Facebook has hired Richard Williamson for its mobile-software group, according to Bloomberg. Mr. Williamson was part of the team that built the original iPhone, but is better known for being the manager in charge of developing the original Apple Maps service. He was fired from Apple after the launch of the service was panned.

The iTorch IMP52D charger with LED light and laser pointer presents as a multi-function device that will charge all existing versions of the iPhone and iPad. There's also a laser pointer and flashlight thrown in for good measure. For the most part, it achieves those goals well.

The netbook never became the killer product the PC market hoped for, and thanks to the iPad, the only killing in that market now is happening to the netbook. In fact, a new study says the netbook market will be completely dead by 2015, and it's all Apple's fault.

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 .

Digital Treasurers has introduced an iPad mini folio case that includes a built-in 8000 mAh battery for recharging on the go. The outside is composed of a heavy duty plastic that features red stitching and the inside has a soft suede type lining that offers protection for the iPad mini. LEDs show the charge remaining.

Rain Design has introduced a potable iPad stand that folds flat, is quite sturdy, and gives users everything they need to adjust the angle of their iPad or iPad mini.

Former Rutgers Athletic Director Tim Pernetti has reached a settlement with the university, and the good news is that he gets an iPad. Oh, and US$1.2 million, some insurance, and a car allowance, but when the AP found details of the settlement, it was the money and the iPad that made the headline.

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.

The US Patent and Trademark Office has revised its stance on Apple's request for a trademark on the iPad mini name. The agency has resolved most of the issues it had with granting the trademark, and so far Apple hasn't had to do anything to make that happen.

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.