Just one day after Sen. Al Franken asked Carrier IQ, mobile phone carriers and smartphone manufacturers to answer several questions regarding the purpose of Carrier IQ, another politician has stepped in to get the Federal Trade Commission involved. Congressman Edward J. Markey, who is also the co-chairman of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus, sent a letter to the chairman of the FTC asking for an investigation into Carrier IQ’s software.

This past week spawned a very interesting story about fake Apple Stores were discovered in the city of Kunming in China. These stores were designed to have the traditional Apple Store layout and appearance, but are allegedly not associated with Apple in any way. In response to the original report that blew the whistle on this operation, authorities will be investigating the stores in Kunming.

More than a year or so ago many people might be hard pressed to see too many areas in which Apple and Google compete. Sure, they both had photo editing and hosting services in Picasa and iPhoto/MobileMe, but that’s about it. Now their increasing number of competing markets is getting the Federal Trade Commission involved. more »