Four days ago, the popular Kickstarter project to provide portable power for almost any mobile device — Apple, Android, or other — was canceled when Apple refused to allow any accessories to incorporate both its old 30-pin connector and its new Lightning connector.

But the Christmas spirit is alive and well in Cupertino. Three days ago, Apple reversed that decision — and project leader Jamie Siminoff told VentureBeat that the project was likely back on.

Now that’s official, as Siminoff told project backers at Kickstarter:

As you know on Thursday, we sent you an update that because of Apple’s rules around Lightning we would be canceling POP. The story got A LOT of news and reactions, way more than we could have ever imagined. In fact it became such big news that 24 hours after we posted Apple changed their guidelines for Lightning.

It was an incredible turn of events for us. We never could have imagined that we would be able to change Apple’s rules.

Based on Apple’s change we can make POP the way we had promised and the project is back on. We will not be processing refunds and are going full speed ahead to produce and deliver the product to you ASAP.

We hope to do another update in the next 7-10 days to give you a new estimated delivery date.

Happy Holidays and thank you to everyone that has stood by us and helped us through this process. We are thrilled to finally be able to bring this great product to you.

Jamie

Apple had told VentureBeat that technical reasons prevented combining 30-pin and Lightning connectors on the same device, which Siminoff violently disagreed with. In any case, the project is back on, and anyone who didn’t kick in at the Kickstarter stage can still preorder a unit at POPportablepower.com.

Merry Christmas!

It’s the holiday season! But news never rests.

We’ve got Apple bracing for the holiday download rush, two companies shutting down, and big data machines that may one day think like brain. And if you’re expecting an iPhone in your stocking, you should read our story on open-source Instagram alternatives for your to download on one of the the biggest download days of the year — Christmas!

Instagram freaked users out this week when it changed its terms of service this week. How did you not already know that?

Need more distractions from your (very sweet, we’re sure) family? Check out the Editor’s Pick page.

Now, let’s get on to the stories you need to read:

Open-source alternatives to Instagram

After Instagram, the photo sharing app recently purchased by Facebook, made some concerning changes to its terms of service, VentureBeat reporter Jolie O’Dell checked out some alternatives. Open-source alternatives. Thankfully, Instagram wound up rolling back some of its privacy changes, but these app are still worth checking out.

U.S. visa system helps stifle early stage startup Taploid

Here’s the sad tale of how one startup went down. Taploid, a DEMO company that hoped to be the tabloid of the social world, is shut down after running out of money, hitting walls with U.S. immigration, and failing to get acquired. In the aftermath, the founders have some advice for entrepreneurs.

Apple kills a Kickstarter project: Portable power project POP refunding $139,170 to backers

Edison Junior, the technology and design lab behind the POP portable power station, is returning the full $139,170 in funding it received from Kickstarter backers to develop the device. Unfortunately, Apple has refused to give the project permission to license the Lightning charger in a device that includes multiple charging options. Check out Apple’s reaction here.

Palm founders are back with Grok, a neuroscience-inspired big data engine

Imagine a world where every machine — from the smart meter to the cell phone — is designed to mimic the human brain by getting smarter over time. A new “big-data” product called Grok promises to make those brainy machines a reality. It’s the first product from Numenta, which Palm cofounders Jeff Hawkins and Donna Dubinsky started in 2005.

Apple freezes the App Store in advance of the holiday app-downloading bonanza

Console video games see their peak sales from Black Friday through Christmas. But for mobile game and app buyers, the big season for app downloads begins tomorrow. Apple told developers today that its traditional holiday shutdown starts tomorrow, with a big impact on who comes out =on top for the holidays.

Top Santa image, Man with camera image, Apps image via Shutterstock; Taploid image via Meghan Kelly; Numenta image via Numenta; POP project image via POP

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The full story may not be quite as straightforward.

Update December 24: the project is back on

I had contacted Apple for comment, but Apple was only able to respond today to offer its side of the story. A few minutes ago, Apple released the following statement:

Our technical specifications provide clear guidelines for developing accessories, and they are available to MFi licensees for free. We support accessories that integrate USB and Lightning connectors, but there were technical issues that prevented accessories from integrating 30-pin and Lightning connectors, so our guidelines did not allow this. We have been working to resolve this and have updated our guidelines to allow accessories to integrate both 30-pin and Lightning connectors to support charging.

From Apple’s perspective, it had released the Lightning spec as soon as the new connector was announced. Everything that was possible and not possible was clearly in the open in a published and freely available spec, for licensees in its hardware developer/integrator program. That happened well back on Sept. 12.

More importantly, Apple is saying that it is simply due to technical reasons — not political, economic, or strategic — that the old 30-pin connectors and the new Lightning connector could not be combined. That’s a somewhat different story than I heard from Edison Junior CEO Jamie Siminoff, who said that the group worked with Apple for months on this with inconsistent and confusing answers.

“We didn’t get a yes or a no up front,” Siminoff told me. “But as we kept going back and forth it was clear that it was getting harder.”

That’s now a he-said-she-said situation, but perhaps more importantly, in this statement Apple is announcing that it has resolved the technical challenge and has found a way to use both 30-pin and Lightning connectors on the same accessories … which means that the POP power station project could actually now continue, and build the universal charging device that Edison Junior wanted to make in the first place.

So I chatted with Siminoff today about exactly that. First, I asked him for a comment on the spec being freely available since September.

“Bullshit,” Siminoff answered. “Sure, they’ve had the spec out for a while, but there’s no way it talks about what we’re doing.”

Siminoff then confirmed with me that he and his team had multiple conversations with Apple and heard multiple stories, including that it was possibly a problem, probably OK, and that Apple was going to tighten the spec to make what Edison Junior was trying to do impossible.

Of course, it turns out Apple did the opposite: opening the spec up.

Which begs the question: Was it really a technical challenge in the first place? Just changing the spec doesn’t, after all, magically change millions of shipped devices. And no iOS system update has been issued in the past weeks with a release note specifying new compatibilities. So Siminoff doesn’t buy the “technical issues” argument at all.

“It’s pretty simple that you could build to separate power sources on the same device,” he told me this afternoon. “I don’t see how that’s a technical issue.”

Either way, however, Siminoff is happy. ”I’m thrilled that this happened,” he told me. “I think that it makes sense for the customer.” So does this mean the POP portable power station project is back on?

“Probably. Now I need to confirm between their PR and the actual MFi group that this is possible. If this is the case, for sure … if we can make the product that we promised, it’s back on,” he said. “If Apple lets us do this, we’ll make that product and we’ll make it fast.”

Whether it will be on Kickstarter or not is another question. But there’s one other piece of good news that Siminoff shared:

“We have not actually processed the refund yet … luckily!”

photo credit: unten44 via photopin cc

POP was billed as “the intersection between charging and design” and featured connectors to charge iPads, iPhones, and yes … Android devices. Its four retractable cord reels would have powered anything using micro-USB charging connectors.

That’s a problem with Apple. In fact, even combining Apple’s new Lighting connector with the old 30-pin connector in a charging device was verboten; Apple would not approve, forcing the team to abandon the project.

“We are pissed,” Edison Junior CEO Jamie Siminoff told me on the phone today. “I think they are being a bunch of assholes, and I think they’re hurting their customers.”

Apple finally speaks — here’s their side of the story

Another update (December 24) — the POP project is back on

The team will provide full refunds, meaning that it will absorb credit card fees and Kickstarter fees, totalling eight percent of all the funds collected — over $11,000. Edison Junior is asking Kickstarter for the five percent Kickstarter fee back, however, which would limit the loss. Whatever Kickstarter does, however, an Edison Junior representative informed me that all backers will receive 100 percent of their money back.

“We would have loved to have made the product,” Siminoff told me. “At the same time I feel like we’re making the correct decision … I’m not willing to compromise on the product.”

The dispute has been ongoing since September, when Apple announced the Lightning connector.

“We didn’t get a yes or a no up front,” Siminoff said. “But as we kept going back and forth it was clear that it was getting harder. Then, when we saw that they weren’t even going to allow a Lightning connector and a 30-pin connector together, we knew it was over.”

He also said that, while Apple is a private company and can do whatever it wishes, it should watch out. “When you do things that are bad for the customer … I think it will be bad for them.”

Siminoff issued this letter to all project backers:

I’ll never forget the moment when our campaign passed the $50,000 goal and our dream of powering dying batteries became tangible. Our promise was simple: provide a portable charger that was capable of charging ALL of your devices including the anticipated iPhone 5, which at the time, had yet to be released.

When Apple officially announced the move to Lightning we determined the best course of action was to incorporate two Lightning chargers, and two 30-pins (along with the four micro-USB’s). After applying to Apple (which is now required for Lightning), we learned that they are no longer willing to approve a product that uses the Lightning charger alongside any other charger (including their own 30-pin — seriously). Just like that, POP could no longer fulfill its true promise.

As we struggled with Apple we realized that Kickstarter did not have a mechanism for refunding everyone their money. Since we are not willing to compromise and build a crappy product, refunding the money is the only acceptable thing to do.

This sparked the idea that crowdfunding of physical products needed a place that was built around the intricacies they present, so a few weeks ago we launched our own crowdfunding site, Christie Street. Built from the ground up around product, Christie Street is designed to handle needs that can arise from products — such as refunds — in order to prevent compromised products from being delivered.

In order to process your refunds efficiently we are going to set you all up with Christie Street accounts, and there, you will be able to process your refunds. Since payment processing has little to no room for error, we still have some final testing to do before we can send out the instructions, so the plan is set for mid-January. Conversely, had we manually sent out the refunds to all 1,000 backers the process would probably have gone longer.

Providing full refunds means we will have to absorb a hit for both credit card (3%) and Kickstarter fees (5%) totaling over $11,000. Today we asked Kickstarter for the 5% fee they collected based on the circumstances, however regardless of their decision YOU WILL RECEIVE 100% OF YOUR MONEY BACK.

We don’t believe in selling a substandard, compromised product that only satisfies the needs of a few backers, as that was not our promise. So we can’t thank you enough for your incredible support and awesome feedback – we hope to collaborate again with you soon. If you have any issues please email me directly.

All the best,
Jamie

P.S. If you know anyone at Apple please send them coal for their stockings, on behalf of us

I’ve asked both Apple and Kickstarter for a statement or comment on the matter. I’ll update this post as I hear more.

This is not necessarily the end of the Edison Junior’s portable power project. Siminoff told me that the team will be re-focusing on a device that supports Android phones, tablets, and Apple products, if backers wish to use a Lightning-to-USB connector, or an older 30-pin connector. They’ll only build that device, however, if the crowdfunding community wants it.

Which is why refunding everyone’s money — including credit card and Kickstarter fees — was the right thing to do to retain the community’s trust.

Here’s the original POP video:

The Nintendo Wii has played host to some of the best-selling video games of all time. But for every hands-down success like Super Mario Galaxy, a few titles went almost unnoticed by the masses.

With this in mind, GamesBeat reached out to some key game industry figures to ask which Wii experiences they think deserved a wider audience. Presented below are their choices — a mixture of downloadable WiiWare and full retail releases — that all have one thing in common: You really ought to check them out.

Kyle Gabler
Co-founder, 2D Boy (World of Goo)
In addition to co-creating the smash-hit World of Goo, Kyle Gabler is one of the brains behind Indie Fund, which recently supported the release of the critically acclaimed Dear Esther on PC.

Pick: Cave Story

“Cave Story is a game that’s magic in the way games were magic when I was a kid. On the surface, it’s almost easy to dismiss as another above-average indie platformer. But after spending a few minutes in the game’s world, hanging out with the characters (who are almost all rabbits!), and uncovering an adorable mystery filled with secrets and eggs and a floating island, it’s clear this was a labor of love.

“Made entirely by one guy, Daisuke ‘Pixel’ Amaya, over the course of five years, and first released back in 2004, this game inspired many in the recent wave of indie games, and it has become something of a legend in the indie community. The soundtrack alone is a classic and brings you right back into the world. Make sure to stick around and discover all three endings.”

Bill Trinen
Director, Product Marketing, Nintendo of America
A key member of the Nintendo of America team, Trinen had a hand in some of the company’s biggest-ever releases, including Super Mario Galaxy,  Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. He also regularly acts as Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto’s translator at public events.

Picks: Boom Blox, ExciteBots, Rhythm Heaven Fever

“One of the Wii games I always come back to is Boom Blox. It’s so simple but so engaging. Not only do you want to keep playing, but you always feel like you can do better on the next go. I’m also a huge fan of unique concepts like ExciteBots and Rhythm Heaven Fever.”

Nic Watt
Creative Director, Nnooo Games (Pop, EscapeVektor)
Pop was a launch-day title for Nintendo’s WiiWare service. Nnooo Games, based in Sydney, Australia, is now working to bring its critically acclaimed EscapeVektor to 3DS and PlayStation Vita.

Picks: Fire Emblem, Swords and Soldiers

“I have quite a few titles which I think have flown under the radar and are great. I think my favorite of the disc-based ones is Fire Emblem. I love how easy it is to pick up and play yet how strategic it can be. Leveling up each member of your army, seeing how their stories play out, working out the pairing of who to stand next to whom in battle — some characters receive a boost to damage when they fight next to a friend — and most importantly of all, the permanent deaths! If one of your characters dies in battle that’s it. You cannot use them again in any future battle.

“This makes the game super challenging — in a good way — as you develop bonds for each character and really don’t want anyone to die, particularly the ones you have spent so long leveling up!

“My favorite of the download titles is probably Swords and Soldiers. I love the art style and the fun, quirky gameplay. Again it is a kind of strategy title. However, it’s so much more arcadey and fast-paced. Each of your units moves from left to right and engages the enemy in battle. You can cast spells and add bonuses to them as they enter combat against whacky warriors from historic armies of the past. If I remember correctly, you start off playing Vikings and can later play as a whole host of different army types. It’s really simple to pick up and play but still really engaging.”

Daisuke “Pixel” Amaya
Independent game developer, Studio Pixel (Cave Story)
Amaya famously created the original PC version of Cave Story entirely in his spare time. He has more recently collaborated on DSi and 3DS versions of Cave Story and released Azarashi on iOS.

Pick: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

“I like Silent Hill: Shattered Memories on Wii. It does not have any gun action, asking you only to run away from monsters. Maybe people who enjoyed other Silent Hill games will not enjoy this game as much, but I like it, because I like getting lost in a frightening world.”

Alex Neuse
Co-founder, Gaijin Games (Bit. Trip series)
The Bit.Trip series, from Gaijin Games, has been a consistent highlight on the WiiWare service. The company is currently working on Bit.Trip Runner 2, which is due for release on PSN and Xbox Live in 2012.

Pick: Fluidity (a.k.a. Hydroventure)

“I was asked to write a short piece for the fine gentlemen at GamesBeat about little-known gems for the Nintendo Wii that I find enjoyable and worthwhile. After perusing my collection, I discovered many more than you might think. It was a tough internal debate, but the game I want to write about today is Fluidity for the WiiWare service.

“Fluidity has a zen-like calm while still employing unique and engaging gameplay. It’s not too hard, but it is definitely challenging enough. One of the best things about Fluidity is that it uses the unique functionality of the Wii Remote in a way that’s not gimmicky. Fluidity is but one of several unique titles on the WiiWare Service, a sadly overlooked corner of Nintendo’s Wii lineup.”

Nathan Fouts
President, Mommy’s Best Games (Weapon of Choice)
Mommy’s Best Games is a boutique developer, founded in 2007 by industry veteran Nathan Fouts. Game highlights include the award-winning Weapon of Choice and Shoot 1UP.

Pick: ExciteBots: Trick Racing

“Any game which tasks you with making a sandwich while driving several hundred miles an hour immediately has my attention. ExciteBots, sequel to the Wii launch title Excite Truck and NES classic ExciteBike, is more fun and inventive than I ever expected. Players drive transformative ‘Bots which can glide for miles, perform tricks in mid-air, and boost like the Space Shuttle. In ExciteBots, if you’re touching ground for more than three seconds or traveling less than the speed of sound, you’re probably doing it wrong.

“While racing blindingly fast, seeking out secret paths, and attacking opponents, you’re constantly focused on getting a high score to unlock new, wild tracks. Fans of fun (and racing) games should have this in their library. Selfishly, I want more people to buy it, because they can’t go wrong with it but really so they’ll make a new version crammed full of more driving insanity.”

Nate Bihldorff
Senior Manager, Localization, Nintendo of America
Based at NOA’s localization division, Treehouse, Nate Bihldorff has been responsible for the North American versions of some of Nintendo’s most popular franchises including Metroid and The Legend of Zelda.

Picks: MotoHeroz, Wario Land: Shake It!, Monster Hunter Tri

“MotoHeroz for WiiWare is unbelievably deep. I think a lot of people perceived it as just a racing game, but it’s a brilliantly designed platformer as well and boasts some of the best single-screen multiplayer on the system.

“Wario Land: Shake It for Wii remains one of my favorite games on the system. The hand-drawn art style is truly timeless, and the platforming is pitch-perfect. Also, I’m surprised that Monster Hunter Tri isn’t more of a phenomenon in the States. It has a learning curve, but once the game gets its hooks into you, it offers incredibly fun online multiplayer.”

Andrew Smith
Managing Director, Spilt Milk Studios (Hard Lines)
Andrew Smith is a BAFTA-winning game designer, currently working on a new iOS title, Smash The Block.

Pick: Link’s Crossbow Training

“The most underrated Wii game has to be Link’s Crossbow Training. It has some smart controls, really well-developed challenges, and is one of the most polished, rewarding, and deep ‘light gun’ games I’ve ever played.”

Joost van Dongen
Co-founder, Ronimo Games (Swords and Soldiers)
Ronimo Games’ Swords and Soldiers started life on Wii and has since been ported to PS3, PC, and iOS. The team also created the original version of De Blob before selling the rights to THQ.

Pick: Excite Truck

“Excite Truck is one of the most fun racers I have ever played. It is fairly limited in its features, with no opponents in split-screen and few game modes, but the core racing is plain fantastic. It proved to me that tilt controls for a racing game can actually feel great. But most importantly, the star system in Excite Truck adds a great form of adrenaline and depth.

“In normal racing games, the goal is to finish first. Here the goal is to collect the most stars, and ending first is only one way to get stars. Other ways include drifting, jumping, and racing only just past trees. The beauty here is that getting more stars requires taking a lot more risk, so the player has to choose between certain mediocrity…or possible awesomeness. The adrenaline and depth this adds makes Excite Truck an absolutely fantastic racing game!”

Robert Boyd
Founder, Zeboyd Games (Cthulhu Saves the World)
Zeboyd Games brings a great retro-RPG sensibility, along with a neat sense of humor, to its games — the next of which will be Penny Arcade’s On The Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3.

Pick: Trauma Team

“My favorite Wii game that no one seems to have played is Trauma Team. Previous Trauma games on the Wii were fun but Trauma Team takes the series to a whole new level, with an over-the-top story and much more gameplay variety.

“Each character in the game features a different form of gameplay, with my personal favorites being First Response, where you juggle the immediate needs of several patients simultaneously, and Forensics, which are puzzle-adventure sequences, reminiscent of the Ace Attorney series of games. The game is one of the best showcases for Wii controls, features great graphics and music, and is fairly long. In short, it belongs in every Wii owner’s library.”

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