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Following its absence during 2010, Apple could be set to launch another round of the developer “Tech Tour World Tour” later this year to coincide with the release of iOS 5 and iCloud.

Yes, that is a Parallels Desktop 6 USB stick jammed into a MacBook Pro’s ethernet port, as seen on the official Apple Store page. I wouldn’t give Apple (or Parallels, who likely supplied the image) too much guff about it, though: I’ve made the same mistake a couple of times myself.

[via OS X Daily]

Though the iPhone is still yet to benefit from Apple’s latest dual-core A5 chip, the company has already begun testing its successor, according to a Reuters report. However, it may not be produced by Samsung like its predecessors.

We apologize if this is getting confusing. At first there were supposed to be updated MacBook Airs coming today with OS X Lion, then it was reported that we’d see new hardware from Apple on July 26th.

Now, it appears that new MacBook Airs with backlit keyboards and more storage could be coming as soon as next week!

Do you remember Apple’s OS X Downloads page? That page used to be a resource for many of the best apps and widgets on the Mac.

We say “used to” because the OS X Downloads page has actually been shut down and replaced with a pretty Mac App Store banner.

Apple has come a long way since the 1970s. While the Mac was seen for years as a niche product that would never appeal to a mass audience, Apple has just been declared the third largest PC vendor in the US.

Apple went from fifth place to third this business quarter with a 10.7% stake in the US PC market.

Lion is just around the corner, and there are already compatible apps showing up in the App Store. Apple asked developers to start submitting apps for Lion a couple of days ago, and Apple has already approved some Lion-compatible apps for the Mac.

The newest speculation is that Lion will drop on July 26th. That’s nearly two weeks for devs to get their apps submitted and ready.

While there’s still hope that OS X Lion will drop today, the chances are slim. Previous speculation was that Apple would announce Lion alongside new Mac hardware today, but that hasn’t seemed to pan out just yet.

So when is it coming? We’ve received a tip that claims a July 26th Lion launch date, seemingly confirming a similar report earlier today… and our tipster received his word straight from an Apple Store Genius’s mouth.

The next-gen Sandy Bridge MacBook Airs will be a lot less skimpy with their storage space and memory, according to supply chain checks. In fact, expect the minimum storage and RAM to double with the next MacBook Airs.

We wouldn’t put a lot of stock in this one yet, but a new internal component has leaked out of Asia, and given certain key differences in item number and color, it’s said to be the dock connector for the upcoming iPad 2 Plus/iPad 3, the rumored Retina Display upgrade for the iPad 2, also rumored to have a release later in this year.

Here’s a really cool new Cydia hack: iUsers, a jailbreak add on that allows you to have multiple user accounts on a single iPad, each with their own separate apps, mailboxes and settings.

iTunes users outside the U.S. will want to consult Apple’s new prices, which Wednesday were changed to be more in align with the American dollar. Some countries came out winners, while some foreign users may end up paying more.

To accompany its upcoming photo sharing service, Google has just launched an official Photovine app for iOS which it dubs “a fun way to learn more about your friends, meet new people, and share your world like never before.”

While many of us dismissed the whole ‘Locationgate’ fiasco as being blown way out of proportion, others saw it as an opportunity to claim back a rebate on their iPhones by suing Apple. One Korean lawyer has become the first person to successfully win a Locationgate lawsuit, but we’re guessing Apple can live with the damages: he’ll receive just $946 in compensation.

Contrary to rumor, OS X Lion did not launch on the Mac App Store last night. I know, I know: trust us, we’re as frustrated by it as you are. You didn’t type your fingers away to pulps of meat and shards of bone trying to get a 7,000 word Lion review done on time!

There’s still hope that Lion could be released today, in which case, the best guess is around 10am PDT. However, a growing number of people like Ars Technica’s John Siracua are saying that Lion’s not coming at all this week.

So when? If you believe Amazon and Best Buy, the tail end of July… along with new white MacBooks an Mac Minis.

After years of what has seemed like endless haranguing with the record labels, Spotify has launched in the United States. It’s invite only for now, but there’s a way to jump to the head of the queue and start using Spotify today, no invite required!

The first beta of iOS 5 revealed Apple was working on its own panoramic camera feature for the iPhone, and although we’re still yet to see it go live within the third beta, Apple is continuing to develop it. But will it be ready for iOS 5’s public release?

Sources for the Wall Street Journal claim Amazon is getting set to launch its first tablet this October. The 9-inch device will go head-to-head against against Apple’s iPad, though it may not pack as many features.

While we’ve had no official confirmation that Apple’s fifth-generation iPhone will launch this year at all, the vast majority of recent speculation seems to agree that the device will be available this September. Strengthening those claims is a new Apple job listing posted in the U.K. for temporary “iPhone Sales Specialists” to work between August and October.

Apple contacted developers today to let them know that they will soon have the option to sell apps to businesses in volume at discounted rates. The new pricing structure will be available to developers that accept the new Paid Applications Agreement through the developer portal.

Finally, after years of waiting, Americans will be treated to one of the best music services on the planet. Spotify is set to launch in the US tomorrow. The initial launch will be by “invitation and subscription.” Not sure if that means there won’t be a free US service like there is in Europe or not. Either way, Spotify is the best alternative to iTunes available and the US launch has been highly anticipated for about two years now. Spotify’s service allows users to discover and stream new music anywhere.

Poor Microsoft. While Apple’s sales and profits have been on the upward trend for the past several years, Microsoft hasn’t nearly as much growth in the computer or mobile business.

In an effort to expand the “Microsoft story,” the Redmond based company has launched the initiative to build 75 new US retail stores in the next 2-3 years. 75 stores hardly competes with Apple’s 300+ worldwide retail locations, but at least it’s something to start with for Microsoft.

Apple has released Aperture 3.1.3 an update that  supports general compatibility issues and also addresses overall stability and performance of Aperture. General compatibility issues? Hmmm…I wonder if that means compatibility with OS X 10.7 Lion?

Apple doesn’t say, but you can click the read link to see what they do  have to say about this update.

Apple has finally bought the two domain names “iPhone4.com” and “WhiteiPhone.com.” It’s difficult to keep track of all the domains Apple actually owns (remember iCloud?), but it seems as though the company has finally ponied up the cash for two already-released products.

We’re not really sure why Apple is just now acquiring a domain for the iPhone 4 and white iPhone, but hey, it’s never too late.

It’s no secret that Apple retail stores have been a phenomenal success. In terms of sales growth, Apple is the fastest-growing retailer in the US.

Apple store sales have seen a staggering 80% increase since last year, and sales show no sign of slowing anytime soon.