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App Recap: Filter, Hue Menu Bar, TimeBloc and Major App Updates

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In this week's App Recap, we've highlighted productivity app "Filter," utilities app "Hue Menu Bar for Philips Hue," and productivity app "TimeBloc" as three apps that are worth checking out. We've also compiled a list of apps that received major updates this week.

App-Recap-Filter-e1596416842907.jpg

Apps to Check Out

  • Filter - Website and App Blocker (Mac, Free) - Filter is an app that lets users organize websites and apps to block into customizable lists that feature a duration or end time set by users. Once the blocker has been started, users will be unable to access the selected websites or apps, which can help reduce distractions and maintain focus. Although free to download, Filter's free version only features a blocking time limited to 10 minutes. The app's subscription, which has no limit on blocking time, is available in both monthly and yearly subscription options priced at $2.99 and $19.99 respectively.
  • Hue Menu Bar for Philips Hue (Mac, $3.99) - Hue Menu Bar lets users control Philips Hue lights directly from the menu bar on a Mac. The app's convenient location allows for easy lighting control without the need to open Apple's native Home app. The app also features the ability to switch between multiple Hue Bridges. In just a click, users are able to turn lights on and off, adjust brightness, change light colors for specific lights or entire groups, and more.
App-Recap-Hue-Menu-Bar.jpg

  • TimeBloc - Daily Planner (iOS, Free) - Productivity app TimeBloc lets users organize daily tasks in a simple manner. TimeBloc's timeline allows users to block their days into events that can be customized with icons and colored tags. Additionally, users can create routines that will seamlessly integrate into the timeline. The app also supports calendar integration, so users can import events directly into the app. TimeBloc is free to download, but advanced notifications, statistics, and the ability to create more than one routine and more than two calendars are limited to subscribers of the app's premium plan that's priced at $26.49 per year.

App-Recap-TimeBloc.jpg

App Updates

  • Adobe Photoshop - Adobe this week updated its Photoshop app for iPad with two features that were previously limited to the desktop version of the software: the refine edge brush and the rotate canvas tool. The refine edge brush enables more precise image selection to achieve realistic selections of objects. The rotate canvas tool allows users to rotate a canvas using a two-finger rotation gesture.
  • Amazon Alexa - Amazon this week unveiled a redesigned Alexa app with a new home screen that features an Alexa button at the top of the screen that encourages users to tap the button or say Alexa to invoke the digital assistant. In addition, suggestions on the home screen are based on how customers have used the app and what Amazon services they take advantage of. The update will be rolling out to users worldwide over the course of the month.
  • Apple Store - Apple this week updated its Apple Store app with a new "For You" tab that offers easy access to order status, devices, accessory recommendations, services, and more.

Are you using a great new app we've missed? Let us know in the comments and we'll check it out for next week's App Recap. Are you a developer of a unique app you'd like us to consider? Send us a message through our tip line at the top of the page and we'll check it out.

Article Link: App Recap: Filter, Hue Menu Bar, TimeBloc and Major App Updates
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/08/02/app-recap-filter-hue-menu-bar-timebloc/
I’ve only just started reading about time-blocking but it does sound appealing, and I am immediately intrigued by the automation promised by TimeBloc. But I’m faculty at a university that will generally remain online this fall, my wife works from home, and my two kids will almost certainly be doing distance learning as well.

It just feels like a terrible time to get into this.
 
As much I as want to try that Hue Bar, I can't see paying for an app from the same folks who made that horrible Hue app. It was a good app many years ago but slowly got worse. I can't even use it anymore (Can't find bulbs by serial number or proximity) so I can't register bulbs. I wish Apple's homekit had a way to integrate the bulbs but it needs that QR code which these bulbs dont have.
 
The iOs Apple Store app remains an utter joke. They're STILL assuming your iCloud Apple ID is the same one used for store purchases, despite endless complaints and reviews stating the app is now unusable for millions of users!

forums.macrumors.com

Apple Store App Gains Dark Mode Support

I have this problem too. What the flip Apple have you done now!! Q: Is there any way to change the Apple ID you use inside the app, to NOT be your iCloud one?? Like millions of other users, I use separate iCloud and Store Apple ID's (thanks to legacy that Apple refuse to even acknowledge...
forums.macrumors.com forums.macrumors.com
 
chinito77 said:
As much I as want to try that Hue Bar, I can't see paying for an app from the same folks who made that horrible Hue app. It was a good app many years ago but slowly got worse. I can't even use it anymore (Can't find bulbs by serial number or proximity) so I can't register bulbs. I wish Apple's homekit had a way to integrate the bulbs but it needs that QR code which these bulbs dont have.
Click to expand...

first of all - there is "colours for hue" - which is free. not as fancy, but works perfectly well. secondly, did you try resetting your hue app, and or bridge? it still works fine for me. it has its hiccups, but i get everything to work sooner than later...
 
"Free" tends to means subscription. It's been said before it should be made clear in the price section.
 
MVMNT said:
"Free" tends to means subscription. It's been said before it should be made clear in the price section.
Click to expand...

I don't think there is a way for developers to do that. You can, however, see the IAP (including subscriptions) on the App Store page.
 
JanoschR said:
I don't think there is a way for developers to do that. You can, however, see the IAP (including subscriptions) on the App Store page.
Click to expand...
It’s possible for developers to display the IAP pricing in the App Store but it’s optional. I find it extremely frustrating if developers choose to hide it so you have no idea what the cost will be.

Especially as these developers also like to hide the pricing on their website and in the app behind free trials.

Apple should force developers to display the price or do it automatically.
 
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chinito77 said:
As much I as want to try that Hue Bar, I can't see paying for an app from the same folks who made that horrible Hue app.
Click to expand...

Hue Bar is not affiliated with Hue. It's by an indie dev.

I wish a similar app existed for HomeKit.
 
alexandr said:
first of all - there is "colours for hue" - which is free. not as fancy, but works perfectly well. secondly, did you try resetting your hue app, and or bridge? it still works fine for me. it has its hiccups, but i get everything to work sooner than later...
Click to expand...
Ok, I made an error associating the app. However, restarting the hue app or bridge didn't fix my issue. Been using the same Eero router for 3 years. Only difference is moving to a different house. Hue app sees the bridge but won't see any bulb (Flood, candela, etc). I have zero issues with my Lifx light connecting to homekit so unless there is firmware for the hue bridge that I'm missing, I can't think of any reason why none of my bulbs are not being seen?
 
MVMNT said:
"Free" tends to means subscription. It's been said before it should be made clear in the price section.
Click to expand...
That has been my observation as well. And you usually don’t know how much the subscription is until you have downloaded and opened the app. And more than half the time, I end up deleting the app once i see how much is bering asked.
 
Curious. With apps like TimeBloc, if people really want to use Youtube or whatever their vice is, isn't it easy enough to just delete the app and open Youtube?
 
chinito77 said:
Ok, I made an error associating the app. However, restarting the hue app or bridge didn't fix my issue. Been using the same Eero router for 3 years. Only difference is moving to a different house. Hue app sees the bridge but won't see any bulb (Flood, candela, etc). I have zero issues with my Lifx light connecting to homekit so unless there is firmware for the hue bridge that I'm missing, I can't think of any reason why none of my bulbs are not being seen?
Click to expand...

ugh. i'm sure you've done this, but just to make sure - did you reset the bridge in the hue app?
 
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