The latest app updates include a complete redesign of the Remote and iBooks apps by Apple to keep in sync with the iOS 7 design and also an update to BBM which now allows non-cellular enabled devices (iPad, iPod) to use BBM. But there's a catch.
Blackberry Messenger (BBM)
A new version of the BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) app has been released which brings support to iPod and iPad. Previously, BlackBerry had initially stated that the app would not be supported on iPod and / or iPad but it seems to have changed it's mind in the latest update. Other than a few minor changes, the BBM retains its overall look and feel.
What's new in BBM Version 1.0.4.133
- Support for iPod and iPad
- Invite BBM contacts to BBM Groups by Email
- 'Tell your friends’ feature helps you connect with friends on BBM
- Quickly share your BBM PIN and PIN barcode to your social networks
- Fixes an issue where some users would be missing BBM Contact names
- Resolves some issues experienced in right to left language support
- Bug fixes and performance improvements
Download it here
Note that this is not a new iPad app, merely an update to the existing iPhone app. So on the iPad, it still works in pixel-doubled (2x) mode. Also, despite the BBM app update, BlackBerry has decided to maintain its position on multiple device support. Which means that you can use BBM on your iPad only if you're not currently using it on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Or you have multiple BlackBerry IDs: one for each device. Doesn't seem like a great idea on BlackBerry's part considering the trends in cloud enabled software. Particularly since iMessage does support multiple devices, including Mac.
iBooks
Apple has redesigned iBooks to maintain the homogenous iOS 7 looks across Apple apps. As expected, the real-object mimicking Bookshelves have disappeared and have been replaced by a Newsstand-like look. As far as I can tell, the app also seems to be a quite a bit faster than the old app. Apple has, however, left traces of skeuomorphism in the app such as the page-turning effect in Books that we all know so well. All in all, the update redesigns iBooks rather well, making for a visually pleasing app with a great new icon.
What's new in iBooks version 3.2
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