MacRumors

Apple today released iTunes 9.0.1 via Software Update and the iTunes download site, offering a number of bug fixes.

iTunes 9.0.1 provides a number of important bug fixes, including:

- Resolves issues browsing the iTunes Store.
- Addresses a performance issue where iTunes may become unresponsive.
- Fixes a problem where iTunes may unexpectedly quit.
- Fixes a problem syncing Podcasts in playlists to iPod or iPhone.
- Fixes a problem sorting albums with multiple discs.
- Addresses an issue with the Zoom button not switching to Mini Player.
- Improves application syncing for iPod touch and iPhone.
- Genius is now automatically updated to show Genius Mixes.

Both Mac (OS X 10.4.11 or later) and Windows (XP or Vista) versions of iTunes 9.0.1 are available.

iTunes 9 was released earlier this month at Apple's "It's Only Rock and Roll" media event in San Francisco and brings a new look to the software as well as a number of new features.

CNET reports that AT&T and other wireless carriers and wireless trade associations are expressing concern over recent comments from U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski regarding his support for "Net neutrality", fearing that the current focus on wired Internet service will be expanded to included wireless networks.

The principles of Net neutrality include the idea that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) should not be allowed to prevent users from accessing any particular sort of Internet content on their systems, although certain "network management" practices, which must be made public, can be employed. While wired ISPs have agreed to such regulations, wireless ISPs have expressed serious concerns over the effect such regulation could have on the limited spectrum available for wireless data transmission.

"AT&T has long supported the principle of an open Internet and has conducted its business accordingly," Jim Cicconi, AT&T's senior vice president of external and legislative affairs, said in a statement. "We were also early supporters of the FCC's current four broadband principles and their case-by-case application to wired networks."

But Cicconi went on to say that the principles and new legislation should not apply to the wireless market.

"We are concerned, however, that the FCC appears ready to extend the entire array of Net neutrality requirements to what is perhaps the most competitive consumer market in America: wireless services," he said.

He argues that wireless networks differ from wireline broadband networks because bandwidth is more limited on a wireless network. And he said that imposing new rules on how carriers operate their wireless networks would stifle investment.

AT&T has in the past expressed concern over the burden certain Internet content could place on its cellular network, and in fact cited those concerns in noting its role in the decision to keep video streaming on the high-profile SlingPlayer Mobile iPhone application limited to Wi-Fi-only. AT&T also received some scrutiny after Apple rejected an official Google Voice iPhone application, although the company has denied in a statement to the FCC that it was even consulted during the approval process for the application.

Google today announced that it has expanded its Google Sync service to include push e-mail for the iPhone and iPod touch, as well as Windows Mobile devices. Google Sync, launched earlier this year, also provides synchronization of contacts and calendar entries.

When we launched Google Sync for Contacts and Google Calendar earlier this year, an over-the-air, always-on connection to sync mail was noticeably absent. We heard your requests loud and clear, and starting today you can use Google Sync to get your Gmail messages pushed directly to your iPhone, iPod Touch, or Windows Mobile device.

You can set up push Gmail by itself or choose to sync your Contacts and/or Calendar as well. If you're using an iPhone, make sure you're running iPhone OS version 3.0 or above (on your device, click Settings > General > About and scroll down until you see Version). If your software is out of date, follow Apple's upgrade instructions. Then, visit m.google.com/sync from your computer for set up instructions. If you're already using Google Sync, you can just enable push mail.

Google notes that messages should be pushed to users' mobile devices within seconds of receipt, although it also informs users that they may experience a slight decrease in battery life for their devices with push e-mail via Google Sync activated.

MobileCrunch reports that Layar, one of the earliest and highest-profile augmented reality platforms for mobile devices, is in the process of adding 3D capabilities to its Android tools, opening the door for developers to offer new levels of immersive experiences.

With 3D, third-party developers can now tag real-life objects with three-dimensional text, place 3D objects on top of real-world space and create multi-sensory experiences. The general idea behind the addition of 3D capabilities to Layar is to encourage developers to create more realistic and immersive augmented reality browsing experiences for mobile devices.

Layar takes advantage of OpenGL, as well as the accelerometer, GPS, and digital compass available in compatible mobile phones, to allow developers to overlay text and graphics on video feeds from a device's camera. While currently available only for the Android platform, Layar notes that the technology is "coming soon" to the iPhone 3GS.

The Loop reports that Microsoft, which is preparing to open the first of its retail stores, has been contacting Apple retail store managers and attempting to lure them away with increased salaries to run its own stores.

People that have spoken to The Loop on condition of anonymity confirm that Microsoft has contacted a number of Apple's retail store managers to work in their stores. In addition to "significant raises," the managers have also been offered moving expenses in some cases.

Apple managers who have accepted Microsoft's offers have reportedly then been tasked with attempting to hire Apple retail store staff, similarly dangling increased compensation as an incentive for employees to make the switch.

Microsoft's retail store initiative has been designed to directly compete with Apple retail stores, with the company looking to open its new stores in close proximity to Apple's existing stores. Microsoft has also hired former Apple real estate executive George Blankenship as a consultant to assist with its retail store initiative.

The company's retail stores are not the only arena where the Microsoft has attempted to gain a running start by tapping into the Apple ecosystem. Microsoft has also been reported to have offered significant sums of money to certain iPhone developers in order to entice them to port their applications to the new Zune HD platform.

Last week, we reported that Apple was about to roll out dedicated "iPhone Activation Zones" in its retail stores in order to provide dedicated points of contact for new customers looking to purchase, activate and receive initial set-up assistance with iPhone purchases.

Apple has in fact now reconfigured a number of its stores to set aside these dedicated spaces and has begun mentioning their existence on its iPhone purchasing page.

Reserve an iPhone at your nearest Apple Retail Store. Our knowledgeable Specialists provide expert advice, custom setup, and fast activation at the iPhone Activation Zone.

Apple has also added mentions of the new areas to a number of stores' pages in the company's retail store listings.

French site TechShower last week posted photos [Google translation] of the iPhone Activation Zone at the San Francisco flagship store, revealing dedicated iMac computers for activation and signage indicating the function of the area.

ifoAppleStore has also posted a photo showing the new setup, which is reportedly found in most stores offering the service near the right front as customers enter.

Macsimum News notes that Apple has moved up to #20 on market research firm Interbrand's annual 'Best Global Brands' list. Interbrand pegged Apple's "brand" at a value of $US15.4 billion, up 12% from 2008 and enough to boost Apple to #20 from #24 in the rankings.

The recession won't take a bite out of this Apple. Declining Mac sales and fears for the company's future without brand visionary Steve Jobs, were outweighed by record high iPod sales, doubling sales for the iPod Touch, and all-time high market share for Mac OS software. Price might be a barrier for cost-conscious consumers, but Apple responded quickly with high margin, low-priced products like the US $99 iPhone and a new, voice-activated iPod Shuffle. The Apple brand is the most supported within its industry, and among the most iconic of relatively young brands in the world.

The 2009 list was headed by Coca-Cola, IBM, and Microsoft, although Apple had the second-greatest increase in brand value (by percentage) after Google's 25% increase among the top 25 companies on the list.

Engadget Mobile reports that AT&T's 3G MicroCell site has gone live as the company is apparently preparing to launch its service that will allow wireless subscribers to utilize their home Internet connection for enhanced voice and data coverage. The news comes on the heels of an anonymous report that service for the new device will cost up to $19.99 per month for unlimited minutes, although users with either AT&T home phone or Internet service will be charged $9.99 per month and those with both home phone and Internet service from AT&T will be able to utilize the 3G MicroCell service for free.

Update: Engadget now reports that the 3G MicroCell service is currently only running as a "public trial" in Charlotte, North Carolina. The $19.99 per month pricing is reportedly also a part of the trial, so apparently no final decision on pricing for the full rollout has yet been made.

Update 2: GearLog clarifies that the 3G MicroCell device costs $150 and that, besides the monthly "unlimited minutes" charges, users also have the option of using their monthly wireless minutes for no additional charge.

According to an AT&T rep in Charlotte, the MicroCell costs $150 and service is free (heck, you're saving AT&T money by using it) unless you sign up for AT&T's "unlimited talk" option, which gives you unlimited minutes of calling over your microcell. That costs an extortionate $20/month, though it also gets you a rebate on your device.

The iPhone Blog reports that Apple is taking steps to investigate numerous reports of reduced battery life from iPhone OS 3.1 users. The company's AppleCare division has reportedly begun contacting users complaining about the problem in its support forums, asking users a series of 11 questions about their battery life issues.

An undisclosed number of users who have posted on Apple's discussion boards about poor battery life following the iPhone 3.1 software update are being contacted by AppleCare helpdesk with a hefty list of 11 follow-up questions. These questions focus primarily on the usual battery culprits, email (especially push), WiFi and Bluetooth, and App Store apps. Number 10, asking "When you notice a power drop, does it seem to be a legitimate power drop, or rather an issue with the battery icon indicator?", is certainly interesting.

Users are also being sent a "Battery Life Logging" configuration profile for installation on their devices. The configuration profile reportedly tracks battery usage data and syncs it to iTunes, where users are asked to send the data back to Apple for analysis.

In an e-mail sent today to registered iPhone developers, Apple announced the introduction of the App Store Resource Center (iPhone developer membership required), a new site within the iPhone Dev Center dedicated to assisting developers with the App Store application process.

We are pleased to introduce the App Store Resource Center, a single destination designed to make it easier for you to find details on everything you need to know about distributing your app on the App Store -- from how to prepare for app submission to managing your app once it's been posted.

Make sure you also check out the News and Announcements section of the iPhone Dev Center for tips on submitting your apps to the App Store, turnaround time for app review, new program features, and guidance on everything from development and testing to distribution and marketing.

Apple has received a significant amount of criticism from iPhone developers who have been frustrated by a lack of information, impersonal form letter e-mails offering minimal rejection explanations and little opportunity for dialogue with reviewers, inefficient processing of application resubmissions, and inconsistent application acceptances and rejections. The App Store Resource Center looks to be a new step taken by Apple in response to these complaints, offering to assist developers in guiding their applications through the approval process.

Google today announced today that it has released an unredacted copy (PDF) of its response to an investigation by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission into Apple's apparent rejection of the company's Google Voice iPhone application. Most significantly, Google's filing claims that Apple Senior Vice President Phil Schiller personally informed Google that the Google Voice iPhone application had been rejected for the reason that it "duplicated the core dialer functionality of the iPhone".

The primary points of contact between the two companies were Alan Eustace, Google Senior Vice President of Engineering & Research, and Phil Schiller, Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing. On July 7, Mr. Eustace and Mr. Schiller spoke over the phone. It was during this call that Mr. Schiller informed Mr. Eustace that Apple was rejecting the Google Voice application for the reasons described above in 2(a).

The claim directly contradicts Apple's response to the FCC, which asserted that the Google Voice application had not been rejected and was still being studied. It is unknown at this time how the FCC is proceeding to reconcile the differing accounts.

The FCC had initially posted a redacted version of Google response at the request of Google, which had made the request in order to protect "sensitive commercial communications". After several requests from individuals and organization made under the Freedom of Information Act regarding the redacted content and in light of Apple's public posting of an unredacted version of its response, Google decided to allow the full text of its response to be published.

Update: Silicon Alley Insider reports that Apple has issued a statement reiterating its contention that the Google Voice iPhone application has not been rejected.

We do not agree with all of the statements made by Google in their FCC letter. Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application and we continue to discuss it with Google.