MacRumors iPhone and iPad Blog: Apps, News, and Rumors

Google today updated its Gmail for iOS app to version 3.0, adding both simplified sign-ins and background app refresh. With the new update, Gmail will use iOS 7's background refresh capabilities to fetch mail even when the app is not open. Before the update, users could receive notifications when new mail was received, but opening the app was required to download the messages. The app also...

Roku today introduced a new $50 HDMI streaming-stick to compete directly with Google's Chromecast and give consumers a significantly cheaper alternative to the Apple TV.The new streaming stick is a sequel of sorts to a stick that Roku introduced last year that only worked with select Roku-ready TV's. The new stick comes with a full-fledged remote control and largely replicates the functionality ...

TwelveSouth today introduced the new SurfacePad for iPad mini, an compact leather case that's able to double as a viewing stand and a desktop typing wedge. The case, which is billed as a simple leather wrap, uses an adhesive backing to hold the iPad mini in place, cutting down on bulk and allowing it to function without an enclosing framework. With hidden magnets build into the inside of...

Since being introduced alongside the iPhone 5 in 2012, Apple's Lightning cable has been criticized for its poor durability, as it is prone to breakage and fraying near the adapter. It appears the Lightning cable may be vulnerable to corrosion as well, according to a report from ZDNet's Jason O'Grady, who noticed corrosion on the gold contacts of his Lightning cable after it had been failing...

Open source web and Mac application Cryptocat is now available on iOS. Designed to allow secure online chatting, the app encrypts chat messages to allow users to have single and group conversations that are secure and unable to be intercepted or monitored. Everyone's favourite privacy-loving cat is now on iPhone! Get an encrypted cat in your pocket, have private chats with friends any time. ...

Starting today, Apple is expanding its iPhone trade-in program to French retail stores, making France the third country to offer Apple's in-store recycling initiative. Though not publicly announced, an Apple spokesperson in France confirmed the launch to iPhoneAddicts. The program allows customers to trade-in an older iPhone at a retail store and immediately receive up to €215 ($296) in...

As part of Apple's announcement earlier today regarding the launch of its new iOS vehicle integration at the Geneva International Motor Show, the company revealed that it has rebranded the feature from "iOS in the Car" to "CarPlay". Curious about whether Apple had previously sought to protect the CarPlay name with a trademark application, MacRumors has investigated the situation and determined ...

Apple has launched a new campaign for the iPhone 5c on popular social blogging platform Tumblr, reports 9To5Mac. Featuring the tagline "Every color has a story", the campaign's page contains five videos each representing a different theme based on the combination of a certain iPhone 5c color and case. For instance, a video showing the yellow iPhone 5c and a black case displays a pattern mimicking ...

Best Buy is introducing another special deal this weekend, offering a minimum of $150 for trade-ins of working iPhone 4s and iPhone 5 smartphones. Customers must buy a new smartphone with two-year contract on AT&T, Sprint or Verizon, however. The offer is good through the end of the day tomorrow, March 1. The chain has also reduced the price of the base 16GB iPhone 5s to $150 to match the...

During today's annual stockholders meeting, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed (via Bloomberg) that 40 billion iMessages and 15 to 20 million FaceTime calls are made daily. That number suggests iMessage has grown exponentially over the course of the last year as usage numbers were at two billion messages per day in January of 2013. As of mid–2013, Apple had 320 million iCloud accounts with 900...

Apple is making it easier for developers to find the resources they need when designing their iOS apps. The company added a new "Designing Great Apps" hub to its developer website that includes both videos and documentation on iOS user interface design, transitioning to iOS 7 and more. Exceptional user experience is a hallmark of Apple, and a distinguishing feature of apps built for iOS and OS X. ...

MOGA today announced that it is working on a successor to its original MOGA Ace Power iOS 7 game controller, sending out a teaser image that depicts a controller with a new Bluetooth-compatible design. The original MOGA Ace Power was compatible only with the iPhone due to its need to connect to the phone's Lightning port, but it appears the second version will utilize Bluetooth instead,...

Google's messaging app Hangouts was today updated to version 2.0, adding an iOS 7 redesign and several new features including animated stickers, 10 second video messages, and iPad optimization. This is the app's first major update since it received voice calling and Google Voice integration back in October of 2013. Following the update, the app supports a two-column conversation view on the...

ABC has plans to stream this weekend's Oscars live though its Watch ABC app for the iPhone and the iPad to a select number of customers, reports Variety. As with standard programming, watching the Oscars live via the app will require customers to authenticate through their cable providers. Subscribers of Comcast, Cablevision, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Midcontinent...

The Moov fitness tracker is a new wearable fitness device that is designed to sense both motion and 3D form in order to analyze the wearer's movement, giving tips to improve physical activities and workouts. It uses 9-axis sensors, including accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer to evaluate form. Acting as a digital personal trainer, Moov can analyze activities like running, weight...

Apple and Google are meeting with the European Commission to discuss concerns over in-app purchases. The two technology leaders will be asked to provide solutions that protect customers, particularly children, from errant and costly in-app purchases. Commissioner Neven Mimica, responsible for Consumer Policy said: "Consumers and in particular children need better protection against unexpected...

NimbleBit, the developer behind freemium hits like Pocket Trains, Tiny Tower, and Pocket Planes, has teamed up with Milkbag Games' Matt Rix, creator of Trainyard and Owen Goss, who did Landformer and Finger Tied, for an all new animal-based game called Disco Zoo, which is now available for download from the App Store. In Disco Zoo, players will take on the management of a zoo filled with...

Apple has updated the software used by large companies and educational institutions to deploy thousands of iPads and iPhones to employees and students. The changes to Apple's Device Enrollment Program, its Volume Purchase Program, and the Apple ID for Students services are detailed in a report at TechCrunch and in an overview document [PDF] posted to Apple's IT Deployment site.Among other...