The Week in Tech: Is Now the Time to Consider App Rentals?

Apple launches iOS 10.3 to developers

The next significant iOS update has now entered the beta testing phase. Version iOS 10.3 offers a new Find My AirPods feature and updated Apple ID Profile. Other notable iOS 10.3 features include a new app ratings API, a floating iPad keyboard, changes to app animations, and more. Apple is likely to release iOS 10.3 to the public this spring.

See also:

• In iOS 10.3, Developers Can Change an App’s Home Screen Icon Without an Update
• Theater Mode is Coming to Apple Watch in Upcoming watchOS 3.2 Beta     

A new way to get Mac apps

This week, digital app renting became a reality. For $9.99 per month, Setapp subscribers can enjoy more than 60 Mac apps. Access to these apps is unlimited and includes all updates and in-app purchases.

To get started with the Setapp app rental service, subscribers download a small app which creates a folder that’s available via the Finder on your Mac. From here, you’ll see all of the apps available, including descriptions and screenshots. To install, simply click on the app icon.

Are you considering app rentals?

Other tech stories you might have missed this week:

• Is An American Made Apple Television in Our Future?
• Apple, Amazon Taking Different Approaches in the Smart Home Race
• T-Mobile Doesn’t Like AT&T’s DirecTV Now Service and Here’s Why
• Would You Buy This New iPhone X Concept?

Our finely curated app collections lists continue to grow, with the following entries added or updated in the last week:

• The Best Wallpaper Apps for iOS
• Enjoy A Perfect Evening At Home
• Best Dating Apps for iOS
• The Best Apps for Capturing and Creating Videos
• Get Ready For Retirement

Meanwhile, Christine Chan added four new titles to the AppAdvice app review library:

• Rebuild the Solar System With the Puzzling Arcade Action of Lunaform      
• Match to Build a Village and Survive the Night in Super Gridland
• Roll and Dash Your Way Through the Puzzles of Red’s Kingdom
• Eradicate a Robotic Virus Threat in the Puzzling Imprint-X

Popular game controller maker Gamevice has rolled out second-generation devices for the iPhone and iPad.

The new controller for the iPhone/iPhone 7 Plus features revamped buttons and thumbsticks to offer even more comfortable game play. It’s also lighter than the original version. Instead of a built-in battery like the first generation, the new model uses power from the iPhone itself.

Also compatible with the iPhone 6/6s and iPhone 6/6s Plus, the controller offers a built-in Lightning port. That means users can charge their iPhone and Gamevice simultaneously. It also adds a headphone jack to the equation, which is perfect for Apple’s latest handsets.

Looking for a new accessory? Perhaps one of these new lists will help:

• Best Health Accessories Made for iPhone
• The Best AirPrint Printers
• Best Mac Accessories for Power Users
• The Best iPad Accessories for the iPad Enthusiast