Several book publishers, including Penguin and Macmillan, were sued by the Justice Department alongside Apple for alleged price fixing after Apple implemented its agency pricing model with the release of the iBookstore, allowing publishers to set the price of their own titles rather then selling at wholesale prices. The DoJ says this cost consumers tens of millions of dollars.

Both Penguin and Macmillan have denied colluding with Apple to fix e-book prices, and say that the accusation is based “entirely on the little circumstantial evidence [the government] was able to locate.”

Three other publishers (Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins and the Hachette Book Group) also denied the price fixing, but entered into a settlement with the government last month.

Penguin and Macmillan, who refused to settle, filed responses in the United States District Court in New York earlier this week. In addition to denying that they violated antitrust laws, the two are taking aim at publishing giant Amazon.

In a 74-page response, Penguin referred to Amazon as “predatory” and “monopolist,” accusing the company of being responsible for anticompetitive behavior, not Penguin, Macmillan, or Apple. Penguin was “concerned that Amazon’s below-cost pricing strategy for certain new release titles would be detrimental to the long term health of the book industry.”

Macmillan’s 26-page response is similar, reading, “Absent any direct evidence of conspiracy, the government’s complaint is necessarily based entirely on the little circumstantial evidence it was able to locate during its extensive investigation, on which it piles innuendo on top of innuendo, stretches facts and implies actions that did not occur and Macmillan denies unequivocally.”

Macmillan adds that the company adopted the agency pricing model of its own volition because the wholesale model “led to Amazon’s monopolization of e-book distribution.”

Apple’s own response was filed last week, and the Cupertino-based company also took aim at Amazon, saying the DoJ is choosing “monopoly, rather than competition.”

If found guilty of violating antitrust laws and price fixing, Apple, Macmillan, and Penguin stand to face hefty fines.

[via The New York Times]

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It seems like the endless runner genre is really picking up steam in the App Store lately. Games like Tiny Wings and Temple Run have made their way to the top spot in downloads.

Skyrise Runner is another game to add to the list of good quality apps in that category. The best part about this game is that it is free.

Players are off and running right from the start. There is a two sentence tutorial to get you going, but you must figure out the rest on your own. The arrow button on the left lets you jump and the button with three horizontal lines on the right is for shooting.

Try to collect as many blue and red crystals as possible as you speed across the landscape. There are big gaps in the ground that you must jump over Sometimes, the gap is too big and you’ll have to double-tap to get all the way across. There are loggers along the way, chopping down the forest. It is your job to “neutralize” them with your special ability.

Sometimes, you will catch a feather and turn into a bird. In order to stay up, you must flap your wings by tapping the jump button. There are many obstacles high in the air to knock you back to the ground, so be careful.

The longer you run, the faster you go. You will find yourself speeding along the forest so fast that it is almost impossible to see the loggers in time to neutralize them.

The coins you collect can be used to buy power-ups and bonuses to help get through the game. This is obviously a way for the developer to make money. However, they made the game so fun that you don’t need to buy coins. This is one of those times when you feel like you are cheating someone because the game is so fun and you really don’t need to spend any real money to play.

This game is a lot of fun and it is hard to believe it is free. Even though there is a store where you can purchase power-ups and bonuses, you don’t need any of them in order to have a great time playing.

What I liked: The graphics are smooth. The theme is definitely an homage to Avatar. The fast-paced runner action is great.

What I didn’t like: There is not enough guidance. I had to loose my flight ability three times before I figured out that I had to flap my wings by tapping the jump button.

To buy or not to buy: Absolutely. This game is lots of fun and worth the free download.

• Name: Skyrise Runner
• Version Reviewed: 1.0
• Category: Games
• Developer: Illusis Interactive Graphics
• Price: Free
• Score:

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Apple has been hugely successful at developing a user-friendly music-related productivity app. GarageBand is as popular with the general public, as the more professional recording software, ProTools. It looks like the tech giant may be looking to get a little deeper into the music recording industry these days.

According to an Italian language blog and subsequently reported by TechCrunch, Apple has plans to acquire a software development company that may or may not help improve their Logic and Reason lines of recording software.

Redmatica is a very small start-up company of only a few employees. The company’s most popular software development, KeyMap Pro seems to have caught Apple’s eye. According to Italian-based blog FanPage, Apple “went shopping” in Italy and went to work acquiring Redmatica. Although there was no confirmation from either party, FanPage did track down a document from the Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) which shows that the government organization gave the go-ahead for the acquisition to take place.

Redmatica would be a comfortable fit with Apple’s preexisting recording tools. The mixing editor software AutoSampler, KeyMap and ProManager integrate with Apple’s Logic, Reason, MainStage and GarageBand programs.

Because of the particularly small size of Redmatica, the possible acquisition is being called an “acqui-hire.” Apple isn’t exactly buying a company so much as it is hiring every employee at that specific company.

Much of this information is still very new and unofficial. We will probably hear more about it when Apple actually begins to utilize the startup in its development process.

[via TechCrunch]

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According to the Wall Street Journal, restaurants are trying hard to appeal to families by way of making sure that children are entertained. To this end, many are starting to make the move to putting tablets and other similar devices on the table equipped with video games, movie trailers and news articles.

The problem of course is that these extras all come with fees of their own, meaning it just became more expensive to take your family out to eat –unless you want to be the parent that says no (and prepared to enjoy a tantrum from your child).

Other table top uses for the iPad and other tablets are also popping up, with virtual waiters, visual menus and automated payment capabilities all being put at the patron’s fingertips. There are mixed reviews on these functions of course, with many enjoying the experience of dining out in large part because of the human interaction. With that said, it sure would be nice if your waiter didn’t have to guess when you wanted a refill on your drink or keep bothering you while you are eating and talking if there is nothing required of them. Consider being able to just tap an icon on a tablet to let them know that you need ketchup or to advise that you are ready for the bill (or even just pull it up right there and split it or pay it, etc.).

For those who are more visual, pictures of actual menu items would sure be nice (or for parents like me who have cheese loving children as long as the cheese is ‘orange’… infuriating to order a grilled cheese for them only to discover later that they use white cheddar in that restaurant). For those with allergies, tablets would make it infinitely easier to list ingredients or identify potential reactions from the oils used or the other items prepared in the same kitchen. If you wanted to see even more detail, restaurants could provide approximations of the time it will take to deliver your meal (or with the right app, how much longer you may have to wait for the meals you just ordered).

The downside of course is that for many families, meals are the one time that everybody slows down long enough to spend some time talking to each other. I know in my house we created a “no iPhones, iPads or other toys at the table” rule, without which we would all be texting, web surfing and game playing all through dinner.

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The news sounds a little bit like the opening sequence to a high-budget action movie. It seems that at least a few Apple Stores have received unscheduled visits from employees out of Apple’s corporate headquarters (who reportedly had back-of-house access codes and keys, along with passwords for local servers in the retail stores). If you don’t mind, I am choosing to picture them wearing all black and moving around like stealthy ninjas.

Their mission? We presume it is some kind of effort to ready the stores for whatever it is Apple is planning to announce at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

Other back of house employees at a Texas Apple Store (and other stores as well, I would presume) have been notified that they should expect to work late on June 5. No details have been given of course, but unless they are just trying to generate hype there are likely some changes in the works (signage? layout?).

Whatever it is, clearly there is some relation to the upcoming conference and the always-anticipated keynote from Apple. What are they announcing? The developer conference has become much more of a software-related launch event which would mean we can likely expect news on Mac OS X Mountain Lion, perhaps something to do with Siri (coming out of beta? extending the beta to the iPad? releasing an API to developers for third-part apps?) or maybe even a teaser for iOS 6 with things like the new Maps app (though I would be really surprised to see them even using the term ‘iOS 6′ with iOS 5 still shiny and new, relatively speaking). Of course the other big ‘software’ upgrade we are all expecting is related to iCloud, with enhancements for sharing content and managing files expected sometime soon.

I think geeks everywhere are always hoping for new hardware to play with following one of these signature keynotes. With the recent refresh to the Apple TV earlier this year it seems entirely too early to see any real iTV movement right now, but the MacBook Pro lineup is long overdo for some attention and may pair nicely with the developers in the audience at this event. One other often rumored device is the mini iPad, which may tie in nicely if any of the announcements are related to their educational and textbook efforts –but it is likely safe to assume that this is a streth as well.

This is the first WWDC post-Jobs and it will be Tim Cook’s opportunity to show exactly which direction he is steering the ship.

[via AppleInsider]

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We have been anticipating it for months. Rumors have been circulating throughout the entire first half of 2012. First, we learned that Microsoft had submitted a series of apps to the App Store for approval. Then, we thought we’d see an official launch alongside the new iPad.

Even as recent as a week ago, we discovered that the company will be ready this Fall. Today, The Daily is reporting that Microsoft’s ultimate business package for iOS, Office Mobile, will launch on November 10.

It’s about time.

According to The Daily, who has been following the development of Microsoft Office for iOS closely, the development team has finished its part of the process and the app is now being scrutinized by a team of consultants who will check the app for “Metro compliance” and recommend any necessary changes. Once that is complete, Microsoft will submit the final version of Office Mobile to the App Store for approval.

While Apple’s productivity apps- Pages, Keynote and Numbers- are perfectly suited for the iPad, work great and are compatible with most PC programs, the general public is not as familiar with iWorks as they are with Microsoft’s Office. This will be a huge boost for both Microsoft and Apple. There is likely still a segment of the business industry that is holding out on incorporating the iPad into their structure because of the lack of Office-related applications.  With the mobility of tablet computing and the usability of Office, the iPad will be a powerhouse of productivity for everyone.

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Late last night, All Things Digital released a series of podcasts titled “Steve Jobs at the D: All Things Digital Conference”, including most of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’ interviews at the D conference. The interviews are available as audio podcasts, as well as videos. Of course, these interviews are available for free.

Full listing:

• 2003 (D1): Not long after taking the CEO job at a troubled Apple Computer, Steve Jobs appeared on the first D stage to discuss his plans for the future, his changing role at NEXT, and his views of the technology landscape.
• 2004 (D2): Apple had gotten into the music business, and with the launch of iTunes, had become the biggest legal music download system in the world. Steve talks about Apple, music, and what would come next.
• 2005 (D3): Steve Jobs discussed the crucial need for setting product priorities, how mobile devices relate to desktop computers, and Apple’s fledgeling retail stores. He was asked the question that was on everyone’s mind—”What about an iPod Phone?”
• 2007 (D5 #1): After changing the name of the company to simply “Apple,” Steve Jobs joined us on stage again to discuss (and give a sneak peek of) the first unreleased iPhone.
• 2007 (D5 #2): Steve Jobs and Bill Gates took the stage together to talk about their lives as collaborators, rivals, and the future of the technology business as seen from their unique perspectives.
• 2010 (D8): Steve Jobs appeared for the last time on the D stage in 2010. He focused on the recently released and wildly successful iPad, but also touched on controversies with Adobe, intellectual property, Apple’s Chinese manufacturing, and maybe most notably, the end of the “PC” era.

Also available on AllThingsD’s website is Tim Cook’s first interview with Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher at D10.

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The iPad may be manufactured in China, but Chinese citizens aren’t able to buy one in their native country because it has yet to be released there.

Though the iPad is available for purchase in approximately 90 countries, China has been left out. Apple hasn’t given a specific reason, but many speculate that it is due to the iPad trademark dispute between Apple and Proview, a Hong Kong-based company that claims to own the iPad name in the country.

Proview, which used to manufacture a now defunct product named IPAD, claims to retain the rights to the name. Apple maintains that the company bought the rights in 2009. The Chinese court originally sided with Proview, but Apple continues to fight the decision, to avoid paying the millions of dollars that Proview has requested as compensation.

Despite the ongoing dispute, it looks like China might be getting an iPad release soon, as an Apple device compatible with China Unicorn’s mobile network has received a network access license. China Unicorn is the second-largest mobile provider in China.

China’s Telecommunication Equipment and Certification Center released the news earlier, stating that an Apple device with third generation, high-speed wireless data capabilities was given the license that it needs to be sold in China.

The device, with a model number of “A1430” is suspected to be the new iPad because it is compatible with the 3G standard wide band code division multiple access. It is typical for vendors to begin selling new devices mere weeks after a license has been granted, so there’s a good chance that the new iPad will be available in China before the end of June.

[via MarketWatch]

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For today’s Daily Deal we’ve found 16 great apps to add to your iPad collection.  We have 10 productivity / entertainment apps and 6 game apps in today’s bundle.

We used our PadGadget Apps Tracker to find these great deals and we’ll continue to look for the best app deals as they pop-up. Some of these apps are up to 80% off, several are even free, so be sure to check them out because they are on sale for a limited time.

Game Apps

1. Big Win Soccer – Now available for Free instead of $0.99.
2. European War 3 for iPad – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $2.99.
3. PAC-CHOMP! – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $1.99.
4. World Conqueror 1945 for iPad – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $2.99.
5. Worms 2: Armageddon – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $4.99.
6. Worms HD – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $4.99.

Productivity and Entertainment Apps

1. CoinBook Pro – A Catalog of U.S. Coins – Now on sale for $1.99 instead of $2.99.
2. Japanese – Now on sale for $9.99 instead of $15.99.
3. Maven Web Browser+ – Now available for Free instead of $0.99.
4. Photo Measures – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $4.99.
5. Priority Matrix – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $1.99.
6. Rhythm Studio – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $4.99.
7. Secret Photo+Folder HD for iPad (Organize/Video/Memo/Share) – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $2.99.
8. Snapseed – Now available for Free instead of $4.99.
9. Vera Wang on Weddings – Now available for Free instead of $4.99.
10. Word Wizard – Talking Movable Alphabet & Spelling Tests for Kids – Now on sale for $1.99 instead of $2.99.

Also be sure to check out yesterday’s Daily Deal to find more great savings.

We use our PadGadget Apps Tracker to constantly monitor the App Store to find the biggest price changes on iPad apps. Our editorial team goes through the data, picks the best deals on the most interesting apps and then brings them to you on a regular basis. All app prices are checked at the time of posting but prices are subject to change without notice. When developers put their apps on sale it’s usually for a very limited time, often 24 hours or less, so be sure to check pricing on iTunes before making a purchase.

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CulinApp specializes in high quality cooking apps for the curious home cook. The developer’s latest offering brings Italian chef and cook book author Giuliano Hazan to the iPad.

Interested users can download Cooking Italian with Giuliano Hazan for free. This iPad-only app includes the recipe for Spaghetti alla Norma, a mouthwatering combination of eggplant and tomato. Cooking Italian’s home screen, however, displays all of the recipes that are available through in-app purchase.

While the app comes with only one recipe, users can watch an intro video, as well as see the ingredient list for all of the available recipes. This set up allows users to know exactly what they are purchasing.

Once it’s time to start cooking there are four different ways to view the recipe. Cookbook view is self-explanatory, though users who prefer this traditional approach will like that they can pop over to the Step by Step presentation if needed.

Visual learners will adore SpinView, which focuses heavily on video. The most innovative presentation was CulinView, which creates a recipe timeline that interweaves equipment and ingredients so you know exactly what to do when. This clear approach is brilliant in its simplicity, and promises to make more complex recipes manageable. Bravo!

In-app purchases can be frustrating for the end user, but Cooking Italian shows that purchasing recipes à la carte might have a place in iOS. The manage recipes menu tab tells the user exactly how much space each recipe requires, which helps anyone whose device is constantly at capacity choose content wisely. Were the recipes sold only as a group, many users might have to forgo the purchase of the entire app because it was too large.

Download Cooking Italian with Giuliano Hazan for free from the App Store. Purchase the entire recipe bundle in-app for $7.99, or download individual recipes for $0.99.

What I liked: Cooking Italian tries multiple ways to impart its recipes to the reader. While one chef might adore CulinView’s graphic presentation, others will find the video-centric SpinView to be most useful. Cooking Italian helps cooks be more comfortable in the kitchen, and its innovative UI should become de rigeur for iOS cooking apps. Users can also jump between the iPad and an Apple TV with one touch, which users with kitchen TVs will likely adore.

What I didn’t like: Nothing! This app is a winner — unless you hate the smell of fresh garlic.

To buy or not to buy: Fans of simple, rustic Italian meals with love Hazan’s food. Any cook, especially gardeners who grow eggplant and tomatoes, should download the free version and give Spaghetti alla Norma a try.

• App Name: Cooking Italian with Giuliano Hazan
• Version Reviewed: 1.0
• Category: Lifestyle
• Developer: CulinApp
• Price: Free — $7.99
• Score:

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At the recent D10 conference, Apple CEO Tim Cook was quick to respond to criticism regarding Siri. Having first said that Apple has a lot of people working on the project and later that they plan on “doubling down” their efforts on expanding the functionality, there were no details regarding when we can expect to see Siri come out of beta and (better yet) when we can expect to see it on other devices.

Cook did promise we would be “really pleased” with some of the things they have planned for Siri and indicated they have a bunch of cool ideas for what it can do.

Cleverly though, Cook provided nothing in the way of details or information on what that all means –but the teaser does suggest there should be something concrete to discuss (and hopefully play with) very soon.

I know we have all seen the fantastic commercials advertising Siri on the iPhone 4S but for a lot of us, the real conversation goes a little more like this:

Us: Siri, can I use you on my iPad?
Siri: No, I’m sorry about your luck.

Rumors have circulated recently that suggest iOS 6 will actually open Siri up to developers via APIs that would allow them to integrate voice recognition and assistance directly into their apps. Time will tell of course, but this seems like a likely evolution –though I would hope that they get the product well out of beta and rolled out to the iPad before they focus on that addition.

With Apple’s WWDC coming up quick (the keynote has been scheduled for 10:00AM on June 11) there may be more news very soon on the future of iOS which should include some peripheral details regarding Siri. I expect to be on the edge of my seat that morning waiting with Christmas morning style anticipation like I seem to do for all Apple announcements.

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Even though analysts are concluding that the news is all good, it seems that the iPad may actually be impacting other Apple products (most notably, the Mac). This makes sense of course when you consider the market shift toward mobile computing and the decreasing popularity of the traditional PC. Apple may be happy with this news given that they have essentially just replaced one revenue stream with another but it is a little more significant a trend for other manufacturers that do not also float an industry leading tablet like the iPad.

Gene Munster, an analyst with Piper Jaffray, believes that this cannibalization of the Mac was inevitable even going so far as to cite references that Apple has given stating this trend on their own. Of course, at the same time the iPad sales figures begin to eclipse those of the Mac, those same Mac computers are rising in popularity over other PC platforms (like those that are Microsoft Windows-based).

Apple CEO Tim Cook even went so far as to state during a conference call in January of 2011 that “if this is cannibalization, it feels pretty good.”

Munster is predicting that the current combined sales figures (for the iPad and Mac computers) currently amounting to around $62 billion in 2012 may be as high as $119 billion by 2015 if they continue to grow at their current rate. This prediction begins with an expected 66 million iPads delivered in 2012.

Where once people felt that Apple was unaffordable, now the iPad and iPhone have them convinced that the price differences are worth it. This mindset changing in parallel to the shift in home computing needs where fewer people care to have a PC beyond their tablet narrows the price gap influence significantly.

Of course, Apple also enjoys considerable brand loyalty which translates into additional sales potential every time an iPad or iPhone are sold –a benefit that few other manufacturers see in any regard.

[via AppleInsider]

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You know that little thing Apple released a while back called the Apple TV? Maybe you’ve heard of it. Given that nearly 6 million Apple TV devices have been sold, chances are actually pretty good you may even own one.

Apparently that may just be an experiment Apple is conducting (year right) with a product being described that way because it isn’t very successful (which I suppose may appear to be true when you sit those sales figures next to the 66 million iPads that they expect to ship this year).

So what comes next for the Apple TV? Does anything come next? When asked to discuss Apple’s much-rumored plans for a new television of some sort, Apple CEO Tim Cook doesn’t say much. One thing Cook does elaborate on was indicated during an interview regarding Apple’s general R&D philosophy:

“We’re not a hobby kind of company. Our tendency is to do very few things; put all of our wood behind a few arrows. And if something creeps in and isn’t a big success, we move on and put it away.”

So what is Cook saying? I think if you read between the lines, he made it clear that if the Apple TV wasn’t part of some greater evolutionary plan… they wouldn’t have kept it alive. Cook has been noted as calling television technology “of intense interest” to his company, giving a breath of life to the speculation that Apple is nearing the release of a revolutionary iTV product.

Let’s be realistic: Apple doesn’t make televisions. They do make monitors. They do design beautiful and usable interfaces for various devices. They also pride themselves on an unparalelled level of interactivity between their products. So putting your mind to work, what do you think that might mean? It seems likely to me that next generation Apple displays may have Apple TV functionality built right in. It also seems likely to me that the improved graphic capabilities of their iPad and iPhone combined with AirPlay may just make ANY television into an ‘iTV’. Just sayin’.

[via AllThingsD]

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Digital entertainment accessory maker Creative has just announced the upcoming launch of a new sound system that will revolutionize the way you listen to music, watch movies and make phone calls. The Sound Blaster Axx line of speakers is specially designed to bring you excellent audio capabilities and control over your voice call atmosphere.

The Sound Blaster Bluetoooth wireless speakers, in combination with the Creative Central App for iOS and Android, will allow users to control audio from as far at 30 feet away.

The speakers use Creative’s SB-Axx1 processor to improve audio quality and will stream music directly from your iPad or other compatible device.

The speaker system also comes with a built-in microphone so you can make and receive calls. Using special CrystalVoice technology and Smart Volume Management, your voice can be heard, even from another room, without volume or quality drops. The Voice Focus feature allows users to customize the audio zone so you can focus in on just your voice instead of having the listener hear all of the other noises that may be going on in the background.

The sleekly designed Sound Blaster has two stacked speaker drivers inside the tower for space-saving convenience. There are three different models, The SBX 20, SBX 10 and SBX 8. The SBX 20 comes with all the bells and whistles, including the Intelligent Amplifier, Creative Central App compatibility, and Bluetooth connectivity. The lower models are missing some of the advanced features, but still offer a powerful audio experience.

The Sound Blaster Axx line of speakers are on track to go on sale later this year. The price point for each of the three models is yet to be released. Visit the company’s website for more information.

Watch the video below for a demo of the Sound Blaster speaker system in use. If you are having trouble watching the video, click here for a direct link to the clip on YouTube.

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If you couldn’t make it for the D10 event to watch Tim Cook’s interview yesterday, don’t worry, AllThingsD has you covered. The website just posted the full interview video, and you can watch all the action over here.

Several topics were discussed during the interview, including Tim Cook’s relationship with late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, his view on social networking and its impact on Apple devices, as well as Siri, and the increasing popularity of the 1080p-enabled version of the Apple TV unveiled last year.

No related posts.

If you’ve always dreamed of learning how to play the ukelele but haven’t wanted to take the plunge and buy one, thanks to the magic of technology, you can now turn your iPad into a digital ukelele that looks and sounds just like the real thing.

Though there are other ukelele apps in the App Store, the Futelele app for the iPad utilizes a CrystalClear sound engine with 72 high quality ukelele string samples along with an unparalleled touch-based interface for an amazingly realistic ukelele experience.

There are several different output modes along with four customizable sound effects: Grand Stereo Reverb, 3-Band EQ, Lush Chorus, and Tape Delay. With 10 pre-defined chord sets and and an infinite number of customizable creations with 12 chords per set, you can use up to 132 chords.

You can take advantage of fully automatic playing by holding down the “Automatic” button, and there are 15 strumming patterns available which can be accessed in the options menu. Recording is done with a single tap, and your recorded .WAV files can be converted in app to .M4A and uploaded to iTunes.

And the best part? You can install the Futelele Remote app on your iPhone or your iPod Touch to use it in conjunction with Futelele on your iPad via Bluetooth. With a special guitar-shaped case, you can select a chord on the iPhone and strum on the iPad screen, turning your iPad and your iPhone into a fully fledged ukelele.

Futulele for the iPad can be downloaded from the App Store for $4.99. The promised iPhone remote app has yet to be released, but is coming soon.

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If you’re looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind protective cover for your new iPad, ColorWare may have what you are looking for. With 46 different colors and three different color combinations to choose from, you can stroll down the street with confidence that you’ve got the only case like it on the block.

ColorWare’s Grip 3 holds your iPad tightly in place with a removable, customizable frame. One side of the frame is a convenient handle to allow users to grip the iPad securely while tapping and swiping away.

There are three parts to the Grip 3 that can be customized. The frame, back and handle can all have a different color, including matte, gloss, pearl or metallic. It is compatible with both the second and third generation iPad. The frame is made from strurdy aluminum while the back is a lightweight fiberglass panel that can be removed if you want to show off your iPad’s backside.

The customizable cases cost $300 and are available now from the company’s website. Pick one up today and be the fashionista of the iPad world.

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Following the release of the wireless solar keyboard for Mac and wireless solar keyboard folio case for iPad, Logitech has just announced the upcoming release of a keyboard that will allow you to throw all your others in the garbage. The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 is compatible with Mac, iPad and iPhone and can be switched between devices with the push of a button. Utilizing Bluetooth connectivity, the K760 lets users pair up to three devices at the same time. There is no need to disconnect one and reconnect another in order to switch between them. Simply hit the device-switching button and move from Mac to iPad to iPhone without missing a beat.

“Laptops, smartphones and tablets are ubiquitous – both at work and at play,” said Denis Pavillard, vice president of experience design at Logitech. “Because Apple devices are central to this trend, Logitech is committed to improving the way people interact with them. With its simple solar charging, familiar Mac layout and comfortable design, the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 will appeal to Apple users worldwide.”

Instead of worrying about having enough batteries, or plugging into a charger, users can rest easy because the K760 runs on solar power. The on-board solar cells collect any light, indoors or out, to charge the keyboard. You don’t have to sit outside in the sweltering summer heat in order to get a charge. The battery life is estimated to last three whole months, even in total darkness, with an average use of eight hours per day.

The keyboard is also specifically designed with Apple in mind. That is, the K760 has light-touch keys and a minimalist design that is familiar to Mac users.

The K760 will be available this June for $79.99 and can be pre-ordered from the company’s website today.

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• Logitech Announces New iPad Keyboard Case

The developers at Knowledge Adventure have hit another home run with their latest app, Monster Mutt Rescue. Equal parts entertainment and education, this app lets your children raise and care for a virtual pet.

Begin by selecting a Blaster name (your choice or let the app randomize an identity for you), and help your larva morph into a baby monster. It takes a little loving care and a little patience but you can raise your own little “Tough Sputnik”.

First glance has you thinking this game is very simple but a few minutes of play and the sophistication and fun really begin to unfold. Once you begin moving forward from the larva stage you can pay mini games (which are great even on their own!) to help grow your Mutt. The more you play, the more opportunities there are to help other players care for their Mutts and make new friends (registration and account creation is encouraged but not required, and nothing detrimental comes from doing so –no ads or data mining as a result).

Other incentives also keep you returning to the game –the more you explore and care for your Mutt, the more credits you earn which allow you to decorate your pet’s Pod and to get the supplies you need.

While the graphics are very simple and not always terribly refined, the app does not suffer for it. The menu of care items (including toys, food, brush and a bubbly sponge for bathing) are easy enough for children to identify and manipulate and an on-screen graph lets them know exactly what their Monster Mutt needs next.

What I liked: Pre-school children especially love to learn about responsibilities and are very nurturing, making this app an ideal fit. Short attention spans will be well served by this app as well, because you can easily return to the app and provide additional care for your pet at any time.

What I didn’t like: I was disappointed to see that all of the instructions inside this app were only provided in writing –I think younger children could really enjoy this app but those who aren’t yet able to read would need directions spoken aloud to play more independently.

To buy or not to buy: This is a game that is a steal for the price (free) –grab it before the developers come to their senses!

• App Name: Monster Mutt Rescue
• Version Reviewed: 1.0
• Category: Games
• Developer: Knowledge Adventure
• Price: Free
• Score:

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For today’s Daily Deal we’ve found 10 great apps to add to your iPad collection.  We have 7 productivity / entertainment apps and 3 game apps in today’s bundle.

We used our PadGadget Apps Tracker to find these great deals and we’ll continue to look for the best app deals as they pop-up. Some of these apps are up to 80% off, several are even free, so be sure to check them out because they are on sale for a limited time.

Game Apps

1. Bongo Touch – Now available for Free instead of $0.99.
2. Charadium II HD – Now available for Free instead of $2.99.
3. The Bard’s Tale – Now on sale for $2.99 instead of $5.99.

Productivity and Entertainment Apps

1. Discovr Music – discover new music – Now available for Free instead of $1.99.
2. FTP On The Go PRO – Now on sale for $6.99 instead of $9.99.
3. iPlan for iPad – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $4.99.
4. NCLEX Exam Cards – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $2.99.
5. Razzi Photo Effects – Now available for Free instead of $0.99.
6. SkySafari 3 – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $2.99.
7. Topps Pennant – Now on sale for $0.99 instead of $1.99.

Also be sure to check out yesterday’s Daily Deal to find more great savings.

We use our PadGadget Apps Tracker to constantly monitor the App Store to find the biggest price changes on iPad apps. Our editorial team goes through the data, picks the best deals on the most interesting apps and then brings them to you on a regular basis. All app prices are checked at the time of posting but prices are subject to change without notice. When developers put their apps on sale it’s usually for a very limited time, often 24 hours or less, so be sure to check pricing on iTunes before making a purchase.

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