A bug fix for arranging apps on iTunes
Arranging app iconsAfter connecting your device to a computer and launching iTunes 9, just go to the Applications tab as shown below. Once there, you can drag apps between thumbnails that represent the 11 home screens. Exciting, right? Well not so fast, since the process still is a bit painful if an app isn't currently assigned to one of the 176 spaces on the home screens (four spaces are reserved for the Dock). We have the same problem when arranging (or deleting) app icons on the iPod or iTouch.If an app icon doesn't exist in a space, you won't be able to manage it until you figure out a secret. The check mark on the app on the left side of the window tells you that it's currently synced to your device. You can't manipulate "checked" apps unless they are sitting on a home screen. If the app is not on one of the 11 home screens you have to do the following.App checked for syncing and cannot be arranged due to iTunes 9 bugDavid MartinUncheck the app so that it won't sync with your phone.Place the app on one of the 11 home screens.Re-check the app so it will sync again.Unchecked app can be arrangedDavid MartinIf you forget to recheck it, you will delete the app from your device the next time you sync it with iTunes. Indeed, it's not a very intuitive process; I only stumbled on it accidentally. You'll also need to remember it for the tasks below.Arranging multiple apps or app groupingIf you need to move more than one app at a time between home screens then you should use the following steps. This is handy, for example, if you want to move all your game apps to one page. If they don't fit onto that page, they will overflow to the next one automatically.Select multiple app icons using the Command-Click or Ctrl-Click depending on whether you are using Mac OS X or Windows.Drag the icons to the home screen you want to move them onto.Release the mouse button.Some of my apps after arrangingDavid MartinMoving apps between home screensThis is an easy process after you know the workaround for the bug mentioned above.Grab the app icon that you want to arrange and drag it to the home screen thumbnails. By holding the app at the top or bottom of the home screen list, you can scroll through your home screen pages.Move the app to your desired home screen and the page will appear in the center of the photo above.Drag the app icon onto the larger image of that home screen as shown above and drop the icon in a location.Reorder home screensYou can drag home pages around in the thumbnail column to reorder them by performing these steps.Find the home page that you'd like rearrange and select its thumbnail.Drag the selected home page thumbnail to its new position and release it.App arrangement tipsIf you're lucky enough to have empty home screens, use them wisely as a place for temporary app storage. This can be useful during a massive rearrangement or, for example, when starting a screen containing only games or photo apps.Home screen thumbnailsDavid MartinArrange the very first home screen carefully since it's only a Home key press away from any where on the iPhone or iPod. Stock it with the apps you use the most.Use the dock on the very first home page for the four apps that you use most often. These docked apps will appear on every page giving you the fastest access to those most used apps. It's not limited to the default apps--you can replace those if needed, but remember that these default apps cannot be deleted.ConclusionHopefully, this bug will be fixed in a future release of iTunes so that you can move apps regardless of whether or not the check mark to sync them is on or off. Developers are now adding tags to their apps, which can make it easier to find them via Spotlight. It's unfortunate that Apple didn't include a way to sort apps on iTunes using these tags.This is a great first attempt at making managing apps easier, and we that hope Apple will spend time improving on it. For some, however, Apple's new solution falls short in usability when compared to the solution available on a jailbroken iPhone or the simple proof of concept for app sorting that we covered previously.What do you think about Apple's first attempt at app sorting in iTunes? Tell us about it in the comments.
How to optimize FaceTime on your iOS device
How to optimize FaceTime on your iOS device
FaceTime is potentially one of Apple's game-changing products. It provides users with an easily accessible way to video chat with anyone on an iOS device or a Mac. Here are some great tips to get the most out of this great technology.FaceTime is a proprietary, open-source video communications device developed by Apple and released in June 2010. It is, however, not as complete of a product as most Apple-shipped software, especially when organizing a large contact list is concerned.In a great collection of tips by GigaOm's Geoffrey Goetz, some extra ways to access FaceTime are uncovered.Because FaceTime is supported in Safari for iOS, creating a quick contact list can be as simple as adding Bookmarks to a list. The issue, as Goetz explains, is that Safari automatically opens FaceTime when a FaceTime URL is visited. So here's the way it works:Apple has a built-in protocol for Safari that allows users to access FaceTime and call other users. To do so, type in one of the following in your Safari address bar:facetime://YourFriendfacetime://YourFriend@Domain.Comfacetime://555-867-5309Obviously, replace YourFriend with the FaceTime Apple ID, e-mail address, or associated phone number of your contact and you are good to go.You'll notice that when you do this in iOS, FaceTime opens automatically and your call attempts to connect. To get around this you'll need Safari on your Mac or PC. Open Safari and choose "Show All Bookmarks" from the Bookmarks menu.Create a "FaceTime Contacts" folder by clicking the "+" symbol on the bottom-left of the Safari window, under the Collections and Bookmarks column.Highlight your new folder. Now, in the Address Bar, type out the FaceTime protocol that corresponds to one of your contacts. DO NOT PRESS ENTER.Copy the facetime:// address by highlighting it in the Address Bar and pressing Command + C (CTRL + C on a PC).Paste the facetime:// address in your new folder by pressing Command + V (CTRL + V on a PC).Repeat with as many Contacts as you'd like to have. You can also make specific folders to act as groups.Use iCloud to sync your bookmarks with your iOS device. You can also plug your iOS device into your computer and sync manually through iTunes if you have not upgraded to iCloud.As Goetz points out, anywhere you paste the facetime:// link in iOS it will become active (because it is recognized by Safari). So, you can create a list of your contacts using the Notes app, keep an e-mail with your list, or add your FaceTime contact to your e-mail signature.You can also send your own FaceTime URL to anyone who you may want to have access to video chat with you. Quite a handy tip if you prefer to do business FaceTime to FaceTime (yes, that pun just happened).How do you use FaceTime? Let me know in the comments!
FaceTime is potentially one of Apple's game-changing products. It provides users with an easily accessible way to video chat with anyone on an iOS device or a Mac. Here are some great tips to get the most out of this great technology.FaceTime is a proprietary, open-source video communications device developed by Apple and released in June 2010. It is, however, not as complete of a product as most Apple-shipped software, especially when organizing a large contact list is concerned.In a great collection of tips by GigaOm's Geoffrey Goetz, some extra ways to access FaceTime are uncovered.Because FaceTime is supported in Safari for iOS, creating a quick contact list can be as simple as adding Bookmarks to a list. The issue, as Goetz explains, is that Safari automatically opens FaceTime when a FaceTime URL is visited. So here's the way it works:Apple has a built-in protocol for Safari that allows users to access FaceTime and call other users. To do so, type in one of the following in your Safari address bar:facetime://YourFriendfacetime://YourFriend@Domain.Comfacetime://555-867-5309Obviously, replace YourFriend with the FaceTime Apple ID, e-mail address, or associated phone number of your contact and you are good to go.You'll notice that when you do this in iOS, FaceTime opens automatically and your call attempts to connect. To get around this you'll need Safari on your Mac or PC. Open Safari and choose "Show All Bookmarks" from the Bookmarks menu.Create a "FaceTime Contacts" folder by clicking the "+" symbol on the bottom-left of the Safari window, under the Collections and Bookmarks column.Highlight your new folder. Now, in the Address Bar, type out the FaceTime protocol that corresponds to one of your contacts. DO NOT PRESS ENTER.Copy the facetime:// address by highlighting it in the Address Bar and pressing Command + C (CTRL + C on a PC).Paste the facetime:// address in your new folder by pressing Command + V (CTRL + V on a PC).Repeat with as many Contacts as you'd like to have. You can also make specific folders to act as groups.Use iCloud to sync your bookmarks with your iOS device. You can also plug your iOS device into your computer and sync manually through iTunes if you have not upgraded to iCloud.As Goetz points out, anywhere you paste the facetime:// link in iOS it will become active (because it is recognized by Safari). So, you can create a list of your contacts using the Notes app, keep an e-mail with your list, or add your FaceTime contact to your e-mail signature.You can also send your own FaceTime URL to anyone who you may want to have access to video chat with you. Quite a handy tip if you prefer to do business FaceTime to FaceTime (yes, that pun just happened).How do you use FaceTime? Let me know in the comments!
Amazon's new Appstore feature could be patent suit bait
Amazon's new Appstore feature could be patent suit bait
The patent was a cause of controversy in the technology world after Amazon went to court against rival Barnes & Noble, which was using a similar purchasing system on its Web site. The two companies reached a settlement over the issue in 2002. Separately, Apple signed a licensing agreement with Amazon to include it in its own products in 2000.Several years later, the United States Patent and Trademark Office ordered a re-examination of the patentupon the request of a New Zealand actor named Peter Caveley, who cited prior art. That led to a rejection of a few of the patent's claims, and several amendments by Amazon. In March 2010, the USPTO passed the 1-Click patent through the re-examination process, with the stipulation that it's tied to a virtual shopping cart. "Amazon built a substantial business around that innovation, and licensed it to major players including Apple," said Erin-Michael Gill, the managing director and chief intellectual property officer at MDB Capital Group. "Apple is using that innovation to make it easier for developers' apps to be purchased on iTunes. That's how the system is supposed to work."By comparison, Gill says that Lodsys' current strategy seeks the same ends, but is going about it in a potentially destructive manner."Because it appears that Lodsys is attempting to leverage the inefficiencies in the patent system to extract royalties -- apparently looking to settle with developers that don't have the resources to defend themselves, for just under the cost of litigation --there ends up not being this virtuous cycle of innovation promoting further innovation," Gill said. "This leads to the entire ecosystem going on the offensive."A still from Amazon's promotional video of its in-app purchase feature.AmazonLodsys patents under attackThere have been notable efforts to keep app developers out of harm's way when using built-in APIs, as well as get all of Lodsys' patents invalidated. Apple, whose developers were some of the first to be targeted, sent a letter to Lodsys last May, saying it was "undisputedly licensed to these (patents)," adding that app makers were protected under its licensing agreement. Lodsys publicly rebuffed that letter, saying that Apple was mistaken. The firm then proceeded to file a lawsuit against several additional app developers, and send similar licensing requests to Android developers.Related storiesHow much is that patent lawsuit going to cost you?Scoop: Bounty set for invalidating Lodsys patentsApple throws weight behind devs on patent issueiOS app makers targeted in patent spatAfter its own developers were targeted, Google responded last August by filing a request with the United States Patent and Trademark office seeking a re-examination of two of the four Lodsys patents. That process is still on-going, though since then there have been no newly filed suits against Android developers.Seemingly separate from both of those efforts was one launched last year from Article One Partners, a business that crowd-sources intellectual property research. It offered a reward to the party that found prior art, or examples of pre-existing technologies or other IP that could be used as evidence to invalidate one or more of Lodsys' patents. All three of those studies were completed successfully, resulting in $15,000 worth of prize money being doled out to three researchers."When folks like Microsoft, Apple, and now presumably Amazon start pulling together and pooling resources to really dig into these assets, every little nuanced issue becomes critical," Gill said.
The patent was a cause of controversy in the technology world after Amazon went to court against rival Barnes & Noble, which was using a similar purchasing system on its Web site. The two companies reached a settlement over the issue in 2002. Separately, Apple signed a licensing agreement with Amazon to include it in its own products in 2000.Several years later, the United States Patent and Trademark Office ordered a re-examination of the patentupon the request of a New Zealand actor named Peter Caveley, who cited prior art. That led to a rejection of a few of the patent's claims, and several amendments by Amazon. In March 2010, the USPTO passed the 1-Click patent through the re-examination process, with the stipulation that it's tied to a virtual shopping cart. "Amazon built a substantial business around that innovation, and licensed it to major players including Apple," said Erin-Michael Gill, the managing director and chief intellectual property officer at MDB Capital Group. "Apple is using that innovation to make it easier for developers' apps to be purchased on iTunes. That's how the system is supposed to work."By comparison, Gill says that Lodsys' current strategy seeks the same ends, but is going about it in a potentially destructive manner."Because it appears that Lodsys is attempting to leverage the inefficiencies in the patent system to extract royalties -- apparently looking to settle with developers that don't have the resources to defend themselves, for just under the cost of litigation --there ends up not being this virtuous cycle of innovation promoting further innovation," Gill said. "This leads to the entire ecosystem going on the offensive."A still from Amazon's promotional video of its in-app purchase feature.AmazonLodsys patents under attackThere have been notable efforts to keep app developers out of harm's way when using built-in APIs, as well as get all of Lodsys' patents invalidated. Apple, whose developers were some of the first to be targeted, sent a letter to Lodsys last May, saying it was "undisputedly licensed to these (patents)," adding that app makers were protected under its licensing agreement. Lodsys publicly rebuffed that letter, saying that Apple was mistaken. The firm then proceeded to file a lawsuit against several additional app developers, and send similar licensing requests to Android developers.Related storiesHow much is that patent lawsuit going to cost you?Scoop: Bounty set for invalidating Lodsys patentsApple throws weight behind devs on patent issueiOS app makers targeted in patent spatAfter its own developers were targeted, Google responded last August by filing a request with the United States Patent and Trademark office seeking a re-examination of two of the four Lodsys patents. That process is still on-going, though since then there have been no newly filed suits against Android developers.Seemingly separate from both of those efforts was one launched last year from Article One Partners, a business that crowd-sources intellectual property research. It offered a reward to the party that found prior art, or examples of pre-existing technologies or other IP that could be used as evidence to invalidate one or more of Lodsys' patents. All three of those studies were completed successfully, resulting in $15,000 worth of prize money being doled out to three researchers."When folks like Microsoft, Apple, and now presumably Amazon start pulling together and pooling resources to really dig into these assets, every little nuanced issue becomes critical," Gill said.
Rhapsody tries music subscription iPhone app
Rhapsody tries music subscription iPhone app
Subscription music service Rhapsody, a division of Real Networks, has announced plans to port its service to Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch. In a blog post Sunday, the company said it will submit the application (demonstrated on the video below) this week to Apple for review. Historically, Apple has steered clear of subscription music, making it impossible for services such as Napster or Rhapsody to work with the iPod, fearing competition with its own iTunes music service. But the success of iPhone music applications such as Pandora, Last.fm, and Slacker, may have opened the door for subscription services as well. (Last.fm is a part of CBS Interactive, which also publishes CNET News.)Rhapsody's mobile app will require that users hold a Rhapsody-to-Go account, which currently runs $14.95 per month. (Non-subscribers will apparently be offered a limited time free-trial period.) The Rhapsody app allows subscribers to explore and stream Rhapsody's entire online music catalog over EDGE, 3G, or Wi-Fi, as well as create and store playlist queues of their favorite content. The app does not, however, allow users to download and store Rhapsody songs directly on the device, or cache content temporarily to hear offline. If Rhapsody's application is approved by Apple, it won't likely be alone. Competing services such as Spotify have shown off similar applications, and Napster will surely want to get in on the action as well. The real question is whether people will find subscription music capabilities valuable. With free, ad-supported services such as Pandora already dominating the spotlight, it remains to be seen whether Rhapsody can convince new customers to spend close to $15 a month for unlimited on-demand music streaming. In the blog post, Rhapsody also revealed plans to develop an Android application.It's not known whether that version would offer greater flexibility (local storage, over-the-air downloads) than the version for the iPhone. Rhapsody on iPhone from Jamie on Vimeo. (Via PC World)
Subscription music service Rhapsody, a division of Real Networks, has announced plans to port its service to Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch. In a blog post Sunday, the company said it will submit the application (demonstrated on the video below) this week to Apple for review. Historically, Apple has steered clear of subscription music, making it impossible for services such as Napster or Rhapsody to work with the iPod, fearing competition with its own iTunes music service. But the success of iPhone music applications such as Pandora, Last.fm, and Slacker, may have opened the door for subscription services as well. (Last.fm is a part of CBS Interactive, which also publishes CNET News.)Rhapsody's mobile app will require that users hold a Rhapsody-to-Go account, which currently runs $14.95 per month. (Non-subscribers will apparently be offered a limited time free-trial period.) The Rhapsody app allows subscribers to explore and stream Rhapsody's entire online music catalog over EDGE, 3G, or Wi-Fi, as well as create and store playlist queues of their favorite content. The app does not, however, allow users to download and store Rhapsody songs directly on the device, or cache content temporarily to hear offline. If Rhapsody's application is approved by Apple, it won't likely be alone. Competing services such as Spotify have shown off similar applications, and Napster will surely want to get in on the action as well. The real question is whether people will find subscription music capabilities valuable. With free, ad-supported services such as Pandora already dominating the spotlight, it remains to be seen whether Rhapsody can convince new customers to spend close to $15 a month for unlimited on-demand music streaming. In the blog post, Rhapsody also revealed plans to develop an Android application.It's not known whether that version would offer greater flexibility (local storage, over-the-air downloads) than the version for the iPhone. Rhapsody on iPhone from Jamie on Vimeo. (Via PC World)
How did Madden 12 for iOS escape EA's lab-
How did Madden 12 for iOS escape EA's lab?
Madden NFL 12 from EA Sports has been one of the most eagerly awaited and top-selling games of the year thus far--as it always is for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and other platforms. But it looks like something went terribly wrong with the iOS versions for Apple's iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad.A visit to the iTunes Store reveals a series of frustrated reviews from Madden 12 buyers calling for refunds. Words like "horrible," "awful, "junk," "dreadful," "disappointed," "poor," and "sluggish" crop up.According to those consumer evaluations, the game crashes and multiple bugs make the electronic recreation of the National Football League practically "unplayable." The $6.99 iPhone version garnered 74 1-star vs. 42 5-star ratings. The $9.99 iPad version had more unhappy customers, with 50 1-star vs. 15 5-star ratings.I couldn't take online complaints as gospel truth, so I downloaded the game for both iPhone 4 and iPad 2 and took some time to replay the Super Bowl on both platforms. I can't tell you if the Green Bay Packers or Pittsburgh Steelers won my video game rematches because I wasn't able to complete either game. The iPhone 4 version crashed on two occasions, even after I quit the app and restarted the iPhone. The iPad 2 version stayed open and stable, but displayed bizarre player behavior--especially players running in the wrong direction regardless of game controls. At one point, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers started running backward and simply kept going until the Steelers scored a safety. The game didn't respond to its controls--or to my swearing.Like other disgruntled buyers, I'm left to ask how such a clunky, troubled game made it onto the market when a giant developer like Electronic Arts had a year to update a game it releases annually. I sent multiple requests to EA in Redwood City, Calif., to get a comment on the game and any possible improvements that might be en route. I have yet to receive a response. The game is now in version 1.0.6 and that update from earlier this month states: "Update NOW. We've made some behind-the-scenes adjustments to enhance overall gameplay."The reviews aren't markedly better yet, so there's obviously still work to do.If and when I hear from EA, you'll know.
Madden NFL 12 from EA Sports has been one of the most eagerly awaited and top-selling games of the year thus far--as it always is for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and other platforms. But it looks like something went terribly wrong with the iOS versions for Apple's iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad.A visit to the iTunes Store reveals a series of frustrated reviews from Madden 12 buyers calling for refunds. Words like "horrible," "awful, "junk," "dreadful," "disappointed," "poor," and "sluggish" crop up.According to those consumer evaluations, the game crashes and multiple bugs make the electronic recreation of the National Football League practically "unplayable." The $6.99 iPhone version garnered 74 1-star vs. 42 5-star ratings. The $9.99 iPad version had more unhappy customers, with 50 1-star vs. 15 5-star ratings.I couldn't take online complaints as gospel truth, so I downloaded the game for both iPhone 4 and iPad 2 and took some time to replay the Super Bowl on both platforms. I can't tell you if the Green Bay Packers or Pittsburgh Steelers won my video game rematches because I wasn't able to complete either game. The iPhone 4 version crashed on two occasions, even after I quit the app and restarted the iPhone. The iPad 2 version stayed open and stable, but displayed bizarre player behavior--especially players running in the wrong direction regardless of game controls. At one point, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers started running backward and simply kept going until the Steelers scored a safety. The game didn't respond to its controls--or to my swearing.Like other disgruntled buyers, I'm left to ask how such a clunky, troubled game made it onto the market when a giant developer like Electronic Arts had a year to update a game it releases annually. I sent multiple requests to EA in Redwood City, Calif., to get a comment on the game and any possible improvements that might be en route. I have yet to receive a response. The game is now in version 1.0.6 and that update from earlier this month states: "Update NOW. We've made some behind-the-scenes adjustments to enhance overall gameplay."The reviews aren't markedly better yet, so there's obviously still work to do.If and when I hear from EA, you'll know.
Samsung to release a 12-inch tablet, says Korea report
Samsung to release a 12-inch tablet, says Korea report
Samsung will buck the trend toward small tablets with a 12-incher, according to the Korea Economic Daily.The Daily speculates that it will be released in October sometime, citing industry sources. The brief report adds that Samsung Electronics is still "engaged in development" of the device. The largest screen size on a Samsung tablet to date is 11.6 inches. The report comes after series of rumors dating back to early in the year. One more recent July report claimed it packs a 12.2-inch display and may not necessarily be branded as a Galaxy Tab. Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actThat same report speculated that the display could match the resolution of Google's smaller Nexus 10, which is manufactured by Samsung. Apple is also reportedly considering larger tablets. Needless to say, if both Samsung and Apple come out with larger tablets, others will follow suit. Toshiba announced a 13.3-inch Android tablet back in June. Toshiba's Excite 13.CNET
Samsung will buck the trend toward small tablets with a 12-incher, according to the Korea Economic Daily.The Daily speculates that it will be released in October sometime, citing industry sources. The brief report adds that Samsung Electronics is still "engaged in development" of the device. The largest screen size on a Samsung tablet to date is 11.6 inches. The report comes after series of rumors dating back to early in the year. One more recent July report claimed it packs a 12.2-inch display and may not necessarily be branded as a Galaxy Tab. Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actThat same report speculated that the display could match the resolution of Google's smaller Nexus 10, which is manufactured by Samsung. Apple is also reportedly considering larger tablets. Needless to say, if both Samsung and Apple come out with larger tablets, others will follow suit. Toshiba announced a 13.3-inch Android tablet back in June. Toshiba's Excite 13.CNET
Samsung overtakes Apple as world's most profitable phone maker
Samsung overtakes Apple as world's most profitable phone maker
Apple has lost another battle in its ongoing war with Samsung.Research firm Strategy Analytics proclaimed Friday that for the first time in four years, Apple is no longer the most profitable handset maker in the world. That honor now belongs to Samsung.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM3D TV FAQVerizon Wireless revamps unlimited calling, data plansDuring the second quarter, Samsung's global handset operating profits hit $5.2 billion, according to Strategy Analytics. Apple's operating profit stood at $4.6 billion. Samsung's mobile division posted a $5.6 billion operating profit in the second quarter, according to the company. The difference between the two figures apparently comes from non-handsets.According to the research firm, Samsung's success has been due mainly to its "strong volumes, high wholesale prices, and tight cost controls." Apple, meanwhile, is facing increased competition around the world that might require it to change strategy, Strategy Analytics executive director Neil Mawston believes."Apple is now under intense pressure to launch more iPhone models at cheaper price-points or with larger screens to fend off the surging competition and recapture lost profits in the second half of 2013," he said.
Apple has lost another battle in its ongoing war with Samsung.Research firm Strategy Analytics proclaimed Friday that for the first time in four years, Apple is no longer the most profitable handset maker in the world. That honor now belongs to Samsung.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM3D TV FAQVerizon Wireless revamps unlimited calling, data plansDuring the second quarter, Samsung's global handset operating profits hit $5.2 billion, according to Strategy Analytics. Apple's operating profit stood at $4.6 billion. Samsung's mobile division posted a $5.6 billion operating profit in the second quarter, according to the company. The difference between the two figures apparently comes from non-handsets.According to the research firm, Samsung's success has been due mainly to its "strong volumes, high wholesale prices, and tight cost controls." Apple, meanwhile, is facing increased competition around the world that might require it to change strategy, Strategy Analytics executive director Neil Mawston believes."Apple is now under intense pressure to launch more iPhone models at cheaper price-points or with larger screens to fend off the surging competition and recapture lost profits in the second half of 2013," he said.
Apple delivers iOS 6
Apple delivers iOS 6
According to Apple, the update adds "over 200 new features," to iOS 5, which was released last October. Chief among them is an entirely new maps application that uses Apple's own data, changes to Siri that add more information about movies, restaurants, and sports scores, as well as deep integration with Facebook.Somewhat controversially, the update also removes features -- like the built-in YouTube application. Users can get a new version from Google in the App Store, which the company released last week. The big change in the maps app also eschews Google's map data and features like Street View, something that could arrive in another Google-made app in the coming months. For more on these changes, and others you can read CNET's review of the software right here.As with previous major releases, the update only goes out to newer iOS devices. That official list includes: Related storiesiOS 6: The must-have update you'll barely noticeGet your iPhone ready for iOS 6li>iOS 6 arrives Sept. 19Where what iOS 6 features are availableiOS 6 hits major marksYouTube launches new iPhone app ahead of iOS 6 releaseApp Store gets new design in iOS 6 updateiPhonesiPhone 3GSiPhone 4iPhone 4SiPodsiPod Touch (4th generation)iPod Touch (5th generation)iPadsiPad 2iPad (3rd generation)It's worth noting that among that list, the iPhone 3GS has been discontinued. Apple has replaced it in its lineup with the iPhone 4, which is free with a two-year contract. Developers have had preview versions of the software since it debuted in June. Apple doled out a golden master version of the software last Wednesday, when the iPhone 5 was announced. The software comes pre-loaded on that device, which hits stores this Friday. iOS 6 makes your iPhone easier to use (p...See full gallery1 - 4 / 16NextPrevThe update screen on an iPad 2, where the update is 548MB.Jason Parker/CNET
According to Apple, the update adds "over 200 new features," to iOS 5, which was released last October. Chief among them is an entirely new maps application that uses Apple's own data, changes to Siri that add more information about movies, restaurants, and sports scores, as well as deep integration with Facebook.Somewhat controversially, the update also removes features -- like the built-in YouTube application. Users can get a new version from Google in the App Store, which the company released last week. The big change in the maps app also eschews Google's map data and features like Street View, something that could arrive in another Google-made app in the coming months. For more on these changes, and others you can read CNET's review of the software right here.As with previous major releases, the update only goes out to newer iOS devices. That official list includes: Related storiesiOS 6: The must-have update you'll barely noticeGet your iPhone ready for iOS 6li>iOS 6 arrives Sept. 19Where what iOS 6 features are availableiOS 6 hits major marksYouTube launches new iPhone app ahead of iOS 6 releaseApp Store gets new design in iOS 6 updateiPhonesiPhone 3GSiPhone 4iPhone 4SiPodsiPod Touch (4th generation)iPod Touch (5th generation)iPadsiPad 2iPad (3rd generation)It's worth noting that among that list, the iPhone 3GS has been discontinued. Apple has replaced it in its lineup with the iPhone 4, which is free with a two-year contract. Developers have had preview versions of the software since it debuted in June. Apple doled out a golden master version of the software last Wednesday, when the iPhone 5 was announced. The software comes pre-loaded on that device, which hits stores this Friday. iOS 6 makes your iPhone easier to use (p...See full gallery1 - 4 / 16NextPrevThe update screen on an iPad 2, where the update is 548MB.Jason Parker/CNET
Apple delivers iOS 5 beta 3 to developers
Apple delivers iOS 5 beta 3 to developers
Apple released the third beta version of iOS 5 to developers today, a sign the company is getting closer to readying the software for its public release later this year.The new version replaces beta 2, which was delivered to developers on June 24. Unlike that version, which added the Wi-Fi sync feature, the new beta of the system software for iPhones, iPads, and the iPod Touch appears to contain bug fixes and slight tweaks. Along with the iOS beta update, Apple also released beta versions of its Apple TV software, iTunes, and Xcode. Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users 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.The new version of the software made its debut at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference last month. Its headlining feature is 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.(via Macrumors)Update at 1:25 p.m. PT: It's All Tech (via Macrumors) has done a deep dive with the new software, and unearthed a more granular location services settings pane where users can turn on and off specific location features. This means users can turn off things like location-based advertisements, while keeping traffic tools on. Apple's also included an option to enable or disable location services when first setting up an iOS device. Location has been a hot topic for Apple, which had totestify to Senate subcommittees about its use of user location in separate hearings earlier this year following the re-discovery of a high-profile database file on its iOS devices. After explaining to the world what the tracking file was for, Apple pledged to secure it in iOS 5, which had not yet been announced at the time.
Apple released the third beta version of iOS 5 to developers today, a sign the company is getting closer to readying the software for its public release later this year.The new version replaces beta 2, which was delivered to developers on June 24. Unlike that version, which added the Wi-Fi sync feature, the new beta of the system software for iPhones, iPads, and the iPod Touch appears to contain bug fixes and slight tweaks. Along with the iOS beta update, Apple also released beta versions of its Apple TV software, iTunes, and Xcode. Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users 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.The new version of the software made its debut at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference last month. Its headlining feature is 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.(via Macrumors)Update at 1:25 p.m. PT: It's All Tech (via Macrumors) has done a deep dive with the new software, and unearthed a more granular location services settings pane where users can turn on and off specific location features. This means users can turn off things like location-based advertisements, while keeping traffic tools on. Apple's also included an option to enable or disable location services when first setting up an iOS device. Location has been a hot topic for Apple, which had totestify to Senate subcommittees about its use of user location in separate hearings earlier this year following the re-discovery of a high-profile database file on its iOS devices. After explaining to the world what the tracking file was for, Apple pledged to secure it in iOS 5, which had not yet been announced at the time.
Apple confirms iPhone to land at China Mobile in January
Apple confirms iPhone to land at China Mobile in January
Apple announced Sunday it has reached an agreement with China Mobile to offer the iPhone on the world's largest wireless carrier next month, confirming long-standing rumors.The iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C will be available on China Mobile starting January 17, but pricing was not revealed. Terms of the deal were not released. "China is an extremely important market for Apple and our partnership with China Mobile presents us the opportunity to bring iPhone to the customers of the world's largest network," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement.Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster expects that Apple could sell 17 million total iPhones on China Mobile in 2014, reaching approximately 2 percent of China Mobile's total subscriber base.The rollout of the iPhone on China Mobile, which has nearly 760 million customers, was widely expected to occur earlier this month to coincide with the debut of 4G LTE service on wireless carriers in China. Xinhua, China's official state news agency, quietly reported in November that the iPhone would "officially" launch on China Mobile's network on December 18.While the iPhone is currently offered by China Unicom and China Telecom, Apple has been courting China Mobile for years, seeking the vast number of new customers such a deal would create. Negotiations between the two companies were closely watched, with two visits by Cook to China to meet with China Mobile Chairman Xi Guohua widely reported on.Update Dec. 23 at 7:18 a.m. PT: Added Piper Jaffray estimate on like iPhone sales volume at China Mobile.
Apple announced Sunday it has reached an agreement with China Mobile to offer the iPhone on the world's largest wireless carrier next month, confirming long-standing rumors.The iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C will be available on China Mobile starting January 17, but pricing was not revealed. Terms of the deal were not released. "China is an extremely important market for Apple and our partnership with China Mobile presents us the opportunity to bring iPhone to the customers of the world's largest network," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement.Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster expects that Apple could sell 17 million total iPhones on China Mobile in 2014, reaching approximately 2 percent of China Mobile's total subscriber base.The rollout of the iPhone on China Mobile, which has nearly 760 million customers, was widely expected to occur earlier this month to coincide with the debut of 4G LTE service on wireless carriers in China. Xinhua, China's official state news agency, quietly reported in November that the iPhone would "officially" launch on China Mobile's network on December 18.While the iPhone is currently offered by China Unicom and China Telecom, Apple has been courting China Mobile for years, seeking the vast number of new customers such a deal would create. Negotiations between the two companies were closely watched, with two visits by Cook to China to meet with China Mobile Chairman Xi Guohua widely reported on.Update Dec. 23 at 7:18 a.m. PT: Added Piper Jaffray estimate on like iPhone sales volume at China Mobile.
Apple confirms Grand Central store opening Friday
Apple confirms Grand Central store opening Friday
Apple confirmed today that it will open its Grand Central store Friday morning. The store will have a unique look, integrating Apple's typically modern polish with the classic look of Grand Central station. It will occupy the east and northeast balconies of the terminal, overlooking the main concourse. The store will almost certainly be considered Apple's flagship location in Manhattan, which already has four other eye-catching stores on Fifth Avenue, the Upper West Side, SoHo, and the Meatpacking District. The Grand Central store, however, is the only one with a guaranteed flow of consumer traffic as countless commuters head in and out of the city. Apple said the store will have two Genius Bars and a personal pickup area, allowing consumers to order products through the Apple Store app and pick them up once they reach the station. The company said the store will offer new 15-minute Express Workshops for consumers on a tighter schedule. It also boasts the largest personal setup area, as well as a room for personal training.There will be 315 employees at the store, the company said. The Grand Central store is just the latest in a chain of more than 360 Apple stores in 11 countries. The stores have become an important extension of Apple's brand, as well as another revenue source for the company. Check back on Friday for full coverage of the grand opening.Updated at 10:48 a.m. PT:Mi> with photos.
Apple confirmed today that it will open its Grand Central store Friday morning. The store will have a unique look, integrating Apple's typically modern polish with the classic look of Grand Central station. It will occupy the east and northeast balconies of the terminal, overlooking the main concourse. The store will almost certainly be considered Apple's flagship location in Manhattan, which already has four other eye-catching stores on Fifth Avenue, the Upper West Side, SoHo, and the Meatpacking District. The Grand Central store, however, is the only one with a guaranteed flow of consumer traffic as countless commuters head in and out of the city. Apple said the store will have two Genius Bars and a personal pickup area, allowing consumers to order products through the Apple Store app and pick them up once they reach the station. The company said the store will offer new 15-minute Express Workshops for consumers on a tighter schedule. It also boasts the largest personal setup area, as well as a room for personal training.There will be 315 employees at the store, the company said. The Grand Central store is just the latest in a chain of more than 360 Apple stores in 11 countries. The stores have become an important extension of Apple's brand, as well as another revenue source for the company. Check back on Friday for full coverage of the grand opening.Updated at 10:48 a.m. PT:Mi> with photos.
Apple commemorates 'Decade of iTunes' Store with swag
Apple commemorates 'Decade of iTunes' Store with swag
Apple's iTunes Store doesn't actually turn 10 years old until April 28, but Apple seems keen on getting the party started a little early. In honor of the occasion, the company has sent journalists a digital keepsake of sorts: 100 handpicked songs and a physical copy of the digital timeline it put up on iTunes yesterday.The package even comes with a thank you note from iTunes and iCloud chief Eddy Cue:When Apple introduced the iTunes Store on April 28, 2003, we thought if consumers had a great, legal way to download music they would embrace it -- did they ever. Apple was floored, as were the labels, when customers bought over 1 million songs during the first week. And now, 10 years later, we continue to be amazed by how much customers love the iTunes Store, with more than 25 billion songs sold.Apple loves music and strives to provide customers with the most innovative features and services on iTunes. We are all very proud of having such an incredible selection of legendary musicians on the iTunes Store and take great pride in exposing music fans to new and emerging artists.We've put together a compilation of 100 songs that represents milestones throughout the history of iTunes and shows just how far we've come. I'd like to thank our customers, label partners, and artists for being part of such an incredible decade.--Eddy CueHere's an "unboxing" of sorts:Unboxing Apple's 'Decade of iTunes' (pic...See full gallery1 - 4 / 9NextPrevUpdate, 5:20 p.m. PT: Some of you have been asking for the whole track list. Here it is in PDF form, and -- yep -- Coldplay's on there four times: A Decade of iTunes (song list)
Apple's iTunes Store doesn't actually turn 10 years old until April 28, but Apple seems keen on getting the party started a little early. In honor of the occasion, the company has sent journalists a digital keepsake of sorts: 100 handpicked songs and a physical copy of the digital timeline it put up on iTunes yesterday.The package even comes with a thank you note from iTunes and iCloud chief Eddy Cue:When Apple introduced the iTunes Store on April 28, 2003, we thought if consumers had a great, legal way to download music they would embrace it -- did they ever. Apple was floored, as were the labels, when customers bought over 1 million songs during the first week. And now, 10 years later, we continue to be amazed by how much customers love the iTunes Store, with more than 25 billion songs sold.Apple loves music and strives to provide customers with the most innovative features and services on iTunes. We are all very proud of having such an incredible selection of legendary musicians on the iTunes Store and take great pride in exposing music fans to new and emerging artists.We've put together a compilation of 100 songs that represents milestones throughout the history of iTunes and shows just how far we've come. I'd like to thank our customers, label partners, and artists for being part of such an incredible decade.--Eddy CueHere's an "unboxing" of sorts:Unboxing Apple's 'Decade of iTunes' (pic...See full gallery1 - 4 / 9NextPrevUpdate, 5:20 p.m. PT: Some of you have been asking for the whole track list. Here it is in PDF form, and -- yep -- Coldplay's on there four times: A Decade of iTunes (song list)
Apple co-founder Woz's old house on sale for $4.5M
Apple co-founder Woz's old house on sale for $4.5M
Apple icons old and new have been on the move. In regard to real estate, that is. The company's current design chief, Jonny Ive, just reportedly bought $17 million digs in San Francisco, and as it turns out, a former house of the company's early co-founder is looking for a new owner too. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak's (or Woz's) "original estate" is on the market for a considerably lower asking price of $4.5 million. Located in Los Gatos, Calif., just a few minutes away from Apple's corporate headquarters, the two-story, six-bedroom house has a pool with a waterfall, an indoor play area for children, and even a Koi pond, all original additions by Woz.A slideshow hosted on real estate listing site Redfin shows other groovy additions, like an office filled with various bits of odd geometry, and a firehouse-style pole for quickly descending between two floors. Because hey, why not?Records show that the house originally sold back in October 2004 for $4.75 million, again in March 2006, and then once more in February 2009. In its most recent listing the house went up this past February for $5 million, a price that's since been cut by $500,000. Wozniak co-founded Apple with Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne in 1976. After leaving Apple, he went on to found remote control company CL 9, which was sold in 1988. Woz later joined Fusion-io, a company that specializes in solid-state storage drives, as its chief scientist.
Apple icons old and new have been on the move. In regard to real estate, that is. The company's current design chief, Jonny Ive, just reportedly bought $17 million digs in San Francisco, and as it turns out, a former house of the company's early co-founder is looking for a new owner too. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak's (or Woz's) "original estate" is on the market for a considerably lower asking price of $4.5 million. Located in Los Gatos, Calif., just a few minutes away from Apple's corporate headquarters, the two-story, six-bedroom house has a pool with a waterfall, an indoor play area for children, and even a Koi pond, all original additions by Woz.A slideshow hosted on real estate listing site Redfin shows other groovy additions, like an office filled with various bits of odd geometry, and a firehouse-style pole for quickly descending between two floors. Because hey, why not?Records show that the house originally sold back in October 2004 for $4.75 million, again in March 2006, and then once more in February 2009. In its most recent listing the house went up this past February for $5 million, a price that's since been cut by $500,000. Wozniak co-founded Apple with Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne in 1976. After leaving Apple, he went on to found remote control company CL 9, which was sold in 1988. Woz later joined Fusion-io, a company that specializes in solid-state storage drives, as its chief scientist.
Apple co-founder Woz to star in iOS game with 'Machete' actor
Apple co-founder Woz to star in iOS game with 'Machete' actor
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is set to appear as a playable video game character alongside the likeness of "Machete" star Danny Trejo in an upcoming iOS title called Danny Trejo's Vengeance "Woz with a Coz." The game, which is due on or before November 22 to coincide with Thanksgiving, puts the unlikely duo together in an 8-bit platformer with weapons against a city full of baddies. It's a tie-in and promotional vehicle for Trejo's film "Vengeance," due out next year.So where exactly does Wozniak fit into all this? According to a release about the game, it's all about teaming up with Trejo to rescue Woz's wife, Janet, who has been kidnapped:In "Woz with a Coz" on iOS, the Apple co-founder and his wife, "J-Woz," are enjoying their evening together, taking a glide. Unfortunately, their otherwise quiet evening is ruined -- not by a competitive product release -- but rather by street thugs kidnapping "J-Woz"!!! Your dynamic duo of Steve and Danny must hurry and swing into action as they tear up Fusion City in their quest to rescue "J-Woz," and maybe cause a little mayhem on their way... The game, initially announced on Deadline Hollywood, will be the first such title on Apple's iOS platform to feature the company's co-founder. Wozniak left Apple in 1987, and has since spent his time in other tech-related roles, including his current one as chief scientist at data company Fusion-io. Besides Wozniak, maker ITN Flix and React Games say there will be other playable characters, such as musician Baby Bash and MMA fighter Rashad Evans. A price for the title and plans to bring it to other platforms have not been announced.
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is set to appear as a playable video game character alongside the likeness of "Machete" star Danny Trejo in an upcoming iOS title called Danny Trejo's Vengeance "Woz with a Coz." The game, which is due on or before November 22 to coincide with Thanksgiving, puts the unlikely duo together in an 8-bit platformer with weapons against a city full of baddies. It's a tie-in and promotional vehicle for Trejo's film "Vengeance," due out next year.So where exactly does Wozniak fit into all this? According to a release about the game, it's all about teaming up with Trejo to rescue Woz's wife, Janet, who has been kidnapped:In "Woz with a Coz" on iOS, the Apple co-founder and his wife, "J-Woz," are enjoying their evening together, taking a glide. Unfortunately, their otherwise quiet evening is ruined -- not by a competitive product release -- but rather by street thugs kidnapping "J-Woz"!!! Your dynamic duo of Steve and Danny must hurry and swing into action as they tear up Fusion City in their quest to rescue "J-Woz," and maybe cause a little mayhem on their way... The game, initially announced on Deadline Hollywood, will be the first such title on Apple's iOS platform to feature the company's co-founder. Wozniak left Apple in 1987, and has since spent his time in other tech-related roles, including his current one as chief scientist at data company Fusion-io. Besides Wozniak, maker ITN Flix and React Games say there will be other playable characters, such as musician Baby Bash and MMA fighter Rashad Evans. A price for the title and plans to bring it to other platforms have not been announced.
Apple delaying iPhone 5S due to switch in screen size
Put this in the radical rumor file. Apple has decided to delay the iPhone 5S in order to switch to a larger screen size, say Asia-sourced reports. Apple will delay the release of the iPhone 5S in order to give it time to make a switch to a larger screen size, according to a report from BrightWire News, citing sources at suppliers.Commercial Times, via Bloomberg, is also reporting the rumor. Apple has decided to up the screen size from 4 inches to 4.3 inches, the report claimed. "[Apple] halted processor production for [the] iPhone 5S in May," according to BrightWire news.That initial iPhone 5S design had a 4-inch screen. The 5S was expected to hit the market in September or October but has been pushed back to the end of the year, both reports said. Budget iPhones will be released by October, as expected. That design was not changed. Large-screen phones with displays bigger than 4 inches are catching on fast.It's remotely possible that Apple believes it needs to respond to market demands more quickly.Apple has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Apple debuts new $1,099 21.5-inch iMac for schools
Avoiding all fanfare, Apple appears to have quietly unveiled a new version of its low-end iMac. This machine is for educational institutions only, which can snap it up for $1,099 saving $200 over the regular model. It's unclear when Apple debuted the new iMac on its education institution Apple store, but according to MacRumors it appears to have been very recently. The tech news site says that the $1,099 version has replaced the earlier $999 iMac for educational institutions -- which was launched more than a year and a half ago.The new iMac is 21.5-inches and its hardware includes a 3.3 GHz Core i3 processor, 500GB of storage, and 4GB of memory. Custom configuration RAM and storage upgrades are available for around $270 each. The hardware for low-end consumer iMacs gives about double the RAM and hard drive capacity as this educational institution version.Unlike other educational discounts offered by Apple, this iMac and other products offered on the education institution Apple store can only be ordered directly by a school. Students and educators can't individually buy these products for their own use.
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