Leaked iOS 6 beta for Apple TV hints at apps -- finally
One rumor that didn't quite pan out following Apple's World Wide Developers Conference earlier this month, was that Apple would roll out a way for developers to make apps for its $99 set top box. However a new beta version of iOS for Apple's TV box suggests that idea may still be alive and well in Cupertino. Apparently unafraid of Apple's legal team, Brazil-based Apple tech blog MacMagazine (via Macrumors) has posted a video of an Apple TV set top box running a developer beta of iOS 6. While seemingly unchanged from the current release, which is based on Apple's iOS 5, there is one new feature that's got heads turning. When holding down the select button on any icon for a few seconds, the icons for each of the included apps begins to jiggle, a sign that users can move them around, reorder them and group them. Apple introduced a similar feature in iOS (then simply iPhone software) in 2008, just ahead of an SDK that let developers build their own apps. So is all this a smoking gun an App Store for TV-centric apps is just around the corner? Not necessarily. It is, however, a very handy way to move together some of the most used features. Apple's iOS 6 Apple TV update is expected to be released in step with the same software for iPhones, iPods, and iPads this fall.Here's the video of the wonderful wobbles to watch before it disappears:
Monday, March 23, 2015
Leaked images allegedly show Google's iOS Maps app
Leaked images allegedly show Google's iOS Maps app
Blurry images that surfaced today purportedly show Google's Map app for iOS, suggesting that the Web giant is already making progress in developing a standalone app.Ben GuildDeveloper Dan Guild posted what are allegedly leaked photos of an iPhone running a native version of Google Maps, which he described as being in the alpha stage.Guild said the new app was vector based, with the ability to use two-finger rotation to achieve any angle. He also said it was "super fast" and supported the height of the iPhone 5's 4-inch screen.Apple ignited consumer fervor last month when it opted to dump Google Maps from iOS6, forcing users to switch to Apple's app, which many users found to be underwhelming or inaccurate when compared with Google's offering.Google has reportedly been "scrambling" to finish a replacement Google Maps application.The situation led CEO Tim Cook to issue a rare apology for Apple's beleaguered map application, saying that Apple was "extremely sorry" for the frustration felt by customers and vowed to improve the program.
Blurry images that surfaced today purportedly show Google's Map app for iOS, suggesting that the Web giant is already making progress in developing a standalone app.Ben GuildDeveloper Dan Guild posted what are allegedly leaked photos of an iPhone running a native version of Google Maps, which he described as being in the alpha stage.Guild said the new app was vector based, with the ability to use two-finger rotation to achieve any angle. He also said it was "super fast" and supported the height of the iPhone 5's 4-inch screen.Apple ignited consumer fervor last month when it opted to dump Google Maps from iOS6, forcing users to switch to Apple's app, which many users found to be underwhelming or inaccurate when compared with Google's offering.Google has reportedly been "scrambling" to finish a replacement Google Maps application.The situation led CEO Tim Cook to issue a rare apology for Apple's beleaguered map application, saying that Apple was "extremely sorry" for the frustration felt by customers and vowed to improve the program.
Lawsuit over faulty iPhone 4 power button gets tossed
Lawsuit over faulty iPhone 4 power button gets tossed
A lawsuit seeking class action over alleged defects in the design of Apple's iPhone 4 and 4S has been dismissed.That suit, filed against both Apple and AT&T back in May, accused Apple of designing a faulty power button on the iPhone 4 and 4S that would stop functioning after extended use, and could be hazardous as a result. The complaint also alleged that Apple knew about the issue, which would typically occur after the company's warranty expired, but not before a two-year mobile carrier contract was up.In a ruling on Wednesday, US District Judge Gary Feess dismissed the case citing speculation, reports GigaOm. Additionally, Judge Feess said that Apple had "no duty to disclose the alleged power button defect," since it could occur after the warranty period expired. Apple's kept its buttons -- including the sleep/wake button -- in the same area of the iPhone since the first-generation model. The lawsuit targeted the internal components, namely the ribbon that connected the button to other parts of the phone, as the culprit. The case is separate from one filed against Apple by a Florida woman earlier this year over a similar issue.Updated at 4:11 p.m. PT to correct that the case is separate from similar suit.
A lawsuit seeking class action over alleged defects in the design of Apple's iPhone 4 and 4S has been dismissed.That suit, filed against both Apple and AT&T back in May, accused Apple of designing a faulty power button on the iPhone 4 and 4S that would stop functioning after extended use, and could be hazardous as a result. The complaint also alleged that Apple knew about the issue, which would typically occur after the company's warranty expired, but not before a two-year mobile carrier contract was up.In a ruling on Wednesday, US District Judge Gary Feess dismissed the case citing speculation, reports GigaOm. Additionally, Judge Feess said that Apple had "no duty to disclose the alleged power button defect," since it could occur after the warranty period expired. Apple's kept its buttons -- including the sleep/wake button -- in the same area of the iPhone since the first-generation model. The lawsuit targeted the internal components, namely the ribbon that connected the button to other parts of the phone, as the culprit. The case is separate from one filed against Apple by a Florida woman earlier this year over a similar issue.Updated at 4:11 p.m. PT to correct that the case is separate from similar suit.
Latest jailbreak for iOS arrives, works with iPhone 5
Latest jailbreak for iOS arrives, works with iPhone 5
Despite Apple's best efforts to keep users from gaining deep access to its iOS software, it's proven to be a cat-and-mouse game that just won't quit.The latest -- from the mouse front -- is a tool called evasi0n, which was released this morning. The software jailbreaks the most recent version of Apple's iOS 6 software, something that's already been accomplished. However this new, much-awaited tool continues to work even if you restart your iPhone or iPad, and also works with the iPhone 5. The software itself runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux and can be used on "all iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and iPad mini models running iOS 6.0 through 6.1," its creators say. Once installed, users can install applications on their phone outside of Apple's App Store using tools like Cydia. Some of those same software tweaks can also be used to make major changes, like reskinning the operating system, or adding extra functionality. The effort comes just a few days after Redsn0w, a similar jailbreak solution that worked on iOS 6.1, but was not compatible with Apple's newer chip architecture found on the iPhone 5, as well as the latest iPads and iPod Touch. For its part, Apple released iOS 6.1 a week ago today.
Despite Apple's best efforts to keep users from gaining deep access to its iOS software, it's proven to be a cat-and-mouse game that just won't quit.The latest -- from the mouse front -- is a tool called evasi0n, which was released this morning. The software jailbreaks the most recent version of Apple's iOS 6 software, something that's already been accomplished. However this new, much-awaited tool continues to work even if you restart your iPhone or iPad, and also works with the iPhone 5. The software itself runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux and can be used on "all iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and iPad mini models running iOS 6.0 through 6.1," its creators say. Once installed, users can install applications on their phone outside of Apple's App Store using tools like Cydia. Some of those same software tweaks can also be used to make major changes, like reskinning the operating system, or adding extra functionality. The effort comes just a few days after Redsn0w, a similar jailbreak solution that worked on iOS 6.1, but was not compatible with Apple's newer chip architecture found on the iPhone 5, as well as the latest iPads and iPod Touch. For its part, Apple released iOS 6.1 a week ago today.
Laptops play catch up to the iPad, Xoom
Laptops play catch up to the iPad, Xoom
In the more immediate future, this trend stipulates that Apple seriously consider built-in 3G/4G capability in the next version of the Air, as an Apple survey about 3G in a future MacBook Air seems to indicate the company is doing. As always, battery life would need improvement too. So, what about the Netbook, you might ask. That delivered on mobility but not--until recently--on long battery life, nor on standard 3G.Nor, most importantly, on adequate performance (for a laptop that would serve as someone's everyday machine).The Netbook was ahead of its time but has always been hampered by Intel's too-specific ideas about what a Netbook should and should not be. For better or worse, it's going to take a company like Apple to take the lead in redefining the high-mobility laptop.With help, of course, from companies like Hewlett-Packard and Sony--the HP Pavilion dm1z and SonyY series, respectively, are a good start.A $999 MacBook Air with 3G/4G and monthly broadband plans similar to those of the iPad?That's another good start.Any takers?
In the more immediate future, this trend stipulates that Apple seriously consider built-in 3G/4G capability in the next version of the Air, as an Apple survey about 3G in a future MacBook Air seems to indicate the company is doing. As always, battery life would need improvement too. So, what about the Netbook, you might ask. That delivered on mobility but not--until recently--on long battery life, nor on standard 3G.Nor, most importantly, on adequate performance (for a laptop that would serve as someone's everyday machine).The Netbook was ahead of its time but has always been hampered by Intel's too-specific ideas about what a Netbook should and should not be. For better or worse, it's going to take a company like Apple to take the lead in redefining the high-mobility laptop.With help, of course, from companies like Hewlett-Packard and Sony--the HP Pavilion dm1z and SonyY series, respectively, are a good start.A $999 MacBook Air with 3G/4G and monthly broadband plans similar to those of the iPad?That's another good start.Any takers?
Lady Gaga is now the queen of iTunes
Lady Gaga is now the queen of iTunes
She might be carried around in an egg and wear meat, but Lady Gaga has been able to strike a chord with music lovers.The pop star's latest single, "Born This Way," has become the fastest-selling track ever released on iTunes, selling 1 million units in just five days of availability, Interscope Records announced today. Apple confirmed the claim in a phone conversation with CNET. The song is currently No. 1 in Apple's U.S. iTunes store, as well as in the iTunes stores of several countries across Europe.Lady Gaga has proved to be one of the biggest draws across several different music platforms. In addition to her latest iTunes conquest, a video site owned by Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, Vevo, said last year that the pop star accounted for 25 percent of its traffic. The official Vevo release of one of Gaga's more recent hits, "Bad Romance," has tallied more than 346 million views. A couple of her other videos have been viewed more than 100 million times as well.So, what's the takeaway? Aside from the fact that being toted around in an egg might actually be a good marketing ploy, these various numbers mean Lady Gaga pretty much owns the digital-music world. And not even the recent release of the Beatles library on iTunes is going to change that.
She might be carried around in an egg and wear meat, but Lady Gaga has been able to strike a chord with music lovers.The pop star's latest single, "Born This Way," has become the fastest-selling track ever released on iTunes, selling 1 million units in just five days of availability, Interscope Records announced today. Apple confirmed the claim in a phone conversation with CNET. The song is currently No. 1 in Apple's U.S. iTunes store, as well as in the iTunes stores of several countries across Europe.Lady Gaga has proved to be one of the biggest draws across several different music platforms. In addition to her latest iTunes conquest, a video site owned by Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, Vevo, said last year that the pop star accounted for 25 percent of its traffic. The official Vevo release of one of Gaga's more recent hits, "Bad Romance," has tallied more than 346 million views. A couple of her other videos have been viewed more than 100 million times as well.So, what's the takeaway? Aside from the fact that being toted around in an egg might actually be a good marketing ploy, these various numbers mean Lady Gaga pretty much owns the digital-music world. And not even the recent release of the Beatles library on iTunes is going to change that.
Sonos Play-3 speaker review- Small but loud
Sonos Play:3 speaker review: Small but loud
Following the success of its Play:5 networked speaker--formerly known as the S5--Sonos has added a smaller, less expensive speaker to its lineup, the Play:3. At $299, it's the most affordable Sonos streaming-audio component to date.For the unfamiliar, Sonos is a streaming-audio system that lets you enjoy all manner of digital audio. Another big part of the appeal of the system is that it can stream your iTunes music collection and also easily connect to such streaming services as Aupeo, iHeartRadio, Last.fm, Mog, Napster, Pandora, Rdio, Rhapsody, SiriusXM Internet Radio, Spotify, Stitcher SmartRadio, TuneIn, and Wolfgang's Vault. (Disclaimer: Last.fm is a part of CBS Interactive, which also publishes CNET.)In recent years, as Sonos has come out with free iOS and Android applications for controlling its system from existing smartphones and tablets like the iPad, the company has been growing rapidly. The introduction of the Play:5, which integrated a speaker with the wireless networking component, made setting up a multiroom system easier and has led to a big leap in sales.We've long been big fans of the system and were happy to hear that Sonos was expanding its speaker family with the Play:3, both a more compact and a more affordable option for people wanting to add rooms to their systems. It's mostly a very good addition to the Sonos line, but going smaller certainly has its trade-offs when it comes to sound quality, so read on to find out how the Play:3 stacks up against the Play:5, as well as other small single-speaker systems.Read the full review.
Following the success of its Play:5 networked speaker--formerly known as the S5--Sonos has added a smaller, less expensive speaker to its lineup, the Play:3. At $299, it's the most affordable Sonos streaming-audio component to date.For the unfamiliar, Sonos is a streaming-audio system that lets you enjoy all manner of digital audio. Another big part of the appeal of the system is that it can stream your iTunes music collection and also easily connect to such streaming services as Aupeo, iHeartRadio, Last.fm, Mog, Napster, Pandora, Rdio, Rhapsody, SiriusXM Internet Radio, Spotify, Stitcher SmartRadio, TuneIn, and Wolfgang's Vault. (Disclaimer: Last.fm is a part of CBS Interactive, which also publishes CNET.)In recent years, as Sonos has come out with free iOS and Android applications for controlling its system from existing smartphones and tablets like the iPad, the company has been growing rapidly. The introduction of the Play:5, which integrated a speaker with the wireless networking component, made setting up a multiroom system easier and has led to a big leap in sales.We've long been big fans of the system and were happy to hear that Sonos was expanding its speaker family with the Play:3, both a more compact and a more affordable option for people wanting to add rooms to their systems. It's mostly a very good addition to the Sonos line, but going smaller certainly has its trade-offs when it comes to sound quality, so read on to find out how the Play:3 stacks up against the Play:5, as well as other small single-speaker systems.Read the full review.
Ripdev InstallerApp upgraded, installs Google Voice apps on jailbroken devices
Ripdev InstallerApp upgraded, installs Google Voice apps on jailbroken devices
Non-Apple-sponsored app stores and app-installers have hinted at threats to Apple's own iPhone's iTunes App Store. One of these, called InstallerApp, (previously covered on iPhone Atlas), was recently upgraded to version 1.1.InstallerApp has seen a few improvements since we last looked at it. It now works on the upcoming Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, has removed unsupported Installer repositories, and gives more attention to jailbreak solutions using PwnageTool and redsn0w. Additionally, it supports packages from either Cydia or Icy iPhone apps that allow you to install more apps on your iPhone or iPod Touch, and its hard-drive footprint is greatly reduced to 1.2MB on Mac OS X and 4.2MB on Windows.The big bonus--at least for jailbroken iPhone users--is that InstallerApp features the installer package for GV Mobile, the controversial iPhone app, blocked by Apple, that gives you access to Google Voice from your iPhone. GV Mobile is just one example of the packages that are available for installation on a jailbroken iPhone--4,055 installer packages were included with InstallerApp at press time. Currently, the application is available for Mac OS X and Windows. A licensing fee of $7 enables the application to sync with up to three different iPhones or iPod Touches.David MartinNote: Jailbreaking your iPhone or iPod Touch may void your warranty and violate the terms of your agreements with Apple and AT&T. We do not recommend jailbreaking your iPhone or iPod Touch.
Non-Apple-sponsored app stores and app-installers have hinted at threats to Apple's own iPhone's iTunes App Store. One of these, called InstallerApp, (previously covered on iPhone Atlas), was recently upgraded to version 1.1.InstallerApp has seen a few improvements since we last looked at it. It now works on the upcoming Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, has removed unsupported Installer repositories, and gives more attention to jailbreak solutions using PwnageTool and redsn0w. Additionally, it supports packages from either Cydia or Icy iPhone apps that allow you to install more apps on your iPhone or iPod Touch, and its hard-drive footprint is greatly reduced to 1.2MB on Mac OS X and 4.2MB on Windows.The big bonus--at least for jailbroken iPhone users--is that InstallerApp features the installer package for GV Mobile, the controversial iPhone app, blocked by Apple, that gives you access to Google Voice from your iPhone. GV Mobile is just one example of the packages that are available for installation on a jailbroken iPhone--4,055 installer packages were included with InstallerApp at press time. Currently, the application is available for Mac OS X and Windows. A licensing fee of $7 enables the application to sync with up to three different iPhones or iPod Touches.David MartinNote: Jailbreaking your iPhone or iPod Touch may void your warranty and violate the terms of your agreements with Apple and AT&T. We do not recommend jailbreaking your iPhone or iPod Touch.
Over-the-air downloads come to BlackBerry
Over-the-air downloads come to BlackBerry
After installing the free app, BlackBerry users will be able to buy and download more than 6 million songs from all four major labels and all the big independents, all in unprotected MP3 format. The app adapts automatically to the speed of the user's connection--when connecting over a wireless data network, it will download a relatively low-quality version of the song. Then, when the user enters the range of a previously known Wi-Fi network, it will automatically--in the background--update the MP3 with a higher-quality version (320kbps in most cases). 7digital is based in the U.K. and is fairly well known in Europe--it powers the download store for free streaming service Spotify, among other partnerships--but has been relatively obscure in the United States. That's changing Tuesday as well: the company is launching its online music store in the U.S., bringing more competition to the likes of iTunes and Amazon. Standard pricing for songs and albums will be 77 cents and $7.77 respectively, which is a play on the company's name (although variable pricing means that some popular material will cost more). The company also offers a free digital locker service, which backs up all your downloads in case you lose them.
After installing the free app, BlackBerry users will be able to buy and download more than 6 million songs from all four major labels and all the big independents, all in unprotected MP3 format. The app adapts automatically to the speed of the user's connection--when connecting over a wireless data network, it will download a relatively low-quality version of the song. Then, when the user enters the range of a previously known Wi-Fi network, it will automatically--in the background--update the MP3 with a higher-quality version (320kbps in most cases). 7digital is based in the U.K. and is fairly well known in Europe--it powers the download store for free streaming service Spotify, among other partnerships--but has been relatively obscure in the United States. That's changing Tuesday as well: the company is launching its online music store in the U.S., bringing more competition to the likes of iTunes and Amazon. Standard pricing for songs and albums will be 77 cents and $7.77 respectively, which is a play on the company's name (although variable pricing means that some popular material will cost more). The company also offers a free digital locker service, which backs up all your downloads in case you lose them.
iPhone, Peggle- Together at last
iPhone, Peggle: Together at last
Peggle has been around for the PC since the start of 2007, but made a splash earlier this year when it made its way to the Xbox Live Arcade. Now it has arrived on the iPhone and iPod Touch and it just feels so right.Playing Peggle seems easy, but requires strategy and a fair helping of luck to be played well. Your job is to shoot balls at the coloured pegs, which disappear when struck, until you've cleared the screen. The balls you fire ricochet from peg to peg, so you can clear a good portion of the screen with a single, well-aimed shot. You start each level with a limited number of balls to fire, but if your ricocheting ball-bearing lands in the moving basket at the bottom of the screen you will have the chance to fire the same ball again.The iPhone version of the game features an Adventure mode as well as Quick Play, and you can choose your character, or Peggle Master, at the beginning of the game who brings a unique advantage to each level. It also features a cool "precision wheel" helping to fine-tune your shot before you hit the fire button.Amongst the reams of free or US$1 games on the App Store, the US$5.99 asking price for Peggle may seem steep. But you can trust us: it's totally worth it.
Peggle has been around for the PC since the start of 2007, but made a splash earlier this year when it made its way to the Xbox Live Arcade. Now it has arrived on the iPhone and iPod Touch and it just feels so right.Playing Peggle seems easy, but requires strategy and a fair helping of luck to be played well. Your job is to shoot balls at the coloured pegs, which disappear when struck, until you've cleared the screen. The balls you fire ricochet from peg to peg, so you can clear a good portion of the screen with a single, well-aimed shot. You start each level with a limited number of balls to fire, but if your ricocheting ball-bearing lands in the moving basket at the bottom of the screen you will have the chance to fire the same ball again.The iPhone version of the game features an Adventure mode as well as Quick Play, and you can choose your character, or Peggle Master, at the beginning of the game who brings a unique advantage to each level. It also features a cool "precision wheel" helping to fine-tune your shot before you hit the fire button.Amongst the reams of free or US$1 games on the App Store, the US$5.99 asking price for Peggle may seem steep. But you can trust us: it's totally worth it.
Hulu won't be clowned by iTunes
Hulu won't be clowned by iTunes
"Hulu is a very simple business model," Kilar said after his speech. "We believe that if we provide an advertising service that has higher brand recall, higher purchase intent (from users)...relative to billboards, radio and newspapers, advertisers will respond to that. And they are. That's why they are paying premium for ad spots on a higher cost per thousand (CPM) relative to other environments."Adams also asserted that Internet users won't tolerate the same number of ads online as they do from traditional TV. Hulu posts four times fewer ads into its films and TV shows as television broadcasters and Adams suggested that visitors aren't tolerating more. "(Adams) made it sound like we tested more ads and they didn't work," Kilar said. "We haven't done anything different than what we're doing now. It's always been two minutes of ads for every 22 minutes of content." In its first year in business, Hulu has surpassed almost everybody's expectations, certainly Google's. Execs at YouTube's parent company at one time referred to Hulu as "The Clown Company." The joke turned out to be on them. Hulu has become a force when it comes to offering full-length movies and TV shows. Kilar won't share data on revenue or user adoption, but did say Hulu now sees 12 million monthly visitors and serves 145 million monthly streams. Among Hulu's biggest accolades is that YouTube has followed it into offering full-length TV shows and feature films.
"Hulu is a very simple business model," Kilar said after his speech. "We believe that if we provide an advertising service that has higher brand recall, higher purchase intent (from users)...relative to billboards, radio and newspapers, advertisers will respond to that. And they are. That's why they are paying premium for ad spots on a higher cost per thousand (CPM) relative to other environments."Adams also asserted that Internet users won't tolerate the same number of ads online as they do from traditional TV. Hulu posts four times fewer ads into its films and TV shows as television broadcasters and Adams suggested that visitors aren't tolerating more. "(Adams) made it sound like we tested more ads and they didn't work," Kilar said. "We haven't done anything different than what we're doing now. It's always been two minutes of ads for every 22 minutes of content." In its first year in business, Hulu has surpassed almost everybody's expectations, certainly Google's. Execs at YouTube's parent company at one time referred to Hulu as "The Clown Company." The joke turned out to be on them. Hulu has become a force when it comes to offering full-length movies and TV shows. Kilar won't share data on revenue or user adoption, but did say Hulu now sees 12 million monthly visitors and serves 145 million monthly streams. Among Hulu's biggest accolades is that YouTube has followed it into offering full-length TV shows and feature films.
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