Could Google's Chrome browser ever come to iOS? At least one analyst seems to think so today, and they seem confident that the search giant may even have a final version of the app waiting for Apple's approval in the App Store. There's not much to dislike about Mobile Safari, but choice is always a good thing -- even though Apple isn't likely to ever voluntarily let us change the default browser on our iOS devices. Meanwhile, here's a look at everything else making news for Tuesday, May 15, 2012.
Apple Responds to Siri Lawsuit, Claims She's "Cutting Edge"
The Wall Street Journal has published a followup report on the recent smattering of lawsuits attempting to get class action status against Apple over claims that Siri "doesn't perform as advertised." Today, Apple is fighting back with a motion to dismiss that claims the Siri technology may only be a beta, but she's still cutting edge. "They offer only general descriptions of Apple's advertisements, incomplete summaries of Apple's website materials, and vague descriptions of their alleged -- and highly individualized -- disappointment with Siri," Apple's motion argues. "Tellingly, although Plaintiffs claim they became dissatisfied with Siri's performance 'soon after' purchasing their iPhones, they made no attempt to avail themselves of Apple's 30-day return policy or one-year warranty -- which remains in effect. Instead, they seek to take an alleged personal grievance about the purported performance of a popular product and turn it into a nationwide class action under California's consumer protection statutes. The Complaint does not come close to meeting the heavy burden necessary to sustain such claims." Your move, Siri users.
Adobe Announces Next Generation of Digital Publishing Suite
Adobe kicked off their annual Digital Publishing Summit on Tuesday by announcing a series of new features for the Adobe Digital Publishing Suite (DPS). "Among the new features are Content Viewer for iPhone, social sharing, expanded font licensing and enhanced integration with Adobe Creative Suite 6, a milestone release, creating an unbeatable combination for media and corporate organizations," the company revealed in a press release. "As readers voraciously consume mobile content, they're demanding dynamic, shareable reading experiences across tablet and mobile phones," explains Jim Guerard, vice president and general manager of Creative and Media Solutions, Adobe. "Adobe's digital publishing innovations propel the industry forward by allowing publishers to reach and monetize an unprecedented number of consumers hungry for dynamic, one-of-a-kind mobile reading experiences." For more details on Adobe's DPS improvements and how the company's customers plan to implement them, check out a live blog of the Digital Publishing Summit on the Adobe website.
Rumor: Google Chrome Browser Coming to iOS?
Business Insider is reporting that Google's Chrome browser may soon make the leap to iOS, where Apple currently makes 50 to 60 percent in revenue sharing from Google on searches made with Mobile Safari. According to Macquarie analyst Ben Schacter, Google Chrome may arrive sooner than we expect. "Apple may already be reviewing Google's submitted code for a Chrome browser for iOS," the analyst says, and expects the app to be released in the second quarter if not "definitely this year." Of course, for Google, a Chrome browser would help level the playing field where search revenue is concerned -- although Apple doesn't currently allow third-party apps to act as a default browser on its iPhones, iPod touches and iPads. Schacter notes the tide could turn, however, should the Federal government go after Apple in the same way they did with Microsoft, who made Internet Explorer the default browser on its Windows PCs. "All that said, the most important thing to consider is whether or not Google's Chrome will be better than mobile Safari," the report concludes. "Google has failed to deliver solid applications for iOS in the past." No kidding...
General Motors Goes Into Reverse on $10 Million Facebook Account
Facebook may be on the verge of a historic stock offering, but that doesn't mean diddly squat to automaker General Motors, who's pulling the plug on $10 million worth of paid advertisements with the social network. According to Forbes, GM "is definitely reassessing our advertising on Facebook, although the content is effective and important." The company will continue to "post relevant content about the company and its brands on GM's Facebook pages" -- and why not, since that kind of advertising is pretty much free? "In terms of Facebook specifically, while we currently do not plan to continue with advertising, we remain committed to an aggressive content strategy through all of our products and brands, as it continues to be a very effective tool for engaging with our customers," GM explained in a statement. Of course, that doesn't exactly look good for Facebook, whose $105 billion IPO is coming at the end of the week.
Rumor: 7-Inch iPad Could Use Thin-Film Technology
Let's take a break from all these crazy MacBook Pro rumors and turn our attention back to the fabled seven-inch iPad, shall we? AppleInsider is reporting that the fabled 7.85-inch junior iPad will launch in Q4 2012, complete with "G/F2" thin-film touch technology. According to DigiTimes, "the G/F2 structure places the electrode on the top and bottom ends of the ITO film, which will then be laminated onto the cover glass. The iPad Mini will also be more transparent and will have good sensitivity despite current skepticism with thin-film touch panels in the industry." Since we only yesterday reported that DigiTimes tends to have a spotty track record when it comes to Apple rumors, we'd say readers would do well to approach this one with a big ol' grain of salt as usual...
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