game Sale 87% off: 6 games for $20 including Batman Arkham Asylum ($130 off)

FDA begins cracking down on medical diagnosis apps starting with ‘uChek’ iPhone urinalysis app

Jordan Kahn May 24 2013 - 9:29 am PT

Bloomberg reports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is launching a first of its kind inquiry into medical diagnosis apps starting with the ‘uChek’ urine analysis app from Biosense Technologies. The free app, which is currently still on the App Store, requires users to purchase a kit containing urine test strips that can be visually analyzed with the iPhone’s camera. The problem, according to a letter sent to Biosense from the FDA, is the fact that the test strips have only been cleared for “direct visual reading” and not automated analysis from an application:

Please note that though the types of urinalysis dipsticks you reference for use with your application are cleared, they are only cleared when interpreted by direct visual reading. Since your app allows a mobile phone to analyze the dipsticks, the phone and device as a whole functions as an automated strip reader. When these dipsticks are read by an automated strip reader, the dipsticks require new clearance as part of the test system. Therefore, any company intending to promote their device for use in analyzing, reading, and/or interpreting these dipsticks need to obtain clearance for the entire urinalysis test system (i.e., the strip reader and the test strips, as used together).

While Biosense plans to work with the FDA to resolve the issue, Bloomberg notes that this is only the start of a broader crack down on apps that claim to diagnose medical conditions:
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