Apple announced today that its customers have downloaded 40 billion apps. That a massive amount. Apparently 2 billion downloads were in December 2012.

There are now 775,000 universal apps and 300,000 for just the iPad.

This is where other competing operating systems need to focus. Android for example needs now to get developers making great tablet apps. Otherwise, Apple will continue to have the edge, no matter what the hardware looks like.

This week is going to be busy with news from CES 2013. Cookoo has launched a watch that works with your iOS device using Bluetooth.

It comes with the Cookoo app keeps you in control of the alerts and notifications you receive on the Cookoo watch. Use the default settings or customize your own based on your lifestyle. Select which notifications you want to receive and whether you want to be notified by an icon, beep, or vibration.

With the Cookoo app, you can receives notifications for –

Incoming calls, Missed calls, Facebook messages and posts, Calendar reminders, Your device is out of range, Low battery on iPhone or iPad. The command button can be customized to do the things you want to do.Check in: be the first to check in on Facebook. Tag a location: tag your current location on the app’s map—later you can add notes, pictures, and even share your map with others. Take a picture: use the command button as a remote for your phone’s camera—perfect for taking group shots!

I really like the design and the simplicity of this watch. It would not surprise me of we see many more iOS linked watched at CES.

Griffin has announced the Powerblock 5 at CES. This looks like a very useful and tidy solution for charging so many devices. And should be about $30 which seems fairly reasonable.

Full press info below –

PowerDock 5 is the ultimate space-saving, countertop charging and storage solution for up to 5 iPads. Designed for convenience and efficiency, PowerDock 5 contains five charging bays large enough to accommodate an iPad encased in even the largest of cases, including Griffin’s own Survivor case. When not in use, PowerDock 5 keeps all the users’ device cables tucked away and organized, ready for use at any time. PowerDock 5, $99.99, is ideal for multiple-iPad households and work environments and will be available Spring 2013.

Griffin also introduces a solution to a little-known problem. All mobile devices have specific charging profiles that dictate how much, and how quickly, they can charge. Most chargers are designed with a one-size-fits-all approach which typically does not support the requirements of each individual device. Griffin’s new ChargeSensor technology senses the requirements of any device plugged into it, providing optimal charging for all USB-chargeable devices. Griffin introduces two new power solutions for Apple, Samsung, Android and Kindle devices, complete with Charge Sensor technology: PowerBlock Universal and PowerJolt Universal.

PowerBlock Universal with ChargeSensor features a low profile design for plugging into power strips and plugs. Plugged into any AC power source from 100 to 240 volts, PowerBlock converts it to safe, efficient 10 watt charging for smartphones, tablets, and e-readers.

Headlining this year’s ensemble of new products, iHome introduces its first Lightning Docks, compatible with iPhone 5, iPad mini, iPad with Retina Display and iPod touch:

iDL100 Triple Charging Stereo FM Clock Radio With Two Lightning Docks and USB Charge/Play for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch: the ultimate iHome Lightning docks with a triple 2.1 charging hub for your iDevices, the iDL100 includes two Lightning docks as well as a universal USB dock to charge and play audio from legacy devices. An auto sync feature syncs the unit to iPhone/iPad/iPod time, while an aux-in jack is also included for audio devices equipped with 3.5mm headphone jack. The iDL100 is expected to retail for $149.99.

If you need a new dock, these sure look good. And with all the charging options this is going on to my wish list.