‘BMarks Bar – Chrome’ updated with several awesome new features

We raved about BMarks Bar - Chrome on the last episode of Let's Talk Jailbreak, and for good reason, as it's one of the best Google Chrome tweaks yet to be released. Recently, the tweak was updated with all sorts of new goodies, which is sure to make the bookmarking experience even better with Google Chrome.

Version 1.0.2 of BMarks Bar - Chrome brings enhanced iOS 5 compatibility, press and hold actions, dynamically updating bookmarks, and access to the bookmarks bar while in full screen mode. Needless to say, if you're a fan of Google Chrome, you definitely want to check out the new features that this update brings to the table. Full video overview of the new features inside.

InstaLauncher: launch your apps with precision and efficiency

If you're a Mac user, then you're no doubt familiar with some of the popular launcher apps like QuickSilver, and Alfred. Even Spotlight, to a somewhat lesser extent, can serve as a capable launcher for your various applications.

On a desktop machine like the Mac, launchers are useful in order to be able to quickly find and launch an application. This prevents you from having to wade through countless pages and/or lists of apps in search of the one you want to launch.

The same concept applies to our smartphones. Spotlight on iOS can work as a launcher, although it's certainly not the most desirable means of launching apps. That's why this new jailbreak tweak dubbed InstaLauncher is such an exciting and refreshing jailbreak tweak to have. It allows you to locate and launch all of the apps on your device in sub-second nature. Check out our full video walkthrough after the jump, which shows how you can become more productive on your iPhone, courtesy of InstaLauncher...

QuickCarrort: an Activator shortcut for the Carrot to-do app

There are tons of so-called to-do apps available on the App Store, but Carrot is one that stands out in my mind as being fairly unique. Dubbed as being a "to-do list with personality", the Carrot AI uses insults and other harmless wit to interject feeling into processing ho-hum everyday mundane tasks.

With that in mind, I'm here to discuss a recently released jailbreak tweak that works in unison with Carrot. The tweak, aptly titled QuickCarrot, allows users to quickly enter tasks into Carrot using an Activator gesture. To see how it works, take a look at our video walkthrough after the break.

Apple subsidiary FileMaker restructuring, reportedly lays off 20 staffers

Following its announcement that it was going to be discontinuing its popular Mac and iOS database software 'Bento' to work on its flagship product line, FileMaker has reportedly laid off some 20 of its full-time employees.

The layoffs are said to be part of a major restructuring, as the company moves to shift its focus to its more successful enterprise applications, and consolidate its workforce, in an effort to stay profitable amidst slumping sales...

djay 2 review: get the party started

App maker algoriddim recently launched a sequel to the popular music playing app djay with the new and improved djay 2. If you are a fan of their initial record spinner, you won’t be disappointed by the follow-up.

Djay 2 for iPhone or iPad is a music player that incorporates many of the functions that deejays use when spinning vinyl. You can mix music, sync beats, and bring the party to life without having to lug around a crate of records…

Apple revises iTunes terms to allow educational accounts for children under 13

Apple has altered its iTunes Terms and Conditions to permit children under the age of 13 to operate individual iTunes accounts created at the request of an 'approved educational institution,' signaling the beginning of its next big push into education.

Previously, the company restricted iTunes accounts to children aged 13 or older. But with it landing major iPad distribution deals with school districts, the Mac-maker has announced that it will be changing its policy with the fall release of iOS 7...

Wallpapers of the Week: flat pastels honoring Steve Jobs

Round five on the Wallpapers of the Week section and we are loving the submissions from our fan base. The response is excellent and we are happy to keep fulfilling the readers' requests for more. Thanks to you, we will be keeping the section as long as we keep finding amazing wallpapers.

With the upcoming iPhone 5S and 5C, including the potential for a retina iPad mini, there may be big changes with the resolutions of our line up. Until then we will be providing two wallpapers for at least one device. Many of you ask, why not include all resolutions each week. The answer, many artists only create wallpapers for one device. However, whenever we happen to run across an excellent wallpaper with full resolutions, we are happy to include them.

This is one of those weeks. Thanks to @Frenchitouch, the line up includes a beautiful array of pastel colors with the unofficial Steve Job's tribute logo. And for the full device thirsty readers, Frenchitouch provides all colors for iPhone 5, 4/S, iPad retina and desktop resolutions...

Preview: VideoPace

VideoPace, not to be confused with another jailbreak tweak by Ryan Petrich called VideoPane, is an upcoming release that allows users to adjust the speed of videos on iOS. Once installed, a new preference panel will appear in the stock Settings app dedicated to VideoPace. There, you can slow down videos using percentage based increments, or speed them up. Have a look at our video preview inside to catch a glimpse of how it functions...

Study finds landing the iPhone saved T-Mobile from losing at least 300,000 customers

Even if it doesn't look like it on paper, this has been a big year for T-Mobile. Since January, the company has launched its LTE network, unveiled new plans, and has managed to get the attention of the larger carriers with its new 'Jump' device upgrade program.

But perhaps the biggest thing that happened to T-Mobile this year was that it finally inked an iPhone deal. Until March, it was the only major US carrier not offering the handset. And according to a new study, landing it likely saved them over 300,000 customers...

The iDownloadBlog top news stories of the week – August 4, 2013 edition

Like every Sunday, we bring you the stories that were the most popular on iDB during this past week. Whether it is a news piece, an editorial, a tutorial, a new jailbreak tweak, or an accessory review, we sum it all up in one convenient place.

If you like what you're reading, please make sure to spread the love by sharing our posts on your favorite social network.

We're usually hanging out a lot on Twitter and Facebook, more rarely on Google+.

Apple releases iOS 7 beta 4: this is what’s new iOS 7 Beta 4 offers screenshot detection API Hidden code in iOS 7 seemingly confirms iPhone with built-in fingerprint sensor Apple may post three more iOS 7 betas before Golden Master seed in September New jailbreak tweak FaceHalt brings Samsung’s Smart Pause feature to iOS devices BuddyLock: an incredibly detailed Lock screen launcher Control Unlocker: unlock your iPhone old school style The horrible state of Android fragmentation Samsung caught cheating in Galaxy S4 benchmarks BlackBerry Messenger beta for iOS and Android invites rolling out Last week's wallpapers: pastel purity perfect for iOS 7 How to create stop motion animations with your iPhone and Google+ Auto Awesome feature Apps of the week: Swipes, Pivvot, Splyce, and more…

Of course, don't forget to listen to the latest episode of our podcast, Let's Talk Jailbreak:

We’re social! Find iDB on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, App.net, YouTube, and in your RSS reader. Also make sure to subscribe to our new podcast!

Upcoming ‘Neon Shadow’ game features same-device co-op multiplayer

Looking through some of the more popular games in the App Store, most of them appear to feature rather simple gameplay. There's Bad Piggies, Cut the Rope and Candy Crush, all of which can be played with swipes and taps.

On the other hand, there's also a number of iOS developers pushing the envelope. And a good example of that is the upcoming Neon Shadow game—a first person shooter that offers same-device co-op multiplayer mode on the iPad...

New upcoming tweak brings picture-in-picture video to iOS

Wouldn't it be neat to be able to watch video on your iPhone and at the same time compose a new text message? How about updating your Facebook status while catching the highlights from today's game? Even better, what about watching one of our YouTube videos, while reading iDB?

In the past, that might have all sounded like a pipe dream for iOS users, but jailbreak developer, Ryan Petrich, has paved the way for true multitasking while watching video. His new tweak, entitled VideoPane, is sure to be an extremely popular release for jailbreakers, and we've got a hands-on preview video to show you how it all works. Trust us when we say this, you do not want to miss this video...