Apps

Apple, IBM and United Airlines join forces on apps to improve your flying experience

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 2, 2017

Apple, IBM and United Airlines said Thursday they've teamed up on a next-generation of apps for United's employees that will make their work easier while improving your flying experience. These apps will assist the carrier's front-line employees in handling peak customer demands better while enabling more effective maintenance for over 50,000 iOS and Apple Watch devices already deployed.

As part of IBM and Apple’s global partnership to redefine the way work gets done, these MobileFirst apps include real-time analytics and data insight. For instance, United's flight attendants will be able to see at any time which customers are connecting in order to assist them in finding their gates upon arrival, for example.

Google launches Chrome 56 for iOS with QR code scanning and overhauled tab switcher on iPad

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 2, 2017

Google today updated Chrome for iPhone and iPad on App Store with a pair of new features. The first allows you to scan a QR code or barcode by selecting a new Scan QR Code option in the shortcuts menu after pressing the app's Home screen icon with 3D Touch on iPhone 6s/7 series. On older devices without 3D Touch, search for “QR” in iOS's Spotlight feature to reveal a shortcut to the browser's new barcode-scanning function.

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.