Rumors

By now, the fact that Apple is holding a press event on October 23 is old news. It's widely agreed that the long-rumored smaller iPad will finally be unveiled. But it's likely that the iPad Mini isn't the only thing that Apple will have up its sleeve. Expect to see at least one new Mac grace the stage during Tuesday's event.

There are a couple of reasons I'm confident that we'll see new Macs. First off, they're overdue -- Apple refreshed MacBooks last … Read more

Color Labs founder Bill Nguyen has a relationship with Apple. In 2009, the tech giant bought one of his startups called Lala for $80 million.

Now, rumor has it that Apple may be after his Color Labs too.

According to The Next Web, sources say that Apple has picked up the startup for a price in the "high double digits," and the deal is final even though papers aren't yet signed.

Color made a big splash when it launched last year as a location-based photo-sharing app for iOS and Android. Its charismatic founder, Nguyen, won big backers, … Read more

Verizon Wireless is set to become the next wireless provider to offer carrier billing for Google Play purchases, according to unconfirmed reports. An internal Verizon screenshot obtained by Droid Life shows that the feature will be enabled later this week, specifically on October 18.

It it follows through, Verizon would be the last major U.S. carrier to adopt the billing strategy for apps, games, and other content. With that in mind, it appears that Big Red is going to employ a somewhat different tactic from the other players.

As evidenced in the photo, Verizon will put a $25 cap … Read more

Apple customers will soon be able to pay for store items via the Passbook app, according to Tuaw and 9to5Mac.

Citing an "unnamed Apple source," TUAW said the company will update the EasyPay software used by store employees to scan Passbook-enabled Apple Store gift cards.

Slated to roll out soon, the update would let iPhone and iPod Touch owners with Passbook pay for items using payment card codes, 9to5Mac said.

In preparation, Apple has reportedly just finished replacing the cases on the EasyPay-equipped iPod Touch units used by store staffers in order to allow access to the rear … Read more

A pair of photos circulating the Internet today may be the first images of a rumored Sony Xperia Nexus, but it's more likely an elaborate hoax.

Appearing on Picasa this morning, the photos are tagged as "sony nexus" and "xperia nexus" and have EXIF details that show they were taken on a Galaxy Nexus over the weekend.

The front side of the handset is void of branding, but the backside shows both the Sony and Google logo, suggesting a "Pure Google" experience a la the Nexus program. Although the handset doesn't match … Read more

Those of you who ordered Apple's new iPod Touch may soon see one at your doorstep.

Apple seems to have just started shipping the latest iPod Touch to buyers today. A notice received by a Gigaom writer in Pennsylvania cited October 9 as the ship date from China and October 15 as the estimated delivery date.

The new iPod Touch was unveiled last month at Apple's iPhone 5 launch event. But the company never revealed a specific availability date for the Touch as it did for the new iPhone. Apple's online store still lists October as the "available to ship" date. … Read more

The much-rumored iPad Mini may not be here yet, but screen accessories are already popping up.

Known for its mobile device cases and similar products, Zagg is selling a $24.99 screen protector for Apple's allegedly upcoming tiny tablet. Noting that the screen protector is "coming soon," Zagg touts it as a "precision pre-cut invisibleShield" that provides "the toughest, most durable protection you will find."

To back up its claim, Zagg offers a lifetime guarantee on the product, promising to replace it for free should it wear or scratch. Zagg also kicks in … Read more

Microsoft is teasing its Surface tablet by listing the device on several product pages around the world.

Microsoft product sites in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, and Italy are just some of those showing Surface as an item under the product category.

But clicking on the link for the tablet simply brings you to a U.S. page on Surface with the note "Coming Soon."

Microsoft has been mum on about the price of its upcoming tablet.

CEO Steve Ballmer recently said that Surface would probably carry a price between $300 and $800. That's … Read more

Apple reportedly wants approval over any manufacturer making Lightning accessories, but that move could delay their availability to consumers.

Citing "multiple reliable sources," iLounge reports that Apple recently made "significant changes" to its its MFi policy. Short for made for iPhone, iPod, and iPad, MFi certification is needed by third-party manufacturers that want the Apple seal of approval on their products.

Going forward, only facilities certified by Apple will be allowed to make accessories for the new Lightning interface, including those of third party companies. The only problem? Sources reportedly told iLounge that Apple has yet … Read more