Apps

The HackStore is a viable alternative to the Mac App Store [sponsored]

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 16, 2017

Back in April, a handful of developers launched the HackStore, an alternative to the Mac App Store. Similar to Cydia for iOS, the HackStore hosts third-party Mac applications that for one reason or another didn't make it past Apple's approval process.

In our first take, we noted that while the Store looked good, it needed some work. It was a bit buggy, and only contained around 50 apps. But after nearly 6 months and a number of updates, we figured it was time to give the HackStore another run-through...

iPhone 5 vs iPhone 4S Screen – Stock Apps Comparison

Jeff Benjamin ∙ September 25, 2012

If you've yet to lay eyes on an iPhone 5, or compare the iPhone 5 to stock apps running on lesser iPhone hardware, then this video is for you.

Inside, we take a look at the majority of the stock iPhone apps, and compare them side-by-side running on the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S hardware. Besides the obvious added spacing, most of the differences are fairly subtle.

One thing you will notice, however, is that keyboard keys are slightly larger, and there's more room on screen to see content like messages, and message composition panes. Simply put, once you get used to the iPhone 5's roomier screen, anything less seems claustrophobic.

Eric Schmidt: a Google Maps app is up to Apple

Cody Lee ∙ September 25, 2012

As Apple continues to take heat over its new mapping software, the question on everyone's mind seems to be: will Google release a standalone Maps app for iOS? It's a fair question, considering it recently published a YouTube app for the platform.

But a report that surfaced last week claiming Google had already submitted a Maps app to Apple and was awaiting approval was quickly debunked. And Eric Schmidt himself confirmed yesterday that his company hasn't made a move yet...

Google submits iOS Maps app, hopes to have it approved before Christmas

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 20, 2012

Unless you've been sleeping under a rock for the past 24 hours, you are aware that crappy Apple Maps in iOS 6 provoked a very public backlash. We told you earlier today that a Google executive hinted in a brief interview with Bloomberg TV that iPhone 5 users can go download Google Maps, an unusual wording given that a rumored native Google Maps app couldn't be found on the App Store yet.

Adding fuel to fire, The Guardian newspaper reports that Google submitted the program and that it is now in Apple's sole discretion to approve it. Whether or not club Cupertino greenlights the nsoftware or throws it down the toilet over duplicate functionality remains to be seen.

At any rate, a native Google Maps experience akin to the recently released YouTube app would be more than welcome given the controversial downgrade that is Apple's in-house mapping solution in iOS 6...

Apple asks devs to send taller App Store screenies

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 8, 2016

With less than 24 hours until tomorrow's official iPhone 5 launch at 8am, Apple issued a note to its registered iOS developers, asking them to upload taller screenshots to comply with iPhone 5 requirements.

This concerns only developers updating apps for the iPhone 5 and the fifth-generation iPod touch, which both feature a taller 1136-by-640 pixel Retina display. The new screenshots dimensions are...

Facebook app updated for iOS 6 and iPhone 5

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

After literally years of waiting, Facebook's iOS app was recently re-written from scratch with performance in mind. That said, it goes without saying that we're positively shocked to see Zuck & Co. just push out a timely update to Facebook's official iOS client.

It adds full support for iOS 6, just 24 hours following its public release. The new version also mentions iPhone 5 support, but Facebook stopped short of detailing what that means. We have a huch it's got to do something with taking advantage of that taller display. Here's your changelog...

Target updates its iPhone app to support Passbook

Cody Lee ∙ September 20, 2012

Did you update to iOS 6 yesterday? Well if you did, and you're looking for ways to try out the new Passbook application, Target just added support for the payment platform.

The national retailer updated its iOS app yesterday with support for the iPhone 5's larger display, iOS 6, and the new ability to push store coupons to the Passbook app...

Apple updates iLife, iWork and other iOS utils

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 13, 2018

With today's release of iOS 6 and OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.2, Apple has updated its Podcasts app with support for iCloud subscription syncing. Just a few minutes later, updates to Apple's other apps went live in iTunes, including iLife and iWork apps and utils like Find My Friends, Remote, AirPort Utility and more. With so many third-party apps being updated for iOS 6 support as we speak, you may want to prioritize your downloads. Here's what's new in Apple's own updated apps for your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad...

Poll: should Google write native iOS Maps app?

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

Coincidentally or not, The New York Times reports that Google will update its Maps for Android app today with new features, just as Apple is prepping to release iOS 6 for public consumption. iOS 6, as you know, drops a Google Maps-backend in favor of Apple's own mapping solution. But Apple Maps are lacking in several areas.

For example, with Apple Maps users don't get as high quality satellite imagery as with Google. Street-level photography is non-existent and transit directions are provided via dedicated App Store apps. And although Apple partners with local providers for accurate data, it currently cannot match Google, which has manpower and assets to collect its own data (and has been doing so for years).

But while Google released a standalone YouTube app for iOS following Apple's removal of the stock app, the search Goliath stopped short of saying whether a standalone Maps app is in the works for iOS devices. With this in mind, we've put together a little poll so place your bets now...

Skitch gets cleaner UI, new features, now supports the iPhone natively

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated July 24, 2016

Today's update bonanza has seen mainstream iOS apps improved with support for the iPhone 5 and its taller display. By the way, Apple really pushed those updates at a rapid pace, didn't it?

Among them is Skitch, a Mac and iPad annotation and image editing software, which got refreshed today with a revamped interface and a slew of new features, such as pixelate and highlighter tools, social sharing options and more .

The new Skitch version 2.0, now a universal binary, finally supports the iPhone and we've got you covered with a quick overview and promotional video...

Developers seeing quick app review times for iPhone 5 updates

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 21, 2018

Good news for all of you folks who pre-ordered an iPhone 5, or plan on picking one up on launch day. Developers are reporting that Apple is pushing through app updates for the handset at a rapid pace.

As you know, both the new iPhone and iPod touch have a revamped 4-inch 1136 x 640 display. And any app that isn't updated to support the new screen resolution will be forced into a letter-box mode...

Netflix app gets a facelift, new features

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

If you get your entertainment via Netflix, you will love an updated version of the company's streaming app for iPhones, iPods and iPads that was just released for a "more immersive experience". What that means is a crisper, less packed interface which combines your previously watched content, recommendations and latest titles into a single view, with search available throughout the program. Here's your video...