No, it wasn't just you: Digital comics provider ComiXology has gone public with its epic fail for the Marvel #1 promotion, which left eager fans unable to download content, assuming they could even purchase it to begin with. The company plans to make good on the more than 700 free comics sometime in the near future, so read on to find out how to be notified when that goes down.
9to5Mac reported Monday that Apple has released a number of significant improvements to its built-in Maps app for Japan -- but curiously, it managed to do it without an update to iOS 6.1.3, which is currently being put through its paces by developers. The cloud-based improvements include improved pronunciation of roads and upcoming toll roads during turn-by-turn navigation, optimized directions to prefer highways over narrower roads, labels for intersections, indicators for transit stations and even 3D buildings for landmarks such as Tokyo Station and the Japan Imperial Palace. No word on whether or not iOS 6.1.3 will bring even further improvements for Japanese Maps users.
Marvel's two-day promotion for more than 700 free first issues didn't exactly go off without a hitch this weekend, with many users unable to download digital comics at all. The SXSW 2013 promotion was powered by ComiXology, whose CEO announced Monday afternoon that they would be "pausing" the promotion for now until they can get the server issues worked out. But fear not: If you missed out on all those free comics, you'll still have another crack at them, simply by tossing your email address into a web form and waiting for ComiXology to give you the heads up.
If you prefer your iPad magazines to be as interactive as possible with plenty of great video content, look no further than Astronaut Magazine, who announced the release of their second issue with an all-new app this week. Available on the App Store for $2.99, Astronaut offers a home for indie filmmakers from around the globe, all presented in English language. The second issue includes a look at a digital entrepreneur in Amsterdam, Brighton Beach's Parkour World, musical reconciliation in South Africa and much more, all packed into roughly one hour of intriguing content.
Forbes is reporting that Apple may be closer to resolving a trademark dispute in Brazil over its iconic iPhone. IGB Electronica owns the iPhone name in that country dating back to March, 2000, a move that took the country's Industrial Property Institute (INPI) a full seven years before IGB launched its G-Gradiente iPhone there -- right around the same time Apple was rolling out its own iPhone. Rather than duke it out in court, it appears the two companies have agreed to temporarily call a truce on the legal front as they work out a settlement. Ironically, the latest version of the Gradiente iPhone runs Google's Android -- which for Apple is probably like pouring salt in an open wound to begin with.
AT&T announced Monday that presales for the touchscreen-based BlackBerry Z10 will begin today, March 12, with the handset arriving in stores at long last 10 days later on March 22. The real kicker is the price: $199.99 with two-year service agreement, an amount equal to the 16GB iPhone 5 and flagship Android handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S III, which BlackBerry is hoping to go toe-to-toe with in the market. Many BlackBerry lovers were probably hoping for more aggressive pricing similar to what Nokia has done with its Lumia handsets on Windows Phone, but AT&T appears to be throwing BlackBerry under the bus instead.
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