Daily Marauder

WIRELESS

CBS Interactive released an updated version of its TV.com iPhone app offering a new continuous play feature enables users to watch full episodes without having to (annoyingly) click to the next chapter. The app also added new full episodes from Harper’s Island, Rules of Engagement and 60 Minutes, all viewable via a WiFi connection. CBS says the app, launched in Feb., has been downloaded more than 1 million times. The TV.com online portal also reported a 401% year-over-year increase in unique viewers, 153% increase in video streams and 117% increase in minutes month-over-month, citing comScore‘s March Video Metrix figures. (Cynopsis 4/29)

UrbanSpoon, a restaurant recommendation service, started out with a simple plan. It was three former Jobster employees, Ethan Lowry, Adam Doppelt and Patrick O’Donnel who set out to see if they could build a company in today’s world without needing any traditional outside investments. Today, they can safely say they succeeded — big time. IAC, the Internet giant, has just bought the completely self-funded company. (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/04/29/iac-buys-urbanspoon-based-on-good-recommendations 4/29)

Not another iPhone knockoff … Microsoft is in talks with Verizon Wireless to launch a touchscreen, app-friendly phone early next year, per the WSJ. Perhaps it will be targeted at the female demo; it’s code name is “Pink.” (Cynopsis 4/29)

Verizon could also be in talks with Apple to come up with a pair of “iPhone lite” devices that allow users to watch HD videos over a Wi-Fi connection, reports BusinessWeek. Verizon has also been rumored to be waiting in the wings for the exclusive AT&T/Apple to expire early next year. (Cynopsis 4/29)