App Updates

Opera Mini adds new features, including opening links from other apps via iOS 8 extension

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

The Opera Mini web browser for the iPhone and iPad by Opera Software has received a much-needed iOS 8 extension and a few other features in its latest 9.1 update. The extension makes it easy to open links in Opera Mini from other apps using the multi-purpose iOS Share menu.

After enabling the new ‘Open in Opera Mini’ extension in the Share menu, you'll be able to open links in Opera Mini from other apps, including browsers like Safari and Chrome.

“This is especially helpful when you want to jump from Safari to Opera Mini to save on mobile data,” developers noted alluding to their browser's Turbo mode which compresses web pages to cut down on your cellular data usage.

BBM gains iOS 8 and iPhone 6 support, stickers in group chats and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 15, 2014

BlackBerry is rolling out a new version of BBM for iOS with support for Apple's latest iOS 8 mobile operating system, native display support for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus screen sizes, the ability to send stickers in a group chat and more.

“You can’t help but notice the sleek and modern design updates like a flat UI and attractive transparencies,“ boasted Canada's embattled company. The overhaul makes the app look sharp across supported Apple devices.

Viber introduces support for Viber Games, adds Sticker Menu

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 15, 2014

Viber, the popular messaging platform second only to WhatsApp, today refreshed its iOS application with support for downloadable mobile games while introducing a new Sticker Menu to make finding sticker packs easier.

Viber Games, the headline new feature in Viber 5.2 for iOS and Android, allows users to play select mobile games with Viber characters Violet and Legcat and see how many coins they can earn.

Google iOS app gains Material Design, iPhone 6 support, Recents and Maps in search results

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 11, 2014

The search monster Google this morning posted a major update to its main search app for iOS.

The company says it's enhanced the software by bringing out support for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus screens, a fresh new look with Material Design appearance, Maps alongside search results, easier-to-find recent searches, a “G” button that lets you start a new search from anywhere within the app and more.

You can grab the completely rebuilt Google 5.0 app for the iPhone and iPad free of charge in the App Store.

SoundCloud adds playlist creation feature and native iPhone 6 support

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 11, 2014

SoundCloud, an online audio distribution platform, on Thursday issued a long-expected updated to its iOS client which has finally added support for the new iPhone resolutions so it no longer looks oddly scaled on your brand spanking new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. In addition to playlist creation and iPhone 6 support, SoundCloud 3.6 contains various bug fixes.

Scanbot goes free for the holidays, adds new features and gorgeous winter theme

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 11, 2014

Scanbot, a comprehensive, well-designed document scanner and QR reader for the iPhone and iPad, has gone free in a time-limited holiday promotion. You can now grab the $1.99 universal application free in the App Store.

Those who've upgraded to Scanbot Pro via a $4.99 In-App Purchase can send Scanbot Pro as a holiday gift to a friend during the duration of this promotion.

Just tap the Gift button at the top right corner and share the Christmas coupon with that special someone. Haven't upgraded yet? Not to worry, you can gift Scanbot Pro at a discount of up to 60 percent. Last but not least, both editions of Scanbot have received several new features listed below the fold.

Spotify gains iPhone 6 support, adds new ‘Top Tracks in Your Network’ playlist

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

Better late than never: Spotify, the popular music-streaming service hailing from Sweden, today at last gave its iOS clientproper support for the new iPhone screen resolutions so it no longer runs scaled on your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus.

More importantly, version 2.2 has added the “Top Tracks in Your Network” playlist which shows the most played songs among the people you follow.

Top Tracks in Your Network rolling out as we speak to all users and can be found under the new Top Tracks button in the Browse section of the Spotify app.

App Recap: discounts, new apps to enjoy mid-week

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 17, 2019

Welcome to Wednesday. As we prepare for an onslaught of new arrivals that will be hitting the App Store midnight, a number of apps and games have been updated with new features and we're here to tell you what's changed.

We also want to make sure you stay on top of recent discounts as some apps get slashed by as much as eighty percent with the others going all the way down to zero bucks.

And it wouldn't be a roundup without taking a look at some of the forthcoming releases due later this month or sometime next year. This is App Recap, an app-focused column by iDownloadBlog.

eBay revamps iPad app with exclusive deals on Apple accessories

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 9, 2018

The popular e-commerce service eBay on Tuesday launched its updated iPad client with a redesigned interface and exclusive deals on Apple accessories.

The 52.2-megabyte download improves your buying and selling functionality with the native tablet interface featuring bigger product images, better item suggestions, tabbed navigation, swiping, smarter search results, a brand new Today homepage and more.

Designed to put your products at the forefront and create an engaging shopping experience for buyers, the refreshed experience is aimed at “giving sellers the best platform to showcase their products and make it effortless for buyers to discover and engage with their inventory,” as per RJ Pittman, chief product officer at eBay.

Blizzard launches ‘Goblins vs Gnomes’ expansion for Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 8, 2014

Games maker Blizzard on Monday unleashed its long-expected ‘Goblins vs Gnomes’ expansion pack for the popular card trading RPG game, Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft.

In addition to as many as 120 new cards and a Spectator mode allowing third-parties to watch game matches, the expansion brings out a new Mech minion type, both neutral and class-specific and allows you to control these powerful Mechs with special weapons and volatile abilities.

App Recap: Facebook’s Graph Search launches on iPhone, MasterCard’s Apple Pay ad and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

App Recap welcomes you to Monday. Our daily column that helps make sense of the latest iPhone, iPad and Mac apps, games and media on iTunes is back with tons of goodies, discounts, software news and more.

We also feature a new Apple Pay television commercial by MasterCard featuring Gwen Stefani and a huge update to Paper by Fifty-Three while casting spotlight on a holiday-themed update to The Sims FreePlay and the latest Star Wars: Commander refresh that features Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.

Fantastical 2 can now change days in Today widget and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 5, 2014

Flexibits' calendar and reminders application, Fantastical, has received a small update today in both iPhone and iPad edition which has brought out an enhanced search feature and the ability to change days in its Today widget on iOS 8.

Moreover, the team has fixed an issue when snoozing Exchange alerts and you'll also notice that the app now handles latitude and longitude coordinates for event locations better than before.