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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.

Google’s official Maps application for iOS reportedly launching tonight

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Apple Maps icon compared to Google Maps iPhone web app icon

According to AllThingsD, Google plans to release its long-rumored Google Maps for iOS application tonight. The report does not share any details about the application’s features, or which Apple devices it will work with. However, previous rumors point to the application including the turn-by-turn navigation support that Google would not offer in Apple’s Google Maps app in iOS versions prior to iOS 6. Additionally, rumored screenshots of the application reportedly leaked out a couple of months ago, but those images have yet to be confirmed or corroborated as legitimate.

Apple’s iOS devices included a Maps app with a Google backend up until version iOS 6. Apple’s in-house Maps application includes a 3D Flyover mode, turn-by-turn directions, and Yelp integration. However, even with those helpful features, the application has been filled with controvrsy over unreliable data, broken satellite imagery, and other errors. Apple’s former iOS Senior Vice President and a Senior iOS engineer, Scott Forstall and Rich Williamson, have even both been pushed out of the company in connection to the iOS 6 Maps app.


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New Version 4 of 1Password Universal starts hitting International App Stores

[slideshow]

The popular 1Password looks to have received a total revamp in the new version 4. The app has hit the New Zealand and Australian App Stores and is working its way through the Eastern Hemisphere. We may or may not have a thorough review of the app coming when it hits ‘Murica.

All of the particulars below:


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Google’s Eric Schmidt on Android vs. Apple: ‘We’re winning that war pretty clearly now’ (Video)

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Google Chairman Eric Schmidt sat down with Bloomberg to talk Android vs. Apple, and the former CEO seems to think Android is leading over Apple at a rate similar to Microsoft’s growth in desktop software during the 90s.

“This is a huge platform change; this is of the scale of 20 years ago — Microsoft versus Apple,” said Schmidt to Bloomberg. “We’re winning that war pretty clearly now.”

Google cofounder Larry Page succeeded Schmidt as Google’s chief executive officer in April 2011, and now Schmidt, among many other tasks, acts as a kind of executive spokesperson for the Mountain View, Calif.-based company. During the last year alone, Schmidt talked publicly and candidly about Google’s position on free speech and privacy, the fearful repercussions of the Internet, and even robots and holographic telepresence.

During Schmidt’s hour-long interview with Bloomberg (see video above), he discussed—aside from Apple—everything from economic growth in the United States and China and tax shelters to Google+ and spectrum sharing.

Go to 9to5Google for a full breakdown of the interview. 


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Orbitz, Pinterest, Sky Gamblers, Foursquare and others added to Apple’s App Store Hall of Fame

 

Apple is once again inducting new apps into its iPhone and iPad Hall of Fame, a section on iTunes that it launched back in 2010 to feature its “the best of the best on the App Store,” and Orbitz is one of many apps listed on Apple’s new inductees page. The company issued a press release announcing Orbitz induction into the Hall of Fame for iPhone (pictured below) along with 13 other apps and six games this week. Other new inductees listed include Foursquare, Walking Dead: The Game, Action Movie FX, Airbnb, Sky Gamblers: Air Supremacy, The World Ends With You, Pinterest, and more.

“Whether you are a long-time iPhone user or hope to get one as a holiday gift, this Hall of Fame recognition confirms that the Orbitz app for iPhone is the go-to travel tool to have,” said Chris Orton, president of Orbitz.com.

Check it out: App Store Hall of Fame

The iPad Hall of Fame is also listing new inductees, with some iPad specific apps that aren’t on the new iPhone list, including: National Parks by National Geographic, The Room, Mint.com Personal Finance, Paper by FiftyThree, Kayak, Barefoot World Atlas, and Adobe Photoshop Touch. We have seen a few of these apps in the Hall of Fame before (Facebook, Things, Skype), but the majority of new inductees listed are making their first appearance. All new inductees in the iPad and iPhone Halls of Fame are below:

iPhone Hall of Fame new inductees:

iPad Hall of Fame new inductees:

Redesigned Flickr iOS app, PDF Expert, Duke Nukem 3D for Mac, Skype, Nimbuzz, Kinotopic, Gilt, more

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Flickr version 2.0: Yahoo! is releasing an all new, completely redesigned iOS app today for Flickr that, according to its iTunes page, is “now easier to use, more beautiful and includes more of the great features you love using on Flickr.com.” Among the new features: a brand new UI, a simplified sign-up and registration screen, and 16 unique Instagram-like camera filters.

· Simple sign-up and registration process
· 16 unique camera filters
· Full Groups capabilities
· Explore interesting photos from around the world and nearby
· And more!

Skype/Skype for iPad version 4.2.2: Both the Skype for iPhone and Skype for iPad apps have been updated today “under-the-hood improvements” necessary or future feature updates:

-This version gives us under-the-hood improvements that support future feature launches.

Nimbuzz Messenger version 2.5.2:

• Support for iOS 6 and iPhone 5
• Bug fixes

Gilt for iPad version 2.0.0: The Gilt iPad app gets updated with a redesigned UI that now includes optimizations for iPad 4 and iPad mini, access to local Gilt City offers, search filters, the ability to preview and set reminders for upcoming sales, and much more:
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Twitter updates iOS app with Instagram-like photo filters

Twitter announced yesterday it is bringing Instagram-like photo filters to its iOS application—and now the touted features, complete with editing capabilities, are finally live.

Twitter just updated its app to version 5.2, and the full change log includes:

  • Apply one of eight different filters to instantly add a new look and feel to your photos
  • Choose a filter by comparing all your options in a convenient grid view or by swiping through each version
  • Make your photos pop with balanced light and colors by tapping the auto-enhance wand
  • Crop and scale to frame the action the way you want

The micro-blogging service mentioned Aviary, which, according to Aviary’s website, provides developers with “a robust, customizable photo editor that can be plugged into apps,” will power the photo filters.

The Android version of the new Twitter app went live on Google Play yesterday, while today’s iOS update also includes unspecified tweaks and fixes.


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Yahoo! Mail, Find My iPhone, Angry Birds, 1Password 4, Pokédex, Fantastical, Shazam, TWC TV, price drops, and more

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha_4nrGyGPk&feature=player_embedded]

9to5Mac has once again scoured the App Store for all the latest app launches, price drops, noteworthy news, and updates, and we have compiled everything in a roundup below. Check it out, but keep coming back as we continually refresh the list throughout the day.

Announcements

1. 1Password 4 for iOS
AgileBits, the makers of 1Password and Knox, posted a teaser vid on its blog this morning (above) and revealed 1Password 4 for iOS is coming: 

An unforgettable journey. An epic battle. A fellowship strengthened. Ancient truths protected by the one password you need to remember.

1Password 4 for iOS is coming.

Just Released

1. Yahoo! Mail | Free
Yahoo’s CEO Marissa Mayer announced on Yahoo’s corporate blog today that a new Yahoo! Mail app for iOS has launched:

We’ve redesigned the new version of Yahoo! Mail with speed in mind — getting through your emails is faster than ever before. We’ve also made your inbox more intuitive and easier to navigate, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your messages. And, because mobile is everything these days, Yahoo! Mail now has a consistent look and feel across devices.

The app features inbox access with just one tap, push notifications for new messages, continuous scroll for inbox, auto complete email addresses, swipe gestures, multi-select message options, and the ability to attach photos, preview photos, and search in folders.

2. Pokédex for iOS | $1.99
An official Pokédex for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad finally launched last night. The universal app features Retina display and iPhone 5 support, six languages, powerful search functions, and the ability to “combine Pokémon from each region to make a National Pokédex!”

More updates and price drops below.


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Apple’s FileMaker Inc announces 500K downloads for FileMaker Go iPhone and iPad apps

Update: 2013 FileMaker Developer Conference registration now open.

Apple subsidiary FileMaker Inc. announced today that its FileMaker Go iPhone and iPad apps have surpassed 500,000 downloads. FileMaker’s Vice President of Marketing and Services, Ryan Rosenberg, said the milestone “demonstrates FileMaker’s position as a leading platform for development and deployment of custom business solutions for iOS,” noting businesses are using FileMaker to “manage everything from sales contacts to medical information on iPads and iPhones.”

FileMaker Pro 12 for iPad

FileMaker Pro 12 for iPhone

FileMaker’s full press release below:

FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone Apps Surpass 500,000 Downloads
 
Demonstrates FileMaker’s leadership in creating and deploying custom iOS business solutions
 
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – December 11, 2012 – FileMaker, Inc. today announced that FileMaker Go for iPad and FileMaker Go for iPhone have surpassed 500,000 downloads from the App store. The milestone underscores the rapid growth of custom business solutions created with the FileMaker Platform and running on iOS devices.
Businesses are using the FileMaker Platform to create solutions that manage everything from sales contacts to medical information on iPads and iPhones.” said Ryan Rosenberg, vice president, marketing and services, FileMaker, Inc. “We are very happy to see FileMaker Go pass the half-million downloads mark. This rapid adoption demonstrates FileMaker’s position as a leading platform for development and deployment of custom business solutions for iOS.”
The two FileMaker Go apps are a core part of FileMaker’s comprehensive lineup of desktop, server and iOS software used to design, build, deploy and manage data-driven business solutions for iPad and iPhone. FileMaker solutions also run on Windows, Mac and in web browsers.
Learn how to quickly create incredible business solutions for iOS

FileMaker offers valuable resources to help businesses and developers learn how to easily create, deploy and manage custom business solutions for iOS.

·       A free 30-day trial of FileMaker Pro 12 lets everyone see how easy it is to start creating custom iOS business apps.

About FileMaker, Inc.

FileMaker is the leader in easy-to-use database software. Millions of people, from individuals to some of the world’s largest companies, rely on FileMaker software to manage, analyze and share essential information. The company’s products are the FileMaker line – versatile database software for teams and organizations, for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad and the web – and Bento, the personal database for Mac, iPhone and iPad. FileMaker, Inc. is a subsidiary of Apple. 

Apple reportedly rejecting updates to Microsoft’s SkyDrive iOS app, wants 30 percent cut of subscriptions

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Update: A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the situation to The Verge:

Microsoft has confirmed its latest SkyDrive iOS update is being delayed by Apple. A spokesperson says: “Similar to the experiences of some other companies, we are experiencing a delay in approval of our updated SkyDrive for iOS. We are in contact with Apple regarding the matter and hope to come to a resolution.”

According to a report from The Next Web that cited sources close to Microsoft, Apple is currently preventing Microsoft from updating its SkyDrive iOS app due to a disagreement over whether Apple should collect its usual 30 percent cut of additional storage purchased through the service. TNW explained:

The difficulty began when Microsoft rolled out the ability for SkyDrive users to purchase more storage space on the service. From that point, the company was not permitted to update its application in the iOS App Store.

The reason? It doesn’t pay Apple a 30% cut of subscription revenue generated by the application through the paid, additional storage. Microsoft, TNW has learned, has a new version of the application ready to go, including a key bug fix that would rectify a crashing bug, but cannot get it through.

In other words, Apple is apparently not allowing apps that offer or work with a subscription service outside of in-app purchases or the App Store. While we imagine that many smaller developers have been able to get around this stipulation, Apple’s App Store review guidelines clearly states, “Apps utilizing a system other than the In App Purchase API (IAP) to purchase content, functionality, or services in an app will be rejected.” It also stipulates, “Apps that unlock or enable additional features or functionality with mechanisms other than the App Store will be rejected.”

According to the TNW, Microsoft attempted to compromise by offering to remove all subscription services from the app. Apple apparently refused:


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Square adds gifts cards/passbook support, Instagram, BBC News, British Airways, Snapheal, VLC Streamer, more

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Square Register version 2.5: Square is rolling out Passbook compatible gift cards for local businesses that users of the Square Wallet iPhone app can purchase and share with friends. To welcome the new feature, Square’s Register app also gets an update with the ability to accept the new gift cards via Square Wallet, Passbook, or QR code, as well as iPhone 5 support:

– Accept gift cards for your business from Square Wallet, Passbook and printed QR codes.
– iPhone 5 support and various improvements.

Instagram: Instagram has released a pretty big update to its app this afternoon, adding a revamped camera and camera roll access. Additionally, there are new grids for easy photo taking, new filter access page, and the addition of Foursquare data.

  • Instagram-themed shutter & shutter release button.
  • A preview of the most recent photo on your camera roll.
  • Improved Camera Roll image selector (iPhone 5 only) for quick access to your last photograph.
  • Optional grid guide for live photos and a permanent grid guide for the scale & crop screen.
  • Speed and reliability improvements.

BBC News version 1.7.7: Official iPhone 5 support for the BBC News iOS app:

– iPhone 5 support
– bug fixes

British Airways version 4.0: A big update to the BA iPhone app brings a completely redesigned UI that provides easy access to upcoming flights from the My Flights screen, as well as improvements for retrieving bookings and alternative boarding pass options. The updated app is also now fully iPhone 5 and iOS 6 compatible.

We’ve completely redesigned the app to make it easier to access all your upcoming flights and to address a number of issues

Snapheal version 2.1: Snapheal for Mac received an update today that includes a new and improved UI, a new crop tool, a “new algorithm for image retouch and adjust,” and much more:

– Brand new look and improved user experience, including 1 click to erase objects, faster selection, better way to save and share images, etc.
– New crop tool
– New algorithm for image retouch and adjust: faster performance, better color processing
– Enhanced lasso tool
– Improved algorithms for erasing multiple objects
– New clone&stamp tool, with better customization of brush opacity and softness

Instamac version 1.1: The recently launched Instamac Instagram client for Mac receives a ton of UI refinements, full Retina display support for Retina MacBook Pros, improved slideshow features, and more.

-We’ve spent a lot of time going through each and every user interface element to make Instamac the most elegant Instagram Client for the Mac.

Dungeon Hunter 3 version 1.4.0:
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Holiday Apps categories begin appearing in Apple TV menus: Mistakes or preview of what’s to come?

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Apple recently updated iTunes and Apple TV content with holiday-themed sections, featuring “Holiday apps & games” and “Snow Sports” sections on the top of the App Store in iTunes and on iOS devices. Curiously, as spotted by Mac OS Ken, Apple is also displaying holiday-themed sections on Apple TV and advertising apps for not only snow sports but also “Apps for Shopping”, “Holiday Cooking Apps”, “Deep Games for Holiday Downtime”, and more.

Selecting the banners for most of these new sections leads to an empty page, without any apps listed (as pictured in the gallery below). Some, such as the Apps for Shopping section, doesn’t appear to be working at all. This is of course going to lead to speculation that Apple has plans to bring iOS apps to Apple TV in the near future, but it’s more likely Apple is mistakenly displaying iTunes/iPhone content on Apple TV (the iTunes store already displays some of the same holiday-themed sections).

It wouldn’t be the first time content mistakenly made its way to an Apple device. Earlier this month, Apple’s launch of iTunes in Russia was met with a bit of controversy when the iTunes app displayed advertisements for escort services and .xxx domains. Apple quickly addressed the Russian iTunes bug, but you can currently still find the holiday app sections on Apple TV by navigating to “Movies> Genres> Classics> Holiday Music, Movies, and More.”

Last week, we told you that Apple’s latest Apple TV beta included a new Bluetooth pairing menu. The feature currently allows for connecting wireless keyboards to second- and third-gen Apple TVs, indicating Apple has plans to introduce the feature in an upcoming update. A full gallery of the Apple TV holiday app sections below:


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Latest Chrome developer build hints at Google Now integration

Apple is set to get another taste of Google Now—the Siri competitor out of Mountain View. This time, in Chrome for Mac. Google Plus user François Beaufort discovered (via CNET) references to Google Now in the latest Chromium build yesterday that said “creating a skeleton for Google Now for Chrome implementation.” It’s not clear how long it will take for the new feature to roll out, but the code hints to Google Now’s features appearing in Google Chrome’s notification cards.


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Kickfolio allows you to demo iOS apps in a browser

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D41vbZ1RFMs&feature=plcp]

Just launched this week, Kickfolio is a new HTML5-based platform that allows developers to test and share builds of their iOS apps in the browser. Developers simply upload a zipped version of their app (no SDKs or changing code), and the service spits out a link to a private test page displaying an interactive HTML5 and CSS version of the app controllable by mouse and keyboard in portrait or landscape. Testers will also be able to leave feedback and interact with testers in a comment section on the page. Kickfolio has an example of the Angry Bots iOS app from Unity Technologies on its website here.

A pro version of the service also includes a feature to embed apps that allows users to insert the interactive apps in press releases, websites, and elsewhere. The company has a 15-day free trial available, but is also offering pricing ranging from $50 a month for one to two apps to $300 a month for unlimited apps. You can learn more and create an account on the company’s website here.

A demo from Kickfolio of an iPhone app running inside a browser on Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus is below:


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Discover Mobile adds Passbook, Draw Something Pro, BBC iPlayer, Showtime, deals, more

Discover Mobile version 4.10: The Discover for iPhone app officially gains Passbook support for saving redeemed Cashback Bonuses.

-Your Discover app now includes Apple Passbook integration for partner eCertificates! Redeem your Cashback Bonus for a partner eCertificate and save it to Passbook! (Available for users on iOS 6 or greater)

Draw Something Pro: OMGPOP is out with a new, paid, ad-free version of its popular Draw Something app. While you could get a universal, ad-free $2.99 version of the app previously, this new pro version includes a UI designed specifically for iPad (no iPhone/iPod support), and a few new features including:

✐ INFINITE BOMBS
• Never run out of BOMBS. Ever.
• Gain access to ALL SPECIAL WORDS at no extra cost
• Unlimited GUESS help – keep your streaks alive
✐ FREE COLOR PACK
• 10 brilliant new colors available only in PRO
✐ STUNNING NEW DESIGN
• A larger drawing screen optimized just for iPad

Vintagio version 4.1: MacPhun’s retro video editor app is currently 60% off for the holidays in our deal section below and today received new features including full iPhone 5/iOS 6 support, Cinegram exports, a faster algorithm, and other improvements.

Showtime version 3.0.2: 

– iPhone 5 compatibility
– iOS 6 compatibility
– Now provides support for closed captioning on free full episodes
– Bug fixes and improvements

BBC iPlayer: This free app now supports iPhone 5. The change log for version 2.0.2. also includes:

  • Watching programmes on the iPad has had a facelift. Check out what’s behind the “More” and “Live Channels” buttons.
  • It’s already available on the iPad, and now you can plug your phone into your telly.
  • Feedback on the BBC iPlayer downloads feature has been great. We’ve fixed a number of bugs to hopefully make it even better!

The Oregon Trail: American Settler: The classic PC titled was recently revived for iOS devices by developer Gameloft, and today gets a few new features including a snow-covered landscape, and an appearance by 7-time Grammy award winning country group Lady Antebellum:

★ Interact with the members of the popular country pop band, Lady Antebellum, as they visit Oregon for the winter – starting at Level 15. Watch their performance in the new Concert Hall!
★ All-new town photo sharing – share postcards of your frontier town with all your friends!
★ New snow-covered landscape!
★ Festive quests, decorations and buildings.
★ Dress Ma & Pa in holiday-themed outfits!

WhatsApp Messenger version 2.8.7: Some necessary fixes for the popular WhatsApp Messenger app:
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Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour, Google Shopper 3.0, Evernote, SoundCloud, Snapseed, more

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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCulvhFX-MM]

Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour: A few big games are hitting the App Store today. Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto: Vice City started hitting the store last night, and today we get the latest instalment from Gameloft’s Modern Combat series, “Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour”.

The #1 FPS is back on smartphone with a new chapter to push the boundaries of mobile gaming even further. In the wake of a nuclear disaster, the only chance to avoid global devastation is in the hands of the few elite soldiers who must track down and rescue the world’s leaders from a frighteningly familiar terrorist group.

Google Shopper version 3.0: Google has released a brand new version of its Google Shopper app today bringing a new, faster UI with larger images, a new sales screen, more effective search for apparel “with image-centric search results,” and much more:

* New UI with faster navigation and bigger images.
* Discover sales and special offers in your area from the new sales screen.
* Search for apparel and accessories more effectively with image-centric search results.
* Make more informed buying decisions with GoodGuide product ratings.
* Get great deals online with retail promotions.
* Find out about new features and content with push notifications.

SoundCloud version 2.4: A few nice improvements and new features to the SoundCloud iOS app:

– Introducing Reposts: sounds you repost will appear in your stream.
– New search with suggestions and more relevant results
– Improved Facebook integration
– Visually enhanced welcome screens for new users
– Streaming improvements and bug fixing

Evernote version 5.1: Version 5.1 of the Evernote iPhone and iPad apps brings Evernote Business support a business themed notebook design, the ability hide the premium view, and more:

– Evernote Business support, including new Business Notebook design
– Sort by created date and note counts in all note lists
– Premium users can hide the Premium View
– Numerous bug fixes and stability improvements

Snapseed version 1.5: As we told you earlier, the Google-acquired Snapseed iOS has gone free to celebrate the introduction of version 1.5 and new Android app. The update also includes the following improvements:
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Snapseed for iOS goes free as Google launches Android version

Google-acquired Snapseed, a popular photo-editing app for iOS, just unveiled an Android version, while its App Store counterpart pushed out an update and went free in celebration of the launch.

Version 1.5 of Snapseed for iOS is now free, rather than $4.99, and it comes with a fresh icon, built-in Google+ sharing, a new Retrolux film-style filter, and an updated Frames filter.

The full change log:

  •  Now free!
  • New icon!
  • Built-in Google+ sharing functionality!
  • New Retrolux filter! Use one of the newly created film styles, combined with a range of different scratches and textures as well as light leaks to create a truly retro look for your photos.
  • Updated Frames filter! Now includes a wide range of new, high quality photographic frames. Colorize the frame edges to match the look of your image or switch to square mode with a single tap.

As for the new Android flavor, its Google Play link isn’t live yet. A few reports suggested that it comes with all the same features and tricks as the iOS iteration, however. TechCrunch got a couple of screenshots, though, as seen below.

This article is cross-posted on 9to5Google.


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Twitterrific 5 review: terrific new interface, some old flaws

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Back in the summer of 2008, when I first joined Twitter, there weren’t very many good Twitter apps around. I had a Mac and an iPod touch, and I wanted a way to keep up with the few people I was following on those devices.

The first app I used was Twinkle, by the makers of the Tap Tap Revenge games. I used it for a while, but it started to show its age as things started breaking and new “social” features required separate accounts on other networks. I decided it was time to move on.

That’s when I discovered Twitterrific, and I loved it. Between the Mac and iOS versions, I had an app for keeping up wherever I was. The iOS version was a power user’s dream come true. There were buttons, filters, and toggles that did everything I wanted.

I used Twitterrific for several versions until I eventually moved on again; this time to Echofon for its fancy timeline position syncing across devices. This was something no one had done at that time.

Twitterrific has always held a special place in my Twitter client list. It was easily my favorite app for several years, and even after I stopped using it, I wished for timeline syncing so that I could return to it.

When Twitterrific 4.0 launched, I was caught somewhat off guard. The app had been completely rewritten for simplicity. Most of the power features I had enjoyed were gone. The focus was now on reading and composing, and not much else. I had since moved to Tweetbot and couldn’t imagine using any other app. Tweetbot’s power features had me hooked.

Today, Twitterrific 5.0 is available. The app has once again been redesigned from the ground up, with new features and customizability. But is it enough to win back former fans who have been turned off by the lack of focus on power users? Keep reading to find out.


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Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for iOS now available on the App Store

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

Rockstar has been teasing the iOS edition of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the game for a few weeks now. The game officially makes its way to the App Store today, starting with the New Zealand and Russian stores, and it should make its way to the United States and elsewhere shortly. The app is selling in New Zealand for around $5 USD.

Xbox SmartGlass gets iPhone 5 support, Twitterrific 5, DISH Remote Access, Plex, deals, more

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Xbox SmartGlass version 2.1: Microsoft’s app for controlling your Xbox with your iPhone or iPad officially gains iPhone 5 support:

• iPhone 5 Support
• Bug Fixes

Twitterrific 5 for Twitter: Iconfactory’s Twitterrific 5 for Twitter is now rolling out to App Stores around the world. Stay tuned to 9to5Mac for a full review of the completely redesigned app shortly.

DISH Remote Access for iPhone version 3.0.2: DISH network users get access to a redesigned UI that now provides access to the guide, DVR, and search while streaming content in the background. The update also includes customizable “favorite channels” in the guide, support for the iPhone 5 display, and improved performance:

-Improved the performance, stability, and reliability of the application
-Completely redesigned user interface
-You can now use your Guide/ DVR/ Search while streaming in the background
-Added ability to set and use favorite channels in guide
-Updated in app remote/ keypad functionality
-Took full advantage of the iPhone4s/5 high retina display to show high resolution images
-Added support for the larger iPhone5 screen

Plex version 3.0.1: A ton of changes and fixes following feedback to version 3.0 of the Plex iPhone and iPad app:
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9to5Mac Bundle bundle: 8 great Mac software bundles under $50/ea

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There are more and more software bundle websites popping up everyday—some of them providing bundles with higher quality apps than others. Since the holiday shopping season is upon us, we decided to put together some of the best Mac app bundles we could find for under the $50 mark. While some bundles include software you wouldn’t have paid for otherwise, we made sure to only include the best of the best with bundles packing in extremely popular apps that we use ourselves. For example, MacLegion is providing two highly reviewed apps: djay and Fantastical (among many other notables). Meanwhile, Camtasia 2, Company of Heroes, and RapidWeaver 5 make it into other noteworthy bundles:
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iTunes 11 will soon get the duplicate song detection that its predecessors had but Cover Flow unlikely

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As part of his favorable review of iTunes 11, Walt Mossberg noted that Apple commented on two particular features it took out.

Fans of iTunes will notice some omissions and flaws. The long-touted Cover Flow carousel of album covers has been dumped. The company says it found too few users considered it useful. A feature that finds duplicate entries is missing. Apple says it will soon be restored in a minor update of the program.

It is true that Cover Flow wasn’t the best way to find a song, but it was pretty neat.
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Google adds horizontal carousel for web based iPad searches about local places

Google updated its web experience for U.S. iPad users who search for local places, such as bars and restaurants, on Google Search. The Mountain View-based company called the new feature a “horizontal carousel” of results that will display at the top of page, while normal search results will display below. Tapping on a business in the carousel, as seen in the image above, will display quick information about the location, including: address, Zagat rating, phone number, location on a Map, and a link to the website—accompanied with pictures. There’s also a new map link in the upper-right hand corner that shows you nearby places on a map.

Google has always shown its support for tablets and smartphones on its mobile Search page, and today’s update is definitely beneficial. When calling a restaurant to place an order or make a reservation, I’ve found Google to be the quickest way to find the needed information (definitely beating apps like Yellow Pages to get the same information).

Source: Google
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Gmail 2.0, Kindle X-Ray for books, Foursquare, Netbot, Uber, Jingu Friends, more

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Gmail version 2.0: Google has just released a major update to its Gmail iOS app, introducing multiple account support, a new look that appears to be partly inspired by its Sparrow acquisition, search predictions and much more. The update also brings interactive Google+ posts support, an infinite scroll inbox, new welcome screen, and  the ability to respond to Google Calendar invites. Google walked through some of the new features of the overhauled Gmail app in a blog post noting the app was six months in the works:

Six months ago, our team set out to completely rebuild the Gmail app for iPhone and iPad to give you you a faster, sleeker, and easier experience on iOS. The result? Version 2.0. With version 2.0 of the app, you’ll get a totally new look and feel, plus a bunch of improvements like profile pictures in messages, numerous new animations from swivels to transitions and infinite scrolling in the message lists.

[tweet https://twitter.com/gmail/status/276023586265919489]

Kindle version 3.5: Amazon previously rolled out its X-Ray feature, which used to be exclusive to Kindle devices, to iOS devices back in October. At the time, it was only making the feature available for textbooks on iOS. Today, Amazon has updated the Kindle iOS app to extend the X-Ray to all books. The update also includes “Manga Image Rendering Improvements”:

• X-Ray for Books – see the “bones of the book”. X-ray helps you learn more about notable characters, places, and phrases with descriptions from Shelfari.com and Wikipedia.
• Manga Image Rendering Improvements

Uber version 2.1.0: iPhone 5 support and localizations:

-Uber app now supports iPhone 5. Also in this release are Dutch localization, and an enhanced look for top riders.

Netbot for App.net (iPhone): Tapbots updated its Netbot client for App.net today with some new features and improvements. The iPad edition is available here.

– Added support for Stream Marker
– Added Unified Stream option
– Added support for img.ly as an image service
– Performance improvements for older devices
– Better support for image annotations

Foursquare version 5.3.5: 
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RE/MAX rolling out Passbook business cards for 4,500 real estate agents in the US

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Fte_IENjcyQ]

Taking advantage of a new digital business card platform from Vizibility that integrates Apple’s Passbook, RE/MAX will be the first company to have its employees carry iPhone-based Passbook business cards on a large scale. The business cards, demoed in the video above, will be first carried by 4,500 RE/MAX Regional Services real estate agents in Georgia, Southeastern Michigan, Kentucky, Southern Ohio, and  Tennessee.

Vizibility also announced three new features that enhance its business card platform, one of which uses geofencing to provide agents with lockscreen access to the business cards when in a specific location like the office or at an open house:

  • CardSense™ enables Passbook users to select locations where their Mobile Business Card Pass can be instantly accessed from their iPhone lock screen with a finger swipe. This capability makes it a snap to share contact information at the office, tradeshows, networking events, open houses, or anywhere else frequent, fast access to a Mobile Business Card is needed. Locations are set right on the back of the Pass.
  • CardFollow™ enables people to receive updates when the vCard they previously downloaded from a Mobile Business Card changes. This patent-pending feature makes it possible for the first time to stay in sync with specific people without having to sync every personal contact with cumbersome, third-party systems. Vizibility users can easily see and manage their vCard followers.
  • The Mobile Directory displays a searchable directory of mobile business cards for everyone in an organization. This feature makes it possible to link a company’s business cards together to facilitate discovery and reinforce the depth of an organization’s expertise. Vizibility corporate administrators can easily control who appears in their organization’s Mobile Directory.
RE/MAX Regional Services Taps Apple’s Passbook for Business CardsVizibility Slides Out Passbook, vCard Following and

Mobile Business Card Directories

NEW YORK, December 4, 2012 – Vizibility announced today that RE/MAX Regional Services, one of the largest RE/MAX franchisors in the United States, is offering digital business cards to its 4,500 real estate brokers and agents across Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Southern Ohio and Southeastern Michigan. Vizibility’s popular Mobile Business Card is a personalized mobile microsite which is used to package and share a professional’s contact information and web presence. Agents can easily share their new Mobile Business Cards using Passbook on their iPhones as well as with QR codes printed on business cards, listings and other sales materials. Agents can also share their Mobile Business Cards wirelessly with Near Field Communication (NFC) using Vizibility’s plastic Mobile Wallet Card.

“In today’s competitive real estate climate, we have to push the envelope of technology to give our agents a competitive edge. We also must provide home buyers with the best tools to make what may be the most important decision of their lives,” said Dane Ellison, CEO of RE/MAX Regional Services. “Technologies like Vizibility’s Mobile Business Card can help our agents get more opportunities to share their listings, provide mobile virtual tours and engage effortlessly with prospective home buyers. By making it a little easier to close sales, we’re making it a lot easier for our RE/MAX agents to be more successful.”

Vizibility is the first company to use Passbook for sharing Mobile Business Cards and RE/MAX Regional Services is the first to implement it on a large scale. Passbook, recently introduced with Apple’s iOS6, allows users to keep boarding passes, movie tickets, coupons, loyalty cards and more in one place. Major companies are supporting Passbook including Target, Starbucks, United Airlines, American Airlines, Google and Ticketmaster.

Vizibility is also introducing three game-changing Mobile Business Card features:

  • CardSense™ enables Passbook users to select locations where their Mobile Business Card Pass can be instantly accessed from their iPhone lock screen with a finger swipe. This capability makes it a snap to share contact information at the office, tradeshows, networking events, open houses, or anywhere else frequent, fast access to a Mobile Business Card is needed. Locations are set right on the back of the Pass.
  • CardFollow™ enables people to receive updates when the vCard they previously downloaded from a Mobile Business Card changes. This patent-pending feature makes it possible for the first time to stay in sync with specific people without having to sync every personal contact with cumbersome, third-party systems. Vizibility users can easily see and manage their vCard followers.
  • The Mobile Directory displays a searchable directory of mobile business cards for everyone in an organization. This feature makes it possible to link a company’s business cards together to facilitate discovery and reinforce the depth of an organization’s expertise. Vizibility corporate administrators can easily control who appears in their organization’s Mobile Directory.

“Smartphones have fundamentally changed the way we buy products and select service providers. Google recently reported that 96% of U.S. smartphone owners have researched a service or product on their mobile devices,” said Greg Harris, Product Manager at Vizibility (find Greg in Google at http://viz.me/greg). “The Mobile Business Card is like a personal storefront for professionals. We’re excited to be helping enterprises and their people drive revenue using the latest mobile marketing technologies such as Passbook, QR codes and NFC.”

About Vizibility Inc.

Vizibility Inc. delivers the first enterprise class identity management and engagement platform. Vizibility’s highly acclaimed digital business card addresses today’s reality that the first impression a company or individual makes is often online, and in many cases on a mobile device. Vizibility enables people to package and share their online presence to make powerful, accurate and lasting impressions. The company’s solutions are available from authorized resellers and atwww.vizibility.com. U.S. Patents 7,831,609, 7,987,173, 8,095,534, 8,271,650, 8,275,837, 8,280,879 and 8,290,941. Other patents pending.

About RE/MAX Regional Services

RE/MAX Regional Services was founded in 1978 by Howard McPherson. The company provides outstanding support to the more than 300 offices and over 4,000 agents in its five regions. RRS ensures its real-estate professionals have the leading technology, the most advanced training, and the highest level of expertise to best serve the homebuyers and sellers in their communities. Visit http://www.franchise-remax.com.