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.
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.
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