Apps of the Week: Brushstroke, Sliver, Faif and more

Nothing says, “Its time for the weekend” like an apps of the week list. This weekend is merely a rest up for the real party that happens on Monday, St. Paddy’s day. Don’t forget your green undies.

If you are sick of green beer, green cupcakes, and goofy green hats, maybe it is time to stop reading Reddit and start playing some mobile games. If you are looking for something to help you detox after Monday night’s debauchery, we have a list of apps and games that will take your mind off of those pink elephants on parade…

Rovio teases new Tiny Thief episode ‘Bewitched’

It seems like Rovio has been 'teasing' a lot of things lately. There's its upcoming RPG 'Angry Birds Epic,' and then 'Angry Birds Stella,' which is coming this fall. But what about for the folks who aren't a fan of the furry fowl-flinging franchise? Two words: Tiny Thief.

That's right, the Finnish developer has posted a teaser trailer for a new episode of its popular puzzler this weekend. The episode is entitled 'Bewitched,' and as you'd imagine it has a Halloween-kind of vibe with witches flying on brooms and—well, just watch the clip...

Auto manufacturers say aftermarket CarPlay support will be difficult

The hope that older vehicles and aftermarket products will eventually support Apple's new CarPlay system took a bit of a blow yesterday. How-to website AppleToolbox spoke with reps from both Volvo and Ferrari, and both made it sound like it's going to be extremely difficult to do.

In fact, Ferrari has dismissed the possibility all together, saying that CarPlay "is available only on new range cars and cannot be installed on older ones." Volvo, on the other hand, hasn't ruled it out yet, but admits those adding aftermarket CarPlay support will face "major roadblocks."

How to add swipe gestures to video playback

VideoGestures is a recently released tweak that allows you to perform gestures while playing video to adjust volume and playhead position. The tweak features several settings to adjust the velocity of swipe gestures, along with a setting to invert the gestures for natural scrolling.

If you're looking for an intuitive way to control video playback on iOS, then look no further. Check out our full video walkthrough after the break.

Apple extends iPhone 5c ad push to Rolling Stone magazine

Continuing with its advertising push for the iPhone 5c, Apple has taken out a high-profile ad in this month's issue of Rolling Stone. The print ad, which resembles the art we have seen in online spots, can be found on the back cover of the magazine.

Earlier today we noted that Apple had launched a rather aggressive campaign for the handset, which it launched last fall. In the past few weeks, animated 5c ads have popped up on expensive real estate, including Yahoo.com and NYTimes.com...

Both Apple Store apps updated with various improvements

Apple has pushed a pair of tiny updates to its two Apple Store clients (iPhone and iPad versions are separate downloads) this afternoon. The updates bring the two apps to version 2.9.2 and 1.1.1 respectively, and include various improvements.

On the iPhone side, Apple has improved notifications for folks using the app in retail stores—users can now view notifications from within the app and on the Lock screen. And as for the iPad, Apple has added the ability to gift card purchases...

Nozoku Rush: is your brain quick enough for this matching game?

When you see the word “math” or “subtraction” in a title, you probably have a preconceived idea of what the game will entail… learning. Most of the time, educational games are synonymous with boring.

Nozoku Rush may be about math, but it is not about learning and it is not boring. In fact, you have to already be pretty good at quickly answering subtraction equations in order to score well…

Apple offering refurbished iPad Airs starting at $419

Folks in the market for an iPad Air will be happy to hear that Apple is now offering refurbished versions of the late-model tablet in its web store. You can find them in the 'Refurbished and Clearance' section listed at the bottom of Apple's online store landing page.

It looks like both 16GB and 32GB [Wi-Fi only] iPad Airs are available, in either Space Grey or White, with 3-5 day shipping estimates. And with the 16GB models starting at just $419—these are some of the lowest price we've seen on these tablets in recent months...

Apple has reportedly put its ‘iPad Pro’ project on hold

Folks looking forward to Apple's rumored 13-inch tablet may want to pick something else to pine over for a while. According to a new report, the Cupertino company has shelved its so-called 'iPad Pro' project due to various developmental issues.

Citing supply chain and channel inventory sources, Digitimes is reporting today that multiple vendors are running into problems producing larger tablets. The biggest hurdle seems to be a lack of support from platform developers and ecosystems...

Asphaleia now available on Cydia

Asphaleia—the stylish new Touch ID-based jailbreak tweak that we showed you last Friday—is now available for download on Cydia. The tweak, which is a3tweaks' response to other releases like BioProtect, BioLockdown, and AppLocker, puts an intelligently designed spin on Touch ID security.

Asphaleia works with any iOS 7 capable device, though, not just the Touch ID enabled iPhone 5s. It's a tweak that brings tons of new security features to both the iPhone 5s, and other iOS 7 enabled devices. Best of all, Asphaleia comes with a 50% discount if you've purchased any of the aforementioned security tweaks in the past. Check after the break for our full video walkthrough of Asphaleia in action.

Reuters: Office for iOS apparently ready for release

No, not that Office. After Microsoft during Steve Ballmer's tenure balked at Apple over making iWork and iLife iOS suites free, saying the move wasn't such a big deal to begin with, the "new" Microsoft under the new CEO Satya Nadella's leadership is seemingly strengthening its commitment to the Apple platform.

We already told you that the Redmond giant is gearing up to release a long-awaited update to its Office productivity suite for Mac later this year.

Reuters is now reporting that Office for iOS is ready and the decision to release it lies solely with the CEO...

Strava Cycling now tracks your runs, too

Strava Cycling, a biking and cycling tracking app that keeps tabs on your rides and analyzes your performances, has been rechristened Friday to reflect its expanded tracking capabilities. The software shall be known henceforth as Strava Running and Cycling for it can now track your runs, too.

I guess rebranding signals that the existing Strava Run is next on the chopping block. The name change is already reflected in the latest version 4.0 update, now available in the App Store. They have a new icon, too, and of course a set of new features dedicated to tracking your rides...