Apps

6,282 'Apps' stories April 2010 - April 2015

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.

1Password update brings password manager to your wrist with Apple Watch app

Mike Beasley Apr 14 2015 - 7:40 am PT

6 Comments

A big update is currently rolling out to users of the excellent 1Password application that includes support for the Apple Watch. According to the company’s blog post, the watch app will let you access important information like credit card numbers and one-time passwords (introduced in a recent update) directly from your wrist.

Without a proper keyboard or Touch ID scanner on the Apple Watch, how exactly you’ll unlock the miniaturized password manager has yet to be revealed, but it will likely rely on the iPhone’s security features to make sure that only authorized users have access to your data.

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EasyJet’s new app provides end-to-end proactive guidance to air passengers

Ben Lovejoy Apr 14 2015 - 7:29 am PT

0 Comments

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwHpkBg-N64]

European no-frills airline EasyJet seems to have taken a full-service approach to its new app, dubbed Mobile Host. The app aims to provide proactive, location-based guidance to passengers from one end of their journey to the other.

The app begins with check-in reminders, guides you to the baggage-drop if you have luggage, tells you when your gate is open and navigates you there, opens your boarding pass when you get there, and directs you to the correct baggage carousel on arrival. The service goes live at London Gatwick Airport today, with other airports to follow.

easyJet’s Mobile Host is a joint initiative with Gatwick and combines live data from the airports information systems, using Google indoor maps, together with a passenger’s booking details, location and flight time. The result is personalised instructions and updates for passengers during their journey.

The app is currently iPhone-only, and is available in seven languages. The new app was not on the App Store at the time of writing, but if you download the current app, it should update.

EasyJet last updated the app a few weeks ago to add support for the Apple Watch. It was one of the first European airlines to support Passbook boarding passes, and started using iBeacons for location-based alerts last summer.

Flashlight, the utility that puts Spotlight on steroids, out of beta as Apple hires developer

Ben Lovejoy Apr 14 2015 - 5:34 am PT

5 Comments

Command-line fans will be happy today, as Nate Parrot’s Flashlight utility comes out of beta. Flashlight is a utility that enables you to carry out more than 160 different tasks just by typing commands into Spotlight – a kind of command-line Siri for the Mac. Functions include checking the weather, creating notes, adding calendar appointments, translating words, emailing files, sending messages, moving files, ejecting drives and performing image searches.

Apple seems impressed too: it has hired Parrot as an intern on its Spotlight team …
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Pandora Radio adds Apple Watch app for remote music control, favoriting songs, more

Zac Hall Apr 13 2015 - 9:03 pm PT

1 Comment

Apple revealed the first look at its all-new Music app for iPhone and iPad with the first beta release of iOS 8.4 today, which brings a new look to iTunes Radio among other major changes. Pandora Radio, the similarly-modeled music streaming service that’s arguably superior to iTunes Radio in music variety and selection, released a timely update this evening adding Apple Watch support to its iPhone app ahead of the new wearable device’s release on April 24th. Pandora Radio’s WatchKit app for Apple Watch will include a glance for swiping up from the watch face to identify the song currently playing from the iPhone app.

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Apple Watch gains pill reminders, doctor consultations & more from a dozen new healthcare apps

Jordan Kahn Apr 13 2015 - 10:05 am PT

20 Comments

As Apple continues to approve more Apple Watch apps following the device going up for pre-order late last week, a long list of healthcare companies are showing off apps for the Apple Watch at the HIMSS 2015 conference this week in Chicago.

Inlcuded are apps from HCSC, WebMD, Kaiser Permanente, Dexcom, HealthTap, Vocera and many others, enabling everything from health records for patients to medication reminders and continuous glucose monitoring on the Apple Watch. Head below for a full list of healthcare apps for Apple Watch on show:
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Apple releases Final Cut Pro 10.2, Motion 5.2 with 3D titles, Compressor 4.2 with iTunes publishing

Mike Beasley Apr 13 2015 - 9:14 am PT

1 Comment

Apple has pushed out an update to its suite of pro video editing tools for Mac today, including new versions of Final Cut Pro X, Motion, and Compressor.

Final Cut has been upgraded to version 10.2, which adds support for 3D titles, improved color grading and effects tools, support for additional camera formats, and GPU-accelerated processing of RAW footage from RED cameras.

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9to5Toys Last Call: 128GB iPad Air 2 $600, AirPort Express $79, APC 6-Outlet UPS $33, more

Apr 13 2015 - 9:13 am PT

0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (newest version) 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB: $830 shipped (Reg. $999)
VIZIO introduces new 4K UHDTVs starting at $600, expands its audio lineup
Sennheiser Over-Ear Headphones: HD650 $287 (Reg. $400), HD600 $239 (Reg. $320)
Here’s a look at the new Lara Croft: Relic Run title for iOS and Android
Garmin and Panasonic announce new action cameras with hit or miss feature lists
Home: $50 Sears gift card $40, Char-Broil 2-Burner Gas Grill $100, more
Best Buy takes another $100 off when you buy a discounted Moto 360 w/ an Android phone

Apple iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi 128GB in Gold or Space Gray $600 shipped ($99 off)

Apple AirPort Express Wireless Router w/ AirPlay and Wireless Printing $79 or refurbished $65 (Reg. $99)

APC and CyberPower UPS Battery Backup Systems up to 55% off: APC 6-outlet $33 (Orig. $56), more

Amazon Gold Box – up to 70% off Crucial & Lexar flash storage: 128GB microSD $88, 1TB SSD $330, more

Review: SOL REPUBLIC’s Shadow wireless headphones w/ Bluetooth 4.0 offer an upgraded audio experience, $100 giveaway

More new gear from today:

Daily Deals: Harman Kardon Bluetooth Speaker/phone $105, Toshiba Canvio 1TB External Hard Drive $50, Aduro Bluetooth Shower Speaker $15, more

$50 Sears gift card for $40 shipped (20% off)
Complete book box sets: Game of Thrones $11, Hunger Games $9, more
Wireless Bluetooth Cloud Buds: $30 shipped (orig. $109)
TDK Bluetooth/NFC Portable Weatherized Speaker $25 Prime shipped (Orig. $60)
JLab JBuds EPIC in-ear headphones w/ mic & remote $27 Prime shipped (Reg. $50), more
Games/Apps: Final Fantasy Type-0 HD w/ FFXV Duscae demo $40, 2Do $10, TMNT Rooftop Run $3, iOS freebies, more

More deals still alive:

Rules! is now available for free inside the Apple Store iPhone app (Reg. $3)

iTunes Free App of the Week: Twisty Hollow ($3 value)

Motorola’s Moto 360 Smartwatch is on sale for $179 or $155 w/ .edu (Reg. $250)
Logitech K480 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard & iPad/iPhone stand $40 (19% savings)
D-Link Wireless N 300Mbps Range Extender: $25 shipped (Reg. $40)
Linksys Powerline HomePlug AV500 Powerline Ethernet Kit $45 (Reg. $90+)
Philips Hue Lux price drops: single bulb $20, Starter Kit $80
Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series is IGN’s free iOS game of the month ($5 value)
AOC 17-Inch USB 3.0 Powered Portable LCD/LED Monitor $170 shipped (orig. $250)

New products & more:

On The Go stuffs nearly every must-have iPhone/Android add-on into one tiny cube

Moleskine puts Batman on the cover with its new limited edition Gotham inspired notebooks
LEGO’s new Dimensions video game brings Batman, Marty McFly and Gandalf to life
DJI’s Phantom 3 drone shoots 4K video, uses new sensors to navigate indoor airspace
Microsoft announces over-the-air antenna compatibility for Xbox One
Orange Chef’s Countertop kitchen prep accessory integrates with Apple Watch and Vitamix
Give your MacBook a boost with this stunning USA-sourced wooden stand from Grovemade
NuDock wants to charge your Apple Watch, iPhone and every other USB device you own
Monoprice introduces new line of 5 USB-C cables for connectivity & displays as low as $10

Apple’s iOS 8.3 update blocks access to apps from desktop file managers like iExplorer

Jordan Kahn Apr 13 2015 - 9:00 am PT

32 Comments

Apple has seemingly moved to block desktop apps that allow users to manage files on their iOS devices in its recent iOS 8.3 update, as noted by MacRumors. Many popular file transfer apps, such as iFunBox, iTools, iExplorer, iBackupBot and PhoneView, have experienced the issue that prevents users from accessing file directories for apps on iOS devices. The apps were previously a popular way for users to install software on iOS devices that Apple does not allow in the App Store, like game emulators.
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Report: Apple plans $10-$15 tiers for new music service, approaching artists incl. Taylor Swift for exclusives

Jordan Kahn Apr 10 2015 - 11:51 am PT

21 Comments

A new report from Bloomberg today claims that Apple is considering $10-$15 month plans for its upcoming music streaming service while the company approaches high-profile artists to get exclusive content.

The report today follows our own report last month that Apple was planning to relaunch its Beats Music streaming service at its WWDC event in June. At the time we noted that Apple was considering a $7.99 price point, but today’s report suggests Apple could go with paid tiers ranging from $9.99/month for a single user to $14.99/month for a family account.
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9to5Toys Last Call: 13000mAh Power Bank $24, Samsung 500GB SSD $180, Logitech Bluetooth KB $40, more

Apr 10 2015 - 9:36 am PT

0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

On The Go stuffs nearly every must-have iPhone/Android add-on into one tiny cube
Linksys Powerline HomePlug AV500 Powerline Ethernet Kit $45 (Reg. $90+)
Home: Char-Broil TRU-Infared Electric Grill $99, Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven $34, more

Keep your iPhone/iPad charged all day: Anker Astro E4 13000mAh Power Bank $24 Prime shipped (20% off)

Samsung 2.5″ Internal SSDs: 850 EVO 500GB $180 (Reg. $200+), 850 PRO 256GB $120 (Reg. $180)

Logitech K480 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard & iPad/iPhone stand $40 (19% savings)

iTunes Free App of the Week: Twisty Hollow ($3 value)

Small States Review: This is Ground’s Mod 2 is the ultimate on-the-go iPad companion, giveaway worth $310

More new gear from today:

Motorola’s Moto 360 Smartwatch is on sale for $179 or $155 w/ .edu (Reg. $250)

Rules! is now available for free inside the Apple Store iPhone app (Reg. $3)
Games/Apps: Tower of Fortune 2 for iOS Free, Warhammer 40,000: Carnage $1, more
Daily Deals: Garmin GPS Watch w/ HRM (Refurb) $85, Char-Broil Infrared Grill $99, more

More deals still alive:

Motorola SB6141 DOCSIS 3.0 Modem + TP-LINK Archer C7 802.11ac $130 shipped ($185+ value)

D-Link Wireless N 300Mbps Range Extender: $25 shipped (Reg. $40)
Philips Hue Lux price drops: single bulb $20, Starter Kit $80
Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series is IGN’s free iOS game of the month ($5 value)
Symphonized audio sale: headphones $16 (Reg. $25), Bluetooth speaker $26 (Reg. $35)
JBL SoundFly Air wireless speaker with Apple AirPlay (Refurb.): $29 shipped (Orig. $140)
Media: Harry Potter 8-film iTunes collection $50, Game of Thrones S1 Blu-ray $20, more
Parrot Zik Wireless Bluetooth $230 (Reg. $300), Sennheiser Over-Ear $70 (Reg. $80+)
Upgrade your HDTV’s audio w/ this 320W LG soundbar for $245 (Reg. $600)
AOC 17-Inch USB 3.0 Powered Portable LCD/LED Monitor $170 shipped (orig. $250)

New products & more:

Moleskine puts Batman on the cover with its new limited edition Gotham inspired notebooks

LEGO’s new Dimensions video game brings Batman, Marty McFly and Gandalf to life
DJI’s Phantom 3 drone shoots 4K video, uses new sensors to navigate indoor airspace
Microsoft announces over-the-air antenna compatibility for Xbox One
Orange Chef’s Countertop kitchen prep accessory integrates with Apple Watch and Vitamix
Give your MacBook a boost with this stunning USA-sourced wooden stand from Grovemade
NuDock wants to charge your Apple Watch, iPhone and every other USB device you own
Monoprice introduces new line of 5 USB-C cables for connectivity & displays as low as $10
This Tiko 3D Printer has a unibody design and direct drive titanium setup, costs only $179
Roku announces new features and upgrades to its line of streaming media players
Dust off your Game Boy cartridges, this case will let you play them on your iPhone 6 Plus
Samsung’s Radiant360 R7 wireless speaker has a blimp-like design & 360 degree sound

Apple Watch app developers say it’s all about timely notifications

Ben Lovejoy Apr 10 2015 - 6:34 am PT

1 Comment

Apple was clear with developers from the start that the Apple Watch is all about “quick, easy looks” rather than lengthy interactions, and it seems the message has been taken on board by major brands, reports the WSJ.

“If people use their desktop computers for hours at a time and their phones for minutes at a time, we think people will use the Watch for seconds at a time,” said Shayne Sweeney, an engineering manager at Facebook’s photo-sharing site Instagram, which created a Watch app.

Adam Grossman, founder of the Dark Sky weather app, echoed the comment.

Who wants to keep their wrists up to their face for many minutes?

Expedia’s chief product officer John Kim said the company was focusing mostly on itinerary-focused push notifications.

Instead of “pulling” information from websites or apps, users will want relevant information “pushed” to them at the most useful moments.

With American Airlines’ Kevin MacFarland agreeing.

The goal is the right information at the right time.

Apple revealed last year that the watch offers both “short and long looks,” with not even a touch needed to switch between the two.

The best Apple Watch apps you can download now

Jordan Kahn Apr 10 2015 - 6:27 am PT

11 Comments

You’ll need something to do while you wait for your pre-ordered Apple Watch to arrive — things officially kicked off online at 12:01 PDT last night, or 3AM if you’re on the East Coast like me — so we’re compiling a running list of Watch apps hitting the App Store to keep you busy. When you actually get your Apple Watch — sometime between now and July — will depend on what model and how early you placed your pre-order.

These apps are either already available on the App Store or plan to update with support for Apple Watch by its launch on April 24th. Install the apps on your iPhone now, and you’ll be ready to go when your Apple Watch arrives on April 24th or after. Head below for the full list of apps:
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Report claims Google nearing Android Wear for iOS release, shows off FaceTime notification on LG Watch

Jordan Kahn Apr 9 2015 - 11:31 am PT

6 Comments

Adding to recent reports that Google is working on iOS support for Android Wear devices, today The Verge reports that the company is “close to finishing the final technical details” on the companion app for iOS. The report cites sources close to the development of the project and also includes the image above showing a FaceTime notification on the LG G Watch R. More from the report:

In its current state of development, Android Wear works along with a companion app on the iPhone and supports basic functions like notifications — as you can see in the photo below. As it does on Android, on the iPhone Android Wear also supports Google Now’s ambient information cards, voice search, and other voice actions. It should also support some more advanced features with Google’s own iOS apps, like replying to Gmail messages.

A previous report noted that Google was developing Android Wear support for iOS and could debut the project as soon as its I/O developer conference in May.

Today’s report brings up the possibility that Google might have a bit of trouble getting through the App Store’s approval process. At the very least it could run into guidelines that prevent it from bringing over all of the features it offers on Android devices to iOS. Pebble and other smart watches have companion apps, but like them Google will be limited to working within the iOS and App Store guidelines, unlike on Android.

Google’s free photo editing app Snapseed 2.0 gets lens blur, layers, new UI, more

Jeremy Horwitz Apr 9 2015 - 11:17 am PT

0 Comments

Snapseed, the excellent free photo editing application, today received its first major update since Google purchased developer Nik Software back in 2012. Version 2.0 arrived in the App Store with a brand new user interface and a huge collection of new features, most notably including spot healing, lens blur effects, perspective transformation, and a non-destructive editing system that can copy edits from one image to another. The app remains universal across iOS devices, and now has a minimalist UI with Material Design influence.

While Apple’s Photos application improved considerably with the release of iOS 8, Snapseed’s unique ability to selectively fix small parts of photos — such as improving the brightness level of one dark face in an otherwise bright image — has kept it relevant as a key iOS photo editing tool for years. Snapseed 2.0 expands upon that feature, letting you apply filters and brushes selectively with a brush tool. You can also go into individual layers and make adjustments to changes that were previously applied during the editing process.

Snapseed 2.0 is available for free from the App Store now. Additional details are after the break…

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9to5Toys Last Call: SwissGear laptop backpacks from $34, iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi 16GB $400 ($99 off), much more

Apr 9 2015 - 9:01 am PT

0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

iTunes Free App of the Week: Twisty Hollow ($3 value)
Logitech K480 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard and iPad/iPhone stand $40 (19% savings)
D-Link Wireless N 300Mbps Range Extender: $25 shipped (Reg. $40)
Moleskine puts Batman on the cover with its new limited edition Gotham inspired notebooks
Home: Wink Relay Smart Home Controller $199 (Reg. $245), much more

Amazon Gold Box: 40% or more off SwissGear Laptop backpacks, starting at $34

Apple iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi 16GB in all colors for $400 shipped ($99 off)

Mac/iOS App Store promo discounts 35 Photo + Video apps by 50% or more

Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series is IGN’s free iOS game of the month ($5 value)

Last chance to grab the iTunes Free App of the Week: Back to Bed ($4 value) http://t.co/Lj0hOXR7Ab pic.twitter.com/1ked7dFrO5

— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) April 9, 2015

Small States Review: This is Ground’s Mod 2 is the ultimate on-the-go iPad companion, giveaway worth $310

More new gear from today:

Motorola SB6141 DOCSIS 3.0 Modem + TP-LINK Archer C7 802.11ac Wireless Router $130 ($185+ value)

Amazon has the famous “not so bad” shitphone for $50 shipped today (44% off)
Games/Apps: Twisty Hollow for iOS free, Sony PS4 Last of Us Bundle w/ PS+ $395, more
Daily Deals: Seagate 4TB External Hard Drive $100, Foscam IP Camera $49, Jawbone BIG Jambox $185, more

More deals still alive:

Philips Hue Lux price drops make it cheaper than ever to add smart lighting to your house: single bulb $20, Starter Kit $80

Symphonized audio sale: headphones $16 (Reg. $25), Bluetooth speaker $26 (Reg. $35)
JBL SoundFly Air wireless speaker with Apple AirPlay (Refurb.): $29 shipped (Orig. $140)
Media: Harry Potter 8-film iTunes collection $50, Game of Thrones S1 Blu-ray $20, more
Parrot Zik Wireless Bluetooth $230 (Reg. $300), Sennheiser Over-Ear $70 (Reg. $80+)
Upgrade your HDTV’s audio w/ this 320W LG soundbar for $245 (Reg. $600)
AOC 17-Inch USB 3.0 Powered Portable LCD/LED Monitor $170 shipped (orig. $250)
AmazonBasics MFi Lightning cables: 6-ft $10 (Reg. $15), 3-ft $9 Prime shipped (Reg. $14)
Xbox One AC Unity bundle w/ Halo MCC & 3-months Live $350, more
Roomlia hotel savings app adds loyalty program: stay 7 nights, get 1 free

New products & more:

DJI’s Phantom 3 drone shoots 4K video, uses new sensors to navigate indoor airspace

Microsoft announces over-the-air antenna compatibility for Xbox One
Orange Chef’s Countertop kitchen prep accessory integrates with Apple Watch and Vitamix
Give your MacBook a boost with this stunning USA-sourced wooden stand from Grovemade
NuDock wants to charge your Apple Watch, iPhone and every other USB device you own
Monoprice introduces new line of 5 USB-C cables for connectivity & displays as low as $10
This Tiko 3D Printer has a unibody design and direct drive titanium setup, costs only $179
Roku announces new features and upgrades to its line of streaming media players
Dust off your Game Boy cartridges, this case will let you play them on your iPhone 6 Plus
Samsung’s Radiant360 R7 wireless speaker has a blimp-like design & 360 degree sound

Tado smart thermostat app gets smarter with multiple temperatures in the day

Ben Lovejoy Apr 9 2015 - 5:36 am PT

2 Comments

The app for the Tado smart thermostat, which I reviewed back in 2013, just got a little smarter.

You like to have it cozy and warm when you enjoy your evening on the sofa but a cooler temperature is preferable during the day? No problem, with the new multi-temperature feature tado° now lets you create different temperatures for different times of the day. Just select the times and the temperatures and label them accordingly.

Perfect for me, as my home office is upstairs and 2C warmer than the living-room downstairs, so now I can set it for 19C during working hours (which means 21C in the office), and 21C in the evenings. It still automatically turns down the temperature when everyone is out, of course.

Small business owners in USA can now claim points of interest in Apple Maps within iOS app

Ben Lovejoy Apr 9 2015 - 4:40 am PT

1 Comment

Apple started allowing local businesses to add or manage their listing in Apple Maps back in October of last year, but this had to be done through the Maps Connect web service. As of today, it can be done directly through the Apple Maps app on an iOS device running the latest iOS 8.3.

To claim your business, search for it in the app, tap the Info icon, select Report a problem and then select Claim this business at the bottom of the screen.

Businesses in selected other countries can still claim their business through Maps Connect, which was expanded from the US to Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore and the UK in January; to Canada, France and Germany in February; and to Italy, Switzerland and Mexico in March.

Twitter now supports the iPhone’s gorgeous slow-motion videos

Ben Lovejoy Apr 9 2015 - 3:56 am PT

1 Comment

[tweet https://twitter.com/twitter/status/585919167833870336/]

One of the stand-out features of the iPhone 5s was the 120fps slow-motion video, and the iPhone 6/Plus took this even further, allowing silky-smooth 240fps video at 720p. Sharing that video, however, isn’t always easy: many online services don’t recognize that the video is slo-mo, and play it instead at full speed.

There are clunky workarounds, but these are no longer needed for Twitter: upload slo-mo video from your iPhone 5s, 6 or 6 Plus and it now plays at the correct speed …
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New Facebook Messenger web experience gets an unofficial standalone Mac app

Chance Miller Apr 8 2015 - 4:43 pm PT

14 Comments

Earlier today Facebook unveiled a dedicated website for its Messenger service, accompanying dedicated apps for the iPhone and iPad. Now, however, a third-party developer has taken that newly unveiled web interface and put it into a dedicated OS X desktop app.

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Apple acquired keyboard app maker Dryft last year

Jordan Kahn Apr 8 2015 - 1:32 pm PT

3 Comments

Apple bought keyboard app maker Dryft sometime last year and brought on talent from the company to lead development of its onscreen iOS keyboards, according to a new report from TechCrunch.
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Apple adds Siri features (Sports, Twitter, Facebook, directions & Shazam) in 9 new countries, CarPlay in 5

Jordan Kahn Apr 8 2015 - 11:44 am PT

2 Comments

Apple today updated its iOS 8 feature availability list to add support for 9 new countries for a handful of Siri features and 5 new countries for CarPlay.
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9to5Toys Last Call: WD 2TB Portable USB 3.0 HDD $80, Philips Hue Lux bulb $20, more

Apr 8 2015 - 9:05 am PT

1 Comment

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

Pick up the new Roku 3 streaming media player w/ voice search for $85 (Reg. $100)
Symphonized audio sale: headphones $16 (Reg. $25), Bluetooth speaker $26 (Reg. $35)
Microsoft announces over-the-air antenna compatibility for Xbox One
DJI’s Phantom 3 drone shoots 4K video, uses new sensors to navigate indoor airspace
Home: up to 60% off Moen Faucets w/ MotionSense, more

Spigen’s new aluminum Apple Watch dock is down to $10 shipped (Reg. $20)

WD My Passport Ultra 2TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive $80 shipped (Orig. $140)

Philips Hue Lux price drops make it cheaper than ever to add smart lighting to your house: single bulb $20, Starter Kit $80

JBL SoundFly Air wireless speaker with Apple AirPlay (Refurb.): $29 shipped (Orig. $140)

Mac/iOS App Store promo discounts 35 Photo + Video apps by 50% or more

iTunes Free App of the Week: Back to Bed ($4 value)

Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series is IGN’s free iOS game of the month ($5 value)

Small States Review: This is Ground’s Mod 2 is the ultimate on-the-go iPad companion, giveaway worth $310

More new gear from today:

Games/Apps: Royal Trouble Hidden Adventures free (Reg. $7), Mortal Kombat X for iOS/Android launches, iOS freebies, more

Daily Deals: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Quadcopter $599, CaseCrown Pro Case for iPad Air 2 $5, Vaas Waterproof Bluetooth Shower Speaker $15, more

More deals still alive:

Media: Harry Potter 8-film iTunes collection $50, Game of Thrones S1 Blu-ray $20, more

Parrot Zik Wireless Bluetooth $230 (Reg. $300), Sennheiser Over-Ear $70 (Reg. $80+)
Upgrade your HDTV’s audio w/ this 320W LG soundbar for $245 (Reg. $600)
AOC 17-Inch USB 3.0 Powered Portable LCD/LED Monitor $170 shipped (orig. $250)
AmazonBasics MFi Lightning cables: 6-ft $10 (Reg. $15), 3-ft $9 Prime shipped (Reg. $14)
JBL Headphones: J55i $20 (Reg. $35+), J56BT wireless $55 (Reg. $70+)
Xbox One AC Unity bundle w/ Halo MCC & 3-months Live $350, more
Roomlia hotel savings app adds loyalty program: stay 7 nights, get 1 free

New products & more:

Orange Chef’s Countertop kitchen prep accessory integrates with Apple Watch and Vitamix

Give your MacBook a boost with this stunning USA-sourced wooden stand from Grovemade
NuDock wants to charge your Apple Watch, iPhone and every other USB device you own
Monoprice introduces new line of 5 USB-C cables for connectivity & displays as low as $10
This Tiko 3D Printer has a unibody design and direct drive titanium setup, costs only $179
Roku announces new features and upgrades to its line of streaming media players
Dust off your Game Boy cartridges, this case will let you play them on your iPhone 6 Plus
Samsung’s Radiant360 R7 wireless speaker has a blimp-like design & 360 degree sound

Controversial kids app After School back in App Store with new protections in place

Ben Lovejoy Apr 8 2015 - 5:04 am PT

0 Comments

An app that allows school children to make anonymous posts about other students in their school – what could possibly go wrong? Little surprise that After School received numerous complaints about cyberbullying, and was pulled from the App Store by Apple for objectionable content.

Today the app is back, reports Daily Dot, but with a whole raft of new features designed to guard against abuse. All posts are now moderated before they appear on the service, keyword-checking is used to filter out offensive content and detect threats, and the app offers immediate live support when someone makes a post suggesting that they are depressed or thinking about harming themselves …
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Instagram iOS app adding Fade and Color tools, post notifications

Jordan Kahn Apr 7 2015 - 10:48 am PT

2 Comments

Instagram is adding a few new features to its iOS app this week including two new creative tools for editing photos and a new post notifications feature.

For the two new creative tools, the Fade feature offers “a quiet tone to your photos by softening colors,” while the Color tool allows you to apply a yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, cyan or green tint to the shadows and highlights in your photos.

Also new in the updated Instagram app is a Post Notifications feature that allows you to receive notifications when people you follow post once enabled: You will see an option to “Turn on Post Notifications.

The updated Instagram app, version 6.10.0, will hit the App Store this week.