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 Apple CEO Steve Jobs has said that Flash is outdated and inferior to such alternatives as HTML5.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.
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.
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