Apps

Bik – A Space Adventure is a fun point-and-click game for iOS

Director Steven Spielberg made such magical sci-fi movies as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “E.T. The Extraterrestrial,” and “War of the Worlds.” Thanks to films like these, I am always looking to the stars, wondering whether there really is something out there.

Bik – A Space Adventure has the perfect plot for a Spielberg movie. Boy goes camping. Boy gets abducted by aliens. Boy saves the world. Help Bik survive with the aid of his new alien buddy Ammut.

‘Madden NFL Mobile’ is now available in the App Store

Just in time for NFL season, EA Sports has released a mobile version of its latest Madden NFL game, aptly-named 'Madden NFL Mobile.' The release coincides with the game's highly-anticipated console release, which began hitting store shelves early this morning.

The good news is, it appears that EA has really improved graphics and animations over last year's mobile Madden title. The bad news, however, is that not much else has changed. The game still requires an Internet connection, and it's littered with in-app purchases.

New ad formats coming to iAd: pre-roll video and full-screen interstitials

Apple announced to iOS developers today that it has enabled new ad formats that could help them generate more revenue. Developers can now add pre-roll video and full-screen advertisements to their apps, via iAd.

The news makes good on a report from back in March, which said the ads would be capable of interrupting a user in-app. It's more likely, however, that the ads will play at moments of transition, such as at the end of a level.

You can now send money via text message for free with Square Cash

Square has released a big update for its Cash app this afternoon, bringing it to version 2.0. The app, first released in October of last year, facilitates the quick transfer of money from one user to another via e-mail, and today's update makes the process even faster.

The UI for sending and contact screens has been optimized in Square Cash 2.0, making it easier to send money, and you can also now add notes to your payments. But perhaps the biggest addition in today's update is the ability to send cash to anyone via text message.

Yahoo Mail for iPad now lets you minimize compose window like in iOS 8

Yahoo today issued an interesting update to its native Mail application for the iPhone and iPad which replicates a handy feature we first saw in the stock Mail app in iOS 8.

Now available in the App Store, the refreshed Yahoo Mail version 3.3.2 includes the obligatory bug fixes and performance improvements, in addition to an iPad-specific feature which allows you to minimize the compose window when you need to look something up, just like Mail in iOS 8.

Tumblr for iOS updated with nicer blogs in Explore, filtering by tagging and more

The popular blogging platform, Tumblr, which Yahoo acquired for $1.1 billion in May of last year, has a decent iOS app available — and it's been getting a lot better post-acquisition. Today, the team pushed another update bringing out several new features and enhancements.

If you're new to Tumblr, the signup experience is now prettier and "a lot more educational," as the team put it. More importantly, a pair of changes outlined after the jump make finding and following blogs a lot easier and more enjoyable.

Watch ABC app updated with AirPlay and Chromecast support

ABC released a big update to its Watch ABC app on Tuesday, adding AirPlay streaming to beam shows to the Apple TV and Casting Now for the Google Chromecast. Previously Watch ABC wanted to keep all of its video contained to just the iPhone and iPad screen, only sending audio. Thankfully it's changed with the times.

Instagram launches Hyperlapse, a smart time-lapse video app

If you're looking for a clever use of the iPhone's gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, look no further than Hyperlapse, a new iOS app by Facebook-owned Instagram which lets you create panning and time-lapse shots, steadycam-style.

The time-lapse feature is similar to one Apple will bring to iOS devices with the release of iOS 8 in Fall.

As for the tracking shots, the software uses advanced algorithms and your iPhone's hardware to smooth out panning shots as if you recorded video with a Steadicam or a professional $15,000 tracking rig.

And in what prove to be a killer feature for folks who loathe Instagram, Hyperlapse can be enjoyed without an Instagram or Facebook account as no signup is required to use the app.

Hyperlapse is available free in the App Store.

Microsoft gives OneDrive new Photos view, multi-file selection and more

After launching the official Kindle Fire and Kindle Phone app about two weeks ago, today the Windows maker Microsoft gets to refresh the iOS edition of its OneDrive app.

FYI, OneDrive used to be formerly known as SkyDrive.

The official cloud-storage service client for the iPhone and iPad, the just-updated OneDrive version 4.4 comes with an updated Shared view and a brand new Photos view.

Acting as the Camera Roll folder on steroids, the Photos view collates all the photos in your OneDrive in one convenient place.

Other features included in this update are listed after the break.

App Store Productivity Monday: automate iOS with these fine apps

Like any given Monday, Apple's App Store editors today highlighted iPhone and iPad applications aimed at increasing your productivity by helping you get organized and keep pace with your busy life.

In this week's edition of Productivity Monday, the App Store team is sharpening its focus on apps which help make the most out of iOS by automating the things that don't need your expertise, so you can spend your time wisely.

Here's a quick rundown of each featured app.

Dropbox for iOS gains ability to search within Word documents and PowerPoint presentations

After introducing document previews and smarter search in its Android client two weeks ago, Dropbox today gave its iOS client a little love.

Bumped to version 3.3, Dropbox for iPhone and iPad has brought out an enhancement to the built-in search feature allowing you to search within Word and PowerPoint documents with "higher fidelity previews".

By the way, those who love to create memes will be pleased to know that Dropbox now syncs larger animated GIFs than before — my life will never be the same again! Other features included in this update are listed right after the jump.

Google launches Slides for iOS, completing its document editing app line-up

Google announced on Monday it's rounding out its Google Drive app lineup on iOS, by releasing a Slides app alongside updates to its existing Docs and Sheets apps. The Slides app, now available to download on the iTunes App Store for iPhone and iPad, allows users to create, edit, and collaborate with other users on presentations. It's a great competitor to Apple's Keynote application, and once again highlights Google's commitment to the App Store.