The iPhone’s share of quarterly global smartphone app downloads stood at 29% in the second quarter of 2012, significantly below the 47% attributed to Android smartphones, according to new data from ABI Research (www.abiresearch.com). "The iPhone’s download share tends to see a lot of seasonal fluctuation, but over the past year or so it has stayed surprisingly resiliently between 30% and 37% of the total," says senior analyst Aapo Markkanen. "In our estimates the second quarter represented the first time the iPhone dipped below 30%. The iPhone 5 will most likely cause a second-half hike to the download count, but that may be of a rather temporary nature." The main reason for the declining market share is Apple’s clampdown on download bots earlier this year, which some developers utilized to manipulate their charts positions. For example, app-marketing firm Fiksu has published data indicating that at the high end of the download chart the bot squeeze may have alone wiped off even one-...

iGearUnlimited.com has launched the Galaxy Case for the iPhone 5. (Is it just us or is there something ironic about that name?) The Galaxy Case is a slim case made of clear polycarbonate for durability. It has soft-touch rubberized back plate that holds an array of sparkling diamonds (not real diamonds, of course). The wrap-around case also protects the phone’s screen from scratching when placed face-down on a table. I The Galaxy Case is available in black, pink, blue, and light blue. It can be ordered from iGearUnlimited.com for US$29.99.

Ballistic has announced two cases for the iPad mini. Both variations have been crafted to harness the new tablets’ on-the-go nature. The Ballistic Tough Jacket (pictured) is engineered with three layers of protection. It's a compilation of inner silicone to absorb shock, impact resistant hard plastic, and an additional shock absorbent polymer layer. It's also equipped with Ballistic corners. The "lay-on-table" feature guarantees the screen will never touch the surface when laid flat, according to the folks at Ballistic. Users can also take advantage of the optional screen cover, which doubles as a kickstand for optimal viewing angles. The Ballistic Lifestyle wraps around the iPad in a snug fashion, without adding any significant bulk to Apple’s slim tablet design. This "snug fit" feature ensures that while grasping the tablet tightly, it's still easy to remove given the accordion-like exterior, notes Ballistic. Sixteen interchangeable corner bumpers (four of each color) are also...

Em Software (http://emsoftware.com/) has released WordsFlow 1.0, an US$200 plug-in for Adobe InDesign that automatically merges changes in placed text or spreadsheet files into already-edited InDesign stories on update. It's compatible with Adobe InDesign CS5/5.5 and CS6 on Mac OS X (10.5.8 and higher) and Windows. It doesn't require any special configuration or extra steps to work beyond installing the plug-in. When a Word (or any text) file or spreadsheet is placed, WordsFlow asks InDesign to keep a link to the file (normally controlled by global preferences). When the placed file is updated (locally or in a shared-file situation), InDesign will notice that the link's source has changed, and allow update using the usual mechanisms. WordsFlow then kicks in, and, instead of replacing the placed story wholesale, merges the changes in the new file contents with all the existing changes to the current InDesign story. WordsFlow isn't a filter itself, but instead works with all text file...

JBL has announced the availability of four new audio products. All are available for purchase at various retailers and online at www.JBL.com . The JBL line of contemporary headphones ($39 - $149) offers four styles. The JBL J Series headphones -- the on-ear J55 and J55i, the over-ear J88 and J88i, and the in-ear J22, J22i, J33 and J33i -- can be purchased with a built-in remote for an iPhone. The on-ear and over-ear models feature Pure Bass and DJ flip-up ear cups; the in-ear models offer new cable strain relief. The JBL Soundfly is a portable plug-in loudspeaker that streams audio content from a smartphone or tablet anywhere in a house or office. It's available in two options: the JBL SoundFly Air ($199) for Apple Airplay and JBL Soundfly BT ($179) for Bluetooth wireless. The $139 JBL OnBeat aWake is a wireless tabletop speaker specifically designed for the iPad and other iOS devices. It offers wireless or wired sound, customized alarm settings, weather alerts and overnight charging...

Griffin Technology has debuted a e line-up of cases for Apple’s iPad mini, pulling from its most popular collections, including the Survivor, IntelliCase, CinemaSeat, Folio, Slim Folio and Passport lines.    The US$59.99 Survivor (pictured) is built on a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame clad in shock-absorbing silicone. A built-in screen protector covers the Multi-Touch display while hinged plugs seal ports and controls. The included stand clips on, then folds open for landscape viewing and typing The IntelliCase ($34.99-$39.99) features a protective polycarbonate case to protect the back, coupled with a hinged cover guarding the touchscreen. Fold the flexible cover to the back to make an upright workstand, or lay it down to create an incline for touching, tapping and typing. Magnets in the cover activate magnetic sensors to automatically wake the device when the case is opened and sleep when it’s closed. The CinemaSeat ($39.99) transforms your iPad mini into an in-car...

Just when you think you've seen just about every type of iDevice accessory, you're wrong. The Bird Photo Booth (www.birdphotobooth.com) is the world’s first bird feeder that doubles as an iPhone and GoPro photo booth. A live stream allows you to watch, photograph and video birds in real time so that you can capture that hard-to-find shot and observe birds unnoticed. The Bird Photo Booth was given its wings by entrepreneur and inventor, Bryson Lovett.   He says he combined his passion for photography, bird-watching and technology forward for the project. You can see a demo video at http://bit.ly/SAeXFv . The Bird Photo Booth isn't ready to ship just yet. It's underway at the KickStarter, a funding platform for creative projects. This project will only be funded if at least US$35,000 is pledged by Tuesday Dec 4, 10:15am (Eastern). You can find out more at http://macte.ch/10Sef .

Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps: AssistiveWare (www.assistiveware.com) and Acapela Group have announced Infovox iVox 3.1, which bringsfour genuine, natural-sounding children's voices to Mac OS X. In addition, the update adds three new male voices. These voices work with any Mac application. Besides adding new voices, Infovox iVox 3.1 also fixes an issue with characters with diacritical marks. Words that contain accents will now be pronounced correctly in any foreign language. eFusion (http://eapps.pro/) has released Voice Recorder HD 6.2 with exclusive new features like trimming, more playback controls and more. The app a high quality recorder for the business person, audio professional, sound engineer, and anyone else who needs to manage/share voice memos. AutoMile (http://briantoth.com/automile), a mileage tracking app, has driven to version 1.0.5. The upgrade fixes some bugs. AquaFold (www.aquafold.com) has given us Aqua Data Studio 12.0.5, an update to its universal...

This Wednesday, the California Supreme Court will tackle the issue of whether a state law designed to restrict the amount of personal information consumers must provide to make a credit card purchase applies to online commerce. Apple "a host of retailers ranging from Walmart to eBay" are leading a legal battle that argues the law doesn't apply to online commerce, reports "SiliconValley.com" (http://macte.ch/DarQM) Apple argues that the law, the Song-Beverly Credit Card Act, applies only to brick-and-mortar businesses and was last revised in 1991, when there wasn't much thought given to e-commerce, the article says. E-retailers insist that applying the law could heighten the risk of credit card fraud and identity theft because it would hamper their ability to verify credit card information. However, consumer rights advocates say the law clearly applies to any credit card commerce, including in the online world. "SiliconVallye.com" says they argue that online merchants can protect...

Another day, another lawsuit. Apple has been sued by a New Zealand man Apple over an online deal that he claims the company unfairly backed out on, reports "Macworld UK" (http://macte.ch/FU3Xi). Adam Crouchley, an online marketing specialist, is taking Apple to the Disputes Tribunal in December, after ordering largely discounted products on Apple.com in October, only to have them cancelled due to a "problem with the price," the article adds. On Oct. 10 he saw that some Apple accessories on the company's website had been reduced from as much as US$89 to just 83 cents. Crouchley says he "spent about $35 and got about $1600 worth of gear." After placing his order, he purportedly got a confirmation email saying that some products had already been shipped and others saying that his credit card had been charged for his purchases, notes "Macworld UK." "Two or three days later they came back and said the order had been cancelled because there was a problem with the price," Crouchley said. He...

Worldwide tablet shipments totaled 27.8 million units in the third quarter of 2012 (3Q12), according to preliminary data from the "International Data Corporation Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker." The tablet market grew 49.5% year-over-year in 3Q12 and 6.7% over the second quarter of 2012, according to the IDC research group (www.idc.com). Android shipments, led by Samsung and Amazon, surged during the quarter, at the expense of Apple, which saw its share slip notably during the quarter, says Tom Mainelli, research director, Tablets at IDC. "We believe a sizeable percentage of consumers interested in buying an Apple tablet sat out the third quarter in anticipation of an announcement about the new iPad mini," he adds. "Now that the new mini, and a fourth-generation full-sized iPad, are both shipping we expect Apple to have a very good quarter. However, we believe the mini's relatively high $329 starting price leaves plenty of room for Android vendors to build upon the success they...

Yaware (www.yaware.com) is new employee time and performance tracking software users for Mac OS X, Linux and Windows. It costs US$60 per user for a six-month subscription. A demo is available at the product website. Yaware is an automated tool for monitoring the working time and productivity of the whole team. Wherever employees work, all the data about their working time and productivity is in the Yaware account. Yaware automatically tracks all the websites, applications, programs usage and sets appropriate category for them.Each category has its status: productive/unproductive/neutral. Employers can modify and add categories. Why Yaware is the best employee performance monitoring tool for your company? It provides easy implementation, very attractive monthly fee after 14 days trial period, automated time tracking (no manual data entry), remote setup and employee monitoring, access rights for managers, heads of department to view and manage the information about their  departments,...

C.E.O. Hybrid case shipping for the iPad mini Marware says its black C.E.O. Hybrid iPad mini case (pictured) is now shipping. This low profile folio features a leather exterior coupled with a soft microfiber interior. The C.E.O. Hybrid also comes in carbon fiber, red, purple and pink; these colors are available for pre-order at www.Marware.com and will be shipping soon.Details on Marware's complete iPad mini lineup are as follows: ° The C.E.O. Hybrid (US$42.99), a Marware signature design, is made of genuine leather and allows users to stand their device at three viewing angles and one typing angle. In addition, the device features an automatic sleep/wake lid. The thin profile of a shell case with the exterior of a folio purportedly protects 97% of the device when closed, and includes Marware's signature interior hand strap for one-handed use. ° The MicroShell Folio ($34.99) combines a hard-shell with an integrated-stand folio lid for hands-free viewing and typing. It showcases a...

CoreMelt has released its SliceX product for Final Cut Pro X. It's available for Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher and Final Cut Pro X 10.0.5 or later. SliceX speeds workflow for editors by letting them quickly draw freeform shapes for masking, color correction, depth of field or vignettes. This facility is available directly in the viewer using custom FCP X onscreen controls. "As a working editor I was frustrated that I had only basic oval masks in FCP X," says Roger Bolton, CoreMelt founder and director. "Going into Motion to create a simple shape for masking is a painful bottleneck that slows down the editors creative flow. With SliceX editors can do more directly on the timeline, saving complicated back and forth workflows." SliceX is available for a limited time for US$49; the regular price is $79. For more info go to the CoreMelt web site (www.coremelt.com).

iFIxit has torn down the fourth gen iPad. You can find the complete teardown at http://macte.ch/I2NAc . "We got our hands on the fourth generation iPad. The way we figure, the iPad 4 is kind of like a fourth book added to a trilogy: its release was a bit sudden and unexpected, but it's part of the group nonetheless," says Kyle of Wiens of iFixit. "This fourth iteration of the iPad shares a lot of similarities with the previous version, so instead of our traditional, exploratory teardown, we focused our efforts on spotting the differences between this generation and the last. If you're kicking yourself because you just bought an iPad 3, not to worry: not too much has changed in the iPad 4. "The most striking addition to the fourth generation is the Lightning connector," says Wiens. "The iPad 4 also features a slightly thicker, upgraded 1.2 MP FacetTme camera, and the upgraded A6X processor. Other than those differences, the iPad 4 remains the same in terms of design and repairability...

Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps: Tropical Software (www.tropic4.com) has announced TopXNotes touch 1.2.1, an update to their personal note managing system. Now with NoteZoom, you can adjust the font size on the go as you hurry to the next destination. Comm-Unity Networking Systems (http://cnsbarcode.cnsplug-ins.com/) has rolled out an update for CNS Barcode to version 1.3.1. This FileMaker Pro plug-in brings barcode scanning and generating to the desktop. Version 1.3.1 fixes a few bugs and includes a complete rewrite of the ScanWindow code. Karelia Software (www.karelia.com) has released Sandvox 2.7, an update of the web page design software. The new version introduces support for several Mountain Lion features, a new "Google +1" sharing feature and an overhauled Host Setup Assistant. Aperio Lux (http://aperio-lux.com) has served up uDesktop HD 1.8, an update to their desktop wallpaper application that lets users choose from many hi-res images. The app now allows users...

While "Consumer Reports" tested more than 600 smart phones, tablets, TVs and more for its December Annual Electronics Issue, only 10 standout products made the short list for performance and innovation. The iPhone 5 is among them. The Consumer Reports Top Ten Electronics list calls out an Android smart phone champion, a tip-top 58-inch LCD HDTV, a loaded lightweight digital camera, and a superb stereo speaker system that's a Wi-Fi winner, among other distinguished products. The full list can be found online at www.ConsumerReports.org and in the December 2012 issue of "Consumer Reports,"which is on newsstands now. Product highlights from the list include: ° Apple's best phone yet. iPhone 5 (16GB, $200). The iPhone 5 builds on its predecessors' strengths and adds new features, putting it head and shoulders above previous iPhones. It has a bigger screen with excellent sharpness, a thinner profile, 4G access, and an expanded role for Siri, the super voice assistant. Also, it's the best...

On Thursday Apple filed its 10-K filing (http://macte.ch/7FxgL) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the 2012 fiscal year. Here are some tidbits from the filing: ° Apple spent US$3.4 billion on research and development (R&D) in 2012. That's an increase of $1 billion from 2011. ° Apple has approximately 72,800 full-time employees and an additional 3,300 part-timers and contractors. About 42,400 of the total full-time equivalent employees worked in the retail segment. ° Apple's retail stores account for 12% of the company's net sales. That's down from 13% in 2011. Apple plans to open another 30-35 retail stores in 2013. ° Apple increased its number of retail stores from 357 at the end of fiscal 2011 to 390 stores at the end of fiscal 2012. The company earned an average of $51.5 million per store, compared to $43.3 million in 2011. ° Unlike last year, when Apple said it had no plans to pay a dividend, the company now "expects to pay quarterly dividends in the...

LevTech (www.levisync.com) has introduced the US$179 LeviSync, a new way to sync and charge any full size iPad with an iMac. It's an iPad docking arm that mounts on the back of an Apple all-in-one desktop. With an iPad positioned conveniently to one side of an iMac's large screen, suddenly the user has more screen real estate to make use of, according to the folks at LevTech. LeviSync allows iPad to be close at hand for displaying stock charts, music playlists, videos, movies, email, and whatever the user finds useful. It has bead-blasted aluminum and power-coated steel construction. The LeviSync also provides extra utility to an iMac computer with a 4-port USB hub hidden away under its base.

Sonnet says its xMac mini Server, a combination PCI Express (PCIe) 2.0 expansion system and 1U rackmount enclosure for Mac mini computers with Thunderbolt ports, is now USB 3.0-compatible. It connects to the Mac mini's Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, and USB interfaces and extends them to panel-mounted connectors on the front and back of the unit. What's more, Sonnet will offer existing xMac mini Server customers an upgrade path with a replacement cable kit. The kit -- due in mid-November for US$39.95 -- replaces the existing USB 2.0 cables, and requires only a screwdriver and nut driver to complete the task. The xMac mini Server transforms a Mac mini into an expandable rackmount server, mounting the computer inside a specially designed 1U rackmount enclosure that contains two PCIe 2.0 slots that connect to the computer through its Thunderbolt port. The expansion system features a 100W power supply and employs temperature-controlled variable-speed fans to cool the cards and computer. This...

Vertigo Gaming says Cook, Serve, Delicious! is now available for Mac via Gamersgate, Desura and www.vertigogaming.net, with a Mac App Store version coming later this year. It costs US$8.95. Here's a description of the game: "Cook, Serve, Delicious! is a hardcore restaurant sim, one of the few in its genre that gives players total control over where they want to take their restaurant’s future. You’ll start with a few thousand dollars and 20 foods to choose from for your menu, as well as a host of restaurant equipment and a virtual email account that connects you to the people of SherriSoda Tower. "Nearly everything is unlocked from the start of the game for you to purchase; this is your restaurant, and you must figure out the best strategy to get your business packed with satisfied customers. Can you prove your culinary skills? "Buy new equipment upgrades for your restaurant, as well as buy and upgrade 20 different foods for your menu. Switch out foods from your menu as they become...

QuickerTek (www.quickertek.com/) has released an USS$449.95 external battery for all models of the MacBook Air that supports the use of the MagSafe 2 connector. It purportedly can extend your computing time up to 12 more hours. The battery for the MacBook Air can be recharged in approximately four hours. It's backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.

With the holiday shopping season officially underway, PriceGrabber has released additional results of its second winter holiday shopping survey, revealing where consumers will shop for gifts this year. When asked to select the ways they will shop this season, nearly all respondents indicated that they will do some online shopping from a computer. The number of consumers who plan to visit brick-and-mortar stores dropped by two percentage points to 46% compared to last year. Additionally, the survey results indicated that 16% of consumers will shop using a mobile device, compared with 13% last year. Conducted from Sept. 14 to Sept. 27, 2012, the survey includes responses from 2,469 U.S. online shopping consumers. PriceGrabber's data also saw an increase in the percentage of purchases that will be made from a mobile device this holiday season compared with last year. In 2012, the average consumer will make 6% of his holiday purchases from a mobile phone, 62% online and 32% in brick-and-...

In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com) -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster -- thinks Apple will sell up to 1.5 million iPad minis this weekend when it launches. By some estimates that's a modest start, though the analyst thinks that's just the tip of the iceberg. Why the "soft" beginning? There won't be any 4G LTE models available at launch. Those versions of the iPad mini are scheduled to launch later this month. Munster also thinks the "newness" of the smaller iPad may put folks off at first. "Consumers will gradually realize the benefits of the smaller form factor, which will drive adoption, although it may not take form in lines for tomorrow's launch," he says.