Apps

Facebook Messenger update adds one-touch Timeline access and more

Last month, Facebook released version 3.0 of its popular Messenger app. The update was significant because it featured an all-new UI design for the app, bringing its aesthetics more in line with those introduced by Apple in iOS 7.

Today, the client received another update, bringing it to version 3.1. This time Facebook added a few new convenience features that will allow you to access a person's Timeline or call them (toll-free) by simply tapping on their picture...

Viber announces new ‘Viber Out’ feature for making low-cost outgoing calls

Popular VoIP and messaging service Viber announced today the release of version 4.1 of its mobile app for Android and iPhone. The update includes the full global launch of Viber Out, a new feature that allows users to make low-cost calls to any mobile or landline phone number.

The service uses credit that can be purchased through in-app purchases, or via credit card, and the minutes can be used on Android, iOS or your desktop. It's actually a lot like how Skype works, except it looks like Viber's rates are much lower and it won't charge connection fees...

Apple updates ’12 Days of Gifts’ app for 2013 holiday season, opens it to US users

You know it's getting close to Christmas time when outlets start publishing gift guides, and Apple updates its '12 Days of Gifts' application. The 2013 version of Apple's free-download-a-day app went live this evening, ahead of its December 26 kickoff.

Folks in European countries have become accustom to this yearly ritual, but it's never been available to those of us here in the US. I'm happy to announce, though, that this year, Apple has finally opened up the program to iOS users in the United States...

Infinity Blade II named IGN’s ‘Free Game of the Month’

Good news gamers, IGN has named the popular Infinity Blade II title by Chair Entertainment its Free Game of the Month. This is one of the few times that the game, which normally retails for $6.99, has been made available at no cost.

Infinity Blade II was first announced in October of 2011, during Apple's iPhone 4S event, and was later released on December 1 of that year. It's powered by Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 tech and has the same addictive gameplay as the original...

Skype updated with redesigned sign-in screen and other improvements

Microsoft has updated its iOS Skype client today, bringing the app to version 4.1.5. The update brings about a number of improvements including a redesigned sign-in screen, performance enhancements and bug fixes.

The new sign-in screen was designed to reduce startup time so you can start chatting quicker. And it accomplishes this by making it much easier for folks to login to the service with their Skype ID or Microsoft account...

Fruit Ninja developer Halfbrick Studios releases new ‘Band Stars’ game

Half Brick Studios, the Australia-based developer behind hit titles like Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride, has released a new game today for iOS. It's called Band Stars, and it's universal, meaning it supports both the iPhone and the iPad.

Band Stars is a simulation game, which tasks you with forming a band and spending time in the studio recording music. The goal of the game is to complete various challenges and reach the top of local, national and global music charts...

Square Enix posts screenshots of upcoming Final Fantasy VI iOS port

Back in October, Square Enix director Takashi Tokita announced that his team was working on a mobile version of its popular Final Fantasy VI title. The game, he said, will be landing on iOS and Android platforms "this winter."

Unfortunately, that's about all we know right now, and the winter timeframe means we may not see anything until mid-March. But luckily, Square Enix decided to throw FF fans a bone this week and has posted some screenshots...

iDB’s Cyber Monday Deals Roundup

Folks who chose to skip all of the Black Friday mayhem this weekend will be happy to hear that a new wave of deals on apps, consumer electronics and other products are on the way. And there's no crowd-fighting or line-waiting required.

Tomorrow is known as Cyber Monday, a marketing term created for the Monday after Thanksgiving to promote online shopping. And once again, a number of retailers and manufacturers will be offering major discounts on their products.

And again, iDB has you covered, as we've collected all the best offers and put them in one, easy-to-read list. Presenting our Cyber Monday Deals Roundup...

Popular cloud storage service Mega launches iOS app

In January of last year, the US Department of Justice sent a shockwave through the cloud storage industry by shutting down MegaUpload. The hosting site allowed users to upload and store large files, and at one point was the 13th most visited site on the Internet.

This year, exactly 12 months after MegaUpload shut down, founder Kim Dotcom reincarnated his cloud storage service as simply 'Mega.' The new service is more secure than its predecessor, includes 50 GB of free storage space, and now [finally] has an iOS app...

Both 1Password and XCOM: Enemy Unknown are half price right now

In addition to the various Black Friday deals on iPhones, iPads and other products, we're also expecting to see a number of software sales as well. In fact, a couple have already popped up, which you can see here and here.

And today we've learned of two more apps that have gone on sale for the holiday weekend: 1Password and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Both have been discounted down to $9.99 from their usual $17.99 and $19.99 price tags...

Delivery Status touch update adds support for iCloud Keychain and more

We're big fans of Junecloud's package-tracking app Delivery Status touch. It's what most of us here at iDB use to track our new iPhones, iPads and other gear when we order online, and it even made our list of Best iPhone apps.

And today, Delivery Status touch received a significant update, bringing the app to version 5.0.1. The update includes a number of improvements, such as support for iCloud Keychain, French shipping outfit Chronopost and more...