2/28/2013

iDownloadBlog.com

iDownloadBlog.com


Apple ranks #1 again in Fortune’s ‘Most Admired Companies’ list

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 04:57 PM PST

most-admired

For the sixth year in a row, Apple was named the most-admired company in the world. In spite of a stock free fall and the Apple Maps gaffe, the iPhone maker topped rivals Google and Amazon, Fortune announced Thursday.

Described as a “financial juggernaut” which became the most profitable company on the globe, Apple was named the over-all most admired firm while also topping the list as the most admired technology firm of 2013…(...)
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Conditions weather app also takes creative approach in dealing with pirates

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 04:30 PM PST

condtions ss

Yesterday, we told you about Tapbots’ entertaining way it deals with folks who pirate its popular Tweetbot app. If you download the Twitter client without paying for it, it will auto-insert an embarrassing phrase into its Tweet sheet.

But the guys on the Tapbots team aren’t the only ones having fun with pirates. Jake Marsh, creator of the new Conditions weather app, also takes a creative approach in dealing with people who steal his work. Check it out…(...)
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How to turn off in-app purchases

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 04:08 PM PST

In-app game purchase

A few days ago, Apple agreed to settle a two year-old lawsuit with a group of parents over unauthorized in-app purchases made by their kids. The parents claimed that their kids had completed in-app purchases without their knowledge because of an oversight in the way in-app purchases actually work.

Of course, all this could have been prevented if parents had restricted the usage of in-app purchases in the first place, but admittedly, not everyone knows you can make in-app purchases, and more importantly, I don’t think everyone (especially parents) knows that you can turn off in-app purchases in iOS…(...)
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Galaxy S III named Best Smartphone of 2012 at Mobile World Congress

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 03:06 PM PST

samsung-galaxy-s3-

The world of smartphones can essentially be divided into two camps: iPhone and Android. Sure there are some BlackBerry and Windows Phone users out there, but Apple and Google handsets make up most of the market.

And as in any situation where there are two dominant players, each platform has their own army of loyal fans. And I’m sure both sides have plenty to say about Samsung’s Galaxy S III being named the Best Smartphone of 2012…(...)
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$330 polycarbonate iPhone said to arrive next year with 4.5-inch display

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 01:36 PM PST

3gs up close

It’s been a while since we’ve heard any talk regarding the rumored budget iPhone. Speculation involving Apple’s secret iWatch project, and next-gen iPad models have all but taken over the rumor mill in recent weeks.

But that changes today, with a new report from Japanese blog Macotakara. The site, which has proven to have accurate sources, says that the cheaper iPhone exists, has a polycarbonate body, and will arrive in 2014…(...)
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Apple sold eight million iPads to education institutions worldwide

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 01:15 PM PST

iPad ad (Alive, education 001)

The iPad is the perfect epitome of the 21st century learning. When schools and faculties integrate these things into their workflow, anything is possible. The iPad, as you know, debuted as the first mainstream tablet and it immediately bolstered Apple’s already strong and undisputed credibility in education.

Of course, the gizmo owes much of its success to a strong library of more than 300,000 apps designed specifically for it. That said, it shouldn’t really surprise anyone that Apple’s tablet is replacing textbooks fast and becoming an indispensable teaching tool for educators and an interactive learning aid for students.

Thursday, the company officially confirmed it has sold a cool 4.5 million iPads to U.S. education institutions alone and a total of eight million iPads to education institutions worldwide – a notable rise versus about 1.5 million iPads found in U.S. education institutions as of January 2012.

While Samsung shipped as much tablets to the entire market during the holiday quarter of 2012, the South Korean giant did not break down sales by region or industry verticals so we really can’t tell how strong Galaxy tablets are in education, but our guess is they’re virtually non-existent…(...)
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Files hits iOS: manage all your files in one app

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 01:04 PM PST

One of the biggest iOS drawbacks (or blessings, depending on your view) compared to other mobile operating systems is that users cannot mess with the file system directly. That Apple doesn’t provide an app to pull all your documents together in one place doesn’t help either. Enter Files, a new app German developer Sonico Mobile created with the very specific purpose of tackling this issue.

It’s available now at a special introductory price of 99 cents, optimized for all your iThings, including the original iPad. I’ve been playing with the software for the past couple of days and will be posting a thorough review over the weekend. In the meantime, here’s how Files makes your mobile computing easier…(...)
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Google adds ‘send to TV’ and video recording features to YouTube iOS client

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 11:34 AM PST

YouTube 1.1.0.4136 for iOS (iPad screenshot 002)

Google last updated its official YouTube iOS client on December 4, adding native iPad and iPhone 5 support, the ability to beam clips to your Apple TV via AirPlay, a brand spanking new icon and other under-the-hood goodies.

Today, the Internet giant has issued a new version which improves streaming over slow Wi-Fi connection and packs in overall stability improvements. In addition to a pair of these tidbits, two major changes stand out.

First, you can now use the new YouTube app version 1.2.1 to pair with YouTube on your Xbox or PlayStation 3 console and control playback from your iOS device. This also works with Google TV devices and Android users got the ‘send to TV’ feature in November 2012. Also, the program finally lets you record and upload video clips via YouTube Capture, a standalone app Google released on December 17, 2012…(...)
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Samsung hires judge who ruled against Apple

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 11:10 AM PST

SkyFire 5.1 for iOS (iPad screenshot 001)

Remember a UK judge who took at face value the ruling that Galaxy devices didn’t infringe any of Apple’s patents because Samsung’s tablets “are not as cool” as the iPad? The one who recently chastised Apple for lack of integrity and opined for the appeals court it should be ordered to apologize in newspaper ads for asserting Samsung’s tablets had copied the iPad? Yeah, that guy.

A well-known patent blogger revealed Thursday that same judge is now receiving paychecks from Samsung as a legal expert through a law firm which represents Samsung Electronics in its case against Ericsson. Conflict of interest, much?(...)
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Analyst warns Apple could be headed for rough two years

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 10:03 AM PST

Apple Store Side logo San Francisco

If you thought Apple had already been through a rough period, just wait. That’s the message from one Wall Street analyst who predicts the iPhone maker is “facing a very rough two-year period.”

Although Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook spent Wednesday defending his company’s horde of cash, those concerns could evaporate as Apple spends billions to prop up slowing iPhone sales and works to improve demand in emerging markets.

Apple could see capital expenditures double, according to Jeffries’ analyst Peter Misek, forecasting billions in payments for supplier upgrades, emerging-market payment plans and expensive technology updates all while iPhone sales plunge…(...)
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Dunkin’ Donuts implements Apple’s Passbook

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 09:30 AM PST

DUNKIN' DONUTS HOT LOGO

Put Dunkin’ Donuts on your list of Passbook backers. A confirmation came Thursday that the American global doughnut company and coffeehouse chain is adding support for Apple’s Passbook to its free Dunkin’ Donuts free mobile app for the iPhone and iPod touch. This enables customers to add their Dunkin’ Donuts Cards to Passbook and pay for food, beverages and merchandise at participating U.S. restaurants simply by scanning their pass in-store or at the drive-thru.

Balances are updated immediately after purchase and these passes are also location aware, the company said…(...)
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As the next iPhone looms, Apple slashes iPhone 5 panel and semiconductor orders

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 09:02 AM PST

AnoStyle teaser

With about four months left until Apple’s worldwide developers conference, chatter intensifies that Apple is re-aligning its suppliers. With both the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 allegedly spotted in the wild and leaked parts cropping up on Chinese forums, new reports indicate that Apple has substantially cut iPhone 5 screen and chip orders.

And because Apple is the world’s top chip buyer second only to Samsung, any material change in its orders immediately reflects on the entire industry. Little wonder that researches are now calling for a slow down in semiconductor equipment manufacturer orders…(...)
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Samsung fails in its bid to block iPhone and iPad sale in Japan

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 07:48 AM PST

iPhone 5 Galaxy S III

Samsung has lost its patent lawsuit over Apple’s iPhone and iPad in Japan as a Tokyo court ruled Thursday in favor of Apple. Needless to say, Samsung said it was disappointed by the court’s decision and promised to conduct a thorough review of the ruling and “take the measures necessary to protect our intellectual property rights”, Reuters reported this morning.

The Tokyo District Court said Samsung hadn't negotiated "sincerely" with Apple over patents, also ruling the Galaxy maker now cannot seek damages from Apple…(...)
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Apple announces iTunes U downloads topped 1 billion

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 06:41 AM PST

itunes u ss

It could be the largest educational institution which never handed out one diploma. More than one billion downloads of class lectures, quizzes and assignments were downloaded from iTunes U, Apple announced Thursday.

In a press release, the technology firm unveiled class attendance numbers that would make even the best Ivy League schools jealous – if they weren’t already offering part of the service.

More than 250,000 students are enrolled in the service with content from 1,200 colleges, universities and K-12 schools. While Yale, MIT and Stanford are among the U.S. schools involved, a growing majority of schools from outside the U.S. are also taking part, the iPhone maker said…(...)
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AT&T expands LTE coverage in Phoenix, Lincoln, Lubbock, Hartford County and more

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 01:44 AM PST

AT&T largest 4g network

AT&T has been on a roll lately. On an LTE roll out to be more precise. After opening up to 6 new markets earlier this week, AT&T is now expanding its LTE coverage to four new areas. If you live in Phoenix, AR, or Hartford County, CT, then you might notice speed increases or simply better LTE coverage overall. If you are located in Lubbock, TX, or Lincoln, NE , you’ll be glad to learn that your iPhone 5 will now be able to connect to the brand new LTE service AT&T just activated in your area…(...)
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Cricket seeing much weaker than expected iPhone sales

Posted: 28 Feb 2013 01:18 AM PST

cricket ss

Leap Wireless, the US telecommunications company that owns and operates the regional carrier Cricket, just submitted a rather alarming filing with the the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

It seems that Cricket is only on pace to sell through half of its first-year commitment with Apple, which goes to June, leaving it on the hook for some $100 million in remaining iPhone purchases…(...)
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Real Racing 3 now available in the US App Store

Posted: 27 Feb 2013 08:30 PM PST

Real Racing 3 01

It’s been a long wait, but it’s finally here. Real Racing 3 has officially landed in the US App Store as a free download. A couple of weeks ago, we spent some hands-on time with the game, and came away blown away by the graphics. Some of you guys might not dig the game’s new freemium approach — an approach that ditches paying up front in favor of paying for in app purchases — but only time will tell if this negatively impacts the game’s reception.

Real Racing 3 features tons of new cars, tracks, and all sorts of upgrades for your vehicle of choice. It’s a polarizing title due to the fact that iOS’ most popular racing game franchise has taken an abrupt turn towards the freemium model. But even if you don’t appreciate the new approach, you owe it to yourself to download this game just to take in the visuals. Real Racing 3 is eye candy in its most concentrated form.(...)
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