News

Black Friday deals are here. Apple is offering free gift cards with the purchase of hardware and accessories from retail locations and the Apple Store online. Several iPad models are included in the deals, as well as iMacs, MacBooks and iPods. Unlike previous Black Fridays, Apple has not discounted prices.

Instead, gift cards range from $150 to $25 depending on the item, and can be redeemed at the Apple Store or online. This ongoing Black Friday special is available at North American retail locations until midnight. Other discounts on Apple products can be found at third-party retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.

Remember CJ and the Grove Street Families? Rockstar games has announced the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for iOS devices next month. First released in 2004, the game defined GTA back in the days of PlayStation 2. The mobile version will feature remastered graphics and other enhancements.

iOS gamers can expect full iOS 7 external controller support, in addition to brand new touch controls and contextual control options. San Andreas has been upgraded by Rockstar with dynamic shadows, an enriched color palette, and greater draw distance. Even characters and car models have been improved and enhanced beyond the original game.

With Black Friday shopping right around the corner, Target has released a new version of their app optimized for iOS 7. The free Target app now features a clean new interface, including the iOS 7 swipe to go back gesture. While the shopping companion requires iOS 7 or later, the app can be installed on compatible iPhone, iPad or iPod touch units.

Build shopping lists, check for sales, and swipe to check off items once purchased. Opening the app in a Target store makes it possible to see current deals and trending products at that location. Cartwheel discounts can also be viewed, for those participating in the Target loyalty program. Target for iOS 7 will even add offers to your Cartwheel app.

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.