Apple refreshes iPhones, MacBooks, and OS X at WWDC
Apple announced a new version of the iPhone, called the iPhone 3G S. It's got the same design and pricing as the current iPhone 3G model, but sports a faster processor that Apple says will load most apps somewhere between 3 to 5 times faster. It also comes in improved capacities, all the way up to 32GB up from 16GB. The 3G S has an updated 3-megapixel camera (up from 2 megapixels) that has autofocus and autoexposure. It can also shoot video that can be edited right on the device in a similar fashion to iMovie. The video it takes is 30 frames per second at 640x480 VGA resolution, bringing it to spec with most point-and-shoot digital cameras. The 3G S hardware also gets a magnetometer, which will allow the device to tell what direction it's pointed in. To go along with this, there's a new compass app that will act just like a normal compass. Users with the 3G S will get additional features in the Google Maps application that show which direction they're facing.Apple also added built-in voice control that can start calls, find songs, and other information on the phone. The iPhone has long been criticized for not having voice support.New iPhone softwareApple announced that iPhone OS 3.0 will be available worldwide June 17 as a free update to iPhone customers, and as a $9.95 update for iPod Touch owners. For an overview of what the software does, see our previous news roundup from the mid-March developer event. Newly announced was data tethering over USB and Bluetooth is coming as part of the software update; however it will require carrier support, which means some carriers may not allow it. There was no mention of whether AT&T will be offering as part of its iPhone service, or as a paid add-on, which it has done for some of its other devices. Users can now rent and purchase movies from the phone. This also works for TV shows. Previously you had to do this on iTunes proper, then sync.There's a new feature called "Find My iPhone" that will be available only for MobileMe users. It tracks down where your phone is on a map and gives you the option display a message and even perform a remote wipe.Mobile Safari is seeing some improvements. It's getting AutoFill and support for HTTP streaming of audio and video. Apple also says that JavaScript performance is three times faster than before, meaning things like Gmail mobile will load faster.Changes to Apple's notebook lineupApple introduced new versions of its 13- and 15-inch notebooks that use the same battery technology found in the 17-inch models. It's non-removable, but pumps up the use time to seven hours, up from the previous five. As part of this, the 13-inch unibody MacBook is now a part of the MacBook Pro line, meaning that the only true "MacBook" is the previous generation's plastic model. The popular Secure Digital (or SD) card, now gets its own slot across most of Apple's notebook lineup.AppleApple also added built-in SD card slots to all its aluminum-body Macs, except for the top-of-the-line 17-inch model. On the 15-inch versions, this goes in place of the ExpressCard slot, which had allowed for the use of all sorts of third-party add-ons. The 13-inch unibody MacBook Pro also gets its Firewire port back, an omission on the launch model that caused much user ire. Prices have been cut across the line, with one of the deepest coming to the MacBook Air with the solid-state hard drive. It now costs $1,799, down from $2,499.Extended preview of new operating systemApple demoed OS X 10.6, aka Snow Leopard. It will be available as a $29 upgrade for Leopard users, and for $49 as a 5-user family pack this October. It's the first version of the OS X operating system that will not work on PowerPC-based Macs, meaning only people with Intel-based Macs will be able to use it. The operating system installs faster and takes up less space. Apple says it's half the size of the previous version of OS X and installs 45 percent faster.A newfeature puts Expose in the dock. If you hold an app's icon in the dock it will show all of the active windows in that application--similar to stacks, except it shows full previews just like it does in the current Expose. Users can do this with OS X's spring-loaded folder system to drag files into the dock, then add to precise windows they have open.Finder, OS X's app launcher and file explorer, has been re-written. It looks and functions the same, but performance has improved. It shows previews and icons faster, and includes a customizable search tool.Microsoft Exchange support built into Snow Leopard. Apple announced this long ago, but demoed it on stage. Exchange is now baked into the Mail, Calendar and Address Book apps. You can also search for Exchange messages that are on the server in OS X's Spotlight search.All system apps in Snow Leopard have been rewritten to run in 64-bit mode. This gives them access to all of your system's memory. Everything also runs through "Grand Central Dispatch," which handles all the multicore threading in apps.Snow Leopard also uses a new graphics standard called OpenCL. Apple says it's more faster and more optimized than OpenGL. Apple's making this new graphics spec open, and is getting graphics card manufacturers to add support. The new version of QuickTime adds HTTP streaming, and a simplified UI.AppleA new version of Quicktime (version 10) has a new UI that does away with most of the "chrome" in place of the same type of hovering controls you get when you watch videos in full screen in the current version. On the back end, it's got HTTP streaming which Apple says will work on "any Web server."It also uses a visual editing system similar to the latest version of iMovie that lets you see thumbnails of each part of a clip in a timeline. Handwriting recognition is now built into the OS. It can be used with Apple's multitouch track pad, so that users can write in words and letters with their fingers. That's aimed at Chinese users, but it could make its way into English apps as well.Other tidbits:Safari 4 is out of beta today. The new version keeps plug-ins from crashing the browser. Instead users can just reload the page. Also it has a full-history search of every site you've ever been to, which can be accessed in Spotlight system search.The white color of the iPhone 3G has been discontinued. You can only get a white iPhone if you get the new 3G S model, or whatever white 3G stock is left in retail stores.The halo effect seems to be true. Apple says that OS X users have tripled since the release of the iPhone.The iPhone will now support more than 30 languages.
Managing playlists and noise-canceling capabilities--Ask the Editors
Managing playlists and noise-canceling capabilities--Ask the Editors
Q: I own a Sansa SanDisk and a Zune 80. They are both terrific for the way I use them. The only downside I have found is they use different software for playlists and syncing. When I update my playlists in Windows Media Player (WMP) for the Sansa, I also have to go into the Zune Software and make the same changes. My question: is there any way to sync the playlists so I only have to make the updates in one of the programs? --Dan, via e-mailA: Definitely. It's fairly easy, once you know a few tricks. Give this a try:Choose one folder in which to save all of your playlists. My Playlists is probably best, as Microsoft's software (which includes WMP and the Zune Software) already recognizes it as a playlist folder. Make sure both programs are set to automatically update your library by monitoring folders, specifically My Playlists. In WMP, go to Tools > Options > Library. In the Zune Software, go to Settings > Collection.Open WMP and select a playlist to edit by dragging it into the edit pane on the right side.Make any edits you want, then click the drop-down at the top of the song list and select Save Playlist As.From the Save As Type drop-down, select M3U Playlist.Although the Zune Software apparently does not natively support M3U files, if it is set to monitor, it will recognize the file type and then convert it to its own format--ZPL--and import it into the jukebox automatically. In fact, most music management programs, including iTunes, should recognize M3U playlists, so it's always a good format to use if you are syncing different MP3 players with different apps.Sony S-Series WalkmanSonyQ: Thanks for reviewing the Sony NWZ-S738F Walkman. It may be just what I am looking for, but I'm wondering how effective the noise canceling was. I travel frequently and living in a small town, the first leg of the flight is always on a turbo prop plane--noisy! I would be interested to know how welll this device performed compared with other dedicated noise-canceling headphones.--Jeff, via e-mailA: I don't get to try out a lot of noise-canceling earbuds, mainly because there isn't a huge selection of them on the market (most are over-the-ear models). But I would say the experience with the Sony, which relies on both the technology in the player and in the earphones, is about on a par with the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC3. That is, the feature works well when stacked up against the competition.Actually, earbuds could even be a bit better than full-size noise-canceling sets for your purposes, because you get some passive noise isolation with the in-ear tips. Active noise-canceling technology is designed to cancel out only low-frequency noise, so it may not be as effective on a turbo prop due to the uneven sound and presence of mid-to-high frequency noise (as opposed to on larger jets, which are mostly low-end rumble and hum). However, the noise-isolation feature blocks out all frequencies, as opposed to just the low-end, so the Sony could be just the ticket for you.Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks MP3 Mailbox Monday is a recurring feature where I answer a selection of questions about MP3 players and accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and music services and software. Check back often to see if the advice presented here might be of some use to you, or send your questions directly to me. (Note: We never include last names, but if you prefer to remain completely anonymous, please state as much in your e-mail.)
Q: I own a Sansa SanDisk and a Zune 80. They are both terrific for the way I use them. The only downside I have found is they use different software for playlists and syncing. When I update my playlists in Windows Media Player (WMP) for the Sansa, I also have to go into the Zune Software and make the same changes. My question: is there any way to sync the playlists so I only have to make the updates in one of the programs? --Dan, via e-mailA: Definitely. It's fairly easy, once you know a few tricks. Give this a try:Choose one folder in which to save all of your playlists. My Playlists is probably best, as Microsoft's software (which includes WMP and the Zune Software) already recognizes it as a playlist folder. Make sure both programs are set to automatically update your library by monitoring folders, specifically My Playlists. In WMP, go to Tools > Options > Library. In the Zune Software, go to Settings > Collection.Open WMP and select a playlist to edit by dragging it into the edit pane on the right side.Make any edits you want, then click the drop-down at the top of the song list and select Save Playlist As.From the Save As Type drop-down, select M3U Playlist.Although the Zune Software apparently does not natively support M3U files, if it is set to monitor, it will recognize the file type and then convert it to its own format--ZPL--and import it into the jukebox automatically. In fact, most music management programs, including iTunes, should recognize M3U playlists, so it's always a good format to use if you are syncing different MP3 players with different apps.Sony S-Series WalkmanSonyQ: Thanks for reviewing the Sony NWZ-S738F Walkman. It may be just what I am looking for, but I'm wondering how effective the noise canceling was. I travel frequently and living in a small town, the first leg of the flight is always on a turbo prop plane--noisy! I would be interested to know how welll this device performed compared with other dedicated noise-canceling headphones.--Jeff, via e-mailA: I don't get to try out a lot of noise-canceling earbuds, mainly because there isn't a huge selection of them on the market (most are over-the-ear models). But I would say the experience with the Sony, which relies on both the technology in the player and in the earphones, is about on a par with the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC3. That is, the feature works well when stacked up against the competition.Actually, earbuds could even be a bit better than full-size noise-canceling sets for your purposes, because you get some passive noise isolation with the in-ear tips. Active noise-canceling technology is designed to cancel out only low-frequency noise, so it may not be as effective on a turbo prop due to the uneven sound and presence of mid-to-high frequency noise (as opposed to on larger jets, which are mostly low-end rumble and hum). However, the noise-isolation feature blocks out all frequencies, as opposed to just the low-end, so the Sony could be just the ticket for you.Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks MP3 Mailbox Monday is a recurring feature where I answer a selection of questions about MP3 players and accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and music services and software. Check back often to see if the advice presented here might be of some use to you, or send your questions directly to me. (Note: We never include last names, but if you prefer to remain completely anonymous, please state as much in your e-mail.)
Apple's iOS 7 downloads caused 'major' Internet traffic jams
Apple's iOS 7 downloads caused 'major' Internet traffic jams
Eager downloaders of Apple's iOS 7 update last week slurped up more than three times the amount of Apple-related Internet traffic as usual, and in some cases caused slowdowns for other Web activities. That's according to Web security company Blue Coat, whichtracks Web activity through various service providers. On Thursday, it said heavy iOS downloads created a "major traffic jam" in the first few days of the new software's release. "Based on our data from appliances deployed around the world, in the five days following the release of the iOS update, customers saw a 265 percent increase in Apple.com traffic compared to the five days before," Blue Coat's Jeff Brainard wrote on the company's blog. "For customers who typically saw Apple.com account for less than 4 percent of their traffic, the number tripled to more than 13 percent on average," Brainard added. "In at least one case, Apple.com traffic skyrocketed to over 32 percent of total Web traffic.""In the five plus years I have been at Blue Coat, I've never seen a file update shake up the Internet like the iOS 7 update," Brainard told CNET. "Other updates like previous iOS updates, or Windows updates, can be detected as they create spikes, but nothing close to what was seen with iOS 7."All that amounted to what the firm says was a general slowdown on speed, which took some by surprise, and could have been fixed with better caching. Like other past updates, iOS 7 could vary in size depending on the device and iOS version users were upgrading from. For some users it could be just a few hundred megabytes, though for others (like Verizon iPhone 5 users) the download could weigh in at 1.2GB, and required nearly four times that much free space locally to install. Brainard said downloads like iOS 7 present something "difficult to plan for," unlike general traffic from streaming video services like Netflix and YouTube. That appeared to be the case for Apple as well, with users reporting slow download speeds and issues activating devices -- problems that let up after the initial rush.In Apple's case, it's not just people who are manually requesting iOS 7 downloads. Since iOS 5, the software automatically fetches updates when users are connected to Wi-Fi and hooked up to a power source, allowing for quicker installations later. That in itself has posed an issue for some users who have discovered that the sizable download cannot be removed. Apple last week said it expects to sell its 700 millionth iOS device sometime in October. Earlier this week, it noted that more than 200 million users were already on iOS 7, which has seen the fastest adoption of any iOS version yet.
Eager downloaders of Apple's iOS 7 update last week slurped up more than three times the amount of Apple-related Internet traffic as usual, and in some cases caused slowdowns for other Web activities. That's according to Web security company Blue Coat, whichtracks Web activity through various service providers. On Thursday, it said heavy iOS downloads created a "major traffic jam" in the first few days of the new software's release. "Based on our data from appliances deployed around the world, in the five days following the release of the iOS update, customers saw a 265 percent increase in Apple.com traffic compared to the five days before," Blue Coat's Jeff Brainard wrote on the company's blog. "For customers who typically saw Apple.com account for less than 4 percent of their traffic, the number tripled to more than 13 percent on average," Brainard added. "In at least one case, Apple.com traffic skyrocketed to over 32 percent of total Web traffic.""In the five plus years I have been at Blue Coat, I've never seen a file update shake up the Internet like the iOS 7 update," Brainard told CNET. "Other updates like previous iOS updates, or Windows updates, can be detected as they create spikes, but nothing close to what was seen with iOS 7."All that amounted to what the firm says was a general slowdown on speed, which took some by surprise, and could have been fixed with better caching. Like other past updates, iOS 7 could vary in size depending on the device and iOS version users were upgrading from. For some users it could be just a few hundred megabytes, though for others (like Verizon iPhone 5 users) the download could weigh in at 1.2GB, and required nearly four times that much free space locally to install. Brainard said downloads like iOS 7 present something "difficult to plan for," unlike general traffic from streaming video services like Netflix and YouTube. That appeared to be the case for Apple as well, with users reporting slow download speeds and issues activating devices -- problems that let up after the initial rush.In Apple's case, it's not just people who are manually requesting iOS 7 downloads. Since iOS 5, the software automatically fetches updates when users are connected to Wi-Fi and hooked up to a power source, allowing for quicker installations later. That in itself has posed an issue for some users who have discovered that the sizable download cannot be removed. Apple last week said it expects to sell its 700 millionth iOS device sometime in October. Earlier this week, it noted that more than 200 million users were already on iOS 7, which has seen the fastest adoption of any iOS version yet.
Tablet Tuesday- Get a new Kindle Fire for $139.99
Tablet Tuesday: Get a new Kindle Fire for $139.99
Killer holiday gift alert! While supplies last, Best Buy has the second-gen Kindle Fire (8GB) tablet for $139.99 plus tax. Amazingly, it's new, not refurbished.The only catch is that although you can order this online, you can't have it shipped -- you'll have to pick it up in your local Best Buy store. But at least you can make sure it's waiting for you when you arrive; it's not like you have to go racing over there this minute in the hopes of snagging one.Also, when I clicked Check Stores on the product page, I found that pretty much every Best Buy store in metro Detroit had them in stock. YMMV, of course, but for the moment it looks like there's inventory aplenty.Purchased directly from Amazon, the Kindle Fire would cost you $159 shipped. When you factor in sales tax and the cost of time and gas to get to Best Buy, the savings might amount to only a few bucks.Of course, that few bucks might be enough to buy you a case -- like, say, this multi-angle viewing stand/case for $5.99.Even with tax and whatnot, I can't help liking this deal, only because the Kindle Fire at $139.99 is without question one of the best tablet deals ever. It may lack a few of the Fire HD's bells and whistles, but overall it's a winning product in my book -- especially at that price.Granted, as CNET pointed out in its review, this Fire lacks HDMI, a camera, and an expansion slot. If those are deal-breakers, then by all means look elsewhere. But if you simply want to play games, consume media, run apps, browse the Web, check e-mail, and so on, this is $140 well spent.Bonus deal: Calling all music-loving Mac users! StackSocial just kicked off a new bundle, one that's well worth a look. The Ultimate Music Bundle comes with eight apps and services for $39. Combined value: $355. Among the highlights: iTunes music library organizer/fixer TuneUp (which normally costs $50 all by itself), DJ music mixer MegaSeg DJ, and one year of online backup (up to 50GB) from SOS Online Backup.Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.Curious about what exactly The Cheapskate does and how it works? Read our FAQ.
Killer holiday gift alert! While supplies last, Best Buy has the second-gen Kindle Fire (8GB) tablet for $139.99 plus tax. Amazingly, it's new, not refurbished.The only catch is that although you can order this online, you can't have it shipped -- you'll have to pick it up in your local Best Buy store. But at least you can make sure it's waiting for you when you arrive; it's not like you have to go racing over there this minute in the hopes of snagging one.Also, when I clicked Check Stores on the product page, I found that pretty much every Best Buy store in metro Detroit had them in stock. YMMV, of course, but for the moment it looks like there's inventory aplenty.Purchased directly from Amazon, the Kindle Fire would cost you $159 shipped. When you factor in sales tax and the cost of time and gas to get to Best Buy, the savings might amount to only a few bucks.Of course, that few bucks might be enough to buy you a case -- like, say, this multi-angle viewing stand/case for $5.99.Even with tax and whatnot, I can't help liking this deal, only because the Kindle Fire at $139.99 is without question one of the best tablet deals ever. It may lack a few of the Fire HD's bells and whistles, but overall it's a winning product in my book -- especially at that price.Granted, as CNET pointed out in its review, this Fire lacks HDMI, a camera, and an expansion slot. If those are deal-breakers, then by all means look elsewhere. But if you simply want to play games, consume media, run apps, browse the Web, check e-mail, and so on, this is $140 well spent.Bonus deal: Calling all music-loving Mac users! StackSocial just kicked off a new bundle, one that's well worth a look. The Ultimate Music Bundle comes with eight apps and services for $39. Combined value: $355. Among the highlights: iTunes music library organizer/fixer TuneUp (which normally costs $50 all by itself), DJ music mixer MegaSeg DJ, and one year of online backup (up to 50GB) from SOS Online Backup.Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.Curious about what exactly The Cheapskate does and how it works? Read our FAQ.
iSwifter brings Google+ games to the iPad
iSwifter brings Google+ games to the iPad
Following the launch of games on Google+ last month, Adobe Flash streaming app iSwifter today is adding compatibility to work with those games, giving iPad users a way to play them on Apple's tablet. The functionality is being added to iSwifter's existing application (iTunes) as a free update today, and will join iSwifter's catalog of games on Facebook. The first thing you're probably wondering is if this means you can play Google+'s social version of Angry Birds. The short answer to that is no. It's one of the only titles I couldn't get working in a pre-release version of the software, something that's due to that version of Angry Birds being written in HTML5. iSwifter founder Rajat Gupta told me the software's back-end technology is not yet set up to run HTML5, but will eventually. In the meantime, the iPad's built-in Safari browser simply redirects users to download the native version of Angry Birds in app form when trying to access the Google+ game page.iSwifter runs Flash games and applications on the company's servers, then streams them to the iPad, cutting out the need to have Adobe's Flash player installed--something Apple does not allow. Products like Skyfire and Photon have approached the limitation with similar solutions for Web browsing.iSwifter launched as a paid app last September, and has since converted to a free app with in-app purchase that gets rid of a nag window and adds additional features. That change has helped fuel adoption of the app, which now pulls in some 750,000 active users, up from the 500,000 the company reported in July.Gupta said the company is still at work on building a version of iSwifter to the Macthrough Apple's App Store, but did not provide any additional details on when that would be. In late July the company told CNET it was taking aim at the Mac to compete with Adobe's own Flash Player plug-in, which does not ship with Apple's computers.
Following the launch of games on Google+ last month, Adobe Flash streaming app iSwifter today is adding compatibility to work with those games, giving iPad users a way to play them on Apple's tablet. The functionality is being added to iSwifter's existing application (iTunes) as a free update today, and will join iSwifter's catalog of games on Facebook. The first thing you're probably wondering is if this means you can play Google+'s social version of Angry Birds. The short answer to that is no. It's one of the only titles I couldn't get working in a pre-release version of the software, something that's due to that version of Angry Birds being written in HTML5. iSwifter founder Rajat Gupta told me the software's back-end technology is not yet set up to run HTML5, but will eventually. In the meantime, the iPad's built-in Safari browser simply redirects users to download the native version of Angry Birds in app form when trying to access the Google+ game page.iSwifter runs Flash games and applications on the company's servers, then streams them to the iPad, cutting out the need to have Adobe's Flash player installed--something Apple does not allow. Products like Skyfire and Photon have approached the limitation with similar solutions for Web browsing.iSwifter launched as a paid app last September, and has since converted to a free app with in-app purchase that gets rid of a nag window and adds additional features. That change has helped fuel adoption of the app, which now pulls in some 750,000 active users, up from the 500,000 the company reported in July.Gupta said the company is still at work on building a version of iSwifter to the Macthrough Apple's App Store, but did not provide any additional details on when that would be. In late July the company told CNET it was taking aim at the Mac to compete with Adobe's own Flash Player plug-in, which does not ship with Apple's computers.
Apple WWDC kicks off June 6
Apple WWDC kicks off June 6
Apple will be holding its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at Moscone West in San Francisco between June 6 and June 10, the company announced today.As in previous years, the five-day conference will be a place for developers to learn more about Apple's operating systems, iOS and Mac OS X. The company plans to hold over 100 "technical sessions" for developers, as well as provide "code-level assistance." But it's Mac OS and iOS that will take center stage, Apple said."At this year's conference we are going to unveil the future of iOS and Mac OS," Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said in a statement. "If you are an iOS or Mac OS X software developer, this is the event that you do not want to miss."Schiller's comments all but confirm that Apple will also be talking quite a bit about Mac OS X Lion, the upcoming release in the company's desktop operating system. It unveiled the platform last year and promised to launch the operating system this summer. Lion will ship with Apple's Mac App Store built-in. It will also feature a new option called Mission Control, which shows users what's running on the Mac at any given time. Another new feature, LaunchPad, displays all the available apps on the system in a single pane.Apple also has said that it plans to bring some features of iOS, the operating system on the iPhone and iPad, to the Mac OS--for instance, multitouch gestures.Although Apple's announcement does not mention a keynote address, it shouldn't surprise anyone if Apple holds one. Historically, WWDC has been the event where Apple announces its next iPhone and iOS version.However, there's no telling who might be speaking. Apple CEO Steve Jobs is on a medical leave of absence and has left day-to-day operations in the hands of COO Tim Cook. That said, Jobs did speak earlier this month at an event unveiling the iPad 2.Last week, Apple announced the promotion of Craig Federighi to run the Mac OS X group, replacing Bertrand Serlet.
Apple will be holding its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at Moscone West in San Francisco between June 6 and June 10, the company announced today.As in previous years, the five-day conference will be a place for developers to learn more about Apple's operating systems, iOS and Mac OS X. The company plans to hold over 100 "technical sessions" for developers, as well as provide "code-level assistance." But it's Mac OS and iOS that will take center stage, Apple said."At this year's conference we are going to unveil the future of iOS and Mac OS," Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said in a statement. "If you are an iOS or Mac OS X software developer, this is the event that you do not want to miss."Schiller's comments all but confirm that Apple will also be talking quite a bit about Mac OS X Lion, the upcoming release in the company's desktop operating system. It unveiled the platform last year and promised to launch the operating system this summer. Lion will ship with Apple's Mac App Store built-in. It will also feature a new option called Mission Control, which shows users what's running on the Mac at any given time. Another new feature, LaunchPad, displays all the available apps on the system in a single pane.Apple also has said that it plans to bring some features of iOS, the operating system on the iPhone and iPad, to the Mac OS--for instance, multitouch gestures.Although Apple's announcement does not mention a keynote address, it shouldn't surprise anyone if Apple holds one. Historically, WWDC has been the event where Apple announces its next iPhone and iOS version.However, there's no telling who might be speaking. Apple CEO Steve Jobs is on a medical leave of absence and has left day-to-day operations in the hands of COO Tim Cook. That said, Jobs did speak earlier this month at an event unveiling the iPad 2.Last week, Apple announced the promotion of Craig Federighi to run the Mac OS X group, replacing Bertrand Serlet.
Apple would survive ban on older iPhones, iPads, says analyst
Apple would survive ban on older iPhones, iPads, says analyst
Sure, Samsung won a victory over Apple when a judge imposed a limited sales ban on older iPhones and iPads. But Apple would survive such a ban virtually unscathed, according to Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster.Tuesday's ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission found Apple guilty of infringing on certain Samsung cellular technology patents. Assuming the ruling stands, a ban on the infringing devices would halt sales of the AT&T models of the iPhone 4 and 3GS and the 3G versions of the first and second iPad.A ban on most of those devices would have virtually no effect on Apple as the iPhone 4 is the only one of those products with measurable sales, Munster said in an investors note released today. The iPhone 4 contributed around 8 percent of Apple's total revenue over the last two quarters, according to the analyst. Sales of the phone through AT&T contributed even less -- around 2 percent of total revenue.Assuming those percentages remain firm, a sales ban on the iPhone 4 on AT&T would trigger a loss in Apple's revenue over the next two quarters of just 1 percent, or $680 million. And that figure might be lower given that AT&T customers could simply pick a different iPhone."The actual impact will likely be less than 1 percent given AT&T customers that would not have a chance to purchase an iPhone 4 could buy an iPhone 4S or 5 instead," Munster said. "Given the iPhone 4 will likely be retired at the end of September, there should not be an impact after the September 2013 quarter."Although the ITC's ruling is final, Apple could appeal the decision to the Federal Circuit or even ask for a reprieve from the White House, which can approve or disprove the ruling.
Sure, Samsung won a victory over Apple when a judge imposed a limited sales ban on older iPhones and iPads. But Apple would survive such a ban virtually unscathed, according to Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster.Tuesday's ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission found Apple guilty of infringing on certain Samsung cellular technology patents. Assuming the ruling stands, a ban on the infringing devices would halt sales of the AT&T models of the iPhone 4 and 3GS and the 3G versions of the first and second iPad.A ban on most of those devices would have virtually no effect on Apple as the iPhone 4 is the only one of those products with measurable sales, Munster said in an investors note released today. The iPhone 4 contributed around 8 percent of Apple's total revenue over the last two quarters, according to the analyst. Sales of the phone through AT&T contributed even less -- around 2 percent of total revenue.Assuming those percentages remain firm, a sales ban on the iPhone 4 on AT&T would trigger a loss in Apple's revenue over the next two quarters of just 1 percent, or $680 million. And that figure might be lower given that AT&T customers could simply pick a different iPhone."The actual impact will likely be less than 1 percent given AT&T customers that would not have a chance to purchase an iPhone 4 could buy an iPhone 4S or 5 instead," Munster said. "Given the iPhone 4 will likely be retired at the end of September, there should not be an impact after the September 2013 quarter."Although the ITC's ruling is final, Apple could appeal the decision to the Federal Circuit or even ask for a reprieve from the White House, which can approve or disprove the ruling.
Apple 'working on' ARM laptop; bad news for Intel, says analyst
Apple 'working on' ARM laptop; bad news for Intel, says analyst
Apple is working on a laptop with an internally-designed chip, a project that might pose a serious risk to Intel, an analyst said today in a research note. "We have numerous datapoints that Apple's processor design group is working on an ARM-based product for its notebook line. Whether or not it goes into production remains to be seen, but it is the highest probability risk to Intel from the ARM camp in the PC market," said Piper Jaffray analyst Gus Richard in a research note today. U.K.-based ARM provides the basic design for chips that populate most of the world's smartphones and tablets.Apple's A5 chip, used in the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S, is based on the ARM design. And Apple is expected to use an updated A series chip in the upcoming refresh of the iPad.ARM chips are more power efficient than the Intel chips used in Apple's MacBook Air line but fall short of Intel chips in performance.Related storiesiPad-like MacBook Air now unlikely?This isn't the first time this kind of assertion has surfaced. In May of last year, a chip-centric Web site said that Apple was "dumping" Intel in favor of Apple's internally-designed A series chips for future MacBook Air products. Piper Jaffray's statement is more circumspect, however, because it states that the Apple notebook project will not necessarily come to fruition in a commercial product.And it's not clear if Piper Jaffray's note jibes with--or contradicts--comments from Apple CEO Tim Cook to a Citigroup analyst last week.Cook said that Apple would be satisfied with expanding the iPad line to meet the need for a notebook-like product. And while Apple's A series of chips, such as the future A6, will inevitably become more powerful, Intel's chips get more power efficient with every generation.For example, Intel's future Haswell processor is expected to be a system-on-a-chip and offer a good balance of power efficiency and performance.For future MacBooks, that could be enough to satisfy Apple.
Apple is working on a laptop with an internally-designed chip, a project that might pose a serious risk to Intel, an analyst said today in a research note. "We have numerous datapoints that Apple's processor design group is working on an ARM-based product for its notebook line. Whether or not it goes into production remains to be seen, but it is the highest probability risk to Intel from the ARM camp in the PC market," said Piper Jaffray analyst Gus Richard in a research note today. U.K.-based ARM provides the basic design for chips that populate most of the world's smartphones and tablets.Apple's A5 chip, used in the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S, is based on the ARM design. And Apple is expected to use an updated A series chip in the upcoming refresh of the iPad.ARM chips are more power efficient than the Intel chips used in Apple's MacBook Air line but fall short of Intel chips in performance.Related storiesiPad-like MacBook Air now unlikely?This isn't the first time this kind of assertion has surfaced. In May of last year, a chip-centric Web site said that Apple was "dumping" Intel in favor of Apple's internally-designed A series chips for future MacBook Air products. Piper Jaffray's statement is more circumspect, however, because it states that the Apple notebook project will not necessarily come to fruition in a commercial product.And it's not clear if Piper Jaffray's note jibes with--or contradicts--comments from Apple CEO Tim Cook to a Citigroup analyst last week.Cook said that Apple would be satisfied with expanding the iPad line to meet the need for a notebook-like product. And while Apple's A series of chips, such as the future A6, will inevitably become more powerful, Intel's chips get more power efficient with every generation.For example, Intel's future Haswell processor is expected to be a system-on-a-chip and offer a good balance of power efficiency and performance.For future MacBooks, that could be enough to satisfy Apple.
Apple wireless adapter patent could resolve cable woes
Apple wireless adapter patent could resolve cable woes
A new patent granted to Apple could eliminate issues with incompatible cables and adapters should the technology ever appear in the real world.The U.S. patent awarded today -- No. 8,280,465 -- describes the ways in which a wireless adapter could interface between a device and an accessory.Such an adapter could include one wireless interface to talk to the device and a second wireless interface to talk to the accessory. The adapter would be able to handle different wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi."A user may encounter a situation where she has multiple portable media players but one or more of these portable media players are incompatible with one of her accessories," Apple stated in the patent filing. "It may be undesirable to acquire more than one such accessory, not only due to cost reasons, but also because of other concerns, such as limited space...Thus, what is needed are circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide compatibility among incompatible accessories and portable media players.Related storiesApple's Lightning connector and you: What you should knowAnalyst: Expect Apple's Lightning to strike for up to a decadeApple to sell Micro-USB adapter for Lightning but only in EuropeMagnetyze brings induction charging to iPhone 4/4SApple has run into criticism over its own incompatibilities with its new Lighting interface.More compact than the traditional 30-pin adapter, Lighting requires special $39 and $29 adapters to connect the new iPhone to existing accessories. Users who want to plug their iPhones into their TVs or computer monitors also would reportedly need to buy HDMI or VGA adapters.The technology described in the patent would let devices with different interfaces communicate with one other, thus reducing the need to buy a host of physical cables.(Via AppleInsider)This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
A new patent granted to Apple could eliminate issues with incompatible cables and adapters should the technology ever appear in the real world.The U.S. patent awarded today -- No. 8,280,465 -- describes the ways in which a wireless adapter could interface between a device and an accessory.Such an adapter could include one wireless interface to talk to the device and a second wireless interface to talk to the accessory. The adapter would be able to handle different wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi."A user may encounter a situation where she has multiple portable media players but one or more of these portable media players are incompatible with one of her accessories," Apple stated in the patent filing. "It may be undesirable to acquire more than one such accessory, not only due to cost reasons, but also because of other concerns, such as limited space...Thus, what is needed are circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide compatibility among incompatible accessories and portable media players.Related storiesApple's Lightning connector and you: What you should knowAnalyst: Expect Apple's Lightning to strike for up to a decadeApple to sell Micro-USB adapter for Lightning but only in EuropeMagnetyze brings induction charging to iPhone 4/4SApple has run into criticism over its own incompatibilities with its new Lighting interface.More compact than the traditional 30-pin adapter, Lighting requires special $39 and $29 adapters to connect the new iPhone to existing accessories. Users who want to plug their iPhones into their TVs or computer monitors also would reportedly need to buy HDMI or VGA adapters.The technology described in the patent would let devices with different interfaces communicate with one other, thus reducing the need to buy a host of physical cables.(Via AppleInsider)This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple wins patents on iPhone 4 design, MagSafe
Apple wins patents on iPhone 4 design, MagSafe
Apple has won several patents today from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).Apple had filed for a patent on the iPhone 4's design and was awarded it today. Interestingly, Apple also received a design patent on the white iPhone -- a device that, in 2010, was delayed due to "challenging" production issues.Patently Apple was first to discover the patents.Not to be outdone, a patent on the iPad's case was also awarded to Apple, along with the company's Smart Cover, which magnetically connects to the tablet and sits on top of the slate's screen.Related storiesPatents suggest stylus; Mode-based interface customizationKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIMCNET News Daily Podcast: Tech industry opens wallets for HaitiApple files patents to manage home energyApple seeks ban on U.S. Nokia importsApple has been winning patents left and right lately. In October, the company won a patent on the original iPad design. A month later, Apple was awarded a patent on the way in which pages turn in its iOS.Patents have become important assets to companies, as infringement lawsuits hit courts all over the world. Apple is involved in several lawsuits against Samsung, Motorola, and others. The more patents the company owns, the more protection -- and ammo -- it can bring to its court battles. Whether today's newly earned patents will make their way into certain cases is unknown.Moving away from its mobile products, Apple was also able to win a patent on its MagSafe charging mechanism. That technology magnetically connects to a Mac to charge it, but when the cable is torn away, the magnetic seal is broken, ensuring the computer doesn't fly off a table with it.
Apple has won several patents today from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).Apple had filed for a patent on the iPhone 4's design and was awarded it today. Interestingly, Apple also received a design patent on the white iPhone -- a device that, in 2010, was delayed due to "challenging" production issues.Patently Apple was first to discover the patents.Not to be outdone, a patent on the iPad's case was also awarded to Apple, along with the company's Smart Cover, which magnetically connects to the tablet and sits on top of the slate's screen.Related storiesPatents suggest stylus; Mode-based interface customizationKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIMCNET News Daily Podcast: Tech industry opens wallets for HaitiApple files patents to manage home energyApple seeks ban on U.S. Nokia importsApple has been winning patents left and right lately. In October, the company won a patent on the original iPad design. A month later, Apple was awarded a patent on the way in which pages turn in its iOS.Patents have become important assets to companies, as infringement lawsuits hit courts all over the world. Apple is involved in several lawsuits against Samsung, Motorola, and others. The more patents the company owns, the more protection -- and ammo -- it can bring to its court battles. Whether today's newly earned patents will make their way into certain cases is unknown.Moving away from its mobile products, Apple was also able to win a patent on its MagSafe charging mechanism. That technology magnetically connects to a Mac to charge it, but when the cable is torn away, the magnetic seal is broken, ensuring the computer doesn't fly off a table with it.
Comic-Con: Robert Kirkman's 'AIR' Teaser, Star Wars Comics, Hulkbuster Armor, and More You Might've Missed from Day 3
As usual, Marvel Studios and Warner Bros. dominated the Saturday headlines coming out of Comic-con International in San Diego. Along with showing off the first footage from Ant-Man and revealing what Gal Gadot;s Wonder Woman will look like in Batmanv Superman: Dawn of Justice, there was the announcement of Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and some big announcements from the Legendary Pictures team, too – especially for fans of Godzilla. Here are some of the other cool announcements and fan-friendly moments you might have missed from day three of Comic-Con: Agent Carter Brings on Captain America Team Marvel;s television panel had lots of news for fans eagerly anticipating the next season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the debut season of Agent Carter, but some announcements regarding the latter project were particularly relevant for the big-screen side of Marvel;s cinematic universe. During the panel, it was announced that Captain America: The Winter Soldier directors Joe and Anthony Russo will direct the second and third episodes of Agent Carter in addition to the upcoming third installment of the Captain America movie franchise. Possibly even more interesting, however, was the subsequent announcement that Captain America: The First Avenger director Joe Johnston may direct the fourth episode of the series. Robert Kirkman;s Air Getsa Teaser The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman debuted the first teaser for his upcoming film AIR yesterday at Comic-Con, and fans of the hit television series based on his zombie comic will recognize a very familiar face in the preview. The film stars The Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus as one half of a two-man team – alongside Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou – charged with safekeeping an underground bunker filled with hibernating survivors of the human race after the air outside was rendered toxic in the aftermath of war. The film is expected to hit theaters in the spring next year. Star Wars Returns... to Comics With a new Star Wars movie in the works, it;s not all that surprising that Disney is turning to Marvel Comics to expand upon the universe created by George Lucas and offer more adventures in a galaxy far, far away. Marvel announced three new, upcoming series set in the Star Wars universe Saturday, with the first series – simply titled Star Wars – launching in January and unfolding after the destruction of the first Death Star, with Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia battling Darth Vader and the forces of the Empire. The following month a new series will launch, with Star Wars: Darth Vader following the iconic villain in the aftermath of Star Wars: Episode IV--A New Hope. The final series, Star Wars: Princess Leia, launches in March and follows Leia after the destruction of her home planet, Alderaan. You can check out the cover for Star Wars #1 by artist John Cassaday below, and see all three covers at IGN. Dragon Ball Z Is Gettinga New Movie You just can;t keep a good Saiyan down. During Saturday;s events at Comic-Con, it was announced that the wildly popular manga and anime series will receive yet another feature-length film. The movie, which will simply be titled Dragon Ball Z, will premiere in Japan in 2015 and be directed by the Dragon Ball Z animated series; director, Tadayoshi Yamamuro. Series creator Akira Toriyama supervised the original concept, script, and character designs for the film. You can watch the English-dubbed teaser for Dragon Ball Z below: Ant-Man;s Helmet and the Hulkbuster Fist Revealed! The Marvel Studios booth at Comic-Con has already played host to Black Widow;s motorcycle and Loki;s staff from Avengers: Age of Ultron, and in the lead-up to yesterday;s big Marvel Studios panel, two more props were unveiled. The helmet Paul Rudd will don as Ant-Man occupied a place of honor at the Marvel Studios booth Saturday, and it was flanked by the impressive art poster for the film and some early, sketched designs for the helmet that show the evolution of the character;s costume. While anyone who didn;t make it into the Marvel Studios panel will likely have to wait a while to see the helmet put to use, its arrival at the booth offered a nice way for the masses outside Hall H to get a glimpse of what;s to come. (Photo via Bleeding Cool.) Not to be outdone by Ant-Man, Tony Stark offered up one of the gloves from his massive “Hulkbuster” armor for the Marvel Studios booth, and the bulky gauntlet from the suit was arranged alongside a portion of one of the robotic clones of Ultron for a nice little action shot that teases Age of Ultron. ComicBookMovie.com has a nice shot of the display snapped during Marvel;s livestream event at the show. That;s it for this roundup of news you might have missed from Comic-Con yesterday. Keep an eye on Movies.com for more news, interviews, and previews from this year;s Comic-Con International in San Diego!
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