More Apple tablet rumors: 3G, dock connector
• The tablet will have a 3G connection, and there are two carriers being considered for it, says Fox News. Apple is in talks with AT&T and Verizon, but the details are still not finalized, according to sources within the companies.• There will be not one, but two dock connectors on it. iLounge says that will allow the tablet to be docked/charged in either landscape or portrait orientation.• AppleInsider's sources say the tablet will look exactly like an overgrown iPod Touch, down to the home button, volume toggle, and power button.• Add McGraw-Hill and Hachette Book Group to the list of publishers Apple has approached about including their content on the tablet. It's widely assumed that e-books, magazines, and newspapers will be a key part of Apple's strategy for the device. It's already been reported that HarperCollins, The New York Times, and Conde Nast have also been in talks on the same topic.Be sure to come back to CNET at 10 a.m. PT Wednesday, when we'll be blogging the Apple event live.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Mophie iPhone case delivers extra power and storage
Mophie iPhone case delivers extra power and storage
Looking for an iPhone case that offers power and capacity at the same time? Mophie has a new case that can perform that trick.Shipping in March, Mophie's Space Pack includes its own 1700mAh battery that can pour more juice into your iPhone when its own power gets low. Mophie promises that its battery will offer 8 hours of talk time, 10 hours of video, and 40 hours of music. An included Micro-USB cable charges and syncs your iPhone and the Space Pack at the same time.The Space Pack also lends a hand if you're low on storage. The case comes in two versions -- one with 16GB of capacity that costs $149.95 and another with 32GB that runs $179.95. A Space app helps you manage and access the files housed in that extra storage.The only potential downside is that the Space Pack's storage doesn't merge with the storage on your iPhone, according to a hands-on review by Engadget. Instead, the case operates as an external device, much like a USB drive. So you have to manually choose where you want to save specific content, such as your photos and music.The Space Pack is a case at heart, so it also serves to protect and defend your iPhone with edge-to-edge coverage. You can order the case in black or white. Preorders are now available at Mophie's Web site.The Space Pack doesn't come cheap. But with both power and capacity, it kills the two proverbial birds with one stone.
Looking for an iPhone case that offers power and capacity at the same time? Mophie has a new case that can perform that trick.Shipping in March, Mophie's Space Pack includes its own 1700mAh battery that can pour more juice into your iPhone when its own power gets low. Mophie promises that its battery will offer 8 hours of talk time, 10 hours of video, and 40 hours of music. An included Micro-USB cable charges and syncs your iPhone and the Space Pack at the same time.The Space Pack also lends a hand if you're low on storage. The case comes in two versions -- one with 16GB of capacity that costs $149.95 and another with 32GB that runs $179.95. A Space app helps you manage and access the files housed in that extra storage.The only potential downside is that the Space Pack's storage doesn't merge with the storage on your iPhone, according to a hands-on review by Engadget. Instead, the case operates as an external device, much like a USB drive. So you have to manually choose where you want to save specific content, such as your photos and music.The Space Pack is a case at heart, so it also serves to protect and defend your iPhone with edge-to-edge coverage. You can order the case in black or white. Preorders are now available at Mophie's Web site.The Space Pack doesn't come cheap. But with both power and capacity, it kills the two proverbial birds with one stone.
Mobile telecom company sues Apple over messaging
Mobile telecom company sues Apple over messaging
A mobile communications company is suing Apple for allegedly infringing on its patents with messaging services on devices like the iPhone and the iPad, patent blog Patently Apple reported today.Related storiesApple sued over EarPods product nameApple sued for alleged security patent infringementApple sued over sound tech by George Lucas' THXMobile Telecommunications Technologies claims Apple has infringed on seven patents and filed a suit involving Apple's iMessage, Airport Express, Airport Extreme, and Time Capsule and devices like the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The company is essentially saying Apple shouldn't offer iMessage or any other messaging services including text messaging, iCloud, or e-mail. Mobile Telecommunications Technologies runs communications service SkyTel, which provides paging and messaging services to U.S. and international customers. One of its patents, published in 1999, covers the "method and apparatus for generating and communication messages between subscribers to an electronic messaging network."
A mobile communications company is suing Apple for allegedly infringing on its patents with messaging services on devices like the iPhone and the iPad, patent blog Patently Apple reported today.Related storiesApple sued over EarPods product nameApple sued for alleged security patent infringementApple sued over sound tech by George Lucas' THXMobile Telecommunications Technologies claims Apple has infringed on seven patents and filed a suit involving Apple's iMessage, Airport Express, Airport Extreme, and Time Capsule and devices like the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The company is essentially saying Apple shouldn't offer iMessage or any other messaging services including text messaging, iCloud, or e-mail. Mobile Telecommunications Technologies runs communications service SkyTel, which provides paging and messaging services to U.S. and international customers. One of its patents, published in 1999, covers the "method and apparatus for generating and communication messages between subscribers to an electronic messaging network."
Mobile apps a gold rush for providers
Mobile apps a gold rush for providers
Not surprisingly, free apps are often the hottest type of download. Among specific categories, free mapping and direction tools, free games, free news, and free social networking tools are the most popular. Beyond app downloads, however, In-Stat also tracked actual app usage, as people will often download a program, especially a free one, and then delete it if it doesn't hold their interest.Social networking and smartphone utilities proved to have the most staying power, with above-average usage and below-average deletion rates. Games are always popular but frequently deleted unless they can build up a loyal following.Price points also play a huge factor in the success or failure of an app. In-Stat found that $2, $5, and $10 seem to be psychological barriers, leading to limited demand between these price levels. To better compete in a tight market, In-Stat advises app developers to price their programs at specific levels of $9.99, $4.99, and $1.99.To compile its report, In-Stat surveyed more than 500 users last October and conducted interviews with smartphone manufacturers and mobile app store vendors. The company also relied on industry publications and other sources for its data.
Not surprisingly, free apps are often the hottest type of download. Among specific categories, free mapping and direction tools, free games, free news, and free social networking tools are the most popular. Beyond app downloads, however, In-Stat also tracked actual app usage, as people will often download a program, especially a free one, and then delete it if it doesn't hold their interest.Social networking and smartphone utilities proved to have the most staying power, with above-average usage and below-average deletion rates. Games are always popular but frequently deleted unless they can build up a loyal following.Price points also play a huge factor in the success or failure of an app. In-Stat found that $2, $5, and $10 seem to be psychological barriers, leading to limited demand between these price levels. To better compete in a tight market, In-Stat advises app developers to price their programs at specific levels of $9.99, $4.99, and $1.99.To compile its report, In-Stat surveyed more than 500 users last October and conducted interviews with smartphone manufacturers and mobile app store vendors. The company also relied on industry publications and other sources for its data.
MLB expands use of Passbook for mobile ticketing -- report
MLB expands use of Passbook for mobile ticketing -- report
Major League Baseball (MLB) is increasing its reliance on Apple's Passbook application, according to a new report.This year, 13 teams will allow customers to buy paperless tickets and redeem them through Apple's Passbook. The Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago Cubs are among the new teams to support the application, according to GigaOm, which spoke with MLB officials on the move. Two more teams will be announced soon.MLB gave a tryout to Apple's electronic ticketing system last year with four teams. Out of the 1,500 e-ticket buyers, 12 percent chose to receive their tickets via Passbook.Last year, CNET's Josh Lowensohn tried Passbook out at a San Francisco Giants game. He found that while the service wasn't totally paperless -- it printed out a receipt -- it did alert him to any changes that might arise during the game and deliver location-based features.Passbook doesn't only work with MLB games. The app works with Starbucks purchases, movie tickets, and Amtrak tickets, among others.
Major League Baseball (MLB) is increasing its reliance on Apple's Passbook application, according to a new report.This year, 13 teams will allow customers to buy paperless tickets and redeem them through Apple's Passbook. The Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago Cubs are among the new teams to support the application, according to GigaOm, which spoke with MLB officials on the move. Two more teams will be announced soon.MLB gave a tryout to Apple's electronic ticketing system last year with four teams. Out of the 1,500 e-ticket buyers, 12 percent chose to receive their tickets via Passbook.Last year, CNET's Josh Lowensohn tried Passbook out at a San Francisco Giants game. He found that while the service wasn't totally paperless -- it printed out a receipt -- it did alert him to any changes that might arise during the game and deliver location-based features.Passbook doesn't only work with MLB games. The app works with Starbucks purchases, movie tickets, and Amtrak tickets, among others.
Mint tweaks its personal-finance iPhone app
Mint tweaks its personal-finance iPhone app
Mint, which makes a personal-finance app, is taking full advantage of the iPhone's geolocation features in an update to the application.As soon as users spend some cash, they can open up their Mint app and input the amount spent. The app's geolocation feature finds all the merchants nearby to help users assign the expense to the respective establishment. As soon as the expenditure is logged, Mint automatically updates users' bank balances.Though the addition is somewhat minor, Mint says it has been one of its users' top requests. That makes some sense. After a payment is made, pending transactions don't always pop up immediately on online statements. And in some cases, until the transactions clear, the balance a bank shows for an account is not entirely accurate."By cleanly and immediately categorizing cash spending, no purchases remain unaccounted for in people's budgets," Mint said in a statement today about its iPhone app.Mint has had a busy week. The company yesterday unveiled a new Sneak Preview program, called Bill Reminders. That feature, available to 300 CNET readers and a total of 11,000 people across the company's user base, reminds users when they have bills due.Mint's updated iPhone app is available now as a free download.
Mint, which makes a personal-finance app, is taking full advantage of the iPhone's geolocation features in an update to the application.As soon as users spend some cash, they can open up their Mint app and input the amount spent. The app's geolocation feature finds all the merchants nearby to help users assign the expense to the respective establishment. As soon as the expenditure is logged, Mint automatically updates users' bank balances.Though the addition is somewhat minor, Mint says it has been one of its users' top requests. That makes some sense. After a payment is made, pending transactions don't always pop up immediately on online statements. And in some cases, until the transactions clear, the balance a bank shows for an account is not entirely accurate."By cleanly and immediately categorizing cash spending, no purchases remain unaccounted for in people's budgets," Mint said in a statement today about its iPhone app.Mint has had a busy week. The company yesterday unveiled a new Sneak Preview program, called Bill Reminders. That feature, available to 300 CNET readers and a total of 11,000 people across the company's user base, reminds users when they have bills due.Mint's updated iPhone app is available now as a free download.
Roku takes on Apple TV with new streamers
Roku takes on Apple TV with new streamers
It seems hard to believe, now that Netflix streaming video is available on nearly any Internet-connected home video product, but back in the spring of 2008, the only Netflix-compatible device was a tiny streaming media box called the Roku Player. In the two years since its release, a series of firmware upgrades has expanded the program offerings on the Roku, even as the company added step-down and step-up models to the lineup as well.In its latest incarnation, the company has made its little black box even smaller, while retaining the same onscreen look and feel and "channel" options, currently headlined by Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Pandora, and MLB TV. The new box also comes in good, better, and best versions: the $59.99 Roku HD, the $79.99 Roku XD, and the $99.99 Roku XDS.As noted, the big issue for Roku is that a lot of other players have moved into its space. It faces increased competition from networked Blu-ray players, TVs, and game consoles (PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii) that offer the most desirable premium content: specifically, Netflix and Amazon.Also, Apple's newly redesigned $99 Apple TV is a clear alternative for iTunes users who want to stream their content (music and video) to their TVs. (Currently, Roku products don't support streaming PC-based media to your TV.) Apple TV offers Netflix, YouTube, and Internet radio, but no Pandora, MLB TV, or Vimeo (just to name a few of the many Roku channels).So, is the Roku worth buying?Read our full review to find out.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
It seems hard to believe, now that Netflix streaming video is available on nearly any Internet-connected home video product, but back in the spring of 2008, the only Netflix-compatible device was a tiny streaming media box called the Roku Player. In the two years since its release, a series of firmware upgrades has expanded the program offerings on the Roku, even as the company added step-down and step-up models to the lineup as well.In its latest incarnation, the company has made its little black box even smaller, while retaining the same onscreen look and feel and "channel" options, currently headlined by Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Pandora, and MLB TV. The new box also comes in good, better, and best versions: the $59.99 Roku HD, the $79.99 Roku XD, and the $99.99 Roku XDS.As noted, the big issue for Roku is that a lot of other players have moved into its space. It faces increased competition from networked Blu-ray players, TVs, and game consoles (PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii) that offer the most desirable premium content: specifically, Netflix and Amazon.Also, Apple's newly redesigned $99 Apple TV is a clear alternative for iTunes users who want to stream their content (music and video) to their TVs. (Currently, Roku products don't support streaming PC-based media to your TV.) Apple TV offers Netflix, YouTube, and Internet radio, but no Pandora, MLB TV, or Vimeo (just to name a few of the many Roku channels).So, is the Roku worth buying?Read our full review to find out.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
Pandora for iPhone will be a huge hit
Pandora for iPhone will be a huge hit
I've never had this conversation about Last.fm, or iLike, or Imeem, or any other online music service. For whatever reason, Pandora seems to have hit a nerve with my demographic, just like MySpace did with teens and twentysomethings about two years ago.In other words, Pandora's perfectly poised for a big mainstream bump. And the iPhone version, covered here by CNET's Donald Bell, is the necessary catalyst. Once the early adopters have gotten through the queue, I think the iPhone will appeal mostly to this same audience. Thirtysomething professionals who are interested in but not obsessed with technology will find the iPhone to be the first phone that actually lets them do things they want to do without requiring a certified geek to show them how. (Example: snapping a decent-quality photo and e-mailing it from the phone. Doing that from my Verizon-enabled Razr is not easy, and the pictures suck. My neighbor did it from his new iPhone in five seconds.)Pandora on the iPhone is attractive, intuitive, and offers an obvious tangible benefit--great music at no charge. Plus, if you just have to own a song, you can buy it from iTunes with one click (if you have an active Wi-Fi connection). Pandora is already available for selected other phones, but there it costs a few bucks per month after a free trial. Plus, none of those other phones have the mainstream brand-name appeal of the iPhone. The only question is the money--once Pandora on the iPhone takes off, how will Pandora make money from it? I'm hoping they don't ruin the appeal of the service with overly intrusive advertising.
I've never had this conversation about Last.fm, or iLike, or Imeem, or any other online music service. For whatever reason, Pandora seems to have hit a nerve with my demographic, just like MySpace did with teens and twentysomethings about two years ago.In other words, Pandora's perfectly poised for a big mainstream bump. And the iPhone version, covered here by CNET's Donald Bell, is the necessary catalyst. Once the early adopters have gotten through the queue, I think the iPhone will appeal mostly to this same audience. Thirtysomething professionals who are interested in but not obsessed with technology will find the iPhone to be the first phone that actually lets them do things they want to do without requiring a certified geek to show them how. (Example: snapping a decent-quality photo and e-mailing it from the phone. Doing that from my Verizon-enabled Razr is not easy, and the pictures suck. My neighbor did it from his new iPhone in five seconds.)Pandora on the iPhone is attractive, intuitive, and offers an obvious tangible benefit--great music at no charge. Plus, if you just have to own a song, you can buy it from iTunes with one click (if you have an active Wi-Fi connection). Pandora is already available for selected other phones, but there it costs a few bucks per month after a free trial. Plus, none of those other phones have the mainstream brand-name appeal of the iPhone. The only question is the money--once Pandora on the iPhone takes off, how will Pandora make money from it? I'm hoping they don't ruin the appeal of the service with overly intrusive advertising.
It's official- Leopard to go on sale October 26
It's official: Leopard to go on sale October 26
After much speculation, Apple has confirmed that the next version of its Mac OS X operating system, "Leopard," will hit stores on Friday, October 26, at 6 p.m.The company has stated that Leopard, which was delayed this spring due to the high-profile iPhone, includes more than 300 new features in comparison to its predecessor, Tiger. Among these are an improved "dock" interface for easy access to applications, more robust parental controls, the Time Machine automatic-backup service and a redesigned Finder interface.The operating system is set to cost $129 for a single-user license and $199 for a five-user "Family Pack" license. In addition, Apple also plans to launch the Leopard version of its Mac OS X Server in conjunction with the standard version of the operating system. Included in this release of the Unix-compliant server software are a host of new features, including Podcast Producer, for automatically publishing audio to iTunes or the Web; Wiki Server, for collaborative Web site work; and iCal Server, for enterprise calendar management. The new OS X Server is set to cost $499 for a 10-client edition and $999 for an unlimited-client edition.Apple's home page has been updated with a Leopard countdown clock. The online store is now accepting preorders--and meanwhile, the next iteration of the legendary Apple rumor mill is already rolling.
After much speculation, Apple has confirmed that the next version of its Mac OS X operating system, "Leopard," will hit stores on Friday, October 26, at 6 p.m.The company has stated that Leopard, which was delayed this spring due to the high-profile iPhone, includes more than 300 new features in comparison to its predecessor, Tiger. Among these are an improved "dock" interface for easy access to applications, more robust parental controls, the Time Machine automatic-backup service and a redesigned Finder interface.The operating system is set to cost $129 for a single-user license and $199 for a five-user "Family Pack" license. In addition, Apple also plans to launch the Leopard version of its Mac OS X Server in conjunction with the standard version of the operating system. Included in this release of the Unix-compliant server software are a host of new features, including Podcast Producer, for automatically publishing audio to iTunes or the Web; Wiki Server, for collaborative Web site work; and iCal Server, for enterprise calendar management. The new OS X Server is set to cost $499 for a 10-client edition and $999 for an unlimited-client edition.Apple's home page has been updated with a Leopard countdown clock. The online store is now accepting preorders--and meanwhile, the next iteration of the legendary Apple rumor mill is already rolling.
iBike helps iPad, iPhone Touch users get in better shape (CES podcast)
iBike helps iPad, iPhone Touch users get in better shape (CES podcast)
The North Hall at CES was the home to numerous fitness technology companies including Velocomp, the maker of the iBike line of cycling computers. The newest product, iBike Power House for iPhone and iPod Touch is billed as "the worldl's first intelligent cycling computer that automatically adjusts to your exercise goals."The product, which consists of a water and shock resistant case for the iPhone/iTouch, has electronics that perform cycling measurements, including power exertion. iBike Powerhouse is the newest iPhone/iPod Touch cycling computer from VelocompVelocompCycling computers, said Velocomp CEO John Harmon "have always been about numbers. "How far, how fast, what's my heart rate," (scroll down to listen to podcast). He said that iBike comes with "exercise plans that have been proven to get to results fast." He said the software has options depending on why you ride a bicycle. "What we've done is design our product, which is a complete system--electronics, a mount and an app--and you pick the benefits." Options include weight loss, cardiovascular fitness and a "weekend warrior' option for people who only ride occasionally. There is also a "Brazilian butt" program to help shape that part of your anatomy." Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)
The North Hall at CES was the home to numerous fitness technology companies including Velocomp, the maker of the iBike line of cycling computers. The newest product, iBike Power House for iPhone and iPod Touch is billed as "the worldl's first intelligent cycling computer that automatically adjusts to your exercise goals."The product, which consists of a water and shock resistant case for the iPhone/iTouch, has electronics that perform cycling measurements, including power exertion. iBike Powerhouse is the newest iPhone/iPod Touch cycling computer from VelocompVelocompCycling computers, said Velocomp CEO John Harmon "have always been about numbers. "How far, how fast, what's my heart rate," (scroll down to listen to podcast). He said that iBike comes with "exercise plans that have been proven to get to results fast." He said the software has options depending on why you ride a bicycle. "What we've done is design our product, which is a complete system--electronics, a mount and an app--and you pick the benefits." Options include weight loss, cardiovascular fitness and a "weekend warrior' option for people who only ride occasionally. There is also a "Brazilian butt" program to help shape that part of your anatomy." Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)
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