Today’s topics include news that Google has released Android Wear for iOS, a new Website in Europe is available to help companies sue Google over alleged anti-competitive practices, Cisco and Apple collaborate to bring more iOS devices into enterprises, and Apple is reportedly looking at creating original video programming.
Google’s Android Wear for iOS app is now available for iPhone 5 and iPhone 6 users so they can get many of the features of Android Wear when they are using an Android smartwatch along with their Apple devices.
The long-awaited move, which was rumored in April, means that iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, 6 or 6 Plus users who are running iOS 8.2 or later on their devices can now use Android Wear to get information about phone calls, messages and app notifications at a glance on their smartphones.
European law firm Hausfeld & Co. LLP and public affairs consultancy Avisa Partners joined forces to launch a Website to help companies sue Google for anti-competitive behavior in the European Union.
The site, dubbed GRIP, for Google Redress & Integrity Platform, is designed to give those claiming they have been harmed by Google’s alleged anti-competitive business practices a mechanism for evaluating potential civil lawsuits against the company, according to a statement announcing the initiative.
Apple is forging a partnership with Cisco Systems to help drive sales of its iPhones and iPads into the corporate market.
The two companies on Aug. 31 announced a strategic partnership in which Cisco will optimize its networking gear for Apple’s iOS devices and software, will streamline the way iPhones work with their desk phones, and will enhance iPhone and iPad users’ experience interacting with Cisco’s broad array of collaboration tools.
Apple is looking to create original entertainment programming to take on competitors including Netflix and to expand its roots into a wider range of income-producing content for consumers.
Word that Apple is exploring this initiative was reported in an Aug. 31 story by Variety. The internal Apple research work into the possible original content efforts is being funneled through Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president for Internet software and services, the story reported.