It's hard to believe almost a month has already gone by since most of us were preparing to celebrate Christmas, but January is rapidly winding to a close. Thankfully, we have some hot controversy brewing over a popular photo app getting yanked out of the App Store to keep us warm during this frigid first month of 2013, and there's plenty more to read about that you also might have missed...
Apple is finding itself in hot water yet again over the App Store, but this time it's over an existing app being pulled, rather than initially rejected. As first noted by TechCrunch on Tuesday, photo sharing app 500px found itself getting yanked out of the App Store over a disagreement regarding nude images popping up in search results. While the developer was working with Apple to address the problem in an update, Cupertino pulled the plug entirely, telling The Verge the removal stemmed from "pornographic images and material" found within the app -- and potentially far worse, "possible child pornography." That came as a surprise to the folks at 500px, who are no doubt scrambling to work around the issue and get the app back in the store.
Email junkies are dutifully waiting for Mailbox, a new iPhone app teased last month on video which promises to bring world-class service to iOS. Due to the overwhelming response to the forthcoming app, the developers have implemented a reservation system on their website and will be releasing invitations on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your own place in line, head to the website and enter your iPhone number; you'll then receive an SMS text message confirming your reservation, and then the waiting begins for the app to actually appear on the App Store.
Amazon announced Tuesday that game developers will now have a way to monetize titles sold on their service by bring their Android-powered Amazon Appstore in-app purchasing system to the Mac, PC and even web-based games. Amazon's system one-ups Apple's own by allowing the use of any credit card, gift certificate or even promotional credit associated with a user's Amazon account, and in-app purchases will even appear on best seller lists, recommendations and merchandising campaigns. The company isn't detailing what in-app purchases will cost for Mac, PC or web developers, but those interested in finding out can head to the company's dedicated website for in-app purchasing and contact the e-tailer.
Microsoft finally ended the mystery of how much its Intel Core i5-powered Surface Windows 8 Pro will cost, and when it will be available. The souped-up tablet, which runs a full version of Windows 8 Pro rather than the stripped-down Windows RT for tablets, is arriving on February 9 starting at $899. Available in both 64GB and 128GB models, the more powerful Surface will be available at Microsoft Stores, online and at Staples and Best Buy locations across the U.S. Sure, for that price you could get yourself a pretty decent Windows 8 notebook instead, but then you'd be missing out on that sweet Surface Pen that Microsoft is throwing into the mix.
Chinese New Year is almost upon us, and to celebrate, Apple will be holding a one-day sale this Friday, January 25 in its Asian locales and online stores, promising customers they'll find "great gifts for everyone on your list and get free shipping." Needless to say, this one-day shopping event doesn't apply to customers in the U.S. or other non-Asian countries, so you'll have to keep the credit card holstered on Friday, pardner...
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brandonwalkermedia
January 23, 2013 at 1:34pm
500px deserved the takedown... users had been reporting Pornographic images for months
