Comic

ComiXology launches new read-only app following Amazon acquisition

ComiXology, the leading digital comics platform, has launched a new application for iOS today. The company sent out an email to customers this morning announcing that the old app is being retired, and a new one is now available. The biggest difference between the two, it seems, is that the new app does't allow in-app purchases.

The change is noteworthy, as the ComiXology app has long been one of the top-grossing iPad titles in the App Store, and it comes shortly after Amazon acquired the comics platform. It's not surprising though, as it's the same strategy the e-commerce giant takes with its Kindle iOS app, in an effort to circumvent Apple's 30% cut...

Joy of Tech has hilarious ideas for new iPhones

Joy of Tech has weighed in on the iPhone 5S/5C memes. As per usual with their illustrations, the comic treads the fine line between poking fun and being downright hilarious. My favorite is their take on the rumored iPhone 5S in gold/champagne color: make it so the gold peels off revealing a layer of chocolate.

Oh, and the box should include the iGoose, a golden case that lays a golden iPhone and lets you recharge it by "stuffing the phone back up the goose's butt".

I'd hate spoil the fun for you prospective buyers so jump past the fold for the full table...

Joy of Tech constructs hilarious Apple Status page

With all of the distractions and sensationalism in the tech media these days, it's tough to really understand how Apple is doing as a company. It seems like every rumor is followed by an 'Apple is doomed' report, and it probably doesn't help that it's so secretive.

But never fear, as usual, Joy of Tech is here to help clear up some of the confusion in a way that only it can. The comic creator has put together a Status page—yeah, similar to the one Apple made for its Dev Center—to show where Apple is at on a lot of things...

Joy of Tech jokes about Dev Center outage

It's been more than a week now since a security researcher tapped an iAd Workbench vulnerability, prompting an unprecedented shutdown of Dev Center, but Apple is still struggling to bring all of the fifteen different services back up (only Bug Reporter and iTunes Connect were live at post time).

The outage isn't alarming (yet) - at least compared to the PSN breach - and Apple assured no credit card data or iTunes accounts was compromised.

But tell that to frustrated Apple developers who are unable to access their documentation, beta code and development tools. You can tell the unnerving situation is getting out of hand when satirists start joking about it...

Marvel giving away 700 first issue comics for free through its iOS app

Pay attention comic book fans. Marvel has just announced that it is giving away a bundle of over 700 first issue digital comics from throughout its 60+ year history for free through its iOS and web apps.

The deal, which the publisher describes as 'unprecedented,' is part of a special promotion for this week's South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas and will save you up to $4 on classic comics...

Marvel’s Unlimited comic subscription service lands on iOS

Good news this week for all of you die-hard comic fans. Marvel Comics has launched its subscription-based service called 'Marvel Unlimited' on iOS in the form of a new iPhone and iPad app.

As the name suggests, the service offers users uncapped access to Marvel's enormous library—including some 13,000 comic books— for a small monthly fee. Keep reading for more details...

Comic time: Google Glass vs. Apple iWatch

Joy of Tech last month posted a pretty comical take on the iWatch rumors. My favorite bit: it's a walkie-talkie with a direct line to Jony Ive's secret laboratory, Dick Tracy style. Earlier today, they weighed in on the inevitable comparison between the iWatch and Google's Glass. Putting aside for a moment the fact that one is the real product (Glass) while the other is vaporware (at least for now), both are futuristic wearable computers we're supposed to wear on us in public. Check out the comic included past the fold and meet us in comments...

DC now offering all its comics in the iBookstore

DC Entertainment, one of the top comic book publishers in the world, announced yesterday that its entire line of DC comics are now available in digital e-book format. Fans of the comics will be able to find them in Amazon's Kindle Store, the Barnes and Noble Nook Store, and of course the iBookstore...

Joy of Tech’s funny read on Scott Forstall’s ousting

Joy of Tech does regular takes on the tech industry's blunders and Apple is often the subject of their daily web comic. This is their view of Monday's executive shake-up that saw CEO Tim Cook fire long-time iOS chief Scott Forstall and retail boss (though he never earned that title) John Browett. Go past the fold for the comic and an additional explanation...

Joy of Tech on Apple’s Lightning to 30-pin adapters

Apple upset thousands of users last month when it introduced a new charging port for its mobile devices. It replaced the decade-old 30-pin dock connector with a new Lightning plug, rendering millions of cables and old accessories virtually useless.

Of course, Apple offers adapters that will allow users to connect their new iPhones and iPod touches to older accessories. But, at a minimum of $30 bucks a pop, this hasn't exactly won over the angry. In fact, for some this may have been the last straw...

Maps says sorry

And the iOS Maps bashing saga continues… Wanna know how it ends? Go past the fold for the remaining three tables. Joy of Tech also has another funny take on Mapgate, by the way…

And here comes Mapgate

Here, in case you've been wondering why Apple shipped buggy iOS Maps... Come on, you knew this was coming. I'd bet my shirt that Conan O'Brien will be next to diss Apple's crappy maps. Can you say Mapgate?