iPad

From the latest news to the most comprehensive tutorials, learn how to get the most out of your iPad with our step-by-step guides and expert tips.

Opera Mini adds new features, including opening links from other apps via iOS 8 extension

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

The Opera Mini web browser for the iPhone and iPad by Opera Software has received a much-needed iOS 8 extension and a few other features in its latest 9.1 update. The extension makes it easy to open links in Opera Mini from other apps using the multi-purpose iOS Share menu.

After enabling the new ‘Open in Opera Mini’ extension in the Share menu, you'll be able to open links in Opera Mini from other apps, including browsers like Safari and Chrome.

“This is especially helpful when you want to jump from Safari to Opera Mini to save on mobile data,” developers noted alluding to their browser's Turbo mode which compresses web pages to cut down on your cellular data usage.

The Stratus XL controller takes iOS gaming to the next level [review + giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Since Apple announced MFi controller support for iOS games, fewer options appeared than originally anticipated. The reason for a slow response is a bit surprising. However, my point of view is slightly skewed as an iOS accessory hardware reviewer. Still, I cannot imagine why app developers would not want to build in the support. Even more shocking is the small list of hardware options.

At CES 2014, it seemed like controllers would be the new thing. Unfortunately, several companies I chatted with never released their controller. We have come a long way since January 2014 and a full year plus another six months since the MFi controller support protocol released at WWDC.

SteelSeries was one of the first companies to-market with their SteelSeries Stratus. The Stratus was an extremely small MFi controller, but perfect for on-the-go gamers. Recently, they released the Stratus XL, a full sized battle tested design, similar to a true console handheld. After settling down with the XL, it changed the way I look at iOS as a gaming platform.

Rumor: Samsung starts building A9 chips for 2015 iPhones and iPads

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 12, 2014

According to an article published by Korea's ETNews on Friday, Samsung has now begun building the 'A9' processors after rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reportedly built the majority of A8 chips for the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPad Air 2 devices.

The A9 system-on-a-chip is expected to make its debut in the next year's iPhones and iPads, including the expected iPhone 6s, an S-upgrade to the existing iPhone 6 lineup.

‘Space Qube’ goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

Apple has named the retro-futuristic 3D shooter 'Space Qube' its App of the Week for this week. This means that you'll be able to pick up the title for both your iPhone and iPad, for free through next Thursday—a solid savings of $2.99.

In Space Qube, players are tasked with helping Space Jack in his campaign to save the universe. They are given the opportunity to build their own custom spaceship, and then must blast their way through levels of dangerous monsters.

Google iOS app gains Material Design, iPhone 6 support, Recents and Maps in search results

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 11, 2014

The search monster Google this morning posted a major update to its main search app for iOS.

The company says it's enhanced the software by bringing out support for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus screens, a fresh new look with Material Design appearance, Maps alongside search results, easier-to-find recent searches, a “G” button that lets you start a new search from anywhere within the app and more.

You can grab the completely rebuilt Google 5.0 app for the iPhone and iPad free of charge in the App Store.

SoundCloud adds playlist creation feature and native iPhone 6 support

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 11, 2014

SoundCloud, an online audio distribution platform, on Thursday issued a long-expected updated to its iOS client which has finally added support for the new iPhone resolutions so it no longer looks oddly scaled on your brand spanking new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. In addition to playlist creation and iPhone 6 support, SoundCloud 3.6 contains various bug fixes.

Scanbot goes free for the holidays, adds new features and gorgeous winter theme

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 11, 2014

Scanbot, a comprehensive, well-designed document scanner and QR reader for the iPhone and iPad, has gone free in a time-limited holiday promotion. You can now grab the $1.99 universal application free in the App Store.

Those who've upgraded to Scanbot Pro via a $4.99 In-App Purchase can send Scanbot Pro as a holiday gift to a friend during the duration of this promotion.

Just tap the Gift button at the top right corner and share the Christmas coupon with that special someone. Haven't upgraded yet? Not to worry, you can gift Scanbot Pro at a discount of up to 60 percent. Last but not least, both editions of Scanbot have received several new features listed below the fold.

Spotify gains iPhone 6 support, adds new ‘Top Tracks in Your Network’ playlist

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

Better late than never: Spotify, the popular music-streaming service hailing from Sweden, today at last gave its iOS clientproper support for the new iPhone screen resolutions so it no longer runs scaled on your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus.

More importantly, version 2.2 has added the “Top Tracks in Your Network” playlist which shows the most played songs among the people you follow.

Top Tracks in Your Network rolling out as we speak to all users and can be found under the new Top Tracks button in the Browse section of the Spotify app.

Microsoft releases MSN-branded News, Money, Sports, Health & Fitness and Food & Drink apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 30, 2018

Microsoft on Thursday released five new applications for the iPhone and iPad. Available free of charge in the App Store, the News, Money, Sports, Health & Fitness and Food & Drink apps have been created under the MSN brand.

As a bonus, a Weather app from MSN will be hitting iOS later this year. It's interesting that the MSN Health app syncs its data with iOS 8's Health database.

It has pedometer functions to continuously track, analyze and receive insights on your daily steps taken on the iPhone and tracks your runs (record your time, distance, pace and calories burned while you run, bike and do other outdoor activities).

Additionally, the app contains a Diet tracker (there's a database of over 300 thousand to track your daily calorie intake) and a Cardio tracker to monitor your cardio training and analyze progress over time.

Jump past the fold for the full rundown of each app.

Apple launching cellular iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 models in China this week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple today announced that cellular versions of the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 will be available in China this week. Wi-Fi only models of the two tablets have been in the country since launch, but the cellular editions had to be approved by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The two new iPads will support TD-LTE and FDD-LTE standards, as well as TD-SCDMA, DC-HSDPA, HSPA+ and other network technology. Prices will begin at 4,488 (RMB) for the 16GB iPad Air 2, 3,788 (RMB) for the 16GB iPad mini 3, and top out at 5,888 (RMB) for the 128GB iPad Air 2.

App Recap: discounts, new apps to enjoy mid-week

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 17, 2019

Welcome to Wednesday. As we prepare for an onslaught of new arrivals that will be hitting the App Store midnight, a number of apps and games have been updated with new features and we're here to tell you what's changed.

We also want to make sure you stay on top of recent discounts as some apps get slashed by as much as eighty percent with the others going all the way down to zero bucks.

And it wouldn't be a roundup without taking a look at some of the forthcoming releases due later this month or sometime next year. This is App Recap, an app-focused column by iDownloadBlog.

Readdle launches PDF Office, a new productivity suite with subscription model

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

Ukrainian developer Readdle today added a new flagship application to its stable of productivity software for the iPad, PDF Office. The all-in-one mobile solution is suited for demanding users who need to produce PDF files on the go, from scratch, or edit existing documents using a bunch of powerful editing and annotation tools.

With PDF Office, you can create new PDFs, jot down notes, scan documents using your iPad's camera, create and fill out forms, convert any file, picture or even a website into a PDF document, annotate and sign PDFs, collaborate on documents and more — all in the name of going completely paperless.

Based on a subscription model, PDF Office is available free of charge with subscriptions starting at $5 per month (annual subscription will cost you $40).