Apple's iBookstore Agency Model Under Questioning?

Reports are coming in claiming that the Texas Attorney General is investigating Apple’s entrance into the e-books market. US Publishers told the Wall Street Journal that they were being approached by the Attorney General’s office to discuss this matter, but refused to give details.

Under question is the agency model which Apple is pushing because it enforces a standard contract on publishers, a condition of which is that e-books cannot be sold cheaper elsewhere.

US Trade site, Publishers Lunch, reported the following “As best we can determine, the questioning so far has been highly-focused in scope, directed at the largest book publishers and at least some retailers." The questioning was described as a general “fishing expedition” for information, which could go on for months, or end very quickly.

However, these concerns have not prevented most publishers from offering their titles via Apple’s iBookstore, as it has had a successful launch.

Earlier, US trade website Publishers Lunch reported that Apple was the subject of an anti-trust inquiry by the Texas Attorney General's office into the agency model. The publication cited well-placed sources as claiming the queries had started in early to mid-April - within days of the launch of Apple's iPad and iBookstore.

Research Scientists Use iPad to Communicate With Dolphins

Yesterday we saw a dog play air hockey on the iPad. Today we hear about a young bottlenose dolphin named Merlin who became the first of his species to use the Apple iPad. Dolphin research scientist, Jack Kassewitz of SpeakDolphin.com, introduced the iPad to the dolphin in early steps towards build a language interface.

“The use of the iPad is part of our continuing search to find a suitable touch screen technology which the dolphins can activate with the tip of their rostrums or beaks. After extensive searching and product review, it looks like our choice is between the Panasonic Toughbook and the Apple iPad” Kassewitz explained. “We think that once the dolphins get the hang of the touch screen, we can let them choose from a wide assortment of symbols to represent objects, actions and even emotions”.

Kassewitz explained the requirements of the technology. “Waterproofing, processor speed, touch- sensitivity, anti-glare screens, and dolphin-friendly programs are essential. As this database of dolphin symbols grows – we’ll need fast technology to help us respond appropriately and quickly to the dolphins.”

The research was being conducted at Dolphin Discovery’s dolphin swim facility in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico along the picturesque coast now referred to as the Riviera Maya. The dolphin, Merlin, is a juvenile, born at the facility only two years ago. “Merlin is quite curious, like most dolphins, and he showed complete willingness to exam the iPad” said Kassewitz.

For now, the researchers are getting Merlin used to the touch screen by showing him real objects, such as a ball, cube or plastic duck, then asking the dolphin to touch photos of those same objects on the screen. “This is an easy task for a dolphin, but it is a necessary building block towards our goal of a complete language interface between humans and dolphins”, Kassewitz said.

The iPad Buyers' Guide [Download]

iLounge has published their iPad Buyers' Guide and made it available for download.

Now with 150 pages, the iPad Buyers’ Guide + iPod/iPhone Book 5 shows you how to make the most of your iPod, iPhone, or iPad, featuring everything from buying and selling tips to looks at top accessories, apps, and games.

The iPad Buyers’ Guide
With over two million iPads sold in the first 60 days of availability, Apple’s tablet computer is taking the world by storm. We explain why and spotlight its top add-ons.
● Introducing the iPad
● Cases, Film + Stickers
● Car Accessories
● Stands + Docks
● Earphones + Cables
● iPad Camera Connection Kit
● Great iPad Games + Apps

iDesign Addendum
Profiles of six top accessory and application developers add to our series on great design, including early details on upcoming apps.
● Incase
● Speck Products
● SwitchEasy
● Duck Duck Moose
● PopCap Games
● Tapbots

All Things iPod + iPhone
Every current iPod and iPhone model are compared, with 16 different sections discussing everything from buying, selling, and trading to accessorizing, filling, and customizing your favorite Apple pocket device.
1. Installing The Right Software
2. Charging + Synchronizing
3. Filling It Up: Music, Videos, Apps, More
4. Entertainment Everywhere
5. Customization
6. Expanding Your iPod or iPhone
7. Playing Around: Toys + Games
8. Protection
9. Cables, Cord Managers + Sharing
10. Maintenance and Repair
11. Selling and Trading
12. Buying
13. Apple TV
14. Gifting
15. Joining The Community
16. More Help

iPad, iPhone + iPod Photo Galleries
● Great photos from our Around the World galleries are shown off here.

You can download the complete pdf from here

Apple Announces Over Two Million iPads Sold

Apple today announced that iPad sales have topped two million in less than 60 days since its launch on April 3. Apple began shipping iPad in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK this past weekend. iPad will be available in nine more countries in July and additional countries later this year.

“Customers around the world are experiencing the magic of iPad, and seem to be loving it as much as we do,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We appreciate their patience, and are working hard to build enough iPads for everyone.”

The company also notes that developers have created over 5,000 new apps for iPad and that there are more than 200,000 apps on the App Store which run on any iDevice.