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Launch Center Pro updated with Today widget, support for new apps

Cody Lee ∙ September 15, 2015

Popular productivity app Launch Center Pro was updated today, bringing the software to version 2.5. The new release includes a series of bug fixes and improvements, support for over 100,000 new apps, and a Today widget for Notification Center.

The new widget is a significant addition for users, as it allows them to place up to 12 of their favorite Launch Center actions in the Notification Center. So you can send a group text, start a new Tumblr post and more, regardless of where you're at in iOS.

Why requiring games to support the Apple TV remote is the right decision

Jeff Benjamin ∙ September 15, 2015

As first brought to our attention by MacRumors' Juli Clover, Apple is requiring that games created for the Apple TV must support the Apple TV remote. This means that developers cannot create games that require an external Bluetooth controller to play, although games can use Bluetooth controllers as an alternative means of control.

While this may sound a bit harsh on the part of Apple, seeing that some games feature control schemes that are more ideal for a traditional controller, I think that it's the right direction. How frustrating would it be for a user to download a game, only to find out that they can't play the game due to not having the necessary hardware? And how frustrating would it be to browse the App Store, and see tons of games that have prerequisites for a piece of hardware that didn't come bundled with the Apple TV?

This might not sit well with some developers and some gamers, but it's the right decision for the greater good.

Snapchat brings Lenses to front camera as it starts charging to replay disappearing snaps

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Snapchat today issued a refresh to its iPhone and iPod touch app in the App Store that enables a new software feature on your front-facing camera: Lenses. “Before you take a selfie, press and hold on your face for a surprise,” the startup teased.

Lenses are essentially animated effects that can be applied in real-time when taking a selfie, similar to Apple's Photo Booth app on the Mac.

One new Lens will rotate in every day.

In addition to Lenses, Snapchat also rolled out virtual Trophies and announced plans to start charging $0.99 for three Replays.

Apple is “looking at” letting consumers remove (some) unwanted stock iOS apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 15, 2015

Soon you might no longer need to put unwanted stock apps inside a junk folder on your Home screen like an animal because Apple is “looking at” letting consumers delete stock apps that come with the iPhone.

In an interview with John Paczkowski of BuzzFeed News, CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that Apple might allow customers to get rid of some stock apps like Compass, Stocks, Podcasts, Tips and more, but in the same breath cautioned that core iOS apps critical to the user experience—such as Messages, Safari or Mail—will remain irreplaceable for the time being.

Poll: are you planning on buying iPad Pro?

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 16, 2018

Apple's new iPad Pro with its epic 12.9-inch display, super smooth performance courtesy of Apple's third-generation 64-bit 'A9X' microchip, four speaker audio, enhanced multitouch technology with lag-free Apple Pencil performance—to name but a few of its headline features—doesn't file as the most attractive, powerful iOS device but also the priciest yet.

Starting at $799 for the entry level Wi-Fi-only 32 GB model and going all the way up to a whopping $1,079 for the flagship Wi-Fi + Cellular edition with 128 GB of storage, the iPad Pro will essentially compete with Apple's own MacBook Air and Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet with a similar price level.

It won't be available until November and launch quantity will be limited, which doesn't mean you shouldn't start saving now for the device, quite the contrary. But the big question is, will you buy an iPad Pro?

iPad mini 4 performance: faster than last year’s model but slower than the iPad Air 2

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

I think we all pretty much expected the iPad mini 4 to be a little slower than Apple's still top of the line iPad Air 2, and some new benchmarks from Ars Technica back up that expectation. The iPad mini 4, which received little fanfare during last Wednesday's iPhone 6s event, ships with a new A8 processor and 2GB of RAM.

With its new specs in tow, the iPad mini 4 can benefit from one of the major changes in tomorrow's iOS 9 release—side-by-side multitasking. True, the iPad mini 4 may still come in second place when compared to its larger sibling, but this refresh is a marked improvement over its predecessors.

Review: Motorola Moto X Pure Edition from an iPhone user’s perspective

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated June 13, 2018

As you guys know, I'm a fan of the Moto G—Motorola's off-contract budget phone that packs in a surprising amount of good features for a super-cheap price. As I stated in my review, the Moto G is a good choice for anyone wishing to dip their toes into the Android waters, or for anyone who needs a cheap second smartphone.

The Moto X Pure Edition ($399.99 on Amazon), is a whole different beast altogether. It looks similar to the Moto G in build material, but it's way bigger, has a 5.7" QHD screen at 1440p, a 21 megapixel rear-facing shooter, a front-facing flash, captures 4K video, and features extremely fast charging.

Unlike the budget Moto G, the Moto X Pure Edition is Motorola's de facto flagship offering for 2015. At $399 for the base model, it's more than double the price of Motorola's popular Moto G, yet much cheaper than major "flagship" models from big named Android OEMs.

How does it stack up with the competition? How does it compare with the iPhone 6 Plus—its closest iOS competitor? Check out our full video review for all of the details.

Open-world survival adventure Radiation Island named IGN’s Free Game of the Month

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 15, 2015

If you're on the lookout for a not-to-be-missed freebie for your iPhone and iPad, look no further than IGN's latest Free Game of the Month, Radiation Island by Atypical Games.

This open-world survival adventure game puts you in the shoes of a WWII military scientist who seem to be experiencing some sort of radiation poisoning and must survive on an island inhabited by weird creatures.

Radiation Island sells for $2.99 in the App Store and has never gone free since its App Store debut this summer. It currently has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on nearly 4,000 App Store reviews.

Minimal action game Super Hexagon goes free within Apple Store shopping app

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 15, 2015

Apple is giving away free copies of Super Hexagon, a minimal action game by Terry Cavanagh, with music by Chipzel. This nicely done iPhone and iPad game is being provided as a free download exclusively through the official Apple Store shopping app.

“Be challenged by the difficult yet beautiful gameplay of Super Hexagon,” writes Apple. “Survive as long as you can through endless levels of minimalist puzzles.”

Super Hexagon has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on submissions from nearly 9,000 App Store reviewers. The game currently sells for $2.99 in the App Store so make sure to grab it at no charge through the official Apple Store shopping app, here's how.

Apple said to release ‘Move to iOS’ Android app alongside iOS 9 tomorrow

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 15, 2015

At its 'Hey Siri' media event last Wednesday, Apple said it would soon be releasing a brand new Android app, called 'Move to iOS,' to make it even easier for Android customers to switch to an iPhone.

It seems that 'Move to iOS' and 'Move from Android' apps will be released on the App Store and Google's Play Store, respectively, alongside the iOS 9 software update tomorrow, September 16, Czech blog LetemSvetemApple reported Tuesday.

“Just download the Move to iOS app to wirelessly switch from your Android device to your new iOS device,” Apple writes on its iOS 9 webpage.

Let’s Talk iOS 100: Wack’em

Jeff Benjamin ∙ September 15, 2015

Episode 100: An in-depth recap of the Apple iPhone 6s event, including a discussion of the iPad Pro, and Apple TV.

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Get ready for iPad Pro shortages as Apple faces constrained availability of IGZO display panels

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 15, 2015

Launch supply of Apple's new iPad Pro could be constrained as the supply of panels for the 12.9-inch device faces shortages, DigiTimes reported Tuesday. As per their supply chain analysis, iPad Pro shipments are expected to reach less than 3 million units in the fourth quarter of this year, which amounts to an average of one million iPad Pros a month.