Although Apple hasn't officially announced a date yet, reliable sources have now confirmed Oct. 22 as the date for the company's next media event. At minimum, we'll probably see new iPads and a release date for OS X Mavericks, although speculation is already running rampant that the new cylindrical Mac Pro could begin winging its way to stores later this month as well. So while you're waiting, be sure to check out our Tuesday recap and get caught up with what else is making news this week...
FireCore Teases Infuse 2 for iOS, Coming This Fall
There's an update already in the App Store for FireCore's Infuse video player, but the real excitement will come this fall, when Infuse 2 arrives. The developer plans to introduce all-new Pro features including the ability to browse and play videos stored on a computer or NAS along with an iOS 7-specific look and feel -- but to get them absolutely free, users will need to install and activate them with the latest 1.5 update first. It's an odd move, but involves nothing more than activating a free in-app purchase now, as shown above. The update also now groups TV shows by season and offers gesture controls for fast-forward and rewind, which will hopefully be enough to tide you over until version 2.0 arrives this fall.
iTunes Radio Rumored to Beat Pandora to U.K. Shores
As with many Apple product launches, the company's ad-based iTunes Radio has a downside for those who live abroad: It's only in the United States right now. According to Bloomberg, that will change by early 2014, when the streaming radio service is expected to begin rolling out to other English-speaking territories including Australia and New Zealand as well as Canada and the U.K., where rival Pandora has yet to open its doors. Sources claim the expansion could also include "Nordic countries" within the same timeframe on its way to more than 100 countries, a number Apple VP Eddy Cue specifically referenced in an interview with Associated Press last week.
PayPal Adopting Mobile QR Codes for In-Store Payments
The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that eBay-owned PayPal is about to step up its game even further in an effort to improve payments at brick-and-mortar retailers. The company's latest service will use QR codes on a mobile device for checkout, which can also be set up to allow a special code for each transaction. Following a successful trial period in Australia earlier this year, PayPal is now working with retailers to adopt the technology as soon as this year, which involves little more than a software download to existing cash registers in many cases.
Nest Expands Connected Home Lineup with $129 Smoke Detector
TechCrunch reported Tuesday that Nest Labs is back with a second product to follow up the company's popular app-connected thermostat. Nest Protect is a $129 smoke and carbon monoxide detector with a twist: Rather than beep incessantly when there's danger, the device speaks in a human voice in plain English, Spanish or French, offering a friendly "heads up" when the batteries are low or the device is about to trigger an alarm. Unlike traditional smoke detectors, the device can even be programmed to light your way when you walk under it in the dark -- and yes, it also connects to mobile apps for monitoring the safety of your home while you're on the go.
Amazon Takes on PayPal with Login and Pay Service
Amazon announced Tuesday a new assault on online payments, courtesy of its latest service which "streamlines how customers transact with online merchants." Login and Pay with Amazon is a PayPal-style initiative that allows participating companies to tap into Amazon's more than 215 million active customer accounts, making it easier and more secure for buyers to pay for their purchases. Login and Pay with Amazon is an extension of the e-tailer's Amazon Payments service, but works across tablet, mobile and desktop devices, and works with the OAuth 2.0 protocol for maximum security.
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