Apple

After years of speculation, rumors and false alarms, it looks like Verizon Wireless fans are finally about to get their own iPhone. Invitations went out today for a special news event in New York City hosted by the president and COO of Verizon himself, Lowell McAdam.

Although the invitation itself is vague, reports about the content of Verizon's presentation have gone wild on the Internet. This message comes on the heels of an iPhone-less CES just days ago, when the company disappointed Verizon-watchers with little news. Notably, CNET blogger Rick Broida reported on a tip he received two days ago stating that 1/1/11 would indeed bring a Verizon iPhone announcement.

In September 2010 the Apple iPhone overtook BlackBerry for the top spot in US smartphone market share. A new report by Nielsen shows iOS commanding 28.6 percent of the market in November 2010, more than any other smartphone operating system.

BlackBerry and Android were neck and neck in November, with Android devices on the rise and BlackBerry devices losing market share but maintaining a slight edge. It's not clear how long iOS can keep its top position, as Android almost doubled its share from June to November.

Those of you who were disappointed after hearing that Verizon Wireless would feature Android devices at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) need only wait a little longer. Apple is likely to make the announcement of a new iPhone designed for Verizon's network and the end of AT&T exclusivity before Valentine's Day.

In a report detailing possible defections of iPhone subscribers, Business Week cites sources who claim an announcement will follow CES. This event takes place in Las Vegas from January 6-9, 2011.

Recently revealed patents point to Apple developing a native location reporting app that would make it possible to broadcast your iPhone location to friends and see who's nearby. The patent, filed in June 2009, is titled "Push-Based Location Update" and is credited to four Apple engineers.

The Friend Locator app would track users based on their iTunes account login, and feature voluntary privacy controls such as blocking individual users from seeing your location. Those who have their iPhone set to push location updates will be listed along with their location and the distance, or as a push pin on a map.

Apple has updated the Remote app for iOS devices to version 2.1. Now this iPhone remote control works with AirPlay and Internet radio stations to enhance your home entertainment system. Remote can be used from anywhere on your Wi-Fi network to control video and TV or movie rentals from iTunes streaming to your Apple TV with AirPlay.

Playlists, songs and albums can be chosen from your iTunes library without sitting in front of your computer. Typing is easy using the iPhone on-screen keyboard, which saves time instead of clicking individual letters on the Apple TV screen.