Google buys Nest, former Apple exec speaks with the Verge on the purchase: News from Jan. 13, 2014
The big news this afternoon was Google's acquisition of Nest Labs, home to the Nest thermostat, a Nest smoke alarm and the startup grounds for two former Apple alums, including Tony Fadell. The general consensus in the tech world turned out to be a collective, "what?" As Yoni Heisler pointed out:
Second, and from a more practical standpoint, is the commonly held view that Nest Labs was an Apple acquisition just waiting to happen. Nest's Thermostat was largely viewed as an Apple-esque product insofar that it simplified what was otherwise a cumbersome and confusing activity. It may sound absurd, but the Nest Thermostat really worked to make home temperature automation seem cool, and more importantly, approachable.
Fadell spoke with the Verge on the acquisition and declined to talk about any dealing with Apple other than to re-emphasize that further Nest products will be iOS and Android compatible.
Other news from this afternoon included:
Apple's attempt to get rid of its antitrust monitor has failed, Reuters reports. Judge Denise Cote said she wanted the endeavor to succeed, adding that she will file her decision explaining why she denied the request soon. Apple's lawyers have said they will appeal.
It's no surprise that one of the driving factors behind the grand larceny reports in New York City over the past dozen years is the adoption of Apple's iDevices -- starting with the iPod. Data collected by the Wall Street Journal showed that while other crimes have decreased under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg's tenure, grand larcenies are on the rise.
The New York Times has taken a look at the impact of the iPhone in India, and how Apple has responded by offering different sales strategies tailored to the Indian culture.
CNNMoney takes a look at what the American press tends to get wrong about the relationship between China and Apple.
What will your verse be? To go along with its new iPad commercial, Apple has put up a companion area on its website that convey the story of how different people use their iPads.
Snapchat is reassuring customers that it is trying to address the rapidly growing amount of spam on its service.
A new report takes an intriguing look at how Mac's fortunes in the PC department have changed since 2004.
The latest beta of iOS 7.1 shows that you can delete the over-the-air installation files, which will be an asset to those who don't want to upgrade to the latest version of iOS.
Ars Technica takes a look at the rise and fall of QuarkXPress.
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