Apps

The latest news on all your favorite apps.

Latest

Kovaluu's Beats and Loops app uses your phone as a drum pedal
If you’re a musician looking to add drum beats or loops via a pedal, a Finnish company called Kovaluu has unveiled a cheap solution. Its app for iOS and Android, called Beats and Loops, transforms your smartphone into a virtual pedal. You can trigger a loop or beat just by hovering your foot a few inches above your smartphone.
Facebook is releasing a dedicated gaming app tomorrow
A Facebook Gaming app is launching earlier than expected as the social giant takes on Twitch and YouTube.
Apple Music's web player is out of beta
Apple Music’s web player is no longer in beta, Mac Rumors reports. This makes Apple Music essentially platform agnostic. You’ll no longer need to have iTunes or the Music app to stream your Apple Music playlists.
Google bans apps with deceptive subscription offers from the Play Store
Google has updated the Play Store's policies to ban apps that trick you into subscriptions.
Google Play adds a Kids tab full of teacher-approved apps
Google wants to help parents find kid-friendly content. Today, it’s rolling out a new Kids tab on Google Play filled with “teacher approved” apps. Each app is rated on factors like age-appropriateness, quality of experience and enrichment, and parents can quickly review those ratings before they download.
Traeger's redesigned grill app offers cooking videos and customization
Traeger’s WiFi-enabled smart grills already benefit from a robust app packed with recipes for meat, seafood, side dishes and more. First, Traeger has added video-guided tips and recipes to the app. That’s in addition to the company’s team of chefs and grillmasters walking you through recipes.
YouTube Music adds an Explore tab to help you find new music
It's taken a while, but YouTube is about to ditch its Hotlist tab in favor of a more useful Explore section that highlights new music for you to stream.
Bumble users can now match with anyone in the US
Like most things, dating has become more difficult since the coronavirus pandemic began. Dating apps recognize this, and to make life a little easier for users, Bumble is introducing a few new virtual dating features.
Postmates now delivers essentials from Walgreens, Duane Reade and 7-Eleven
Late last month, Walgreen expanded its partnership with Postmates to deliver over-the-counter medications, household essentials and other convenience products in the US. Today, Postmates is taking that one step further. It’s adding two new categories to the app, Essentials and Convenience, through which you can order items from Walgreens (or Duane Reade) and 7-Eleven, respectively.
Apple shares more details of how COVID-19 contact tracing will work
Apple has shared more details of how its coronavirus tracing (and really, Google's) will work, including efforts to prevent false pings.
Apple, Google reportedly team with UK's NHS on COVID-19 tracing app (updated)
An app made with Apple and Google's help could help end coronavirus lockdowns in the UK.
iOS 14 may let you run app snippets to complete tasks
A leaked 'Clips' feature in iOS 14 would download a small piece of an app to run a given task.
France is developing an app to track the spread of COVID-19
France's Stop Covid app could help fight the coronavirus, but questions remain about privacy.
Facebook's latest app experiment is a 'private space' for couples
We’ve asked Facebook if there are plans for a wider release.
Google Fit redesign focuses on your step count
The reworked Fit is available now for iOS users, and should roll out in the days ahead to both Android and Wear OS users.
Roland's Zenbeats music production app is currently free
All sorts of companies have been giving away their apps for free or offering extensive free trials so that everyone stuck inside during the coronavirus pandemic can learn new skills or get inspired. Roland -- creators of iconic synthesizers and guitar effects -- is the latest to join in. The company's Zenbeats is a cross-platform digital audio workstation, allowing users to create songs on mobile, desktop, and even Chrome. The base tier has always been free, but the next step up, Zenbeats Unlock, typically costs $15 and includes more instruments, effects and presets. Roland is temporarily offering free downloads of this version to iOS and Android users.
Facebook debuts standalone Messenger app on Mac and PC
Today, Facebook is bringing its Messenger app to desktop. You can now access Messenger -- including unlimited and free group video calls -- on MacOS and Windows. The desktop app will sync across mobile, offer notifications for new messages and support Dark Mode and GIFs.
Peloton's workout app is now available on Android TV
Peloton might be best known for its connected exercise equipment (and that questionable TV ad), but it also produces a range of instructor-led workouts that can be done at home with no equipment at all. And from today, you'll be able to access them directly through Android TV -- perfect timing considering none of us can get out to the gym right now.
Google's AI can replicate your photos in the style of iconic paintings
There are loads of apps out there that use filters to turn your photos into works of art. You can give your selfie a delicate watercolor feel, for example, or ramp up the colors and composition to create a frenzied portrait of your pet. Now, thanks to Google, you can give your pics a makeover in the style of your favorite artist.
Endlesss is a simple, fun music collaboration app
Thanks to social distancing measures, online collaboration is more prominent than ever. But that doesn't just go for work -- it's part of having fun, too. When it comes to remotely making music with friends, there's typically a high barrier to entry. Not everyone is familiar with the workflows of digital audio workstations like Ableton Live or Apple's Logic Pro X. That's where Endlesss comes in. Billed as a "multiplayer music" app, it's aimed at users who are familiar with the basics of music production and synthesis while remaining somewhat accessible to those who aren't. Though it probably won't become a staple of bedroom producers, it could be a fun way to pass the time while cooped up at home.

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