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1,500 iOS apps are vulnerable to an HTTPS-crippling bug
According to analytics service SourceDNA, nearly 1,500 iPhone and iPad apps currently available in the App Store include a bug that breaks HTTPS. This could leave users' sensitive personal information exposed to hackers. Analysts have identified an out-of-date version of open-source code library AFNetworking as the source of the vulnerability. The library itself has already been patched, however, many apps are still using the older, insecure version. "We tested the app on a real device and, unexpectedly, we found that all the SSL traffic could be regularly intercepted through a proxy like Burp without any intervention," researchers Simone Bovi and Mauro Gentile wrote in March.
Amazon's Android appstore loses one of its best features
Free. It's a price we love. Ironically, free usually comes at a price. Today, that price, is the loss of Amazon's try-before-you-buy TestDrive service for Android apps. It turns out, with more and more apps being free (at least to download), there was less demand for a service that let you test 'em out in the browser/virtual machine. Makes sense. Accordingly, Amazon has pulled the TestDrive feature from the appstore -- this has no effect on any apps that used it, just the feature is gone. The downside being there's no longer a way to (easily) check out apps that don't use the free-to-play/freemium model on Amazon's store any more. But, coming full circle... that's the price you pay for having more free apps, right?
Apple's iOS 8.3 update breaks Touch ID purchasing for some users (updated)
If you haven't downloaded and installed iOS 8.3 yet, you might want to hold off for a bit first. Apple says the update packs that new emoji keyboard and a slew of performance fixes, but multiple reports on Reddit, Twitter and Apple's own support forums claim that the new software build basically breaks TouchID support for iTunes and App Store purchases. It's not yet clear how widespread the issue is -- Twitter in particular is light on the moaning today -- but we've just installed iOS 8.3 on a pair of iPhone 6s on different carriers and now neither of them work the way they're supposed to.
Apple's App and iTunes Stores are down (update: back up)
Good luck trying to buy anything that isn't hardware from Apple right now. The company recently confirmed on its services status dashboard that the iOS and Mac App Stores, as well as the iTunes Store, are "unavailable for all users." The silver lining? Some people might still have luck picking up some new reading from the iBooks Store, but we wouldn't count on it. Don't be fooled, either: For now you can still sift through the stores' wares and listings as though nothing happened, but you won't actually be able to purchase anything. The first spate of issues started making the rounds at about 5AM Eastern, and Twitter's slowly been swelling with confused, clamoring consumers ever since. At time of writing, Apple hasn't yet said how far along it is in the recovery process, or when users can expect to access the stores once more. Update: Service appears to be fully restored, check for more details after the break.
Pinterest adds button that installs apps straight from iTunes
Pinterest launched Rich Pins a couple of years ago, adding item prices, author bylines, movie ratings, recipes and just more context in general within each entry. Now, the company's pairing up with Apple to expand the feature and add Install buttons to every pinned iOS app. You'll need to access those pins from an iPhone or an iPad to see the Install button, of course, because clicking them automatically brings up their App Store profile. It's not such a surprising development, seeing as 75 percent of Pinterest's traffic comes from mobile, and it could make finding hidden gems from among the many, many options in iTunes easier. Unfortunately, the visual discovery website didn't announce if it will also be available on Android devices later on. If you're an iOS user, though, you can visit Cupertino's new App Store account or the collection of pins compiled by Pinterest's staff to see the new feature for yourself.
Apple's two-factor authentication still leaves some of your data exposed
Apple took a big step forward when it expanded the scope of its two-step authentication last year, since it's now relatively hard to peek at someone's sensitive content unless you also have their device. However, this extra security measure still isn't the all-encompassing safety net you might expect it to be. Need proof? Just ask Dani Grant: she recently gave a friendly reminder that two-factor doesn't even enter the picture with a number of Apple's services. You only need an Apple ID's email address and password to get into FaceTime, iMessage, iTunes and the company's website. You'll need verification if you change account details, sign in to iCloud or try to buy an app, but that basic login is enough to see people's contact information, view their app download history or impersonate them on iMessage. You don't always get email alerts (they typically appear when signing into FaceTime, iCloud or iMessage for the first time on a new device), so it's possible for someone to misuse your account without your knowledge.
Apple raises the minimum price of apps in Europe and Canada
If you live in Europe or Canada, you might find that some apps are now a little more expensive on your iPhone or iPad. Yesterday, Apple informed developers that it would be raising prices before the weekend to reflect changes in VAT and foreign exchange rates. Those increases are now starting to take effect, with a 10 pence rise for the cheapest premium apps in the UK, up from £0.69 to £0.79, and a new €0.99 starting price in EU countries. The minimum spend in Canada (beyond free apps, anyway) has risen from $0.99 to $1.19, and Norway, which uses its Norwegian krone, should see a similar rise in price. Apple is tinkering with app fees in Iceland and Russia too, so if you live in any of these countries it's probably worth opening up the App Store to assess the damage.
Amazon's free Crimbo app bundle includes Terraria, Plex and Djay 2
Plenty of Brits will be unwrapping Android devices this Christmas, so as an extra festive treat Amazon has assembled another one of its free app collections to get you up and running. The new promotion is one of its highest value bundles to date, packing in 40 apps worth up to £150 from the Amazon Appstore. The deal runs from December 24th to 26th and highlights include the games Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Terraria and Worms 3, local media streaming service Plex and the addictive turntable app Djay 2. Heck, if you've scoffed one too many mince pies this month there's even a few health and fitness apps to help you lose the holiday weight. Fire device owners can redeem them from the Amazon Appstore right away, but if you're using any other Android hardware you'll have to download the marketplace from here first. The whole process is a bit of a pain, but it's arguably a small price to pay if you're interested in at least a couple of the discounted apps.
Need to crop or add zoom to a video after the fact? Try Video Zoom
Video Zoom (US$1.99) is a just released app that will let you take an existing video and crop it, or add a smooth zoom. The app also lets you record a new video from within the app. Give the app access to your camera roll, and you will see thumbnails of all your existing videos. Tap a thumbnail and the video opens. Use the pinch/drag gesture on the screen to zoom in. It works when the video is running or when it is paused. If you set the zoom when paused, you will get a smooth zoom in when you playback the video. When you are done you can save the zoomed or cropped video as a copy, or overwrite your original. I tried the app on 4 videos I had on my iPhone. I was afraid the zoomed video would look pretty bad, because the app can't keep the same resolution after the zoom, but actually, my tests showed the video looked pretty good and was not overly pixelated. When recording, you can use your iDevice front or back camera, and the app supports the regular iOS photo library. Video Zoom is a good idea, just the app for removing that obnoxious cousin from the side of the Christmas video... Video Zoom is a universal app, and it is optimized for the iPhone 5 and 6 series of iPhones. It requires iOS 8 or later.
Amazon's Android app has quietly been removed from Google Play
When Amazon updated its primary Android app with an "Apps & Games" section, it was a milestone in third-party distribution: Finally, you could access Amazon's library of applications without sidestepping Google Play. It didn't last long -- Amazon's app store mysteriously disappeared from Google Play this week. Well sort of. The URL for the Amazon app's product page is still active, but it's no longer searchable from within Google Play. Why the sudden return to the status quo? It's exactly what you'd expect: Google didn't like facing competition from within its own app store.
Amazon has made its Appstore for Android obsolete
Since its creation, the Amazon Appstore stood apart, banned from being offered in the official store for Android apps, Google Play, until now... sort of. When Amazon recently updated its main Android app, it got a new "Apps & Games" department that duplicates the content found in the standalone Appstore app -- effectively making it both unnecessary and obsolete. Naturally, because Amazon's still delivering apps outside the confines of Google Play, you need to change your device's security settings to accept downloads from unknown sources to install them. The change is a welcome one -- reducing app clutter's a good thing -- and the convenience factor afforded by this consolidation should have Amazon selling more apps. Still, we're pretty sure that's not enough to make up for the Fire phone's hit to the company's bottom line.
Amazon's latest free Android app bundle includes a $59 dictionary
Amazon sure loves giving away free apps, and today sees the start of its third Appstore promotion in almost as many months. If you're not following, Amazon's Android Appstore already offers a different piece of paid software for free each day. Lately, though, it's been discounting collections of apps for a limited time, like with the new "work, play & watch" bundle. In total, there are 27 apps worth around $135/£100 up for grabs until September 27th (this Saturday). It's not the most attractive buffet, but Riptide GP2, SketchBook Pro and the Swype keyboard are notable inclusions, with the most expensive being OfficeSuite Professional 7 (usually $14.99/£9.36) and the latest edition Merriam-Webster dictionary (normally $59/£34.44). Anyway, you may as well check out the full selection in case you spot anything you like; and remember, Amazon's Appstore isn't just available on its own hardware, but to anyone with an Android device and a few spare minutes.
Engadget Daily: The deal with Twitch.tv, iCloud celebrity photo leak and more!
Today, we dive into the world of Twitch.tv, learn why many new apps are rejected from the App Store, check out a bling-tastic Galaxy Gear S, investigate the iCloud celebrity photo leak and more! Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Verizon wants a global, carrier-friendly Android app store (update: not now)
You may think that the Play Store is a fine place to get Android apps, but Verizon apparently isn't very happy with Google's dominance -- it wants carriers to have some control. Sources for The Information claim that Verizon is in early talks with both other providers and hardware makers to create a global Android store that lets developers make full use of the "specific features" of a given network. Developers would be encouraged to hop aboard by getting the freedom to advertise, and there would be dynamic app recommendations that not only suggest downloads based on where you are (like iOS), but also the time of day and friend activity. Think of it as an adaptive interface for apps you don't own yet.
Brazilian judge tells Apple and Google to pull Secret from people's devices
Secret's app is ostensibly meant for office gossip and getting transgressions out of your system, but it has also been abused by bullies wanting to intimidate and shame others. Well, one Brazilian judge is fed up with that misuse -- enough so that he's ordering Apple and Google to remove Secret not just from their respective local app stores, but from people's devices. Microsoft also has to yank Cryptic, an equivalent Windows Phone app. If the companies don't take action within 10 days, they face fines of 20,000 Reals ($8,876) per day. That's a drop in the bucket given their massive revenue streams, but it's reasonable to say that they'd rather not pay that much just to keep one title available in one country.
Indiegogo has a new iOS app for mobile crowdfunding
Like giving money to ambitious projects but hate using your computer? Well, that's pretty weird. We think that's weird. Thankfully for you, though, the folks at Indiegogo think that's totally awesome, and they wanna cater to your whims with a new iOS app (yes, an Android version is on the way). Guess what it's called! If you guessed "Indiegogo," you're spot on. And frankly, we appreciate your gusto. So, what can you do with said app? Well, back projects for one. There's also discovery, and you can follow campaigns as they work toward funding goals. That said, as always, buyer beware: Indiegogo projects make no guarantee of delivery. And with Indiegogo, even if a project doesn't reach its funding goal, the project owner keeps the money they raised. Wanna know even more about crowdfunding services? We've got you covered right here. And if you wanna snag the new Indiegogo app from the iTunes App Store, it's free and available here.
Amazon's offering 30 free Android apps to help make you a better person
Another month, another batch of 30 free Android apps courtesy of Amazon. Like the bookseller's last Appstore promotion, the "Summer Self-Improvement Bundle" features $100/£100's worth of complimentary apps, as long as you download them within the next two days (so don't leave it 'til the weekend, basically). On-theme apps include exercise, nutrition, sleep, budgeting and learning aids, while games such as Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing and Carcassonne should provide a little entertainment. Other notable freebies include Kayak Pro for travel planning and management, and popular read-it-later app Instapaper. Remember, Amazon's Appstore is available to any Android device (some side-loading required), not that we're saying you could use a little self-improving. You're perfect just the way you are.
South Korea makes it easier to get refunds for Android and iOS apps
If you've ever been burned by downloading a mobile app that you don't want or doesn't work, relief may be in sight... so long as you're in South Korea, at least. The country's Fair Trade Commission has ordered both Apple and Google to make their app refund policies more consumer-friendly. To start, Apple must make it easier to claim refunds on in-app purchases; if your kid goes wild buying in-game items, you should have an easier time getting your money back. Google, meanwhile, has to let developers set their own refund terms.
Amazon Deal Center is a one-stop shop for discounted Kindle Fire apps
Looking for a deal? Amazon's trying to make it a little easier for you. The company just announced on its developer community page that the Amazon Appstore is getting a new section: Deal Center. The feature is exactly what it sounds like -- a central location that lists discounted apps and special offers, such as apps that give customers Amazon Coins with purchase. Amazon says the deal page was designed to help developers broaden their customer base, and developers don't have to do anything special to be featured in the Deal Center; it's mostly automatic. If you installed the Amazon Appstore manually, however, you're out of luck: Deal Center is only visible on Kindle Fire HDX and HD devices, at least for now.
Amazon Appstore promo offers 30 free apps including Plex and AccuWeather
Whoever said "nothing in life is free" obviously doesn't have Amazon's Appstore installed on their Android device. The software marketplace already offers a different paid app for free each day, but for today and tomorrow only, it's upped the number of discounted apps to 30. The "Epic Summer App Bundle" features over a $100/£100's worth of popular apps for free, including the Plex mobile client, AccuWeather Platinum, games such as Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the 3D RPG Ravensword: Shadowlands and Kairosoft's Dungeon Village, as well as some utility and productivity apps like Splashtop Remote Desktop HD and OfficeSuite Professional 7. The full selection can be found here, and if you have Amazon hardware you know where to head to get downloading. Anyone else with an Android smartphone or tablet can install the Appstore by following these instructions, and it's going to be worth the small effort if you fancy even a couple of the apps gratis.
