Update

Chrome for iOS updated with new feature tour, omnibox improvements

Google rolled out an update for its mobile Chrome browser today, bringing the app to version 34.0.1847.18 (c'mon Google). The update includes a new 'feature tour,' which offers new users an overview of the browser, and other minor enhancements.

Among those enhancements is a tweak to Chrome's omnibox. Autocomplete in the omnibox now supports right-to-left languages, which should appease some international users. There's also the standard cluster of security, stability, and bug fixes...

ComiXology launches new read-only app following Amazon acquisition

ComiXology, the leading digital comics platform, has launched a new application for iOS today. The company sent out an email to customers this morning announcing that the old app is being retired, and a new one is now available. The biggest difference between the two, it seems, is that the new app does't allow in-app purchases.

The change is noteworthy, as the ComiXology app has long been one of the top-grossing iPad titles in the App Store, and it comes shortly after Amazon acquired the comics platform. It's not surprising though, as it's the same strategy the e-commerce giant takes with its Kindle iOS app, in an effort to circumvent Apple's 30% cut...

Badland updated with new ‘Doomsday’ level pack offered on try-before-buy basis

Badland, one of the best mobile games out there, has been updated today with a set of thirty brand new 'Doomsday' levels, but with a twist. Breaking away from the common practice of updating Badland with new content offered free of charge to those who've previously purchased the game, its two-person development team has decided to provide the new levels on a paid basis as it explores fair new monetization models.

This also marks the first time this iPhone and iPad game has offered in-app purchases. Badland is available for $3.99 in the App Store, with the Doomsday level pack available on a try-before-buy basis as a one-time $0.99 in-app purchase...

Hulu Plus app updated with remote control support for game consoles

Hulu posted a significant update for its Plus iOS client this morning, bringing the app to version 3.5.2. The release includes a new remote control feature that will enable users to control the Hulu Plus experience on their Xbox One, PS3 or PS4 console using an iPhone or iPad.

Setup is a breeze. Simply launch the Hulu Plus app on your iOS (or Android) device, and it will automatically detect your gaming console. Once detected, a 'Cast' button will appear in the app, allowing you to pair your smartphone or tablet to the selected console and take control...

Pinterest app updated with new ‘Guided Search’ feature

Pinterest users may be interested to know that the photo-sharing site rolled out a major new feature to its mobile apps this morning. It's called 'Guided Search,' and it comes via an App Store update, which brings both the iPhone and iPad client to version 3.6.

Guided Search is a tool made for exploring Pinterest when you don't know exactly what you're looking for. So for example, if you enter a vague search time like 'vacation,' the tool will help you hone in on a category (i.e. camping, beach, etc) or specific location...

Some users seeing significant battery life improvement with iOS 7.1.1

In addition to Touch ID enhancements and bug fixes, it looks like iOS 7.1.1 also brings about battery life improvements. Several users are reporting seeing markedly-improved battery life since installing the update, which Apple seeded to the public on Tuesday.

ZDNet's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says that battery performance on his iPhone 5 dropped significantly following last month's iOS 7.1 release. But since updating to 7.1.1, Hughes says that it's gone back up to just as good, if not better, than it was when he first got it...

eBay app receives big update with new Home page, larger photos and more

Good news for eBay users this afternoon, the e-commerce giant has posted a significant update for its iOS client, bringing the app to version 3.3. The update brings about a number of new features and improvements, including a redesigned Home page, Passbook support and more.

The revamped Home page includes Watched items, Feed and eBay Deals—everything you'd want to see upon first launching the app. Other areas have been refreshed as well, with larger photos and new product reviews for items in the eBay Catalog. Full change log after the break...

Vevo launches revamped iOS app with new design, real-time feed and more

Vevo launched a new version of its iOS client this morning, bringing the app to version 3.0. The update brings about an all new design, inspired by iOS 7, as well as various other improvements including new real-time feed and mini-player features.

For those unfamiliar with Vevo, it's a video hosting service that is often referred to as the 'Hulu' of music videos. A joint venture of two of the 3 major music labels, the company offers access to more than 75,000 music videos from over 21,000 artists...

The Weather Channel app updated with all-new iOS 7 design

The Weather Channel app has long been a favorite for iOS users. It provides fast, accurate information, and offers tons of features for the more serious weather watchers. In fact, the only complaint I've ever really heard about the app had to do with its decidedly dated design.

That changed this morning, though, as the app was updated with an all-new iOS 7-inspired look. It now features rounded, translucent UI elements and larger, sharper graphics. Users will also notice that the app is much faster thanks to a number of performance improvements...

Amazon updates Kindle app with new Table of Contents, X-Ray features

Amazon Kindle users will be happy to hear that the iOS client for the e-book service received a nice little update this morning. The release, which brings the app to version 4.2, brings about two substantial new features: Table of Contents and X-Ray Smart Look-Up, and other improvements.

The first new feature is fairly self-explanatory—customers can now access a book's table of contents from within the app—but the second is a bit more subtle. X-Ray Smart Look-Up will allow users to take advantage of Amazon's quick-referencing tool without leaving their current page...

Apple pushes OS X security update with Safari 7.0.3

After pushing iOS 7.1.1 with additional Touch ID improvements and a pair of bug fixes for the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Apple TV devices, Apple has now released a minor software update containing security fixes for OS X systems and the Mac's Safari browser.

Officially titled 'Security Update 2014-002 1.0', the download comes in at eighty megabytes and includes patches for Safari vulnerabilities and bug fixes for the rest of OS X.

Apple wholeheartedly recommends this OS X update for all OS X Mavericks users because it improves compatibility, stability and security of your computer. A reboot is required after applying the software...

Apple posts iOS 7.1.1 with additional Touch ID fixes

Apple has just released iOS 7.1.1 for public consumption. A maintenance update, iOS 7.1.1 contains "improvements, bug fixes and security updates." Specifically, it makes Touch ID even more reliable than the previous iOS 7.1 update, while fixing a pair of bugs related to keyboard responsiveness and Bluetooth keyboards with VoiceOver enabled.

It's arrived just five days after iOS 7.1.1 devices located in and around Apple's Cupertino campus started exposing themselves in web logs.

Needless to say, those of you who rock a jailbroken iPhone, iPod touch or iPad are advised to hold off on upgrading to the new software until we're able to confirm it won't break your jailbreak...