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Today's Top Stories
1. Google Books exits App Store as Apple cracks down on in-app purchases
2. Report: Facebook's iPad application hidden inside iPhone app code
3. RIM acquires video editing startup JayCut
4. Forrester: Tablets generate 21% of mobile traffic to retailer sites
5. Traffic data provider Inrix lands $37M in Series D Also Noted: Spotlight On... Qualcomm scoops up GestureTek gesture recognition tools
Flipboard teams with Conde Nast for iPad ads; LG duets with Jane's Addiction for 3D concert and much more...  FierceMobileContent is on Twitter
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| Sponsor: ebook: Mobile Video's Promise Events > CTO Telecom Summit - September 18-21, 2011 - Montelucia Resort, Scottsdale, AZ
> Cloud Connectivity and Device Content 2011 - 20-21 September 2011 - BH Barbizon Palace, Amsterdam
> LocNav USA 2011 - October 18-19 - San Jose
> The Open Mobile Summit: Registration now open, act now! - November 2-4 2011 - San Francisco, CA
> Appcelerate - November 4, 2011 - San Francisco, CA
> Android Developers Conference - November 6-9 - San Francisco
Marketplace > eBook: Path to 4G
> eBook: OTT Delivery: An Online Video Revolution That Changed TV Forever
> New Fierce eBook: Cashing in on the Cloud Services Opportunity
> Looking for a better mobile Web experience?
> New Fierce eBook: Realizing Mobile Video's Promise
Jobs > Sr. RF Engineer at SyChip, Inc. in Plano, TX
> Atoll RF Planning / Optimization Tool Product Support Engineers at Forsk, Chicago, IL
> Radio Network Trainer, Wireless WorkForce in San Diego, CA
> Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs
* Post a classified ad: Click here.
* General ad info: Click here | Today's Top News 1. Google Books exits App Store as Apple cracks down on in-app purchases
Both e-book retailer Kobo and The Wall Street Journal will no longer sell content directly to consumers via their iOS applications, indicating that Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is beginning to actively enforce recent App Store subscription guidelines prohibiting media providers from integrating in-app purchase options linking consumers directly to their own websites. The Wall Street Journal also reports that Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) has removed its Google Books e-reader solution from the App Store inventory.  | | Google removed its Google Books e-reader solution from the App Store inventory. | Kobo CEO Mike Serbinis said Apple told the firm Saturday it may no longer operate its digital bookstore from within its branded iOS applications and must stop selling e-books directly through the solutions. Kobo complied, updating the app to remove sales options; iOS device users who wish to buy Kobo titles must now visit the company's website via the browser. The Wall Street Journal, which was circumventing Apple's rules by including website links inside its iPad app, will also eliminate all purchase options, meaning consumers who download the app and wish to subscribe to the digital publication must either call customer service or visit WSJ.com. "We remain concerned that Apple's own subscription [rules] would create a poor experience for our readers, who would not be able to directly manage their WSJ account or to easily access our content across multiple platforms," a Journal spokesperson said. Apple declined to comment. Apple introduced the App Store subscription platform in mid-February. Publishers immediately expressed serious reservations over the terms of the service, which awarded Apple 30 percent of subscription revenues, as well as ownership of consumer data like names and email addresses. Some smaller developers even scrapped their iOS application plans. Apple quietly updated the guidelines in June, removing all pricing guidelines and giving content providers the freedom to offer in-app subscriptions at any price they wish. "Apps can read or play approved content (specifically magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and video) that is subscribed to or purchased outside of the app, as long as there is no button or external link in the app to purchase the approved content," reads section 11.14 of the revised App Store Subscriptions agreement. "Apple will not receive any portion of the revenues for approved content that is subscribed to or purchased outside of the app." Apple set a June 30 deadline to comply to the rule. For more:
- read this Wall Street Journal article Related articles:
Apple eases App Store in-app subscription rules
Hearst inks deal with Apple for iPad magazine subscriptions
Time Inc./Apple deal yields free iPad magazines for print subscribers
Publishers balk at Apple's App Store subscription terms
Apple rolls out App Store subscription plans Read more about: Apple, Google, App Store, Wall Street Journal
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2. Report: Facebook's iPad application hidden inside iPhone app code
Facebook's long-awaited application for Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad tablet is reportedly buried within the code of the latest version of the social networking giant's iPhone app, issued this weekend. TechCrunch reports that Facebook for iPhone 3.4.4 includes a fully executable version of the native, HTML5-based iPad app, although the solution is currently usable only on jailbroken iPad units. The app touts a left-side menu system, popover menus, News Feed, Places integration and other features. A source confirms that the edition of Facebook for iPad discovered in the iPhone app code is the same version the company plans to formally launch sometime in the near future. More than 12 months after the iPad first hit retail, Facebook remains conspicuously absent from the tablet platform. In mid-June, The New York Times reported Facebook for iPad has been in production for over a year, evolving through a series of design iterations. People who have seen the app say its user experience is tailored for the iPad's touchscreen interface, with revamped Facebook Chat and Facebook Groups features. Facebook also will unveil new full-screen photo and video-sharing tools. Sources indicate that Facebook also plans to retool its mobile website to accommodate the iPad form factor--one person said the site is not intended to compete with Facebook's iPhone and iPad apps, but it will "supplement these experiences." Last month, TechCrunch reported that Facebook is developing an HTML5-based mobile platform optimized for the iPhone and iPad designed to circumvent the App Store distribution channel, giving Facebook far greater control over the user experience as well as premium app downloads and in-app transactions. Apple has sold more than 25 million iPad units since introducing the device in April 2010. During that time, Facebook users have consistently bemoaned the absence of a web interface developed for touchscreen-based devices. Third-party developers have stepped in to fill the void, rolling out Facebook-themed iPad apps including MyPad, iFace and Facetab. Facebook now boasts almost 700 million users worldwide, with more than 250 million consumers actively using Facebook's mobile products across all platforms, up from only 65 million a year ago. According to Nielsen Company data published last year, Facebook is also the most popular app on Apple's iOS platform, with 50 percent of users accessing the solution within the last 30 days. For more:
- read this TechCrunch article Related articles:
Facebook finally launching app for Apple's iPad
Report: Facebook mobile platform will circumvent Apple's App Store
Report: Facebook poised to launch iPhone photo-sharing app
Facebook user growth slows for second consecutive month
Study: Over half of all Americans now on Facebook Read more about: Mobile Social Networking, Facebook, iPad
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3. RIM acquires video editing startup JayCut
4. Forrester: Tablets generate 21% of mobile traffic to retailer sites
More consumers prefer shopping on their tablet over their smartphone, according to a new survey conducted by Forrester Research. Nine percent of all online shoppers now own a tablet, and close to half report using the device to make an online purchase, Forrester notes--more than half of respondents who own both a tablet and a smartphone indicate they prefer to shop via tablet, and while the number of smartphones far surpasses the number of tablets, retailers report that tablets now generate 21 percent of their mobile traffic. Forrester credits the growth of tablet-based e-commerce to the larger screen size and the possibilities for richer content interaction inherent in features like page flipping, horizontal scrolling and audio recognition. The firm also credits the portability of tablets, stating that the living room is the most common room for tablet usage but also citing significant activity in destinations like airports and restaurants. Despite consumer enthusiasm for tablet-based shopping, retailers have been slow to keep pace. On average, retailers have invested just $14,000 to roll out commerce tools optimized for the tablet format, Forrester reports. For more:
- read this Forrester blog entry Related articles:
Gartner: Worldwide mobile payment volume to grow 76 percent in 2011
Financial execs survey: Mobile payments going mainstream by 2015
Forecast: Mobile payments market to reach $670B by 2015
PayPal forecasts mobile payments to reach $3B in 2011
Forecast: Contactless payments to reach $50B worldwide by 2014 Read more about: Metrics, M-Commerce
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5. Traffic data provider Inrix lands $37M in Series D
Traffic information services firm Inrix has completed a $37 million funding round led by Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers' Green Growth Fund and August Capital. The firm said the new financing will support acquisition efforts and fuel its global expansion and R&D prospects, with an emphasis on enhancing its mobile applications and in-car solutions. More than 100 million consumers across 22 countries in North America and Europe now use Inrix-powered traffic services. Earlier this year, the company signed agreements with automakers Audi and Toyota to deliver real-time traffic information and routing tools optimized for connected navigation systems. In addition, close to 2 million drivers use the Inrix Traffic app for iPhone and Android--versions for BlackBerry and Windows Phone devices are launching this week. Inrix also ships white-label mobile apps for partners Ford and Navigon. For more:
- read this release Related articles:
ComScore: Mobile map access up 39% since 2010
FCC to host consumer forum on mobile location data Read more about: VC/M&A, Location-Based Services, Inrix
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Also Noted SPOTLIGHT ON... Qualcomm scoops up GestureTek gesture recognition tools Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) has acquired certain assets from gesture recognition technology developer GestureTek. Financial details were not disclosed. Qualcomm plans to integrate GestureTek solutions into its current and next-generation Snapdragon processors, enabling manufacturers to produce smartphones, tablets and other connected devices to support user interfaces based on natural human movement. GestureTek is retaining some assets and will continue its gesture-controlled public display and digital signage business. Release Quick news from across the Web > Flipboard teams with Conde Nast for iPad ads. Release > LG duets with Jane's Addiction for 3D concert. Release > Fiat Source app rolls out to iPad. Release Wireless News > RIM slashes 2,000 jobs, says COO to retire. Article > GSM picks Barcelona to host Mobile World Congress through 2018. Article > Activist investor Icahn wants Motorola to monetize its patent portfolio. Article Broadband Wireless News > AT&T to add another $1 billion to 2011 capex thanks to wireless. Article > Clearwire, Sprint, Time Warner announce significant expansion of NYC WiMAX footprint. Article > Proposed legislation could put white-space plans in jeopardy. Article European Wireless News > Orange unveils new digital content and design unit. Article > TomTom collides with smartphones, reports unexpected loss. Article > Tele2 gains scale with Network Norway purchase. Article And finally... The world's most expensive hot dog, complete with pulverized porcini mushrooms, white truffle shavings and creme fraiche dressing. Article  | > CTO Telecom Summit - September 18-21, 2011 - Montelucia Resort, Scottsdale, AZ The CTO Telecom Summit, September 18-21, 2011, will bring together CTOs to discuss IT topics and trends currently affecting the industry. The 2011 agenda has been revamped to include focus groups, think tanks, and analyst Q&As, all of which encourage meaningful conversations between delegates, analysts and solution providers. Learn more. > Cloud Connectivity and Device Content 2011 - 20-21 September 2011 - BH Barbizon Palace, Amsterdam The Cloud Connectivity and Device Content Summit will outline the key steps operators need to take to ensure their services are ready to compete against OTT providers and bring value to their brand. Attend and hear exceptional cases of best practice, identify which customers to market to and answer questions on how cloud is driving convergence between devices. Register today! > LocNav USA 2011 - October 18-19 - San Jose Bringing together our highly successful Location Business Summit, with our long-running Navigation conference, LocNav USA is a large-scale, senior-level event. It comprises of two executive-level conferences, a central exhibition, workshops and our new Get Funded Show. For more information click here or email naomi@thewherebusiness.com. > The Open Mobile Summit: Registration now open, act now! - November 2-4 2011 - San Francisco, CA Meet the most influential and the most innovative in converging mobile, Internet, media and apps at the thought leadership event of the year. Act now - click here!
> Appcelerate - November 4, 2011 - San Francisco, CA Registration now open! Meet the leaders of the Mobile app economy. The CEOs of the hottest app publishers share their secrets on making, marketing and monetizing mobile apps. Don't miss out, this event sells out! Click here for more info. > Android Developers Conference - November 6-9 - San Francisco AnDevCon is the world's premier event for Android apps development and management. It features top experts and is 100% Android focused. Fierce subscribers receive a $100 discount off the Full Passport by inserting code MEDIASPONSOR when prompted on the eRegistration page at www.andevcon.com
| > eBook: Path to 4G In this eBook we will explore the current state of 4G deployments in the U.S., the role of devices in attracting consumers and more. Download this new eBook brought to you by FierceWireless. > eBook: OTT Delivery: An Online Video Revolution That Changed TV Forever This eBook from FierceOnlineVideo, will look at which segment stands to benefit the most from this new delivery vehicle, and which stands to lose, as the nascent video revolution marches forward.Click here to download today. > New Fierce eBook: Cashing in on the Cloud Services Opportunity This eBook from FierceTelecom we will explore the trends, benefits and challenges service providers have in building a profitable cloud service business.Click here to download today. > Looking for a better mobile Web experience? Experience 20-30% faster page downloads, up to 70% faster JavaScript execution, HD video at 30 fps. Download the White Papers from the Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc and Qualcomm's Web Technologies and begin to optimize the mobile Web to perform like the wired Web. > New Fierce eBook: Realizing Mobile Video's Promise This eBook from FierceMobileContent will look at some of the technologies necessary to deliver a quality mobile video experience as well as delve into the various business models necessary for making this a reality. Click here to download today.
| > Sr. RF Engineer at SyChip, Inc. in Plano, TX If you have RF Engineering experience in wireless technology – this is a great OPPORTUNITY to join an exciting company and to become a part of a winning team Murata Electronics North America, Inc., a leading international electronic component sales organization, is seeking a Senior RF Engineer for our Plano, Texas office. Learn More! > Atoll RF Planning / Optimization Tool Product Support Engineers at Forsk, Chicago, IL Forsk is looking for support engineers for its RF planning & optimization software, Atoll. Main responsibilities will be: Technical support for existing customers (hotline, emails); Support during evaluations (remote and on-site); Pre-sale/Post-sale training & mentoring sessions... Read more. > Radio Network Trainer, Wireless WorkForce in San Diego, CA Wireless WorkForce Technical Training is seeking one or more full or part-time trainers to train students on the installation of microwave and radio access network equipment at our San Diego California facility. The ideal candidate(s) will meet the following criteria: *Alcatel Lucent radio access network and microwave equipment experience *Extensive knowledge and experience in microwave network installation... Learn more. > Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs | |
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