Apple off the hook as SEC ends tax probe

After spending the summer in the hot seat over its tax strategy, Apple has received the all-clear sign from federal regulators. In a September letter, Securities and Exchange Commission investigators who'd been looking into Apple's finances gave the iPhone maker some good news, saying the agency plans to take no action at this time.

In May, Apple CEO Tim Cook testified before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, telling members his company pays all taxes it owes. Like the subcommittee, the SEC apparently found no wrongdoing on Apple's part...

New Galaxy Gear ads attempt to make the case for smartwatches

Samsung may have beaten Apple to the smartwatch punch, but poor reviews across the board have quickly dampened consumer enthusiasm for the $299 product. ArsTechnica, for example, noted the device "has sacrificed substance for the sake of timing". That's not stopping Samsung from advertising the Galaxy Gear as its next big thing, however.

Three Gear television commercials attempt to educate consumers on the benefits of using the product, with one particular ad seemingly drawing inspiration from Apple's iPhone teaser spot aired during the Oscars in 2007, have a look below...

Apple could pocket $1 billion in iWatch profits during first year of availability

Despite there being no product nor confirmation from Apple that it will offer one, a high-profile Apple analyst is estimating the iPhone maker could sell between five and ten million iWatch units in the first year. According to Piper Jaffray Gene Munster's survey of 799 U.S. consumers, some twelve percent of U.S. iPhone owners said they might pay $350 on Apple's watch, if it materializes.

The survey follows Samsung's attempt to beat Apple to the smartphone punch, introducing its $299 Galaxy Gear in advertisements. For Apple, the iWatch lives only in patents filed and registered trademarks. Munster, of the 'Apple TV is just around the corner' fame, follows another analyst who believes the iWatch could be an even bigger hit...

Skype receives its iOS 7 makeover

You can blame Microsoft-owned Skype for missing the train on stickers, games and other popular messaging features (sans video messages), but the application still stands out as the most popular VoIP software in use to this date. Skype wasn't among the list of third-party apps that were immediately updated with the new design following the September 18 iOS 7 release, so today both the iPhone and iPad clients have finally received a nice little refresh bringing the iOS 7 look and feel along with a few minor enhancements...

iPhone gaining over Android in US, two-thirds of iOS users on Apple Maps

Breaking all of the preconceived notions about the cyclicality of the iPhone, a new survey shows Apple's iOS gaining on Google's Android and the embattled BlackBerry during a three-month period ended August 2013. The iPhone gained 1.3 percentage points ranking as the top smartphone vendor in the United States with a cool 40.7 percent share of the nation's smartphone subscribers.

Although Google's Android  led with a dominating 51.6 percent share, its slice of the smartphone platform market actually shrank by 0.8 percentage points. What's really interesting about Apple's growth is that iOS outsold Android without the new iPhones. The full breakdown is after the break...

500px app gets new edge-to-edge design and more in 2.2 update

Popular photo-sharing service 500px has posted a significant update for its iOS client this weekend. The release, which brings the app to version 2.2, includes an all-new visual design and new swipe gestures.

The new translucent edge-to-edge design makes the app's interface more streamlined and accentuates high resolution photos. And the new swipe gestures help you quickly perform actions like 'Like' and 'Reply.'

Job listing suggests iTunes Radio is headed to Canada soon

Folks in Canada will be happy to hear that iTunes Radio may soon be landing in the country. A new job listing on Apple's website calls for a 'iTunes Canada Music Programmer,' who will be responsible for rolling out the music service.

Apple launched iTunes Radio last month alongside the redesigned iOS 7, and thus far it's only been available in the US. But if this job listing is any indication, the company could soon be rolling out the music service to more countries...

Activation Error: how running an old iOS 7 beta version will get you in trouble

This is a typical illustration of why only developers should install a beta version of a software. In this case, I'm specifically talking about iOS 7 beta, which has been wildly popular among non developers since Apple first made it available in June.

Of course, we've tried to warn everyone that unless you're a developer, you shouldn't really mess with iOS 7 beta. Since yesterday, those that didn't take this warning seriously might have gotten themselves into trouble.

iOS 7 beta 6 was set to expire on October 6, and people who haven't updated to the GM or public release by then found out the hard way that a developer release should really be only for developers.

Many people were greeted today with a message on their iOS device saying "Activation Error - This device is not registered as part of the iPhone Developer Program," rendering the device unusable. Activation Required...

7 apps that every iPhone photographer should use

There are thousands upon thousands of photo apps on the App Store. While some of them are truly amazing, others are average at most. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know which apps are worth your time and money. To help you find the cream of the crop, here is a list of 7 apps that every iPhone photographer should use...

Wallpapers of the week: iPad iOS 7 extravaganza

This week during the US government shut down, we are still diligently covering the latest Apple news and happenings. The iDB team is always quick to bring you the newest information and we pride ourselves in doing so. Like our hardworking staff behind, the readers are busy creating wallpapers for submission. Over the past weeks, loads of readers submitted many wallpapers.

Each week, the Wallpapers of the Week section features creative renditions by our readership. Over previous weeks, many of you complained there was a lack of iPad wallpapers for iOS 7. As always, I submit the best versions of the images I receive and iPad versions are scattered. However, to fulfill the request of our readership, this week I post access to 49 iPad retina wallpapers. Okay, most of them are variations of each other, but there is certainly something for everyone...

OtterBox introduces new wallet case for the iPhone 5, 5s

If you've been looking for a wallet-case combo for a new iPhone 5s, or your current iPhone 5, you may want to check out OtterBox. The company just announced a new Commuter Series Wallet case.

The case will fit both the iPhone 5 and 5s, and combines OtterBox's legendary toughness with the slimmer design of its Commuter series. And on the back, a space for your credit cards and money...

A thought for Steve

Today marks the two year anniversary of Steve Jobs' passing. I will forever remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news. Just like his life changed my life, so did his death, and if you're reading this site on a regular basis, I'll assume that you're feeling the same way.

Steve Jobs could be called many things, but to me he'll always be a rebel, a man who's been part of more technological revolutions than anybody in this world. A man who wasn't afraid of saying "no" when saying yes could have been so much easier. A man, who inspired many people and changed so even more lives.

On this day, let's take a minute to remember Steve and read this quote from him. It's deep. It's sincere. And it's real.

No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

Thank you for everything, Steve.