THE NEWS WRAP: Apple unveils iOS6 and new Google Maps competitor

Apple has ramped up the battle with Google for consumer and business users by unveiling a new operating system, mapping service and hardware.

The tech giant said its new iOS6 platform will include a beefed-up version of Siri, the voice-controlled search feature, and a 3D mapping service that aims to be a direct competitor to Google Maps.

A new MacBook Pro, just 0.7 inches thin, will also hit the market as Apple attempts to fend off competition from rivals.

Small retailers accuse supermarkets of killing competition

A coalition of small retailer operators has accused supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths of deliberately killing competition.

The Master Grocers claimed that the duo are opening huge stores, sometimes at a loss, just in an attempt to stamp out rivals.

The group claims it has evidence that will prompt the industry watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, to act.

Google ends six-year legal battle

Google has struck a deal that ends a six-year legal battle over the scanning and publishing of books online.

A court had previously ruled that Google was in breach of copyright after it digitised a number of French books. However, Google has now paid the authors, settling the dispute. 

Markets

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 142.97 points, or 1.1%, to 12,411.23 on Friday. The Australian dollar was up to US98.66 cents.