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AME Info, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, telecommunications briefsDec 20, 2012 (AME Info - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- APPLE, FOURSQUARE IN TALKS OVER DATA-SHARING DEAL: Apple Inc. is in early discussions to integrate local data from Foursquare Labs Inc. into its mapping application, as the company continues to build an arsenal of local data to try to take on Google Inc., the Wall Street Journal has reported, citing people familiar with the talks. The discussions with New York-based Foursquare are aimed at improving its new mapping product, which has had a rocky reception when it was released in September and currently faces fierce competition from Google. Foursquare develops a popular mobile app that helps people find local places and tells their friends when they are at venues like bars and restaurants. ZAIN SAUDI EXTENDS SR9BN LOAN MATURITY: Zain Saudi has extended the maturity of a SR9bn ($2.4bn) Islamic loan for another six weeks, the fifth time the telecoms operator has deferred payment, Reuters has reported. The loss-making affiliate of Kuwait's Zain has agreed with lending banks to put back the maturity of the murabaha facility, originally due in July 2011, until January 30. This extension aims to allow the company and its lenders the opportunity to finalise a new long-term financing agreement to replace the existing one, Zain Saudi said. SAMSUNG UNVEILS NEW 5-INCH GRAND SMARTPHONE: Samsung Electronics has announced the addition of a new member to the Galaxy smartphone range. Powered by a 1.2 GHz Dual Core processor, the new Galaxy Grand runs the latest Android 4.1.2 'Jelly Bean' mobile operating system and sports a 5" WVGA display. It also features 8GB internal memory with a microSD memory expansion slot, Wi-Fi b/g/n, and GPS functionality. Samsung said the new Grand will be available in a Dual SIM version (GT-I9082) that will launch first, with the single SIM version (GT-I9080) to follow. APPLE RELEASES WI-FI FIX FOR IPHONE 5, IPAD MINI: Apple has released yesterday an update aimed at fixing a Wi-Fi bug in the company's iPhone 5 and iPad mini, Mac World has reported. The iOS 6.0.2 update comes after some users reported issues with cellular data getting used even when their iOS devices are connected to Wi-Fi networks. ___ (c)2012 AME Info (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) Visit AME Info (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) at www.ameinfo.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |