| MacUpdate Weekend Sale | :This weekend MacUpdate has slashed prices on Painter 12 and Painter Lite. Painter 12 retails for $429, but has been reduced by 54% to $199. Painter Lite has seen a 58% price cut from $69 to $29. Hurry, because these deals are only available until May 19th 2013. |
Podcast and radio streaming service Stitcher has released an important update of its iOS app, v5.3.0. The major addition is a selectable Car Mode for the iPhone, which brings up a simplified interface. The mode works in both portrait and landscape views.
A report by market analysts App Annie and IDC continue to show that mobile devices such as the iPhone or the Nexus 7 control a clear majority of mobile gaming interest and dollars spent on purchases, with portable handhelds fading rapidly. The first quarter of 2013 saw another milestone achieved for the Android platform, with it seeing more downloads and consumer spending on games than iOS for the first time.
Moshi has released its new line of Lightning cables for Apple's latest iOS devices. Encased in aluminum, the 3.2 foot cables are fully certified for use with the iPhone 5, iPod touch (5th gen), iPod nano (7th gen), iPad (4th gen) and iPad mini. Moshi's USB Cable with Lightning is sold online in two color variants, black and white, for $20.
Shipping service UPS has launched a native iPad version of its iOS app. An iPhone app has been available for some time, but has never been updated to be universal. Both titles let people track up to five shipments simultaneously, which are displayed on a map.
eBay has released an updated version of its iOS app featuring a redesigned interface with multiple search views, new shopping car functionality, and larger photo views. Unlike previous versions, users can now add multiple items into their shopping cart and pay for all of them simultaneously. The iPad version has also received several new image editing tools, while the iPhone version includes a new account creation tool that can setup a new account by scanning the barcode of a drivers license. Other changes include new "Search By Best Offer" options, feedback filters, and support for uploading multiple photos from a library.
Google has updated the iOS and Android versions of Play Books with the ability to upload already-owned books and documents. The option supports PDF and EPUB files, but uploads must be done via the Google Books website. Any uploaded titles sync across devices.
Google has shown a significant number of changes to Google+ at its Google I/O developer event, as part of its attempts to attract users. The redesign of the social network is accompanied by the rumored unified messaging system, branded Hangouts, and the automatic enhancement, editing and highlighting of photographs uploaded onto its service.
DirecTV has launched a new version of its iPhone app that introduces new voice recognition functionality. Located in a new Voice tab, the voice recognition tool can be used to search for programs by speaking the title, channel, keyword, actors, and more. Also new to this release is a new TV mode that can be used to view dialogue and search results on a TV screen that is connected to an HD DVR running on the same network as the iOS device. Additionally, the TV mode also offers a few of personalize recommendations.
Groupon has launched a new point-of-sale app for the iPad, Breadcrumb POS. Unlike Breadcrumb Pro, which is oriented at larger, more established retailers, POS is aimed at small businesses. It nevertheless offers features such as tipping, kitchen tickets, custom items and menus, multiple tax rates and discounts, and support for a cash drawer and multiple printers.
Philips has introduced a downloadable update for its Hue lighting system. Version 1.1 brings several location-based features, referred to as "geofencing," that enable multicolor Hue bulbs to be automatically turned on or off or change color when residents approach or leave their home, without requiring preprogrammed scheduling.
As previously reported, US TV network ABC has now launched an updated version of its ABC Player app, now known as Watch ABC. Version 3.0 of the app (free) now offers users in New York City and Philadelphia the ability to view a live stream of programming, making it the first network iOS app to do so. Plans are underway to bring the service to at least six further markets where ABC owns local stations directly over the summer, with Hearst-owned stations in another 13 markets gaining the live stream option later this year.
Creaceed has released the next major version of its Prizmo iOS app, complete with an all new user interface and support for PDF files. Version 2.0 is now a Universal app, working on both the iPhone and iPad, and offers iCloud integration for automatically syncing documents between multiple devices. The document scanner has also been improved with automatic frame detection when taking images, as well as enhanced tools for better corner positioning when cropping. Other new features includes 30 new OCR languages, voice guidance for positioning documents within the camera's line of sight, and multipage document handling. For the next few days Prizmo 2 will be offered at the discounted price of $6, after which it will rise to $10.
BlackBerry will be expanding access to its BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) service to new platforms this summer, in a move that has surfaced in rumors a number of times in the past. Users of iOS and Android devices will be able to download a free app for their device in order to use the service, with the core BBM functionality initially available and other aspects expected later in the year.
Two iOS apps, Twitterific and 1Password, have today received significant updates. Twitterific 5.2.2 adds support for bookmarking service Readability and image service Droplr. A number of smaller improvements have also been made, such as automatic flipping of the read/unread state of tweets as users scroll, and similar updating of indicators in timeline tabs. Yfrog images should appear in the in-app browser instead of the photo viewer.
Flipboard has launched a new version of its popular news aggregating app for the iPhone and iPad. Following March's update which introduced user-created magazines, the v2.0.2 release adds a new Friends category in the Content Guide that can be used to quickly find magazines created by friends. Flipboard has also added new profile pages that provide details on readership and curation activities, as well as the ability to share content via SMS and to save images to the Camera Roll.
Broadcaster ABC is said to be updating its iOS app to offer live streams of shows from local ABC stations later this week. New options for a "Live" button in the Watch ABC app for iPhone and iPad will mark it as the first major US broadcaster that provides live streams of its channels to app users, with the first markets to gain the service being New York and Philadelphia.
Shortly after updating its GMail iOS app to allow it to link directly to Chrome and other Google apps as needed, the search and ad giant is now offering Chrome for iOS integration tools to developers that allow them to specify Chrome as the browser to use for in-app web interaction, bypassing Safari unless Chrome is not already installed. The tools can give developers the option of using Chrome or asking the user if they would like to open a link in Chrome rather than Safari. It's not yet clear if the changes represent any breach of Apple's iOS guidelines.
Google has expanded the functionality of its Google Drive desktop app to simplify the process of sharing documents. Thanks to the most recent update, Google Drive files can now be shared with others directly from a Mac or PC's file system by right clicking on the file. The update is currently being rolled out to all users and may not show up immediately.
Google has launched an updated version of its Gmail app for iOS, introducing support for opening links in their respective apps. Available since 2011, the official Gmail app has also included support for opening links, however, prior to this update directed users to a browser for all links. YouTube, Google Maps and Chrome links all direct to their respective apps unless the setting is disabled within the app. Additionally, the update also adds support for signing out of a single account when multiple identities are active.
Verizon has updated the iOS and Android versions of My FiOS, an app supporting the company's fiber service. Both apps have integrated important FiOS TV functions, namely TV listings, DVR scheduling, and a remote control. Previously the app's video functions were limited to watching video on demand.
Pyle has released a new Bluetooth wireless-based music interface that can convert any 30-pin speaker dock into a wireless audio device. The BlueReach can connect with any Bluetooth-enabled tablet, phone, or MP3 player and offers wireless audio streaming at distances up to 33 feet. Additionally, the device also includes a 3.5mm input allowing for direct audio input on any 30-pin speaker dock. The BlueReach can be purchased online from Pyle's webstore for $67.
Google has issued a written denial of claims that its new-to-iOS "Google Now" feature, which relies heavily on Location Services, is causing unusual battery drains for iPhone users. The company recently added the feature -- which attempts to predict what the user will ask based on location, direction and other factors and presents some useful information without user input -- to its Google search app already available for iOS devices. In the statement, Google says both that reports of battery drain are "incorrect" but then asks for users to contact them if they are having a battery problem.
Apple has launched a countdown to 50 billion app downloads on its iOS App Store, and is awarding a $10,000 gift card to the downloader, plus $500 gift cards to the next 50 downloaders following the landmark download. The representative countdown progress is seen in iTunes under the App Store section.
The iPad version of Corel's Pinnacle Studio has undergone a major update that introduces a brand new speed control. Tapping on the speed button will allow users to adjust the speed of any video clip, while pinch gestures can be used to actively speed up or slow down playback. Users can also add a freeze effect with a single click, as well as use a single finger swipe in the speed control for roll trimming. Other enhancements include faster rendering, simplified audio editing, and the ability to initiate renders directly form the preview message. Pinnacle Studio 3 is available in the App Store for $13.
Adobe is developing an iOS companion app to the desktop version of Lightroom, the company's product manager for Lightroom, Tom Hogarty, revealed Wednesday via an online show, The Grid. The app should support controlling many of the same elements as the desktop software, such as exposure, clarity, shadows, highlights, white balance, and noise reduction. At the foundation of the app though is the Smart Previews technology from the Lightroom 5 beta.
Twitter has updated its official iOS app to v5.6, making some significant tweaks. Above all is the the ability to see trending topics according to location, whether nearby or in other cities around the world. Retweeting has also received some attention, as replies to retweets will now include the identities for both people involved.
Amazon has updated the iOS Kindle app with support for Apple's VoiceOver feature. Once enabled through iOS' settings, VoiceOver can now read books and guide blind users through the app's interface using a synthetic voice. Text can be read character-by-character, word-by-word, line-by-line, or continuously.
Two major TV networks, ESPN and Fox, have updated their iOS apps to support streaming to AT&T U-verse subscribers. WatchESPN provides access to live feeds of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU, but only for people who already subscribe to ESPN packages from specific providers. Aside from AT&T, these include Bright House Networks, Charter, Comcast, Cox, Midcontinent Communications, Optimum, Time Warner, and Verizon.
Starting May 1, AT&T is offering a $100 credit off the purchase of a new phone in its corporate retail stores. The promotion applies to any smartphone AT&T sells, including the Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5 -- and gives owners of phones less than three years old in good working condition the credit. Phones valued at over $100 will receive a credit at a higher value, to be determined by AT&T.
Square has issued a major update of the iOS and Android versions of Register, the app for the company's retail checkout system. Version 3.0 focuses on improvements for restaurants: customers can add custom tips, and the payment pad now supports multiple custom amounts, which can each have individual notes attached. On the iPad, customizable kitchen tickets can include a name or number, and orders can be modified at the counter.
TomTom has launch the latest version of its navigation app for iOS devices in the App Store. Available for all of the regional app variants, the update includes the most recent versions of TomTom's maps, as well as improved planning support. Users can now change their pre-planned routes without having to start over completely. Options are included for modifying the starting point, destination, and departure time, allowing users to see how it affects the drive and arrival time.
Google has added Google Now to iOS in the form of an updated Search app. Now is the company's predictive results technology, until today available only to Android users. The feature pushes "cards" to a person based on their location and other personal information tracked by Google, such as local weather and traffic, flight statuses, and important news stories.
An iPad edition of Mailbox is in development, as are Android and desktop versions, tweets by the app's development team indicate. The iPad app is said to be "coming soon," while the Android and desktop apps are on a longer-term roadmap. Support for other platforms may also be possible.
Popular Mac punditry figure, developer and publisher Marco Arment has announced that he has sold a majority share of his web-article saving and syncing app Instapaper to Digg owners Betaworks. Under the deal, Betaworks will "take over the operations, expand its staff and develop it further," says Arment, while he will continue advising the project "indefinitely." He admitted in the blog post that he had "had trouble" keeping up with the needs of the service for the past year, while rivals such as Pocket and Readability could devote more resources.
Pangea Software announced today that for 24 hours its entire library of its iOS games are completely free on the iOS App Store, starting the afternoon of April 25 until the morning of April 26. The free games include: Monkey Bongo, Billy Frontier, Jive Turkey Shoot, Cro-Mag Rally, Warheads, Enigmo, Enigmo 2, Enigmo Deluxe, Nucleus, Air Wings, new release Air Wings Intergalactic, Nanosaur 2, Bugdom 2, Otto Matic, Quarters!!, and Antimatter. These games normally sell between $1 and $4.
Although it got off to a rocky start, Apple's iAd service is now the second-largest such service online, behind Google. The program has quietly but slowly improved over the years, and the improvements have now filtered through to a new major version of iAd Producer, the program that allows artist to create both typical iOS ads as well as the elaborate, beautifully-produced promotions that have become a signature showcase of Apple's approach to advertising. The new version, 4.0, improves nearly every aspect of the program.
Movie ticket and promotion app Fandango has updated its iOS app (free) with improvements for both iPad and iPhone users. Those on iPads can now scroll through photos and videos and view in full-screen mode, while iPhone users who are also Visa Signature account holders can purchase tickets faster and receive special offers from Tixpress by saving their card info in the app. The update also features better Facebook sharing and the usual general bug fixes and usability enhancements.
Google has released a native iPad app for subscribers of its Fiber TV service. Users can browse and search for shows that are airing live, as well as on-demand content, and anything recorded to DVR. On-demand content can in fact be both bought and watched using the app.
Following a removal from the App Store last September, AppShopper has returned with a new social-based app discovery tool. Dubbed AppShopper Social, the all new app contains the core Wish List functionality from the original software, but introduces new social discovery features. The app's main view consists of a Friend Stream that provides users with a stream of items that friends have added to their personal Wish List of My Apps lists. Other features such as Push Notifications for updates and price changes and app searching have also returned with AppShopper Social, while the What's New and Top 200 lists have been temporarily removed.
Apple is now sponsoring the long-running "John Lennon Educational Tour Bus," a mobile audio and video studio on wheels that tours educational institutions, encouraging students to explore and produce their own music with free songwriting, recording and multimedia production workshops. Using Macs on board to help with production, children write, perform and record original music and produce music videos with the assistance of three on-board engineers. Most recently seen in Phoenix AZ last weekend, the bus is scheduled to be in Gulf Shores AL as part of the Hangout Music Festival. The non-profit organization has its own App Store iOS app (free) as well.
On the heels of its earning announcements in which it saw a significant jump in users, Netflix has updated its iOS app (free) to version 4.0 with various improvements in episode selection, audio and subtitle selection and various bug fixes. The iPad gets a new episode chooser to make finding specific episodes of a TV show easier, while both the iPhone and iPad versions gain a redesigned audio and subtitle options selector. Alongside the update, Netflix announced it would begin offering a $12 per month "family plan," with up to four simultaneous streams.
Bodelin Technologies has unveiled the ProScope Micro Mobile, the first professional-level microscope to be made specifically to attach to mobile devices such as the iPad, iPad mini, iPhone, and fourth- and fifth-generation iPod touch, as well as other tablets and smartphones. The microscope attachment uses precision optical glass for edge-to-edge imaging and magnification from 20X to 80X.
Yahoo! has launched an updated version of its iOS app featuring Summly integration, a new interface, and improved search options. Acquired by Yahoo! at the end of March for a supposed $30 million, Summly is a news aggregator that uses natural-language algorithms to create quick story summaries. These summaries are now provided to users in an endless news stream that has been designed specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch. Search is also said to be improved, both for video and images, giving users the option to narrow down searches to different categories and selecting only the topics that are of interest.
Twitter, which has made something of a hobby of restricting, hobbling and subsequently killing off mobile Twitter clients, will be putting the well-received mobile version of Tweetdeck out to pasture on May 7, the same day that Facebook integration will also end. All iPhone, Android, and AIR versions of the app will cease to function on that day.
Griffin has announced that the Crayola Light Marker, its new kids accessory for the iPad, is now available for purchase. By using the front facing camera and a free iPad app, the Crayola Light Marker allows users to interact with the iPad without touching the screen. Within the Crayola app are a number of activities for kids, including connect the dots, splatter painting, puzzles, colouring pages, and blank canvases, as well as various digital markers, crayons, and paintbrushes. The Crayola Light Marker can be purchased from Griffin's online store for $30.
AppGratis, which admitted that it had gamed Apple's chart rankings and whose CEO subsequently lied about its business model after getting its app pulled from the App Store, has now seen its push notifications to users shut down as part of a broader Apple crackdown on apps that attempt to manipulate iOS app chart rankings. The company, which charged developers a fee in exchange for promising to get and keep their apps into the charts, sent emails to its users informing them that Apple had blocked the push messages.
Business-oriented networking service LinkedIn has unveiled version 6.0 of its iOS app, which brings an overhauled design to the iPhone and iPod version based on the design of the iPad app. The program allows more than 200 million professionals to post career histories and job information, network with colleagues and mentors, search for future employment opportunities, catch up on industry news and participate in discussions. The iPhone version can now be used to edit a user's profile and save recommended jobs, among other changes.
Apotop has launched the DW09 Wi-Reader, a tool that can wirelessly transfer data across iOS devices, SD cards and USB drives. With the small device, up to three people can access and share information wirelessly, as well as simultaneously stream high-definition videos. The DW09 includes an SD card slot with support for SD, SDHC, and SDXC card, along with a single USB port for attaching self-powered external hard drives. In addition, the device can also double as a small WiFi hotspot with support for 802.11b/g/n networking. The Apotop DW09 Wi-Reader can be purchased online from Newegg for $80.
Vital Art and Science has debuted a new iPhone app to allow patients with degenerative eye conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy to monitor their condition at home. The program, called myVisionTrack, is meant to supplement visits to eye care professionals by giving users a method of assessing their own vision function, as seen in the video below. The program stores test results and can even automatically alert healthcare providers if a sudden deterioration is detected. Currently the FDA approval is available only for the iPhone 4S and thus the app is pre-loaded onto iPhones by the company itself, but a downloadable version has been submitted for clinical trials and eventual clearance.
Reading, syncing and content storage app Pocket -- formerly known as "Read It Later" -- has added in-app sharing of videos, web pages, photo galleries and articles between users in its newest update, version 4.5, released on Wednesday. A new "Send to Friend" button has been added that allows users to forward on favorite saved items to other Pocket users, keep track of what they've sent to whom (and using which service), and read or post comments from or to recipients in a new inbox inside the free application. Items can also now be forwarded by push notification.
