#Candy Crush Saga installed by half a billion people

The hugely addictive game 'Candy Crush Saga' has been installed by half a billion people, it has been revealed. 

According to developer King, the game has been installed more than 500 million times across Facebook, iOS, and Android, The Verge reported.

The game, which is expected to file for an initial public offering soon, has become so popular that one out of every 23 Facebook users is a fan of the game.

Gameloft Posts New Iron Man 3 Game Trailer

Gameloft has posted a new trailer for the upcoming Iron Man 3 game.

Control Stark Industries in Iron Man 3 - The Official Game!
Develop up to 18 amazing suits from the movies and comics, upgrade them and unleash your powers to defeat your enemies.

The Iron Man 3 game will be available on April 25th for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

Cut the Rope: Time Travel Released for iOS

ZeptoLab has released 'Cut the Rope: Time Travel', a new game for iOS, on the App Store.

Join Om Nom as he travels back in time to feed his ancestors with candy. Cut the Rope: Time Travel is a completely new adventure filled with time-traveling, candy-crunching, physics-based action! With two cute monsters to feed in each level, Cut the Rope: Time Travel is twice the fun but familiar to play. If you like Cut the Rope, you’ll love Cut the Rope: Time Travel!

There’s no time to waste! Visit six exciting locations including the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, a Pirate Ship, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and the Stone Age. Om Nom’s ancestors are waiting – and they’re getting really hungry for candy! 

You can purchase Cut the Rope: Time Travel from the App Store for $0.99.

Temple Run: Oz Gets New Location, Obstacle, and Leaderboard

Temple Run: Oz has been updated with a new location, new obstacle and a Leaderboard feature.

Disney and Imangi Studios present Temple Run: Oz – a brand-new endless runner inspired by Temple Run 2 and the film Oz the Great and Powerful. Play as Oz and outrun the shrieking flying baboons as you turn, jump and slide your way across the land. Begin your exhilarating adventure now and see how far you can run!

Features:
• Stunning environments inspired by the film – explore them all.
• Fly in a hot air balloon – earn even more coins.
• Explore different locations in Oz – follow sign posts!
• The environment changes as you run – test your reflexes.
• Compete in weekly challenges – beat your friends!

What's New In This Version:
Fans, check out all the exciting new features in this update:
• Brand-new location Winkie Country – enjoy running in this wondrous environment through infinite farms, majestic canyons, and maze-like cornfields
• New obstacle – watch out for Winkie guards!
• ‘Head Start’ feature – fast travel to any location!
• Leaderboard – beat your friends’ distances and run right past their names just like the original Temple Run!
• All-new weekly challenges and more in-game objectives – over 370 objectives total!!
• Performance enhancements and gameplay fixes

You can purchase Temple Run: Oz from the App Store for $0.99.

Apple to Launch Its Own Dedicated Game Controller?

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its own dedicated game controller, according to PocketGamer.

At GDC 2013, Apple has apparently been very active in speaking with developers to ensure plenty of games will support the joypad at launch. The company has been operating a meeting room at the show under a pseudonym. Speaking anonymously, multiple developers confirmed the news to the site.

It's expected Apple will formally announce its plans during its annual April press event; previously this has been centred around the iPad. Many things remain unknown, though. None of our contacts had seen or held the physical device so we don't know if the pad will take a conventional approach or employ a radical new design.

Another possibility might be that Apple plans to use this device across its product lines including the Apple TV.

Notably, Samsung debuted a Game Pad at the Galaxy S4 launch and a source also told the site that Google will be making its own announcement about an official game controller in the near future as well.

Microsoft Releases New 'Ms. Splosion Man' Game for iOS

Microsoft has released a new game for iOS entitled, 'Ms. Splosion Man'.

You got a problem? Yo, she’ll splode it. At the Big Science after-party celebrating the capture of Splosion Man, a spill of champagne shorts out the safety protocols on the splosionatrix and from it emerges Ms. Splosion Man.

Features:
• The “prettiest” platformer on mobile devices
• Native support for 4 inch Retina Displays and The New iPad
• 3D character-driven title loaded with personality, animation, humor and a crazy FMV ending!
• Easy left-right-tap controls with challenging, fast paced puzzles
• 50 levels with big splosions and 4 huge boss battles
• Physics-based gameplay mechanics
• Introducing 6 powerups like Nuclear Sploding and Sonic Speed
• Race against ghost replays
• Visit 3 exotic locations
• Introducing 1,500 challenges to complete and earn Fame
• Morph target facial animation
• AirPlay support for playing on larger displays
• Localized for 9 languages: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, European Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Traditional Chinese

You can purchase Ms. Splosion Man from the App Store for $2.99.

Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X With Numerous Improvements, 4K XAVC Codec Support

Apple has updated Final Cut Pro X with numerous improvements including support for the 4K Sony XAVC codec. Notably, Apple is also expected to launch a Final Cut Pro X marketing campaign today in an effort to win back professional users who weren't impressed with the product at its release.

Completely redesigned from the ground up, Final Cut Pro adds extraordinary speed, quality, and flexibility to every part of the post-production workflow.

What's New In This Version:
• Support for Sony XAVC codec up to 4K resolution
• Option to display ProRes Log C files from ARRI ALEXA cameras with standard Rec. 709 color and contrast levels
• Resolves an issue where some third-party effects generated green frames during render
• Resolves performance issues that could occur with certain titles and effects
• Time reversed clips render in the background
• Ability to use key commands to adjust Clip Appearance settings in the timeline
• Ability to view reel number metadata located in the timecode track of video files
• Mono audio files in a surround project export with correct volume levels
• Drop zones no longer reset to the first frame of video after application restart
• Fixes a performance issue which resulted from selecting multiple ranges on a single clip
• Fixes an issue where the Play Around function did not work properly on certain clips when viewed through external video devices


You can purchase Final Cut Pro from the App Store for $299.99.

FINAL FANTASY V is Now Available for iOS

FINAL FANTASY V has been released for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Return to the classic medieval tale of magic, monsters and friendship with FINAL FANTASY V! Twenty years after the original FINAL FANTASY V released in Japan, the classic RPG has found its way to mobile devices!

Embark on an epic adventure as four heroes driven together by fate: Bartz and his chocobo companion, Princess Lenna of Castle Tycoon, the mysterious Galuf, and the pirate captain Faris. The crystals that bring peace and prosperity to the world – earth, water, fire, and wind – have lost their power and are on the verge of destruction.

Features:
• Customize characters with an unprecedented degree of freedom with the job and ability system – 26 unique job classes!

• Veteran character designer Kazuko Shibuya has returned to recreate the characters and graphics for a completely enhanced mobile experience!

• Touch-screen controls and active-time battle system are optimized for fluid combat on mobile devices

• This new version also includes “The Sealed Temple” from the 2006 release, as well as the Tetsuya Nomura-designed optional boss Enuo, and an extraordinary soundtrack

• Game Center support and plenty of achievements to be earned.

You can purchase FINAL FANTASY V from the App Store for $15.99.

Angry Birds Star Wars has been updated with a Cloud City episode, 20 new Bespin levels, steam gameplay mechanics, Boba Fett Missions, and Twitter integration.

Angry Birds Star Wars has been updated with a Cloud City episode, 20 new Bespin levels, steam gameplay mechanics, Boba Fett Missions, and Twitter integration.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... a group of desperate rebel birds faced off against a galactic menace: the Empire’s evil Pigtroopers! Rebel birds, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Imperial Pigs. During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the PIG STAR, and are racing to deliver the plans to the Rebel Birds. Now they need your help!

Features:
HOURS AND HOURS OF ENGAGING GAMEPLAY - Explore more than 100 levels in iconic locations like Tatooine and the Pig Star. Can you dodge Imperial pigs, laser turrets, Tusken Raider pigs, and the dark side of the Force to get all three stars?

NEW GAMEPLAY MECHANICS - Use lightsabers, Blasters and Jedi powers to wreak havoc on the Imperial Pigs!

LEVEL UP YOUR BIRDS - Keep playing and level up your birds to improve their skills!

SECRETS AND HIDDEN GOODIES - Can you unlock all the R2-D2 and C-3PO bonus levels?

FREE UPDATES - This is only the beginning of the epic saga!

THE MIGHTY FALCON
Stuck on a tricky level? Earn stars and call the Mighty Falcon to rain down the destruction. New goals, achievements and gameplay!

PATH OF THE JEDI
The ultimate training ground for a Young Jedi, this episode features 40 Dagobah Challenge Levels with Jedi Master Yoda! Master the Path of the Jedi to unlock the ultimate Lightsaber! Available as an in-app purchase, or by earning three stars on every level.

What's New In This Version:
Welcome to Bespin! After narrowly escaping the Hog Empire at the Battle of Hoth, the Rebel Birds are happy to lay low for a while. But Cloud City might not be as welcoming as it appears...

● Explore Cloud City in an all new episode!
● Battle your way through 20 new Bespin levels!
● Introducing steam gameplay mechanics.
● Unlock the new Boba Fett Missions by collecting all 5 hidden rocket packs, via promotion code, or via in-app purchase!
● Brag about your trophies using the new Twitter integration!

You can purchase Angry Birds Star Wars from the App Store for $0.99.

Apple Adds 'Offers In-App Purchases' Warning to App Store

Apple has added a warning to apps with in-app purchases to make it clearer to buyers that purchases can be made from within the application.

A message that reads 'Offers In-App Purchases' is display directly under the app's icon and buy/download button on its App Store page. So far the message hasn't been spotted on the mobile App Store.

It's thought the warning may have resulted from a lawsuit which Apple recently agreed to settle over 'bait apps' that allowed children to rack up huge iTunes bills on their parents account.

Even Penguins Can Play Games on the iPad

Penguins at the Aquarium of the Pacific - June Keyes Penguin Exhibit enjoy playing games on the iPad, says Hugh Ryono. The husbandry volunteer recently posted a video of a young penguin playing Game for Cats.

As an enrichment for these youngsters aviculturalist Sara told me about her idea of using an iPad game made for cats as penguin entertainment. Just like cats penguins are very curious and the idea of these birds following a virtual mouse on a screen was just too appealing to me not to try out. Dusting off my old iPad 1 and loading Game for Cats app on it we set up a penguin video arcade in the exhibit last week.

Sure enough when Jeremy and Newsom noticed the iPad in the exhibit they both waddled on over. Jeremy was the first to try it out but Newsom was the one that really got into it. Stalking the virtual mouse intently he tried to pick it up repeatedly with his beak. Newsom especially seemed to like the squeak that the mouse made when he put his beak on the virtual critter. The mouse was self reinforcing for this penguin. Newsom set the penguin high score of 1600 for the game.

Check out the video below...

Watch the First Angry Birds Toons Episode: 'Chuck Time

Rovio has posted the first episode of its Angry Birds Toons animated series. It's entitled 'Chuck Time' and can be viewed below.

The site also posted 'Meet the Flock' and 'Behind the Scenes' videos that can be watched from any one of the Angry Birds apps.

Take a look...

Rovio to Air New Animated Series via Angry Birds Games, Comcast Xfinity

Rovio has announced that it will air its new animated series 'Angry Birds Toons' via its Angry Birds games, select on-demand providers, Smart TVs, connected devices, and select TV networks.

“We’ve long wanted to tell our fans the story of the Angry Birds and the Bad Piggies, to introduce their personalities and their world in detail.” said Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio. “We’re delighted to introduce all this through our new channel, with easy and instant access to the stories in the palm of your hand. With over 1.7 billion downloads, we can reach a far wider and more engaged global audience than traditional distribution would allow. Launching the channel, and partnering up with some of the best video-on-demand providers and TV networks, is an important milestone for us on our journey towards becoming a fully fledged entertainment powerhouse.”

Angry Birds Toons will feature 52 episodes, with a new episode released each week, starting March 16th on TV broadcast and March 17th in all Angry Birds apps and on video-on-demand platforms. To watch the series through Rovio’s Angry Birds Toons channel, fans simply download the latest update to any Angry Birds game, which will unlock the new channel button in the game homescreen on March 17th.

Additionally, an Angry Birds Toons channel will be available on all of Comcast's video platforms in the US including Xfinity on Demand, online at Xfinity.com/tv and the Xfinity TV Player app and globally on Samsung Smart TVs at launch, followed by Roku boxes and other platforms.

On March 16th, Angry Birds Toons will land on television networks around the globe. Fans can tune in each week to FOX8 in Australia, JEI TV in Korea, ANTV in Indonesia, Cartoon Network in India, MTV3 Juniori and MTV3 in Finland, the Children's Channel in Israel, 1+1 networks in Ukraine, Gulli and Canal J in France, SUPER RTL in Germany, TV2 in Norway, Canal 13 in Chile and Gloob in Brazil to see the latest Angry Birds Toons episode.

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New Marvel Unlimited App for iOS Provides Access to 70 Years of Comics

Marvel has released a new Marvel Unlimited app for iOS that provides access to over 70 years of comic books.

Members of Marvel Unlimited can now experience over 70 years of Marvel’s greatest comics like never before – with our patented Smart Panels technology, and the ability to read offline when not connected to a wi-fi or cellular network.

Not a Marvel Unlimited member yet? No worries! You can preview every issue in the archive and read dozens of full free issues to explore the benefits of Marvel Unlimited risk-free!

You can download Marvel Unlimited from the App Store for free.

Asphalt 7: Heat Update Brings New Cars and Events

Gameloft has updated Asphalt 7: Heat with new cars and new events.

Burn up the street with the fastest and most visually stunning edition of the Asphalt series.

Features:
✓ Drive more than 60 different cars
✓ Gear up to race on 15 tracks set in real cities
✓ Take on up to 5 friends locally or online
✓ Play however you want with 6 different game modes
✓ 15 leagues and 150 different races

What's New In This Version:
★NEW SUPER CARS & NEW EVENTS★
If you've got what it takes -- prove it! 

« Able to tame the Marussia B2? Harness the power!»
« Classy enough to drive the Plymouth Prowler?»
« Ready for 7 new limited-time cups?»

You can purchase Asphalt 7: Heat from the App Store for $0.99.

Disney and Imangi Studios Release Temple Run: Oz

Disney and Imangi Studios have teamed up to release Temple Run: Oz, a new endless runner inspired by Temple Run 2 and the film 'Oz the Great and Powerful'.

Play as Oz and outrun the shrieking flying baboons as you turn, jump and slide your way across the land. Begin your exhilarating adventure now and see how far you can run!

Features:
• Stunning environments inspired by the film – explore them all.
• Fly in a hot air balloon – earn even more coins.
• Explore different locations in Oz – follow sign posts!
• The environment changes as you run – test your reflexes.
• Compete in weekly challenges – beat your friends!

You can purchase Temple Run: Oz from the App Store for $0.99.

Bad Piggies Gets Massive Update: 36 New Levels, 6 New Achievements

Rovio has just released a massive update to Bad Piggies that brings 30 new Flight in the Night levels, 6 new Road Hog levels, and 6 new achievements.

The Bad Piggies are after the eggs again -- but as usual, nothing is going according to plan! Can you create the ultimate flying machine and steer them safely to their destination? Those tricky pigs have a few objects they can use, but they need your help to turn these into the perfect transportation! 

With more than 114 levels, and free updates coming up, you have hours and hours of pig-crashing, exploding, and flying fun! Get three stars to unlock 21 more levels! HINT: Sometimes you need to play the level several times to achieve all the objectives -- try building a new device or steering in a different way to earn all the stars!

Features
● 114 levels crammed with flying/driving/crashing fun!
● 21 additional levels unlocked by getting three stars! 
● Free updates! 
● 5 sandbox levels to stretch your creativity, plus Junkyard available as IAP!
● Ultra-special, ultra-secret, ultra-difficult sandbox level to unlock by collecting all the skulls!
● 33 objects to create the ultimate machine: motors, wings, fans, bottle rockets, umbrellas, balloons, and much more!

Mechanic Pig
● Need help? This little piggy will build it for you!
● Mechanic pig pre-assembles transport for you!
● All you have to do is pilot it!
● Tweak his design to get all three stars!

Field of Dreams
● Our BIGGEST sandbox ever, with the biggest gadget set!
● No limits to your creativity in this massive sandbox!
● A new IAP for the ultimate Bad Piggies fan!

What's New In This Version:
In this massive update to IGN's 2012 game of the year, the Bad Piggies are on the move, and they've managed to hang on to the eggs so far! But watch out - you need to sneak past the napping Angry Birds, and they're sleeping with one eye open! Navigate through 30 new Flight in the Night Levels but don't make too much noise, or you'll wake up some seriously furious birds! Also make sure to check out the new "Road Hogs" time trials: can you beat the clock (and your friends) with your crazy contraption?

● Conquer 30 all new Flight in the Night levels!
● Race against the clock in 6 Road Hogs levels!
● Show off your creativity in a brand new sandbox!
● Six all new achievements -- can you get them all?
● It's you vs. the world in all new global leaderboards for Road Hogs! Do you have what it takes to be the world champion?

You can purchase Bad Piggies from the App Store for $0.99.