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Readable’s iOS 7 redesign does away with RSS in favor of Tweeticles

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

Tweeticles? Say what? Just bear with me for a second...

I happen to consume a ridiculous amount of written content every day, fast-reading tons of news stories, review articles, op-ed pieces and what not. And when I'm out and about, I need a clean-reading app to do away with bells and whistles on web pages so I can focus on text, akin to iOS 7 Safari's Reader feature (this also helps save precious cellular bandwidth).

Readable for iPhone is one of the best apps for this purpose and with today's massive 2.0 update it's become way more useful.

For starters, it's moved away from HTML5 to native experiences as Readable has been re-written from the ground up with iOS 7 design and features in mind.

It's 64-bit, Dynamic Text aware, syncs across devices via iCloud, lets you navigate using one-tap pagination or read hands-free using 10x speed auto-scrolling, can share specific page positions, accesses your favorites and history offline and lots more.

Tweeticles?

Read on...

PayPal refreshed with iOS 7 design, bar code payments, Wallet improvements and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

PayPal has long had a nice albeit somewhat limited iPhone application available in the App Store. Back in September, they gave the software a much-needed redesign while expanding on feature set with useful new capability like the ability to pay at local shops, save offers and order ahead, to name a few.

Today, the team followed up with another feature-laden update. PayPal 5.2 for iPhone does away with skeuomorphism in favor for a much cleaner look that fits nicely into the overall iOS 7 aesthetics. More importantly, you are now free to withdraw cash, pay using QR codes and more...

Beautiful Apple Store app launches on iPad

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

Today, Apple has finally launched the Apple Store app for iPad. The iPhone application was released back in June 2010 and all this time Apple has failed to provide the native tablet experience, until today. Apple Store for iPad, available now on the App Store, is heavy on gestures and brings a completely redesigned appearance which feels right at home in iOS 7 and takes advantage of the larger canvas on iPads by putting product images front and center.

The many Apple Store categories are nicely organized and always accessible via a sleek navigation bar which automatically gets out of the way. While the app provides important product description and other meta data, the use of white space and smart design adds up to readability.

Released in time for your holiday mobile shopping, Apple Store for iPad is arguably perhaps the best iOS 7 app Apple has written thus far, and I don't mean that in a small way. Yup, it's that good.

Jump past the fold for the full reveal...

Tamagochi-like Hatch now available for iPhone

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 20, 2013

Created by Realmac Software, the same guys who brought you the popular Clear to-do software for iOS and OS X and the Ember scrapbook application for the Mac (among other apps), are out with an interesting new virtual pet game for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Created in co-operation with Impending, the big hatching dubbed Hatch basically delivers Tamagochi-like virtual pet experience in the palm of your hand. The iPhone game is available now in the Apple App Store and I've included a few screenies, videos and more info right after the break...

Zelda-like adventure game Oceanhorn finally arrives in App Store

Lory Gil ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

This week, Apple gave the iPad Editor’s Choice spotlight to a sweet little 3D adventure game by a small independent company. This mobile adventure is proof that epic and expansive games like The Legend of Zelda can work on iOS.

Oceanhorn: Monsters of the Uncharted Sea is a 3-D adventure game where players battle enemies, solve puzzles, and collect coins while exploring the island of the Uncharted Sea. Get ready for questing in this beautifully rendered mobile game…

Tilt to Live 2: Redonkulous review – it really is redonkulous

Lory Gil ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

A good, fast-paced arcade style game is hard to find in the sea of hundreds of thousands of titles that fill the App Store. When a really good one does come out, it usually rises to the top.

Tilt to Live 2: Redonkulous is one of those sweet gems that offer you a fast-paced gaming experience that will put your skills and reaction time to the test. It’s so hard, it’s redonkulous…

Logitech launches ‘PowerShell’ iOS 7 game controller for $99

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

Following months of rumors, and a few teasers from the company itself, Logitech has finally unveiled its first iOS 7 game controller. It's called the 'PowerShell,' and it works with any iPhone 5, iPhone 5s or 5th generation iPod touch.

The game pad features console-style controls, with a d-pad, an X-Y-B-A button cluster, and two shoulder triggers. It also features an integrated 1500mAh battery, which will keep your iOS device running long after it runs out of juice...

Cupertino City Council gives Apple green light to begin building new ‘Spaceship’ campus

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

Well, it's finally happened. After years of presentations, meetings and campaigning, Apple last night cleared the final hurdle in its 'Campus 2' initiative. The Cupertino City Council has given the iPad-maker the green light to begin construction on its so-called 'Spaceship' campus.

The final vote enabled Apple to enter into an official Development Agreement with the City of Cupertino. With its ancillary permits, the company is now allowed to begin demolition of current buildings on its lot, and it's set to receive its full set of building permits later today...

Microsoft releases new ‘Xbox One SmartGlass’ app for iOS

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

Ahead of its big Xbox One launch later this week, Microsoft has released a new companion app for the console called ‘Xbox One SmartGlass.’ Microsoft says it's "the perfect companion app for your Xbox One, both in your living room and on the go."

In the living room, the app will allow your iOS device to connect to your Xbox One console and do things like browse the web, navigate the dashboard, and control content. And on the go, the app will let you track achievements, messages and more...

22 hours of battery life from a laptop? Toshiba says so

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

I've been tripping over my own words in order to find the right phrase to express my satisfaction with the new MacBook Air. At well over 10 hours of battery life from a single charge, it's been an absolute game changer for me.

I have the 11" variety of the MacBook Air, and while Apple's officially stated battery life is 9 hours, I've always done a bit better than that. The 13" variety officially gets 12 hours of battery life, but it wouldn't surprise me to see it get somewhere in the 13-14 hour range.

Apple is famously bearish when it comes to battery life predictions, which means users generally end up with the pleasant surprise of even higher numbers than Apple's company line. But now, out of seemingly nowhere, Toshiba is claiming that its upcoming 2.5 pound ultra book will get an insane 22 hours of battery life.

Unless those estimates are egregiously overstated, this could be very good news for the next generation MacBook Air.

MultiShortcut: add handy shortcuts to various areas of the stock Settings app

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

If you've been able to resist the draw of iOS 7 and maintain a jailbroken device on iOS 6 or below, you are to be commended. As a reward for you dedication, you get to try out jailbreak tweaks while everyone else has to wait until an iOS 7 jailbreak.

One such tweak, a recent release dubbed MultiShortcut, allows users to quickly access specific sections of the Stock settings app. This is done by tapping and holding on the Settings app icon. Instead of invoking wiggle mode like normal, you're greeted with a sheet providing links to a variety of areas found inside the Stock settings app.

Review: iPad mini Smart Case

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

I briefly talked about Apple’s new Smart Case for the iPad mini in yesterday’s iPad mini with Retina display review, but after giving it some thought, I think it deserves some more attention.

Let me just start out by saying that I’ve not used the Smart Case for the full sized iPad Air, so I can’t really speak on that. In fact, this is my first experience with a Smart Case. I’ve used Smart Covers plenty of times in the past, but never opted for a Smart Case until now.