WWDC 2012 week is winding down, which means things should get back to normal next week ahead of the July release of OS X Mountain Lion. Then again, Google could pull a rabbit out of its hat at its own I/O developer conference coming at the end of the month, so we have that to look forward to as well. For now, let’s get a dose of tech news for this Thursday, June 14, 2012.
The folks at Skype have heard you, and with today’s version 5.8 update for the Mac, the application now allows users to resize and reposition their contacts list exactly as fans of the pre-5.0 versions remember. But that’s not all: The Mac version now detects which way mobile users are holding their Skype-powered device and adjusts on the Mac end accordingly. Last but not least, if you’re wondering about Skype being ready for next month’s debut of OS X Mountain Lion, wonder no more -- version 5.8 has been built for the latest big cat, while still being compatible all the way back to Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.
E-tailer Amazon may be focused on pushing its own hardware, but the company is more than happy to take your cash for virtual goods as well. To accomplish that goal, the company today pushed out version 3.1 of their universal Kindle for iOS app, adding support for children’s books, comic books and graphic novels “with beautiful layout and full color” on the iPad. More than 1,000 titles are available, including kiddie faves like Curious George and superheroes such as Batman and Superman. The update also improves the overall reading experience on the iPad with smaller margins and a cleaner look, while adding content search for all iOS devices and a bug fix related to Google and Wikipedia searches. The update is compatible with all devices running iOS 4.2 or later.
If you’re an ardent fan of the Opera browser, it’s time to update! Opera Software today announced the availability of Opera version 12.00, the latest version of their web browser which promises to get users online in record time. New themes can change the look of your application, including presets that can be installed with a single click, all without having to launch the browser again. Opera 12 also allows users to snap photos with a webcam, if available, as well as sprucing up the browser’s APIs and web standards support. Sounds like a pretty juicy update, so click the link and spend an evening at the Opera. (Pun intended.)
Okay, so maybe they won’t actually destroy Motorola, but Judge Richard Posner -- the guy who put the brakes on an Apple vs. Motorola patent trial last week -- is back with a new order (PDF link) that gives Cupertino a second chance at a Motorola injunction. According to The Verge, both sides “may argue that they are deserving of injunctive relief, and have until Monday, June 18th to submit briefs.” Sure, the whole thing could be like a kid with a yo-yo yanking the string away from a playful cat, but it sure keeps the patent litigation drama interesting, doesn’t it?
Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 17 here in the U.S., and if you’re too broke to buy the Old Man something, you can at least point him in the direction of two cool comic book apps that are free through the weekend. First up is zuuka’s Dragon’s Lair Comics app, which includes issue number one free with download. Your pop is probably old enough to remember this retro arcade classic, so you might just be his version of Dirk the Daring, the hero of said game and comic. If your papa is more into pygmies, then Ape Entertainment and Bolt Creative’s Pocket God Comics app might be more to his liking, which also includes the first issue free through Sunday, June 17. Or hey, here’s an idea: Have him download both titles and look like a real superstar.
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