Apple

Apple still ironing out bugs in iOS 8.1.3, seeds second beta to retail workers

Cody Lee ∙ January 16, 2015

Apple is still hard at work on iOS 8.1.3, issuing a second beta (build 12B466) to retail employees in its testing group yesterday. The firmware was expected to be released to the public this week, but according to a report from MacRumors, engineers are still trying to iron out bugs.

The site notes that it continues to see a steady uptick of visits from devices running iOS 8.1.3, and iDB can confirm we're seeing similar patterns in our own analytics (above). This again suggests that a public release is imminent, but whether it'll be this week or next we don't know.

Kickstarter revamps iOS app, adds iPad UI, iPhone 6 support and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 9, 2016

The official Kickstarter app is now available on the iPad, nearly two years following its iPhone debut in February of 2013. Not only does the software sport native tablet interface, it's been thoroughly redesigned as well and now looks way more in line with iOS 8's design aesthetics.

Those who have purchased an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus will be happy to know that Kickstarter will now take full advantage of the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screen resolutions rather than look like a ridiculously blown up version of its former self.

Instagram, Google Maps, Foursquare, Uber and other apps get conceptualized for Apple Watch

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 16, 2015

As noted by Fast Company, Digital agency Huge took it upon themselves to imagine what Apple Watch editions of popular apps would look like.

A batch of believable mockups envision apps like Fandango, Foursquare, Google Maps, Chase Bank and more running on the Watch. The authors also offered a few smart suggestions on how such applications might take advantage of the Watch's unique hardware and software features.

One-stop shop for your entertainment needs: Time Inc. releases new iOS video streaming app

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 24, 2018

Publishing company Time Inc. has released a new application that acts as a one-stop shop for video content from its many properties.

The Daily Cut, now available free in the App Store, lets you stream videos produced by Time, Sports Illustrated, People, Instyle, Entertainment Weekly, Real Simple, Golf, Cooking Light, Southern Living, Fortune, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, Essence and a plethora of other brands and channels.

Though basically an iOS version of Time Inc.'s newly launched website of the same name, available at dailycut.com, the app is pretty nicely done and has some compelling features you should know about.

Apple now offering refurbished models of 27″ iMac with Retina 5K display

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 16, 2015

If the thought of burning $2,500 on a brand spanking new iMac with Retina 5K display gives you sleepless nights and panic attacks, perhaps you wouldn't mind getting a little used machine for less money? If so, Apple's got you covered: the dream all-in-one with its unmatched industrial design and remarkably clear 27-inch screen is now available on the Refurbished Online Apple Store.

FiftyThree’s Pencil stylus comes to an Apple Store near you

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 20, 2015

FiftyThree's Pencil, a Bluetooth enabled stylus that pairs with the iPad and is activated by pressing on the Pencil icon in the Paper app, is now available at an Apple Store near you. The accessory ships in an all-new packaging created by their in-house designer Becky Brown.

Virgin Mobile launches contract-free LTE data sharing plans with unlimited talk and text

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Wireless service plans for families are great until you realize that getting out of your contract often yields a huge penalty in the form of early termination fees and other dirty tactics carrier pull to discourage switching.

As announced Friday, Virgin Mobile USA, a prepaid wireless carrier wholly owned by Sprint, just started offering contract-free LTE data sharing plans that permit families to cancel the service if need be without breaking the bank.

Microsoft’s OneNote for iPhone picks up Today widget and Recent Notes feature

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 16, 2015

Slowly but surely, Microsoft's Evernote killer, OneNote, has been picking up major iOS 8-specific features.

The app already boasts Touch ID verification and native Share sheet functionality, has its own Document Storage extension, syncs data in the background and has native display support for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus resolutions.

Friday, the software giant pushed a new update giving the iPhone edition of OneNote a much-needed Today widget and another new feature listing your recently accessed notes, no matter which device they're on.

Book accommodations in just two taps with Booking.com’s redesigned, rebranded app

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 30, 2018

Booking.com, a Priceline-owned hotel reservation service which Planet Earth named its #1 Accommodation Site, has had a pair of nice apps in the App Store for quite some time now.

The first, Booking.com Hotel Reservations Worldwide & Hotel Deals, lets you browse over 550,000 properties and find your ideal accommodation.

The other, Booking.com Tonight, has just been rebranded as Booking Now. Featuring a fresh new coat of paint giving it a modern appearance, the app also introduces new features such as personalized search results, quicker bookings of accommodations within 48 hours and more.

Amazon rebrands Cloud Drive Photos app, adds iPhone 6 support and other new features

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 15, 2015

Amazon is out today with a major refresh to its Cloud Drive Photos app for iOS, which now has a new name, a freshly revamped icon and half a dozen new features.

Known henceforth as just Amazon Photo, the updated software includes full support for the new 4.7" and 5.5" screen resolutions of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, respectively.

It also does duplicate photo detection, lets you upload your images to the company's cloud storage service in full resolution, allows you to report issues directly through the app and more.

Apple names ‘Marvel Pinball’ its free App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple has just named ZEN Studios' 'Marvel Pinball' its App of the Week for this week. This means that from now through next Thursday, you’ll be able to pick up the popular arcade game for both iPhone and iPad for free—saving you a buck.

Marvel Pinball combines your favorite super heroes with a fast-paced arcade experience. In the game, players are tasked with using they're pinball skills to help the legendary Marvel heroes rid their universe of a horde of notorious super villains.

Apple now adding 1 million new iBooks users per week and other new stats

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 15, 2015

In spite of accusations that it conspired with major U.S. publishers to raise prices of electronic books on its iBooks Store, resulting in a $450 million settlement, the iPhone maker is now adding new iBooks customers at a clip of about one million per week.

This data point, along with many other interesting tidbits related to the state of Apple's e-publishing efforts, was publicized Thursday on Twitter by Keith Moerer, Apple's Director of iBooks Store.