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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.

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Little Snitch updated to 3.1 with Automatic Profile Switching and more

Developers Objective Development just announced a nice update to its extremely popular network and application monitoring tool known as ‘Little Snitch’. For those of you unfamiliar, Little Snitch allows users to set up rules that control network access for specific apps and services, allowing you to control when and how apps on your machine talk to the internet. A previous update brought profiles to the app, offering users the ability to switch between different sets of rules for different workflows. Today’s update to version 3.1 enhances that feature by offering Automatic Profile Switching:

With the new Automatic Profile Switching these profiles now can be activated automatically when the computer starts using a specific network connection (e.g. the office, home or some public network) – thereby adapting your network security to the current environment…The first time you connect to a network, Little Snitch presents you the new Profile Switching Alert which lets you define the profile to be activated automatically the next time you join the same network. Of course, this also activates the profile right when you click the OK button.

Message Box brings systemwide Facebook Chat Heads to iOS [jailbreak]

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Jailbreak developer Adam Bell has just published a new tweak that allows Facebook users to access their Chat Heads from anywhere. The tweak is called Message Box and it works remarkably well. It’s not 100% perfect yet, but it functions well enough to use full time without much of an issue.

Keep reading for more info on the tweak, including where you can get it before it hits Cydia.


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New “Learn More About In-App Purchases” section helps protect consumers from apps like this [video]

In March Apple decided to add “offers in-app purchases” warnings in iTunes and on the App Store following a class action lawsuit brought on by parents arguing the iOS freemium model, i.e. in-app purchases, allowed children to easily rack up thousands of dollars. Today, as noted by AppAdvice, Apple has now added a new “Learn More About In-App Purchases” section on the App Store detailing how in-app purchases work and how parents can manage they preferences through Parental Controls (pictured below). On a related note, in the video above IGN shows off how kids could easily spend thousands of dollars in apps that aggressively push ridiculously expensive in-app purchases to games clearly aimed at children.

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AT&T’s ‘Digital Life’ home automation suite goes live in 15 markets; iOS apps, pricing

Last year, AT&T rolled out a test phase of its new Digital Life home automation and security suite. Starting today, the company will be rolling out the final product in 15 markets. The system is launching in Atlanta, Austin, Texas, Boulder, Colo., Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Riverside, Calif., San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis and select areas of the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area. The company says that it hopes to reach 50 markets by the end of this year.

The home automation system includes many facets, though security seems to be the aspect that AT&T is promoting the most.

The foundation of AT&T Digital Life is complete home security with 24/7 professional monitoring. Through AT&T-owned and operated, U.S.-based monitoring centers, professionals will respond to emergencies and alert police and fire authorities. Customers can choose which alerts they want to receive and how.

Through iPad and iPhone applications, customers can also manage items throughout their home. In addition to camera, lights, and thermostats, the company offers some bonus packages:

  • Camera Package – View live video from inside and outside of the home for an additional $9.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

  • Energy Package – Control appliances, lighting and thermostats for convenience and energy efficiency for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

  • Door Package – Allow a pet sitter or repairman into your home remotely with automated door locks, or check to see whether your garage door is open or closed for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

  • Water Detection Package – Detect water leaks before damage occurs for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

  • Water Control Package – Detect leaks and shut off water at the main water source for an additional $9.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

Pricing and more below:

dALLAS, April 26, 2013Secure your home, check in on your kids or pets, adjust the temperature, let your housesitter in the front door, or check to see if you closed your garage door, from almost anywhere all on the go.  Available today for the first time in 15 markets, AT&T Digital LifeSM makes customers’ lives easier by simplifying the management of their home.  Digital Life offers customers security, convenience and peace of mind, in a customizable and easy-to-use experience from smartphones, tablets or PCs.

AT&T* today announced the first commercial launch markets for AT&T Digital Life: Atlanta, Austin, Texas, Boulder, Colo., Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Riverside, Calif., San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis and select areas of the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area.  AT&T plans to introduce Digital Life in up to 50 markets by the end of 2013.

Security

The foundation of AT&T Digital Life is complete home security with 24/7 professional monitoring. Through AT&T-owned and operated, U.S.-based monitoring centers, professionals will respond to emergencies and alert police and fire authorities. Customers can choose which alerts they want to receive and how.

“We know how important security is to our customers, and this was our top priority when we set out to build Digital Life,” said Kevin Petersen, senior vice president, AT&T Digital Life. “People rely on their mobile devices more than ever, so Digital Life offers an easy and convenient way to secure their homes, protect their families and simplify their lives from virtually anywhere.”

Remote Access

AT&T Digital Life is an all-digital, fully integrated, wireless home management system, giving customers flexibility to manage their home from their smartphone, tablet or PC. Customers can purchase Digital Life regardless of their wireless or wireline broadband provider.  The Digital Life application is available on most web browsers and apps are available for iOS, Android smartphones and Windows Phones. To ensure customers’ privacy is protected, Digital Life has a secure log in system each time the app is opened from any Internet-connected device.

Easy to Use

In addition to security, Digital Life offers a robust suite of automation services that can be customized to meet customers’ needs.  A user-friendly application was designed to be as simple as possible, making it easier than ever to manage your home.  The AT&T Digital Life application gives customers control over cameras, door locks, lights, thermostats, small appliances and more by setting alerts or programs to manage your home.  It’s all integrated into one simple system.

Customization

AT&T Digital Life provides total flexibility so you get exactly what you want.  You can build a system with the features you want, and you can add features or make changes easily as your needs evolve. Unlike competitors, AT&T Digital Life is a major home security and automation system that can be ordered completely online, in an AT&T store, over the phone, or with an in-home sales consultant.  Pricing is competitive and transparent, making it easy for customers to understand and purchase solutions to meet their needs.

 

Pricing

Customers can choose from two base plans: Simple Security, which is our basic home security package; or Smart Security which includes enhanced security features and the option to add home automation.

  • Simple Security – Includes 24/7 home monitoring, 24-hour battery backup, a wireless keypad, keychain remote, recessed sensors and an indoor siren for $29.99 a month plus $149.99 for equipment and installation.
  • Smart Security – Includes the benefits of Simple Security plus a choice of three of the following features: motion sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, glass break sensor, smoke sensor or takeover kit.  Smart Security begins at $39.99 a month plus $249.99 for equipment and installation.

Customers who select Smart Security can add these automation packages:

  • Camera Package – View live video from inside and outside of the home for an additional $9.99 a month plus equipment and installation.
  • Energy Package – Control appliances, lighting and thermostats for convenience and energy efficiency for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.
  • Door Package – Allow a pet sitter or repairman into your home remotely with automated door locks, or check to see whether your garage door is open or closed for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.
  • Water Detection Package – Detect water leaks before damage occurs for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.
  • Water Control Package – Detect leaks and shut off water at the main water source for an additional $9.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

“AT&T’s Digital Life service is fully featured with one of the market’s best selection of pre-packaged bundles and connected devices.  With straightforward and competitive prices, the AT&T value proposition will leave the company in a good position to capture market share in the growing connected home market,” said Larry Hettick, Contributing Analyst, Consumer Services, Current Analysis.

“We’re bringing you security and convenience features that can be easily integrated into your life, making things simpler for you and your family”, said Petersen. “We conducted extensive research, listened to our customers and worked hard to build a single integrated solution with an unmatched set of assets all built around our customer’s needs.”

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Google adds ability to open Microsoft Office files directly in Chrome on Mac

Previously only available to Chromebook users, Google announced today on its Chrome blog that Mac and Windows users will now have the ability to open Microsoft Office files directly within Chrome. The functionality works for users running the latest Chrome Beta and requires installation of the Chrome Office Viewer (Beta) extension.

In addition to saving you time, the Chrome Office Viewer also protects you from malware delivered via Office files. Just like with web pages and PDFs, we’ve added a specialized sandbox to impede attackers who use compromised Office files to try to steal private information or monitor your activities.

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Mailbox continues to say iPad app, iCloud support, more coming in future updates

https://twitter.com/mailbox/statuses/327476894318600194

After some controversy for the popular Mailbox iOS app earlier this week, some good news for Mailbox users comes today in the form of confirmation of new features and an iPad app coming soon.

As noted in the tweets above and below, the Mailbox devs have publicly confirmed in a number of recent tweets that and iPad version of the app is currently “in the works” and expected to launch soon. We also learn that desktop and Android versions of the app are on the company’s roadmap, while iCloud support, landscape typing, alias support, and “Send as” features are also on the list for future updates:

https://twitter.com/mailbox/status/327480611428245504

https://twitter.com/mailbox/status/327494387955273729

https://twitter.com/mailbox/statuses/327476894318600194

(via TechCrunch)

Twitter for Mac goes Retina, gets design tweaks, 14 new languages

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After years without an update, Twitter has updated its official Mac app with Retina display support and much more:

Today we’re announcing a few improvements to Twitter for Mac:

  • Photos: It’s easier than ever to share photos. Simply click the camera icon in the lower-left corner of the Tweet compose box, and choose a photo to share. If you prefer, you can still drag and drop photos from the desktop.
  • Retina display support: Now Twitter is even more vibrant and detailed on the highest resolution Mac notebooks. With this update, Tweets will be clearer and sharper, creating a more vivid experience.
  • 14 more languages: In addition to English, Twitter for Mac now supports Dutch, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Turkish.

Along with these updates, Twitter for Mac offers keyboard shortcuts, support for multiple accounts and timelines, and other features that you’ve come to love.

You can get this update now in the Mac App Store. Keep an eye out for more improvements to come, too.


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Wunderlist ‘Pro’ arrives today with new team collaboration features for $4.99/month

6 Wunderkinder, the developers behind the ‘Wunderlist’ to-do app that’s currently home to over 4 million users, today announced a new “Pro” version of the cross platform productivity app. Launching today on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and on the web, the new pro version comes with the introduction of the developer’s first premium model that will see users pay $4.99 a month (or $49.99 a year) to get access to new team oriented collaboration features:

Assigning – now you can add an extra level of accountability and assign tasks to your colleagues

and friends.
Unlimited subtasks – sometimes the task on hand is so big that you need to break it down into

small manageable subtasks. Now you can add as little or as many needed to get the job done.
Backgrounds – Wunderlist Pro subscribers will have access to eight new backgrounds – from a minimal dark wood and soothing sands to vibrant florals and the Paris cityscape, plus a whole lot more!

6 Wunderkinder plans to keep adding additional features for pro users, including the ability to attach and share files through tasks:

Files will be the next feature to be added to Wunderlist Pro. With the support of Files you will be able to attach files to a task and share with your colleagues, for improved collaboration outside of just the to-dos.

The Pro upgrade for Wunderlist is available now as an in-app purchase in the Wunderlist iPhone & iPad app as well as the Mac App Store app and on the web.

Those that plan on sticking with the free version of Wunderlist will also be greeted today with new features in update 2.1.0 of the app. Among them is a new Action Bar and other UI improvements such as the ability to “Get a quick overview as to who created and completed a task with the Detail View.”

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LinkedIn launches revamped “Contacts” feature alongside new standalone iPhone app

As part of its new revamped Contacts section coming soon for select users on the desktop, LinkedIn today is also launching a standalone Contacts app for iPhone that allows users to manage address books, emails, and calendars by contact and access all content related to specific contacts from one easy to access location. The Contacts app will also provide alerts for changes to jobs and birthdays, and allow you to access meetings and past conversations directly from an individual’s Contacts profile:

LinkedIn Contacts brings together all your address books, emails, and calendars, and keeps them up to date in one place. From these sources, we’ll automatically pull in the details of your past conversations and meetings, and bring these details directly onto your contact’s profile.

The new Contacts service is apparently rolling out over the coming weeks with invitations being sent out to select individuals within the United States. You can already sign up for the wait list through LinkedIn’s new Contacts website here, and the free standalone iOS app is available for download on the App Store now.

Last month LinkedIn launched a redesigned iOS app with a revamped UI and new features.

A full list of features for the new iPhone app below:

• All your contacts in one place – We bring together all of your address books, emails, and calendars, and keep them up to date so you don’t have to

• Never miss an opportunity to stay in touch – Get alerted on job changes and birthdays in your network, a perfect opportunity to say hello

• See where you left off the conversation – Review your most recent correspondence with a contact before picking up the phone

• Discover more about who you’re meeting with – Prepare for your day with details on each person you’re meeting

• Find the right person for the task at hand – Sort contacts by recent conversation and filter by company or location

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Iron Man 3 – The Official Game now available on App Store ahead of upcoming movie

From 9to5Toys.com:

Ahead of the official May 3rd launch of the Iron Man 3 feature film, today Gameloft has released the iOS app tie-in taking place after the events of the movie. According to the game’s iTunes page, Iron Man 3 sees the player take up the role of peacekeeper playing as Tony Stark in an “additive, endless 3D runner”.

Iron Man 3 – The Official Game is available on the App Store now for free.

Included in the game is 3 different locations with “endless, self-generating levels”, 18 suits from the various Iron Man movies, and much more:

THE OFFICIAL GAME OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED SUPERHERO MOVIE OF 2013!

– Fight around the world against rising A.I.M. forces

– Discover 3 different locations offering endless, self-generating levels: Malibu Shores, New York City, and China 

– Confront 4 epic villains from the Iron Man comics: Crimson Dynamo, Ezekiel Stane, Living Laser, and the mighty M.O.D.O.K.

– Complete various missions in fast-paced flying battles, and in epic one-on-one confrontations

– Unleash Iron Man’s power with amazingly responsive swipe controls

– Enjoy an outstanding 3D world with cutting-edge graphics and animations

– Research and develop up to 18 suits from the different movies (Mark II, Mark 42, Silver Centurion, etc.)

– Upgrade your armors and powers in the research lab to wipe out your enemies

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XCOM: Enemy Unknown – Elite Edition now available on Mac, includes additional DLC

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wiFE_ZPR0o]

From 9to5Toys.com:

Firaxis and 2K Games have officially launched the critically acclaimed XCOM: Enemy Unknown on Mac today. Known as the Elite Edition, the Feral ported Mac version will come with the base game, the Slingshot Pack, the Elite Soldier Pack and the Second Wave update as well as some wallpapers and the soundtrack for $49.99.

The Slingshot and Elite Soldier DLC brings additional character customization as well as extra council missions and the “Shaojie Zhang” soldier. The Second Wave update introduced a host of new game modifiers that add a lot more flexibility to the experience.

Just like the game’s Windows release, the Mac version will also include the LAN and online multiplayer options. Keep your eye out for the re-reveal of the highly anticipated XCOM shooter expected to be detailed in the coming days (and iOS version of Enemy Unknown coming this summer).

XCOM: Enemy Unknown – Elite Edition (Mac) $49.99


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Fandango iOS app gets faster ticket purchasing & special offers for Visa Signature users, improved Facebook sharing, and more

Fandango, the movie ticket service that is currently integrated into Siri, today announced an update to its iOS app for iPhone and iPad. On top of enhancements that lets iPad users scroll through photos & videos and view in full screen mode, the app also now features the ability for Visa Signature account holders to purchase tickets faster and receive special offers by saving their card. The feature is only available on the iPhone initially and comes alongside better Facebook sharing options by creating and signing into a Fandango account.

A full list of what’s new below:

What’s New in Version 5.6

• iPad users – now scroll through photos & videos and view in full screen
• Feeling social? Sign into your Fandango account to manage Facebook sharing
• Visa Signature account holders – save your card for faster ticket purchasing & access to special offers with TIXPRESS™! (iPhone only)
• General bug fixes & usability enhancements

Review: Currency, a streamlined conversion app for your iPhone that may be a tad too simple

Conversion apps feel like a design playground, with so much potential for uniqueness and variety in their interfaces. The trend has been towards multifunction, multi-purpose Swiss-army knife apps that attempt to cover a whole range of disparate measurements. In my experience, as a result of racing to add one more ratio to their feature list, the simplicity of these apps suffer.

Currency sidesteps this battleground entirely and, as the name implies, focuses solely on converting amounts of money. The app touts support for over 160 currencies from around the world, which was more than enough to satisfy my needs. The app surfaces a handful of common currencies at first launch, each accompanied with a beautiful representation of its respective country’s flag.


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NFL ’13 iOS app updated with live coverage, second-screen experience & push notifications for 2013 NFL Draft

NFL Enterprises has updated its NFL ’13 app today to offer live coverage and a new second screen experience to a number of users directly through the app for the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft. NFL Network subscribers on COX, Cablevision, and FiOS in the US will have access to the live coverage on their iPads, while all users will be able to access a second-screen experience dubbed “Draft Extra” to enhance the event.

Other updates include a new custom push notifications for players, teams, and rounds, as well as additional live coverage for the Draft. Verizon customers can check out Draft Live on the NFL Mobile App.

What’s New in Version 3.10

– Follow the 2013 NFL Draft Live! COX, Cablevision and FiOS customers with NFL Network can sign in to watch NFL Network on their iPads (US Only). All other customers can watch NFL.com/LIVE at the Draft.
-Draft Xtra a second-screen experience designed to enhance the event
– Custom push notifications by player, team and round
– Plus all NFL.com Draft coverage – News, analysis and mock draft coverage
– Verizon customers can watch the Draft Live on the NFL Mobile App

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Tumblr updates iOS app with new sharing features, save later with Pocket, animated GIFs, & more… now with ads

On top of the recent announcement that it will be bringing sponsored posts, aka advertisements, to its mobile apps, Tumblr today released an updated iOS app that includes new sharing features, the ability to save content for later reading, new templates for sharing posts through email, and much more.

Other enhancements include animated GIFs while scrolling, an alphabetized and searchable Following list, and support for sharing directly to Twitter and Facebook. A full list of what’s new in version 3.3.1 of the universal iOS app is below:

What’s New in Version 3.3.1

Now you can do more than just reblog when you find something you love.

– Share posts via Twitter, Facebook, and more
– Save stuff for later using Instapaper and Pocket
– Email an entire post with our beautiful new template
– Fling a photo up or down to close it!
– GIFs animate while you scroll*
– Following list is now alphabetized and searchable

*iPad 2, 3 and 4, iPad Mini, iPod Touch 5th Generation, iPhone 4S and 5 only

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Apple updates iAd Producer with support for iBooks Author widgets, iTunes LPs, iTunes Extras, more

Apple’s iAd Producer tool for creating HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript ads for its iAd platform gets updated to version 4.0 today and adds a number of notable new features on top of some performance enhancements that Apple outlined in a knowledge base article. The updated app now allows users to create iBooks Author widgets, iTunes LPs, and iTunes Extras. Apple provides more information on the new features, such as creating an iBooks Author Widget for iBooks Author projects on the iAd Producer support page:

You can create an iBooks Author widget for use in your iBooks Author projects. For example, you can create a widget that allows users to stream video from the Internet, draw using their finger, or interact with a timeline.

A full list of what’s new in iAd Producer 4.0 including: folder-based organization support, new HTML, Stack, Drawing, and Panorama objects, in-app quick previews, CSS filter support for objects, and much more below:

New in iAd Producer 4.0

This release contains a number of new features and improvements

  • Improved Object library interface
  • Improved Actions library interface
  • Support for folder-based organization in the asset library
  • New HTML, Stack, Drawing, and Panorama objects
  • New actions for adding and removing CSS classes, animating background position, animating image masks, and text slide-in animation
  • Support for applying CSS filters as well as image and gradient masks to objects.
  • In-app quick preview
  • Project-wide search in the Code Editor
  • Better export performance
  • Improved menu layout
  • Improved font support, including support for OpenType fonts
  • Improved rulers and alignment guides
  • Enhanced inspectors, with pop-up color pickers, and gradient sliders that now represent opacity
  • Support for QuickLook previews in iAd Producer project files
  • Support for iTunes LP, iTunes Extras, and iBook Author widget project types
  • Other fixes and improvements

(via MacStories)

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Apple Store app for iPhone updated with notifications for when you are eligible for iPhone upgrade pricing

Apple’s official Apple Store application for iPhone and iPod touch has been updated with some neat notifications-related enhancements:

– Choose to receive notifications that let you know exactly when you’re eligible for upgrade pricing on a new iPhone. And since all you need to complete the order is your Apple ID and password, buying your new iPhone is fast and easy (US only).

– Stay on top of your delivery with notifications. We’ll let you know when your order ships, keep you informed of any updates, and notify you when it’s delivered.


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Google Fiber TV remote app for iPad released

Google launched its Google Fiber TV for iPad app today allowing Google Fiber customers to transform their iPads into QWERTY keyboard, TV guide yielding TV remotes.

For the past month, our Fiber TV customers have been able to control their TVs with any recent Android device. Using the Fiber TV app from the Google Play Store, they can search for programming, browse listings, and select shows or recordings with just the touch or swipe of a finger. Now, iPad users can enjoy this simple, intuitive experience, too.

This should come as great news to tablet owners in Kansas City, Austin, and Provo.

Google Fiber TV for iPad is available for free in the App Store.

(Source: Google)

Atom for jailbroken iPhones is a welcome lockscreen overhaul

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The iPhone lockscreen hasn’t changed much in the past six versions of iOS, with the exception of the addition of a camera slider. Atom is a new jailbreak tweak that seeks to completely redesign the lockscreen and add new functionality, and it does not disappoint.

Keep reading to find out how Atom can make your lockscreen even more useful.


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DirectTV to add voice search, capabilities to its iPhone app later this year (video)

DirectTV has announced that it will be adding voice search and capabilities to its iOS application later this year, and a beta will be available this summer. Like Apple’s Siri application for iOS, the application will understand many different types of commands. For example, you can say “find movies with Tom Cruise” or “what’s playing on HBO?” Solid Signal posted a review for the DirectTV voice app, detailing some of the more advanced voice features.

While you wouldn’t want to use voice control in place of a remote, it’s a nice parlor trick to tune a receiver using your voice. Say “Tune to channel 7” or “tune to ABC” and the receiver will change channels for you. The natural language recognition is quite good, too. Saying “find me some comedies” resulted in over 200 being found.

The site also published a video overview:


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FedEx Mobile iOS app gets ‘Delivery Manager’ with customized delivery options, lets users sign for packages

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsDjJQzAhi4

FedEx has updated its iOS app today providing users with access to sign up and use a new FedEx Delivery Manager feature to customize delivery options and even sign for packages directly from within the app.

Once users have signed up for Delivery Manager, they will be able to schedule deliveries, provide instructions for pending deliveries, and even sign for packages using the universal app for iPhone and iPad. Other delivery options that users can customize include: Deliver to another address, Schedule a vacation hold, and Hold your package at a FedEx location.

Get convenience and flexibility for deliveries to your home. You can view upcoming deliveries to your home address, get status updates, or request to schedule a delivery by choosing your preferred date, time, or date and time combination. Or you can request FedEx to deliver to another address — in your neighborhood or across the U.S. — or select from free options such as Hold at FedEx Location.

The new Delivery Manager feature is initially only available for residential deliveries within the US. Users interested in signing up or learning more about the new feature can do so at fedex.com/delivery.

The updated FedEx mobile app is available on the App Store now.

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Discovery Channel and TLC iOS apps updated with “Plus” interactive second-screen experience

Discovery Communications updated two of its iOS apps today with a brand new second screen experience dubbed “Plus”. Available for the Discovery Channel HD app and the TLC app for iPhone and iPad, “TLC Plus” and “Discovery Plus” brings interactive “second-screen” content that syncs to some of the network’s most popular shows. According to iTunes, the synced experience includes “exclusive factoids, photos, and more” and will also allow you to sync up with previously aired Plus-enabled shows that you may have recorded on your DVR.

The Plus experience isn’t available for all shows yet and is currently only available on iPad, although iPhone support and more content is on the way. The updated apps also include a new schedule guide allowing users to “quickly see when a series is currently airing new episodes, and what new shows are about to premiere.”

Update, April 24: Discovery has now updated its Animal Planet iOS app with a new experience that offers views from 12 live HD cameras:

What’s New in Version 2.5

Now on your iPad: Introducing Animal Planet L!VE, featuring unfiltered, round-the-clock access to the compelling worlds of the beautiful, cute and misunderstood. With this update, users can immerse themselves in 12 live HD cameras.

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Apple’s iCloud servers once again experiencing major outages for a growing number of users

Update, 9:34 AM: Apple has now updated its System Status page to confirm the outages we reported earlier this morning. Apple reports some users experienced issues with account & sign in for iCloud, purchases for iTunes, Game Center, and creating new Apple IDs:

Over the last couple of months Apple’s iCloud servers have been experiencing major outages approximately every couple of weeks and today a growing number of users are once again complaining of issues accessing various iCloud services.

9to5Mac readers in several countries have reached out to Apple support who confirmed the outages, although Apple is yet to update its System Status page to reflect the downtime. Apple is typically at least a few hours behind in reporting outages.

As highlighted by hundreds of users on Twitter, the outages appear to be affecting multiple iCloud services including Mail, third-party apps attempting to access iCloud credentials, and Find my iPhone. Others are simply receiving an error message when attempting to access any iCloud service. Some users are also reporting that iCloud is requesting they reset their passwords as if their account is experiencing a security issue.

We’ll update this post when/if Apple finally reports the outages.

https://twitter.com/himanzoo/status/326669089533722624

https://twitter.com/KhaledYousry/status/326666876124033024

https://twitter.com/ridewithgarrett/status/326664553310081024