iPhone Software

All eyes are on the relationship between Apple and Google as the companies continue to encroach on each other's territory. Now Business Week reports that negotiations between Microsoft and Apple have been taking place for weeks. The subject of the conversation: replacing Google with Bing as the default search engine on the iPhone.

This development comes as Google pioneers its own phones and the Android mobile OS to compete with Apple's iPhone. For its part, Apple is working behind the scenes to develop its own mapping and mobile advertising business.

That's right, just plug the infrared accessory into the USB port on the bottom of your iPhone and you have a fully customizable remote control. Two companies have introduced competing products at CES 2010.

Both devices will come with a free companion app for download in the AppStore. The infrared adaptors are expected to hit stores within the first quarter of 2010 and will cost less than Wi-Fi based remote control solutions.

Now that there are almost 142,000 approved iPhone applications, finding useful software has become difficult if not impossible. The App Store is projected to keep growing at breakneck speed. Now developer Hello, Chair has released a thesaurus for apps dubbed Appsaurus.

Appsaurus goes beyond the capabilities of Apple's Genius to bring you iPhone apps most similar to those you already find useful and enjoy. Appsaurus can be trained to learn what kind of apps you prefer, and makes it possible to search the App Store with specific filters.

Turns out you can't download that Dalai Lama iPhone app if you live on mainland China. Interested in Rebiya Kadeer, the exiled leader of China's Uighur minority? If you live in China don't look for any apps on your iPhone that mention that person, either.

You won't find them because Apple is likely complying to local laws banning specific political or religious beliefs in the Chinese version of its App Store. The Chinese government is infamous for its "great firewall" and routinely blocks large portions of the Internet with which the governing party disagrees.

Gained a few pounds over the holiday season? Your iPhone could help you shed some weight next year after you've made the annual New Year's resolutions.

Lose It! tracks calorie consumption, nutrition and progress towards your weight goals all in one handy, free iPhone application. There's even a feature where you can connect with friends for support and motivation.