As we close out one week and kick off another, let’s take a moment to look back at the attention-grabbing headlines from the past seven days (January 13 – 19). Some of the news you may recall, some may be new to you, but all of the topics below are worthy of a mention.
Lightroom for iPad makes brief appearance on Adobe’s website
Adobe may be close to releasing a version of Lightroom for the iPad. A mobile version of Adobe Lightroom made a brief appearance on Adobe’s website, but was quickly removed.
Tim Cook says that Apple is working on “great things” when asked about iPhones with larger screen
China Mobile, the world’s largest carrier with over 700 million subscribers, finally started selling Apple’s iPhone earlier today. Bloomberg reports that people asked Tim Cook about the company’s plans to launch an iPhone with a bigger screen and use of flexible displays.
Starbucks updates iPhone app with “extra layers of protection” to address password controversy
As promised, Starbucks has released an update for its iOS app, which the company says “adds extra layers of protection.” Problems with the Starbucks app came to light after a Computerworld report claimed the app stores passwords in plain text on the device.
Apple to offer in-store iPhone 5c display replacements starting next week
According to 9to5Mac, Apple may start replacing broken iPhone 5c displays in retail stores as early as next week. Reports last year hinted at this program, but Apple needed time to obtain replacement displays and train employees on the calibration machines used to replace the screens.
Here’s why the first crop of iPhone Game Controllers have been a flop
Apple added official support for Made for iOS Game Controllers in iOS 7, and we’ve seen several companies release iPhone game controllers in different form-factors to largely unimpressive reviews, despite their high $100 price-tag. So why aren’t MFi game controllers as good as other controllers?
Apple’s iPhone marketshare reaches 42% in US, Samsung a distant second at 26%
Owing to strong sales of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, Apple has reached 42 percent smartphone marketshare in the US, much ahead of rival Samsung, which has a 26 percent marketshare.
Apple reaches settlement with FTC over in-app charges
Apple today settled a complaint by the Federal Trade Commission that claims the company did not have proper safeguards in place to prevent in-app purchases by children. As part of the settlement, Apple agreed to refund $32.5 million for all unauthorized charges. The Cupertino company must also change its billing policy in a way that requires permission for all attempted charges.
Upcoming Chrome for iOS update could reduce your data usage by half
To reduce your data consumption while you’re on-the-go, Google is adding a new feature to Chrome for iOS that compresses data and reduces usage by up to 50 percent.
Tim Cook talks to media about China Mobile iPhone deal, says it’s a “watershed” day
Apple CEO Tim Cook today made a rare TV appearance with China Mobile Chairman Xi Guohua in Beijing to about the recent deal between the two companies that’ll bring the iPhone to the world’s largest carrier.
Umoove launches flying game, brings face-tracking controls to mobile devices
Umoove introduced a 3D flying experience game this week with novel technology that uses the camera on the iPad and iPhone to control your movement. The app is less of a game and more of a showcase of Umoove’s face and eye tracking technology.
Court strikes down FCC’s net neutrality rules, puts “Open Internet” at risk
A Washington court today stuck down FCC’s set of net neutrality rules that forbid Internet Servce Providers like Verizon from treating traffic on its network unequally.
Apple exploring use of Liquidmetal in Home Button, touch sensors and screws
In 2010, Apple signed an agreement with LiquidMetal Technologies to get exclusive access to the firm’s proprietary “amorphous metal alloys,” often referred to as “metallic glass”. Apple has explored the use of the material in the iPhone 3G, and continues to do so, as revealed in a group of patent filings recently published.
Google announces that it will acquire Nest Labs for $3.2 billion
Google announced in a press release that it is acquiring Nest Labs for $3.2 billion. The company is known for its smartphone-controlled thermostat which debuted in 2011. Nest Labs was spearheaded by former Apple engineers Matt Rogers and Tony Fadell, who is often referred to as the father of the iPod.
