Android vs. iPhone vs. Windows Phone: Pick your smartphone OS
With a rush of amazing Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, this is a great time to buy a new phone for you or for someone else. There are excellent phones flooding the market (here are our top five favorite smartphones), but unless you plan on switching your next handset before your contract is up, you'll want to consider a few points before making any semi-permanent decisions.OK, so what if you're looking for even more basic guidance, like which mobile operating system to get? Is the iPhone 4S really a better choice than a shiny, new Android phone? What's the story with Windows Phone, and are BlackBerrys even a thing anymore? Believe me, these are great questions, and they've been at the top of your mind. Earlier this month, I helped take your burning cell phone questions in a live chat, and fielded even more queries at our weeklong CNET Gotham event in New York. I expected questions comparing iOS versus Android,the Samsung Galaxy Nexus versus the HTC Rezound versus the Motorola Droid Razr--but what surprised me is how many of you were considering Windows Phone.So to get you started, here's a quick primer on iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone (sorry, BlackBerry, you've lost your momentum), and a smattering of the most common questions about smartphone OSes I've received from you. (If you've got more to ask, mark your calendars for the next Ask the Editors live chat on November 29!) iPhone 4S in a nutshellRuns Apple's iOS 5 operating systemAvailable on three carriers: AT&T, Verizon, SprintAvailable on three storage sizes: 16GB, 32GB, 64GBEasiest compatibility with iTunes, Apple ecosystem, and productsForm factor: One 3.5-inch screen (on the smaller size by today's standards)Interface: Approachable, but not very customizable. Some hidden featuresKey features: Excellent 8-megapixel camera, front-facing camera, colorful Siri voice assistantNext big release: iPhone 5, release date unknown, but speculated for summer 2012Android in a nutshellGoogle's mobile operating systemForm factor: Available on all carriers, all shapes, all sizesAll capabilities: Range from budget to super premiumNot all Android phones are created equal in capability: some have excellent cameras, screens, etc. Some don't.Easiest compatibility with Google services, Google Music, other Android devicesInterface: Varies by manufacturers, has a small learning curve for some featuresKey features: Free voice navigation with turn-by-turn directions, very customizable, voice actionsNext big phone release: Samsung Galaxy Nexus phone, Verizon release date unknown, but probably DecemberNext big operating system release: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Released with Galaxy Nexus, coming to existing handsets starting "early 2012"Windows Phone in a nutshellMicrosoft's mobile operating systemForm factor: Available on all carriers, all shapes, all sizes.AT&T has the largest and best selectionAll capabilities: Mostly midrange, solid performers. Minimum 5-megapixel cameraEasiest compatibility with Zune, Xbox Live, Microsoft services like Microsoft Office, SkyDrive online storageInterface: Very straightforward, but some hidden capabilitiesKey features: Clean interface, built-in barcode-scanning and music identification, Xbox Live integration, voice actionsNext big phone release: Nokia Lumia 800 or similar for U.S. markets, probably JanuaryNext big operating system release: Unknown. Version 7.5 Mango released in SeptemberAndroid FAQQuestion:Why there is delay on update for Android devices, and will Ice Cream Sandwich bring the solution for this problem?With Android phones, we're at the mercy of manufacturers and carriers who need to test the new OS with the additional skins, overlays, or additional software these phones might have. My colleague Bonnie Cha wrote a great story explaining how OS updates work.So the answer is no, Ice Cream Sandwich (or ICS) won't fix this. However, back in May, Google and several key manufacturing partners agreed to work together to bring phones released within 18 months of a new OS updated to the latest OS version. Unfortunately, neither Google nor other manufacturers have been forthcoming with how this is playing out in practice. For now, the surest bet to get the latest Android OS is to get the Galaxy Nexus or Samsung Nexus S phone (available for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint).Q: I am looking forward to buying the Galaxy Nexus. However, which phone would you select between it, the Motorola Droid Razr, and the HTC Rezound?If it's specs you're wondering about, check out my former colleague Nicole Lee's helpful chart comparing the three. If it's the overall look and feel, well, that's just a question I can't answer for you. What do you value most: the camera, the speed, the price, the way it feels in your hand? They're all fast, they're all premium, and they all run on Verizon's phenomenal 4G LTE network.The Droid Razr and Galaxy Nexus are thin, but the Galaxy Nexus and Rezound have better screens. The Galaxy Nexus has a 5-megapixel camera, but the Droid Razr's isn't my absolute favorite on the market, either. The Droid Razr is more stylish. The Rezound comes with Beats by Dr. Dre headphones and a music algorithm, but the Galaxy Nexus is the first to have the powerful Ice Cream Sandwich OS (the other two will get it as well, but you'll have to wait until early 2012.) Yet, the Galaxy Nexus isn't even available yet, while the other two are. I recommend getting yourself to a Verizon store and getting your hands on the other two devices to see how much you connect with them, then go from there.iPhone FAQQ: With the iPhone 4S out, would it be better to wait for the iPhone 5? My 2-year contract renewal is up in 2012. I am hearing possibly summer 2012 for iPhone 5.If you're still riding out a contract, keep waiting. The iPhone 4S is a great device, but it's not worth breaking a contract for or buying fresh unless you need Siri or a better camera.Windows Phone FAQQ: Which is easier to use: Windows Phone, iOS 5, or Android 4.0?Windows Phone has the cleanest OS of the three and is the easiest for getting in and out, at least as far as the main screens go. With only two home screens to toggle between, it's hard to get lost. However, the edgy "metro" look may not be for everyone, and the apps look completely different. There are also a few tricks you need to know about to fully use the OS, like pressing and holding on "live tiles" to pin, unpin, and get more options, and using your finger to pull down the signal strength meter and battery meter while you're on the Start screen (these otherwise disappear from view.) There are other tricks, too--tools in Bing you may not think to look for, and actions when you press and hold the Home and Back buttons.The iPhone and Android have their own quirks as well, and I don't consider the other two particularly hard to learn, though with its large icons and limit to two screens, it's easier to navigate Windows Phone.Do you know if WP7.5 is limited to single-core processors and how that would impact the performance of the devices?Right now all Windows phones are single-core, and I can't complain about performance issues. With the way that the OS handles tasks and task-switching, dual-core processing may not be strictly necessary. That said, as all phones join the processor race, I'm sure we'll eventually see dual-core Windows Phones with much larger screens and many more features advanced as well.Q: Do you think Windows will have the kind of app choice that iOS or Android do? I have not heard much about what Microsoft is doing to bring in developers or how they will play the app market.Windows Phone is really ramping up its app presence. In a few months' time, the population of the app Marketplace has shot from 18,000 to 40,000, and is growing. While they need to keep wooing developers to create interesting apps, there's also the danger of choking on too much unnecessary app sludge, an argument one could levy against iOS (500+K apps) and even Android (300K).Battery lifeWith battery life being one of the biggest issues, does any one of the operating systems seem to handle that better than the others? If so, which and why?How a phone's operating system handles resources is part of the equation, but not as key a factor in our opinion as the hardware and the capacity of the battery. If it seems that Android phones experience faster battery draining than the iPhone, that's likely because there's so much variance among different hardware specs and manufacturers. To be fair, the recently launched iPhone 4S has purportedly shorter battery life than several Android phones as well. There are also some Android phones with better battery life than others. The real question is when we can stop wondering if our smartphones will last longer than a day before needing a recharge. Here's some good news we still have to wait to see: researchers are redesigning the lithium ion battery to charge faster and hold charges longer, up to three days. I, for one, am relieved to know that smart chemists are hard at work, and that a fix is coming.
iPad to once again dominate tablets this year
iPad to once again dominate tablets this year
Apple will continue to reign as king of the tablet market in 2012, according to an IHS report released today.The iPad will grab a full 61 percent of worldwide tablet sales this year, IHS estimated. That would mark a rebound from last year's fourth quarter when the iPad's share dropped to 55.1 percent.Apple lost some ground to Android during 2011's final quarter due to huge demand for Amazon's Kindle Fire. The retail giant's low-cost tablet helped Android win a 41.1 percent slice of the tablet market over the holidays, up from 31.1 percent in the third quarter.But as Apple recaptures that lost market share, Android's share will drop to 38.4 percent this year, IHS has forecast. Despite attempts by competitors such as Amazon to pick up and retain a larger chunk of the market, Apple continues to hold the edge."The combination of a good-looking device, well-designed applications, video, books, and music has provided consumers with an easy-to-use product and an appealing use case," Rhoda Alexander, IHS director for monitors and tablets research, said in a statement. "Such an ecosystem took Apple years to put together, starting with the iPod plus iTunes Music Store more than nine years ago, and it's proving to be a challenge for the company's competitors to replicate it."Related storiesApple iPad ReviewAndroid tablets slip and fall in Q1. Apple's iPad says ha-ha!Report: Apple's iPad accounts for 94.64% of tablet Web trafficRumors of an iPad mini have been floating around for a while. Apple, as usual, has been mum on the possibility of such a device. But IHS pointed to "supply-side sources" who claim that a 7.8-inch iPad will launch later this year, adding to Apple's lineup.Traditional media tablets, such as the iPad, are running the show right now. However, IHS said it believes that the release of Windows 8 later this year will trigger new ultrabooks and hybrid devices that convert between a laptop and a tablet. These "PC tablets" will attract users who want the flexibility of a touch-screen tablet combined with the power of a PC.But these new hybrid tablets won't cannibalize the media tablet market.IHS predicts the industry will sell more than 197 million media tablets next year, compared with just 8 million PC tablets.Tablet sales overall are expected to reach 126 million this year, an 85 percent jump from the 68.4 million units sold last year. Sales are poised to rise another 63 percent next year, culminating in 360 million units sold by 2016.
Apple will continue to reign as king of the tablet market in 2012, according to an IHS report released today.The iPad will grab a full 61 percent of worldwide tablet sales this year, IHS estimated. That would mark a rebound from last year's fourth quarter when the iPad's share dropped to 55.1 percent.Apple lost some ground to Android during 2011's final quarter due to huge demand for Amazon's Kindle Fire. The retail giant's low-cost tablet helped Android win a 41.1 percent slice of the tablet market over the holidays, up from 31.1 percent in the third quarter.But as Apple recaptures that lost market share, Android's share will drop to 38.4 percent this year, IHS has forecast. Despite attempts by competitors such as Amazon to pick up and retain a larger chunk of the market, Apple continues to hold the edge."The combination of a good-looking device, well-designed applications, video, books, and music has provided consumers with an easy-to-use product and an appealing use case," Rhoda Alexander, IHS director for monitors and tablets research, said in a statement. "Such an ecosystem took Apple years to put together, starting with the iPod plus iTunes Music Store more than nine years ago, and it's proving to be a challenge for the company's competitors to replicate it."Related storiesApple iPad ReviewAndroid tablets slip and fall in Q1. Apple's iPad says ha-ha!Report: Apple's iPad accounts for 94.64% of tablet Web trafficRumors of an iPad mini have been floating around for a while. Apple, as usual, has been mum on the possibility of such a device. But IHS pointed to "supply-side sources" who claim that a 7.8-inch iPad will launch later this year, adding to Apple's lineup.Traditional media tablets, such as the iPad, are running the show right now. However, IHS said it believes that the release of Windows 8 later this year will trigger new ultrabooks and hybrid devices that convert between a laptop and a tablet. These "PC tablets" will attract users who want the flexibility of a touch-screen tablet combined with the power of a PC.But these new hybrid tablets won't cannibalize the media tablet market.IHS predicts the industry will sell more than 197 million media tablets next year, compared with just 8 million PC tablets.Tablet sales overall are expected to reach 126 million this year, an 85 percent jump from the 68.4 million units sold last year. Sales are poised to rise another 63 percent next year, culminating in 360 million units sold by 2016.
Apple patent adds clues to streaming music service
Apple patent adds clues to streaming music service
A patent application released this morning has provided clues to features Apple might add to iTunes and iOS to make entire music libraries take up less space on mobile devices with limited storage. U.S. patent application No. 20110118858, which was unearthed by Apple Insider earlier today, details a system where segments of music clips from a user's library are stored locally on a device. When combined with an infrastructure that can fetch the rest of a song once it starts being played, this could provide users with a seamless music listening experience of their entire library, even without having it on the device. That is, if Apple provides a way to stream the tracks to the users through the cloud, either from its own storage or a network-attached computer. "This invention is directed to playing back streamed media items using an electronic device. In particular, this is directed to locally storing one or more clips corresponding to a media item such that the clips can be immediately played back in response to a user request to play back the media item," the patent's summary describes. "While the clips are played back, the electronic device can retrieve the remaining segments of the media item from the user's media library as a media stream over a communications network."The patent's unearthing comes just a day after Apple signed a cloud-music licensing agreement with EMI Music, as CNET reported exclusively last night. Apple is close to reaching agreements with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, which would enable Apple to offer a streaming music service with content from those labels.While the licensing factor is one side of the equation, the other revolves around what kind of mechanisms need to be in place for users to access a cloud library, and what kind of resources that will require on Apple's end. The company has invested heavily in its own data centers, and is reported to have taken on a seven-year lease of additional data center space in a third-party facility in Santa Clara, Calif. Such efforts could be a pivotal part of delivering streamed content to high volumes of users.Apple already offers music and video streaming to iOS devices through its MobileMe iDisk application, though it's lacking any sort of integration with a user's iTunes library. That system also does not take advantage of local storage to let users cache recently viewed songs or videos for instant and offline playback.The system described in the patent could also be especially useful if Apple ever ends up rolling out a super low storage, or storage-free version of the iPhone aimed at budget-conscious consumers. Several outlets, including Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and TechCrunch posted stories back in February that Apple was hard at work on a smaller version of the iPhone, with just those features. That device, it was said, was being designed to come in at a much lower price tag than previous versions of the device. Following those reports, The New York Times specifically came out saying that Apple was not considering shrinking the size, though it said built-in flash storage could very well be on the cutting block.As a reminder, this is a patent application and not a patent that's been granted to the company.
A patent application released this morning has provided clues to features Apple might add to iTunes and iOS to make entire music libraries take up less space on mobile devices with limited storage. U.S. patent application No. 20110118858, which was unearthed by Apple Insider earlier today, details a system where segments of music clips from a user's library are stored locally on a device. When combined with an infrastructure that can fetch the rest of a song once it starts being played, this could provide users with a seamless music listening experience of their entire library, even without having it on the device. That is, if Apple provides a way to stream the tracks to the users through the cloud, either from its own storage or a network-attached computer. "This invention is directed to playing back streamed media items using an electronic device. In particular, this is directed to locally storing one or more clips corresponding to a media item such that the clips can be immediately played back in response to a user request to play back the media item," the patent's summary describes. "While the clips are played back, the electronic device can retrieve the remaining segments of the media item from the user's media library as a media stream over a communications network."The patent's unearthing comes just a day after Apple signed a cloud-music licensing agreement with EMI Music, as CNET reported exclusively last night. Apple is close to reaching agreements with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, which would enable Apple to offer a streaming music service with content from those labels.While the licensing factor is one side of the equation, the other revolves around what kind of mechanisms need to be in place for users to access a cloud library, and what kind of resources that will require on Apple's end. The company has invested heavily in its own data centers, and is reported to have taken on a seven-year lease of additional data center space in a third-party facility in Santa Clara, Calif. Such efforts could be a pivotal part of delivering streamed content to high volumes of users.Apple already offers music and video streaming to iOS devices through its MobileMe iDisk application, though it's lacking any sort of integration with a user's iTunes library. That system also does not take advantage of local storage to let users cache recently viewed songs or videos for instant and offline playback.The system described in the patent could also be especially useful if Apple ever ends up rolling out a super low storage, or storage-free version of the iPhone aimed at budget-conscious consumers. Several outlets, including Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and TechCrunch posted stories back in February that Apple was hard at work on a smaller version of the iPhone, with just those features. That device, it was said, was being designed to come in at a much lower price tag than previous versions of the device. Following those reports, The New York Times specifically came out saying that Apple was not considering shrinking the size, though it said built-in flash storage could very well be on the cutting block.As a reminder, this is a patent application and not a patent that's been granted to the company.
Share content between iPods with miShare
Share content between iPods with miShare
I've seen previews of the upcoming miShare inEngadget and Gizmodo, but the device got some major publicity today in the form of a quick New York Times review.(The company is based in Brooklyn.)The concept's simple: connect miShare to two iPods (it doesn't work with first- or second-generation iPods, nor with the Shuffle or Touch). Then set the switch to music, video, or photo, press the miShare's button, and it'll transfer the last-played audio or video file, or all the photos in a folder you pre-define, from the home iPod to the receiving one. You can also transfer entire On-The-Go playlists between the devices by holding the transfer button down for three seconds. Minor drawbacks: getting the songs from the iPod back to your computer will be difficult unless you use a third-party add-on like MusicRescue. The transfer rate's about 500 KB per second, which means an album will take a couple minutes, and the device doesn't offer any trickery to get around Apple's FairPlay DRM scheme, meaning that most files bought from iTunes won't be playable after transfer.Like Pacemaker,the folks at miShare are taking pre-orders for $99.95 now, and won't charge your credit card until they ship you a device. They're due to begin shipping Jan. 22. Will you get busted for using miShare? It doesn't have any provisions to get around DRM, so it wouldn't seem to violate the DMCA. And it's certainly legal to transfer files of songs you own the copyright to. (One of my big complaints about the Zune wireless sharing feature is that even if I transfer music from my own bands to you, it still expires after three plays.) But using miShare to transfer large quantities of music seems to exist in that same grey area as copying songs to a flash drive to give to a friend. Probably not strictly legal, but almost impossible to enforce, and probably not worth copyright owners' time--if they're going to sue customers, they're going to try for the ones who are making thousands of files available to thousands of users simultaneously through file-trading networks.
I've seen previews of the upcoming miShare inEngadget and Gizmodo, but the device got some major publicity today in the form of a quick New York Times review.(The company is based in Brooklyn.)The concept's simple: connect miShare to two iPods (it doesn't work with first- or second-generation iPods, nor with the Shuffle or Touch). Then set the switch to music, video, or photo, press the miShare's button, and it'll transfer the last-played audio or video file, or all the photos in a folder you pre-define, from the home iPod to the receiving one. You can also transfer entire On-The-Go playlists between the devices by holding the transfer button down for three seconds. Minor drawbacks: getting the songs from the iPod back to your computer will be difficult unless you use a third-party add-on like MusicRescue. The transfer rate's about 500 KB per second, which means an album will take a couple minutes, and the device doesn't offer any trickery to get around Apple's FairPlay DRM scheme, meaning that most files bought from iTunes won't be playable after transfer.Like Pacemaker,the folks at miShare are taking pre-orders for $99.95 now, and won't charge your credit card until they ship you a device. They're due to begin shipping Jan. 22. Will you get busted for using miShare? It doesn't have any provisions to get around DRM, so it wouldn't seem to violate the DMCA. And it's certainly legal to transfer files of songs you own the copyright to. (One of my big complaints about the Zune wireless sharing feature is that even if I transfer music from my own bands to you, it still expires after three plays.) But using miShare to transfer large quantities of music seems to exist in that same grey area as copying songs to a flash drive to give to a friend. Probably not strictly legal, but almost impossible to enforce, and probably not worth copyright owners' time--if they're going to sue customers, they're going to try for the ones who are making thousands of files available to thousands of users simultaneously through file-trading networks.
How to use 'Up Next' on the Apple TV
How to use 'Up Next' on the Apple TV
Related storiesReports: Tech recovery driven by developing nations, cloudSony rules out OLED this year, accidentally pays plasma a complimentLexus LFA requires lots of cash, coolWhen Apple released iTunes 11, an update was pushed for the iOS Remote app. The Remote update enabled users to take advantage of the new "Up Next" feature when playing music from a local iTunes library, along with on the Apple TV. At the same time the Remote update and iTunes 11 was released, an update to the Apple TV itself was also released. This update enabled Up Next when streaming music through Home Sharing or iTunes Match on your TV. Here's some tips for using Up Next via the Remote app or directly on an Apple TV. RemoteYou'll find that using the Up Next feature in the Remote app is identical to using Up Next in iTunes 11. The same controls to add, edit, and arrange are present both when viewing the music library and the Up Next queue. When attempting to add an individual song, you can tap and hold on it until you're prompted with what action you'd like to take. The only lacking feature I have noticed so far is the ability to view your played history.Apple TVUsing Up Next directly on the Apple TV is not as obvious as it is with the Remote app. Primarily because you won't see anything Up Next related until you're playing music through your TV.Once you've started playing music on your Apple TV, you'll need to back out to the main Music screen. At the top of the category list you should now see Up Next listed. Select it.When viewing the queue, you'll see the familiar three-line icon next to each song. This icon typically indicates that the item can be moved around on the list (at least when it comes to Apple's use of it). But you'll notice when you highlight a song, the icon itself isn't included. Using your remote, press the right button once and you'll highlight the icon. Now you can move the song up or down, changing the play order in the queue. What happens if you're viewing a song in your music library and you want to add it to the list? Press and hold the select button on your Apple TV remote until a menu pops up and select the appropriate action.For a more detailed look at how to use Up Next on the Apple TV, make sure to watch the video below:
Related storiesReports: Tech recovery driven by developing nations, cloudSony rules out OLED this year, accidentally pays plasma a complimentLexus LFA requires lots of cash, coolWhen Apple released iTunes 11, an update was pushed for the iOS Remote app. The Remote update enabled users to take advantage of the new "Up Next" feature when playing music from a local iTunes library, along with on the Apple TV. At the same time the Remote update and iTunes 11 was released, an update to the Apple TV itself was also released. This update enabled Up Next when streaming music through Home Sharing or iTunes Match on your TV. Here's some tips for using Up Next via the Remote app or directly on an Apple TV. RemoteYou'll find that using the Up Next feature in the Remote app is identical to using Up Next in iTunes 11. The same controls to add, edit, and arrange are present both when viewing the music library and the Up Next queue. When attempting to add an individual song, you can tap and hold on it until you're prompted with what action you'd like to take. The only lacking feature I have noticed so far is the ability to view your played history.Apple TVUsing Up Next directly on the Apple TV is not as obvious as it is with the Remote app. Primarily because you won't see anything Up Next related until you're playing music through your TV.Once you've started playing music on your Apple TV, you'll need to back out to the main Music screen. At the top of the category list you should now see Up Next listed. Select it.When viewing the queue, you'll see the familiar three-line icon next to each song. This icon typically indicates that the item can be moved around on the list (at least when it comes to Apple's use of it). But you'll notice when you highlight a song, the icon itself isn't included. Using your remote, press the right button once and you'll highlight the icon. Now you can move the song up or down, changing the play order in the queue. What happens if you're viewing a song in your music library and you want to add it to the list? Press and hold the select button on your Apple TV remote until a menu pops up and select the appropriate action.For a more detailed look at how to use Up Next on the Apple TV, make sure to watch the video below:
Tickets for sold-out WWDC fetch a high price
Tickets for sold-out WWDC fetch a high price
It seems the iPad 2 isn't the only thingfetching a premium online. A short supply of tickets for Apple's sold-out Worldwide Developers Conference in June has led some people to sell theirs at a premium.A quick check on eBay at the publish of this post shows 10 such listings, though as of yesterday, more had been available prior to being sold. The one ending soonest is hovering just north of $3,000, while Computerworld reports that one posted earlier this week was listed at $4,599, both well above the original price of $1,599. WWDC is Apple's annual event for developers, and kicks off June 6 at Moscone West in San Francisco. At the show Apple has said it will give developers "a preview of the future of iOS and Mac OS X." Though knowing Apple, there could be a surprise or two. Within 10 hours of going on sale Monday, Apple halted WWDC ticket sales, saying that the event had sold out, making it the fourth consecutive show to run out of spots. Worth noting is that online buyers who want a ticket can't be just anyone. Apple's system requires that WWDC attendees be a registered developer with the company to activate the code that was given out to those who managed to snag tickets. That code is what's being sold as part of these auctions. Even then, such a detail is unlikely to stop someone who's willing to pay double or even triple the price.
It seems the iPad 2 isn't the only thingfetching a premium online. A short supply of tickets for Apple's sold-out Worldwide Developers Conference in June has led some people to sell theirs at a premium.A quick check on eBay at the publish of this post shows 10 such listings, though as of yesterday, more had been available prior to being sold. The one ending soonest is hovering just north of $3,000, while Computerworld reports that one posted earlier this week was listed at $4,599, both well above the original price of $1,599. WWDC is Apple's annual event for developers, and kicks off June 6 at Moscone West in San Francisco. At the show Apple has said it will give developers "a preview of the future of iOS and Mac OS X." Though knowing Apple, there could be a surprise or two. Within 10 hours of going on sale Monday, Apple halted WWDC ticket sales, saying that the event had sold out, making it the fourth consecutive show to run out of spots. Worth noting is that online buyers who want a ticket can't be just anyone. Apple's system requires that WWDC attendees be a registered developer with the company to activate the code that was given out to those who managed to snag tickets. That code is what's being sold as part of these auctions. Even then, such a detail is unlikely to stop someone who's willing to pay double or even triple the price.
Thunderbolt headed to iOS devices- Patent pitch says so
Thunderbolt headed to iOS devices? Patent pitch says so
The cable for charging and transferring data from iPhones, iPods and iPads could soon undergo another major shift, switching to technology that could speed up both tasks. In a freshly published patent application, picked up by Patently Apple this morning, Apple details a new type of cable that blends together increased power and faster data transfer technologies, including Thunderbolt.While not going so far as to call out the technology by name, the patent application notes that the proposed cable could support DisplayPort and PCI Express--the two technologies that are bundled together in Thunderbolt's architecture. Along with the faster speed, the proposed cable would offer a way to bring more power to devices, potentially shortening up the time it takes to recharge. That comes in the form of higher-voltage capabilities for devices that can take advantage of the extra power.Since introducing Thunderbolt to the MacBook Pro line last February, Apple has added it to nearly its entire line of computers, short of the Mac Pro desktop tower. Also missing out on the faster I/O has been the company's mobile devices running iOS, all of which make use of USB 2.0 and a 30-pin dock connector that's been a feature of the line since Apple began its transition away from Firewire ports on early iPods. This is not the first indication Apple is contemplating speedier physical connections for its portables. Last April the company was granted a patent for a dock connector that would support higher-speed I/O standards like USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt, surpassing what can be found in current offerings.Of note, Apple has taken steps with iOS 5--the latest version of its mobile operating system--to reduce the need for physical cables when it comes to transferring data. This includes letting users set up devices without having to plug into a computer running iTunes, as well as offering ways to sync data from computers over Wi-Fi. Other additions, like backup through the company's iCloud service and putting music files in the cloud withiTunes Match, have further separated those devices from needing to plug in.
The cable for charging and transferring data from iPhones, iPods and iPads could soon undergo another major shift, switching to technology that could speed up both tasks. In a freshly published patent application, picked up by Patently Apple this morning, Apple details a new type of cable that blends together increased power and faster data transfer technologies, including Thunderbolt.While not going so far as to call out the technology by name, the patent application notes that the proposed cable could support DisplayPort and PCI Express--the two technologies that are bundled together in Thunderbolt's architecture. Along with the faster speed, the proposed cable would offer a way to bring more power to devices, potentially shortening up the time it takes to recharge. That comes in the form of higher-voltage capabilities for devices that can take advantage of the extra power.Since introducing Thunderbolt to the MacBook Pro line last February, Apple has added it to nearly its entire line of computers, short of the Mac Pro desktop tower. Also missing out on the faster I/O has been the company's mobile devices running iOS, all of which make use of USB 2.0 and a 30-pin dock connector that's been a feature of the line since Apple began its transition away from Firewire ports on early iPods. This is not the first indication Apple is contemplating speedier physical connections for its portables. Last April the company was granted a patent for a dock connector that would support higher-speed I/O standards like USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt, surpassing what can be found in current offerings.Of note, Apple has taken steps with iOS 5--the latest version of its mobile operating system--to reduce the need for physical cables when it comes to transferring data. This includes letting users set up devices without having to plug into a computer running iTunes, as well as offering ways to sync data from computers over Wi-Fi. Other additions, like backup through the company's iCloud service and putting music files in the cloud withiTunes Match, have further separated those devices from needing to plug in.
Apple, where's the software-
Apple, where's the software?
The Apple event today went mostly as we expected. We got the iPad Mini we were expecting (though the fourth-generation iPad was a surprise), we got a new MacBook Pro and a new iMac, and we heard a lot about the many millions of iThings that have been sold (if you made a drinking game hinging upon the word "millions" at an Apple event, you'd have passed out in the first 30 minutes). As a software reviewer, however, I have to say there wasn't very much for me to talk about.We heard a little bit about iBooks getting continuous scrolling, and another tidbit about the iBookstore and iBooks Author. But with so much talk around the Web about problems in iOS 6, the Apple Maps app, and the coming launch of a redesigned iTunes, I expected at least a mention of progress on those fronts. Apple Maps received an enormous amount of criticism across all the tech sites after the iOS 6 launch, later resulting in Apple's Tim Cook issuing a formal (yet respect-worthy) apology for the app's lack of readiness for prime time. We did our own tests, incidentally, but this horse can't really take more of a beating. Still, I thought Apple would at least give us a progress report on the Maps app.I was ready to review the new iTunes and check out this enhanced mini player, but it's not happening today.CNETThen, at the iPhone 5 launch a little over a month ago, we were told that the revamped iTunes 11 was coming in October. Looking at the calendar, there aren't many days left in the month, so where was the announcement?There are lot of people -- both Mac and Windows users -- ready for a new look, cleaner layout, and hopefully some kind of speed boost to Apple's media hub, but there was not even a peep at the event. I'm guessing this means we'll see the new iTunes in the next few days, but why not give us a date?Obviously, it turns out today's Apple event was more about hardware than software and there's plenty to be exited about in what was released. But it just seems like, with the recent software-related problems and the promise of a new iTunes, there should have been at least an acknowledgement of future releases on the horizon.
The Apple event today went mostly as we expected. We got the iPad Mini we were expecting (though the fourth-generation iPad was a surprise), we got a new MacBook Pro and a new iMac, and we heard a lot about the many millions of iThings that have been sold (if you made a drinking game hinging upon the word "millions" at an Apple event, you'd have passed out in the first 30 minutes). As a software reviewer, however, I have to say there wasn't very much for me to talk about.We heard a little bit about iBooks getting continuous scrolling, and another tidbit about the iBookstore and iBooks Author. But with so much talk around the Web about problems in iOS 6, the Apple Maps app, and the coming launch of a redesigned iTunes, I expected at least a mention of progress on those fronts. Apple Maps received an enormous amount of criticism across all the tech sites after the iOS 6 launch, later resulting in Apple's Tim Cook issuing a formal (yet respect-worthy) apology for the app's lack of readiness for prime time. We did our own tests, incidentally, but this horse can't really take more of a beating. Still, I thought Apple would at least give us a progress report on the Maps app.I was ready to review the new iTunes and check out this enhanced mini player, but it's not happening today.CNETThen, at the iPhone 5 launch a little over a month ago, we were told that the revamped iTunes 11 was coming in October. Looking at the calendar, there aren't many days left in the month, so where was the announcement?There are lot of people -- both Mac and Windows users -- ready for a new look, cleaner layout, and hopefully some kind of speed boost to Apple's media hub, but there was not even a peep at the event. I'm guessing this means we'll see the new iTunes in the next few days, but why not give us a date?Obviously, it turns out today's Apple event was more about hardware than software and there's plenty to be exited about in what was released. But it just seems like, with the recent software-related problems and the promise of a new iTunes, there should have been at least an acknowledgement of future releases on the horizon.
Apple, Verizon to offer wireless updates to iPhone-
Apple, Verizon to offer wireless updates to iPhone?
Multiple sources have told Apple news site 9to5Mac that Apple and Verizon Wireless will soon offer over-the-air updates to the iPhone following this fall's expected release of iOS 5. Although iOS 5 itself won't be available wirelessly, 9to5Mac reports that any future updates to the OS will come over the air. With such a change, people would no longer need a PC and iTunes to act as the middlemen to keep their smartphones current.If the reports are true, Apple would join rival Google, which already offers Android users the ability to update their devices sans computer. Apple reportedly also has the technology to update its devices over the air already, but the company has apparently been cautious about opening it up everywhere. However, Apple has been chatting with Verizon about unleashing this technology since early this year, said 9to5Mac.The sources didn't say whether wireless updates would also be available on AT&T or international carriers of the iPhone. No specific mention was made to the iPad or iPod Touch, but the same technology logically should extend to all of Apple's iOS devices.Though over-the-air updates would provide a convenient, mobile way to keep the iPhone updated, there are a couple of potential pitfalls.Most iOS updates now weigh in at over 600MB, a hefty payload to deliver wirelessly. 9to5Mac believes Apple would have to pare down the size of its updates, perhaps by offering smaller and more incremental updates rather than fewer and larger updates.Also, updating an iPhone through iTunes first syncs the contents of the device to the PC as a precaution in the event the update fails. If an update were to bypass iTunes, people would need some other way to back up and sync their devices, perhaps through some sort of cloud-based system.Tech enthusiast site Pocket Lint adds a slightly different spin to the story, saying that if Apple were to apply over-the-air updates, it would apply them universally and not just to the Verizon iPhone. The site believes we'll hear more about this potential new development in a month when Apple opens the doors to its Worldwide Developers Conference.
Multiple sources have told Apple news site 9to5Mac that Apple and Verizon Wireless will soon offer over-the-air updates to the iPhone following this fall's expected release of iOS 5. Although iOS 5 itself won't be available wirelessly, 9to5Mac reports that any future updates to the OS will come over the air. With such a change, people would no longer need a PC and iTunes to act as the middlemen to keep their smartphones current.If the reports are true, Apple would join rival Google, which already offers Android users the ability to update their devices sans computer. Apple reportedly also has the technology to update its devices over the air already, but the company has apparently been cautious about opening it up everywhere. However, Apple has been chatting with Verizon about unleashing this technology since early this year, said 9to5Mac.The sources didn't say whether wireless updates would also be available on AT&T or international carriers of the iPhone. No specific mention was made to the iPad or iPod Touch, but the same technology logically should extend to all of Apple's iOS devices.Though over-the-air updates would provide a convenient, mobile way to keep the iPhone updated, there are a couple of potential pitfalls.Most iOS updates now weigh in at over 600MB, a hefty payload to deliver wirelessly. 9to5Mac believes Apple would have to pare down the size of its updates, perhaps by offering smaller and more incremental updates rather than fewer and larger updates.Also, updating an iPhone through iTunes first syncs the contents of the device to the PC as a precaution in the event the update fails. If an update were to bypass iTunes, people would need some other way to back up and sync their devices, perhaps through some sort of cloud-based system.Tech enthusiast site Pocket Lint adds a slightly different spin to the story, saying that if Apple were to apply over-the-air updates, it would apply them universally and not just to the Verizon iPhone. The site believes we'll hear more about this potential new development in a month when Apple opens the doors to its Worldwide Developers Conference.
Apple now shipping new iPod Touch
Apple now shipping new iPod Touch
Those of you who ordered Apple's new iPod Touch may soon see one at your doorstep.Apple seems to have just started shipping the latest iPod Touch to buyers today. A notice received by a Gigaom writer in Pennsylvania cited October 9 as the ship date from China and October 15 as the estimated delivery date.The new iPod Touch was unveiled last month at Apple's iPhone 5 launch event. But the company never revealed a specific availability date for the Touch as it did for the new iPhone. Apple's online store still lists October as the "available to ship" date. The new iPod Nano also points to October as its time frame for shipping.CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if the company responds.Apple has also just released a user guide for the new iPod Touch. Available for free through iTunes, the 138-page e-book covers all of the device's features and services with iOS 6 at the helm.Related storiesApple iPod Touch returns thinner, lighterThe new iPod Touch: A 4-inch screen, and Siri tooSiri comes to iPod TouchiPod Touch vs. iPod Nano: Apple's 2012 iPods comparedThe iPod Touch 5G is closer than ever to the iPhone in several ways.Like the iPhone 5, the new Touch sports a 4-inch screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. A 5-megapixel camera rests on the back, offering better photos in low-light conditions. The front-facing camera can handle FaceTime HD at a resolution of 720 pixels. Voice assistant Siri is also part of the package.Unlike the iPhone, the iPod Touch is available in six colors. The iPod Touch 5G costs $299 for the 32GB version and $399 for the 64GB version.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
Those of you who ordered Apple's new iPod Touch may soon see one at your doorstep.Apple seems to have just started shipping the latest iPod Touch to buyers today. A notice received by a Gigaom writer in Pennsylvania cited October 9 as the ship date from China and October 15 as the estimated delivery date.The new iPod Touch was unveiled last month at Apple's iPhone 5 launch event. But the company never revealed a specific availability date for the Touch as it did for the new iPhone. Apple's online store still lists October as the "available to ship" date. The new iPod Nano also points to October as its time frame for shipping.CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if the company responds.Apple has also just released a user guide for the new iPod Touch. Available for free through iTunes, the 138-page e-book covers all of the device's features and services with iOS 6 at the helm.Related storiesApple iPod Touch returns thinner, lighterThe new iPod Touch: A 4-inch screen, and Siri tooSiri comes to iPod TouchiPod Touch vs. iPod Nano: Apple's 2012 iPods comparedThe iPod Touch 5G is closer than ever to the iPhone in several ways.Like the iPhone 5, the new Touch sports a 4-inch screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. A 5-megapixel camera rests on the back, offering better photos in low-light conditions. The front-facing camera can handle FaceTime HD at a resolution of 720 pixels. Voice assistant Siri is also part of the package.Unlike the iPhone, the iPod Touch is available in six colors. The iPod Touch 5G costs $299 for the 32GB version and $399 for the 64GB version.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 now selling refurbished 27-inch iMacs
Apple now selling refurbished 27-inch iMacs
Anyone eyeing a 27-inch iMac can now save a healthy chunk of change by opting for a refurbished unit.As of yesterday, Apple began selling four refurbished variations of the big-screen iMac through its online store. Buyers can save anywhere from $270 to $400 depending on the model.A 2.9GHz version with 8GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and a 512MB Nvidia GeForce graphics card goes for $1,529, 15 percent off the price of a new unit.A 3.1GHz edition with 4GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, an 8x SuperDrive, and a 1GB AMD Radeon graphics card sells for $1,599, 20 percent off the usual price.A 3.2GHz model with 8GB memory, a 1TB hard drive, and a 1GB Nvidia GeForce graphics card is available for $1,699, a 15 percent discount off the price of a new one.Finally, a 3.4GHz unit with 8GB of memory, a 1TB hard drive, and the 1GB Nvidia GeForce graphics card costs $1,869. That unit sells new for $2,199.Related storiesApple iMac reviewApple's 2012 iMac: Ready for its close-up (pictures)Apple's new Macs of all stripes (pictures)With the exception of the 3.1GHz edition model, all of the refurbished units are the latest iMacs released in October and offer an LED-backlit screen with the higher-quality IPS (in-plane switching) technology. All four variations promise a wait time of just one to three business days with free shipping. All of Apple's refurbished products come with a one-year warranty.Supplies of the 27-inch iMac were tight after Apple unveiled the new model late last year. Popping up for preorder on November 30, the large-screen iMac offered an initial ship time of two to three weeks. But that jumped to three to four weeks after just a few hours.Ship times for new 27-inch models finally eased to one to three days in early March and are now available within 24 hours.(Via MacRumors)
Anyone eyeing a 27-inch iMac can now save a healthy chunk of change by opting for a refurbished unit.As of yesterday, Apple began selling four refurbished variations of the big-screen iMac through its online store. Buyers can save anywhere from $270 to $400 depending on the model.A 2.9GHz version with 8GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and a 512MB Nvidia GeForce graphics card goes for $1,529, 15 percent off the price of a new unit.A 3.1GHz edition with 4GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, an 8x SuperDrive, and a 1GB AMD Radeon graphics card sells for $1,599, 20 percent off the usual price.A 3.2GHz model with 8GB memory, a 1TB hard drive, and a 1GB Nvidia GeForce graphics card is available for $1,699, a 15 percent discount off the price of a new one.Finally, a 3.4GHz unit with 8GB of memory, a 1TB hard drive, and the 1GB Nvidia GeForce graphics card costs $1,869. That unit sells new for $2,199.Related storiesApple iMac reviewApple's 2012 iMac: Ready for its close-up (pictures)Apple's new Macs of all stripes (pictures)With the exception of the 3.1GHz edition model, all of the refurbished units are the latest iMacs released in October and offer an LED-backlit screen with the higher-quality IPS (in-plane switching) technology. All four variations promise a wait time of just one to three business days with free shipping. All of Apple's refurbished products come with a one-year warranty.Supplies of the 27-inch iMac were tight after Apple unveiled the new model late last year. Popping up for preorder on November 30, the large-screen iMac offered an initial ship time of two to three weeks. But that jumped to three to four weeks after just a few hours.Ship times for new 27-inch models finally eased to one to three days in early March and are now available within 24 hours.(Via MacRumors)
Apple now selling Nest Learning Thermostat
Apple now selling Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat has found a new home with the folks at Apple.The company better known for iPhones and iPads is now selling the high-tech thermostat in its online store for $249.95. But the Nest is unlike conventional thermostats.As befits the term "learning," the Nest can learn and remember your preferred temperatures to automatically keep things cool or warm. It turns itself off when your house is empty. And it taps into the power of remote control, letting you change the temperature from anywhere via your iPhone, iPad, Android device, or Mac.This is the second latest sales scoop for Nest. The company announced just yesterday that it's branching out into Canada. Customers can also buy the thermostat through Nest's online store.Related storiesNest Learning Thermostat reviewNest thermostat coming to Apple retail stores soon, report saysNest Labs burns through thermostat ordersBut why Apple as a vendor?The group that created the thermostat was led by Tony Fadell, one of the brains behind the original iPod and iPhone. The gadget itself incorporates much of the "DNA" found in Apple devices.The company also recently hired Apple's former chief intellectual property officer, Richard Lutton Jr., a potentially savvy move because Nest is in the middle of a patent infringement suit filed against it by Honeywell.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
The Nest Learning Thermostat has found a new home with the folks at Apple.The company better known for iPhones and iPads is now selling the high-tech thermostat in its online store for $249.95. But the Nest is unlike conventional thermostats.As befits the term "learning," the Nest can learn and remember your preferred temperatures to automatically keep things cool or warm. It turns itself off when your house is empty. And it taps into the power of remote control, letting you change the temperature from anywhere via your iPhone, iPad, Android device, or Mac.This is the second latest sales scoop for Nest. The company announced just yesterday that it's branching out into Canada. Customers can also buy the thermostat through Nest's online store.Related storiesNest Learning Thermostat reviewNest thermostat coming to Apple retail stores soon, report saysNest Labs burns through thermostat ordersBut why Apple as a vendor?The group that created the thermostat was led by Tony Fadell, one of the brains behind the original iPod and iPhone. The gadget itself incorporates much of the "DNA" found in Apple devices.The company also recently hired Apple's former chief intellectual property officer, Richard Lutton Jr., a potentially savvy move because Nest is in the middle of a patent infringement suit filed against it by Honeywell.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 now hosts 900,000 apps in App Store
Apple now hosts 900,000 apps in App Store
Apple's App Store is now home to 900,000 apps.Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed the latest stats at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco on Monday.Among the 900,000 apps, 90 percent of them are downloaded each month, while 375,000 of them are geared for the iPad. In total, 50 billion apps have been downloaded since the App Store opened for business. July will mark the App Store's fifth birthday.The App Store also holds around 575 million store accounts, with Cook touting that the store has "more accounts with credit cards than anyone else on the Internet, that we're aware of."Overall, Apple has paid iOS developers $10 billion to date, with $5 billion of that just from this year. Getting in a dig at Android and other mobile platforms, Cook said the App Store's payout to developers is more than three times the amount shelled out by its rivals.More from WWDCMeet iTunes Radio, Apple's long-awaited streaming music service CNET Editors' Take: Apple's Pandora-like streaming radio service is finally here Apple gives the iPhone a user interface face-lift with iOS 7 Editors' Take: iOS 7 gets a new look and several new features The fresh new look of Apple iOS 7 (pictures) Apple unveils new MacBook Air, gives Mac Pro sneak peek Editors' Take: Apple updates MacBook Air New MacBook Air boasts all-day battery life (pictures) Editors' Take: A bold new look for the Mac Pro desktop Mac Pro sneak peek (pictures) Editors' Take: Apple Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks Getting to know Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks (pictures) WWDC 2013: Full coverage
Apple's App Store is now home to 900,000 apps.Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed the latest stats at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco on Monday.Among the 900,000 apps, 90 percent of them are downloaded each month, while 375,000 of them are geared for the iPad. In total, 50 billion apps have been downloaded since the App Store opened for business. July will mark the App Store's fifth birthday.The App Store also holds around 575 million store accounts, with Cook touting that the store has "more accounts with credit cards than anyone else on the Internet, that we're aware of."Overall, Apple has paid iOS developers $10 billion to date, with $5 billion of that just from this year. Getting in a dig at Android and other mobile platforms, Cook said the App Store's payout to developers is more than three times the amount shelled out by its rivals.More from WWDCMeet iTunes Radio, Apple's long-awaited streaming music service CNET Editors' Take: Apple's Pandora-like streaming radio service is finally here Apple gives the iPhone a user interface face-lift with iOS 7 Editors' Take: iOS 7 gets a new look and several new features The fresh new look of Apple iOS 7 (pictures) Apple unveils new MacBook Air, gives Mac Pro sneak peek Editors' Take: Apple updates MacBook Air New MacBook Air boasts all-day battery life (pictures) Editors' Take: A bold new look for the Mac Pro desktop Mac Pro sneak peek (pictures) Editors' Take: Apple Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks Getting to know Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks (pictures) WWDC 2013: Full coverage
Apple notifies parents of in-app purchase settlement details
Apple notifies parents of in-app purchase settlement details
Apple has begun notifying the parents how they will be compensated for large bills racked up by their children through unauthorized use of in-app purchases in games and apps sold through the App Store.An e-mail sent by the "Apple In-App Purchase Litigation Administrator" describes how the approximately 23 million people, as part of a class-action lawsuit, can apply for compensation. Parents have until January 13, 2014, to claim a $5 iTunesgift cards for charges less than $30, according to the e-mail. The maximum compensation parents can expect is the total amount charged during a single 45-day period without their permission.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)The 404 Podcast 498: Where Jeff battles the TriadBuzz Out Loud Podcast 1145: China to Google: Suck itParents who complained that it was far too easy to buy digital goods in games without the need to re-enter an Apple ID password sued Apple in 2011. After a parent downloaded a free or paid title using their password, the child (or someone else) could proceed to make purchases without those credentials, as long as it was within a certain time period. Apple changed that behavior as part of a system software update in March 2011, but not before some parents were hit with massive bills. The lawsuit was unrelated to another legal complaint involving in-app purchases. A patent holder named Lodsys made waves in early 2011, suing companies large and small, alleging that they were infringing on its intellectual property by including the option to buy things within the software. Apple joined that suit in April of last year in an effort to defend those developing on its platform.
Apple has begun notifying the parents how they will be compensated for large bills racked up by their children through unauthorized use of in-app purchases in games and apps sold through the App Store.An e-mail sent by the "Apple In-App Purchase Litigation Administrator" describes how the approximately 23 million people, as part of a class-action lawsuit, can apply for compensation. Parents have until January 13, 2014, to claim a $5 iTunesgift cards for charges less than $30, according to the e-mail. The maximum compensation parents can expect is the total amount charged during a single 45-day period without their permission.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)The 404 Podcast 498: Where Jeff battles the TriadBuzz Out Loud Podcast 1145: China to Google: Suck itParents who complained that it was far too easy to buy digital goods in games without the need to re-enter an Apple ID password sued Apple in 2011. After a parent downloaded a free or paid title using their password, the child (or someone else) could proceed to make purchases without those credentials, as long as it was within a certain time period. Apple changed that behavior as part of a system software update in March 2011, but not before some parents were hit with massive bills. The lawsuit was unrelated to another legal complaint involving in-app purchases. A patent holder named Lodsys made waves in early 2011, suing companies large and small, alleging that they were infringing on its intellectual property by including the option to buy things within the software. Apple joined that suit in April of last year in an effort to defend those developing on its platform.
Apple buying iPhone 4Ses ahead of expected iPhone 5 launch
As if we needed any more proof that we are mere weeks from seeing a new iPhone, Apple appears to be making room for the new device by taking the old one off consumers' hands.Depending on the iPhone's condition, Apple will pay up to $345 for the year-old device. Owners can use Apple's Recycling Program to determine how much their device is worth by inputting its model, color, and condition. The big-money goes to the 64GB iPhone 4S in excellent condition, black or white, apparently.After the device is evaluated by a third party (prepaid shipping options available), owners will receive an Apple gift card good for use at a retail location or at Apple's online store -- just in time to buy the new iPhone, which is expected to be unveiled September 12. Of course, there's no guarantee that owners will get top dollar for their device.Apple isn't the only one buying used iPhones, though. As my colleague Rick Broida pointed out a week ago, Amazon is offering some of the highest trade-in valuesseen on used iPhones. An AT&T iPhone 4S 32GB in perfect working condition is worth up to $455 to the Internet retailer. But like Apple, Amazon's payout comes in the form of a gift card.
Apple buying Color's engineers -- not tech, report says
Did Apple really buy a video-sharing app, its small collection of patents, and other assets?Not quite, according to a new report.Citing sources, All Things Digital says Apple instead picked up "about 20" of the startup's engineering types, who will work on cloud-based projects for Apple, while the remainder of Color is "wound down." The price on the deal was said to be in the $2 million to $5 million range, the report adds, well short of the $41 million in funding the company got before it launched.News about Apple's interest in Color was reported last night by The Next Web. The report suggested that Apple would be interested in some of the company's patents, which might tie in, and perhaps extend the company's media sharing tools. The engineering pickup, which Apple has not confirmed, comes days after CNET first reported of Apple's similar, engineer-focused buy of Particle, a San Francisco-based HTML5 company. CNET has contacted Color's largest investor, Sequoia Capital, as well as founder and CEO Bill Nguyen for more information, and will update this post when we know more.
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