Apps

Google Analytics app with Real Time reports now available for iPhone

Google is definitely on a roll these days when it comes to its dedication to the Apple platform. One of the most prolific App Store publishers, the Internet giant in the past seven days alone has released or updated half a dozen apps for the iPhone and iPad.

Just a few examples: the company launched a new YouTube Creator Studio app for the iPhone, released another app to manage AdWords Express accounts for small businesses, updated Google Maps with Gmail appointments and mapped search results, posted the popular augmented reality game Ingress, updated Chrome for iOS with Cast support, refreshed Google Wallet with support for gift cards, free debit card transfers and more and started flagging Flash content in search results on iOS and Android.

And today, Google released a brand new Analytics for iPhone app...

Alphabeats review: make music with words

I like games that are music themed. When bands put out weird, trippy apps starring their tunes, I get a kick out of what they dream up. I don’t particularly like rhythm games, though. They never seem to hit the beat right, and I can’t shake my pre-existing knowledge of real-life music experiences. I’m always thinking, “That’s not how that solo is played.”

Alphabeats is a music themed game that uses electronica tunes to set the atmosphere, but doesn’t ask you to tap to the beat in order to win. We’ve got a hands-on game review of Alphabeats for you today…

Bungie launches companion app for upcoming console game ‘Destiny’

We are rapidly approaching the launch of hit-game-maker Bungie's first major release since leaving the Halo franchise. The game is called Destiny, and it's a combination action role-player and first-person shooter that's landing on consoles in September.

Starting tomorrow, folks with a late-gen Sony or Microsoft console will be able to play a public beta of Destiny. And if you plan on checking it out, you'll want to download the second screen app Bungie just released for iPhone called 'Destiny Companion.'

Airbnb for iPhone receives thorough makeover, part of a controversial rebranding

Airbnb, an online service for people to rent out lodging, has rolled out a major update to its iPhone application earlier today.

The software has been redesigned from the ground up for a much cleaner appearance so you'll immediately notice richer colors and more vibrant photography "inspired by Airbnb experiences all around the world.

The app now uses Airbnb's controversial new logo (more on that later) and the web interface has been overhauled, too, as part of the company's larger rebranding effort. The refreshed Airbnb 4.0 is now live in the App Store...

Google Wallet updated with support for gift cards, free debit card transfers and more

Google today announced a significant update for its Google Wallet service. The new version brings about support for gift cards, money requests, and the ability to send money with your debit card for free, and it should be rolling out to iOS and Android apps shortly.

With the new gift card support, users will be able to save their electronic cards to Google Wallet, redeem them in-store, and even check their balances [only at participating merchants]. The Wallet app can even remind you to use your card when you are near stores...

Microsoft starts rolling out increased OneDrive storage today

A little over three weeks ago, Microsoft announced a forthcoming increase to OneDrive storage tiers, promising to more than double free 7GB accounts to as much as fifteen gigabytes of free cloud storage.

The Redmond company additionally promised a brand new 1TB tier for the consumer Office 365 accounts and up to seventy percent cheaper monthly subscriptions. Today, Microsoft has delivered on that promise.

That's right, your OneDrive just got bigger...

Satellite subscription-free NFL Sunday Ticket coming to iOS, Mac this fall

NFL Sunday Ticket has announced today that it will be offered as a standalone subscription package for the first time this year. Access to the popular TV sports package, which was once exclusive to DirecTV subscribers, will be available to everyone in the 2014 NFL season for a 1-time subscription fee.

No official announcement has been made, but Sunday Ticket has put up a promotional page with details about the new service. It looks like subscription prices will start at $200, which again will not require DirecTV, and the content will be accessible from a number of devices, including iOS and Mac...

Instapaper creator launches Overcast, free podcast app for iPhone

Following an extensive beta testing period, Marco Arment - the creator of Instapaper, founder of The Magazine and co-host of the Accidental Tech Podcast - today unveiled his latest creation, an iPhone podcast client dubbed Overcast.

Available with basic features free of charge in the App Store (advanced stuff can be unlocked through a one-time In-App Purchase), Overcast for iPhone is accessible to novice users yet packs a lot of punch to make podcast die-hards happy.

Having taken Overcast for a brief spin with our own Let's Talk iOS and Let's Talk Jailbreak podcast series, I came away pretty impressed.

I think Marco's full-featured app has mass appeal (at least in podcast circles) to win over folks who are unhappy with the existing podcast clients on the App Store with its sleek user interface, simplicity and elegance.

If not, perhaps advanced capabilities will make you a convert? I'm talking stuff like Smart Speed, Voice Boost and Smarter Playlists to help you listen to more podcasts in more places, try new shows and completely control your experience...

Jawbone’s Up fitness band app gains weight management features

Jawbone, the maker of the Up fitness band, wireless Bluetooth headsets and a host of other mobile accessories, today pushed a major update to its iPhone and iPad app.

The refreshed software brings new calorie and nutrition tracking tools, food and restaurant logging, as well as comprehensive weight management features to the popular fitness tracker.

Other enhancements include a new food score and a redesigned food experience with brand new tools such as a dedicated water logger, restaurant menus, common pairings and frequent meals...

Macrocosm is a beautifully relaxing game

Though I do play my fair share of action games on iOS, I tend to sway more towards the relaxing side of the game spectrum; games that I can use to relax at the end of a long week. When on the hunt for more cool-down games, I came across Macrocosm, a new space-age game that was released earlier this month.

This game is based in space where you play as a blob of dark matter with your objectives being simple: get bigger, don't get killed by spaceships, and free other dark matter. To find out if this game is both relaxing and exciting, read on for my full Macrocosm review...

Google updates Chrome for iOS with Cast support

Following a relatively quiet period when it comes to Chrome for iOS, Google is again demonstrating willingness to continue advancing its popular iPhone and iPad browser with useful new capabilities.

The new Google Chrome version 36.0.1985.49 is now available to download in the App Store, bringing out Cast support for websites that have implemented integration with Cast-enabled devices.

Furthermore, this edition also includes stability improvements and bug fixes and a slightly tweaked app icon for your Home screen...

Snapchat launches Geofilters for photos taken at specific locations

The popular ephemeral messaging app Snapchat today introduced Geofilters, basically custom filters that only work on photos taken in specific geographic locations.

Geofilters are available by swiping to the right from the Preview screen after taking a photo. This will produce custom-designed text or graphic stickers that can be overlaid on your image to make it more attractive.

As the name suggests, Snapchat Geofilters are location dependent and available for locations in Los Angeles and New York City...