AppleInsider

iPhone launch propels China Mobile to biggest 3G subscriber increase ever Posted: 20 Feb 2014 09:15 AM PST China Mobile added more high-speed data customers in January than at any other point in its history, bringing on more than 14 million new 3G subscribers in the company's first month as one of Apple's official carrier partners.

Barclays downgrades rating on Apple stock due to maturing smartphone market, tells investors to 'step aside' Posted: 20 Feb 2014 07:51 AM PST Shares of Apple stock slid Thursday morning after investment firm Barclays Capital lowered its rating on shares of the iPhone maker, saying it doesn't expect the stock to break out of its current trading range within the next year, and suggesting its performance could become comparable to that of rival Microsoft.

Google bid $10B for WhatsApp, made separate 'odd' offer before Facebook deal was struck Posted: 20 Feb 2014 07:27 AM PST Before WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook this week for some $19 billion in cash and stock, the messaging service was being aggressively pursued by search giant Google, which reportedly offered $10 billion and also made a unique offer in attempt to ensure it wouldn't be outbid.

Apple's iPhone led 2013 US consumer smartphone sales with 45% share - NPD Posted: 20 Feb 2014 06:17 AM PST With more than 120 million smartphones sold in the U.S. in 2013, Apple's iPhone accounted for nearly half of those, taking a 45 percent share in its home market last year, new data released by the NPD Group on Thursday reveals.

Fleksy gesture-based keyboard SDK now available to all iOS developers Posted: 20 Feb 2014 05:54 AM PST Just over two months after launching a new SDK for their gesture-based keyboard into beta, Fleksy on Thursday announced that the free program is now open to all developers and that a slew of new apps have come on board.

Apple's smart magnet tech could spawn new class of connected iPad accessories Posted: 20 Feb 2014 02:13 AM PST An Apple patent application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday describes an intelligent magnetic attachment system that provides an interface for an iPad to connect and communicate with a variety of accessory devices, including other iPads.

Apple bought '3-year supply' of 4.5" sapphire displays, says Canonical CEO Posted: 19 Feb 2014 09:16 PM PST In a conference call on Wednesday, the CEO of Ubuntu developer Canononical made a comment about Apple scooping up the "entire three-year supply" of sapphire screens the company planned to use in a now-scrapped smartphone.

Tesla's Elon Musk confirms talks with Apple, says acquisition 'very unlikely' at this time Posted: 19 Feb 2014 07:09 PM PST Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday confirmed that he had recently met with Apple and, while not giving away what was discussed, said an acquisition by any company is "very unlikely" in the short term.

BMW advancing 'product geniuses' plans as Apple's retail model extends into automotive Posted: 19 Feb 2014 06:17 PM PST One of the automotive industry's most entrenched stereotypes is the car salesman pitching the hard sell, but manufacturers like BMW are taking steps to modernize their approach to consumer interaction by following Apple's lead.

Facebook to buy messaging app WhatsApp for $16B plus $3B in RSUs Posted: 19 Feb 2014 02:22 PM PST Facebook on Wednesday announced its intentions to acquire popular messaging app WhatsApp in an initial cash and stock deal worth some $16 billion, not including an additional $3 billion provision for restricted stock units.

Intel CEO says relationship with Apple remains positive, companies are growing 'closer' Posted: 19 Feb 2014 12:35 PM PST Intel Chief Executive Brian Krzanich, who has served as head of the chipmaker for less than one year, was asked on Wednesday about his company's relationship with Apple, and responded that the two parties continue to "grow closer" as time progresses.

Mobile payments: Square partners with Product (RED), Loop Fob lets you pay wirelessly Posted: 19 Feb 2014 12:18 PM PST Merchants using Square to receive payments can now help the fight against AIDS with the new SQUA(RED) reader, while Loop's promising new magnet-based payment system is now available for purchase.