Apps

NFL iOS app updated for the 2013-14 season, adds Verizon-only streaming

As first noted by AllThingsD, The National Football League has updated its iOS software for the upcoming NFL season. Among other changes, the official NFL Mobile 8.0 app boasts a revamped appearance, with stats and data updated for the 2013-14 season. As the new version now combines two previously standalone apps, one from the NFL itself and the other by Verizon, it comes with a premium streaming feature - but only if you're a Verizon iPhone owner.

Jailbreakers should proceed with caution as the new app isn't supported on jailbroken devices. If you're into professional American football, you're probably aware that the 2013 NFL regular season opens Thursday, September 5 (the Baltimore Ravens are playing against the Broncos in Denver). I've included more details about the new NFL Mobile 8.0 app after the break...

Survey finds 52% of developers are working on iOS 7-only app updates

Last month, we asked our readers if they would pay for iOS 7 app updates on apps they already owned. With all of the UI changes and new features Apple's added in the software, developers are having to spend an enormous amount of time and resources to bring their apps up to speed.

Looking at the comments in that post, though, the answer was clearly a resounding "no." In fact, a lot of readers claimed that they'd rather stay on iOS 6, than update to iOS 7 and have to repay for their favorite apps. Well, if this new survey is any indication, that may not be an option...

Square Register for iOS updated with payment tracking, Bluetooth printer support and more

Even if you're not a Square user, you should pay attention to what the company is doing in the mobile payment space. This is an area Apple has long been rumored to be getting into, expanding on its Passbook app, and if that happens, Square will be among its top competitors.

Having said that, Square updated its popular Register software today, bringing the app to version 3.2. The changes made in the update are fairly significant, and include the ability to track and record a number of various payments types, and [finally] Bluetooth printer support...

QuickCarrort: an Activator shortcut for the Carrot to-do app

There are tons of so-called to-do apps available on the App Store, but Carrot is one that stands out in my mind as being fairly unique. Dubbed as being a "to-do list with personality", the Carrot AI uses insults and other harmless wit to interject feeling into processing ho-hum everyday mundane tasks.

With that in mind, I'm here to discuss a recently released jailbreak tweak that works in unison with Carrot. The tweak, aptly titled QuickCarrot, allows users to quickly enter tasks into Carrot using an Activator gesture. To see how it works, take a look at our video walkthrough after the break.

Apple subsidiary FileMaker restructuring, reportedly lays off 20 staffers

Following its announcement that it was going to be discontinuing its popular Mac and iOS database software 'Bento' to work on its flagship product line, FileMaker has reportedly laid off some 20 of its full-time employees.

The layoffs are said to be part of a major restructuring, as the company moves to shift its focus to its more successful enterprise applications, and consolidate its workforce, in an effort to stay profitable amidst slumping sales...

djay 2 review: get the party started

App maker algoriddim recently launched a sequel to the popular music playing app djay with the new and improved djay 2. If you are a fan of their initial record spinner, you won’t be disappointed by the follow-up.

Djay 2 for iPhone or iPad is a music player that incorporates many of the functions that deejays use when spinning vinyl. You can mix music, sync beats, and bring the party to life without having to lug around a crate of records…

Upcoming ‘Neon Shadow’ game features same-device co-op multiplayer

Looking through some of the more popular games in the App Store, most of them appear to feature rather simple gameplay. There's Bad Piggies, Cut the Rope and Candy Crush, all of which can be played with swipes and taps.

On the other hand, there's also a number of iOS developers pushing the envelope. And a good example of that is the upcoming Neon Shadow game—a first person shooter that offers same-device co-op multiplayer mode on the iPad...

Apps of the week: Swipes, Pivvot, Splyce, and more…

When the weekend comes around, most people are either so busy they wish they were back at work, or have nothing to do but sit on the couch and relax. I prefer the latter scenario, but oftentimes I find myself in the former.

If you are lucky enough to have nothing going on this weekend, we have a list of apps and games that we think you’ll find quite interesting and fun…

Quip is a modern word processor for the mobile world

The things we use a word processor for have changed significantly over the years. It used to be that the average person just needed to write up a college paper or create a resume. Now, word processors are used to create full-colored brochures, make show fliers, and even build web pages.

Quip is a word processor app that attempts to reinvent the program to make it more viable for the mobile user. You can share your ideas with others, collaborate on projects, and work offline so you can get stuff done, even when you are out in the field…

Google unveils Android Device Manager, its own version of Find My iPhone

Google has just filled another missing link in its Android software by introducing a feature which allows users to find their misplaced or stolen device on a world map, wipe its contents remotely, send alerts and more. If the announcement sounds a lot like Apple's Find My iPhone app, you're right, it does - though you'd be hard-pressed to argue against giving Android users the ability to track down their precious gear.

Called Android Device Manager, in true Google fashion it's a web-based tool that works much like the Find My iPhone iOS app + iCloud web interface combo from Apple...

Stargazers, Night Sky 2 has arrived

I've spent the better part of my teen years taking astronomy classes, tracking a bunch of celestial objects and exploring the planets of our Solar system using my amateur telescope. Later on, I decided I liked computers better. But as old passions die hard, I've never gotten around to quitting astronomy altogether.

Nowadays, my iPhone is the closest approximation to the telescope I once owned and you can imagine I keep a folder full of dedicated apps for stargazers.

For those wondering, SkyView, Star Walk, Sky Guide and Night Sky are my go-to astronomy guides for the iPhone and iPad. The Night Sky app by iCandi Apps has received a substantial update and is now available on the App Store, re-released as Night Sky 2.

There's no comparing Night Sky and its successor, really: Night Sky 2 features rich and lush visuals, super smooth sky tracking, weather information, push notifications, detailed database and advanced community features available via optional in-app upgrades.

I've include more tidbits and a nice promotional video after the jump...

OpenTable testing meal payments via iPhone

While increasingly common to use your iPhone to reserve a seat at your favorite table, there has been that annoying task of paying the tab at the end of the meal. A leading player in online reservations, OpenTable, is testing a way to eat out and never touch your wallet.

According to reports, OpenTable - which also lets you reserve a table via Apple's Siri as well as a separate free app - has begun testing a feature allowing diners to pay for their meals with the iPhone. Perhaps most appetizing is the CEO's pledge that "no geeky stuff" is required...