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App Store Sets New Records for Start of New Year

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) today announced that its App Store broke sales records during the first week of 2015. Details of its banner 2014 were released as well.

App Store sets sales records.

New Year's day proved to be the App Store's biggest day in its history and, with around half a billion dollars generated by app and in-app purchases, the week that followed was a record breaker as well. 2014 saw a 50% increase in app sales, which resulted in $10 billion in revenue for developers. Apple SVP of Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue, praised the developer community: "We're so proud of the creativity and innovation developers bring to the apps they create for iOS users and that the developer community has now earned over $25 billion.” $25 billion is the total revenue for developers since the App Store opened in 2008, which means the app market is growing at a tremendous rate, as last year's revenue alone represents 40% of the total.

New iOS Game Rewards Players by Tipping Them in Bitcoin

Apple changed its App Store Review Guidelines in 2014 to allow the use of virtual currency which opened the door for apps such as eGifter to start accepting Bitcoin payments. The new guidelines also allowed an app called SaruTubi, that tips players in Bitcoins for playing a game, to recently be released for iOS devices.

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Players can donate to a shared Bitcoin wallet or "pot" which will contribute to the virtual tips awarded to users for playing the game. Additional Bitcoins will be added to the pot from revenue received from in-app purchases and ads. The game's developer Christian Moss told Coin Desk, that he decided to add the tipping feature because he "thought it would be a nice way to introduce Bitcoin to people who are not familiar with it yet."

LifeProof Announces Waterproof iPhone 6 Case That Doubles Your Battery Power

Case manufacturer LifeProof today unveiled its newest waterproof iPhone 6 case at CES 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Fre Power is not only waterproof up to 6.6 feet, but it is also equipped with a 2,600 mAH battery, which LifeProof claims will double your iPhone's battery life. The backup also features “smart charging technology” that allows it to shut itself down when your battery is fully charged.

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LifeProof also claims that its Fre Power case will protect your iPhone from falls as high as 6.6 feet, and that it is dust and snow proof. Pricing and availability are unknown at this time, but you can sign up for a Fre Power email notification at LifeProof.com.

AT&T Launches Rollover Data for Eligible Customers

AT&T fired another salvo in the ongoing battle between mobile carriers today. Responding to T-Mobile's Data Stash announcement, AT&T launched Rollover Data. Long-time AT&T subscribers will recognize the Rollover concept, which was applied to voice minutes in older calling plans. Rollover Data makes it possible to carry over an unused data allotment into the following month.

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This can help prevent overages and additional costs for eligible customers. The Rollover Data is shareable between devices, and will expire at the end of the rollover month if not used. The entire cycle begins again with each billing period. Rollover Data is set to begin on January 25, but what plans are eligible for the feature?

10 iPhone Accessories Announced at CES 2015

While we wait for the next iPotty to be discovered, here's a quick look at some of the new and useful iPhone accessories and iOS-enabled devices announced at CES 2015.

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Kevo Plus: Lock manufacturer Kwikset unveiled Kevo Plus, an extension of its Kevo platform. The upgrade allows existing and new Kevo smartlock owners to lock and unlock their doors from anywhere in the world. Other new features include real time activity monitoring and the ability to distribute an unlimited number of Anytime and Scheduled eKeys to other users of the app. The Kwikset Bluetooth enabled deadbolt is available through Kwikset.com or Amazon.com. The Kevo deadbolt and iOS app work with your iPhone so you never have to fumble around with physical keys ever again.

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