Apple's App Store gained two notable additions in the form of Twitter's Vine and the long-awaited Pebble smart watch app on Thursday. In addition, the newly released Temple Run 2 hit the 20-million-download mark only days after its release.
Twitter launches Vine for short video sharing
Vine, announced in a blog post, is available for both the iPhone and iPod touch as a free download in the App Store, and Twitter says it is working to bring the app to other platforms.
Users need only press and hold a record button to start creating a clip. When the button is released, recording pauses, allowing users to create vignettes with a "smash cut" effect. The app lets users record and upload videos up to six seconds in length. Users can share these videos, browse others' videos, and follow other users. The post announcing the app says it is in keeping with Twitter's aesthetic, wherein "constraint inspires creativity."
Twitter CEO Dick Costolo hinted Wednesday that Vine's standalone app might be launching soon. Twitter acquired the company in October, but its debut as a standalone app was planned before the acquisition. There will be no Twitter branding on the app.
Pebble smart watch app now available in iOS App Store
The iPhone app for the Pebble smart watch is now available in Apple's App Store. The Pebble project, originally begun as a Kickstarter project, began shipping to early investors on January 23.
The smart watch features an e-paper screen and interfaces with a user's iOS or Android smartphone through the Pebble smart watch app. Currently, the app can install and remove custom watch faces on a user's Pebble, send ping test messages to the smartwatch, and send notifications when software updates are available.
The app is available as a free download in the App Store, and it is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (generations 3 and up), and iPad. It requires iOS 5.0 or later.
Temple Run 2 hits 20 million downloads in four days
Temple Run 2, the sequel to the hit Temple Run, has reached the 20 million download mark just four days after its release on iOS. The original Temple Run, released in August of 2011, has been downloaded more than 170 million times on iOS. The sequel brings improved graphics, new environments, more powerups, special powers for each character, and a bigger monkey.