By Jonathan Pena Apple has announced that iTunes U has topped one billion downloads, an impressive number for a service launched just few years ago. Apple debuted iTunes U in 2007, expanding its library beyond laptops and computers when the company created its own iTunes U iOS app for mobile devices. Apple's SVP of Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue, released a brief statement stating that more than 2,400 schools across the nation are currently hosting new content on the service. “It’s inspiring to see what educators and students of all types are doing with iTunes U, and [the] incredible content offered on...

One of the things I love about my iPad is that it liberates me from the constraints of my desktop workstation and the lousy body English of using a laptop sitting on one’s lap. I can use the iPad in a wide range of venues in my house and yard—pretty much anywhere within range of my Wi-Fi router. However, one place I’ve never used the iPad is in the bathroom, and I really have no desire to do so. My philosophy about bathroom-going is that you do what’s on the agenda and move on, so to speak. But, whatever floats your...

It’s not clear whether Apple is doing this or it’s just someone who’s cut a deal with them (both 9to5Mac and CNet asked Apple for clarification, but the company apparently hasn’t responded yet), but an eBay store entitled “refurbished outlet” has opened up, selling factory-refurbished Apple products at the same prices (including some 4th-gen iPod Touches at the bargain prices I noted a couple of weeks ago) and with the same one-year warranty as on the Apple Store. (It’s a buy-it-now only operation, so there’s no bidding.) As a side benefit, only a few states’ residents—California, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey,...

There's a new e-reader in the house! I had been eying the Kobo Glo with some envy ever since it came out. It seemed like Amazon's readers kept getting thicker and chunkier-looking, while Kobo's kept getting smaller and cuter and faster. The glow light was what really sold me, though. I read in bed a lot, and was growing weary of the tiny iPod Touch screen—I wanted to take a book with me again! And even with the light on, it was too dark to bring my reader into bed. We have one power outlet, and it's not on my...

If you’re looking for a handily pocketable e-reader and wouldn’t feel dirty giving money to Apple, CNet points out that Apple is running a pretty good deal on refurbished 4th-generation (the model from two years ago) iPod Touch units. The 8 GB version is available for $129 shipped (it costs $199 new), the 32 GB version is $179 ($229 new), and the 64 GB version is $229 (not available new). While these aren’t the latest model, with the 16:9 screen, Lightning connector, and better rear-facing camera, they do have Retina-resolution screens, FaceTime cameras, and modern operating systems. I don’t mind saying,...

  by Jonathan Pena for Technology Tell As the widespread rumors wisely foretold, Apple CEO Tim Cook took the stage today at Apple's media event to announce a new version of the iBooks app for Apple’s iOS devices. The updated app brings enhancements such as support for 3D imaging, embedded video and multi-touch gestures. Apple has also added a new button that allows users to share content via their favorite social media networks. iBooks also now supports Korean and Japanese languages. The update is now live; if you're so inclined, you can download the app now in the App Store. * * * Follow us @TeleRead Join us on Facebook...

Quotebook is an app that came to me via the Genius suggestions in my newly updated iPad's App Store. It's an app designed for clipping and storing favorite quotes for future reference. Unlike other iOS quote apps, it does not come with a library of quotes pre-installed. You are meant to input your own via typing directly into a new record, or by coping and pasting from Twitter, Safari, iBooks or some other source. I had previously been using an epub file to store quotes and clips from books I was reading. It had definitely improved my reading; I liked being...

Stanza, one of the best e-reading apps around, was broken when Apple upgraded to iOS 4 or later. Amid the uproar from the app’s users, Stanza’s overlords at Amazon tweaked the ePub-capable app but did not promise future upgrades. But Stanza runs fine under iOS 6, the new operating system for iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches, at least as best I can determine. I did suffer a lockup when I tried to change fonts, but my hunch is that this is probably an iOS 6 issue rather than a Stanza-specific one. A reboot of my iPad did the trick. Let me know if you...

By Bill Stiteler | for Appletell iOS 6 is now available for download. The new operating system for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch can be downloaded over the air from the device, or via iTunes, and requires 2.4 GB of space. The update is compatible with the iPhone 3GS or better, the 4th generation iPod touch, and the iPad 2 or better, though not all of the 200 new features are available on all devices. To download the update on your device, go to Settings > General > Software Update. iOS 6 brings a slew of new features, including system-level Facebook integration (much like iOS...

By Jeremy Hill | for Gadgetell Apple spent its entire media event this past Wednesday showing off the iPhone 5, the fifth generation iPod Touch, the iPod Nano and updated software for iOS and iTunes. We didn’t hear a peep about the fabled 7-inch iPad, so it’s fair to assume that’s being saved for a later event. However, I’m not so sure it will be the Nexus 7 destroyer many have made it out to be--assuming it’s real. Here’s the problem: The 7-inch iPad is believed to be a more budget-friendly version of the full sized iPad. It’s supposed to swoop in and completely...

New iPod Touch Looks Better for Reading Than Ever (The Digital Reader) Apple Announces iTunes 11 (GigaOM) Kindle Paperwhite Won't See Int'l Release Until 2013 (Good E-Reader) Waterstones CEO: Amazon Deal Great Except for the Bear Traps (Paid Content)   Kindle Daily Deal: The Goddess of Fried Okra [&] Mary Poppins...

By Kirk Hiner & Bill Stiteler | Technology Tell Apple has been highlighting features of the forthcoming iOS 6 for many months now, and new we finally get to see some features of the newest device to run it. The iPhone 5 is being unveiled today at 10:00 am PT (1:00 ET), and this link will take you to Technology Tell's live blog of the event. Live blog entries at TechnologyTell.com (click here) will update every 20 seconds. ...