Apple iTunes is a Fortune 500 Gorilla

In a recent analysis, Asymco has calculated that the iTunes store as a standalone company, would be in the Fortune 500 list of top U.S. companies at number 130. Apple revealed that the iTunes store had gross annual revenue year-over-year of $23.5B. This would put it between Alcoa and Eli Lilly in the Fortune 500 rankings.

Growth was driven by increases in revenue from App sales reflecting continued growth in the installed base of iOS devices and the expansion in the number of third-party iOS Apps available. Net sales of digital content, including music, movies, TV shows and books, from the iTunes Store was relatively flat in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013.

Via 9to5Mac.com

Review:Mr Blimp

Last month a great educational app for your children was released on the app store by the developer Kiwi-Games. This new iPad app is called Mr. Blimp.  My 4 year old son has enjoyed playing Mr. Blimp and as a parent I love to see him having fun and learning on the iPad. This iPad app has a kid friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The developers have made this app fun and educational as a way to  to help children learn their numbers, the alphabet, and to read and spell. Continue reading

New iPad Ad Shows Off Retina Display

Yesterday Apple released a new iPad advertisement that emphasizes the new iPad’s Retina display and this ad really brings it to life. Apples ad showcases the new iPad features such as emailing, reading via Newsstand, movie and TV show watching, iPhoto gallery making, Numbers document editing, drawing via apps, iBooks 2 textbooks, reading books. All of these features show off how rich the experience is on the iPad Retina display. Continue reading

Beautiful iPad Maps-UpNext HD Maps

A company called UpNext is redefining the use of maps on the iPad 2. UpNext has partnered with Verizon Wireless on a wonderful geographical mapping project that brings 3D technology to your iPad tablet. This iPad app is called UpNext HD Maps and it covers the entire U.S. of 20 major metro areas allowing an enhanced 3D city view.

Some of the cities UpNext includes in this iPad app: Los Angeles New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, Boston, Washington DC, and Atlanta, to name a few. Plus, more cities are coming soon. Some other really practical features include local search, venue reviews, deal finder and they’ve integrated Foursquare as well. Get UpNext HD here its free son the app store.  Continue reading

Pollinator HD for iPad

The eye catching iTunes store icon of Pollinator HD is what grabbed my attention while perusing the educational games iPad apps. I downloaded this graphically pleasing app and promptly and checked it out on my iPad 2 tablet The start page was lovely, exciting and and eye-catching.

The illustrations are really well done and the game play for children is inviting and easy to navigate in this touch-based iPad app. My 5 year old son plays a lot on my iPad so it is interesting to see what apps he is drawn towards. The Pollinator HD was a natural fit for him developmentally as he intuitively understood the flow of play. It’s pretty simple for your child to get started in this app as your finger draws the desired path for Buzz the Bee to be directed toward the flowers. You can then direct them back to their hive with the same touch guide. My son also really enjoyed squashing the dragonflies just but touching them with your finger. Continue reading