05/23, 6:52pm
Samsung a major buyer, also supplier of chips
Apple is by far the largest buyer of all kinds of microprocessors, buying 50 percent more RAM, processor and other chips than any other company, with its appetite having tripled since 2009 due to the success of its iOS devices (and to a lesser extent its growing Mac business). At an industry conference, IHS iSuppli researcher Dale Ford said that the company will buy $27 billion worth of chips, up from $9B in 2009.
more
05/23, 5:22pm
More MS apps expected by end of October
Microsoft is planning on releasing two new native iOS apps using a Metro-style interface by the end of October, an AppleInsider source claims. The first is the Outlook Web App for Exchange 2012 users, also reportedly known as the "OWA Mobile Client for iOS." The app will require both iOS 5 and an Exchange 2012 mailbox, though some offline functions will be supported. Versions for Windows Phone 7.5 and Android 4.0 are planned, but Microsoft documentation is said to list their features as "to be determined," while the iOS app is expected to provide the "best" mobile support.
more
05/23, 1:10pm
iPhone interface gets speed, interface overhauls
Google has released a major update of its Search app for iOS, v2.0.0. The iPhone side of the title has been overhauled, gaining "major" speed improvements and a redesigned interface. This includes auto fullscreen, which hides controls when scrolling down, and reveals them again when scrolling up. A special fullscreen mode is used during image search.
more
05/22, 3:13pm
Reading mixtapes shareable, embeddable
Aggregator and reading service Readability has rolled out a new feature for its platform, one that allows users to share their own reading lists with others in a variety of ways. The new Readlist feature works as a sort of mixtape for reading, bundling content that users save from the web into a package deliverable to Kindles, iPads, and smartphones.
more
05/22, 1:48pm
Claims may be difficult to mesh with rumored iPhone sizes
Images have leaked of what is allegedly a part for the next-generation iPod touch, according to a MacRumors source. In particular, the images show a front panel produced by an unidentified supplier. Noticeably it has room for a much larger display, which the supplier claims should measure 4.1 inches.
more
05/22, 12:40pm
Video player gets 're-engineered'
Video service Hulu has released a major update of Hulu Plus for iOS, v2.5. Most of the focus of the update is on iPad support, since it adds compatibility with the third-generation iPad's Retina display, and also enhances the native interface. Hulu has moreover improved AirPlay mirroring and HDMI output, which should also work when an iPad is in operating in split view mode. Users must have at least an iPad 2 or an iPhone 4S.
more
05/22, 11:52am
Low prices on refurbished iPods and iPads
At Apple's online store today save on iPods, iPads and more. A selection of iPod touch models start at $169 for the refurb. current-generation 8GB Touch. For $249 is the refurb. current-generation 32GB iPod touch, or for $339 is the current-generation 64GB Touch. A $120 price break is offered on a 64GB Touch originally released in September 2009, now $249. The refurb. 8GB iPod nano is priced at $99 with the 16GB Nano following closely at $119.
more
05/22, 11:46am
Promises interruption-free transfers
TiVo has announced early details of a new service, TiVo Stream. The platform will allow owners of Premiere or Premiere Q DVRs to access content on an iPhone or iPad. More importantly however, people will be able to stream or download shows to multiple devices simultaneously without interrupting playback on a TV. Users should in fact be able to "quickly transfer shows to their mobile device for viewing outside the home," though few other details have been made public.
more
05/21, 2:00pm
Native iPad interface still missing
Sony has released its promised Music Unlimited client for iOS devices. Although the app is not yet in the US App Store, it should already be available in countries like Canada and New Zealand. The Music Unlimited service itself is accessible in 14 countries so far; other examples include Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the UK. Other supported platforms include Android, Sony Blu-ray players, and the PlayStation 3.
more
05/18, 10:04pm
Patent application shows advanced technique
A recent patent award reveals plans for further improvement in iOS cameras, allowing for two or more different zones of an image to be selected for focus and other settings, with the camera selecting a compromise point automatically if there is too much difference in the selected zones. The patent application also suggests that future iPhones might incorporate a dedicated image processor for photos and video.
more
05/17, 6:58pm
Three feet tall, bluetooth streaming, with universal iOS device dock
Accessory maker iHome announced a new product in its growing line of home audio accessories. The new iP76 is a LED color changing tower stereo speaker system. Audio sources can be provided by an iOS device, other wireless devices with Bluetooth version 1.2 compatibility, or any device with a line out jack.
more
05/17, 5:51pm
UK games now being regulated by Video Standards Council
The Video Standards Council has become the UK's sole statutory video-games regulator, administering the PEGI rating system. The changes now mean age checking for the sale of any game rated PEGI 12, 16 or 18 would become enforceable under UK law. Previously, the system was in an advisory capacity and not legally enforceable, with PEGI games rated 15 or higher also being rated by the BBFC for content.
more
05/17, 2:46pm
PDF2Office Professional update released
Recosoft has launched the next major version of PDF2OFfice Professional, which now includes support for Windows XPS files and the OmniGraffle v5.x format. PDF3Office allows users to convert PDF and XPS files into editable Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OmniGraffle formats by recreating the intended construction and layout of the document. Version 6.0 introduces a new hybrid 64-bit PDF/XPS conversion core, as well as an option for optimizing files for editing and viewing on iOS devices. Customers who purchased a PDF2Office Professional v5.x license on or after April 1, 2012 are entitled to a free upgrade, while a full license costs $99.
more
05/17, 9:25am
Viacom content returning to Time Warner iOS app
Viacom and Time Warner Cable have agreed to drop lawsuits against one another over the latter's TWC TV app for iOS, according to a joint statement. "All of Viacom’s programming will now be available to Time Warner Cable subscribers for in-home viewing via internet protocol-enabled devices such as iPads and Time Warner Cable will continue to carry Viacom’s Country Music Television (CMT) programming," the release reads. "In reaching the settlement agreement, Time Warner Cable and Viacom were also able to resolve other unrelated business matters to their mutual satisfaction. Neither side is conceding its original legal position or will have further comment."
more
05/16, 5:32pm
Minor upgrade makes Bamboo more practical
Recently MacNN had a chance to test out the Bamboo Stylus duo, a newer version of Wacom's popular stylus for the iPad -- and by extension, other capacitive touchscreen devices. The duo adds an ink pen into the mix, occupying the tip opposite a rubber one meant for touchscreens. This may make the stylus more practical for some people, since it means always having a pen handy for writing checks or quick notes, or at least one less pen sitting in your bag.
more
05/16, 12:02pm
Offline reading gains Readability
The latest version of Flipboard, 1.9, now includes an Audio category, its developer has announced. The content is available through the Content Guide, and includes clips from NPR and PRI shows, as well as recommendations from SoundCloud. This includes access to lists and followed users, as well as highlighted content. Once audio is playing a person can continue reading other sections of Flipboard without it being interrupted; a menu option lets users control playback.
more
05/15, 10:39am
Low prices on refurbished Macs
At Apple's online store today save on refurbished MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros and more. The refurb. 11.6-inch MacBook Air with a 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and a 128GB of flash storage is now only $799 after a $300 price cut. A $180 price cut is offered on the refub. 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.4GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, now $1019.
more
05/14, 1:06pm
Promised push notifaction to require annual subscription
Sparrow has released a new version of its iPhone email client, bringing it up to 1.2. The release makes several important changes, for instance allowing landscape composition for the first time, and navigating between messages by swiping up or down. Users can now edit or create labels and folders, and the app has been localized for nine languages in total: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Russian, and Chinese.
more
05/14, 11:36am
Reverses upgrades to iOS 5.1.1
The unofficial iPhone Dev Team has released a new version of redsn0w, its jailbreaking utility for iOS devices. The v0.9.11b4 update lets users restore old IPSW files to A5-based Apple devices, including the iPhone 4S, third-generation iPad, and iPad 2; previously, only devices prior to the iPad 2 could be downgraded, thanks to the limera1n exploit. The update means that A5 devices can now be downgraded from iOS 5.1.1 or 5.1 to 5.0.1.
more
05/11, 3:28pm
App Store reviewers greenlight revised Dropbox-ready apps
The beta version of iCloud.com is now displaying Reminders and Notes apps, users observe. At the moment, the regular iCloud.com site is limited to Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Find My iPhone, and iWork. 9to5Mac notes that the beta code contains hidden strings asking a person to "first sign in to iCloud with the iOS 6 Beta," which may hint that iOS 6 and an updated iCloud.com will premiere simultaneously, possibly at WWDC in June.
more
05/11, 9:56am
3D mode, new Street View-like tech among features
iOS 6 will make a long-rumored move and drop Google Maps entirely in a new Maps app, claim sources for 9to5Mac. While the app itself has long been Apple's own creation, it has always relied on data and technology from Google. The updated Maps is said to be fairly similar to the one based on Google, but "cleaner, faster, and [a] more reliable experience." In place of the old backend, Apple will rely on technology acquired in buyouts of Placebase, C3 Technologies, and Poly9.
more
05/10, 4:10pm
BeoPlay V1 has self-contained speakers and can hold Apple TV
Bang and Olufsen has unveiled the BeoPlay V1, the first television from the high-end audio manufacturer's brand B&O Play. The television uses self-contained speakers set in a Scandinavian-industrial style powder-coated steel cabinet, contrasting with the previous TV releases. The manufacturer also noted an iOS docking station, called the BeoPlay A8, which adds Apple AirPlay support as an update to the original BeoSound 8.
more
05/10, 11:37am
Will offer new units instead of refurbs
Apple Korea has agreed to change the way it handles replacing defective iPads and iPods in the country, reports say. Until recently, people bringing in faulty hardware would typically get a refurbished device if a replacement was needed. Apple has been persuaded by South Korea's Fair Trade Commission, however, to follow local laws, and will now replace defective iPads and iPods with entirely new units for a period of up to one month after purchase.
more
05/09, 3:35pm
123D Make Intro turns 3D models into 2D build plans
Autodesk has released 123D Catch, a new app for the iPad. The software is used to turn 2D photos into 3D models; in reality, a person uploads photos taken or stored on an iPad to the Autodesk Cloud, where the actual conversion happens. Up to 40 photos can be uploaded, and push notifications tell users when a render is finished.
more
05/09, 1:48pm
Traces back to Apple attempt to break Real Harmony
People who bought an iPod classic, shuffle, touch, or nano between September 12th, 2006 and March 31st, 2009 are being notified that they could participate in a pending class action lawsuit, reports say. Emails are being sent out this week referring people to ipodlawsuit.com, for extra details, even though there has been no settlement or ruling. The suit was originally filed by Thomas Slattery in 2005, based on an incident in 2004, when RealNetworks released software called Harmony.
more
05/08, 11:50am
Low prices on refurbished iMacs, iPads and iPods
At Apple's online store today save on iMacs, iPads, and iPods. The refurb. 21.5-inch iMac with a 3.06GHz Intel core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive is now $929 after a $170 price drop. A $280 price break is offered on the refurb. 27-inch iMac with a 2.7GHz Intel core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $1419.
more
05/07, 5:37pm
New iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 4S still unsupported
Third-party jailbreaking utility redsn0w has been updated for iOS 5.1.1, which was released by Apple just earlier today. Currently the hack works only in tethered mode, meaning that a device has to be connected to computer anytime it's restarted. It's also restricted to devices based on A4 processors, excluding the third-generation iPad, the iPad 2, and the iPhone 4S.
more
05/04, 11:09pm
Native iPad version still in development
Facebook has updated its iPhone and iPod Touch app Facebook Messenger to version 1.7, primarily adding the ability to text friends for free using one's existing data plan. This extends the program's ability and enables messages to reach friends even if they don't have the Messenger app on their own device, either on the web or directly on their phone. The update also adds the iChat- and iMessage-like "typing indicator" that lets a user know when someone is replying.
more
05/04, 4:08pm
Swivl-it loses some features, $50 from the price
Swivl, maker of the self-titled mount for smartphones with digital cameras that pans to follow a speaker during a voice conference, has introduced a basic version of the gadget, Swivl-it. Unlike the $179 full-blown version, the $129 model doesn't have a digital wireless microphone included and is missing one motor that allows for vertical adjustment. Users can still tilt it by hand, however, but it won't adjust itself as they get up or sit down.
more
05/04, 10:55am
Company violated OSM rules in original iPhoto release
Apple rectified missing credit to the OpenStreetMap Foundation with its most recent update of iPhoto for iOS, reports say. When the app was originally released in March, Apple left out attribution, despite it being a necessary condition of using OSM mapping data. The Foundation highlighted the problem in same blog post it used to point out Apple's adoption of OSM data.
more
05/03, 3:52pm
Retail outlets to see more space dedicated to Apple
Apple is likely to increase its footprint outside of its existing Apple Stores, according to analysts at Piper Jaffray. The iPhone and iPad maker is looking to expand on pilot projects that have seen Apple "store-within-a-store" (SWAS) popping up in select Walmart and Target stores. Taken nationally, such a move would tremendously expand Apple's retail reach, as the two big box retailers have significantly more rural distribution than does Apple.
more
05/03, 2:44pm
Future Apple touchscreens may form shapes, textures
A newly-discovered USPTO patent from Apple reveals some interesting technology that could grace future iPhones and iPads. Unlike some of the company's older haptic feedback patents, this one takes things a little further by introducing variable textures and other feedback translating to a user's finger. The patent, called Methods and Systems for Providing Haptic Control, talks of a stacked haptic element set-up.
more
05/03, 2:00pm
eBay app gets redesigned interface, requested features
eBay has released an overhauled iPad app, bringing it to v2.0.0. The app now supports the Retina display on the third-generation iPad, but also has a new interface, for instance featuring a customizable homescreen. Several user-requested features have been added, such as better search, a Back button, and the ability to revise listings.
more
05/03, 1:00pm
iPad edition includes free iPhone access
News Corp. publication The Daily is now available as an iPhone app. The magazine originally launched last year as iPad-only content, also inaugurating in-app subscriptions at the App Store. With the iPhone version readers have the option of cheaper subscriptions, priced at $2 a month, or $20 a year.
more
05/03, 8:25am
Pop Video pico projector lands for $99, with qHD
Pop Video has started taking pre-orders for its iPhone pico projector. The $99 is shipped by Crucial.com on behalf of well-known semi-conductor maker Micron Technology. The pint-sized device offers a qHD (960x540) resolution and, as the video embedded below shows, the device easily slots into the 30-pin iPhone dock but will work best only in darkened conditions. The device will work for up two hours on a single charge and is supplemented by an iPhone app (Free, iTunes) that offers additional functionality.
more
05/03, 3:37am
Exhibit of Jobs as inventor coming to Washington
A traveling exhibit featuring former Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs' patents will be on display at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC starting on May 11 and running through July 8. During his lifetime, Jobs was awarded 317 patents as inventor or co-creator, and the exhibit showcases 312 of them. Objects from the Smithsonian's collection will be on display to enhance the museum-goer's experience with the exhibit.
more
05/02, 7:25pm
Chargers for iPhone, iPad, mini-USB devices
Accessory maker Hammacher Schlemmer is currently shipping an oxford woven cloth business case. An included 6000 mAh lithium-ion battery can charge an iPhone up to three times before requiring a 3.5-hour charge itself.
more
05/02, 1:45pm
Also adds improved logins, international keyboard support
Parallels has released a new version of Parallels Mobile, the iOS companion app to Parallels Desktop. The v3.1.530 update makes several important changes, first of all making the app "fully compatible" with iOS 5, and also optimized for the Retina display on the third-generation iPad. The full effect requires a Mac and/or virtual machine to be running at a resolution over 1024x768.
more
05/02, 9:00am
Supports full-screen, AirPlay modes
Music service Spotify has released an updated iOS client, v0.5.0, introducing a native iPad interface for the first time. This mainly allows iPad users to stay in the same view while searching through tracks, users, and playlists. Users also get access to higher-resolution album art though, and a full-screen mode, intended for people connecting their iPad to a home stereo system. An AirPlay menu allows for Wi-Fi streaming to compatible speakers.
more
05/01, 12:00pm
Low prices on refurbished
At Apple's online store today save on refurbished iMacs, MacBook Pros and more. The bargain priced refurb. 21.5-inch iMac with a 3.06GHz Intel core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive is now $929 after a $170 price cut. Or save $250 on the refurb. 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $1249.
more
05/01, 2:00am
Preorders ship May 15
Jawbone published details of the rumored Big Jambox today. Preorders start today for the larger cousin to the original Jambox.
more
04/30, 7:00pm
Triggertrap intros $10 cable, $10 app for control
TriggerTrap has just unveiled a new app ($10, App Store) and $10 cable that connects to one of over 270 digital cameras and allows remote control and full control over the camera. This can be especially useful for DSLRs, where it allows full-fledged access to all standard and more features, eliminating the factory remotes. Any iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch running on iOS 5 can be used with the app.
more
04/30, 1:55pm
Rovio claims app is 'fastest growing mobile game'
Rovio has announced that Angry Birds Space has reached 50 million downloads in a space of just 35 days. The developer says that the title has broken all of its previous records, and in fact claims that Space is "the fastest growing mobile game yet," though no comparison points are quoted. Mobile versions of Space are available for the iPhone, the iPad, and various Android devices; Windows and Mac editions are also on sale.
more
04/30, 12:50pm
Makes numerous interface improvements
Tapbots has released a new version of Tweetbot, its popular iOS Twitter client. The v2.3 update concentrates on conversations; a new Detail view shows inline conversations and replies, and gestures make it possible to both jump to this view and quickly return to the timeline. Conversations can be emailed, or alternately linked via Storify.
more
04/27, 9:40pm
Tony Fadell says three iPhone ideas tested
Apple had considered one of three core ideas for the iPhone, one of which included a hardware keyboard, former Apple executive and now Nest founder Tony Fadell revealed Friday. Speaking in an evening session with The Verge, he mentioned that the all-touch design that eventually shipped first had come after he wanted to try a virtual keyboard before resorting to the hardware option. The key iPod architect had understood the potential of an on-screen keyboard, which has infinite customization and can disappear when not needed, but didn't rule out physical keys at first.
more
04/27, 3:35pm
Second straight month of decline
Daily US iPhone app downloads fell 30 percent month-over-month in March, from 6.35 million to 4.45 million, according to mobile marketing firm Fiksu. The company adds that it was the second straight month of decline in the course of tracking, although the January-February transition was much less severe, dipping only from 6.79 million.
more
04/26, 1:25pm
iPad Document Hub announced
Pre-orders for a limited edition ceramic white LIL KIKR+ are now being accepted through Kickstarter. The LIL KIKR+, which is expected to begin shipping in June, is a portable dock for the iPhone and iPod touch that naturally amplifies the devices built-in speaker. A $60 pledge entitles donors to the limited edition LIL KIKR+, as well as free shipping within the US. International orders are also being taken, but require an additional $15 for shipping.
more
04/26, 8:40am
NPD shows iPad as gateway device
A new NPD Group study has shown that the iPad is serving as a lure to the Apple ecosystem as a whole. Over 25 percent of those buying an iPad in the US are completely new to the company. With a typical Apple-owning household having 2.4 devices, it was possible that many of these were about to buy further into the ecosystem.
more
04/25, 4:20pm
ColorWare offers $1,000 versions of Beats by Dre
ColorWare has begun shipping the ColorWare Collection, which are three iridescent-colored Illusion Beats Studio by Dre headphones. The customized Monster phones will only be available for a limited time, though the company isn't saying how long exactly. The chameleon-like effect will shift colors depending on the angle from which they are viewed.
more
04/25, 3:30pm
iPads get native interface
Rogue Amoeba has released a new version of Airfoil Speakers Touch, its iOS audio app. The software normally serves as a companion to Airfoil, a desktop client for Mac and Windows PCs that streams audio to iOS devices via AirPlay. The v3.0 update enables iOS-to-iOS streaming, potentially eliminating the need for Airfoil, though the option can only be turned on through a $3 in-app purchase.
more
