Apple releases security patch via iOS 7.0.6

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This is a security patch for an SSL verification bug. There are three different patches, one for iPhone 4, iPod touch (5th gen) and iPad 2 and later, one for Apple TV, and one for earlier devices. Links in the post.

Apple buys mobile app management and analytics firm Burstly

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The rumors were flying ever since Wednesday:

Burstly, the makers of an in-app ad management platform called SkyRocket and the parent company of popular mobile app testing platform TestFlight, has been acquired, we’re hearing. Though we’re working to get more information on this now, including deal terms, our understanding is that Apple is the acquirer here.

This rumor was confirmed earlier today by Re/code.

The real story of the Sochi wolf hoax

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A member of the US Olympic luge team posted a video showing an apparent wolf roaming the hallways of one of the Olympic Village dorms. Watch the embedded video for the real story.

Google unveils phone designed to build 3D map of your surroundings

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This is fascinating technology.

The device’s sensors allow it make over 250,000 3D measurements every second and update its position in real-time.

Google said potential applications may include indoor mapping, helping the visually-impaired navigate unfamiliar indoor places unassisted and gaming.

Watch the video in the post to get a better sense of this. I think this is a great idea, long time coming. The question is, can Google make this useful and usable. The potential is huge.

Google buys ad-click fraud fighter spider.io

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As markets mature, fraud is sure to follow. Google and Apple both have their share of problem to solve, from online browser and YouTube click fraud for Google and App Store gaming issues for Apple.

Why Facebook needed WhatsApp

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Between the two companies, about 1 billion photos and 30 billion messages are sent per day.

That’s a lot. Good read.

Accusations of App Store manipulation

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Not sure what to make of this. Is the App Store being gamed, or are people being careless with their .99? Follow the links in the story to get the big picture. There are a lot of them.

Great interview with Lorne Michaels

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I loved this. My favorite line:

Q: The Internet is always ready to pounce when you step out of line. Do you read any of that? A: No. I also don’t tweet. I don’t tweet for a very simple reason, which is that I drink.

[Via Daring Fireball]

Why did Jimmy Fallon’s MacBook Pro lose its Apple?

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The MacBook Pro on Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night desk was like a cast member, a regular part of his show. Apple was always a part of the show and was listed as a sponsor in the credits. Now the Apple logo is gone.

The right way to implement iBeacons

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This year, we’re going to hear a lot about iBeacon technology. Some of it will be good, some bad. It all comes down to thinking of ways to benefit the consumer.

Seventh grader builds a braille printer with $350 worth of Legos

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Banerjee noticed that braille printers can cost more than $2,000 and wondered if he could drop the price, according to his father, Niloy. A Mindstorms kit is $350 and easily modifiable, giving Banerjee most of the parts he needed to build the printer.

Big fan of Lego Mindstorms. We have several in our house. This is one talented kid.

Candy Crush maker King Digital’s IPO filing

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King games have been downloaded on 500 million mobile devices, almost one game for every person in Brazil and the U.S. What’s more, about 408 million of those consumers play at least one game a month; some 124 million play every day.

Those are staggering numbers. But is this success long term?

Apple patents MacBook with illuminated touch controls in chassis, bezel & frame

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In anyone else’s hands, I would worry about the user experience with touch controls embedded in the chassis. The potential for bad experience is huge if major changes are made to the keyboard, trackpad and screen. But Apple has consistently delivered in this area. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for laptops.

Google’s pursuit of sports broadcasting

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Very interesting piece (behind free reg-wall) on Google’s slow move into sports broadcasting, an area traditionally dominated by the major networks and satellite/cable conglomerates.