Apple quietly updates Maps in Japan

Apple this week quietly made behind-the-scenes changes to its mapping service in Japan, fixing a handful of shortcomings.Chief among them are changes to pronunciation during turn-by-turn navigation, a key feature introduced in Apple's own mapping service in iOS 6. The app now also alerts drivers to toll roads, and has better point-of-interest labels for things like subways, freeways, and hospitals.Other tweaks include 3D buildings for some Japanese landmarks like Tokyo Station and Tokyo Tower, as well as changing the freeway color to green.The changes rolled out without an additional software update from Apple. That's because they were tucked into an earlier build of the iOS, which was released to users in early February. Apple has stayed relatively quiet on improvements to Maps since launching it as part of iOS 6 inSeptember. When asked about progress on the software during an earnings call with Wall Street analysts in January, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the company had already made "a number of improvements" including improved satellite and flyover imagery as well as local information for businesses.Apple frenemy Google released its own, standalone maps app for iOS in December. That software was updated for the first time last weekwith a quick search tool and integration with Google's contacts service.The changes to Apple's maps in Japan were noted yesterday by 9to5Mac.

Apple quietly trims down older iPad Smart Cover, Case line

If you want a colorful cover or case for your older iPad, you'll no longer get it through Apple.Alongside the launch of its iPad Air tablet, the company quietly shelved all but one color for both its iPad Smart Cover and Smart Case accessories for second- through fourth-generation iPads.AppleApple will continue to sell the polyurethane accessories, which run for $39 and $49 respectively, but only in a dark gray color.Those who want one of the five other (now discontinued) colors will have to find it from another retailer, or go with another similar accessory, which Apple still sells on its online store. The change was spotted earlier Wednesday by iLounge. The older Smart Cover design was introduced alongside the iPad 2 in 2011, and continues with the iPad Air and iPad Mini. Apple later added to it with a Smart Case, which ditches the magnets and fits the entire tablet in a protected compartment.Apple changed the design of the covers with the new iPad Air, which is narrower than previous models, adopting the same portrait-style design found in last year's iPad Mini. Nonetheless,Apple's still selling the iPad 2 alongside its newer tablets, leaving reason to keep this accessory around.