Continuing the long line of overhauled apps being updated, Delivery Status touch has updated to 4.4.  Here’s what the update text states:

New Features:

• Added support for DHL UK (Domestic Express) and Post.at (Austria).
• Added support for more barcodes from DHL Germany, FedEx, and USPS.
• The iPad version has been reworked to make it easier and more enjoyable to use.
• There’s a new Juncloud sync site at http://junecloud.com/sync/
• If you don’t have any deliveries, you can add a delivery by tapping the package icon or “no deliveries” text.
• You can now clear the date for an “Other” delivery.

Improvements:

• Improved mapping results when the location isn’t specific enough.  You can still drag the pin to a different location if it’s incorrect.
• Improved syncing, especially when the time is off or when logging in.
• Improved date detection for non-English languages, especially on Amazon.it.
• Improved error checking for service definition updates.
• Improved update intervals for some deliveries, especially ones with errors.
• Improved sorting for shipments with delivery dates in the past.
• The Done button now appears on the Help and About pages, so you can exit quickly.
• Subtly tweaked the icon to better pair with our new app, Notefile: http://notefileapp.com
• More little things you may notice if you look very closely.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a problem on iPad where opening the app in portrait mode could result in the view not updating correctly after syncing.
• Fixed a bug where the settings fields might not update after scanning a barcode.
• Fixed a bug where the online view on iPad would not always update when changing deliveries.
• Fixed a possible crash when deleting a delivery on iPad with the online view open.
• Fixed a potential bug on iPad if the sync settings were edited while a delivery was being edited.
• Some other minor fixes.

Phew!  As you can see this is a big one.  Junecloud was pretty thorough with their update text.  This update packs a bunch of new features that make Delivery Status touch much more reliable and easy to use.  It now supports more locations and barcodes.  Improvements and Bug fixes are in this update galore making this the best delivery tracking app on the iPhone and iPad.  Remember that one size fits all for this app so if you buy it for your iPad, you can use it on your iPhone and iPod touch as well free of charge.  Be sure to update Delivery Status touch to 4.4 as soon as you can for a much improved and stable performance.

Take a long last look at that icon because TUAW Reports that those who have been using the latest version of Apple’s pre-released operating system have noted that there is no iSync to be found.  Maybe a better solution will take it’s place?  iSync was an app that allowed you to sync your phones, palm pilots (whaaa?) and even old iPods with all of your contacts and calendar events.

It’s also important to note that FrontRow, Java runtime, and Rosetta have also disappeared.

IntoNow the amazing “identify what you’re watching on TV and share it to the world” app has recently updated to version 1.2.  Here is what they did:

• Rate episodes, shows and movies!  Simple thumbs up and thumbs down will help us create recommendations for you, and ratings for the show!
• Share with a single tap: easier and faster to share.
• Bug fixes and performance improvements!

You can now rate what you’re watching.  By either giving a thumbs up or thumbs down, IntoNow can collect your opinion and help give users recommendations on what to watch as well as give the shows you’re watching ratings.  Sharing has become a lot easier by reducing the taps you need to share to one.  And what would an app update be without bug fixes and performance improvements?  It’s all here in version 1.2.  Get it now at the AppStore.

Recently we posted an article talking about Comcast’s XFINITY TV app updating to 1.5.1.  Don’t panic! Comcast has shortly after released version 1.5.2 to fix an important issue.  This fixes the reliability of the Favorite channels setup and a fix for a potential loss of listing data.  There are also fixes for several crashes.  Be sure to update quickly for a much improved experience.

Color Splash – the ever-popular color-accent app for the iPhone has now updated to 1.6.  Here’s what the official update text says:

• Images are displayed in better quality and higher resolution during editing
• Added AirPrint support for wireless printing (requires iOS 4.2)
• Photo metadata is preserved in saved images (requires iOS 4.2)
• Improved handling of high resolution images
• Bug fixes and performance improvements

Image quality has been updated when editing images.  You can now print from Color Splash using AirPrint.  All of the metadata taken with your pictures is now preserved when editing and exporting through Color Splash.  Bugs have been squashed and performance has been improved.

Check out 1.6 in the App Store here.

WHERE, Inc. has released an update to their location-based app – WHERE to version 4.1.5.  Here’s what the official text says:

• Morris Visitor Publications editorial content integration, providing the best visitor content for travelers.
• Smart type ahead on the home page: suggests previous search terms, names of places near you and the best part: direct links to places that you’ve saved to your WHERE Lists.
• Faster log in experience.
• Fixed several crashes & bugs.

This update packs a punch when it comes to added useful features.  New content has been added allowing WHERE to give you the best experience in town from Morris Visitor Publications.  User experience has been enhanced with a “smart type ahead” feature that guesses what you’d like to do from previous experiences as well as a faster log in system.  This update would not be complete without several crashes and bug fixes.

You can find WHERE in the App Store here for the unbelievable price of Free.

WordPress for the iPhone and iPad has updated to version 2.8.  Here’s what the update text states:

Besides crash and bug fixes, the higlights for 2.8 are:

• Quick Photo button: only available on iPhone for now.
• Stats
• Added translations to Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Bosnian, Hebrew, German, Dutch, French, and Croatian.

The Quick Photo button allows you to quickly take a picture and attach it to a new post on any of your blogs with one tap.  Also added is a Stats tab that works in tandem with the official WordPress stats plugin.  Be sure to add that plugin to your blog before using this feature.  If you haven’t, the app will walk you through the process.

It’s also important to note that this is most likely the last version of the app that supports iOS 3.x you wish to continue using WordPress on your iOS devices, be sure to update them for further compatibility.

Tweetbot, the new bird on the block when it comes to Twitter clients for the iPhone and iPod touch, has recently updated to version 1.1.  This much anticipated update comes packaged with the following:

• Landscape support for media, compose and web views
• Added User/Hashtag buttons to compose toolbar
• Improved accuracy of displayed locations
• Tweet gaps now load above instead of below
• Lists now sorted alphabetically
• Login now handles email address or username
• CloudApp image/video support
• Improved hashtag picker
• Fixed translation issue with British English
• Improved saving behavior for older devices
• Various bug fixes

Landscape mode has been added to a couple views in the app.  Now you can compose tweets, look at pictures and media, and view web pages in landscape mode.  Buttons have been added to the compose toolbar making it easy to add hashtags or @someone.  Location accuracy has been improved.  Lists are now sorted in alphabetical order.  Logging in now allows you to enter either an email address or a username.  If you use CloudApp, you now have image and video support in TweetBot.  Bug fixes and behavioral problems have been fixed with older devices as well as a miscommunication issue with the British English translation feature.

Be sure to update Tweetbot as soon as possible to get these much needed improvements.  Tweetbot is also available in the App Store here for $1.99 USD.

That’s a long version number!  Google has updated its iOS search app yet again!  Here’s what the update description says:

Speed Improvements

• App is more responsive and launches faster.

Look & Feel

• Bigger fonts.
• Tappable search results!

Other changes:

• Voice search via gesture optional.  Can be turned on via settings

Minor bug fixes.

This update makes the app snappier and more quick to respond as well as improves the UI with bigger fonts and tappable search results.  If you want to quickly search for something with your voice, a gesture can be turned on in the app’s settings.  Minor bug fixes are also included.

If you don’t want to be tied to Safari for quick google-ing, check out Google’s own search app on the App Store for free, here.  Also check out the Google Goggles feature allowing you to take a picture of something and have google search the text automatically!

Instagram sure has been busy shipping out updates for their Photography/Social Networking app – Instagram.  1.7 brings the following to your iPhone and iPod touch:

• Grid View for Profile Pages
• Optional Bio Field in Profiles
• Manage which push notifications you receive (on Edit Profile screen)
• Choose Profile Picture from Facebook & Twitter
• Stability Improvements for iOS 4.1
• Bug Fixes & Speed Improvements for Older Phones

Profile pages get an updated Grid View for easier viewing as well as an optional Bio field to tell a little more about yourself.  If you’re tired of constantly getting notifications, you can now choose what notifications you’d like to receive.  If you’d like to change your picture, you now have the option to choose one from Facebook and Twitter.  And of course there are speed improvements and Bug fixes for iOS 4.1 as well as older phones.

Be sure to get this update if you’re an Instagramer or check it out in the App Store here.

Cloud computing is definitely the way of the future, and more than being apart of the movement, everyone wants to do it right and make it unique on how their service uses the cloud. Amazon has launched their quietly talked about cloud storage service the “Amazon Cloud Drive”.

With the new service, Amazon is offering five gigabytes [5GB] of storage space for the users to have free of charge. Additional space on the service is one dollar per gig. A user can buy up to a whole terabyte [1TB], or 1000GB [$1000], of storage space and use at their discretion. In addition to that, any user who purchases music form the Amazon music store can store the content on their cloud service for no charge to wallet or storage space on the service.

The Amazon Cloud Player is the software mechanism by which content can be played from the cloud service. The player is web-based, making it compatible for Safari, Firefox, Chrome ,and IE, in turn making it compatible with Mac or PC. They also have an application where Android users can play their content form the cloud on the mobile Android device. The software is not available to iOS, BlackBerry, or WP7 nor does it work on the Safari browser on iOS, leaving iOS devices completely incompatible with the feature.

Cupertino is said to be in the works to create a cloud-computing experience that some have identified as a complete facelift to the MobileMe web service, which some describing it as a “digital locker”. Apple is said to reach a deal with the Warner Brothers movie house and is very close to striking an agreement with music labels for April launch of the revamped service. There hasn’t been a specific charge that has been solid among the rumor mill. Many have said that the service will be free-of-charge with some pay features, such as additional storage.

In record breaking time, the World Wide Developer’s Conference has sold out in just around 10 hours. Last year, the event sold out in eight days with swift sales. However, selling out in a single day has taken many devs by surprise. This marks the fourth consecutive time the event has had a full house.

ColorSnapper is available in the Mac App Store for $4.99 (USD) here.

– Fixed an issue where the in-page search did not return any results

– Fixed layout issues with subscript and superscript text

– Fixed a network activity indicator issue

– Fixed some graphic issues on the iPhone 3G and iPod touch (2nd generation)

– Fixed an issue where Articles could not zoom into vector images

– Fixed many layout issues in the english, french and german Wikipedia

All of the updates seem to be bug fixes and backwards compatibility enhancements.  Be sure to open the App Store on your iOS device for this free update.  Articles is available for $2.99 (USD) in the App Store here.

Also added is a Priority Inbox:

Those familiar with Apple’s mail client will be happy to know that you can set a signature to each of your email accounts.

Quickly format your email with the new format bar:

and a “Minimal” mode:

Touch gestures:

Pinch to open/close a message, three-finger swipe to open and close the panel, three-finger swipe to navigate the message list or switch accounts. Sparrow now integrates a full array of multitouch gestures making it easier to navigate your mail and mail accounts.

and finally Contact Groups are supported.  Add to that a bunch of bug fixes:

Some of you were experiencing a bug related to archiving mails in Sparrow 1.0.1. This has been fixed.

Every single request that we have received has been taken into account and we have fixed numerous behaviors that you kindly reported to us. You can see the complete list of solved bugs here.

From Sparrow behavior at start up to the contrast of the selected cell color, we’ve improved Sparrow on every level.

Sparrow 1.1 is a free update and is available by checking for updates in the Mac App Store.  To check out Sparrow here.

Overview of Updates:

• Fixes crashing some users have been seeing on launch with location services
• Updated Quick Bar default behavior to not overlap tweets in the timeline
• Security Fixes
• Improved performance for users with many accounts

Twitter for iOS has recently received a lot of design and feature criticism for its new “Quick Bar” that shows the latest local trends on twitter.  What is your opinion on this relatively new feature?  Is it a deal breaker for this app?

Twitter’s client used to be known as Tweetie, but was later puchased from Atebits and transformed into one of the most popular Twitter clients for iOS.

- Photos. Uploading photos is now easier than ever. There’s a camera button in the toolbar and we improved the image preview, so you can quickly choose a photo from your library or take a new picture.

- Follow your friends. Now you can find which of your friends are on Twitter that have chosen to be discoverable through the contacts on your phone.

- Local trends. See trends based on your location.

- Shorten links. When you want to share a link on Twitter, just paste it into the Tweet box and we’ll automatically shorten it.

- Tweet box design. We redesigned the “New Tweet” screen so it’s now cleaner and simpler.

- Autocomplete. When tweeting on-the-go, speed and accuracy are important. Autocomplete for @usernames and hashtags help you tweet faster

- Direct Messages. The new Direct Message conversation view helps you better keep track of messages.

Twitter for iOS is Free and available on the iTunes App Store here.

Tired of accessing your Google Voice account through your desktop?  Well, there’s a full-fledged app available for your mac that allows you to access Google Voice straight through your menu bar!  Say hello to BigPhone.

Google Voice is a service that allows you to unify all of your telephones with one number.  If someone calls your Google Voice number, it will ring whatever phones you have connected to it.  That means your cell phone, home phone, and work phone can all ring at the same time if you have your settings set to do so.  Google Voice also includes free voice mail which is transcribed for easy access, and texting.  Check out two of our previous articles on the Google Voice iOS app.

Setup is simple, once opened, BigPhone will prompt you to enter in your google account information.  This is your email address and password.  After that you’re ready to go!

BigPhone is centralized around its menu bar menu.  Click on it to go straight to your inbox, or quickly strike up a new conversation with its “New Text Message” menu item.  Further down the menu, BigPhone will also show you the last couple conversations or messages in your inbox for easy access.

Texting with BigPhone is very simple and is done in a familiar “iChat-esque” fashion.  If your Google Voice number gets a text, it automatically pops up on your screen.  You then can quickly reply and get back to work.

BigPhone does a good job of blending in with the rest of the OS.  It’s only there when you want it to be.  Although it looks like you can’t place any calls with the app, texting is a snap and is much easier to do with your mac’s keyboard.  To find out more and to see a quick screen cast of BigPhone in use, go to http://bigphoneapp.com/.  Or check it out in the Mac App Store here.  BigPhone is $3.99 USD.

As you may or may not know, Pastebot: Tapbot’s clipboard manager for the iPhone syncs to your Mac with help from a small preference pane called Pastebot Sync.  What you may not know is that you can sync with multiple Macs.  Say you use your desktop at home to write an essay, but need to take your essay writing on the go.  So you transfer your essay to your MacBook and of course bring your iPhone along. All you have to do is install the preference pane on your MacBook, and add a new machine to you iPhone’s “Computers” list.  Tap on the machine you wish to sync to and BAM!  You’re ready to go!  You then can switch back to your desktop when you’re back at home.  Like it says at the bottom of the sync screen, you can only sync with one machine at a time but you can register as many computers as you want.  You can find Pastebot at the AppStore here.

Have you ever been put into a situation where you’re watching a TV episode and you want to know who’s in it or what the name of the episode is?  Well now instead of trying to quickly decipher the credits at the end of the show you can use your iPone with IntoNow.

All you have to do is tap a button and IntoNow listens to the audio of whatever’s on TV to look up its information.  You then get a page filled with information including the series title, description, a cast list, a picture, a link to IMDB (International Movie Database) and even a link to iTunes for you to purchase or rent this episode to enjoy it again and again.

IntoNow is amazingly accurate.  It takes only a few seconds for it to listen and fetch information.  IntoNow works with DVDs and Pre-Recorded television media as well so it doesn’t have to be currently on the air waves.  In fact, I tried it during an NBA basketball game and it preformed flawlessly.

IntoNow also includes a small social network aspect.  Sign up for free and you can follow people which lets you keep up with what they’re watching.  People will also request to be your friend and follow what you’re watching.  You can also check out what is popular and what is currently playing on the air.

IntoNow is fre and available now on the App Store.  Click here to check it out!

As you very well may know, Apple gets praise for the secureness in their products, especially in their Mac OS X lineup of products. Well, it seems like the bar is going to be raised  even hire with the addition of very well noted security expert David Rice. Rice held positions in the US Navy and NSA and is also the author of Geekonomics.

“Those who know Rice describe him as a deeply respected name in IT security circles who not only can speak the kind of language that makes CIOs comfortable, but can also back up that language with the skills and knowledge to match.

Rice hasn’t yet responded to my messages seeking comment, but his bio is fascinating. He’s a 1994 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and has a master’s degree in Information Warfare and Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. He served as a Global Network Vulnerability analyst for the National Security Agency and as a Special Duty Cryptologic officer for the Navy.”

Rice is the latest hire of some top-flight security experts to put on an Apple jersey. Back in 2009, Apple hired Ivan Krsti? and Window Snyder in 2010

There have been some rumors going about that Apple has pulled AirPrint from the final release of iOS 4.2. Apparently, a rumor came about yesterday claiming that Apple has axed the feature from the iOS 4.2 final release because of some unforeseen circumstances. Distraught by the speculated exemption of the features, a customer decided to shoot Steve Jobs a letter about it to get a further understanding of the matter. Steve replied saying that AirPrint has not been cut from the final version of the anticipated software update.

Customer: As a release-day purchaser of an iPad, I was elated when you revealed iOS 4.2 would support AirPrint. Now comes reports AirPrint support has been pulled from 4.2. Between announcements/assurances of the white iPhone, and now the pulling of AirPrint, is Apple going to lose credibility and become known for announcing “vaporware”?

Steve Jobs: AirPrint has not been pulled. Don’t believe everything you read.

There seems to be a bit of confusion as a few people have emailed us here at MacApper about the issue for a further understanding. As things are right now, the feature hasnt been completely axed as some have been lead to believe. More so, the ability to use printers shared through a Mac or PC didnt make the cut as people familiar on the matter state that the function has been ixnayed from the public release of Mac OS X 10.6.5. However, the ability to print directly to printers from an iOS device has not been exempted.

Apple has boasted that the AirPrint feature would allow people to print directly to printers or through shared printers via a Mac or PC. HP has been leading the way out the gates as they have released printers with software compatible with the iOS AirPrint feature. This has been the reason why Apple decided to put the shared printing functionality on the bench. Among the bunch, one claims that Apple hit a patent issue with the function and wont release the aspect of the feature until that issue is cleared up.

MacRumors has gotten word that Apple has seeded another installment beta of Mac OS X: 10.6.5. What makes this one different, however, is that the company has released to select developers instead of the entire bunch that it usually does. More interesting, this development comes as Cupertino puts the iOS 4.2 software in its package for public release.

10.6.5 is the software that is needed for users to take advantage of the AirPrint functionality, which will make its debut in iOS 4.2. Cupertino has said that the update will be coming in November something, but more and more signs have been pointing sometime next week. The software has went Golden Master and Daylight Savings Time is this upcoming Sunday (which the DST adjustment of iOS has been off by an hour), which indicates that Apple is looking at release of the software sometime next week. More interestingly and possibly the latest development related to the select release of the latest Mac OS beta and iOS GM is that many printing vendors, such as HP, Canon and Kodak, havent updated the software for all of their printing devices. Another good piece of information that can better pinpoint a next week release of Mac OS 10.6.5 and iOS 4.2.

AutoCAD is back on the Mac! Many engineers and educators have been waiting for e software to make it’s return on the Mac for some time now. Autodesk announced that the software is available and is free for 30 days. This software release is probably one of the most sought-after by pro-users since the last time the AutoCAD software was seen on the Mac some 20 years ago. The company has had the project in beta for some time, honing the performance and stability of the Mac OS platform.

AutoCAD for Mac has an intuitive interface that will feel familiar to Mac users and takes full advantage of Mac OS X, including graphical browsing of design files with Cover Flow and use of Multi-Touch gestures for pan and zoom on Mac notebooks, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad. With native creation and editing of files in the DWG file format, AutoCAD for Mac also supports easy collaboration with suppliers, customers, clients and partners regardless of platform. AutoCAD for Mac is also integrated with AutoCAD WS, so users can also upload and manage designs in their online workspace directly from the desktop and easily edit and share those designs through a web browser or Apple iOS devices using the free* AutoCAD WS mobile application.

AutoCAD WS is an iOS application that allow users who work with AutoCAD to view and arrange DWG files from the software.

Pro-users can pick up AutoCAD for the Mac for the retail price of $4,000. The free trial period, however, allows users access to all the tools for a “try before you buy” sample of the product. Autodesk also mentioned that they are issuing software licenses for their software to be used by students for free for educational purposes.

Apple got the patent rights to an idea that has received a whole lot of attention from the media this week. The idea, originally submitted in 2007 and made public for viewing in 2008, makes it possible for supervisors of a device to filter or block out certain email and SMS content. The idea has received consideration from the media being that it can be used to prevent parent’s children from participating in to what has become a hot topic in recent time: “sexting”. Sexting (for those of you who don’t watch daytime television) is the action of sending sexually explicit content by SMS/MMS or email means.

The invention, in various embodiments, addresses deficiencies in existing attempts at solutions by providing systems, methods and devices that enable an administrator to control the text-based communications of a user of a text-based communications device through an administrative mode of an intelligent text-based communication control unit or application. The text-based communication control application filters incoming and/or outgoing text-based communications based on administrator-defined criteria.

The technology, essentially, would identify a number of standards inputed by the user. When these standards are met, the system will edit out the content that is set to be filtered and then deliver the rest of the of the message accordingly.

Be that as it may, Apple’s actual intentions extended beyond that to develop a way where educational institutions could teach, expand and promote more articulate language by, more or less, forcing the user to use certain words in their everyday conversation to expand one’s vocabulary. It can also be used to help individuals learn a new language by, again, forcing them to include the aspect of the language in their everyday dialogue.

9 to 5 Mac chimed in this week stating that Apple has seem to have made the AirPrint capabilities that are going to be debuted on the iPad, new and previous iPhone, and the new iPod touch as well its predecessor non-available to the second generation iPod touch. Apple originally announced that the device was compatible back on September 15, however, two days after the press released was issued, only support for the third and fourth generation of iPod touch devices was present.

• Initial text: “AirPrint will work with iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (second generation and later).”

• Revised text: “AirPrint will work with iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (third generation and later).”

Another one bites the dust for second generation iPod touch owners. The 2G iPod touch and the iPhone 3G have always been split in the middle since the iOS 4.x updates. Not the first time Apple granted a feature for earlier model owners and then denied it (or vice-versa), Game Center was once axed from both the iPhone 3G and the second generation iPod touch. Then, right before the public release of iOS 4.1, Apple gave Game Center compatibility to the 2G iPod touch, but not the iPhone 3G.

Some notable changes include a redesigned reply/new SMS view and keypad, full landscape support across the app, transcripts and an action bar in voicemail, support for multiple accounts, offline dialing, and more. Best of all, push notifications and VoIP capabilities are being planned for future releases. You can see the full list at the developers website.

The app should be available in the app store within a few hours for $2.99. The developer will offer the app for free at some point this week, however, he will only announce it on Twitter and with minimal notice, so keep an eye out for an announcement!

GV Connect is $2.99 and seems to have most of the features users look for in a Google Voice app. It can make and receive calls, send and receive SMS messages, check voicemail, as well as access contacts, history, and various Google Voice settings in app. One notable feature is the storage of all messages (including voicemail) on device to allow for offline access. The only missing feature I can see is lack of push notifications (messages are only checked when the application is active).

The developer has noted that some people (mostly outside the US) are having problems with the app getting stuck continually logging in, however, he says he is working on a solution.

Update for those of you who are waiting on their Square dongle. Just got confirmation that they have sent my card reader to me and it is currently in transit. Wanted to inform you guys so that you know Square isn’t sleeping and they are indeed on top of the matter.

If you haven’t heard of the company before, Square allows anyone and we mean anyone to become a mobile merchant(Square, for the time being, only allows anyone on the US to become mobile merchants). All you need is a Square card reader and an iPhone, iPod, iPad or Android OS device and you are all set to accept payments from anyone anywhere. Best of all, there is no fees! (although, the house does take a 2.5% cut for swiped transactions. 3.5% for typed in ones, but thats obvious and understandable. Automatically deducted when the transaction is completed). Even the card reader is free! Plug it into the 3.5mm jack and swipe your customer’s card. A review of the transaction is presented, customer confirms, John Hancock’s on your device, swipe’s approved, receipt emailed and that’s it. Receipts even include a photo of you and the geo-tagged map of where the transaction took place. Everything gets archived back on your Square account. You can sign up at squareup.com or download and install the app on your device(s) and begin the sign up process that way. Everything is done and kept digitally. No need for a file cabinet. Technology is a beautiful thing.

Wait! No need to reach for that wallet developers! MPEG LA has spoken. H.264 will be royalty-free for you to use to give your video content on the Web that thumbs-up, hi-def look that can be played on Mac, PCs, iPads, iPhone and iPod alike. They announced today that the standard will stay free for the entire life of the user license. So, those of you worrying that you might have spend some greenbacks a couple years from now to use it, it is officially a negative.

MPEG LA announced today that its AVC Patent Portfolio License will continue not to charge royalties for Internet Video that is free to end users (known as “Internet Broadcast AVC Video”) during the entire life of this License. MPEG LA previously announced it would not charge royalties for such video through December 31, 2015, and today’s announcement makes clear that royalties will continue not to be charged for such video beyond that time.

H.264 has been widely embraced from small development groups to major tech sector player, such as NetFlix, Vimeo, and, of course, Microsoft, Google and Apple. With this announcement, H.264 is bound to be they standard used to provide video for HTML5, which is, again, strongly invested and supported by Apple and Google. Google announced its own video web standard, WebM, to be a royalty-free alternative to H.264. However, many people raised eyebrows on wether Google could indeed provide that. Then the standard didnt exactly hit a high note with everyone. Nevertheless, H.264 isnt gonna cost you guys anything to use, and people love free stuff!