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April 17, 2013
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iOS vs. Android: All the numbers in one place

iOS vs. Android: All the numbers in one place

By on April 17, 2013 at 10:50 AM.

iOS vs. Android: All the numbers in one place

It’s the biggest battle in mobile — Apple’s iOS vs. Google’s Android. The two platforms are opposites in a number of key areas, but they do have one thing in common: they’re both hugely popular right now. Market research firms constantly pit one mobile platform against the other in an effort to identify trends for their clients, but different data from different firms tends to paint different pictures. In an effort to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the iOS vs. Android battle, TIME’s Harry McCracken compiled recent data from a wide range of key sources. In the end, Android clearly controls more of the market while iOS pulls in more money, but that’s hardly the whole story. For the rest of McCracken’s conclusions, check out his full analysis.

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Business
April 17, 2013
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Google Play now delivering 90% of iOS app download volume

Gap keeps narrowing: Google Play now delivering 90% of iOS app download volume

By on April 17, 2013 at 8:30 AM.

Gap keeps narrowing: Google Play now delivering 90% of iOS app download volume

App Annie’s Market Index for the first quarter of 2013 shows Google Play continuing to narrow iOS’ lead in app download volume and revenue creation. In fact, Google Play delivered nearly 90% Apple’s app download volume in Q1. The iOS platform is still generating 2.6 times the revenue of Google Play, but that gap is narrowing rapidly as well — in the previous quarter, iOS apps generated 4 times the revenue of Google Play. More →

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Business
April 12, 2013
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Apple France AppGratis Analysis

Les Fleurs du Mal: France may force ‘brutal’ Apple to embrace ‘platform neutrality’

By on April 12, 2013 at 9:45 AM.

Les Fleurs du Mal: France may force ‘brutal’ Apple to embrace ‘platform neutrality’

Fleur Pellerin, the French junior minister for digital economy, did not mince words when she addressed the Apple (AAPL)-AppGratis controversy on Thursday. She called Apple’s decision to kick AppGratis out of App Store “extremely brutal and unilateral.” France is now planning to demand tighter regulation of “digital platforms” after long seething about the distribution power that American companies such as Apple, Google (GOOG), Twitter and Facebook (FB) have gained over the past five years. France is Europe’s biggest developer of software, but its companies are increasingly being reduced to creating applications for platforms owned by Americans. More →

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Business
April 10, 2013
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Apple App Store Crackdown

Apple warns of imminent App Store crackdown

By on April 10, 2013 at 9:50 PM.

Apple warns of imminent App Store crackdown

Following reports that app recommendation service AppGratis had its iOS application pulled from the App Store, Apple (AAPL) is reportedly getting ready to crack down on numerous apps that have quietly been violating Apple’s terms and conditions. According to multiple unnamed sources speaking with AllThingsD, Apple pulled AppGratis from the Store for violating two clauses in its App Store Review Guidelines, one that forbids apps from promoting other companies’ software and a second that bars developers from sending marketing messages using push notifications. The blog’s sources say Apple is getting ready to crack down on other apps that violate these two clauses — though it would be nice if Apple were to fix its own “Genius” app recommendation system, which is still absolutely awful despite a recent overhaul, before ousting similar services that actually work.

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mobile
April 10, 2013
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Microsoft Office Android iOS Release Date

Microsoft Office for Android and iOS might not launch until 2014

By on April 10, 2013 at 2:25 PM.

Microsoft Office for Android and iOS might not launch until 2014

Microsoft (MSFT) has long been rumored to be building a version of Office for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices, but earlier reports that claimed the productivity suite would arrive in early 2013 appear to have been false. The latest report now suggests that we may not see Office for Android and iOS until 2014. Citing a leaked roadmap, Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet says that Microsoft will release its “Gemini” update in October this year by revamping the core Office programs — Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote — with more touch-friendly controls, Metro-styling and support for Windows 8 and Windows RT. The company will then reportedly release a new version of Office for Mac alongside an Office RT and a new version of Office for Windows Phone in April 2014. Finally, Foley notes that Android and iOS support for Office will not be released until fall next year.

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mobile
April 9, 2013
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App Downloads Q1 2013

Mobile app downloads have increased 11% in the past quarter

By on April 9, 2013 at 8:02 PM.

Mobile app downloads have increased 11% in the past quarter

The app stores for the four leading mobile operating systems have grown 11% from the fourth quarter in 2012 to the first quarter of this year, according to data from Canalys. Combined downloads from Apple’s (AAPL) App Store, Google Play, the Windows Phone Marketplace and BlackBerry World totaled more than 13.4 billion in Q1 2013, while revenue climbed 9% to reach $2.2 billion. App downloads remained strong in North America and Europe, however some of the strongest growth came from emerging markets such as South Africa, Brazil and Indonesia, which have benefited from a fast adoption rate of smartphones and tablets. Paid apps continue to remain popular in more mature mobile markets, though. More →

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mobile
April 3, 2013
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Microsoft SkyDrive iOS Update

After almost a year, Apple stops blocking Microsoft’s SkyDrive update for iOS

By on April 3, 2013 at 6:18 PM.

After almost a year, Apple stops blocking Microsoft’s SkyDrive update for iOS

Microsoft’s (MSFT) SkyDrive application for iOS hasn’t been updated since June of last year. The company has been at odds with Apple (AAPL) over a revenue sharing deal, however it appears the two sides have reached an agreement. Microsoft announced on Wednesday that an updated version of its SkyDrive app is now available for download in Apple’s App Store. The latest version adds support for the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini, among other improvements, while also allowing users to download full-resolution photos to an Apple device. A Microsoft spokesperson revealed to The Verge that the company “worked with Apple to create a solution that benefited our mutual customers,” and said that the app “is slightly different than other SkyDrive apps in that people interested in buying additional storage will do so via the web versus in the app.”

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mobile
April 3, 2013
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iOS 7 Leak

Apple said to be giving iOS 7 a major UI overhaul

By on April 3, 2013 at 11:40 AM.

Apple said to be giving iOS 7 a major UI overhaul

The user interface that helped make Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone and iPad the most popular devices in their respective categories may be getting a major overhaul after six years on the market. The look of Apple’s mobile UI has remained essentially unchanged since it was first unveiled in January 2007, and its simplicity sparked a big shift in the look and feel of smartphone software. Now, according to Apple watcher John Gruber, the mobile platform will get its first overhaul since its debut when Apple takes the wraps off iOS 7 this summer. More →

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mobile
April 1, 2013
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iOS Android Market Share

Android’s market share lead over iOS explodes to eight points in the U.S.

By on April 1, 2013 at 10:20 AM.

Android’s market share lead over iOS explodes to eight points in the U.S.

Kantar is out with its smartphone market share numbers for three months ending in February and Android devices continue pulling away from iPhone in the United States. A year ago, iOS led Android by 47%-45% in the smartphone operating system market share competition. By February 2013, Android had moved to a 51%-43% lead. This report is a fairly strong argument for why Apple (AAPL) must get a budget smartphone out as soon as it can. The Apple brand is far stronger in its home market than it is in Asia, Latin America or even continental Europe. Yet even in its stronghold, Apple’s smartphone market share is now slipping fast as new buyers gravitate towards cheaper options or are captured by Samsung’s (005930) Galaxy glamor. More →

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mobile
March 29, 2013
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Rumor
Google Babel Messaging Service

Google’s ‘Babble’ cross-platform messaging service gets detailed in purported leak

By on March 29, 2013 at 12:37 PM.

Google’s ‘Babble’ cross-platform messaging service gets detailed in purported leak

Earlier this month it was reported that Google (GOOG) has been working on a cross-platform messaging app called Babble that would unify its messaging platforms into a single service. According to Droid-Life, the service is known internally as Babel, rather than Babble, and is currently being tested by Google employees. The service is expected to include several keys features that provide users with a seamless messenger experience across Android, iOS, Chrome, Google+ and Gmail. Babel is said to feature advanced group conversations, access to conversations across multiple platforms, the ability to send pictures, improved notifications across a variety of devices and a new conversation-based user interface. Earlier reports suggested that Google will announce the messaging service at its annual I/O Developers Conference in May

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mobile
March 29, 2013
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Rumor
iPhone 5S Release Date

iPhone 5S announcement rumored for June 20th, launch in July

By on March 29, 2013 at 10:58 AM.

iPhone 5S announcement rumored for June 20th, launch in July

It has been widely reported that Apple’s (AAPL) next-generation iPhone will be announced sometime in June. According to Macotakara, the latest print edition of the Japanese MacFan magazine reports Apple will unveil the device at a press event on June 20th and release the iPhone 5S a few weeks later in July. The report goes on to suggest that a low-cost version of the iPhone for developing countries such as China and India may debut in August. Apple will also reportedly preview or even announce an update for its iOS platform at the rumored event. The iPhone 5S is expected to feature a faster A7 processor, an upgraded camera and possibly a fingerprint chip under the Home button for improved security. The form factor will likely remain unchanged, however.

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mobile
March 27, 2013
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iOS 6.1.3 Battery Life Wi-Fi

iOS 6.1.3 update reportedly causing even more battery life problems

By on March 27, 2013 at 3:51 PM.

iOS 6.1.3 update reportedly causing even more battery life problems

The latest version of iOS is reportedly creating problems for a number of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users. Apple (AAPL) released iOS version 6.1.3 earlier this month to fix a recent vulnerability that allowed unauthorized users to bypass a device’s lock screen — an issue that is ongoing. To make matters worse, some users are now reporting that the latest update is causing the battery to drain faster than before while also hurting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. According to CNET, normal fixes such as restoring the device to its factory settings seem to be unsuccessful in resolving the problem. Battery life issues are not uncommon after iOS updates, as users previously reported similar problems with iOS version 6.1 in February.

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mobile
March 22, 2013
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iMessage Clone Verizon Messages App

Verizon announces iMessaging clone for Android, iOS and Web [video]

By on March 22, 2013 at 10:10 PM.

Verizon announces iMessaging clone for Android, iOS and Web [video]

Verizon (VZ) on Thursday announced a new cross-platform update for its text messaging app for Android and iOS devices. The application, known as Messages, allows users to send and receive a text message from a PC, smartphone or tablet. Messages are stored on Verizon’s cloud for up to 90 days or until deleted and can also be saved permanently on an SD card. Unlike services from WhatsApp, Google Talk and iMessage, the application utilizes your smartphone’s phone number rather than a username or special PIN. The service sets itself further apart from the competition with a handful of unique features such as the ability to send automated replies to a text when busy. Verizon’s Messages application is available now in Google Play and the iOS App Store. A video demo follows below. More →

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