In an unusual pre-trial "tentative view," the judge in charge of the Apple versus the Department of Justice trial over alleged e-book price-fixing said that the DOJ would likely be able to prove that Apple colluded with publishers to raise e-book prices, despite not having seen all available evidence. This is not the first time Judge Denise Cote has ruled against Apple ahead of a full examination of the facts.
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Digg will not be releasing a separate app for its Google Reader replacement, instead rolling it into the existing Digg app for iOS. Development of the Digg Reader, which would offer much of Google Reader's functionality along with an API, has also shifted onto production servers, and is said to be close to its goal of launching by the end of June.
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Enterprise-oriented cloud storage firm Box has acquired Folders, an iOS app used to manage files from cloud storage services. The purchase, for an undisclosed amount, will see the technology behind the app rolled into Box's own iOS app, with Folders developer Martin Destagnol being drafted in to help with its integration.
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11 hours ago | Posted in: iPhone
AT&T's prepaid GoPhone brand is set to get a major upgrade on Friday, MacRumors claims. This includes official support for the iPhone, and access to LTE and HSPA+ networks. People have been able to sign up to GoPhone with an iPhone in the past, but until now had to sacrifice cellular data access.
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Multi-device password management and e-wallet platform Dashlane has deployed a v2.0 upgrade. This includes overhauled designs for the desktop clients, particularly on the Mac. which is now said to be "cutting edge" in its visual elements. The platform as a whole now sports a new Security Dashboard with a security score and tips, and features such as two-step/three-field logins, among various other autofill and auto-login changes. Two-factor authentication via Google Authenticator can be used for the desktop and mobile apps.
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An allegedly official Apple email sent to Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) in Brazil may support rumors that Apple is planning to do its own repairs of iOS devices, according to AppleInsider. At the moment, a person bringing a broken iPhone, iPod, or iPad to Apple is more likely to have the device swapped out for a refurbished unit, to which a person has to resync their data using iCloud or iTunes. It can often be cheaper and/or faster for the company than conducting a true repair, which requires having a supply of spare parts on hand.
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Apple has expanded its 3D Flyover coverage in iOS 6 Maps to more of California, AppleInsider notes. Flyover has long been available for cities like San Francisco, but now covers areas such as Anaheim, San Bernardino, Santa Monica, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and Moreno Valley. Some significant pieces of scenery include Disneyland and the Santa Monica pier.
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Google has released a beta version of Chrome 28 for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. The most significant change is in the Windows release, where a native notification center for apps and extensions has been turned on. These can include not only text and images, but optional actions such as making a phone call or sending email. Notifications can appear even when Chrome is closed. Google is promising Mac notifications "soon."
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15 hours ago | Posted in: iPod, iPhone, iPad
Google wants to submit an All Access app for iOS, but is still working to find something Apple will accept at the App Store, say 9to5Mac sources. What disputes the companies might have are unmentioned, but they could conceivably involve things like the revenue split from in-app purchases, and/or features that may violate App Store guidelines.
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AT&T Wireless has started billing customers $0.61 per month as a mobility "administrative fee." The new charge came into effect May 1, and has been applied to all consumer bills, in addition to business accounts where the user pays the amount due. The new fee will add nearly $500 million to AT&T's coffers in a year.
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Verizon has officially launched Verizon Cloud for iOS devices, as well as a broader slate of Android phones. The iOS app is designed primarily for the iPhone, but can still be run on the iPad and iPod touch. Newly-supported Android phones include devices like the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC Droid DNA.
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17 hours ago | Posted in: iPhone, iPad
A new Macotakara report claims to have learned details about several upcoming Apple products, beginning with the rumored low-cost iPhone. The site says it has heard conflicting views from two sources on colors; one alleges that the phone will come in navy, white, gray, and gold orange tones, while another mentions white, pink, green, blue, and yellow orange. In both cases, black is omitted.
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Pioneer Electronics has deployed two new smartphone connectivity options for the car with two versions of its next generation AppRadio 3 smartphone connected in-dash receiver -- the SPH-DA210 and the SPH-DA110. Both AppRadio 3 models feature compatibility with MirrorLink enabled smartphones in addition to the current AppRadio compatibility with both iOS and select Android smartphones.
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Apple has wasted no time filing with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) regarding the landmark ruling from May 22 enjoining a standards essential patent holder from enforcing a potential ITC-ordered sales embargo. Apple's filing with the court summarizes Judge White's decision, and calls Samsung's conduct "even more egregious" than that of the cited case's patent holder.
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18 hours ago | Posted in: industry
The Media Ratings Council has awarded full accreditation to Apple's iAd, the first mobile ad platform to achieve that status, says Advertising Age. The accreditation reflects iAd's compliance with standards set by the Interactive Advertising Bureau and the Mobile Marketing Association. That includes accurate reporting of data such as taps, visits, views, impressions, conversations, and average time spent.
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19 hours ago | Posted in: peripherals
BotObjects, the creators of the ProDesk3D printer, has opened it up for pre-orders. Billed as the world's first full-color 3D desktop printer, the ProDesk3D is going on sale in two different versions, one in orange and a limited edition version with blue coloring and extra equipment, with the first shipments due to be sent by the first of October.
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