A bar code scanner and a four-wheeler dirt racing game: iPhone apps of the week
Do you have a "jailbroken" iPhone? Ever since the iPhone first came on the scene, there has been a large group of users who believe Apple tries too hard to control what works and what doesn't on the iPhone. The minute a new iPhone firmware update is released from Apple, a whole slew of people search for ways to unlock the device, letting them download apps that have never had to go through the App store acceptance process. This means that apps that would have otherwise never seen the light of day can be used on an unlocked (or "jailbroken") iPhone.I personally have no opinion about those who jailbreak iPhones because I believe in the free-flowing open-source idea of software, while also believing a company ought to have some control over their products. In other words, I guess I fall somewhere in the middle. But I have never jailbroken my iPhone because part of my job is to review apps that everyone has access to (in the iTunes Store) and I need to have the same user experience with the iPhone that most people have. Also, I would say I'm happy with the iPhone as is.According to AppleInsider, a recent release to Apple's iPhone firmware makes the device invulnerable to the usual jailbreaking tactics. I guess we'll have to wait and see how long it takes the community to jailbreak the latest version (if they can), but you can bet they're working on it right now. If you have a jailbroken iPhone, please tell us all about it in the comments.This week's apps include an excellent product bar code scanner and a four-wheeling ATV game that's probably the best of its kind in the iTunes Store.You'll need to hold still (better than I do) in order to get an accurate scan.Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNETRedLaser ($1.99) lets you "scan" products to give you a list of prices from online retailers. There are a few products that perform a similar function at the iTunes Store and several have been made for other devices, but RedLaser is surprisingly effective using only the built-in camera on your iPhone. Simply tap the lightning bolt icon and line up the bar code in between the guidelines on your screen. You have to remain still for about a second, but soon RedLaser beeps, indicating it has scanned the code. Once scanned, you are presented with a list of matches from various stores so you can find the best price.I tried RedLaser on a number of products including old game guides, CDs, and books I had lying around, and in almost every case, RedLaser was able to identify the item. The app also saves all your previously scanned items in a list making it easy to check back once you're ready to buy it online or at the store. Overall, if you like to comparison shop or just want to make sure you're getting a good deal when out and about, RedLaser is a fun and useful app to have. Frankly, it's fun just to try to stump RedLaser with the most obscure object you can find.Even on the medium level, it's tough to stay out in frontScreenshot by Jason Parker/CNETATV Offroad ($7.99) is made by 2XL games, the same company that made SuperCross, a motocross racing game I talked about in an earlier post. Not only does ATV Offroad add two more wheels (instead of dirt bikes, you're on four-wheelers), but it adds the feature I and many other reviewers complained Supercross lacked: a career mode. Now, in addition to amazing graphics and excellent physics, you'll be able to race through challenges and multirace competitions to unlock more tracks. There also are freestyle, quick race, andmultiplayer modes, but you'll need to be on the same Wi-Fi network to race against your friends.ATV Offroad sets itself apart from other racing games the second you hit the track with smooth-looking graphics and excellent accelerometer-based controls. You can even pull off huge tricks while in the air by hitting onscreen trick buttons. You can choose between three skill levels, though I found even the medium skill level to be very hard to beat. If you don't like the look of your racer, you can easily switch between multiple ATV designs and different-color leathers with a swipe of your finger before a race. Overall, ATV Offroad adds just the right amount of core features to be the great game SuperCross could have been. If you like off-road racing, I highly recommend this game.What's your favorite iPhone app? Have you priced all the products in your house with RedLaser yet? Do you think the addition of the career mode makes ATV Offroad the dirt racing game to beat at the iTunes store? Is your iPhone jailbroken? Let me know in the comments!
How to install iOS 7
How to install iOS 7
If youriPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch is pictured above, then you can upgrade it to iOS 7 today and experience the radically new design and new features while you eagerly anticipate the expiration of your current contract.There are two methods for downloading and installing iOS 7. You can simply update your iOS device over the air via the device's Settings, or you can connect it to your computer and use iTunes. Before you update, however, it would be a good idea to back up your iOS device. In addition, there are a few other things to do before you install iOS 7, including upgrading to the most recent version of iTunes (11.1).Method 1: Over the airIf you are on a Wi-Fi network, you can upgrade to iOS 7 without needing to bother with iTunes. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and click the Download and Install button for iOS 7. You may run into some issues today with Apple's servers getting slammed by millions of iOS device upgraders. My download failed about a dozen times this afternoon before finally completing.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETAfter tapping the Download and Install button (and crossing your fingers), you'll need to tap to agree to Apple's terms and conditions and either heed or ignore Apple's advice to connect your device to a power source during the download to save battery.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETOnce you have successfully downloaded the file, which was 667MB for my 16GB iPhone 4S on Verizon, you'll be greeted by an Install Now button. After the update installs and your device restarts, you'll know immediately that you're using iOS 7, right from its initial greeting:Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETSlide to configure iOS 7. You'll need to click through the following setup screens:Hooray! The update is complete!Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETLocation Services, yes or no?Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETSign in to iCloud.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETNew and improved Find My iPhone...noted.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETAdd a passcode to keep prying eyes away from your data.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETMethod 2: Via iTunes If you are near your computer with iTunes, it might be faster to update this way. In my experience, updating my iPad 2 via iTunes was faster than updating my iPhone 4S over the air. The first order of business is to update iTunes to version 11.1. Open iTunes and then click iTunes > Check for Updates to install the latest version.Once iTunes is up-to-date, connect your iOS device. Click on your device in the upper-right corner of iTunes and then click the Update button.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETA pop-up window will appear, alerting you that a new iOS version is available for your device. Click the Download and Update button. (Or, if you are going to need your phone in the near future, opt for the Download Only button to download it now and install later. iOS 7 is a 649MB download for my iPad 2 and took the better part of an hour to download and install via iTunes.)Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETIf you chose to download and install the update, you can monitor its progress in the status window at the top of iTunes. Keep your device connected to your computer until your device restarts. After restarting, your device will greet you in any number of languages by the blinding white iOS 7 setup screen.Que paso?Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETSlide to enter iOS 7's setup process, which will have you tap through a handful of screens to configure settings, including Location Services, iCloud, iMessage and FaceTime, Find my iPad, and a passcode.For more on Apple's radically redesigned mobile operating system, read CNET's full review of iOS 7.
If youriPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch is pictured above, then you can upgrade it to iOS 7 today and experience the radically new design and new features while you eagerly anticipate the expiration of your current contract.There are two methods for downloading and installing iOS 7. You can simply update your iOS device over the air via the device's Settings, or you can connect it to your computer and use iTunes. Before you update, however, it would be a good idea to back up your iOS device. In addition, there are a few other things to do before you install iOS 7, including upgrading to the most recent version of iTunes (11.1).Method 1: Over the airIf you are on a Wi-Fi network, you can upgrade to iOS 7 without needing to bother with iTunes. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and click the Download and Install button for iOS 7. You may run into some issues today with Apple's servers getting slammed by millions of iOS device upgraders. My download failed about a dozen times this afternoon before finally completing.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETAfter tapping the Download and Install button (and crossing your fingers), you'll need to tap to agree to Apple's terms and conditions and either heed or ignore Apple's advice to connect your device to a power source during the download to save battery.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETOnce you have successfully downloaded the file, which was 667MB for my 16GB iPhone 4S on Verizon, you'll be greeted by an Install Now button. After the update installs and your device restarts, you'll know immediately that you're using iOS 7, right from its initial greeting:Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETSlide to configure iOS 7. You'll need to click through the following setup screens:Hooray! The update is complete!Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETLocation Services, yes or no?Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETSign in to iCloud.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETNew and improved Find My iPhone...noted.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETAdd a passcode to keep prying eyes away from your data.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETMethod 2: Via iTunes If you are near your computer with iTunes, it might be faster to update this way. In my experience, updating my iPad 2 via iTunes was faster than updating my iPhone 4S over the air. The first order of business is to update iTunes to version 11.1. Open iTunes and then click iTunes > Check for Updates to install the latest version.Once iTunes is up-to-date, connect your iOS device. Click on your device in the upper-right corner of iTunes and then click the Update button.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETA pop-up window will appear, alerting you that a new iOS version is available for your device. Click the Download and Update button. (Or, if you are going to need your phone in the near future, opt for the Download Only button to download it now and install later. iOS 7 is a 649MB download for my iPad 2 and took the better part of an hour to download and install via iTunes.)Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETIf you chose to download and install the update, you can monitor its progress in the status window at the top of iTunes. Keep your device connected to your computer until your device restarts. After restarting, your device will greet you in any number of languages by the blinding white iOS 7 setup screen.Que paso?Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETSlide to enter iOS 7's setup process, which will have you tap through a handful of screens to configure settings, including Location Services, iCloud, iMessage and FaceTime, Find my iPad, and a passcode.For more on Apple's radically redesigned mobile operating system, read CNET's full review of iOS 7.
Amazon to launch streaming-music service for Prime-
Amazon to launch streaming-music service for Prime?
Amazon plans to launch a streaming-music service in June or July similar to the one Apple just agreed to purchase through its Beats deal, though the e-commerce company's catalog would be limited, according to a Buzzfeed report on Thursday.A message to Amazon seeking comment wasn't immediately returned. The article, citing unnamed people in the music industry familiar with the plans, said the offering wouldn't have new music releases -- songs would be about six months old at their freshest-- and it would be part of Amazon's existing $99-a-year Prime membership program, which includes free second-day shipping on some Amazon purchases and a Netflix-like streaming video service. By adding a music service to Prime that is fundamentally more restricted than its major rival, Amazon is unlikely to lure in totally new customers attracted solely to a streaming product. However, following Amazon's recent price increase to Prime from $79, the addition of streaming music will be a bonus for people who are already members, and it will turn Prime into a more well-rounded collection of services. The streaming-music category is still relatively unfamiliar to mainstream consumers but is growing rapidly -- and quickly becoming more competitive. Sweden-based Spotify as well as a host of smaller startups vie with similar offerings by tech giants like Google's Play Music All Access and soon-to-be Apple's Beats Music.Yet services like these often generate their greatest spikes in attention by brokering exclusives or early releases for their platforms. Beyonce, for example, released her latest album exclusively through iTunes, dropping 14 tracks and 17 videos without any prerelease hype, leaks, or reviews -- and garnering a huge amount of press for her project and for Apple's music store in the process. Amazon will be at a disadvantage to competitors if the catalog restrictions on new content extend to such deals, but exclusive arrangements are typically negotiated in one-off pacts unrelated to broader licensing agreements.With subscription-music services growing rapidly and digital downloads showing their first sales decline last year, music labels have been accommodating to new services seeking to license content to stream. A deal that limits streaming access to older tracks -- thus insulating physical and digital sales when demand is highest -- was likely an easy pitch to make to labels.The article said that Amazon has reached license deals with Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group, two of the big three music labels, as well as several independent ones. The status of Universal Music Group, the world's biggest recorded-music company by revenue, wasn't confirmed.
Amazon plans to launch a streaming-music service in June or July similar to the one Apple just agreed to purchase through its Beats deal, though the e-commerce company's catalog would be limited, according to a Buzzfeed report on Thursday.A message to Amazon seeking comment wasn't immediately returned. The article, citing unnamed people in the music industry familiar with the plans, said the offering wouldn't have new music releases -- songs would be about six months old at their freshest-- and it would be part of Amazon's existing $99-a-year Prime membership program, which includes free second-day shipping on some Amazon purchases and a Netflix-like streaming video service. By adding a music service to Prime that is fundamentally more restricted than its major rival, Amazon is unlikely to lure in totally new customers attracted solely to a streaming product. However, following Amazon's recent price increase to Prime from $79, the addition of streaming music will be a bonus for people who are already members, and it will turn Prime into a more well-rounded collection of services. The streaming-music category is still relatively unfamiliar to mainstream consumers but is growing rapidly -- and quickly becoming more competitive. Sweden-based Spotify as well as a host of smaller startups vie with similar offerings by tech giants like Google's Play Music All Access and soon-to-be Apple's Beats Music.Yet services like these often generate their greatest spikes in attention by brokering exclusives or early releases for their platforms. Beyonce, for example, released her latest album exclusively through iTunes, dropping 14 tracks and 17 videos without any prerelease hype, leaks, or reviews -- and garnering a huge amount of press for her project and for Apple's music store in the process. Amazon will be at a disadvantage to competitors if the catalog restrictions on new content extend to such deals, but exclusive arrangements are typically negotiated in one-off pacts unrelated to broader licensing agreements.With subscription-music services growing rapidly and digital downloads showing their first sales decline last year, music labels have been accommodating to new services seeking to license content to stream. A deal that limits streaming access to older tracks -- thus insulating physical and digital sales when demand is highest -- was likely an easy pitch to make to labels.The article said that Amazon has reached license deals with Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group, two of the big three music labels, as well as several independent ones. The status of Universal Music Group, the world's biggest recorded-music company by revenue, wasn't confirmed.
Report- PSP won't get music downloads soon
Report: PSP won't get music downloads soon
Could the disaster that was Sony's Connect music service have soured the international conglomerate on offering downloads at the PlayStation Network?Rafat Ali over at the tech news blog PaidContent.org is reporting that not only has Sony scrapped plans--at least for the time being--to offer music downloads to owners of the PlayStation Portable, but the executive in charge of dealing with the labels has resigned, according to the report. Two weeks ago, CNET News reported that Sony had talked to some of the largest recording companies about the possibility of offering music via the PlayStation Network, the online store for PlayStation, Sony's video game console, and PlayStation Portable (PSP), the multi-purpose handheld.PaidContent's report comes on the eve of the expected debut of the new PSP Go, the latest version of the device. Sony executives were not immediately available for comment. Music should have been one of the PSP's core offerings a long time ago. Sony is a major player in gaming and music. It's a little ironic that while Sony owns the second largest music label, the company can't offer MP3s to PSP owners.James McQuivey, an analyst with Forrester Research, is just one of the people who has said that the PSP has failed so far to live up to its potential. The device is probably one of the best mobile video players available, with a larger screen than any of the iPods or iPhones. It provides an excellent game-playing experience. But it has been well chronicled that the machine was hobbled by Sony's decision to initially offer physical media (Universal Media Disc) rather than digital content. That appears to be changing as the PSP Go, according to reports, will not offer an UMD drive.Sony has also been determined to keep the PSP's focus on gaming, which is understandable. But at the same time, Apple's iPhone has taken the Swiss Army knife approach and is offering a device that plays music, videos, and games, and also takes photos, downloads books, helps us organize our lives, counts calories and a lot more, thanks to all the applications being written for it.Sony may have lost the taste for competing in digital music sales by the misguided attempt that was Sony Connect. Connect was a troubled effort marked by infighting and software glitches and the company finally shut it down a year ago.
Could the disaster that was Sony's Connect music service have soured the international conglomerate on offering downloads at the PlayStation Network?Rafat Ali over at the tech news blog PaidContent.org is reporting that not only has Sony scrapped plans--at least for the time being--to offer music downloads to owners of the PlayStation Portable, but the executive in charge of dealing with the labels has resigned, according to the report. Two weeks ago, CNET News reported that Sony had talked to some of the largest recording companies about the possibility of offering music via the PlayStation Network, the online store for PlayStation, Sony's video game console, and PlayStation Portable (PSP), the multi-purpose handheld.PaidContent's report comes on the eve of the expected debut of the new PSP Go, the latest version of the device. Sony executives were not immediately available for comment. Music should have been one of the PSP's core offerings a long time ago. Sony is a major player in gaming and music. It's a little ironic that while Sony owns the second largest music label, the company can't offer MP3s to PSP owners.James McQuivey, an analyst with Forrester Research, is just one of the people who has said that the PSP has failed so far to live up to its potential. The device is probably one of the best mobile video players available, with a larger screen than any of the iPods or iPhones. It provides an excellent game-playing experience. But it has been well chronicled that the machine was hobbled by Sony's decision to initially offer physical media (Universal Media Disc) rather than digital content. That appears to be changing as the PSP Go, according to reports, will not offer an UMD drive.Sony has also been determined to keep the PSP's focus on gaming, which is understandable. But at the same time, Apple's iPhone has taken the Swiss Army knife approach and is offering a device that plays music, videos, and games, and also takes photos, downloads books, helps us organize our lives, counts calories and a lot more, thanks to all the applications being written for it.Sony may have lost the taste for competing in digital music sales by the misguided attempt that was Sony Connect. Connect was a troubled effort marked by infighting and software glitches and the company finally shut it down a year ago.
Hearthstone officially launches for iPad
Hearthstone officially launches for iPad
Australia, New Zealand and Canada are the first countries to get access to the iPad edition of Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft as it finally makes its debut on the touchscreen platform â€" where the game's interface fits like magic.The game is still free to download and play, with extra card packs available via in-app purchase. Your decks are tied to your Battle.net account, so you can simply log in and start playing where you left off on the PC or Mac version, with all the features of the full game available across the board, including the Hearthsteed, ranked play, Golden Heroes and special edition card backs."Hearthstone's player base has already grown to more than 10 million registered accounts following the official Windows and Mac release, but we saw that a few people online were holding out for the iPad version," said Blizzard CEO and co-founder Mike Morhaime. "Instead of calling those folks up individually, we figured we might as well let everyone know that the global iPad rollout for Hearthstone has begun, and pretty soon it'll be available everywhere. The game is a natural fit for tablets â€" we encourage everyone to check it out on their couch, in their backyard, in a coffee shop... or anywhere else they take their iPads."At this point, the game is not available for iPhone, but it is on the way, as well as Android devices and Windows 8 tablets, later this year. As with the Mac and PC versions of the game, it can only be played when connected to the internet, so for Wi-Fi-only devices, it won't be available on the bus â€" but it will make tooling around while watching the telly a lot more comfortable.Scoop it up for every generation of iPad from the iPad 2 (including the Mini) now from the iTunes app store, and stay tuned for our full review. As for a full global release, Blizzard could only say "soon" â€" but, given it's already launched, we'd say that's actual soon as opposed to Blizzard's version of soon.
Australia, New Zealand and Canada are the first countries to get access to the iPad edition of Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft as it finally makes its debut on the touchscreen platform â€" where the game's interface fits like magic.The game is still free to download and play, with extra card packs available via in-app purchase. Your decks are tied to your Battle.net account, so you can simply log in and start playing where you left off on the PC or Mac version, with all the features of the full game available across the board, including the Hearthsteed, ranked play, Golden Heroes and special edition card backs."Hearthstone's player base has already grown to more than 10 million registered accounts following the official Windows and Mac release, but we saw that a few people online were holding out for the iPad version," said Blizzard CEO and co-founder Mike Morhaime. "Instead of calling those folks up individually, we figured we might as well let everyone know that the global iPad rollout for Hearthstone has begun, and pretty soon it'll be available everywhere. The game is a natural fit for tablets â€" we encourage everyone to check it out on their couch, in their backyard, in a coffee shop... or anywhere else they take their iPads."At this point, the game is not available for iPhone, but it is on the way, as well as Android devices and Windows 8 tablets, later this year. As with the Mac and PC versions of the game, it can only be played when connected to the internet, so for Wi-Fi-only devices, it won't be available on the bus â€" but it will make tooling around while watching the telly a lot more comfortable.Scoop it up for every generation of iPad from the iPad 2 (including the Mini) now from the iTunes app store, and stay tuned for our full review. As for a full global release, Blizzard could only say "soon" â€" but, given it's already launched, we'd say that's actual soon as opposed to Blizzard's version of soon.
Samsung aims to void 4 Apple patents in Galaxy Tab case
Samsung aims to void 4 Apple patents in Galaxy Tab case
Samsung is seeking to invalidate several patents held by U.S. tech giant Apple in Australia, taking the Australian Commissioner of Patents to court.Samsung filed its case against the commissioner at the end of May, according to documents sighted by ZDNet Australia, seeking for the Federal Court to invalidate four patents granted to Apple between 2009 and 2010. The Korean company has alleged that the four patents were granted "ultra vires," or beyond the powers held by the commissioner of patents. Samsung alleges in its application that it is "aggrieved by the patents" because a case launched by Apple in 2011 against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 was based on set patents that included those four.Samsung claims that all four patents related to inventions for which Apple had already been granted innovation patents between 2005 and 2008, and thus, Apple shouldn't have been eligible to be granted the second patents.Read more of "Samsung banks on Apple patent mistake" at ZDNet Australia.
Samsung is seeking to invalidate several patents held by U.S. tech giant Apple in Australia, taking the Australian Commissioner of Patents to court.Samsung filed its case against the commissioner at the end of May, according to documents sighted by ZDNet Australia, seeking for the Federal Court to invalidate four patents granted to Apple between 2009 and 2010. The Korean company has alleged that the four patents were granted "ultra vires," or beyond the powers held by the commissioner of patents. Samsung alleges in its application that it is "aggrieved by the patents" because a case launched by Apple in 2011 against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 was based on set patents that included those four.Samsung claims that all four patents related to inventions for which Apple had already been granted innovation patents between 2005 and 2008, and thus, Apple shouldn't have been eligible to be granted the second patents.Read more of "Samsung banks on Apple patent mistake" at ZDNet Australia.
Rumored Apple dock connector may match size of Micro-USB
Rumored Apple dock connector may match size of Micro-USB
The iPhone 5's much-rumored new dock connector is as small as a Micro-USB plug, at least according to French tech blog site NowhereElse.fr (English translation).Photos of a Micro-USB cable and photos of the new dock connector cable supplied by an anonymous source to the French site show the similarities between the two, most notably in size.Rumors have floated over the past few months that Apple would reduce the size of the current 30-pin connector used on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. Initial reports said the new size would use 19 pins, but later reports pointed to an 8-pin or 9-pin connector.The photos displayed by NowhereElse.fr show eight visible pins with the shell itself serving as a ninth contact. The new layout would boast at least one benefit over Apple's current connector. The cable could be plugged into a device in either orientation, so that users don't have to struggle to figure out which way to connect it.Related storiesApple's new iPhone plug shows up in photos, againApple claims dibs on new dock adapters, report saysThe smaller dock connector will reportedly appear not just on the new iPhone but on future devices, including the next iPad.Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 5 at a launch event this Wednesday.(Via AppleInsider)
The iPhone 5's much-rumored new dock connector is as small as a Micro-USB plug, at least according to French tech blog site NowhereElse.fr (English translation).Photos of a Micro-USB cable and photos of the new dock connector cable supplied by an anonymous source to the French site show the similarities between the two, most notably in size.Rumors have floated over the past few months that Apple would reduce the size of the current 30-pin connector used on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. Initial reports said the new size would use 19 pins, but later reports pointed to an 8-pin or 9-pin connector.The photos displayed by NowhereElse.fr show eight visible pins with the shell itself serving as a ninth contact. The new layout would boast at least one benefit over Apple's current connector. The cable could be plugged into a device in either orientation, so that users don't have to struggle to figure out which way to connect it.Related storiesApple's new iPhone plug shows up in photos, againApple claims dibs on new dock adapters, report saysThe smaller dock connector will reportedly appear not just on the new iPhone but on future devices, including the next iPad.Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 5 at a launch event this Wednesday.(Via AppleInsider)
Apple confirms move to 90-second iTunes samples
Apple confirms move to 90-second iTunes samples
Longer song samples are finally on their way to iTunes. An Apple spokesman confirmed for CNET this evening a report by Symphonic Distribution, a digital music distributor, that iTunes would soon be extending the length of song samples from 30 seconds to 90 seconds for songs that are at least two-and-a-half minutes in length. Shorter songs would continue to offer the 30-second sample. Apple notified the top music labels and other business partners in the music industry about the change today. The samples are, of course, the snippets of music that Apple offers to iTunes users so they can determine whether they want a song or not. CNET was first to report on August 30 that Apple planned to increase the length of samples and would roll it out during the company's press event in San Francisco on September 1. The day after CNET's report appeared, however, the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) informed Apple that it had not negotiated for the proper licenses with music publishers and didn't have the right to offer longer samples. The longer samples were shelved temporarily. Since then, Apple has spoken with various groups, including the Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), one of the performing-rights organizations that collects royalties on behalf of songwriters and music publishers. BMI confirmed in September that it was in negotiations with Apple over the samples. Some of the discussions with rights holders may still be ongoing, according to music industry sources. But Apple apparently feels they are close enough to a final deal to inform their partners at the labels.Representatives from the NMPA and BMI were not immediately available. Song samples play an important role in the buying process, according to researchers at Robert Morris University. In a report released last year, professor Min Lu and assistant professor Yanbin Tu reported that consumers are more likely to buy songs if allowed to sample the music for about 60 seconds and if provided access to a "high-quality" version of the music.A chart created by researchers from Robert Morris University shows top ways consumers discover music.The first category is recommendations from friends.Robert Morris University
Longer song samples are finally on their way to iTunes. An Apple spokesman confirmed for CNET this evening a report by Symphonic Distribution, a digital music distributor, that iTunes would soon be extending the length of song samples from 30 seconds to 90 seconds for songs that are at least two-and-a-half minutes in length. Shorter songs would continue to offer the 30-second sample. Apple notified the top music labels and other business partners in the music industry about the change today. The samples are, of course, the snippets of music that Apple offers to iTunes users so they can determine whether they want a song or not. CNET was first to report on August 30 that Apple planned to increase the length of samples and would roll it out during the company's press event in San Francisco on September 1. The day after CNET's report appeared, however, the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) informed Apple that it had not negotiated for the proper licenses with music publishers and didn't have the right to offer longer samples. The longer samples were shelved temporarily. Since then, Apple has spoken with various groups, including the Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), one of the performing-rights organizations that collects royalties on behalf of songwriters and music publishers. BMI confirmed in September that it was in negotiations with Apple over the samples. Some of the discussions with rights holders may still be ongoing, according to music industry sources. But Apple apparently feels they are close enough to a final deal to inform their partners at the labels.Representatives from the NMPA and BMI were not immediately available. Song samples play an important role in the buying process, according to researchers at Robert Morris University. In a report released last year, professor Min Lu and assistant professor Yanbin Tu reported that consumers are more likely to buy songs if allowed to sample the music for about 60 seconds and if provided access to a "high-quality" version of the music.A chart created by researchers from Robert Morris University shows top ways consumers discover music.The first category is recommendations from friends.Robert Morris University
Apple Configurator offers easy iOS deployment from OS X
Apple Configurator offers easy iOS deployment from OS X
To tackle these needs, on Wednesday Apple released its free Apple Configurator utility for OS X, which allows you to use your Mac to create custom profiles for iOS devices and deploy them to users in your workplace. You can now address deployment frustrations by creating various profiles for the devices (such as one for office workers, and others for bosses and supervisors) that offer restrictions to hardware such as cameras and built-in services like FaceTime or the App Store, and also which allow you to specify which Apps can be used. When the profile is set up, you can then supervise the devices using it and make adjustments to the profile that are applied the next time the device is connected to the Mac (do keep in mind the device is wiped when updated in this way).The last option the Configurator program offers is user and group assignments. You can set up lists of employees or students and assign different devices to them using check-out and check-in routines, save documents created by users on their devices, and even preview them if needed.To an extent, Apple Configurator is similar to the OS X Server's Open Directory options for managing multiple Macs in a workgroup. If you are familiar with OS X Server or even have used the basic OS X Parental Controls and have created restricted and custom Mac accounts and system setups, then similar principles apply with the Configurator.While the Configurator does run on OS X, it so far is fairly separate from many of the services built into the OS. For instance, it does not interface with any settings in iTunes, and requires you to create a separate list of available users instead of accessing the system's directory or your Address Book contacts for user and group information. Despite this, the program is relatively easy to use and should offer robust deployment options for employers, teachers, or other supervisors who have a Mac available through which to manage their iOS devices.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
To tackle these needs, on Wednesday Apple released its free Apple Configurator utility for OS X, which allows you to use your Mac to create custom profiles for iOS devices and deploy them to users in your workplace. You can now address deployment frustrations by creating various profiles for the devices (such as one for office workers, and others for bosses and supervisors) that offer restrictions to hardware such as cameras and built-in services like FaceTime or the App Store, and also which allow you to specify which Apps can be used. When the profile is set up, you can then supervise the devices using it and make adjustments to the profile that are applied the next time the device is connected to the Mac (do keep in mind the device is wiped when updated in this way).The last option the Configurator program offers is user and group assignments. You can set up lists of employees or students and assign different devices to them using check-out and check-in routines, save documents created by users on their devices, and even preview them if needed.To an extent, Apple Configurator is similar to the OS X Server's Open Directory options for managing multiple Macs in a workgroup. If you are familiar with OS X Server or even have used the basic OS X Parental Controls and have created restricted and custom Mac accounts and system setups, then similar principles apply with the Configurator.While the Configurator does run on OS X, it so far is fairly separate from many of the services built into the OS. For instance, it does not interface with any settings in iTunes, and requires you to create a separate list of available users instead of accessing the system's directory or your Address Book contacts for user and group information. Despite this, the program is relatively easy to use and should offer robust deployment options for employers, teachers, or other supervisors who have a Mac available through which to manage their iOS devices.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
Apple CEO Tim Cook joins Twitter amid iPhone launch frenzy
Apple CEO Tim Cook joins Twitter amid iPhone launch frenzy
Apple's CEO Tim Cook has joined Twitter.Using an account with the name of @Tim_Cook, which has been verified by Twitter, Cook posted the following tweet just after noon Pacific, noting that he enjoyed his visit at Apple's retail store in Palo Alto, Calif., -- near Apple's headquarters: Visited Retail Stores in Palo Alto today. Seeing so many happy customers reminds us of why we do what we do.â€" Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 20, 2013Apple did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation that the executive had joined the popular social network, though CNBC is reporting that it's the real deal.Cook appeared at the company's Palo Alto store earlier Friday to partake in the company's launch festivities for the iPhone 5S. That store, which was remodeled last year, has been host to several other appearances by Apple execs, including late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and Scott Forstall, who was in charge of iOS software up until last October.Cook is the latest Apple exec to join Twitter. Apple's marketing chief Phil Schiller has used the popular microblogging service since 2008 and posts things there semi-regularly. Schiller's also used the platform to take cracks at competitors, notably Google and the security of its Android platform with a single tweet this past March that pointed to an F-Secure Labs quarterly Mobile Threat report. There as also Forstall, who joined and amassed more than 59,000 followers, but has never tweeted. It's unclear whether Cook intends to use Twitter as a way to interact with customers, competitors, the press, or in conjunction with any product details. The executive, who took on the top spot at Apple in August 2011, already had a penchant for replying to customer e-mails, many of which have been posted publicly. Update, 1:00 p.m. PT: Notes that Twitter has verified Cook's account.
Apple's CEO Tim Cook has joined Twitter.Using an account with the name of @Tim_Cook, which has been verified by Twitter, Cook posted the following tweet just after noon Pacific, noting that he enjoyed his visit at Apple's retail store in Palo Alto, Calif., -- near Apple's headquarters: Visited Retail Stores in Palo Alto today. Seeing so many happy customers reminds us of why we do what we do.â€" Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 20, 2013Apple did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation that the executive had joined the popular social network, though CNBC is reporting that it's the real deal.Cook appeared at the company's Palo Alto store earlier Friday to partake in the company's launch festivities for the iPhone 5S. That store, which was remodeled last year, has been host to several other appearances by Apple execs, including late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and Scott Forstall, who was in charge of iOS software up until last October.Cook is the latest Apple exec to join Twitter. Apple's marketing chief Phil Schiller has used the popular microblogging service since 2008 and posts things there semi-regularly. Schiller's also used the platform to take cracks at competitors, notably Google and the security of its Android platform with a single tweet this past March that pointed to an F-Secure Labs quarterly Mobile Threat report. There as also Forstall, who joined and amassed more than 59,000 followers, but has never tweeted. It's unclear whether Cook intends to use Twitter as a way to interact with customers, competitors, the press, or in conjunction with any product details. The executive, who took on the top spot at Apple in August 2011, already had a penchant for replying to customer e-mails, many of which have been posted publicly. Update, 1:00 p.m. PT: Notes that Twitter has verified Cook's account.
Apple cancels Cards greeting card app, suggests iPhoto
Apple cancels Cards greeting card app, suggests iPhoto
Apple quietly discontinued its Cards app on Tuesday, just two years after launching the greeting card app.iOS users who launched the app this afternoon were greeted by the message: "The Cards service is no longer available." Attempts to visit the app's page are redirected to the iPhoto '11 page, suggesting that Apple is offering the photo-sharing app as an alternative. An Apple Knowledge Base page seems to offer the only public acknowledgement of the closure Apple has offered:As of September 10, 2013, the Cards iOS app service is no longer available.Cards ordered before 1 PM Pacific time on September 10, 2013, will be delivered, and push notifications will continue to work.You can view your previous purchases by tapping Saved Cards in the app.Note: You can still order beautiful letterpress cards customized with your photos and text using iPhoto on your Mac. Cards ordered through iPhoto are shipped through a carrier such as FedEx rather than through the United States Post Office.Introduced alongside iPhone 4S in 2011, Cards let iPhone users create fold-in-the-middle greeting cards that Apple would then send to recipients on real paper via snail mail. Buyers used their Apple ID account to make payments and received a push notification when their card was delivered if it was shipped in the U.S. as part of a partnership with the U.S. Postal Service.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the closure and will update this report when we learn more.?
Apple quietly discontinued its Cards app on Tuesday, just two years after launching the greeting card app.iOS users who launched the app this afternoon were greeted by the message: "The Cards service is no longer available." Attempts to visit the app's page are redirected to the iPhoto '11 page, suggesting that Apple is offering the photo-sharing app as an alternative. An Apple Knowledge Base page seems to offer the only public acknowledgement of the closure Apple has offered:As of September 10, 2013, the Cards iOS app service is no longer available.Cards ordered before 1 PM Pacific time on September 10, 2013, will be delivered, and push notifications will continue to work.You can view your previous purchases by tapping Saved Cards in the app.Note: You can still order beautiful letterpress cards customized with your photos and text using iPhoto on your Mac. Cards ordered through iPhoto are shipped through a carrier such as FedEx rather than through the United States Post Office.Introduced alongside iPhone 4S in 2011, Cards let iPhone users create fold-in-the-middle greeting cards that Apple would then send to recipients on real paper via snail mail. Buyers used their Apple ID account to make payments and received a push notification when their card was delivered if it was shipped in the U.S. as part of a partnership with the U.S. Postal Service.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the closure and will update this report when we learn more.?
Apple can replace broken iPhone 5 screens in the store, says report
Apple can replace broken iPhone 5 screens in the store, says report
iPhone 5 users who suffer a broken or scratched screen may be able to get a replacement directly in the store, according to a report from iMore.Citing "sources within Apple retail," the blog site said that the equipment used to replace iPhone screens has started showing up in the stores themselves. This move means that Apple store reps could outfit an iPhone 5 with a new screen on the spot rather than switching the entire phone for a new or refurbished model.The screen swap-out process for the new iPhone would match that of the iPhone 3G and 3GS, iMore added. All three models use a single front that houses the LCD panel, glass surface, and the touch sensor, making it easy to replace. In contrast, the screens on the iPhone 4S and 4 are trickier to swap out since the front assembly can't be removed as easily.Related storiesInside the iPhone 5: Bigger battery, easier to repairiPhone 5 gets the teardown treatmentPhone 5 lines cropping up across country, overseasApple upgrades iPhone AppleCare coverage, priceAfter tearing down the new iPhone, iFixit dubbed the iPhone 5 "the most repairable iPhone we've seen in a while." Of course, with any luck most new iPhone buyers won't be in need of repair services just yet.Users who want some extra insurance against damage can consider Apple's $99 AppleCare service. AppleCare for the iPhone extends the usual repair coverage to two years from date of purchase and covers up to two incidents of accidental damage. But each incident will cost you a $49 service fee.CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if we receive more information.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
iPhone 5 users who suffer a broken or scratched screen may be able to get a replacement directly in the store, according to a report from iMore.Citing "sources within Apple retail," the blog site said that the equipment used to replace iPhone screens has started showing up in the stores themselves. This move means that Apple store reps could outfit an iPhone 5 with a new screen on the spot rather than switching the entire phone for a new or refurbished model.The screen swap-out process for the new iPhone would match that of the iPhone 3G and 3GS, iMore added. All three models use a single front that houses the LCD panel, glass surface, and the touch sensor, making it easy to replace. In contrast, the screens on the iPhone 4S and 4 are trickier to swap out since the front assembly can't be removed as easily.Related storiesInside the iPhone 5: Bigger battery, easier to repairiPhone 5 gets the teardown treatmentPhone 5 lines cropping up across country, overseasApple upgrades iPhone AppleCare coverage, priceAfter tearing down the new iPhone, iFixit dubbed the iPhone 5 "the most repairable iPhone we've seen in a while." Of course, with any luck most new iPhone buyers won't be in need of repair services just yet.Users who want some extra insurance against damage can consider Apple's $99 AppleCare service. AppleCare for the iPhone extends the usual repair coverage to two years from date of purchase and covers up to two incidents of accidental damage. But each incident will cost you a $49 service fee.CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if we receive more information.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
Apple buys transit-app maker Embark
Apple buys transit-app maker Embark
Apple has picked up another mapping company, its third this year. The tech giant recently snapped up Embark, a company with myriad localized transit apps for cities like New York, San Francisco, and London, reports Jessica Lessin.Apple confirmed the deal, saying it "buys smaller technology companies from time to time," but would not go into detail about the future of the service. Embark CEO David Hodge declined to comment.Embark was one of several location app makers who got a big boost following Apple's rollout of its own mapping software in iOS 6. Within the first week of that software launching, Embark said it saw the biggest spike in downloads and activity since the service launched.Related storiesPublic-transit apps bolstered by missing iOS 6 featureApple buys location-based data company LocationaryApple has acquired nine companies since OctoberAccording to Lessin, Apple plans to build Embark's technology into its own software, presumably to replace the public transit features in Apple Maps. As it stands, the app directs users to try their route in any third-party transit apps that may be installed, as well as directing them toward such apps in the App Store.The purchase is Apple's latest in a series. In just the past month, it's been revealed that Apple has purchased location-based-data company Locationary, as well as local-navigation company Hopstop, which provides a service similar to Embark's. In addition, Apple has picked up Oakland-based Passif Semiconductor (a deal that was also reported by Lessin), along with video guide andrecommendation service Matcha.TV. Earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook noted that Apple has been buying a company every month or two. "We are always looking, and if anything, we will do more of that in the future," Cook said at the All Things Digital Conference in May.Here's a brief promotional video by Embark, showing how the service works in New York: Embark from Embark on Vimeo.
Apple has picked up another mapping company, its third this year. The tech giant recently snapped up Embark, a company with myriad localized transit apps for cities like New York, San Francisco, and London, reports Jessica Lessin.Apple confirmed the deal, saying it "buys smaller technology companies from time to time," but would not go into detail about the future of the service. Embark CEO David Hodge declined to comment.Embark was one of several location app makers who got a big boost following Apple's rollout of its own mapping software in iOS 6. Within the first week of that software launching, Embark said it saw the biggest spike in downloads and activity since the service launched.Related storiesPublic-transit apps bolstered by missing iOS 6 featureApple buys location-based data company LocationaryApple has acquired nine companies since OctoberAccording to Lessin, Apple plans to build Embark's technology into its own software, presumably to replace the public transit features in Apple Maps. As it stands, the app directs users to try their route in any third-party transit apps that may be installed, as well as directing them toward such apps in the App Store.The purchase is Apple's latest in a series. In just the past month, it's been revealed that Apple has purchased location-based-data company Locationary, as well as local-navigation company Hopstop, which provides a service similar to Embark's. In addition, Apple has picked up Oakland-based Passif Semiconductor (a deal that was also reported by Lessin), along with video guide andrecommendation service Matcha.TV. Earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook noted that Apple has been buying a company every month or two. "We are always looking, and if anything, we will do more of that in the future," Cook said at the All Things Digital Conference in May.Here's a brief promotional video by Embark, showing how the service works in New York: Embark from Embark on Vimeo.
Apple buys chipmaker Intrinsity
Apple buys chipmaker Intrinsity
A month after the rumors first started flying, Apple finally confirmed that it has indeed purchased Intrinsity, a Texas-based chipmaker.Apple confirmed the acquisition on Tuesday to The New York Times, though it did not disclose the purchase price or what Apple's plans for Intrinsity are. One guess has the value at $121 million.It's the second chipmaker purchased by Apple in two years starting with P.A. Semi, which it bought for $278 million. It's also the fourth acquisition Apple has made since last fall; it bought map API maker PlaceBase in October, social music site LaLa in December, and mobile ad company Quattro Wirelessin January for $275 million.Though it appears like Apple is on a bit of a shopping spree right now, the company has the funds to back it up. At the end of its second fiscal quarter of 2010, Apple reported it had accumulated $41.7 billion in cash. Though Steve Jobs told investors at the annual company meeting that he had no plans to use that to offer a dividend to shareholders, he did hint what he'd rather do instead."You never know what opportunity is around the corner," Jobs said at the February meeting. "We're very fortunate that if we needed to acquire something we could write a check for it and not have to borrow money." In light of the recent string of purchases, that could be a hint there are even more small acquisitions like this to come.But what does Apple need Intrinsity for? It's unclear, but it's been rumored that the chipmaker is the outfit that assisted Samsung in building the speedy processor inside the iPad.
A month after the rumors first started flying, Apple finally confirmed that it has indeed purchased Intrinsity, a Texas-based chipmaker.Apple confirmed the acquisition on Tuesday to The New York Times, though it did not disclose the purchase price or what Apple's plans for Intrinsity are. One guess has the value at $121 million.It's the second chipmaker purchased by Apple in two years starting with P.A. Semi, which it bought for $278 million. It's also the fourth acquisition Apple has made since last fall; it bought map API maker PlaceBase in October, social music site LaLa in December, and mobile ad company Quattro Wirelessin January for $275 million.Though it appears like Apple is on a bit of a shopping spree right now, the company has the funds to back it up. At the end of its second fiscal quarter of 2010, Apple reported it had accumulated $41.7 billion in cash. Though Steve Jobs told investors at the annual company meeting that he had no plans to use that to offer a dividend to shareholders, he did hint what he'd rather do instead."You never know what opportunity is around the corner," Jobs said at the February meeting. "We're very fortunate that if we needed to acquire something we could write a check for it and not have to borrow money." In light of the recent string of purchases, that could be a hint there are even more small acquisitions like this to come.But what does Apple need Intrinsity for? It's unclear, but it's been rumored that the chipmaker is the outfit that assisted Samsung in building the speedy processor inside the iPad.
Apple envisions environmental sensors for wearables
A couple of patent filings envision two features that could pop up in a future iPhone as well as the much-rumored Apple iWatch.Published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, "Electronic Devices With Environmental Sensors" and "Electronic Devices With Temperature Sensors" both highlight specific types of sensors designed for electronic devices. Those devices include computers and gaming equipment as well as cellular phones, wrist-watch devices, and pendant devices.The first patent application discusses environmental sensors that could check the outside temperature, pressure, humidity, and other factors. The sensors might also tap into a microphone to measure sound.The second application focuses more on temperature sensors in the form of a thermometer mounted into a button on the device. Those sensors would then measure anything that comes into contact with the button, whether it's the surrounding air to detect the outside temperature or your own finger to detect your body's temperature.Last month, a Chinese analyst claimed that the iPhone 6 could come with its own barometer to detect the temperature, humidity, and air pressure. Reports have also suggested that Apple's rumored iWatch would be able to track a user's health and fitness through an iOS 8 app called Healthbook.(Via AppleInsider)
Apple employees can now score $500 off Macs, $250 off iPads
Those of you who work for Apple can now enjoy a $500 discount off the purchase of a Mac and $250 off an iPad.The new employee discounts kicked off yesterday, says 9to5Mac, and make good on a promise made by CEO Tim Cook back in January. Related storiesHands-on: MacBook Pro with Retina displayli>MacBook Pro with Retina Display ships in '2-3 weeks'Microsoft's Surface tablet vs. the iPad: Seven challengesAs usual, there's both good and bad news. The new benefits are on top of the normal 25 percent discount that Apple employees receive. But Mac minis and the new Retina MacBook Pro model are both excluded from the $500 cut in price. Other conditions apply, as detailed by Electronista.Employees can only use the discount once very three years and must have been working for Apple for at least 90 days. Still, the discounts do shave a healthy amount of money off a new Mac or iPad.CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story when we get more information.MacBook Pro with Retina Display: Hands-on...See full gallery1 - 4 / 17NextPrev
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