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New iOS 8 concept shows what Healthbook and other rumored features may look like

Cody Lee ∙ April 25, 2014

Tech site Tech Radar is out with a new iOS 8 concept video this afternoon, depicting what it thinks the new firmware could look like. We actually know, or think we know, quite a bit about Apple's next mobile OS thanks to a number of reports, and this clip helps visualize all of that information.

The video covers most of everything we've heard thus far. It shows a revamped Notification Center, with a new easy-to-read layout, and the oft-rumored Healthbook app connecting to an iWatch. It also suggests how Siri could use Shazam's tech, and how CarPlay could help keep drivers safe...

Apple launches replacement program for iPhone 5 Sleep/Wake button

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Apple announced a new replacement program today for folks having issues with the Sleep/Wake button on their iPhone 5. The program allows for the replacement of the button on select iPhone 5 models where it has either stopped working completely, or only works intermittently.

The Cupertino firm says that it will offer the service free of charge to iPhone 5 customers with models that exhibit this issue, and have a qualifying serial number. It has set up a website with all of the details on the program for the 'small percentage' of people that have been affected...

TapToUnlock7: unlock iOS 7 devices with just a tap

Jeff Benjamin ∙ April 25, 2014

No more sliding! Just Tapping. That's the headline for the description for TapToUnlock7 in Cydia, and I have to say, it's apt. TapToUnlock7 is a tweak that gets rid of the "slide to unlock" action and replaces it with a simple tap.

TapToUnlock7 works with both passcode enabled devices and unsecured devices. When you have a passcode enabled, a tap will activate the passcode screen, and when you have the passcode disabled, you'll be whisked away right to iOS' Home screen.

The tweak features a variety of customization options to change up the look and feel of the tap to unlock button on the Lock screen. Have a look inside as we explore various facets of this brand new release.

Nike CEO talks new focus on software for wearables, excited about future with Apple

Cody Lee ∙ April 25, 2014

Following the news last week that Nike is gearing up to shutter its wearable hardware efforts, CEO Mark Parker appeared on CNBC today to talk about the new direction. Parker says the company's goal is to expand the FuelBand system, and that software and strategic partnerships will help them with that.

Obviously, he couldn't say anything directly about the rumors that Nike is teaming up with Apple on a product, but Parker did note that the two companies have been working together for a long time. And when pressed about the speculation, he said that [Nike] is 'excited' about the future of the relationship...

Yomi is a battle card game that delivers on the action

Lory Gil ∙ Updated September 28, 2016

On my many regular trips to my local board game store, I’ve seen this battle card game called “Yomi.” It looks really fun, but it costs $100 new. Ouch! It is one of those games I’d like to try before I buy. Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone who owns a copy, so I didn’t know if I’d like it, until now.

Sirlin Games recently developed an iPad version of Yomi that is an online, cross-platform adaptation of the card game I’ve longed for, but never invested in. After a few days of testing, it looks like my board game budget will be depleted, once again…

Fly Catbug Fly! Journey through unique worlds to collect sweet nothings

Lory Gil ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Bravest Warriors is a web cartoon from Cartoon Hangover that was written by Pendleton Ward, the same zany brain that created Adventure Time. Although I am a huge fan of Finn and Jake, I’ve never actually seen Bravest Warriors. That will probably change soon.

Fly Catbug Fly! is the first video game based on the cartoon web series staring its most adorable character. This child-voiced, ladybug-winged cat flies through the air, collecting stuff like skulls, salad bowls, and toilet paper. Help Catbug grab as much as his little wings can carry and deliver them to Impossibear. Don’t worry. I’m just as confused as you are…

Badland updated with new ‘Doomsday’ level pack offered on try-before-buy basis

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 25, 2014

Badland, one of the best mobile games out there, has been updated today with a set of thirty brand new 'Doomsday' levels, but with a twist. Breaking away from the common practice of updating Badland with new content offered free of charge to those who've previously purchased the game, its two-person development team has decided to provide the new levels on a paid basis as it explores fair new monetization models.

This also marks the first time this iPhone and iPad game has offered in-app purchases. Badland is available for $3.99 in the App Store, with the Doomsday level pack available on a try-before-buy basis as a one-time $0.99 in-app purchase...

Activator beta updated with exciting new Profiles feature

Jeff Benjamin ∙ April 25, 2014

A brand new feature has been added to the beta version of Activator, and it's a pretty big deal. You can now set up differing profiles for groups of Activator assignments, making it possible to have different Activator assignments based on various circumstances.

The new Profiles panel, which is accessible at the bottom of the main page of Activator's preferences, allows you to quickly add, name, edit and remove custom profiles. You can then switch to a custom profile and begin setting up assignments that only pertain to that profile.

Making the rabbit hole go even deeper, you can actually assign Activator gestures to switch to a Profile, which opens up a whole new arena of possibilities for automation and activation. Needless to say, it's all pretty exciting stuff. Check out our new video walkthrough of Activator's new profiles feature in action after the break.

Touch ID coming to iPads, iOS code hooks suggest

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

There's hardly any doubt at this point that Apple will roll out its Touch ID fingerprint reader to all iOS devices sooner than later. As you know, the sophisticated fingerprint sensor debuted last September as an iPhone 5s exclusive and is based on technologies from Israeli startup AuthenTec that got acquired by Apple for the reported $356 million in the summer of 2012.

While Apple was originally rumored to bring fingerprint-scanning to its tablet lineup, its manufacturing partner TSMC was unable to build enough of the sensors for the iPhone 5s alone, causing handset shortages after the launch.

Notable mentions of Touch ID for the iPad have been discovered in the iOS code, indicating an upcoming iPad hardware refresh might include the fingerprint sensor. It's worth pointing out that iOS code frequently contains placeholders and hooks for unreleased features that never see the light of day. This is not the first time Apple's code references Touch ID for iPads but we felt you should know about this...

Mobile Safari creator on iPhone development and meeting Steve’s exacting standards

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2018

Francisco Tolmasky was only twenty years old back in 2006 when Apple hired him straight out of college. The whiz kid was immediately thrown into a big job at the famously secretive company that demands nothing but excellence from its employees.

Specifically, the young engineer was one of the early members of the team that created mobile Safari and Maps on the iPhone. The New York Times sat down with Tolmasky to discuss the challenges of developing desktop-class mobile software and meeting Steve's exacting standards when it comes to ease of use, here are the juiciest bits...

Hulu Plus app updated with remote control support for game consoles

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 27, 2017

Hulu posted a significant update for its Plus iOS client this morning, bringing the app to version 3.5.2. The release includes a new remote control feature that will enable users to control the Hulu Plus experience on their Xbox One, PS3 or PS4 console using an iPhone or iPad.

Setup is a breeze. Simply launch the Hulu Plus app on your iOS (or Android) device, and it will automatically detect your gaming console. Once detected, a 'Cast' button will appear in the app, allowing you to pair your smartphone or tablet to the selected console and take control...

Pinterest app updated with new ‘Guided Search’ feature

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Pinterest users may be interested to know that the photo-sharing site rolled out a major new feature to its mobile apps this morning. It's called 'Guided Search,' and it comes via an App Store update, which brings both the iPhone and iPad client to version 3.6.

Guided Search is a tool made for exploring Pinterest when you don't know exactly what you're looking for. So for example, if you enter a vague search time like 'vacation,' the tool will help you hone in on a category (i.e. camping, beach, etc) or specific location...