Now that iOS 9 is out, there are dozens of new features to tinker with. Along with new features, there are also new apps and games that either don't work in iOS 8 or work much better in iOS 9. Check out our weekend app list for some new discoveries.
Apple has named Triada Studio's Shadowmatic its App of the Week for this week. This means that from now through next Thursday, you'll be able to download the popular 3D puzzler for free, for both iPhone and iPad, saving yourself a solid $3.
For those unfamiliar with it, Shadowmatic is an imagination-stirring experience in which you are tasked with solving a series of 3D silhouette puzzles. The title has received high praise for its stunning visuals and relaxing, captivating gameplay.
Picture in Picture mode is one of the several productivity-focused enhancements on iPads with iOS 9. This handy feature allows you to watch a video while doing something else. The video plays in a small window overlaid on top of your apps so you can, for instance, browse the web while watching your favorite show at the same time.
Developers can decide whether or not they wish to enable Picture in Picture mode in their apps.
Thankfully, some of the well-known developers have already implemented Picture in Picture mode in their apps, including Hulu, Pocket, MLB.com at Bat and BBC iPlayer.
Dropbox joins the onslaught of app updates today, following Apple's release of iOS 9. The new version of the cloud-based storage provider's iOS client is labeled 4.0, and it brings about a number of improvements, including support for some of iOS 9's new features.
Folks with the new Dropbox app on iOS 9 will see Dropbox files in Spotlight search results. This includes recently used files, plus any marked for offline access, and a quick tap will open them in-app. Additionally, any Dropbox link you tap on will open within the app.
At its 'Hey Siri' media event last week, Apple demonstrated how the all-new 'A9' microchip ticking inside the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus has enough oomph to edit 4K video by showing off native 4K video editing on both new iPhones and the iPad Pro with iMovie.
Today, iMovie for iOS receives a timely refresh in the App Store to bring this feature to the latest devices along with more than a dozen other enhancements for older iDevices.
AgileBits on Wednesday pushed out a significant update for their 1Password iOS app, bringing the popular password manager to version 6.0. The release includes a number of new features and improvements, including a refreshed design and broader support for iOS 9.
The new look isn't a major departure from its predecessor, but it's instantly noticeable. The developers said that they felt 1Password had become a bit "too monochrome," so they decided to brighten things up. You'll also notice new category icons and an improved browser.
Although watchOS 2 and iOS 9 won't be available for another few hours, several apps that include new watchOS 2 functionality have already been approved for distribution on the App Store. One such app is Star Walk 2, the sequel to the groundbreaking astronomy app for iOS.
StarWalk 2's iOS 9 and watchOS 2 update includes support for in-app Spotlight searches on iOS, Slide Over and Split View on the iPad, and more. But in this post, we want to concentrate on one thing in particular—third-party Apple Watch complications. How do third-party complications work, and how do you use them? Take a look at our video walkthrough.
Popular productivity app Launch Center Pro was updated today, bringing the software to version 2.5. The new release includes a series of bug fixes and improvements, support for over 100,000 new apps, and a Today widget for Notification Center.
The new widget is a significant addition for users, as it allows them to place up to 12 of their favorite Launch Center actions in the Notification Center. So you can send a group text, start a new Tumblr post and more, regardless of where you're at in iOS.
Snapchat today issued a refresh to its iPhone and iPod touch app in the App Store that enables a new software feature on your front-facing camera: Lenses. “Before you take a selfie, press and hold on your face for a surprise,” the startup teased.
Lenses are essentially animated effects that can be applied in real-time when taking a selfie, similar to Apple's Photo Booth app on the Mac.
One new Lens will rotate in every day.
In addition to Lenses, Snapchat also rolled out virtual Trophies and announced plans to start charging $0.99 for three Replays.
If you're on the lookout for a not-to-be-missed freebie for your iPhone and iPad, look no further than IGN's latest Free Game of the Month, Radiation Island by Atypical Games.
This open-world survival adventure game puts you in the shoes of a WWII military scientist who seem to be experiencing some sort of radiation poisoning and must survive on an island inhabited by weird creatures.
Radiation Island sells for $2.99 in the App Store and has never gone free since its App Store debut this summer. It currently has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on nearly 4,000 App Store reviews.
Apple is giving away free copies of Super Hexagon, a minimal action game by Terry Cavanagh, with music by Chipzel. This nicely done iPhone and iPad game is being provided as a free download exclusively through the official Apple Store shopping app.
“Be challenged by the difficult yet beautiful gameplay of Super Hexagon,” writes Apple. “Survive as long as you can through endless levels of minimalist puzzles.”
Super Hexagon has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on submissions from nearly 9,000 App Store reviewers. The game currently sells for $2.99 in the App Store so make sure to grab it at no charge through the official Apple Store shopping app, here's how.
As a self-proclaimed Star Wars fan, I am both excited and have trepidations about the upcoming seventh installment. That does not, however, stop me from getting overly excited about the hype leading up to The Force Awakens, and that includes video games.
Star Wars: Uprising is being billed as the game that bridges the storyline between Return of the Jedi and TFA. While it may fill in the story gaps, is it a game worth investing your time in? We've got a full game review of Star Wars: Uprising for you today.