Skype for macOS updated with in-call support for Touch Bar controls
Watch the trailer for a new retro iOS game coded entirely with an iPad [Video]
Every so often we see an impressive work of development or art emerge that was made entirely with an iPad. This time, game studio 8BitMagicGames has released the first trailer for their upcoming game called Starsceptre. The game was developed entirely using Codea, a development suite that allows developers to code on their iPad…
Filed under: Apple
Friday 5: Awesome iOS games to check out this weekend
To coincide with this week’s App Store promotion featuring top iOS indie games, I thought it would be appropriate to devote tonight’s post to a few of my favorite iOS titles. In this video-free edition of Friday 5, I briefly discuss innovative new games like Mushroom 11, and timeless classics such as Super Hexagon. more…
Filed under: Apple
How to get Siri to read articles and other text on iOS and macOS
While Siri may not be the perfect companion some wish it was, the personal assistant’s voice can lend itself to our lives in a variety of helpful ways. For the past few months I’ve been using Siri to read all the text I want to read but don’t actually need to read. Having the personal assistant read articles to me means I can focus on other activities while essentially turning my reading lists and emails into a personalized podcast.
Filed under: Apple
JPMorgan Chase buying up MCX technology after Apple Pay competitor CurrentC failed to launch
Remember CurrentC, the mobile payment service that kept getting in Apple’s way when Apple Pay launched a few years ago? MCX is the merchant consortium that was behind the QR code-based mobile payment service that ultimately never launched, and today JPMorgan Chase announced that it has acquired MCX’s payment technology.
Filed under: Apple
Would you pay more for an Apple HomeKit-equipped home? [Poll]
Now that Apple’s HomeKit has matured and there is a growing ecosystem of Siri-controlled products that support the platform, it’s finally looking like a good time to seriously consider investing in home automation accessories. And now it’s an option for new home buyers too, with at least two homebuilders announcing plans to offer HomeKit upgrade packages that will see various accessories from lighting to security pre-installed in new homes. Would you pay more for a HomeKit-equipped home?
Filed under: Apple
Feature Request: Apple should bring these features from iBooks to every Now Playing screen on iOS
This week I bought and played through my first audiobook in iBooks (Shoe Dog) after realizing I have a habit of buying a lot of books then rarely making time to actually read them. I finished the 13 hour 22 minute book over the weekend and really enjoyed the experience (and the book). I listen to a lot of podcasts, so playing audio in the background while running errands is something I know I enjoy.
iBooks on the iPhone is a solid audiobook player. It works with Apple CarPlay, 3D Touch from the Home screen, and to my surprise has arguably the best Now Playing screen of any Apple app. Apple currently has three different versions of its audio Now Playing screen between its Music, Podcasts, and iBooks apps, the audiobooks version has features that every Now Playing screen should adopt.
Filed under: Apple
9to5Rewards: lofree typewriter-inspired mechanical keyboard for Mac and iOS [Giveaway]
This week’s 9to5Rewards partner is lofree, with a typewriter-inspired mechanical keyboard with full Mac and iOS support.
The company has two of its new lofree keyboards that launched this week to give away to two 9to5Mac readers this week.
Filed under: Apple
9to5Toys Lunch Break: Apple EarPods w/ Lightning cable $18, DJI Phantom 3 Pro (refurb) $569, Angry Birds Star Wars free, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:
Grab a 2nd pair of Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector for $18 (Reg. $29) at Best Buy
The DJI Phantom 3 Professional w/ 4K UHD Video Camera (Refurb) is available for $569 shipped (Orig. $1,259)
Angry Birds Star Wars for iPhone/iPad goes free for the first time in 8 months (Reg. up to $3)
PureVPN Protects Your Online Privacy at Lightning Speed, Lifetime Subscription now $60 
Best Buy offers nearly $200 off Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air, plus additional savings on certified open-box models
iTunes Movie Deals: Train to Busan $1 Rental, Harry Potter Complete Collection $60, $10 movie sale, more
Save on apps, games, movies, TV shows and more: $50 iTunes Gift Card for $42.50 w/ free email delivery (15% off)
9to5Rewards: The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild + Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Bundle [Giveaway]
App Store Free App of the Week: the Love You To Bits adventure/puzzler goes free for the very first time (Reg. $4)
- Mac Game Sales: Trine Trilogy $8, FTL Faster Than Light $2.50, BioShock Infinite $10, more
- Danmaku Unlimited 2 bullet hell shooter for iOS/Android goes free for the first time (Reg. $5)
- Table Tennis Touch is one of the best on iOS and is now matching its lowest price ever: $1
- The colorful puzzler Linia w/ more than 80 levels is now available for free (Reg. $2+)
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
If you don’t mind the original Apple Watch, Amazon has the 38mm Stainless Steel model w/ Classic Buckle for $280 (Orig. $649)
- It’s time for some new NAS drives: WD Red 4TB Internal SATA Hard Drive for $120
- Smartphone Accessories: Anker SoundBuds Slim Wireless Headphones $22, more
- Get the sound you deserve with the Bose Solo 15 Sound System (cert. refurb) for $270
- Samsung 128GB microSDXC Card $35, Logitech MK530 Keyboard and Mouse $25, more
- AT&T rolls out aggressive new unlimited GoPhone plans, save $20 on an off-contract device
- Games/Apps: Super Mario Maker 3DS from $28, Halo Wars 2 $35, iOS freebies, more
- Give yourself a new BLACK+DECKER vacuum for under $50 shipped
- Honor 8 64GB Unlocked w/ accessory bundle for $319 (Reg. $400+)
- Stay comfortable with Hanes 75% off Clearance Sale men and women’s apparel
- Keep calm and cruise on: Swagtron’s T1 Hoverboard is selling for $300 (Reg. $350)
MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:
Apple’s Smart Keyboard for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is down to $109 shipped (Reg. $169)
Add Apple HomeKit to your outlets: Koogeek Smart Plug for $24 Prime shipped (Reg. $35)
Das Keyboard 4C Compact Mechanical Keyboard w/ USB Hub: $85 shipped (Reg. up to $114)
Filed under: Apple