I know most of you are probably still reeling from the Star Wars VII launch this weekend (I am literally writing this article while sitting in line, waiting to see it), but the world still continues and the App Store is still open. If you aren't spending every waking moment watching the sequel to the most popular sci-fi movie in the world (or if you are sitting in line, wondering if there is anything new to play with while you wait), we've got a list of apps and games that you should check out.
Auki 2 is in development, teased by Surenix
Auki—the Quick Reply and Quick Compose tweak released by Surenix and Bensge back at JailbreakCon in 2014—has a sequel in the works. Auki 2 is currently deep into development, and is the the result of a new collaboration between designer Surenix and developer Pimskeks.
Messages app tweaks like Auki are few and far between these days, especially with the demise of biteSMS, but Auki 2 looks poised to change that notion.
Springtomize 3 updated with new features
Uber-popular jailbreak tweak Springtomize 3 was provided with a nice little update today. Even though Filippo Bigarella has handed over the development reigns to another developer, the tweak is still receiving new features, which is a great sign for Springtomize fans.
Today's update, while not containing anything groundbreaking, brings several new niceties to the table. Additions include the ability to display seconds in the status bar, colorize the Lock screen time and date, and more.
How to control the Nest using HomeKit and Siri
The Nest is one of the most popular home automation devices in existence right now, but due to incompatibility with HomeKit, iOS users can't control their Nest Learning Thermostats using Siri.
Fortunately, a workaround has been found. It's called Homebridge, and it's a NodeJS server that runs on your Mac. Homebridge allows iOS devices to interface with incompatible home automation devices like the Nest using HomeKit.
This means that it is now possible to control the Nest with Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad using Siri. No jailbreak required.
Tim Cook says Apple tax avoidance talk is ‘total political crap’
60 Minutes on Friday shared a one minute clip from its upcoming interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook. In the preview, Charlie Rose asks for Cook's thoughts regarding Apple's congressional tax hearing, which found the company to be engaged in a "sophisticated scheme" to avoid taxes on its $74 billion held overseas.
"That is total political crap," Cook says. "There is no truth behind it. Apple pays every tax dollar we owe." He explains that Apple does a lot of business overseas, which is why a lot of its revenues are overseas, and although the company would like to bring that cash back to the United States, it would cost 40% to do so.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens soundtrack now available in iTunes and on Apple Music
The soundtrack for JJ Abram’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens is now available for purchase on iTunes and streaming through Apple Music. The full album with 23 songs 'Mastered for iTunes' and composed by the legendary John Williams can be downloaded in iTunes for $11.99, or you can buy individual tracks from the album at $1.29 a piece.
Scribblenauts Unlimited now available on iOS
The hit puzzle adventure game Scribblenauts Unlimited has just launched in the App Store for iPhone and iPad. Join Maxwell and his cohorts as they traverse complex landscapes and summon the most unusual items they can imagine.
Scribblenauts Unlimited first appeared on Nintendo's 3DS and Wii U in 2012. Because of the open-world style exploration, it moved over to PC where it gained popularity on Steam. This iOS (and Android, if you're interested) version is the first time the game has been released on a new mobile platform since its launch.
Charlie Rose offering inside look at Jony Ive’s design lab, new store design on Sunday
Noted journalist and television talk show host Charlie Rose will be offering an inside look at Jony Ive's design lab and new store design on Sunday. CBS' TV series 60 Minutes announced Rose's upcoming segment via Twitter late Thursday evening.
According to the tweets, 60 Minutes will be showing footage from inside Jonathan Ive’s secret design studio at Apple's headquarters—an area few outsiders have traveled. In one of the tweets, a photo shows Ive explaining a design process to Rose.
Apple announces UnionPay deal to bring Apple Pay to China in early 2016
Apple on Thursday announced that it has reached a deal with China UnionPay to bring Apple Pay to China in early 2016. The partnership will allow UnionPay cardholders to take advantage of Apple's mobile payment system on iPhone, Apple Watch and within apps on iPad.
Using Apple Pay in Chinese stores will be as simple as holding your iPhone near a UnionPay QuickPass-enabled POS terminal with your finger on Touch ID. And with Apple Watch, you'll be able to double click the side button and hold the watch face up to the contactless reader.
The Sims 2: Pet Stories hits Mac App Store
Tired of good ol' Sims? How about Sims with pets? Based off of The Sims 2 engine, this classic Sims title returns to the Mac—courtesy of Electronic Arts and Aspyr Media—with updated graphics and several other enhancements and is available for the first time on the Mac exclusively through the Mac App Store.
With native display support for Retina and 4K Macs, gesture support for zoom and rotate, drastically improved performance and other tweaks, you can now care for and train those lovable yet unpredictable pets as you compete for Best in Show at the most important local pet show of the year.
How to have your iPhone LED light blink and flash when you get a call, text message, or app notification
Learn how to set your iPhone or iPad to flash its LED light for calls, messages, and app notifications, which is ideal for receiving visual alerts in addition to or instead of sound and vibrations.
Cartoon Network’s Attack the Light game goes free as Apple’s App of the Week
Apple on Thursday refreshed its weekly App of the Week promotion with a new game called Attack the Light - Steven Universe Light RPG. You can find the title, which is based on the hit Cartoon Network show, in the App Store for free for the next 7 days.
The game is of the roleplaying adventure variety, in which you must help Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems capture missing monsters. Throughout your journey, you'll encounter various puzzles and tactical challenges that will help your character level up.