International Probe into Apple's So-Called Data Storage; the 'iCloud'; and Al Gore's iPod Debut

Every week, makes news with technology developments, business deals and, sometimes, controversies.

Today, Cupertino Patch introduces the second installment of a weekly "Core Bytes" column on Apple. We’ll relay the past week’s news highlights from our favorite backyard tech giant.

Controversies
• Countries such as South Korea, Germany and France are launching investigations into whether Apple is breaking the law by tracking and storing data of iPad and iPhone users’ locations. While Apple has remained publicly mum on the issues, Steve Jobs has reportedly denied claims that the devices are tracking their users, according to several insider websites.

New Product Developments
• Apple has begun dubbing its cloud-computing services in development as the iCloud. The service, to be available in beta versions on Apple’s iOS 5.0 and Mac OS X Lion, will allow users to store more information than they currently can on the MobileMe service. The online locker service not only includes music but also videos, bookmarks and contacts. Apple has reportedly acquired the iCloud domain for $4.5 million.

• This week, Terra became the most popular free app available to iPad users. The service allows for offline browsing, transferring downloaded files to a computer, and tabbed browsing, which makes it easy to switch between windows.

• Think you’re too busy to hit the gym? Apple’s new Fitness Center app, patented on Thursday, gives you fewer excuses. It makes it easier to find a local workout buddy, schedule a session with a personal trainer and keep tabs of personal bests.

• In 2006, people lined up at theaters to hear Al Gore’s cautionary tale of melting ice caps and weather hazards. Now they just need to pull out their iPods and iPhones to see a digitally enhanced, interactive version of Al Gore’s 2009 book Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis.

Business Deals and Developments
• For the first time in history, Apple beat Microsoft in profits for the first quarter of 2011. Apple reported $24.7 billion in revenue, whereas Microsoft posted $16.4 billion. The difference between the companies’ net incomes was smaller: Apple totaled $5.99 billion, compared to $5.3 billion for Microsoft. Apple’s revenues were up 83 percent from the first quarter of 2010, while Microsoft’s were up 13 percent.

• On Thursday, Japan became the first Asian country to begin selling Apple’s iPad 2. The product was launched over a month after it was originally planned, because of the tsunami, and the anticipation for it was clear, as a line stretched three blocks in front of Apple’s flagship store in Tokyo.