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Twitter #music app updated with new music discovery tools, more
As internet radio continues to be one of the hottest games in town, Twitter has updated its #music app to better compete with big players like Pandora, Spotify and Rdio. As with any online content service, a fundamental issue to overcome is discovery: how users can easily find new and relevant content they enjoy. To this end, Twitter #music has increased its discovery tools significantly. Users can now hear tracks that their preferred artists are listening to, as well as music from similar artists. The app now also notices which artists a user has tweeted about, and will include more of their music in the radio stream. Additionally, the new Twitter #music app will scan the music library on your iPhone and upload its metadata to Twitter in order to give a user more relevant music content suggestions. Twitter #music for iOS is a free download.
Spotify announces 'Browse' curated playlist feature on iOS
Spotify has announced that it will roll out curated playlists on iOS devices as of today. The feature is officially called "Browse," and aims at helping users discover new music. From Spotify's press release announcing the new feature: Introducing expert playlists for every mood and moment. Browse is available on mobile from today. Going for a jog or to the gym? We've got the playlist to help you go the extra mile. Hosting a dinner or getting ready for a big night out? We've got you covered. We even have playlists for different moods, so regardless of whether you need an upbeat boost or something more relaxing to wind down to – we've got just the thing. You can also browse through a collection of our top lists and check out new releases. Rolling out to all mobile users from today, Spotify's new Browse page offers carefully chosen playlists for every moment of your day, handpicked by our experts. With an easy-to-view interface, features include: ● Music for every moment: We've got just the right tunes for your morning commute, the party tonight and the hangover tomorrow. ● Music for every mood: More than just genres, listen to a playlist for romance or a collection of face-melting guitarists. ● Browse for what's hot and what's new: Find all the latest album and single releases from your favourite (or soon-to-be favourite) artists, and a collection of our top lists. Spotify for iOS is a free download.
Pebble adds Gmail support to its iOS app
Pebble updated its iOS app and finally added the ability to receive email alerts on the smart watch. Previously, the Pebble watch could only receive incoming text messages and caller IDs from its companion iPhone. The new notification feature pings the Pebble watch when you get a new Gmail and IMAP email message. As Pebble points out in its blog post, the notifications are not pushed immediately to your handset. Rather, the Pebble app polls your email every nine minutes and alerts you about unread messages. Though not perfect, it's better than the jailbreak hack you had to use if you wanted email alerts in previous versions of the software. Pebble owners can download the Pebble app from the iOS App Store for free.
My Beastly ABCs comes to the iPhone
My Beastly ABCs debuted in the App Store at the end of last year and was an instant hit. The interactive storybook teaches kids their ABCs as they follow a boy (and some monsters) throughout a day. Available initially for the iPad, Duncan Studio recently released an update that brings this educational tool to the iPhone. The iPhone version of My Beastly ABCs mirrors the iPad version, but is scaled for the iPhone's smaller landscape screen. The illustrations in My Beastly ABCS are eye-catching and the narration by Jim Dale is top notch. Some of the navigation elements are a bit small, especially on the iPhone, and the letters sometime take a back seat to the story, but that's what the parents are for. Sit down with your child, help them learn as they make their way through the tale and enjoy some quality time together. My Beastly ABCs is available as a universal app and costs US$2.99 from the iOS App Store.
Netflix adds profile support to Apple TV, iOS apps
If you're a Netflix subscriber, you may know the pain of having multiple people in your household whose tastes in movies may mess up your profile. You like action and adventure films, but one of the kids wants animated kids movies and poof, your profile is a mess. Netflix is rolling out fixes for that, beginning today. You can add up to five separate profiles, so people will get suggestions based on their specific likes and dislikes. They will also see their own Recently Watched and Instant Queue lists. The new feature is expected to roll out to iOS devices, Blu-ray players, smart TV's and other devices over the next few days. Apple TV is included. For now, you'll have to set up the new profiles in the Netflix website, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the ability to create or add profiles added to iOS and other devices soon. Adding individual profiles is good for users, but it's also good for Netflix, who decides what content to buy based on having good access to user choices. A Netflix spokesperson says about 75-80 percent of what is watched on Netflix comes from the recommendation engine, not user searches.
Camera+ adds layered effects, effect packs
Tap Tap Tap has released version 3.9 of the powerful Camera+ app for iPhone this morning, as well as version 1.4 for iPad. The new release has a major feature that should make the more than 10.5 million users happy -- the ability to layer effects in the iPhone app. If you don't already own Camera+, it will be on sale for US$0.99 through Sunday, August 4. If you do have Camera+ on your iPhone, prepare to be amazed. Multiple effects can be added and removed, rearranged, and the intensity of each filter can be tweaked separately. A dynamic preview shows you exactly how your photo is going to look prior to saving it. Tap Tap Tap is also announcing the release of The Hollywood FX Pack, a set of 9 new effects and 9 new borders available for in-app purchase. It's inspired by movies and TV shows, and includes effects with names like Neo, Silent Movie, Enterprise and Gotham. The bizarre image at the top of this post was produced with the new Dreamstate effect, part of the Hollywood FX Pack. A few new widescreen cinematic crops -- 1.85:1 and 2.39:1 have been added as well. As an example of how layering works, the image below shows the result of adding five separate filters at various intensity levels: Action at 40 percent, Faded at 31 percent, Hipster at 79 percent, So Emo at 38 percent, and Vibrant at 89 percent.
Updated Kindle app for iOS skirts around Apple's 30% cut with new "free sample search"
The Next Web reports that a recent update to the Kindle app for iOS is able to skirt around one of the App Store's long standing restrictions, namely that any content discovered and purchased via an iOS app is subject to Apple's 30% take. That restriction is why the current Kindle for iOS app redirects users to Amazon's website to purchase books rather than integrating it into the iOS app itself. While Apple hasn't eased up on its restriction, the new Kindle app offers a roundabout way for Amazon to sell books without having to hand over 30% of the proceeds to Apple. The new Kindle app offers a new feature which enables users to search for books from within the app and then download a free sample for viewing. Once a user has completed the sample, they are then presented with an option to email an online link to the book they've just finished sampling. The Next Web writes: Yes, it's convoluted, but it also offers a significantly improved user experience for those 'just looking for a book'. It lets them grab the book quickly for free and, once they're locked in, offers them a way to purchase it from a link. I believe, just breezing over the guidelines again, that it also does not violate the rules of the App Store as they stand. We've reached out to Apple to clarify. I agree that it is a bit convoluted, and at the risk of jinxing the feature, I don't think Apple will have a problem with it. I downloaded the update and noticed that when the email link is pressed, it doesn't automatically send an email to my Amazon user email account. Rather, it sets up a message originating from my default email account in iOS, leaving me to fill in the recipient field. I was, however, able to have books automatically added to my Amazon wishlist.
GoPro camera app update lets you view, edit and share
GoPro has exploded in popularity with athletes and adventurers for creating easily-shared high definition videos of their activities. Now sharing will take even less time thanks to the latest update to the GoPro app for iOS and Android. Users can now view, edit, and share content on their GoPro from their smartphone. Using the GoPro's built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, users could already connect the app to the camera. The app is a remarkable piece of technology that allows you to control your camera via your phone or tablet, and now it's been expanded to include the new sharing and editing features. The features will only available on GoPro Hero3 and Hero2 cameras that have been updated to the latest firmware. By putting more power in the hands of users, GoPro is showing how it has continued to grow as the Action Camera market has expanded and become more competitive. Head over to the iTunes store to pick up the new app.
Apple releases beta 4 version of iOS 7 to developers
Apple released iOS 7 beta 4 today to developers, hopefully bringing some new features and bug fixes to the next version of Apple's mobile OS. Apple was on a two week release schedule with beta 2 and beta 3, but this fourth version is arriving at the three-week mark. This version is arriving a few days after the developer portal was reopened following a malicious hack on the site. The latest version is available over-the-air via Settings > General > Software Update on devices running the current iOS 7 beta. Developers can also download it manually from Apple's developer website.
WhatsApp for iPhone gets iCloud backups, multiple-photos sends, more; goes subscription-based
Uber-popular cross-platform messaging app WhatsApp received a significant update for iPhone today. The most immediately noticeable new feature is that now users can send multiple photos at the same time. WhatsApp now also offers the ability to back up all your chats via iCloud. In addition the company has added support for URL hooks so developers of third-party apps can easily integrate their apps with WhatsApp. But there's also a much more significant change for WhatsApp today. Previously the iPhone app cost US$0.99, but now it is a free download with free use for the first year and a $0.99 subscription fee for each additional year. Current users who originally paid for the app will be able to use the app for free for the rest of their lives. Here's what WhatsApp had to say about the financial changes on their blog: We are updating our business model for new iPhone users going forward. As you know, we used to charge iPhone users a $0.99 one time payment, while Android and other platforms had free service for the first year and paid $0.99 a year after that. From now on, we've simplified our business model so that all users on all platforms will enjoy their first year of WhatsApp service for free, and only pay $.99 per year after that. We feel that this model will allow us to become the communications service of the 21st century, and provide you the best way to stay in touch with your friends and family with no ads getting in the way. The good news for all current iPhone users is that WhatsApp will be free of charge for the rest of your life. WhatsApp is (now) a free download.
Tumblr releases emergency update to fix password-sniffing bug
Tumblr has released an emergency update for its iOS app to fix a bug that allowed people to sniff out passwords. Tumblr was notified of the security vulnerability today. The company says that if you have been using its iOS apps, you should also update your Tumblr password and your password on any sites where you use the same password. From the company's blog: Important security update for iPhone/iPad users We have just released a very important security update for our iPhone and iPad apps addressing an issue that allowed passwords to be compromised in certain circumstances¹. Please download the update now. If you've been using these apps, you should also update your password on Tumblr and anywhere else you may have been using the same password. It's also good practice to use different passwords across different services by using an app like 1Password or LastPass. Please know that we take your security very seriously and are tremendously sorry for this lapse and inconvenience. ¹ "Sniffed" in transit on certain versions of the app Tumblr can be downloaded from the App Store here. By downloading the latest version you will have closed the password security hole.
Enhanced version of Google Maps for iOS hits the App Store
As anticipated, Google today rolled out version 2.0 of Google Maps for iOS. The update is available now for download on the App Store and includes a number of compelling features that make it well worth checking out. First, the update brings with it enhanced navigation features, including live traffic reports and the ability to tap on a road and view incident details. One navigation feature that is currently Android-only, but will reportedly be coming to iOS soon is dynamic re-routing wherein Google alerts users en route to a particular destination if a new, speedier route becomes available. Some other new navigation features include indoor maps with accompanying walking directions for malls, transit stations, airports and more. Google Maps 2.0 also introduces an Explore feature, which Google describes as "a new way to browse and discover popular local places to eat, drink. shop, play and sleep." As one would expect, the Explore feature is tightly integrated with rankings and reviews from Zagat and deals from Google Offers. I gave the Explore feature a quick run-through in Chicago and my first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Explore feature is easy to use, comprehensive, really well thought out and, more importantly, informative and helpful. Google last week released the following promotional video highlighting some of the new features now available in Google Maps.
Candy Crush updates with new power-up, episodes. Still no counseling feature.
Warn your family; say goodbye to your coworkers; and contact your support system. Candy Crush has been updated with two new episodes of sticky exploding candy goodness. Take a trip up Pudding Pagoda to see if you can clear all the rows. Once you're done, head to Licorice Tower and ask yourself why they haven't figured out a Red Vines power-up yet. Inquiring minds want to know. The new episodes bring the total number of levels in the game to 395, so seriously, your boss should understand all your extra lunch breaks. In addition, Crushers have been given a new weapon in the war against the high fructose horde, the Cake Bomb Blocker, which clears the entire game board. There is still no power up that offers counseling services for Candy Crush addicts. Keep your fingers crossed for the next update. The update also makes Candy Crush's plans for world domination clear with the addition of new supported languages. Speakers of Czech, Croatian, Hungarian, Romanian, Slovak and Polish must not warn their family of the upcoming Crush. Candy was coming, and now it is here. You can find Candy Crush 1.15.0 in the app store now. God help your souls.
Apple introduces Logic Pro X and MainStage 3
Rejoice, musicians and audio mavens: Apple unveiled a new version of Logic Pro today. Logic Pro X includes a new drummer feature that'll play drums along with your song. There's also a Flex Pitch feature to easily edit the pitch of an audio recording, and a remote control feature that lets you control Logic Pro via your iPad. Apple also updated MainStage to version 3. MainStage 3 is a live performance companion app for Logic Pro; the new version features a fresh, new UI and compatibility with Logic Pro X. Logic Pro X and MainStage 3 will be available today from the Mac App Store for US$199.99 and $29.99, respectively. Logic Remote for the iPad will be available for free from the iOS App Store. Apple has a page with what's new in Logic Pro X here. Jim Dalrymple of The Loop has been using Logic Pro X in his studio, and you can hop over to The Loop for his hands-on review. Don't miss his video demo (17 minutes long!) of the new Drummer feature.
AirPort Utility for Mac and iOS updated
Apple has released small updates for the AirPort Utility for Mac and iOS. Both updates resolve an issue where AirPort base stations may not appear in AirPort Utility. These updates follow last month's release of new AirPort Extreme Base Stations and Time Capsules that support the 802.11ac wireless protocol. AirPort Utility for iOS is a free download. The update for AirPort Utility for Mac can be found by running Software Update on your Mac.
The Note Anytime virtual whiteboard app now supports handwriting recognition in 13 languages
I'm always amused when people say the iPad is really not a productivity tool. If it only allowed web browsing and email, it would greatly enhance my productivity. Of course, the iPad does much more than that and a case in point is the universal iOS app Note Anytime. The app creates a whiteboard on your screen and lets you take notes, create graphics, insert photos / graphs, sketch and then share your work via email or social networks. I took a look at the app last year, and it has been substantially enhanced with new features and better sync tools across platforms. Users now also get 2 GB of free cloud storage. In its latest version, Note Anytime adds handwriting recognition and predictive text in 13 languages, which is no small achievement. While Note Anytime is free, adding handwriting recognition in one language is US$7.99, and recognition in all 13 languages is $19.99. There are also some paid options for different bold inks and some templates. None of those options are required, and if you don't want handwriting recognition you can get along fine with the free version. %Gallery-193623% I find the handwriting recognition very valuable, but like all such software, it's not perfectly accurate and you have to get used to it. The app recognizes your handwriting input in real time, and presents a list of what it thinks you wrote. Just tap on the correct word or phrase if the software gets it wrong. I found using a really thin pen stroke gives the best results. You can use your finger or a stylus as a pen. Of course the app has a keyboard built in so you don't have to use handwriting recognition. I can't cover all the great features in this app in an online review, but if you have an interest I'd suggest you take a look at the demo video on the developer website, or download the app and then give it a try. I found using Note Anytime on an iPhone was a bit cramped, but on an iPad it was a pleasure to use. I was easily able to create useful notes that go far beyond what I would be able to create on a piece of physical paper. Even web links or whole web pages can be imported. The app gets very strong reviews from users. It requires iOS 5 or later, and is optimized for the iPhone 5.
Duolingo brings its language-learning app to the iPad
Duolingo takes a fun approach to language learning. It gamifies the process by breaking down lessons into digestible chunks and rewarding you for your progress. Starting today, you can enjoy the app on your iPad as well as your iPhone. Duolingo requires an account to keep track of your achievements and progress. You can log in with a unique username / password combination or choose to sign in with Facebook. Once you log in, you can choose the language or languages that you wish to learn. The app ships with learning modules for Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian and English. The app starts off with the basics, mainly simple words and sentences. It then gradually moves into more difficult content like phrases, plurals and vocabulary. It's designed to be used in small bursts so you can take as little as 15 minutes each day to start learning a new language. Duolingo launched as a web app and then added an iPhone app. This latest version adds the iPad to the mix, allowing you to spread your learning across your devices. Your progress across all three platforms is synced so you can complete a lesson on your iPad and start in on the next lesson on your Mac. Duolingo is for the person who wants to learn a language, but struggles to sit through long, dry courses. Duolingo is quite the opposite of your typical language course -- it's interactive, enjoyable and doesn't require a big block of time. It'll teach you the basics of a language, which you then can use as a springboard for more immersive studies. Best of all, Duolingo is available for free because it has a unique business model. As you progress through a course, you can start practicing your skills by translating documents. These documents are uploaded by companies and people who pay Duolingo for the translation. You get free instruction, companies get an affordable translation service and Duolingo makes enough money to keep innovating. You can check out the Duolingo app for free from the iOS App Store.
MLB.com At Bat updated with new features ahead of All-Star game
With the Major League Baseball All-Star game set for July 16th at New York's Citi Field, the MLB.com At Bat app has been graced with a number of new features designed to keep baseball fans who can't otherwise be glued to their TVs glued to their mobile devices. In addition to providing fans with up-to-date news from all of the All-Star Week festivities, the update lets you add customized push notifications and the ability to watch in-game video highlights from within the Gameday Plays interface. The full changelog reads: Follow All-Star Week live from New York, including the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game • Added the MLB News channel for customized push notifications • Watch in-progress video highlights within the Gameday Plays interface • Updated user interfaces (iPhone only) • Available Gameday data synched with live audio broadcasts (iPhone only) • Highlights now include full description of each clip • Overall maintenance improvements You can check out the app update on iTunes.
WunderMap provides worldwide weather maps for iOS devices
One of my all-time favorite weather sites is Weather Underground, which not only provides detailed weather maps for locations worldwide, but also has a large and growing community-sourced network of local weather stations and webcams. Today, Weather Underground is rolling out an updated version of WunderMap, a free universal iOS app that displays weather information for your current location on a detailed map. An in-app purchase (US$1.99) removes advertising for a year of pitch-free fun, and current Weather Underground members can log into the app with their credentials to remove the ads. I had a chance to beta test this version of WunderMap over the past few weeks and have found it to be a well-designed and stable weather app. After launching WunderMap, it determines your location and then displays a default street map with local temperatures listed on it. If you happen to be on a ship in the North Norwegian Sea, it picks up temperatures from local village weather stations and oil platforms. Local weather advisories are highlighted on the default map in colors. As we were sailing north along the Norwegian coast, an area with a gale warning was outlined in green, while another blue area denoted unusually large amounts of precipitation. As with most map apps, WunderMap can be zoomed in and out or panned using common gestures. Different types of maps are available; a default map with temperature, radar and severe-weather warnings, temperature, regional temperature, precipitation, wind, visible and infrared satellite imagery, webcams (images from Weather Underground station webcams), hurricanes, active fires and fire risk. As an example, the regional temperature map I just pulled up shows daily high temperatures for most of Europe, color coded to indicate cooler (blue) or warmer (red) temperatures. A pull-down at the top of the screen displays current and forecasted weather conditions at the nearest station, and a tap on any of the temperature readings displays a similar pop-up window for any other station. WunderMap is easy to navigate and chock-full of the information you want to know, especially when you're traveling. If you're a weather buff or just want a single weather app that can replace a handful of less capable apps, WunderMap is definitely a winner.
Google announces updated Maps app coming to iOS 'soon'
Google Maps is already the go-to navigation application for many iOS users, but not being one to rest on its own popularity, Google will be rolling out an enhanced update of its popular map app with several new features. The update -- which the company notes will be arriving "soon" for iOS devices -- adds a new location-browsing feature that highlights highly reviewed restaurants and retailers in your area, along with a new review guide courtesy of Zagat. While you're out and about, the new Google Maps will use its integrated Google Offers functionality to alert you of deals you may be driving by. Additionally, a new navigation system will alert you of poor traffic conditions and then take steps to reroute you in order to hasten your arrival. It will also update your route as you drive if a quicker path opens up. Google notes that the update will require your iPad or iPhone to be updated to at least iOS 6.
