An iTunes cloud service not imminent, insiders say
The Boy Genius Report's article cited an anonymous source who declared that the Apple service will offer "streaming music and movies from Apple's servers to your computers," will sync iTunes with devices, and will stream content from a home computer to other Web-enabled gadgets.While some of this has previously been reported in other publications, including CNET, there are still questions about the timing of the launch. Apple representatives did not respond to an interview request. It is hard to say what Boy Genius Report's source meant by "soon." But it is worth noting that Apple has yet to obtain necessary licenses from the top four recording companies, multiple music industry insiders told CNET. These industry insiders said Apple has indeed engaged in discussions with the music labels but that the record executives haven't even seen all the details yet. In the viewpoint of some at the major labels, Apple could enable iTunes users to stream songs from a home computer to other gadgets without requiring new negotiation, but for Apple to stream music from its own servers to computers and related devices, Apple CEO Steve Jobs would be required to cut a new deal, the sources told CNET.Apple has been laying the groundwork for a cloud service since at least December, when it acquired streaming-music service Lala. Since then, Apple has held discussions with executives at the film studios and music labels about moving into the cloud. The obvious benefit of such a service is that by storing films and songs on Apple's servers, the need for local storage would be eliminated.In the meantime, Google has discussed launching an iTunes challenger with entertainment companies--one that could offer streaming songs, as well as downloads. To license or not?A slim chance exists that Apple doesn't agree that it needs the labels' permission to stream music. Michael Robertson, MP3tunes.com founderMichael Robertson, a noted tech entrepreneur and founder of MP3tunes.com, is facing music label EMI in court over this very question. MP3tunes.com offers to store copies of users' songs on his company's servers, or the cloud, and then stream the tunes back to them via Web-enabled devices. Robertson, who founded pioneering service MP3.com (which was later acquired by CNET), argues that he doesn't need a license to distribute songs legally acquired by consumers. In EMI's copyright complaint, filed in 2007, EMI alleges that Robertson's MP3tunes.com and Sideload.com are run-of-the-mill piracy operations. According to EMI, Sideload finds and organizes links to pilfered music files on the Web. MP3tunes then enables those pirated files to be stored, copied, and downloaded to devices without paying a dime to the music creators, EMI charges.In a 2008 interview, Robertson said EMI's allegations are a ruse. What the label is really after is to prevent him and anyone else from storing music in digital lockers without first paying licensing fees.A music start-up that launched this week, MSpot, appears to be following Robertson's lead. The service promises to stream users' music from the cloud to their computers or Android devices. CEO Daren Tsui told the Associated Press this week: "We feel that it is the consumer's right to stream music that they already own to their own mobiles." Well, Tsui had better have a good lawyer because he and mSpot will undoubtedly have to defend that position in court. And if Apple would decide to go down this path, it too would face a fight because the labels are very much prepared to stand firm on the issue, the music sources said. So, unless Apple is ready to go to war, don't expect an iTunes cloud service--at least one offering music--anytime soon. Music insiders say that while the whole sector would welcome an iTunes cloud service, negotiating the licenses will likely take months. Note to readers, 9:14 a.m. PT: Lala's music licenses would not transfer to Apple, the music sources said. U nder theagreement Lala had with the labels, any acquisition of the company required the new owner to renegotiate the licensing agreements. Thanks to reader Joe S. for the question.
iPad 3 to get February intro, March release-
iPad 3 to get February intro, March release?
We could be a few weeks away from getting a peek at Apple's next iPad, if a new report is to be believed.Citing an Asian supplier and "a source in United States," Japanese Apple blog Macotakara says that Apple is cooking up a special event in "early February" to take the wraps off its next iPad, with a formal launch of the product taking place sometime the following month.Why the delay? Macotakara says that the Chinese factories involved with the production if iPad 3 units will be celebrating the Chinese New Year, which kicks off at the beginning of next week.It's not unusual for Apple to delay the sale of a product from its formal introduction, however that time period has only been a week or two for new iterations of existing products. In the case of the iPad 2, the product was unveiled at an event on March 2, 2011, with a release on March 11. With the original iPad it was considerably longer, with Apple unveiling the product on January 27, 2010 and not putting it on sale until April 3. That same timing held true with some of the latest iPhones, with the device shipping about a week and a half after its introduction. For its predecessor, the iPhone 4, that turnaround time was a little more than two weeks.This is the latest report to suggest that Apple's aiming for a March release for the iPad 3, and the second to come from Macotakara. In October, the blog suggested Apple was planning on a March release, and making use of a new type of dock connector that would be considerably smaller from the one on current iOS devices. A story from Bloomberg last week also claimed March would be the time when the product hits shelves.One thing worth pointing out is that a March launch would further move the iPad's release cycle closer to the beginning of the year. That's an impressive feat from a technical standpoint, but also one that could affect sales of the product during the holiday shopping season, with buyers potentially holding off on a purchase in anticipation of Apple delivering a new model just a couple of months later.Those kind of expectations left a notable mark on iPhone sales during Apple's fourth fiscal quarter last year, with the company selling fewer iPhones than most of Wall Street expected. The big difference in that case was that the product's refresh ran longer than usual.On the event front, Apple is set to hold its first one of the year with an education-themed announcementin New York next week. While no hardware is anticipated, the event is said to involve the iPad with additions to the company's iBookstore and iTunes U initiatives. (via Macrumors)
We could be a few weeks away from getting a peek at Apple's next iPad, if a new report is to be believed.Citing an Asian supplier and "a source in United States," Japanese Apple blog Macotakara says that Apple is cooking up a special event in "early February" to take the wraps off its next iPad, with a formal launch of the product taking place sometime the following month.Why the delay? Macotakara says that the Chinese factories involved with the production if iPad 3 units will be celebrating the Chinese New Year, which kicks off at the beginning of next week.It's not unusual for Apple to delay the sale of a product from its formal introduction, however that time period has only been a week or two for new iterations of existing products. In the case of the iPad 2, the product was unveiled at an event on March 2, 2011, with a release on March 11. With the original iPad it was considerably longer, with Apple unveiling the product on January 27, 2010 and not putting it on sale until April 3. That same timing held true with some of the latest iPhones, with the device shipping about a week and a half after its introduction. For its predecessor, the iPhone 4, that turnaround time was a little more than two weeks.This is the latest report to suggest that Apple's aiming for a March release for the iPad 3, and the second to come from Macotakara. In October, the blog suggested Apple was planning on a March release, and making use of a new type of dock connector that would be considerably smaller from the one on current iOS devices. A story from Bloomberg last week also claimed March would be the time when the product hits shelves.One thing worth pointing out is that a March launch would further move the iPad's release cycle closer to the beginning of the year. That's an impressive feat from a technical standpoint, but also one that could affect sales of the product during the holiday shopping season, with buyers potentially holding off on a purchase in anticipation of Apple delivering a new model just a couple of months later.Those kind of expectations left a notable mark on iPhone sales during Apple's fourth fiscal quarter last year, with the company selling fewer iPhones than most of Wall Street expected. The big difference in that case was that the product's refresh ran longer than usual.On the event front, Apple is set to hold its first one of the year with an education-themed announcementin New York next week. While no hardware is anticipated, the event is said to involve the iPad with additions to the company's iBookstore and iTunes U initiatives. (via Macrumors)
Apple iTV- coming in early February with a built-in hard drive-
Apple iTV: coming in early February with a built-in hard drive?
By this time next week, Steve Jobs' Macworld Expo keynote address will be history.While guesses about what will be announced run the gamut from the mundane (OS X upgrades) to the lustful (iPod phone and/or wide-screen video iPod), it's a near certainty that we'll get more details on Apple's so-called iTV product. The iTV--its final name is still pending--is Apple's take on the digital media receiver.It's a small box designed to stream your computer-based iTunes media (movies, TV shows, music, podcasts) to your big-screen TV and home theater system--basically, a networked "home iPod." The little that's known about the iTV is what Jobs revealed back in September 2006: It's got built-in wireless networking, HDMI output, and--perhaps most importantly--it's priced at just $300. But when will you be able to buy an iTV? And what features of the device does Apple have yet to reveal? Nobody knows for sure, but rumor site Appleinsider.com (as spotted on Digg) has some relevant dirt, thanks to "people familiar with the matter" (otherwise known as anonymous sources).The iTV will ship in just a few weeks ("late January or early February"). Moreover, it's said to have a "small hard drive" which would enable some local content storage, according to information previously leaked by Disney CEO Robert Iger (a friend and colleague of Jobs--the Apple CEO, you'll remember, also sits on Disney's board of directors as a result of the entertainment company's 2006 buyout of his other company, animation stalwart Pixar). What do these latest rumors mean?Not too much, in the grand scheme of things. While Apple generally has its new products available within days of their announcements--if not instantaneously--anytime between now and the end of March would still fall within the previously announced first-quarter time frame. As for the inclusion of a small hard drive: maybe, maybe not. Yes, hard drives are dirt cheap these days, and Apple gets some of the best discounts in the business. But Iger's "hard drive" phrasing may be a layman's description of a decent flash memory capacity (say, 2GB to 4GB) that could be used to cache media files--especially video--as they zip across a home network, to deliver smoother performance. A few gigs also could be helpful when streaming Web radio and increasingly large digital photos. Whatever the actual release date or storage capacity, however, there's no doubt that the iTV is going to shake up the market for digitally-delivered media. By this time next week, we'll have a much better idea of exactly how much. In the meantime, look for the rumors to reach a fever pitch.Previous iTV coverage:iTV: beam there, done thatApple's iTV: promise and perilApple previews iTV network digital media playerVideo: Steve Jobs unveils the iTV
By this time next week, Steve Jobs' Macworld Expo keynote address will be history.While guesses about what will be announced run the gamut from the mundane (OS X upgrades) to the lustful (iPod phone and/or wide-screen video iPod), it's a near certainty that we'll get more details on Apple's so-called iTV product. The iTV--its final name is still pending--is Apple's take on the digital media receiver.It's a small box designed to stream your computer-based iTunes media (movies, TV shows, music, podcasts) to your big-screen TV and home theater system--basically, a networked "home iPod." The little that's known about the iTV is what Jobs revealed back in September 2006: It's got built-in wireless networking, HDMI output, and--perhaps most importantly--it's priced at just $300. But when will you be able to buy an iTV? And what features of the device does Apple have yet to reveal? Nobody knows for sure, but rumor site Appleinsider.com (as spotted on Digg) has some relevant dirt, thanks to "people familiar with the matter" (otherwise known as anonymous sources).The iTV will ship in just a few weeks ("late January or early February"). Moreover, it's said to have a "small hard drive" which would enable some local content storage, according to information previously leaked by Disney CEO Robert Iger (a friend and colleague of Jobs--the Apple CEO, you'll remember, also sits on Disney's board of directors as a result of the entertainment company's 2006 buyout of his other company, animation stalwart Pixar). What do these latest rumors mean?Not too much, in the grand scheme of things. While Apple generally has its new products available within days of their announcements--if not instantaneously--anytime between now and the end of March would still fall within the previously announced first-quarter time frame. As for the inclusion of a small hard drive: maybe, maybe not. Yes, hard drives are dirt cheap these days, and Apple gets some of the best discounts in the business. But Iger's "hard drive" phrasing may be a layman's description of a decent flash memory capacity (say, 2GB to 4GB) that could be used to cache media files--especially video--as they zip across a home network, to deliver smoother performance. A few gigs also could be helpful when streaming Web radio and increasingly large digital photos. Whatever the actual release date or storage capacity, however, there's no doubt that the iTV is going to shake up the market for digitally-delivered media. By this time next week, we'll have a much better idea of exactly how much. In the meantime, look for the rumors to reach a fever pitch.Previous iTV coverage:iTV: beam there, done thatApple's iTV: promise and perilApple previews iTV network digital media playerVideo: Steve Jobs unveils the iTV
Scosche iKit replaces car stereo with iPad
Scosche iKit replaces car stereo with iPad
We've seen a few custom iPad dashboard mounts from the guys at SoundMan car audio. Now Scosche, manufacturer of car audio accessories, is stepping up to the plate and developing its own iPad dashboard mount kit, appropriately--and predictably--known as the Scosche iKit.Unlike the iPhone mounts that we've seen from this manufacturer, the iKitactually starts a double-DIN module that replaces your car's stereo with an auxiliary audio input and a powered USB port for charging. Protruding from this module is a mounting knob onto which an iPad-mounting cradle is attached. You can then position the iPad and tighten a locking ring to hold the tablet in place. Included in the kit is a 30-pin dock connector cable that connects the iPad into the system's USB port and auxiliary input.The connected iPad can then play back audio from its iTunes library through the vehicle's speakers when charging over USB. When used with an iPad 3G, you can choose from a number of Internet streaming audio sources or use the iPad with a navigation app such as the freshly minted CoPilot Live HD for turn-by-turn directions.We assume that there's some sort of wire harness coming out of the back of the iKit to connect the car's speakers and 12-volt power. There would also need to be some sort of internal amplifier, as the iPad's headphone jack doesn't output enough juice to push four or more speakers. However, Scosche hasn't outlined any installation instructions or details about the iKit's internal electronics. Until Scosche releases more details, check out the introduction video below for a sneak peak at the iKit in action.Is this new wave of iPad car audio accessories a cool implementation of new technology or does it herald a whole new level of driver distractions? Make yourself heard in the comments.
We've seen a few custom iPad dashboard mounts from the guys at SoundMan car audio. Now Scosche, manufacturer of car audio accessories, is stepping up to the plate and developing its own iPad dashboard mount kit, appropriately--and predictably--known as the Scosche iKit.Unlike the iPhone mounts that we've seen from this manufacturer, the iKitactually starts a double-DIN module that replaces your car's stereo with an auxiliary audio input and a powered USB port for charging. Protruding from this module is a mounting knob onto which an iPad-mounting cradle is attached. You can then position the iPad and tighten a locking ring to hold the tablet in place. Included in the kit is a 30-pin dock connector cable that connects the iPad into the system's USB port and auxiliary input.The connected iPad can then play back audio from its iTunes library through the vehicle's speakers when charging over USB. When used with an iPad 3G, you can choose from a number of Internet streaming audio sources or use the iPad with a navigation app such as the freshly minted CoPilot Live HD for turn-by-turn directions.We assume that there's some sort of wire harness coming out of the back of the iKit to connect the car's speakers and 12-volt power. There would also need to be some sort of internal amplifier, as the iPad's headphone jack doesn't output enough juice to push four or more speakers. However, Scosche hasn't outlined any installation instructions or details about the iKit's internal electronics. Until Scosche releases more details, check out the introduction video below for a sneak peak at the iKit in action.Is this new wave of iPad car audio accessories a cool implementation of new technology or does it herald a whole new level of driver distractions? Make yourself heard in the comments.
How to stream podcasts to your iPhone, iPod, or iPad
How to stream podcasts to your iPhone, iPod, or iPad
Podcasts are awesome-sauce. When I'm in the car or out for a run, there's nothing I like better than an episode of "This American Life," "Wiretap," or the amazing new radio-drama "The Truth."Seriously, what's not to like? iTunes is home to zillions of podcasts -- there's literally something for everyone -- and they're all free.There is, of course, one downside: podcasts consume space. Not a ton (the average episode of "This American Life" is about 27MB, the equivalent of three or four MP3 song files), but if your iPhone is already brimming with apps, music, videos, and the like, you might not have the necessary storage for all the great shows you want to hear.No problem: the iTunes app actually lets you stream podcasts rather than download them. It's not immediately obvious how, especially with that big, inviting download button next to each show title -- and no sign of a Play button. Let's walk through the steps.Open the iTunes app.Tap More, then Podcasts, then find a podcast you want to hear. (Alternately, of course, you can search for a particular show.) If you're a history buff, you can't go wrong with Mike Duncan's "The History of Rome."Notice the "Free" button next to each available episode. Tapping that is how you download a podcast, which isn't what we want here. Instead, tap the title of the episode.Presto! The podcast starts streaming right away. And, thankfully, iTunes is smart enough to resume playback where you left off, even if you stream a different podcast in the interim.The caveat, of course, is that streaming consumes your monthly data bandwidth, just like streaming from the likes of Pandora or Netflix. But podcasts are encoded at a lower bit rate than music, and certainly don't use anywhere near the bandwidth of video, so the impact should be pretty negligible. And you won't have to devote any precious storage to your shows.Now that you know how to stream podcasts from iTunes, you might want to consider streaming podcasts from an app other than iTunes -- one that gives you a lot more control over subscriptions and management. Two popular choices: Podcatcher and Instacast; the latter recently updated to a 2.0 version with a bunch of new features.I've listed some of my favorite podcasts; now let's hear yours. Hit the comments and tell me which shows make your travels infinitely more pleasant.
Podcasts are awesome-sauce. When I'm in the car or out for a run, there's nothing I like better than an episode of "This American Life," "Wiretap," or the amazing new radio-drama "The Truth."Seriously, what's not to like? iTunes is home to zillions of podcasts -- there's literally something for everyone -- and they're all free.There is, of course, one downside: podcasts consume space. Not a ton (the average episode of "This American Life" is about 27MB, the equivalent of three or four MP3 song files), but if your iPhone is already brimming with apps, music, videos, and the like, you might not have the necessary storage for all the great shows you want to hear.No problem: the iTunes app actually lets you stream podcasts rather than download them. It's not immediately obvious how, especially with that big, inviting download button next to each show title -- and no sign of a Play button. Let's walk through the steps.Open the iTunes app.Tap More, then Podcasts, then find a podcast you want to hear. (Alternately, of course, you can search for a particular show.) If you're a history buff, you can't go wrong with Mike Duncan's "The History of Rome."Notice the "Free" button next to each available episode. Tapping that is how you download a podcast, which isn't what we want here. Instead, tap the title of the episode.Presto! The podcast starts streaming right away. And, thankfully, iTunes is smart enough to resume playback where you left off, even if you stream a different podcast in the interim.The caveat, of course, is that streaming consumes your monthly data bandwidth, just like streaming from the likes of Pandora or Netflix. But podcasts are encoded at a lower bit rate than music, and certainly don't use anywhere near the bandwidth of video, so the impact should be pretty negligible. And you won't have to devote any precious storage to your shows.Now that you know how to stream podcasts from iTunes, you might want to consider streaming podcasts from an app other than iTunes -- one that gives you a lot more control over subscriptions and management. Two popular choices: Podcatcher and Instacast; the latter recently updated to a 2.0 version with a bunch of new features.I've listed some of my favorite podcasts; now let's hear yours. Hit the comments and tell me which shows make your travels infinitely more pleasant.
The 128GB iPad hits the Apple Store, starting at $799
The 128GB iPad hits the Apple Store, starting at $799
Apple's 128GB iPad is now for sale.The storage-stuffed iPad Apple was announced just last week. It is identical to the fourth-generation iPad that Apple launched last year, except that it doubles the then-highest storage option of 64GB. And with the extra 64GB comes a bump in price. Apple's 128GB iPad starts at $799 for the Wi-Fi-only model, and those who want cellular connectivity will need to pay $929.As of this writing, the Wi-Fi-only model is available to ship in one to three business days. Interestingly, the version capable of connecting to AT&T's network is also listed as available in one to three business days. The Sprint and Verizon versions, however, will require customers to wait three to five business days.Much has been made about the 128GB iPad's price, which is just shy of a full-blown Mac notebook. For Apple, however, the additional storage provides a nicely profitable scenario. Last week, IHS analyst Andrew Rassweiler told CNET in an e-mailed statement that Apple pays about 55 cents per gigabyte of additional storage in its iPads. So, to add an extra 64GB to the iPad costs the company about $35.20. However, the 128GB option costs $100 more than the 64GB version.
Apple's 128GB iPad is now for sale.The storage-stuffed iPad Apple was announced just last week. It is identical to the fourth-generation iPad that Apple launched last year, except that it doubles the then-highest storage option of 64GB. And with the extra 64GB comes a bump in price. Apple's 128GB iPad starts at $799 for the Wi-Fi-only model, and those who want cellular connectivity will need to pay $929.As of this writing, the Wi-Fi-only model is available to ship in one to three business days. Interestingly, the version capable of connecting to AT&T's network is also listed as available in one to three business days. The Sprint and Verizon versions, however, will require customers to wait three to five business days.Much has been made about the 128GB iPad's price, which is just shy of a full-blown Mac notebook. For Apple, however, the additional storage provides a nicely profitable scenario. Last week, IHS analyst Andrew Rassweiler told CNET in an e-mailed statement that Apple pays about 55 cents per gigabyte of additional storage in its iPads. So, to add an extra 64GB to the iPad costs the company about $35.20. However, the 128GB option costs $100 more than the 64GB version.
The 2 percent- iPhone 5S, 5C find a fast foothold
The 2 percent: iPhone 5S, 5C find a fast foothold
The iPhone 5S and 5C continue to steamroll their way through the US, at least based on online activations.As of Thursday, the two new iPhones accounted for 2 percent of all active iPhones in the US, according to a new report from Localytics. That percentage showed a healthy rise from the 1.4 percent observed last Sunday -- during the devices' first weekend of sales -- leading the analytics firm to proclaim that adoption of the two phones "continues at a rapid pace."The iPhone 5S is still outshining the iPhone 5C, though the gap between the two has narrowed since last week. On September 22, activations for the 5S outscored those of the 5C by a factor of 3.4. But as of Thursday, that ratio had dropped to 2.9, with the 5S accounting for 1.5 percent of all iPhone activations and the 5C for 0.5 percent.AT&T and Verizon subscribers showed an overwhelming preference for the 5S. But 46 percent of those on Sprint and 40 percent of those on T-Mobile gave the nod to the 5C.Of course, one factor that plays into all this data is availability. The iPhone 5S is in short supply. Apple's online stores across the world estimate a ship time somewhere in October. The 5C is more readily available, shipping within 24 hours.To compile its latest report, Localytics analyzed more than 20 million iPhone activations in the US from Friday, September 20, until Thursday, September 26.
The iPhone 5S and 5C continue to steamroll their way through the US, at least based on online activations.As of Thursday, the two new iPhones accounted for 2 percent of all active iPhones in the US, according to a new report from Localytics. That percentage showed a healthy rise from the 1.4 percent observed last Sunday -- during the devices' first weekend of sales -- leading the analytics firm to proclaim that adoption of the two phones "continues at a rapid pace."The iPhone 5S is still outshining the iPhone 5C, though the gap between the two has narrowed since last week. On September 22, activations for the 5S outscored those of the 5C by a factor of 3.4. But as of Thursday, that ratio had dropped to 2.9, with the 5S accounting for 1.5 percent of all iPhone activations and the 5C for 0.5 percent.AT&T and Verizon subscribers showed an overwhelming preference for the 5S. But 46 percent of those on Sprint and 40 percent of those on T-Mobile gave the nod to the 5C.Of course, one factor that plays into all this data is availability. The iPhone 5S is in short supply. Apple's online stores across the world estimate a ship time somewhere in October. The 5C is more readily available, shipping within 24 hours.To compile its latest report, Localytics analyzed more than 20 million iPhone activations in the US from Friday, September 20, until Thursday, September 26.
Apple updates App Store screenshot rules to shutter scam
Apple updates App Store screenshot rules to shutter scam
Apple announced a new App Store policy for developers today that effectively puts an end to a common bait-and-switch scam.In a note on its Developer Portal, Apple said screenshots submitted by developers to accompany app descriptions in its App Store will be locked in place when the app wins approval.Beginning January 9, app screenshots will be locked in iTunes Connect once your app has been approved. New screenshots may be uploaded when you submit a binary for an update to an existing app or a new app.Before the new policy went into place, app developers would often upload legitimate game screenshots to accompany the app description, then switch them out for screenshots that resembled more popular games once the app was approved. The switch often snagged unsuspecting victims who assumed they were downloading a different app.The popular game Minecraft was a frequent target of clone apps, with developers lifting screenshots from the game to promote an unrelated game. One example, cited by Panic Blog, showed a game called Mooncraft with a Minecraft app image that billed itself as "a moon-themed Minecraft-type game for iOS." But as a Panic video shows (see below), the game was instead an app that featured building blocks labeled with numbers and letters. While this presumably means that scamming developers will no longer be able to game the App Store, it also hobbles legitimate developers trying to keep their app descriptions up to date.So, the bad apples in the App Store once again make it harder on the rest of us. Thanks! [I do think it'll help, just wish it wasn't needed]â€" David Barnard (@drbarnard) January 9, 2013(Via MacRumors)
Apple announced a new App Store policy for developers today that effectively puts an end to a common bait-and-switch scam.In a note on its Developer Portal, Apple said screenshots submitted by developers to accompany app descriptions in its App Store will be locked in place when the app wins approval.Beginning January 9, app screenshots will be locked in iTunes Connect once your app has been approved. New screenshots may be uploaded when you submit a binary for an update to an existing app or a new app.Before the new policy went into place, app developers would often upload legitimate game screenshots to accompany the app description, then switch them out for screenshots that resembled more popular games once the app was approved. The switch often snagged unsuspecting victims who assumed they were downloading a different app.The popular game Minecraft was a frequent target of clone apps, with developers lifting screenshots from the game to promote an unrelated game. One example, cited by Panic Blog, showed a game called Mooncraft with a Minecraft app image that billed itself as "a moon-themed Minecraft-type game for iOS." But as a Panic video shows (see below), the game was instead an app that featured building blocks labeled with numbers and letters. While this presumably means that scamming developers will no longer be able to game the App Store, it also hobbles legitimate developers trying to keep their app descriptions up to date.So, the bad apples in the App Store once again make it harder on the rest of us. Thanks! [I do think it'll help, just wish it wasn't needed]â€" David Barnard (@drbarnard) January 9, 2013(Via MacRumors)
Apple tweaks international App Store pricing
Apple tweaks international App Store pricing
What does a dollar get you in Apple's App Store these days? Not the same thing it may have gotten you yesterday if you're a non-U.S. buyer. As picked up by MacStories and MacRumors, Apple's rolled out sweeping pricing changes to content in its international App Stores. For some the change has been beneficial with app prices going down; for others, software has seen a price increase. An Apple spokeswoman told CNET the "minor" price adjustments are due to changes in foreign exchange rates and local tax laws in those countries. Those changes are limited to the App Store and the Mac App Store, and not the company's hardware, the person said. A report from 9to5mac from earlier today suggested that pricing on refreshed Apple hardware (specifically yet to be announced MacBook Airs, Mac Minis and white MacBooks) would be receiving price drops to coincide with changes in the U.S. exchange rate, with some models dropping in excess of $100. So how much of a change are we talking for software? MacRumors has charted out a handful of changes from six countries, notably the UK, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland and Norway. Of the bunch the UK, Mexico and Norway have seen price increases, with Australia, Japan and Switzerland seeing minor reductions. On smaller apps the adjustments have been reflected with just a few cents worth of difference from the original cost. With bigger ticket items (which are often found in Apple's Mac App Store), the change can be more noticeable.Apple's App Store turned three years old this week, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 3G and iOS 2.0. Last week the company announced that more than15 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store, which is up to 425,000 apps.
What does a dollar get you in Apple's App Store these days? Not the same thing it may have gotten you yesterday if you're a non-U.S. buyer. As picked up by MacStories and MacRumors, Apple's rolled out sweeping pricing changes to content in its international App Stores. For some the change has been beneficial with app prices going down; for others, software has seen a price increase. An Apple spokeswoman told CNET the "minor" price adjustments are due to changes in foreign exchange rates and local tax laws in those countries. Those changes are limited to the App Store and the Mac App Store, and not the company's hardware, the person said. A report from 9to5mac from earlier today suggested that pricing on refreshed Apple hardware (specifically yet to be announced MacBook Airs, Mac Minis and white MacBooks) would be receiving price drops to coincide with changes in the U.S. exchange rate, with some models dropping in excess of $100. So how much of a change are we talking for software? MacRumors has charted out a handful of changes from six countries, notably the UK, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland and Norway. Of the bunch the UK, Mexico and Norway have seen price increases, with Australia, Japan and Switzerland seeing minor reductions. On smaller apps the adjustments have been reflected with just a few cents worth of difference from the original cost. With bigger ticket items (which are often found in Apple's Mac App Store), the change can be more noticeable.Apple's App Store turned three years old this week, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 3G and iOS 2.0. Last week the company announced that more than15 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store, which is up to 425,000 apps.
Apple may rev up iTunes 11 at tomorrow's iPad Mini event
Apple may rev up iTunes 11 at tomorrow's iPad Mini event
iTunes users waiting for the new version could find their wait over sometime tomorrow.Reports cited by MacNN and other blog sites say that Apple will officially kick off iTunes 11 at its iPad Mini event tomorrow.Apple showed off the latest update to iTunes at its iPhone 5 launch event on September 12, promising that the new version would come sometime in October. So tomorrow does seem a likely candidate.iTunes 11 offers the latest refresh to the now 12-year-old music player. The interface itself has been redesigned, while iCloud support is now built in. And the new mini player offers more controls so you don't have to open the full applications as often.CNET's live coverage of Apple's event tomorrowiTunes has a long and sometimes rocky history.The software started as a basic music player. It then gradually incorporated more features throughout the years, such as iPod synchronization, TV shows and movies, iOS apps, and the Ping social network. But with the new features, iTunes also gained weight.I run iTunes on my PC and Mac Mini and have watched the software become slower and buggier as it's taken on more features. I had almost come to expect the program to crash or freeze on my PC each time I ran it.The last few iterations of iTunes have certainly improved performance. The software generally behaves itself now, so crashes and freezes are no longer the rule.Still, I think iTunes remains slow, bloated, and feature-heavy. I'd like to see Apple truly streamline the software to bring it back to its core purpose of playing and sychronizing music, movies, TV shows, and other items.
iTunes users waiting for the new version could find their wait over sometime tomorrow.Reports cited by MacNN and other blog sites say that Apple will officially kick off iTunes 11 at its iPad Mini event tomorrow.Apple showed off the latest update to iTunes at its iPhone 5 launch event on September 12, promising that the new version would come sometime in October. So tomorrow does seem a likely candidate.iTunes 11 offers the latest refresh to the now 12-year-old music player. The interface itself has been redesigned, while iCloud support is now built in. And the new mini player offers more controls so you don't have to open the full applications as often.CNET's live coverage of Apple's event tomorrowiTunes has a long and sometimes rocky history.The software started as a basic music player. It then gradually incorporated more features throughout the years, such as iPod synchronization, TV shows and movies, iOS apps, and the Ping social network. But with the new features, iTunes also gained weight.I run iTunes on my PC and Mac Mini and have watched the software become slower and buggier as it's taken on more features. I had almost come to expect the program to crash or freeze on my PC each time I ran it.The last few iterations of iTunes have certainly improved performance. The software generally behaves itself now, so crashes and freezes are no longer the rule.Still, I think iTunes remains slow, bloated, and feature-heavy. I'd like to see Apple truly streamline the software to bring it back to its core purpose of playing and sychronizing music, movies, TV shows, and other items.
Apple may phase out iPad 2 to make room for iPad Mini
Apple may phase out iPad 2 to make room for iPad Mini
Tablet buyers may see the iPad 2 sink away as the iPad Mini prepares to surface, says Evercore Partners analyst Rob Cihra.Chira said he thinks Apple could phase out the iPad 2 because the company's vision leads toward "clearer product tiers," according to AppleInsider. Apple is expected to unveil the iPad Mini at a launch event on October 23.Launched in March 2011, the 16GB iPad 2 is currently available through Apple at a price of $399 for the Wi-Fi only version and $529 for the Wi-Fi + 3G edition. In contrast, the new iPad starts at a price of $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version and shoots up to $829 for the 64GB model with Wi-Fi and 4G.Apple has teased at a smaller iPad, using the term "we've got a little more to show you" on the invites for the October 23 event. But the company hasn't yet officially announced any such device, so there's been only speculation about it. Some reports say the smaller tablet will sport a 7.85-inch screen with the entry-level model offering 8GB of storage and Wi-Fi only access and a price tag of $249.A few rumors have pinned November 2 as the date the new tablet will go on sale. A "source close to Apple's supply chain" reportedly confirmed that date to TechCrunch as well.Related storiesiPad Mini: What we don't knowiPad Mini: What we expectAlleged iPad Mini screen, battery leaked in photosiPad Mini could hit stores November 2Cihra predicts Apple will sell close to 7 million iPad Mini devices in the current quarter, adding up to total iPad sales of 26 million.Looking at last quarter, he's estimating iPad sales of 17 million. That's just under a consensus found among 61 analysts polled by Fortune. With a low of 14.8 million and a high 23 million, the average forecast among the analysts was 18.38 million, while the median was 18.13 million.Apple is set to report its latest quarterly sales and earnings on October 25.(Via AppleInsider)This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Tablet buyers may see the iPad 2 sink away as the iPad Mini prepares to surface, says Evercore Partners analyst Rob Cihra.Chira said he thinks Apple could phase out the iPad 2 because the company's vision leads toward "clearer product tiers," according to AppleInsider. Apple is expected to unveil the iPad Mini at a launch event on October 23.Launched in March 2011, the 16GB iPad 2 is currently available through Apple at a price of $399 for the Wi-Fi only version and $529 for the Wi-Fi + 3G edition. In contrast, the new iPad starts at a price of $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version and shoots up to $829 for the 64GB model with Wi-Fi and 4G.Apple has teased at a smaller iPad, using the term "we've got a little more to show you" on the invites for the October 23 event. But the company hasn't yet officially announced any such device, so there's been only speculation about it. Some reports say the smaller tablet will sport a 7.85-inch screen with the entry-level model offering 8GB of storage and Wi-Fi only access and a price tag of $249.A few rumors have pinned November 2 as the date the new tablet will go on sale. A "source close to Apple's supply chain" reportedly confirmed that date to TechCrunch as well.Related storiesiPad Mini: What we don't knowiPad Mini: What we expectAlleged iPad Mini screen, battery leaked in photosiPad Mini could hit stores November 2Cihra predicts Apple will sell close to 7 million iPad Mini devices in the current quarter, adding up to total iPad sales of 26 million.Looking at last quarter, he's estimating iPad sales of 17 million. That's just under a consensus found among 61 analysts polled by Fortune. With a low of 14.8 million and a high 23 million, the average forecast among the analysts was 18.38 million, while the median was 18.13 million.Apple is set to report its latest quarterly sales and earnings on October 25.(Via AppleInsider)This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple may lease data center space in Silicon Valley
Apple may lease data center space in Silicon Valley
Apple's data center efforts could be expanding yet again, with the company reportedly leasing space from a new wholesale data center facility in Silicon Valley.Data Center Knowledge reports that Apple signed a seven-year lease with DuPont Fabros Technology last month, worth approximately 11,000 square feet of data center space in its Santa Clara, Calif., facilities. The beginning of the deal is slated for sometime in the third quarter, when the facility is up and running.This data center effort would differ from Apple's existing strategy, which has involved the company building its own facilities. Apple has data centers in Newark, Calif., as well as in Maiden, N.C. The latter facility is 500,000 square feet, roughly five times the size of the one in Newark. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the lease, and DuPont Fabros does not reveal the name of its tenants. Nonetheless, the company listed details about the lease within its first-quarter earnings report (PDF), with executives noting that it was a Fortune 50 technology company. Data Center Knowledge pegged Apple as that company based on confirmation from "multiple sources." What Apple does within its data centers continues to be a topic of interest for industry observers. Most of that curiosity still centers on Apple's efforts in the cloud, particularly with user data and media storage. Apple this year is widely expected to re-launch its MobileMe service as a storage locker, offering users a way to access myriad files no matter what device they're on. The data centers could also play a crucial role in Apple offering an iTunes subscription service. Apple spent more than $1.7 billion during fiscal 2010 on IT assets, according to an analyst report from Bernstein Research published in March. The firm estimated that Apple plans to spend close to a billion more than that during 2011's fiscal year, which ends September 24.
Apple's data center efforts could be expanding yet again, with the company reportedly leasing space from a new wholesale data center facility in Silicon Valley.Data Center Knowledge reports that Apple signed a seven-year lease with DuPont Fabros Technology last month, worth approximately 11,000 square feet of data center space in its Santa Clara, Calif., facilities. The beginning of the deal is slated for sometime in the third quarter, when the facility is up and running.This data center effort would differ from Apple's existing strategy, which has involved the company building its own facilities. Apple has data centers in Newark, Calif., as well as in Maiden, N.C. The latter facility is 500,000 square feet, roughly five times the size of the one in Newark. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the lease, and DuPont Fabros does not reveal the name of its tenants. Nonetheless, the company listed details about the lease within its first-quarter earnings report (PDF), with executives noting that it was a Fortune 50 technology company. Data Center Knowledge pegged Apple as that company based on confirmation from "multiple sources." What Apple does within its data centers continues to be a topic of interest for industry observers. Most of that curiosity still centers on Apple's efforts in the cloud, particularly with user data and media storage. Apple this year is widely expected to re-launch its MobileMe service as a storage locker, offering users a way to access myriad files no matter what device they're on. The data centers could also play a crucial role in Apple offering an iTunes subscription service. Apple spent more than $1.7 billion during fiscal 2010 on IT assets, according to an analyst report from Bernstein Research published in March. The firm estimated that Apple plans to spend close to a billion more than that during 2011's fiscal year, which ends September 24.
Apple may launch $799 MacBook Air this year, claims report
Apple may launch $799 MacBook Air this year, claims report
We could see a $799 MacBook Air as early as the third quarter, according to the folks at DigiTimes.Citing the usual "sources from the upstream supply chain," the site says that a more aggressively priced MacBook Air could crimp rival ultrabooks, especially if Intel is unable to bring their average selling price down to its goal of $699. A $799 offering from Apple may also keep competing machines from becoming more standardized.Intel has been on a quest to push ultrabooks as the latest and greatest technology. Last year the chipmaker created a $300 fund to aid hardware and software companies aiming to enhance the lightweight laptops. The company has also spent $100 million to invest in ultrabook software developers.Related storiesApple's MacBook Air to dominate ultrabook market, says analystApple may unveil new MacBook hybrid this year, says analystDon't expect ultrabooks to transform the PC market, says analystIntel sees ultrabook prices dropping to $699 this yearRegardless of Apple's strategy, ultrabooks may not truly take off until the launch of Windows 8 later this year, say DigiTimes' sources. However, the latest sales figures from Dell are painting a brighter picture.The PC maker recently revealed that its $999 XPS 13 ultrabook is selling way beyond expectations, providing some signs that the market as a whole may be poised to take off.Apple is currently pricing its 11-inch MacBook Air with 64GB of flash storage at $999 and its 128GB version at $1,199. The 13-inch 128GB edition sells for $1,299, while the 256GB moidel is $1,599. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently projected that Apple could even introduce a hybrid laptop in the third quarter, one with the power of the MacBook Pro but the portability of the MacBook Air.
We could see a $799 MacBook Air as early as the third quarter, according to the folks at DigiTimes.Citing the usual "sources from the upstream supply chain," the site says that a more aggressively priced MacBook Air could crimp rival ultrabooks, especially if Intel is unable to bring their average selling price down to its goal of $699. A $799 offering from Apple may also keep competing machines from becoming more standardized.Intel has been on a quest to push ultrabooks as the latest and greatest technology. Last year the chipmaker created a $300 fund to aid hardware and software companies aiming to enhance the lightweight laptops. The company has also spent $100 million to invest in ultrabook software developers.Related storiesApple's MacBook Air to dominate ultrabook market, says analystApple may unveil new MacBook hybrid this year, says analystDon't expect ultrabooks to transform the PC market, says analystIntel sees ultrabook prices dropping to $699 this yearRegardless of Apple's strategy, ultrabooks may not truly take off until the launch of Windows 8 later this year, say DigiTimes' sources. However, the latest sales figures from Dell are painting a brighter picture.The PC maker recently revealed that its $999 XPS 13 ultrabook is selling way beyond expectations, providing some signs that the market as a whole may be poised to take off.Apple is currently pricing its 11-inch MacBook Air with 64GB of flash storage at $999 and its 128GB version at $1,199. The 13-inch 128GB edition sells for $1,299, while the 256GB moidel is $1,599. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently projected that Apple could even introduce a hybrid laptop in the third quarter, one with the power of the MacBook Pro but the portability of the MacBook Air.
Apple may have sold 57M iPhones last quarter -- analyst
Apple may have sold 57M iPhones last quarter -- analyst
Apple could reveal iPhone sales as high as 57.5 million later today. At least, that's the forecast from Sanford Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi Jr.In an investor's note out Monday, Sacconaghi noted that Wall Street expects Apple to report around 55 million iPhone handsets sold in the final three months of 2013 -- which is actually Apple's first fiscal quarter of 2014. But Sacconaghi said he believes the Street is underestimating the benefit to Apple from "carrier additions and an earlier China launch relative to the iPhone 5 cycle." During the quarter, Apple added Japan's NTT DoCoMo to its carrier lineup and was covered in China by China Telecom and China Unicom.If Sacconaghi is on the money, iPhone sales would jump by 70 percent from the 33.8 million units reported in the July-through-September quarter and by 20 percent from the 47.8 million seen in the final three months of 2012. Moving ahead, China Mobile is expected to boost iPhone sales by adding 11.6 million units sold for fiscal 2014 and 15 million for fiscal 2015.His projection isn't as promising for the iPad. The analyst expects iPad unit sales of 23.5 million, lower than the Wall Street consensus of 26 million."Apple has been losing meaningful market share to cheaper Android competition (34 percent in [calendar year] 2013 through Q3 vs. 46 percent unit share in 2012), and we believe the market for high-end tablets may be increasingly saturated," Sacconaghi said.The analyst also ended his report with a sour note for the future."Beyond [fiscal year] 2014, it is not a slam dunk that Apple's net income will be higher in 3-5 years," Sacconaghi said. "Without new product categories, we see Apple's end markets as increasingly mature and competitive, which could pressure or limit revenue growth and gross margins."Sacconaghi said that his revenue and earnings estimates for fiscal 2015 are 3 percent below the consensus but added that those predictions are likely to change based on new and refreshed products.Apple will report its results for the final three months of 2013 after the stock market closes today.
Apple could reveal iPhone sales as high as 57.5 million later today. At least, that's the forecast from Sanford Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi Jr.In an investor's note out Monday, Sacconaghi noted that Wall Street expects Apple to report around 55 million iPhone handsets sold in the final three months of 2013 -- which is actually Apple's first fiscal quarter of 2014. But Sacconaghi said he believes the Street is underestimating the benefit to Apple from "carrier additions and an earlier China launch relative to the iPhone 5 cycle." During the quarter, Apple added Japan's NTT DoCoMo to its carrier lineup and was covered in China by China Telecom and China Unicom.If Sacconaghi is on the money, iPhone sales would jump by 70 percent from the 33.8 million units reported in the July-through-September quarter and by 20 percent from the 47.8 million seen in the final three months of 2012. Moving ahead, China Mobile is expected to boost iPhone sales by adding 11.6 million units sold for fiscal 2014 and 15 million for fiscal 2015.His projection isn't as promising for the iPad. The analyst expects iPad unit sales of 23.5 million, lower than the Wall Street consensus of 26 million."Apple has been losing meaningful market share to cheaper Android competition (34 percent in [calendar year] 2013 through Q3 vs. 46 percent unit share in 2012), and we believe the market for high-end tablets may be increasingly saturated," Sacconaghi said.The analyst also ended his report with a sour note for the future."Beyond [fiscal year] 2014, it is not a slam dunk that Apple's net income will be higher in 3-5 years," Sacconaghi said. "Without new product categories, we see Apple's end markets as increasingly mature and competitive, which could pressure or limit revenue growth and gross margins."Sacconaghi said that his revenue and earnings estimates for fiscal 2015 are 3 percent below the consensus but added that those predictions are likely to change based on new and refreshed products.Apple will report its results for the final three months of 2013 after the stock market closes today.
Apple CEO on rivals: 'We've always suited up and fought'
Share price plummets may mean a lot on Wall Street, but Tim Cook brushed off the vagaries in the company's stock as an indication that Apple is losing its edge over the competition.In an appearance at the D11 Conference,Apple's CEO brushed aside suggestions that Samsung's growing strength or the surging popularity of Android suggests a deeper problem for Apple.Is Apple in trouble, Cook was asked by conference co-host Walt Mossberg."Absolutely not," Cook replied, moving seamlessly into stump speech mode. He said the company had sold 85 million iPhones and 42 million iPads in the last quarter. "More importantly, customers love them," according to Cook, noting that customer satisfaction numbers were "off the chart and the usage numbers, based on Web traffic, far outpace its market share." "From my point of view, over my long tenure at Apple, not as CEO, we've always had competent rivals. We fought against Microsoft-still fight against Microsoft, particularly in the PC space," he said. "We fought against hardware companies thought to be really tough like Dell. We've always suited up and fought."
Apple CEO downplays reports of iPhone component cuts
After a week of silence, Apple has weighed in on reports that it cut orders on components for production of future iPhone. As in, it's not happy about them, but it's not about to confirm or deny them.According to chief executive Tim Cook, the company's supply chain is "complicated," and so people shouldn't look too deeply into any one aspect of it to see the bigger picture. "Even if a particular data point were factual, it would be impossible to interpret the data point for what it means to our overall business," Cook told analysts during the company's first quarter earnings conference call this afternoon. "There's an inordinate long list of things that would make any single data point not a great proxy for what's going on," he added.A pair of stories earlier this month -- one from Japan's Nikkei and another later in the day from the Wall Street Journal -- claimed Apple cut its component orders for the iPhone by nearly half in December. The suggestion from both was that demand for Apple's iPhone 5 had declined, causing Apple to slow down on manufacturing orders for more devices.Apple played up sales of the iPhone, which were the bright spot in a record quarter that still came in below what Wall Street was expectingin revenue and sales of iPads and Macs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)