Year: 2010

Another day, another lawsuit. A company called Hybrid Audio is suing Apple, Dell, HTC and other companies of infringing a MP3-related patent for “Signal Processing Utilizing a Tree-Structured Array,” reports “AppleInsider” (http://www.appleinsider.com).

The application references “audio signals,” but makes no mention of MP3 files or the MPEG-1 Layer III standard. However, the lawsuit targets Apple, HTC and Dell for creating devices that allow playback of MP3 files, notes “AppleInsider.”

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (Calpers) — the largest public pension in the U.S. — is seeking to change the policies of Apple and 57 other large companies that make up a portion of its nearly US$200 billion U.S. portfolio. It wants Apple to change it he way it handles board of director elections, according to “The Wall Street Journal” (http://macte.ch/bYNA5).

GEAR4 (http://www.GEAR4.com) has announced the U.S. availability of UnityRemote. Now available through Amazon for US$99, the UnityRemote device turns any iPhone, iPod touch or iPad into a universal remote control.

It enables users to control everything from TVs to Hi-Fis, Blu-Ray players to digital TV boxes — anything that has an infrared receiver — using one single device, according to GEAR4 CEO Tom Dudderidge. UnityRemote works with two parts — an app, which is downloaded for free from the Apple App Store, and a small device that can be placed anywhere in the room.

E-mails purportedly coming from iTunes and bearing “iTunes account may be suspended” in the subject line have been hitting inboxes in the last few days, according to “Help Net Security” (http://www.net-security.org/malware_news.php?id=1576).

The message reads: “Dear iTunes Customer, it is possible that your account password has been stolen. 4 different IP addresses have been used to login to your account within the last 24 hours. Please visit the bellow link and read what to do and how to contact support department.”

NewerTech has announced NuStand alloy stands for the iPad and Mac mini.

The iPad version is designed to eliminate hard-to-view flat and unstable/unsafe “prop” viewing of an iPad. Featuring an, aircraft grade aluminum body and silicone center, the NewerTech NuStand Alloy for iPad gently yet securely holds an iPad up to a 15 degree angle in either portrait or landscape positions for personal viewing preferences. The open design provides full access to all ports for using, viewing and charging an iPad.