A modest proposal: Detente between Mac and PC laptop fans
There are a handful of topics guaranteed to get readers all ginned up and at each others' throats in the comments section of any Web site. While PS3 vs. Xbox or AT&T vs. Verizon are solid go-to choices, anything that gives Apple and Microsoft fans a chance to vent at each other is on another level entirely. Not that we don't enjoy pouring a little lighter fluid on the fire occasionally, but in the spirit of the holiday season, we have a proposal for peace between PC and Mac laptop users--or at least finding some middle ground both sides can agree with. With that in mind, we offer the following modest proposal for a détente in the war between Mac and PC fanboys. >PC Makers will agree:To adopt the large multitouch touchpad that has become so popular on MacBook laptops. Once you get the hang of using two fingers to scroll down a page or flipping four fingers up to hide all your active windows, there's really no going back. Yes, we acknowledge that many Windows laptops now support some kind of multitouch gestures. But we have yet to find a single PC that implements them particularly well--the worst offenders being touchpads that require your fingers to be lined up on a mathematically precise plane to activate simple two-finger scrolling. Even worse, they shoehorn gestures into the same tiny touchpads we've been cramping our fingers on for years. Additionally, when you close the lid on a MacBook, it goes into a low-power sleep state, and then wakes up in a few seconds when you open the lid. It works the same every time, like clockwork. No matter what kind of sleep, hibernate, or other lid-close function we set up on a Windows laptop, the result is always a roll of the dice--yes, even in Windows 7. We particularly like the one where the machine wakes up, but the screen doesn't, requiring us to open the close the lid repeatedly until it randomly starts working. Therefore, PC makers will agree to work with Microsoft to come up with a sleep mode that actually works the same way every single time. >Apple will agree:To turn touchpad tapping and click-dragging on by default, and not make us dig around in the menus for this very basic functionality. Secondly, Apple will agree to finally acknowledge the concept of two mouse buttons once and for all. That means second buttons on all mice (although the two-finger touchpad tap really works quite well), and no more pretending to be a one-button OS while actually including right-click functions for just about everything.Finally, Apple will agree to ditch (or augment) its mini-DVI ports with plain old HDMI. It carries HD video, plus audio, and it's built into pretty much every other AV device known to man. Heaven forbid we should want to watch HD iTunes videos on a TV by plugging our laptops directly in, instead of buying an Apple TV unit.Remember, they finally caved in on SD card slots, so this isn't outside the realm of possibility. (We agree to table the Blu-ray issue for another day.) >In summation: PC makers--pump up those touchpads to XL, add multitouch gestures that actually work, and make sure we can open and close our lids without worry. Apple--embrace your inner right-mouse button, don't hide basic touchpad features like tapping, and add HDMI. Following these simple steps will eliminate most of the thrust behind hostile Mac vs. PC arguments and usher in a new era of peace and mutual communication between tech fans of all stripes (and if you believe that, I've got some bank account information I need you to verify). What's your peace proposal between Macs and PCs? Sound off in the comments section below! > Need more? Follow me at twitter.com/danackerman. > See our Holiday laptop picks in the CNET Holiday Tech Guide.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Thursday, May 7, 2015
How to stream Amazon Cloud Player music on iOS devices
How to stream Amazon Cloud Player music on iOS devices
iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users can now access Amazon's new Cloud Player on their mobile gadgets, bypassing the initial lack of support for Apple iDevices. It doesn't work flawlessly, but if you follow the instructions detailed below, you'll be streaming cloud music to your iPhone in no time.Unveiled late March, Amazon's cloud-based music player lets you play music purchased and downloaded from Amazon or uploaded from your own local music collection, providing a way to retrieve your various music libraries online.Technically speaking, the Cloud Player is geared toward PC and Mac users as a desktop-accessible service. The player also is available for Android devices through a dedicated Cloud Player app from the Android Market.The Cloud Player was previously off-limits and unsupported on Apple iOS devices, but after some apparent change on Amazon's end, those of you with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch can now launch the player simply by running it through Safari.To do this, you'll first want to access the Cloud Player through your PC or Mac. Browse to Amazon's Cloud Player page. From there, you can buy a song on Amazon to add to your cloud storage or open the Player directly and upload songs from your local library. You can add MP3 files and iTunes AAC files.Once some music is in your cloud collection, you can then open the Cloud Player online through Safari on your Apple mobile device. When you try to access the list of songs that you just uploaded, you'll receive a message that your browser is not supported. Just continue past that message, pick the songs you want to hear, and they should start playing. I tried the process on both an iPad and an iPod Touch, and it worked relatively smoothly.The requirements for the Cloud Player still say that it's optimized to run with Adobe Flash installed. That need for Flash was thought to be one reason the service didn't work on iOS devices. But apparently the Flash requirement wasn't the major issue. Or course, there are still some limitations without Flash.You still can't upload music from your Apple iDevice to your Cloud Player or download music from the Player to your device, since those tasks require Flash. But the basic ability to store and play your music online through the Cloud Player does work as it should.Amazon's Cloud Player starts you off with a free 5GB base plan, then bumps up the capacity incrementally, asking you to pay a buck per gigabyte per year, with plans ranging from 20GB for $20 all the way up to a terabyte for $1,000 a year. For now, customers who buy an entire album from Amazon automatically get upgraded to the 20GB plan for a year.
iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users can now access Amazon's new Cloud Player on their mobile gadgets, bypassing the initial lack of support for Apple iDevices. It doesn't work flawlessly, but if you follow the instructions detailed below, you'll be streaming cloud music to your iPhone in no time.Unveiled late March, Amazon's cloud-based music player lets you play music purchased and downloaded from Amazon or uploaded from your own local music collection, providing a way to retrieve your various music libraries online.Technically speaking, the Cloud Player is geared toward PC and Mac users as a desktop-accessible service. The player also is available for Android devices through a dedicated Cloud Player app from the Android Market.The Cloud Player was previously off-limits and unsupported on Apple iOS devices, but after some apparent change on Amazon's end, those of you with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch can now launch the player simply by running it through Safari.To do this, you'll first want to access the Cloud Player through your PC or Mac. Browse to Amazon's Cloud Player page. From there, you can buy a song on Amazon to add to your cloud storage or open the Player directly and upload songs from your local library. You can add MP3 files and iTunes AAC files.Once some music is in your cloud collection, you can then open the Cloud Player online through Safari on your Apple mobile device. When you try to access the list of songs that you just uploaded, you'll receive a message that your browser is not supported. Just continue past that message, pick the songs you want to hear, and they should start playing. I tried the process on both an iPad and an iPod Touch, and it worked relatively smoothly.The requirements for the Cloud Player still say that it's optimized to run with Adobe Flash installed. That need for Flash was thought to be one reason the service didn't work on iOS devices. But apparently the Flash requirement wasn't the major issue. Or course, there are still some limitations without Flash.You still can't upload music from your Apple iDevice to your Cloud Player or download music from the Player to your device, since those tasks require Flash. But the basic ability to store and play your music online through the Cloud Player does work as it should.Amazon's Cloud Player starts you off with a free 5GB base plan, then bumps up the capacity incrementally, asking you to pay a buck per gigabyte per year, with plans ranging from 20GB for $20 all the way up to a terabyte for $1,000 a year. For now, customers who buy an entire album from Amazon automatically get upgraded to the 20GB plan for a year.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Analysts predict all-in-one Apple TV in 2012
Analysts predict all-in-one Apple TV in 2012
Apple inked a deal with Rovi today that could potentially see the firm's TV listings guide make its way to future Apple products.Rovi, which was formerly known as Macrovision before the company officially changed its name in 2009, provides TV guide listings to hardware vendors. The company's technology allows users to sift through programming, find shows, and record programs to a DVR.Exact details of Rovi's deal with Apple are unknown, but analysts at Piper Jaffray believe the licensed services will be making their way to the Apple TV and eventually, an all-in-one Apple television.According to Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster and two other analysts at the firm, Apple's deal with Rovi provides "further evidence that Apple is developing live TV and DVR features for its Apple TV product." The analysts went on to say in their note to investors that the deal makes Apple "clear to add live TV, DVR, and guidance features to its Apple TV product."However, the recently revealed Apple TV does not boast any onboard storage. Some sort of local storage would be required to add DVR functionality to the device. Andrew Murphy, one of the analysts who worked on the note, said in a phone conversation that the functionality could potentially be added to "a future Apple TV product."But the new Apple TV is a stepping stone for something much greater, Munster and his cohorts contend. They said a more capable Apple TV "is another step in the direction of an all-in-one Apple television." In fact, over the next couple years, the analysts believe the company's new Apple TV, which boasts television show and movie streaming, as well as Netflix content, will attract more customers than its predecessor, potentially setting the stage for a television.The Piper Jaffray analysts estimate that Apple has been selling about 400,000 Apple TV units since its launch in 2007. Going forward, the new Apple TV will sell 1.5 million units during its first year of availability, they said in the note.Using those sales to justify its future plans, Apple will finally release an all-in-one television during the 2012 calendar year, the analysts said. They believe that the company is waiting on consumers to "gain comfort with connected TVs and apps on their TVs." At that time, it will deliver its "all-in-one philosophy to the digital living room like it has with the iMac and the iTunes ecosystem."But before all that can happen, Apple needs to get its set-top box onto store shelves. The Apple TV is scheduled to launch later this month. It will retail for $99.
Apple inked a deal with Rovi today that could potentially see the firm's TV listings guide make its way to future Apple products.Rovi, which was formerly known as Macrovision before the company officially changed its name in 2009, provides TV guide listings to hardware vendors. The company's technology allows users to sift through programming, find shows, and record programs to a DVR.Exact details of Rovi's deal with Apple are unknown, but analysts at Piper Jaffray believe the licensed services will be making their way to the Apple TV and eventually, an all-in-one Apple television.According to Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster and two other analysts at the firm, Apple's deal with Rovi provides "further evidence that Apple is developing live TV and DVR features for its Apple TV product." The analysts went on to say in their note to investors that the deal makes Apple "clear to add live TV, DVR, and guidance features to its Apple TV product."However, the recently revealed Apple TV does not boast any onboard storage. Some sort of local storage would be required to add DVR functionality to the device. Andrew Murphy, one of the analysts who worked on the note, said in a phone conversation that the functionality could potentially be added to "a future Apple TV product."But the new Apple TV is a stepping stone for something much greater, Munster and his cohorts contend. They said a more capable Apple TV "is another step in the direction of an all-in-one Apple television." In fact, over the next couple years, the analysts believe the company's new Apple TV, which boasts television show and movie streaming, as well as Netflix content, will attract more customers than its predecessor, potentially setting the stage for a television.The Piper Jaffray analysts estimate that Apple has been selling about 400,000 Apple TV units since its launch in 2007. Going forward, the new Apple TV will sell 1.5 million units during its first year of availability, they said in the note.Using those sales to justify its future plans, Apple will finally release an all-in-one television during the 2012 calendar year, the analysts said. They believe that the company is waiting on consumers to "gain comfort with connected TVs and apps on their TVs." At that time, it will deliver its "all-in-one philosophy to the digital living room like it has with the iMac and the iTunes ecosystem."But before all that can happen, Apple needs to get its set-top box onto store shelves. The Apple TV is scheduled to launch later this month. It will retail for $99.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Rolling Stone lands on iPad with iTunes integration in tow
Rolling Stone lands on iPad with iTunes integration in tow
Longtime Apple Newsstand holdout Rolling Stone magazine has caved, and is now available on Apple's subscription service.Rolling Stone's new app works like any other publication in Newsstand, with a way to buy a single issue or subscribe using an iTunes account. Rolling Stone is pricing issues at $4.99 apiece, and there are two subscription options: one month for $1.99 (Rolling Stone comes out twice a month), or one year for $19.99 -- both with the first month for free. The addition is noteworthy given comments made by publisher Jann Wenner of Wenner Media, who in 2011 said he was "not in any rush to break what I consider fundamental principles of what the magazine industry is" in order to make a deal with Apple that "will mortgage me into the future on the basis of getting 2,000 copies sold a month."Nonetheless, a few months after that interview, Wenner's position appeared to have softened, with a Newsstand version of celebrity news and gossip magazine US Weekly arriving in early 2012.Given the music-oriented focus of the magazine, what's worth noting is that the app ties into Apple's iTunes store. Reviews of entire albums or mentions of particular songs get linked so you can stream, and potentially buy, without switching devices. The app was made with Adobe's Digital Publishing Suite, the nearly 2-year-old software Adobe sells to companies that want to make interactive publications on tablets. The Rolling Stone app is already drawing some ire from early users, who are complaining that they don't get access to a free copy of the digital version with their existing print subscription. That practice has been popularized by others, including publisher Conde Nast.
Longtime Apple Newsstand holdout Rolling Stone magazine has caved, and is now available on Apple's subscription service.Rolling Stone's new app works like any other publication in Newsstand, with a way to buy a single issue or subscribe using an iTunes account. Rolling Stone is pricing issues at $4.99 apiece, and there are two subscription options: one month for $1.99 (Rolling Stone comes out twice a month), or one year for $19.99 -- both with the first month for free. The addition is noteworthy given comments made by publisher Jann Wenner of Wenner Media, who in 2011 said he was "not in any rush to break what I consider fundamental principles of what the magazine industry is" in order to make a deal with Apple that "will mortgage me into the future on the basis of getting 2,000 copies sold a month."Nonetheless, a few months after that interview, Wenner's position appeared to have softened, with a Newsstand version of celebrity news and gossip magazine US Weekly arriving in early 2012.Given the music-oriented focus of the magazine, what's worth noting is that the app ties into Apple's iTunes store. Reviews of entire albums or mentions of particular songs get linked so you can stream, and potentially buy, without switching devices. The app was made with Adobe's Digital Publishing Suite, the nearly 2-year-old software Adobe sells to companies that want to make interactive publications on tablets. The Rolling Stone app is already drawing some ire from early users, who are complaining that they don't get access to a free copy of the digital version with their existing print subscription. That practice has been popularized by others, including publisher Conde Nast.
Friday, April 17, 2015
How to add, manage multiple Apple IDs on the same Apple TV
How to add, manage multiple Apple IDs on the same Apple TV
The recent software update to the Apple TV, version 5.1, allows users to add more than one Apple ID to the little black box. Access to multiple Apple IDs makes it easier for family members to view movies and TV shows purchased by family members.To add another Apple ID to your Apple TV, you'll first need to make sure it's running software version 5.1 (Settings > General > About). Jason Cipriani/CNETOnce you have verified it's running the latest software update, you can then go into Settings and select iTunes Store. Jason Cipriani/CNETAt the top you'll find an option titled Accounts with the current Apple ID listed (I blacked out my Apple ID in the picture above). Select it. Jason Cipriani/CNETOn the iTunes Store Accounts screen you can manage which accounts are available on your Apple TV along with which account you're currently using. Click on the Add New Account option to add another Apple ID and follow the prompts.To switch between Apple IDs, visit this same screen and select the Apple ID you'd like to use by clicking on it. The ID with a checkmark next to it is the ID you'll use to purchase content and will have access to purchase history in movies and TV shows. One important note: when you're purchasing or renting a show, you won't be given the option to change Apple IDs during the process. Instead, the Apple TV will use whichever Apple ID was last selected. You'll have to go into Settings > iTunes Store and switch accounts beforehand. To delete an account, highlight and select the trash can placed next to the respective ID.The ability to manage multiple Apple IDs on the Apple TV is a welcome addition. TVs are traditionally shared among multiple family members, so it only makes sense for those family members to be able to share the Apple TV and the content they each own as well. Or, as Josh Lowensohn suggests, perhaps this is a sign of multiuser accounts on iOS devices in our future.
The recent software update to the Apple TV, version 5.1, allows users to add more than one Apple ID to the little black box. Access to multiple Apple IDs makes it easier for family members to view movies and TV shows purchased by family members.To add another Apple ID to your Apple TV, you'll first need to make sure it's running software version 5.1 (Settings > General > About). Jason Cipriani/CNETOnce you have verified it's running the latest software update, you can then go into Settings and select iTunes Store. Jason Cipriani/CNETAt the top you'll find an option titled Accounts with the current Apple ID listed (I blacked out my Apple ID in the picture above). Select it. Jason Cipriani/CNETOn the iTunes Store Accounts screen you can manage which accounts are available on your Apple TV along with which account you're currently using. Click on the Add New Account option to add another Apple ID and follow the prompts.To switch between Apple IDs, visit this same screen and select the Apple ID you'd like to use by clicking on it. The ID with a checkmark next to it is the ID you'll use to purchase content and will have access to purchase history in movies and TV shows. One important note: when you're purchasing or renting a show, you won't be given the option to change Apple IDs during the process. Instead, the Apple TV will use whichever Apple ID was last selected. You'll have to go into Settings > iTunes Store and switch accounts beforehand. To delete an account, highlight and select the trash can placed next to the respective ID.The ability to manage multiple Apple IDs on the Apple TV is a welcome addition. TVs are traditionally shared among multiple family members, so it only makes sense for those family members to be able to share the Apple TV and the content they each own as well. Or, as Josh Lowensohn suggests, perhaps this is a sign of multiuser accounts on iOS devices in our future.
Siri says Nokia Lumia 900 the best smartphone ever
Siri says Nokia Lumia 900 the best smartphone ever
Apple's Siri virtual personal assistant certainly has said some rather interesting things in the past. But to diss its overlord seems a bit much, don't you think?When iPhone 4S owners ask Siri which smartphone is the best ever made, the obviously disgruntled virtual personal assistant responds saying it's the Nokia Lumia 900 4G running on AT&T's network. It goes further, stating that the Cyan-colored Lumia 900 stands above all others.CNET Review: Nokia Lumia 900CNET Review: Apple iPhone 4SAlthough it may seem a bit odd that Apple's own service would recommend another phone, it actually makes sense. Siri looked for the answer on Wolfram Alpha, which points to the Lumia 900 when users type in "what's the best smartphone ever?" The high rating is delivered based on "customer review average" across the Web.The Lumia 900 is certainly no slouch. CNET's review of the device gave it four stars out of five and deemed it "excellent." CNET reviewer Jessica Dolcourt called the Lumia 900 her "favorite Windows Phone yet."Evidently, it may be Siri's too.Update 9:14 a.m. PT The Siri query does not appear to be delivering the same results to everyone. Two CNET staffers on the West Coast are now getting Yelp results when asking Siri which smartphone is the best ever.(Via The Next Web)Nokia Lumia 900 (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 21NextPrev
Apple's Siri virtual personal assistant certainly has said some rather interesting things in the past. But to diss its overlord seems a bit much, don't you think?When iPhone 4S owners ask Siri which smartphone is the best ever made, the obviously disgruntled virtual personal assistant responds saying it's the Nokia Lumia 900 4G running on AT&T's network. It goes further, stating that the Cyan-colored Lumia 900 stands above all others.CNET Review: Nokia Lumia 900CNET Review: Apple iPhone 4SAlthough it may seem a bit odd that Apple's own service would recommend another phone, it actually makes sense. Siri looked for the answer on Wolfram Alpha, which points to the Lumia 900 when users type in "what's the best smartphone ever?" The high rating is delivered based on "customer review average" across the Web.The Lumia 900 is certainly no slouch. CNET's review of the device gave it four stars out of five and deemed it "excellent." CNET reviewer Jessica Dolcourt called the Lumia 900 her "favorite Windows Phone yet."Evidently, it may be Siri's too.Update 9:14 a.m. PT The Siri query does not appear to be delivering the same results to everyone. Two CNET staffers on the West Coast are now getting Yelp results when asking Siri which smartphone is the best ever.(Via The Next Web)Nokia Lumia 900 (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 21NextPrev
Siri comes to iPod Touch
Siri comes to iPod Touch
Apple's iPhone 5 event Apple takes wraps off iPhone 5, 4-inch screen and all Pictures: Scenes from Apple's big event iPhone 5 price same as 4S: $199 for 16GB CNET Reviews: iPhone 5 Editor's Take Start your iOS 6 downloads September 19 iOS 6 hits major marks A reworked, simplified iTunes New iPod Nano with 2-inch screen Apple by the numbers: 84M iPads, 400M iOS devices Full coverage: The iPhone 5 arrives Apple has added its digital assistant, Siri, to the iPod Touch, the company announced at its event in San Francisco today.The change was included with upgrades that are also included on Apple's new iPhone 5. As CNET reporters at the event and on CNET's live blog noted, Apple has made a Touch that emulates the functions of an iPhone, without the phone service. The device is also available in a myriad of bright colors and with a wrist strap, which may indicate that Apple is shooting for a younger crowd for the device.CNET's reviews of the devices will be coming soon.
Apple's iPhone 5 event Apple takes wraps off iPhone 5, 4-inch screen and all Pictures: Scenes from Apple's big event iPhone 5 price same as 4S: $199 for 16GB CNET Reviews: iPhone 5 Editor's Take Start your iOS 6 downloads September 19 iOS 6 hits major marks A reworked, simplified iTunes New iPod Nano with 2-inch screen Apple by the numbers: 84M iPads, 400M iOS devices Full coverage: The iPhone 5 arrives Apple has added its digital assistant, Siri, to the iPod Touch, the company announced at its event in San Francisco today.The change was included with upgrades that are also included on Apple's new iPhone 5. As CNET reporters at the event and on CNET's live blog noted, Apple has made a Touch that emulates the functions of an iPhone, without the phone service. The device is also available in a myriad of bright colors and with a wrist strap, which may indicate that Apple is shooting for a younger crowd for the device.CNET's reviews of the devices will be coming soon.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Apple issuing refunds to some Final Cut Pro X users
Apple issuing refunds to some Final Cut Pro X users
Apple has an "all sales and rentals of products are final" rule as part of its iTunes and App Store policy, but it appears the company is quietly making an exception for its new $299 video-editing software. A number of users in an Apple support discussions thread are reporting success in getting a refund on their purchase of Final Cut Pro X after writing in to complain that the software did not meet their expectations, The Next Web reported today.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether this is a blanket exception to its App Store rules. Apple released Final Cut Pro X last week, and in the process, replaced the version of the software that was available as part of the Final Cut Studio product. The new version of the video-editing application is a complete rewrite from the old one, and is missing a number of features video professionals have been quite vocal about, the main one being the capability to open and edit project files from previous versions of Final Cut. As a result, it's been the butt of a joke on late-night TV, and has spurred a petition seeking to bring back the previous version of the software.While the official iTunes terms and conditions are very clear about not offering refunds, Apple's Mac App Store FAQ notes that users should first contact developers if they "experience a technical issue with an app," and if that fails, to contact Apple. In this case, Apple is both of those parties. In e-mails from Apple support personnel on successful refunds, the company notes that it's making an exception.Refunds on digital goods continue to be one of the big differences among digital application stores. While Apple, Microsoft, and Research In Motion all maintain an "all sales are final" policy, Google gives buyers a short grace period after making a purchase. Google's Android and Chrome Web Store efforts offer users a 15- and 30-minute window, respectively, to return an application for a full refund from the time they downloaded it. Application developers on the two platforms are also able to issue refunds after the window has closed. The stakes in this case, with a piece of software that costs several hundred dollars instead of 99 cents, can be much higher.
Apple has an "all sales and rentals of products are final" rule as part of its iTunes and App Store policy, but it appears the company is quietly making an exception for its new $299 video-editing software. A number of users in an Apple support discussions thread are reporting success in getting a refund on their purchase of Final Cut Pro X after writing in to complain that the software did not meet their expectations, The Next Web reported today.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether this is a blanket exception to its App Store rules. Apple released Final Cut Pro X last week, and in the process, replaced the version of the software that was available as part of the Final Cut Studio product. The new version of the video-editing application is a complete rewrite from the old one, and is missing a number of features video professionals have been quite vocal about, the main one being the capability to open and edit project files from previous versions of Final Cut. As a result, it's been the butt of a joke on late-night TV, and has spurred a petition seeking to bring back the previous version of the software.While the official iTunes terms and conditions are very clear about not offering refunds, Apple's Mac App Store FAQ notes that users should first contact developers if they "experience a technical issue with an app," and if that fails, to contact Apple. In this case, Apple is both of those parties. In e-mails from Apple support personnel on successful refunds, the company notes that it's making an exception.Refunds on digital goods continue to be one of the big differences among digital application stores. While Apple, Microsoft, and Research In Motion all maintain an "all sales are final" policy, Google gives buyers a short grace period after making a purchase. Google's Android and Chrome Web Store efforts offer users a 15- and 30-minute window, respectively, to return an application for a full refund from the time they downloaded it. Application developers on the two platforms are also able to issue refunds after the window has closed. The stakes in this case, with a piece of software that costs several hundred dollars instead of 99 cents, can be much higher.
Apple iPhone v2.0 software on Saturday- Still M.I.A.
Apple iPhone v2.0 software on Saturday: Still M.I.A.
We already know that on Friday, there were severe activation problems with the iPhone 3G. This isn't exactly a surprise, perhaps, after the new in-store activation procedures and AT&T's dismal performance last year.What is surprising is that approximately 36 hours after Apple said the new system software would be available for existing customers to access, it still isn't. At least not for everyone.I have the first-generation iPhone I bought a year ago--and as of midday Saturday, the new v2.0 firmware was unavailable for download. iTunes tells me, incorrectly, that "this version of the iPhone software (1.1.4) is the current version." See the above screenshot.This is in addition to what my CNET News colleague Erica Ogg reported on Friday: some existing iPhones have been bricked by software update glitches. At least that didn't happen to me.I'm not exactly desperate to upgrade to the new system software (I'm at a political conference in Las Vegas and am mostly focused on what's happening here).But this points to a bad miscalculation on Apple's part. Why didn't it come up with a better estimate of how many people would be connecting to its servers and add sufficient capacity? Apple probably is curbing existing customers' access to software updates to prevent its servers from overheating (this is at least a better failure mode than yesterday morning's odd errors).This is understandable, perhaps, but it's disappointing--especially because this should have been preventable with even a modicum of advance planning.Update 1:50 p.m. PDT: iTunes is now showing the update as available. I should have noted that I already upgraded to the latest version of iTunes. That wasn't the problem--Apple's servers were.
We already know that on Friday, there were severe activation problems with the iPhone 3G. This isn't exactly a surprise, perhaps, after the new in-store activation procedures and AT&T's dismal performance last year.What is surprising is that approximately 36 hours after Apple said the new system software would be available for existing customers to access, it still isn't. At least not for everyone.I have the first-generation iPhone I bought a year ago--and as of midday Saturday, the new v2.0 firmware was unavailable for download. iTunes tells me, incorrectly, that "this version of the iPhone software (1.1.4) is the current version." See the above screenshot.This is in addition to what my CNET News colleague Erica Ogg reported on Friday: some existing iPhones have been bricked by software update glitches. At least that didn't happen to me.I'm not exactly desperate to upgrade to the new system software (I'm at a political conference in Las Vegas and am mostly focused on what's happening here).But this points to a bad miscalculation on Apple's part. Why didn't it come up with a better estimate of how many people would be connecting to its servers and add sufficient capacity? Apple probably is curbing existing customers' access to software updates to prevent its servers from overheating (this is at least a better failure mode than yesterday morning's odd errors).This is understandable, perhaps, but it's disappointing--especially because this should have been preventable with even a modicum of advance planning.Update 1:50 p.m. PDT: iTunes is now showing the update as available. I should have noted that I already upgraded to the latest version of iTunes. That wasn't the problem--Apple's servers were.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Apple desktops overtake Dell on shoppers' holiday wish lists
Apple desktops overtake Dell on shoppers' holiday wish lists
Apple has long been the most-desired brand for tablets, smartphones, MP3 players, and streaming media devices on US shoppers' holiday lists. And, for the first time, the company also got ranked as the top brand for desktops this year, according to data from market researcher Parks Associates."Apple topped the list of intended brands for desktop purchases for the first time this year," John Barrett, Parks Associates director of consumer analytics, said in a statement Wednesday. "In 2011 and 2012, Dell was the top desktop brand, but Apple has displaced it, making Apple now the most popular brand across even more key CE categories."Steadily moving up the list for desktop brands, Apple was in third place in 2011. In 2012, it displaced Hewlett-Packard for second place; and now, it has conquered Dell for first place. Parks Associates got its data for this year's most-desired brands from a national survey of 2,500 households in this year's fourth quarter. For streaming media devices, Apple TV has held the top spot for the last three years. But, Parks Associates noted that while most shoppers say they want an Apple TV, many end up buying a Roku box instead. Last year, 34 percent of shoppers aged 18 to 34 said they planned to buy an Apple TV, and 15 percent said they planned to buy a Roku. In a later survey of actual purchases, Parks Associates found 24 percent bought an Apple TV and 29 percent bought a Roku.It's possible the same could happen with desktop computers -- people say they want Apple, but end up buying Dell."Being the 'preferred' brand is certainly an advantage, but consumers can still change their minds," Barrett said. Other brands that topped shoppers' most-desired list were Sony's PlayStation 4 for gaming consoles, Amazon's Kindle for e-readers, and Samsung for flat-panel TVs.Parks Associates
Apple has long been the most-desired brand for tablets, smartphones, MP3 players, and streaming media devices on US shoppers' holiday lists. And, for the first time, the company also got ranked as the top brand for desktops this year, according to data from market researcher Parks Associates."Apple topped the list of intended brands for desktop purchases for the first time this year," John Barrett, Parks Associates director of consumer analytics, said in a statement Wednesday. "In 2011 and 2012, Dell was the top desktop brand, but Apple has displaced it, making Apple now the most popular brand across even more key CE categories."Steadily moving up the list for desktop brands, Apple was in third place in 2011. In 2012, it displaced Hewlett-Packard for second place; and now, it has conquered Dell for first place. Parks Associates got its data for this year's most-desired brands from a national survey of 2,500 households in this year's fourth quarter. For streaming media devices, Apple TV has held the top spot for the last three years. But, Parks Associates noted that while most shoppers say they want an Apple TV, many end up buying a Roku box instead. Last year, 34 percent of shoppers aged 18 to 34 said they planned to buy an Apple TV, and 15 percent said they planned to buy a Roku. In a later survey of actual purchases, Parks Associates found 24 percent bought an Apple TV and 29 percent bought a Roku.It's possible the same could happen with desktop computers -- people say they want Apple, but end up buying Dell."Being the 'preferred' brand is certainly an advantage, but consumers can still change their minds," Barrett said. Other brands that topped shoppers' most-desired list were Sony's PlayStation 4 for gaming consoles, Amazon's Kindle for e-readers, and Samsung for flat-panel TVs.Parks Associates
Apple designer Ive becomes Sir Jony
Apple designer Ive becomes Sir Jony
Will he use an iLance while jousting?Apple's Jonathan Ive, the industrial designer behind iconic products like the MacBook, the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad, has now become Sir Jony, having been named a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (or KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.The honor--"for services to design and enterprise"--was announced last night, and Ive will be officially anointed in the coming year by a touch of the sword from the queen.The London-born Ive received a lesser honor--the title of Commander of the British Empire--in 2006 and has garnered numerous other plaudits, including a Designer of the Year award from the Design Museum in London, the title Royal Designer for Industry from the Royal Society of Arts, and the prestigious Industrial Design Excellence Award in the U.S.Related stories:• Jonathan Ive: Steve Jobs stole my ideas• Bio quotes Jobs on partners in crime: Cook and Ive• Steve Jobs, Jony Ive named smartest in techApple co-founder Steve Jobs considered Ive one of his closest associates at the company, telling his biographer, Walter Isaacson, "He understands what we do at our core better than anyone. If I had a spiritual partner at Apple, it's Jony."Ive is currently Apple's senior vice president of industrial design.In a statement, Ive said he was "both humbled and sincerely grateful" for the knighthood, which he described as "absolutely thrilling.""I discovered at an early age that all I've ever wanted to do is design. I feel enormously fortunate that I continue to be able to design and make products with a truly remarkable group of people here at Apple," Ive said.
Will he use an iLance while jousting?Apple's Jonathan Ive, the industrial designer behind iconic products like the MacBook, the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad, has now become Sir Jony, having been named a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (or KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.The honor--"for services to design and enterprise"--was announced last night, and Ive will be officially anointed in the coming year by a touch of the sword from the queen.The London-born Ive received a lesser honor--the title of Commander of the British Empire--in 2006 and has garnered numerous other plaudits, including a Designer of the Year award from the Design Museum in London, the title Royal Designer for Industry from the Royal Society of Arts, and the prestigious Industrial Design Excellence Award in the U.S.Related stories:• Jonathan Ive: Steve Jobs stole my ideas• Bio quotes Jobs on partners in crime: Cook and Ive• Steve Jobs, Jony Ive named smartest in techApple co-founder Steve Jobs considered Ive one of his closest associates at the company, telling his biographer, Walter Isaacson, "He understands what we do at our core better than anyone. If I had a spiritual partner at Apple, it's Jony."Ive is currently Apple's senior vice president of industrial design.In a statement, Ive said he was "both humbled and sincerely grateful" for the knighthood, which he described as "absolutely thrilling.""I discovered at an early age that all I've ever wanted to do is design. I feel enormously fortunate that I continue to be able to design and make products with a truly remarkable group of people here at Apple," Ive said.
Apple denied trademark for 'Multi-Touch' in the U.S.
Apple denied trademark for 'Multi-Touch' in the U.S.
Apple's effort to trademark the term "Multi-Touch" in the United States has been denied. MacRumors posts the decision of the United States Patent and Trademark Office dated from last week, wherein the governing body denied Apple's application, saying that the term is merely descriptive of how people interact with its products."Thus, from the foregoing, we find that 'multi-touch' not only identifies the technology, but also describes how a user of the goods operates the device," the filing from the USPTO's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board reads. "Based on the evidence discussed above, as well as other evidence in the record, we agree with the examining attorney that Multi-Touch indeed is highly descriptive of a feature of the identified goods."The filing goes on to say that the evidence included by Apple in its trademark application focused more on the creation and marketing of iPhone hardware, as opposed to the Multi-Touch moniker. "Thus, applicant's evidence pertaining to the success, sales volumes and, to a limited extent, advertising expenditures of the iPhone, is not helpful in establishing that the purchasing public associates the term Multi-Touch with applicant," the filing says. See also: Apple patent and trademark skirmishes through the years. The Appeal Board also took aim at Apple for not including a record of whether "Multi-Touch" was used on device packaging, yet including documentation of the feature posted to its Web site. "Applicant should have introduced evidence showing how long the term was used on the website and what levels of traffic it had on the website," it says. Apple applied for the Multi-Touch trademark following the introduction of the original iPhone at Macworld in January 2007, later asserting that it was used commercially with the device's launch near the end of June that year. As the filing notes, Apple also filed trademark applications for the term in other countries, something the USPTO said was "irrelevant" given differences between the various international organizations.Apple did not immediately return requests by phone and e-mail for comment.
Apple's effort to trademark the term "Multi-Touch" in the United States has been denied. MacRumors posts the decision of the United States Patent and Trademark Office dated from last week, wherein the governing body denied Apple's application, saying that the term is merely descriptive of how people interact with its products."Thus, from the foregoing, we find that 'multi-touch' not only identifies the technology, but also describes how a user of the goods operates the device," the filing from the USPTO's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board reads. "Based on the evidence discussed above, as well as other evidence in the record, we agree with the examining attorney that Multi-Touch indeed is highly descriptive of a feature of the identified goods."The filing goes on to say that the evidence included by Apple in its trademark application focused more on the creation and marketing of iPhone hardware, as opposed to the Multi-Touch moniker. "Thus, applicant's evidence pertaining to the success, sales volumes and, to a limited extent, advertising expenditures of the iPhone, is not helpful in establishing that the purchasing public associates the term Multi-Touch with applicant," the filing says. See also: Apple patent and trademark skirmishes through the years. The Appeal Board also took aim at Apple for not including a record of whether "Multi-Touch" was used on device packaging, yet including documentation of the feature posted to its Web site. "Applicant should have introduced evidence showing how long the term was used on the website and what levels of traffic it had on the website," it says. Apple applied for the Multi-Touch trademark following the introduction of the original iPhone at Macworld in January 2007, later asserting that it was used commercially with the device's launch near the end of June that year. As the filing notes, Apple also filed trademark applications for the term in other countries, something the USPTO said was "irrelevant" given differences between the various international organizations.Apple did not immediately return requests by phone and e-mail for comment.
Apple delivers iOS 6
Apple delivers iOS 6
According to Apple, the update adds "over 200 new features," to iOS 5, which was released last October. Chief among them is an entirely new maps application that uses Apple's own data, changes to Siri that add more information about movies, restaurants, and sports scores, as well as deep integration with Facebook.Somewhat controversially, the update also removes features -- like the built-in YouTube application. Users can get a new version from Google in the App Store, which the company released last week. The big change in the maps app also eschews Google's map data and features like Street View, something that could arrive in another Google-made app in the coming months. For more on these changes, and others you can read CNET's review of the software right here.As with previous major releases, the update only goes out to newer iOS devices. That official list includes: Related storiesiOS 6: The must-have update you'll barely noticeGet your iPhone ready for iOS 6li>iOS 6 arrives Sept. 19Where what iOS 6 features are availableiOS 6 hits major marksYouTube launches new iPhone app ahead of iOS 6 releaseApp Store gets new design in iOS 6 updateiPhonesiPhone 3GSiPhone 4iPhone 4SiPodsiPod Touch (4th generation)iPod Touch (5th generation)iPadsiPad 2iPad (3rd generation)It's worth noting that among that list, the iPhone 3GS has been discontinued. Apple has replaced it in its lineup with the iPhone 4, which is free with a two-year contract. Developers have had preview versions of the software since it debuted in June. Apple doled out a golden master version of the software last Wednesday, when the iPhone 5 was announced. The software comes pre-loaded on that device, which hits stores this Friday. iOS 6 makes your iPhone easier to use (p...See full gallery1 - 4 / 16NextPrevThe update screen on an iPad 2, where the update is 548MB.Jason Parker/CNET
According to Apple, the update adds "over 200 new features," to iOS 5, which was released last October. Chief among them is an entirely new maps application that uses Apple's own data, changes to Siri that add more information about movies, restaurants, and sports scores, as well as deep integration with Facebook.Somewhat controversially, the update also removes features -- like the built-in YouTube application. Users can get a new version from Google in the App Store, which the company released last week. The big change in the maps app also eschews Google's map data and features like Street View, something that could arrive in another Google-made app in the coming months. For more on these changes, and others you can read CNET's review of the software right here.As with previous major releases, the update only goes out to newer iOS devices. That official list includes: Related storiesiOS 6: The must-have update you'll barely noticeGet your iPhone ready for iOS 6li>iOS 6 arrives Sept. 19Where what iOS 6 features are availableiOS 6 hits major marksYouTube launches new iPhone app ahead of iOS 6 releaseApp Store gets new design in iOS 6 updateiPhonesiPhone 3GSiPhone 4iPhone 4SiPodsiPod Touch (4th generation)iPod Touch (5th generation)iPadsiPad 2iPad (3rd generation)It's worth noting that among that list, the iPhone 3GS has been discontinued. Apple has replaced it in its lineup with the iPhone 4, which is free with a two-year contract. Developers have had preview versions of the software since it debuted in June. Apple doled out a golden master version of the software last Wednesday, when the iPhone 5 was announced. The software comes pre-loaded on that device, which hits stores this Friday. iOS 6 makes your iPhone easier to use (p...See full gallery1 - 4 / 16NextPrevThe update screen on an iPad 2, where the update is 548MB.Jason Parker/CNET
Apple delivers iOS 5 beta 3 to developers
Apple delivers iOS 5 beta 3 to developers
Apple released the third beta version of iOS 5 to developers today, a sign the company is getting closer to readying the software for its public release later this year.The new version replaces beta 2, which was delivered to developers on June 24. Unlike that version, which added the Wi-Fi sync feature, the new beta of the system software for iPhones, iPads, and the iPod Touch appears to contain bug fixes and slight tweaks. Along with the iOS beta update, Apple also released beta versions of its Apple TV software, iTunes, and Xcode. Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users this fall. The company typically seeds several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time to work out any bugs and give the developers time to integrate new features and APIs into their applications.The new version of the software made its debut at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference last month. Its headlining feature is an overhaul of the notifications system, alongside a new messaging platform called iMessage that lets iOS users text and chat with one another free of charge. The software is also deeply tied to Apple's upcoming iCloud service, which will be used to ferry photos, applications, and settings back and forth between iOS devices, as well as serve as a free backup solution.(via Macrumors)Update at 1:25 p.m. PT: It's All Tech (via Macrumors) has done a deep dive with the new software, and unearthed a more granular location services settings pane where users can turn on and off specific location features. This means users can turn off things like location-based advertisements, while keeping traffic tools on. Apple's also included an option to enable or disable location services when first setting up an iOS device. Location has been a hot topic for Apple, which had totestify to Senate subcommittees about its use of user location in separate hearings earlier this year following the re-discovery of a high-profile database file on its iOS devices. After explaining to the world what the tracking file was for, Apple pledged to secure it in iOS 5, which had not yet been announced at the time.
Apple released the third beta version of iOS 5 to developers today, a sign the company is getting closer to readying the software for its public release later this year.The new version replaces beta 2, which was delivered to developers on June 24. Unlike that version, which added the Wi-Fi sync feature, the new beta of the system software for iPhones, iPads, and the iPod Touch appears to contain bug fixes and slight tweaks. Along with the iOS beta update, Apple also released beta versions of its Apple TV software, iTunes, and Xcode. Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users this fall. The company typically seeds several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time to work out any bugs and give the developers time to integrate new features and APIs into their applications.The new version of the software made its debut at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference last month. Its headlining feature is an overhaul of the notifications system, alongside a new messaging platform called iMessage that lets iOS users text and chat with one another free of charge. The software is also deeply tied to Apple's upcoming iCloud service, which will be used to ferry photos, applications, and settings back and forth between iOS devices, as well as serve as a free backup solution.(via Macrumors)Update at 1:25 p.m. PT: It's All Tech (via Macrumors) has done a deep dive with the new software, and unearthed a more granular location services settings pane where users can turn on and off specific location features. This means users can turn off things like location-based advertisements, while keeping traffic tools on. Apple's also included an option to enable or disable location services when first setting up an iOS device. Location has been a hot topic for Apple, which had totestify to Senate subcommittees about its use of user location in separate hearings earlier this year following the re-discovery of a high-profile database file on its iOS devices. After explaining to the world what the tracking file was for, Apple pledged to secure it in iOS 5, which had not yet been announced at the time.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Apple files for WebKit browser trademark
WebKit, the open-source project behind Apple's Safari browser, is a pretty obscure name to ordinary folks. And perhaps Apple wants to keep it that way, judging by Apple's May 18 WebKit trademark application. WebKit got its start from the open-source KHTML engine for the KDE project's Konqueror browser. (KDE is a user interface software that puts a nicer graphical face on Linux.) Apple brought the project to a wider audience with the Safari browser for Mac OS X, and now Google is doing the same with its Chrome and Android browsers, both also based on WebKit.In addition, Palm's new phones use a WebKit variant, and of course Hewlett-Packard now owns that particular work. And Research In Motion is working on a WebKit-based browser for its BlackBerry devices. So it's clear WebKit has attracted a lot of interest.It seems improbable that Apple has big plans for introducing WebKit as a brand to the world at large--Safari does that job fine. But perhaps the company wants to head off any issues that might result if another WebKit user does try that.Apple declined to comment for this story.Via Haavard
Apple files for trademark for new notification icon
Apple earlier this week filed a trademark application in Europe requesting ownership of an icon, presumably designed for iOS, that would allow it to show communications applications with pending notices in a single pane. An art example in the application shows a black box listing "Mail," "Calendar," and "SMS," with Apple's familiar numbered circles, indicating pending notifications.Patently Apple was first to report on the trademark application.Related storiesApple patent pitch hints at 3D imaging on iPhone, iPadCNET's review of the Apple iPhone 4SCNET's review of the new Apple iPad Patently Apple also recently reported on a patent application that Apple has filed in the U.S.The application describes a method for users to snap an image with multiple cameras built into the iPhone and iPad, and then view that image in 3D on the device. It also comes with facial-gesture recognition that can detect smiling, grimacing, and frowning. Correction 9:16 a.m. PT:An earlier version of this story and its headline misidentified the type of application that Apple has applied for in Europe. It is a trademark application.
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