"If there is an app for that"

Leaf for iPhone review: a new, design-focused way to browse Twitter

September 28, 2016 by macjeff

Ever since Apple integrated support for Twitter sharing into iOS, I’ve been an avid Twitter user. It’s where I get the majority of my tech headlines, an occasional dose of national or world news that makes it past my Tweetbot mute filters, and how I discover most of my new apps and friends, even. It also happens to be where my app discoveries, tech opinions, and bad jokes get posted. If you’re not following me on Twitter, you’re probably better off for it, but I’d appreciate you giving it some consideration regardless.

All this results in me becoming keenly interested when a new Twitter app is released, and the latest addition to the many clients I’ve tried is Leaf, a brand new app designed by Surenix and developed by iPlop, both prominent members of the jailbreak scene. Based on my experiences thus far, Leaf is best described as an alternative to Twitter’s official client rather than an opponent of Tweetbot, the Twitter power user’s app of choice. If you dislike Tweetbot for whatever reason but aren’t entirely satisfied with Twitter’s default option, Leaf may be for you.

The strong points of Leaf are in its design, simplicity, and the fact that its name isn’t a derivative of “Twitter”, “tweet”, or some species of bird. There are subtle visual cues throughout in Leaf that lead me to truly appreciate the effort put into the design and development of the app, while the lack of some features that I use often leaves me waiting for an update.

I must disclose early on, though, that while I have my quibbles with Tweetbot, I consider it to be the best Twitter client available on iOS for my personal needs, and I take advantage of its power user features on a daily basis. I don’t feel that the two can be fairly compared due to the obviously varying feature sets, and therefore the varying audiences, each app targets, so I will attempt to avoid contrasting the two directly.

Design

Leaf has several subtle touches that give the user a real appreciation for the attention to detail that went into the design and development of this app. Right away, you’ll notice the translucent Leaf emblem in front of the gradient background of the app’s icon, a trademark of Ayeris, Surenix’s jailbreak theme, and this emblem remains translucent in the menu bar of the app.

Opening the app to the main timeline presents an array of vertically-narrow tweets, an effort to display as many statuses as possible in a single few. It’s worth noting, however, that these screenshots were taking on a Plus-sized iPhone with a text size that is one level below halfway, so your results may vary.

Swiping right on a tweet invokes a reply sheet, which contains a preview of the tweet to which you are replying above the compose field. A short swipe left displays retweet and like options and a details button, with a longer right-swipe jumping directly to the details view of the tweet, displaying information such as its timestamp and the client with which it was posted.

Image previews are thin but edge-to-edge and have a gradient that gradually transitions from the tweet’s text to its image, creating an interesting visual effect. I’m personally not a huge fan of this design from a utilitarian standpoint, as it sometimes obscures enough of the image’s contents that I have to tap on the photo in order to tell what it is. Some users may value its visual appeal, however, so draw your own conclusions.

The tweet compose view has a pleasant design, with the card taking up only as much screen real estate as is necessary and the remaining space being a simple Gaussian blur that provides context of where the user is within the app. Attached image previews line up neatly below the tweet’s text, and each can be expanded or removed individually.

The upper portion of the profile view displays information about the user, while the lower area displays the user’s tweets and accounts they recently followed – or if you’re viewing your own profile, you’ll see an account switcher (if you’re signed into multiple accounts), a settings button, and a night mode toggle.

Yes, Leaf has a night mode, a standard in Twitter apps that makes evening scrolling much more bearable. Leaf’s night mode consists of a black background rather than a dark blue or gray, with a dark Gaussian blur replacing its white counterpart. Naturally, black text changes to white, and light backgrounds change to dark, but hyperlinked text and other colors remain the same.

Scrolling further down a profile shows accounts that the user whose profile is currently being viewed has followed recently. In reality this same information could be found by tapping the profile’s following count, which would display all the followed accounts, but it can be convenient to have that information readily available, although some users may prefer less easily accessible information, such as accounts both you and the profile are following.

Of course, design is more than aesthetically pleasing visuals, and it extends to the user experience, which is where I really begin to appreciate Leaf’s design. Direct messages have a unique side-scrolling UI, enabling users to switch between threads with a horizontal swipe, making for a convenient way to carry multiple conversations simultaneously.

Rich notifications in iOS 10 are also well done, as Leaf displays profile pictures inline and even loads your tweet after you reply to someone from a notification as a way of confirming that your tweet has been posted, a small detail that I find absolutely delightful.

What it has

Although Leaf isn’t yet as feature-rich as some of its peers, the Twitter client does have a few nice touches when it comes to functionality. Naturally, night mode is always a welcomed feature and may be considered necessary in Twitter clients today. The currently signed-in profile is easily accessible with a swipe down from the top of the app, and when viewing a profile’s tweets, users can filters those tweets by mentions. Viewing the search tab displays a long list of trending topics below the search options, which is a welcome interface for anyone who frequently checks popular topics on Twitter.

The direct message experience in Leaf is exceptional with sideways swipes being an easy way to quickly switch between threads without having to back out of an conversation in order to enter another. There is a dedicated button for dismissing the keyboard in the DM view, but it’s rather difficult to reach with one hand on Plus-sized phones, and I’d like to be able to swipe down to dismiss the keyboard as well.

In the app’s settings, users can enable streaming, a feature that is available over both Wi-Fi and cellular, and the “Pin To Top” option scrolls new tweets in as they’re streamed. Night mode can be automatically turned on when the device’s brightness is below a certain level, push notifications can be granularly controlled, Tweet Marker can be turned on or off, and in-app notifications can be enabled.

What it doesn’t have

Unfortunately, I’ve noticed a few features missing from Leaf that other Twitter clients have had for a while. Some of these many people won’t care are missing, while their absence may be a deal breaker for others. I’m told that some of these features will be added in an upcoming update, but they simply aren’t present in the release version.

For a start, there is currently no way to mute tweets, users, or hashtags from within the app. Additionally, users cannot sign out of an account without deleting and redownloading the app, and signing into an account can only be done by adding an account that’s already signed into iOS. Further, while users can filter an account’s tweets to view only tweets in which they’re mentioning someone, there is not presently a media filter for viewing only tweets contain photos or videos. There are preview images for YouTube links but not Instagram links, and 3D Touch has yet to be enabled in the app in any form. Users can save a tweet as a draft, but Leaf only saves one draft at a time, and saving another draft will overwrite the previous draft.

It’s also worth noting that Leaf is iPhone-only at launch, with no iPad or Apple Watch app currently available. Naturally, any of the features listed as not present may be added in the future, and updates to the app are already in the works.

Conclusion

Leaf is a new Twitter client with novel ideas in a field that other apps have occupied for years, which may be considered a difficult feat that gives me hope for what else we might see come from Surenix and iPlop down the road. While it’s difficult for me recommend Leaf as a valid alternative for Tweetbot lovers or as a primary app for power users in its current state, the possibility remains that it could become the Twitter client of choice for iOS users after more work is done and more features are added.

My view from the beginning has been that enthusiastic Tweetbot users who couldn’t live without advanced mute filters or who love viewing their profile stats won’t get much use from Leaf, at least for a while. (A few feature-packed updates could change that rather swiftly, I’d imagine.) However, anyone who is dissatisfied with Tweetbot’s design or who gets by with Twitter’s official app but would like something new and refreshing should definitely consider Leaf as a primary Twitter client. Succinctly put, Leaf is a young but well-designed Twitter client that, with a few feature updates, has a gleamingly bright future.

You can purchase Leaf on the App Store for $4.99, and more information is available on the designer’s website.

Apple Working on New Apps for the Apple Watch to Track Sleep and Fitness Levels

September 26, 2016 by macjeff

Bloomberg is reporting that Apple is building an improved health recording and monitoring software that can better analyse the record data and their implications. Apple has hired many health care experts over the years, and it is using their expertise to develop this new software.

The company is also working on new apps for the Apple Watch, including one that helps users in tracking their sleeping patterns. Another app that the Cupertino company is working on will measure a person’s fitness levels by measuring the time it takes for their heart rate to fall from its peak to resting level.

Apple wants to build more software and services so that they act as an additional source of revenue. It will also make up for the slowdown in innovation in mobile hardware.

One of the sources revealed to Bloomberg that adding more sensors to the Apple Watch will not be of much use. For example, a glucometer or a blood-pressure monitor sensor inside the Apple Watch will be useful for a limited set of people. Additionally, any new medical sensor will also require Apple to get the approval from FDA in the US that can make things difficult to Apple. This source revealed the data captured by an accelerometer is enough to monitor a person’s health, but the software available today is unable to parse that data.

Ultimately, Apple wants to turn HealthKit into a tool that will help make it easier to manage one’s health, not only for the person involved but for their doctor as well. The system could allow important data to be quickly transferred into the hospital database or send it across to a doctor when something is wrong. Gliimpse, a company that Apple acquired earlier this year, is going to play a key role in this. The company was aiming to create a universal health record system before it was acquired by Apple.

[Via Bloomberg]

All the Third Party Apps with Siri Integrations in iOS 10

September 13, 2016 by macjeff

Siri is finally more open. Not open to all, but more open. You can now use Siri to interact with some special category of apps. You can do things like call an Uber or call your boss on Skype. Check out all the third party apps that work with Siri in iOS 10.

Read: If you’re curious about how the Siri apps work in the background, check out our explainer post here.

Ride-Hailing

Money Transfer

Forgot the send the money for pizza last night to John? No worries, just ask Siri.

Messaging

Photo Search

VoIP

Workout

I’m really looking forward to this feature. Just saying something like “Start my run using Strava” is just so much easier than going into the app and starting the run manually.

More App Will Be Added Soon

iOS 10 was just released and these are day zero apps. More apps that support Siri should keep rolling out.

Top 10 iMessage Apps for Messages in iOS 10

September 13, 2016 by macjeff

The next app revolution is here. Ok it’s nowhere near as big as the App Store itself, but the iMessage App Store in iOS 10 is already seeing some very innovative apps, that run inside the keyboard in an iMessage conversation. But not all the apps available on day one are worth your attention. We tell you about the top 10 iMessage apps you should check out.

Read: To know how to actually install and use iMessage apps in iOS 10, check out our guide first.

1. Do With Me

Do With Me is a really good collaborative list app for messages. Here, using the iMessage app you can create shared lists, share list items and more, all in the iMessage window.

Download: Do With Me

2. Drafts 4

If you’re a pro user who uses the Drafts app a lot. You’re going to really like the new Messages app. It’s so simple. Just switch to the app and you’ll see previews of all your recent notes there. Tap on an note and it will be pasted in the text box that you can send along. There’s no Drafts branding, nothing. Simple and awesome.

Download: Drafts 4 ($4.99)

3. Scanbot

Excited to reveal the new iMessage extension for Scanbot. Read all about it here https://t.co/FhB9c9AaYp pic.twitter.com/3lrRtGrPhY

— scanbot (@scanbot) September 13, 2016

Another top pick for pro users. Scanbot’s iMessage app makes it really easy to scan a piece of paper, enhance it so everything reads much better, and send it to someone. All without ever opening the app.

Download: Scanbot

4. Genius

Genius app is great for learning the meaning behind lyrics. Their iMessage app lets you take a quote from a song, attach a photo and send it along in the conversation.

Download: Genius

5. Snappy Browser

Snappy Browser integrates an entire web browser inside the iMessage keyboard window. You can quickly search for a page and paste that link in the conversation. You can also select some text from the web page to send it along.

Download: Snappy Browser ($0.99)

6. xoxo

Tic Tac Toe is such a simple game, yet fun. And xoxo will let you play the game with your friend using Messages. Select your tile, send it along, and then wait for your turn.

Download: xoxo

7. Cipher

Cipher is an app for sending secret messages, but with a twist. Instead of you creating a code and then sending that code along to someone as well (which is kind of stupid when you think about it), Cipher uses TouchID to authenticate.

The message will only be visible to the other person when they scan their fingerprints. So this ensures that only the person to use the phone will read the message.

Download: Cipher

8. Words With Friends

This is the one iOS app that just won’t die. And aren’t you glad about that? This Messages avatar of Words With Friends lets you play the Scrabble style word game inside Messages app. It’s simple, you put in a word, the other person puts in a word. Ultimately one of you wins.

Download: Words With Friends

9. I’m In

This is a pretty cool app for deciding where to go and when, with your friends. The app lets you put it up as a question, and everyone in the group chat can decide the time and the place. No more annoying calls to 10 people every Friday night.

Download: I’m In

10. ESPN

Using the ESPN app, you can share scores for live events and highlights with your friends, without ever leaving the Messages app.

Download: ESPN

Your Favorite iMessage Apps

There are so many iMessage apps coming out today, I’m sure we missed a lot of good ones. Square’s Cash app comes to mind. Also Yelp and OpenTable.

What’s your favorite new iMessage app? Share with us in the comments below.

Top 10 Sticker Packs for Messages App in iOS 10

September 13, 2016 by macjeff

Stickers in iMessages are the hot new thing. Much better than use words, really. And there are all sorts of them. Fun ones, nerdy ones, annoying ones, and of course, Mario.

It’s day one of iOS 10 release so the App Store is filled with $0.99 sticker apps. But we’re here to tell you, not all of them rock. But we’ve found ones that do. Check out our tips picks for sticker apps below.

Pro tip: Before dropping a sticker in a conversation, pinch out with another finger to expand the sticker.

1. Super Mario Run Stickers

The only right way to start this list is with Mr Mario the plumber. Super Mario Run isn’t coming to iOS 10 till the end of the year, but the sticker pack is here to keep you company. This pack will give you classic elements from the Mario world, complete with versions of the Mario character, his hat and moustache as well.

Download: Super Mario Run Stickers

2. Bubbly Pico

You might remember the Pico character from other apps. Well Pico is now available in iMessage in this free sticker pack. There are lots of different stickers to choose from.

Download: Bubbly Pico

3. Monstermoji

You know what’s cute? Monsters. At least, in the Monstermoji sticker pack. You get more than 25 stickers, with a range of emotions all from surprised to enraged. The app costs $0.99 but I have to say, the stickers look pretty fun.

Download: Monstermoji

4. Places: Stamps and Stickers

If you’re a stamp nerd, you’re going to like this app. The stickers, which are stylised as stamps, look gorgeous. The attention to detail on these things is amazing. You can now share stickers from cities like Rome, London, NYC and lot more. It’s a great way to communicate your travel plans or aspirations.

Download: Places: Stamps and Sitckers

5. The Iconfactory Mega Pack

Iconfactory is an indie app studio that makes Twitterrific, among other apps. On day one, you’ve release 8 sticker packs. They’re simple ones. Ranging from Route 66 stickers, to Pixel World to Floriography.

Download:

6. Slicker Stickers

Slicker Stickers is a collection of variety of stickers, from various artists. It’s from JibJab and they’re stylized in a funky yet minimal manner.

Download: Slicker Stickers

7. Nounji

For me, this is the most surprising sticker pack. You see, The Noun Project is this awesome site where designers can find all kinds of icons, for free. Now, they’ve turned their vast resource of icons into an iMessage app.

So if you want to communication something using icons instead of words, Nounji will probably have your back.

Download: Nounji

8. Comic Talk

Comic bubble text are pretty cool. What’s much more cooler are the effects that we see in comics. Comic Talk brings those effects, for text like “OMG”, “GULP” and more, in the form of stickers. The app costs $0.99.

Download: Comic Talk

9. Doodler

Doodler is an app that allows you to doodle on your iPhone. Now, using the iMessage app, you can convert those doodles into reusable stickers. They’re pretty cool.

Download: Doodler

10. Emoji Sticker Pack

What’s better than emojis? Emojis that are stickers. This sticker pack is full of fun emojis.

Download: Emoji Sticker Pack

Your Favorite Sticker Packs

What are some of your favorite sticker packs? Share with us in the comments below.