News
Logitech debuts Harmony Ultimate, Smart Control remotes
- April 16, 2013
- iPad, iPhone, Apps + Games, iPod, Other
Logitech has announced two new home control remotes — the Harmony Ultimate ($350) and Harmony Smart Control ($130) — that can both use an iOS app for control. Harmony Ultimate is a full remote with 2.4” color touchscreen that can control up to 15 devices through swipes and taps. It can also control the Philips Hue lighting system.

Harmony Smart Control works mainly through the Harmony smartphone app, though it also comes with a simple remote. It can consolidate up to eight remote controls into one app. Both remotes are compatible with 225,000 home theater devices, and both include the Harmony Hub, which turns RF signals from the remote into IR and Bluetooth commands for home theater device compatibility. The Harmony Hub also allows users to control devices through cabinets and walls. Harmony Ultimate is expected to launch this month, while Harmony Smart Control should be available in May.
Some Apple TVs have Wi-Fi issues; replacement program open
- April 16, 2013
- Apple TV
A small number of third-generation Apple TVs have known Wi-Fi issues, and Apple has started a replacement program for these affected units. Apple has determined replacements can be offered free of charge for up to two years after the device’s purchase date.

The Wi-Fi issues include: cannot locate network, unable to join network, and dropped or intermittent connection. If the last four letters of the serial number are DHRN, and the third and fourth characters of the serial number match one of the included pairs, the Apple TV is eligible for replacement. [via 9to5Mac]
Report: Facebook talks iPhone Home with Apple
- April 16, 2013
- iPhone
Facebook is talking to Apple about a new version of its mobile Home software for iPhone, according to a new report. Facebook’s Home software debuted for Android this month, and Facebook is now discussing expansion with the likes of Apple and Microsoft. Though the idea of Facebook Home appearing on the iPhone seems highly unlikely on the surface, an iPhone version of Home could be much different than the current Android version, according to Facebook director of product Adam Mosseri. “It may or may not be Home,” he said. “We could also just bring some of the design values to the iOS app. That might be how it ends up. Or we could build just the lock screen. Maybe then it’s not called Home, it’s called something else.” Apple has declined comment. [via Bloomberg]
Apple selling refurb fifth-gen iPod touch
- April 15, 2013
- iPod
Apple is now selling refurbished fifth-generation iPod touch models in its online store. The store is offering 32GB models for $250 each, and 64GB models for $350 — a $50 discount off the new models. All colors except for red are now available. [via 9to5Mac]
Foxconn hiring for new iPhone production
- April 15, 2013
- iPhone
Multiple outlets are reporting Foxconn has resumed hiring for the production of a new iPhone. More workers have been hired at Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant, the company’s main production facility for iPhones. A hiring freeze imposed in February has ended, and new workers will help assemble both the new device — likely the iPhone 5S — and existing iPhone models. The factory has added about 10,000 assembly-line workers per week since the last week of March. As previously reported, new iPhone production is set for second quarter production this year. It’s noted that production on a less-expensive iPhone could start soon, as well. [via Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal]
iLounge Weekly arrives on Monday, giveaway reminder
- April 12, 2013
- Site News
The latest edition of iLounge Weekly, our weekly newsletter covering all things iLounge, will be arriving in subscribers’ inboxes early next week. iLounge Weekly is a summary of the week’s best news, reviews, and feature articles we’ve published, and it also features giveaways and accessory discount offers from various companies. There’s still plenty of time to sign up and receive this week’s edition — just use the simple form below to submit your email address, if you haven’t done so already.
IMPORTANT: Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Earthlink and others, make sure we don’t end up in your spam box. Please accept emails from iLounge.com. Thank you.
Also don’t forget to enter our Unu Enerpak Vault Battery Pack Giveaway for one of ten Enerpak Vault Universal Battery Packs, courtesy of iLounge and Unu. Simply fill out and submit the form on the giveaway page to enter; the giveaway will end on April 30, 2013 at 11:59PM Pacific Time. Good luck!
Apple to pay $53M to settle warranty lawsuit
Apple has agreed to pay $53 million to settle a class action lawsuit in San Francisco federal court involving iPhone and iPod touch warranties, according to a new report. The settlement, which has yet to be filed, will pay cash to iPhone and iPod touch customers denied repair or replacement of a faulty device, whether through Apple’s standard one-year or extended two-year warranty. A number of combined lawsuits noted that Apple refused to honor warranties if a white indicator tape within the phone turned pink or red. The changing tape color was believed to signal a device had made contact with water, but tape maker 3M said humidity could have turned the tape pink. Devices affected are from older generations: the original iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and the first, second, and third-generation iPod touch. [via Wired]
Twitter to launch music app
- April 12, 2013
- iPad, iPhone, Apps + Games, iPod
Twitter is planning on launching its new standalone iOS music application this weekend, possibly as early as today, according to reports. A new site, music.twitter.com, asks users for permission to allow an app called Trending Music Web, though at this point authorization of the app only sends users back to the sign in page.
The app will suggest artists and songs based on “personalized signals,” which include the Twitter accounts a user follows. Third-party services, such as iTunes, will allow users to listen to music clips within the app. Users will also be able to watch music videos from Vevo. Twitter recently acknowledged its acquisition of the music startup We Are Hunted, which tracked the most popular songs on social networks. [via AllThingsD]
Update: Twitter’s music app will launch to the public in about a week; for now, only select celebrities and “influencers” have access to the app. [via AllThingsD]
Judge: Apple, Google using litigation as strategy
- April 11, 2013
- Apple
U.S. District Judge Robert Scola said in an order that neither Apple nor Google’s Motorola Mobility unit have any interest in resolving their ongoing patent litigation, instead using the lawsuits as business strategy. “The parties have no interest in efficiently and expeditiously resolving this dispute; they instead are using this and similar litigation worldwide as a business strategy that appears to have no end,” Scola said in an order. “That is not a proper use of this court.” Apple and Google are battling over “more than 180 claims related to 12 patents, and disputes over the meaning of more than 100 terms” in Florida court. Scola gave both companies four months to streamline the scope of the case; a failure to do so will put the case on hold until all of the term disputes are resolved. [via Bloomberg]
Apps: Chrome, Foursquare 6.0, Real Racing 3 1.1 + Status Board
- April 11, 2013
- iPad, iPhone, Apps + Games, iPod
Google Inc.‘s Chrome (free) app has updated to version 26.0.1410.50. Google’s browser for iOS now allows users to access fullscreen browsing for iPhone and iPod touch — the toolbar can be scrolled off the screen to view a full page of content on the devices. Printing has also been updated, as it’s now possible to print web pages using either AirPrint or Google Cloud Print. It’s also now possible to save any page as a PDF to a Google Drive account.

Foursquare Labs, Inc. has released version 6.0 of its popular Foursquare (free) app. The newest update focuses on the “most interesting things nearby.” Sort of Foursquare’s attempt at a best-of, the app can now tell users the top attractions in the area. Search has also been given a more prevalent role within the app, as the Explore field has been moved to the top of the app when it’s opened.
Apple job listing refers to flexible displays
- April 10, 2013
- Apple
A job listing on Apple’s website specifically mentions flexible displays, indicating the company has at least some interest in the technology. The listing, for a Sr. Optical Engineer, notes in its summary that “Apple Inc. is looking for a Display Specialist to lead the investigation on emerging display technologies such as high optical efficiency LCD, AMOLED and flexible display to improve overall display optical performance.”
Various rumors about Apple’s iWatch have involved a possible flexible display or curved glass for the watch. Recently, Apple published a patent application for a wraparound display. But Corning, which supplies glass to Apple suggested a flexible display using its Willow material is at least three years away. [via 9to5Mac]
iOS Office not due until fall 2014?
An alleged plan for Microsoft’s next wave of Office updates indicates we may not see an iOS version of Office until fall 2014. An apparent roadmap spotted for Microsoft’s “Gemini Wave” lists Office for iOS in October 2014. Though such roadmaps often change, a source indicated this plan was “likely current as of the start of 2013.” This drastically contradicts prior reports, which pegged an iOS Office release for early this year. The reported late February or early March release date has came and went, with no sign of iOS Office. [via ZDNet]
Apple bans in-app comic for sexual content (Update: No)
- April 10, 2013
- Apple, Apps + Games
Apple has refused to carry a comic, Saga #12, on app-based platforms due to gay sex scenes, according to a report. The comic’s writer, Brian K. Vaughan, said in a press release, “Unfortunately, because of two postage stamp-sized images of gay sex, Apple is banning tomorrow’s SAGA #12 from being sold through any iOS apps.” Vaughan notes that Saga has “featured what I would consider much more graphic imagery in the past.”
Notably, the comic should still be available in Apple’s iBookstore, according to publisher Image Comics. Apple is known for curating its App Store, but Comixology’s Comics app is rated as 17+. “Frequent/Intense Sexual Content or Nudity” is listed as one of the reasons for the rating. Other illustrations of sexual content and nudity have been allowed within the app — and in earlier issues of the same comic. [via Comics Beat, The Verge]
Update: Comixology CEO David Steinberger has released a statement noting Apple did not ban the comic; rather, Comixology did not release Saga #12 based on the company’s understanding of Apple’s policies. Steinberger notes, “We did not interpret the content in question as involving any particular sexual orientation, and frankly that would have been a completely irrelevant consideration under any circumstance.” Saga #12 will be available on the Comixology app soon.
Apple licenses Palm-related patents
- April 10, 2013
- Apple
Apple has paid about $10 million to license patents from ACCESS, including patents related to Palm, Bell Communications Research and Geoworks. Japan’s ACCESS owns the company formerly known as PalmSource. The move was likely done to aid Apple in patent litigation moving forward. Interestingly, Steve Jobs once threatened to file a patent lawsuit against Palm to prevent poaching employees. [via Macotakara]
Report: Apple taps Foster + Partners to revamp retail stores
- April 10, 2013
- Apple
Apple has hired Foster + Partners to work on new designs for its retail stores, according to a new report. Foster + Partners is the London-based firm behind Apple’s “spaceship” corporate campus, Campus 2, which is reportedly $2 billion over budget. Apple has previously worked with rival firm 8 Inc for designing stores, including its flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York City. Both Apple and Foster + Partners declined comment. [via Marketing Magazine (UK)]
T-Mobile offering iPhone 5 trade-in deal
- April 10, 2013
- iPhone
Prior to T-Mobile’s upcoming Friday launch of the iPhone 5 on its network, the carrier has announced a trade-in deal for iPhone 4/4S users. Qualified customers trading in an iPhone 4 or 4S can get the iPhone 5 for $0 down. A credit of up to $120 may also be offered, depending on the trade-in value of the device — the credit could be used on monthly payments, an existing T-Mobile bill, accessories, or the purchase of another device. T-Mobile’s standard offer for the iPhone 5 without trade-in is $100 down, and $20 monthly payments for two years. The offer lasts through Father’s Day, June 16.
AppGratis removal ‘first step’ in App Store crackdown
- April 10, 2013
- Apple, Apps + Games
A new report claims the recent removal of AppGratis from the App Store was just the beginning, as the ouster of AppGratis was “a first step in a broader enforcement action,” mainly targeted at similar discovery apps found to violate clauses 2.25 and 5.6 of Apple’s App Store review guidelines. Apple feels such apps “threaten the legitimacy of the App Store charts” by letting developers spend money to increase their ranking. The company is also concerned the App Store could become overwhelmed with “alternative storefronts” through these apps.
Apple’s clause 2.25 was thought to be a way of restricting third-party App Store promotion when it first appeared — those initial examinations of the clause now appear to be true. The clause states, “Apps that display Apps other than your own for purchase or promotion in a manner similar to or confusing with the App Store will be rejected.” Clause 5.6 states that “Apps cannot use Push Notifications to send advertising, promotions, or direct marketing of any kind.” A stronger enforcement of these clauses could lead to many discovery apps disappearing from the App Store in the near future. [via AllThingsD]
Report: Apple, Yahoo discuss ‘deeper partnership’
Apple and Yahoo have been discussing the possibility of Yahoo’s services playing a greater role on iPhone and iPad, according to a new report. The companies are discussing deals that could push more content from Yahoo News and more onto Apple devices — possibly through “an expanded Siri partnership.” Currently, apps which use Yahoo’s finance and weather sites come preloaded on iPhones, and Siri uses some Yahoo data, as well.
Though “no deal is imminent,” according to sources, the benefits can be seen for both sides. Apple could further distance itself from Google services with a Yahoo partnership. Yahoo could provide web results to Apple, though that’s noted as “a long shot” due to Yahoo’s partnership with Microsoft — Microsoft’s Bing powers Yahoo search — and Apple’s deal with Google. Representatives for Apple and Yahoo declined comment. [via The Wall Street Journal]
Purported iPad bezel leak; iPhone 5S in more colors?
The fifth-generation iPad bezel has allegedly been leaked, as new photos have been posted at French site Nowhereelse.fr. Photos show someone holding an alleged white iPad bezel, which appears to have the same full-sized iPad screen with a smaller footprint. The photos may be legitimate, but the bezel — though thinner on the sides than the current fourth-generation iPad — still looks thicker than we would expect.

In other news, Japanese blog Macotakara is reporting the iPhone 5S may come in a total of five colors. It’s been reported that the rumored low-cost iPhone will also come in a number of colors. The blog also claims Apple may announce the iPhone 5S in July.
Apps: HBO Go 2.1, Injustice, Springpad 4.0 + Tempo 1.0.5
- April 9, 2013
- iPad, iPhone, Apps + Games, iPod
HBO Go (free) from Home Box Office, Inc. has been updated to version 2.1. The app, which lets HBO subscribers stream episodes on mobile devices, now features AirPlay multitasking capability. Now users can stream HBO video to AirPlay while continuing to use other apps on their iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. Additionally, interactive features for the app’s Game of Thrones experience have been enhanced.

Warner Bros. has brought Injustice: Gods Among Us (free) to iOS before its console launch in a few weeks. The freemium fighting game features your favorite DC characters, from Superman to Batman to The Flash and many others. Users can add collectible cards to their roster to unlock characters, moves, and powers. The fighting is three-on-three tag team action, similar to the more recent Marvel vs. Capcom games. Touchscreen controls enable special moves and combos, though those used to duking it out in console games may find the gameplay a bit awkward. Notably, the game features cross-platform functionality — items can be unlocked in the console version for use in the mobile game, and vice versa.
