Apps
The latest news on all your favorite apps.
Latest
Sonos pares back its desktop app as it prioritizes mobile
Sonos has given its desktop controller app a makeover, bringing it more in line with its iOS and Android apps. The update, version 9.2, includes a bunch of new features designed to make it easier and more intuitive to use, including automatic player updates -- so you can set your Sonos players to download and install new versions when you're not listening -- and support for the forthcoming Sonos Amp.
Google's revamped Home app puts all of your devices in one place
Google not only offered the Home Hub to connected households at its Pixel 3 event but also had a new version of the Home app for your phone. The revamped Android and iOS software promises both a much more organized approach to smart home control and more flexibility for where you take control. Similar to the Home Hub's new Home View dashboard, you now have a clear view of your various Home-friendly devices in one place rather than having to jump from app to app. It also organizes devices by room, so you won't have to remember which speaker is in the living room.
NBC's WatchBack video app rewards you for sharing viewing habits
The rumors of NBCUniversal launching a rewards-based streaming video app were true. The network has released a free, currently iOS-only WatchBack app that offers a chance to win prizes if you create a profile (complete with viewer preferences) and watch certain full-length shows, such as E!'s Ashlee+Evan. At the moment, each featured episode gives 10 viewers $100 worth of points they can redeem at outlets like Amazon, Best Buy, Macy's and Target.
App flaw let anyone access UK Conservative politicians' data
The UK Conservative party is learning a hard lesson about the importance of basic security measures in mobile apps. Users have discovered that you could log into the party's conference app using only an attendee's email address, providing access to all kinds of sensitive data. And when many of the conference participants are politicians who registered with their email addresses at Parliament... you can guess what happened next.
Google Podcasts rolls out Cast support for everyone
When Google finally launched its dedicated Podcasts app for Android (an iOS version hasn't been released yet), we found it "pretty, but basic." The only way to turn around that reputation is to actually flesh out its list of features, and now that includes Google Cast support. With the button it's easier to tie in with Chromecast devices, Google Home or anything else supporting the protocol, and it's weird the app ever launched without it. 9to5Google notes that while it was available for some users earlier, it's widely available starting today, which Google confirmed to Engadget. It still might not match feature for feature with favorites like Pocket Casts, Stitcher or even Spotify, but for a free app it's in a better position to get the job done.
Microsoft will end support for classic Skype in November
Microsoft's reprieve for classic Skype users didn't last long. In an update to its earlier blog post, the Skype team revealed that it will end Skype 7 support for desktop users on November 1st, and mobile users on November 15th. These older versions might keep working "for a little while," but the developers suggest that you upgrade to Skype 8 to avoid any disruptions.
Oculus' mobile app now supports the Rift headset
The Oculus mobile app is no longer just a companion to the Oculus Go -- an update to the app for Android and iOS has introduced Rift support that lets you manage your VR experience away from your PC. You can link up with friends, find events and shop the Oculus Store. This includes installing apps, too. If you want, you can start downloading a VR game while you're out at work so that it's ready to play by the time you're home.
Tinder borrows Bumble's women-message-first feature
If Tinder was hoping to bring its feud with Bumble to a quick end, it's not helping matters. It has been testing a "My Move" feature in India that gives women more control over conversations. If women enable the feature in their settings, only they can start a conversation after a match -- you know, like Bumble. Tinder had launched the feature in the country as it needed to draw more women to the app by making them feel safer, the company's Taru Kapoor told Reuters. India also uses the in-app messaging more than anywhere else, so it's an ideal testing ground.
Waze navigation is now available on Apple CarPlay
If you're an iPhone owner in need of driving directions, you've probably had one thing on your mind since June: when will that version of Waze with CarPlay support show up? Thankfully, you don't have to wait any more -- it's here. Hot on the heels of a corresponding Google Maps upgrade, the Waze app can take advantage of your car's touchscreen to provide its crowdsourced approach to navigation. The experience will likely be familiar if you've used the Android Auto equivalent.
Google responds to lawmaker concerns over Gmail scanning
In July, Senators John Thune (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) sent Google a letter that sought information on Google's practice of allowing third-party app developers access to its users' emails. While Google stopped scanning Gmail messages for ad-targeting purposes earlier this year, it still offers access to others if users give their consent. Now, Google has replied to the lawmakers' letter.
Greyhound joins the modern era with e-tickets on iPhones
Intercity bus service Greyhound might not be the quickest way of getting around, but purchasing tickets is at least a bit faster now thanks to the new (and arguably well overdue) e-ticketing feature on its iOS app. Passengers can buy tickets directly through the app, then simply flash their device at the driver as they board the bus. Every aspect of a trip can be managed through the app, including check-in, updates and live departure times, plus member rewards. And if you're about to get on a long bus journey, chances are your phone's already juiced up, so you needn't worry about misplacing your info -- unlike Android users, who still have to wait for their update.
YouTube's revamped gaming hub offers faster access to top streams
YouTube is as determined as ever to compete with Twitch, and it's giving its dedicated gaming portal a makeover to make sure that happens. The new YouTube Gaming hub borrows key features from the mobile app, including faster access to top live streams, pages for specific games and a new "On the Rise" section that highlights up-and-coming creators. You'll also find entire "shelves" for both live streams and trending videos on top of personalized content that reflects your tastes and subscriptions.
The sequel to HQ Trivia is a Wheel of Fortune-style word game
HQ Trivia hit our phone screens around a year ago, promising us sweet cash money in exchange for our general knowledge skills. Since then it's kept up momentum, partnering with big name franchises and leveraging a social network-like model, in a bid to prove it's not just a passing fad. Now it's expanding further with the launch of a new game, HQ Words.
Uber hopes a new font will symbolize its turnaround
Uber has been through a lot since it booted Travis Kalanick: a new CEO, a new management team and an emphasis on doing things by the book (even if it proves costly). But how is it supposed to convey that it turned a corner besides ads? Through a new font, apparently. The ridesharing firm has unveiled a new look that revolves around a new typeface, Uber Move. It's unique, inspired by transportation fonts (think road signs and subways) and works in every country where Uber has a presence.
Google is discontinuing Inbox
Google launched Inbox in 2014 as a sort of incubator for new approaches to email, but it hasn't been quite so novel in the wake of steady Gmail upgrades, including April's big redesign. Appropriately, the company is sunsetting Inbox at the end of March 2019. The company wants a "more focused approach" to email, according to product manager Matthew Izatt, and that clearly leaves Gmail as the lone survivor.
CareerBuilder is the latest to jump on the AR bandwagon
How do you spice up a job-finding app when many of them effectively do the same thing? By adding a few buzzword-laden features, apparently. CareerBuilder has launched a revamped iOS app (Android is coming in the "months ahead") where the centerpiece is an augmented reality job search. Think of it as resurrecting Nokia's JobLens -- you're supposed to point your phone at buildings to discover positions (and importantly, salaries) in the world around you. We could see this coming in handy once in a blue Moon when you're just dying to know what people make in a posh-looking office, but you probably aren't going to find a new job wandering around like a lost tourist.
Twitch tests a redesigned Xbox One app to match the PS4
Last spring, Twitch launched a redesigned game streaming app for the PS4, and now it's testing a similarly upgraded front end for Xbox One. Currently to the Insiders test group, Microsoft said it's showing off three key adjustments: Live video previews – check out live streams while you browse Better support for past broadcasts – see chat on offline videos Improved stability – the Twitch app has been rebuilt from the ground up to improve your viewing experience Functionally, it's nearly identical to the version currently running on PS4. I gave it a try tonight on my launch Xbox One console, and the app is running more smoothly than the old one did. With video previews pushed up in the UI and menus that pop smoothly into and out of place, it runs more like Microsoft's own Mixer app, while some users report it now supports low-latency streaming with a 1-3 second delay. I tried some broadcasting as well and the only difference I noticed is that it supports a bitrate of up to 6,500kbps. It works smoothly enough that I'd expect to see a wide release sooner rather than later, but anyone in the Insider program can try it out now by opening the beta program's hub app and looking under Insider content.
Finally, an app for people who don’t know how to Google ‘salmon recipes’
Imagine: You're trying to make do with whatever's left in your fridge or you've just found a choice (or cheap) cut of meat at the grocery store. You could just Google the ingredient(s) and see what recipes pop up, but that's low-tech thinking for simpler minds. Why not harness the power of machine learning, AI and other buzzwordy tech to do it for you? The new app PixFood promises to do just that: It recognizes a photo of a single ingredient and suggests recipes with step-by-step instructions for your culinary adventures!
Twitter and Periscope now offer audio-only live broadcasts
Twitter has offered at least some form of live video for years, but what if you can't (or don't want to) put something on camera? You no longer have to point followers somewhere else to hear your thoughts. The iOS versions of both the main Twitter app and Periscope now support audio-only live broadcasts, giving you the chance to reel in listeners without having to make yourself presentable or draw attention to your presence. You can track audience stats like you can with video, as well.
Top-grossing Mac App Store app steals users’ browser histories
Adware Doctor is a top app in Apple's Mac App Store, sitting at number five in the list of top paid apps and leading the list of top utilities apps, as of writing. It says it's meant to prevent "malware and malicious files from infecting your Mac" and claims to be one of the best apps to do so, but unbeknownst to its users, it's also stealing their browser history and downloading it to servers in China.