Apps

Facebook updates Messenger with video sharing, improved search and more

Social networking giant Facebook today has refreshed its iOS Messenger application, redesigned from the ground up last November, with a few new features you should know about.

The biggest news in Facebook Messenger 5.0, available free for the iPhone, is its newly added ability to exchange video messages from your library with other Messenger users. Previously, you could only share photos and short voice recordings using the app.

Other enhancements worth mentioning include easier photo sharing, improvements to the search feature, a tweaked user interface making it easier to send photos, voice messages and more...

Acompli is a one-stop shop for all your productivity needs

When it comes to email apps, we love the ones that are simple, efficient, and fast. Getting to the elusive “inbox zero” is not an easy task. Especially when, for many of us, email is tied to a myriad of other productivity activities, like scheduling meetings and sharing files.

Acompli is a new productivity app that incorporates email, contacts, file sharing, and calendar events into one. The best part is that the app supports Microsoft Exchange. You’ll never have to switch apps to take care of business again…

Locko password manager for OS X secures your info without breaking the bank

In light of the recent Heartbleed exposure, a lot of companies have been updating their OpenSSL security software and asking account users to update their password information. Some companies have actually forced users to change their password. It is extremely important to have a unique, strong password that combines numbers, letters, and symbols to secure your private information. However, it is difficult to remember dozens of complex passwords and you don’t want to use the same one for every account.

Locko for OS X is a password manager that makes it possible for you to create and store as many unique passwords as you need while only needing to remember one. Plus, it comes with a file vault and cloud sync so you can keep all of your data secure and access it from any device…

The best expense tracking apps for iPhone

When you are self-employed, run your own business, or get sent out of town for work, keeping track of what you spend is very important. If you don’t report how much money you spent on a cup of coffee to keep you awake during that presentation, you won’t be reimbursed for it later.

Whether you file a 1099 each year, are a member of the Frequent Flier Club, or only travel once or twice per year, we’ve got a list of the best expense tracking apps for iPhone that are perfect for work-related travel and business-related finance...

ComiXology launches new read-only app following Amazon acquisition

ComiXology, the leading digital comics platform, has launched a new application for iOS today. The company sent out an email to customers this morning announcing that the old app is being retired, and a new one is now available. The biggest difference between the two, it seems, is that the new app does't allow in-app purchases.

The change is noteworthy, as the ComiXology app has long been one of the top-grossing iPad titles in the App Store, and it comes shortly after Amazon acquired the comics platform. It's not surprising though, as it's the same strategy the e-commerce giant takes with its Kindle iOS app, in an effort to circumvent Apple's 30% cut...

Leo’s Fortune is the best platformer we’ve played in a while

Ah, the platformer, a genre that has stood the test of time for generations. Once Mario and his brother graced our living room screens, we were hooked on the run-and-jump adventure that platformers offer. After so many decades, it is starting to get hard to tell titles apart. It seems like anyone can make a platform game, but not everyone can make it good.

Leo’s Fortune is a platform game that is visually attractive, mechanically exciting, and filled with complex puzzles that keep you coming back for more…

Tiny Dice Dungeon puts a unique twist on the RPG genre

By now, it may have become clear that I am a fan of good old-fashioned role-playing games. Give me a dungeon crawl over a physics-based game, any day of the week. As much as I love the genre, games can seem a bit redundant over time when you’ve played so many of them.

Tiny Dice Dungeon is a unique twist on the RPG genre that mixes dungeon crawl gameplay with dice throwing mechanics. Role doubles for twice the damage. Role a one and lose your turn…

Apps of the week: Up Next, Third Eye Crime, birdStepper, and more

Some pretty awesome apps came out this week. I’m excited to spend my weekend testing out all of the cool games that made their way into the App Store after Thursday’s big launch. I’ll bet many of you are still stuck in Hitman Go mode, unwilling to come up for air until every last level is completed. I don’t blame you.

However, if you are looking for something new this weekend, we’ve got a list of apps and games that are sure to occupy your hands and your brains. Who’s going to mow the lawn…

Yomi is a battle card game that delivers on the action

On my many regular trips to my local board game store, I’ve seen this battle card game called “Yomi.” It looks really fun, but it costs $100 new. Ouch! It is one of those games I’d like to try before I buy. Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone who owns a copy, so I didn’t know if I’d like it, until now.

Sirlin Games recently developed an iPad version of Yomi that is an online, cross-platform adaptation of the card game I’ve longed for, but never invested in. After a few days of testing, it looks like my board game budget will be depleted, once again…

Fly Catbug Fly! Journey through unique worlds to collect sweet nothings

Bravest Warriors is a web cartoon from Cartoon Hangover that was written by Pendleton Ward, the same zany brain that created Adventure Time. Although I am a huge fan of Finn and Jake, I’ve never actually seen Bravest Warriors. That will probably change soon.

Fly Catbug Fly! is the first video game based on the cartoon web series staring its most adorable character. This child-voiced, ladybug-winged cat flies through the air, collecting stuff like skulls, salad bowls, and toilet paper. Help Catbug grab as much as his little wings can carry and deliver them to Impossibear. Don’t worry. I’m just as confused as you are…

Hulu Plus app updated with remote control support for game consoles

Hulu posted a significant update for its Plus iOS client this morning, bringing the app to version 3.5.2. The release includes a new remote control feature that will enable users to control the Hulu Plus experience on their Xbox One, PS3 or PS4 console using an iPhone or iPad.

Setup is a breeze. Simply launch the Hulu Plus app on your iOS (or Android) device, and it will automatically detect your gaming console. Once detected, a 'Cast' button will appear in the app, allowing you to pair your smartphone or tablet to the selected console and take control...

Pinterest app updated with new ‘Guided Search’ feature

Pinterest users may be interested to know that the photo-sharing site rolled out a major new feature to its mobile apps this morning. It's called 'Guided Search,' and it comes via an App Store update, which brings both the iPhone and iPad client to version 3.6.

Guided Search is a tool made for exploring Pinterest when you don't know exactly what you're looking for. So for example, if you enter a vague search time like 'vacation,' the tool will help you hone in on a category (i.e. camping, beach, etc) or specific location...