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.
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.
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