Apps

6,415 '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.

Simple banking app updated with Goals

Scott Buscemi Jun 18 2013 - 6:01 pm PT

Trying to save up for a vacation? Or working tirelessly to pay off that pesky loan? Simple’s new app update will help.

Simple is an online bank replacement that has been in the App Store since January 2012. With no monthly fees, mobile check deposits and free ATM locations (through their banking partners), it’s definitely a great alternative to other banking solutions out there. Personally, I made the jump last month by canceling all of my other bank accounts and moving everything to Simple.

With the 1.6 update that came out today, their Goals section is now accessible with the app. Once you set a name, amount, and pay-off date, Simple will siphon off the necessary “daily contribution” from your Safe-to-Spend amount and put the contribution toward your goal. If need be, you can pause the automatic siphoning or change the payoff date, all within the app.

The new version is available right now in the App Store.

Apps

New app displays timely ICE information as push notifications

Scott Buscemi Jun 18 2013 - 5:18 pm PT

A long time ago, I would Photoshop my iPhone background with ICE (In Case of Emergency) information since my contacts are locked behind a passcode. It’s obvious how this solution became a hassle after I decided to switch my background a few times.

In comes the free activICE app. After the initial configuration, the app will use iOS’s built-in background geolocation services to check if you are in a hospital. If you do not deactivate the app’s alert system, it will push out a slew of notifications with your ICE contacts and important health information.

The app also provides in-app subscriptions for their notification system. Once purchased, you can configure up to 5 contacts to receive SMS or email messages with your hospital location (given you don’t deactivate the alert system).

If you’re looking for added comfort in your life and don’t want to go crazy ‘shopping your background every few weeks, be sure to check out activICE in the App Store.

9to5Toys Last Call: $20 Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac/iPhone/iPad, App/game deals, more

Jun 18 2013 - 3:24 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 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook

Today’s Featured deals:

Logitech Compact Bluetooth Keyboard for iPads/tablets, Macs/PCs: $20+$5 shipping (Reg. $50)

Solid Mac Bundle including Corel Painter, iTunes TuneUp, DiskDrill, Mac Scan, Netspot pro, more: $30

Some great Specials.9to5toys.com happening currently including half off Nuance PDF maker/editor ($49) and Dragon Dictate for Mac 3 ($100)

Other great deals we love:

New! Gamers’ Deals: PlayStation Vita Madden 13 Bundle $210 + Shipping, App freebies, more

Philips HF3470 Natural Wake-up Light $57 + free shipping (Reg. $100)
Nike+ SportWatch with TomTom GPS $137.50 Shipped (Reg. $170)
PlayStation 4 launch bundles now available w/ release day delivery and small discounts – Xbox One is also available.
Save $30 on select Kindle Fire HD tablets, starting at just $170 w/ free in-store pickup – The lowest price we’ve ever seen.
MacBook Pro with Retina display 13” 2.9GHz i7, 256GB flash: $1600 shipped (up to $200 off)
Targus iPad 3/4 Slim Case in Charcoal Gray $9 + Shipping (Reg. $50)
Don’t wait for OS X Mavericks, get Apple’s AirPlay display feature now with AirParrot: 25% off
MLB.TV Premium subscription $50 for the rest of the season
Apple iPad Leather Smart Cover (open box) $15 Shipped (Reg. $69 new)

Facebook iOS app updated with emotions for status updates, better control over sharing

Jordan Kahn Jun 18 2013 - 1:48 pm PT

Facebook updated its iPhone and iPad app today with a couple new features. Users can now attach a number of different emoticons to status updates organized into several categories based on emotion, content, and location. For example, the “Feeling” category will allow users to attach an emoticon next to a message like “Im feeling happy,” while the “Watching” and “Listening to” sections let users link to Facebook profiles associated with content they want to share.

You can also now start a conversation with photos you’ve received in messages and Facebook says the updated app includes the ability to “Easily change who can see something you’ve shared.”

What’s New in Version 6.2

• Add icons to status updates to show what you’re feeling, reading, watching and more (English only)
• Easily change who can see something you’ve shared
• Start a new conversation with photos you receive in messages
• Bug fixes

Rockstar releasing ‘Max Payne 3’ for Mac on June 20

Jordan Kahn Jun 18 2013 - 11:01 am PT

Originally released back in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and later Windows, Rockstar announced today that it’s bringing Max Payne 3 to the Mac later this week through the Mac App Store. We don’t get any details on pricing, but Rockstar notes that the Mac version includes a “number of advanced graphics options, scalable high-resolution textures and character models, DirectX11 features, multi-monitor support and 3D.”

Max Payne 3 will be available for Mac later this week, on Thursday June 20th: http://t.co/4CsJE3Njmv

— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) June 18, 2013

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Review: Is Chatology the solution for Messages search?

Mike Beasley Jun 18 2013 - 9:00 am PT

Messages for Mac is buggy. There’s no denying that fact. At some point, all of us have tried to search for a specific message in the app only to be confronted by everyone’s favorite multi-colored symbol of despair.

Several weeks ago, Flexibits, developers of Fantastical for Mac and iPhone, announced a new project called Chatology that would finally solve this issue once and for all. Today, they unveiled the app to the world. So what exactly is Chatology? Does it solve the problem it sets out to solve? Keep reading to get answers to those questions and more.

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Air France Mobile app updated with Passbook support for boarding passes

Jordan Kahn Jun 18 2013 - 7:59 am PT

Following British Airways earlier this month, Air France has just updated its iPhone app with support for storing digital boarding passes in Passbook. The feature of course requires iOS 6 and up, and will also require an update to version 4.5.1 of the Air France Mobile app.

New for Passbook and the camera app developers in iOS 7: the ability to scan barcodes.

What’s New in Version 4.5.1

Passbook is now available to store your boarding pass on your iPhone!
This feature requires iOS 6 operating system.

Team behind iPad App of the Year 2012 gets $15m backing for ‘Office suite of the future’

Ben Lovejoy Jun 18 2013 - 6:36 am PT

http://vimeo.com/fiftythree/hellopaper

FiftyThree, the software development team behind Paper, the highest-grossing app in the iTunes store, has raised $15 million in investment funding to create what it thinks of as the Office suite of a more creative future, reports The Verge.

“Our goal is to build essentially a suite of mobile tools for creativity,” says FiftyThree founder and Microsoft vet Georg Petschnigg, which means for all intents and purposes, FiftyThree has just begun. Well, Microsoft just debuted Office for iPhone, but an app that defined productivity on desktops — ported to mobile — doesn’t seem to be what Petschnigg has in mind. “It’s about imagining the right solution,” he says, “and that takes time.” …
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Adobe’s new Creative Cloud ‘CC’ apps now available to all

Jordan Kahn Jun 18 2013 - 6:00 am PT

Back in May, we told you all about Adobe’s brand new Creative Cloud suite and its decision to end support for CS6 following its presentation at the MAX 2013 Creativity Conference in LA. Adobe introduced big updates and new features to just about every app in the CC suite, including updates to its design apps like Illustrator, a new Kuler iPhone app, revamped web tools such as Dreamweaver and Edge Animate, and updates to just about every other app it makes. Today, Adobe is finally making the massive Creative Cloud update available to all users and is also offering a number of promotional discounts to celebrate. Head below for details.
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Mailbox for iPad gains support for portrait orientation, bug fixes

Mark Gurman Jun 17 2013 - 5:00 pm PT

Today, Mailbox for iPad has been updated with support for the iPad’s portrait orientation. In previous versions of the iPad app, email viewing, composing, and other functions were exclusive to landscape mode. Additionally, today’s 1.3.1 update brings unspecified bug fixes. Mailbox for iPad launched last month following the app’s March acquisition by Dropbox.

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Crytek shows off iOS tactical action game ‘The Collectibles’, coming later this year with MFi controller support

Jordan Kahn Jun 17 2013 - 8:19 am PT

Crytek, the company behind CryEngine and the popular Crysis series, is planning to release a new tactical action game later this year for iOS called ‘The Collectibles’. We’re told the company implemented support for Apple’s new MFi gaming controller framework just in time to give developers a preview of the game and new controls during a session last week at WWDC.

Developers tell us team members from Crytek’s Budapest studio demoed the game on stage, which has the player command a squad of five through your typical war-torn environment. It isn’t the first time Crytek has released a game for iOS devices, but it is the first time it’s bringing a shooter of sorts– the genre its best known for– to the platform. There doesn’t, however, seem to be any first-person shooter elements, as the title looks to be an overhead, tactical action game from the screenshots below.
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XCOM: Enemy Unknown for iOS lands June 20 for $20

Jordan Kahn Jun 17 2013 - 6:16 am PT

Following the release of XCOM: Enemy Unknown Elite Edition for Mac in April, Firaxis and 2K Games announced today that the game will finally be arriving on iOS devices on June 20. The highly anticipated iPhone and iPad port of the game was already announced back in March, but today we learn the game will be landing on the App Store for $20 and support iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad mini, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and iPod Touch 5th Generation.

Leader designer on the game Jake Solomon gives us a break down of what to expect in the iOS version in the above.

As Apple’s built in camera gets filters, Instagram planning to move into Vine territory with Video?

Jordan Kahn Jun 17 2013 - 6:01 am PT

Just as Apple introduced iOS 7 equipped with Instagram-like filters built-in to the redesigned camera app (although not for video), word has it Instagram is looking to move into Vine’s territory by adding video features in an upcoming update. According to a report from TechCrunch, Facebook’s event later this week won’t focus so much on that rumored news reader, but more so on integration of a Vine-like short video feature for Instagram:
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This could be one of the first Apple authorized iPhone gaming controllers

Jun 17 2013 - 5:22 am PT

We already know that Apple has added support for game controllers in iOS7, but it appears that these plans are further along than first thought. According to Kotaku, the above image shows an early iOS gaming controller prototype made specifically for the iPhone 5 by gaming giant Logitech. While they weren’t forthcoming with details of where the device was seen or who showed it to them, Kotaku is standing firm that they believe this photo to be absolutely authentic. The decision to support integrated gaming accessories is in stark contrast to Steve Jobs’ stance that such products would ruin the “elegance” of Apple devices (even though he got his start at Atari).

A reader reached out with this image from one of Apple’s WWDC sessions, which appears to show the same Logitech controller.

Bluetooth gaming devices have existed for iOS devices for quite some time but most have had limited compatibility and fragmented compatibility. An integrated, Apple authorized (MFi) gaming controller is going to be a welcomed addition for the iOS gaming community.

3rd party gaming accessories like the iCade Mobile (Above) have existed for years

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9to5Toys Father’s Day Deals: $100 iTunes Gift Card for $85, $966 Seiki 50″ 4K HDTV, $10 Apple Lightning Cable, more

Jun 16 2013 - 9:10 am PT

From 9to5Toys.com:

This Father’s Day holiday weekend is bringing some terrific deals on everything from iTunes Gift Cards to HDTVs and everything in between. Our 9to5Toys deals team has rounded up the absolute best deals we’re seeing from online retailers and B&M stores. Feel free to stop by throughout the day as new deals are constantly being added.

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

Today’s Featured deals:

Sold out $100 iTunes Gift Card for $85: Save 15% on future purchases of Apps, Music, Movies, more

HDTV Deals:

Seiki Digital 50-Inch 4K UHD 120Hz LED HDTV $966 Shipped
Sold out. ~~Panasonic 42” Smart Viera 1080p Plasma HDTV w/ built-in WiFi $400 + free in-store pickup (Reg. $600)~~
Sold out. ~~RCA 46” Class 1080p 60Hz LCD HDTV $400 + free in-store pickup~~

Sold out. Apple 3-foot Lightning cable $10 or 2 non-MFI Lightning cables with Car/wall adapters $7 shipped

iOttie Easy View iPhone Car Windshield/Dashboard Mount $12.50 + Free Shipping for some (Reg. $25)

Some great Specials.9to5toys.com happening currently including half off Nuance PDF maker/editor ($49) and Firecore adds all kinds of cool stuff to your 2nd Generation appleTV (720P).

Other great deals we love:

Brother Compact Laser Printer w/ Wireless Networking and Duplex $85 Shipped (Reg. $150)
Expiring: Save 50% on 1Password Mac / iOS Apps, the gold standard in mobile password security
Apps/Games Sale: Batman Arkham City: $10, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: $1, Amazon $10 trade-in bonus, more
Save up to 70% on select ZAGG Keyboard cases for iPad 2/3/4/mini, starting at just $29 + free shipping
Targus iPad 3/4 Slim Case in Charcoal Gray $9 + Shipping (Reg. $50)

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TweetDeck for Mac gets a cleaner look, new sidebar and easier customisation

Ben Lovejoy Jun 14 2013 - 4:55 am PT

The Mac version of TweetDeck has been updated with a cleaner look, a new nav bar on the left and easier customisation. This follows an earlier update back in March.

You can now reorder columns simply by drag-and-dropping the icons in the sidebar, you can expand & collapse filters, and opt to see the bios of followers. It’s available as a free download from the Mac App Store.

Microsoft Office 365 comes to the iOS App Store, iPhone only so MS doesn’t have to change its ads

Scott Buscemi Jun 14 2013 - 2:39 am PT

Microsoft just released the Office 365 iOS application (iPhone only), allowing 365 subscribers to “access, view and edit … Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint documents from virtually anywhere”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDR150tAOkk

Of note, Microsoft is currently running a commercial and online campaign touting the Windows 8 RT tablets’ ability to edit Office documents (they claim that the iPad can only read documents rather than edit them). It seems that Microsoft violated the letter of this ad campaign and the spirit while somehow still giving Apple folks a sub-par experience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pHg0ZEY4NXA

From the first look, it seems the formatting abilities are extremely limited – especially compared to other document editing iOS apps like Quickoffice Pro – but the integration with 365 will definitely be appreciated by subscribers of the service. In the meantime, you can find a quick gallery here:
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Apps

Want to know what makes you happy? There’s an app for that! [giveaway]

Scott Buscemi Jun 13 2013 - 7:57 pm PT

I have a confession to make. For the past two months, I have been receiving a push notification at 9 PM that asks me for my mood. With a quick swipe, I scroll through the various faces and describe my mood for the day. The app also gives me the option to leave a quick comment or reason for my mood.

Now why would I do such a silly thing? Because the Mr Mood app allows me to view my moods over time and look through the notes to find out what makes me happy or sad. In addition, the new 2.0 version that was released last night brings with it new mood calculations for different time ranges. You can see if your “average mood” for the past month is higher than the past week and look through the comments to investigate.

The interface is extremely straight forward and you can set a reminder for any time of the day to receive a quick push notification that asks for your mood. It may sound crazy, but this app has actually helped me to become happier, understand what I need to do every day to stay smiling, and what needs to be gone from my daily life.

You can find Mr Mood on the App Store for just $0.99. It’s well worth it and receives an A+ from this happy guy. Check out the gallery below for some screenshots.
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9to5Toys Last Call: Up to 70% off select ZAGG iPad keyboard cases, $60 iGrill iOS Cooking Thermometer, more

Jun 13 2013 - 3:01 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 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook

Today’s Featured deals:

Save up to 70% on select ZAGG Keyboard cases for iPad 2/3/4/mini, starting at just $29 + free shipping

iGrill Cooking Bluetooth Thermometer for iOS / Android $60 w/ free in-store pickup (Reg. $80)

Some great Specials.9to5toys.com happening currently including half off Nuance PDF maker/editor ($49) and Firecore adds all kinds of cool stuff to your 2nd Generation appleTV (720P).

Other great deals we love:

New! 4-in-1 USB Cable (Lightning, 30-Pin Apple/Samsung and Micro-USB) $4 + $3 Shipping
New! Toshiba Canvio 1.0 TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive $60 Shipped (Reg. $130)
New! Origin Sale Up To 70% off: Battlefield 3: $5, Crysis 3 & Dead Space 3: 50% off, more

Brother Compact Laser Printer w/ Wireless Networking and Duplex $85 Shipped (Reg. $150)
MacBook Pro with Retina display 13” 2.9GHz i7, 256GB flash: $1600 shipped (up to $200 off)
Xbox One ($500) and Playstation 4 ($400) are now both available for preorder. Check out how to get release day delivery and preorder bonuses.
Targus iPad 3/4 Slim Case in Charcoal Gray $9 + Shipping (Reg. $50)
Don’t wait for OS X Mavericks, get Apple’s AirPlay display feature now with AirParrot: 25% off
MLB.TV Premium subscription $50 for the rest of the season
Amazon 75% off Mac software sale: Toast 11: $58, Photoshop Elements: $60, Bioshock 2: $12, Borderlands: $15, more
Apple iPad Leather Smart Cover (open box) $15 Shipped (Reg. $69 new)
Photo editing app, ColorStrokes for Mac goes FREE for a limited time
Amazon knocks $20 off of Kindle HDs for Father’s Day, now start at $179
Save 50% on 1Password Mac / iOS Apps, the gold standard in mobile password security

iWork for iCloud beta now available for developers

Scott Buscemi Jun 13 2013 - 11:35 am PT

Apple just notified developers that iWork for iCloud, Apple’s online document editing service that was announced at WWDC 2013, is now available at beta.icloud.com. However, some developers are reporting that it’s still showing the old “iWork” icons rather than the new Google Docs/Drive competitor that was demoed during the keynote while others have had it since Monday.

Just a few days later, Android users already mimicking iOS 7 icons and Parallax

Jordan Kahn Jun 13 2013 - 9:57 am PT

From 9to5Google:

Some iOS users might not be too happy about the big design changes in iOS 7, but Android users are already finding ways to get a few of the new features on their non-Apple phones. The image above shows a set of icons created by one Android user to mimic the new home screen icons on iOS 7 (via Cnet).

Android users can grab the icons through a download on Dropbox and use Nova Launcher or other home screen replacement apps to get Apple’s controversial new look on their Android device now.

That new 3D parallax effect Apple showed off for iOS 7? Android users have also found a way to get a similar 3D effect, as pointed out by AndroidCommunity in the video below:

The 3D Image Live Wallpaper seen in the video above has been on Google Play since November, but you’ll have to judge for yourself to see if it compares to the new parallax feature in iOS 7.

Official ‘Man of Steel’ iOS game now available on App Store for $2.99

Jordan Kahn Jun 13 2013 - 7:08 am PT

We got our first look at the official game of Warner Bros upcoming ‘Man of Steel’ Superman movie earlier this month, and today the game has now made its way to the App Store for $2.99. The game, available as separate downloads for iPhone and iPad, appears to be somewhat of an on-rails experience, but lets hope its a little better than the typical Hollywood movie tie-in.

Man of Steel is available now for iPhone and iPad on the App Store.

RELIVE THE EVENTS OF THE MAN OF STEEL MOVIE!
-Attack, dodge, block, and utilize various super powers including flight, super speed, and heat vision to defeat Zod and his evil forces.
-Play through an in-depth Story Mode or set a personal high score in the intense Survival Mode.
-Battle a challenging cast of mini-bosses and technologically advanced foes featured in the film.

BECOME SUPERMAN LIKE NEVER BEFORE
-Unlock and purchase up to 6 different suits from the Man of Steel movie.
-Upgrade your suits to become a truly unstoppable force!
-Customize your experience by upgrading the specific abilities YOU want to use.
-Embrace the true strength of Superman with bone-crunching combos, all with the swipe of a finger.

AMAZING GRAPHICS
-Delivers next-gen graphics on your phone or tablet with beautifully detailed animations and cinematic sequences.
-Fight in a variety of detailed

MTV revamps iOS app with full episodes, on-demand video, & second screen experience

Jordan Kahn Jun 13 2013 - 5:54 am PT

MTV is rolling out a huge update to its iOS app today that brings a ton of new content to both the iPhone and iPad. The previous MTV WatchWith app appears to be rebranded to simply “MTV” and now offers a ton of full episodes from the network’s most popular series, on-demand video, & a brand new second screen experience.

As for full episodes, MTV has signed up nine cable providers so far: AT&T U-verse, Bright House Networks, Cablevision (Optimum), DIRECTV, Hawaiian Telecom, RCN, Suddenlink, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS. Subscribing to one of these cable providers will be necessary to access the full episodes, but MTV notes it is “working hard to get all TV providers to participate.”

Other content, such as on-demand video, won’t require you to sign in. Available through on-demand is sneak peeks, after shows, bonus clips and exclusive, original content for MTV series, but also great content from MTV News, MTV Style, MTV Geek, HTV Hive, HTV Other, and live coverage of the MTV Video Music Awards and MTV Video Awards:
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Square Wallet 3.0 just released: faster checkout than ever

Scott Buscemi Jun 13 2013 - 2:51 am PT

Square has just released a redesigned version of their Square Wallet, their local directory and checkout app. By opening up the application (or setting the app to auto-check in when you’ve entered your favorite store), the cashier can see your name on the Square Register app and take your payment without having to swipe a credit card. Prior to the newest 3.0 version, users had to open the app, find the store they’re in, and press the “Pay Here” button. Now, the last step has been taken out. Just tapping on the store checks you in and puts you on the customer list. For Starbucks locations, tapping on the location pops up a very large QR code that can be scanned to pay.

The new design is very media-rich, with pictures from the merchants taking front stage. Rather than having a table view of the local vendors, it takes on a gallery design to show the logos and products. This is definitely a much-welcomed update.