App Updates

Android fanboys upset after Google’s Hangouts update hit iOS first

Apple doesn't port its own iPhone and iPad apps to Android, but let's pretend for a moment it did. How would you feel if the company issued a major update to, say, its Apple Store shopping app for Android first, then days or weeks later gave the iOS edition some much-needed love?

Wouldn't you have felt left behind?

You now have a good picture of the outrage flaming in the Android community after Google gave the iPhone users the ability to send and receive Google Voice calls through the Hangouts iOS app (free download).

Remarkably, this game-changing feature has yet to hit the Android Hangouts edition.

It's actually so bad that Vic Gundotra, Google's Senior Vice President of Engineering, had to jump into the comments section of his announcement blog post and reassure Android fans that Google hasn't forgotten about them. There will be an update coming soon, he promised and pledged users to make love, not war...

Google Hangouts for iOS updated with free voice calling and more

Google has posted an update for the official iOS client of its Google Hangouts platform The update, which brings the app to version 1.3, includes a handful of new features like support for animated GIFs, Google Voice and more.

But the most significant addition in version 1.3 is the ability to make phone calls. The feature, which is free for folks in the US and Canada, will allow users to call actual phone numbers using their iPhones, iPads or iPod touches...

Yahoo Screen update adds AirPlay multitasking

Yahoo last month posted a new iPhone and iPad app, Screen, pitched as a remote control for web video of sorts.

That's a tall order, I know, but keep in mind that the Internet giant hosts tons of original and licensed news, sports, food and entertainment video content from the likes of MLB, UFC, The Onion, Martha Stewart and others.

Deal breaker: AirPlay support was non-existent.

That's quite a bummer for yours truly as those juicy vids beg to be watched on my big screen TV. Luckily for me (and everyone else), Yahoo heard my pain and issued an update so I can now finally beam a clip to a TV through my $99 Apple TV box while using the app to browse Yahoo's Screen library. Cool!

Pinterest 3.0 is out with iOS 7-inspired design, ability to swipe between pins

Pinterest users will be happy to hear that the photo-sharing website has finally posted an iOS 7 update for its iPhone and iPad client. The update, which brings the app to version 3.0, brings about a UI refresh, and more.

The redesign ticks all of the usual iOS 7-edition makeover boxes. The icon has been flattened, as have most of the buttons and other UI elements, and certain sections of the app have been given a splash of white paint...

Facebook for iOS updated with new editing features, photo comments and more

Facebook for iOS received a significant update this afternoon, bringing the app to version 6.6. The update brings about a number of handy new features, including the ability to edit published posts and comments.

First introduced back in September on the desktop version of the social network, the new editing option allows users to correct spelling and other mistakes in both their posts or comments from their iOS devices...

Real Racing 3 update adds Ferraris, new track, HUD customization and more

Electronic Arts posted a significant update for its popular Real Racing 3 title today, bringing the game to version 1.4. The update includes a number of additions, including new cars, a new track and new HUD customization options.

The new cars come from the Ferrari family, meaning you can now get behind the wheel of the FF, the 458 Italia, and the V12-powered F12berlinetta. And the new track is Spain’s Circuit de Catalunya, famous for its sweeping turns...

Vimeo app update brings back Search feature

Following the release of its big iOS 7 update, several users noticed that the ability to search for videos was gone from Vimeo's app. And sure enough, the team confirmed it didn't make the cut for their deadline.

But the good news is, a new update for the app posted today, bringing the iOS client to version 4.0.4. And it brings back the Search function, allowing you to get back to discovering new videos while on the go...

Nike+ Running iOS app gets photo sharing and auto-pause

Nike's popular fitness and running app for the iPhone, named Nike+ Running, has received an interesting little update bringing with it the ability to take and share photos before, during or after your workouts so your friends can keep you going with likes and cheers. For those wondering what's the big deal with photo sharing, let me just spell it out: seamless implementation.

Having been a user for quite some time, I've always hated having to pause my run manually in order to, say, catch a quick break or answer an important phone call. Not anymore - the new Nike+ Running version 4.4 is clever enough to automatically pause and resume when it detects I stopped running or resumed my workout. More tidbits follow...

Google Maps iOS app gets route and traffic overview, faster access to navigation

After adding Waze incident reports to the mobile Google Maps app on the iPhone and iPad, the search Goliath today issued a minor update adding a few new features which expand on the application's capabilities. In addition to some housekeeping and a pair of new Middle East languages, Google Maps has brought out improvements to navigation that will help plan your next trip or make real-time decisions based on traffic conditions, especially when you’re driving...

Sparrow gets iOS 7 style icon, but no UI refresh

Sparrow, the Google-owned email client for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, has seen very little changes in the features department since the Internet giant acquired the startup in the summer of 2012.

Matter of fact, the search monster has passed on the opportunity to update Sparrow following the September 18 iOS 7 launch with the new visual appearance.

That said, today's minor refresh leaves a lot to be desired. Aside from the redesigned flat app icon, Sparrow version 1.3.5 contains no new features and it still has the same old user interface that doesn't take advantage of the new iOS 7 visual appearance...

Twitterrific update finally allows you to edit your profile in-app

Heads up Twitterrific users, the Iconfactory team has posted an update for the popular Twitter client today, bringing the app to version 5.5.2. The update brings about improvements, bug fixes, and one long-awaited feature: profile editing.

That's right, with Twitterrific 5.5.2 you can now upload your banner and avatar image as well as edit your profile. That means you can set your account name, location and website information without ever having to leave the application...

1Password for iOS updated with Wi-Fi sync, improved iCloud support and more

AgileBits has posted a significant update for its 1Password iOS client this morning, bringing the app to version 4.3. The update includes a number of improvements and new features like Wi-Fi sync.

With the new Wi-Fi sync option, users can sync the iOS app with 1Password 4 for Mac, ensuring that you're always working with the latest data. There's also improved iCloud support, and much more...