iPad

Apple rolls out iBookstore in Japan

Japan is the newest country to get Apple's iBookstore. The tech giant announced today that it is rolling out a diverse array of books for Japanese readers in its iTunes bookstore.

"We're excited to launch the iBookstore in Japan with a wide selection of Japanese publishers and authors," Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue said in a statement today. "We think customers are going to love how engaging and interactive the books are to read, and how beautiful they look on iPad."

The books range from novels to … Read more

iPhone 5S rumored to launch in August, new iPads in April

The iPhone and iPad rumor mill continues to heat up.

Apple is reportedly prepping the iPhone 5S for a summer release, mostly likely in August, "sources familiar with the plans" told blog site iMore. The next iPhone would sport the same design as its predecessor but with a beefier processor and better camera.

People awaiting a new iPad could get some satisfaction as early as next month, according to the sources.

An "April-ish" launch for the next-generation iPads, most likely the iPad 5 and the iPad Mini 2, is seriously being considered by Apple. From that … Read more

An anxious planet awaits Apple's iWatch or iWhatever

On October 23, 2001, Steve Jobs introduced the iPod. "With iPod, Apple has invented a whole new category of digital music player that lets you put your entire music collection in your pocket and listen to it wherever you go," he said. "With iPod, listening to music will never be the same again."

On January 9, 2007, the iPhone made its debut. "iPhone is a revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone," Jobs said. "We are all born with the ultimate pointing device -- our … Read more

Deep breath! HeartMath turns iPhone into de-stressing tool

I'll be honest. Vague phrases like "inner balance," "emotional resilience," and "coherence zone," all of which HeartMath uses to describe its new heart rate monitor and corresponding app, aggravate me a bit. After test-driving the product this week, however, I can overlook the language.

Think of the system as a mobile meditation guide. Available as of yesterday on iTunes, HeartMath's free Inner Balance app works exclusively with its Inner Balance earlobe sensor for iOS ($99), which is available at the company's online store or through many major retailers. It uses emWave technology to show the user's heart rhythm pattern (HRV) and trains the user to change that pattern to a healthier, "coherent" state.

The system is easy to set up and, more importantly, use regularly. After installing the app, simply clip the sensor to your earlobe, plug it into your iPhone or iPad using a standard 30-pin connector (you'll need a Lightning-to-30-pin adapter for iPhone 5), and tap the screen to start.… Read more

Einhorn's hedge fund drops suit against Apple

Here's one less lawsuit for Apple to worry about.

David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital said it has dropped its suit against Apple that sought to block the electronics giant from bundling several proposals together for shareholder vote. The particular issue revolved around preferred shares -- Apple's proposal would eliminate its ability to issue "blank check" preferred stock without investor approval, but Greenlight wants Apple to consider issuing such shares.

A judge sided with Greenlight last week, which caused Apple to drop the proposal from its shareholder vote. Apple ultimately hosted its annual shareholder meeting earlier this … Read more

Apple wants to make super-secure magnetic mount for iPad

Apple wants to make a magnetic stand for iPads that will hold the tablet securely in place, while also allowing for quick removal when needed, according to a patent application published today.

Spotted by Patently Apple, the application includes images of various tablet mounting situations, including inside cars, on tripods, treadmills, and on a music sheet stand. Apple even thinks the technology could be used to connect two iPads with a magnetic hinge.

Apple writes in the application:

Tablet devices are used in an increasingly wide range of applications. In many of these applications a way for conveniently mounting the … Read more

iFixit outs tablet repairability list; Surface Pro in last place

iFixit, a company that takes apart technology products, analyzes what's inside, and determines their repairability, has launched a new platform to make it easier for folks to lean more about tablets.

The company's new "Tablet Repairability" list shows all of the recently released slates it's taken apart and discusses how easy it is to repair them when trouble erupts. Each device is given a score on a scale of 10, with the top product -- the Dell XPS 10 -- earning the highest score of a 9, thanks to it being easy to open, and … Read more

Outbox delivers your snail mail to your iPhone or iPad

Mail service as we know it just doesn't work anymore. Too much junk. Too much hassle sorting, scanning, and/or filing the stuff we need to keep. And, let's be honest, so much of what arrives in our mailboxes could -- some would say should -- arrive electronically.

Austin-based startup Outbox wants to make that happen by digitizing all of your physical mail and delivering it to you electronically on your iPhone or iPad, or your PC.

Interesting proposition, wouldn't you say? Think about it: no more daily trek to the mailbox followed by the daily armload … Read more

Tim Cook doesn't like Apple's falling share price, either

If you're an Apple shareholder and pretty pissed about the company's recent stock drop, you can at least take comfort in knowing you're not alone.

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said today during the electronics giant's annual shareholder meeting that he knows people are upset about the stock drop.

"I don't like it either," Cook said. Nor does the board and management, he added.

But what investors are likely still wondering is what Apple is going to do about it. Shares have tumbled roughly 35 percent from their peak in September, and it'… Read more