Apps

New Google app: Photo Sphere Camera for iPhone

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 2, 2017

Google has released a brand new iPhone photography application in the App Store. Dubbed Photo Sphere Camera, it provides functionality similar to the iOS Panorama shooting mode, and then some more.

By continuously taking images as you pan your device around, Photo Sphere Camera then stitches the individual photos together to create a nice sphere-like 360-degree image which can be published directly to Google Maps or shared with anyone on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and via email.

The app is a free download. I've included additional tidbits right after the jump...

Facebook’s Slingshot picks up new features

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 29, 2018

It's been nearly two months now since Facebook rolled out its would-be Snapchat-killer, called Slingshot.

Thus far, the software looks like it could be going the way of Poke, the social networking giant's pathetic take on the popular ephemeral messaging software.

Surprisingly enough, Slingshot currently enjoys a three-star rating out of five stars in the App Store.

Besides, the app doesn't seem to be languishing as the team released its first major update three weeks ago bringing out much-needed new features, including a My People tab and brand new reactions.

Today, a second major update has landed on the App Store. Available to download for free, Slingshot 1.2 improves your experience by letting you jump straight to the list of shots by tapping a notification and more...

Xbox One SmartGlass now lets you install Xbox games remotely, live TV streaming due soon

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

Software giant Microsoft today pushed a nice little update to its Xbox One companion app for the iPhone and iPad, SmartGlass.

Version 2.8 is now available in the App Store, providing a handy new feature letting you buy and install Xbox games and other content remotely, from your iOS device.

Moreover, the application now supports in-app browsing of new and popular games, add-ons and bundles.

You can even rate your favorite Xbox game clips and activity feed entries, as well as view shared Activity Feed and Game Clips — all within the app. And in a future SmartGlass update due later this year, Microsoft will add ability to stream live TV locally to your iPhone or iPad...

Camera+ picks up improvements ahead of ‘cool new things’ in forthcoming iOS 8 update

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

My favorite iPhone photography application, Camera+ by a developer called Tap tap tap, has received a few very nice additions ahead of an upcoming iOS 8 update.

Camera+ 5.2, a free update for existing users, contains several bug fixes while introducing a new adjustment to the Vignette effect, improvements to the Soft Focus and Film Grain effects and the Clarity Pro feature and more.

Oh, and this version has fixed broken Flickr sharing stemming from a recent change to the way third-party apps like Camera+ access Yahoo's photo-sharing service...

Flappy Bird developer teases upcoming game ‘Swing Copters’

Cody Lee ∙ August 18, 2014

Dong Nguyen, creator of the smash hit mobile game Flappy Bird, is back with a new title, set to be released later this week called Swing Copters. As you can see, the game features similar graphics to FB, and from what we hear, it has similar gameplay.

According to TouchArcade, who has been given an early look at Swing Copters, the game gives players the same "just one more try" feeling as Flappy Bird did, and is even more challenging. We've posted a video showing the game in action below...

Developers can now earn affiliate commission on iTunes sales through their apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Apple has boosted its Affiliate Program that enables website owners to earn commissions on qualifying iTunes sales. Now, the iPhone maker is inviting developers to join the party.

According to an email communique the Cupertino company sent out to the registered iOS developers, makers of iPhone and iPad applications can now earn commissions, too, by promoting paid music, apps, books and other items via iTunes, App Store, iBooks and the Mac App Store affiliate links provided within their apps through the iOS Store Kit Share Sheet.

Jump past the fold for the full reveal...

In Boshi, you must be a stealthy lumberjack to avoid the wolf pack

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 24, 2018

Most stealth games require the player to stay hidden until out of the line of sight of others. Moving from one room to another without getting caught is harder than you’d think. But, what if there are no rooms to hide in and the sound of trees falling in the forest will also set off the alarm?

Boshi is a sort of stealth game where players must chop down trees without being seen or heard by nearby wolves. If you get caught, your only help is a flare gun with four flares. Good luck fending off all of those hungry wolves...

The best iPhone apps for tracking earthquakes

Lory Gil ∙ August 17, 2014

I live in California. I was born and raised here. I’ve never lived more than three hours from the coast my entire life. Growing up in Southern California, I was raised on earthquake preparedness. Every year we would experience a handful of tremors that would send me scrambling to the nearest doorframe or desk. I’m kind of terrified of earthquakes.

I found that I alleviate my fears, somewhat, if I can keep an eye on the shifting plates below my feet. Knowing what has happened historically helps me plan for the future, or at least makes me think I can. We’ve got a list for you of what we think are the best apps for watching earthquakes for those of you who like to keep an eye on things, too…

Size DOES Matter, but only in this game…

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 29, 2018

O.K., I know what you’re thinking, but it's not about that. When you find out a little bit more about this game, you’ll see how apropos the name really is. Sometimes, you just have to go with what works.

Size DOES Matter is a rhythm game where… well, size matters. Players control a series of blocks that can shrink and grow in order to fit into different sizes of gates. Don’t crash into them or you’ll lose everything.

Apps of the week: The Manhattan Project, Hanx Writer, Light Apprentice, and more…

Lory Gil ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

It makes me happy to see a robust App Store brimming with lots of new and interesting titles. This week was another exciting one with great new games and epic updates for some of our fan favorites.

If you are looking for something new to play around with this weekend, we’ve got a list of apps and games we think you will be able to pass the time with…

Apple adds Beats Music to ‘Apps Made by Apple’ section in App Store

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Following its addition to the 'new user' prompt in the App Store earlier this week, Apple has added the Beats Music iOS client to the 'Apps Made by Apple' section of its digital storefront. The move comes just two weeks after the two companies made the acquisition official.

If you've never seen the section, you can find it in under the Quick Links portal of the App Store—either on the right-hand side of the desktop version, or the very bottom of the iPhone version. And it houses a number of Apple's iOS apps including iBooks, Podcasts, and Remote...