Top iOS news of the week: New products coming, Apple dinged for big bucks, ZAGG and Mophie

Mophie acquired by ZAGG

Mobile accessory maker ZAGG has extended its offering by acquiring Mophie for $100 million. Mophie is known for battery cases for the iPhone. ZAGG makes protective screen covers and keyboards for mobile devices.

Source: ZDNet

Apple ordered to pay $625 million in patent infringement case

A federal judge has ordered Apple to pay $625 million in fines and royalties to VimetX. The original infringement trial was conducted several years ago and the amount recently awarded was determined at a trial to calculate damages.

Source: AppleInsider

Apple event on March 15 to show new products

The folks in Cupertino will host a product event on March 15 and is expected to unveil new products. Likely products to be launched include the iPad Air 3, new Apple Watch, and a budget iPhone. The latter is expected to be a 4-inch model based on the iPhone 5.

Source: Gizmodo

Apple patents hovering gesture controls

Leaving 3D Touch behind, a patent by Apple uses a proximity layer above the device screen to detect hovering fingers above it. The controls would operate the device based on where on the screen they are detected and what they are gesturing.

Source: Techcrunch