Apps

Apple Pay competitor CurrentC may not launch until 2016

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

CurrentC, the mobile payments app back by a consortium of major retailers known as MCX, may not launch until 2016, Recode reports. The outlet spoke with MCX CEO Brian Mooney yesterday, and he says that the app may not be ready to go this year like originally planned.

A public pilot of the app will go live in Ohio next month, and Mooney says that MCX won't push for a wider rollout if it's not ready. "This is a long game," he said said. “Certainly going faster is always better — that’s not necessarily a debatable point. But we’re going to do it right."

Twitter removes 140-character limit from Direct Messages

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 28, 2018

Two months into the announcement that it would remove the archaic 140-character limit from Direct Messages, Twitter today officially made the move in the hope of taking on popular instant messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger, Skype, iMessage and others.

For people who use Direct Messages to communicate with their Twitter followers privately, this change couldn't have come sooner because they can now chat on in a single Direct Message without restrictions and “likely still have some characters left over.”

Rdio just brought 500 traditional AM/FM live radio stations to its iPhone and iPad app

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 30, 2018

Internet radio services like Pandora, Rdio, iHeartRadio, Deezer and many others have been feeling the heat following the launch of Apple Music with free 24/7 Internet radio, called Beats 1. Responding to competitive pressure, Rdio announced Wednesday that it is bringing live-broadcast radio stations to its iOS app, beginning with 500 stations owned and operated by its partner, Cumulus Media.

Apple Store app updated with support for gift cards

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple on Tuesday pushed out an update to its Apple Store app, bringing the mobile client for its online store to version 3.4. The update adds support for making purchases using gift cards.

In the change log, Apple says "you can now make purchases with an Apple Store Gift Card. Use the built-in Camera to scan new Gift Cards, or import existing Gift Cards from the Passbook app.

Facebook said to be developing Twitter-like app for breaking news

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Facebook is working on a standalone mobile news applications, Business Insider reported on Tuesday. The site says the app looks similar to Twitter, in that it will allow publications to blast short, 100 character push notifications to their "followers" when they have urgent news to share.

"Business Insider has reviewed screenshots of the new product and spoken to a source who has been playing around with the Facebook for Business platform." The outlet believes the app is part of Facebook for Business, but different than the Facebook at Work initiative we saw last year.

Plex rolls out completely redesigned iOS app with new features, goes freemium

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 10, 2015

Plex, the popular cross-platform media player and management software, on Monday introduced a thoroughly refreshed mobile application for the iPhone and iPad.

Not only has the app been completely rewritten from the ground up, but features a thoroughly revamped user interface and several new features, improvements and enhancements.

Snapchat’s latest update introduces data-saving Travel mode, emoji improvements and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 10, 2015

If you're a Snapchat fan and a frequent traveller who doesn't use the service abroad due to exorbitant international data roaming charges (or are simply on a budget plan), Snapchat has some good news for you.

Their latest update, now live in the App Store, brings an all-new Travel mode designed specifically to reduce mobile data usage when roaming. In addition to Travel mode, Snapchat's iPhone application now lets you see who viewed your Story and puts more emoji characters at your fingertips.

Today: Pomodoro Timer gets you focused on the task ahead

Lory Gil ∙ Updated February 1, 2018

As a writer for iDB, sometimes, it gets difficult to stay focused on my work. I am easily distracted by chats with friends, social media, and playing games on my iPhone. The best way to combat distraction is to time my tasks and finish on deadline.

Today: Pomodoro Timer is a task manager that helps keep you focused by timing your daily tasks and giving you much needed breaks in between. You can get more done if you are aware of the time ticking away while you work.

Apps of the week: Five Nights at Freddys 4, GuidiGo, and more

Lory Gil ∙ Updated February 1, 2018

The big news this week is that iOS 9 and WatchOS 2 got their fifth beta versions. While developers and beta testers are checking out all of the new features that the general public won't get to use until the fall, the rest of us have to find some interesting new content to keep us occupied.

Whether you are looking for an old-school tabletop style game, or want to go on a virtual vacation, we've got a list of apps and games we think you should check out this weekend.

Microsoft Translator hits iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch with support for 50 languages

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 4, 2018

If you’re traveling frequently or have a need to translate anything in your daily life, Microsoft is here to help. The software giant's new release, an app called Microsoft Translator, helps you translate words, phrases and sentences directly on your wrist.

Powered by the same technology used by Office, Bing, Skype, Internet Explorer as well as partners such as Twitter, Yelp, eBay, WeChat and many more, the app lets you speak to your Apple Watch and get an instant translation in a total of fifty languages.

Microsoft Translator is also supported on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and is available at no charge in the App Store.

Operation Dracula review: a relentless vertical shoot-em-up from a 1980s dreams

Lory Gil ∙ August 7, 2015

As far as arcade shooters go, some of the most action-packed are the ones where you are being bombarded by a massive onslaught of firepower that you can't seem to get away from. Some call it the "bullet hell" genre.

Operation Dracula is a vertical shoot-em-up that can be considered a bullet hell game because your entire screen is filled with firepower coming at you from every angle. We've got a full game review of Operation Dracula for you today.

3D photo editor Matter goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ August 6, 2015

Apple has just named Pixite's "Matter" its App of the Week for this week. This means that from now through next Thursday, you’ll be able to download the impressive 3D photo editor for free on both iPhone and iPad—a solid savings of $1.99.

For those unfamiliar with Matter, it allows users to add realistic 3D objects to their photos, and customize them using a variety of effects. Sharing is quick and easy, and the app comes with a number of sample backgrounds for you to play with.