The Interview is now available for download or stream from iTunes, after Apple originally chose not to carry the film at the same time as Microsoft, Netflix, and others.
The Interview is now available on iTunes, as iTunes Connect comes back online
Jake Smith
Apple not running free 12 Days of Christmas promotion this year
For the last six years Apple has been running its "12 Days of Christmas" promotion in the UK, and did so last year in both the UK and US "12 Days of Gifts". It joyed customers by giving away iOS apps, music, films and books over the twelve days following Christmas Day. However as noticed first by MacWorld, it appears Apple is discontinuing its holiday tradition in 2014/2015.
We're now three days out of Christmas, and any type of promotion can't be found. MacWorld reports from a reliable source that we're definitely not seeing the "12 Days of Christmas" app this year.
Apple’s Beats Music reportedly wants to fuel engagement with exclusive album releases
Apple's Beats Music, with Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre at the helm, is looking to form partnerships with artists for exclusive releases, mirroring success iTunes has had in the past, reports New York Post.
Specific artists haven't been named, however Beats Music has strong partnerships with artists already, from its promotion and endorsements of Beats headphones. Nicki Minaj frequently stars with Beats products in her music videos. Will.i.am, Pharrell, Kanye West and Gwen Stefani are said to be friends of Iovine and Beats lovers.
Developer gives ultimate Christmas present by paying off parents’ mortgage [Video]
Developer of iPhone video editing app Videoshop, Joe Riquelme, has my nomination for son of the year award. Riquelme surprised his parents with what may be one of the ultimate Christmas gifts - stopping them from ever having to deal with Bank of America again.
Apple Japan sets “Lucky Bag” New Year promotion for January 2nd
The Japan arm of Apple announced on Friday that it's once again bringing back its "Lucky Bags" promotion on January 2nd, 2015. A "Lucky Bag" is a Japanese New Year tradition, and also known as a Fukubukuro.
NYT: Sony wanted Apple to stream “The Interview” – Apple reportedly said no
Another twist to "The Interview" movie: The New York Times reports Sony asked the White House for help in lining up a single technology partner to stream its movie "The Interview", and it wanted help from none other than Apple's iTunes.
The Cupertino-based Apple reportedly was not interested, "at least not on a speedy time table," the New York Times says. An Apple spokesman declined to provide official comment on the matter.
Apple supplier Pegatron investigating allegations in blistering BBC report, planning improvements
Pegatron, the Apple supplier at the center of a blistering BBC report last week, said in a statement Monday it will inspect all the negative claims carried in the report and will start implementing improvements to ensure the problems are solved.
Twitter for iOS adds analytics, tracking impressions and engagement
Twitter unveiled on Monday that it's added detailed analytics to its official iOS app, allowing users to track engagement with their tweets and profile.
The update is rolling out now on the iTunes App Store. Viewing analytics is as simple as clicking on your tweet, going to its detail page, and tapping "View Tweet Activity."
Apple releases NTP security update for OS X users, addresses ‘critical security issue’
Apple released a security update on Monday for Mac users, addressing a "critical security issue" with the Network Time Protocol service on OS X Yosemite, Mavericks, and Mountain Lion. The update weighs in at 2.1MB, and you can find download links after the break.
Apple Pay now 1.7% of mobile payments market, most popular at Whole Foods
Apple Pay now accounts for 1.7 percent of the mobile payments market after its launch on October 20, still lagging behind Google Wallet's 4 percent share of the market, according to ITG research picked up by MarketWatch.
Watch ABC Apple TV app updated with full-length episodes one week after air
ABC announced on Thursday its Watch ABC app on the Apple TV has been updated with full-length episodes after they air, along with a new bolder, immersive look and feel, more short form video, and a continuous play mode.
Google wants to be the standard to power your car infotainment system, no smartphone needed
Google has plans to release a new version of Android that will be directly built into cars, getting rid of the need to pair the car's infotainment system with a smartphone for a user to access features, reports Reuters. This is a big move from Google's current Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay, which require a phone to be connected to stream music, access maps, and more.