Rumor Has It, Ep. 24: Google's gunning for iPad, with Asus' help (podcast)
I am writing this blog post from under my desk, because I am too embarrassed to face my esteemed colleagues after the stunt we pulled today. We play the most embarrassing Internet video yet. Starring moi. I have been blushing a deep purple ever since, and because I may now be notorious in downtown San Francisco as that crazy girl in front of the Apple store, I have decided to wear a disguise in public at all times. Guys, it's mortifying. Go watch it.But--sweet relief!--with the new iPad no longer on our rumor roster, we get down to non-Apple-related business. We bet on whether Intel is as sick of cable TV as we are; Amazon plans to make its own TV shows; a Google-made tablet is coming soon; and maybe a Windows 8 tablet, too. Watch the episode to see if we think any of that is likely to happen. And to find out why Instagram coming to Android phones soon makes half of my heart cry and the other half weep...with joy.EPISODE 24This 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.PlaySubscribe:Â RSS (MP3) |Â RSS (320x180) |Â RSS (640x360) |Â iTunes (MP3) |Â iTunes (320x180) |Â iTunes (640x360)PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Links from the show!7-inch Google-branded tablet in the works?Amazon exec leaks the secret future of original pogramming on his LinkedIn page!Intel building subscription TV serviceInstagram coming to Android really soonYay or Nay?CNN to acquire Mashable?PayPal to launch mobile payments dongle?Will the iPad come to Sprint?Is Dan Hesse going to be booted from Sprint?Nokia to launch Windows 8 tablet later this year?Heard a tech rumor you think we should cover?E-mail us at Rumorhasit [at] cnet.com, or directly at karyne.levy [at] cnet.com or emily.dreyfuss [at] cbsinteractive.com. And call and leave us a voice mail at 1-800-750-CNET!And don't forget to follow us on Twitter! @EmilyDreyfuss, @karynelevy, @RumorShow, @stephenbeacham.
How to give an e-book as a gift
How to give an e-book as a gift
There's something wonderful about gifting someone with a book you read and loved, knowing they'll dive in to the same world you explored through text on a page. These days, you're likely to find that friends are instead reading their books on an e-reader like the Nook, Kindle, or iPad, a transition that seemingly makes book-gifting a challenge. After all, you can't put a bow on an intangible file.Gifting someone with an e-book is a lot easier than it seems, but will vary depending on which e-reading device he or she owns. Once you find out what kind of e-reader your friend uses, follow the respective instructions for gifting that person with an e-book.NookFind the Nook Book on the Barnes and Noble Web site, and click "Buy as gift." You'll have to register for an account -- which is annoying -- and then you'll fill out a form before completing the purchase. During the purchase process, you can set a delivery date, so that the recipient receives your gift on his or her birthday (or other special occasion). When the e-book gift is received, your friend will have the option to redeem the book or trade it in for a gift card or Nook app.KindleHead to Amazon and find the Kindle version of the book you want to gift. Then click the "Give as Gift" button.You can choose to e-mail the e-book gift to the recipient with a future delivery date, or print out a voucher (which you can then place in a greeting card). iPad, iPhone, or iPod TouchWith an iOS device, e-book gift-giving is a little trickier. You can't gift books from the iBookstore in iTunes, so instead you'll have to purchase a gift card with a note that includes your suggested book title.The other option is to buy your friend a Nook or Kindle book and suggest he or she reads the book with one of those free iOS apps.Android phones and tablets Although Google Play does indeed sell e-books, there's currently no way to gift them. Instead, buy the recipient a gift card and attach a note that includes a suggested title. Alternatively, purchase an e-book for Kindle, Nook, or even Kobo, and suggest that your friend download one of the free accompanying apps. Related tips Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad: Which should you buy? 10 most useful Nook tips and tricks Get free e-books for your Kindle or Nook
There's something wonderful about gifting someone with a book you read and loved, knowing they'll dive in to the same world you explored through text on a page. These days, you're likely to find that friends are instead reading their books on an e-reader like the Nook, Kindle, or iPad, a transition that seemingly makes book-gifting a challenge. After all, you can't put a bow on an intangible file.Gifting someone with an e-book is a lot easier than it seems, but will vary depending on which e-reading device he or she owns. Once you find out what kind of e-reader your friend uses, follow the respective instructions for gifting that person with an e-book.NookFind the Nook Book on the Barnes and Noble Web site, and click "Buy as gift." You'll have to register for an account -- which is annoying -- and then you'll fill out a form before completing the purchase. During the purchase process, you can set a delivery date, so that the recipient receives your gift on his or her birthday (or other special occasion). When the e-book gift is received, your friend will have the option to redeem the book or trade it in for a gift card or Nook app.KindleHead to Amazon and find the Kindle version of the book you want to gift. Then click the "Give as Gift" button.You can choose to e-mail the e-book gift to the recipient with a future delivery date, or print out a voucher (which you can then place in a greeting card). iPad, iPhone, or iPod TouchWith an iOS device, e-book gift-giving is a little trickier. You can't gift books from the iBookstore in iTunes, so instead you'll have to purchase a gift card with a note that includes your suggested book title.The other option is to buy your friend a Nook or Kindle book and suggest he or she reads the book with one of those free iOS apps.Android phones and tablets Although Google Play does indeed sell e-books, there's currently no way to gift them. Instead, buy the recipient a gift card and attach a note that includes a suggested title. Alternatively, purchase an e-book for Kindle, Nook, or even Kobo, and suggest that your friend download one of the free accompanying apps. Related tips Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad: Which should you buy? 10 most useful Nook tips and tricks Get free e-books for your Kindle or Nook
Steve Jobs' early home, garage tapped to become historical site
Steve Jobs' early home, garage tapped to become historical site
The home and garage where Apple began could soon become a protected historical site. The Los Altos, Calif., home where Apple co-founder Steve Jobs grew up is closing in on the end of a nearly two-year review by the Los Altos Historical Commission, CNN reports.Related storiesAfter 30 years, lost 'Steve Jobs Time Capsule' finally recoveredApple's 'Twiggy Mac' comes back to lifeMarc Benioff explains Steve Jobs' spirituality and chides AppleThe garage, which belonged to the Jobs family, was Apple's official headquarters before the company moved to a rented office space in Cupertino, Calif. It was the birthplace of the first Apple computer, as well as the Apple II, which became the company's first real hit.In a report of the house published Monday (PDF), the Commission notes that the first 50 Apple I computers were assembled there, as well as the incorporation of the company between Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne. The location was also used in the filming of "Jobs", the film about Apple's early beginnings, which starred Ashton Kutcher and was released earlier this year. A protected status would primarily bring tax benefits for building owners, who also stand to pay less in permit and construction fees for any upkeep.
The home and garage where Apple began could soon become a protected historical site. The Los Altos, Calif., home where Apple co-founder Steve Jobs grew up is closing in on the end of a nearly two-year review by the Los Altos Historical Commission, CNN reports.Related storiesAfter 30 years, lost 'Steve Jobs Time Capsule' finally recoveredApple's 'Twiggy Mac' comes back to lifeMarc Benioff explains Steve Jobs' spirituality and chides AppleThe garage, which belonged to the Jobs family, was Apple's official headquarters before the company moved to a rented office space in Cupertino, Calif. It was the birthplace of the first Apple computer, as well as the Apple II, which became the company's first real hit.In a report of the house published Monday (PDF), the Commission notes that the first 50 Apple I computers were assembled there, as well as the incorporation of the company between Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne. The location was also used in the filming of "Jobs", the film about Apple's early beginnings, which starred Ashton Kutcher and was released earlier this year. A protected status would primarily bring tax benefits for building owners, who also stand to pay less in permit and construction fees for any upkeep.
Steve Jobs comic book 'biography' arrives--Gates is next
Steve Jobs comic book 'biography' arrives--Gates is next
After a delay, the comic book biography of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has arrived."Steve Jobs: The co-founder of Apple" from publisher Bluewater Productions was released for the Kindle and Nook today, with analog versions of the 32-page book going on sale tomorrow. The title, which was announced in June, was originally scheduled for an August release. It promises to give readers "unique insight" into the late Apple CEO's "legendary drive to the top and his continuing fight to stay there."In a note today, Bluewater Productions said the book was completed before Jobs' passing last year, and therefore does not include details of it. Bluewater's biography of Jobs follows the authorized one from author Walter Isaacson. Originally dubbed "iSteve: The Book of Jobs," the Isaacson book was retitled simply to "Steve Jobs," and it went on to become Amazon's best seller for all of 2011, despite its release near the very end of the year.Along with announcing the availability of its Jobs biography, Bluewater today said it has a similar comic book biography for Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, called simply "Bill Gates: Co-Founder of Microsoft." That title, which will also run 32-pages, is set to go on sale March 1.
After a delay, the comic book biography of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has arrived."Steve Jobs: The co-founder of Apple" from publisher Bluewater Productions was released for the Kindle and Nook today, with analog versions of the 32-page book going on sale tomorrow. The title, which was announced in June, was originally scheduled for an August release. It promises to give readers "unique insight" into the late Apple CEO's "legendary drive to the top and his continuing fight to stay there."In a note today, Bluewater Productions said the book was completed before Jobs' passing last year, and therefore does not include details of it. Bluewater's biography of Jobs follows the authorized one from author Walter Isaacson. Originally dubbed "iSteve: The Book of Jobs," the Isaacson book was retitled simply to "Steve Jobs," and it went on to become Amazon's best seller for all of 2011, despite its release near the very end of the year.Along with announcing the availability of its Jobs biography, Bluewater today said it has a similar comic book biography for Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, called simply "Bill Gates: Co-Founder of Microsoft." That title, which will also run 32-pages, is set to go on sale March 1.
Apple reveals top apps of all time
Apple reveals top apps of all time
Apple has unveiled its list of the all-time top iPhone and iPad apps as it inches closer to the 10 billionth download in its App Store.According to the company, Doodle Jump is the most popular paid iPhone app of all time. The game is followed up by Tap Tap Revenge 3 and Pocket God. Surprisingly, Angry Birds, which has 50 million active users across several different platforms, took the fourth spot. Tap Tap Revenge 2.6 captured the fifth spot in Apple's list.Out of the top 10 paid iPhone apps of all time, 9 are games.On the free side of iPhone apps, Facebook reigns supreme, inching out Pandora and Google's mobile app. Song-discovery app Shazam captured the fourth spot in Apple's list, followed by Movies by Flixster. Paper Toss was the only game to make it into the top 10 free apps.When it comes to the iPad, games haven't taken on as much importance, Apple revealed. The top paid iPad progam of all time is music-discovery app, SoundHound. It's followed by StickWars, FlightTrack, Backbreaker Football, and Calorie Tracker.When it comes to free iPad apps, the list isn't all that different from the iPhone's. Pandora took the top spot for free apps on Apple's tablet, followed by Google's Mobile app, Movies by Flixster, and Google Earth. Yelp rounded out the top five.Facebook didn't make it in the free iPad list for one good reason: the company has yet to offer an official iPad app.Apple's App Store has enjoyed unbridled growth since its launch in 2008. In just nine months, it hit 1 billion downloads, and followed that up with 5 billion downloads back in June. Now, the marketplace is closing in on 10 billion downloaded apps. As of this writing, more than 9.9 billion apps have been downloaded.Apple announced last week that the person who downloads the 10 billionth app or fills out an entry form just prior to the 10 billionth app being downloaded will receive a $10,000 iTunes gift card to commemorate the event.
Apple has unveiled its list of the all-time top iPhone and iPad apps as it inches closer to the 10 billionth download in its App Store.According to the company, Doodle Jump is the most popular paid iPhone app of all time. The game is followed up by Tap Tap Revenge 3 and Pocket God. Surprisingly, Angry Birds, which has 50 million active users across several different platforms, took the fourth spot. Tap Tap Revenge 2.6 captured the fifth spot in Apple's list.Out of the top 10 paid iPhone apps of all time, 9 are games.On the free side of iPhone apps, Facebook reigns supreme, inching out Pandora and Google's mobile app. Song-discovery app Shazam captured the fourth spot in Apple's list, followed by Movies by Flixster. Paper Toss was the only game to make it into the top 10 free apps.When it comes to the iPad, games haven't taken on as much importance, Apple revealed. The top paid iPad progam of all time is music-discovery app, SoundHound. It's followed by StickWars, FlightTrack, Backbreaker Football, and Calorie Tracker.When it comes to free iPad apps, the list isn't all that different from the iPhone's. Pandora took the top spot for free apps on Apple's tablet, followed by Google's Mobile app, Movies by Flixster, and Google Earth. Yelp rounded out the top five.Facebook didn't make it in the free iPad list for one good reason: the company has yet to offer an official iPad app.Apple's App Store has enjoyed unbridled growth since its launch in 2008. In just nine months, it hit 1 billion downloads, and followed that up with 5 billion downloads back in June. Now, the marketplace is closing in on 10 billion downloaded apps. As of this writing, more than 9.9 billion apps have been downloaded.Apple announced last week that the person who downloads the 10 billionth app or fills out an entry form just prior to the 10 billionth app being downloaded will receive a $10,000 iTunes gift card to commemorate the event.
Apple reshuffles top brass- iOS chief to leave in 2013
Apple reshuffles top brass: iOS chief to leave in 2013
Apple is hitting shuffle on its top management. The company today announced that it's rejiggering its executive lineup to add extra responsibilities for some, along with the planned exit of iOS software chief Scott Forstall in 2013. A more immediate departure is John Browett, the head of Apple's retail unit, a move that appears to be sudden given that the company says it's currently seeking a replacement. Meanwhile, Jony Ive, Bob Mansfield, Eddy Cue and Craig Federighi will stay on with expanded roles.Apple says Forstall will effectively be replaced by Craig Federighi, who will oversee both the iOS and OS X groups under one umbrella. Jony Ive will take on "leadership and direction for Human Interface across the company" while continuing as the company's top designer. Meanwhile, Eddy Cue now oversees Siri and Maps as part of a new "online services" group that includes iTunes, iCloud and Apple's various digital stores.Curiously enough, Apple is also bringing Bob Mansfield back into a leadership role. Apple's former hardware chief will now lead a "Technologies" group within the company, which is made up of wireless and semiconductor groups. Mansfield was replaced by Dan Riccio earlier this year, though stayed on to "work on future products" for Apple CEO Tim Cook. All Things Digital is reporting that he's agreed to stay on at Apple through 2014. "We are in one of the most prolific periods of innovation and new products in Apple's history," Cook said in a statement about the changes. "The amazing products that we've introduced in September and October, iPhone 5, iOS 6, iPad mini, iPad, iMac, MacBook Pro, iPod touch, iPod nano and many of our applications, could only have been created at Apple and are the direct result of our relentless focus on tightly integrating world-class hardware, software and services."It's impossible to get a read on what the market thinks about the move. U.S. trading was closed today because of Hurricane Sandy, and will be closed again on Tuesday.
Apple is hitting shuffle on its top management. The company today announced that it's rejiggering its executive lineup to add extra responsibilities for some, along with the planned exit of iOS software chief Scott Forstall in 2013. A more immediate departure is John Browett, the head of Apple's retail unit, a move that appears to be sudden given that the company says it's currently seeking a replacement. Meanwhile, Jony Ive, Bob Mansfield, Eddy Cue and Craig Federighi will stay on with expanded roles.Apple says Forstall will effectively be replaced by Craig Federighi, who will oversee both the iOS and OS X groups under one umbrella. Jony Ive will take on "leadership and direction for Human Interface across the company" while continuing as the company's top designer. Meanwhile, Eddy Cue now oversees Siri and Maps as part of a new "online services" group that includes iTunes, iCloud and Apple's various digital stores.Curiously enough, Apple is also bringing Bob Mansfield back into a leadership role. Apple's former hardware chief will now lead a "Technologies" group within the company, which is made up of wireless and semiconductor groups. Mansfield was replaced by Dan Riccio earlier this year, though stayed on to "work on future products" for Apple CEO Tim Cook. All Things Digital is reporting that he's agreed to stay on at Apple through 2014. "We are in one of the most prolific periods of innovation and new products in Apple's history," Cook said in a statement about the changes. "The amazing products that we've introduced in September and October, iPhone 5, iOS 6, iPad mini, iPad, iMac, MacBook Pro, iPod touch, iPod nano and many of our applications, could only have been created at Apple and are the direct result of our relentless focus on tightly integrating world-class hardware, software and services."It's impossible to get a read on what the market thinks about the move. U.S. trading was closed today because of Hurricane Sandy, and will be closed again on Tuesday.
Apple iMac gets a refresh
Apple iMac gets a refresh
Apple on Tuesday brought out a refresh of its iMac all-in-one desktop line.Under the hood of the latest iMacs, available Tuesday, are Intel's fourth-generation quad-core Haswell processors, 802.11ac Wi-Fi capabilities, and faster PCIe flash storage options, Apple said.Here's a breakdown of pricing and configurations: The 21.5-inch iMac is available with a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2GHz and Intel Iris Pro for a suggested retail price of $1,299. With a 2.9GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 and Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and Nvidia GeForce GT 750M, the suggested retail price is $1,499.The 27-inch iMac, meanwhile, comes with a 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6GHz and Nvidia GeForce GTX 755M for a suggested retail price of $1,799. With a 3.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 and Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8GHz and Nvidia GeForce GTX 775M, the suggested retail price is $1,999.In announcing the refresh, Apple put an emphasis on speed. For instance, the new iMacs, when connected to an 802.11ac base station, can get up to three times faster wireless performance than did the previous desktop generation, according to Apple.Standard with the latest iMacs is 8GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive, expandable to 32GB of memory and up to a 3TB hard drive. All-flash storage options are available in configurations up to 1TB, Apple said. The desktop computers also pack two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports. The new iMacs come with Apple's Mac OS X Mountain Lion.
Apple on Tuesday brought out a refresh of its iMac all-in-one desktop line.Under the hood of the latest iMacs, available Tuesday, are Intel's fourth-generation quad-core Haswell processors, 802.11ac Wi-Fi capabilities, and faster PCIe flash storage options, Apple said.Here's a breakdown of pricing and configurations: The 21.5-inch iMac is available with a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2GHz and Intel Iris Pro for a suggested retail price of $1,299. With a 2.9GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 and Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and Nvidia GeForce GT 750M, the suggested retail price is $1,499.The 27-inch iMac, meanwhile, comes with a 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6GHz and Nvidia GeForce GTX 755M for a suggested retail price of $1,799. With a 3.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 and Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8GHz and Nvidia GeForce GTX 775M, the suggested retail price is $1,999.In announcing the refresh, Apple put an emphasis on speed. For instance, the new iMacs, when connected to an 802.11ac base station, can get up to three times faster wireless performance than did the previous desktop generation, according to Apple.Standard with the latest iMacs is 8GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive, expandable to 32GB of memory and up to a 3TB hard drive. All-flash storage options are available in configurations up to 1TB, Apple said. The desktop computers also pack two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports. The new iMacs come with Apple's Mac OS X Mountain Lion.
Apple ID security issue fixed, password page back online
Apple ID security issue fixed, password page back online
Apple has fixed the security issue involving its Apple ID password-reset page, a vulnerability that had made it possible for hackers with a user's e-mail address and birth date to reset the user's password.Apple said yesterday that it was aware of the issue and was preparing a fix. Meanwhile, the company had taken the "iForgot" reset page offline for maintenance. Now the page is back up, and Apple has confirmed the fix with CNET.The security exploit made use of a special URL that got around the need to answer a security question. Apple had added the question step last April.The exploit didn't work on the accounts of users who had enabled two-step verification, which Apple introduced Thursday. That system does away with the security question in favor of sending a request for a four-digit PIN code to a cell phone. The user enters the PIN along with the typical password.However, as reported by The Verge, a number of Apple ID holders were told they'd have to wait three days before they could enable the two-step verification setup. Also, at this point, the two-step system is available only inthe U.S., Britain, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.There are more than 500 million active Apple ID accounts, which are used for the company's various stores and online services, including iCloud.Update, 9:40 a.m. PT: We just received official confirmation from Apple that the company has fixed the issue. This story has been updated to reflect that.
Apple has fixed the security issue involving its Apple ID password-reset page, a vulnerability that had made it possible for hackers with a user's e-mail address and birth date to reset the user's password.Apple said yesterday that it was aware of the issue and was preparing a fix. Meanwhile, the company had taken the "iForgot" reset page offline for maintenance. Now the page is back up, and Apple has confirmed the fix with CNET.The security exploit made use of a special URL that got around the need to answer a security question. Apple had added the question step last April.The exploit didn't work on the accounts of users who had enabled two-step verification, which Apple introduced Thursday. That system does away with the security question in favor of sending a request for a four-digit PIN code to a cell phone. The user enters the PIN along with the typical password.However, as reported by The Verge, a number of Apple ID holders were told they'd have to wait three days before they could enable the two-step verification setup. Also, at this point, the two-step system is available only inthe U.S., Britain, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.There are more than 500 million active Apple ID accounts, which are used for the company's various stores and online services, including iCloud.Update, 9:40 a.m. PT: We just received official confirmation from Apple that the company has fixed the issue. This story has been updated to reflect that.
Apple ID password reset exploit reportedly in the wild
Apple ID password reset exploit reportedly in the wild
A new exploit lets anyone who knows your birthday and e-mail address reset your Apple ID password, according to a new report.The exploit, described by The Verge though not posted publicly, makes use of a special URL that gets around the need for a security question, a security measure Apple put in place on all Apple ID accounts last April. The reported exploit does not work on accounts with two-step verification enabled, which Apple introduced yesterday, and does away with the security question in favor of sending a four-digit PIN code to a cell phone that needs to be entered along with the typical password. "Apple takes customer privacy very seriously," an Apple spokesperson told CNET. "We are aware of this issue and working on a fix."In the interim, the company put its password reset tools into maintenance mode. Apple did not provide an estimate for when they would be back up again.Related storiesApple adds two-step verification option for Apple IDsApple responds to journalist's iCloud hackApple ratchets up App Store securityAccount security is a touchy subject for Apple and any other tech company these days, especially after the high-profile hacking of a technology journalist last year. That all kicked off with an iCloud account and eventually led to access of his personal e-mail and Twitter accounts. Apple and others have hardened their account security since. Apple has more than 500 million active Apple ID accounts as part of its system. Those accounts are used for its various stores and online services, including iCloud.Update at 1:30 p.m. PT to note that Apple put its password reset tools in maintenance mode, and once again at 3:25 p.m. PT with comment from the company.CNET
A new exploit lets anyone who knows your birthday and e-mail address reset your Apple ID password, according to a new report.The exploit, described by The Verge though not posted publicly, makes use of a special URL that gets around the need for a security question, a security measure Apple put in place on all Apple ID accounts last April. The reported exploit does not work on accounts with two-step verification enabled, which Apple introduced yesterday, and does away with the security question in favor of sending a four-digit PIN code to a cell phone that needs to be entered along with the typical password. "Apple takes customer privacy very seriously," an Apple spokesperson told CNET. "We are aware of this issue and working on a fix."In the interim, the company put its password reset tools into maintenance mode. Apple did not provide an estimate for when they would be back up again.Related storiesApple adds two-step verification option for Apple IDsApple responds to journalist's iCloud hackApple ratchets up App Store securityAccount security is a touchy subject for Apple and any other tech company these days, especially after the high-profile hacking of a technology journalist last year. That all kicked off with an iCloud account and eventually led to access of his personal e-mail and Twitter accounts. Apple and others have hardened their account security since. Apple has more than 500 million active Apple ID accounts as part of its system. Those accounts are used for its various stores and online services, including iCloud.Update at 1:30 p.m. PT to note that Apple put its password reset tools in maintenance mode, and once again at 3:25 p.m. PT with comment from the company.CNET
Apple hypes largest Asia store yet, as it looks to conquer China
Apple hypes largest Asia store yet, as it looks to conquer China
Apple touted a new retail store in Beijing today, as it looks to pump up its presence in China's huge market for smartphones and other tech products, where it's recently seen a decline.At a media preview, Apple Senior Vice President John Browett talked up what will be the company's third store in China's capital city and -- at three stories and more than 300 employees --its largest in Asia.Related storiesApple looks to Beijing for new store openingSales pinch? 6 Apple stores for all of ChinaApple in iPhone talks with China MobileThe store is located in one of Beijing's most famous shopping areas, Wangfujing street. Browett also confirmed that another Apple store is scheduled to open in Shenzhen and said the company has aggressive plans for further expansion, with the goal of one day serving "every customer in every city," according to The Next Web.Apple needs a big boost in China. A recent report from IDC found that the company's Chinese smartphone market share had dropped to 10 percent in the second quarter, from almost half during the prior year's quarter. Apple actually finished in fourth place behind Samsung, Lenovo, and ZTE.But that could change before too long, with both China Unicom and China Telecom planning to offer the iPhone 5 around the end of the year, leaving China Mobile as the only one of the three major Chinese providers still without the iPhone.The absence of the phone on China Mobile is largely because of the phone's lack of support for the TD-SCDMA network used by the carrier. However, a recent teardown of the new iPhone by iFixit revealed a Qualcomm modem that can talk to TD-SCDMA networks.Apple has also reportedly spoken with China Mobile about offering the iPhone to its subscribers, according to the carrier's chairman. But there's been no recent word of any progress from either company.
Apple touted a new retail store in Beijing today, as it looks to pump up its presence in China's huge market for smartphones and other tech products, where it's recently seen a decline.At a media preview, Apple Senior Vice President John Browett talked up what will be the company's third store in China's capital city and -- at three stories and more than 300 employees --its largest in Asia.Related storiesApple looks to Beijing for new store openingSales pinch? 6 Apple stores for all of ChinaApple in iPhone talks with China MobileThe store is located in one of Beijing's most famous shopping areas, Wangfujing street. Browett also confirmed that another Apple store is scheduled to open in Shenzhen and said the company has aggressive plans for further expansion, with the goal of one day serving "every customer in every city," according to The Next Web.Apple needs a big boost in China. A recent report from IDC found that the company's Chinese smartphone market share had dropped to 10 percent in the second quarter, from almost half during the prior year's quarter. Apple actually finished in fourth place behind Samsung, Lenovo, and ZTE.But that could change before too long, with both China Unicom and China Telecom planning to offer the iPhone 5 around the end of the year, leaving China Mobile as the only one of the three major Chinese providers still without the iPhone.The absence of the phone on China Mobile is largely because of the phone's lack of support for the TD-SCDMA network used by the carrier. However, a recent teardown of the new iPhone by iFixit revealed a Qualcomm modem that can talk to TD-SCDMA networks.Apple has also reportedly spoken with China Mobile about offering the iPhone to its subscribers, according to the carrier's chairman. But there's been no recent word of any progress from either company.
Apple hit with lawsuit over noise-canceling technology
Apple hit with lawsuit over noise-canceling technology
Apple has been slapped with yet another patent-infringement lawsuit.A California-based company, Noise Free Wireless, last week filed a complaint against Apple in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging that Apple violated its noise-canceling technology patents. In addition, the company charged Apple with breach of contract and trade secret theft.GigaOm, which was first to report on the lawsuit, also pointed out that a third-party, Audience, was included in the lawsuit.According to Noise Free, it met with Apple in 2007 to discuss the potential of the Cupertino, Calif.-based company using its technology in the iPhone and iPad. Noise Free says it showed Apple PowerPoint presentations on how its technology works, and even gave it circuit boards and a phone to try out. Apple cut off all communication with Noise Free in 2009 before eventually communicating with the company again in 2010.However, Noise Free claims, two people present at the meetings between the companies filed for a patent application on behalf of Apple for a "user-specific noise suppression for voice quality improvements" patent. Soon after, Apple decided to work with Audience on noise-cancellation, according to the company.Apple and Audience's partnership was revealed earlier this year when the company, which delivers noise-cancellation technology, filed paperwork for an initial public offering. In the iPhone 4, Apple included a dedicated Audience chip, but in the iPhone 4S, it integrated the company's "EarSmart" technology directly into the A5 processor.For its part, Apple hasn't commented on the lawsuit, let alone noise-reduction technology in its mobile products. However, the company might need to fire back soon: Noise Free is asking for everything from a permanent injunction against the company's infringing products to damages and attorneys cost.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the lawsuit. We will update this story when we have more information.
Apple has been slapped with yet another patent-infringement lawsuit.A California-based company, Noise Free Wireless, last week filed a complaint against Apple in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging that Apple violated its noise-canceling technology patents. In addition, the company charged Apple with breach of contract and trade secret theft.GigaOm, which was first to report on the lawsuit, also pointed out that a third-party, Audience, was included in the lawsuit.According to Noise Free, it met with Apple in 2007 to discuss the potential of the Cupertino, Calif.-based company using its technology in the iPhone and iPad. Noise Free says it showed Apple PowerPoint presentations on how its technology works, and even gave it circuit boards and a phone to try out. Apple cut off all communication with Noise Free in 2009 before eventually communicating with the company again in 2010.However, Noise Free claims, two people present at the meetings between the companies filed for a patent application on behalf of Apple for a "user-specific noise suppression for voice quality improvements" patent. Soon after, Apple decided to work with Audience on noise-cancellation, according to the company.Apple and Audience's partnership was revealed earlier this year when the company, which delivers noise-cancellation technology, filed paperwork for an initial public offering. In the iPhone 4, Apple included a dedicated Audience chip, but in the iPhone 4S, it integrated the company's "EarSmart" technology directly into the A5 processor.For its part, Apple hasn't commented on the lawsuit, let alone noise-reduction technology in its mobile products. However, the company might need to fire back soon: Noise Free is asking for everything from a permanent injunction against the company's infringing products to damages and attorneys cost.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the lawsuit. We will update this story when we have more information.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)