Apps

App Store search results are now smarter and more relevant

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

Apple has been working hard in recent weeks to make App Store search results smarter and more relevant, reports TechCrunch. The outlet points to comments from high profile app developers, who began noticing changes to the search results earlier this month and a major algorithm update on November 12.

"I just searched Twitter on the App Store and Instagram is gone," Contrast's David Barnard pointed out on Twitter. "Tweetbot is #4, Twitterrific #5, and more relevant results overall." Tapbots developer Paul Haddad also spotted the change, noting that the change has had a significant impact on his app searches.

YouTube launches standalone YouTube Music app

Cody Lee ∙ November 12, 2015

YouTube on Thursday released a new mobile app called YouTube Music. The app lets you watch and listen to a nearly endless catalog of music, and you can use it for free, with ads of course. The ads go away and you get more features if you sign up for YouTube's recently-launched Red service for $10/month.

So what does it look like? Well searching any video, album or artist in YouTube Music starts a personalized radio station. From there you can check out recommended tracks, trending music, top 40 hits, and up-and-coming artists. There's also a lot of video content here, such as music videos, concert footage, etc.

Readdle launches PDF Expert for Mac

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 12, 2015

Ukrainian developer Readdle has released a Mac edition of its popular PDF management app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, PDF Expert.

Available for $19.99 in the Mac App Store, this powerful app will empower your PDF workflow on the Mac and increase your productivity.

It includes such features as smooth scrolling and fast search, robust editing and annotation tools and more.

File exchange with other apps is much simplified through the Mac's multi-purpose Share sheet and the app supports Continuity and Handoff to allow seamless switching between PDF Expert on your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Mac, and much more.

Mac App Store authentication glitches forcing users to reinstall apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 12, 2015

As first spotted by Tweetbot developer Paul Haddad, some Mac owners are being forced to download and reinstall apps on their computer following what appears to be a security glitch in the Mac App Store.

The affected users are seeing a message saying that their app has been damaged and cannot be opened, with the prompt advising folks to download the app again from the Mac App Store.

Here's what you can do about it.

Foursquare revamps iPad interface, adds Peek and Pop gestures on iPhone 6s

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 11, 2015

Foursquare's main iOS app was refreshed earlier today with some new 3D Touch goodies and a redesigned interface on the iPad. Foursquare for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad was part of the initial wave of third-party applications that enabled support for handy Home screen shortcuts via 3D Touch on the new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

Today's update added 3D Touch-based Peek and Pop gestures, meaning you can now preview content within the app and pop right into it, without lifting a finger off the screen.

Microsoft refreshes Office apps for iPad Pro, with an important caveat

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 11, 2015

Windows giant Microsoft today released compatibility updates for its mobile Office app in the App Store—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and OneDrive—aimed at lucky iPad Pro owners.

Featuring full support for iOS 9's new Slide Over and Split View multitasking modes, these apps now take full advantage of the iPad Pro's massive 2,732-by-2,048 pixel resolution 12.9-canvas that in landscape mode basically runs two full-sized apps concurrently.

Facebook releases Notify for iPhone for news, sports, weather and other alerts

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 4, 2018

Facebook on Wednesday announced it's releasing a brand new mobile application, Notify for iPhone. Conceived as a mobile notifications app for news, sports, weather and more, Notify was designed to deliver push notifications “that matter from sources you love, right on your lock screen, all in one place.”

Notifications are grouped into “stations” which cover varied categories, from sports and celebrities to news, movies, music, shopping and more. Notify is an English-only iPhone app available for free in the App Store.

Periscope gains skipping ahead in replays, Trending section, 3D Touch shortcuts and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 11, 2015

Twitter-owned live-broadcasting app, Periscope, was updated in the App Store last evening with half a dozen new features and refinements aimed at improving the usefulness of video replays whilst improving content discovery with new tools such as an-all new Trending section to help you find content from popular broadcasters.

Pericope also has a tvOS app for the new Apple TV and recently refreshed the iPhone version with muting, Handoff support, instant replays, finding location-enabled broadcasts, verified badges, Follower Only mode, Global section and more.

Mavenfall uses 3D Touch for deeper gameplay

Lory Gil ∙ Updated February 4, 2018

With battle card games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon TCG dominating the market, it seems impossible for new titles to make a splash with card gamers. Mavenfall stands out from the pack with a few special features that are unique in the card game world, at least for now. Taking advantage of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus 3D Touch, Mavenfall lets players go deeper into the battle.

Apple now lets developers invite 2,000 people to beta test apps via TestFlight

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 9, 2016

Apple today announced on its portal for developers that it is doubling the previous limitation of up to 1,000 beta users in TestFlight to 2,000 external testers who can beta test an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Apple TV app.

In addition, the company is extending beta periods on a per-app basis to sixty days, a twofold increase over the previous beta expiration limit of 30 days.

Apple announces Tech Talks tour for Apple TV developers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Following the posting of a new tvOS beta, Apple on Tuesday announced that it is taking to the road next month to help developers take full advantage of the new Apple TV. Beginning December 7, the company plans to hold TV Tech Talks in 10 cites around the globe.

During these events, developers will get in-depth technical information on building and designing for tvOS, learn refined coding techniques, and obtain valuable instruction from experts. Seating is limited, so those interested will have to register for a chance to attend.