In today’s Mobile News, we highlight a reading app, Swype ICS and a few other sundry tidbits. Read on for details.
Reading Rainbow App
Levar Burton, a very talented actor, hosted a US Public Broadcast Service (PBS) television show that encouraged kids to read. He hosted the show for an amazing 23 years, from 1983 to 2006 when PBS cancelled it.
Whilst Burton was unable to launch his ‘webisode’ plan, he has brought Reading Rainbow to app form. Kids will be able to stream classic episodes and DVDs. The app will feature hundreds of books with
“Reading Rainbow-like”
…experience. There’s no definite word on when the app will be available, but stay tuned. If we hear a date, we’ll let you know, along with compatible platforms.
Swype ICS
Whilst the update is late in coming, it seems that the dual update for Swype capability in ICS and the update to fix the screen display in the Galaxy Nexus is just around the corner. Hopefully, it will be out and well-distributed before MWC on the 27th.
MotoLUXE to UK
The Motorola MotoLUXE heads to the UK this month, although the exact retailers haven’t been publicly announced yet.
Some online retailers, however, show a pre-order price close to £260; hopefully, that will come down a bit with Valentine’s Day sales encouragement. Probably not, though, with the press release noting late February. Heavy sigh.
T-Mobile’s V-Day Sale
Speaking of sales, T-Mobile has announced free smartphones with select plans on Valentine’s Day. Check their website for info on deals and plans.
Path App Violates User Privacy
A developer attempted to hack the Path app to gain compatibility with a Mac system and discovered that the social network app sneaked access to the user’s contact list – without the user’s knowledge.
Path CEO Dave Morin responded to the privacy violation allegations, stating the access was merely to help users find their friends.
The unauthorized, undeclared, and no-option access is a blatant violation of Apple’s policies, and while other apps send user info back to the developers or a website, the Path app is being removed until the sneak violation is eliminated.