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Despite slumping Surface sales, Microsoft continues to attack iPad in new ad

You would think that with an ongoing Surface sales slump that even multiple fire sales can't fix, Microsoft would try to switch up its tactics. But nope. As it's done several times this summer, the Redmond company posted a new tablet ad today attacking the iPad.

The new spot is called 'Surface RT vs. iPad.' And like Microsoft's previous commercials, it pits the Surface against Apple's popular tablet, highlighting their differences. This time around, the iPad is knocked for having a smaller screen, lacking a kickstand and more...

Instagram update brings video importing, automatic straightening, and more

Instagram just announced its first major app update since it introduced its new video capture and posting feature last month. Today's update brings the client to version 4.1, and it includes a handful of some highly requested enhancements.

Easily the biggest change in today's update is the ability to import videos from your Camera Roll (though jailbreakers have been able to do this for a while now). This means you can now upload clips shot outside of the app to Instagram's network...

Infuse 1.3 drops: AirPlay, Wi-Fi file transfers, fullscreen TV out and more

FireCore, the guys who brought you the aTV Flash Black for jailbroken Apple TV boxes, back in April launched their iOS media player app, Infuse, on the App Store.

My initial review praised the attractive user interface and support for more than a dozen non-iOS media formats, but criticized lack of wireless media transfer capability and non-existent AirPlay support, including lack of subtitle streaming over AirPlay which has seriously hampered Infuse's potential to become my go-to iOS media player.

Staying true to its promise, the team in the meantime has been hard at work expanding on the app's initial feature set. I've been testing today's 1.3 update for the past week or so and I'm happy to report that - much to my delight - the new version addresses most of the initial complaints I had with it.

Read on for the full reveal...

‘VideoPane’ brings true video multitasking to iOS

Judging from the popularity of the preview post, it looks like quite a few of you are highly interested in Ryan Petrich's new flagship video tweak. VideoPane, as it is called, was just released, and it's now available for purchase on Cydia's BigBoss repo.

This is a tweak that allows users to detach video from its native player, and float it on top of the iOS UI in a way that allows you to multitask. VideoPane makes it totally possible to watch video while sending a text message, updating your Facebook status, browsing the web, etc. This is true multitasking with video, and for the most part, it works gloriously.

VideoPace: the best way to adjust the speed of videos on iOS

VideoPace is a new jailbreak tweak from Ryan Petrich that we previewed a few days ago. It's a very simple tweak that allows users to adjust the pace of video using a few predefined speed factors available in the tweak's preferences.

VideoPace is wonderful to use when you need to speed through videos — think lectures — or slow down videos — think tutorials, or how-tos. Have a look at our full video preview for more information, and for directions on how to get it.

10 new features in iOS 7 beta 5 [Video]

Like we did with the iOS 7 beta 4 release, we've put together a brief video highlighting some of the changes and features included in Apple's latest beta release. This beta, the 5th so far in the series, includes quite a few subtle updates that may be looked over if you're not intently looking for them. Have a look at our video walkthrough inside for a hands-on glimpse at 10 of the new features included with the latest beta.

‘No More Folders’ removes folder backgrounds and mini grids inside folder icons

It's not unusual to see a random jailbreak tweak appear on the Cydia store that features no real practical application. For example, the tweak may present some new visual change, but it's not exactly useful, and in fact, at least in some cases, the tweak could make your device less user friendly.

That's not to say that there is no place for tweaks of this sort, there clearly is, otherwise developers wouldn't keep producing them. The latest such tweak to fall into this category is No More Folders. This is a tweak that hides the folder backgrounds and grids, essentially making the folder invisible while closed.

Have a look past the break as we showcase how No More Folders looks and performs on video.

Slide2Dismiss: quickly remove banner notifications with a swipe

Looking for a way to quickly dismiss banner notifications in style? If so, check out Slide2Dismiss, a brand new jailbreak tweak that's available for free on Cydia's BigBoss repo.

Slide2Dismiss is an extremely simple tweak with a singular purpose: to allow you to quickly dismiss banner notifications using a stylish slide gesture. Have a look at our video walkthrough after the break for a demonstration of the tweak in action.

How to adjust the position of app icon labels

LabelUp Pro is a new jailbreak tweak that allows users to reposition the app icon labels that normally appear underneath each app icon. The tweak features several sections dedicated to things like the Home screen, folders, and the app switcher. Each section contains a simple slider that allows you to adjust the position of the labels.

It's a tweak that technically works, but I found it a bit difficult to use due to the fact that respring is required with each change. Have a look at our video walkthrough inside for a brief demonstration.

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...

‘FaceHalt’ gains new experimental mode for wider app adoption

Great news for all of you FaceHalt early adopters. The tweak has now gained access to apps like Hulu, Netflix, and HBOGo by means of a new experimental option.

The new option, which can be found in a revamped preference panel located in the settings app, is the biggest new feature included with the tweak's 1.0.2 update. Other features included bug fixes.

In the change log for the update, the developer states that users should try the new Experimental mode, which can be setup on an app-by-app basis, if they find that merely enabling the tweak for a specific app doesn't work. Unfortunately, in my testing the tweak with Netflix, I was met with some pretty mixed results. Your mileage may vary.

Sodium: remix your wallpaper with tons of custom effects

I don't know about you, but I have a bad habit of keeping the same wallpaper on my iPhone for months on end. That usually makes for a boring background in dire need of a little seasoning — you can probably tell where I'm going with this.

Indeed, Sodium is a new jailbreak tweak that seeks to add some flavor to your iPhone's wallpaper. It does so by means of a variety of custom fill colors, blend modes, and more. Have a look inside at our video walkthrough to get a taste of what sodium offers.