App Store Apps

Relax with Alto’s Adventure’s new Zen Mode

Alto's Adventure from developer Snowman, the popular endless snowboarding odyssey set in the tranquil wilderness, was updated this morning on the App Store with all-new Zen and Photo modes and other perks.

Zen Mode, a new way to enjoy the game, is a dedicated experience that helps you unwind “for all those times when catching llamas and chasing high scores isn’t high on the agenda”.

Tumblr for iPhone becomes a meme generator with a new GIF captioning feature

Tumblr for iPhone was updated this morning on the App Store with a much appreciated GIF-captioning feature which helps turn the popular micro-blogging software into an instant meme generator.

In addition to the ability to post regular GIF images and animated GIFs, now both static and animated GIFs can include funny captions with support for up to three built-in fonts and custom colors.

Facebook Messenger said to be rolling out opt-in encryption in the coming months

After WhatsApp and Viber both introduced end-to-end encryption last month, Facebook Messenger will become the next major messaging app to roll out this essential security feature, reports The Guardian.

Although end-to-end encryption on Messenger will be framed as an optional feature that users will need to manually enable, it will ensure that the contents of communications are hidden from eavesdroppers and that the identities of the participants are concealed.

Twitter’s iOS app gains Peek and Pop previews

Although you couldn't tell it by looking at official release notes for Twitter's version 6.54 update, which make a passing mention of “a few minor updates that you didn’t even know you needed”, the app has finally gained additional 3D Touch goodies in the form of Peek and Pop previews within the app. Before today, Twitter for the iPhone and iPad only supported Quick Actions on the Home screen. Grab Twitter for iOS for free on the App Store.

What’s on your Home screen: Andrew O’Hara

I'll say this right out of the gate. I know my Home screen is boring. Seriously. If you notice, the screenshot of my Home screen looks nearly identical to an Apple marketing image. That's because aside from 3 apps down on the last row, I keep my Home screen stock. I'm unsure if I can justify my reasoning to you, but I'm going to try.

Bookmark apps and iTunes content and install them later with Lookmark for iPhone

Lookmark for iPhone by developer Claes Jacobsson received a major update yesterday, prompting me to take another look at this interesting piece of software.

With Lookmark, you can bookmark apps and other iTunes content very easily from Safari, other apps and your desktop, and install/download them later when the time is right. Yesterday's update added a Share sheet extension which can save apps mentioned on any webpage.

Day One 2 gains Spotlight integration, On This Day and other new features

Bloom Built's journaling app, Day One 2, was refreshed in the App Store this morning with more than a dozen new features, including integration with iOS 9's Spotlight Search feature, an “On This Day” feature which lets you relive what happened on this day by using filters and notifications, JSON file import, search filters for showing entries matching your search keywords in the Timeline and more. The app is still available half price for $4.99 on the App Store.

New Bravo, Syfy and E! apps available on fourth-gen Apple TV

Cable subscribers can now watch shows from NBCUniversal’s Bravo, Syfy and E! on the fourth-gen Apple TV. Variety reports that native apps for all 3 networks are now live in the App Store of Apple's popular set-top box.

The apps offer access to tons of on-demand content, including current and past episodes of hit shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians. As usual, you'll have to enter pay-TV credentials to unlock the bulk of the content.

Your Periscope broadcasts are now saved permanently by default

Twitter-owned Periscope has brought out two new features in its most recent update on the App Store, saving and searching broadcasts. As of Periscope 1.4.1 for iPhone, your broadcasts are now saved permanently by default. Additionally, the new search feature is now live, allowing you to find popular places on the world map to quickly locate interesting broadcasts around the world.