New iPhone App Locates Pot Spots

Move to Android seen as real challenge to iPhone, BlackBerry

(NEWSER) - Google and Verizon will partner on a line of smartphones and software running the search giant’s Android OS and served by the carrier. Verizon is the largest-yet wireless network to back Google, and the announcement could complicate what was once a simple smartphone rivalry between Apple and BlackBerry, BusinessWeek reports. Analysts expect a handful of Android phones by the likes of Motorola and Samsung by month’s end. More»

(NEWSER) - For all the iPhone’s bells and whistles, it doesn’t mesh well with Gmail. While users of Palm Pre and Android smartphones get instant “push” notification of new email, iPhone users have to manually “pull” messages off Google’s server. A simple new app may finally bring push Gmail to the iPhone, TechCrunch reports—if Apple approves it for sale. More»

Finding App Store bug costs Charlie Miller his license

(NEWSER) - Security guru Charlie Miller found himself kicked out of Apple's developer program just hours after he announced that he had found a major security flaw. Miller discovered a hole that allows iPhone and iPad applications to grab potentially malicious code from third-party servers even after they have been approved and gone live on the App Store, Forbes reports. More»

$1.99 app made it easier to view documents

(NEWSER) - Apple has apparently joined the ranks of corporations that want nothing to do with WikiLeaks—it removed an unofficial application related to the site from the App Store, TechCrunch reports. The $1.99 app allowed users to access documents released by WikiLeaks—essentially charging for the convenient delivery of the free information. Apple confirmed the removal but didn't shed much light, notes CNET : The app "violated our developer guidelines," said a spokeswoman. “Apps must comply with all local laws and may not put an individual or group in harm’s way.” Click here for more. More»

Kids are unknowingly racking up big bills

(NEWSER) - Geez, Papa Smurf. The "Smurfs' Village" Apple app is a free download, but it's making big bucks for creator Capcom Entertainment. How so? It's those "in-app purchases" that allow players to buy smurfberries or whatever for real money. Which is all well and good, except that AP reports lots of parents are complaining that their young kids are blissfully, and unknowingly, racking up big bills on mom's credit card with the click of a button. More»