New e-periodicals blur the line between apps and magazines. In this week's Free on iTunes Vern Seward take a look at "app-zines" from one company, MERI Media .

Starbucks announced a change to its iTunes Pick of the Week program on Tuesday that pushes customers to the company's mobile app for free downloads, which had some people thinking the cards they're used to seeing next to the cash register were going away, and soon. Turns out that's not the case, and what Starbucks is really doing is giving away even more free iTunes content every week.

Want to know what your phone is thinking about? Vern Seward points you to three free iOS app that should help you find out in this week's Free on iTunes. SysStats Lite, System Status Lite and System Utility.

Typically when someone says "Do you know which iTunes feature I like?" I get ready to hear a long list of complaints. Occasionally, however, I get surprised when they mention something they actually do enjoy -- like the ability to hide App Store purchases they no longer want to see.

If you are feeling restless and looking for something to shake out the cobwebs and get a fresh perspective on things, then check out these three free apps Vern Seward offers in this week's Free on iTunes. Localscope, Airbnb, Takes.

Need a note taker? Vern Seward takes a look at three that are unique and free in this week's Free on iTunes. MyScript Memo, MyScript Calculator and Documents.

Apple will begin imposing new guidelines for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch app developers starting on May 1 that require their apps to support Retina Displays. That restriction also includes a stipulation that iPhone apps must support the iPhone 5 and fifth generation iPod touch 4-inch screen size.

Google chairman Eric Schmidt and Apple have been tweaking each other over Google Now for iOS. In an interview, Mr. Schmidt suggested—but did not actually say—that Apple was in way keeping Google Now from being released on iOS, but Apple made the rare move of denying in public that Google had even submitted the app for App Store approval.

Vern Seward gives your grey matter a workout with three great brain teaser apps in this week's Free on iTunes. 94 Seconds, Clockwork Brain, and Chain of Thought.

Like your news more social? Vern Seward point out 3 iOS apps that should fit the bill in this week's Free on iTunes. News Republic, Thirst, and Rockmelt. Check it out.