Mobile & Wireless

Nice timing: On the same day that Apple upgraded Apple TV by adding more content to its Web TV box, Google upgrades Chromecast, its Apple TV competitor — by making it more appealing to Apple users. The upgrade comes via a new iOS app, which is something Google had previously promised. There’s nothing earth-shattering here, Continue Reading →

Google sent an email on Monday to third-party Android developers regarding a significant change to its Google Play Developer Program Policies. The changes affect both apps and the advertising practices that many apps use. The company explained that all apps and updates to apps published from here on out are “immediately subject” to the latest Continue Reading →

Instagram has just made its first acquisition, buying both the team and technology of Y Combinator company Luma (formerly known as Midnox). Luma created a video-capture, stabilization and sharing app, which will be shut down soon. In fact, one source tells us Luma’s stabilization technology is already live in Instagram. Luma’s iOS app has been Continue Reading →

Apple’s virtual personal assistant Siri has been known to have a quirky personality for a long time, offering off the cuff responses to a variety of unconventional requests. Now it appears that Siri is eager to take some jabs at Google Glass, as it responds with subtle and not-so-subtle putdowns on the product when you Continue Reading →

Apple is beginning final preparations to launch an iPhone trade-in program in its retail stores as soon as next month, according to sources with knowledge of the initiative. This trade-in program will allow customers that own earlier versions of the iPhone, such as the iPhone 4S, to bring the phone into an Apple Store and Continue Reading →

Apple has purchased yet another mapping company, Jessica Lessin reports. This time around, the target is Embark, which builds transit apps for specific cities. After parting ways with Apple for its official Maps application, Apple has been undergoing a rebuilding process to make up for the loss of Google’s data. Recent location company purchases include Continue Reading →

Amazon has tested a new wireless network that would allow customers to connect its devices to the Internet, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The wireless network, which was tested in Cupertino, California, used spectrum controlled by satellite communications company Globalstar, said the people who asked not to be identified because the test Continue Reading →

Elementary school instruction in the 21st century involves a lot more than reading, writing and arithmetic. The ability to comprehend and create media via digital and touchscreen devices will be a critical skill in the years and decades ahead. These five iPad apps, while masterful in their specific subjects, also introduce young children to new Continue Reading →

Traffic and weather updates are great, but Google Now never shines better than when you’re on vacation. To that end, Mountain View has taught the feature a few new tricks, equipping it with cards for keeping track of car rental and concert tickets. Not traveling? No problem, Google also updated Now’s public transit cards to Continue Reading →

After only seven months since Twitter acquired Vine, the six-second video sharing app has reached an impressive 40 million registered users, more than three times the number of Vine users reported just two months ago. While this milestone does not reflect “monthly active user” numbers commonly shared by social networks like Facebook and Twitter, it Continue Reading →