Over-the-Air iOS 7.1 Download Files Deletable in Beta 3

The third beta of iOS 7.1 includes a feature that allows users to delete the over-the-air installation files that are automatically installed whenever an iPhone is connected to AC power, according to German site Macerkopf.de [Google Translation]. Deletable installation files will allow users who do not wish to upgrade their devices to new versions of iOS to free up valuable space on their devices.

Previously, updates downloaded over-the-air could not be removed, an issue that received attention in September after iOS 6 users were forced to install iOS 7 or lose 3.1 GB of storage space to the installation file.

Users with iOS 7.1 beta 3 who have not installed the update will see it listed in the Settings menu, under General –> Usage, where it can be removed like any other app or file. The file can be deleted if it was downloaded over-the-air in the background or manually.

While over-the-air files can be deleted in iOS 7.1 beta 3, there is a possibility that this is a beta-only feature that will not make it into the final release of the software. Apple often adds and removes features during the course of beta testing, such as the dark keyboard that was available in iOS 7.1 beta 1 and removed in beta 2.

First released to developers last week, iOS 7.1 beta 3 also includes a number of visual changes that give iOS 7 a revamped look and feel, including a redesigned Phone dialer, an improved keyboard, and darker colors for the Phone, Messages, and FaceTime apps. It is unclear when Apple plans to release iOS 7.1 to the general public, but a December report suggested the update could launch in March after a lengthy beta testing period.

Google Acquiring Tony Fadell-Founded Nest for $3.2 Billion

Google is acquiring Nest, the smart-home appliance maker that is behind the Nest Thermostat and the Nest Protect smoke detector, for a reported $3.2 billion in cash.

iPod co-creator Tony Fadell is the co-founder of the company alongside another former Apple employee, Matt Rogers. Nest tweeted that it will operate independent of Google.

Big news! @Google acquiring Nest to help fulfill our goal of reinventing unloved home products. Nest will stay Nest. http://t.co/0L8hNBhmYc

— Nest (@nest) January 13, 2014

Larry Page, CEO of Google, said: “Nest’s founders, Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers, have built a tremendous team that we are excited to welcome into the Google family. They’re already delivering amazing products you can buy right now–thermostats that save energy and smoke/CO alarms that can help keep your family safe. We are excited to bring great experiences to more homes in more countries and fulfill their dreams!”

According to Re/code, Nest has raised more than $80 million in venture funding and was scheduled to close another $150 million round soon.

ClamCase Debuts New Keyboard Case for iPad mini [iOS Blog]

ClamCase, the company behind a range of keyboard cases designed for the iPad, today announced its the availability of its newest product, the ClamCase Pro iPad mini Keyboard Case.

Designed for the iPad mini and the iPad mini with Retina Display, the Bluetooth keyboard case aims to turn the iPad into a portable computer that resembles a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro, with an aluminum shell that attaches to a keyboard.

ClamCase Pro for the iPad mini weighs less than 1.5 pounds when equipped with an iPad and it includes a 360 degree hinge that allows the iPad to be used as both a laptop and tablet.

The case itself can also be used as a stand and the aluminum shell provides full protection for the iPad. The case includes a full QWERTY keyboard in a compact design, which automatically goes to sleep when shifted into tablet mode. It uses a rechargeable battery that can last up to a month without needing to recharge.

The ClamCase Pro iPad mini Keyboard case can be purchased from the ClamCase website for $129. ClamCase also plans to release an updated ClamCase Pro for the iPad Air later this month.