App Store Apps

Twitter removes 140-character limit from Direct Messages

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

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

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.

Inaugural trailer for The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land for iOS debuts

Developer Next Games on Tuesday debuted the first trailer for its eagerly awaited release, The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land, which is launching in the App Store in October.

The official mobile game of AMC's TV show, this nerve-wrecking survival game is set in a post-apocalyptic, walker-infested world and puts you in the shoes of Daryl Dixon, the TV show's crossbow-toting character portrayed by actor Norman Reedus.

Goat Simulator named IGN’s new Game of the Month, here’s how to claim your free download

Goat Simulator by Coffe Stain Studios is available at no charge as IGN's new Free Game of the Month for August. Goat Simulator is a $5 download on the App Store so this is a nice treat on IGN's part. In this game, you can be—you guessed right—a goat.

It basically challenges you to cause as much destruction as you possibly can as a goat. You can grab your free copy of the game through IGN's webpage by following the instructions provided further below.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Google Maps for iOS adds a new night mode for navigation

Google Maps has entered the dark ages...literally. A new night mode is now available for night time navigation, which should make navigation a lot easier on the eyes while inside of a dark vehicle cabin.

For anyone who has tried to use navigation while riding around in the dark, you'll quickly understand why the presence of a night mode is such a much-needed feature. Instead of having to dim the screen to near unreadable levels, the new night mode will make your iPhone's screen easier to view during nighttime driving sessions.

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

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.