Month: March 2015

Apple names Temple Run: Oz its new Free App of the Week

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 30, 2018

The exhilarating sequel to the classic endless runner with a Disney movie tie-in throw in for good measure, Temple Run: Oz is now available at no cost until next Thursday as part of Apple's ongoing Free App of the Week promotion.

Released precisely on this day a year ago, this marks the first time Temple Run: Oz has been marked down to zero bucks on the App Store (regularly $1.99).

The game is based on the 2013 film 'Oz the Great and Powerful' and features the same great gameplay as the original infinite runner, with an Oz twist to it.

5 new indie iPhone and iPad games worth playing

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 5, 2015

Like any Thursday, last evening the App Store was refreshed with a myriad of new game releases. Rather than highlight juicy games like Real Steel Champions, Warhammer: Snotling Fling and other new arrivals from big name publishers, this time around I've decided to do something entirely different.

Therefore: introducing a list of new game releases by independent publishers that I think deserve additional exposure and your attention.

Without further ado, here are five indie games that I think you should definitely check out and hopefully put on your Home screen.

Google updates Sheets, Slides and Docs for iOS with doc copying, accessibility improvements

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 5, 2015

Thursday, Google issued updates to its trio of cloud-powered productivity apps in the App Store: Sheets, Slides and Docs. These apps let you create, edit and collaborate with others on spreadsheets, documents and presentations and now include the ability to make a copy of a document, a feature previously reserved for the web UI.

Moreover, a new accessibility settings menu appears within Slides and Sheets when VoiceOver is enabled in Settings.

Apple reportedly planning thinner Apple TV with App Store

Jake Smith ∙ March 5, 2015

9to5mac reports Apple is working on a new version of its Apple TV set-top box, which will feature a slimmer profile and finally bring the most sought-after Apple TV feature - the App Store.

The publication, who is often correct in its reporting on Apple, reports that Apple had originally hoped to ship the redesigned Apple TV this month, however it could be delayed until later this year. Apple is said to be working on new content partnerships, like the reported HBO Now, and it could be the company wants to secure a few more before bringing the redesign to market.

Apple reminds users it’s pulling Aperture from the Mac App Store this spring

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple on Thursday began sending out emails to Aperture users, reminding them that the software has been discontinued. When the new Photos app for OS X launches this spring, Aperture will be removed from the Mac App Store.

Users will still be able to use the popular photo editor in OS X Yosemite, but when the removal occurs, you will no longer be able to buy additional copies. Apple also notes that Aperture libraries can by migrated into Photos OS X.

Apple’s Beats-based music streaming service reportedly delayed until WWDC

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 5, 2015

Apple's rumored subscription music service based on Beats Music and with stock iOS Music app integration will be formally announced at this year's summer developers conference rather than in March, as previously reported.

Although some have hoped Monday's “Spring Forward” media event might serve as a launchpad for the service, Apple is now reportedly planning on introducing it in beta form at its Worldwide Developers Conference in early June, 9to5Mac said Thursday.

Create your perfect Apple Watch with this web tool

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple's Watch release is still at least a month away, but thanks to 'mix your watch,' you can start building one now. The interactive web tool allows you to create your perfect Apple Watch by customizing the case color, band color and band material.

It uses stock images from Apple's website, and an image-based UI that allows you to customize each element. So if you want to see what a dark aluminum case would look like with a black leather band, simply select them, and watch the colors change.

Imgur releases brand new iPhone client for browsing the fascinating world of animated GIFs

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 5, 2015

After releasing its inaugural iOS app back in 2013 only to remove it from the App Store less than a year later over numerous user complaints, Imgur on Thursday tried its luck again and released a brand new iPhone application.

Unlike the now-defunct app that offered a spartan web view of the mobile Imgur website, the newly released client does feature sleek appearance and native performance.

That it puts the millions of the web’s memes in the palm of your hand (and will soon make it easy to upload your own GIFs to the service) doesn't hurt it either.

Google releases Gmail 4.0 for iOS with new interactive actions, share sheet

Jake Smith ∙ March 5, 2015

Google has released version 4.0 of its Gmail for iOS app on Thursday, most notably bringing new actions for Notification Center and finally share sheet. Google is one of the few larger companies that has shown a devotion to keeping its iOS apps updated regularly, staying atop of new iOS features. Gmail for iOS can be a good alternative to Apple's Mail.

Microsoft debuts Office for Mac 2016 public beta

Jake Smith ∙ March 5, 2015

Microsoft has released the public beta of Office for Mac 2016 on its Microsoft Office webpage, most notably bringing a redesign and Retina support to the suite of apps. The beta can be downloaded for free and provides an alternative to Apple's iWork suite.

Personal engraving will be reportedly available for Apple Watch

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 5, 2015

Apple has long offered an option to add a free laser-engraved message to any new iPod or iPad sold through its online store and now a fresh new rumor out of France is claiming that the forthcoming Apple Watch will offer customers free personal engravings as well.

Though not quite sure if the customization option will be available from day one, French blog iPhonote reportedly heard from an anonymous source involved with Apple that the company will eventually offer free laser-cut custom messages on Watches.

iOS 8.2 arriving Monday, here are full release notes

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 5, 2015

Backtracking on its previous report which claimed iOS 8.2 would be released for public consumption this week, BGR is now claiming that the software will be released to the public next week.

According to BGR founder and editor Jonathan Geller, Apple's decided to release one more Gold Master (GM) version crying a build number of 12D508 to employees and testers ahead of an expected launch this coming Monday.

Jump past the fold for full release notes.