Apple in 2013: Five predictions
1. Apple TV, take fourHas there ever been an Apple product withthis much rumor intensity behind it? Well sure -- the iPad, and the iPhone before it. As the saying goes, where there's smoke there's fire, and the chances of Apple finally releasing a big new TV product in 2013 are looking hot.Uncertainty remains over just what kind of a product Apple's working on though. The company already has a set-top box, but it's not for plugging into your cable. Instead, its main purpose is to connect with Apple's digital stores, along with third-party streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. More recently Apple's added options to pipe video and other media content from iOS and Mac devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Would Apple really forgo something small, simple, and cheap for what is likely to be an expensive piece of hardware that's difficult to ship, stock, and that people are likely to replace maybe once every five years? While a full-fledged TV set is a possibility, expect Apple to roll out a smarter set-top box with better ways to view TV programming and control basic TV functions -- two things Apple's current models can't do.2. More settling with rivals. If 2012 was the year of nasty court fights, 2013 will be the year of peace. We already had a taste of that with the 10-year truceannounced between Apple and HTC in November. I think there's a good chance we'll see the same from two remaining fights Apple's in with rivals. The clear frontrunner is Apple's spat with Samsung. It's been a nasty fight, and one that's got more nastiness in line with yet another trial that kicks off in 2014. The two sides have already met several times to talk things out, something that did not go anywhere. Samsung, for its part, has gone back and forth saying it's not willing to negotiate, while also recently pointing out that it was "willing" to sit down to talk it out again. The other big fight is between Apple and Google. While late Apple CEO Steve Jobs pledged a "thermonuclear war" on Google's Android, current Apple CEO Tim Cook has suggested he's not as interested in litigation. Both fights with HTC and Samsung have been seen as proxies for a larger battle with Google. With that said, the first jabs in that fight -- in the form of a lawsuit between Apple and now Google-owned Motorola Mobility -- has not gotten off to a very promising start. A Wisconsin judge tossed out the case last month. Wait, doesn't Apple already do radio?Josh Lowensohn/CNET3. iRadioRumors that Apple has been on the cusp of a subscription music service have swirled for years, but have not resulted in an actual product. Meanwhile, developer competitors like Spotify and RDIO have flown past Apple in offering cheap ways to get a massive collection of music, on demand, and on a multitude of devices. Where has that left Apple? In the past few years it's been a platform enabler, giving these companies a place to hawk their apps. Meanwhile, it's slowly added more features to iTunes through iCloudthat let users get their own music on demand. Sources have told CNET that deals with the big three record companies are "nowhere near to being completed." However that doesn't rule out Apple dipping into its massive cash pile to sweeten the deal and get the service up and running. 4. Small maps improvements, but big investmentsApple's maps was easily the biggest new piece of software the company put out during 2012 -- not counting new versions of iOS and OS X. It was also a source of embarrassment, as users and press alike found places where the software fell short. In 2013 improvements will be made, as some have been made already, but don't expect an overhaul overnight. Some of the software's staunchest critics were quick to point out that it took Google years to get its own maps software right, and that it had far more people working on it. Adding to that is the fact that with Google's own mapping software back on the platform, Apple may not get as many users on its own service to help improve its data.There are already signs Apple ishiring additional staff to boost the group in charge of maps. That includes a slew of job postings that went up the same day the software went live, as well as reports Apple has been recruiting heavily from rivals.Apple5. Siri out of betaApple's got some serious work to do with Siri. Now more than a year old, the once spiffy software is showing its age. Apple gave the voice assistant some new tricks with iOS 6, but Google made the service look slow and clumsy as part of its Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. That software feature, which later trickled over to Google's search app on iOS, served up answers faster and often with more useful results. So what can Apple do? Expect a big speed boost and integration with more third-party apps and services. There are also signs Siri might be headed to more places, like Apple's Mac and Apple TV platforms.
iTunes 9 screenshots probably not the real deal
iTunes 9 screenshots probably not the real deal
But the entire proposition seems out of character for Apple, and is leading us to think we won't see these features in iTunes 9 when it is released. Here's why:• First, Facebook already launchedFacebook Connect for iPhoto earlier this year. Getting that partnership in place was a big deal for Facebook. But the implementation is very subtle. The fuzzy screenshots show a slightly confusing implementation, at least when it comes to the visual organization, with the tiny (and misaligned) Facebook icon on the bottom of the iTunes window. And more importantly, people in a position to be familiar with the situation suggest to CNET that Facebook-iTunes hooking up is unlikely, at least for now. • Second, Apple doesn't just partner with anybody. When it does link up with other companies, they're established brands: think Motorola, Nike, U2, AT&T, Google, and Microsoft. Twitter does not appear at the moment to fit that bill. While it might be the word on the lips of celebrities and journalists, Twitter is a tiny San Francisco outfit that hasn't shown it knows how to turn a profit, and one whose serviceisn't very reliable. Not exactly a rock-solid partner for a company like Apple that prides itself on offering products that "just work." Plus, Twitter seems a little trendy for Apple, a company that rarely races ahead with the latest technological obsession--see its stance on Blu-ray for the past few years as an example.Last.fm (also owned by CNET News publisher CBS Interactive) is far from being an established brand. It's simply one of many streaming music services available on the Web. And the inclusion in iTunes seems contrary to Apple's purposes. The point of iTunes is to sell you music, not let you listen to songs for free whenever you want. And the other useful features Last.fm offers aren't new to iTunes: there are already plug-ins, like the one from iLike, that connect to your iTunes account, analyze your library, find music you'll like, direct you to concerts you may want to attend, and provide artist info--all things Last.fm does, too.• And finally, cosmetically, the images just don't look all that convincing. Comparing the implementation in iPhoto and the two little logos of Facebook and Twitter below, the Facebook logo in the screenshots just doesn't look right. The blog Pocket-lint UK talked to some image experts, who point out that many of the pictured logos show a lot of imperfections: including the "9" in relation to the "iTunes," and other clues that point to a Photoshop job.CNET News' Caroline McCarthy contributed to this report.
But the entire proposition seems out of character for Apple, and is leading us to think we won't see these features in iTunes 9 when it is released. Here's why:• First, Facebook already launchedFacebook Connect for iPhoto earlier this year. Getting that partnership in place was a big deal for Facebook. But the implementation is very subtle. The fuzzy screenshots show a slightly confusing implementation, at least when it comes to the visual organization, with the tiny (and misaligned) Facebook icon on the bottom of the iTunes window. And more importantly, people in a position to be familiar with the situation suggest to CNET that Facebook-iTunes hooking up is unlikely, at least for now. • Second, Apple doesn't just partner with anybody. When it does link up with other companies, they're established brands: think Motorola, Nike, U2, AT&T, Google, and Microsoft. Twitter does not appear at the moment to fit that bill. While it might be the word on the lips of celebrities and journalists, Twitter is a tiny San Francisco outfit that hasn't shown it knows how to turn a profit, and one whose serviceisn't very reliable. Not exactly a rock-solid partner for a company like Apple that prides itself on offering products that "just work." Plus, Twitter seems a little trendy for Apple, a company that rarely races ahead with the latest technological obsession--see its stance on Blu-ray for the past few years as an example.Last.fm (also owned by CNET News publisher CBS Interactive) is far from being an established brand. It's simply one of many streaming music services available on the Web. And the inclusion in iTunes seems contrary to Apple's purposes. The point of iTunes is to sell you music, not let you listen to songs for free whenever you want. And the other useful features Last.fm offers aren't new to iTunes: there are already plug-ins, like the one from iLike, that connect to your iTunes account, analyze your library, find music you'll like, direct you to concerts you may want to attend, and provide artist info--all things Last.fm does, too.• And finally, cosmetically, the images just don't look all that convincing. Comparing the implementation in iPhoto and the two little logos of Facebook and Twitter below, the Facebook logo in the screenshots just doesn't look right. The blog Pocket-lint UK talked to some image experts, who point out that many of the pictured logos show a lot of imperfections: including the "9" in relation to the "iTunes," and other clues that point to a Photoshop job.CNET News' Caroline McCarthy contributed to this report.
Apple teases iCloud-centric photo app for Mac in 2015
Apple teases iCloud-centric photo app for Mac in 2015
In its keynote presentation at WWDC 2014, Apple spent much of its time talking about iOS and OS X launches that will happen this year. But it also spent some time teasing some new features that will be available next year.Consider the new Photos app that was built from the ground up, according to Apple senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi. The app lets users zoom in to individual albums or out to years, and stores all of the photos and videos in their original format and resolution taken across all iOS or OS X devices.Like other photos apps, Apple's Photos for OS X allows for modifications to images that can boost color or change tones. Related storiesFull coverage: Apple WWDC 2014First take: Apple Mac OS X 10.10 YosemiteFirst take: Apple iOS 8WWDC 2014 keynote in picturesThe big change with Photos compared to Apple's own iPhoto app image-storing app is that the former relies on iCloud for storage. That, of course, has brought with it some pricing considerations for users who will store lots of content in the cloud.Apple says that the first 5GB of iCloud storage will be free. Those who want 20GB of storage will need to pay 99 cents per month. Boosting storage to 200GB will bump the price to $3.99.For Apple, this year's WWDC, with about 5,000 developers in attendance,comes at a critical time. Apple continues to sell millions of iPhones and iPads, but demand for the devices has started to slow. Google's Android software, and particularly vendors such as Samsung, have been gaining market share and also have made inroads in former Apple strongholds like education. Apple also hasn't released any truly revolutionary products since the iPad in 2010, while rivals such as Samsung introduce new devices every few months.Apple has used its WWDC keynote as a chance to introduce new products in the past, but it more recently has focused on software, saving new mobile device announcements for separate events.The company is expected to launch many new devices in the fall as part of what it calls its "best product pipeline in 25 years." However, concerns have emerged that Apple may have lost some of its innovation edge -- a worry that Cook and his team have tried to quell by promising "exciting new product categories" for 2014 Photos for Mac is set to launch next year. It's not clear yet whether it'll be a free download or part of an upgrade to the newly announced OS X 10.10 Yosemite.
In its keynote presentation at WWDC 2014, Apple spent much of its time talking about iOS and OS X launches that will happen this year. But it also spent some time teasing some new features that will be available next year.Consider the new Photos app that was built from the ground up, according to Apple senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi. The app lets users zoom in to individual albums or out to years, and stores all of the photos and videos in their original format and resolution taken across all iOS or OS X devices.Like other photos apps, Apple's Photos for OS X allows for modifications to images that can boost color or change tones. Related storiesFull coverage: Apple WWDC 2014First take: Apple Mac OS X 10.10 YosemiteFirst take: Apple iOS 8WWDC 2014 keynote in picturesThe big change with Photos compared to Apple's own iPhoto app image-storing app is that the former relies on iCloud for storage. That, of course, has brought with it some pricing considerations for users who will store lots of content in the cloud.Apple says that the first 5GB of iCloud storage will be free. Those who want 20GB of storage will need to pay 99 cents per month. Boosting storage to 200GB will bump the price to $3.99.For Apple, this year's WWDC, with about 5,000 developers in attendance,comes at a critical time. Apple continues to sell millions of iPhones and iPads, but demand for the devices has started to slow. Google's Android software, and particularly vendors such as Samsung, have been gaining market share and also have made inroads in former Apple strongholds like education. Apple also hasn't released any truly revolutionary products since the iPad in 2010, while rivals such as Samsung introduce new devices every few months.Apple has used its WWDC keynote as a chance to introduce new products in the past, but it more recently has focused on software, saving new mobile device announcements for separate events.The company is expected to launch many new devices in the fall as part of what it calls its "best product pipeline in 25 years." However, concerns have emerged that Apple may have lost some of its innovation edge -- a worry that Cook and his team have tried to quell by promising "exciting new product categories" for 2014 Photos for Mac is set to launch next year. It's not clear yet whether it'll be a free download or part of an upgrade to the newly announced OS X 10.10 Yosemite.
Sony working on a 'different kind of TV set'
Sony working on a 'different kind of TV set'
Apple isn't the only company thinking seriously about reinventing the television, Sony CEO Howard Stringer has revealed.According to the Sony chief executive, who spoke yesterday with The Wall Street Journal, his company has a "tremendous amount of research and development going into a different kind of TV set." Stringer declined to provide details on what his company's television might offer.For Stringer and Sony, the stakes are high in the television business. Over the last several quarters, his company's television operation has continued to drag down earnings, due to Sony losing money on every TV it sells, according to Stringer. Those losses have prompted some Sony shareholders to call on the company to spin off its television operation.However, Sony has balked at the idea, deciding instead to split its operation into three units focusing on LCD TVs, outsourcing operations, and next-generation TVs. And based on Stringer's comments, it appears much of his company's investment dollars are being thrown at that next-generation TV unit. Related LinksSony splits TV business in three as trouble persistsApple TV: Did Steve Jobs crack the code?iTunes creator working on Apple TV, report saysIf and when Sony brings a "different kind of TV set" to the marketplace, it may be forced to face off with Apple.Last month, speculation arose that Apple was planning to launch a television of its own after it was revealed in Steve Jobs' authorized biography that the company co-founder was working on plans to launch an Apple-branded set."I'd like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use," Jobs told his biographer Walter Isaacson. "It would be seamlessly synched with all of your devices and with iCloud. It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it."But Stringer doesn't believe Apple will break into the television space with a new idea so easily, telling the Journal that "it will take a long time to transition to a new form of television."
Apple isn't the only company thinking seriously about reinventing the television, Sony CEO Howard Stringer has revealed.According to the Sony chief executive, who spoke yesterday with The Wall Street Journal, his company has a "tremendous amount of research and development going into a different kind of TV set." Stringer declined to provide details on what his company's television might offer.For Stringer and Sony, the stakes are high in the television business. Over the last several quarters, his company's television operation has continued to drag down earnings, due to Sony losing money on every TV it sells, according to Stringer. Those losses have prompted some Sony shareholders to call on the company to spin off its television operation.However, Sony has balked at the idea, deciding instead to split its operation into three units focusing on LCD TVs, outsourcing operations, and next-generation TVs. And based on Stringer's comments, it appears much of his company's investment dollars are being thrown at that next-generation TV unit. Related LinksSony splits TV business in three as trouble persistsApple TV: Did Steve Jobs crack the code?iTunes creator working on Apple TV, report saysIf and when Sony brings a "different kind of TV set" to the marketplace, it may be forced to face off with Apple.Last month, speculation arose that Apple was planning to launch a television of its own after it was revealed in Steve Jobs' authorized biography that the company co-founder was working on plans to launch an Apple-branded set."I'd like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use," Jobs told his biographer Walter Isaacson. "It would be seamlessly synched with all of your devices and with iCloud. It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it."But Stringer doesn't believe Apple will break into the television space with a new idea so easily, telling the Journal that "it will take a long time to transition to a new form of television."
iOS 4.3.3 arrives, patches location database
iOS 4.3.3 arrives, patches location database
Apple today released, as promised, an iOS update addressing location-tracking behavior, and the security of that information on its portable devices.iOS 4.3.3, which is a free update delivered through Apple's iTunes software, reduces the size of the "crowdsourced" location cache, no longer backs up the cache to iTunes in the form of a device recovery image, and deletes the cache when a user turns Location Services off. Two of those issues--the size of the database, and the failure to delete the cache from the device--Apple had called "bugs" when addressing the issue in an open letter exactly one week ago. In that same note, Apple described the purpose of the location information stored on its devices as helping to speed up location fixes, saying that the database itself was part of a larger and anonymized one the company maintained to improve its location services. Apple also promised the next major version of the iOS software would fully encrypt the portion of that database on the device itself. Focus on the cache reached a fever pitch last month following a high-profile report by two researchers demonstrating ways to visualize the data it contained. Lawmakers and privacy advocates alike targeted the company, wanting to know why the file was there and what the company was up to. Apple countered queries that it was "tracking" users by saying it wasn't, and that it "has no plans to ever do so." Devices that are eligible for the update include the GSM model of the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, first- and second-generation iPad models, as well as third- and fourth-generation iPod Touch models. Users with Verizon (CDMA) iPhones are getting iOS 4.2.8, which brings similar fixes to the location cache. A report surfaced earlier this week from Boy Genius Report with accurate information about the version number of the update, and the adjustments, as well as a note that Apple planned to improve battery life with the update. Such a fix is not mentioned in the release notes from the software.
Apple today released, as promised, an iOS update addressing location-tracking behavior, and the security of that information on its portable devices.iOS 4.3.3, which is a free update delivered through Apple's iTunes software, reduces the size of the "crowdsourced" location cache, no longer backs up the cache to iTunes in the form of a device recovery image, and deletes the cache when a user turns Location Services off. Two of those issues--the size of the database, and the failure to delete the cache from the device--Apple had called "bugs" when addressing the issue in an open letter exactly one week ago. In that same note, Apple described the purpose of the location information stored on its devices as helping to speed up location fixes, saying that the database itself was part of a larger and anonymized one the company maintained to improve its location services. Apple also promised the next major version of the iOS software would fully encrypt the portion of that database on the device itself. Focus on the cache reached a fever pitch last month following a high-profile report by two researchers demonstrating ways to visualize the data it contained. Lawmakers and privacy advocates alike targeted the company, wanting to know why the file was there and what the company was up to. Apple countered queries that it was "tracking" users by saying it wasn't, and that it "has no plans to ever do so." Devices that are eligible for the update include the GSM model of the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, first- and second-generation iPad models, as well as third- and fourth-generation iPod Touch models. Users with Verizon (CDMA) iPhones are getting iOS 4.2.8, which brings similar fixes to the location cache. A report surfaced earlier this week from Boy Genius Report with accurate information about the version number of the update, and the adjustments, as well as a note that Apple planned to improve battery life with the update. Such a fix is not mentioned in the release notes from the software.
Virtual racing in the VW Polo
Virtual racing in the VW Polo
To help sell the new Volkswagen Polo, launched at the Geneva auto show, Volkswagen is also launching, in conjunction with partner Fish Labs, a Polo racing game for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Like the Audi A4 racing game launched last year, the Polo game takes advantage of the accelerometer in the iPhone and iPod Touch, letting you control your car by tilting the devices. Unlike that earlier game, the Polo game is in 3D.The actual new Polo was launched at the 2009 Geneva auto show.CNETThe object of the game is to post winning times on all eight tracks. Each successive track is unlocked by a win on the current track, but the difficulty increases on each track. A soundtrack for the game is provided by German rock band Feinkost.During our brief time with a prototype of the game, we thrashed around tilting this way and that trying to control the car, then settled down to the lighter touch required by the game.The fifth generation of the actual Polo was just launched at the Geneva auto show. The new version of the car refines a popular compact and practical vehicle for the European market, and offers five engine choices, along with a seven-speed dual-clutch manual transmission.The Polo racing game will be available from the iTunes store in mid-March.See more coverage of the 2009 Geneva auto show.
To help sell the new Volkswagen Polo, launched at the Geneva auto show, Volkswagen is also launching, in conjunction with partner Fish Labs, a Polo racing game for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Like the Audi A4 racing game launched last year, the Polo game takes advantage of the accelerometer in the iPhone and iPod Touch, letting you control your car by tilting the devices. Unlike that earlier game, the Polo game is in 3D.The actual new Polo was launched at the 2009 Geneva auto show.CNETThe object of the game is to post winning times on all eight tracks. Each successive track is unlocked by a win on the current track, but the difficulty increases on each track. A soundtrack for the game is provided by German rock band Feinkost.During our brief time with a prototype of the game, we thrashed around tilting this way and that trying to control the car, then settled down to the lighter touch required by the game.The fifth generation of the actual Polo was just launched at the Geneva auto show. The new version of the car refines a popular compact and practical vehicle for the European market, and offers five engine choices, along with a seven-speed dual-clutch manual transmission.The Polo racing game will be available from the iTunes store in mid-March.See more coverage of the 2009 Geneva auto show.
Violent comic book doesn't meet Apple's standards
Violent comic book doesn't meet Apple's standards
Apple recently took an axe to Murderdrome, an electronic comic book in its App Store that the company deemed too violent.Murderdrome, created by the United Kingdom-based Infuriouscomics, had been created especially for the iPhone. Apple turned down Infuriouscomics' application to put the comic in the App Store."This is due to the part of the SDK that suggests content must not offend anyone in 'Apple's reasonable' opinion," a post on the Infurious blog read. "Here at Infurious, we would love to work with Apple to ensure a content-rating system can be put in place to allow material that is no more offensive than many of the R-rated films available to download on iTunes."The first installment of Murderdrome is an eight-panel comic that shows one character slicing another's head with a machete, and cleaving another's with a sword, as part of a sport called "murderdrome." The violence is comic, but still bloody.Artist P.J. Holden told TechRadar UK that while he plans to advocate for the creation of a ratings system for the App Store, right now, he also plans to draw more comics that will be more "Apple-friendly."
Apple recently took an axe to Murderdrome, an electronic comic book in its App Store that the company deemed too violent.Murderdrome, created by the United Kingdom-based Infuriouscomics, had been created especially for the iPhone. Apple turned down Infuriouscomics' application to put the comic in the App Store."This is due to the part of the SDK that suggests content must not offend anyone in 'Apple's reasonable' opinion," a post on the Infurious blog read. "Here at Infurious, we would love to work with Apple to ensure a content-rating system can be put in place to allow material that is no more offensive than many of the R-rated films available to download on iTunes."The first installment of Murderdrome is an eight-panel comic that shows one character slicing another's head with a machete, and cleaving another's with a sword, as part of a sport called "murderdrome." The violence is comic, but still bloody.Artist P.J. Holden told TechRadar UK that while he plans to advocate for the creation of a ratings system for the App Store, right now, he also plans to draw more comics that will be more "Apple-friendly."
ChitChat is Snapchat for voice messages
ChitChat is Snapchat for voice messages
The Snapchat formula is simple, but effective: "This message will self-destruct". It works brilliantly for photographs, because sometimes you don't necessarily want to be able to keep all your friends' puppy photos clogging up your SD card.But would that formula work just as well for voice messages? Well, why not? Aside from the fact that it's free to use -- not, of course, including usual data charges -- a new app called ChitChat from developer Ideo that just that has a couple of immediately obvious benefits.Related articlesSomebody app delivers messages via the nearest humanSnapcat: Because cats like selfies too?AR messaging app lets you leave notes in the real worldFirstly, it removes the expectation that the voice message is necessarily urgent, allowing your contacts to access and listen to your messages at their own pace. Secondly, it means they don't have to worry about deleting communications -- just like Snapchat doesn't take up SD card space, ChitChat doesn't clog up your voice message box.How it works is pretty simple: you enter your phone number, which acts as an ID to connect you with family and friends. This enables the app to look for other ChitChat users in your Address Book (at this point in time, the app is iOS only). To send a message, you need to tap and hold the relevant contact icon while speaking your message (which may mean holding your iPhone's mike a little awkwardly to your mouth), releasing when done. As soon as you release, the message sends automatically.Once your contact has heard your message it is deleted, and listening to messages just requires one quick tap on a contact's pic to access them. You can also send messages to multiple contacts at once."It's all about your voice, your contacts, and nothing more," the app's description reads. "ChitChat strips away all the noise to deliver a crisp and efficient communication experience. ChitChat brings a new perspective to voice messaging by rethinking how we connect individually and as groups."An Android version is hopefully not too far away, with Ideo currently seeking an Android developer to make the port. Meanwhile, iOS users can grab ChitChat for free from the iTunes app store. You can also find out more about how it works on its official website.
The Snapchat formula is simple, but effective: "This message will self-destruct". It works brilliantly for photographs, because sometimes you don't necessarily want to be able to keep all your friends' puppy photos clogging up your SD card.But would that formula work just as well for voice messages? Well, why not? Aside from the fact that it's free to use -- not, of course, including usual data charges -- a new app called ChitChat from developer Ideo that just that has a couple of immediately obvious benefits.Related articlesSomebody app delivers messages via the nearest humanSnapcat: Because cats like selfies too?AR messaging app lets you leave notes in the real worldFirstly, it removes the expectation that the voice message is necessarily urgent, allowing your contacts to access and listen to your messages at their own pace. Secondly, it means they don't have to worry about deleting communications -- just like Snapchat doesn't take up SD card space, ChitChat doesn't clog up your voice message box.How it works is pretty simple: you enter your phone number, which acts as an ID to connect you with family and friends. This enables the app to look for other ChitChat users in your Address Book (at this point in time, the app is iOS only). To send a message, you need to tap and hold the relevant contact icon while speaking your message (which may mean holding your iPhone's mike a little awkwardly to your mouth), releasing when done. As soon as you release, the message sends automatically.Once your contact has heard your message it is deleted, and listening to messages just requires one quick tap on a contact's pic to access them. You can also send messages to multiple contacts at once."It's all about your voice, your contacts, and nothing more," the app's description reads. "ChitChat strips away all the noise to deliver a crisp and efficient communication experience. ChitChat brings a new perspective to voice messaging by rethinking how we connect individually and as groups."An Android version is hopefully not too far away, with Ideo currently seeking an Android developer to make the port. Meanwhile, iOS users can grab ChitChat for free from the iTunes app store. You can also find out more about how it works on its official website.
Chevy Volt app for Android gets Google Maps boost
Chevy Volt app for Android gets Google Maps boost
Last week, rumors were swirling around a potential partnership between General Motors and Google to develop an Android-based telematics system. On the eve of Google's I/O conference, GM made an official announcement about its actual plans for the Android OS, a version 2.0 of the Android version of its OnStar Mobile app for Chevrolet Volt that will feature Google Maps integration.Essentially, what GM will be doing is adding a "navigation" tab to the Android version of the OnStar app that allows users to see their current location and the location of a connected Chevrolet Volt on Google Maps. With the vehicle located, the user can then get Google Maps directions to the Volt on their handset. Users will also be able to use Google's Voice Search to find and send destinations to the paired Volt, where OnStar turn-by-turn directions will take over in-car navigation duties.Although demonstration versions of the Chevrolet Volt mobile app are available in the Android Market, the iTunes App Store, and for Blackberry devices, a working 1.0 version of the app has yet to be released (probably because the Volt itself is still awaiting release). Additionally, the new Google Maps integration and functionalities touted by GM won't be available at the app's launch, so this news of Android-specific features in the version 2.0 is a serious bit of foreshadowing on GM and OnStar's part."While OnStar will never lose sight of our core focus on safety and security, this relationship is an example of how we're evolving our leadership position in connected vehicle technology," said Chris Preuss, OnStar president. "What we're talking about today is only the beginning." GM and OnStar will debut and demonstrate new Google Maps functionalities of the Chevrolet Volt mobile app for Android at the Google I/O conference May 19-20 in San Francisco, CA.
Last week, rumors were swirling around a potential partnership between General Motors and Google to develop an Android-based telematics system. On the eve of Google's I/O conference, GM made an official announcement about its actual plans for the Android OS, a version 2.0 of the Android version of its OnStar Mobile app for Chevrolet Volt that will feature Google Maps integration.Essentially, what GM will be doing is adding a "navigation" tab to the Android version of the OnStar app that allows users to see their current location and the location of a connected Chevrolet Volt on Google Maps. With the vehicle located, the user can then get Google Maps directions to the Volt on their handset. Users will also be able to use Google's Voice Search to find and send destinations to the paired Volt, where OnStar turn-by-turn directions will take over in-car navigation duties.Although demonstration versions of the Chevrolet Volt mobile app are available in the Android Market, the iTunes App Store, and for Blackberry devices, a working 1.0 version of the app has yet to be released (probably because the Volt itself is still awaiting release). Additionally, the new Google Maps integration and functionalities touted by GM won't be available at the app's launch, so this news of Android-specific features in the version 2.0 is a serious bit of foreshadowing on GM and OnStar's part."While OnStar will never lose sight of our core focus on safety and security, this relationship is an example of how we're evolving our leadership position in connected vehicle technology," said Chris Preuss, OnStar president. "What we're talking about today is only the beginning." GM and OnStar will debut and demonstrate new Google Maps functionalities of the Chevrolet Volt mobile app for Android at the Google I/O conference May 19-20 in San Francisco, CA.
Apple seeds Mountain Lion to AppleCare reps
Apple seeds Mountain Lion to AppleCare reps
Mountain Lion is reportedly one step closer to roaring its way onto the consumer market.The new version of OS X has been sent to AppleCare representatives to use on their computers at work, according to 9to5Mac. This golden master build sent to employees through a redeem code is the same one offered to developers on July 9, the blogging site added.Apple workers and other people have already been checking out the new OS via Apple's Seed program, which gives participants a chance to test new software and provide feedback. But Apple store employees who volunteer for that program must use their own personal computers for testing.Related storiesMountain Lion shipping in JulyApple asks retail employees to test Mountain LionApple gives developers fully baked Mountain LionHow to prepare your Mac for Mountain LionApple shed some light on Mountain Lion at WWDC last month, announcing that it would be available from the Mac App Store sometime this month for $19.99. That gives the company little more than a week left to push out the OS.A recent report from 9to5Mac pointed to this Wednesday, July 25, as the launch date based on reports that Apple retail store employees were told to plan for an "overnight" on July 24.As a further clue noted by 9to5Mac, Apple will announce its fiscal third-quarter earnings tomorrow, July 24. Last year the company unveiled its earnings on July 19 and launched OS X Lion on July 20.
Mountain Lion is reportedly one step closer to roaring its way onto the consumer market.The new version of OS X has been sent to AppleCare representatives to use on their computers at work, according to 9to5Mac. This golden master build sent to employees through a redeem code is the same one offered to developers on July 9, the blogging site added.Apple workers and other people have already been checking out the new OS via Apple's Seed program, which gives participants a chance to test new software and provide feedback. But Apple store employees who volunteer for that program must use their own personal computers for testing.Related storiesMountain Lion shipping in JulyApple asks retail employees to test Mountain LionApple gives developers fully baked Mountain LionHow to prepare your Mac for Mountain LionApple shed some light on Mountain Lion at WWDC last month, announcing that it would be available from the Mac App Store sometime this month for $19.99. That gives the company little more than a week left to push out the OS.A recent report from 9to5Mac pointed to this Wednesday, July 25, as the launch date based on reports that Apple retail store employees were told to plan for an "overnight" on July 24.As a further clue noted by 9to5Mac, Apple will announce its fiscal third-quarter earnings tomorrow, July 24. Last year the company unveiled its earnings on July 19 and launched OS X Lion on July 20.
Apple seeds iOS 5 beta 4 as over-the-air update
Apple seeds iOS 5 beta 4 as over-the-air update
Just a week and a half after releasing a third beta of iOS 5 to developers, Apple has put out yet another version of the software.This afternoon the company delivered the fourth beta of iOS 5 for developers to test their apps on. It's the first version of the software to make use of the over-the-air software updating feature that lets users update to newer system software without plugging into iTunes. Previous versions of the beta required that users first download the appropriate version of the system software, then run it as a full restore.Along with the over-the-air updating feature, beta 4 brings Wi-Fi syncing to Windows users. That's the feature that lets users sync their iOS device with their iTunes library minus the cord, as long as the iPhone, iPod, or iPad is on the same Wi-Fi network, and plugged into a power source. Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users as a free update this fall. The company typically seeds several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time to work out any bugs and give the developers time to integrate new features and APIs into their applications.iOS 5 made its debut at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference last month. Its headlining feature is an overhaul of the notifications system, alongside a new messaging platform called iMessage that lets iOS users text and chat with one another free of charge. The software is also deeply tied to Apple's upcoming iCloud service, which will be used to ferry photos, applications, and settings back and forth between iOS devices, as well as serve as a free backup solution.(via 9to5mac)
Just a week and a half after releasing a third beta of iOS 5 to developers, Apple has put out yet another version of the software.This afternoon the company delivered the fourth beta of iOS 5 for developers to test their apps on. It's the first version of the software to make use of the over-the-air software updating feature that lets users update to newer system software without plugging into iTunes. Previous versions of the beta required that users first download the appropriate version of the system software, then run it as a full restore.Along with the over-the-air updating feature, beta 4 brings Wi-Fi syncing to Windows users. That's the feature that lets users sync their iOS device with their iTunes library minus the cord, as long as the iPhone, iPod, or iPad is on the same Wi-Fi network, and plugged into a power source. Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users as a free update this fall. The company typically seeds several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time to work out any bugs and give the developers time to integrate new features and APIs into their applications.iOS 5 made its debut at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference last month. Its headlining feature is an overhaul of the notifications system, alongside a new messaging platform called iMessage that lets iOS users text and chat with one another free of charge. The software is also deeply tied to Apple's upcoming iCloud service, which will be used to ferry photos, applications, and settings back and forth between iOS devices, as well as serve as a free backup solution.(via 9to5mac)
Apple security update fixes iOS vulnerability
Apple security update fixes iOS vulnerability
Apple on Friday released the latest update of its mobile operating system. It's of note because it fixes an SSL connection issue, an important encryption vulnerability.SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is one of the most basic forms of encrypting Internet traffic. Without it, almost anybody can see what you're doing online. According to Apple's full description of the update, the software previously had problems validating the authenticity of the connection, and the software fix restores steps that were missing in the validation process. The company said the fix would stop an attacker from capturing and modifying data when supposedly shielded by SSL. The patch is also available for older versions of Apple's operating system, with an iOS 6.1.6 update. The fix comes weeks after another minor iOS 7 update, which had to do with network errors in China. A more robust update, iOS 7.1, is expected next month. Apple has been mum regarding specific details of the bug. So for that reason, it's difficult to gauge the magnitude of the situation. "It has the potential to be a very serious issue," said Jonathan Zdziarski, an iOS forensics expert. But he emphasized that many of the conclusions we can draw are only speculation, since Apple only vaguely and briefly described the vulnerability.He did point to the possibility of man-in-the-middle attacks, where an eavesdropper could intercept data from a user's phone. He also points out that Apple didn't specifically mention any certain restrictions in its explanation of the vulnerability -- like, say, the bug only being applicable when a certain app is running. The lack of that caveat could indicate that the bug potentially affected the whole phone, giving an attacker complete control over the device and personal information on it.Apple did not return a request for comment. We'll update this post if we hear back. Update, 5:13 p.m. PT: Adds comments from an iOS forensic expert.
Apple on Friday released the latest update of its mobile operating system. It's of note because it fixes an SSL connection issue, an important encryption vulnerability.SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is one of the most basic forms of encrypting Internet traffic. Without it, almost anybody can see what you're doing online. According to Apple's full description of the update, the software previously had problems validating the authenticity of the connection, and the software fix restores steps that were missing in the validation process. The company said the fix would stop an attacker from capturing and modifying data when supposedly shielded by SSL. The patch is also available for older versions of Apple's operating system, with an iOS 6.1.6 update. The fix comes weeks after another minor iOS 7 update, which had to do with network errors in China. A more robust update, iOS 7.1, is expected next month. Apple has been mum regarding specific details of the bug. So for that reason, it's difficult to gauge the magnitude of the situation. "It has the potential to be a very serious issue," said Jonathan Zdziarski, an iOS forensics expert. But he emphasized that many of the conclusions we can draw are only speculation, since Apple only vaguely and briefly described the vulnerability.He did point to the possibility of man-in-the-middle attacks, where an eavesdropper could intercept data from a user's phone. He also points out that Apple didn't specifically mention any certain restrictions in its explanation of the vulnerability -- like, say, the bug only being applicable when a certain app is running. The lack of that caveat could indicate that the bug potentially affected the whole phone, giving an attacker complete control over the device and personal information on it.Apple did not return a request for comment. We'll update this post if we hear back. Update, 5:13 p.m. PT: Adds comments from an iOS forensic expert.
Apple securing $7.8 billion worth of Samsung displays, memory-
Apple securing $7.8 billion worth of Samsung displays, memory?
When Apple announced earnings last month, the company's CFO mysteriously dropped a bit of info about a big contract the company signed worth $3.9 billion. He declined to elaborate further except to say that it was for product components that Apple feels will be central to its future products.It's not unusual for Apple to sign large contracts with suppliers to ensure its own access to certain components as well as make it difficult for its competitors to get similar parts. Apple did it with LG for displays two years ago, and is regularly the largest buyer of flash memory in the world.Still, CFO Peter Oppenheimer's sly mention got the guessing game going as to what for and with who this contract could be. Today we have a hint. The Korea Economic Daily reports today that Samsung and Apple are working on a contract agreement worth $7.8 billion. Apple would reportedly get a variety of components in return: LCD panels, processors for mobile devices, and flash memory. Samsung and Apple have worked together often, but this would make Apple Samsung's largest customer, according to the report.Now, $7.8 billion is exactly twice the $3.9 billion Apple mentioned last month. It could be that half of the Samsung order Apple is placing, or $3.9 billion of it, is going toward one specific component, like high-resolution displays. It's widely assumed that those parts from Samsung are for future models of iPhones and iPads. Touch screens and high-resolution displays are key ingredients to both products.
When Apple announced earnings last month, the company's CFO mysteriously dropped a bit of info about a big contract the company signed worth $3.9 billion. He declined to elaborate further except to say that it was for product components that Apple feels will be central to its future products.It's not unusual for Apple to sign large contracts with suppliers to ensure its own access to certain components as well as make it difficult for its competitors to get similar parts. Apple did it with LG for displays two years ago, and is regularly the largest buyer of flash memory in the world.Still, CFO Peter Oppenheimer's sly mention got the guessing game going as to what for and with who this contract could be. Today we have a hint. The Korea Economic Daily reports today that Samsung and Apple are working on a contract agreement worth $7.8 billion. Apple would reportedly get a variety of components in return: LCD panels, processors for mobile devices, and flash memory. Samsung and Apple have worked together often, but this would make Apple Samsung's largest customer, according to the report.Now, $7.8 billion is exactly twice the $3.9 billion Apple mentioned last month. It could be that half of the Samsung order Apple is placing, or $3.9 billion of it, is going toward one specific component, like high-resolution displays. It's widely assumed that those parts from Samsung are for future models of iPhones and iPads. Touch screens and high-resolution displays are key ingredients to both products.
Apple screen could react to the force of your touch
Apple screen could react to the force of your touch
Your future iPhone or iPad could offer an interactive touch screen that reacts to the pressure exerted by your touch.Published Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, an Apple patent application called "Embedded force measurement" takes the concept of tapping on your touch screen at least one step further. Instead of just lightly tapping on your screen, you would actually press down on it to activate a command. The phone would measure the force of your tap and respond accordingly.As one example, an on-screen icon could let you control the volume of your device. Pressing down on one side of the icon would raise the volume, while pressing down on the other side would lower the volume. Your device could even react differently based on the pressure of your touch. Pressing down lightly on the volume icon would adjust the volume gradually, while pressing down harder would adjust the volume more quickly.Another example in the application highlights the benefit of the technology to an app like Apple's GarageBand. You could press harder on a key on the virtual piano keyboard to play a note louder and press more gently to elicit a softer note.The patent application focuses on a mobile phone, but the invention could be applied to other devices, including media players, cameras, and handheld game consoles. As such, the force of your touch could be used to snap a picture, make a phone call, hop onto the Internet, send an e-mail, or listen to music.(Via AppleInsider)
Your future iPhone or iPad could offer an interactive touch screen that reacts to the pressure exerted by your touch.Published Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, an Apple patent application called "Embedded force measurement" takes the concept of tapping on your touch screen at least one step further. Instead of just lightly tapping on your screen, you would actually press down on it to activate a command. The phone would measure the force of your tap and respond accordingly.As one example, an on-screen icon could let you control the volume of your device. Pressing down on one side of the icon would raise the volume, while pressing down on the other side would lower the volume. Your device could even react differently based on the pressure of your touch. Pressing down lightly on the volume icon would adjust the volume gradually, while pressing down harder would adjust the volume more quickly.Another example in the application highlights the benefit of the technology to an app like Apple's GarageBand. You could press harder on a key on the virtual piano keyboard to play a note louder and press more gently to elicit a softer note.The patent application focuses on a mobile phone, but the invention could be applied to other devices, including media players, cameras, and handheld game consoles. As such, the force of your touch could be used to snap a picture, make a phone call, hop onto the Internet, send an e-mail, or listen to music.(Via AppleInsider)
'Gravity' Is Unlike Anything You've Experienced in a Movie Theater This Year
There;s an ad that plays before you watch a movie in an AMC theater where this girl sits down in a row of seats with her friends, and as the lights lower and the movie begins, these vines wrap around her, eventually growing into some monstrous forest that literally transports her somewhere else entirely. She;s no longer inside a movie theater with her friends -- she;s on this immersive adventure in a completely unfamiliar environment. It;s a neat ad that reminds us why we love going to the movies in the first place. We love those moviegoing experiences that take us for a ride, be it physical, emotional, spiritual or all three. We go to the movie theater and we seek something memorable. Something we can talk about for years; something that changes the way we consume entertainment.Something like Gravity.Unfortunately, these monumental all-timers are few and far between. Sure, we still go to the movies and laugh, and cry, and shout and cheer. But in an age that forces us to consume content every second of the day, it;s becoming increasingly harder to push through into that special place reserved for the stories you tell your kids, or the date that goes all night as you each recall your most memorable moments in a movie theater. These times -- these memories -- they don;t come so easily, and so when a film like Gravity strolls into theaters carrying with it this incredibly powerful cinematic experience, you need to stop and pay attention. You need to give in. You need to grab your closest friends, clear the entire night and let this one wrap its depleting oxygen supply around your throat for a couple of hours because they may just be some of the most memorable hours you ever spend in a movie theater.This is where I can tell you what you already know: that Gravity takes place entirely in space, above the planet Earth, as two astronauts (played by George Clooney and Sandra Bullock) continually find themselves in one pickle after the next when their space station is torn to pieces during a devastating, uncontrollable accident. What you don;t already know (but might be able to gather from the various trailers) is that Gravity doesn;t stop attacking your senses. At times it;s a meditation on life and death and what happens when you;re trapped between the two, but mostly it;s a rush, plain and simple. This is one long visual orgasm that doesn;t end until after you;ve left the theater.Even when you try to count how many long, heart-pounding one-takes director Alfonso Cuarón finds himself lost in, the film pulls you away. Even when you squint to try to figure out how a particular special effect was created, the film grabs and shakes you back to its universe. And as we literally float from scene to scene with this quiet ferociousness wondering how these characters are going to get out of the next life-or-death situation, we;re torn between needing a resolution and wanting the ride to continue. Watching Gravity is like an extreme workout at the gym, in that your heart races nonstop from one exercise to the next. But those brief moments of quiet between lifting or running or squatting are a thing of beauty. You embrace them and caress them, but most of all you feel them. You feel yourself in the midst of this fight that;s bigger than you -- you;re tired, worn out, defeated -- and yet you always find a way to push forward. You always find a way to finish what you started because we;re humans, and we feed on the feelings that take over once we;ve accomplished an unrelenting task.These are tremendous feelings. These are the ones you remember. Gravity celebrates these feelings -- the drive inside all of us to succeed, to survive, to accomplish our goals -- with such force and beauty that you forget you;re inside a movie theater. It;s pretty astounding to watch unfold, and if there;s a negative it;s that the nonstop space action almost takes away from the film;s sweeter, more emotional themes of death and rebirth. How sometimes you just have to let go.We can talk more about Gravity;s many memorable, edge-of-your-seat action sequences, but those are best left to be discovered by someone who;s ready to hand themselves over to the moviegoing gods. Let that be you because Gravity is the kind of film that reminds you why going to the movie theater is still such a sacred experience. That there really is nothing like sitting amongst friends and strangers in a dark room as you all experience the rush of emotions that only come from a giant screen that does nothing but feed your imagination.Let you devour Gravity, and let it be an experience you remember for years to come.Just don;t forget to breathe.Gravity hits theaters on October 4. Note: This review originally ran last month during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.
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