Apple's iPad: What you need to know
Proving rumors right, Apple unveiled the iPad, a device that looks akin to a large iPhone or iPod Touch. It sports a 9.7-inch LCD touch-screen display, which makes use of the same multitouch technology found on the iPhone, Apple's Magic Mouse, and its notebook trackpads. It also has the same in-plane switching display technology that made its debut in the latest crop of iMacs. Like the iPhone and iPod, it sports a finger-friendly OS with an on-screen QWERTY keyboard, and an accelerometer that can detect whether the device is in portrait or landscape mode. It has a 30-pin dock connector, built-in Wi-Fi, and a home button that jumps users back to the main screen of the OS. It also has a volume rocker and a mute button--just like the iPhone.AppleAlong with a big screen, it's sporting a 1Ghz custom Apple chip (from its pick-up of PA Semi back in 2008). Apple says it can get 10 hours of video, which is about four more than the iPod Touch and the same as the latest generation iPhone. This translates to "a month" of standby time. The iPad will come in 16, 32, and 64GB capacities for $499, $599, and $699, respectively. That's just the Wi-Fi version though. Apple will also be selling a version of the iPad that includes both Wi-Fi and a 3G wireless modem built in. iPad users who want to make use of the 3G service, which is being offered by AT&T, can pick up one of two plans for that: $15 a month for 250MB of data, or unlimited for $29.99 a month. It also bumps up the baseline price of the device to $629 (16GB), $729 (32GB), and $829 (64GB).The iPad with just Wi-Fi will be shipping in the next 60 days, with the 3G version in the next 90 days. Other noteworthy specs:• The Wi-Fi antenna supports 802.11 a/b/g/n • The iPad weighs just 1.5 pounds. The version with 3G is .1 pounds heavier.• The screen resolution is 1024x768 (the iPhone/iPod is 480x320).• It can playback 720p HD video, though video output to external sources is limited to 480p.• It has the same oleophobic coating that made its debut on the iPhone 3GS. This helps face and finger grease bead up and wipe off easier.Bigger appsAs for apps, the iPad's screen runs larger than what can be found on Apple's smaller portable devices, which means developers have more screen real estate to work with. At the same time, the iPad is backwards compatible with existing iPhone and iPod Touch applications. Apps with smaller screen resolutions are simply scaled up to fit. Apple is giving developers a way to modify their applications to work with both sets of hardware.Up close with the Apple iPad (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 8NextPrevApple CEO Steve Jobs demonstrated the tablet running numerous first-party apps, including iTunes, a photo gallery, its Safari Web browser, iCal, e-mail, Google Maps, and YouTube. Many shared traits of what's been seen on the iPhone, just with more screen real estate. This was most evident in Apple's Mail app, which now features a two-up panel display with a preview of the selected e-mail in the larger part of the screen. According to Jobs, all of its apps were re-written to fit natively on the bigger display.Several companies also demonstrated their new iPad-optimized apps:• Gameloft showed off a larger-resolution version of its hit first-person shooter N.O.V.A., which will be out "later this year." • The New York Times demoed a tablet-friendly version of its app, which mimics the layout of reading a newspaper in portrait mode, except with video links that open up within an embedded player. • Brushes, a popular iPhone app, demoed the upcoming iPad version of its image editing software, which now makes use of the larger screen real estate to conceal large pop-up menus.James Martin/CNET• MLB.com unveiled a tweaked version of its app that adds video highlights, team info, virtual baseball cards, and more on-screen overlays.Apple also introduced an updated version of its iWork software. It's the first version of the software to run on one of Apple's portable devices, and makes full use of the iPad's touch screen. This confirms a rumor from The New York Times earlier this month. Worth noting is that iWork will be offered as three separate apps, all of which will cost $10 apiece. Having Numbers, Keynote, and Sheets will run iPad users $30, as opposed to the $79 price tag for the desktop version. Book distribution(James Martin/CNET)Jobs unveiled a new content delivery system called iBooks (not to be confused with Apple's former laptop line, the iBook). The new app features a virtual bookshelf with content from five major publishers:HarperCollins, Hachette, Penguin, Macmillan, and Simon & Shuster (note: Simon & Shuster is a division of CBS Corporation, which publishes CNET).Apple said the iBooks store will feature both popular books as well as text books. Notably absent was any mention of whether magazines will be available as well.Just like iTunes, books are split up into what's popular and by genre. Users can preview the first few pages before purchasing, and downloaded books are sent directly to the user's virtual bookshelf. They can then be read in a similar manner to what's already been available with Amazon's Kindle app. Users can read their books in portrait or landscape mode, change the size of the text, and hop around using a persistent table of contents.Other tidbitsApple will be selling a dock that comes with a keyboard for the iPad.Apple• Apple confirmed to CNET that the iPad is just like the iPhone and iPod Touch when it comes to Adobe Flash--it does not support the popular Web plug-in.• 250,000,000 iPods have been sold since 2001.• Apple has 248 retail stores that have seen 50 million visitors.• The App Store now has more than 140,000 applications. • There is still no multitasking. Apps can only run one at a time, that is, unless they're Apple's apps.• The iPad appears to use Apple's unibody machining process, which made its formal debut in the company's late 2008 MacBook line.• The new OS borrows a few cues from Snow Leopard, including the capability to change background wallpapers, and a 3D-style dock.• 125 million credit cards are already hooked up to the iTunes and App Store.• Apple is selling a number of first-party accessories, including a dock with a full-sized keyboard, a camera connection kit that lets users import images from their SD cards, and a case that doubles as a stand. Apple has not announced pricing for any of these items.Below is just one of our live videos from the event. Also, be sure to check out our Live Blog, which has many more pictures and details.
Netgear unveils Stora NAS
Netgear unveils Stora NAS
Thinking that its Ready NAS line of storage devices is too business-centric, Netgear on Monday announced a line of its network-attached storage servers, the Netgear Stora, that Drew Meyer, director of marketing for Netgear's NAS unit, called "most definitely a platform for everyone."The new NAS server is a two-bay storage device that can hold two internal SATA hard drives of any capacity. For now, that means drives offering up to 2TB of storage in RAID1 (mirrored) configuration. This RAID configuration mirrors data on two drives for protection against a hard drive failure.The server supports PCs, Macs, and Linux computers. It also supports digital media streaming and is Windows Media 7-compliant. It has one USB port that can be used to connect external hard drives for extra storage or to share a USB printer. At 6.90 inches by 5.91 inches by 5.74 inches, the NAS is cube-shaped and weighs about 3 pounds without hard drives.Netgear Stora NAS server photosSee full gallery1 - 4 / 5NextPrevWhile I haven't seen the product yet, judging from its specs and photos, Meyer's idea of a NAS platform for everyone seems rather simple. The Stora neither supports RAID0 (which is optimized for speed and large storage capacity), nor does it have eSATA ports. It also doesn't have more than one USB port and it's on the front of the server--not an ideal spot to add a permanent storage device or printer. It's also likely that it doesn't offer advanced home NAS servers functions, such as PC-less download or FTP server.According to Netgear, the Stora offers remote access via the MyStora Web site where users can do cross-platform file sharing, music listening, movie watching, and photo sharing from any Internet-connected device. Netgear also will offer a yearly premium service to support additional remote access and third-party service integration such as Flickr and mobile phones. The service costs $20 after an initial 30-day trial period. For the local network, the sever also supports multiple media streaming standards and is able to host digital content for iTunes as well as game consoles such as the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, as well as for smartphones.The Netgear Stora (MS2110) comes with a 1TB hard drive installed; however, users can put the second hard drive in, on the fly, without any tools and the server will automatically mirror the content of the first hard dive. The Stora also comes with automatic backup utilities for PCs and Macs.The Netgear Stora is available immediately and costs $229.
Thinking that its Ready NAS line of storage devices is too business-centric, Netgear on Monday announced a line of its network-attached storage servers, the Netgear Stora, that Drew Meyer, director of marketing for Netgear's NAS unit, called "most definitely a platform for everyone."The new NAS server is a two-bay storage device that can hold two internal SATA hard drives of any capacity. For now, that means drives offering up to 2TB of storage in RAID1 (mirrored) configuration. This RAID configuration mirrors data on two drives for protection against a hard drive failure.The server supports PCs, Macs, and Linux computers. It also supports digital media streaming and is Windows Media 7-compliant. It has one USB port that can be used to connect external hard drives for extra storage or to share a USB printer. At 6.90 inches by 5.91 inches by 5.74 inches, the NAS is cube-shaped and weighs about 3 pounds without hard drives.Netgear Stora NAS server photosSee full gallery1 - 4 / 5NextPrevWhile I haven't seen the product yet, judging from its specs and photos, Meyer's idea of a NAS platform for everyone seems rather simple. The Stora neither supports RAID0 (which is optimized for speed and large storage capacity), nor does it have eSATA ports. It also doesn't have more than one USB port and it's on the front of the server--not an ideal spot to add a permanent storage device or printer. It's also likely that it doesn't offer advanced home NAS servers functions, such as PC-less download or FTP server.According to Netgear, the Stora offers remote access via the MyStora Web site where users can do cross-platform file sharing, music listening, movie watching, and photo sharing from any Internet-connected device. Netgear also will offer a yearly premium service to support additional remote access and third-party service integration such as Flickr and mobile phones. The service costs $20 after an initial 30-day trial period. For the local network, the sever also supports multiple media streaming standards and is able to host digital content for iTunes as well as game consoles such as the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, as well as for smartphones.The Netgear Stora (MS2110) comes with a 1TB hard drive installed; however, users can put the second hard drive in, on the fly, without any tools and the server will automatically mirror the content of the first hard dive. The Stora also comes with automatic backup utilities for PCs and Macs.The Netgear Stora is available immediately and costs $229.
Beta goes meta- From innovation to trend in a heartbeat
Beta goes meta: From innovation to trend in a heartbeat
The fact that the Forrester Consumer Forum dedicates a panel to this much-blogged about topic is a sign that being in beta has become a broad cultural phenomenon. By nature we are all in beta, as the Boxes and Arrows blog poignantly remarks, and clearly, we now also live in an economy where "planes are built in the air." Many new products never make it beyond trial stage, and the trial and error beta-approach that helps Google and other alpha innovators to out-fail and thereby out-innovate the competition, is as much an attribute of successful organizations as it is a sign of our time. But it's not only analysts and conference organizers who are switching instantly from micro to macro, picking up nascent trends and elevating them to a must-deal-with core competence that transcends the current fad (just see all the Facebook conferences that are mushrooming right now). What I find even more interesting is how the media and blogosphere deal with it. If everything's in beta, the public doesn't have the patience anymore to wait for the alpha. As the media are increasingly forced to immediately widen the scope and view every innovation in a larger context as it occurs, the boundaries between reporters and commentators, bloggers and industry analysts are fading.Some examples: Not too long ago, Twitter was all the rage, and it was stunning to see that just shortly after the initial coverage during SXSW in March, reporters were already elaborating on the concept of micro-blogging, wondering what the new "radical transparency" meant for business. Nowadays, there is a great chance that you will stumble upon a Facebook story when you open just about any publication: It's Facebook vs. MySpace, the implications of social networking on the borders between work and personal life, reflections on the "Facebook economy," Facebook vs. iTunes, and maybe a philosophical piece on Facebook "as a post-modern book" or the future of social networking, which, for TIME, equals the future of the Internet. It is only a small step from MySpace to the "MySpace generation," and from Facebook to the "Facebook generation" and then to the "Fakebook generation." Similarly, the recent buzz around Radiohead's "pay what you want" online release has instantly led to the coining of a "Radiohead Generation" and praise for the band "as a pioneer of the digital revolution." And there are hundreds of articles discussing if Radiohead's decision ushers in the definite end of the record industry. The stories about the radical distribution model appear to eclipse the actual music on the album--in this case, too, the reviews are in before the story is told.Evidently, the media need to cope with the current while also putting forward a vision for the up and coming. The time between observation and conclusion, between description and prediction, however, has shrunk to almost zero. There are no more lapses between news, analysis, background story, industry trend story, and intellectual dissection; they have become one and the same, at the same time. Not only is beta the new alpha--beta has gone meta.
The fact that the Forrester Consumer Forum dedicates a panel to this much-blogged about topic is a sign that being in beta has become a broad cultural phenomenon. By nature we are all in beta, as the Boxes and Arrows blog poignantly remarks, and clearly, we now also live in an economy where "planes are built in the air." Many new products never make it beyond trial stage, and the trial and error beta-approach that helps Google and other alpha innovators to out-fail and thereby out-innovate the competition, is as much an attribute of successful organizations as it is a sign of our time. But it's not only analysts and conference organizers who are switching instantly from micro to macro, picking up nascent trends and elevating them to a must-deal-with core competence that transcends the current fad (just see all the Facebook conferences that are mushrooming right now). What I find even more interesting is how the media and blogosphere deal with it. If everything's in beta, the public doesn't have the patience anymore to wait for the alpha. As the media are increasingly forced to immediately widen the scope and view every innovation in a larger context as it occurs, the boundaries between reporters and commentators, bloggers and industry analysts are fading.Some examples: Not too long ago, Twitter was all the rage, and it was stunning to see that just shortly after the initial coverage during SXSW in March, reporters were already elaborating on the concept of micro-blogging, wondering what the new "radical transparency" meant for business. Nowadays, there is a great chance that you will stumble upon a Facebook story when you open just about any publication: It's Facebook vs. MySpace, the implications of social networking on the borders between work and personal life, reflections on the "Facebook economy," Facebook vs. iTunes, and maybe a philosophical piece on Facebook "as a post-modern book" or the future of social networking, which, for TIME, equals the future of the Internet. It is only a small step from MySpace to the "MySpace generation," and from Facebook to the "Facebook generation" and then to the "Fakebook generation." Similarly, the recent buzz around Radiohead's "pay what you want" online release has instantly led to the coining of a "Radiohead Generation" and praise for the band "as a pioneer of the digital revolution." And there are hundreds of articles discussing if Radiohead's decision ushers in the definite end of the record industry. The stories about the radical distribution model appear to eclipse the actual music on the album--in this case, too, the reviews are in before the story is told.Evidently, the media need to cope with the current while also putting forward a vision for the up and coming. The time between observation and conclusion, between description and prediction, however, has shrunk to almost zero. There are no more lapses between news, analysis, background story, industry trend story, and intellectual dissection; they have become one and the same, at the same time. Not only is beta the new alpha--beta has gone meta.
The 404 368- Where we're rollin' with the homies
The 404 368: Where we're rollin' with the homies
I hadn't heard about this, but Jeff shells out some news about the upcoming "Alice in Wonderland" remake, directed by 404-favorite Tim Burton. Check out the video below to see the pictures and hear our comments, but so far we're pretty impressed with the CGI and makeup used on Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, and Matt Lucas. Wilson, film buff extraordinaire, has a healthy dose of skepticism based on Burton's recent disasters, but we'll have to wait until March 2010 like everyone else to see how it all pans out.We also have more news to report about Autotune. Turns out T-Pain is in the process of developing his own Autotune application for the iPhone. Expect the usual dose of hatred from Beff Jakalar, but I'm personally a huge fan of autotuning no matter how much it's overdone. How can you listen to this and not want to get up and dance?Thanks to everyone that's been leaving us voicemails. Rest assured that although we've had a long string of guests, we'll play all of them in the coming weeks. If you want to hear yourself on the radio, give us a call at 1-866-404-CNET and tell us how much you love/hate the show. You can also e-mail us at the404{at}cnet(dot)com. Check us out on Twitter and Facebook as well!EPISODE 368Download today's podcast Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video 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.PlayNew "Alice in Wonderland" movie coming March 2010Make your iPhone say yeahhhhhhInternet crowns "Queen" of textingFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson Tang
I hadn't heard about this, but Jeff shells out some news about the upcoming "Alice in Wonderland" remake, directed by 404-favorite Tim Burton. Check out the video below to see the pictures and hear our comments, but so far we're pretty impressed with the CGI and makeup used on Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, and Matt Lucas. Wilson, film buff extraordinaire, has a healthy dose of skepticism based on Burton's recent disasters, but we'll have to wait until March 2010 like everyone else to see how it all pans out.We also have more news to report about Autotune. Turns out T-Pain is in the process of developing his own Autotune application for the iPhone. Expect the usual dose of hatred from Beff Jakalar, but I'm personally a huge fan of autotuning no matter how much it's overdone. How can you listen to this and not want to get up and dance?Thanks to everyone that's been leaving us voicemails. Rest assured that although we've had a long string of guests, we'll play all of them in the coming weeks. If you want to hear yourself on the radio, give us a call at 1-866-404-CNET and tell us how much you love/hate the show. You can also e-mail us at the404{at}cnet(dot)com. Check us out on Twitter and Facebook as well!EPISODE 368Download today's podcast Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video 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.PlayNew "Alice in Wonderland" movie coming March 2010Make your iPhone say yeahhhhhhInternet crowns "Queen" of textingFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson Tang
Magellan RoadMate for iPhone updates with Yelp, Google search
Magellan RoadMate for iPhone updates with Yelp, Google search
Magellan's RoadMate app for iPhone updates today to version 2.0 with a refreshed UI. However, the biggest change is the new POI search, because joining Magellan's standard list of searchable points of interest are new options for Yelp and Google Local.With Yelp search you can browse all of Yelp's categories and subcategories. Search results include Yelp's star rating for quickly identifying, for example, the best Ethiopian restaurant in your area. Once you've found your destination, the app can call the venue or initiate turn-by-turn directions. Additionally, every search result is a clickable link that takes you to an entry in the Yelp app for iPhone (a free download that must be installed separately) if you need a little more information to help you make your decision. If you're searching for a restaurant that takes reservations, you can even make one using OpenTable. There's a bit of app switching that takes some getting used to, but the flow from search to reservation and back to routing is remarkably smooth thanks to iOS' multitasking function.Google Local Search is exactly what you'd expect it to be and harnesses the power of Google's search engine to locate points of interest that exist outside of the preloaded Magellan database. We found during our testing that Yelp was best for searching for new places within a category, for example barber shops in downtown San Francisco. On the other hand, Google Local search was best for finding specific POIs, such as Al's Barbershop on Fillmore Street. An active data connection is required to use either of these services.Magellan RoadMate 2.0 for iPhone (photos...See full gallery1 - 4 / 15NextPrevUser interface upgrades include a new map interface that's been optimized for the iPhone's screen real estate. At the bottom or along the right edge, depending on the phone's orientation, is a new collapsible info bar that can be displayed to gain access to the app's menu and information about the current route or hidden to display the map across the full screen. Making its return is Magellan's OneTouch menu, where you can save favorite POIs or searches for quick access.The 2.0 update to the Magellan RoadMate app hits the iTunes App Store today with versions loading map data for Canada, the United States, or all of North America, for $34.99, $49.99, or $59.99, respectively.
Magellan's RoadMate app for iPhone updates today to version 2.0 with a refreshed UI. However, the biggest change is the new POI search, because joining Magellan's standard list of searchable points of interest are new options for Yelp and Google Local.With Yelp search you can browse all of Yelp's categories and subcategories. Search results include Yelp's star rating for quickly identifying, for example, the best Ethiopian restaurant in your area. Once you've found your destination, the app can call the venue or initiate turn-by-turn directions. Additionally, every search result is a clickable link that takes you to an entry in the Yelp app for iPhone (a free download that must be installed separately) if you need a little more information to help you make your decision. If you're searching for a restaurant that takes reservations, you can even make one using OpenTable. There's a bit of app switching that takes some getting used to, but the flow from search to reservation and back to routing is remarkably smooth thanks to iOS' multitasking function.Google Local Search is exactly what you'd expect it to be and harnesses the power of Google's search engine to locate points of interest that exist outside of the preloaded Magellan database. We found during our testing that Yelp was best for searching for new places within a category, for example barber shops in downtown San Francisco. On the other hand, Google Local search was best for finding specific POIs, such as Al's Barbershop on Fillmore Street. An active data connection is required to use either of these services.Magellan RoadMate 2.0 for iPhone (photos...See full gallery1 - 4 / 15NextPrevUser interface upgrades include a new map interface that's been optimized for the iPhone's screen real estate. At the bottom or along the right edge, depending on the phone's orientation, is a new collapsible info bar that can be displayed to gain access to the app's menu and information about the current route or hidden to display the map across the full screen. Making its return is Magellan's OneTouch menu, where you can save favorite POIs or searches for quick access.The 2.0 update to the Magellan RoadMate app hits the iTunes App Store today with versions loading map data for Canada, the United States, or all of North America, for $34.99, $49.99, or $59.99, respectively.
China Mobile chairman- No iPhone for us -- yet
China Mobile chairman: No iPhone for us -- yet
China Mobile and Apple were supposed to make their relationship official on Wednesday, several recent reports suggested, but that never materialized. Now, there's no word on when the iPhone might arrive at China's largest wireless carrier.Speaking to reporters in China on Wednesday, China Mobile Chairman Xi Guohua said that his company has no announcement just yet on a deal that will see it sell the iPhone to its more than 750 million customers. Xi said that China Mobile and Apple are holding partnership talks but nothing has been finalized, according to Reuters, which was in China during Xi's remarks.Related storiesAT&T to sell Moto Backflip March 7?Verizon looks for more revenue in wireless dataDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Want really secure Gmail? Try GPG encryptionIf Google can do it...why can't you?China Mobile held a press conference Wednesday launching its 4G network across China. It was believed that Apple needed that 4G network in order to get its iPhone onto China Mobile's network and that Apple might share the stage on Wednesday to usher in the new technology. Talk of Apple and China Mobile inking a deal to bring the iPhone to the carrier have been in the news for years. Each time, however, stumbling blocks appear to get in the way of a deal, leaving the companies to revisit their options. All signs pointed to a deal in this week, but it now appears unlikely to happen.Whatever the case, it still appears that one day Apple and China Mobile will reach a deal. Exactly when, however, is still up in the air.
China Mobile and Apple were supposed to make their relationship official on Wednesday, several recent reports suggested, but that never materialized. Now, there's no word on when the iPhone might arrive at China's largest wireless carrier.Speaking to reporters in China on Wednesday, China Mobile Chairman Xi Guohua said that his company has no announcement just yet on a deal that will see it sell the iPhone to its more than 750 million customers. Xi said that China Mobile and Apple are holding partnership talks but nothing has been finalized, according to Reuters, which was in China during Xi's remarks.Related storiesAT&T to sell Moto Backflip March 7?Verizon looks for more revenue in wireless dataDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Want really secure Gmail? Try GPG encryptionIf Google can do it...why can't you?China Mobile held a press conference Wednesday launching its 4G network across China. It was believed that Apple needed that 4G network in order to get its iPhone onto China Mobile's network and that Apple might share the stage on Wednesday to usher in the new technology. Talk of Apple and China Mobile inking a deal to bring the iPhone to the carrier have been in the news for years. Each time, however, stumbling blocks appear to get in the way of a deal, leaving the companies to revisit their options. All signs pointed to a deal in this week, but it now appears unlikely to happen.Whatever the case, it still appears that one day Apple and China Mobile will reach a deal. Exactly when, however, is still up in the air.
China Mobile announcement sparks hope of iPhone debut
China Mobile announcement sparks hope of iPhone debut
China Mobile, the world's largest wireless carrier, will unveil a new brand partner on December 18.The carrier made the announcement Thursday but wouldn't say what company would be its latest partner. That hasn't stopped the rumor mill, however, from speculating that Apple will be on stage with the China Mobile team announcing its iPhone is coming to the carrier's network.Apple has been courting China Mobile for years. The companies have been unable to ink deals for a wide array of reasons, including China Mobile's network limitations and claims that the carrier once wanted a piece of App Store revenue from its customers' app purchases. But now, the network issues appear to have been resolved, and Apple CEO Tim Cook has spent considerable time in China and is believed to have been in discussions with the carrier.China is arguably the most important market for any device maker, let alone Apple. The iPhone is already available in the country on China Unicom and China Telecom, but China Mobile -- with its nearly 760 million subscribers across the country -- is the crown jewel.Although the December 18 event could play host to the unveiling of the iPhone on China Mobile, there's a chance it won't. For years, rumors have swirled that Apple would be coming to China Mobile, and each time, it hasn't happened.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the announcement. We will update this story when we have more information.(Via Wall Street Journal)
China Mobile, the world's largest wireless carrier, will unveil a new brand partner on December 18.The carrier made the announcement Thursday but wouldn't say what company would be its latest partner. That hasn't stopped the rumor mill, however, from speculating that Apple will be on stage with the China Mobile team announcing its iPhone is coming to the carrier's network.Apple has been courting China Mobile for years. The companies have been unable to ink deals for a wide array of reasons, including China Mobile's network limitations and claims that the carrier once wanted a piece of App Store revenue from its customers' app purchases. But now, the network issues appear to have been resolved, and Apple CEO Tim Cook has spent considerable time in China and is believed to have been in discussions with the carrier.China is arguably the most important market for any device maker, let alone Apple. The iPhone is already available in the country on China Unicom and China Telecom, but China Mobile -- with its nearly 760 million subscribers across the country -- is the crown jewel.Although the December 18 event could play host to the unveiling of the iPhone on China Mobile, there's a chance it won't. For years, rumors have swirled that Apple would be coming to China Mobile, and each time, it hasn't happened.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the announcement. We will update this story when we have more information.(Via Wall Street Journal)
Cell phone sales dip globally, Gartner says
Cell phone sales dip globally, Gartner says
Mobile phone sales declined across the globe by 1.7 percent last year, according to Gartner.The research firm's latest report suggests that difficult economic conditions, shifting consumer interest, and intense market competition resulted in a worldwide drop in sales, which had not declined since 2009.Worldwide sales reached a total of 1.75 billion units in 2012, a 1.7 percent slump from 2011. However, record sales of 207.7 million smartphones in the fourth quarter of 2012 -- a 38.3 percent hike year over year -- helped drive up the overall figure.Demand for feature phones remained weak. Sales of feature phones totaled 264.4 million units in the fourth quarter, down 19.3 percent year over year.The research firm expects worldwide sales of smartphones to dominate the overall market in 2013 -- reaching close to 1 billion units -- whereas total mobile phone sales are predicted to touch 1.9 billion units this year. Feature phone sales are expected to keep sliding.Apple and rival Samsung continued to dominate with a combined market share of 52 percent in Q4, up from 46.4 percent from a year earlier, Gartner said. According to the research firm, Samsung secured the top spot in both worldwide smartphone sales and overall mobile phone sales.For all of 2012, Samsung sold 384.6 million mobile phones, of which 53.5 percent were smartphones. In 2012, Apple sold 130 million smartphones.Read more of "Gartner: Worldwide mobile phone sales fall, Apple and Samsung stay on top" on ZDNet.
Mobile phone sales declined across the globe by 1.7 percent last year, according to Gartner.The research firm's latest report suggests that difficult economic conditions, shifting consumer interest, and intense market competition resulted in a worldwide drop in sales, which had not declined since 2009.Worldwide sales reached a total of 1.75 billion units in 2012, a 1.7 percent slump from 2011. However, record sales of 207.7 million smartphones in the fourth quarter of 2012 -- a 38.3 percent hike year over year -- helped drive up the overall figure.Demand for feature phones remained weak. Sales of feature phones totaled 264.4 million units in the fourth quarter, down 19.3 percent year over year.The research firm expects worldwide sales of smartphones to dominate the overall market in 2013 -- reaching close to 1 billion units -- whereas total mobile phone sales are predicted to touch 1.9 billion units this year. Feature phone sales are expected to keep sliding.Apple and rival Samsung continued to dominate with a combined market share of 52 percent in Q4, up from 46.4 percent from a year earlier, Gartner said. According to the research firm, Samsung secured the top spot in both worldwide smartphone sales and overall mobile phone sales.For all of 2012, Samsung sold 384.6 million mobile phones, of which 53.5 percent were smartphones. In 2012, Apple sold 130 million smartphones.Read more of "Gartner: Worldwide mobile phone sales fall, Apple and Samsung stay on top" on ZDNet.
Chatter picks up for Sandy Bridge MacBook Air
Chatter picks up for Sandy Bridge MacBook Air
The latest report from Taipei-based DigiTimes says the MacBook Air supply chain will go into high gear in July as Apple ramps up production, supporting earlier speculation from analysts.Apple's smallest and lightest laptop is also expected to become its most popular this year. Total MacBook shipments for 2011 have been upped from 13 million to 15 million because of the Air's projected popularity, the report said. Raw production numbers aside, the Air will likely become--if it hasn't already--Apple's flagship laptop, as it embodies Apple's design direction with all of its best-selling products.In short, a small, minimalist industrial design aesthetic, not unlike like the iPad. The importance of getting Intel's Sandy Bridge processor into the MacBook Air can't be overstated. It will bring the Air in line with the processing oomph the 13-inch MacBook Pro already packs. And it paves the way for future updates with Intel's faster, more power-efficient Ivy Bridge processor. The new Air is also expected to come with OS X Lion and a high-speed Thunderbolt port, as widely reported. The bad news is the Windows and Google camps are beginning to ape the Air, which could dent its uniqueness. The 11.6-inch Asus UX21, for example, has a stunning design and offers goodies like a high-speed solid-state drive, a USB 3.0 port, and power-efficient Core i5 and Core i7 Sandy Bridge processors. It's due later this year. And Google is beginning to promote Air-like designs. In addition to the existing ultraslim 12-inch Chromebook from Samsung running Google's Chrome operating system, more Chromebooks are expected this year using chips based on the ARM architecture.But there's nothing like the genuine article, thus all of the anticipation for the update. (Via AppleInsider)
The latest report from Taipei-based DigiTimes says the MacBook Air supply chain will go into high gear in July as Apple ramps up production, supporting earlier speculation from analysts.Apple's smallest and lightest laptop is also expected to become its most popular this year. Total MacBook shipments for 2011 have been upped from 13 million to 15 million because of the Air's projected popularity, the report said. Raw production numbers aside, the Air will likely become--if it hasn't already--Apple's flagship laptop, as it embodies Apple's design direction with all of its best-selling products.In short, a small, minimalist industrial design aesthetic, not unlike like the iPad. The importance of getting Intel's Sandy Bridge processor into the MacBook Air can't be overstated. It will bring the Air in line with the processing oomph the 13-inch MacBook Pro already packs. And it paves the way for future updates with Intel's faster, more power-efficient Ivy Bridge processor. The new Air is also expected to come with OS X Lion and a high-speed Thunderbolt port, as widely reported. The bad news is the Windows and Google camps are beginning to ape the Air, which could dent its uniqueness. The 11.6-inch Asus UX21, for example, has a stunning design and offers goodies like a high-speed solid-state drive, a USB 3.0 port, and power-efficient Core i5 and Core i7 Sandy Bridge processors. It's due later this year. And Google is beginning to promote Air-like designs. In addition to the existing ultraslim 12-inch Chromebook from Samsung running Google's Chrome operating system, more Chromebooks are expected this year using chips based on the ARM architecture.But there's nothing like the genuine article, thus all of the anticipation for the update. (Via AppleInsider)
China cracks down on makers of fake iPhones, report says
China cracks down on makers of fake iPhones, report says
Police in Shanghai have arrested five people who allegedly built, and subsequently sold, near-perfect copies of Apple's iPhone in China, Reuters is reporting.According to the news service, the people allegedly involved in the ring paid about 2,000 yuan ($313) for all the parts required to develop an iPhone copycat. After boxing the devices up, the group reportedly then sold them in Chinese markets, as well as online, for 4,000 yuan ($625)--about the same price the genuine iPhone 4 goes for in the country.The fake iPhones weren't exact replicas, but Reuters quoted one Shanghai police officer who said that "it's really hard for customers to distinguish the fake ones from the genuine ones."China has long been a popular home for counterfeit tech goods. And as of late, Apple has been one of the leading targets of those people engaging in the development of fake devices.Related stories:• iPhone 5 copycat 'HiPhone 5' available in China• iPhone 5 rumor roundup• Report: 22 more fake Apple stores found in ChinaIn August, customers on China's top online-retail service, Taobao, were able to buy the "HiPhone 5," a device that purported to boast the same features as Apple's long-rumored iPhone 5. However, the handset, which came in the customer's choice of red or pink, looked far more similar to the iPhone 4. The HiPhone 5 was on sale for just 210 yuan ($33) at the time.Whether changes will be made to the HiPhone 5 once the real iPhone 5 is unveiled next week remains to be seen.But it's not just iPhones. China has also been home to dozens of fake Apple stores that use Apple logos, have the same store layouts, and offer all the same products. However, some of those outlets have been shut down by Chinese authorities.Apple did not immediately respond to Reuters' report.
Police in Shanghai have arrested five people who allegedly built, and subsequently sold, near-perfect copies of Apple's iPhone in China, Reuters is reporting.According to the news service, the people allegedly involved in the ring paid about 2,000 yuan ($313) for all the parts required to develop an iPhone copycat. After boxing the devices up, the group reportedly then sold them in Chinese markets, as well as online, for 4,000 yuan ($625)--about the same price the genuine iPhone 4 goes for in the country.The fake iPhones weren't exact replicas, but Reuters quoted one Shanghai police officer who said that "it's really hard for customers to distinguish the fake ones from the genuine ones."China has long been a popular home for counterfeit tech goods. And as of late, Apple has been one of the leading targets of those people engaging in the development of fake devices.Related stories:• iPhone 5 copycat 'HiPhone 5' available in China• iPhone 5 rumor roundup• Report: 22 more fake Apple stores found in ChinaIn August, customers on China's top online-retail service, Taobao, were able to buy the "HiPhone 5," a device that purported to boast the same features as Apple's long-rumored iPhone 5. However, the handset, which came in the customer's choice of red or pink, looked far more similar to the iPhone 4. The HiPhone 5 was on sale for just 210 yuan ($33) at the time.Whether changes will be made to the HiPhone 5 once the real iPhone 5 is unveiled next week remains to be seen.But it's not just iPhones. China has also been home to dozens of fake Apple stores that use Apple logos, have the same store layouts, and offer all the same products. However, some of those outlets have been shut down by Chinese authorities.Apple did not immediately respond to Reuters' report.
See the Funny 'Breaking Bad' Easter Egg Hidden in 'Godzilla
What;s so impressive about Gareth Edwards; Godzilla is that the director managed to make a modern monster movie that was littered with all sorts of nerdy nods to Godzilla;s past, both on the big screen and in popular culture. However, it wasn;t just Godzilla;s history that was being referenced inside all the film;s little nooks and crannies -- Godzilla also saved some room to pay tribute to other characters, too, like the ones played by its lead actors. Fans knew right from the film;s classified opening-credits sequence that treats were being hidden, as each credit was delivered inside what appeared to be redacted military documents. While difficult to make out while watching on the big screen (because the text surrounding an actor;s name was crossed out almost immediately), fans are now using the Godzilla Blu-ray to discover just what was under all that secret military speak. First, here;s the full opening credits sequence [via Slashfilm]. Roughly 45 seconds in we come to Bryan Cranston;s name. Cranston, aside from his big-screen work, is also known for a little TV show called Breaking Bad. You may have heard of it. He plays a dude named Walter White. Ring a bell? Anyway, here;s Cranston;s credit before the text disappears. Click image to enlarge Some of those words look familiar to Breaking Bad fans, sure, but here;s what was left of this credit once most of the words were crossed out. Notice anything familiar? Nice one, Edwards. For those interested in reading all the redacted credits, here they are below (but beware of spoilers): WARNER BROS PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES PRESENT a terrifying tale of disaster and woe. Furthermore, the creature must be eradicated. These fauna are a danger to all life on earth. A LEGENDARY PICTURES PRODUCTION to destroy this creature and all DNA evidence. A GARETH EDWARDS FILM the certain magnitude of the weapon is enough to turn everything to dust. When AARON TAYLOR-JOHNSON had recorded the seismic activity KEN WATANABE of a 1MT surface burst onto Bikini Islands ELIZABETH OLSEN emphasized that there are monsters in the depths of the pacific. Some specimen have been found that date 4 million years JULIETTE BINOCHE SALLY HAWKINS search there by submarine Even with nuclear weapons there is no guarantee that the creatures will succumb. Evidence show that it is likely the creatures will come back WITH DAVID STRATHAIRN’s head Walter Malcolm has claimed that government men dressed in white lab coats routinely appear at site and BRYAN CRANSTON shortly after the event all residents are sworn to silence. The “scientist” and occult author RICHARD T JONES has claimed unique knowledge of the creature’s odd mating habits with CJ ADAMS There are many references to living dinosaurs in the bible. Such is the case in Job 41 71-14 and Isa 27 VICTOR RASUK to as “Leviathan”. There are countless other passages that refer to “dragons” as well. As a matter of fact, “dinosaur” is a relatively modern term which means “terrible lizard”. Nebuchadnezzar’s favored God, the priests CASTING BY Bel and the dragon relates SARAH HALLEY FINN, CSA dispute. Are these animals real? Can we prove they even exist or are they merely men in rubber suits with COSTUMES DESIGNED BY tricksters SHAREN DAVIS we may never learn the answer ‘what lurks below’. The call response of bats may give us clues. VISUAL EFFECTS SUPERVISOR JIM RYGIEL has used sonar to map this communication. VISUAL EFFECTS PRODUCER ALLEN MARIS despaired SOUND DESIGN by its nature is always ERIK AADAHL a disruptive and ETHAN VAN DER RYN violent birthing process for all parties. MUSIC SUPERVISOR hidden in the depths of DAVE JORDAN the thunderous sounds that came from the hills are from a large creature The monster communicates through MUSIC COMPOSED AND CONDUCTED BY ALEXANDRE DESPLAT Not to be discussed with FILM EDITOR BOB DUCSAY. This confidential document must not be shared. The illuminati has been using PRODUCTION DESIGNER OWEN PATERSON to build facilities to hide their study of the creature and it’s origins. All clues are suppressed. The bomb site is classified and will be detonated at 0800 pacific. DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY SEAMUS MCGARVEY will shoot. There will be no living organisms on the island. The only proof we have lies within EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS PATRICIA WHITCHER ALEX GARCIA ledgers notes. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS YOSHIMITSU BANNO KENJI OKUHIRA are looking into the possibility of hunting Muto. PRODUCED BY the fire-breathing THOMAS TULL PRODUCED BY some of the eight soldiers JON JASHNI certain toxic areas MARY PARENT contamination BRIAN ROGERS forged in 1943 Reliability of these sightings is still questionable BASED ON THE CHARACTER witnesses. One must ask, is GODZILLA OWNED AND CREATED BY TOHO COMPANY, LTD. This is the Zuiyo-Macu carcass first described in a Japanese STORY BY New Zealand fishermen in 1977. The carcass DAVID CALLAHAM was decaying and weighed 4000 lbs. This dinosaur had been dead for about thirty days. Pseudo Scientists tried to say this was a mere basking shark. There are photos of animals yet to be named. In the new SCREENPLAY BY occult author and nature enthusiast MAX BORENSTEIN, he seems to explain what these odd animals are.
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