Tech Takeaway: Apple e-books ruling, T-Mobile introduces ‘Jump’

It was a full day of tech news Wednesday, with a federal judge ruling that Apple conspired to raise the price of e-books and T-Mobile introducing a new plan that makes it possible for customers to change their smartphones more often.

Federal judge rules Apple led conspiracy to raise e-book prices

A federal judge has ruled against Apple in its antitrust e-books case. The judge found that Apple conspired with five major publishers to raise the prices of e-books in an attempt to weaken rival Amazon.com Inc. Apple says it plans to appeal the decision.

T-Mobile introduces Jump plan so users can change phones often

T-Mobile on Wednesday introduced a new plan called Jump that makes it easier for customers to change their smartphones as often as twice a year. Customers who enroll will pay the down payment for each phone when they buy it (typically $100 per device), their regular monthly payment (typically $20 or $25) and an additional $10 a month for the Jump plan.

Google Maps adds traffic reroutes

Google Maps for Android got smarter Wednesday as the app was updated to alert users if a faster route than the one they are driving on becomes available. Google said it will soon update its iPhone app with the feature.

Google Chromebooks gain traction in low-cost laptop market

Google Chromebook laptops have accounted for as much as 25% of the less-than $300 laptops sold in the U.S. the last eight months. It might be because there are plenty of things to like about them.

Instagram adds photo and video embedding

Instagram is now making it possible for users to embed their pictures and videos on other websites -- much like they already can with Vine and YouTube videos.

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Apple led conspiracy to raise prices of e-books, federal judge rules [live chat]