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iOS 7 gets its first complete jailbreak, with a big catch
You've mostly been out of luck if you've wanted to jailbreak iOS 7 so far; what options have existed have been incomplete at best. Cracking the code just got a lot easier, though, as evasi0n 7 has just arrived. The untethered jailbreak lets Mac and Windows users freely modify iOS 7 on any device that can run the software in the first place, including newer gadgets like the iPad Air and iPhone 5s. Just be prepared for a rough experience, at least with early versions. In addition to the usual risks associated with unofficial OS tweaks, Saurik (Jay Freeman) warns that he hasn't had a real chance to test Cydia's app distribution platform with the new evasi0n release; you're using it at your own risk. Still, those who just have to venture beyond Apple's prescribed boundaries can start downloading the jailbreak at the source link. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
500px photo-sharing app updated with metadata editor and refreshed UI on iOS
If you're more likely to tweak your photos in Light Room than Instagram, you might want to take note of 500px's latest mobile update. The high-end photo-sharing app now lets you edit EXIF metadata, tags and location info for your photos, which should help with organization. Beyond that, its new transition effects and blurred backgrounds match nicely with iOS 7, and there's a fresh intro video and walk through for new users too. We're tempted to say this update has something for everyone, but that doesn't account for the app's Android users. After all, folks updating on Google Play this week were only offered a handful of bug fixes.
Now iOS users can control Google Glass remotely with MyGlass companion app (update)
For a while there, Google's Glass was really only for the Android population since the eyewear required compatible devices running the MyGlass app for activation and the full suite of features. Not so anymore, as the company's just released that companion app to Apple's App Store making it possible for iOS users to set up the device, manage contacts and Glassware apps, view texts, as well as remotely navigate with turn-by-turn directions right from their smartphones. You'll need to be running iOS 7, however, in order to run the app and take advantage of the screencasting possibilities. And before your itchy trigger finger hits download, heed Google's oft-repeated advice: "If you don't have Glass, then downloading this will be a waste of time." That's right from the mouth of Mountain View itself. Consider yourself warned. Update: Looks like the MyGlass app has since been pulled. We've reached out to Apple for comment and will update once we hear back. Update 2: Google's just released a statement on the situation, saying that MyGlass for iOS will once again be available on the App Store "later this week" and is part of the XE 12 Glass update. Update 3: MyGlass is back! Snag it over at the App Store now.
Pinterest outfits iPad app with retooled navigation for iOS 7
In order to fully flex its digital-collecting muscle on Apple slates, Pinterest has revamped its iPad app with new features for iOS 7. Redesigned navigation is said to gain a speed boost via a bottom-aligned menu and recent boards are kept handy for easy pinning. A press and hold on any board now will bring up a menu for viewing related repositories or sending its contents to your best mates. As you might expect, those extra secret boards that the outfit gifted users with last week will also be accessible, keeping those shopping ideas shrouded until December 25th.
Valve updates Steam Mobile for iOS with new UI and more social options
Since Valve introduced Steam Mobile last year, you didn't need to be tethered to your desktop to purchase games or stay connected. Now there's a new version for iPad and iPhone, with the UI specifically tweaked for iOS 7. Notable features include offline chat, improved push notifications, and a streamlined friend interface that makes it easier to see invites, nicknames, mobile or Big Picture status and Facebook friend suggestions. There's also the ubiquitous stability and performance fixes, so if you just can't interrupt that Half Life 3 discussion while out buying milk, hit the source.
Razer may be making its first iPhone gamepad
If an image from prolific bean-spiller @evleaks pans out, it looks like Razer is set to join the iPhone gamepad brigade with the Kazuyo. We've already seen the Moga Ace Power and Logitech's Powershell for the iPhone 5 or 5s so far, thanks to Apple's inclusion of a controller API for iOS 7. Razer's offering appears to have a similar case and button layout as the latter model, but also brings a unique tilting ability, judging by the image above. There's no other details, of course, because it's still just a leak -- so keep the salt handy until you see a real product.
Apple says 74 percent of App Store users are running iOS 7
Two can play the OS statistics game, it seems. Just a couple of days after Google noted that 1.1 percent of Android devices visiting Google Play are running KitKat, Apple has revealed that 74 percent of recent App Store customers are using iOS 7. That's a healthy 10-point improvement over what we saw in October, when 64 percent were running Cupertino's newest platform. The differences in OS adoption rates aren't totally surprising, mind you. Apple is targeting a narrower pool of hardware, doesn't have to wait for third-party approvals and recently launched two new iPads that could easily boost iOS 7 adoption. Android by its nature targets a wider range of devices and software interfaces that won't always receive updates at the same time. We wouldn't expect a big spike in KitKat use until larger phone makers like HTC and Samsung throw their full weight behind Google's latest platform.
Plex multimedia app gets a new UI to match iOS 7
Plex might be a straggler in the iOS 7 app update parade, but as they say: better late than never. The refreshed app comes with a new look for Apple's latest mobile platform, but since it retains most of the old interface's elements, you can't exactly call it a complete overhaul. Other than this mostly skin-deep change, this release also brings a new video player, an "improved music player" and the ability to sniff out URLs from the clipboard for queuing to its myPlex cloud-synced platform. Finally, its creators peppered in a bunch of bug fixes, including ones for random freezes and syncing errors, to make version 3.3 more palatable and perhaps more worth its $5 price in the App Store.
WhatsApp Messenger gets its long-awaited iOS 7 makeover
WhatsApp is more than a little late to the iOS 7 app update party, but it's making up for the long delay with a sweeping upgrade to its Messenger client. In addition to sporting an appropriately flatter interface, the new version introduces broadcast lists -- you can now address large groups of people at once, such as an entire class. The refresh also improves location sharing with a 3D map, while shutterbugs can crop images and see larger thumbnails. It's easier to manage blocked contacts, too. Chatty iPhone owners can grab the WhatsApp update for free from the App Store, although they'll eventually need to fork over 99 cents per year.
Dropbox gets an iOS 7 makeover with AirDrop sharing
Dropbox may be late to the iOS 7 app update party, but it's making up for lost time with an abundance of new features in the just-launched version 3.0 release for Apple's platform. The refresh brings the expected iOS 7-friendly look and includes AirDrop, making it easy to share links or whole files with nearby friends. It's also easier to send files to other apps or save videos to the device library, and iPad owners can quickly open files in a full-screen view. If your cloud storage revolves around Dropbox, we'd strongly recommend swinging by the App Store for an upgrade.
Hands-on with Logitech's PowerShell Controller, an iOS 7 gamepad that charges your phone
Remember that fuzzy-looking iOS 7 gamepad that leaked back in June? Turns out it's called the Logitech PowerShell Controller + Battery (a mouthful, right?), and it's one of the first iOS 7 certified gamepads on the market. Compatible with Lightning-equipped iPhones and iPods, the controller juts off of your device's top and bottom edges, adding four face buttons, a d-pad, two shoulder buttons and a 1,500 mAh battery that charges your phone while you game. It's also one of the least obstructive gamepad accessories we've ever used.
Autodesk's 123D Catch app updated with enhanced capture and Photo Compass assistance
Autodesk's 123D Catch app has been snapping photos and turning them into 3D models on iOS for about a year and a half. Now, the software has been updated with a new UI for browsing, shooting and transforming those photographs with iOS 7 compatibility. The refresh also adds community access from within for sharing, enhanced processing tech for better captures and a Photo Compass feature that lends a hand with those reference shots. Users are then able to store 3D wares in the cloud for access across devices and export to other 3D-compatible applications. As for us, we're starting a three-dimensional burrito log -- you know, for science.
Gmail for iOS adds full screen views, background refresh and new nav bar
Google is giving Apple users a little love today, with an updated version of its Gmail app designed specifically with iOS 7 in mind. Perhaps the biggest addition, and one oddly missing from Google's release notes, is support for the new background refresh API. That might not be the sexiest or most immediately obvious change, but it does solve many of the headaches associated with iOS's limited background process support. Scrolling through messages has been made smoother, which will be especially nice in the new fullscreen message and compose views. On the iPad, that means getting all the clutter out of the way in portrait mode so you can focus on the content of those all-important incoming missives. There's also a redesigned navigation bar on the left-hand side of the iPad version (when viewed in landscape) that puts the new social, promotion and other smart labels just a tap away. You can hit up the App Store now to update.
MapQuest updates iOS 7 and Android apps with modern UI, route status bar
With Google, Apple and Nokia making so much fuss about navigation these days, it's easy to forget good 'ol MapQuest. That doesn't mean it isn't still going strong, though, as evidenced by the service's plans to launch updated apps for iOS 7 and Android sometime today. The apps will get a completely redone user interface that looks much more modern and takes advantage of higher-res displays. Although most of MapQuest's features may not be all that different from what you'd find on other map services, the app introduces one particular feature we've never seen before: a status bar on the top of the app that shows your full route at a glance and indicates time and distance to your destination as well as which parts (and how much) of your commute will involve heavy traffic. The service is still working on adding directions for transit and bikes, and should be in the next version; we're told that these, along with more travel integrations and product enhancements, are on the roadmap for 2014. As a sidenote, users of iOS 6 and below won't get today's update, and instead will continue using the same version they've already become accustomed to. If you're on iOS 7 or Android, however, it will show up as an update to the current versions already in the App Store and Play Store.
Pebble update for iOS 7 brings Notification Center support
The improved Notification Center has been a highlight of iOS 7 for many users, and now it's a highlight for Pebble smartwatch owners as well. Last Monday, the Pebble team released an update for the watch that brings full Notification Center support. In a blog post the company boasted about the update: Pebble is now fully integrated with iOS 7 and works seamlessly with Notification Center. This means that any notifications you've enabled in Notification Center on your iOS 7 device will appear on your Pebble -- just like that. It's easier than ever to pick and choose which updates you want to see on your watch. This includes notifications beyond calls, texts and emails, such as Calendar, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Flickr, Dropbox, WhatsApp, Flipboard and more. A new Pebble app for iOS will enable this functionality and is under review by Apple. Expect an update in the iTunes Store soon. You can watch a video of how the new iOS 7 integration works below. Pebble iOS Notifications from Pebble Technology on Vimeo.
Pebble's iPhone app with iOS 7 notification support is available for download now
It's a big day for Pebble-sporting iOS 7 users. The smartwatch's latest iPhone and iPod app update brings a heck of a lot more functionality than the previous iteration, thanks in no small part to the mobile operating system's expanded Notification Center. After installing Pebble version 1.3 on your handset, the app will begin pushing updates from Google Maps, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Foursquare, Google+ and a variety of other services directly to your watch. Pebble CEO Eric Migicovsky detailed the refresh over the weekend at Engadget Expand, explaining that the new version uses power-efficient Bluetooth LE for all notifications, so battery life shouldn't be an issue despite the potentially huge number of additional pings the wearable will receive when paired with iOS. As for delivering similar support on Android? Migicovsky says that iOS is the company's priority for now, and while the third-party Pebble Notifier solution will help tide those users over for a while, an Android equivalent may be in the works.
Pebble smartwatch to offer more iOS notifications, enable gesture-based controls
Just a couple weeks ago, Pebble CEO Eric Migicovsky told us that his company is solely focused on cranking out new software to improve the watch's user experience. Today he's making good on the promise by announcing two enhancements to the product's ecosystem: an iOS 7-compatible app and a new developer kit that will give third parties a lot more access to the watch's internal components and sensors. As an added bonus, the company also announced that it's working with partners like Foursquare, Yelp and GoPro to produce new apps for each. Starting with iOS, the new and improved iOS 7 app expands the watch's current notification capabilities. Previously, users have only been able to receive alerts for calls, texts and emails, but iOS 7 integration will broaden the Pebble's capacity to include any notifications enabled in your Notification Center, which fortunately includes Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, and the list goes on. Pebble's also updating its SDK to version 2.0, which will give developers more access to the hardware and software within the watch itself. An accelerometer API will open doors for gesture-based controls and fitness-related apps. A data logging API enables apps to store sensor data and other info (motion trackers and game scores are examples) when you're away from your phone, and a Javascript API will make Pebble apps compatible on both Android and iOS by only inserting a few lines of code (there are currently a lot of apps that are only compatible with one or the other, so this will help trim down unwanted fragmentation). Migicovsky tells us that the new developer kit is going to start rolling out as a beta over the coming weeks, which will give third parties the chance to get their feet wet before it's time to push their apps live.
The physics of iOS 7
As soon as iOS 7 made it into the hands of millions of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users, we began to hear scattered reports of people becoming physically sick when watching the parallax view and zoom in/out animations. Apple quickly responded with a way to turn off the animations to help those who were getting motion sickness, but the fact remains that the animation was very real to some people. John Herman and Jake Levy at BuzzFeed FWD decided to look into how fast those icons and apps appear to be moving towards or away from you, and their results are quite fascinating. Levy notes that items further away from you appear smaller and calculated that an icon before a zoom appears to be about 5.33 feet away. Timing how long it takes an icon to zoom into a full screen app and vice-versa (0.8 second), Levy was able to calculate that the icon appears to move towards you or away at 6.6 feet per second or about 4.5 mph -- about the speed of a slow jog. Next, Levy looked at icons placed in folders, and determined that they appear to be 24.62 feet away. That means that they "move" about 19.29 virtual feet in the same 0.8 second, or are zooming in or out at a virtual 16.4 miles per hour. iOS developer and brony Steve Streza responded via Twitter to the BuzzFeed post, and noted that, "Those animations are based on spring physics. So it's like you stretched a spring from you to the folder and then let go... Animations pre-iOS 7 were based on sine wave curves. iOS 7 animations have a more gradual decay." With all of this animated movement, it's no wonder that some people seriously want to hurl while they're using their iOS 7-equipped devices. Be sure to take a gander at the BuzzFeed animations that demonstrate exactly what they're talking about. [via The Verge]
Apple updates Remote app for iOS 7
Apple has released Remote 4.0 for iOS. As could be expected, the latest version of Apple's Remote app that lets users control iTunes and Apple TVs from their iOS devices has received a new icon and iOS 7-style makeover. So far, it appears Apple hasn't introduced any new features to the app. From its release notes: What's New in Version 4.0 This version of Remote has been completely redesigned for iOS 7 and adds support for iTunes 11.1. Remote for iOS is a free download.
Rhapsody changes its look for iOS 7, enhances radio experience with new features
It may be a little late to the party, but Rhapsody today updated its app to meet the looks of Apple's iOS 7. Aside from going the flat route on the overall design, the application has also been improved with a number of handy features throughout. Listeners will now see a swipe-to-reveal menu (much like on Android), as well as a revamped radio experience which includes brand new stations from different artists and the option to thumb tracks up or down. In addition, this version lets you favorite any song being played, making it easy to access them at any point from the My Music section. If you're a Rhapsody subscriber, expect more things to come to the web and mobile apps in the near future -- the music service says it has "a lot of great things cooking."
