Apps

Nintedo’s Fire Emblem Heroes is releasing on iOS and Android today across 30 countries

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 17, 2018

Nintendo is unleashing its new smartphone game upon App Store, Fire Emblem Heroes for iPhone. The free-to-download strategy role playing game comes with non-compulsory In-App Purchases as its main revenue model, allowing impatient players to buy Orbs for real cash rather than earn them through Story Maps.

“It is possible to play the game for free, but some features require the use of Orbs,” notes Nintendo.

Various booster items along with other upgrades can be bought via the In-App Purchase mechanism as well. It's a staggered rollout so the game should first launch on the US and Canada App Store before expanding to other markets.

How to watch the 2017 Super Bowl on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and other devices

Cody Lee ∙ February 1, 2017

On Sunday evening, millions of people will gather around their TV sets to watch Super Bowl 51. The Atlanta Falcons are taking on the New England Patriots for the title of NFL Champion, and Kickoff is set for 6:30 (ET).

For those of you who aren't going to be around a television for the big game, never fear, iDB has you covered! We've rounded up the best ways to follow along with the action on your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and other devices.

Facebook working on video-focused app for Apple TV and other set-top boxes

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 1, 2017

Facebook is reportedly working on a video-focused app for media-streaming boxes such as Apple's fourth-generation Apple TV, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal. Last October, the social network launched a feature allowing users to stream videos from the mainland Facebook mobile app to their TVs via Apple TV. Tuning into television's market with a dedicated streaming app of its own would help the company tap more ad dollars.

Fantastical gains iOS 10 rich notifications, iMessage stickers, iPhone 7 haptics & more

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 1, 2017

Developer Flexibits today issued a major new update to its popular calendar and reminders app, Fantastical 2.8 for iPhone and iPad. Beginning with this version, the app no longer works on older iOS editions and now requires iOS 10 or later, developers have said Wednesday.

On iPhone 7/Plus, Fantastical now supports enhanced haptic feedback. They've also added a convenient sticker pack for iMessage that you can enable or disable manually in the Messages app.

Viber rolls out auto-vanishing messages, instant video messages, rich notifications & more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 13, 2017

Messaging service Viber today announced it is launching a new Secret Messages feature along with other improvements. Viber 6.6 for iOS now lets you send photos and videos that self-destruct after they've been seen. The app now supports iOS 10's rich notifications letting you press a Viber alert with 3D Touch to see the contents of your chats. You can send media as files and create short video messages, too, in the latest edition of Viber for iPhone.

How to create a Live broadcast on Instagram

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated March 22, 2021

Called a Live Broadcast, this feature that Instagram rolled out allows users to share live videos as Instagram stories in real time. Followers can then watch the live stream, submit comments, and Like the video has it is being streamed.

In this post, we will show you how to share a live broadcast on Instagram, and how you can connect with your followers in the process.

Google open sources Chrome for iOS

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 31, 2017

Google today announced it is open-sourcing its Chrome browser for iOS. The code for Chrome for iOS is now part of Google’s Chromium project and being moved into the open-source repository so that interested developers can download it and compile an iOS version of Chromium just like they can on other platforms. For those wondering, Chromium is the open-source web browser project from which Chrome draws its source code.

32-bit apps may no longer work with future iOS versions

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 31, 2017

A beta of iOS 10.3 that was seeded to developers last week comes with an updated app compatibility warning which cautions users that 32-bit apps may no longer work with future iOS versions, suggesting iOS 11 will likely stop supporting non-64-bit apps. In June 2015, Apple warned developers that all apps and app updates submitted to App Store must include 64-bit support alongside 32-bit code.

When a user launches a 32-bit app, iOS 9 puts up a warning saying using 32-bit software on a 64-bit device may affect system performance. The wording of the prompt has changed in iOS 10.3 beta 1 and now specifically states that 32-bit apps may stop functioning on future iOS editions completely.

Apple likely took down iCloud Activation Lock to stop hacks relying on stolen serial numbers

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 31, 2017

As we reported, Apple recently took down its tremendously useful Activation Lock webpage for reasons unknown. The theft-deterrent tool allowed legitimate iOS device owners and just about anyone else to check the status of the Activation Lock feature by entering a serial number. Apple provided no explanation for the removal, but all checks point to it being a precautionary measure meant to prevent hacks relying on stolen serial numbers, as a reader pointed out in comments.

The Iconfactory releases minimal drawing app Linea with full Apple Pencil support

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 31, 2017

Developer The Iconfactory today announced it's releasing Linea, a brand new $9.99 iPad drawing app that's specifically optimized for Apple Pencil users. Why does the world need another iPad drawing app? According to The Iconfactory, Linea focuses on the simple act of sketching.

It's based on a minimal user interface that doesn't inundate you with extensive controls fond in other apps which get in the way when you’re trying to figure out where to start.

Starbucks testing AI-powered digital barista assistant in iPhone app

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

You'll soon be able to order your favorite latte by using your voice as Starbucks today kicked off a limited beta test of a new artificial intelligence assistant inside its mobile app for iPhone. Aptly named My Starbucks Barista, this new feature will let you order items by conversing with the virtual barista within a new messaging UI, the firm said Monday.

How and where to share faster with AirDrop

Steffen Reich ∙ Updated January 25, 2018

In the absence of reliable figures from Apple, it is not much more than conjecture to say that AirDrop is likely a feature often neglected by the average iOS user. The gut feeling persists though, simply based on day to day observations, and it is a tenable position to take until proven wrong by Cupertino or another reputable source. The file transfer protocol is indeed handy for the transfer of heavier media files (e.g. videos, photo albums), but often only becomes relevant to us when we for example have upgraded to a new device.

Next to sheer transmission speed however, there are other notable areas where AirDrop has the clear edge when it comes to sharing all kinds of material from your iPhone. The AirDrop icon has now fully permeated the sharing tab in iOS 10’s user interface and that is for a good reason: it is without fail going to be more nimble than iMessage, Mail or other contenders, often actually skipping steps that would throttle the process elsewhere. Such being the case, here are some unique scenarios where AirDrop excels on your iPhone and why you should try to embrace the feature more regularly.