Google’s app marketplace takes a shot across Apple’s bow, Tim Cook talks turkey—and iPhones—with China’s largest carrier, and a little dose of nostalgia for Siskel and Ebert fans. The remainders for Wednesday, July 31, 2013 will see you at the movies.
App Annie Index – Market Q2 2013: Google Play Exceeds iOS App Store in App Downloads by 10% in Q2 2013 (App Annie)
For the first time, downloads of apps from the Google Play store have exceeded those from the App Store. That’s thanks in large part to Google’s expansion into new countries like India and Brazil. However, the App Store still handily beats Google Play in terms of the amount of revenue brought in for apps. And let’s not even compare number-of-smurfberries-accidentally-bought-by-kids-with-their-parents’-passwords.
Apple CEO met China Mobile head, discussed cooperation (Reuters)
Following up on Tuesday’s report that Tim Cook was off meeting with carriers in China, China Mobile—the largest carrier in the country, nay, world—confirmed that it was meeting with the Apple CEO. But, according to my sources, all the two ended up discussing was Barack and Hilary.
Apple Filling Out its ‘Ground Truth’ Mapping Team with New Regional and Local Job Listings (MacRumors)
If you know your neighborhood like the back of your hand, you might be interested in the numerous job openings Apple’s posted for its Ground Truth Team both in the U.S. and overseas. Warning: It may involve going to a lot of restaurants that don’t exist anymore.
Tax Holiday 2013 (Apple Store)
The only certain things in life are death and … wait, tax-free holiday? Apple’s reminding residents of ten states that sales tax holidays are coming up in their vicinities, and suggesting that it’s a great time to buy Apple products. Also, yachts.
Siskel and Ebert review Apple commercials (1986) (YouTube)
For your delightful video of the day, check out this recording of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert at an Apple event in 1986, rating the company’s commercials. I give it two thumbs up.
Author: Dan Moren, Contributor
Dan has been writing about all things Apple since 2006, when he first started contributing to the MacUser blog. He's a prolific podcaster and the author of the Galactic Cold War series, including his latest, The Nova Incident.