Those who want to charge an iPhone and an iPad,  on the go, at the same time with one charger should check out the Gum Max Duo from Just Mobile. It does both and fits in most pockets.

The idea that Apple is going to make a cheap iPhone just doesn't sit well with me because the low-end market is something the company has historically been willing to leave for its competitors to fight over. That said, Apple also has its own way of systematically working its way down the market ladder and eating into what little it previously left for its competition, and that could be the company's modus operandi for the smartphone market, too.

Sandro Cuccia continues his exploration of free apps preinstalled by Apple. This time it's the newest version of the previously maligned Notes app. Now, Notes comes to Mountain Lion. Its key feature: iCloud integration for syncing to iOS devices. Guess what…it works. Notes is sure to be a bonus enhancement to everyone's workflow.

Are you a man? Then you'll want to take a look as the apps Vern Seward has lined up in this week's Free on iTunes. iPedia Wiki, Uncrate, and WhatKnot.

Apple's iPhone took U.S. subscriber share from Android in the March quarter, according to new data from comScore. iPhone users accounted for 39 percent of smartphone subscribers during the period, up from 36.4 percent in the December quarter. Google's Android remained the top platform during the same period, but saw its share decline to 52 percent from 53.4 percent in the December quarter.

U.S. Cellular has reversed its stance that it wouldn't carry Apple's iPhone, and has said that it will be on board later this year. The carrier had previously called Apple's terms unacceptable, choosing to pass on offering the popular combination smartphone and iPod to its subscribers.

Apple has begun the countdown to 50 billion downloads from the company's mobile App Store, and the company is offering a US$10,000 Apple Store gift card to the person who downloads that stunning milestone app.

Apple released iOS 6.1.4 for iPhone on Thursday, an update whose sole patch note says, "Updated audio profile for speakerphone."

Apple's Siri voice control system is already available in iOS 6 for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, but don't expect to see it show up in OS X 10.9. That's according to Ezra Gottheil from Technology Business Report who thinks Apple will have to update Mac hardware before OS X can support Siri.

It's a mixed bag for Apple's iPad in a new report from IDC for 2013 March quarter tablet shipments. Apple gained share compared to the December quarter, but lost significant share compared to the March quarter of 2012. Samsung and "Others" took most of that share, though Microsoft is at last on the board with 1.8 percent of the market.