Weekly Mobile News Roundup – 17 January 2014

 Once again the week is coming to an end and that means it’s time for a roundup of the past weeks news!

Apple to begin in-store iPhone 5c screen repairs next week – We’ve gotten word from multiple sources that Apple will begin repairing/replacing broken iPhone 5c displays in its retail stores next week. The current plan is to begin offering replacements on Monday, January 20th.

Pac-Man is the top iPhone app in 44 countries – More than a video game, Pac-Man – as one of the earliest hit video games – is a global icon. Even my grandmother recognizes Pac-Mac. So perhaps it’s not surprising that when Apple made the iOS version of Pac-Man free last week as its “App of the Week” that fans around the world welcomed it warmly.

Starbucks ‘Chose Convenience Over Security’ In Leaving iOS App Vulnerable – Is it better for mobile apps to be easy-to-use, or secure? It’s a question that app developers constantly grapple with in the face of a competitive landscape, and it can sometimes take a data breach like Snapchat’s to push them in the latter direction.

First look inside Apple’s new Brisbane store at Macarthur Chambers – Photos posted on Apple Insider show the interior of the store as it is prepped for this Friday’s opening.The pictures come from insiders with access to the long-awaited store and include shots posted on The Reckoner of product signage, scaffolding and empty display tables.

A Look at Apple’s MFi Controller Program and Why iOS Game Controllers Are Failing to Deliver – Apple’s foray into offering official controller support for games on the App Store has been an odd one for sure. They originally announced Made For iOS (MFi) controller support as part of the new iOS 7 at WWDC last June, but like practically all things to do with gaming and Apple, it was announced as almost an aside to the real presentation, just getting a brief mention on a slide.

Mac Pro vs. iMac: You don’t need a Lamborghini when you can buy a Lexus for half the price – “Anybody who tries to keep up with technology is familiar with this sad truth: Even the best computer will seem positively geriatric by its fifth birthday,” Geoffrey A. Fowler writes for The Wall Street Journal.

5 Most Beautiful Apple Stores From All Around The World – Apple has 421 retail stores in 14 countries and each and every single one of them is unique in its own way. The first Apple Store was designed by Millard Drexler, former CEO of Gap, and opened in 1999.

Shopkick testing iBeacons in 100 American Eagle locations in largest roll out yet – Deals and rewards app Shopkick is continuing to push support for Apple’s iBeacon technology adding 100 American Eagle Outfitter locations (via GigaOm) to its iBeacon test bed.

German Modder Builds Apple Mac Pro Replica From A Trashcan  – Shortly after the announcement of the Apple Mac Pro at WWDC 2013 and its recent release, a clever modder from Germany has made his own DIY version of the MacPro… from a trashcan!

Apple CEO Cook Not Happy About $32.5M FTC Deal: How to Get a Refund if You’ve Been Bilked by In-App Purchases  – Karma just caught up to Apple, which has agreed to refund at least $32.5 million to users who were conned by apps that trick kids into spending their money without their consent or knowledge.