Optimal Layout is a new window manager for OS X. It’s fully Lion compatible and available now on the Mac App Store.

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.

Do you not have room in your pocket for both an iPhone and an incriminating joint? Boy, is this the Kickstarter project for you.

Remember that new Mac hardware we told you about? Apple is planning on releasing some new Macbook Air, white Macbook, and Mac mini models tomorrow.

While that’s good news, there seems to be even better news for international customers: price cuts!

The release of Mac OS X Lion culminates a decade-long software development process. Back in 2001 Apple introduced a new (and long awaited) replacement to the Classic Macintosh System Software, Mac OS X. How far we’ve come in ten years. As Lion goes on the prowl, we present a brief look back at Apple’s Big Cats over the years and review the Evolution of Mac OS X.

Apple may be brewing up a pre-paid iPhone for October. Wednesday, Sprint-owned Virgin Mobile announced starting in October it was dropping ‘unlimited’ data plans for prepaid customers in favor of ‘unlimited with throttling.’

For some time, we’ve heard that Mac OS X 10.7 would arrive Thursday, now comes a report the UK may be the first to hear the ‘Lion’ roar. The Cupertino, Calif. company will release its new version of the Mac operating system on the UK Mac App Store at 1 am, according to a report citing “a close contact at Apple.”

The TRTL STAND iPhone 4 case ($30) is an eco-friendly case from TRTL BOT that, similar to its cousin the Minimalist 4, is made in the U.S. entirely from recycled plastic bottles. Not only does it aim to protect your device from scratches, scuffs, and scrapes, but it also boasts a built-in stand with a choice of three viewing angles.

Apple may be prepping a change in iTunes pricing, a long-time sore spot for international users sometimes charged double that of buyers in the United States.

Despite recent claims that Apple will launch an ‘iPad HD’ later this year, any delay could mean that Motorola is the first to launch a high-resolution tablet, with one report maintaining that the company is already testing a prototype device with a 2048×1536 Retina display-like resolution.

Although Apple has been relatively quiet about its June patent lawsuit settlement with Nokia, details may emerge when the tech giant releases is third-quarter financial report, an analyst writes Wednesday.

Following recent rumors that Apple may be adding a second manufacturer to its iPad supply chain for the launch of a third device, Foxconn Electronics has reportedly “exerted its efforts to protect its orders” and has “persuaded” Apple not to shift production of the device to a second contractor.

Apple’s iPhone is set to launch with a second carrier in China, breaking China Unicom’s current reign of exclusivity it has held since 2009. China Telecom — the country’s third-largest carrier with 106 million subscribers — is reportedly completing negotiations with Apple that will see the carrier selling the device before the end of this year.

I dunno. You want years for a new email client, then two come along almost together. First we had Sparrow, which has won an army of fans in recent months – and now we have another newcomer, Persona.

iOS 5 beta 3 introduced a number of new features that weren’t present in the previous two developer releases, including a selection of new sounds and a handy new ‘AssistiveTouch‘ menu. One thing you may not have stumbled across, however, is AirPlay mirroring for FaceTimes calls on the iPad — allowing you to see your caller bigger than ever before on your HDTV.

AOL Music just launched its new music app for the iPhone called Play, which it describes as “Instagram for music.” It’s completely free and focuses on music sharing and discovery, allowing you to listen to and share music with your friends on Twitter and Facebook, stream selected albums, and access over 47,000 SHOUTcast radio stations.

Originally thought to be for next-generation Mac Pros, part numbers leaked earlier this week now appear to be for Apple’s upcoming MacBook and Mac mini refresh — quashing rumors that the white MacBook will be laid to rest.

Here’s a curious tale involving a Mac OS X app that got approved for the Mac App Store twice, then got kicked off because Apple realised should never have been approved in the first place.

Plantronics is without a doubt one of the biggest names associated with Bluetooth headsets, and quite possibly has one of the — if not the — largest catalog of headsets of any manufacturer. The Plantronics Savor M1100 ($80) is positioned at the high-end of their consumer line, with an emphasis on high-tech features, including a voice-controlled commands, and a nod toward aesthetics. Considering Plantronics stellar reputation for consistently producing solid performers, expectations for the Savor M1100 were high as the plastic came off the box…