By Cynthia Herbert :: 1:29 AM
The Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple has rejected allegations by the U.S. Justice Department’s that it had colluded with publishers over electronic book pricing, saying that the charges were “simply not true.”
Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris told the Journal, “The launch of the iBookstore in 2010 fostered innovation and competition, breaking Amazon’s monopolistic grip on the publishing industry.”
In an antitrust lawsuit filed on Wednesday, the Justice Department alleged that CEOs of book publishing companies met regularly to discuss how to respond to steep discounting of their e-books by Amazon, a practice they did not like
The executives allegedly worked with each other to come up with a solution to what one of them called a “wretched $9.99 price point,” according to the suit.
The publishers and Apple then put together  an agreement that lifted the price of many best-selling e-books to $12.99 or $14.99, according to the Justice Department. The publishers then banded together to force that model upon Amazon, the government alleged.
Three of the publishers have reached a settlement with the Justice Department, that agrees to let Amazon and other retailers resume the discounting of e-books. Settlement of a separate lawsuit brought by other U.S. states could lead to tens of millions of dollars in restitution being paid to consumers who bought e-books when they had higher prices.
Amazon called the settlement a “victory for consumers and users of its Kindle e-reading device.” The company promised to renew discounting, which could put pressure on its rivals, like Barnes & Noble.
“We look forward to being allowed to lower prices on more Kindle books,” Amazon said in a statement on the matter.
By Gilbert Falso :: 12:30 PM
Unlike last night, where false news of Penn State’s longtime football coach Joe Paterno’s death spread across social media like wildfire, the story today is much more sobering. Paterno has died due to complications from lung cancer.
Around 8:45 yesterday evening, false news from Onward State, a student run news blog covering Penn State, was catapulted through Twitter and Facebook, saying Paterno had died. CBS jumped on, and it took off from there. About 20 minutes later, the news was proved to be false, and in the aftermath, Onward State’s managing editor, Devon Edwards, resigned.
News about Paterno’s death:
By Cynthia Herbert :: 9:36 PM
No, he’s not dead.
At least not according to a family spokesperson, who went on the record just before 9:00 PM tonight to say that ex-Penn State football coach Joe Paterno was not dead.
Paterno, who is in the hospital for complications from lung cancer, is the latest victim in the quick spread of false death news via social media. Last month it was Jon Bon Jovi, who had to send out a picture of himself holding a sign that read, “Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey” before fans would believe the truth.
Some outlets are still showing headline of Paterno’s death on Google news – see the Allentown Morning Call below:
Beginning around 8:35 PM, Twitter became, well, all atwitter with news of his death. Popular news outlets, including several right in State College reported on the news. The AP appeared to be the first to correct the news, and tweet out that the death was false, and they did so around 9:15.
Cynthia Herbert :: 10:04 PM
Did you get a new iPhone for the holidays, or just pick one up after your old contract expired? You’re not alone – many are finding themselves with a new piece of technology in their hands these days, and in a quandary when they look at all of the case choices available. We’ve talked to many iPhone 4 users, and put together this list of our top 5 finds.
1) SmallWorks BrickCase – $19.99
This cute iPhone case actually doubles as a base for building with LEGO® bricks! Build, modify, play, then take your own creations with you. In addition to being a fun conversation piece, the case provides protection against bumps, scratches, chips and dirt.
2) Etch A Sketch Hard Case – $24.00
LEGOs not your thing? Here’s another fun case that takes you back to your childhood days – Etch A Sketch! Made of impact resistant plastic, this iPhone case is durable and strong. No, the buttons aren’t real, they don’t do anything, but it will be the envy of your co-workers and friends. And a bonus, it’s available for iPad, too!
3) Geometric Facets Case – $7.95
This funky-looking case is constructed from smooth, treated plastic, and resists dirt, stains and it is also anti-static. Triangles connect to form linear patterns, which adds depth and dimension to the urban case. The slim fit ensures the iPhone won’t feel bulky in your pocket. Available as shown in white, or red and black, too.
4) Otterbox Defender Series– $27.99
This rugged tough case provides heavy duty protection from harsh treatment in the worst environments. Otterbox is well known for their quality electronics cases, and the series for iPhone 4S is no different.
5) CaseMate’s Quartet Case – $24.99
Connect four different, interchangeable colored pieces for a contemporary look for your iPhone. The multiple color combinations groove together for unique customization from bright to dark hues. Slide the pieces together to interlock and ensure protection.
By Gilbert Falso :: 5:46 PM
Now we’ve been as guilty as any blog or press outlet to jump on the hype and rumors behind Apple’s third-generation tablet – but this time, we might just be right on.
Bloomberg news is reporting that three sources familiar with the new iPad say that Apple is getting its supply chain into high gear for a March delivery. Foxconn, Apple’s main assembler is said to be operating its factories 24 hours per day to reach the shipping deadline. Bloomberg’s sources are also providing credibility to the long-standing claim that the iPad 3 will boast a quad-core chip under the hood.
As for the display, back in November, Digitimes, reported that iPad display manufacturing partners, including Samsung, LG, and Sharp, were set to ship three million high-res panels in the fall – two million of those in November alone. Shortly after the Digitimes news, CNET weighed in with a prediction of a screen resolution of 1600 x 1200. More recent leaks point to something even better – perhaps even 2048×1536.
Connectivity-wise, the new iPad will likely be the first Apple product to launch with support for both the 3G and the LTE network. Apple is obviously looking to provide a fast data pipeline to its users, and this move will allow them to take advantage of both Verizon’s and AT&T’s LTE networks.