Apple AirPlay: 10 things you need to know
Airplay icon At some point you've probably heard about AirPlay, a wireless streaming feature found on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or any Mac or Windows PC running iTunes. While some features had been available for years under the AirTunes moniker, Apple rolled out the AirPlay name and an expanded feature list in the fall of 2010. With the arrival of iOS 4.3, AirPlay has been further enhanced, and--perhaps most significantly--third-party consumer electronics manufacturers are adding it to their products.Apple sums up the technology like this on its regularly updated "Using AirPlay" page, which has some troubleshooting tips. With AirPlay, you can wirelessly stream videos, music, and photos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to Apple TV (2nd generation) and stream music to AirPlay speakers or receivers, including AirPort Express. You can also wirelessly stream videos and music from your computer to Apple TV (2nd generation) and stream music to AirPlay speakers or receivers, including AirPort Express.That pretty much tells you what it's all about, but here's a closer look at what you need to know about AirPlay and some tips for getting the most out of it.Only a limited number of products are currently AirPlay-compatible: Right now, only a handful of products offer AirPlay compatibility (see slideshow, below) and they tend to be fairly expensive. The exception is the Apple TV, which only costs $99, and Apple's AirPort Express (also $99 list). The majority of early AirPlay products are speaker systems, plus a few AV receivers that offer built-in AirPlay support. Apple AirPlay products roundup (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 24NextPrev Video and photo streaming options are limited. At the moment, the Apple TV is the only product that allows you to stream video and photos to your TV from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. In the future, there will certainly be other boxes that offer AirPlay video support, and rumor has it Apple is talking to TV manufacturers about licensing AirPlay technology so they can build it into HDTVs.The number of applications that support Airplay is growing. It's pretty easy to stream audio from nearly any iOS app to an AirPlay-enabled speaker. However, more apps with deeper AirPlay integration--such as streaming video to Apple TV--are beginning to appear in the App Store. For instance, the free Vevo app lets you play music videos directly on your TV. (Unfortunately, the helpful filter that once highlighted AirPlay-optimized apps on Apple's Web site no longer appears to be active.) Wi-Fi is better than Bluetooth--but it's still not perfect. AirPlay works over your Wi-Fi network and, as anybody who uses Wi-Fi knows, it's not always rock-solid. In testing some AirPlay speakers, we experienced the occasional dropout and even a few complete disconnections. However, unlike with Bluetooth streaming, your music doesn't get compressed, so it should sound better, depending on the quality of the speaker you're streaming to. Video app Vevo in AirPlay modeUsing your iOS handheld as a music source has limitations. When you stream music stored locally on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, you can only stream it to one device (such as a speaker or Apple TV) at a time. You connect to that device using an AirPlay-compatible app and it becomes a monogamous streaming relationship.To stream to multiple devices, you have to use your computer-based iTunes music collection as the audio source. For whatever reason, running iTunes on a Mac or Windows PC provides more flexibility for AirPlay. Using iTunes on your computer, you can stream music to multiple AirPlay receivers or speakers throughout your network (say, an Apple TV in the living room and a Zeppelin Air in the bedroom), and control their volume levels independently as well.The free Remote app can access and control those computer-based iTunes servers. Here's where things get confusing. Even if you're streaming audio from a PC- or Mac-based iTunes collection, you can still use an iOS device--iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch--to control the music you're hearing over the AirPlay speakers. Just download Apple's free Remote app. Once it's set up, you can choose iTunes songs and playlists and control volume levels (again, in multiple rooms) from the app itself. This is great if the computer running iTunes is in, say, an upstairs bedroom, but you're listening (and controlling) via Wi-Fi in a downstairs kitchen.You currently can't stream different music to different rooms. True multiroom audio systems like Sonos ZonePlayer allow you to stream different music sources or playlists to different rooms simultaneously. Not so with AirPlay. Currently, you can only access and stream one source at a time. Multiroom music streaming via Apple's Remote appYou can't use a Time Capsule or networked storage drive as an AirPlay source (unless the computer stays powered on). Many people have their music stored on a networked attached storage drive (NAS), such as Apple's own Time Capsule. Alas, even if your entire iTunes library is stored on the Time Capsule--or any other NAS--you can't access that music on an AirPlay device unless a host computer is running iTunes. Again, the Sonos system edges out Apple here; on a Sonos system, you can stream music files directly from some (but not all) NAS drives even when there's no computer powered up in the house. Use the latest firmware and software to ensure the smoothest AirPlay setup. We'd say this goes without saying--except that it needs to be said. Before you get AirPlay up and running, you'll want to make sure you have the latest versions of the firmware and software on all applicable products. That means the latest version of iTunes (on your Mac or Windows PC); the latest version of iOS (on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone); and the latest firmware on your AirPlay-compatible playback device (be it Apple TV, Apple AirPort Express, or any third-party device). You'll also want to turn on Home Sharing on iTunes.
iPhone 3G will need 'unbricking' when purchased-
iPhone 3G will need 'unbricking' when purchased?
More signs are emerging that Apple is taking new steps to restrict iPhone hacking with the release of the iPhone 3G.AppleInsider got its hands on a memo sent to AT&T retail employees that warns them to be on the lookout for a special iTunes "unbricking" utility that was supposed to be pushed to the computers of all retail employees last week. According to the memo, "this icon is for the iTunes utility that will be used for unbricking iPhone 3G devices during the activation process. ... Please note, this is not a full version of iTunes and is for use with activations ONLY. Employees should not use this software until Launch Day."A similar memo was distributed to employees of Rogers, Canada's besieged iPhone carrier, according to a post in the forums of iphoneincanada.ca. That memo also suggests that the iPhone 3G will need to be physically connected to the in-store computer to be activated.We already knew that the (mostly) convenient at-home activation process that was used for last year's iPhone launch was out this time around. It appears that every iPhone 3G will have to be activated in the store at the time of purchase, and all buyers will have to sign a two-year contract to boot, before it can be taken home.But what hasn't been clear is whether Apple has taken any additional steps beyond the activation process to deter iPhone unlocking. Since March or so, iPhone hackers have been able to get control of the iPhone by getting around the way the iPhone checks for a security certificate before loading code into the system, rather than trying to work around each firmware update as it is released.The AT&T memos suggest that Apple is shipping the iPhone 3Gs as "bricked" devices, which brings back memories of the bricked iPhones that resulted after some folks unlocked their iPhones and then downloaded the 1.1.1 software update. It's currently possible to hack an iPhone before it's activated on a cell network and unlock it to run on a different GSM network from the one it was intended, but if the iPhone 3G ships to stores as bricked, that might not be possible.With the release of formal iPhone applications, it's been interesting to wonder how unofficial iPhone development projects would continue. There's little doubt groups like the iPhone Dev Team will continue to build applications that Apple decides are not allowed in the App Store, but they might have an uphill battle if Apple has changed the way the iPhone 3G works.The retail employees of both Apple and AT&T might also have an uphill battle on their hands trying to get all the iPhone 3G devices unbricked and activated on July 11, the first day the phones go on sale. Silicon Alley Insider notes a survey by RBC Capital Markets indicated that 56 percent of those looking to buy a smartphone in the next 90 days want an iPhone 3G, which is in line with what CNET News.com readers said in our own poll earlier this year.
More signs are emerging that Apple is taking new steps to restrict iPhone hacking with the release of the iPhone 3G.AppleInsider got its hands on a memo sent to AT&T retail employees that warns them to be on the lookout for a special iTunes "unbricking" utility that was supposed to be pushed to the computers of all retail employees last week. According to the memo, "this icon is for the iTunes utility that will be used for unbricking iPhone 3G devices during the activation process. ... Please note, this is not a full version of iTunes and is for use with activations ONLY. Employees should not use this software until Launch Day."A similar memo was distributed to employees of Rogers, Canada's besieged iPhone carrier, according to a post in the forums of iphoneincanada.ca. That memo also suggests that the iPhone 3G will need to be physically connected to the in-store computer to be activated.We already knew that the (mostly) convenient at-home activation process that was used for last year's iPhone launch was out this time around. It appears that every iPhone 3G will have to be activated in the store at the time of purchase, and all buyers will have to sign a two-year contract to boot, before it can be taken home.But what hasn't been clear is whether Apple has taken any additional steps beyond the activation process to deter iPhone unlocking. Since March or so, iPhone hackers have been able to get control of the iPhone by getting around the way the iPhone checks for a security certificate before loading code into the system, rather than trying to work around each firmware update as it is released.The AT&T memos suggest that Apple is shipping the iPhone 3Gs as "bricked" devices, which brings back memories of the bricked iPhones that resulted after some folks unlocked their iPhones and then downloaded the 1.1.1 software update. It's currently possible to hack an iPhone before it's activated on a cell network and unlock it to run on a different GSM network from the one it was intended, but if the iPhone 3G ships to stores as bricked, that might not be possible.With the release of formal iPhone applications, it's been interesting to wonder how unofficial iPhone development projects would continue. There's little doubt groups like the iPhone Dev Team will continue to build applications that Apple decides are not allowed in the App Store, but they might have an uphill battle if Apple has changed the way the iPhone 3G works.The retail employees of both Apple and AT&T might also have an uphill battle on their hands trying to get all the iPhone 3G devices unbricked and activated on July 11, the first day the phones go on sale. Silicon Alley Insider notes a survey by RBC Capital Markets indicated that 56 percent of those looking to buy a smartphone in the next 90 days want an iPhone 3G, which is in line with what CNET News.com readers said in our own poll earlier this year.
Apple releases iOS 5 beta 6 to developers
Apple releases iOS 5 beta 6 to developers
Apple this morning released yet another beta version of its iOS 5 software to developers, marking the sixth since offering a test version of the software in June.Boy Genius Report has posted a full change log of the update, and it appears to be mostly bug fixes, short of some additions to interface builder, the tools that let developers put together their applications. As BGR also notes, unlike the last beta, this one is not requiring developers to do a clean wipe of their testing devices ahead of installing the software. Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users as a free update this fall. The company typically seeds several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time to work out any bugs and give the developers time to integrate new features and APIs into their applications. This is just the latest in a long series of software releases leading up to the public availability. AppleSo far, Apple has released a new version of the software every couple of weeks:• iOS 5 beta 1 on 6/6• iOS 5 beta 2 on 6/24• iOS 5 beta 3 on 7/11• iOS 5 beta 4 on 7/22• iOS 5 beta 5 on 8/6Of note, today's release comes some two days after a supposed release date found inside the code of the previous developer build.The new version of the software brings an overhaul of the notifications system, alongside a new messaging platform called iMessage that lets iOS users text and chat with one another free of charge. The software is also deeply tied to Apple's upcoming iCloud service, which will be used to ferry photos, applications, and settings back and forth between iOS devices, as well as serve as a free backup solution.Along with the new beta build of iOS 5, Apple released a new developer build of iWork for iOS that includes tie-ins to its upcoming iCloud service. The company also offered updated betas of iTunes 10.5, Apple TV software, and a new developer preview of Xcode 4.2. Update at 4:43 p.m. PT: TechCrunch notes that along with the bug fixes, this latest beta brings the end of life for Unique Device Identifiers, or UDIDs. Those are the identification codes, akin to serial numbers, that are associated with the device, regardless of the user, which have commonly been used by analytics and third-party advertising networks. As part of iOS 5 beta 6, developers are now being encouraged to create their own unique identifiers, specific to an application.
Apple this morning released yet another beta version of its iOS 5 software to developers, marking the sixth since offering a test version of the software in June.Boy Genius Report has posted a full change log of the update, and it appears to be mostly bug fixes, short of some additions to interface builder, the tools that let developers put together their applications. As BGR also notes, unlike the last beta, this one is not requiring developers to do a clean wipe of their testing devices ahead of installing the software. Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users as a free update this fall. The company typically seeds several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time to work out any bugs and give the developers time to integrate new features and APIs into their applications. This is just the latest in a long series of software releases leading up to the public availability. AppleSo far, Apple has released a new version of the software every couple of weeks:• iOS 5 beta 1 on 6/6• iOS 5 beta 2 on 6/24• iOS 5 beta 3 on 7/11• iOS 5 beta 4 on 7/22• iOS 5 beta 5 on 8/6Of note, today's release comes some two days after a supposed release date found inside the code of the previous developer build.The new version of the software brings an overhaul of the notifications system, alongside a new messaging platform called iMessage that lets iOS users text and chat with one another free of charge. The software is also deeply tied to Apple's upcoming iCloud service, which will be used to ferry photos, applications, and settings back and forth between iOS devices, as well as serve as a free backup solution.Along with the new beta build of iOS 5, Apple released a new developer build of iWork for iOS that includes tie-ins to its upcoming iCloud service. The company also offered updated betas of iTunes 10.5, Apple TV software, and a new developer preview of Xcode 4.2. Update at 4:43 p.m. PT: TechCrunch notes that along with the bug fixes, this latest beta brings the end of life for Unique Device Identifiers, or UDIDs. Those are the identification codes, akin to serial numbers, that are associated with the device, regardless of the user, which have commonly been used by analytics and third-party advertising networks. As part of iOS 5 beta 6, developers are now being encouraged to create their own unique identifiers, specific to an application.
Shopping site Fancy pokes at rivals, touts mobile success
Shopping site Fancy pokes at rivals, touts mobile success
Social-media and e-commerce site Fancy may not have Pinterest's 25.3 million users or even Fab's 8 million users, but what Fancy lacks in user numbers, the company says, it's making up in mobile traffic and, most importantly, sales.Fancy, which recently raised another $26.4 million from investors,released some new numbers and announced its new gift card offerings today, touting its mobile success while taking the opportunity to ding its competitors.Fancy has more than 2 million registered users now, and while that's much less than wildly popular social-media site Pinterest or growing e-commerce site Fab, the company says it's been averaging more than $200,000 sales each week.A look at its performance in the Google Play Android App store shows that Fancy is going strong in its mobile downloads for Android. Though iTunes data isn't available, "we understand the trend is similar," Fancy COO Mike Silverman wrote in an e-mail sent to CNET.Fancy's Android app has between 1 million to 5 million installs in the last 30 days with the graph showing rapid growth in the number of installs.Pinterest, also had between 1 million to 5 million installs in the last 30 days, but with flat growth. Fab, which recently launched new mobile apps, has had 100,000 to 500,000 installs in the last 30 days, with a temporary spike in installs before leveling out."A strong desktop brand that clearly drives a lot of downloads, but the use-case of categorizing images may not be as strong on mobile as our pure in-app shopping use-case," Silverman wrote, taking a stab at Pinterest, which has been rapidly growing in popularity but without a clear business plan.The company has tried to set itself apart from Pinterest, favoring a comparison with retail giant Amazon over the social-media site. Fancy has services you won't find on Pinterest, including the Fancy Box subscription service, that launched last month. Silverman said the service has more than 6,000 paying subscribers now, each paying $30 a month. Subscribers get a collection, valued at $60 or more, of the most popular items on Fancy each month.
Social-media and e-commerce site Fancy may not have Pinterest's 25.3 million users or even Fab's 8 million users, but what Fancy lacks in user numbers, the company says, it's making up in mobile traffic and, most importantly, sales.Fancy, which recently raised another $26.4 million from investors,released some new numbers and announced its new gift card offerings today, touting its mobile success while taking the opportunity to ding its competitors.Fancy has more than 2 million registered users now, and while that's much less than wildly popular social-media site Pinterest or growing e-commerce site Fab, the company says it's been averaging more than $200,000 sales each week.A look at its performance in the Google Play Android App store shows that Fancy is going strong in its mobile downloads for Android. Though iTunes data isn't available, "we understand the trend is similar," Fancy COO Mike Silverman wrote in an e-mail sent to CNET.Fancy's Android app has between 1 million to 5 million installs in the last 30 days with the graph showing rapid growth in the number of installs.Pinterest, also had between 1 million to 5 million installs in the last 30 days, but with flat growth. Fab, which recently launched new mobile apps, has had 100,000 to 500,000 installs in the last 30 days, with a temporary spike in installs before leveling out."A strong desktop brand that clearly drives a lot of downloads, but the use-case of categorizing images may not be as strong on mobile as our pure in-app shopping use-case," Silverman wrote, taking a stab at Pinterest, which has been rapidly growing in popularity but without a clear business plan.The company has tried to set itself apart from Pinterest, favoring a comparison with retail giant Amazon over the social-media site. Fancy has services you won't find on Pinterest, including the Fancy Box subscription service, that launched last month. Silverman said the service has more than 6,000 paying subscribers now, each paying $30 a month. Subscribers get a collection, valued at $60 or more, of the most popular items on Fancy each month.
Hulu blocks access to overseas Apple TV owners, report says
Hulu blocks access to overseas Apple TV owners, report says
International Apple TV owners are complaining that they have been blocked from Hulu Plus.According to The Next Web, which has obtained images of an error message displayed when users try to stream a show or film from Hulu Plus, those with an Apple TV and U.S. iTunes account are able to browse Hulu's selection of titles. Upon choosing one of those titles, however, a "Geo Restriction" pops up, telling them they cannot access the particular video."We're sorry. Currently our video library can only be streamed within the United States," the message reads, according to images posted by The Next Web.Related storiesTV fans, name the best shows missing on HuluNew York Times can't build its pay wall aloneHands-on: Is Intel's Wireless Display a game changer?Could cable lose its grip on TV business?Roku Player gets more niche video channelsHulu Plus quietly made its way to the Apple TV yesterday. Upon restarting their Apple TVs, U.S.-based owners with an $8-per-month Hulu Plus subscription were able to start streaming its selection of movies and television shows. Based on The Next Web's report, it appears international Apple TV owners also saw the app, despite not being able to access its videos.Hulu has been slow to roll out its service internationally. In September, the company launched Hulu Japan, but so far, it hasn't gone elsewhere. In an FAQ on its site, Hulu says that it doesn't "have a timetable for any news regarding expansion beyond Japan at this time." So, international users might be waiting some time before they can finally access Hulu Plus' programming.CNET has contacted Hulu for comment on The Next Web's report. We will update this story when we have more information.
International Apple TV owners are complaining that they have been blocked from Hulu Plus.According to The Next Web, which has obtained images of an error message displayed when users try to stream a show or film from Hulu Plus, those with an Apple TV and U.S. iTunes account are able to browse Hulu's selection of titles. Upon choosing one of those titles, however, a "Geo Restriction" pops up, telling them they cannot access the particular video."We're sorry. Currently our video library can only be streamed within the United States," the message reads, according to images posted by The Next Web.Related storiesTV fans, name the best shows missing on HuluNew York Times can't build its pay wall aloneHands-on: Is Intel's Wireless Display a game changer?Could cable lose its grip on TV business?Roku Player gets more niche video channelsHulu Plus quietly made its way to the Apple TV yesterday. Upon restarting their Apple TVs, U.S.-based owners with an $8-per-month Hulu Plus subscription were able to start streaming its selection of movies and television shows. Based on The Next Web's report, it appears international Apple TV owners also saw the app, despite not being able to access its videos.Hulu has been slow to roll out its service internationally. In September, the company launched Hulu Japan, but so far, it hasn't gone elsewhere. In an FAQ on its site, Hulu says that it doesn't "have a timetable for any news regarding expansion beyond Japan at this time." So, international users might be waiting some time before they can finally access Hulu Plus' programming.CNET has contacted Hulu for comment on The Next Web's report. We will update this story when we have more information.
Tim Cook's memo to Apple employees about Jobs
Tim Cook's memo to Apple employees about Jobs
Here's the full text of the e-mail Apple CEO Tim Cook sent to his employees about the passing of Steve Jobs today.Team,I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.We are planning a celebration of Steve's extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve's death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.TimRelated storiesApple co-founder, Chairman Steve Jobs diesHow Steve Jobs reshaped the tech industryRemembering Steve Jobs: Be a part of the discussionSteve Jobs at Apple: A photo retrospectiveTwitter reacts with emotion to Steve Jobs' deathVideo: Jobs, a life in technology
Here's the full text of the e-mail Apple CEO Tim Cook sent to his employees about the passing of Steve Jobs today.Team,I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.We are planning a celebration of Steve's extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve's death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.TimRelated storiesApple co-founder, Chairman Steve Jobs diesHow Steve Jobs reshaped the tech industryRemembering Steve Jobs: Be a part of the discussionSteve Jobs at Apple: A photo retrospectiveTwitter reacts with emotion to Steve Jobs' deathVideo: Jobs, a life in technology
Tim Cook- We're going to 'double down' on secrecy
Tim Cook: We're going to 'double down' on secrecy
If there were any doubts that Apple CEO Tim Cook was a stickler for secrecy -- and frankly there haven't been -- he put those to bed tonight. During a live interview at the D10 conference, which kicked off tonight in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., Cook was asked about whether Apple would be less secret under his leadership. "We're going to double down on secrecy on products," he told interviewers Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg. Cook was also asked about buying companies. "We buy companies. We don't like to make it public. It depends on the amount -- if I don't have to, I won't. That's part of the doubling-down on secrecy," he said.At the same time, Cook said that the company would become more transparent with things like supplier responsibility and environmental issues, two topics that have been nearly as much in the spotlight in recent months as any of Apple products. "In this area I want people to copy us," Cook added.That Apple would want to keep its products even more of a mystery to buyers should be no surprise. It's a key part of the company's strategy and stagecraft perfected by Steve Jobs, building excitement and increasing the desire for what comes forth from Apple.
If there were any doubts that Apple CEO Tim Cook was a stickler for secrecy -- and frankly there haven't been -- he put those to bed tonight. During a live interview at the D10 conference, which kicked off tonight in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., Cook was asked about whether Apple would be less secret under his leadership. "We're going to double down on secrecy on products," he told interviewers Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg. Cook was also asked about buying companies. "We buy companies. We don't like to make it public. It depends on the amount -- if I don't have to, I won't. That's part of the doubling-down on secrecy," he said.At the same time, Cook said that the company would become more transparent with things like supplier responsibility and environmental issues, two topics that have been nearly as much in the spotlight in recent months as any of Apple products. "In this area I want people to copy us," Cook added.That Apple would want to keep its products even more of a mystery to buyers should be no surprise. It's a key part of the company's strategy and stagecraft perfected by Steve Jobs, building excitement and increasing the desire for what comes forth from Apple.
Apple's iPhone heading across the pond
Apple's iPhone heading across the pond
For months, many (including this guy) had expected Apple to wade into the European mobile-phone market with a 3G iPhone, but virtually the same model that's available in the States will be presented to British and German users of O2 and T-Mobile's networks, respectively. The 8GB iPhone is going to cost 269 pounds in the U.K.($563.87 as of this writing) and 399 euros ($583.84), including VAT in both countries.It will be very interesting to see how the iPhone is received in Europe. Sophisticated smartphones and fast 3G networks are the norm in many places, not a novelty. Still, the combination of the touch-screen interface and the iPod capabilities should tempt some European consumers; at the Intel Developer Forum in September, I noticed more than one member of the British press sneaking over to the San Francisco Apple store to acquire an iPhone, presumably with plans to unlock it for the carrier of their choice.According to reports, there will be at least one significant change arriving with the European iPhones: OS X 1.1.2. UPDATED: Apple confirmed Thursday afternoon that OS X 1.1.2 will ship tomorrow "to support the international launch of the iPhone."The software update, which will presumably be delivered to all iPhone owners, is said to fix the TIFF image flaw that allowed the iPhone to be rehacked after the 1.1.1 update disabled third-party applications. It will also probably escalate the hacking wars by making the iPhone more impervious to both third-party applications and unlocking, the real source of consternation for Apple.Later this month, France will be the third European destination for the iPhone, and Apple and Orange, the wireless carrier selected for France, might have to make a concession to the forces of unlocking. Apparently, it's against French law to sell mobile phones locked to a specific network, though Apple has not confirmed whether its French iPhone will be locked.UPDATED: At the suggestion of a reader, I looked into this a little more, and it's not explicitly against the law to sell locked phones. However, the law requires that French carriers unlock phones if the customer requests it, and they have to let customers do that for free after six months.
For months, many (including this guy) had expected Apple to wade into the European mobile-phone market with a 3G iPhone, but virtually the same model that's available in the States will be presented to British and German users of O2 and T-Mobile's networks, respectively. The 8GB iPhone is going to cost 269 pounds in the U.K.($563.87 as of this writing) and 399 euros ($583.84), including VAT in both countries.It will be very interesting to see how the iPhone is received in Europe. Sophisticated smartphones and fast 3G networks are the norm in many places, not a novelty. Still, the combination of the touch-screen interface and the iPod capabilities should tempt some European consumers; at the Intel Developer Forum in September, I noticed more than one member of the British press sneaking over to the San Francisco Apple store to acquire an iPhone, presumably with plans to unlock it for the carrier of their choice.According to reports, there will be at least one significant change arriving with the European iPhones: OS X 1.1.2. UPDATED: Apple confirmed Thursday afternoon that OS X 1.1.2 will ship tomorrow "to support the international launch of the iPhone."The software update, which will presumably be delivered to all iPhone owners, is said to fix the TIFF image flaw that allowed the iPhone to be rehacked after the 1.1.1 update disabled third-party applications. It will also probably escalate the hacking wars by making the iPhone more impervious to both third-party applications and unlocking, the real source of consternation for Apple.Later this month, France will be the third European destination for the iPhone, and Apple and Orange, the wireless carrier selected for France, might have to make a concession to the forces of unlocking. Apparently, it's against French law to sell mobile phones locked to a specific network, though Apple has not confirmed whether its French iPhone will be locked.UPDATED: At the suggestion of a reader, I looked into this a little more, and it's not explicitly against the law to sell locked phones. However, the law requires that French carriers unlock phones if the customer requests it, and they have to let customers do that for free after six months.
Apple's iCloud- What's on your wish list-
Apple's iCloud: What's on your wish list?
As CNET's Don Reisenger reported earlier today, Apple will unveil its long-awaited iCloud service next week at the Worldwide Developer's Conference.Anyone else find it surprising that Apple announced something new before actually introducing it? That's rare. In any case, now that iCloud is official, more or less, we can start to speculate on what it will offer--and what we're wishing for.I think there's little question iCloud will host your music library and stream it to the destination of your choice: iPhone, iPod, iPad, Apple TV, PC, etc.But will you have to upload all your tunes, or will iCloud automatically recognize what's in your iTunes library and make those same songs available? That would be ideal, as uploading a big music library could literally take days.If uploading is involved, how much storage space will Apple allot--and at what price? Amazon, of course, offers 5GB of Cloud Drive storage absolutely free, and you can boost that to 20GB (for one year) just by buying an MP3 album. (You can also stream from your Cloud Drive to your iOS device, though in a limited fashion for now.)I have a sinking feeling Apple will charge something like $99 per year (as it does for MobileMe) for unlimited storage, and perhaps $49 per year for 20GB. Those are just guesses, of course, but I highly doubt iCloud will be iCheap. If we're sticking to my wish list, of course, it'll be free.I'm also wishing for more than just music. Videos consume a lot of precious storage space; I'd like to be able to upload my files and stream them wherever, whenever. Likewise, let's hope the iCloud can rain documents and photos as well. Services like Dropbox can do this already, so there's no reason iCloud should be limited to music.So those are my three big wishes for iCloud: no uploading required (for music, anyway), support for all forms of media, and a so-cheap-you'd-be-crazy-not-to price.Your turn: what are you hoping to find in Apple's service-in-the-sky?
As CNET's Don Reisenger reported earlier today, Apple will unveil its long-awaited iCloud service next week at the Worldwide Developer's Conference.Anyone else find it surprising that Apple announced something new before actually introducing it? That's rare. In any case, now that iCloud is official, more or less, we can start to speculate on what it will offer--and what we're wishing for.I think there's little question iCloud will host your music library and stream it to the destination of your choice: iPhone, iPod, iPad, Apple TV, PC, etc.But will you have to upload all your tunes, or will iCloud automatically recognize what's in your iTunes library and make those same songs available? That would be ideal, as uploading a big music library could literally take days.If uploading is involved, how much storage space will Apple allot--and at what price? Amazon, of course, offers 5GB of Cloud Drive storage absolutely free, and you can boost that to 20GB (for one year) just by buying an MP3 album. (You can also stream from your Cloud Drive to your iOS device, though in a limited fashion for now.)I have a sinking feeling Apple will charge something like $99 per year (as it does for MobileMe) for unlimited storage, and perhaps $49 per year for 20GB. Those are just guesses, of course, but I highly doubt iCloud will be iCheap. If we're sticking to my wish list, of course, it'll be free.I'm also wishing for more than just music. Videos consume a lot of precious storage space; I'd like to be able to upload my files and stream them wherever, whenever. Likewise, let's hope the iCloud can rain documents and photos as well. Services like Dropbox can do this already, so there's no reason iCloud should be limited to music.So those are my three big wishes for iCloud: no uploading required (for music, anyway), support for all forms of media, and a so-cheap-you'd-be-crazy-not-to price.Your turn: what are you hoping to find in Apple's service-in-the-sky?
Apple patent filing reveals digital wallet system
Apple patent filing reveals digital wallet system
Apple has cautiously been dipping its toes into the mobile payments pool. But a freshly-published patent filing describes an entire backend system designed to secure electronic payments made through your phone.Published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, a patent dubbed "Method to send payment data through various air interfaces without compromising user data" envisions how electronic transactions would securely travel using your existing mobile phone's technology.You'd start out by paying for an item using your phone. The retailer's point of sale (POS) device would be connected to a backend system designed to handle commercial transactions.A secure link between your device and the POS would be established using a wireless technology such as near-field communications. However, Apple has yet to jump on the NFC bandwagon, so the patent filing mentions Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as actually more desirable for maintaining the link over a longer time.A second secure link between your phone and the backend server would then be established using a "shared secret" known only to the two devices along with an alias that identifies your credit card or other method of payment. That secret may contains symmetric keys, public private keys, or some other type of encrypted information.A crypto key is generated from the shared secret and securely stored on your phone. The server then creates a key based on the secret and compares it with the key from your phone. If the keys match, the server deems the transaction legitimate, and your credit card is charged. If not, the payment is cancelled and the transaction denied.Apple/USPTOConsumers haven often cited security fears as one reason why they're wary of paying for items on the go via their mobile phones. Apple's patent filing attempts to address that concern by establishing two separate and hopefully secure links for your mobile phone. But as always, a filing doesn't necessarily mean Apple's mobile payments system will ever see the light of day.(Via AppleInsider)
Apple has cautiously been dipping its toes into the mobile payments pool. But a freshly-published patent filing describes an entire backend system designed to secure electronic payments made through your phone.Published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, a patent dubbed "Method to send payment data through various air interfaces without compromising user data" envisions how electronic transactions would securely travel using your existing mobile phone's technology.You'd start out by paying for an item using your phone. The retailer's point of sale (POS) device would be connected to a backend system designed to handle commercial transactions.A secure link between your device and the POS would be established using a wireless technology such as near-field communications. However, Apple has yet to jump on the NFC bandwagon, so the patent filing mentions Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as actually more desirable for maintaining the link over a longer time.A second secure link between your phone and the backend server would then be established using a "shared secret" known only to the two devices along with an alias that identifies your credit card or other method of payment. That secret may contains symmetric keys, public private keys, or some other type of encrypted information.A crypto key is generated from the shared secret and securely stored on your phone. The server then creates a key based on the secret and compares it with the key from your phone. If the keys match, the server deems the transaction legitimate, and your credit card is charged. If not, the payment is cancelled and the transaction denied.Apple/USPTOConsumers haven often cited security fears as one reason why they're wary of paying for items on the go via their mobile phones. Apple's patent filing attempts to address that concern by establishing two separate and hopefully secure links for your mobile phone. But as always, a filing doesn't necessarily mean Apple's mobile payments system will ever see the light of day.(Via AppleInsider)
Apple patent describes all-glass casing for devices
Apple patent describes all-glass casing for devices
Apple was awarded a new US patent this week that considers the possibility of an electronic device housed entirely by glass.The patent, reported by AppleInsider, describes a process of fusing glass pieces together by heating them at high temperatures, allowing for invisible or barely visible joint lines.The use of the patent in general was to provide "improved glass structures for electronic devices," with the document noting that it was important to ensure glass strength but not at the expense of making a device overly large or heavy. The process described in the patent could help Apple continue in its effort of creating simplified and contained designs for its products, with quite a few of them -- such as the iPhone -- lacking large openings such as an openable back cover.It was hard to ascertain exactly what devices could be created using the all-glass housing, since Apple's patent seems to generally describe "electronic devices," but mentions monitors, televisions, tablets, and cell phones when discussing all kinds of housings, including metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, or a composite of those materials.Devices such as smartphones, tablets, and music players often include glass front or back covers, or both. In one example shown in the patent, Apple considers a media player with an all-glass housing, with either a colored or transparent rear surface. Here's an illustration of such a device that's included in the paperwork:US Patent and Trademark Office The inventors named on the patent are Peter Russell-Clarke, Michael Pilliod, and Apple's design chief Jonathan Ive. An Apple representative wasn't immediately available for comment.
Apple was awarded a new US patent this week that considers the possibility of an electronic device housed entirely by glass.The patent, reported by AppleInsider, describes a process of fusing glass pieces together by heating them at high temperatures, allowing for invisible or barely visible joint lines.The use of the patent in general was to provide "improved glass structures for electronic devices," with the document noting that it was important to ensure glass strength but not at the expense of making a device overly large or heavy. The process described in the patent could help Apple continue in its effort of creating simplified and contained designs for its products, with quite a few of them -- such as the iPhone -- lacking large openings such as an openable back cover.It was hard to ascertain exactly what devices could be created using the all-glass housing, since Apple's patent seems to generally describe "electronic devices," but mentions monitors, televisions, tablets, and cell phones when discussing all kinds of housings, including metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, or a composite of those materials.Devices such as smartphones, tablets, and music players often include glass front or back covers, or both. In one example shown in the patent, Apple considers a media player with an all-glass housing, with either a colored or transparent rear surface. Here's an illustration of such a device that's included in the paperwork:US Patent and Trademark Office The inventors named on the patent are Peter Russell-Clarke, Michael Pilliod, and Apple's design chief Jonathan Ive. An Apple representative wasn't immediately available for comment.
Apple patent could lead to thinner, lighter iPhone screens
Apple patent could lead to thinner, lighter iPhone screens
Users of the iPhone could eventually see thinner and lighter displays, if Apple follows through on a patent it just received.Awarded to Apple today, the newly patented LCD screen technology integrates the touch sensors with the actual display circuits, reducing the space taken up by the screen. The new technology is an improvement over the current technique, which places the touch sensors on top of the screen and naturally leads to a thicker display.Dubbed simply "Touch screen liquid crystal display," the patent suggests a variety of ways to integrate the various components. In one scenario, the touch-screen elements can be placed between the display's color filter and array plates, which means the design could support both conventional LCDs as well as IPS (in-plane-switching) screens."By integrating the layered structure of an LCD and a touch sensor, a variety of benefits can be achieved," Apple explained in the patent filing. "This can permit some layers to be eliminated, which can reduce cost and thickness of the touch screen LCD, as well as simplify manufacturing."Related storiesBeware the allure of Apple's Retina DisplaysAn industrial designer's take on the purported iPhone 5Features you want in iPhone 5iPhone 5 rumor roundupThe technology would be of the greatest benefit to the iPhone and other mobile gadgets, but it could wend its way into other types of devices."The principles described herein may be used to devise input devices for a variety of electronic devices and computer systems," Apple added in the filing. "These electronic devices and computer systems may be any of a variety of types including desktop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, handheld computers, personal digital assistants, media players, mobile telephones, and the like."[Via AppleInsider.]
Users of the iPhone could eventually see thinner and lighter displays, if Apple follows through on a patent it just received.Awarded to Apple today, the newly patented LCD screen technology integrates the touch sensors with the actual display circuits, reducing the space taken up by the screen. The new technology is an improvement over the current technique, which places the touch sensors on top of the screen and naturally leads to a thicker display.Dubbed simply "Touch screen liquid crystal display," the patent suggests a variety of ways to integrate the various components. In one scenario, the touch-screen elements can be placed between the display's color filter and array plates, which means the design could support both conventional LCDs as well as IPS (in-plane-switching) screens."By integrating the layered structure of an LCD and a touch sensor, a variety of benefits can be achieved," Apple explained in the patent filing. "This can permit some layers to be eliminated, which can reduce cost and thickness of the touch screen LCD, as well as simplify manufacturing."Related storiesBeware the allure of Apple's Retina DisplaysAn industrial designer's take on the purported iPhone 5Features you want in iPhone 5iPhone 5 rumor roundupThe technology would be of the greatest benefit to the iPhone and other mobile gadgets, but it could wend its way into other types of devices."The principles described herein may be used to devise input devices for a variety of electronic devices and computer systems," Apple added in the filing. "These electronic devices and computer systems may be any of a variety of types including desktop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, handheld computers, personal digital assistants, media players, mobile telephones, and the like."[Via AppleInsider.]
Apple patent considers controls on the back of an iPad
Apple patent considers controls on the back of an iPad
While a tablet's front touchscreen allows users to complete thousands of different tasks, the back of the device doesn't typically do much.Apple may want to change that, making the back of its iPad tablet much more functional with sensors and controls across its surface. The concept was mentioned in a patent the US Patent and Trademark Office approved for Apple on Tuesday, which considered sensors positioned in lines or a grid across the back of a tablet.Related storiesApple envisions wireless wristbands for hospital staysApple patent describes all-glass casing for devicesApple scores patent for 'wrist-worn electronic device'The concept could open a tablet up to new uses, such as more complex games. For now, a lot of mobile games only involve tapping and swiping, since most mobile devices don't have separate physical controllers. Providing a set of new controls on the back of a tablet could allow for games that come closer to play on a console. Also, Apple is currently struggling with softer sales of its iPad, the company's second-biggest moneymaker, so a new feature like a functional back might help boost demand.The patent mentions that sensors could be ultrasonic, pressure or capacitive sensors, and the sensed position of a user's hands could either be shown on the front display or not, depending on different uses.The same patent also mentioned a possible way users can avoid looking down to type on a keyboard, suggesting a virtual keyboard could be shown on a monitor to allow someone to see what they are typing.An Apple representative didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
While a tablet's front touchscreen allows users to complete thousands of different tasks, the back of the device doesn't typically do much.Apple may want to change that, making the back of its iPad tablet much more functional with sensors and controls across its surface. The concept was mentioned in a patent the US Patent and Trademark Office approved for Apple on Tuesday, which considered sensors positioned in lines or a grid across the back of a tablet.Related storiesApple envisions wireless wristbands for hospital staysApple patent describes all-glass casing for devicesApple scores patent for 'wrist-worn electronic device'The concept could open a tablet up to new uses, such as more complex games. For now, a lot of mobile games only involve tapping and swiping, since most mobile devices don't have separate physical controllers. Providing a set of new controls on the back of a tablet could allow for games that come closer to play on a console. Also, Apple is currently struggling with softer sales of its iPad, the company's second-biggest moneymaker, so a new feature like a functional back might help boost demand.The patent mentions that sensors could be ultrasonic, pressure or capacitive sensors, and the sensed position of a user's hands could either be shown on the front display or not, depending on different uses.The same patent also mentioned a possible way users can avoid looking down to type on a keyboard, suggesting a virtual keyboard could be shown on a monitor to allow someone to see what they are typing.An Apple representative didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Apple patent application involves theft-alarm for phones
Apple patent application involves theft-alarm for phones
Imagine if an iPhone had the equivalent of a car alarm. Would a loud, annoying alarm sound when a thief ran off with the device? Or would the alarm ring out when a stranger just tried to look at the phone?These are questions Apple explores in a patent application filed today. Titled "Acceleration-based theft detection system for portable electronic devices," the application involves a smartphone deciphering what kinds of movement take place during a phone robbery.According to the patent filing, the smartphone's alarm would be activated once it decides, "a theft condition is present." To determine this "theft condition," the device would rely on its built-in accelerometer -- which is the same tool that can tell the way users are holding their phone. It would also use software to decide if the movements recorded by the accelerometer fit the "profile characteristic of theft." The filing states that the reason for working on the antitheft invention is "the drive toward miniaturization of electronics," which has resulted in easier portability of devices but also ease of theft. "While the rightful owner of a portable electronic device may conveniently transport it almost anywhere, so can a thief," the filing says.Apple won 34 patent awards last week, including patents covering 3D video apps on a mobile device, a way to play stored content on Apple TV, and a way to change backgrounds on Apple's iChat videoconferencing feature.The granting of a patent, however, doesn't necessarily mean a marketable technology will result.
Imagine if an iPhone had the equivalent of a car alarm. Would a loud, annoying alarm sound when a thief ran off with the device? Or would the alarm ring out when a stranger just tried to look at the phone?These are questions Apple explores in a patent application filed today. Titled "Acceleration-based theft detection system for portable electronic devices," the application involves a smartphone deciphering what kinds of movement take place during a phone robbery.According to the patent filing, the smartphone's alarm would be activated once it decides, "a theft condition is present." To determine this "theft condition," the device would rely on its built-in accelerometer -- which is the same tool that can tell the way users are holding their phone. It would also use software to decide if the movements recorded by the accelerometer fit the "profile characteristic of theft." The filing states that the reason for working on the antitheft invention is "the drive toward miniaturization of electronics," which has resulted in easier portability of devices but also ease of theft. "While the rightful owner of a portable electronic device may conveniently transport it almost anywhere, so can a thief," the filing says.Apple won 34 patent awards last week, including patents covering 3D video apps on a mobile device, a way to play stored content on Apple TV, and a way to change backgrounds on Apple's iChat videoconferencing feature.The granting of a patent, however, doesn't necessarily mean a marketable technology will result.
Apple cuts prices on reburbished iPad Mini and iPad 4
Those of you eyeing an iPad Mini or fourth-generation iPad can now save a bit more money on refurbished models courtesy of Apple.As of Friday, Apple is offering 15 percent to 17 percent discounts on all flavors of refurbished units of the iPad Mini and the iPad 4.The 16GB Wi-Fi-only iPad Mini is selling for $279, 15 percent off the usual price. The 32GB Wi-Fi Mini is available for $359, 16 percent off the full price. And the 64GB Wi-Fi Mini can be had for $439, 17 percent off the regular price.The 16GB Wi-Fi version of the fourth-gen iPad is going for $419, a 16 percent discount. The 32GB Wi-Fi model is on sale for $499, also 16 percent off the usual price. And the 64GB Wi-Fi edition is selling for $579, a hefty 17 percent cut in price.Apple fully tests and certifies all of its refurbished products. Equipped with a new battery and outer shell, the units come with a one-year warranty.(Via MacRumors)
Apple cuts MacBook Pro Retina prices, bumps specs
Apple today dropped the prices in its line of MacBook Pro laptops with Retina display while boosting processor speeds.The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina now starts $1,499, or $200 less than before. The higher-capacity 256GB version costs $1,699, or $300 cheaper than the original price. The processor clock speed also gets boosted to 2.6 gigahertz from 2.5GHz.The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina gets a speed boost, with the lower-end version getting its clock speed bumped up to 2.4GHz from 2.3GHz, and the higher-end version getting bumped up to 2.7GHz quad-core processor from 2.6GHz, as well as double the RAM at 16 gigabytes. The line of MacBook Pros with Retina displays have always been a higher-end item that fewer consumers could buy. The starting 13-inch MacBook Pro is significantly less at $1,199. With its own iPad sales cutting into Mac revenue, Apple is likely looking to goose interest with a minor price cut and spec upgrade.Apple also cut the price of its high-end MacBook Air. The 256GB version now costs $1,399, or $100 less than the previous price.The prices have yet to take effect on Apple's Web site, but will change later today.
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