Instapaper, Chrome and CNN optimized for iOS 6.

The apps on my iPad have been constantly getting updates since I upgraded to iOS 6. last week. It is great to see that developers are working hard to optimize their applications. Today's apps to get updated are Instapaper, Chrome and CNN. Check out the Updates tab in the App Store on your iOS device.

Dolphin browser for iPad updated.

If you are not a big fan of Safari on the iPad, then give the Dolphin browser a try. I haven't used it personally, but feedback is very positive about it with some users saying that if they were given the choice, they would gladly set Dolphin as their default browser in place of Safari. Unfortunately, Apple will never be prone to such openness on the iOS platform.

Dolphin has been updated to version 5.4 yesterday and here's what's new:

• Autofill: Search suggestion automatically shown in URL bar for faster browsing
• Save passwords: Easier and safer
• Keyboard: Improved design and faster input into URL bar 
• Various stability and performance improvements

Dolphin browser for iPad is free for download in iTunes.

Google Drive update for iOS supports document editing.

Google Drive for iOS has been updated with features that enables editing of documents on an iPad. Owners of any iOS device will be able to create a document from scratch and collaborate with other people as they make changes to the documents in real time. A very welcome addition.

Other additions include the ability to view Google presentations  on the iPad including speaker notes, full screen mode and ability to swipe between slides.

Source: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/google-drive-updates-for-ios-and-android.html

Download link: http://itunes.apple.com/app/google-drive/id507874739?mt=8

Learn more: http://drive.google.com/start

Google Chrome for iOS update lets you share to your favorite social network.

One of the limitations of Safari for iOS is that it is still not possible to share stuff to Facebook and much less to Google+. Safari being the default browser on the iPad and iPhone makes this a bummer. Well, that changes now with the recent update to Google Chrome for iOS. Not that Apple now lets you set your favorite browser as the default in place of Safari, but you will be able to share stuff using Google+ and Facebook in Google Chrome. Safari is limited to Twitter and Email. Not for long though. Apparently, iOS 6 will also include these features. Never too late.

List of changes include:

• Ability to share directly from Chrome to your favorite social network or via email
• More actionable sync sign in error messages
• Improved language detection for welcome tour
• Fixes for pages loading blank in Incognito* mode  

Get the update via the App store.

Download Google Chrome for iPad and Google Chrome for iPhone.

Skype for iOS gets photo sharing, performance improvements.

The latest update to Skype for the iPhone and iPad contains a much requested feature that lets users share photos to friends right within Skype. There is no limit on the size of the file you can send.

Also improved is performance whereby Skype is less battery hungry and thus can left to run in the background without worrying about devices running out of juice. Speed has also been attended to. So Skype will load faster.

Download Skype for iPad  and Skype for iPhone from iTunes.

The Verge app for iOS released.

The folks of The Verge have indeed released their app for iOS devices to the App Store. Founded by Joshua Topolsky, former editor-in-chief of Engadget, The Verge is a great source of information as the site broadly covers the tech industry. The mobile app is great for reading on the go. I haven't tried it on my iPad yet. So I'll update this post if I come across any issues.


The app does what it's been designed for and that is to provide great content at your finger tips. Get your free copy on App Store.




Source: The Verge

Rovio strikes back with Amazing Alex.

Amazing Alex is the new game developed by the guys behind angry birds. Will this game reach the same level of stardom as Angry Birds? Check it out and let me know.

"Amazing Alex has a set of 35 fully interactive objects just waiting to be set in motion. Fans can set the objects up to bounce, pop, ricochet, bash, and crash into each other and create an elaborate Rube Goldberg device! With a houseful of toys to play with, there’s more than one right answer. Fans can share their most creative solutions with friends and see what they came up with. With 100 challenging levels across four fun-filled locations, there’s a whole world of creations to explore!"

Amazing Alex costs $0.99 on iTunes.

Finally Google+ for iPad released.

Google just released a version of Google+ for the iPad. Features include Google+ Events, the ability to attach instant upload  photos to posts and start and join handouts.

Check out this application on the App Store:

Google+ Google, Inc. Category: Social Networking Updated: 10 Jul 2012

Check out London 2012: Official Results App for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

The official app is out for you to keep track of the Olympics on the go.

Check out this application on the App Store:

London 2012: Official Results App for the Olympic and Paralympic Games The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Limited Category: Sports Updated: 03 Jul 2012

Chrome for iOS makes it to the App Store. Bye Safari.

Goodbye Safari, hello Chrome. Finally it's there in the App Store, Google's browser is available today as a free download. The interface is the same as on a PC, so there's no learning curve. After downloading the app, users can sign-in to get their bookmarks, passwords and open tabs synchronized. Of course, for that to happen, you need a Gmail account. Another nice feature is the ability to send pages from Chrome on your computer the iPad, iPhone and iPod.


Download Chrome. 

Splashtop update brings ease of use and enhanced security.

Splashtop is an app that lets you remotely connect to a PC right from your iPad. The updated version is available on iTunes at $1.99. However, the update is free and adds such features as ease of use and enhanced security by using the same encryption used by banks.


Below are the five reasons why the Splashtop developers think you should upgrade or buy Splashtop 2:

REASON #1: Easy-to-use interface No more configuring security codes, Google accounts, port numbers or IP addresses. Just log in and connect!

REASON #2: Supports the latest hardware like Apple’s Retina display, so you’ll get great graphics and smooth videos!

With the in-app Anywhere Access Pack (free for existing customers), you’ll get these additional features:

REASON #3: Enhanced Security Secured by the same encryption that your banks use.

REASON #4: Supercharged Performance Self-optimizing over 3G or the Internet to always deliver a responsive experience.

REASON #5: Multi-Device Support Get Anywhere Access Pack for one device, and enjoy the same benefits on all your other Splashtop-enabled devices.

Check it out in the App Store for more details.

Facebook Messenger update supports in-app navigation and more.

The latest update to Facebook Messenger contains some very interesting features including the ability to switch between conversations with in-app notifications. They show up whenever a friend sends a message in another conversation. Additionally, you may easily add friends of your friends to conversations. Not sure why I'd want to do that. Friends of my friends are not necessarily my friends. But it seems that Facebook wants you to friend about anyone on the planet.

The other features lets you see who's available when you start new conversation, share bigger photos, tap for full screen and pinch to zoom.

Other improvements:
- Faster app loading, navigating and sending
- More reliable push notifications
- Bug fixes.

Download from App Store.

Wimbledon 2012 app for iOS released.

It's that time of the year again where all eyes will be on Wimbledon 2012 tennis championships which starts on the 25th June to the 8th of July. The All England Lawn Tennis Club released an app for the iPhone that will let you access the following features:
- Live scores
- Results
- Schedule of play
- Draws
- News
- Player profiles
- On demand video previews, highlights, features, interviews and golden moments
- Photos
- Live @ Wimbledon Radio - 3 channels: Daily coverage of the Championships and two channels dedicated to Centre Court and No.1 Court commentary of live match play.
- Find it - lets spectators locate facilities around the grounds at Wimbledon.


Of course the app is free to download and will work on the iPad in 2x mode. It would be nice though to get a fully compatible app for the iPad. Wimbledon 2012 is certainly useful for those lucky enough to attend the championships as well as to those who cannot make it and can nonetheless follow the tournament on the go.


Download Wimbledon 2012 in iTunes. 

After earth and space, Angry Birds go under water with Piglantis update. Fire next?

Rovio released a new update for Angry Birds Seasons that takes the birds and players under the sea for a new experience. After the recently released Angry Birds Space, the previous versions in Rio, on the beach, in HongKong we can only ask what next element will feature in the next release. Could it be fire?

The update is free to download on iTunes.

Check out this application on the App Store:

Angry Birds Seasons HD Rovio Mobile Ltd. Category: Games Updated: 14 Jun 2012 9 Ratings Game Center

Roland-Garros 2012 - French Open app is out.

Fans of tennis can now download the fourth edition of the Roland-Garros 2012 app on the App Store. If, like me, you cannot be there physically, the app will provide you with a 3D virtual Tour of Roland-Garros. The app also includes the following features:

Real time point-by-point , serve and results

New flow + pics, schedules and draws 

Video highlights and official interviews

Players bios & stats + WTA ATP ranking

Visitor guide and access plan to the stadium

Official Roland-Garros radio.

FFT shop and Orange Sport site.

Check out this application on the App Store:

Roland-Garros 2012 - French Open Orange Category: Sports Updated: 25 May 2012

Skype for iPad updated.

Have been experiencing issues since the last Skype update on your iPad? If yes, An update has been posted in iTunes with the following fixes:

- Improved stability

- Fix for sign in error.

If no, you still have to download it. Hit the View Item button to learn more.

Skype for iPad Skype Software S.a.r.l Category: Social Networking Updated: 21 May 2012 30 Ratings

Star Walk update fixes compass orientation & info about the sun.

Star Walk is one of my favorite apps on the iPad. An update was posted today to the App store with the following features:

What's New in Version 5.7.3
ATTENTION: Current version only works on iOS 5.x.x, the bug fix is awaiting approval. Please do not update if your iOS is lower. (You can find out your iOS version in Settings>General>About)

- New music by Astropilot
- Fixed the compass orientation in portrait mode for iPad
- Corrected the info about the Sun
- Fixed crashes connected with HIP catalog
- Fixed the bug with info box while Star Spotter is activated

Star Walk for iPad - interactive astronomy guide Vito Technology Inc. Category: Education Updated: 16 May 2012

Flipboard for iOS updated.

What's New in Version 1.9:

★ Connect Flipboard to SoundCloud and enjoy amazing sounds created and shared by your friends and people you follow.

★ Explore dozens of recommended audio feeds in new Audio category in the Content Guide.

★ Accessibility for visually impaired people. Apple's VoiceOver helps users navigate Flipboard and listen to articles.

★ Fully localized Japanese edition of Flipboard.

★ Use Readability to save articles to read later.

★ View related sections for social networks (new on iPhone). For example, tap on the "Twitter" section title to view sections like "Your Tweets," "Your Favorites" and "Tweets Mentioning You."

http://itunes.apple.com/mu/app/id358801284?mt=8&partnerId=0

Posted with my Galaxy Nexus.

Instapaper for iPad updated - adds fast pagination & iBook style animation.

Instapaper, the app that lets you read web articles offline has got some updates today. Version 4.2, which is available for download on iTunes, adds the following features:

- All new fast pagination mode, a complete rewrite from the old pagination code that greatly improves accuracy and page-turn speed.

- Optional iBooks-style page-turning animations and gestures.

-New draggable dot bar to replace the scroll bar in pagination mode.

-New two-finger-swipe gesture to close an article.

- Full-screen now has "Auto" mode to switch to full screen after a few seconds.

- The subtle Twilight Sepia color tint can now be selected at any time.

- Added sharing to drafts and Quotebook apps.

- Many bugs fixes and performance improvements.

Click View Item below to upgrade or purchase Instapaper in iTunes.

Instapaper Marco Arment Category: News Updated: 09 May 2012

iOS 5.1.1 for iPad released; fixes "Unable to purchase" alert & more.

Apple has published an update for iOS today that is available for download either through iTunes on a PC/Mac or directly on the iPad. If you choose the latter option, make sure you do so via WiFi. Personally, I'm happy to see that the update contains a fix for the annoying "Unable to purchase" alert I have been getting on my iPad after purchasing a magazine in the Newsstand store. All my attempts to solve that was vain, even a factory reset.

This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:

• Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut
• Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks
• Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances
• Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List
• Fixes an issue where 'Unable to purchase' alert could be displayed after successful purchase

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

Skype for iOS updated with auto app restart and improved stability.

Skype posted an update for iOS today. Among the usual bug fixes, I note two notable features. The first one is the app auto restart function that restarts the app after an unexpected shutdown. I will now have to wait for Skype to crash to see how it works. Now that I come to think of it, I never experienced a Skype crash on my iPad.

The second feature is the ability to move the small video screen around. That's the small screen that shows your face and surroundings during a Skype video call. Now, you can move it around using your finger.

New features:

-Ability to move own preview video

-App auto restarts if unex­pect­ed­ly shut­down 
-Improved acces­si­bil­i­ty 
-Improved sta­bil­i­ty 
-New sign in screen 
-Other minor UI improve­ments
-Bug fixes

Skype for iPad Skype Software S.a.r.l Category: Social Networking Updated: 30 Apr 2012 27 Ratings

Rovio updates Angry Birds Space & gives away 20 space eagle.

Rovio added 10 new levels to it's latest episode of Angry Birds Space for iOS and Android. With this update, Rovio is also giving away 20 free space eagles to iOS users as a thank you to the 20 million downloads during the first week of its release.


Obviously the upgrade is free for all to download in iTunes and Google Play. Check the update notification on your devices.


Source: Rovio

LinkedIn for iPad released.

Today, LinkedIn announced the release of its app for the iPad. It seems that LinkedIn made a lot of research before coming with the app: "We know that our members use their iPads heavily during the morning and evening hours.This “Coffee & Couch” behavior is so pronounced that we designed our new app to make every professional feel like they have their own personal assistant. Imagine having one place where you can get all the info you need about who you’re meeting with that day, trending and timely news that is impacting your industry, who’s changed jobs and what your coworkers are sharing, liking, and commenting on. We’ve pulled all this for you, all in one place". 

One feature you may like or not is the ability to sync your calendar with LinkedIn which in turn will " incorporate rich Linkedin profile data about each attendee". This feature is also new in LinkedIn for the iPhone and Android.


Read more @ the LinkedIn blog
Download: iTunes

Google Currents opens itself to the world.

Released in December last year in the U.S. only, Google Currents is now available internationally for Android and iOS devices. The updated version now supports 38 languages and integrates Google Translate so you can automatically translate the magazine you're reading by just pressing the globe icon.

"With our new dynamic sync feature, you’ll always have fresh content to read. As you open each edition, new content is dynamically delivered, using a minimum of your phone or tablet's battery, bandwidth and storage. Those of you who travel on planes and trains can choose which editions you would like fully packaged for offline reading, including images."

Google Currents is available free for download on Google Play and the App Store.

Source: Google Mobile Blog

Adobe reader update brings comments, ink, forms to Android and iOS.

Adobe released a major update for its reader software on Android, iPads, iPhones and ipods. Among the functionalities that are noteworthy are form filling, comments etc.

Sticky Notes

It is now possible to create sticky note comments and place them anywhere on the document. The notes can then be edited and moved to another location on the document.

Text Markups

The update also supports creation, modification, and deletion of text markup annotations including highlights, strikeouts and underlines.

Free-hand drawing tool

Free hand annotation is one cool feature that will enable you to scribble on your phone and tablet. 

Other listed features include:

- Ink Signature

- Acrobat forms

- Adobe EchoSign Integration

- PDF links

- Document security

- Search files in File Browser

- Thumbnails in File Browser

Read more @ http://blogs.adobe.com/readermobile/

Google Play download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adobe.reader

iTunes download link: iTunes.apple.com/us/app/adobe-reader/id469337564

Facebook app gets retina support and more languages.

Facebook

A new update for the Facebook app has appeared in the App store that brings support for the retina display of the New iPad. Besides this, the update also includes the ability to go offline in chat  and supports more languages.


What's new in version 4.1.1
- You can go offline in chat.
- The right profile picture appears for everyone.
- Your list of friends always includes all your friends.
- In sets of photos, your name is displayed correctly.
- Photos of people who like Facebook Pages load correctly.
- Your friend-request notification only lights up if you have a request.
- You can change your language to Czech, Danish, Greek, Indonesian, Malaysian, Norwegian (Bokmal), Portuguese (Portugal), or Thai.
- If you've got a new Retina iPad, you'll see a crisp, high resolution interface.


Source: iTunes

National Geographic's free "Building Titanic" app to mark 100th anniversary.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of what was then men's greatest achievement, National Geographic is offering a free app called "Building Titanic". With the free app, "travel back in time and witness Titanic's construction". Use the timeline to control the assembly of the liner. April 15 marks the terrible day 100 years ago when the Titanic sank.


Features:

• Over 50 in-depth points-of-interest along a dynamic interactive timeline of her construction.
• More than 100 rare photos detail every aspect of her assembly.
• Incredible archival film shows the laborers who built her in action.
• Special previews of upcoming James Cameron and Bob Ballard Titanic documentaries from the National  Geographic Channel.


Source: National Geographic, iTunes download link

Madonna has her own official app for the iPad.

Madonna's fans will be happy to know that their favorite star has released her official app for the iPad. The app called Madonna, is available free on the App Store and according to it's description, it has "Now everything you want to know about Madonna is available on your mobile device". The iPad is not mentioned specifically in the description because the app is also available for the iPhone; a universal app.


The app provides info about her tours complete with dates and locations, photos, interviews, videos, access to Madonna's social networks and of course a link to iTunes to buy her music. Real fans will like it.


Link to download

Angry Birds Rio gets new levels.

Until the release of Angry Birds Space, Rovio released 15 new levels for your pleasure in Angry Birds Rio. The  stage is the sunny and beautiful beach in Rio until the pigs show up. Also included in this update is 12 more levels which will give you the chance to demonstrate your skills. You must collect all the fruits to unlock the next level.

Source: Rovio

Via: PocketNow

Skitch and Evernote Peek Now Optimized for iPad Retina Display

Check out the blog post below: "We have more exciting iPad Retina display news! Updated versions of both Skitch, our annotation and visual communication app, and Evernote Peek, our Smart Cover learning app, are now fully Retina Display optimized. Get Skitch for iPad » Get Evernote Peek » Skitch for iPad: Before and After