App Updates

Google Translate’s augmented reality feature, Word Lens, now works with Japanese

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 26, 2017

In addition to updating the Popular Times feature in Google Maps for iPhone and iPad with real-time data, the search giant also issued another noteworthy update, this one concerning its dedicated Translate app on App Store. Bumped to version 5.5, the free download can now translate photos of signs, menus and similar items from Japanese to English, and vice versa. That's because its augmented reality feature, called Word Lens, has been updated to recognize Japanese content on photos and video.

Google Maps for iOS now lets you see in real time how busy your favorite place is

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 26, 2017

Popular Times is one of the most useful features of Google Maps on the web. Android users have had the privilege of enjoying this feature in the mobile app for quite a few months, and now iPhone and iPad users can see how busy their favorite place is, in real-time, in Google Maps 4.27 for iOS. Aside from this feature, the free download includes the ability to quickly access addresses in the clipboard while searching and bug fixes.

WhatsApp gains offline message sending, overhauled storage usage screen & more

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 24, 2017

Facebook-owned WhatsApp was refreshed on App Store this morning with a few new features. Bumped to version 2.17.1, the iPhone application now lets you queue up messages while offline to be delivered when the device regains an Internet connection.

WhatsApp's storage management screen has been redesigned and now allows you to selectively delete specific media file types on a per-chat basis.

As promised, Snapchat has gained universal search and updated look

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 24, 2017

As promised recently, Snapchat's mobile application was refreshed on App Store this morning with an updated look and a brand new universal search feature. Snapchat 10.0 for iOS, a free download from App Store, puts a universal search bar at the top of the interface. Other aspects of Snapchat's experience have been refined as well. The refreshed look was available to Android users for some time now as the company said it would reach iPhone users soon, and now it's made good on that promise.

Hulu for iOS gains user profiles for multiple-user accounts, offline viewing in the works

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 21, 2017

Hulu for iOS was updated on App Store with personalized profiles for multiple-user accounts following the introduction of single-user profiles in December 2016.

Personalized profiles for multiple users who share a single Hulu account are now available on the web at Hulu.com and in the mobile Hulu app for iOS and other platforms, TechCrunch reported yesterday.

The oft-requested offline viewing feature will arrive “in a few months” as the company is working hard on the technology as well as on securing content rights, Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins told Adweek.

Apple updates GarageBand and Logic Pro X with pro-level features, including Touch Bar support

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated July 1, 2017

Apple today updated its GarageBand and Logic Pro X apps with new features designed to support music makers “from enthusiasts to pros.” GarageBand for iOS 2.2 now provides the creative synthesizer Alchemy and has a new browser for easier searching through instruments and patches.

Logic Pro X 10.3 has been refreshed with a modern interface and now includes features for pro audio production and support for Touch Bar shortcuts on the new MacBook Pro.

Vine app officially becomes Vine Camera

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 17, 2018

Vine for iPhone was updated today with a cool dark icon, a new name and same old features, making good on Twitter's promise to sunset the service and morph it into a dedicated mobile camera software.

Rechristened as Vine Camera and bearing version number 6.0, the app is focused on the tools that let you shoot and edit six-second videos shareable on Twitter, where they now loop. You can also add captions, save videos to your iPhone's Camera roll and more.

Vine Camera is available free of charge from App Store and requires iOS 9.0 or later.

Snapchat launches universal search for improved navigation

Cody Lee ∙ January 13, 2017

Snapchat on Thursday updated its mobile app with a new universal search bar. Speaking with TechCrunch, the company says the feature was designed for speed, so you can quickly locate what you're looking for and get back to snapping.

The new search bar is always accessible at the top of the app, and it allows you to find friends and groups and discover publishers and trending Stories. "Quick Chat" suggestions will allow you to jump straight to a specific message thread.

Google rolling out overhauled ride services experience in Maps for iOS

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 12, 2017

Google today announced that expanded ride options and more actionable information are now available to users of the mobile Google Maps application on iOS and Android.

You can now book, complete and pay for an Uber ride without ever leaving Google Maps, as well as browse useful information related to your destination during the ride with menus, hours and other helpful details only a swipe away.

TV provider Cable ONE & ESPN/WatchESPN apps gain support for Single Sign-On feature

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2017

Apple today refreshed the official list of Single Sign-On providers on its website to reflect that TV provider Cable ONE now supports the feature. Based out of Phoenix, Arizona, Cable ONE serves approximately 750,000 customers in 19 U.S. states.

With Single Sign-On, users can save their pay-TV access credentials in the Settings app on their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV so compatible video-streaming apps can automatically unlock paid content. Just two days ago, ESPN and WatchESPN iOS apps gained support for the feature, as well as compatibility with Google's Chromecast.

Airmail 1.5 for iOS gains Workflow integration, custom actions & more

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 9, 2017

Airmail, the cross-platform email client by developer Bloop, has received a refresh on the App Store sporting a few noteworthy enhancements. Airmail 1.5 for iOS, a $4.99 download from the App Store, features integrations with the Bear Notes app and the popular iOS automation app Workflow. Other changes in Airmail 1.5 include new custom actions and Gmail authentication, the ability to select your default inbox, a new OpenURL action and minor fixes.

Friendly Run event launches in Super Mario Run, earn Rally Tickets no matter if you win or lose

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 27, 2016

After launching a new Friendly Run mode in Super Mario Run six days ago, Nintendo today announced a limited-time Friendly Run event that gives you a little bonus for playing Friendly Run. No matter if you win or lose, playing Friendly Run during the event earns you some free Rally Tickets.

The event is running from December 27, 2016 8:00am to January 11, 2017 07:59am.