5/30/2013

iDownloadBlog.com

iDownloadBlog.com


Alaska Airlines updates app with Passbook support

Posted: 30 May 2013 04:39 PM PDT

alaska air

Good news future travelers. Alaska Airlines has updated its official iPhone app today to allow its customers to access digital boarding passes using their iPhones. The update, which brings the app to version 2.6, includes support for Passbook.

Alaska is listed as the 7th largest US airline, by passenger traffic, and it joins several other major airlines in backing Apple’s digital wallet platform. Earlier this month, both Easy Jet and Qantas updated their apps with Passbook support…(...)
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TodoMovies is the first app to utilize modern Motion Posters

Posted: 30 May 2013 02:54 PM PDT

TodoMovies 2-1 splash

I recently gave TodoMovies 2.0 the full review treatment and found it to be an amazing app for movie lovers. It is a perfect way to keep track of old movies, in theater movies, and upcoming movies while building your watch list for the road.

Adding to the excellence, the app recently posted a very hefty update, further building appeal. TodoMovies is now the first app to implement Motion Posters. “What is that,” you are certainly asking yourself, at least I did. Follow me past the fold for a video preview…(...)
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CEO confirms Siri uses Nuance voice recognition tech

Posted: 30 May 2013 01:43 PM PDT

paul ricci nuance d11

In the months leading up to 2011′s WWDC event, there were numerous reports that Apple would announce a major partnership with voice recognition giant Nuance. Obviously, the gossip never materialized, and Apple didn’t even end up unveiling Siri until that fall.

But despite the fact that no one has ever come out and said it, Nuance has long been given credit for powering Siri’s speech recognition capabilities. And today, the company’s CEO Paul Ricci confirmed the theory while speaking at AllThingsD’s D11 conference…(...)
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How to subscribe to ‘Let’s Talk Jailbreak’

Posted: 30 May 2013 01:17 PM PDT

Let's Talk Jailbreak podcast coverThe iDownloadblog podcast recently reached a milestone. Two weeks ago, "Let's Talk Jailbreak" hit episode 10. Unfortunately, at about the same time, Apple decided to pull the popular podcast from iTunes.

Don't worry, you can still listen and subscribe to Let's Talk Jailbreak without missing a single episode. We've got a quick tutorial on how to subscribe in a variety of ways to hear Jeff and Sebastien muse over all things jailbreak…(...)
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Apple confirms 100M cumulative iPod touch sales

Posted: 30 May 2013 12:56 PM PDT

ipod_touch

Apple surprisingly confirmed today that it has sold over a hundred million iPod touch units since the device’s inception in 2007. The media player colloquially known as iTouch was released on September 14, 2007, following the launch of the first-generation iPhone. Five years later, a fifth-generation model launched with a four-inch Retina display, thin 6.1mm enclosure, Lightning I/O and the A5 chip.

In an interesting move yesterday, Apple has removed the less-pricey fourth-generation iPod touch model from its online store. At the same time, the company has quietly introduced a new fifth-generation SKU that includes sixteen gigabytes of storage, but lacks the iSight camera and the lanyard hook.

The entry-level device retails for $229. The streamlining means that Apple now offers only the latest fifth-generation iPod touch in 16/32/64GB flavors, priced at $229/$299/$399…(...)
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Adobe releases new Kuler color-picking app for iPhone

Posted: 30 May 2013 12:49 PM PDT

adobe kuler

I guess the title could have read: “Adobe finally releases Kuler color-picking app for iPhone,” because the company announced it nearly 2 years ago. Adobe introduced the app as part of a suite of new touch-friendly applications back in October of 2011.

But better late than never. Kuler hit the App Store this morning as the color-picking app Adobe originally promised. You can capture colors using your iPhone’s camera, or previously downloaded photos, and you can create and save your own color themes…(...)
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How to step up your Evernote account security with two-step verification

Posted: 30 May 2013 12:06 PM PDT

Evernote (two-step verification)

Following in the footsteps of Twitter, Apple, DropboxGoogle and others who recently ramped up security by rolling out two-step account verification, the note-taking platform Evernote today announced similar security features. Small wonder, given recent security exploits which prompted Evernote to issue a password reset across the board.

In a nutshell, two-step authentication makes your notes more secure by requiring a verification code sent to your phone whenever you're asked to provide your username and password.

This will usually happen when logging into the web interface or installing Evernote apps on a new device, such as your iPhone, iPad or Mac. Additionally, Evernote is also launching Access History and Authorized Applications features. I’ve included more information right after the break…(...)
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Tweetbot for Mac refreshed with Media timeline, profile cover image support

Posted: 30 May 2013 11:33 AM PDT

Tweetbot for Mac (teaser 001)

TapBots’ Tweetbot to this date is my go-to Twitter client, both on iOS and Mac. The iOS app was updated a month ago with a handy new Media timeline, revamped image viewer and a few under-the-hood tweaks. Today, Tapbots gave the Mac edition some love.

On top of fixing a few nagging issues, the new Tweetbot 1.3 brings the Media timeline to your desktop. As part of Twitter’s new guidelines, tweet details now have favorite and retweet counts, which comes in handy when checking how viral a tweet is. Another nice-to-have: the Mac edition now supports Twitter’s profile cover images…(...)
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Aspyr releases Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic for iPad

Posted: 30 May 2013 10:32 AM PDT

Star Wars - Knights of the Old Republic for iOS (iPad screenshot 002)

Nine days ago, Mac games developer Aspyr inadvertently told customers in an email communication that “the critically-acclaimed Star Wars RPG is now available on iPad.” Following that “leak,” Aspyr today released Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on the App Store.

The iPad-only title is based on BioWare’s classic 2003 RPG game and includes unique characters, creatures, vehicles and planets.

On top of that, you get to choose from nine customizable characters, use over 40 different Force powers, roam odd planets and vast galaxies and much, much more. If you’re a Star Wars fan, this one’s a no-brainer…(...)
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After Samsung makes Smart Scroll popular, Apple renews gaze detection work

Posted: 30 May 2013 10:07 AM PDT

Apple patent (gaze detection 002)

Apple apparently is renewing efforts to add the ability for the iPhone to detect whether or not it has your rapt attention. It’s not enough that you’re holding the smartphone, the company now wants to be sure you are looking at the phone’s screen.

Originally seen as a way to save battery life, iPhone gaze detection may be Apple’s latest bid to keep up with rival Samsung.

Apple’s patent application, filed in 2013, adds to an earlier 2008 filing and describes ’Electronic Devices with Gaze Detection Capabilities.’

The technology uses the iPhone’s front-facing camera along with the device’s accelerometer to detect when you look away from the screen or put the phone down. Glancing away would automatically pause any running videos while also dimming the screen…(...)
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Google: All Access streaming coming to iOS in coming weeks

Posted: 30 May 2013 09:46 AM PDT

D11 (Sundar Pichai 001)

Earlier this month, the search monster at the Google I/O developers conference unveiled its new $9.99 a month subscription service called Google Play Music All Access. It offers streaming from Google's catalog of “millions of tracks” and supports curated playlists, radio stations and ability to remove unwanted songs.

While Google initially said the service will run on Android devices and on the web, there was no mention of iOS whatsoever. During today’s interview at the D11 conference, Google’s new Android lead Sundar Pichai confirmed that Google Play Music All Access is coming to iOS in the next few weeks…(...)
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Skype for iPhone gains improved calling and chatting features

Posted: 30 May 2013 08:29 AM PDT

Skype 4.8 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 001)Skype 4.8 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 002)

Today, Microsoft-owned Skype has been updated on the iPhone and iPod touch (the latter sold 100 million units since its 2007 inception). The enhancements include a pair of features related to the application’s chatting and VoIP calling capabilities.

For starters, one-to-one chats now appear in the correct order. There’s also a new introduction screens for first-time users. More importantly, the VoIP application now lets you switch easily between headset, speaker or Bluetooth device, without interrupting call in progress…(...)
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Grand Theft Auto 3 refreshed with cloud saves, iPhone 5 support, custom playlists

Posted: 30 May 2013 07:36 AM PDT

Grand Theft Auto 3 (iPhone screenshot 001)

Rockstar Games has refreshed Grand Theft Auto 3: The 10 Year Anniversary Edition for the iPhone and iPad today, adding several notable features that enhance the experience. Like Electronic Arts’ Real Racing 3, the Grand Theft Auto game now supports cloud saves for hassle-free gameplay across devices.

Now you can start playing on your iPhone and continue right where you left off on the iPad, and vice versa.

This is tremendously useful in today’s multi-device world and it’s a shame other game makers don’t support cloud saves out of the box. Grand Theft Auto 3 also now plays nice on the iPhone 5′s taller screen and you can use your own iTunes playlist…(...)
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Apple pushing interactive flexible displays

Posted: 30 May 2013 06:58 AM PDT

Apple patent (interactive flexi display 001)

So far, Apple devices with touch screens react to taps and swipes. Future applications could also respond to pressure. The iPhone maker has applied for a patent on technology which would detect when you press your finger.

The invention may further expand how consumers interact with technology, particularly with wearable devices. The patent application, filed in 2011 and published Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, provides the popular GarageBand music app.

The ability to sense increasing finger pressure could allow virtual pianists to play notes louder, Apple writes. Although GarageBand on iPhone and iPad already imitates pressure by measuring device vibration via the accelerometer sensor, Apple’s invention calls for a new force detection layer on mobile screens…(...)
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Alleged case video depicts reduced iPad 5 width and height

Posted: 30 May 2013 05:52 AM PDT

iPad 5 case video

A rather credible Vietnamese publication has posted a video Thursday which purportedly depicts a case thought to have been designed for Apple’s next-generation full-size iPad, the iPad 5. Now, rumor mills expect the next iPad to adopt the iPad mini’s narrow side bezels and thinner appearance.

Although iDB couldn’t confirm the authenticity of the video at press time, it does indicate that narrower side bezels on the iPad 5 could result in a device that’s both narrower and has slightly reduced height compared to the current-generation iPad 4…(...)
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Apple accelerating custom chip development

Posted: 30 May 2013 05:27 AM PDT

AMD Logo (white background, small)

Apple has seen a few high-profile departures of its silicon experts for graphics giant AMD. For example, Apple's lead chip designer Jim Keller left the company last August to join AMD’s Mark Papermaster, who was briefly Apple’s VP of iPhone engineering.

Another example: Wayne Meretsky, who is known for his work on Macs and other Apple products, in January became AMD’s VP of Software Development. And perhaps most importantly, director of graphics architecture Raja Koduri in April left for AMD, where he had previously worked before Apple poached him in April 2009.

Now, Apple is striking back. According to a number of job listings and LinkedIn profiles, Apple this year picked up at least a dozen former AMD graphics engineers for Orlando Design Center, its rumored brand new shop for custom chip development. These hires indicate Apple’s accelerated custom chip development as the firm seeks to further distance itself from rivals, whose products mostly incorporate off-the-shelf chips…(...)
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EA turns Tetris into a whole new game [review]

Posted: 30 May 2013 05:00 AM PDT

Tetris Blitz 2Tetris is one of those games that I never could play very well. I would often drop a block in the wrong spot or not plan ahead for upcoming blocks. I'd end up with too many holes and no way to remove a row.

Tetris Blitz takes much of the hard work and frustration out of the game by giving you block placement options and a two-minute time limit. You'll never run out of room for blocks because the game will end before you get there…(...)
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Be prepared when disaster strikes with Tornado by American Red Cross

Posted: 30 May 2013 04:00 AM PDT

Tornado by American Red Cross 1Tornado season is well under way. Although the devastating weather has been late on arrival this year, last week's tragedy in Oklahoma shows that Mother Nature is not weakening. If anything, she is a stronger force than ever.

If you are in an area that ever has or ever will experience a tornado, the American Red Cross has your back with their Tornado app. Use this app to plan for emergencies, prepare for a rescue, and pick up the pieces after the disaster is over…(...)
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Popular Dots game lands on iPad, gets multiplayer mode

Posted: 30 May 2013 02:22 AM PDT

dots ipad

By now, most of you have probably heard of Dots. The game, which has only been out for about a month now, has seen over 2 million downloads and over 250 million plays during its short existence. It’s quickly becoming a hit.

Today, BetaWorks has posted a significant update for the title, bringing the software to version 1.7. Most notably, the update includes support for the iPad, a new multiplayer mode, and high-contrast colors for color blind players…(...)
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Apple launches new 16GB iPod touch without iSight camera for $229

Posted: 30 May 2013 01:25 AM PDT

16GB ipod touch

This is kind of interesting. Without cryptic event invites or rampant speculation, Apple just introduced a new product. No, it’s not the iWatch or anything like that. It’s just a new version of its fifth generation iPod touch.

As most of you know, Apple  unveiled the 5th-gen touch during its iPhone 5 event last fall. But up until now, it’s only been available in 32GB and 64GB. The new one comes with 16GB of storage, and few other changes…(...)
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