Mobile menu toggle

iOS - page 6

Google Maps takes on Yelp, offers prizes for local map experts

By

google-maps-takes-on-yelp-offers-prizes-for-local-map-experts-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201511points-and-profile-fixed-3-jpg
Might as well earn some points and help people find cool stuff.  Photo: Google
Might as well earn some points and help people find cool stuff. Photo: Google

Google Maps offers a ton of local info when you use the navigation system on your Android or Apple smartphone, including local businesses, eateries, or interesting spots.

The company is expanding its Local Guides program in Google Maps, which will let you share your own discoveries directly to the map, making it more useful for others as well as competing with Yelp, which has a similar service.

But wait, there’s more. With every bit of local expertise you share with Google Maps through the Local Guides program, you’ll get points.

Smart email app Spark coming to iPad and Mac

By

Your Apple Watch is never going to be the device from which you reply to most of your messages, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have its part to play in helping you stay on top of your Inbox.Unlike the functionality of Apple’s own Mail app on the Apple Watch — which lets you only flag messages, mark them as unread, or delete them — Spark allows you reply to messages using quick responses or dictation. The accompanying iOS app is a great email tool in its own right.Download: Spark by Readdle (free)
Hopefully email will start to suck less on more devices.
Photo: Readdle

Readdle’s beloved Spark email app for iPhone and Apple Watch is also coming to the iPad and Mac. A spokesperson for the company confirmed that development is underway for the apps in an email to Cult of Mac. The iPad version will likely make its debut next month in December, while a Mac version is a little further down in the pipeline since it’s only currently in the planning stages.

Apple Maps cozies up to Foursquare for business data

By

apple-maps-nearby-businesses
Apple Maps and Foursquare have teamed up.
Photo: Apple

Foursquare is now contributing “business listings data” to Apple Maps. Since the launch of Maps, Apple vowed to collect data from multiple sources to improve the service over time, and is living up to that promise with this new addition.

Firefox for iOS, YouTube Music, and other awesome apps of the week

By

appsoftheweek_1024
Having an 'appy weekend?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The weekend may be halfway over, but you know what isn’t? The imagination of app developers.

This week’s collection of awesome apps encompasses everything from new web browsers for your iOS device, to a great new music app, to two spectacular games. Check below for our picks of the most noteworthy downloadables of the past seven days.

You won’t regret it for a second!

Apple is killing Beats Music this month

By

apple-is-killing-beats-music-this-month-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201511beatsmusic_ios_combo-jpg
Apple is getting rid of your data next month.
Photo: Apple
Bid farewell to Beats Music. Photo: Apple
Bid farewell to Beats Music. Photo: Apple

Apple has confirmed that it will shut down its Beats Music streaming service on November 30. The news comes just days after Apple Music finally arrived on Android, and users are being encouraged to switch over to its new platform.

YouTube Music rocks out on Android and iOS

By

YouTube Music
YouTube will take on Apple Music (again).
Photo: Google
Yes, Google has another music streaming service. Photo: Google
Yes, Google has another music streaming service. Photo: Google

YouTube Music has arrived on Android and iOS, and it promises to make it easier than ever to discover new music on YouTube. Simply hit play and enjoy an endless journey through the platform’s entire music catalog, or check out YouTube’s recommendations based on your listening habits.

WTF?! Study finds Android is actually safer than iOS

By

The Apple brand is the big difference.
The Apple brand is the big difference.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Your iPhone isn't as safe as you think it is. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android
Your iPhone isn’t as safe as you think it is. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Are iPhones really more secure than Androids? Google’s platform certainly gets more stick thanks to high-profile vulnerabilities like Stagefright, but according to a new study, Android is still safer and more secure than iOS.

All of Nintendo’s Android and iOS games will be free-to-play

By

all-of-nintendos-android-and-ios-games-will-be-free-to-play-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201511Mario_and_luigi-6-jpg
Nintendo games will be free, but you'll pay in some way. Photo: Nintendo
Nintendo games will be free, but you’ll pay in some way. Photo: Nintendo

All of the games Nintendo is currently planning for Android and iOS will be free-to-play titles, according to development partner DeNA. That means you won’t have to pay a penny to download them — but they will almost certainly be filled with in-app purchases.

Google Maps update brings offline navigation and search

By

google-maps-update-brings-offline-navigation-and-search-2-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201511Offline-Maps-setup-gif
Google Maps goes offline. Photo: Google
Google Maps goes offline. Photo: Google

Google Maps is getting offline navigation to ensure you never get stranded in a strange place when your data connection disappears. Users can download entire areas onto their smartphone, then get turn-by-turn directions even while they’re offline.

TAG Heuer’s first smartwatch goes on sale this week for $1,500

By

Connected is modeled on the iconic Carrera.
Connected is modeled on the iconic Carrera.
Photo: TAG Heuer
TAG's Android Wear watch is to be based on the stunning Carrera. Photo: TAG
TAG’s Android Wear watch is to be based on the stunning Carrera. Photo: TAG

TAG Heuer is ready to take on the Apple Watch.

Its first smartwatch, powered by Android Wear and called the Carrera Connected, is set to make its debut later this week, and it will retail for $1,500.

YouTube is now showing virtual reality video

By

youtube-is-now-showing-virtual-reality-video-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201511YouTube-VR-gif
You can now enjoy YouTube videos like never before. Photo: Google
You can now enjoy YouTube videos like never before. Photo: Google

It’s time to dust off that virtual reality headset that you’ve hardly used since the day it arrived, because the biggest video platform on the planet now supports VR video. Google CEO Sundar Pichai today announced that YouTube has begun offering its first VR video, which can be enjoyed with Google Cardboard.

Microsoft’s Cortana is coming to iPhone in beta

By

Cortana was named after a character from Halo 4
Cortana was originally named after a character from Halo.
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft has long been threatening to bring Cortana to iOS as a rival to Siri — and it’s almost ready for you to test it out.

The Redmond, WA company is currently accepting sign-ups for the Cortana beta, although you’ll have to live in either the U.S. or China to take advantage of the offer.

Google’s Inbox app gets handy ‘Smart Reply’ tool

By

googles-inbox-app-gets-handy-smart-reply-tool-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201511inbox-jpg
Inbox Smart Reply in action. Photo: Google
Inbox Smart Reply in action. Photo: Google

Google’s Inbox app is getting a handy “Smart Reply” tool that’ll suggests short, simple responses to your emails when a quickly reply is all that’s required. The tool hopes to help you wade through your busy inbox a whole lot faster.

Poop now at your fingertips with new emoji keyboard

By

This keyboard from EmojiWorks is a quicker way to express your feelings via emoji.
This keyboard from EmojiWorks is a quicker way to express your feelings via emoji.
Photo: EmojiWorks

There’s now a faster way to flip the middle finger or display a steaming pile of poop – along with your other favorite emoji.

EmojiWorks has introduced what is probably the first portable keyboard with built-in emoji shortcuts. Each letter key displays two or three different emoji, which can be inserted into a message by pressing a dedicated emoji key.

How to access open Google Chrome tabs on Android and iOS

By

how-to-access-open-google-chrome-tabs-on-android-and-ios-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201511Chrome-open-tabs-syncing-jpg
Syncing open tabs is easy in Google Chrome. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android
Syncing open tabs is easy in Google Chrome. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Did you know that it’s incredibly easy to access open Chrome tabs on your Android and iOS device? So if you’re reading an article on your computer and you have to dash out, you can access it later while you’re on the go without having to search for it again, type in a URL, or email links to yourself.

Here’s how.

Nintendo’s first ever iOS game and Apple’s insanely great year on The CultCast

By

From N.E.S. to iOS: Nintendo is coming to your iPhone.
From N.E.S. to iOS: Nintendo is coming to your iPhone.
Photo: Howard Phillips

This week: Apple just had their best year ever, and it’s hard to fathom how much cold hard cash they made—we’ll put it in perspective. Plus: Nintendo’s first iOS game confuses us; the new Apple TV isn’t quite the revolution Apple promised; and stick around for a spooky new Get to Know Ur Cultist… if you DARE.

Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Build a beautiful website quick at Squarespace.com, and enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off.

34 apps to try out on your brand new Apple TV

By

Apple TV 4 brings iOS apps to the big screen.
Apple TV 4 brings iOS apps to the big screen.
Photo: Apple

When Apple TV units finally ship tomorrow, they will bring iOS apps to the big screen for the first time.

Some of the best apps from your iPhone are making the jump, including Periscope, Zillow and Airbnb. And of course all the old Apple TV apps like Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu and Showtime will still be available.

Now that the new Apple TV’s arrival is imminent, developers are ready to flood the device with a tons of apps focusing on everything from cooking and exercising to gaming and news.

Here’s a list of new apps available on Apple TV:

Unique keyboard app turns your boring messages into music

By

The most melodious way to type.
Typing "LOL" and "WTF" has never been so melodious.
Photo: SoundKey

SoundKey is a clever keyboard app that plays instruments as you type to create melodies from your words.

Developed by two French students who wanted to incorporate music directly into people’s daily use of the iPhone, it’s an unusual twist on the custom iOS keyboards we’ve come to know and love.

Boomerang, Guitar Hero Live and other awesome apps of the week

By

appsoftheweek_1024
'Appy weekend everyone!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The weekend’s already half way over but, fear not, Cult of Mac is here to fill you in on the week’s best apps.

In addition to great gadget-hunting and photo sharing apps, we’ve picked out some great games from the past seven days. Check out our suggestions below. You won’t regret it!

What the rock? Guitar Hero Live features $50 in-app purchase

By

Guitar Hero Live ditches the cartoony look of previous games in the series.
Guitar Hero Live ditches the cartoony look of previous games in the series.
Photo: Activision Blizzard

You’ll need to have rock-star money to afford new iOS rhythm game Guitar Hero Live.

That’s because, in a break from previous titles in the hard-rocking series, this one features a $49.99 in-app purchase for the full version, which includes well over 40 tracks.

Yep, to paraphrase This Is Spinal Tap, this price goes to 11!

Apple bans hundreds of apps that swiped user data

By

apps
Apple responded swiftly to the discovery that over 250 apps collected data with private APIs.
Photo: Jason Howie/Flickr CC

Apple banned over 250 apps from the App Store that were using software to access users’ personal information. These apps managed to get through the App Store approval process with private APIs, which are against the rules. Apple took action shortly after news broke this morning that a security firm discovered these apps.

Apple might spurn Samsung for next-gen iPhone chip

By

Apple chips are getting EMI shielding.
Has Chipgate gotten Samsung the boot?
Photo: Apple

Apple will snub Samsung and call upon TSMC to exclusively produce all of its next-generation A10 processors for 2016’s iOS devices, according to a new report. It’s thought Apple considers TSMC’s chips to be superior to Samsung’s in performance and efficiency.

Macs make life easier at IBM

By

IBM
IBM and Apple, together at last.
Photo: Apple

You might not think of IBM as a Mac-friendly place to work, but Fletcher Previn, VP of Workplace-as-a-Service at IBM might beg to differ.

Previn used to think like you do: that Apple PCs are more expensive, they’re challenging to support, and require a ton of re-training for help desk staff (who serve a 50,000 employee global work force on Windows PCs)

Turns out, that’s all fairly inaccurate.

iPhone 6s Plus somehow batters Galaxy Note 5 in real-world speed test

By

iphone-6s-plus-somehow-batters-galaxy-note-5-in-real-world-speed-test-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads2015106s-Plus-Note-5-speed-test-png
On your marks, get set, go! Photo: PhoneBuff
On your marks, get set, go! Photo: PhoneBuff

When it comes to specifications, Apple’s latest iPhones look like they’re lagging far behind their Android-powered rivals. But thanks to super-efficient software, they’re not as slow and as outdated as they might look on paper.

This is demonstrated in the real-world speed test below, in which the iPhone 6s Plus somehow batters a Galaxy Note 5.