News

Apple continues to improve the iOS App Store to help users discover new apps and find what they want. With so many options available, searching on the App Store can be difficult business. In the past, one typo or misspelling and the wrong results or none at all would be returned.

Now thanks to algorithm improvements, a misplaced letter or incorrectly placed space doesn't mean the end of a useful search. The App Store now recognizes common typos and misspelled words, compensating for mistakes and returning improved results. According to TechCrunch the changes went into effect a few weeks ago, checking spelling automatically.

The original Infinity Blade title is now free thanks to a Black Friday sale from Chair Entertainment. iOS gamers can download the award-winning game that started it all from the App Store and save $5.99, for a limited time. For comparison, sequels Infinity Blade II and Infinity Blade III are selling for $6.99 each.

Chair made waves with the first in the series when the game was showcased by Apple during a keynote presentation. The original Infinity Blade uses the Epic Unreal Engine to create high resolution, realistic landscapes and creatures on iOS devices. The game has won over 20 Game of the Year and Top App awards, including the 2011 Apple Design Award.

As expected, Apple will offer discounts on many of its most popular products on this Black Friday, November 29. The company has already posted a landing page for this year's sale on its Australian website. Deals can be had in Apple retail stores, online, and using the Apple Store iOS app.

Sale prices will take effect starting after midnight on Friday morning and ending at 11:59 PM. Look for promotional pages to pop up soon in other countries, including the US. The standard disclaimers apply, such as the fact that promotional pricing cannot be combined with other offers. If you're shopping in retail stores, the sale prices are only good while the items are in stock.

Yelp users have already become accustomed to making reservations through OpenTable right on their iOS devices. The latest update expands this ability by adding SeatMe to the mix. Now restaurants, bars and lounges using this service are reservable directly from the Yelp application.

Version 7.3.1 of the Yelp app is free on iTunes and provides instant access to reviews and information about local businesses in your vicinity. Yelp acquired OpenTable competitor SeatMe in July, which is billed as a low-cost option targeted at establishments that still use paper reservation books. The addition of SeatMe will make Yelp even more convenient for those looking to grab a table in the app.

Ubisoft has confirmed that Assassin’s Creed Pirates will be available for both iOS and Android devices on December 5th. That's a little more than a month after Assassin's Creed: Black Flag was launched for the PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Wii U.

The iOS game is a naval combat simulation that follows the story of captain Alonzo Batilla. Players will be able to recruit and manage crew members as they "engage in massive real-time naval battles," according to Ubisoft. The game will also allow users to build and upgrade a their own ship and battle against assassins, templars and other famous pirates.