20 biggest tech innovations of my lifetime that I actually use
As the father of 9-year-old twins, I often find myself telling them about tech products and innovations that I didn't have growing up. All parents do it: trying to get their kids to understand how much tougher life was in the old days.In my case, the old days were in the 1980s -- not that long ago. But the range of change in our lives continues to impress me and make my children roll their eyes.Yesterday, I posted a photo on Instagram (see above and on my Sreenet account), saying the NYC subway's next-train arrival guides are among the top 20 technology innovations of my lifetime.As you can tell, I had to post in a hurry as the next train arrived two minutes later. As I stood inside the subway, blissfully without cell service, I had a chance to think about that concept of top tech innovations and asked myself whether those guides were, indeed, worthy of a top 20 listing.I've now taken a shot at that list. Before you read it, some ground rules I gave myself:The technology had to be for personal use, something that affected me and that I use myself. So innovations in space travel, nuclear physics and enterprise computing don't count.Innovations that have benefited millions of others, but I don't personally use don't count (sorry, electric car).They had to be widely available only after my teen years - i.e, around 1988 - to be considered (eliminating the Walkman, the CD, the home video camera, the microwave oven).Innovations so new or so rare or so expensive - or all three - that my family couldn't acquire them until many years later, do count (some of the items below might have been under your Christmas tree, but not mine).Innovations that were widely adopted but then became irrelevant in their original form aren't here (example: America Online, Compuserve, etc).Tech products that are mostly an evolution from something prior don't count (therefore, the DVD doesn't make the list; it's too similar to its predecessors, Betamax, VHS and laserdisc).And if I saw my dad using it, it doesn't count, even if it's wonderful and I use it every day (sorry, electric razor).Basically, it has to be stuff I didn't have when I was a kid.What would be on your version of this list? Share it in the comments and on Twitter using #MyTopTech. Here are my top 20 (the first six are in order of importance; the rest aren't):The Internet/Web/search: No explanation needed.E-mail: Electronic messaging recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, but it wasn't a true mass product until the mid-1990s.Cell phones and smartphones: Cell phones have been around for decades, but the true revolution has only happened since the mid-1990s.Digital cameras: These cameras changed the way I capture and share memories and how I see the worlds of my friends, family, and complete strangers. While more of my friends than ever before sling fancy digital SLRs, the only digital camera I've used in the last 15 months or so is the one in my iPhone. The other day, when someone took a group portrait with a point-and-shoot digital camera, several of us in the picture commented on how long it had been since we had used an "old-fashioned" camera.Laptops and Wi-Fi: Sure, there were ridiculously expensive laptops around in the 1980s, but none had the transformative effect on my life the way the ones in the 1990s did. And the arrival of Wi-Fi freed those laptops from the suffocating Ethernet cord.GPS (with a nod to Web-based Mapquest and Google Maps): I still remember our car vacations started with my dad would going down to the AAA (Wikipedia tells me it was "known formerly as the American Automobile Association" - sort of like IBM, I guess) and get maps with our route highlighted in yellow. When I first saw Mapquest I was blown away by the potential; the arrival of Web-based Google Maps just continued the innovation and set the stage for how we all use GPS today.My friend Arik Hesseldahl (@AHess247) of AllThingsD once explained to me, for another story, how cool technology by itself isn't likely to change the landscape. Luck and government decisions play a role, too:GPS existed [prior to 1997], but was deliberately made inaccurate for non-military users under a federal directive known as "selective availability" that was eliminated in 2000 by order of President Clinton; prior to this, consumer GPS was good enough for hiking, but nowhere near good enough for in-car navigation, let alone geocaching.MetroCard: Prior to the arrival of these yellow electronic payment cards for the subway, New Yorkers had to be obsessed with having enough tokens on hand to enter the system. The MetroCard literally changed my life.Next-train arrival signs: Londoners and Londonphiles love to tell me how they've had these forever in the Underground, but these arrived in NYC only three years ago. Until these real-time signs showed up, you had no idea if your train was coming in two minutes or 20. Just last week, a handy next step: MTA Subway Time, an iPhone app that gives you the same real-time arrival data. It was officially released only for iOS, but, in a sign of the times, someone made an Android version within 24 hours, thanks to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's API offerings (more on APIs below). Yes, it's only for a few subway lines, but 90 percent of my trains are covered and this is my list, after all.Wii and Kinect: When I was growing up, Atari, Intellivision, and Commodore were major players in the home console market. The systems that came after that were much more powerful and more popular, but were basically improvements on what came before (sorry, Sega, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Xbox). But the Wii, which I first tested at a family gathering on Thanksgiving 2006, was a breakthrough worthy of this list. I saw something I'd never seen before: grandparents, parents, and kids all gathered around the big-screen TV, playing digital bowling, golf, and tennis.Some of that may have happened on occasion in the Atari days, but now, the players were all standing, not sitting on a couch, thanks to the wireless remotes. I predicted on my local TV segment the following week that the Wii would be unlike any other video game product and outsell the competition. At the time and in the years to follow, gamer-snobs felt the Wii wasn't any good in comparison to consoles with fancier graphics, better sound and more complex -- and more gruesome -- titles. The Wii went onto to outsell the other so-called "seventh generation" consoles, including PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.A logical next step in gaming has to be on my list. The Microsoft Kinect sensor, which works on Xbox, does away with the wireless remote and uses a player's arms and entire body to control the games -- everything from sports to dance-offs. As I wrote in January 2011 about "Five Things I Learned from Two Weeks With Kinect," this is only the beginning. "The Kinect shows that there's still lots of room for innovation in a field that seemed pretty saturated. I expect to see more developments in this area as the sensors gets smarter, the cameras gets sharper and the game play gets more sophisticated."Social media, including blogging: Here I'm including various platforms -- Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging -- that have changed the way a billion-plus people spend their time, express themselves, and engage with each other. For better and worse.Wikipedia: While it's easy to complain about some of the problems of Wikipedia, the fact is that it has completely changed the way I do everyday research. It's my first stop, not my last. And I sometimes spend as much time on the footnotes and where they lead as I do on the main text. Even hoaxes like the one uncovered last week don't deter me (see Bicholim Conflict on this list of the biggest hoaxes in Wikipedia history). If you want to truly understand Wikipedia's impact, potential and pitfalls, you have to read the definitive book about it, "The Wikipedia Revolution: How A Bunch of Nobodies Created The World's Greatest Encyclopedia" by my friend Andrew Lih (@fuzheado).YouTube: I had considered not including YouTube because it is, in many ways, just an evolution in online video. But in recent years, YouTube has become its own community with 4 billion hours of video watched every month; an important tool for all kinds of marketing, promotion and propaganda; and a source of entertainment and information for 800 million people every month -- a stat I found in this compelling Peter Kafka (@pkafka) post that makes that case that Al Jazeera English should have gone with a Web-only platform, rather than buying Current TV as announced this week.Zipcar: This car-sharing service changed my family's life, allowing us to access a car in more convenient ways than traditional rental cars (we don't own a car, in part, because parking in our Manhattan building is $500 a month). This week's purchase of Zipcar by Avis for $500 million is causing consternation. Here's an article saying this is good for consumers; here's one that argues the opposite.Credit cards in NYC taxis: Until they came along, I had to always check my wallet for cash before grabbing a taxi. Since credit card readers in cabs became widely available in 2007, I've not had to hesitate before hailing a cab. And unlike some folks who complain about drivers unhappy to take cards, I've never faced an issue with that.There's another reason to use credit cards in cabs, as I wrote in 5 Lessons From a Lost iPhone: "I'll always pay for my NYC cabs with credit cards. Turns out the taxi medallion number (the unique number displayed on top of all yellow cabs in Manhattan) is recorded with every credit card purchase, meaning you have way of tracking down cabs you've taken." The taxi industry in the city is the process of a much bigger disruption: figuring out new apps that are changing the decades-old system of hailing cabs.DVR: The arrival of TiVo, and, later, the generic digital video recorder provided by the cable company, introduced us all to time-shifting TV in ways the complicated VHS system and its blink "12:00" clock never could.Netflix: I'm including Netflix here as a representative of a whole new class of video watching, a big leap from the DVR. Whether Netflix will be the eventual winner in this space or not (Amazon, Hulu and others are attacking it), the concept of getting movies anytime from anywhere has changed how my family accesses entertainment. But I don't understand howanyone uses Netflix without also accessing Instawatcher.com, which provides a much better, searchable listing of the on-demand movies on Netflix, including my favorite feature, "Expiring soon."If you don't want to spring for Netflix, but are an HBO subscriber, you have to check out the free HBO Go app or Web site, which provides access to dozens of movies and entire seasons of HBO shows that are no longer available on the HBO On Demand service on your cable box. For instance, I saw and enjoyed "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency," a quirky, charming show I never saw when it first ran on the network. iPod and iTunes: These changed the music world forever, letting us carry thousands of songs at a time and getting millions of us to pay for digital music for the first time.My friend Hari Sreenivasan (@Hari; no relation), now an anchor on PBS Newshour, was the first to outline to me the power of iPod beyond music. One day in late 2001 (soon after iPod was launched), he predicted that the iPod would be a great way to introduce the Apple brand to PC users skeptical of the Mac. He saw it as a way to get people comfortable using an Apple product and getting them hooked and ready to try others. Even though he didn't call it that, the iPod became a gateway drug that changed the company's fortunes and set it on the path to the iPhone, iPad, and beyond. If you are curious, the price of Apple stock on October 1, 2001 was $15.49. On October 1, 2012, it was $671.16 (it's down since then).Tablets and apps: In some ways, tablets feel like cousins of laptops and not worthy of this list. But in many other ways, they are, indeed, new. The key here are the apps we use in smartphones, too. As millions of users have discovered, tablets can be used in ways that are different from laptops and we see them being used as cash registers, restaurant menus, medical devices and much more. And all this is just getting started.I didn't include e-readers such as the Kindle on this list because while they were innovative, they are not going to stick around much longer. Thanks to tablets that let you read Kindle content without a Kindle, e-readers are dying much faster than anyone could have predicted. See this chart to understand the whole picture.APIs: I am not an engineer, but I play one on TV, thanks to my CNET tech segments on WCBS-TV. Since I don't program, it's not obvious why I'd include APIs -- or application programming interfaces -- on this list.But these Web APIs, which allow live data and content from one Web service to be posted and used on another have changed how we access information. Everything from mash-ups of real-estate listings and Google maps, to embedding videos, to the subway-arrival app I mentioned in No. 7 above, APIs are now a critical part of our digital lives. Here's a list of the most popular APIs.Cordless irons: I know some of you will claim to have had cordless electric irons for decades now, but the day I saw one of these, I had to have one when the prices became reasonable. They aren't as good as corded ones (the heat dissipates too quickly), but they changed my ironing life.Those are my 20. Am sure I am missing some others and that you will disagree with many of my choices (especially if you are in a different age bracket). That's what makes this list so much fun to put together. It has no right or wrong answers, and it's all about you.Hope you'll take a stab at creating a similar list of 5 to 20 tech innovations. You can post it in the comments below and/or tweet it via #MyTopTech.
How to get started with Turntable.fm for iPhone
How to get started with Turntable.fm for iPhone
We told you about Turntable.fm's new approach to the music service scene back in June. The service is fun, interactive, and has really caught on since. Today Turntable.fm released its first mobile app. It's built for the iPhone and is available in the App Store [iTunes link]. We are going to show you how to get started with the mobile app. Read on for more. Before you attempt to use the mobile app, make sure you have access to the Web site. Turntable.fm isn't open to the public quite yet, it still requires that you have a Facebook friend who is a member of Turntable.fm before you are granted access. If you do have access, go ahead and download and install the iOS app. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiAfter you log in to Turntable.fm using your Facebook credentials, you will be shown a list of the available rooms, in order of popularity. You can create a room of your own, search for a room, or enter any room listed all from this initial screen. Tap on the room you would like to join to enter it. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiFrom here, the experience should be similar to that of the Web site. You are in the standard Turntable.fm room, complete with a scrolling info banner, Lame and Awesome buttons, and of course, there are head-bobbing avatars in the crowd. Tap on the chat bubble in the top navigation bar to be taken into the rooms' chat. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiHere you can chat with others in the same room, as you would from the Web site. Along with being able to chat, you can also view and edit your song queue from this screen. Select the Queue button next to the Chat button in the top navigation bar to view your song queue. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiYou can drag a song up or down to rearrange your playlist, or search for music to add songs to your queue. We tried searching a few common artists and had mixed luck when it came to getting the same results we were accustomed to seeing on the Web site.Screenshot by Jason CiprianiGoing back to the room view, on the far-right side of the navigation bar there is a share button that allows you to share a link to the room you are currently in with your friends through Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiWhile you are streaming from one room, you can go back to the room list to browse. You will see a volume slider as well as the AirPlay icon (if available) along the bottom of the screen. The room you are currently in will be highlighted as well as have a red x to the left of the name. To stop streaming from that particular room, tap on the x. You may notice that the plus sign in the top bar has now changed to Room. You will need to stop streaming a room before you can create your own room. Tap on the plus sign to set up your room and begin DJ-ing yourself. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiOne the Create Room screen you can set the name of the room, the public or private availability, and the number of DJs you want to allow in the room. Once you have set everything, tap Create. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiIf you have a friend who is in a room, you will see a gold icon with a number indicating the number of friends in that room next to the name of the room. Noticeably missing from the app is the ability to view your own Turntable.fm profile along with the ability to edit your avatar. It appears that those two tasks will have to be carried out from the Web site for now. Are you a big Turntable.fm fan? Is this app something you have been waiting for to really get into the service, or is this something that is going to drive your DJ addiction into overload?
We told you about Turntable.fm's new approach to the music service scene back in June. The service is fun, interactive, and has really caught on since. Today Turntable.fm released its first mobile app. It's built for the iPhone and is available in the App Store [iTunes link]. We are going to show you how to get started with the mobile app. Read on for more. Before you attempt to use the mobile app, make sure you have access to the Web site. Turntable.fm isn't open to the public quite yet, it still requires that you have a Facebook friend who is a member of Turntable.fm before you are granted access. If you do have access, go ahead and download and install the iOS app. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiAfter you log in to Turntable.fm using your Facebook credentials, you will be shown a list of the available rooms, in order of popularity. You can create a room of your own, search for a room, or enter any room listed all from this initial screen. Tap on the room you would like to join to enter it. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiFrom here, the experience should be similar to that of the Web site. You are in the standard Turntable.fm room, complete with a scrolling info banner, Lame and Awesome buttons, and of course, there are head-bobbing avatars in the crowd. Tap on the chat bubble in the top navigation bar to be taken into the rooms' chat. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiHere you can chat with others in the same room, as you would from the Web site. Along with being able to chat, you can also view and edit your song queue from this screen. Select the Queue button next to the Chat button in the top navigation bar to view your song queue. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiYou can drag a song up or down to rearrange your playlist, or search for music to add songs to your queue. We tried searching a few common artists and had mixed luck when it came to getting the same results we were accustomed to seeing on the Web site.Screenshot by Jason CiprianiGoing back to the room view, on the far-right side of the navigation bar there is a share button that allows you to share a link to the room you are currently in with your friends through Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiWhile you are streaming from one room, you can go back to the room list to browse. You will see a volume slider as well as the AirPlay icon (if available) along the bottom of the screen. The room you are currently in will be highlighted as well as have a red x to the left of the name. To stop streaming from that particular room, tap on the x. You may notice that the plus sign in the top bar has now changed to Room. You will need to stop streaming a room before you can create your own room. Tap on the plus sign to set up your room and begin DJ-ing yourself. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiOne the Create Room screen you can set the name of the room, the public or private availability, and the number of DJs you want to allow in the room. Once you have set everything, tap Create. Screenshot by Jason CiprianiIf you have a friend who is in a room, you will see a gold icon with a number indicating the number of friends in that room next to the name of the room. Noticeably missing from the app is the ability to view your own Turntable.fm profile along with the ability to edit your avatar. It appears that those two tasks will have to be carried out from the Web site for now. Are you a big Turntable.fm fan? Is this app something you have been waiting for to really get into the service, or is this something that is going to drive your DJ addiction into overload?
Amazon Fire TV vs. Chromecast vs. Roku vs. Apple TV
Amazon Fire TV vs. Chromecast vs. Roku vs. Apple TV
Today Amazon launched theFire TV streaming media box.Its standout features include an extensive library of games, an optional game controller ($40), voice search via a mic on the remote, an "ASAP" function that's said to launch certain videos immediately, and a "Free Time" function that allows parents to limit their kids' media consumption, much like on Amazon's Kindle Fire tablets.It also offers a lot of content options.So without further ado, here's a comparison of the four major streaming devices as they stand today. Amazon Fire TVChromecastRokuApple TVPrice$99 $35 $49 - $99$93 Form factorBoxStickStick or boxBoxVideo appsNetflix, YouTube, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, Showtime Anytime, Crackle, Vimeo, moreNetflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Crackle, moreNetflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, Showtime Anytime, Vudu, Crackle, M-Go, Vimeo, PBS, PBS Kids, Disney Channel, Redbox Instant, Time Warner Cable, Slingplayer, moreNetflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Crackle, Vimeo, PBS, Disney Channel, more via AirPlayAudio appsPandora, Vevo, Qello, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, morePandora, Rdio, Vevo, Songza, moreSpotify, Pandora, Rdio, Mog, Amazon CloudPlayer, Vevo, Qello, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Slacker, moreVevo, Qello, "radio"Major proprietary appsNoneGoogle Play Movies & TV, Google Play MusicNoneiTunes Movies and TV shows, iTunes Music, iTunes RadioSports appsWatch ESPN, NBA League Pass, "many more"NoneWatch ESPN, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NHL Gamecenter, moreWatch ESPN, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NHL Gamecenter, moreGamesYes, playable via remote, tablet/phone, or optional controller ($40)Yes, playable via tablet/phoneYes, playable via remoteNoControlVoice search, physical remote, appApp only (no physical remote)Physical remote, appPhysical remote, appScreen mirroringvia Kindle Fire HDX onlyvia Chrome browserNovia AirPlayPhoto, video and music filesvia Plex, Amazon Cloudvia Plex, other appsvia Plex, other appsvia AirPlay, native Mac and iOS support, iCloudCross-platform searchNoNoYesNoParental ControlsFree Time (app- and time-based restrictions + walled garden)NoNoBasic per-app passcode restrictionsNote that the apps for Amazon's Fire TV come via theofficial product page, which says "many more" are coming. Major missing services at launch include HBO Go, Vudu, and most subscription music services like Spotify.Update April 03: Updated Chromecast section to include additional apps. Sarah Tew/CNET
Today Amazon launched theFire TV streaming media box.Its standout features include an extensive library of games, an optional game controller ($40), voice search via a mic on the remote, an "ASAP" function that's said to launch certain videos immediately, and a "Free Time" function that allows parents to limit their kids' media consumption, much like on Amazon's Kindle Fire tablets.It also offers a lot of content options.So without further ado, here's a comparison of the four major streaming devices as they stand today. Amazon Fire TVChromecastRokuApple TVPrice$99 $35 $49 - $99$93 Form factorBoxStickStick or boxBoxVideo appsNetflix, YouTube, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, Showtime Anytime, Crackle, Vimeo, moreNetflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Crackle, moreNetflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, Showtime Anytime, Vudu, Crackle, M-Go, Vimeo, PBS, PBS Kids, Disney Channel, Redbox Instant, Time Warner Cable, Slingplayer, moreNetflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Crackle, Vimeo, PBS, Disney Channel, more via AirPlayAudio appsPandora, Vevo, Qello, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, morePandora, Rdio, Vevo, Songza, moreSpotify, Pandora, Rdio, Mog, Amazon CloudPlayer, Vevo, Qello, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Slacker, moreVevo, Qello, "radio"Major proprietary appsNoneGoogle Play Movies & TV, Google Play MusicNoneiTunes Movies and TV shows, iTunes Music, iTunes RadioSports appsWatch ESPN, NBA League Pass, "many more"NoneWatch ESPN, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NHL Gamecenter, moreWatch ESPN, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NHL Gamecenter, moreGamesYes, playable via remote, tablet/phone, or optional controller ($40)Yes, playable via tablet/phoneYes, playable via remoteNoControlVoice search, physical remote, appApp only (no physical remote)Physical remote, appPhysical remote, appScreen mirroringvia Kindle Fire HDX onlyvia Chrome browserNovia AirPlayPhoto, video and music filesvia Plex, Amazon Cloudvia Plex, other appsvia Plex, other appsvia AirPlay, native Mac and iOS support, iCloudCross-platform searchNoNoYesNoParental ControlsFree Time (app- and time-based restrictions + walled garden)NoNoBasic per-app passcode restrictionsNote that the apps for Amazon's Fire TV come via theofficial product page, which says "many more" are coming. Major missing services at launch include HBO Go, Vudu, and most subscription music services like Spotify.Update April 03: Updated Chromecast section to include additional apps. Sarah Tew/CNET
Report- DOJ inquiry of Apple goes beyond music
Report: DOJ inquiry of Apple goes beyond music
Investigators with the Department of Justice have begun asking questions of executives in the film industry and other media sectors, according to a story that appeared Friday in The New York Post."The [Justice Dept.] is doing outreach," an anonymous Hollywood source told the Post. "You can't dictate terms to the industry. The Adobe thing is just inviting the wrath of everybody." CNET could not reach its film industry sources this weekend and could not confirm the report. Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that the Justice Department had launched an informal inquiry into the tactics Apple employs with the music industry. Sources told CNET that investigators were especially interested in learning whether Apple pressured Sony Music Entertainment and EMI to stop participating in a special discount promotion offered by Amazon, one of Apple's leading competitors in digital music. The sources also said that investigators informed them they are just on a fact-finding mission at this point. There is nothing to indicate that Apple will be accused of anything. Representatives from the Justice Department and Apple were not immediately available for comment over the holiday weekend. According to the Post's Hollywood source, Apple's ban of Adobe's Flash technology on the iPhone and iPad is what prompted the government to poke around.Flash is a widely used foundation for applications and video-streaming sites on the Web, such as YouTube. Apple CEO Steve Jobs has said that Flash is outdated and inferior to such alternatives as HTML5. Adobe has argued Apple's decision to block Flash was to limit competition within Apple's App Store. Apple has been widely criticized for banning Flash. In addition to this inquiry, the government has begun looking into Apple's dealing with those who develop software for the App Store.
Investigators with the Department of Justice have begun asking questions of executives in the film industry and other media sectors, according to a story that appeared Friday in The New York Post."The [Justice Dept.] is doing outreach," an anonymous Hollywood source told the Post. "You can't dictate terms to the industry. The Adobe thing is just inviting the wrath of everybody." CNET could not reach its film industry sources this weekend and could not confirm the report. Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that the Justice Department had launched an informal inquiry into the tactics Apple employs with the music industry. Sources told CNET that investigators were especially interested in learning whether Apple pressured Sony Music Entertainment and EMI to stop participating in a special discount promotion offered by Amazon, one of Apple's leading competitors in digital music. The sources also said that investigators informed them they are just on a fact-finding mission at this point. There is nothing to indicate that Apple will be accused of anything. Representatives from the Justice Department and Apple were not immediately available for comment over the holiday weekend. According to the Post's Hollywood source, Apple's ban of Adobe's Flash technology on the iPhone and iPad is what prompted the government to poke around.Flash is a widely used foundation for applications and video-streaming sites on the Web, such as YouTube. Apple CEO Steve Jobs has said that Flash is outdated and inferior to such alternatives as HTML5. Adobe has argued Apple's decision to block Flash was to limit competition within Apple's App Store. Apple has been widely criticized for banning Flash. In addition to this inquiry, the government has begun looking into Apple's dealing with those who develop software for the App Store.
Hands-on with iOS 4.2 Gold Master
Hands-on with iOS 4.2 Gold Master
Over the past two weeks iPhone and iPad users alike have been waiting for the promised iOS 4.2 update. After a false alarm last Friday, Apple pushed out Gold Master developer versions of the update today and Wednesday. So as we wait for the real deal--which could come as early as tomorrow--we downloaded the Gold Master to give the update a trial run.Apple won't release an official list of new features until iOS 4.2 becomes available to the general public, but we scanned through the additions that have been observed so far. Nothing will blow your mind, but we're never one to pass over new features, no matter how small they are. The iPhone 4 gets a few interface tweaks, more customization for message alerts, printing for photos and Safari pages, additional parental controls, and an option for jumping directly to a FaceTime call from a messaging thread. You also get the ability to search for text on a Safari page, which is most welcome. iOS 4.1, which came out in September, added high-dynamic range photos, support for TV show rentals on iTunes and brought back the Field test mode.iOS 4.2 for iPad has plenty of features to offer as well. Not only does it bring Apple's tablet device up to speed with the latest iPhone OS features like Multitasking, App folders, and GameCenter, but iPad users will also get some interesting additions of their own. Under iOS 4.2, the iPad now lets you search for local printers, search for instances of a word on Web pages, adjust brightness from the multitask screen, and much more.We'll continue to add new features as we find them. And once the update goes live, we'll follow up with more analysis. In the meantime, keep clicking that "check for update" button in iTunes.
Over the past two weeks iPhone and iPad users alike have been waiting for the promised iOS 4.2 update. After a false alarm last Friday, Apple pushed out Gold Master developer versions of the update today and Wednesday. So as we wait for the real deal--which could come as early as tomorrow--we downloaded the Gold Master to give the update a trial run.Apple won't release an official list of new features until iOS 4.2 becomes available to the general public, but we scanned through the additions that have been observed so far. Nothing will blow your mind, but we're never one to pass over new features, no matter how small they are. The iPhone 4 gets a few interface tweaks, more customization for message alerts, printing for photos and Safari pages, additional parental controls, and an option for jumping directly to a FaceTime call from a messaging thread. You also get the ability to search for text on a Safari page, which is most welcome. iOS 4.1, which came out in September, added high-dynamic range photos, support for TV show rentals on iTunes and brought back the Field test mode.iOS 4.2 for iPad has plenty of features to offer as well. Not only does it bring Apple's tablet device up to speed with the latest iPhone OS features like Multitasking, App folders, and GameCenter, but iPad users will also get some interesting additions of their own. Under iOS 4.2, the iPad now lets you search for local printers, search for instances of a word on Web pages, adjust brightness from the multitask screen, and much more.We'll continue to add new features as we find them. And once the update goes live, we'll follow up with more analysis. In the meantime, keep clicking that "check for update" button in iTunes.
Retinafied 13-inch MacBook Pro not a given, but screens on tap
Retinafied 13-inch MacBook Pro not a given, but screens on tap
Displays that could be used on a 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina are slated to begin production this quarter, but "business plans" for Apple are not definite yet, an analyst told CNET. Retina-class 13.3-inch displays with a pixel density of 2,560-by-1,600 are slated for production this quarter (Q3), said Richard Shim, an analyst with DisplaySearch.But when this would result in a Retina-endowed 13-inch version of the MacBook Pro is unclear at the moment, according to Shim.Production of the 13.3-inch Retina-class display is about a quarter behind the Retina screen used in the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro.The PPI (pixels per inch) on the 13-inch display is 227, denser than the 220 PPI of the current 15.4-inch Retina.Taipei-based Digitimes, which routinely reports chatter from Asia-based suppliers, said Tuesday that Apple is asking its manufacturing partners to begin supplying components for a new 13-inch MacBook Pro model in the third quarter.
Displays that could be used on a 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina are slated to begin production this quarter, but "business plans" for Apple are not definite yet, an analyst told CNET. Retina-class 13.3-inch displays with a pixel density of 2,560-by-1,600 are slated for production this quarter (Q3), said Richard Shim, an analyst with DisplaySearch.But when this would result in a Retina-endowed 13-inch version of the MacBook Pro is unclear at the moment, according to Shim.Production of the 13.3-inch Retina-class display is about a quarter behind the Retina screen used in the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro.The PPI (pixels per inch) on the 13-inch display is 227, denser than the 220 PPI of the current 15.4-inch Retina.Taipei-based Digitimes, which routinely reports chatter from Asia-based suppliers, said Tuesday that Apple is asking its manufacturing partners to begin supplying components for a new 13-inch MacBook Pro model in the third quarter.
Retina MacBook Pro wait time drops to 1-2 weeks
Retina MacBook Pro wait time drops to 1-2 weeks
Consumers looking to pick up a Retina MacBook Pro now face a shorter wait time.The estimated ship time for the new MacBook Pro model has trickled down to 1-2 weeks, according to Apple's U.S. Web site. This new estimate follows the roller coaster ride originally faced by prospective buyers.Apple initially promised a ship time of 2-3 weeks immediately following the debut of the new MacBook Pro. That soon shot up to a month but then shrank to 3-4 weeks before returning to 2-3 weeks.Related storiesApple MacBook Pro with Retina Display reviewApple's Retina Display MacBook Pro under glassRetina MacBook Pro is the least repairable to dateForget Retina, look how much the new MacBook Pro displays!The new 1-2 week wait time seems to be the norm across the world, with MacRumors reporting the same estimate in Europe and the Asia Pacific region.Supplies are also easing at other retailers, both online and offline, MacRumors added. However, Apple's online store is considered the primary outlet for those who want to customize the unit's configuration.The 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro starts at $2,199 for the 2.3 GHz version and $2,799 for the 2.6 GHz edition.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Consumers looking to pick up a Retina MacBook Pro now face a shorter wait time.The estimated ship time for the new MacBook Pro model has trickled down to 1-2 weeks, according to Apple's U.S. Web site. This new estimate follows the roller coaster ride originally faced by prospective buyers.Apple initially promised a ship time of 2-3 weeks immediately following the debut of the new MacBook Pro. That soon shot up to a month but then shrank to 3-4 weeks before returning to 2-3 weeks.Related storiesApple MacBook Pro with Retina Display reviewApple's Retina Display MacBook Pro under glassRetina MacBook Pro is the least repairable to dateForget Retina, look how much the new MacBook Pro displays!The new 1-2 week wait time seems to be the norm across the world, with MacRumors reporting the same estimate in Europe and the Asia Pacific region.Supplies are also easing at other retailers, both online and offline, MacRumors added. However, Apple's online store is considered the primary outlet for those who want to customize the unit's configuration.The 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro starts at $2,199 for the 2.3 GHz version and $2,799 for the 2.6 GHz edition.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Appeals court upholds Apple victory in Cover Flow patent case
Appeals court upholds Apple victory in Cover Flow patent case
Apple has once again been cleared of infringing on patents held by Mirror Worlds.In a ruling posted today by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, the court upheld (PDF) a lower court decision from April 2011, which sided with Apple.Mirror Worlds originally accused Apple of infringing on its patents with features included in its Mac OS X operating systems going back to 10.4 "Tiger," as well as in its iOS devices including the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. The company, which was founded by Yale University computer-science professor David Gelernter, took aim at Apple's Cover Flow, Spotlight, and Time Machine features made available on devices running various iterations of that software. Part of the Mirror Worlds patent for "streaming" files.Mirror WorldsA jury initially found Apple guilty of infringement in October 2010 and tallied up damages of more than $625 million. Apple responded by saying the damages were too high and urged the court to re-evaluate the evidence. Six months later, U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis sided with Apple and reversed the decision, noting that while the jury's take on the case was important, the group might have been swayed by Mirror Worlds' argument, which the court said lacked foundation."In this case, Mirror Worlds may have painted an appealing picture for the jury, but it failed to lay a solid foundation sufficient to support important elements it was required to establish under the law," Judge Davis wrote at the time. Mirror Worlds then appealed, which led up to today's decision.The spat is just one of many between Apple and other technology companies where millions of dollars are at stake. A high-profile trial between Apple and Samsung involving patents (among other things) recently upped the ante in the field, leaving Samsung on the hook for more than $1 billion after a jury found it to infringe on several Apple patents across multiple handsets. Like the Mirror Worlds case, it too is likely headed for an appeal.Bloomberg first reported the ruling earlier today.
Apple has once again been cleared of infringing on patents held by Mirror Worlds.In a ruling posted today by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, the court upheld (PDF) a lower court decision from April 2011, which sided with Apple.Mirror Worlds originally accused Apple of infringing on its patents with features included in its Mac OS X operating systems going back to 10.4 "Tiger," as well as in its iOS devices including the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. The company, which was founded by Yale University computer-science professor David Gelernter, took aim at Apple's Cover Flow, Spotlight, and Time Machine features made available on devices running various iterations of that software. Part of the Mirror Worlds patent for "streaming" files.Mirror WorldsA jury initially found Apple guilty of infringement in October 2010 and tallied up damages of more than $625 million. Apple responded by saying the damages were too high and urged the court to re-evaluate the evidence. Six months later, U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis sided with Apple and reversed the decision, noting that while the jury's take on the case was important, the group might have been swayed by Mirror Worlds' argument, which the court said lacked foundation."In this case, Mirror Worlds may have painted an appealing picture for the jury, but it failed to lay a solid foundation sufficient to support important elements it was required to establish under the law," Judge Davis wrote at the time. Mirror Worlds then appealed, which led up to today's decision.The spat is just one of many between Apple and other technology companies where millions of dollars are at stake. A high-profile trial between Apple and Samsung involving patents (among other things) recently upped the ante in the field, leaving Samsung on the hook for more than $1 billion after a jury found it to infringe on several Apple patents across multiple handsets. Like the Mirror Worlds case, it too is likely headed for an appeal.Bloomberg first reported the ruling earlier today.
App unlocks Bluetooth viewfinder on ContourGPS
App unlocks Bluetooth viewfinder on ContourGPS
LAS VEGAS--When Contour announced its ContourGPS location-aware HD sports camera last year, it held back a bit of information: there's a Bluetooth chip inside the device that has been sitting unused. However, a pair of new smartphone apps for Android and iPhone devices aims to put that wireless connection to good use.After downloading a software patch (not yet available) and updating the ContourGPS' firmware to unlock the Bluetooth connection, users will be able to grab the Contour Mobile app from the Android Market or the iTunes App Store, and connect their smartphone to the camera. Users will then be able to use their handset's screen as a viewfinder for aiming and monitoring, which is a godsend for anyone who has ever wasted a day of shooting due to a misaligned shot. The app can also be used to play back recorded video stored on the camera, great for double-checking captured footage. A previously unnoticed Bluetooth chip allows the ContourGPS to wirelessly connect to an upcoming smartphone app.ContourThe unlocked Bluetooth connection also enables users to change camera settings through the app--a process that currently involves uploading preferences via USB--and may eventually allow for the wireless connection of proprietary and third-party accessories, such as external microphones or remote controls.The ContourGPS currently retails for $349, and the Contour Mobile app should be free, when the Android version becomes available this spring. The iOS version of the app, currently pending Apple's approval, requires the use of a Contour ConnectView Bluetooth encryption card that costs $29.99.Along with the new Bluetooth functionality and mobile app, Contour also announced a trio of mounting options for its line of sports cameras, including a roll bar mount for motor sports applications, a headband mount for hands-free recording without a helmet, and a Picatinny adapter that enables Contour cameras to be attached to tactical firearms, paintball rails, and any MIL-STD-1913 rail.
LAS VEGAS--When Contour announced its ContourGPS location-aware HD sports camera last year, it held back a bit of information: there's a Bluetooth chip inside the device that has been sitting unused. However, a pair of new smartphone apps for Android and iPhone devices aims to put that wireless connection to good use.After downloading a software patch (not yet available) and updating the ContourGPS' firmware to unlock the Bluetooth connection, users will be able to grab the Contour Mobile app from the Android Market or the iTunes App Store, and connect their smartphone to the camera. Users will then be able to use their handset's screen as a viewfinder for aiming and monitoring, which is a godsend for anyone who has ever wasted a day of shooting due to a misaligned shot. The app can also be used to play back recorded video stored on the camera, great for double-checking captured footage. A previously unnoticed Bluetooth chip allows the ContourGPS to wirelessly connect to an upcoming smartphone app.ContourThe unlocked Bluetooth connection also enables users to change camera settings through the app--a process that currently involves uploading preferences via USB--and may eventually allow for the wireless connection of proprietary and third-party accessories, such as external microphones or remote controls.The ContourGPS currently retails for $349, and the Contour Mobile app should be free, when the Android version becomes available this spring. The iOS version of the app, currently pending Apple's approval, requires the use of a Contour ConnectView Bluetooth encryption card that costs $29.99.Along with the new Bluetooth functionality and mobile app, Contour also announced a trio of mounting options for its line of sports cameras, including a roll bar mount for motor sports applications, a headband mount for hands-free recording without a helmet, and a Picatinny adapter that enables Contour cameras to be attached to tactical firearms, paintball rails, and any MIL-STD-1913 rail.
Apple and Google take divergent paths on Wall Street
Apple and Google take divergent paths on Wall Street
Apple and Google are on a collision course. The two tech giants are battling to win the hearts and minds of users on the go and in the cloud with their various products, services, and platforms. But as far as Wall Street is concerned, Google is ascendant and Apple is waning.According to a Citigroup report, Google has replaced Apple as the top holding by the largest U.S. mutual funds. At one point it was Apple that was heading for a $1,000 stock price -- now it's Google. Wall Street is valuing the future potential of Google's search business and mobile efforts far more than Apple's mobile hardware and iTunes business. Apple's price-to-earnings ratio is less than 10, compared with Google's 25 times profit, according to Bloomberg.While Apple has been the leader in pioneering new territory with the iPhone, iPad, iTunes, and its software platforms, Google and its Android brethren are growing rapidly, especially outside the U.S. In the U.S. market, Apple averaged 37.8 percent of the smartphone market from November 2012 through January 2013, rising 3.5 points since October, according to ComScore. Samsung led the Android pack at 21.4 percent. However, Google's Android leads in platform market share at52.3 percent, followed by Apple's iOS at 37.8 percent. On a worldwide basis, the smartphone market grew by almost 40 percent in the last year, according to Pingdom. Android smartphone sales grew by 88 percent during that same period, and Apple 23 percent. PingdomNow investors are waiting to see what the secretive Apple has up its sleeve to preserve its profit margin, pioneer new markets, and recharge its stock.
Apple and Google are on a collision course. The two tech giants are battling to win the hearts and minds of users on the go and in the cloud with their various products, services, and platforms. But as far as Wall Street is concerned, Google is ascendant and Apple is waning.According to a Citigroup report, Google has replaced Apple as the top holding by the largest U.S. mutual funds. At one point it was Apple that was heading for a $1,000 stock price -- now it's Google. Wall Street is valuing the future potential of Google's search business and mobile efforts far more than Apple's mobile hardware and iTunes business. Apple's price-to-earnings ratio is less than 10, compared with Google's 25 times profit, according to Bloomberg.While Apple has been the leader in pioneering new territory with the iPhone, iPad, iTunes, and its software platforms, Google and its Android brethren are growing rapidly, especially outside the U.S. In the U.S. market, Apple averaged 37.8 percent of the smartphone market from November 2012 through January 2013, rising 3.5 points since October, according to ComScore. Samsung led the Android pack at 21.4 percent. However, Google's Android leads in platform market share at52.3 percent, followed by Apple's iOS at 37.8 percent. On a worldwide basis, the smartphone market grew by almost 40 percent in the last year, according to Pingdom. Android smartphone sales grew by 88 percent during that same period, and Apple 23 percent. PingdomNow investors are waiting to see what the secretive Apple has up its sleeve to preserve its profit margin, pioneer new markets, and recharge its stock.
Apple and Google race for mobile dominance
Apple and Google race for mobile dominance
This doesn't mean that consumers won't buy the new devices, but it does show developer trepidation in regards to what types of apps can monetize users. If nothing else, the iPhone has the always-on network connectivity that introduces a wealth of possibilities beyond just web browsing.And while developer interest may have dipped a bit, there is little question that the iPhone and App Store have introduced a whole new way of distributing applications. Yet, somehow Android has not only crept up near iPhone adoption levels (albeit on multiple phones) but has also captured the interest of developers. A number of developers I spoke with told me anecdotally that they much prefer the Android development environment and the fact that they don't have to deal with the App Store approval and sales processes, which can be challenging, if not downright difficult.According to the report, in January 2010, 86 percent of developers were very interested in creating apps for the iPhone and 68 percent were very interested in doing so for Android--an 18 point spread. That spread has closed to just six points in the current survey (iPhone 87 percent, Android 81 percent, followed by iPad at 53 percent).BlackBerry has doubled from 21 percent developer support in January to 43 percent in March, while Windows Phone has nearly tripled from 13 percent to 34 percent. This is likely due to an increased focus on mobile by Microsoft and RIMs' realization that competing platforms were starting to eat into their core enterprise BlackBerry customer base.As with any other report, it's important to take these statistics with a grain of salt. What's important to note is that we are really seeing a two-horse race emerge between Apple and Android (which is largely driven by Google) for developers mind-share. Until the other platforms figure out ways to let developers directly monetize users and make applications easy to distribute, the new behemoths are going to be in good shape.
This doesn't mean that consumers won't buy the new devices, but it does show developer trepidation in regards to what types of apps can monetize users. If nothing else, the iPhone has the always-on network connectivity that introduces a wealth of possibilities beyond just web browsing.And while developer interest may have dipped a bit, there is little question that the iPhone and App Store have introduced a whole new way of distributing applications. Yet, somehow Android has not only crept up near iPhone adoption levels (albeit on multiple phones) but has also captured the interest of developers. A number of developers I spoke with told me anecdotally that they much prefer the Android development environment and the fact that they don't have to deal with the App Store approval and sales processes, which can be challenging, if not downright difficult.According to the report, in January 2010, 86 percent of developers were very interested in creating apps for the iPhone and 68 percent were very interested in doing so for Android--an 18 point spread. That spread has closed to just six points in the current survey (iPhone 87 percent, Android 81 percent, followed by iPad at 53 percent).BlackBerry has doubled from 21 percent developer support in January to 43 percent in March, while Windows Phone has nearly tripled from 13 percent to 34 percent. This is likely due to an increased focus on mobile by Microsoft and RIMs' realization that competing platforms were starting to eat into their core enterprise BlackBerry customer base.As with any other report, it's important to take these statistics with a grain of salt. What's important to note is that we are really seeing a two-horse race emerge between Apple and Android (which is largely driven by Google) for developers mind-share. Until the other platforms figure out ways to let developers directly monetize users and make applications easy to distribute, the new behemoths are going to be in good shape.
Apple aims to prevent misdirected text messages
Apple aims to prevent misdirected text messages
Anyone who has ever sent a text message to the wrong person can appreciate the idea behind a newly published Apple patent filing.Published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, a patent application dubbed "Generation of a user interface based on contacts" describes a way to display the image of your receipient in a chat screen as a visual clue that your text is going to the right person.Many IM clients, including Apple's own iMessage app, display just the first name or phone number of your chat buddy. As such, you may not even know who's on the other end at first. Launch a group chat with multiple people, and you could easily lose track of who you're trying to text.In Apple's vision, a photo of your chat partner would appear unobtrusively in the background of the chat window. That photo can be taken directly from your Contacts list. If no photo exists, then a different image or icon could be associated with each specific person.But what happens if you're juggling a group chat? In that case, the screen would display images of each individual involved in the chat and simply highlight the image of the person you're currently trying to message. For example, the image of the active person might appear in color, while the other images would display in gray scale.The images themselves would blend into the background so that you could still clearly see and read the text in the foreground.As always, a patent application doesn't mean Apple will necessarily bring this idea to the real world. But any technology that eases the embarrassment of misdirected text messages would be welcomed by many.(Via AppleInsider)
Anyone who has ever sent a text message to the wrong person can appreciate the idea behind a newly published Apple patent filing.Published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, a patent application dubbed "Generation of a user interface based on contacts" describes a way to display the image of your receipient in a chat screen as a visual clue that your text is going to the right person.Many IM clients, including Apple's own iMessage app, display just the first name or phone number of your chat buddy. As such, you may not even know who's on the other end at first. Launch a group chat with multiple people, and you could easily lose track of who you're trying to text.In Apple's vision, a photo of your chat partner would appear unobtrusively in the background of the chat window. That photo can be taken directly from your Contacts list. If no photo exists, then a different image or icon could be associated with each specific person.But what happens if you're juggling a group chat? In that case, the screen would display images of each individual involved in the chat and simply highlight the image of the person you're currently trying to message. For example, the image of the active person might appear in color, while the other images would display in gray scale.The images themselves would blend into the background so that you could still clearly see and read the text in the foreground.As always, a patent application doesn't mean Apple will necessarily bring this idea to the real world. But any technology that eases the embarrassment of misdirected text messages would be welcomed by many.(Via AppleInsider)
Apple aims to keep your iPhone juiced based on your behavior
Apple aims to keep your iPhone juiced based on your behavior
How often does your smartphone conk out before the day is even done? Apple has proposed a couple of ideas to keep the juice flowing.Published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, a patent called "Inferring user intent from battery usage level and charging trends" suggests a way to preserve battery power by determining how and when you use your smartphone.The technology envisioned would keep track of when you use and don't use your smartphone, when you charge it, and for how long you charge it. The phone could then have the smarts to turn off certain features or decrease the performance in an effort to prevent the battery from draining too quickly.For example, your phone could figure out that you use its cellular connection during your morning and evening commutes but not during the day when you're at work. It could also determine that you use your phone more on weekdays than on weekends. The phone would also take into account your charging patterns. Are you charging your phone because the battery is low or do you simply keep it plugged in all day when you're at your desk?As defined in the patent, Apple dubs this notion "long-term power budgeting."One could imagine the user being happy with a slightly darker screen when in a dark room if it means that more power can be given to the GPU and the performance of the game increased. Long-term power budgeting is concerned with ensuring that the device's power usage over time does not deplete the battery and interrupt the user.Another patent published on Thursday, "Predicting user intent and future interaction from application activities," has a similar power-preserving goal in mind. But this notion would monitor the apps and other tasks you run on your phone and adjust the power consumption accordingly.The word "monitoring" sometimes strikes fear into the hearts of smartphone users. We don't like anyone keeping tabs on how and when we use our devices. But I wouldn't mind sharing a few details on my smartphone use if it meant the phone could survive longer on a single charge.(Via Cult of Mac)
How often does your smartphone conk out before the day is even done? Apple has proposed a couple of ideas to keep the juice flowing.Published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, a patent called "Inferring user intent from battery usage level and charging trends" suggests a way to preserve battery power by determining how and when you use your smartphone.The technology envisioned would keep track of when you use and don't use your smartphone, when you charge it, and for how long you charge it. The phone could then have the smarts to turn off certain features or decrease the performance in an effort to prevent the battery from draining too quickly.For example, your phone could figure out that you use its cellular connection during your morning and evening commutes but not during the day when you're at work. It could also determine that you use your phone more on weekdays than on weekends. The phone would also take into account your charging patterns. Are you charging your phone because the battery is low or do you simply keep it plugged in all day when you're at your desk?As defined in the patent, Apple dubs this notion "long-term power budgeting."One could imagine the user being happy with a slightly darker screen when in a dark room if it means that more power can be given to the GPU and the performance of the game increased. Long-term power budgeting is concerned with ensuring that the device's power usage over time does not deplete the battery and interrupt the user.Another patent published on Thursday, "Predicting user intent and future interaction from application activities," has a similar power-preserving goal in mind. But this notion would monitor the apps and other tasks you run on your phone and adjust the power consumption accordingly.The word "monitoring" sometimes strikes fear into the hearts of smartphone users. We don't like anyone keeping tabs on how and when we use our devices. But I wouldn't mind sharing a few details on my smartphone use if it meant the phone could survive longer on a single charge.(Via Cult of Mac)
Apple agrees to MagSafe power adapter settlement
Apple agrees to MagSafe power adapter settlement
This problem was raised in a recent class action lawsuit against Apple, where instead of pursuing the lawsuit, Apple has decided to enter into the settlement and offer compensation for owners of these adapters.The settlement is for any U.S. resident who is the original owner (by gift or direct purchase) of a MacBook or MacBook Pro system that shipped with either a 60W or 85W T-type adapter within the past three years. If your original power adapter is currently showing signs of wear around the connector, then Apple will replace the adapter for free. If you have already replaced your adapter, then Apple will compensate you for the cost, depending on the number of years you have owned the replacement adapter.For adapters purchased within the last year, Apple will offer the amount paid for the adapter (up to $79--the price of a new adapter). If you have owned your replacement for two or three years, then the amount Apple will pay drops to $50 and $35, respectively. Apple will only issue payments for a limit of three adapters per computer system.This settlement applies to all systems regardless of whether they are currently under warranty, so if you have a system and are worried about any fraying or wear around the adapter, just take it to an Apple store to have it looked at and replaced. Apple will not replace those that do not show wear or any signs of defect.If you think your system qualifies and are in need of an adapter replacement, you can contact Apple or visit an Apple retail store to get a new adapter, but if you need to get a cash payment for your purchased adapter replacement, then you will need to fill out a claim form that can be found at the adapter settlement Web site.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.
This problem was raised in a recent class action lawsuit against Apple, where instead of pursuing the lawsuit, Apple has decided to enter into the settlement and offer compensation for owners of these adapters.The settlement is for any U.S. resident who is the original owner (by gift or direct purchase) of a MacBook or MacBook Pro system that shipped with either a 60W or 85W T-type adapter within the past three years. If your original power adapter is currently showing signs of wear around the connector, then Apple will replace the adapter for free. If you have already replaced your adapter, then Apple will compensate you for the cost, depending on the number of years you have owned the replacement adapter.For adapters purchased within the last year, Apple will offer the amount paid for the adapter (up to $79--the price of a new adapter). If you have owned your replacement for two or three years, then the amount Apple will pay drops to $50 and $35, respectively. Apple will only issue payments for a limit of three adapters per computer system.This settlement applies to all systems regardless of whether they are currently under warranty, so if you have a system and are worried about any fraying or wear around the adapter, just take it to an Apple store to have it looked at and replaced. Apple will not replace those that do not show wear or any signs of defect.If you think your system qualifies and are in need of an adapter replacement, you can contact Apple or visit an Apple retail store to get a new adapter, but if you need to get a cash payment for your purchased adapter replacement, then you will need to fill out a claim form that can be found at the adapter settlement Web site.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.
Your Top Three: Favorite Movies of 2014 So Far
Your Top Three is a series here at Movies.com where we choose a topic and you give us your top three picks. At the midpoint of every year, we like to ask everyone for their favorite movies released so far. A lot of the best films that come out through the year are done so in limited release and maybe don;t even expand to your neck of the woods. And then you forget about them and possibly don;t even notice when they;ve dropped on DVD or VOD. Clearly today;s poll is all about providing a crowd-sourced service to movie lovers. First, to put things into perspective, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Lego Movie are currently the two top-grossing movies in the U.S. Interestingly enough, they;re also among the best of the year according to many of you. The Lego Movie is also the best movie of the year according to ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, not that it has the highest score of all but for how many critics have chimed in on it, it;s the champ. Going by highest scores, the picks would be documentaries Jodorowsky;s Dune, The Missing Picture and Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me, the Chilean film Gloria and the Laotian film The Rocket. Admittedly, I still have to catch up with the following buzz titles: The Grand Budapest Hotel, We Are the Best!, Snowpiercer, The Immigrant, Blue Ruin, Obvious Child, Only Lovers Left Alive, Night Moves, Palo Alto, Bears, Locke, Chef, 22 Jump Street, The Raid 2 and How to Train Your Dragon 2. My Top Three 2014 Movies: 1. Under the Skin The only movie to really stun me in the way I expect from cinema, this bleak sci-fi flick by Jonathan Glazer and starring Scarlett Johansson as a predatory alien looks and sounds like nothing else this or any year. I really love the contrast between the near-documentary exterior scenes and the shining production design of the spaceship (?) interiors. Under the Skin is so far and away my favorite of 2014 that it;s almost not even fair to give it two companions. 2. The Double It;s not often that an actor gets to show his range in a movie the way Jesse Eisenberg does in the sophomore effort from Richard Ayoade. That is, not in terms of emotion but just seemingly simple character type. It;s almost self-parody of Eisenberg;s two kinds of roles, the awkward shy guy and the confident con man. It;s a wonderful performance, and also the rest of the movie is weirdly and wickedly wonderful, too. 3. The Internet;s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz Brian Knappenberger;s documentary about the late Internet pioneer, who took his life last year as he faced prison time, is a biography that transcends its own subject by ultimately being about major issues for all Americans. Yet the film never loses focus on Swartz and what he meant and what it means to lose him, made especially poignant in some highly emotional moments where his family and friends are interviewed fairly soon following his death. I;ve seen it twice, cried each time. Your Top Three 2014 Movies
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