Apple's last Macworld beginning of new era
Even though CEO Steve Jobs will not be playing his customary role, the last Macworld Expo with Apple's participation will still be interesting--for perhaps that exact reason.Apple's decision to pull Jobs from Tuesday's Macworld keynote speech--and its announcement that 2009 would be its last year at the show--deflated much of the usual pre-Macworld speculation regarding the company's 2009 product plans. The show must go on, however; and Senior Vice President of Marketing Phil Schiller will likely have a few new products to show off, such as an iPhone Nano, a revamped 17-inch MacBook Pro, and a new operating system called Snow Leopard.But Macworld 2009 will probably not be remembered for the products introduced there, unless Apple has quite the ace up its sleeve. Instead, Tuesday's 90-minute presentation will be scrutinized for signs that Apple is preparing to change an external communications strategy in which its founder has been its primary spokesman since his return to the company in 1997.Officially, Apple said its decision to have Jobs skip the Macworld keynote address--perhaps the most widely followed annual presentation by any tech industry CEO--was linked to its decision to bail on Macworld entirely following this week's event. It's unclear what will happen to the conference following Apple's departure. The show's presenter, IDG World Expo, says the 2010 event is on. But it also plans to hold a "town meeting" during this week's show, where it will solicit ideas for the future. (Editors' note: See also Monday morning's news, "On eve of Macworld, Jobs talks health.") #nlrText { float: right; width: 190px;padding: 5px; margin: 10px ; border: 1px solid #999; background-color: #F7F7F7; } #nlrText h4 { display: block; font-size: 1.1em;padding: 0; margin: 0; color: #900; font-weight: bold; } #nlrText p { display: block; font-size: 11px; } Apple's Macworld updatesHere's a basic rundown of everything Apple announced Tuesday. For more details, read our summary here. iTunes DRM-free and cheaper songs MacBook Pro New 8-hour battery iLife '09 Photo geotagging and music lessons iWork '09 Online syncing, Keynote RemoteIt's hard to imagine a fate for Macworld any different than what happened to the East Coast show after Apple cut its ties, however. Since his return to the company, Jobs has always been Apple's primary voice, and whether it was held in Boston, New York, or San Francisco, the star attraction at Macworld.Even though he's not giving the keynote, Jobs will still attract that sort of attention Tuesday, even if all he does is settle into a front-row seat to watch the presentation. Apple has not said whether or not Jobs will make an appearance during the keynote, but such an appearance could go a long way toward deflecting the latest round of rumors surrounding his health.After all, the man is a legend. Arguably one of the most influential businesspeople of the last 30 years, Jobs personifies much of what people like to see in Apple, and much of the brand promise of the Mac: a brilliant iconoclast who takes no prisoners yet cares deeply about elegance.There are signs, however, that Apple is entering a new era. It seems pretty clear that Apple chafed at the idea of having to introduce some of its best new products a few weeks after the close of the holiday selling season. Most consumer electronics companies like to make their big product introductions toward the end of the year, rather than the beginning, but the timing of Macworld forced Apple into a different schedule.Also, while it's not unusual for Jobs to share the spotlight during his keynotes, Apple put together its deepest ensemble cast in recent memory for October's MacBook event. Jobs rolled out the company's latest notebooks accompanied by COO Tim Cook, Senior Vice President for Industrial Design Jonny Ive, and a video featuring executives off the radar of most Apple watchers, such as Vice President of Product Design Dan Riccio.If anything, that event proved that few Apple executives--to be fair, few executives anywhere--have the stage presence and presentation skills that Jobs enjoys. So why would Apple change that role now, when the company is at the top of its game?For one thing, there's a downside to Apple's strategy of putting its founder front-and-center before the public. Rumors regarding his health and appearance have played havoc with Apple's stock throughout 2008 and as recently as last week. Much of that speculation was unwarranted earlier in the year, but given that even up until mid-December Apple had led IDG to believe Jobs would be taking his usual place in Moscone Center, Apple practically invited this round of rumors about Jobs' health by announcing the decision as suddenly as it did.Macworld has long been The Steve Jobs Show, but is he really the only person who can shepherd product development breakthroughs like the iPhone?Casimir Fornalski/CNET NetworksBut even if Jobs is merely sick of Macworld, rather than actually sick, Apple will live longer than he will.To be clear, just because Jobs isn't giving the Macworld keynote does not necessarily mean that Apple is ready to lower his profile. The company hosts several of its own events every year, such as the June Worldwide Developers Conference and September music event, and may be planning for business-as-usual Stevenotes at those events later this year. Apple never seems to break up amicably with its partners, and Jobs' vanishing act from Macworld 2009 could just be a parting shot in an often-contentious relationship between Apple and IDG World Expo.Still, at some point Apple will run into problems if Jobs is forever seen as the only person capable of running the company. Apple today is a much different company than the struggling corporation Jobs took over in 1997. It has 32,000 employees, three hit products that generate profits, and the world's largest music store.Apple has sold the concept of Jobs as the single-most important factor in Apple's success so well that many outsiders don't understand that other brilliant, driven people at Apple come up with cool ideas from time to time. Steve Jobs is certainly more hands-on than the average tech executive when it comes to product design and execution, but he's not the only person capable of running Apple. As the saying goes, the graveyards are full of indispensable men.Some day, Steve Jobs will decide he's ready for the next chapter of his life and Apple will need to have a replacement ready. Many have criticized Apple over the past year for seeming to lack a succession plan, but not discussing such a plan publicly and not discussing such a plan internally are two very different things.Tuesday could be the first step in that plan. Phil Schiller is probably not going to be the man who leads Apple once Jobs moves on, but he might be the ideal person to guest-host Macworld as a parade of Apple executives hone their presentation skills and introduce themselves to the general public.For all the accolades deservedly paid to Jobs' leadership and salesmanship skills, there is someone else out there who is capable of keeping Apple on track. Jobs has always struck me as a man with meticulous plans for the future, and it might soon be time for a little light to be shed on Apple 4.0.Click here for more Macworld Expo coverage from CNET News.
New Apple TV- $99, Netflix streaming, 99-cent TV rentals
New Apple TV: $99, Netflix streaming, 99-cent TV rentals
After a flurry of last-minute rumors, Apple announced its completely revamped Apple TV at its keynote Wednesday, featuring a much smaller design, 99-cent TV rentals from ABC and Fox, and Netflix streaming capabilities. The new Apple TV will come out in late September and will cost $99, which is a large decrease from the current $230 price of the old Apple TV.Apple TV, second-generation (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 6NextPrevThe new design is about a quarter the size of the original Apple TV, and its connectivity has been stripped to just five ports: HDMI, optical digital audio output, USB, Ethernet, and power. There's also built-in Wi-Fi, so you won't need to drag an Ethernet cord into the living room. Unlike the old model, the new Apple TV doesn't have onboard storage, instead it streams all content either directing from the Internet or other devices on your home network. The capability to switch from watching a video on your iPad to your Apple TV was shown during the keynote, but as of now it's unclear what content--iTunes rentals, YouTube, and so on--you can use with that functionality. Apple is also including an updated aluminum remote control.The 99-cent TV rentals, even for HD content, from Disney and Fox represent a significant break from current online TV streaming prices. Services such as iTunes and Amazon Video on Demand currently offer you the capability to purchase TV episodes for $2 ($3 for HD episodes) and don't have rental options. While the selection of TV shows is limited to just ABC and Fox for now, the availability of cheap TV rentals that can be watched on your Apple TV, iPhone or iPad, is an attractive package, especially for those looking to ditch their monthly cable subscription. Apple also announced that they're doing away with the capability to purchase movies, moving to a rental-only pricing plan for movies on the Apple TV as well. The Apple TV's Netflix interface.AppleThe addition of Netflix streaming is also a big change for Apple TV, which was previously limited to iTunes and YouTube streaming video content. Apple TV has lagged behind its competitors with Netflix streaming capabilities, as it's widely available on Blu-ray players, game consoles, HDTVs and set-top boxes like the Roku Digital Video Player. Even other Apple products, including both the iPad and iPhone, have been capable of streaming Netflix before the Apple TV.
After a flurry of last-minute rumors, Apple announced its completely revamped Apple TV at its keynote Wednesday, featuring a much smaller design, 99-cent TV rentals from ABC and Fox, and Netflix streaming capabilities. The new Apple TV will come out in late September and will cost $99, which is a large decrease from the current $230 price of the old Apple TV.Apple TV, second-generation (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 6NextPrevThe new design is about a quarter the size of the original Apple TV, and its connectivity has been stripped to just five ports: HDMI, optical digital audio output, USB, Ethernet, and power. There's also built-in Wi-Fi, so you won't need to drag an Ethernet cord into the living room. Unlike the old model, the new Apple TV doesn't have onboard storage, instead it streams all content either directing from the Internet or other devices on your home network. The capability to switch from watching a video on your iPad to your Apple TV was shown during the keynote, but as of now it's unclear what content--iTunes rentals, YouTube, and so on--you can use with that functionality. Apple is also including an updated aluminum remote control.The 99-cent TV rentals, even for HD content, from Disney and Fox represent a significant break from current online TV streaming prices. Services such as iTunes and Amazon Video on Demand currently offer you the capability to purchase TV episodes for $2 ($3 for HD episodes) and don't have rental options. While the selection of TV shows is limited to just ABC and Fox for now, the availability of cheap TV rentals that can be watched on your Apple TV, iPhone or iPad, is an attractive package, especially for those looking to ditch their monthly cable subscription. Apple also announced that they're doing away with the capability to purchase movies, moving to a rental-only pricing plan for movies on the Apple TV as well. The Apple TV's Netflix interface.AppleThe addition of Netflix streaming is also a big change for Apple TV, which was previously limited to iTunes and YouTube streaming video content. Apple TV has lagged behind its competitors with Netflix streaming capabilities, as it's widely available on Blu-ray players, game consoles, HDTVs and set-top boxes like the Roku Digital Video Player. Even other Apple products, including both the iPad and iPhone, have been capable of streaming Netflix before the Apple TV.
Bjork's Biophilia is the first app in MoMA's collection
Bjork's Biophilia is the first app in MoMA's collection
The argument over whether games can be art is pretty much over (of course they can), but a new acquisition by New York's Museum of Modern Art raises an interesting iteration of that question: can apps be art?Well, yes. We've seen more than a few that would qualify; but it's Bjork's groundbreaking experiment Biophilia, an interactive experience designed to accompany her album of the same name, that has received the honour of being the first downloadable app to be inducted into MoMA's collection.The app, wrote Paola Antonelli, senior curator of the Department of Architecture and Design, is a strong reflection of Bjork's interest in collaborative projects -- not just with the artists, engineers and musicians who helped create Biophilia, but the users who participate in the experience.Originally launched in July 2011, the app was the first of its kind: an accompaniment to an album by a world-renowned musician, designed to allow users to explore the music more fully through the medium of a touchscreen. Launching the app, users are transported to the Biophilia "galaxy", where flying around the songs, represented by glowing stars, listening to a strange melange of sounds.Related articlesRadiohead mobile "game" is a beautiful, explorable fantasylandBrian Eno and Karl Hyde: How many shapes can dance on a record?Tapping on a song lets you play a minigame related to the song, view an interactive animation, read an analysis of the song, listen to it with an animation, view the lyrics or listen to it while following along with the score.Each song has a different minigame. In the song "Crystalline", for example, you play a sort of endless runner, tilting your device to collect crystals as you travel through a hexagonal tunnel. On "Moon", you have to rotate strings of pearls curling out from the bone structure of a lower abdomen in order to produce notes. In "Dark Matter", you touch glowing orbs to create different note scales, observing their intersecting lines and the flow between them."The scientific term biophilia refers to research that suggests an instinctive biological bond between humans and other living systems. This suggestive link forms a powerful subtext to both the lyrics and visuals of the 10 songs in the app," Antonelli wrote. "I started thinking about acquiring Biophilia when it was released, in 2011. At that time, a year after the iPad had been introduced, designers and developers were excitedly experimenting with apps that took advantage of a screen bigger than the iPhone. With Biophilia however, Bjork truly innovated the way people experience music by letting them participate in performing and making the music and visuals, rather than just listening passively."Biophilia can be viewed at the museum, or downloaded for free from Google Play and the iTunes app store.
The argument over whether games can be art is pretty much over (of course they can), but a new acquisition by New York's Museum of Modern Art raises an interesting iteration of that question: can apps be art?Well, yes. We've seen more than a few that would qualify; but it's Bjork's groundbreaking experiment Biophilia, an interactive experience designed to accompany her album of the same name, that has received the honour of being the first downloadable app to be inducted into MoMA's collection.The app, wrote Paola Antonelli, senior curator of the Department of Architecture and Design, is a strong reflection of Bjork's interest in collaborative projects -- not just with the artists, engineers and musicians who helped create Biophilia, but the users who participate in the experience.Originally launched in July 2011, the app was the first of its kind: an accompaniment to an album by a world-renowned musician, designed to allow users to explore the music more fully through the medium of a touchscreen. Launching the app, users are transported to the Biophilia "galaxy", where flying around the songs, represented by glowing stars, listening to a strange melange of sounds.Related articlesRadiohead mobile "game" is a beautiful, explorable fantasylandBrian Eno and Karl Hyde: How many shapes can dance on a record?Tapping on a song lets you play a minigame related to the song, view an interactive animation, read an analysis of the song, listen to it with an animation, view the lyrics or listen to it while following along with the score.Each song has a different minigame. In the song "Crystalline", for example, you play a sort of endless runner, tilting your device to collect crystals as you travel through a hexagonal tunnel. On "Moon", you have to rotate strings of pearls curling out from the bone structure of a lower abdomen in order to produce notes. In "Dark Matter", you touch glowing orbs to create different note scales, observing their intersecting lines and the flow between them."The scientific term biophilia refers to research that suggests an instinctive biological bond between humans and other living systems. This suggestive link forms a powerful subtext to both the lyrics and visuals of the 10 songs in the app," Antonelli wrote. "I started thinking about acquiring Biophilia when it was released, in 2011. At that time, a year after the iPad had been introduced, designers and developers were excitedly experimenting with apps that took advantage of a screen bigger than the iPhone. With Biophilia however, Bjork truly innovated the way people experience music by letting them participate in performing and making the music and visuals, rather than just listening passively."Biophilia can be viewed at the museum, or downloaded for free from Google Play and the iTunes app store.
The 404 383- Where it's so bad it's good
The 404 383: Where it's so bad it's good
Check it out! Jeff was invited to an Activision event last night to preview Tony Hawk's new game, but he was pretty surprised when Tony Hawk himself showed up to show him around! As you can see, the game comes with an actual "skateboard" controller to jump, ride, and pop up to do tricks within the game. Jeff tells us that the game is very realistic, but popping up the board feels more like a snowboard than skating. Check it out for yourself when it comes out on October 13 for $120.In other news, The 404 has decided to hire a young Twittern to update our Twitter. Social media, whether it's in short or long form, is super time-consuming...anyone out there want to be our Twittern? We're only half-joking...In more important news, Apple has finally broken up the love affair between iTunes and the Palm Pre: the smartphone no longer works with the popular desktop software. Jeff owns a Pre and figures that the only thing to do now is to refrain from upgrading to the latest software, lest some savvy developer use the latest SDK to somehow crack Apple's padlock.Also, start getting amped for tomorrow's episode where I, Justin Yu, will debut yet another band in a segment we like to call...deep breath..."The 404 Semi-Weekly Audio Draft Sponsored by Beck's Beer in conjunction with Last.FM, a subsidiary of CBS Interactive and CNET News and Reviews." Jeez.EPISODE 383Download today's podcast Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Check it out! Jeff was invited to an Activision event last night to preview Tony Hawk's new game, but he was pretty surprised when Tony Hawk himself showed up to show him around! As you can see, the game comes with an actual "skateboard" controller to jump, ride, and pop up to do tricks within the game. Jeff tells us that the game is very realistic, but popping up the board feels more like a snowboard than skating. Check it out for yourself when it comes out on October 13 for $120.In other news, The 404 has decided to hire a young Twittern to update our Twitter. Social media, whether it's in short or long form, is super time-consuming...anyone out there want to be our Twittern? We're only half-joking...In more important news, Apple has finally broken up the love affair between iTunes and the Palm Pre: the smartphone no longer works with the popular desktop software. Jeff owns a Pre and figures that the only thing to do now is to refrain from upgrading to the latest software, lest some savvy developer use the latest SDK to somehow crack Apple's padlock.Also, start getting amped for tomorrow's episode where I, Justin Yu, will debut yet another band in a segment we like to call...deep breath..."The 404 Semi-Weekly Audio Draft Sponsored by Beck's Beer in conjunction with Last.FM, a subsidiary of CBS Interactive and CNET News and Reviews." Jeez.EPISODE 383Download today's podcast Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Manually transfer your iTunes library to a new Mac
Manually transfer your iTunes library to a new Mac
Library transfer can be done in several, and perhaps obvious ways, using a USB thumb drive or hard drive, or via networking and file sharing. Depending on the size of your library and the connection speed of your Wi-Fi network, you might consider using a direct Ethernet connection or other option to swiftly transfer your library between computers.When your systems are connected, you can transfer the iTunes folder from the Macintosh HD > Users > username > Music directory on the old system to the same directory on the new system, replacing the current iTunes folder (if present), and then simply launching iTunes. Since this is the default location for the iTunes library, the program should simply adopt the new library and its media; however, if it does not, or if you have placed the copied library in a different location, then you will not see your music in iTunes and will have to re-associate your library with the program.Ensure the iTunes Media folder is the appropriate one, especially if your library is being stored in a non-standard location such as on an external hard drive.Screenshot by Topher Kessler/CNETTo do this, quit iTunes and re-launch it while holding Option. When you do this, you will see a library selector window pop up which offers an option to create a new library or to choose an existing library. Select the option to Choose Library, and then navigate to the iTunes library folder you previously copied, and select the "iTunes Library.itl" file within.Now when iTunes launches, you should see your music and playlists appear. But now you will need to ensure your media folder is properly set so iTunes can find the files for your songs. To do this, go to the Advanced section of the iTunes preferences, and click the "Change..." button. Now navigate to the iTunes folder you copied to the system, and choose the iTunes Media folder within it.With these settings checked, iTunes should now properly associate your library and media files, and you should be up and running. The only additional step you may need to complete is to sign in with your Apple ID so any DRM-protected files can be played.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
Library transfer can be done in several, and perhaps obvious ways, using a USB thumb drive or hard drive, or via networking and file sharing. Depending on the size of your library and the connection speed of your Wi-Fi network, you might consider using a direct Ethernet connection or other option to swiftly transfer your library between computers.When your systems are connected, you can transfer the iTunes folder from the Macintosh HD > Users > username > Music directory on the old system to the same directory on the new system, replacing the current iTunes folder (if present), and then simply launching iTunes. Since this is the default location for the iTunes library, the program should simply adopt the new library and its media; however, if it does not, or if you have placed the copied library in a different location, then you will not see your music in iTunes and will have to re-associate your library with the program.Ensure the iTunes Media folder is the appropriate one, especially if your library is being stored in a non-standard location such as on an external hard drive.Screenshot by Topher Kessler/CNETTo do this, quit iTunes and re-launch it while holding Option. When you do this, you will see a library selector window pop up which offers an option to create a new library or to choose an existing library. Select the option to Choose Library, and then navigate to the iTunes library folder you previously copied, and select the "iTunes Library.itl" file within.Now when iTunes launches, you should see your music and playlists appear. But now you will need to ensure your media folder is properly set so iTunes can find the files for your songs. To do this, go to the Advanced section of the iTunes preferences, and click the "Change..." button. Now navigate to the iTunes folder you copied to the system, and choose the iTunes Media folder within it.With these settings checked, iTunes should now properly associate your library and media files, and you should be up and running. The only additional step you may need to complete is to sign in with your Apple ID so any DRM-protected files can be played.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
Court orders push e-mail ban on iCloud, MobileMe to continue
Court orders push e-mail ban on iCloud, MobileMe to continue
An earlier German court ruling banning iCloud and MobileMe push e-mail service in that country has been upheld.The Mannheim Regional Court today ordered the ban to continue, claiming that the push e-mail service found in Apple's iCloud and MobileMe violates patents Motorola Mobility holds. In addition, Dow Jones, which first reported on the story, says the court ordered Apple to pay Motorola damages, but did not specify how much.A German court back in February sided with Motorola Mobility in the case, arguing that Apple's push e-mail services in iCloud and MobileMe should be banned from use in the country. A few weeks later, Apple was forced to turn off push e-mail, though the remaining services in iCloud and MobileMe were left on.Related storiesApple dealt legal setbacks by Motorola in GermanyApple turns off push e-mail for iCloud, MobileMe in GermanyCNET's review of Apple's new iPadCNET's review of Apple's iPhone 4S (Verizon Wireless)"Affected customers will still receive iCloud and MobileMe e-mail, but new messages will be downloaded to their devices when the Mail app is opened, or when their device periodically fetches new messages as configured in iOS Settings," Apple wrote to customers. "Push email service on desktop computers, laptop computers, and the Web is unaffected, as is service from other providers such as Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync."Apple has said that it believes the ruling is "invalid," and appealed the earlier ruling, which brought the case to the Mannheim court. Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment on what its next move might be to try to restore push e-mail across Germany.Update 9:52 a.m. PT: And Apple is, predictably, sticking to its guns. In a statement it sent to AllThingsD, the company said it disagrees with the court's decision and plans to appeal this latest ruling. And Apple wants potential customers to know that "the court's decision does not impact product availability."
An earlier German court ruling banning iCloud and MobileMe push e-mail service in that country has been upheld.The Mannheim Regional Court today ordered the ban to continue, claiming that the push e-mail service found in Apple's iCloud and MobileMe violates patents Motorola Mobility holds. In addition, Dow Jones, which first reported on the story, says the court ordered Apple to pay Motorola damages, but did not specify how much.A German court back in February sided with Motorola Mobility in the case, arguing that Apple's push e-mail services in iCloud and MobileMe should be banned from use in the country. A few weeks later, Apple was forced to turn off push e-mail, though the remaining services in iCloud and MobileMe were left on.Related storiesApple dealt legal setbacks by Motorola in GermanyApple turns off push e-mail for iCloud, MobileMe in GermanyCNET's review of Apple's new iPadCNET's review of Apple's iPhone 4S (Verizon Wireless)"Affected customers will still receive iCloud and MobileMe e-mail, but new messages will be downloaded to their devices when the Mail app is opened, or when their device periodically fetches new messages as configured in iOS Settings," Apple wrote to customers. "Push email service on desktop computers, laptop computers, and the Web is unaffected, as is service from other providers such as Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync."Apple has said that it believes the ruling is "invalid," and appealed the earlier ruling, which brought the case to the Mannheim court. Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment on what its next move might be to try to restore push e-mail across Germany.Update 9:52 a.m. PT: And Apple is, predictably, sticking to its guns. In a statement it sent to AllThingsD, the company said it disagrees with the court's decision and plans to appeal this latest ruling. And Apple wants potential customers to know that "the court's decision does not impact product availability."
Coupons.com app gets native Passbook integration
Coupons.com app gets native Passbook integration
Coupons.com today updated its iOS app to integrate with Apple's Passbook digital wallet service, something that previously required going through mobile Safari.As part of the update, there's now an "add to Passbook" option next to coupons, which will spit the deal out to Apple's software app. Users previously had to navigate to that same link through Coupons' Web site, but the end result was the same.Like before, when coupons get added they get an expiration date and instructions on the back for the cashier to redeem them. Not all coupons can be sent to Passbook, but the company says about 50 retailers with coupons on the service support the feature. Passbook is an application from Apple designed to store membership cards, tickets, coupons, and boarding passes -- a bit like a digital wallet. As an added feature, Passbook can alert users to changes in connected account information, and pop up through the home screen to be readily accessed based on your location. The feature debuted as a part of iOS 6 for iPhones and iPod Touch, though it's not available on Apple's three iPad models.In an interview last week, a Coupons.com representative said its coupons do not currently include location-based information but that it's something that's being explored. In the meantime, that means users will need to hunt out the coupon for a store they're in versus having it automatically pop up on their iPhone's home screen when they're within a certain proximity. Coupons.com originally added Passbook integration to its mobile site in late October, about a month after the feature was publicly available. It's the latest company to jump on with support for Apple's nascent digital-wallet effort. Other recent additions include Starbucks, LivingSocial, and Google with its Chrome app for iOS. Onlookers are keeping a close eye on which companies are getting involved with Passbook and how the product evolves given that it's a relatively new direction for Apple. The company has already come under criticism for not explaining Passbook well enough, something that will be addressed in an upcoming iOS software update.
Coupons.com today updated its iOS app to integrate with Apple's Passbook digital wallet service, something that previously required going through mobile Safari.As part of the update, there's now an "add to Passbook" option next to coupons, which will spit the deal out to Apple's software app. Users previously had to navigate to that same link through Coupons' Web site, but the end result was the same.Like before, when coupons get added they get an expiration date and instructions on the back for the cashier to redeem them. Not all coupons can be sent to Passbook, but the company says about 50 retailers with coupons on the service support the feature. Passbook is an application from Apple designed to store membership cards, tickets, coupons, and boarding passes -- a bit like a digital wallet. As an added feature, Passbook can alert users to changes in connected account information, and pop up through the home screen to be readily accessed based on your location. The feature debuted as a part of iOS 6 for iPhones and iPod Touch, though it's not available on Apple's three iPad models.In an interview last week, a Coupons.com representative said its coupons do not currently include location-based information but that it's something that's being explored. In the meantime, that means users will need to hunt out the coupon for a store they're in versus having it automatically pop up on their iPhone's home screen when they're within a certain proximity. Coupons.com originally added Passbook integration to its mobile site in late October, about a month after the feature was publicly available. It's the latest company to jump on with support for Apple's nascent digital-wallet effort. Other recent additions include Starbucks, LivingSocial, and Google with its Chrome app for iOS. Onlookers are keeping a close eye on which companies are getting involved with Passbook and how the product evolves given that it's a relatively new direction for Apple. The company has already come under criticism for not explaining Passbook well enough, something that will be addressed in an upcoming iOS software update.
Could the iPhone 5 be... ahem, a camera-
Could the iPhone 5 be... ahem, a camera?
Less than a month before Apple gets ready to unveil the iPhone 5, we get word of a last-minute rethink that forced the boffins in Cupertino to go back to the drawing board and rework the entire project. Why? Because customers use their iPhones only to take photos of their food in order to create the delusion of a fulfilling life. Oh, and did we mention that the iPhone 5 is a camera?Or so says one "Greg Mansfield," the fictitious vice president of iPhone product design, in a deliciously biting parody that's made its way to YouTube. A couple of snippets: [People are] sad and alone so they use pictures of food to create the illusion of a fulfilling life.... Siri'son there too. She can recognize the food you photograph and suggest fun captions that'll imply a life worth living.... The iPhone 5 is a game-changer. Its photos are sure to garner all the likes, hearts, plusses, pins, stars, reposts, reblogs, retumbles, and retweets that you've used to replace human connection in your life.I've been using the iPhone 5 for a few months now and it's already turned my life into a seemingly enjoyable lie. Last weekend I was having brunch with my girlfriend, but we had nothing to talk about, so I took out my iPhone 5, I snapped a pic of my eggs Benedict, connected my iPhone to my MacBook, found a Wi-Fi hot spot, uploaded that photo onto Facebook, and within minutes I had friends telling me how much fun I was having. And you know, for one brief moment -- I almost believed it myself.The eminently entertaining video, which you can check out below, was put together by Adam Sacks. Nice one.
Less than a month before Apple gets ready to unveil the iPhone 5, we get word of a last-minute rethink that forced the boffins in Cupertino to go back to the drawing board and rework the entire project. Why? Because customers use their iPhones only to take photos of their food in order to create the delusion of a fulfilling life. Oh, and did we mention that the iPhone 5 is a camera?Or so says one "Greg Mansfield," the fictitious vice president of iPhone product design, in a deliciously biting parody that's made its way to YouTube. A couple of snippets: [People are] sad and alone so they use pictures of food to create the illusion of a fulfilling life.... Siri'son there too. She can recognize the food you photograph and suggest fun captions that'll imply a life worth living.... The iPhone 5 is a game-changer. Its photos are sure to garner all the likes, hearts, plusses, pins, stars, reposts, reblogs, retumbles, and retweets that you've used to replace human connection in your life.I've been using the iPhone 5 for a few months now and it's already turned my life into a seemingly enjoyable lie. Last weekend I was having brunch with my girlfriend, but we had nothing to talk about, so I took out my iPhone 5, I snapped a pic of my eggs Benedict, connected my iPhone to my MacBook, found a Wi-Fi hot spot, uploaded that photo onto Facebook, and within minutes I had friends telling me how much fun I was having. And you know, for one brief moment -- I almost believed it myself.The eminently entertaining video, which you can check out below, was put together by Adam Sacks. Nice one.
Could phones become 'viable threat' to gaming devices-
Could phones become 'viable threat' to gaming devices?
The gaming industry is getting some much needed help from mobile phones, market research firm iSuppli found in a recent study.According to iSuppli, shipments of game-capable mobile phones will be up 11.4 percent by the end of 2010 to 1.27 billion, compared to 1.14 billion shipments in 2009. By the end of 2010, it expects console shipments to top 52.3 million units, up just 0.2 percent compared to 2009's 52.1 million units. Handhelds are expected to see a decline in 2010, tallying 38.9 million shipments by the end of 2010, compared to 39.9 million in 2009."The formidable lead enjoyed by cell phones capable of gaming will continue in the years to come with no hint of decline, and their near-universal presence gives them the potential to become a viable competitive threat to dedicated gaming platforms, primarily handheld devices," Pamela Tufegdzic, consumer electronics analyst at iSuppli, said in a statement Monday.iSuppli said that devices like Apple's iPhone have helped spur the growth of gaming on mobile phones. Currently, the top nine out of 10 most popular paid applications in Apple's App Store are games. They're led by Angry Birds, Fragger, and Doodle Jump.News of the iPhone and other mobile phones gaining gaming market share is nothing new. In March, Flurry Analytics found that between 2008 and 2009, Apple's iOS platform captured significant mobile-market share from Nintendo's DS and Sony's PSP. In 2008, the mobile OS owned just 5 percent of the mobile gaming market. In 2009, that figure jumped to 19 percent. Given the continued growth of the platform, including other mobile platforms like Google's Android OS, it's not a stretch to say that smartphones could make an even greater impact on that market in 2010.
The gaming industry is getting some much needed help from mobile phones, market research firm iSuppli found in a recent study.According to iSuppli, shipments of game-capable mobile phones will be up 11.4 percent by the end of 2010 to 1.27 billion, compared to 1.14 billion shipments in 2009. By the end of 2010, it expects console shipments to top 52.3 million units, up just 0.2 percent compared to 2009's 52.1 million units. Handhelds are expected to see a decline in 2010, tallying 38.9 million shipments by the end of 2010, compared to 39.9 million in 2009."The formidable lead enjoyed by cell phones capable of gaming will continue in the years to come with no hint of decline, and their near-universal presence gives them the potential to become a viable competitive threat to dedicated gaming platforms, primarily handheld devices," Pamela Tufegdzic, consumer electronics analyst at iSuppli, said in a statement Monday.iSuppli said that devices like Apple's iPhone have helped spur the growth of gaming on mobile phones. Currently, the top nine out of 10 most popular paid applications in Apple's App Store are games. They're led by Angry Birds, Fragger, and Doodle Jump.News of the iPhone and other mobile phones gaining gaming market share is nothing new. In March, Flurry Analytics found that between 2008 and 2009, Apple's iOS platform captured significant mobile-market share from Nintendo's DS and Sony's PSP. In 2008, the mobile OS owned just 5 percent of the mobile gaming market. In 2009, that figure jumped to 19 percent. Given the continued growth of the platform, including other mobile platforms like Google's Android OS, it's not a stretch to say that smartphones could make an even greater impact on that market in 2010.
Could Carl Icahn be interested in RIM-
Could Carl Icahn be interested in RIM?
Could billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn be the answer to Research In Motion's woes?Wall Street apparently thinks so, as RIM's stock rose nearly 7 percent today on speculation that Icahn may have taken a stake in the company, BGC Partners analyst Colin Gillis, citing traders, told Reuters today. "We believe that, if true, this would be viewed positively, as it could lead to changes in the company to potentially unlock value," said James Moorman, an equity analyst at Standard & Poor's.Icahn has a track record of taking major stakes and agitating for change in ailing companies, calling for new board members, a change in leadership, and even a break-up of the company or the sale of assets--anything to increase shareholder value. And he has a track record of getting what he wants. Icahn couldn't immediately be reached for comment by CNET. If Icahn were interested in RIM, he would be buying shares in the company at their lowest value in years. The stock hit a five-year low of just less than $22 a share on Friday. It has been battered--having lost roughly two-third of its market value over the past seven months--on concerns that RIM's BlackBerry smartphones were no longer able to compete in a market where Android smartphones and Apple's iPhone dominate. To make matters worse, RIM's PlayBook tablet, the first device to use its next-generation operating system, flopped early, taking recent discounts to drive sales. RIM's situation echoes that of Motorola, where Icahn first disclosed a stake in the company in early 2007, later orchestrating the ouster of its CEO, Ed Zander, and choosing two people to serve on the board. He helped Motorola's decision to split into two businesses: Motorola Solutions, which makes public-safety radios and enterprise computing devices, and Motorola Mobility, the handset business that Google agreed to buy for $12.5 billion.But RIM's situation is different, as the two largest shareholders of the company are co-CEOs Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis. In this case, Icahn would face significantly more entrenched resistance to change.
Could billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn be the answer to Research In Motion's woes?Wall Street apparently thinks so, as RIM's stock rose nearly 7 percent today on speculation that Icahn may have taken a stake in the company, BGC Partners analyst Colin Gillis, citing traders, told Reuters today. "We believe that, if true, this would be viewed positively, as it could lead to changes in the company to potentially unlock value," said James Moorman, an equity analyst at Standard & Poor's.Icahn has a track record of taking major stakes and agitating for change in ailing companies, calling for new board members, a change in leadership, and even a break-up of the company or the sale of assets--anything to increase shareholder value. And he has a track record of getting what he wants. Icahn couldn't immediately be reached for comment by CNET. If Icahn were interested in RIM, he would be buying shares in the company at their lowest value in years. The stock hit a five-year low of just less than $22 a share on Friday. It has been battered--having lost roughly two-third of its market value over the past seven months--on concerns that RIM's BlackBerry smartphones were no longer able to compete in a market where Android smartphones and Apple's iPhone dominate. To make matters worse, RIM's PlayBook tablet, the first device to use its next-generation operating system, flopped early, taking recent discounts to drive sales. RIM's situation echoes that of Motorola, where Icahn first disclosed a stake in the company in early 2007, later orchestrating the ouster of its CEO, Ed Zander, and choosing two people to serve on the board. He helped Motorola's decision to split into two businesses: Motorola Solutions, which makes public-safety radios and enterprise computing devices, and Motorola Mobility, the handset business that Google agreed to buy for $12.5 billion.But RIM's situation is different, as the two largest shareholders of the company are co-CEOs Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis. In this case, Icahn would face significantly more entrenched resistance to change.
Lights, camera, Apple: Filming starts for new Steve Jobs biopic
LOS ALTOS, Calif. -- The garage at Steve Jobs' childhood home here looks like a trip back in time.
Cinderblock and wood shelves are pieced together along the walls. Roller skates, a Thermos, an old vacuum cleaner and 8-track player and stereo lay haphazardly about. An advertisement for a Braun electric coffee maker hangs on the wall, as does a poster featuring Bob Dylan holding a "Get Born" sign from a film clip featuring the song "Subterranean Homesick Blues." And the house itself has been painted a beige color with darker tan trim, contrasting with the formerly lighter exterior.
It could be anybody's long-forgotten storage space. Or it could be the set of the new Jobs biopic based on Walter Isaacson's biography, "Steve Jobs."
The film, with a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Danny Boyle, has begun shooting in California. Crew members put the finishing touches on the garage set Friday morning in anticipation of shooting later in the day. The venue, in sleepy Los Altos in the heart of Silicon Valley, also happens to be the actual garage at Jobs' childhood home and the location where he and partner Steve Wozniak started Apple in 1976.
INSIDE THE APPLE GARAGE AS JOBS FILM STARTS... SEE FULL GALLERY
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Filming is also set to take place in San Jose and other Silicon Valley venues, as well as Berkeley. The movie covers three major product introductions that shaped Jobs' life and the company he founded, lost, returned to and changed into one of the most powerful and valuable consumer electronics companies in the world. The scenes will include the introduction of the Macintosh computer in 1984, the unveiling of the NeXT computer in 1988 and the iPod release in 2001.
Jobs -- who spearheaded Apple's creation of products such as the iPod, iPhone and iPad -- was a popular figure in his decades running the company. Since his death from cancer in 2011, interest in him has only grown. Several books and films have been created about his life, but perhaps no book has been as thorough as Isaacson's biography. The author conducted hours of interviews with Jobs and his closest friends and co-workers.
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The Sorkin film is the second major Jobs movie following the charismatic executive's death. The previous film -- "Jobs," starring Ashton Kutcher in the lead role and Josh Gad as Wozniak -- was widely panned and even faced criticism from Wozniak.
The much-anticipated film based on Isaacson's tome has faced a lot of turmoil leading up to production. Sony had been developing the film since 2011 when it bought the rights to Isaacson's authorized biography shortly after Jobs' death. But the production company ditched it late last year. Universal Pictures picked it up. David Fincher, who directed Sorkin's "Social Network," originally was slated to direct it, but he also dropped out. And "Dark Knight" star Christian Bale, who was cast to play Jobs without even having to audition, also recently backed out of the project.
Michael Fassbender, of "X-Men: First Class" and "12 Years A Slave," is now slated to play Jobs, while Seth Rogen, of "The Interview" and "The 40 Year Old Virgin," is expected to star as Wozniak. Kate Winslet of "Titanic" and "Divergent" has been cast as an unnamed "female lead" (we're guessing Jobs' wife, Laurene Powell Jobs), and Jeff Daniels, of "Dumb & Dumber" and "The Newsroom," will play former Apple CEO John Sculley.
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