MacRumors

Nearly three and a half years after the debut of a dedicated Apple Store app for iPhone, Apple is launching a new iPad version of the application today, reports TechCrunch. The new app, which appears to be U.S.-only for the time being, offers a "sparse" iOS 7 design aesthetic and makes use of high-quality images and context-aware panels to offer an exceptional user experience.

Where things start to get interesting is the way that the app handles context on the individual item purchase page. When you’re presented with an item selection screen on the iPad, for instance, you’ve got color, storage and connectivity sections, as well as specs, box contents and warranty info. If you tap on a color, you see the color options in the right-hand pane (or top pane in vertical mode). Tapping on storage gives you a contextually aware pane on the right that explains the size choice and why you might pick one over another. The same goes for WiFi or cellular options.

Gesture-based interactions include the ability to slickly swipe through a product's images right on category pages, while pinch gestures allow users to move between large and small grids of products. Exclusive to the new iPad app is a "Now Trending" section that uses algorithms to automatically highlight products seeing strong popularity in the store at any given time.

Apple's iPad app does not offer the same level of retail store integration seen with the iPhone version of the app, such as EasyPay and location-aware Genius Bar check-ins, as the iPad app is focused on home use rather than mobile, but the iPad app does provide convenient access for selecting store locations and viewing and booking appointments.

Apple Store for iPad is available now in the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Following the release of the MOGA Ace Power earlier this week, Logitech has officially announced its PowerShell game controller for the iPhone 5/5c/5s and the fifth-generation iPod touch. The form-fitting controller is made to plug into the Lightning port on a newer iOS device and features console-style controls including a directional pad, shoulder bumpers, and face buttons. The controller also allows for headphones to be connected through an included adapter, and also leaves the volume up/down buttons, ring/silent switch, and power/sleep button of an iOS device fully accessible.

Logitech's controller also includes a 1500 mAh battery which will charge an iOS device whiile it is plugged into the controller, and can also be charged simultaneously with a device through the controller's micro-USB port.

Rumors of Logitech's controller originally surfaced with a photo of an early prototype back in June, with Logitech teasing the controller's existence in September. The final design of the controller is also consistent with leaked images of the device released in October.

Currently, games such as Dead Trigger 2, Asphalt 8: Airborne, and Bastion offer controller support, with additional developers pledging to build controller support into their apps now that the hardware is avaliable to consumers.

The Logitech PowerShell Controller is available today for $99.99 from Bestbuy.com and the Apple Online Store, with an expanded international release set for December.

Apple today received final approval for its Apple Campus 2 project from the Cupertino City Council after gaining a unanimous initial approval back in October. "Go for it," said Cupertino Mayor Orrin Mahoney, following tonight's unanimous vote in favor of the project. "We're eager to see it happen. Go for it."

With the vote, the Cupertino City Council approved the necessary ordinances to allow Apple to enter into an official Development Agreement with the City of Cupertino, which will see the company receiving its full set of building permits on November 20. Apple has already received ancillary permits allowing it to begin demolition of the former HP campus that is already on the site.

As part of the final agreement, Apple has agreed to increase the amount of taxes that it pays to the City of Cupertino, in the form of a reduction of the sales tax rebate that the company receives each year from the city (via The Los Angeles Times). Last year, Cupertino refunded 50 percent of the sales taxes it received from Apple-related purchases, but in the future, it will only refund 35 percent of sales taxes.

Phase 1 of the Campus 2 construction will include a 2.8 million square foot ring-shaped main building with an underground parking facility capable of accommodating approximately 2,400 vehicles. A 100,000 square foot fitness center and a 120,000 square foot auditorium will also be built. During a second phase of construction, Apple will build 600,000 square feet worth of office, research, and development buildings, along with additional parking and energy generation facilities.

Apple's Campus 2 is designed to be environmentally friendly, incorporating 80 percent green space with 300 different species of trees, orchards, and a central garden with outdoor dining areas. The facility will also use efficient water and landscaping in addition to garnering 70 percent of its energy from solar and fuel cells.

Apple plans to finish the first phase of the Apple Campus 2 construction by 2016.

The Gilbert Public School Board has approved a tax break for Apple, clearing the way for the company to continue on with its plans to build a 700-employee manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona, reports AZ Central. The school board is reportedly the last of eight government entities needed to approve the deal, which will see Apple's property reclassified as a foreign trade zone.

The Gilbert Public Schools' governing board on Monday voted 5-0 in favor of allowing a tax break for Apple Inc., meaning the tech giant can continue with its plans to open a manufacturing plant in Mesa.

The fate of the high-profile deal potentially worth hundreds of jobs seemed to hang in the balance, with the school district being the last of eight governing entities needed to approve a property reclassification that would entitle the premier tech company to a tax break.

First announced in early November, the Arizona facility will be used by Apple partner GT Advanced to produce sapphire glass for Apple.

In addition to providing GT Advanced with a manufacturing plant, Apple will also fund the company with a prepayment of $578 million, allowing GT Advanced to install next-generation high capacity furnaces to manufacture greater quantities of sapphire glass at a lower cost.

Apple currently uses sapphire glass, which is more durable and scratch resistant than other glasses, in small quantities for both the iPhone's rear camera and the Touch ID home button on the iPhone 5s.

Rumors have suggested that sapphire glass could be used for future smartphone displays and it is also possible that Apple will use sapphire glass from GT Advanced for its rumored iWatch. Sapphire glass is already used by high-end watchmaking companies for its extreme durability.

The sapphire glass facility is set to open in Mesa, Arizona in 2014 and according to Apple, will provide more than 2,000 total jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and construction as it is built.

Apple has released a newly updated version of its Find My Friends app with an iOS 7-inspired redesign. The app was Apple's last consumer-focused app to receive a redesign for iOS 7, though iAd Gallery and iTunes Connect retain their old look-and-feel.

Other than the new design, Find My Friends does not appear to have any new features.

Last week, Apple released updated versions of iBooks and iTunes U with similar redesigns.

Find My Friends is a free download for the iPhone and iPad from the App Store. [Direct Link]

Two new channels have appeared on the Apple TV set-top box, with U.S. public television system PBS delivering some of its content through a new channel and Yahoo announcing the launch of Yahoo Screen, a channel for browsing videos such as Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as hosted by Yahoo.

Full access to the PBS app, which includes over 5,000 hours of content, requires users to sign in with a Facebook, Google+, or PBS account, which subscribes them to email updates through their local PBS stations.

Apple has been rapidly expanding the number of content channels available on the Apple TV over the past several months, adding channels such as WatchESPN and HBO GO in June and music video channel Vevo and several Disney channels in August and September. The company is also said to be working on deals with cable provider Time Warner and TV network The CW.

An official at an Apple display supplier in Korea has told the The Korea Times (via Unwired View) that production of a 12.9-inch Retina Display to be used in the next-generation iPad is underway, with the tablet's release set for early next year. The report states that the 12.9-inch iPad will have an improved display nearing ultra high-definition (UHD) quality, which would be significantly bigger and contain many more pixels than Apple's current 9.7-inch iPad Air.

“Apple’s local first-tier display supplier is now producing a 12.9-inch Retina Display to be used in the new iPad, which will be coming out sometime early next year,” an official at a local Apple supplier in Korea told The Korea Times by telephone Tuesday.

...“The 12.9-inch iPad will have improved picture quality. As the Apple partner intends to boost its lineup for displays that have almost ultra high-definition (UHD) quality, the upcoming iPad will provide very clear quality similar to that of UHD,” said the official.

Reports of a 12.9-inch iPad have surfaced occasionally throughout the past couple of months, with The Wall Street Journal reporting in July that Apple and its suppliers had begun testing screens for a 12.9-inch iPad and a larger iPhone, which followed a sketchy rumor in May that said Apple was launching an "iPad Maxi" to target the ultrabook market. Supply chain research done by NPD DisplaySearch in October also suggested that a 12.9-inch iPad is set for debut next year, though that report did not specify when exactly the tablet would be released.

However, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo countered reports about a larger iPad in a research note last month, stating that he expects the company will instead release a new sixth-generation 9.7-inch iPad with 30%-40% higher pixel density than Apple's current iPad line. Apple just released the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display earlier this month, with the latter experiencing supply constraints, and a new "iPad Pro" would expand the iPad family to encompass three sizes.

The first iOS 7 game controller launched today, with MOGA officially announcing its MOGA Ace Power controller for the iPhone 5/5c/5s and the fifth-generation iPod touch. The expandable controller is designed to plug into the Lightning port on Apple's newer devices and features dual analog sticks, a d-pad, action buttons, a headphone jack, and L1/R1 L2/R2 buttons.

MOGA's controller includes MOGA Boost, which will charge an iOS device while it is plugged into the controller, extending gameplay. It also has an LED battery life indicator, a pause button, and a button that controls the lock functionality on the iOS device.

Rumors of MOGA's controller originally surfaced shortly after WWDC, where the controller API was first revealed. In addition to MOGA, other companies like Logitech are also said to be producing iOS game controllers with similar features.

Eli Hodapp, editor-in-chief of our sister site TouchArcade, had the opportunity to go hands-on with the MOGA Ace Power and he has a detailed review along with a video demonstrating how the controller works.

According to Hodapp, while the Ace Power has a lot of potential for games like shooters and titles originally developed for consoles, it does suffer from some significant limitations and issues. Two major complaints were its Lightning port connection, which prevents it from functioning with the iPad or Apple TV, and a lack of testing by developers who have already implemented support into their apps.

Even in the best games, rough edges are everywhere when using an iOS 7 controller. Virtual buttons still persist on screen regardless of whether or not you're using a controller in most of the games I've tried. I've been the most excited for the potential of Bluetooth iOS 7 controllers, and having one that uses the Lightning port is vaguely disappointing because of the limitations it imposes.

The latency introduced through AirPlay is substantial, and I can't imagine anyone playing a game on their TV via AirPlay using a controller for anything past the initial "Huh, well that's neat," sensation. It's "playable," in massive air quotes, but isn't a great experience by any means.

In comparison to a standard console controller, Hodapp also pointed out that the MOGA Ace Power didn't feel worth its substantial $99 price tag, due to its texture, the rattling of the sliding mechanism, and the buttons. Despite these negatives, he declared it an important step forward in iOS gaming.

At the current point in time, multiple games offer iOS 7 controller support, including titles like Bastion, Dead Trigger 2, and the recently released Oceanhorn. Additional developers will build controller support into their apps now that the hardware is available to consumers, and software support is also likely to improve with an actual product available for testing.

The MOGA Ace Power controller, priced at $99, will be available from the MOGA website, the Online Apple Store and Apple retail stores on Wednesday. For additional details on the Ace Power, make sure to check out the full TouchArcade review.

As the holidays approach, Apple's iPhone 5s supplies are continuing to improve, alleviating the supply constraints the company has faced since the phone first launched on September 20.

In the Online Apple Store, iPhone 5s shipping estimates for all models and capacities have decreased to three to five days in multiple countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Asia Pacific. The iPhone 5s continues to ship within one to two weeks in European countries.

Just a week ago, iPhone 5s shipping estimates improved to one to two weeks in all countries, following an extended two to three week shipping estimate. iPhone 5s supplies have been tight since the phone launched, and shipping estimates fell to 7 to 10 days just hours after release.

Supplies of the gold iPhone were especially low, but reports have indicated that Apple has significantly ramped up its iPhone 5s production in recent weeks, while cutting back on iPhone 5c production. Just today, a report suggested that Foxconn would cease production of the iPhone 5c to focus entirely on the iPhone 5s.

Apple is now offering the iPhone 5s in more than 60 countries, with no noticeable impact on its overall supplies. In store quantities of the iPhone 5s also continue to improve, with most models and capacities available for immediate pickup in a large number of Apple retail stores across the United States.

Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia have agreed to a $17 million settlement with Google over the company's circumvention of privacy settings in Safari, reports PCWorld. Google previously agreed to a $22.5 million settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to settle a similar case between the company and the federal government.

Google took advantage of a loophole in Safari's privacy settings designed to prevent placement of third-party cookies by default, using invisible web forms to trick Safari into thinking that users had interacted with Google's ads and thus allowing cookies to be placed on the device.

"Consumers should be able to know whether there are other eyes surfing the web with them," [New York Attorney General Eric] Schneiderman said in a statement. "By tracking millions of people without their knowledge, Google violated not only their privacy, but also their trust."

Google said it was pleased to reach the settlement. "We work hard to get privacy right at Google and have taken steps to remove the ad cookies, which collected no personal information, from Apple's browsers," a spokeswoman said by email.

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin were all involved in the settlement.

Samsung's Galaxy Gear has not been selling well, according to a new report from BusinessKorea. First launched in September, the $299 smart watch has been purchased less than 50,000 times and has received largely negative reviews.

With daily sales reaching just 800 to 900 units, Galaxy Gear sales are falling below initial industry expectation, despite an aggressive marketing campaign from Samsung.

During Business Insider's Ignition conference in NYC, Samsung EVP David Eun spoke about the Galaxy Gear smart watch, lauding the company for being first to market and promising great things in the future. He compared the Galaxy Gear to a green tomato that would ripen over time.

When you're dealing with innovation and when you're dealing with startups, I always make the analogy to small green tomatoes. What we're dealing with is small green tomatoes and what we want to do is take care of them and work with them so they can become big red ripe tomatoes.

And what you want to be sure is that you don't pluck the green tomato too early and you want to make sure you don’t criticize a small green tomato for not being a big red ripe tomato.

It's a 1.0 device. I like it a ton. It's 1.0. Personally, I don't think enough people gave us the credit for innovating and getting it out there. Not easily done to integrate all this functionality into one thing. But I would also say over time this thing is going to get big and red.

While Samsung is the first major electronics company to come out with a smart watch aside from Sony, other tech companies, like Apple and Google, are also working on developing their own smart watch products which could compete with future offerings from Samsung.

Apple's iWatch is said to incorporate several health-monitoring functionalities, along with a full version of iOS. Recent rumors have indicated that it could come in multiple sizes, combating the bulkiness issue that plagued the Galaxy Gear.

Though Samsung's Galaxy Gear product is already on the market, Apple has reportedly opted to hold off on releasing its iWatch as the company works to solve battery life issues. The Galaxy Gear launched with a single day battery life, but Apple is aiming for a battery life of at least four to five days.

Apple is supposedly preparing to launch its iWatch in late 2014, and began filing trademarks for the product earlier this year. The company is also said to be focusing most of its resources on wearables, delaying its ongoing television plans.

Update: According to a report from Reuters, Samsung announced on Tuesday that it had sold 800,000 Galaxy Gear watches since the device's debut two months ago. Yonhap reports [Google Translate] that the 50,000 number referred to South Korea alone.