The store hit the 10 billion downloads mark in early 2011 and 25 billion in March 2012. The 50 billion milestone does not include updates or re-downloads.
Business
In Bloomberg uproar, ethics flags for new media
It highlights the uncertain and rapidly changing ethical landscape facing companies that, like Bloomberg, are reinventing the news business, experts say.
Macy's 1st quarter profit rises 20 percent on solid sales
Macy's Inc. reported a 20 percent increase in first-quarter profit even though cool temperatures and economic worries dampened some of its shoppers' spending on spring clothes.
U.S. factory output falls 0.4 percent in April
U.S. factories cut back sharply on production in April, as auto companies cranked out fewer cars and most other industries reduced output. The weakness suggests economic growth may be slowing this spring.
U.S. wholesale prices fall 0.7 percent, most in 3 years
Sharp drops in fuel and food costs reduced a measure of U.S. wholesale prices in April by the most in three years. Outside those volatile categories, inflation stayed low.
U.S. homebuilder confidence rises in May from April
Confidence among U.S. homebuilders rebounded this month, reflecting improved sales trends during the spring home-selling season and the strongest outlook for sales over the next six months in more than six years.
Eurozone recession extends into 6th quarter
The recession across the economy of the 17 European Union countries that use the euro extended into its sixth quarter - longer than the calamitous slump that hit the region in the financial crisis of 2008-9.
Washington state hops in high demand; Cougar Ale on the way
In 1980, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. founder Ken Grossman effectively put the Cascade hop of Yakima on the map. More than three decades later, Washington State University researchers studying optimal brewing qualities with that same hop recently interned with Sierra Nevada master brewers to hone their brewing skills and learn advanced brewing methods that are being pioneered by American craft brewers.
Biotech apples may be harbinger for genetically modified spuds (Photo Gallery)
Idaho's potato industry is gazing north of the U.S. border to a tiny Canadian apple breeder for a sign of how the public may embrace a genetically modified potato proposed for commercialization by the J.R. Simplot Co.
Airbus sales drive 1st quarter profits at parent company
European aerospace company EADS said strong deliveries by airplane maker Airbus helped drive higher earnings in the first quarter and laid out the hope that the new A350 long-range aircraft should make its first flight this summer.
Small business owners slightly more upbeat
Small business owners were a little more optimistic during April but are generally still cautious.
Idaho spud giant bets on biotech potatoes
A dozen years after a customer revolt forced Monsanto to ditch its genetically engineered potato, an Idaho company aims to resurrect high-tech spuds.
Prices paid by U.S. importers fell 0.5 percent
Prices paid by U.S. importers fell in April for the second straight month, pushed lower by another decline in imported petroleum. Falling import prices help keep inflation in check.
Amazon workers in Germany stage strike
A union representing workers at Amazon in Germany says members are striking in a push for higher wages from the online retailer.
Natural gas export plans stir debate
A domestic natural gas boom already has lowered U.S. energy prices while stoking fears of environmental disaster. Now U.S. producers are poised to ship vast quantities of gas overseas.