The Shins Are In Demand—and Competing Ads

Tech geeks believe Jobs will unveil new iPod this week

(NEWSER) - Apple this week invited tech geeks and reporters to a Wednesday event in San Francisco to unveil a secret something, and rumors are rampant about what it could be. The most popular theory is that Apple will revamp iTunes or launch a new version of its iPod—perhaps a video Nano, iPods based on Mac OS X, or an iPod with a touchscreen similar to the iPhone's. More»

She. Is. Not. Kidding.

(NEWSER) - You might think the world's second-richest guy's kids would be spoiled, and they might be: But they sure as hell don't have iPods. Melinda Gates revealed a household ban on all things Apple in an interview with the New York Times Magazine (via HuffPo): Of the kids, she says, "I have gotten that argument—'You may have a Zune.' " Pressed as to rumors that Bill works on an Apple laptop, Gates says, "False. Nothing crosses the threshold of our doorstep." More»

It's best not to let the boss know (unless he's got one, too)

(NEWSER) - If Microsoft executives want a reminder of how they've been trumped by Apple in the mobile business, they need only look around at their own employees. Chances are, they'll see quite a few iPhones in use, reports the Wall Street Journal . Insiders say 10,000 Microsoft workers used their iPhones to access the company's email system, a figure that represents about 10% of the total workforce. More»

Apple looks to cooperate with Microsoft as Google rivalry heats up

(NEWSER) - In a sign of just how tense Apple’s rivalry with Google has gotten, the software giant is in talks with archrival Microsoft to make Bing the primary search engine on the iPhone. The negotiations have been underway for weeks, sources tell Businessweek. “Apple and Google know the other is their primary enemy,” says an anonymous Apple insider. “Microsoft is now a pawn in that battle.” More»

(NEWSER) - Apple is closing in on a $700 million, all-cash deal to buy Twitter, Gawker reports. Silicon Valley sources say an agreement could be announced as early as next month at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, and the iPhone is reportedly the force behind the deal: Its users already post countless Twitter messages on Tweetie and other Apple apps. More»