Just how excited are developers about the potential of iOS 8? The folks at Realmac Software jotted down some thoughts on that very topic Thursday, ranging from how the mythical iWatch and a potential new Apple TV could fit into the bigger picture and what app extensions could mean for products such as Clear and Ember. Check out the full post on the Realmac website, then jump back here to catch up on what else you missed yesterday!
Apple Adds "Browse by Category" Section to App Store
Discovery has become a key focus for Apple of late, and one subtle change for the better can now be seen in the App Stores. MacRumors reported Thursday that Apple has added a new "Browse by Category" section to both the Mac App Store and the iOS App Store, sorting apps into categories such as Business, Education, Entertainment, Finance and Games. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg as to what Apple has up its sleeve with iOS 8, which is scheduled for release this fall.
Duracell Partners with Starbucks for Mobile Charging Service
Smartphones and coffee just seem to go together, so is wireless charging also a natural fit? Duracell and Starbucks seem to think so, announcing a new partnership on Thursday that will put the former company's DC-powered Powermat chargers in coffee shops, along with a PowerMatrix app in the App Store and Google Play. Compatible with iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5/5s devices using The Ring on an AccessCase as well as PMA standard devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, the only downside is iPhone users will need to shell out $119.95 for their own case — which makes just bringing your own traditional charger look pretty tempting.
Pebble Steel Lands at Best Buy This Sunday
Panicking because you don't have anything to gift for Father's Day this Sunday? Best Buy announced this week that the retailer will begin offering the new Pebble Steel in stores and online starting this Sunday, June 15. Best of all, the iPhone-compatible smartwatch will be offered in either Brush Stainless Steel or Black Matte for a discounted price of $229, along with a new Arctic White version of the original Pebble for $149.99. The only catch? The Best Buy version of Pebble Steel only comes with a black leather strap, unlike the one sold directly from Pebble for $20 more which also includes a metal wristband. Decisions, decisions...
AT&T Jacks Up On-Contract Activation Fees to $40
Contract-free is looking even more enticing now! Fierce Wireless reported Thursday that AT&T is increasing the standard activation fee for customers on a two-year agreement from $36 to $40, a $4 bump. Apparently the change quietly went into effect on June 8, but the nation's second-placed carrier doesn't seem to feel any shame about the decision, given how many customers are taking advantage of AT&T Next, which ditches the activation fee entirely and offers new devices every year for $0 down. The $4 fee will also apply to contract customers who upgrade to a new device after June 8, so now's a good time to consider AT&T Next if you want to save a few bucks.
Instapaper Launches Subscription-Free IFTTT Channel
Some of the best external Instapaper features are reserved for paid subscribers, but on Thursday the read later service announced a brand-new channel for IFTTT (If This, Then That) — no additional payment required. "IFTTT is so valuable to our users that we are waiving that requirement," Instapaper announced in a blog post. The new support includes additional triggers and an enhanced Save Item action, meaning that IFTTT recipes can be set up to activate each and every time an article is saved to your Instapaper account, send to archive, move to a folder, like an article or even create a highlight. Instapaper has also prepared several ready-to-go recipes to get users started, with a full list available on the IFTTT service.
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