Apps

Instagram warns third-party apps to stop using ‘Insta’ and ‘Gram’ in their branding

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Your favorite Instagram-connected app could be changing soon, or worse, it could be shutting down. The photo-sharing network just updated its brand guidelines, stating that it's going to start banning apps that use either the word ‘Insta’ or ‘Gram’ in their names.

In fact, according to a new report, it looks like Instagram has already begun sending emails out to developers of existing apps, requesting that they change these trademark-infringing components 'within a reasonable period’ or risk losing their apps' API access...

WhatsApp update brings back the ability to send longer videos

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

WhatsApp users will be happy to hear that the popular messaging service has updated its iOS client this afternoon. The update brings the app to version 2.11.3 and includes new features and improvements.

Most of the improvements have to do with the recently-added voice messaging feature, particularly in regards to accessibility, but perhaps the biggest change is that you can once again send longer videos...

Ten awesome apps you will only find in the App Store

Lory Gil ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

Apple has bragging rights. The App Store is home to more than 900,000 apps (and counting) with 375,000 optimized for the iPad. App developers know that there is money to be made through the iOS ecosystem. That is why there are so many apps that are only available for iOS.

Apple has their list and we have ours. Apple has compiled a list of apps that are only available in the App Store. We’ve gone through their list and hand-picked our favorite top 10 for your reading pleasure…

Barnes & Nobles releases Nook Video iOS app

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

Barnes & Noble, the largest book retailer in the United States, today announced a brand new app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices called Nook Video.

The software was designed to serve as a gateway drug to Barnes & Noble's Nook Video service which lets you purchase or rent thousands of movies and television shows in high definition, much like Amazon's, Apple's and Google's content stores.

The buying experience on the Nook Video Store is pretty frictionless and the app remembers your play point and sends it via the cloud to all your other devices, so you can pick up on another device right where you left off on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad...

Solar Flux HD takes you on a gravitational ride across the universe

Lory Gil ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Firebrand Games recently launched an iPad game that looks like it came straight from NASA’s image archives. If you’ve ever wondered what deep space might look like, now is your chance.

Solor Flux HD is a physics-based puzzle game that puts you in the seat of a plasma-gathering shuttle. Collect as much plasma as possible and spit it back at the sun to stop it from dying…

iPhotographer Magazine launches on Apple’s Newsstand, free issue available

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

We love iPhone photography, sometimes referred to as iPhoneography, here at iDB. We love learning new methods to take better photos with our iPhones, and of course, sharing those methods with our awesome readers.

With that in mind, we wanted to tell you about a new digital magazine devoted to the subject. It's called iPhotographer, and it just launched on Apple's Newsstand this week with—wouldn't you know it—a free preview issue...

Knightmare Tower takes the vertical endless jumper to the next level

Lory Gil ∙ Updated May 3, 2017

Temple Run defined a genre with its 3-D view endless runner gameplay. What made it stand out from others was the high quality of design and development that went into every detail of the app.

Knightmare Tower is setting the standard for the vertical version of the endless runner genre with a game that is clever, exciting, and impossible to put down…

Apps of the Week: Notability, Carrot Alarm, Flip, Plants vs Zombies 2 and more

Lory Gil ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

The weekend is upon us again. No more getting up early, putting on a suit, and heading out for a grueling day’s work. For the next two days, you can rest your head, watch movies on Netflix, and play your favorite games.

Whether you want to take a virtual tour of exotic locations, learn about one of the world’s most epic wars, or just want something new to wake you up in the morning, we have a list of apps to get your through the weekend...

Apple gives devs more details on new ‘Kids’ app category ahead of iOS 7 launch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Following a series of changes made to its iTunes terms and conditions and App Store Review guidelines, Apple has this afternoon emailed developers with additional details regarding the new 'Kids' section in the App Store.

The email describes the new category as a place where parents can go on the App Store to find age-appropriate apps and games for children. It also breaks down the new age groups for the section and offers additional details...

Syfy brings its top TV shows to iOS with Syfy Now

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Television channel Syfy announced today that it is relaunching its Syfy for iPhone app as 'Syfy Now' and its iPad app as 'Syfy Sync,' in an effort to compartmentalize their respective features. Sync, for example, will now be a dedicated second-screen title.

But as for Syfy Now, it's been completely redesigned with more features like iCloud sync, iPad compatibility, and access to more content. Users can now watch full episodes of their favorite Syfy shows and can find new episodes in the app a day after they air...

Flow Colors treats you to a colorfully addictive puzzle game

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

Puzzle games can be fun when done right. There are some that are too repetitive and are ultimately overshadowed by too many clones and copycats. Too much of the same thing can sour any genre.

Flow Colors is an interesting and unique puzzle game that makes you think about the path you take and whether there is something better to be done…