Apple's Oct. 16 event: Here's what we expect
Apple has the chance on Thursday to provide a few compelling reasons for consumers to upgrade or buy a new iPad. The company's second event in just two months won't have the flash fromthe previous affair, which saw the debut of two larger iPhones and a glimpse at the Apple Watch. Instead, the company is expected to show off a new iPad (or two), unveil new Macs and talk more about its OS X Yosemite operating system for its desktop. The presentation, which kicks off at 10 a.m. PT, is a lower-key affair held at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. While the iPhone remains Apple's dominant revenue engine -- contributing to more than half of its sales -- the company is eager to bolster its other businesses. Front and center will be a new version of the iPad, which faces questions over whether its declining shipments are a temporary hiccup or a troubling trend. The question for the tablet has continued to shift from "What nifty new feature will be on the new iPad?" to "Do I really need to replace my aging -- but still functional -- iPad?"Apple's iPad event: Tune in to our live blog Oct. 16 Its performance over the last two quarters, in whichsales declined over a year ago and fell below Wall Street expectations, is illustrative of that kind of mentality. And the trend is expected to continue in the most recent quarter, which Apple will report four days after the event. Adding to the pressure are the raft of cheap tablets that have flooded the market.Related storiesApple's iPad event: Join us Oct. 16 (live blog)The Apple Mac update report card: October 2014 editionApple's iPad sales are not so magical after all Apple wasn't the first company to create a tablet, but it was the first to make a model that really caught on with buyers. The sleek design, app store and touch screen capabilities on the first iPad, introduced in 2010, attracted millions of buyers to the device. iPad grew into a huge revenue driver for Apple -- the tablet's currently its No. 2 moneymaker after the iPhone -- and everyone from Microsoft to Xiaomi has built copycat devices. But Apple hasn't made big enough changes to the iPad to compel even its most ardent fans to immediately buy the newest model. "What I've consistently found in research is tablets are nice to have but not something [people] need to have," said Bob O'Donnell, chief analyst at Technalysis Research. "If the iPad Air didn't move the needle -- and it was a pretty decent upgrade -- I don't know what's going to." Even though the iPad will be the most anticipated news Thursday, there almost certainly will be Mac updates, as well. That includes new hardware and Apple's latest computer operating system, Mac OS X Yosemite. Even though the Mac doesn't make as much money as the iPad, the computers remain important to Apple's strategy. Here's more information on what we're likely -- and unlikely -- to see at the event.iPad Air gets the spotlight More than four years (and seven models) after introducing the first iPad, Apple's sleek device remains the king of tablets. In the second quarter, Apple shipped 13.3 million iPads, giving it a market share of 27 percent. But its position has been slipping versus rivals; a year earlier, Apple's market share was 33 percent. The company needs anew model of its popular 9.7-inch device to revitalize iPad sales. But the updates coming Thursday are expected to be incremental changes instead of a revolution. One likely addition to the iPad Air is the TouchID fingerprint sensor, which first popped up in last year's iPhone 5S and appeared in the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. It allows users to unlock their devices and purchase items in iTunes with the touch of a finger.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 TouchID also will soon work with Apple Pay, the company's new mobile payments system unveiled at its September 9 iPhone 6 event. Apple likely will allow the iPad to take advantage of someApple Pay features when the service launches later in October. That includes letting people pay for items in apps using a single touch on the fingerprint sensor. It's less likely that the iPad will include a near field communication (NFC) chip that allows users to pay for items in retail stores by tapping their devices on a point of sale terminal -- you would look pretty silly trying to wave your iPad at a cash register. Another likely update to the iPad is a gold model, also following in line with Apple's recent iPhones. The iPhone 5S was the first device to offer that particular color. Along with gold likely will be silver and space gray versions. And the iPad undoubtedly will feature new components, such as Apple's A8 processor. The iPad could get the same kind of storage bump as the iPhone 6, dropping the 32 GB and going straight from 16GB to 64GB and 128GB. The company already offers a 128GB iPad, but it's a $300 premium over the $499 base model. If brought in line with Apple's iPhone pricing, that tier could get a $100 cut in price. Apple will likely introduce the follow-ups to its iPad Air and iPad Mini tablets.CNET The company also will probably update the camera and include a higher resolution screen -- a key feature as competitors have stepped up their game with display technology. The screen may include an anti-reflective coating that makes it easier to see. Thenew iPad Air will also likely be thinner and lighter. What's unlikely is the appearance of a bigger screen iPad, which many have dubbed the "iPad Pro." The device, which market watchers believe could have a 12.9-inch screen, probably won't be announced until next year. The iPad Mini, Apple's 7.9-inch tablet, could see some small updates, but much of the focus will be on the bigger device. Part of Apple's iPad struggles have come from consumers replacing smaller tablets with bigger phones -- typically, phone-tablet hybrids called phablets. Apple introduced its first phablet, the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus, last month, and some analysts expect consumers to opt for that instead of an iPad Mini. "The iPhone 6 Plus is almost crossing over into tablet territory, and there's a possibility that will impact ... demand for the iPad Mini," Creative Strategies analyst Tim Bajarin said.The Apple Mac update report card: October...See full gallery1 - 4 / 9NextPrevMacs finally get some love Apple's Mac business might not be as big -- or as sexy -- as its mobile business, but it remains an important focus for Apple. Apple now generates less than 15 percent of its revenue from Macs, but the devices help flesh out its family of products -- which are increasingly designed to work together. Apple in July reported Mac unit sales rose 18 percent to 4.4 million in the quarter ended June 28. CEO Tim Cook said the Mac boosted Apple's overall financial results, and the company saw strong sales in some regions weak for other PC makers. Apple may introduce new iMac computers.CNET Apple hasn't yet reported its most recent quarter, but research firm IDC last week said the company moved into the No. 5 ranking for global PC sales in the calendar third quarter. For the past several years, Apple has controlled a much smaller chunk of the market, but its sleek designs, such as the MacBook Air, have attracted customers. Apple last year introduced its powerful Mac Pro, and it has continued to add Retina Displays to its various MacBooks. But there also have been some devices that haven't been updated in years. One product long overdue for an update is theMac Mini, which hasn't been refreshed for two years. The device is Apple's most affordable computer, ranging in price from $599 to $999. An owner must also purchase a display, keyboard, and mouse for the device to work, and the most expensive version of the box also works as an OS X server. It's likely the Mac Mini will be updated with Intel's newest processors and more internal storage. Another Apple computer in need of an update is theiMac. The all-in-one device, with the brains hidden behind a sleek display, hasn't had a design change in two years. Most of all, its screen resolution hasn't changed much while other devices have been bumped to Retina Displays. The iPhone 4, introduced in 2010, sported the first Retina Display, while the higher-resolution screen hit the iPad and MacBook Pro line in 2012. It's unlikely that Apple will introduce a MacBook Air with a Retina Display, though consumers have been clamoring for such a device. The company updated itsthinnest and lightest laptops with new processors and a price cut in April. It's also unlikely that Apple will incorporate its TouchID sensor into its computers this fall, though that's something we could see in the future.A second visit to Yosemite Appleunveiled the latest version of its computer software, OS X 10.10 Yosemite, in June at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. The operating system has a new look, a refined toolbar, new notification-center features and a dark mode. In addition, Yosemite will now synchronize with Apple's iOS mobile operating system through AirDrop file-sharing, iMessage messaging and the ability to make and take phone calls."All in all, they come together for a gorgeous and more usable version of OS X, the best ever," Craig Federighi, senior vice president of software engineering, told developers at the conference. Apple undoubtedly will show off Yosemite on Thursday and talk up the ways it interacts with the iPhone and iPad. The company could also discuss iCloud and other software for its devices. To build customer loyalty and make sure users are accessing the most recent software, Apple last year madeMac OS X 10.9 Mavericks free for download. Yosemite also is free for users, and it's likely Apple will release the software to the public following its event Thursday. Tune back to CNET for full coverage from Apple's event. We'llstart things off with a live show at 8:45 a.m. PT featuring Brian Tong, Donald Bell, Sharon Profis and Stephen Beacham. They'll respond to viewer calls, tweets and emails and feature live reports from Cupertino before handing it over to the reporters on site. Apple's presentation starts at 10 a.m. PT, and we'll be bringing you all the news and commentary from inside the venue.A closer look at Apple OS X Yosemite (pi...See full gallery1 - 4 / 13NextPrev
New Pandora app woos Android tablets as Apple radio grows
New Pandora app woos Android tablets as Apple radio grows
Pandora is getting friendlier with Android tablet users on the heels of now-rival Apple touting the traction of iTunes Radio. Pandora, the Internet's biggest radio service, on Wednesday rolled out a new version of its Android app designed specifically for tablets. The interface takes advantage of bigger screens and has upgraded functions, like the ability to add variety to a station and view more details about the artist and album. Many of the features mimic what the company's dedicated iPad app can do. When it launched the iPad version, Pandora said it was planning an Android tablet app for the fall. Related storiesIs 'Avatar' giving you the blues?Car Tech Live 151:The best of the Detroit auto show (podcast)EMI licenses songs to new ad-supported siteOn Lego Pandora, everyone gets along just fineCarmakers, suppliers ready Sync rivalsAndroid's domination of the tablet market is quickly on its way to join the Google OS' command of the smartphone realm. After Apple introduced the iPad in 2010, it sold more than three quarters of all tablets by the end of that year, according to IDC. By the end of last year, that share dropped below half and by the end of this year, Android should make up about 60 percent of all tablets in the market, according to IDC's estimates. (Android has accumulated 80 percent of the world's smartphone share at IDC's last count.)So it makes sense that Pandora would want to cozy up to Android tablet users. Pandora has long credited its early presence on iPhones and iPads as a key reason it broke away from the pack as the leader in online radio. But Apple became a competitor in addition to being a partner in September with the launch of iTunes Radio, its own long-awaited radio service. Last week, Apple revealed that iTunes Radio has reached 20 million users listening in to a billion songs. That follows the company netting more than 11 million unique listeners in the service's first five days. Pandora has about 72.7 million monthly active listeners. As data about iTunes Radio has emerged, some analysts have crunched the numbers to conclude the negative impact on Pandora has been minimal. A B. Riley analyst determined that iTunes Radio listeners spend 75 percent less time on service than listeners of Pandora, and a Canaccord survey found almost all respondents who had tried iTunes Radio said they still use Pandora: 92 percent. The clearest picture yet of iTunes Radio's effect on Pandora will come early next month when Pandora releases its monthly listener metrics. The numbers for October will be the first month that iTunes and Pandora have coexisted the entire time.
Pandora is getting friendlier with Android tablet users on the heels of now-rival Apple touting the traction of iTunes Radio. Pandora, the Internet's biggest radio service, on Wednesday rolled out a new version of its Android app designed specifically for tablets. The interface takes advantage of bigger screens and has upgraded functions, like the ability to add variety to a station and view more details about the artist and album. Many of the features mimic what the company's dedicated iPad app can do. When it launched the iPad version, Pandora said it was planning an Android tablet app for the fall. Related storiesIs 'Avatar' giving you the blues?Car Tech Live 151:The best of the Detroit auto show (podcast)EMI licenses songs to new ad-supported siteOn Lego Pandora, everyone gets along just fineCarmakers, suppliers ready Sync rivalsAndroid's domination of the tablet market is quickly on its way to join the Google OS' command of the smartphone realm. After Apple introduced the iPad in 2010, it sold more than three quarters of all tablets by the end of that year, according to IDC. By the end of last year, that share dropped below half and by the end of this year, Android should make up about 60 percent of all tablets in the market, according to IDC's estimates. (Android has accumulated 80 percent of the world's smartphone share at IDC's last count.)So it makes sense that Pandora would want to cozy up to Android tablet users. Pandora has long credited its early presence on iPhones and iPads as a key reason it broke away from the pack as the leader in online radio. But Apple became a competitor in addition to being a partner in September with the launch of iTunes Radio, its own long-awaited radio service. Last week, Apple revealed that iTunes Radio has reached 20 million users listening in to a billion songs. That follows the company netting more than 11 million unique listeners in the service's first five days. Pandora has about 72.7 million monthly active listeners. As data about iTunes Radio has emerged, some analysts have crunched the numbers to conclude the negative impact on Pandora has been minimal. A B. Riley analyst determined that iTunes Radio listeners spend 75 percent less time on service than listeners of Pandora, and a Canaccord survey found almost all respondents who had tried iTunes Radio said they still use Pandora: 92 percent. The clearest picture yet of iTunes Radio's effect on Pandora will come early next month when Pandora releases its monthly listener metrics. The numbers for October will be the first month that iTunes and Pandora have coexisted the entire time.
Bose sues Beats over patents on noise-canceling headphones
Bose sues Beats over patents on noise-canceling headphones
The next patent spat involving Apple may have nothing to do with Samsung. Headphone and speaker maker Bose filed suit Friday against Beats, accusing the soon-to-be Apple company of infringing five patents related to noise-canceling headphones. The accused products include the Beats Studio and Studio Wireless headphones, and Bose has asked for financial damages and an injunction to ban the sale of infringing Beats products. See alsoApple finally confirms it's buying Beats for $3BWhy does Apple want Beats? No one really seems to knowApple v. Samsung patent trial recap: How it all turned out (FAQ) Bose said in its complaint, lodged with the US District Court in Delaware and with the US International Trade Commission, that it has "suffered and will continue to suffer damages, in an amount yet to be determined, including due to loss of sales, profits, and potential sales that Bose would have made but for Beats' infringing acts," the company's complaint said. It added that for almost 50 years, it has "made significant investment in the research, development, engineering, and design of proprietary technologies" used in its products. Its current line of noise-canceling headphones, for instance, uses inventions protected by at least 22 US patents and 14 pending patent applications. "Because Bose invests heavily in research and development, and because Bose has built its reputation on producing superior products through innovative technology, Bose's continued success depends in substantial part on its ability to establish, maintain, and protect its proprietary technology through enforcement of its patent rights," the company said in its complaint. Beats declined to comment. We've contacted Apple and will update the report when we have more information. Beats Studio Wireless Over-Ear headphone...See full gallery1 - 4 / 10NextPrev Many technology companies have been turning to the courts of late to defend their inventions. The mobile market has seen the most high-profile litigation, including the many suits between Apple and Samsung. Bose and Beats are two of the most well-known headphone makers in the industry, benefiting from their push into higher-end products. Apple in May said it would buy Beats for $3 billion, giving the electronics giant a popular headphones business and subscription streaming music service. Apple executives have said the company plans to put Beats "on steroids" and use its technology and expertise to give Apple "a head start" on new products for the future. The company said earlier this week during its earnings conference call that it expects the acquisition to close this quarter. "With Beats we felt we were getting an incredible subscription service, a very rare set of talent that we think can do great things in Apple, and access to very fast growing businesses in their headphone and earphone space," Apple CEO Tim Cook said Tuesday. CNBC earlier reported the news.Bose vs Beats
The next patent spat involving Apple may have nothing to do with Samsung. Headphone and speaker maker Bose filed suit Friday against Beats, accusing the soon-to-be Apple company of infringing five patents related to noise-canceling headphones. The accused products include the Beats Studio and Studio Wireless headphones, and Bose has asked for financial damages and an injunction to ban the sale of infringing Beats products. See alsoApple finally confirms it's buying Beats for $3BWhy does Apple want Beats? No one really seems to knowApple v. Samsung patent trial recap: How it all turned out (FAQ) Bose said in its complaint, lodged with the US District Court in Delaware and with the US International Trade Commission, that it has "suffered and will continue to suffer damages, in an amount yet to be determined, including due to loss of sales, profits, and potential sales that Bose would have made but for Beats' infringing acts," the company's complaint said. It added that for almost 50 years, it has "made significant investment in the research, development, engineering, and design of proprietary technologies" used in its products. Its current line of noise-canceling headphones, for instance, uses inventions protected by at least 22 US patents and 14 pending patent applications. "Because Bose invests heavily in research and development, and because Bose has built its reputation on producing superior products through innovative technology, Bose's continued success depends in substantial part on its ability to establish, maintain, and protect its proprietary technology through enforcement of its patent rights," the company said in its complaint. Beats declined to comment. We've contacted Apple and will update the report when we have more information. Beats Studio Wireless Over-Ear headphone...See full gallery1 - 4 / 10NextPrev Many technology companies have been turning to the courts of late to defend their inventions. The mobile market has seen the most high-profile litigation, including the many suits between Apple and Samsung. Bose and Beats are two of the most well-known headphone makers in the industry, benefiting from their push into higher-end products. Apple in May said it would buy Beats for $3 billion, giving the electronics giant a popular headphones business and subscription streaming music service. Apple executives have said the company plans to put Beats "on steroids" and use its technology and expertise to give Apple "a head start" on new products for the future. The company said earlier this week during its earnings conference call that it expects the acquisition to close this quarter. "With Beats we felt we were getting an incredible subscription service, a very rare set of talent that we think can do great things in Apple, and access to very fast growing businesses in their headphone and earphone space," Apple CEO Tim Cook said Tuesday. CNBC earlier reported the news.Bose vs Beats
The 404 404- Where we've made it 403 more episodes than anyone thought we would
The 404 404: Where we've made it 403 more episodes than anyone thought we would
Friends of The 404 celebrate 404 episodes...of The 404!The 404Nobody thought we would make it to our 404th episode, and yet here we are! Life just doesn't make sense sometimes, does it? For this milestone episode, we've invited a ton of our favorite guests and friends of the show to join in the celebration, including Clayton Morris, Caroline McCarthy, Natali Del Conte, Randall Bennett, Tim Geisenheimer, Maggie Reardon, MTI, and more!We kick off the show by telling the story of the show's humble beginnings, when Randall Bennett was the host and it was called The Dudecast...is "The 404" an upgrade or a downgrade from that? Anyway, Wilson also whipped up a hilarious Best-Of reel featuring a handful of funny and memorable moments on The 404, including the first appearance by Space Beer and Subject to You, the Fry Daddy, grocery-bagging competitions, the new Mayor of Hoboken, and many more.Finally, we end the show with a massive Calls From the Public. BIG, big thanks go out to everyone who left us a congratulatory voice mail. We appreciate them all! If you left one for us and didn't hear it in the show, be sure to download the audio version--we strung them all together at the end of the episode!A photographic history of The 404 See full gallery1 - 4 / 23NextPrevAs we finish up our 404th episode, we want to thank all the people that make The 404 possible: Bonnie G,Jason Howell, Blake Stevenson, Gknee, DakLives, the Chatroom, Jamie Lewis, 404 Photoshoppers and historians, our patient managers, Natali Del Conte, Mark Licea, Rich Peterson, Cheryl Holloway, all the guests and their PR, Sarah the Intern, Dan the Mantern, and of course, any females that have ever listened to or even heard of The 404. This list is truncated, so we apologize if we left anyone out!EPISODE 404PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video 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.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Friends of The 404 celebrate 404 episodes...of The 404!The 404Nobody thought we would make it to our 404th episode, and yet here we are! Life just doesn't make sense sometimes, does it? For this milestone episode, we've invited a ton of our favorite guests and friends of the show to join in the celebration, including Clayton Morris, Caroline McCarthy, Natali Del Conte, Randall Bennett, Tim Geisenheimer, Maggie Reardon, MTI, and more!We kick off the show by telling the story of the show's humble beginnings, when Randall Bennett was the host and it was called The Dudecast...is "The 404" an upgrade or a downgrade from that? Anyway, Wilson also whipped up a hilarious Best-Of reel featuring a handful of funny and memorable moments on The 404, including the first appearance by Space Beer and Subject to You, the Fry Daddy, grocery-bagging competitions, the new Mayor of Hoboken, and many more.Finally, we end the show with a massive Calls From the Public. BIG, big thanks go out to everyone who left us a congratulatory voice mail. We appreciate them all! If you left one for us and didn't hear it in the show, be sure to download the audio version--we strung them all together at the end of the episode!A photographic history of The 404 See full gallery1 - 4 / 23NextPrevAs we finish up our 404th episode, we want to thank all the people that make The 404 possible: Bonnie G,Jason Howell, Blake Stevenson, Gknee, DakLives, the Chatroom, Jamie Lewis, 404 Photoshoppers and historians, our patient managers, Natali Del Conte, Mark Licea, Rich Peterson, Cheryl Holloway, all the guests and their PR, Sarah the Intern, Dan the Mantern, and of course, any females that have ever listened to or even heard of The 404. This list is truncated, so we apologize if we left anyone out!EPISODE 404PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video 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.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Mercedes releases boring iPhone app for exciting car
Mercedes releases boring iPhone app for exciting car
Mercedes-Benz AMG is the next automaker to join the battle for customers' attention in the Apple iTunes App Store. Except while the other automakers have built apps that actually do something aside from advertise cars (for example, Audi's game and Ford's photo editor), Mercedes-Benz's app does nothing more than showcase the C63 AMG.The main menu of the application features four options: Video, Photos, Sounds, Specs, and Find a Dealer.Disappointingly, the Videos section is essentially a list of four videos that stream from Mercedes' Web site. Sorry, iPod Touch owners, this means that you'll have to be connected to Wi-Fi to view the videos. It may be a good idea for iPhone 3G users to be connected to Wi-Fi, considering how sluggishly the videos loaded. Once you've gotten past the slow load times, you'll be treated to C63 AMG promo videos, one of which is a commercial that can be seen on TV.The Photos, Sounds, and Specs sections can all be accessed offline, fortunately. The Photos section lets you view a gallery of eight photos of the C63 from various angles. It would be nice if there were a function that let you use one of the photos as a wallpaper, but there isn't. All you can do is look at them. The Sounds section lets you listen to audio clips of the C63, but you can do that by listening to the Car Tech Podcast (shameless plug). The Specs button takes you to--you guessed it--specs for the C63 sedan. Finally, the Find a Dealer button launches a Google Map marked with Mercedes-Benz dealerships (incidentally, there are 10 dealerships in the San Francisco Bay Area).The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG app is only really good for about half an hour of fun, including the time spent waiting for the videos to stream. I'm a big fan of the C63 AMG and even I don't think this app is worth the download. It's almost a shame that such a boring app shares the name of such a fantastic ride.
Mercedes-Benz AMG is the next automaker to join the battle for customers' attention in the Apple iTunes App Store. Except while the other automakers have built apps that actually do something aside from advertise cars (for example, Audi's game and Ford's photo editor), Mercedes-Benz's app does nothing more than showcase the C63 AMG.The main menu of the application features four options: Video, Photos, Sounds, Specs, and Find a Dealer.Disappointingly, the Videos section is essentially a list of four videos that stream from Mercedes' Web site. Sorry, iPod Touch owners, this means that you'll have to be connected to Wi-Fi to view the videos. It may be a good idea for iPhone 3G users to be connected to Wi-Fi, considering how sluggishly the videos loaded. Once you've gotten past the slow load times, you'll be treated to C63 AMG promo videos, one of which is a commercial that can be seen on TV.The Photos, Sounds, and Specs sections can all be accessed offline, fortunately. The Photos section lets you view a gallery of eight photos of the C63 from various angles. It would be nice if there were a function that let you use one of the photos as a wallpaper, but there isn't. All you can do is look at them. The Sounds section lets you listen to audio clips of the C63, but you can do that by listening to the Car Tech Podcast (shameless plug). The Specs button takes you to--you guessed it--specs for the C63 sedan. Finally, the Find a Dealer button launches a Google Map marked with Mercedes-Benz dealerships (incidentally, there are 10 dealerships in the San Francisco Bay Area).The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG app is only really good for about half an hour of fun, including the time spent waiting for the videos to stream. I'm a big fan of the C63 AMG and even I don't think this app is worth the download. It's almost a shame that such a boring app shares the name of such a fantastic ride.
Fearing rivals, Apple eyes iPad Mini Retina in 2013- Analyst
Fearing rivals, Apple eyes iPad Mini Retina in 2013: Analyst
Apple could release the iPad Mini Retina this year as it faces a crush of high-resolution competition, an analyst said Wednesday. Despite production challenges, a Retina version of the iPad Mini could land this year, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. (Via MacRumors.) The Retina version of the Mini -- particularly the display -- is proving difficult to manufacture in the very high volumes required by Apple, analysts have told CNET in the past -- leading some to conclude that a 2014 release is possible.But Kuo believes that the new Mini "may be pulled in for [launch] in late 2013. Since other brand vendors are all expected to have a line-up of new high resolution 7-8 [inch] tablets...over the next 3-6 months." "We think iPad mini 2 may lose its opportunity in the market if it is slated for introduction next year," he added. And he had more to say about what he calls the "iPad Mini 2" and the larger fifth-generation iPad. (The Mini has a 7.9-inch display, while the iPad has a larger 9.7-inch screen.) Both models may sport an A7X chip, which would be a higher performance version of the rumored A7 chip.That would jibe with the current lineup of Apple processors: the iPhone 5 has an A6 processor, while the iPad 4 has a faster A6X. Here's where it gets a little confusing, however.Kuo also referred to another iPad Mini model that could launch in 2014.That would be similar to the current Mini but pack an A6 chip, an upgrade from the A5 used now.Citi Research -- which does not believe the Mini Retina release will be pulled in -- said recently that the second-half 2013 iPad lineup "will be iPad5 (reduced weight, slimmer bezel, thinner design), iPad Mini (the existing model), and a reduced price iPad Mini (likely priced at $249)."
Apple could release the iPad Mini Retina this year as it faces a crush of high-resolution competition, an analyst said Wednesday. Despite production challenges, a Retina version of the iPad Mini could land this year, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. (Via MacRumors.) The Retina version of the Mini -- particularly the display -- is proving difficult to manufacture in the very high volumes required by Apple, analysts have told CNET in the past -- leading some to conclude that a 2014 release is possible.But Kuo believes that the new Mini "may be pulled in for [launch] in late 2013. Since other brand vendors are all expected to have a line-up of new high resolution 7-8 [inch] tablets...over the next 3-6 months." "We think iPad mini 2 may lose its opportunity in the market if it is slated for introduction next year," he added. And he had more to say about what he calls the "iPad Mini 2" and the larger fifth-generation iPad. (The Mini has a 7.9-inch display, while the iPad has a larger 9.7-inch screen.) Both models may sport an A7X chip, which would be a higher performance version of the rumored A7 chip.That would jibe with the current lineup of Apple processors: the iPhone 5 has an A6 processor, while the iPad 4 has a faster A6X. Here's where it gets a little confusing, however.Kuo also referred to another iPad Mini model that could launch in 2014.That would be similar to the current Mini but pack an A6 chip, an upgrade from the A5 used now.Citi Research -- which does not believe the Mini Retina release will be pulled in -- said recently that the second-half 2013 iPad lineup "will be iPad5 (reduced weight, slimmer bezel, thinner design), iPad Mini (the existing model), and a reduced price iPad Mini (likely priced at $249)."
FarmVille makes its way to the iPad
FarmVille makes its way to the iPad
FarmVille is now available to iPad customers, Zynga announced today.Would-be farmers can get their hands on FarmVille by downloading it for free from Apple's App Store. Those who have been playing the game elsewhere can now continue to seed the fields and run tractors over their farms on Apple's tablet. Users who are new to the game can start a whole new farm within the app. Push notifications will be used to alert farmers to the health of their crops, Zynga said.After FarmVille became popular on Facebook and quickly started annoying friends of players who were tired of seeing updates in their News Feed, Zynga offered the game to iPhone owners in June. According to the company, the title sat atop the iTunes App Store's top 25 games list for 50 days after its launch.Now with the help of the iPad, Zynga hopes to build upon that success. But it's hard to imagine a world where FarmVille can get much more popular. The title is played by more than 60 million people around the globe. And according to Zynga, players receive more than 500,000 gifts in the game each day. To say it's a major hit would be an understatement.FarmVille is the first title from Zynga to be made available on Apple's tablet. While the company isn't divulging any specifics, an iPad version of the company's Mafia Wars might not be far off."The iPad is a natural device for gaming. We are excited to bring more Zynga titles to the platform in the future," a company spokesperson said.
FarmVille is now available to iPad customers, Zynga announced today.Would-be farmers can get their hands on FarmVille by downloading it for free from Apple's App Store. Those who have been playing the game elsewhere can now continue to seed the fields and run tractors over their farms on Apple's tablet. Users who are new to the game can start a whole new farm within the app. Push notifications will be used to alert farmers to the health of their crops, Zynga said.After FarmVille became popular on Facebook and quickly started annoying friends of players who were tired of seeing updates in their News Feed, Zynga offered the game to iPhone owners in June. According to the company, the title sat atop the iTunes App Store's top 25 games list for 50 days after its launch.Now with the help of the iPad, Zynga hopes to build upon that success. But it's hard to imagine a world where FarmVille can get much more popular. The title is played by more than 60 million people around the globe. And according to Zynga, players receive more than 500,000 gifts in the game each day. To say it's a major hit would be an understatement.FarmVille is the first title from Zynga to be made available on Apple's tablet. While the company isn't divulging any specifics, an iPad version of the company's Mafia Wars might not be far off."The iPad is a natural device for gaming. We are excited to bring more Zynga titles to the platform in the future," a company spokesperson said.
FaceTime camera for next iPod Touch-
FaceTime camera for next iPod Touch?
Could the iPod Touch be getting the same FaceTime camera as the iPhone 4?Some new images sent to the blog MacRumors make a case for it at least. On Thursday, MacRumors posted images of what looks like the front assembly, including LCD screen and bezel, of a new version of the iPod Touch sent to it by an iPhone part supplier.An iPhone parts supplier sent these images, purportedly of the new iPod Touch, to MacRumors.MacRumorsThe parts are stamped with markings that lend some authenticity that they are actual Apple parts, though these kinds of images tend to start circulating before any upcoming Apple announcement. Some do end up being accurate, but as always should be taken with a grain of salt for now.Apple has for the last few years introduced new iPod models at an early September music-oriented event. It's widely believed that the iPod Touch will finally get a camera (last year the Nano got a camera, the Touch mysteriously did not) and it will be front-facing, for FaceTime calls just like the iPhone 4.At WWDC when Steve Jobs introduced the FaceTime calling feature of the iPhone 4, he added that "Apple will ship tens of millions of FaceTime devices this year." He didn't say iPhones, so it would make sense that Apple is planning to put FaceTime in other devices, with the iPod Touch being a logical candidate.FaceTime is already Wi-Fi only, same as the iPod Touch. Since iPod Touch owners wouldn't have phone numbers connected to the device, Apple will be using e-mail addresses to initiate FaceTime calls, according to MacRumors.Apple declined to comment.Updated at 3:40 p.m. PDT.
Could the iPod Touch be getting the same FaceTime camera as the iPhone 4?Some new images sent to the blog MacRumors make a case for it at least. On Thursday, MacRumors posted images of what looks like the front assembly, including LCD screen and bezel, of a new version of the iPod Touch sent to it by an iPhone part supplier.An iPhone parts supplier sent these images, purportedly of the new iPod Touch, to MacRumors.MacRumorsThe parts are stamped with markings that lend some authenticity that they are actual Apple parts, though these kinds of images tend to start circulating before any upcoming Apple announcement. Some do end up being accurate, but as always should be taken with a grain of salt for now.Apple has for the last few years introduced new iPod models at an early September music-oriented event. It's widely believed that the iPod Touch will finally get a camera (last year the Nano got a camera, the Touch mysteriously did not) and it will be front-facing, for FaceTime calls just like the iPhone 4.At WWDC when Steve Jobs introduced the FaceTime calling feature of the iPhone 4, he added that "Apple will ship tens of millions of FaceTime devices this year." He didn't say iPhones, so it would make sense that Apple is planning to put FaceTime in other devices, with the iPod Touch being a logical candidate.FaceTime is already Wi-Fi only, same as the iPod Touch. Since iPod Touch owners wouldn't have phone numbers connected to the device, Apple will be using e-mail addresses to initiate FaceTime calls, according to MacRumors.Apple declined to comment.Updated at 3:40 p.m. PDT.
Facebook in talks to bring Home to iPhone, Windows Phone
Facebook in talks to bring Home to iPhone, Windows Phone
Facebook is reportedly in talks with Apple and Microsoft about the possibility of creating versions of its Home launcher for the iPhone and Windows Phone.The social network is in negotiations with the companies about expanding the platform to their smartphones, Adam Mosseri, Facebook's director of product, toldBloomberg, noting that talks are ongoing and nothing has been finalized."We've shown them what we've built, and we're just in an ongoing conversation," Mosseri said.Mosseri said the skin could arrive on Apple's platform with a different name and appearance than the one that's been built for Android."We could also just bring some of the design values to the iOS app," he said. "That might be how it ends up. Or we could build just the lock screen."CNET has contacted Apple and Microsoft for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Facebook Home is a set of apps that act as a "skin" on certain Android smartphones, adding personal photos to devices' lock screens and overlaying the chat experience. At Home's unveiling earlier this month, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he would like to see the Facebook experience integrated into all devices, but that that would require partnerships. "Anything that happens with Apple is going to happen with partnership," Zuckerberg said at the time, noting Facebook's "great relationship" with Apple. By contrast, he noted that "Google's Android is open so we don't have to work with them."
Facebook is reportedly in talks with Apple and Microsoft about the possibility of creating versions of its Home launcher for the iPhone and Windows Phone.The social network is in negotiations with the companies about expanding the platform to their smartphones, Adam Mosseri, Facebook's director of product, toldBloomberg, noting that talks are ongoing and nothing has been finalized."We've shown them what we've built, and we're just in an ongoing conversation," Mosseri said.Mosseri said the skin could arrive on Apple's platform with a different name and appearance than the one that's been built for Android."We could also just bring some of the design values to the iOS app," he said. "That might be how it ends up. Or we could build just the lock screen."CNET has contacted Apple and Microsoft for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Facebook Home is a set of apps that act as a "skin" on certain Android smartphones, adding personal photos to devices' lock screens and overlaying the chat experience. At Home's unveiling earlier this month, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he would like to see the Facebook experience integrated into all devices, but that that would require partnerships. "Anything that happens with Apple is going to happen with partnership," Zuckerberg said at the time, noting Facebook's "great relationship" with Apple. By contrast, he noted that "Google's Android is open so we don't have to work with them."
Facebook hires former Apple design manager
Facebook hires former Apple design manager
Facebook has grabbed its latest managerial hire from the ranks of Apple.Chris Weeldreyer, a former user interface design manager for Apple, is now a product design manager for the popular social network. Weeldreyer joined Apple in 2003 before leaving the company this past February, according to his LinkedIn profile.Facebook had been looking to fill the design manager slot with the right person to lead a team of designers.The job has been advertised as primarly a management role. But the company also needed someone who could do hands-on design work."Candidates must have strong visual and interaction skills and the ability to help shape product strategy," the job ad stated. "Candidates that can build their own designs are preferable."Among the skills listed on his LinkedIn page, Weeldreyer cites user interface design, user experience, interaction design, mobile applications, mobile application design, product development, and product design. So it sounds like he has the chops to take on the role.Related storiesFacebook: Mobile could be our worst enemyIf Facebook dies (and it might), its killer will be born mobileFriday Poll: Is Facebook mobile enough for you?Facebook officially launches mobile 'App Center'The skillset in mobile applications and mobile application design may also have caught Facebook's eye.The company has faced some challeges in the mobile market. Its mobile apps have been dinged for a certain lack of quality and user-friendliness. But more people than ever are using mobile devices to hop online. So, like other players, Facebook needs to figure out how to better thrive in that mobile world.
Facebook has grabbed its latest managerial hire from the ranks of Apple.Chris Weeldreyer, a former user interface design manager for Apple, is now a product design manager for the popular social network. Weeldreyer joined Apple in 2003 before leaving the company this past February, according to his LinkedIn profile.Facebook had been looking to fill the design manager slot with the right person to lead a team of designers.The job has been advertised as primarly a management role. But the company also needed someone who could do hands-on design work."Candidates must have strong visual and interaction skills and the ability to help shape product strategy," the job ad stated. "Candidates that can build their own designs are preferable."Among the skills listed on his LinkedIn page, Weeldreyer cites user interface design, user experience, interaction design, mobile applications, mobile application design, product development, and product design. So it sounds like he has the chops to take on the role.Related storiesFacebook: Mobile could be our worst enemyIf Facebook dies (and it might), its killer will be born mobileFriday Poll: Is Facebook mobile enough for you?Facebook officially launches mobile 'App Center'The skillset in mobile applications and mobile application design may also have caught Facebook's eye.The company has faced some challeges in the mobile market. Its mobile apps have been dinged for a certain lack of quality and user-friendliness. But more people than ever are using mobile devices to hop online. So, like other players, Facebook needs to figure out how to better thrive in that mobile world.
Hocus Focus eliminates desktop clutter on your Mac
Hocus Focus menu.
Jason Cipriani/CNET
For me, having multiple apps and windows open on my Mac's desktop is the norm. While I often shuffle through them with the Command-Tab shortcut, my cluttered desktop can feel a tad overwhelming at times.
I may go over an hour before I need to look at a particular window, yet there it is, distracting me by taking up space on my desktop.
Hocus Focus, a free utility for Mac OS X 10.10 I originally found on Product Hunt, automatically hides inactive windows after a set amount of time.
After downloading and installing the app, look for an icon resembling a magic wand in the Menu Bar at the top of your screen. Clicking on it will reveal a list of all open apps, both hidden and visible.
Changing the time it takes to hide a window.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Any apps that are both open and inactive will have a circle next to the name, and as time progresses the circle will fill in blue. Once time runs out (30 seconds is the default time), the window will be hidden. It's important to note that the app isn't closed, so you don't need to worry about losing work. Hocus Focus simply hides the window in the same fashion as if you had hidden it using Command-H yourself.
You can change the time it takes for an inactive window to be hidden on an app-by-app basis; simply hover over an app in Hocus Focus and move the scroll bar to the right.
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