Save $32 With Our Paid iPhone and iPad Apps Gone FREE Today

We love these posts and they seem to be getting more and more regular too. Developers are obviously seeing the benefits of making their apps free from a limited period and for you, our readers, you get top apps without any cost to your pocket. Today the FREE apps are valued at $32 and are definitely worth downloading for your iOS device.

Tap to Unlock ($5 to FREE – iPhone / iPad)

Tap to Unlock is an addictive little game that you can enjoy on your iphone and iPad. This app ususally costs $5 and is today available free. This app was updated this month too with a brand new game design and graphics. Get it from the iTunes store now.

Stickyboard 2 ($5 to FREE – iPad)

Stickyboard 2 is a popular whiteboard app that lets you effortlessly take quick notes in a simple and well designed user interface. Normally $5, this little gem is free for a limited time only and can be downloaded from the iTunes store.

Angry Birds Star Wars II ($1 to FREE – iPhone / iPad)

Angry Birds Star Wars II has finally gone free on iOS. Normally $1, you can get your hands on this addictive game right now without it costing you a things. Get ready to spend hours defeating those little pigs again.

PDF Connect ($6 to FREE – iPhone / iPad)

Free today, PDF Connect is a well known app that lets you scan, view and edit PDF documents on your iOS device. It usually costs $6 so this really is a great savings and you can get it from iTunes today.

Open Home Pro ($15 to FREE – iPad)

Now this really is a gem. Open Home Pro is available for the iPad and is a premium app that has been designed for real estate agents. It normally costs $15 and for a limited time you can get it free on iOS. This is a massive saving so be sure to grab it today while you can.

It is worth noting that all the free apps that we post are only free for a limited period of time. You need to download them as soon as possible because they usually don't stay free for more than 24 hours. If you see something you like, grab it now before its too late.

Stream Torrent Files To Apple TV Via AirPlay

Today we want to let you know about a new app that is sure to really annoy Apple. The app we are talking about is TorrentTV, a cross-platform streaming app that allows users to stream torrents directly to their Apple TV. Apple TV currently only allows users to view content that is provided or directly curated by Apple and this is fine, but a lot of people like to do a lot more.

In a bid to provide more, the developers behind TorrentTV have come up with a clever way of interacting with Apple's AirPlay protocol to allow torrents to be streamed directly to the attached TV set. The newly created software available for Windows, OS X, and Linux, uses the same underlying streaming code that was found in the Popcorn Time app that hit headlines a couple of months back. The TorrentTV app also uses an extremely simple interface that allows media to simply be dragged and dropped on the UI for the streaming process to begin.

We can't say that we approve of what the developers behind this app are trying to achieve, but the fact that it doesn't acutally index or save any files should give it an extremely small amount of leeway when the legal teams of the big companies come looking for them. By downloading sequential parts of the provided file in the background, the service is able to stream the embedded media immediately to Apple TV, and even the Roku.

Even though we are letting you know about this app, we do get the feeling that it won't be long until this app suffers the wrath of the big boys and we all know that torrents are really frowned upon, so download this at your own discretion.

1985 Macintosh Office ad reminds us how much space software used to take up

"Now there are more than 500 software programs for the Macintosh Office, so no matter what business you're in, you're in business." In just one sentence this 1985 Macintosh Office ad explained to viewers why it was going to change the way they worked on a computer. In 2014 this ad sends a dramatically different message:

"Holy crap, isn't it great that we don't have to keep track of giant boxes of software anymore?"

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What would make you run out and buy an Apple-branded smartwatch?

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Bose files patent infringement lawsuit against Beats over headphone noise cancellation

According to TechCrunch and CNBC, Bose today filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Beats Electronics in the US District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint, embedded below, accuses Beats of infringing several patents related to noise-cancellation technology used in headphones.

Apple is in the process of acquiring Beats Electronics in a $3 billion deal that is expected to close in September of this year.

Bose v. Beats Civil Complaint

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Five apps that'll help you bike like a Tour de France champion

The 101st edition of the Tour de France is coming to close with only two stages left until the 3,500 kilometres (2,200 mi) race is completed. If all this world-class cycling has you pining to improve your own road time, then you should check out these five top cycling apps the next you pull out your bike.

Cyclemeter [iOS Universal; Free with in-app purchases]

If you must have one and only one app for tracking your cycling progress, then you should check out Cyclemeter. Cyclemeter tracks a variety of metrics on your iPhone and compiles that data into beautiful bar and pie charts that can be analyzed on your iPad thanks to iCloud syncing. The tracking and planning features are unrivaled, though they do make the app a bit challenging to use.

Routie [iPhone; $4.99]

Routie is a basic GPS tracking app that makes it drop dead easy to track your bike rides and other fitness activities. The app provides live metrics of your workout, auto-pauses when you stop and allows you to add photos to your route using the lockscreen camera.

iBiker [iOS Universal; Free with in-app purchases]

iBiker is both a workout planner and tracking app that uses GPS to track your performance. It also integrates with a wide variety of fitness devices and apps including Withings, Fitbit, Jawbone Up, Runkeeper, Loseit! and more.

Bike Gears [iPhone; $0.99]

Bike Gears is the tool for bike mechanics and cyclists who like to tinker and customize their bike. The app allows you to calculate gear ratios and find the right gear combinations by changing the chainring, sprocket, crank length and tire sizes.

Bicycling Magazine [iOS Universal; Free, subscription]

Whether you prefer fat tires or thin ones, Bicycling Magazine is one the best bike mags for reviews, helpful tips and more. You can purchase a one-year subscription for $14.99 or buy each issue individually for $5.99 each.

Hemingway text editor comes to the Mac with Markdown support

Hemingway started off as a web-based a text editor that offers corrections on your writing as you type. The app focuses on basic grammar, such as adverb use, passive voice, long sentences and more.

Hemingway recently transitioned its app to the desktop, offering versions for the Mac and Windows that allow you to bring your writing and editing offline. Unlike the web version, the desktop version offers support for saving and opening files, allowing you to use Hemingway as both your writing app as well as your editor.

Hemingway has a distraction-free writing mode that allows you to focus on your writing and a separate editing mode that highlights mistakes and offers suggestions for improvements using the same color-coded editing that is available online. Two buttons allow you to quickly switch between each mode.

The app summarizes all its suggested improvements as well as provides details on your document such as word count and paragraph count. It also scores your writing on a reading level, helping you keep your sentences at a level that is understandable to most readers.

The desktop version of Hemingway also supports markdown, allowing you write in the markup language and preview it within the app. When you are done, Hemingway will export the HTML so you can use it in your favorite CMS.

Hemingway was created by Adam Long and Ben Long. You can use the web version for free, while the desktop version is available for US$4.99. You can find out more about Hemingway and purchase a copy here.

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OS X Yosemite Beta: First Impressions, Installation Tips, Known Issues, and Bug Fixes

Today marked the first day of Apple's public beta testing program for OS X Yosemite, letting thousands of non-developers download the software for the first time. With so many new users, new issues and bugs in the beta are coming to light and being catalogued in our Yosemite forum.

We've pulled out some user reactions from the forums to share, along with some tips on troubleshooting possible issues. For users having problems with the beta, the Yosemite forums can be an invaluable resource, and for users still debating whether or not to install the beta software, make sure to check out this post and our forums before taking the plunge as Yosemite is still somewhat unstable.

First Impressions

A lot of new Yosemite users think that the operating system looks great. According to one user, it makes Windows and Mavericks look antiquated in comparison with its new focus on translucency and clean lines. A "Yosemite is Beautiful" thread is full of praise, with users calling it "stunning" and "the best OS X has ever looked."

While there are a lot of Yosemite users who like the changes Apple's brought to Yosemite, there's a much longer complaint thread entitled "Yosemite Looks Terrible" that includes complaints about Dark Mode, " non-Retina display.

Yosemite's Dark Mode, screenshot from Yosemite forum thread

Thus far, most users have not noticed significant performance improvements going from Mavericks to Yosemite, but that could change as Yosemite is still very much in a beta form.

Bugs and Issues

A lot of users have received an error message suggesting their Yosemite codes had already been redeemed after requesting a code. According to Apple, simply refreshing the beta page will provide an entirely new code.

One new Yosemite user who installed the operating system on a partition discovered that Yosemite may cause problems with partitions. Other users have also reported issues with partitions after installing Yosemite, while some have had no problems at all. The linked thread contains some Terminal fixes for users experiencing issues.

There's a lengthy bug thread on OS X Yosemite that has been added to throughout the beta testing period. Some remaining bugs include poor management of dual iTunes accounts, crashes in Activity Monitor, making and receiving calls with the FaceTime app, and unreliable WiFi connections. Problems with specific apps are listed in a separate thread, but some issues include frequent crashes with apps like Spotify and Microsoft Office. Apps like Final Cut Pro X, Aperture, iMovie, and Pixelmator also do not appear to be fully functional.

Handoff and Continuity

For users who have the iOS 8 beta installed on their iOS devices, MacRumors forum member Armen has put together a detailed walkthrough on how to set up Continuity and Handoff, new integration features introduced with the two new operating systems. Continuity appears to be largely functional for users with compatible machines, which have a Bluetooth LMP version of 0x6. Handoff does not appear to be working with 2011 MacBooks, but those machines do appear able to access SMS texts and phone calls.

New Features

New Yosemite users and those who are thinking about installing the beta should also check out the OS X 10.10: All The Little Things forum thread that details all of the lesser-known changes made to Yosemite throughout the beta testing period thus far to get familiarized with the operating system. For example, the latest developer preview introduced an entirely new version of iTunes, a new calculator app, and more.

Installation

Users who signed up for the public beta program can access promo codes to install Yosemite through the beta program website. Apple has also been sending out emails to those who have been selected to beta test Yosemite.

Apple recommends Yosemite be installed on a secondary machine as it is beta software, but users who do not have a secondary machine may want to install the operating system on an external drive or on a separate partition. OS X Daily has a set of instructions that walk users through both scenarios, explaining how to install on a partition or external hard drive. A MacRumors forum member has also explained how to create a bootable USB installer.

OS X Yosemite is expected to remain in beta testing until October, with new versions being seeded to both Appleseed participants and developers. Public beta test members will not, however, get as many updates to the software as developers.

Related roundup: OS X Yosemite

Jimmy Kimmel convinces people that a $20 Casio is Apple's iWatch [Video]

Jimmy Kimmel may not have the late-night comedic chops of Stephen Colbert or even Jimmy Fallon, but the man sure knows a thing or two about a good old fashioned prank.

During yesterday's broadcast, Kimmel and Co. were able to convince a few passersby on the street that a cheap $20 Casio watch adorned with an Apple sticker was in fact a newfangled smartwatch. The amount of credit Apple gets here for a watch that displays both the time and the date (!) is pretty hilarious.

The action starts about a minute in.

The best is the woman who enjoys that the watch is always in airplane mode as it really works to preserve the battery life.

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Today in the App Store -- the best free apps, new apps and app updates

Here are some of the best free apps, app updates and new apps that have landed in the App Store recently. All app prices are USD and subject to change. Some deals may expire quickly, so grab them while you can.

Apps Now Free

7 Minute Workout - Quick Fit [iPhone; Now free, down from $1.99] Get in shape with this scientifically proven, full body workout, in only 7 minutes.

Weblock - AdBlock for iOS [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $1.99] Weblock allows you to block online content. It can block ads (banners and popups in other apps and websites), statistics, user tracking, scripts or images.

insTuner - Chromatic Tuner with Tone Generator [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $3.99] insTuner is a chromatic tuner that helps you tune instruments quickly and accurately. It also features a Tone Generator just like a pitch pipe with four different wave forms.

Defenders [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $4.99] Fight off hordes of evil mutants created by a cataclysmic event in Nival's new tower defense meets collectible card game, Defenders.

EleMints: Periodic Table [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $4.99] EleMints is a revolutionary periodic table for the science geek in all of us.

Retromatic HD 2.0 [iPad; Now free, down from $1.99] Take your pictures back in time with Retromatic's retro-style themes, stickers, and effects.

Retromatic 2.0 [iPhone; Now free, down from $1.99] Take your pictures back in time with Retromatic's retro-style themes, stickers, and effects.

IMAGEmini [OS X; Now free, down from $19.99] IMAGEmini, a powerful photo resizer and optimizer, allows you to optimize all your photos by 80%

New and Notable Apps

Matter [iOS Universal; $1.99] Add stunning 3D effects to your photos with real-time shadows and reflections.

Revolution 60 [iOS Universal; Free] Revolution 60 is a breakthrough game for iOS, using the strength of the touch interface to tell an intense, movie-length story.

Dance Party for Apple TV [iPhone; Free] Dance Party is a rhythm game where you mimic the movements of onscreen dancers using your iPhone or iPod

Modern Combat 5: Blackout [iOS Universal; $6.99] Step into the action as the latest installment in the best FPS series raises the bar for shooters once more! Create a squad, add your friends and test your individual and team skills against other squads!

We Heart It [iOS Universal; Free] We Heart It provides a canvas for people to connect and express themselves through images.

iffi [iPhone; Free] Can't decide on what shoes to buy, which restaurant to go to or where to take your next holiday? Let your friends and the world help!

Ripil [iPhone; Free] Ripil is a free app that lets you connect with people on a human level, express your kindness toward the world around you, and allows you to keep track of the continued good that happens after your deed is accomplished.)

Updates you don't want to miss

Gmail - email from Google [iOS Universal; Free] Get the official Gmail app for your iPhone or iPad. Version 3.14159 brings the following changes:

• Save attachments directly to Google Drive so you can access them anywhere while saving space and bandwidth on your device


• Insert Google Drive files directly into messages


• New account management options to choose which accounts you want to have visible in Gmail without removing accounts from your device.


• Change your profile picture (in Settings)

Cannonball email App for Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, Hotmail, Exchange, AOL and IMAP [iOS Universal; Free] Cannonball has set out on a mission to inspire you to fall in love with email again by organizing your inbox in a highly visual way. Version 2.0 brings the following changes:

Reeder 2 [iOS Universal; $4.99] Reeder is a an RSS client. Version 2.5 brings the following changes:

• New sync services: FeedHQ, Inoreader, NewsBlur, Minimal Reader, The Old Reader, BazQux Reader


• Changes: Improved Feedbin sync


• Changes: Improved Feed Wrangler sync


• Fixed: Crash when syncing with Fever should be fixed

Chore-inator [iOS Universal; $2.99] Chore-inator brings consistency, accountability, and structure to any household! Version 2.0 brings the following changes:

• An updated user interface.


• Parents can award bonus stars or take away existing stars.


• Optional weekly notifications that it is time to pay allowances and approve or deny reward claims.


• Option to display the number of chores completed for the day and stars earned over each child's photo in Child Mode.


• The schedule section of the Parent Mode overview gives you more information than ever about your child's daily progress with their chores.


• Themes let you change the look of Chore-inator.


• Now changes are synced when you exit Chore-inator if automatic syncing is enabled.

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The TUAW Daily Update Podcast for July 24, 2014

It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world.

You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. Be sure that your podcast software is set up to subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.

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Loop Attachment Straitjacket case: Thin, lightweight protection

Chicago-based Loop Attachment has made a name for itself with inexpensive and versatile cases for Apple products. Their Mummy line has been around for a while, offering wraparound silicone cushioning in an innovative "mummy wrap" design that makes it simple to slip a credit card and drivers's license into the back of the case. Now the company has introduced the Straitjacket (US$34.95), a two-tone case that looks sleeker but still offers the same great protection of the Mummy. Readers have a chance to win a Straitjacket or a Mummy in our giveaway!

Specifications

• Weight: 0.5 ounce (14.17 grams)


• Material: Silicone and plastic


• Colors: Black/Gray, Blue/Black, Red/Black, White/Gray, White/Mint

Design Highlights

I've always had a soft spot for the unique design of the Mummy, and the Straitjacket actually ups the ante in looks. It's available in five two-tone combinations, with the hard, smooth plastic being one color and the silicone another.

The new design features silicone inserts in the corners to protect the iPhone from corner drops, with hard plastic all the rest of the way around. The volume rocker and sleep/wake button are pass-through buttons, while all other switches and ports are wide open.

What I really like about the Straitjacket is just how light it is! For anyone desiring protection for their iPhone 5/5s with a minimum of bulk and weight, this is your case.

Functionality Highlights

Since I test a lot of cases, one of my criteria for determining right off the bat whether I like it or not is how difficult it is to install an iPhone and then remove the case. My iPhone 5s slipped right into the case, where it was held securely by the plastic bezel. The White/Gray Straitjacket looks great on a gold iPhone 5s.

My only concern is that the glossy plastic is a bit more slick to the touch than silicone. When a few credit cards are stuck in the back of the case, you get the added benefit of having the silicone bands rub up against your palm, providing more grip. But if you go card-free, that grip is gone and the case is quite slick. I think it would have been a smart idea to have roughened the plastic surface with ridges.

Conclusion

The Loop Attachment Straitjacket iPhone 5/5s case is good-looking, lightweight, easy to install and remove, and offers good protection all around, but the new hard plastic shell makes the case easier to slip out of your hands. The price is very reasonable, and the ability to carry credit cards or ID by slipping them securely into the back straps is a plus.

Rating: 3-1/2 star rating out of 4 stars possible

Giveaway

Loop Attachment provided us with one each of their Mummy and Straitjacket cases, and we're giving away these fun and functional cases. Here are the rules for the giveaway:

• Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.


• To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button.


• The entry must be made before July 28, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time.


• You may enter only once.


• Two winners will be selected in a random drawing. One will receive a Loop Attachment Straitjacket (white/gray) case valued at $34.95, and the other will receive a Loop Attachment Mummy (gray) valued at $24.95.


• Click Here for complete Official Rules.

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Daily iPhone Blog

Today’s iPad / iPad mini Retina wallpapers 24/07/2014 Posted: 24 Jul 2014 08:30 AM PDT You can download today's iPad/iPad mini Retina Wallpapers from our new iPad / iPad mini Retina gallery. Enjoy! Note: Did you know that we update our iPhone 3GS , iPhone 4S / iPhone4 , iPad/ iPad2 and New iPad / iPad mini Retina wallpaper galleries once / day? You can find the latest wallpapers in the sidebar, so make sure to check that out every time you visit us!

Today’s iPad 2 / iPad wallpapers 24/07/2014 Posted: 24 Jul 2014 06:30 AM PDT You can download today's iPad and iPad2 Wallpapers from our iPad / iPad2 Wallpaper gallery. Enjoy! Note: Did you know that we update our iPhone 3GS , iPhone 4S / iPhone4 , iPad / iPad2 and iPad / iPad mini Retina wallpaper galleries once / day? You can find the latest wallpapers in the sidebar, so make sure to check that out every time you visit us!

Today’s iPhone 5 / 5C / 5S wallpapers 24/07/2014 Posted: 24 Jul 2014 04:30 AM PDT You can download today's iPhone 5 / 5C / 5S Wallpapers from our iPhone 5 / 5C / 5S Wallpaper gallery. Enjoy! Note: Did you know that we update our iPhone 3GS , iPhone 4S / iPhone 4 , iPhone 5 / 5C / 5S, iPad / iPad2 and iPad / iPad mini Retina wallpaper galleries once / day? You can find the latest wallpapers in the sidebar, so make sure to check that out every time you visit us!

Today’s iPhone 4S / iPhone 4 wallpapers 24/07/2014 Posted: 24 Jul 2014 02:30 AM PDT You can download todays iPhone 4S / iPhone 4 Wallpapers from our iPhone 4 Wallpaper gallery. Enjoy! Note: Did you know that we update our iPhone 3GS , iPhone 4S / iPhone4 , iPad/ iPad2 and iPad / iPad mini Retina wallpaper galleries once / day? You can find the latest wallpapers in the sidebar, so make sure to check that out every time you visit us!

Today’s iPhone wallpapers 24/07/2014 Posted: 24 Jul 2014 12:30 AM PDT You can download todays iPhone 3G / 3GS Wallpapers from our iPhone 3GS Wallpaper gallery. Enjoy! Note: Did you know that we update our iPhone 3GS , iPhone 4S / iPhone4 , iPad/ iPad2 and iPad / iPad mini Retina wallpaper galleries once / day? You can find the latest wallpapers in the sidebar, so make sure to check that out every time you visit us!