App Store Apps

Snapchat updated with photo filters, message replays and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

In an odd late-Friday release, Snapchat has posted a new version of its popular iOS messaging client this evening. The update, which brings the app to version 6.1, is fairly significant as it adds camera filters, message replays and other new features.

For the new filters, you can pick between black and white, sepia and vintage, and you can also add data points like time, weather, and how fast you were going when you took the photo. And as for the new Replay feature, it lets you take a second look...

République review: an episodic stealth game in a dystopian world

Lory Gil ∙ Updated February 5, 2018

Until this past Thursday, I’d never heard of the “stealth” genre. At least, I didn’t think I had. It turns out, games like Metal Gear and Castle Wolfenstein are part of the stealth genre. I just didn’t know it had a name. I guess you are never too old to learn something new.

République is a stealth game that sprinkles in a bit of action with the hide-and-sneak mechanics. In this game, the protagonist’s only hope is to escape the oppressive control of the Headmaster and your job is to help her...

App Santa: deep discounts on 15 popular iOS apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 17, 2019

With less than 24 hours until the annual App Store holiday freeze, developers are pushing out last-minute app updates like crazy.

But more importantly, 'tis the season when not-to-be-missed promotions and discounts become available as an early Christmas present.

Cody yesterday covered a bunch of notable iOS games discounts from the likes of Disney, Warner Bros and others and today a brand new holiday deal on iPhone and iPad apps goes live to help your wallet.

App Santa, a collaborative effort by high-profile developers, is offering deep discounts on fifteen popular iPhone and iPad applications, including 1Password, Tweetbot 3, Launch Center Pro, Screens, Clear+ and more. You can grab these fine apps with as much as 60 percent discount. Your download links are right after the break...

BlackBerry: upcoming BBM app update to add Voice, Channels and more

Cody Lee ∙ December 20, 2013

Good news out there for the handful of you that are using the iOS BBM client. BlackBerry has announced that it is working on a major update for the app that is going to add a number new features and improvements.

Among the new features are BBM Voice, which will let you make free voice calls to any contact, anywhere in the world, and something called Channels, which are like little mini chatrooms. More details after the fold...

The 10 best music apps of 2013

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Music makes up the fabric of humanity’s existence. It is so important in our lives that it is everywhere. In movies, television, stores, schools. Music is also a universal language. You don’t have to know what the lyrics are to understand a song’s meaning.

The App Store has produced some fantastic apps for music lovers and musicians alike this year. Whether you want a new music listening client or are looking for a mobile way to record your band, there is a wealth of apps to help you.

The editors at iDownloadBlog have come up with a list of what they think are the 10 best music apps of 2013. Check out our favorites and then vote for the one you like best to be added to our Best Apps of 2013 list…

Halfbrick’s Colossatron: Massive World Threat now available in the App Store

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

It seems like today has been a big day for game releases. Cut the Rope 2 landed in the App Store this morning, followed by Sony's new Ratchet & Clank game. And now we have a new release from Halfbrick Studios.

For those unfamiliar with Halfbrick, they're behind several very successful mobile games including Jetpack Joyride and Fruit Ninja. And today they're out with a new iOS title called Colossatron: Massive World Threat...

Angry Birds Star Wars II goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 12, 2019

Apple has named Rovio's popular Angry Birds Star Wars II game its App of the Week for this week. This means that between now and next Thursday, you’ll be able to pick up the application for both your iPhone and iPad, for free.

For those unfamiliar with the game, it's Rovio's second entry in the Star Wars-themed series. And like the first one, it combines the addictive gameplay of Angry Birds with characters and settings from the successful sci-fi franchise...

Sony releases ‘Ratchet & Clank: BTN’ game for iOS

Cody Lee ∙ December 19, 2013

In a bit of a surprise move today, Sony has released a new game for the iPhone and iPad called 'Ratchet & Clank: BTN.' It's an Infinite runner, much like Temple Run, with familiar elements from Sony's popular franchise.

The game's full name is 'Ratchet and Clank: Before the Nexus' and it features characters from the all new Ratchet and Clank: Nexus PS3 game. And bonus, you can actually sync earned Raritanium (points) between the two...

CNN gives its iPhone and iPad app iOS 7 makeover

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

One of the first premium news apps for the iPhone worth checking out came from CNN, "the biggest name in news". The 24/7 news organization released the CNN for iPhone app on the App Store in September 2009.

I immediately fell in love with its sleekness, responsiveness and overall branding. In fact, it was Godsent because CNN's mobile website was very pedestrian at the time (and still is!)

But that was before Flipboard and a host of other fine apps came along vastly improving on the rather clunky news-reading iOS experience.

The iPad edition followed in October 2010. Soon after, both versions went permanently free as CNN had realized that folks were reluctant to shell 99 cents for the privilege of following the Time Warner-owned network's software on their iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices.

And how does CNN's latest iPhone and iPad update feel like on iOS 7? How about giving the screenies below a quick look?

Shazam gains auto-listening feature, WhatsApp and Pinterest integration and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 19, 2013

The increasingly popular music discovery and fingerprinting service Shazam has just refreshed its free iPhone and iPad application with a new Auto Shazam feature that basically listens for songs and television shows in the background and tags them automatically, even if the device is locked, courtesy of new iOS 7 technologies. You can now share your Shazam Tags with people on WhatsApp, pin them to your Pinterest boards and send them to others via the iOS Messages platform.

Jump past the fold for more on Auto Shazam...

Google Search app gets iOS 7 styling, true full-screen browsing and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 19, 2013

Google's standalone Search application has been updated with barely visible iOS 7 styling and a pair of under-the-hood improvements allowing for the native fluid Image Search experience on the iPad as well as smarter integration with the Google Maps app.

Other than that, release notes mention no new features for Google Search version 3.2, which is now available as a free download from the App Store. I've included additional tidbits right below, if you're interested...