Mobile App Roundup: New Launches, iOS 5, Rovio Funding & More

OpenFeint Releases New Social Features -- Aside from its activity in China, OpenFeint has begun its roll out of new social features for Android. This includes player status updates and a new message wall thus far. [Update] Android Phones Get Google Video Update -- The Google Videos app for Android gets a nice update. Previously only supporting Android 3.0, the app now functions on Android 2.2 and 2.3. [Update] Google+ iOS App Receives iPad & iPod Touch Support -- In a minor update, the iOS version of Google+ has received a minor update allowing for it to run on both the iPad and iPod Touch. However, the implementation is decidedly basic and lacks significant optimization. [Update] ZombieSmash! Receives Multiplayer Update -- The iOS title of ZombieSmash! received a new update recently adding in a multiplayer battle game mode, tasking players to attempt and "out-survive" one another. Moreover, the new feature supports full voice chat. iOS 5's Fifth Pre-Release Shows Speech-to-Text Feature -- According to 9to5Mac, the latest pre-release of iOS 5 shows that the newest version hosts a feature for speech-to-text. Currently, it is activated by a microphone icon next to the digital spacebar. [image via 9to5Mac] Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Coming to iOS -- Another announcement comes out of Hothead Games, as the studio notes the coming of a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy app, slated for iOS release this fall. The interactive title will include screenshots, creature information, and generally be designed to feel like the actually Guide itself. Mobage Releases for iPhone in Japan -- DeNA has released its mobile social games network, Mobage, in Japan's App Store this week, reports Penn-Olson. Though the platform has been available in mobile browsers, it did not have a dedicated app. Rovio Mobile Seeks New Funding -- Rovio Mobile is in talks to acquire new funding, says Bloomberg. This funding would raise the valuation of the company to $1.2 billion, according to two individuals "with knowledge of the discussions." Apple Applies for New Patent for iDevices -- Apple has applied for a new patent for integrating "pico projectors" into future iDevices and MacBooks, reports Patently Apple. As suggested by the application, it looks to support shadow and silhouette gesturing. Android Tops Ad Impression Share for Q2 -- Millennial Media has released a new set of numbers today noting the growth of smartphone and mobile OS manufacturers, reports TechCrunch. The most recent data, however, notes that Android now holds 54 percent of ad impression share with iOS holding 26 percent. iOS Shows Higher Click-Through Rates -- Though Android appears to host greater ad impressions, a new study from Jumptap is showing that iOS actually has a higher click-through rate (CTR), with Android coming in fourth, reports Search Engine Watch. Currently, iOS hosts a CTR of .78 percent, "other" devices hold .57 percent, Symbian has .50 percent, and Android's CTR is .47 percent. [Rumor] Android Ice Cream Sandwich Leaks -- Images of the latest version of the Android OS, "Ice Cream Sandwich," have found their way to the web through Android Police and RootzWiki. Most of the changes appear aesthetic but it does also seem to have a panorama mode for the camera and utilizes near-field communication technology. [Rumor] iCloud Phone May Acompany iPhone 5 -- According to Apple'n'Apps, several "sources" have noted that Apple may be looking to release an "iCloud iPhone" along with the iPhone 5. These sources are stating that the iCloud phone would be low-cost and free with a two-year contract. [Launch] Kickin Momma & Kard Combat Update Hit App Store -- Hothead Gameshas announced the release of its newest title, Kicking Momma in the app store. Currently $0.99, the title hosts a Peggle-style of play. In addition to this, Hothead Games has also released a new update for its strategic card game, Kard Combat. The new update grants players who have bought the game in full (for $9.99) access to four new mage types and two new game modes. [Launch] Retro Title, A Space Shooter, Releases on iOS -- In another iOS launch, games developer Frima has announced the launch of its latest title, a free-to-play app called A Space Shooter. The title hosts a retro-arcade-style of play and monetizes through in-app purchases. [Launch] Greenopolis Stays Environmentally Friendly in New Mobile App -- The enivornmentally friendly company of Greenopolis has launched a new mobile app for iOS and Android dubbed RecyclePix. The social title allows users to take pictures of themselves and friends recycling and share them on social feeds. Doing so earns "Greenopolis Points" which can then be redeemed for real world rewards and discounts. [Launch] Pigs In Trees Flips Angry Birds Premise -- PAN Vision andTactile Entertainment have announced the launch of Pigs In Trees, flipping Angry Birds on its head. Tree-going swine must now defend their home from swarms of attacking woodpeckers, but rather than use physics-based destruction, opts for path-drawing defense.

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Mobile App Roundup: New Launches, iOS 5, Rovio Funding & More

Christopher Mack

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