Microsoft Surface threatens the Macbook Air & iPad

Microsoft made a big splash when it unveiled Surface, a new line of Windows 8-powered tablets. With a detachable magnetic cover that doubles as a keyboard, Microsoft's soon-to-be-released device transforms itself into an ultra-portable productivity center that could supplant laptops.

Consumers will have their choice of getting the MacBook Air for work and an iPad for play, or killing two birds with one stone by buying Microsoft's beautifully designed, ultra-fast tablet that doubles as a lean full computer.

Surface might be the first tablet to give the iPad some serious competition, but there's still no price tag, no release date, and no real specs — just a couple of journalists who got to play with a Surface prototype for a few minutes.

Apple's Map Is Google Maps Killer

As many had anticipated, Apple announced at this week's Worldwide Developer Conference that it would ditch Google Maps as its primary mapping software for mobile devices. Google destroyed its relationship with Apple when it decided to go toe-to-toe with the iPhone by releasing Android in 2008

The new in-house mapping software will come bundled with iOS 6. If users want to get to Google Maps, they'll have to find and install the app themselves

When Apple's in-house map software debuts with iOS 6 this fall, it will be compatible with Siri and sport new 3D features. It will also offer turn-by-turn driving directions and highlight real-time traffic congestion, not to mention that Apple is partnering with Yelp to offer local information about more than 100 million businesses worldwide.

Several automakers, including BMW, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota have even signed up for a new program that will integrate a Siri button on car steering wheels and make use of Apple's new map system.

Square: Turn Mobile Devices Into Credit Card Machines

Plug Square credit-card reader gizmo into your Android smartphone or iOS device (iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad) and you are ready to accept credit-card payments anytime, anywhere! The Square app is available for free download.

People love the fact that the reader plugs into the headphone jack on your iOS or Android device; it's not some bulky custom case the works only with select models. You pay only a small percentage of each transaction. No monthly or annual fees. The company charges 2.75 percent per swipe for Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

The card reader has a suggested retail price of $9.95 with a $10 rebate upon signup for new users and can now be purchased at many stores (Apple, Best Buy, OfficeMax, Radio Shack, Target, UPS, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Staples, and FedEx stores) across the U.S.

Read full article “Square Credit-Card Reader” at accounting.pettir.com