Apple HDTV rumor roundup
There hasn't quite been this much hype, intrigue, and mystery around an Apple product since the first iPad.We're speaking, of course, about Apple's TV set. A device that began as a twinkle in an analyst's eye, and has since ballooned into what just about everyone expects Apple to roll out as its next major flagship product.But where are these rumors coming from? How have they changed? And most importantly, how are you supposed to keep up with them? CNET's rounded up all the major ones below, a document we plan to keep lovingly updated as more tidbits make their way out. (Editors' note: This story was originally published on May 7, 2012. It has been regularly updated since then.)April 3, 2013Analyst: Apple 60-inch iTV with iRing motion controller to launch in 2013Apple's working on a TV device that will use a small, finger-mounted remote to control on-screen navigation, says Topeka Capital analyst Brian White. The system will also work with an iPad-like "mini iTV" that lets users watch content on a second screen. The system could also make use of Apple's rumored iWatch product, White offers. March 26, 2013Apple iTV iffy this year because of supply issues, says reportDigitimes notes that orders for so-called 4K displays are already sorted out for 2013 from the top panel suppliers, making it unlikely such a set would arrive by year's end. The report goes on to say Apple may be looking at an early 2014 release instead. March 12, 2013Apple delays iTV to next year, Jefferies saysCiting supply checks, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek tells investors Apple's display providers -- LG and Sharp -- are having problems making enough of the super-high-resolution displays expected to be used in Apple's TV set. January 23, 2013Tim Cook dances around the Apple TV question -- againSpeaking to analysts on the company's fiscal first-quarter earnings call, CEO Tim Cook once again dances around a question about Apple's living-room ambitions. With that said, Cook notes that the company sold more than 2 million Apple TV units during the quarter, up from the 1.4 million during the same period last year.December 19, 2012Foxconn reportedly 'testing' up to 55-inch Apple TVsCiting a source at Hon Hai (otherwise known as Foxconn), Focus Taiwan says the manufacturer is at work on some early testing of TV sets that range between 46 and 55 inches, and that they're due out in late 2014.December 12, 2012 Apple TV is in 'early stage of testing,' report saysIt's not a formal project yet, but Apple and suppliers Sharp and Hon Hai (aka Foxconn) are trying out designs for a large-screen, high-resolution TV, according to The Wall Street Journal. The newspaper's sources say that Apple has been testing television set prototypes "for a number of years."December 11, 2012Apple TV? You're ready to pay extra, analyst saysMorgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty tells investors that consumers would be willing to pay a 20 percent premium on an Apple-made television, and that there's twice as much interest in purchasing such a unit versus Apple's mobile devices. That's based on the findings of a research survey the firm did, polling users on possible Apple TV scenarios.December 6, 2012Apple TV hinted at by CEO Tim CookIn an interview with NBC, Apple CEO Cook notes that the TV experience in his own living room is like having "gone backwards in time by 20 to 30 years," and that "it's an area of intense interest," for the company. It's not the first time Cook's been grilled over the company's own living room plans, but one of the first times Cook has said that Apple is eyeballing ways to improve the TV experience.November 28, 2012Time Warner CEO wants Apple to make a TVTime Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes tells attendees at a Business Insider conference he'd be very interested in Apple making a TV set, highlighting Apple's "great" devices as a good example of what could be done in the TV arena.November 20, 2012Apple TV won't debut until late 2013, says analystSomewhat rebutting a report from Jefferies & Co., Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster tells investors not to expect an Apple TV until late into 2013, specifically in November to match up with the holiday shopping season. Munster says the set would likely retail for $1,500 to $2,000 and be somewhere in the 42-inch to 55-inch range. November 15, 2012Analyst: Apple TV launch is 'imminent'In a note to investors about cable technology company Arris Group, Jefferies & Co's James Kisner says the firm has heard rumblings from industry contacts that at least one major cable operator has been doing some tests to see if it can handle the extra bandwidth of an Apple TV set, suggesting its release is just around the corner. November 12, 2012New iPhone, iPad, and 'iTV' slated for first half of 2013?The China Times says Apple is readying an "iTV" device for the first half of 2013. The report is unclear about whether that's a full-fledged TV set, or an updated version of Apple's current set-top box.September 6, 2012No new Apple TV this year, report saysWith negotiations still in flux, Apple has no plans to put out a TV set or a new set-top box, says Bloomberg. In a report that cites anonymous sources, the outlet says Apple is still trying to work out deals with content companies and cable providers to decide who gets to sell the device: cable operators or Apple. August 24, 2012Apple exec: Television may not be in the cards for nowAfter an interview with Apple executive Eddy Cue, Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves shares with investors the feeling he got that Apple is not so hot about getting into the TV business. August 16, 2012Apple envisions new cloud DVR, social space in set-top boxIn a follow-up to its report from the day before, The Wall Street Journal adds that Apple will bring digital video recording technology into its set-top box, along with user interface elements like what's seen on the iPad.August 15, 2012Apple TV could double as cable box, report saysCiting "people familiar with the matter," The Wall Street Journal says Apple has been in talks with cable operators in the U.S. to pitch its $99 set-top box as an alternative to the cable boxes that cable subscribers rent. The report suggests no deals have yet been made toward that goal but that Apple has at least talked with cable provider Time Warner.Apple's DVR patent.USPTOAugust 14, 2012Apple gets a patent for an Apple TV cable boxOK, so patents don't always lead to products or product features, but boy is this one interesting. Apple has been granted a patent that shows content playing while a user pulls up a menu that shows what's playing on other channels. The company originally filed for the patent in late-2006. Then there was no way to watch live TV channels on an Apple TV set-top box. And there still isn't.June 21, 2012Sharp set to deliver Apple TV parts to Foxconn in Q3?Citing sources, Chinese news site 21cbh.com says Foxconn will begin getting parts -- specifically LCD displays from Sharp -- sometime in the fourth quarter to begin work on an Apple TV set. An Apple TV software development kit?AppleJune 8, 2012Apple TV to get its own SDK with apps to follow, report saysAdding to its previous claims of newly updated Apple TV software at WWDC, Boy Genius Report says Apple will offer a full-on software development kit for the platform. Said SDK would let developers build apps for the set-top box, just like they could for iOS and the Mac.May 30, 2012New Apple TV OS to debut at WWDC, report saysMobile tech blog Boy Genius Report says Apple will unveil an updated version of its Apple TV operating system at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference that includes a feature to let the set-top box control third-party hardware. May 28, 2012Foxconn reportedly begins pilot production of Apple TV setChina Business News says that Foxconn is in the "trial production stage" of making TV sets for Apple. No other details are provided about the set, however.May 25, 2012Apple TV slated to debut in December?Apple could have its TV set ready by December, with it ready to ship in early 2013, according to Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. In the same note, Munster said the set would cost between $1,500 and $2,000 and run the gamut from 42 to 55 inches. May 24 2012Another idea for Apple's rumored TV: An 'iDevice'Forrester analyst James McQuivey suggests a TV set from Apple would be more like a giant iPad married with Microsoft Kinect, enabling both touch and gesture controls, and apps.May 14, 2012Foxconn refutes claim it's making Apple TV setsApple manufacturing partner Foxconn says its chief executive made no such mention of working on an Apple TV set at a news conference in Shanghai, and that any reports otherwise are inaccurate. In a statement, the company said that chief executive Terry Gou "made it very clear that he would neither confirm nor speculate about Foxconn's involvement in the product," and that it was the company's policy not to talk about what it was working on for any customer.HDTV maker Loewe surges, even as it nixes Apple rumorIt was an unconfirmed rumor and Loewe has said there's "absolutely nothing" to it. But considering Apple's penchant for secrecy and its efforts to keep past acquisitions out of the spotlight, Loewe shareholders are seemingly not so sure they can trust the company's dismissal.May 11, 2012 - updated May 14Foxconn chief weighs in on Apple television. Or notThe Apple supplier issues a denial to reports that CEO Terry Gou had said Foxconn was getting ready to produce the feverishly anticipated, but never yet announced, device.Apple's third-generation Apple TV set top box arrived in early March, bringing 1080p with it.Sarah Tew/CNETMay 7, 2012Apple HDTV prototype spotted, blog claimsCult of Mac says it has a source who has seen Apple's rumored television, which apparently looks like a large Apple computer display, has built-in iSight, and makes use of Siri. There's even a picture! Well, OK, a mockup.May 3, 2012Apple TV set may not launch until 2014, says analystJ.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz has some bad news for those expecting an Apple-made TV set sometime in 2012. In a note, Moskowitz said that the "economics of the TV industry are strained," and that Apple was not going to hop into the crowded market until it could garner better margins. April 27, 2012Apple TV set chatter heats up with rumored content talksAccording to Reuters, movie channel Epix -- a joint venture of Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM -- has been in talks with Apple to bring its content to Apple's digital stores. The interesting tidbit, Reuters says, is that Apple's been pitching a deal that would bring the content beyond its $99 set top box, and to "upcoming devices that stream content."April 5, 2012Apple's iTV: Will it be called iPanel?In a note to investors, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek says the expected television from Apple will be "far more than a TV." Misek added that the device would be called the "iPanel.""We now believe the iTV could be called 'iPanel' as it is far more than a TV; it is a display, gaming center, media hub, computer, home automator, etc," he said. "Also, Apple would likely have difficulty getting naming rights from the UK TV network ITV."February 6, 2012Canadian telecoms vie to become Apple TV launch partnerCable companies Rogers Communications and BCE have been in talks with Apple to be the launch network for Apple's TV set, says The Globe and Mail. Citing multiple unnamed forces, the outlet added that both companies already have the product in their labs for testing. Apple TV for $1,499? Would you buy it?A Best Buy customer survey asks the question of whether a 42-inch Apple HDTV would sit well at $1,499. The survey mentions that the device would have iOS and be able to buy and play apps and games from the App Store. It would also be hooked up to iCloud to store movies, TV shows and music.Other features include iSight cameras and microphones. The next day, Best Buy said that survey was "hypothetical."January 31, 2012Apple reportedly scouting TV display componentsIn a note to investors, Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster mentions speaking to "a major TV component supplier who has been contacted by Apple regarding various capabilities of their television display components." Adding to that, Munster says meetings in Asia suggested the company was scouting investments on LCD technology between 3.5 to 55-inches. January 4, 2012The 50-inch Apple TV set rumor re-emergesIn a report about Apple's rumored TV business, USA Today cites an unnamed source who worked at Apple who said that "Apple is said to be looking at a 42-inch or larger LCD TV with built-in Wi-Fi." That same source said Apple VP of industrial design Jony Ive already had "a slick 50-inch TV" in the company's design studio. December 27, 2011First Apple TVs to come this summer at 32 and 37 inches?According to Taiwan-based component news site Digitimes, Apple is in the process of ordering components to build 32-inch and 37-inch TV sets, which would go on sale in the second half of 2012. December 18, 2011Voice-controlled Apple TV in the works?Apple executives have reportedly been in talks with media executives at several companies, says the Wall Street Journal. The report added that Apple's working on a technology that can identify users on devices like phones, tablets and TVs. Further out is technology that would let users change channels and search for content with their voice (presumably using Apple's Siri voice assistant), the Journal's sources said.December 1, 2011Apple TV sets will be mighty pricey, analyst saysTalking to attendees at Business Insider's Ignition conference, Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster suggested that if Apple's TV will cost quite a bit more than standard TV sets. The example given was an $800 set, which Munster said would run customers $1,600. There would, however, be several choices and configurations to pick from Munster offered. October 25, 2011iTunes creator working on Apple TV, report saysThe person leading Apple's internal TV efforts is the same one who helped create iTunes and develop the iPod, according to Bloomberg. Citing multiple sources, the outlet reported the Jeff Robin, Apple's vice president of consumer applications had a prototype in the works.October 24, 2011The 50-inch Apple TV set rumor re-emergesApple's TV set will be 42-inches or larger with built-in Wi-Fi according to an unnamed Apple source who talked to USA Today. That same source said Apple VP of industrial design Jony Ive already had "a slick 50-inch TV" in the company's design studio. July 25, 2011Rumor: New Apple iDevice to be 55-inch OLED TVAccording to a "Hollywood lawyer" interviewed by online lifestyle outlet Smarthouse, Apple's been in talks to get the rights for U.S. TV shows. That same source said that the TV would feature OLED screen technology, hang in the 55-inch category, and launch sometime in 2012.July 11, 2011Analyst: Apple ripe for HDTV and 'Genius Squad'In a note to investors, UBS Investment Research analyst Maynard Um offers up that Apple could expand its tech support offerings with the help of a TV set. Um suggests that Apple's in a good position to boost its market cap by anywhere from $50 billion to $100 billion by getting into the business of making and selling connected TV sets. Um cites growth in both the flat-panel TV market, as well as Internet-connected set-top boxes, adding that Apple could expand its Genius Bar support services with a paid element to help the customer get it set up back at his or her home.AppleJune 23, 2011Analyst: iCloud linked to Apple's TV ambitionsPiper Jaffray's Gene Munster says Apple's iCloud will be the key to Apple's television efforts. "Apple's iCloud service for media storage makes it simpler to own multiple Apple devices and share content among them," Munster wrote in a note to investors. "At first the only media iCloud will store is music and pictures, but we believe Apple may add movies and TV shows purchased or rented in iTunes to the iCloud service, which could be viewed on a TV."April 13, 2011Report: Apple TV set could be coming this yearIn a note to investors, Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White said that Apple was moving towards offering a TV set of its own "at a faster pace than the market expected," and could have that product launch by the end of the year. February 18, 2011Job listing hints at work on Apple TV setA new job listing says the company's looking for people who know about power supply for, among other gadgets, televisions. Could the Apple TV finally be ready to morph into an Apple-branded television?January 3, 2011Will Apple release a TV by end of 2012?Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster sent a note to investors saying Apple would be in the TV market by the end of 2012. "While Apple's commitment to the living room remains a 'hobby,' we continue to believe the company will enter the TV market with a full focus, as an all-in-one Apple television could move the needle when connected TVs proliferate," Munster said.
Is UltraViolet on track with effort to seed cloud-
Is UltraViolet on track with effort to seed cloud?
While much of Hollywood appears to be helping pave the way for cloud film services, there are still some nagging questions about how much support there is for the technology. Certainly, lots of people are saying they're on board. Most of the top Hollywood film studios--with the exception of Disney--are part of a consortium that has developed UltraViolet, a set of technical standards they hope will act as the bedrock for the next-generation home video format. UV is designed to ensure that consumers will be able to play their movies and TV shows through a wide range of cloud services and Web-connected devices. UV will be licensed to commercial services, which will then be equipped to offer consumers access to the films and TV shows that they retrieve from the companies' servers via Web-enabled devices. UV supporters say the technology is on track to launch this summer. Yet with two months left to go, the consortium, called the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem, hasn't announced any major licensees. Time is running out.Meanwhile, the HBO-window issue is still unsettled. Three of the six film studios--Warner Bros Pictures, 20th Century Fox, and NBC Universal--have deals with HBO to provide the premium cable network with exclusive access to new releases for specific periods of time. Under HBO's contract, those three studios can't sell movies for electronic distribution during those windows. A UV-licensed service would have to remove those studios' movies from their digital shelves during an HBO window. Sources in the film industry told CNET that HBO is supportive of UltraViolet and that a deal should get done sometime soon. HBO managers are said to be making sure they don't give away rights to what could become competing subscription services.But if an agreement isn't reached, UV would be short films from three of the five top participating studios during certain periods of the year. Then there's Disney, which is part of its own languishing digital-locker effort, called KeyChest. Steve Jobs, Disney's largest individual shareholder, and his company Apple, the maker of some of the most popular media players, aren't participating in UV either. Related links• Will Hollywood's 'UltraViolet' plan replace the DVD?• HBO likely to clear way for cloud video, UltraViolet• Replacing DVD, a Hollywood cliffhangerApple has, however, begun helping to educate consumers about what a cloud offers. Earlier this month, Apple announced the coming of iCloud, which will enable iTunes users to store music and other media on Apple's servers (CNET's sources in the film industry said Apple is trying to obtain cloud licenses for feature films and TV shows). Google and Amazon have also launched their own cloud-music services. This means, these companies are helping to carry the water when it comes to marketing the cloud, said Mitch Singer, Sony Pictures' digital chief. "Socializing this concept by major retailers only helps us," Singer said. "It helps us take consumers to the first step about what a rights locker is and what cloud services are. Then it's going to be much easier to migrate consumers to the next concept, which is this cloud interoperates across a multitude of devices and a multitude of retailers are connecting to it."UltraViolet supporters say the technology is a means for Hollywood to jump ahead of the coming technological shift. If UV can overcome the obstacles, it stands to stimulate growth in cloud services and have a larger say in how these services develop. The trouble with large industry consortiums, however, is that often there are lots of competing agendas. We'll see if UV can pull it off.
While much of Hollywood appears to be helping pave the way for cloud film services, there are still some nagging questions about how much support there is for the technology. Certainly, lots of people are saying they're on board. Most of the top Hollywood film studios--with the exception of Disney--are part of a consortium that has developed UltraViolet, a set of technical standards they hope will act as the bedrock for the next-generation home video format. UV is designed to ensure that consumers will be able to play their movies and TV shows through a wide range of cloud services and Web-connected devices. UV will be licensed to commercial services, which will then be equipped to offer consumers access to the films and TV shows that they retrieve from the companies' servers via Web-enabled devices. UV supporters say the technology is on track to launch this summer. Yet with two months left to go, the consortium, called the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem, hasn't announced any major licensees. Time is running out.Meanwhile, the HBO-window issue is still unsettled. Three of the six film studios--Warner Bros Pictures, 20th Century Fox, and NBC Universal--have deals with HBO to provide the premium cable network with exclusive access to new releases for specific periods of time. Under HBO's contract, those three studios can't sell movies for electronic distribution during those windows. A UV-licensed service would have to remove those studios' movies from their digital shelves during an HBO window. Sources in the film industry told CNET that HBO is supportive of UltraViolet and that a deal should get done sometime soon. HBO managers are said to be making sure they don't give away rights to what could become competing subscription services.But if an agreement isn't reached, UV would be short films from three of the five top participating studios during certain periods of the year. Then there's Disney, which is part of its own languishing digital-locker effort, called KeyChest. Steve Jobs, Disney's largest individual shareholder, and his company Apple, the maker of some of the most popular media players, aren't participating in UV either. Related links• Will Hollywood's 'UltraViolet' plan replace the DVD?• HBO likely to clear way for cloud video, UltraViolet• Replacing DVD, a Hollywood cliffhangerApple has, however, begun helping to educate consumers about what a cloud offers. Earlier this month, Apple announced the coming of iCloud, which will enable iTunes users to store music and other media on Apple's servers (CNET's sources in the film industry said Apple is trying to obtain cloud licenses for feature films and TV shows). Google and Amazon have also launched their own cloud-music services. This means, these companies are helping to carry the water when it comes to marketing the cloud, said Mitch Singer, Sony Pictures' digital chief. "Socializing this concept by major retailers only helps us," Singer said. "It helps us take consumers to the first step about what a rights locker is and what cloud services are. Then it's going to be much easier to migrate consumers to the next concept, which is this cloud interoperates across a multitude of devices and a multitude of retailers are connecting to it."UltraViolet supporters say the technology is a means for Hollywood to jump ahead of the coming technological shift. If UV can overcome the obstacles, it stands to stimulate growth in cloud services and have a larger say in how these services develop. The trouble with large industry consortiums, however, is that often there are lots of competing agendas. We'll see if UV can pull it off.
Apple takes another small step onto the Web
Apple takes another small step onto the Web
In the case of iWork, is a tight integration with a brand new online component called iWork.com. The site, which launches later this month in conjunction with the software release, lets users upload files for sharing with others--up to 1GB. When using any of the three applications included in the iWork suite users are able to export whatever they're working on right from a link on the top of the screen. Once the item has been uploaded it can be shared with other users who can download it in whatever file formats you specify, or leave little sticky-note comments.This is far from online word processing solutions offered by Google, Zoho, Thinkfree, and others, but continues in the direction of 2007's photo galleries and Web e-mail applications that were offered as a part of Apple's MobileMe service. Notably missing from this new online service is a way to actually edit the document right in your browser, and instead requires downloading a local copy then re-uploading.Additionally iLife's iWeb application has been updated with both Facebook and FTP integration. Now, whenever you make changes to your site you can have it send out a notification to your Facebook news feed, letting your friends see that you've made an update. And with the FTP integration there's no more messing about with third-party FTP applications to update changes you've made to an iWeb-created page. You can now simply plug-in your server information and have it sync up. #nlrText { float: right; width: 190px;padding: 5px; margin: 10px ; border: 1px solid #999; background-color: #F7F7F7; } #nlrText h4 { display: block; font-size: 1.1em;padding: 0; margin: 0; color: #900; font-weight: bold; } #nlrText p { display: block; font-size: 11px; } Apple's Macworld updatesHere's a basic rundown of everything Apple announced Tuesday. For more details, read our summary here. iTunes DRM-free and cheaper songs MacBook Pro New 8-hour battery iLife '09 Photo geotagging and music lessons iWork '09 Online syncing, Keynote RemoteThis is going to solve a lot of headaches for people who wanted to use the WYSIWYG site creation software without ponying up to pay Apple to host it for them. Another big change is in iPhoto, which now offers built-in export support for both Facebook and Flickr--two of the most popular photo-sharing sites on the Web. Exporting to both of these services was previously possible with third-party plug-ins, however Apple's new solution works right out of the box. Any changes you make to uploaded photos within the software will be automatically sent back to these places. This means that you can replace a previously uploaded photo without manually having to visit the site and re-upload. Still missing from both of these suites is a true online companion. While iWork.com offers a free (for now) way to share big files outside of e-mail, and without the need for a subscription to Apple's MobileMe service, you still have to do all the work on your computer--and your computer only. With the Facebook and Flickr integration you can't pull down photos you've previously uploaded for editing on the software's new editing tools. I'm also sad to see that despite the promising integration with Google Maps in iWeb last year, there's still not a way to import and export from Google Docs and Spreadsheets in Pages and Numbers respectively.Maybe next year.Users can now export photos to both Facebook and Flickr right out of the box in the new iPhoto.AppleClick here for more Macworld Expo coverage from CNET News.
In the case of iWork, is a tight integration with a brand new online component called iWork.com. The site, which launches later this month in conjunction with the software release, lets users upload files for sharing with others--up to 1GB. When using any of the three applications included in the iWork suite users are able to export whatever they're working on right from a link on the top of the screen. Once the item has been uploaded it can be shared with other users who can download it in whatever file formats you specify, or leave little sticky-note comments.This is far from online word processing solutions offered by Google, Zoho, Thinkfree, and others, but continues in the direction of 2007's photo galleries and Web e-mail applications that were offered as a part of Apple's MobileMe service. Notably missing from this new online service is a way to actually edit the document right in your browser, and instead requires downloading a local copy then re-uploading.Additionally iLife's iWeb application has been updated with both Facebook and FTP integration. Now, whenever you make changes to your site you can have it send out a notification to your Facebook news feed, letting your friends see that you've made an update. And with the FTP integration there's no more messing about with third-party FTP applications to update changes you've made to an iWeb-created page. You can now simply plug-in your server information and have it sync up. #nlrText { float: right; width: 190px;padding: 5px; margin: 10px ; border: 1px solid #999; background-color: #F7F7F7; } #nlrText h4 { display: block; font-size: 1.1em;padding: 0; margin: 0; color: #900; font-weight: bold; } #nlrText p { display: block; font-size: 11px; } Apple's Macworld updatesHere's a basic rundown of everything Apple announced Tuesday. For more details, read our summary here. iTunes DRM-free and cheaper songs MacBook Pro New 8-hour battery iLife '09 Photo geotagging and music lessons iWork '09 Online syncing, Keynote RemoteThis is going to solve a lot of headaches for people who wanted to use the WYSIWYG site creation software without ponying up to pay Apple to host it for them. Another big change is in iPhoto, which now offers built-in export support for both Facebook and Flickr--two of the most popular photo-sharing sites on the Web. Exporting to both of these services was previously possible with third-party plug-ins, however Apple's new solution works right out of the box. Any changes you make to uploaded photos within the software will be automatically sent back to these places. This means that you can replace a previously uploaded photo without manually having to visit the site and re-upload. Still missing from both of these suites is a true online companion. While iWork.com offers a free (for now) way to share big files outside of e-mail, and without the need for a subscription to Apple's MobileMe service, you still have to do all the work on your computer--and your computer only. With the Facebook and Flickr integration you can't pull down photos you've previously uploaded for editing on the software's new editing tools. I'm also sad to see that despite the promising integration with Google Maps in iWeb last year, there's still not a way to import and export from Google Docs and Spreadsheets in Pages and Numbers respectively.Maybe next year.Users can now export photos to both Facebook and Flickr right out of the box in the new iPhoto.AppleClick here for more Macworld Expo coverage from CNET News.
Sony rolls out music-streaming service
Sony rolls out music-streaming service
Sony has launched its music-streaming service in the U.K. and Ireland, the company announced today.Dubbed Music Unlimited, the service offers 6 million songs from top labels, including Universal, Warner Music Group, EMI, and, as one might expect, Sony Music Entertainment. It also boasts tracks from independent labels.The focus of Music Unlimited is to deliver that content to a variety of devices. At launch, the service works with 2010 models of Sony's HDTVs, Blu-ray players, home theater systems, PlayStation 3 consoles, and PCs. The company plans to release it to Sony portable products and Android-based devices at some point in the future.To use Music Unlimited, customers will be charged 3.99 pounds (about $6) per month for basic service or 9.99 pounds (about $15) a month for the premium version. Like Pandora, Music Unlimited lets people say whether they like a track or not. Based on those responses, the service tailors the upcoming playlist to make it more appealing to the respective user's musical tastes. Sony also said that people can have an "unlimited" number of song skips on the ad-free service.Sony unveiled its streaming-service plans in September. Since then, the company has been ironing out the details and negotiating with labels to see the launch through. It should be interesting to see how Music Unlimited fares with so many other options available to consumers.Apple's iTunes platform is the go-to place for millions across the globe to get content onto their iPods, iPhones, computers, and Apple TV devices. It's flanked by Amazon's MP3 store and other competitors. In the streaming space, Sony is facing off against services like Pandora, which have an entrenched user base. And like Music Unlimited, Pandora is available on several devices, including several HDTVs, the Roku set-top box, and others.Sony plans to roll out Music Unlimited to other countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, at some point in 2011.
Sony has launched its music-streaming service in the U.K. and Ireland, the company announced today.Dubbed Music Unlimited, the service offers 6 million songs from top labels, including Universal, Warner Music Group, EMI, and, as one might expect, Sony Music Entertainment. It also boasts tracks from independent labels.The focus of Music Unlimited is to deliver that content to a variety of devices. At launch, the service works with 2010 models of Sony's HDTVs, Blu-ray players, home theater systems, PlayStation 3 consoles, and PCs. The company plans to release it to Sony portable products and Android-based devices at some point in the future.To use Music Unlimited, customers will be charged 3.99 pounds (about $6) per month for basic service or 9.99 pounds (about $15) a month for the premium version. Like Pandora, Music Unlimited lets people say whether they like a track or not. Based on those responses, the service tailors the upcoming playlist to make it more appealing to the respective user's musical tastes. Sony also said that people can have an "unlimited" number of song skips on the ad-free service.Sony unveiled its streaming-service plans in September. Since then, the company has been ironing out the details and negotiating with labels to see the launch through. It should be interesting to see how Music Unlimited fares with so many other options available to consumers.Apple's iTunes platform is the go-to place for millions across the globe to get content onto their iPods, iPhones, computers, and Apple TV devices. It's flanked by Amazon's MP3 store and other competitors. In the streaming space, Sony is facing off against services like Pandora, which have an entrenched user base. And like Music Unlimited, Pandora is available on several devices, including several HDTVs, the Roku set-top box, and others.Sony plans to roll out Music Unlimited to other countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, at some point in 2011.
iOS 4.3 arrives ahead of schedule
iOS 4.3 arrives ahead of schedule
Apple today released its iOS 4.3 software ahead of schedule.The software, which was originally set to be released on Friday to coincide with the launch of the iPad 2, went out to users as an update from within Apple's iTunes software this morning.New features in iOS 4.3 (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 7NextPrevAmong the new features are support for Wi-Fi hot spots on GSM iPhones, video streaming through Apple's AirPlay technology, iTunes Home Sharing, and improved JavaScript performance in Safari. iPad users also get a new option within the settings menu that lets them turn the iPad's side switch into either a mute switch or a screen orientation lock--functionality the company had changed with the release of iOS 4.2.iOS 4.3 was unveiled during the iPad 2 press briefing earlier this month, though developers got their hands on the first beta of the software in January. Apple released a Gold Master copy of the software just last week. The new software is the first iOS update to leave out the iPhone 3G from the list of devices that Apple will support. Joining the 3G in devices that won't be eligible for the update include the original iPhone, as well as the first- and second-generation iPod Touch.Along with iOS 4.3 for iOS devices, the Apple TV received a software update today that adds Major League Baseball's MLB.TV streaming service, as well as the National Basketball Association's League Pass. Both subscription services work in a similar fashion to Netflix, with users entering in their existing account credentials to gain access. That update only goes out to users with the latest version of Apple TV.Stay tuned for our hands-on with how the hot-spot feature performs on the GSM iPhone.
Apple today released its iOS 4.3 software ahead of schedule.The software, which was originally set to be released on Friday to coincide with the launch of the iPad 2, went out to users as an update from within Apple's iTunes software this morning.New features in iOS 4.3 (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 7NextPrevAmong the new features are support for Wi-Fi hot spots on GSM iPhones, video streaming through Apple's AirPlay technology, iTunes Home Sharing, and improved JavaScript performance in Safari. iPad users also get a new option within the settings menu that lets them turn the iPad's side switch into either a mute switch or a screen orientation lock--functionality the company had changed with the release of iOS 4.2.iOS 4.3 was unveiled during the iPad 2 press briefing earlier this month, though developers got their hands on the first beta of the software in January. Apple released a Gold Master copy of the software just last week. The new software is the first iOS update to leave out the iPhone 3G from the list of devices that Apple will support. Joining the 3G in devices that won't be eligible for the update include the original iPhone, as well as the first- and second-generation iPod Touch.Along with iOS 4.3 for iOS devices, the Apple TV received a software update today that adds Major League Baseball's MLB.TV streaming service, as well as the National Basketball Association's League Pass. Both subscription services work in a similar fashion to Netflix, with users entering in their existing account credentials to gain access. That update only goes out to users with the latest version of Apple TV.Stay tuned for our hands-on with how the hot-spot feature performs on the GSM iPhone.
Verizon iPhone not yet ready for iCloud
Verizon iPhone not yet ready for iCloud
Apple yesterday officially announced its new iCloud cloud-storage service, which promises to store all your iTunes content online so you can access it from any device without having to sync with your computer.Available as part of the new iTunes 10.3, a limited beta version of iCloud will let you sync content among your different devices and download past purchases. The beta will support a variety of devices, including iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, the iPad (original and iPad 2), and the third- and fourth-generation iPod Touch.The catch is that the devices require iOS 4.3.3 to try the iCloud beta, but Verizon iPhone owners are still stuck at iOS 4.2.8.Apple's next major version, iOS 5, is slated to launch in the fall.Since its launch earlier this year, the Verizon iPhone has been several OS releases behind the AT&T iPhone. And it's not clear why, according to an article in CNN Money.The two phones are virtually the same except that Verizon's iPhone runs over the carrier's CDMA network, while the AT&T edition uses GSM. Verizon's model uses a Qualcomm chipset, CNN Money points out. However, the Verizon iPad, which also uses a Qualcomm chipset, qualified for the update to iOS 4.3.Requests to Apple and Verizon Wireless for further details were not immediately returned.
Apple yesterday officially announced its new iCloud cloud-storage service, which promises to store all your iTunes content online so you can access it from any device without having to sync with your computer.Available as part of the new iTunes 10.3, a limited beta version of iCloud will let you sync content among your different devices and download past purchases. The beta will support a variety of devices, including iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, the iPad (original and iPad 2), and the third- and fourth-generation iPod Touch.The catch is that the devices require iOS 4.3.3 to try the iCloud beta, but Verizon iPhone owners are still stuck at iOS 4.2.8.Apple's next major version, iOS 5, is slated to launch in the fall.Since its launch earlier this year, the Verizon iPhone has been several OS releases behind the AT&T iPhone. And it's not clear why, according to an article in CNN Money.The two phones are virtually the same except that Verizon's iPhone runs over the carrier's CDMA network, while the AT&T edition uses GSM. Verizon's model uses a Qualcomm chipset, CNN Money points out. However, the Verizon iPad, which also uses a Qualcomm chipset, qualified for the update to iOS 4.3.Requests to Apple and Verizon Wireless for further details were not immediately returned.
Verizon iPhone arriving February 7 for some-
Verizon iPhone arriving February 7 for some?
Some people who preordered the Verizon iPhone might get their hands on it a tad bit early.Engadget is reporting that some people have received notices stating the smartphone is on its way to their homes. Moreover, the technology blog said that some folks have sent in their FedEx tracking screens, and the scheduled delivery date on some of those shipments is February 7.The long-awaited Verizon iPhone, which was first announced last month, was put up for preorder yesterday. By the end of the day, Apple and Verizon were forced to stoppreorders, due to the exhaustion of inventories. The device is expected to be available on Verizon store shelves on February 10.Whether FedEx will hold shipments until February 10 or deliver the smartphone early remains to be seen. But it's worth noting that when the iPhone 4 shipped in June to AT&T customers, some folks received the smartphone two days prior to its official June 24 release date. Apple also let those customers activate the smartphone early.Apple's iPhone is available to Verizon customers for $199 and $299 for the 16GB and 32GB models, respectively, after signing a two-year contract.Further reading: Check out CNET's Verizon iPhone review
Some people who preordered the Verizon iPhone might get their hands on it a tad bit early.Engadget is reporting that some people have received notices stating the smartphone is on its way to their homes. Moreover, the technology blog said that some folks have sent in their FedEx tracking screens, and the scheduled delivery date on some of those shipments is February 7.The long-awaited Verizon iPhone, which was first announced last month, was put up for preorder yesterday. By the end of the day, Apple and Verizon were forced to stoppreorders, due to the exhaustion of inventories. The device is expected to be available on Verizon store shelves on February 10.Whether FedEx will hold shipments until February 10 or deliver the smartphone early remains to be seen. But it's worth noting that when the iPhone 4 shipped in June to AT&T customers, some folks received the smartphone two days prior to its official June 24 release date. Apple also let those customers activate the smartphone early.Apple's iPhone is available to Verizon customers for $199 and $299 for the 16GB and 32GB models, respectively, after signing a two-year contract.Further reading: Check out CNET's Verizon iPhone review
CES- New JVC receivers upgradable with MotionX-GPS app
CES: New JVC receivers upgradable with MotionX-GPS app
LAS VEGAS--Car audio manufacturers often tout some sort of way to upgrade their video receivers to support GPS navigation. However, that has usually meant purchasing an expensive module and paying for a second installation. If you have one of JVC's new KW-AVX series and an iPhone, adding navigation may be as simple as downloading an app.JVC has announced a partnership with Fullpower, creators of the MotionX-GPS Drive app for the iPhone, to allow its receivers to interface with and directly control the MotionX app. After connecting an iPhone via the KS-U30 USB audio and video cable, you can display a map with turn-by-turn directions on the receiver's large 6.1- or 7-inch touch screen and output spoken instructions through the car's speakers. The iPhone's A-GPS receiver supplies the location awareness and the handset can be dashboard- or windshield-mounted to display auxiliary information on the smaller touch screen, such as a compass or a list of upcoming turns, or let you select your next point of interest. You also have full access to your iTunes media library.MotionX-GPS Drive is a 99-cent download, but requires a $19.99/year subscription to access turn-by-turn directions. So look elsewhere if the idea of paying a subscription for your turn-by-turn directions is a turnoff. Even with this recurring fee, it would take about 5 to 10 years of paying the annual subscription to match the cost of the average GPS add-on module.JVC's 2011 line of KW-AVX receivers includes the 6.1-inch KW-AVX640 ($499), the KW-AVX740, which adds Bluetooth ($549), and the top-of-the-line 7-inch KW-AVX840 ($649), all of which should be shipping in March 2011.
LAS VEGAS--Car audio manufacturers often tout some sort of way to upgrade their video receivers to support GPS navigation. However, that has usually meant purchasing an expensive module and paying for a second installation. If you have one of JVC's new KW-AVX series and an iPhone, adding navigation may be as simple as downloading an app.JVC has announced a partnership with Fullpower, creators of the MotionX-GPS Drive app for the iPhone, to allow its receivers to interface with and directly control the MotionX app. After connecting an iPhone via the KS-U30 USB audio and video cable, you can display a map with turn-by-turn directions on the receiver's large 6.1- or 7-inch touch screen and output spoken instructions through the car's speakers. The iPhone's A-GPS receiver supplies the location awareness and the handset can be dashboard- or windshield-mounted to display auxiliary information on the smaller touch screen, such as a compass or a list of upcoming turns, or let you select your next point of interest. You also have full access to your iTunes media library.MotionX-GPS Drive is a 99-cent download, but requires a $19.99/year subscription to access turn-by-turn directions. So look elsewhere if the idea of paying a subscription for your turn-by-turn directions is a turnoff. Even with this recurring fee, it would take about 5 to 10 years of paying the annual subscription to match the cost of the average GPS add-on module.JVC's 2011 line of KW-AVX receivers includes the 6.1-inch KW-AVX640 ($499), the KW-AVX740, which adds Bluetooth ($549), and the top-of-the-line 7-inch KW-AVX840 ($649), all of which should be shipping in March 2011.
CES chief muses on what to expect this year
CES chief muses on what to expect this year
Consumer Electronics Association CEO Gary Shapiro talks big numbers when he describes this year's Consumer Electronics Show, which takes over Las Vegas next week.He is expecting more than 140,000 visitors who will collectively crisscross the more than 1.8 million net square feet of exhibit space and visit more than 2,700 exhibitors.For one company, this CES will be its last. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will give the opening keynote at CES 2012. But the company announced last month that in 2013, it will no longer host a booth or lead a keynote there. "They've had a great run of 14 keynotes. Bill Gates was phenomenal. He drew quite a crowd. They introduced a whole range of products there," Shapiro said, noting that keynote spot "goes to visionary leaders that have a lot to say."Other keynoter speakers this year, said Shapiro, include CEOs from Qualcomm, Intel, Ericsson, Ford, and Daimler/Mercedes Benz.Apple absent but...Apple never participates in CES, but its presence will be felt in the iLounge where Shapiro expects 300 companies to show off everything from apps to cases to accessories for iPhones and iPads, "taking up the space of a normal-sized trade show." Going forward, Shapiro said he will issue an invitation to Apple CEO Tim Cook as he did in the past to Steve Jobs. "We're always hopeful," he said. In regards to the top dogs, Shapiro said the "little secret" is that CES is run "not for the biggest companies but for the smallest entrepreneur with an idea, so they can be exposed to the nearly 150,000 people from the industry." The show this year will introduce a new area called Eureka Park, "which has attracted almost 100 start-up companies as determined by the National Science Foundation." TrendsPopular items at this year's CES, Shapiro said, will be tablets, ultrabooks, bigger and thinner TVs, 3D TVs without the need for special glasses, and, "of course," connected TVs. "We're also seeing car companies becoming more like technology companies," with a huge number of smart cars and electric cars. He also expects "a lot of green, energy-efficient technology."Listen to interviewClick below to listen to Larry's 9 minute 35 second interview with Gary Shapiro. Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)
Consumer Electronics Association CEO Gary Shapiro talks big numbers when he describes this year's Consumer Electronics Show, which takes over Las Vegas next week.He is expecting more than 140,000 visitors who will collectively crisscross the more than 1.8 million net square feet of exhibit space and visit more than 2,700 exhibitors.For one company, this CES will be its last. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will give the opening keynote at CES 2012. But the company announced last month that in 2013, it will no longer host a booth or lead a keynote there. "They've had a great run of 14 keynotes. Bill Gates was phenomenal. He drew quite a crowd. They introduced a whole range of products there," Shapiro said, noting that keynote spot "goes to visionary leaders that have a lot to say."Other keynoter speakers this year, said Shapiro, include CEOs from Qualcomm, Intel, Ericsson, Ford, and Daimler/Mercedes Benz.Apple absent but...Apple never participates in CES, but its presence will be felt in the iLounge where Shapiro expects 300 companies to show off everything from apps to cases to accessories for iPhones and iPads, "taking up the space of a normal-sized trade show." Going forward, Shapiro said he will issue an invitation to Apple CEO Tim Cook as he did in the past to Steve Jobs. "We're always hopeful," he said. In regards to the top dogs, Shapiro said the "little secret" is that CES is run "not for the biggest companies but for the smallest entrepreneur with an idea, so they can be exposed to the nearly 150,000 people from the industry." The show this year will introduce a new area called Eureka Park, "which has attracted almost 100 start-up companies as determined by the National Science Foundation." TrendsPopular items at this year's CES, Shapiro said, will be tablets, ultrabooks, bigger and thinner TVs, 3D TVs without the need for special glasses, and, "of course," connected TVs. "We're also seeing car companies becoming more like technology companies," with a huge number of smart cars and electric cars. He also expects "a lot of green, energy-efficient technology."Listen to interviewClick below to listen to Larry's 9 minute 35 second interview with Gary Shapiro. Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)
Apple- Samsung request for iPad 3, iPhone 5 is harassment
Apple: Samsung request for iPad 3, iPhone 5 is harassment
It was easy to predict that Samsung's request to see early copies of Apple products as part of an ongoing legal dispute between the two companies wouldn't go over well with Apple.Apple finally responded to Samsung's late May request to see the "final, commercial version(s)" of the "iPhone 4S," "iPhone 5," "iPad 3," "third-generation iPad," and their retail packaging. Yesterday, Apple filed a motion in the District Court for the Northern District of California asking the judge to deny Samsung's request.The reason? Samsung's request "is not a good faith attempt to obtain information needed to defend against a preliminary injunction," the documents say. "Rather, it is a transparent and improper attempt to harass Apple by demanding extremely sensitive trade secrets that have no relevance to Apple's infringement claims or to Samsung's defenses to a preliminary injunction."This isn't the first time in this legal proceeding Apple has used some particularly harsh language with Samsung.This all started when Apple filed suit against Samsung in April for "slavishly" copying the look and feel of iPhone and iPad products. The suit specifically accused Samsung of "patent and trademark infringement, as well as unfair competition" in regard to several smartphones, including the Nexus S.Samsung responded by filing several patent infringement lawsuits targeting Apple's products in multiple countries.As part of the suit, Apple requested copies of announced, though unreleased, Samsung products, including the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 8.9, Galaxy S II, Droid Charge, and Infuse 4G. Apple said it wanted to evaluate these announced devices to see if they, too, would fall under the same intellectual property infringement claims Apple had already placed on other Samsung devices already in the market. A judge will make a decision on Samsung's request for its lawyers to take an early peek at unreleased and unannounced Apple mobile devices this Friday.Cand Ecf Cand EcfapplesamsungCNET's Josh Lowensohn contributed to this report.
It was easy to predict that Samsung's request to see early copies of Apple products as part of an ongoing legal dispute between the two companies wouldn't go over well with Apple.Apple finally responded to Samsung's late May request to see the "final, commercial version(s)" of the "iPhone 4S," "iPhone 5," "iPad 3," "third-generation iPad," and their retail packaging. Yesterday, Apple filed a motion in the District Court for the Northern District of California asking the judge to deny Samsung's request.The reason? Samsung's request "is not a good faith attempt to obtain information needed to defend against a preliminary injunction," the documents say. "Rather, it is a transparent and improper attempt to harass Apple by demanding extremely sensitive trade secrets that have no relevance to Apple's infringement claims or to Samsung's defenses to a preliminary injunction."This isn't the first time in this legal proceeding Apple has used some particularly harsh language with Samsung.This all started when Apple filed suit against Samsung in April for "slavishly" copying the look and feel of iPhone and iPad products. The suit specifically accused Samsung of "patent and trademark infringement, as well as unfair competition" in regard to several smartphones, including the Nexus S.Samsung responded by filing several patent infringement lawsuits targeting Apple's products in multiple countries.As part of the suit, Apple requested copies of announced, though unreleased, Samsung products, including the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 8.9, Galaxy S II, Droid Charge, and Infuse 4G. Apple said it wanted to evaluate these announced devices to see if they, too, would fall under the same intellectual property infringement claims Apple had already placed on other Samsung devices already in the market. A judge will make a decision on Samsung's request for its lawyers to take an early peek at unreleased and unannounced Apple mobile devices this Friday.Cand Ecf Cand EcfapplesamsungCNET's Josh Lowensohn contributed to this report.
Apple said to tap retail store staff for advice on iOS 6 Maps app
Apple said to tap retail store staff for advice on iOS 6 Maps app
Rumor has it that Apple might be looking for some help on the iOS 6 Maps app from its retail store employees. According to MacRumors, several unnamed sources have said that participating Apple stores are now allowing their staff to devote up to 40 hours per week collectively to reporting app errors and giving suggestions on how to improve Maps.ifoAppleStore also posted the same news with a tweet that said, "So far it's voluntary: Apple retail store managers are asking store employees to report iOS 6 Maps app errors to help improve the database."When Apple opted to boot Google Maps from its recent iOS 6 -- essentially forcing customers to use its own native app -- many users got up in arms. Complaints about Apple Maps included talk of inaccurate data, lack of details, distorted images, and erroneous directions. Apple CEO Tim Cook addressed the growing furor over the beleaguered Map app last week, saying he was "extremely sorry" for the frustration felt by customers and vowing to improve the program. He pointed users to its competitors' apps -- including Bing, MapQuest, Waze maps apps, or using Google or Nokia's map Web sites -- while Apple works to improve its own app.If MacRumors got it right, retail store employees will be able to be part of these improvements. Apple has about 400 retail stores worldwide with roughly 40,000 employees. Apparently, the people assigned to the task will examine the app's mapping data on iPhones and iPads in their towns and cities. It's unclear what they'll use as a litmus test in these examinations -- it could be a comparison with Google Maps, in-person verification, or something else.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
Rumor has it that Apple might be looking for some help on the iOS 6 Maps app from its retail store employees. According to MacRumors, several unnamed sources have said that participating Apple stores are now allowing their staff to devote up to 40 hours per week collectively to reporting app errors and giving suggestions on how to improve Maps.ifoAppleStore also posted the same news with a tweet that said, "So far it's voluntary: Apple retail store managers are asking store employees to report iOS 6 Maps app errors to help improve the database."When Apple opted to boot Google Maps from its recent iOS 6 -- essentially forcing customers to use its own native app -- many users got up in arms. Complaints about Apple Maps included talk of inaccurate data, lack of details, distorted images, and erroneous directions. Apple CEO Tim Cook addressed the growing furor over the beleaguered Map app last week, saying he was "extremely sorry" for the frustration felt by customers and vowing to improve the program. He pointed users to its competitors' apps -- including Bing, MapQuest, Waze maps apps, or using Google or Nokia's map Web sites -- while Apple works to improve its own app.If MacRumors got it right, retail store employees will be able to be part of these improvements. Apple has about 400 retail stores worldwide with roughly 40,000 employees. Apparently, the people assigned to the task will examine the app's mapping data on iPhones and iPads in their towns and cities. It's unclear what they'll use as a litmus test in these examinations -- it could be a comparison with Google Maps, in-person verification, or something else.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 said to partner with Shazam on song-ID tool for iOS
Apple said to partner with Shazam on song-ID tool for iOS
Siri may soon be able to tell you what song is playing. Apple plans to update its iOS mobile operating software with a feature that identifies the title and artist of a song, according to a report from Bloomberg. The Cupertino, Calif., electronics maker will partner with music-ID app maker Shazam to release the program with iOS 8, the publication said. See alsoCortana vs. Siri vs. Google Now: An early look at how Cortana stacks up (hands-on)Apple reportedly eyes iTunes Radio as separate app in iOS 8iTunes Radio passes Spotify for 3rd in streaming musicThe feature will be integrated similar to the way Twitter appears on iPhones and iPads, Bloomberg said, so users won't have to download it. Users also will be able to access the capabilities through Apple's digital voice assistant, Siri, the publication reported. iTunes has been an important business for Apple since it first launched the software. The company generates millions of dollars each year selling songs and albums in the store. However, people have started spending less money on music downloads, preferring instead to stream music from Web-based services such as Spotify and Pandora. Apple launched its own radio service last year as part of iOS 7. The company will show off iOS 8 at its developer conference that starts June 2. Integrating song search with Siri would follow what Google and Microsoft have already done with their digital voice assistants. Windows Phone includes a Shazam-like music ID tool with its Cortana voice assistant, while Google Now includes the same capability. An Apple representative declined to comment on the report.
Siri may soon be able to tell you what song is playing. Apple plans to update its iOS mobile operating software with a feature that identifies the title and artist of a song, according to a report from Bloomberg. The Cupertino, Calif., electronics maker will partner with music-ID app maker Shazam to release the program with iOS 8, the publication said. See alsoCortana vs. Siri vs. Google Now: An early look at how Cortana stacks up (hands-on)Apple reportedly eyes iTunes Radio as separate app in iOS 8iTunes Radio passes Spotify for 3rd in streaming musicThe feature will be integrated similar to the way Twitter appears on iPhones and iPads, Bloomberg said, so users won't have to download it. Users also will be able to access the capabilities through Apple's digital voice assistant, Siri, the publication reported. iTunes has been an important business for Apple since it first launched the software. The company generates millions of dollars each year selling songs and albums in the store. However, people have started spending less money on music downloads, preferring instead to stream music from Web-based services such as Spotify and Pandora. Apple launched its own radio service last year as part of iOS 7. The company will show off iOS 8 at its developer conference that starts June 2. Integrating song search with Siri would follow what Google and Microsoft have already done with their digital voice assistants. Windows Phone includes a Shazam-like music ID tool with its Cortana voice assistant, while Google Now includes the same capability. An Apple representative declined to comment on the report.
Apple said to nix apps using 'cookie tracking'
Apple said to nix apps using 'cookie tracking'
Apple may be on the way to controlling more of how advertisers get user information from mobile devices. According to TechCrunch, unnamed industry sources are saying that Apple's App Review team is denying apps that use "cookie tracking." This could be a signal that the company is going full force into its own Advertising Identifier technology.Theoretically, the way cookie tracking works on mobile is similar to desktop: a cookie saves data and information on users' browsing history that can be used later by the app or Web site. According to TechCrunch, it was introduced as an alternative to unique device identifier (UDID) tracking, which picked up more user data than most people were comfortable with.Although cookie tracking was able to quell most privacy fears, Apple still introduced its Advertising Identifier technology with the debut of iOS 6 last September. According to Apple's "About" page on the technology, it is a "non-permanent, non-personal device identifier, that advertising networks will use to give you more control over advertisers' ability to use tracking methods."Along with the Advertising Identifier, the company also launched a "Limit Ad Tracking" tool. This tool, which is in the iOS 6 general settings menu, lets users prevent advertisers from hitting them with targeted ads. With Apple allegedly rejecting apps that use cookie tracking, iOS app developers will most likely have to redesign their apps to be compatible with Apple's Advertising Identifier and also take out all technology using cookie tracking.Sources familiar with the situation told CNET that Apple is not specifically targeting apps that use cookie tracking. Instead, the company is said to be enforcing guidelines around the user interface design and experience.Update, February 26 at 12:50 p.m. PT: Adds information from sources familiar with the situation.
Apple may be on the way to controlling more of how advertisers get user information from mobile devices. According to TechCrunch, unnamed industry sources are saying that Apple's App Review team is denying apps that use "cookie tracking." This could be a signal that the company is going full force into its own Advertising Identifier technology.Theoretically, the way cookie tracking works on mobile is similar to desktop: a cookie saves data and information on users' browsing history that can be used later by the app or Web site. According to TechCrunch, it was introduced as an alternative to unique device identifier (UDID) tracking, which picked up more user data than most people were comfortable with.Although cookie tracking was able to quell most privacy fears, Apple still introduced its Advertising Identifier technology with the debut of iOS 6 last September. According to Apple's "About" page on the technology, it is a "non-permanent, non-personal device identifier, that advertising networks will use to give you more control over advertisers' ability to use tracking methods."Along with the Advertising Identifier, the company also launched a "Limit Ad Tracking" tool. This tool, which is in the iOS 6 general settings menu, lets users prevent advertisers from hitting them with targeted ads. With Apple allegedly rejecting apps that use cookie tracking, iOS app developers will most likely have to redesign their apps to be compatible with Apple's Advertising Identifier and also take out all technology using cookie tracking.Sources familiar with the situation told CNET that Apple is not specifically targeting apps that use cookie tracking. Instead, the company is said to be enforcing guidelines around the user interface design and experience.Update, February 26 at 12:50 p.m. PT: Adds information from sources familiar with the situation.
Apple said to have plucked Levis executive to run US retail
Apple said to have plucked Levis executive to run US retail
While Apple continues to look for a new head of retail, it has reportedly filled one of the top spots in its US operations, where most of its retail stores and sales originate. The iPhone and Mac maker recently hired Enrique Atienza from Levi Strauss to serve as director of US retail, reports 9to5Mac. Atienza had been at Levis for nearly four years, and spent just shy of a decade working for The Walt Disney company and The Disney Store, according to his LinkedIn profile. Atienza's most recent role at Levi Strauss was as the senior vice president of retail in the Americas, as well as the "global store operations and training COE." Apple declined to comment on the hire, which comes as the company continues to search for a new chief of its retail operations. That spot's been vacant since last Octoberwhen the company got rid of John Browett, an executive it had hired from UK electronics retail chain Dixons just six months prior. According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, Apple's hunt for a replacement for Browett has been slow going. Citing sources, the report said Apple had interviewed "several" candidates from outside the company, and was not considering anyone internal for the role, which had been run by former Target exec Ron Johnson for more than a decade.Apple currently has 412 stores worldwide, and more than half of those are in the US. Together, with the international locations, Apple's stores brought in $4.1 billion in revenue in Apple's June quarter, fueled mainly by strong sales of the iPhone. Updated at 3:15 p.m. PT with a no comment from Apple.
While Apple continues to look for a new head of retail, it has reportedly filled one of the top spots in its US operations, where most of its retail stores and sales originate. The iPhone and Mac maker recently hired Enrique Atienza from Levi Strauss to serve as director of US retail, reports 9to5Mac. Atienza had been at Levis for nearly four years, and spent just shy of a decade working for The Walt Disney company and The Disney Store, according to his LinkedIn profile. Atienza's most recent role at Levi Strauss was as the senior vice president of retail in the Americas, as well as the "global store operations and training COE." Apple declined to comment on the hire, which comes as the company continues to search for a new chief of its retail operations. That spot's been vacant since last Octoberwhen the company got rid of John Browett, an executive it had hired from UK electronics retail chain Dixons just six months prior. According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, Apple's hunt for a replacement for Browett has been slow going. Citing sources, the report said Apple had interviewed "several" candidates from outside the company, and was not considering anyone internal for the role, which had been run by former Target exec Ron Johnson for more than a decade.Apple currently has 412 stores worldwide, and more than half of those are in the US. Together, with the international locations, Apple's stores brought in $4.1 billion in revenue in Apple's June quarter, fueled mainly by strong sales of the iPhone. Updated at 3:15 p.m. PT with a no comment from Apple.
What One Movie About War Should Everyone See
Some say that all good war movies are antiwar movies. That isn;t to say they;re only good for having a negative view on the matter but rather to say it;s impossible to make war look favorable. This isn;t exactly true. Otherwise we wouldn;t have had so many effective propaganda films during World War II. Even those that really showed the hell of the fight and the reality of the death and destruction, most of them documentaries (notably With the Marines at Tarawa), managed to promote the need to keep going until we won. Historically, I think those are some of the most necessary war movies there are. But there is of course also a necessity for the movies that are unquestionably antiwar, whether its satire like Dr. Strangelove and Catch-22 or pretty much any serious drama involving Vietnam (and World War II maybe) for the past four decades, especially Apocalypse Nowand Full Metal Jacket. It;s hard to think of movies that have been positive gung-ho depictions of real wars, minus maybe some ancient conflicts, though we have had plenty of seemingly pro-war movies about fake ones, whether speculative about realistic threats or something of the alien invasion variety. Even then, though, you;ve got your satires (Starship Troopers) and other antiwar stories (Ender;s Game). Today being Veterans Day, it;s important to note that a lot of respectful dramas have been produced over the years, those films that may subscribe to the general antiwar sentiment yet still honor those who did fight and risked or lost their lives for what they believed in as far as defending freedom and democracy and the people of the United States. Saving Private Ryan is a probably the most popular example of a memorial tribute that never really gets too into the flag-waving jingoism of the old-school patriotic movies. While drama can have its results in emotionally moving audiences for or against war, I think documentaries are the most necessary today, and I don;t say that just because I;m a doc guy. And the fact that a whole bunch of them went ignored over the past decade made me think they were even more crucial. Whether they were those embedded in conflict, like Restrepo, or more historical pieces like Eugene Jarecki;s Why We Fight (not to be confused with the old WWII propaganda series) and Errol Morris;s The Fog of War. The latter is probably the most indispensible in an analytical sense. But I can;t deny the two short docs that have imprinted such devasting images into my brain that I could never accept war as anything but man at his worst yet also as something that has been necessary in extreme circumstances: Hiroshima-Nagasaki, August 1945 and Night and Fog. What one movie about war do you think everyone should see? Here are some responses received so far via Twitter: @thefilmcynic ;Fog of War; — Don Swaynos (@donswaynos) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic PATHS OF GLORY. — randomcha (@randomcha) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic Saving Private Ryan, obviously. — Jamie (@filmnerdjamie) November 11, 2013 @filmnerdjamie @thefilmcynic seconded — Andrew E Plotkin (@andreweplotkin) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic Saving Private Ryan, the opening scene alone is worth its weight in gold. — George Stavrinou (@georgestavrinou) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic Saving Private Ryan. It;s the most obvious choice, but it;s really effective. — Daniel Howat (@howatdk) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic a matter of life and death — Jeanie Finlay (@JeanieFinlay) November 11, 2013 STARSHIP TROOPERS. RT “@thefilmcynic: POLL: What is the one movie about war that everyone should see?” — FirstTimeWatchers (@1sttimewatchers) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic thin red line — Still a Damn Ghost (@veXpoet) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic The Thin Red Line, of course. — Sam Bell (@iamsambelltoo) November 11, 2013 “@thefilmcynic: POLL: What is the one movie about war that everyone should see?” The Thin Red Line — Gingerish Reviews (@GingerishR) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic Movie: Full Metal Jacket but Band of Brothers is the best war related suggestion i could make to someone. — justin robinson (@TheJSRobinson) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic The Steel Helmet — Juvenile Cinephile (@juvie_cinephile) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic GALLIPOLI — eugenenovikov (@eugenenovikov) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic on Veterans Day there is only one answer ... THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES — Victor Morton (@vjmfilms) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic The Burmese Harp, War Requiem (Jarman), and basically any other Japanese WW2 film over any American WW2 film. — Daniel Walber (@DSWalber) November 11, 2013 @thefilmcynic Restrepo — Michael Davis (@MiScottDavis) November 11, 2013 and
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)