After being defeated by Motorola in a patent dispute over FRAND licensing this month, Apple proposed the European Telecommunications Standards Institute to set consistent royalties for patents that are essential to wireless communication standards, according to the Wall Street Journal. The body participates in setting the standards relating to 4G LTE, 3G UMTS and GSM technologies.
Apple today announced that it would support Paul McCartney's new album release. The company plans to steam a special free video of the live concert on Thursday, February 9 via iTunes on Mac and PC. The video will also be available directly on users' Apple TVs, signalling new efforts by Apple to increase the utility of its set-top box.
To celebrate the release of Paul McCartney's latest album — available now — we're streaming his exclusive performance at Capitol Studios on February 9 at 7 p.m. (PST). Watch the concert on iTunes on your computer, or stream it on your TV using your Apple TV — just choose iTunes Live from the Internet menu.
Yesterday Apple notified members of the company’s iOS Developer Program that they will be required to provide high-resolution, Retina Display compatible screenshots. The screenshots are required when initially submitting or updating an app through iTunes Connect.
The note sent out to third-party software developers says that any future updates will not be approved by Apple unless 960x640 pixel screenshot is included, a change from the company's earlier policy which supported Retina Display screenshots but did not require them.
An anonymous source disclosed to The Globe and Mail that Canadian telecoms Rogers and Bell Canada have an early version of a much-rumored Apple television set in their labs. Another source familiar with the negotiations said Apple is in negotiations with the telecommunication giants to enter into a partnership for the device.
“They’re not closed to doing it with one [company] or doing it with two,” the source said. “They’re looking for a partner. They’re looking for someone with wireless and broadband capabilities.”
All of the companies mentioned in the report declined to comment. Both Rogers and Bell already have an existing agreement with Apple to offer its iPhone device on their wireless networks.
Today Apple released three EFI firmware updates adding Lion Internet Recovery service to the Mid-2010 iMac, Late 2010 MacBook Air and Early 2010 MacBook Pro. The available updates include MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 2.3, iMac EFI Update 1.8 and MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 2.6.
A company Zero1.tv created an accessory for iOS devices that works as a universal remote control. The app-enabled accessory called VooMoteZapper eliminates the necessity for multiple remote control apps used for individual electronics products and replaces them with a single solution for managing home devices. This product plugs into the 30-pin dock connector on iOS-devices and does not require a separate battery.
In a message posted to Apple's Developer site today Apple has warned App Store developers against using promotional services that seek to increase the visibility of their titles by automating sales to inflate their apps' apparent popularity or by posting phony reviews, threatening to terminate their accounts if they do.
"Once you build a great app, you want everyone to know about it. However, when you promote your app, you should avoid using services that advertise or guarantee top placement in App Store charts. Even if you are not personally engaged in manipulating App Store chart rankings or user reviews, employing services that do so on your behalf may result in the loss of your Apple Developer Program membership. Get helpful tips and resources on marketing your apps the right way from the App Store Resource Center."