iPhone, iPad & Android App Developers UK with offices in London, Manchester and Birmingham.

As developers for tablets and smartphones we like to keep abreast of the latest mobile technology developments . This is a daily digest of mobile development and related technology news gathered from the BBC, the New York Times, New Scientist and the Globe and Mail to name a few. We scour the web for articles concerning, iPhone, iPad and android development, iOS and android operating systems as well as general articles on advances in mobile technology. We hope you find this useful and that it helps to keep you up to date with the latest technology developments.

• Foursquare cautiously and clearly changes privacy policy
  In light of the recent uproar over the privacy and policy changes at Instagram, apps that provide services are, understandably, treading cautiously with any terms, conditions and privacy changes going forward.  Instagram suffered an almost instant backlash publicly but it seems debatable how much […]
• Intel to Launch Cable TV Service and Set Top Box at CES 2013
  According to TechCrunch, Intel is planning to launch its own virtual cable TV service and set top box in the near future. The news comes at a time when rumors of Apple’s own television service have been becoming more frequent.

  To combat licensing issues, Intel has decided to roll out the service on a city-by-city basis rather than launching nationwide, allowing Intel to negotiate for control of smaller markets with content providers, who have been reluctant to hand over valuable licensing rights.

  A source in the video distribution industry directly familiar with Intel’s plans and content dealings tells TechCrunch the semiconductor company is dead serious about getting its chips into the living room. After its effort to convince smart TV manufacturers to use its chips in the initial launch of Google TV failed a few years ago, it’s decided to go it alone. The source said that Intel was frustrated with “everyone doing a half-assed Google TV so it’s going to do it themselves and do it right.”

  The plan is to create a set-top box and subscription TV service that would appeal to people who want streaming TV access but don’t want to entirely cut the cable cord and lose key content like sports.

  Like Intel, Apple has been said to be working on a similar set up for its rumored Apple-branded television set, an idea that was made famous by Walter Isaacson’s biography on Steve Jobs, when Jobs expressed his desire to revolutionize the television industry.

  
  Since then, the Apple television set has been the source of much speculation, and it is believed that Apple is hoping to include features like Siri and FaceTime, as well as content from third party providers and motion control.

  Apple has faced problems with content procuration, which may be why the much rumored TV has yet to make an appearance. There have been similar rumors about a more robust version of the Cupertino-based company’s existing Apple TV set top box, but that too has yet to be seen.

  As of mid–2012, Apple has been rumored to be in talks with cable services like Comcast and Timer Warner Cable, though no content deals seem to have been made public.

  The Wall Street Journal (via TechCrunch) notes that Intel has also had problems securing content deals, with content providers unwilling to offer television channels piece meal because of contractual barriers set in place by cable providers. Intel’s city-by-city launch aims to allow content providers to experiment with access in less restrictive markets.

  Intel’s cable TV service and set top box may launch as soon as January 7 at Intel’s CES event, according to tipsters. There’s still no word on when an Apple television might be announced.

  The most recent rumors state that Apple’s Foxconn factories are currently testing several television set designs, in the 46–55 inch range.

  

  

  

• Huawei linked to plan to sell restricted equipment to Iran
  A major partner of the Chinese telecommunications gear maker offered to sell $1.7 million worth of embargoed HP computer equipment to Iran, according to documents reviewed by Reuters.
• iCade Jr. Arcade Controller Discounted to $9.99 [iOS Blog]
  
  ThinkGeek has discounted the iCade Jr. Mini Arcade Cabinet for iPhone to only $9.99. That represents 80% off its normal price of $49.99.

  The iCade Jr. was originally launched in January 2012 at CES. It represents a smaller iPhone/iPod Touch sized version of the original iPad-sized iCade. Like its big brother, the iCade Jr. connects to your iPhone or iPod Touch using Bluetooth. This model was originally designed to fit the iPhone 4/4S and 4th Generation iPod touch form factors, but is said to work with the iPhone 5 “if you leave the top lid hinged back”.

  The controller has an arcade stick, four front and rear buttons and works with existing iCade-compatible games.

  

  

  

• 2012’s top memes and viral videos
  The year in memes and social media must-sees
• Alan W. Silberberg: Truth Hurts? More Coming in 2013
  2012 saw many people get foiled by their own attempts at keeping secrets online. General Petraeus is only the most vivid and open example. But this is happening to regular people every day. Expect this trend to continue into 2013.
• TV REVIEW: Neil Armstrong – First Man On The Moon
  Neil Armstrong – First Man On The Moon The fact that more people in the world could today recognise the butt of Kim Kardashian than…
• Questcor Finds Profit for Acthar Drug, at $28,000 a Vial
  After pricing its once-obscure drug, Acthar, in the stratosphere, Questcor gained many fans on Wall Street. But the company has also drawn some doubters.

  

• YouTube Ban Lifted in Pakistan, for 3 Minutes
  A ban imposed after an anti-Islam video caused riots was reinstated when it was discovered that blasphemous material was still available on the site.

  

• India’s Aakash Venture Produces Optimism but Few Computers
  The Aakash project was supposed to provide $50 tablet computers for students across India, revolutionizing the nation’s schools and its tech industry, but so far those goals remain elusive.

  

• Shira Lazar: What’s Trending and Kassem G Present the Top 20 YouTube Videos of 2012
  Every weekday, What’s Trending brings you the best that YouTube has to offer. Now that we’re wrapping up an unbelievable year in Internet history, we’re serving up a definitive guide to the 20 biggest, most incredible and best YouTube videos of 2012.
• PHOTOS: This Family’s Truly Unbelievable Secret
  We could never live like this.
• Moment Of Impact Caught On Tape
  Video from a dashboard camera captured the moment of impact when a passenger plane crashed into a highway at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport. The Red Wings…
• Good News For In-Flight Internet
  By Jim Wolf WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has cleared the way for wider adoption of in-flight Internet services, aiming to cut…
• Overshare! 7 Things We Forget We Do On Social Media Everyday
  Let’s own up to it: Social media is an addictive part of our everyday lives. In fact, habits like flipping through Facebook or Instagram have…
• The Big Lesson Apple Learned In 2012
  By Sarah Kessler This story originally appeared at Fast Company. While Apple’s new products are generally met with fawning praise and long lines, its first…
• The 9 Most Popular Viral Videos Of The Week
  If you’re looking to see the most popular YouTube videos of the week, look no further. Once again, we’re bringing you the week’s most-watched videos,…
• Pinterest Sued By Businessman Who Says He Had The Idea First
  Pinterest has arrived at that special milestone for any successful start-up: The day you get sued by someone who says the whole thing was his…
• Google Torpedoes Links To ‘Pirate’ Sites
  Over the past year copyright holders have asked Google to remove 51,395,353 links to infringing webpages, a dramatic surge compared to previous years. The search…

Thanks for reading our digest. Opinions in the articles above are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Digital Workshed ltd.

As developers for tablets and smartphones we like to keep abreast of the latest mobile technology developments . This is a daily digest of mobile development and related technology news gathered from the BBC, the New York Times, New Scientist and the Globe and Mail to name a few. We scour the web for articles concerning, iPhone, iPad and android development, iOS and android operating systems as well as general articles on advances in mobile technology. We hope you find this useful and that it helps to keep you up to date with the latest technology developments.

• Hitachi’s Revival Isn’t So Good for the City of Hitachi
  After a staggering loss in 2009, the Hitachi Corporation has engineered a stunning turnaround, costing jobs and opportunity in its home city of Hitachi, Japan.

  

• China Toughens Restrictions on Internet Use
  New rules require Internet users to provide their real names to service providers, while assigning companies greater responsibility for deleting forbidden postings.

  

• Bits Blog: Facebook Poke and the Tedium of Success Theater
  Apps like Snapchat and Facebook Poke challenge the predictability of social media by letting you send photos, messages and videos that self-destruct after a time interval that you choose.
• Tech visionaries make honours List
  A video games industry leader, a digital rights campaigner and a man who has helped give us powerful smartphone graphics all make the New Years Honours list.
• The Top 10 Sports Tweets Of 2012, Set To Song
  Retrospectives and "best of" lists are inescapable this time of year, so why not enjoy the countdowns with some music? The NOC — the people…
• 5 Crazy Ways To Survive The Financial Cliff
  On Friday, President Barack Obama met with congressional leaders to work on a "fiscal cliff" compromise, but no deal had been reached as of happy…
• DealBook: Questions Remain Over Hewlett’s Big Charge on Autonomy Acquisition
  In its annual report, H.P. discusses the methodology it employed when making the $8.8 billion charge, but it does not break out exactly how the alleged accounting improprieties were behind $5 billion of that charge.
• Are Instagram Users Fleeing?
  The New York Post, knowing sensationalism like no other, wrote an article Friday about Instagram that must have sent jitters through the folks in Facebook’s…
• New Law Asserts Social Media Rights For Michiganders
  (LANSING, Mich.) — Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation protecting the online privacy of Michigan residents. House Bill 5523 prohibits employers and educational institutions from…
• Fear of Amazon Pushes Stores to Offer Same-Day Shipping
  Fear of Amazon.com has pushed a variety of stores to embrace delivery within hours as a must-have promotion, even though it’s costly and logistically complicated.

  

• The tech highs (and lows) of 2012
  The BBC Click team select their highs and lows from 2012
• WATCH: Google’s New Director Of Engineering Is Planning To Change The Future Of Humanity
  Inventor Ray Kurzweil hopes to develop ways for humans to live forever, and while he’s at it, bring back his dead father. Behind him is…
• Janell Burley Hofmann: An iPhone Contract From Your Mom
  Failure to comply with the following list will result in termination of your iPhone ownership.
• Fujitsu to miss sales target due to ‘weak’ Windows 8 demand
  Company’s president blames soft Windows 8 demand for slumping sales, according to a report, echoing recent comments from the president of Fujitsu competitor Acer.
• Amazing Video Shows Samurai Warrior Cutting Pellet Flying 200 Miles Per Hour
  This truly needs to seen to be believed: A man who calls himself a modern-day samurai warrior has been videotaped slicing a speeding pellet in…
• Tiny Sliver Of Good News For Samsung In Apple Patent War
  By Dan Levine SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 28 (Reuters) – Apple Inc has agreed to withdraw patent claims against a new Samsung phone with a high-end…
• Brian Penny: CryptoParties: Digital Self Defense Classes
  Digital security is more important than ever as our dependence on computers evolves. While you may not be a technically inclined person, you exist in the internet.
• The Funniest Autocorrects Of The Month
  Warning, some NSFW language. If you’ve spent more than 15 minutes on the Internet, you’re probably familiar with Damn You, Autocorrect, the site that curates…
• Robin Raskin: Kids and Moms and Tech: The Reverse Titanic Syndrome
  Each year at the International CES we host a series of exhibits and conferences that look at the other 70 percent (moms and kids) and how they use gear and gadgets differently than most of the engineers who create them.

Thanks for reading our digest. Opinions in the articles above are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Digital Workshed ltd.

As developers for tablets and smartphones we like to keep abreast of the latest mobile technology developments . This is a daily digest of mobile development and related technology news gathered from the BBC, the New York Times, New Scientist and the Globe and Mail to name a few. We scour the web for articles concerning, iPhone, iPad and android development, iOS and android operating systems as well as general articles on advances in mobile technology. We hope you find this useful and that it helps to keep you up to date with the latest technology developments.

• Greg Gage: We Aren’t All Cyborgs… Yet
  It is clear that some advances in medical technologies fit the definition of a cyborg. But can the cyborg definition of "a symbiotic fusion of human and machine," be broadly applied to all of us?
• Dr. Craig Malkin: Can Cyborgs Fall in Love?
  Our deepest attachments develop when we can show all of who we are and be accepted, and that includes romantic love. The crudely pixilated self of cyberspace can hardly represent the best of us.
• Latest Netflix Disruption Highlights Challenges of Cloud Computing
  Amazon’s cloud computing service went down for Netflix for much of Christmas Eve, highlighting potential difficulties in the technology.

  

• Apple gets China copyright fine
  A court in China orders Apple to pay compensation to eight Chinese writers and two companies for violating their copyrights.
• Fear of Amazon Pushes Stores to Offer Same-Day Shipping
  Fear of Amazon.com has pushed a variety of stores to embrace delivery within hours as a must-have promotion, even though it’s costly and logistically complicated.

  

• The iEconomy: Signs of Changes Taking Hold in Electronics Factories in China
  After the hardships of workers in China’s electronics factories were exposed to a global audience, working conditions have changed.

  

• Cycloramic App Captures Hands-Free 360 Degree Video Using iPhone’s Vibrate Motor [iOS Blog]
  Cycloramic is a clever panoramic video app that was released earlier this week. Unlike most panorama apps available for the iPhone, Cycloramic doesn’t require users to hold the phone steady while rotating in a circle.

  Instead, the app takes advantage of the strong vibrating feature of the iPhone. When balanced on a flat surface such as a granite countertop, the phone will spin on its own, capturing a hands-free 360 degree video using either the front-facing or rear camera. TechCrunch has a rundown on how it works:

  Start by balancing your phone upright on a flat surface (a granite countertop or glass table). The surface has to be really smooth, so don’t expect any non-laminated wood or tiles to work.

  Once you press “GO”, the app will make the phone vibrate at just the right frequencies to force to phone into a twirl. Your iPhone will continue to spin in a circle, which recording video, until you press the “STOP” button.

  Though Cycloramic will work with the iPhone 4/4S, it was designed for the iPhone 5’s lightweight form factor, which means the older iPhones won’t spin as well. The phone must also be set to “Vibrate on Silent” and “Vibrate on Ring” to function properly.

  Cycloramic can be downloaded from the App Store for $0.99. [Direct Link]

  

  

  

• Autonomy founder fires back at HP after news of DOJ inquiry
  After HP announced an investigation into its purchase of the software company, Autonomy founder says, “We can confirm that we have as yet had no contact from any regulatory authority.”
• Senate Votes Down Attempts To Reform Bush-Era Warrantless Wiretapping Program
  The Senate rejected three attempts Thursday to add oversight and privacy safeguards to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) amendments that authorize the warrantless wiretapping…
• 5x5x5: Jacquelline Fuller On The Global Impact Awards
  In partnership with the Social Innovation Summit, we’re running a series called 5x5x5 — 5 Leaders, 5 Sectors, 5 Questions. Five guests from a variety…
• Gil Laroya: Matte Black Is the New Chrome
  What becomes cool and hip today is no longer limited to form and function — the statement of color has as much to do with what people want as it does with user needs, and designers are following suit.
• Google App That Reshapes Users’ Eyes Upsets Asian-Americans
  A Google app that allows users to change their eye shape and add stereotypical "Asian" accessories is drawing fire from the Asian-American community for being…
• Parking Panda’s Renting Model Allows Drivers To Share Parking Spaces
  Parking Panda, a new service that allows drivers to list their empty spaces and others to rent them as needed, is looking to solve the…
• Sailing into the future of global trade?
  Is the golden age of sail ripe for a return?
• BBC’s most-read tech stories of 2012
  The BBC’s most read technology stories of 2012 revealed
• Kevin Ducoff: 5 Tech Companies Set to Impact Higher Ed in 2013
  It’s a great time to be in the education technology industry: venture capitalists have dropped a whopping $1.37 billion into the industry since 2011.That’s a lot of cash, and a lot of opportunities for companies to seriously change the way we do education.
• HP confirms: Feds investigating the Autonomy acquisition
  In its new annual report, Hewlett-Packard says the Department of Justice has opened an inquiry into the $11 billion 2011 deal, now allegedly marred by accounting impropriety.
• WATCH: The Year In Cute
  As many moms and dads have argued, it’s the high points of parenting that make it all worth it — the adorable giggles, hilarious mispronunciations…
• David Rejeski: Escaping the Cliff: In Search of Real Budget Heroes
  We’re reaching a collision of epic proportions, between lawmakers’ short-term jockeying and the nation’s need for long-term fiscal sanity. But amid the battles, there’s real hope — citizens have shown an instinct for making the genuinely hard choices that can help us avoid the cliff.

Thanks for reading our digest. Opinions in the articles above are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Digital Workshed ltd.

As developers for tablets and smartphones we like to keep abreast of the latest mobile technology developments . This is a daily digest of mobile development and related technology news gathered from the BBC, the New York Times, New Scientist and the Globe and Mail to name a few. We scour the web for articles concerning, iPhone, iPad and android development, iOS and android operating systems as well as general articles on advances in mobile technology. We hope you find this useful and that it helps to keep you up to date with the latest technology developments.

• Latest Netflix Disruption Highlights Challenges of Cloud Computing
  Amazon’s cloud computing service went down for Netflix for much of Christmas Eve, highlighting potential difficulties in the technology.

  

• Marvell Ordered to Pay $1.17 Billion in Patent Case
  A jury in Pittsburgh ruled Marvell Technology had sold billions of semiconductors using technology developed at Carnegie Mellon without a license.

  

• The iEconomy: Signs of Changes Taking Hold in Electronics Factories in China
  After the hardships of workers in China’s electronics factories were exposed to a global audience, working conditions have changed.

  

• James Berman: The Paper Book: Destined to Become an Aesthetic Curiosity
  The physical book will always remain in some respect, but more as an aesthetic curiosity, and a fine, curated remnant of a prior age. But reading? Whether by candlelight or halogen, that will be done by Kindles, Nooks and iPads.
• The Zuckerbergs Got A Big Pile Of Irony For Christmas
  The Zuckerbergs, normal family folk like you or me, did what many did on Christmas Day: Posted an awkward family photo onto Facebook. Except when…
• Apple Investigating Thinner, Lower Power IGZO Displays Across iPad and iPhone Product Lines for 2013
  According to a new DigiTimes report, Apple is evaluating the feasibility of using IGZO displays across their iPad, iPad mini and iPhone products in 2013.

  The sources said Apple is in further discussions with Sharp over IGZO panel production capacity estimates for 2013 and is also inquiring about whether AU Optronics’ (AUO) L5C line could be used to produce the technology.

  We’ve heard rumors about Sharp’s IGZO displays over the past year, but no Apple products yet seem to use the new technology. There had been talk of production delays that may have prevented Apple from pursuing the technology.

  Qualcomm recently invested in Sharp to push forward the technology. Sharp is reportedly betting on IGZO to save the company, which is in dire financial straits.

  IGZO has been touted as having many benefits over existing technology. PCWorld notes lower power consumption, improved touch sensitivity and increased pixel density among these benefits.

  This difference in current flow inside the screen also means that transistors don’t have to be continually refreshed when a still image is on the screen. That leads to lower power consumption and, for touch panels, much less interference from the screen’s electronics so the touch panel becomes more accurate and sensitive, said Nobuhiro Okan, a manager with Sharp’s display device group.

  The glass edge of each display can also be made slimmer, allowing for smaller devices.

  Obviously, those improvements would be highly desired for Apple to advance their products. The iPad, in particular, actually found itself both thicker and heavier in the 3rd Generation model in order to accommodate the battery for the power-hungry Retina display. Display power consumption and thickness were also likely factors that prevented the iPad mini from adopting a Retina display in its first generation. Rumors have already suggested that the 2013 5th Generation iPad could be slightly thinner and smaller than the current models.

  

  

  

• Samsung seeks US ban on Ericsson
  Samsung Electronics seeks a ban on the import and sales of some Ericsson products in the US which it claims infringe its patents.
• Apple to Move Mac mini Production to U.S.
  DigiTimes reports that contrary to the early speculation, it will be the Mac mini, not the Mac Pro, that will be shifted to U.S. production.

  Apple is reportedly set to move its Mac mini production lines back to the US with Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) to be responsible of handling establishment, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

  According to the report, Foxconn already has “about 15 operating bases” in the U.S. and the company plans on recruiting workers for 2013 for new automated production lines. The Mac mini is expected to reach 1.8 million sales units in 2013, up from 1.4 million units in 2012.

  During a recent interview with NBC’s Brian Williams, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that one of the existing Mac lines will be manufactured exclusively in the United States next year. Early speculation had suggested the Mac Pro might be that Mac model due to its relatively low volume of sales.

  

  

  

• Netflix Social Sharing Bill Heads To Obama
  Congress just passed a bill that lets you share your Michael Bay movie marathon with everyone on Facebook. What you still can’t do: send an…
• Jeremy Kintigh: CES: What to Expect From the Nightlife
  In other cities across the U.S. if you don’t have "the look" you aren’t getting into the club. Period. Not so in Vegas, if you have the money then you have the look.
• Chipmaker Marvell Loses $1.17 Billion Patent Verdict
  A federal jury ordered Marvell Technology Group to pay the damages in a patent infringement lawsuit brought by Carnegie Mellon University, court records show.

  

• It Wasn’t Autocorrect, It Was A Stroke
  When a 25-year-old pregnant woman replied to her husband’s text about an appointment with the obstetrician with "every where thinging days nighing," her husband knew…
• Yelp Users Pan Dentist For Firing ‘Irresistible’ Worker
  Users are taking to Yelp to discredit an Iowa dentist who fired his assistant for being too hot. An all-male Iowa court ruled last week…
• WATCH: SpaceX Tests Hovering Rocket
  By: Miriam Kramer Published: 12/26/2012 04:05 PM EST on SPACE.com A privately built rocket prototype that could lead to a completely reusable spaceflight system has…
• You’ll Never Believe Where This Farm Is
  CUPERTINO — Up in the hills above Silicon Valley, past the point where sewer lines give way to septic systems and city lights no longer…
• Face It, You’re Stuck With Facebook — Here’s How To Make It A Warmer Place
  NEW YORK — A woman I haven’t spoken to in six years is pregnant with her second son. Another college acquaintance reads the Bible a…
• Brian Penny: My Love Letter to the Internet
  It took time to connect, but once we did, I was in love. Whenever I had a bad day at school, you were there to listen. We tied up my parents’ phone line all night exploring life together and discussing our beliefs. Those days will always make me smile.
• 5 Huge Tech Trends In 2012
• GOOGLE THYSELF: How Students Can Save Their Online Reputations..
  BUFFALO, N.Y. — Samantha Grossman wasn’t always thrilled with the impression that emerged when people Googled her name. "It wasn’t anything too horrible," she said….

Thanks for reading our digest. Opinions in the articles above are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Digital Workshed ltd.

As developers for tablets and smartphones we like to keep abreast of the latest mobile technology developments . This is a daily digest of mobile development and related technology news gathered from the BBC, the New York Times, New Scientist and the Globe and Mail to name a few. We scour the web for articles concerning, iPhone, iPad and android development, iOS and android operating systems as well as general articles on advances in mobile technology. We hope you find this useful and that it helps to keep you up to date with the latest technology developments.

• Netflix Fixes a Disruption to Its Video Streaming
  A disruption at one of Amazon’s Web service centers hit users of Netflix’s streaming video service on Christmas Eve and was not fully resolved until Christmas Day, a Netflix spokesman said.

  

• Google Apps Moving Onto Microsoft’s Business Turf
  It has taken years, but businesses are adopting Google’s idea of using cloud-based software. This represents a challenge to Microsoft, which has its own cloud computing product.

  

• Queen Elizabeth, Now In 3D
  LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II has hailed the holidays in a new dimension, delivering her Christmas message for the first time in 3D. In the…
• VIDEO: ‘Highlights of my tech year’
  The BBC’s technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones reflects on his technology highlights of 2012.
• Blood Pressure Diary android app
  Tired of carrying a logbook for your BP measurements? Download this app and forget about that old notepad.
• Real and Virtual Firearms Nurture Marketing Link
  The makers of firearms and the producers of violent video games have quietly forged a mutually beneficial marketing relationship.

  

• Iran ‘fends off new cyber attack’
  A power plant in southern Iran is targeted by the Stuxnet computer worm but the cyber attack is rebuffed, an Iranian official says.
• This Tiny Gizmo Could Be Very Big In 2013
  The company is called Leap Motion, and if you want to get an idea of how much everyone in San Francisco is buzzing about them,…
• China Poised For Crackdown On Internet
  China appears to be gearing up for a crackdown on its domestic Internet after a series of online exposés of corruption underscored the growing power…
• What Santa’s NORAD Elves Told Kids Christmas Eve
  PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Most of the thousands of children who call the annual Santa-tracking operation at a Colorado Air Force Base on…
• 7 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do With Google Maps For iPhone
  Google’s newly released Maps app for the iPhone has already enjoyed a phenomenal initial reception. After over 10 million iPhone owners gobbled it up in…
• Netflix Reports Outage..
  Those hoping to spend the holiday watching streaming video from Netflix can now get back in front of their TVs, tablets and PCs after a…
• Netflix Apologizes For Christmas Eve Outage
  Those hoping to spend the holiday watching streaming video from Netflix can now get back in front of their TVs, tablets and PCs after a…
• New Type Of Computing Could Achieve ‘Quantum Speed-Up’
  by Adrian Cho on 21 December 2012, 5:40 PM You’ve heard the hype a hundred times: Physicists hope to someday build a whiz-bang quantum computer…
• Sophisticated Computer Worm Rears Its Head Again
  TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — An Iranian semi-official news agency says there has been another cyberattack by the sophisticated computer worm Stuxnet, this time on the…

Thanks for reading our digest. Opinions in the articles above are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Digital Workshed ltd.

As developers for tablets and smartphones we like to keep abreast of the latest mobile technology developments . This is a daily digest of mobile development and related technology news gathered from the BBC, the New York Times, New Scientist and the Globe and Mail to name a few. We scour the web for articles concerning, iPhone, iPad and android development, iOS and android operating systems as well as general articles on advances in mobile technology. We hope you find this useful and that it helps to keep you up to date with the latest technology developments.

• Happy Christmas from AlliOSNews
  To all who celebrate, here at AlliOSNews we wish you a very Happy Christmas.  2012 has been a spectacular year for AlliOSNews and as we reflect on things, we are honoured and humbled by you, our readers, coming here regularly to read our How To’s, TechMomTuesday and all of the news and bits of […]
• Real and Virtual Firearms Nurture Marketing Link
  The makers of firearms and the producers of violent video games have quietly forged a mutually beneficial marketing relationship.

  

• Viewpoint: On the logistics frontline
  Dispatches from the frontline of logistics
• Steve Jobs’ Yacht Released After Security Deposit Posted
  Last Friday, we noted that the Jobs family’s new yacht had been impounded by Dutch authorities as a result of a dispute over the design fee to be paid to famed French designer Philippe Starck. Starck had claimed that he was due to be paid €9 million for designing the yacht, while the Jobs family said that the agreed rate was 6% of the €105 million construction cost for the yacht, or roughly €3 million less than Starck claimed he was owed.

  
  AFP now reports that the yacht has been freed after the Jobs family posted a security deposit to a bank account.

  “The Venus is no longer impounded, we have found a solution,” Gerard Moussault, a Hague-based lawyer for the Jobs estate, told AFP.

  “A security deposit was paid into a bank account, but I cannot say for how much,” Moussault said after French designer Starck last week asked Amsterdam bailiffs to seize the sleek 70-metre (230-foot) yacht.

  The yacht remains in harbor in Amsterdam due to bad weather, and the report notes that the yacht is scheduled to be transported by ship to the United States to be turned over to the Jobs family at an unspecified date.

  

  

  

• MyStudies literature app with holiday subscription sale of $1
  MyStudies is currently having a sale for the holidays where an annual subscription is running for $1 through an in-app purchase. However, registration via the website users can also get a free subscription.
• Arianna Huffington: Destressing the Holidays: Making a List, Checking It Twice
  Why does a season that’s supposed to be about happiness and joy so often result in just the opposite? A survey by Consumer Reports found that 90 percent of Americans find at least one thing stressful about the holiday season (who are these 10 percent who feel no holiday stress?). Of course, it’s possible that just having such expectations of the season to begin with, and then feeling the guilt at not meeting them, might be part of the problem. But whatever the reason, stress is what a lot of people will be unwrapping this year. Fortunately, much of it is returnable. So what follows are tips not only for holiday stress, but for the rest of the year as well. If you’re in that 90 percent who’s stressed out this week and next, this might be the list you should be checking twice. Your mind and body — as well as your family — will thank you.
• Life With Mind-Reading Machines
  Smile: Your computer is watching. Affectiva, a nearly 2-year-old startup that grew out of MIT’s Media Lab, is teaching machines to understand what you feel….
• Bits Blog: Is Paying to Message Strangers a New Texting Business?
  As free third-party messaging services make the cellphone text message seem old-fashioned, Facebook is testing a pay service that allows people to send messages directly to strangers.

  

• Bits Blog: Test Run: Facebook’s Poke App Is a Head-Scratcher
  Facebook’s Poke app is a clone of Snapchat, an app popular among teenagers who use it for “sexting.” It’s a bit of a head-scratcher for adults.

  

• A (Bad) First For Instagram
  By Dan Levine SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 24 (Reuters) – Facebook’s Instagram photo sharing service has been hit with what appears to be the first…
• Mike Montgomery: FCC’s Holiday Message to Silicon Valley: We’re Serious About Supporting an IP Future
  Silicon Valley got an early and welcome holiday gift from the Federal Communications Commission. Of course, as with many gifts, there is some assembly required, but it has enormous potential.
• E-Book Price War Has Yet to Arrive
  After a Justice Department investigation into e-book price-fixing, the cost of buying an e-book was supposed to plunge, but sales of e-readers and the content for them have stalled.

  

• Microsoft’s strategy chief limits role, will retire in 2014
  Craig Mundie, who inherited some of Bill Gates’ duties when Gates left his full-time position at Microsoft, will take on the role of “senior adviser to CEO.”
• All the World’s a Game, and Business Is a Player
  Many businesses are using gamification to get people hooked on their products and services — and it is working, thanks to smartphones and the Internet.

  

• Retailers launch online bargains
  Several retailers begin their online sales earlier than usual amid reports of lacklustre High Street spending in the run up to Christmas.
• Tepid Sales of Microsoft’s Windows 8 Point to Shaky Market
  Weak PC sales this holiday season suggest the struggles of Microsoft and other companies that depend heavily on the computer business will not abate soon.

  

• Websites Vary Prices, Deals Based on Users’ Information
  It was the same Swingline stapler, on the same Staples.com SPLS -2.04% website. But for Kim Wamble, the price was $15.79, while the price on…
• Just in time for the holidays, Santa Anatomy app!
  Pocket Anatomy developers created a fun little app called Santa Anatomy for the holidays. It allows users to view the anatomy of Santa Claus. Free for the time period, enjoy this app for the holiday.
• Follow Where Santa Is This Christmas Eve
  On Christmas Eves of yore, kids could only dream of where Santa Claus and his reindeer were flying at any moment, hoping that their house…

Thanks for reading our digest. Opinions in the articles above are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Digital Workshed ltd.

As developers for tablets and smartphones we like to keep abreast of the latest mobile technology developments . This is a daily digest of mobile development and related technology news gathered from the BBC, the New York Times, New Scientist and the Globe and Mail to name a few. We scour the web for articles concerning, iPhone, iPad and android development, iOS and android operating systems as well as general articles on advances in mobile technology. We hope you find this useful and that it helps to keep you up to date with the latest technology developments.

• Amazon Book Reviews Deleted in a Purge Aimed at Manipulation
  Amazon’s decision to delete thousands of book reviews has generated an uproar, but the company has not offered a public explanation for the sweeping purge.

  

• The Boss: Blair LaCorte of XOJet, on an Unintended Career Turn
  The chief executive of XOJet describes the unexpected job that led him to many years of working in the technology field.

  

• Digital Domain: Smart Parking Has a Learning Curve, Too
  In cities, smart-parking technology is designed to help solve traffic problems and make it easier to find available spaces. But the systems are still in the early stages.

  

• The 9 Most Popular Viral Videos Of The Week
  If you’re looking to see the most popular YouTube videos of the week, look no further. Once again, we’re bringing you the week’s most-watched videos,…
• VIDEO: North-south route for China train
  The world’s longest high-speed train route will start operating in China on Wednesday, between Beijing and Guangzhou, after the completion of final tests.
• EchoSource app is a useful introduction to echocardiography
  EchoSource is a useful app not just limited to cardiology trainees. EchoSource provides a detailed overview of clinical disorders and their evaluation using echocardiography, incorporating educational figures and videos as well as reviews of relevant medical literature.
• Last-Minute Shopping Guide
  Did you leave your Christmas shopping for the very last minute? Not to worry. America’s retailers have got you covered. Here is a list of…
• Auxo Shows Off a Redesigned iOS App Switcher
  Apple has spent little focus updating its iOS app switcher since it was introduced with iOS 4, so designer @Sentry_NC decided to try his hand at a new concept for app switching.

  In October, he created a mockup on The Verge forums of an iOS app switcher that takes advantage of the iPhone 5’s elongated screen, providing easy access to settings and additional app management tools.

  
  Though it was originally designed as just a concept, the Auxo iOS app switcher has now become a reality as a jailbreak tweak after Sentry teamed up with two app developers.

  Auxo’s design allows users to control apps with intuitive touch gestures. For example, sliding down on an app closes it, while swiping left reveals both music controls and toggle controls for adjusting brightness and turning Wi-Fi on and off. The video below, from iDownloadBlog, demonstrates how Auxo works.

  The Auxo tweak may be limited to jailbroken devices, but it serves as an impressive example of the improvements that could be made to future versions of iOS if Apple takes notice. Auxo is not currently available, but it is coming soon to Cydia for jailbroken iOS 6 devices.

  

  

  

• Here comes Microsoft Surface Pro, 64 bits and all
  The Windows 8 Pro version of Microsoft’s Surface tablet is just around the corner. Here’s what to expect.
• Rebecca Black’s Shocking Confession
  Rebecca Black, the world’s biggest lover of Fridays, has made a shocking confession. The teen singer took to her Twitter this week to confess her…
• As Shoppers Hop From Tablet to PC to Phone, Retailers Try to Adapt
  Online merchants are trying to figure out how to tie together the several methods a customer may use on the way to buying something.

  

• ‘Phonehenge’ Creator To Be Jailed
  LANCASTER, Calif. — A man who built a quirky Mojave Desert compound known as Phonehenge West was sentenced to nearly 18 months in jail because…
• Legendary AIDS Activist Dies At 44
  NEW YORK — AIDS activist Spencer Cox, who helped form an organization to boost treatment research and recently appeared in a documentary about an AIDS…
• Instagram Reversal Doesn’t Appease Everyone
  Even as the social network furiously backpedaled on its proposal to change its privacy terms, some users said they were carrying through on plans to leave.

  

• Microsoft Releases Wordament, the First iPhone Game with Xbox Live Achievements
  Microsoft has released a game tonight called Wordament for the iPhone. The game has been a popular Windows Phone game, but is now also available on iOS. Wordament was originally a side-project for two Windows Live employees that was later acquired and published by Microsoft Game Studios.

  Wordament is notably the first Microsoft game to come to iOS with Xbox Achievements.

  When you sign in with your free Microsoft account, you can earn up to 50 Gamerscore from our 10 achievements and you’ll have access to all of your Xbox Friends and Wordament Frenemies. If you’ve played on Windows Phone or Window 8 and jump to the iOS version, all of your player stats and friends will follow your account automatically.

  
  Wordament is a word game that takes two minutes and allows you to compete, real-time, with everyone else playing at the same time. A 4×4 Grid of letters is presented and words can be created by dragging your finger across adjacent letters. Everyone plays on the same board at the same time.

  Microsoft has been making slight movements into the iOS gaming space. They had previously released an Xbox Live App that allows you to manage your Xbox Live account, and a few iOS games including Kinectimals. Wordament is available for free on the App Store. [Direct Link]

  

  

  

• Browsers: Top 5 events from 2012
  Web developers and browser makers were on course toward building the universal software platform — until smartphones got in the way.
• Italian Appeals Court Acquits 3 Google Executives in Privacy Case
  A decision that Google hailed as a victory for Internet freedom overturned a 2010 ruling that the company was too slow to remove a video in which teenagers bullied an autistic boy.

  

Thanks for reading our digest. Opinions in the articles above are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Digital Workshed ltd.

As developers for tablets and smartphones we like to keep abreast of the latest mobile technology developments . This is a daily digest of mobile development and related technology news gathered from the BBC, the New York Times, New Scientist and the Globe and Mail to name a few. We scour the web for articles concerning, iPhone, iPad and android development, iOS and android operating systems as well as general articles on advances in mobile technology. We hope you find this useful and that it helps to keep you up to date with the latest technology developments.

• Instagram Reversal Doesn’t Appease Everyone
  Even as the social network furiously backpedaled on its proposal to change its privacy terms, some users said they were carrying through on plans to leave.

  

• As Shoppers Hop From Tablet to PC to Phone, Retailers Try to Adapt
  Online merchants are trying to figure out how to tie together the several methods a customer may use on the way to buying something.

  

• Italian Appeals Court Acquits 3 Google Executives in Privacy Case
  A decision that Google hailed as a victory for Internet freedom overturned a 2010 ruling that the company was too slow to remove a video in which teenagers bullied an autistic boy.

  

• Karateka Creator Jordan Mechner Compares Apple II and iPhone Versions of Classic Game [iOS Blog]
  Jordan Mechner, creator of the classic Prince of Persia game, recently remade his Apple II game Karateka for iOS. To celebrate, he released a video (found by TUAW) comparing the delivery methods for the Apple II version of Karateka and the iOS version.

  The video highlights how software prices are dropped, how delivery methods have improved and how the actual software has gotten more advanced in the last 30 years. The game was released yesterday and our sister-site TouchArcade has posted a lengthy review.

  Karateka. 30 years later. Does the magic stand the test of time? As I have so subtly implied, I am a bit of a fan of Mechner’s original masterpiece, and was skeptical upon seeing the the first sketches and screenshots of this re-invisioning. For fellow fans of the original, I am happy to say that my concerns were allayed just minutes into playing the Xbox 360 version on launch day — and the iOS version should treat players the same. I found that, while this modern console title appears quite different than the Apple II original — in a lavish sort of way — it, at the same time, feels very much the same.

  Karateka is available for $2.99 on the App Store. It requires at least an iPhone 4S, the iPad 2, or a 5th-generation iPod touch. [Direct Link]

  

  

  

• Apple Releases ‘I’ll Be Home’ iPad Mini Holiday Television Ad
  Apple has released a new television ad showcasing the iPad and the iPad mini with a young girl singing Bing Crosby’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” to her grandfather over FaceTime.

  I’ll be home for Christmas. You can count on me. I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.

  Last year, Apple released a holiday ad featuring Santa talking to the then-new Siri to get directions and weather.

  

  

  

• Games by the people, for the people
  What Kickstarter is doing to video game making
• VIDEO: Ambassador on China’s internet policy
  China’s ambassador to the UK has told BBC’s Newsnight that there is a “misconception” about the internet in China and “everyday thousands of people make comments online”, but that the government must “remove unhealthy content”.
• Five things Microsoft must do for Windows 8 in 2013
  Reactions to Windows 8’s launch mirrored the operating system’s own split personality. Here’s what Microsoft needs to do to keep the OS from getting left on the showroom floor.
• Apple Reverses Course on 30-Pin and Lightning Connector Guidelines [iOS Blog]
  A day after a Kickstarter project was killed because of restrictions on Apple’s MFi program that prevented Lightning and 30-Pin connectors from appearing on the same device, Apple has changed its guidelines to allow third-party devices to have 30-pin and Lightning chargers on the same accessory, reports CNET.

  

  “Our technical specifications provide clear guidelines for developing accessories and they are available to MFi licensees for free,” Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr told CNET. “We support accessories that integrate USB and Lightning connectors, but there were technical issues that prevented accessories from integrating 30-pin and Lightning connectors so our guidelines did not allow this.”

  The company added that the guidelines have since been updated to allow accessories to work with both types of connectors to charge devices.

  A number of MacRumors commenters felt Apple’s decision to prevent the Kickstarter project from moving forward was a poor one, both for consumers, and for the company behind the project.

  There is no word from Edison Junior on whether the company will move forward with the POP portable power station now that Apple has reversed course.

  

  

  

• Christie Carmelle Lopez: 4 Ways to Shape Up Your Image in the New Year!
  Brand yourself early. Identify and reevaluate your strengths often. And, if needed, hire a professional to help you spruce up your profile.
• NRA’s Own Video Games Support NRA’s Claim That Video Games Are Bad
  After a week of sitting on the sidelines, the National Rifle Association has held a press conference on the Sandy Hook shootings. Wayne LaPierre, executive…
• Google/Motorola Developing Flagship Phone to Compete with Apple and Samsung
  Google, via its newly acquired Motorola Mobility unit, is developing a “stand apart” phone to compete with the iPhone, reports the Wall Street Journal. The phone, which the company aims to release next year, is designed to compete more strongly with the iPhone, and Samsung’s Galaxy line, than Motorola’s current lineup.

  This new “X Phone” project is being led by former Google product manager Lior Ron. Possible features seemed to be ambitious with exploration of bendable screens, ceramics, image and gesture-recognition software.

  The company is running into development issues, however. Google is having problems with supply-chain management, a speciality of Apple CEO Tim Cook.

  But while Google is known for swift execution on the Web, its new hardware unit has run into obstacles associated with manufacturing and supply-chain management that have caused the company to rethink some initial plans for the X phone, these people added. Meanwhile, Google must manage complex relationships with smartphone makers that use its Android mobile-device software—particularly with Samsung Electronics Co., a Motorola rival that has become the No. 1 smartphone maker with Google’s help.

  Google does have ample amounts of cash to invest in the phone project, which the WSJ says the company will follow up with a tablet based on the same platform.

  Google’s acquisition of Motorola was controversial as it puts Google in direct competition with their Android licensees. Apple and Samsung, however, have captured the lion’s share of smartphone profits, and Google is reportedly concerned that Samsung could “fork” Android and preventing Google’s applications from being installed by default. This could have a large impact on Google’s mobile reach if it doesn’t develop its own handset.

  

  

  

• Nielsen Releases Top 10 iPhone Apps of 2012 [iOS Blog]
  Nielsen yesterday released its digital “Tops of 2012” statistics, which included the top 10 iOS apps of 2012, based on average unique users. The study took place from Q1 2012 to Q3 2012 and also happened to find that this was the first year where smartphone owners became the majority of mobile phone users with 56% by the end of Q3.

  Four of the top 10 iPhone apps are stock iOS apps, as YouTube and Maps are likely referring to the versions of the app bundled in with iOS 5 and earlier rather than the newer versions that launched in the past couple of months, as the new versions likely wouldn’t have had the time to make a significant impact on the statistics. Nielsen notes that Facebook Messenger was the fastest growing iPhone app.

  In fact, Facebook controlled three of the top 10 in Facebook, Facebook Messenger and Instagram while Google, at this point, controlled none of the top 10.

  Maps averaged 32 million unique users a month while YouTube averaged 22 million, Stocks averaged 21 million and Weather averaged 20 million uniques a month.

  
  The study also found that Android sits atop smartphone marketshare with 52% with iOS in second at 35%. Blackberry OS came in third at 7%, Windows Phone with 2% and the rest made up the remaining 5% of the marketshare pie. The statistics come from Nielsen’s Smartphone Panel, which uses on-device meters at the aggregate level to find out mobile web and app activity level.

  

  

  

• Facebook Launches its Own Version of Snapchat, Called Poke [iOS Blog]
  When Snapchat launched a video update last week, AllThingsD reported that Facebook was planning on releasing its own photo and video sharing app to compete with Snapchat. Facebook’s new standalone app, Facebook Poke, was released today, expanding on Facebook’s original “poke” concept.

  After connecting to Facebook Poke with a Facebook account, users can take a video or photo, write a message, or send a standard poke notification to friends who are also Facebook users. Each message lasts only a few seconds before expiring, after which time it is no longer visible.

  If a screenshot is taken, users are notified with a bright orange icon on the feed, which is the same functionality found in Snapchat. Users can browse through sent messages in Poke by tapping and holding on a message.

  

  Media sent via Facebook Poke is not visible in the standard Facebook app, but people will get a Facebook notification to download Facebook Poke to see Poke messages. Like the rest of Facebook’s apps, Poke has a menu for reporting inappropriate content.

  Facebook Poke is a free download on Apple’s App Store. [Direct Link]

  

  

  

• Stefan Weitz: How We Keep Innovating on Search
  The vibe in search is kinetic. We’re digging, stretching, pushing and growing. Every day, our search engines conduct more searches and cover more data. Every day, we teach ourselves how to answer your questions better and help you get things done in the real world.
• Uloop: The Naked Truth: Snapchat
  Although Snapchat is meant for fun, it can be construed into dangerous actions. Just keep your wits about you when using this app and be smart.
• Wall Street Journal Joins Newsstand, Now Selling In-App Subscriptions [iOS Blog]
  The Wall Street Journal is now offering in-app subscriptions on the App Store, and has added its newspaper to Apple’s Newsstand automatic subscription delivery service, reports All Things D.

  

  The move is worth noting because up until now the Journal was one of the highest-profile print publishers that wasn’t selling app access via Apple. Earlier this year, Time Inc., which had been the most prominent holdout, also signed on.

  The move means that Apple will retain 30 percent of all subscription revenue the Journal receives from “in-app” sales, and it will retain control of customer billing information like credit card numbers and billing addresses.

  WSJ’s biggest competitor, the Financial Times, dropped its iOS app last year because it didn’t want to give Apple 30% of subscriptions purchased through the App Store. Instead, it developed a well-received HTML5 web app that replicated much of the functionality of the iOS app, including offline reading.

  Newsstand support means readers can have their papers update automatically in the background.

  

  

  

• Italian Appeals Court Acquits 3 Google Executives in Privacy Case
  A decision that Google hailed as a victory for Internet freedom overturned a 2010 ruling that the company was too slow to remove a video in which teenagers bullied an autistic boy.

  

• WATCH: Bad Sex Finally Gets Anthem
  Sex sex sex. We all like it. But what if sex is bad? Is it worth it? Taryn Southern (of Hot4Hill fame) explores the question…

Thanks for reading our digest. Opinions in the articles above are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Digital Workshed ltd.

As developers for tablets and smartphones we like to keep abreast of the latest mobile technology developments . This is a daily digest of mobile development and related technology news gathered from the BBC, the New York Times, New Scientist and the Globe and Mail to name a few. We scour the web for articles concerning, iPhone, iPad and android development, iOS and android operating systems as well as general articles on advances in mobile technology. We hope you find this useful and that it helps to keep you up to date with the latest technology developments.

• Patent Office Rejects Apple Patent Used Against Samsung
  The United States Patent and Trademark Office has declared that one of the patents that helped Apple win $1.05 billion in damages against Samsung should not have been granted.

  

• F.T.C. Pushes Antitrust Inquiry Against Google Into January
  The delay in an agreement between the Federal Trade Commission and the company is said to have put stronger penalties back on the bargaining table.

  

• New Online Privacy Rules for Children
  The Federal Trade Commission said it was moving to keep pace with the growing use of mobile devices and technological advances like behavior-based advertising.

  

• Massive Open-World RPG ‘Ravensword: Shadowlands’ Hits the App Store [iOS Blog]
  Crescent Moon Games’ much anticipated RPG, Ravensword: Shadowlands was released tonight, after years of development. Shadowlands is the followup to the original 2009 Ravensword game and it features the same open-world gameplay of the first title.

  Ravensword: Shadowlands is an exciting iOS release because of the enormity of the game world, the impressive scenery, and the immersive gameplay. Our sister site TouchArcade has posted a review of the app:

  Just as the original Ravensword made its mark for bringing a sought-after genre to iOS, Shadowlands demonstrates just how far the genre has come on the platform, making it one of the most ambitious and enjoyable RPGs of the year.

  It sounds cliched, but it’s hard to believe I’m playing a game of this caliber on iOS. All too often we see games that sacrifice gameplay depth for visuals or vice versa. Other than a few minor glitches, Ravensword: Shadowlands is the real deal, and is an excellent open-world RPG with a decent story, ample content, deep character customization and beautiful visuals.

  
  The game comes with an extensive list of highlights, including ragdoll physics, Game Center integration, iCloud support, original soundtrack, and reflex-based combat.

  Ravensword: Shadowlands is a universal app and it can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store for $6.99. [Direct Link]

  

  

  

• ESPN Releases Redesigned ‘ScoreCenter’ App for iPhone [iOS Blog]
  Although ESPN’s popular ScoreCenter app for iPad recently received a refresh including a visual makeover, the iPhone version had remained the same and continued to lack support for the taller iPhone 5 display for nearly three months after the device’s debut. That changed today as ESPN released a completely redesigned app that takes cues from the iPad version. ESPN released the following statement about the new app:

  Today, ESPN launched new versions of its highly popular ScoreCenter app for iOS and Android devices. Completely redesigned and optimized for iPhone 5, iPad and new Android smartphones, ScoreCenter serves sports fans with personalized scoreboards, alerts, breaking news and video highlights of their favorite teams and leagues from around the world. With simplified navigation, as well as live, integrated Gamecasts and links to WatchESPN, ScoreCenter makes it easier than ever for fans to follow up-to-the-minute sports news and information wherever, whenever. Other key features:

  – Expanded game views providing in-depth game coverage
  – Live scoring alerts for favorite teams and personalized match-ups sent directly to your device
  – Calendar navigation, enabling access to previous scores and upcoming games
  – Ability to share favorite games, videos and news with friends

  
  The updated version of the free ScoreCenter app is now available for download in the App Store [Direct Link]

  

  

  

• ‘Cut the Rope’ Creators Launch ‘Pudding Monsters’ for iPhone and iPad [iOS Blog]
  A couple of weeks after showing off Pudding Monsters for the first time, Cut the Rope creator ZeptoLab has now released the new title in the App Store. The puzzle game involves sticking blocks of desserts together to create larger and larger dessert monsters.

  

  The Pudding Monsters are on a mission to save their friends from the cold-hearted fridge owner! Growing into an ULTIMATE MEGA MONSTER sounds like the most reliable plan.

  Off the table, out of the house, and into the city – swipe to stick the Pudding Monsters together and save their friends!

  Take advantage of different monster species and their powers (like Slime Monster, who leaves a trail of green goo), boost your growth using the cloning machines, wear pretty little cars on your head and much more!

  Features:

  – 75 levels with more to come!
  – Innovative stick-‘em-together game-play mechanics
  – Unique monster shapes, wacky personalities and attributes
  – Fun, mind-bending experience suitable for all ages

  The game is available in two separate versions, each priced at $0.99: an iPhone version [Direct Link] and an HD iPad version [Direct Link].

  In an interview with Bloomberg about the release of the game, ZeptoLab CEO Misha Lyalin notes that the company plans to release five more games next year, including both new properties and follow-ups such as new Cut the Rope titles.

  

  

  

• IT Essential to Accountable Care Organization Success: Report
  Investment in IT is a crucial element as doctors transition to accountable care organizations under the federal Affordable Care Act, according to a Commonwealth Fund report.

  

  

• Tumblr Launches iPad-Optimized App [iOS Blog]
  The popular blogging service Tumblr has updated its iOS app to work natively on iPad. The popular blogging platform had previously been designed only for the iPhone, only working in 2x-mode on the iPad. iPad support isn’t the only addition, as the app now has an “Explore” tab to search other Tumblr blogs as well as landscape support for the iPad version.

  

  What’s New in Version 3.2.3
  – Now optimized for iPad!
  – Markdown support!
  – Beautiful new Explore tab.

  Tumblr for iOS is available as a free download from the App Store. [Direct Link]

  

  

  

• Kodak to Sell Patents for $525 Million
  The company had once valued its portfolio of 1,100 digital imaging patents at $2.6 billion.

  

• USPTO Preliminarily Rejects Apple’s ‘Pinch-to-Zoom’ Patent
  Another Apple patent is in the spotlight tonight, after the United States Patent and Trademark Office has preliminarily rejected all 20 claims of Patent No. 7,844,915, or the so-called “pinch to zoom” patent.

  
  Patent ‘915 deals with technology that discerns whether a user is scrolling with a single finger or accessing several touch points at once, as in a pinch-to-zoom action. Apple successfully used Patent No. ‘915 against Samsung in its court battle earlier this year, and 21 of 24 Samsung devices in the lawsuit were found to be infringing on the patent.

  According to The Wall Street Journal, Samsung brought the invalidation of the key patent to the court’s attention in a Wednesday afternoon filing.

  The agency declared invalid the entirety of Apple’s so-called “pinch-to-zoom” patent on Wednesday, according to a court filing from Samsung. The Korean electronics giant said in a statement to the court that the patent had been struck down on re-examination due to previous patents on record.

  Samsung said the development supports its request for a new trial.

  Samsung has been fighting for a retrial in recent weeks, after Apple was granted more than $1 billion in damages when a jury decided that Samsung had willfully infringed on Apple’s patents. Part of Patent No. ‘915 was an important factor in the calculation of the payment.

  On Monday, Judge Lucy Koh, who has been presiding over the Apple vs. Samsung trial denied Samsung’s motion for a new trial on the basis of juror misconduct.

  As The Verge points out, however, the rejection of Patent No. ‘915 is preliminary and isn’t yet the same as “invalidating” the patent. Apple still has the opportunity to file its counter-arguments:

  The whole discussion is part of an ex parte reexamination; that means Apple is the only other party talking to the USPTO about the patent, and it will still have an opportunity to fight for keeping the patent valid or to amend its language so that it will stay relevant in the Samsung case. It’s also important to note that while 21 individual claims within the patent were rejected, only one — Claim 8 — was used in the trial, providing Apple a very specific target when working with the Patent Office.

  The decision comes just weeks after the USPTO preliminarily rejected Patent No. 7,479,949 or the “Steve Jobs” patent.

  

  

  

• Can Instagram bounce back after row?
  Will the row over usage rights have long-term damage?
• The Best Reactions To The Baby-Snatching Eagle Video
  When the world wide web catches hold of viral gold like this hoax video of a golden eagle snatching a baby, the reactions also spread…
• Amy Jo Martin: Your Social Score Is the New Credit Score
  Proper social media use can highlight your strengths that may not shine through in a job interview or on a college application. Use it wisely.
• Woman in Petraeus Case Won’t Be Charged With Cyberstalking
  Paula Broadwell, whose affair with David H. Petraeus led to his resignation as director of the C.I.A., sent e-mails to another woman warning her against involvement with him.

  

• George Carpenter: It’s Time to End Trial and Error Prescriptions for Mental Illnesses
  In recent years, U.S. physicians and entrepreneurs have seen some success with the development of a powerful set of personalized medicine tools to help give physicians some of the objective information they need.
• Netflix Has A Special Treat For ‘Arrested Development’ Fans
  Netflix seems to not think that bringing back "Arrested Development" for another 10-15 episodes is enough for fans of the cult comedy series. No, they…
• Demand A Plan, Move Against Gun Violence, Sees Social Media Push
  The impact of last Friday’s tragedy in Newtown, Conn., on gun control reform remains to be seen, but gun control advocates say the shooting at…
• Restaurant Owner Gets Death Threats Over Racially-Charged Sandy Hook Comments
  Texas restaurant owner Eddie Nimibutr found himself the subject of a massive backlash this week when he posted a racist rant on Facebook regarding the…
• Redbox Instant Launches Private Beta [iOS Blog]
  Redbox Instant by Verizon went live today, allowing people to sign up for a private beta to use the streaming service.

  Interested users can enter an email address to receive a code that will provide eventual access to Redbox Instant on the computer or on a mobile device, using the accompanying Redbox Instant iOS app, which was released today for the iPad and the iPhone.

  Redbox’s video streaming service is priced at $8 per month, which is on par with the pricing of both Netflix and Hulu Plus. It also comes bundled with four physical DVD rentals per month from Redbox kiosks, which can be upgraded to Blu-ray for an additional dollar.

  Like Netflix, Redbox plans to offer a variety of movies from sources like Warner Bros. and the pay TV channel EPIX, though the service will not have any television shows at launch.

  Traditionally, Redbox offers top Hollywood hits, with the top 200 movies from major studios stocked in its retail locations. Its content library will be smaller than what Netflix is able to offer, but it will focus on providing more recent releases.

  Redbox is planning to send invites to the new streaming service over the coming weeks via email, and each invite will come with one free month of access.

  

  

  

Thanks for reading our digest. Opinions in the articles above are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Digital Workshed ltd.

As developers for tablets and smartphones we like to keep abreast of the latest mobile technology developments . This is a daily digest of mobile development and related technology news gathered from the BBC, the New York Times, New Scientist and the Globe and Mail to name a few. We scour the web for articles concerning, iPhone, iPad and android development, iOS and android operating systems as well as general articles on advances in mobile technology. We hope you find this useful and that it helps to keep you up to date with the latest technology developments.

• Apple denied Samsung sales ban
  A US judge rejects Apple’s plea to ban sales of Samsung’s smartphones that violate patents held by the Californian company.
• As Europe Presses Google on Antitrust, U.S. Backs Away
  Google appears to be emerging from an major antitrust investigation in the United States essentially unscathed. But the outlook is not as bright for Google in Europe.

  

• Judge Koh Denies Juror Misconduct Claim in Samsung v. Apple [iOS Blog]
  In a pair of court filings tonight, Judge Lucy Koh published a pair of decisions in Samsung v. Apple. The first filing (via The Verge) denied Samsung’s motion for a new trial regarding alleged juror misconduct by jury foreman Velvin Hogan.

  Samsung accused Hogan of withholding the fact that he had been involved in a lawsuit with Seagate, a partner of Samsung’s. Judge Koh didn’t agree, saying in her filing that Samsung’s attorneys should have dug up the information.

  Prior to the verdict, Samsung could have discovered Mr. Hogan’s litigation with Seagate, had Samsung acted with reasonable diligence based on information Samsung acquired through voir dire, namely that Mr. Hogan stated during voir dire that he had worked for Seagate.

  
  Judge Koh denied a second motion (via AppleInsider), this one filed by Apple, requesting a U.S. ban certain Samsung products. The motion was denied because Apple was not harmed by Samsung infringing on the patents.

  In sum, to the limited extent that Apple has been able to show that any of its harms were caused by Samsung’s illegal conduct (in this case, only trade dress dilution), Apple has not established that the equities support an injunction. Accordingly, Apple’s motion for a permanent injunction is DENIED.

  The decisions amount to more jousting in the ongoing legal drama between Samsung and Apple.

  

  

  

• Facebook underwriter is fined $5m
  Morgan Stanley is fined $5m (£3m) by the top securities regulator in the US state of Massachusetts for improperly influencing Facebook’s share sale.
• Apple Reportedly in Talks for Data-Sharing Deal with Foursquare
  The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple is in early discussions with popular location-based app Foursquare for a data-sharing deal. Apple SVP Eddy Cue is reportedly involved with the negotiations as he tries to improve a Maps app that has failed to live up to Apple’s expectations.

  Apple Inc. is in early discussions to integrate local data from Foursquare Labs Inc. into its mapping application, according to people familiar with the talks, as the company continues to build an arsenal of local data to try to take on Google Inc.

  Foursquare’s data includes local businesses like restaurants, bars and more and even allows users to leave tips about businesses for future visitors. The Wall Street Journal notes that Apple may be able to use that data in its Maps app as well.

  This news comes days after Google announced its Maps app for iOS, which was downloaded more than 10 million times in the first 48 hours. These are just preliminary talks however, if the report is to be believed. There’s no guarantee what kind of data Foursquare will share with Apple, if the deal is ever finalized.

  Recently, Cue has been posting Foursquare check-ins on his Twitter account.

  

  

  

• DealBook: Massachusetts Fines Morgan Stanley Over Facebook I.P.O.
  The state’s top financial regulator accused the bank of improperly influencing the I.P.O. process.

  

• How to get the Start menu back in Windows 8
  Several third-party utilities can serve as Start menu replacements for Windows 8 users who aren’t as keen on the new Start screen.
• Drew Hendricks: Do We Really Need Mobile Security?
  This holiday season, mobile phones and tablets will be one of the top gifts on Christmas lists, and they’ll become another digital repository for personal and private information. If you’re giving or receiving these devices, take the extra steps to secure your gift with a mobile security option.
• DealBook: Sprint Nextel Reaches a Deal to Buy Rest of Clearwire
  Sprint increases its offer for Clearwire and its valuable wireless spectrum to $2.97 a share from $2.90 and wins the support of its board.
• New York start-ups’ own flavour
  How New York’s new tech firms differ from Silicon Valley rivals
• Fire brigade consider 999 by tweet
  The London Fire Brigade says it is considering allowing people to tweet emergencies instead of dialling 999.
• Westboro Baptist Church Member Trolled HARD By Hackers
  It seems the vitriolic, hyper-controversial group known as Westboro Baptist Church may have finally gone too far. As soon as the WBC announced plans to…
• PHOTOS: ‘Spacewar! Video Games Blast Off’
  The freshly opened "Spacewar! Video Games Blast Off" exhibition at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City is striving to be more…
• Apple Releases iMac EFI Update 2.0 to Fix Sleep and Thunderbolt Issues [Mac Blog]
  Apple has released an update for late 2012 iMac models that fixes issues related to sleep and Thunderbolt, as well as compatibility when using 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies. The update is recommended for all “late 2012” iMacs.

  iMac EFI Update 2.0 can be downloaded from Apple’s support site or through the Mac App Store on affected iMacs.

  About iMac EFI Update 2.0

  This update is recommended for all iMac (late 2012) models. This update contains general performance fixes pertaining to sleep and Thunderbolt, and improves compatibility when using the 5GHz band in Wi-Fi.

  Boot ROM or SMC Version Information: After Update is complete:

  Build version: 010A.05
  ROM version: IM131.88Z.010A.B05.1211151146

  It’s not clear if this is in addition to the Wi-Fi Update released earlier today, or if it includes that fix as well as a few more iMac-specific ones.

  

  

  

• Targeted Facebook Ad Goes Horribly Wrong After Newtown School Shooting
  By Tyler Gray This story originally appeared at Fast Company. Facebook user Peter Thoeny brings this to our attention. The targeted ad appears next to…
• Craig Agranoff: Domain Names, Trademarks and Infringements
  Are you starting a new website or expanding your business’ current sites to include a new domain, but the domain that matches your trademarked name is owned by someone else? Do you pay that money to purchase it? Or should you enforce your trademark?
• Bill Gates’s Favorite Books Of 2012
  "Every one of these books changed my worldview." So says Bill Gates, a man who knows a thing or two about the world’s most pressing…
• Check Out This New Dating Website.. Wait, That’s Just Facebook
  Facebook, always looking to keep you on its site, offers a little bit of everything when it comes to online networking — status updates, photos,…
• ‘All My Children’ & ‘One Life to Live’ Poised To Rise Again
  "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" are back on track for online revival, according to Deadline.com. The canceled soaps were supposed to move…

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