8 things Microsoft is doing wrong
A few days ago, Tami Reller, Microsoft's chief marketing and financial officer for Windows, announced that the company had sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses since October 26 -- the day the new operating system launched. All puns aside, on the surface that seems pretty impressive, but recent articles by CNET and others indicate a much shakier start for Windows 8 and the hardware hinged to it.On November 29, an article by the New York Times cited poor sales figures for both Windows PCs and tablets from NPD, the retail sales tracking firm, painting "a darker picture of the Windows 8 introduction."According to NPD, unit sales of Windows PCs in retail stores in the U.S. fell 21 percent in the four-week period of October 21 to November 17 compared with the same period a year ago. And sales of Windows tablets have been "almost nonexistant" (less than 1 percent of all Windows 8 device sales).Windows 8 was supposed to jump-start sales of PCs, not help them drop off. So what's wrong?Well, plenty. Microsoft, of course, is a huge company that's flush with cash. It can afford to make mistakes. The 8-figure kind. And making them it is. With that in mind, I've put together a little "best of" list of Microsoft's faux pas. Feel free to agree or disagree and add your own items to the list (yes, there are more, but I figured eight was enough).1. Windows 8 upgrades cost too muchI have four or five Windows machines sitting around at home that I'd consider upgrading if I got more than one license for $40. The fact is, I'm fine running Windows 7 -- which is pretty darn good -- and don't see any compelling reason to upgrade the machines, particularly because none of them has a touch-screen display. I've also gotten used to Apple's new system of allowing you to upgrade at least five machines that have your iTunes account (App Store) once you buy an OS upgrade for $20.Windows 8 isn't such a great deal, even at its $39.99 launch price (click to enlarge).MicrosoftGranted, Windows 8 is a bigger upgrade than Apple's yearly changing of the felines, but I'm just not a one-license kind of guy anymore. I want more. At least three, preferably five. Call me cheap, but I just don't see myself upgrading until Microsoft offers up a better deal. 2. The muddle of Windows RTI was shocked when a few months ago someone told me Microsoft's Surface RT tablet didn't run Windows 8 Pro butWindows RT, which doesn't run older Windows programs.What the heck is Windows RT? Windows Retweet? And why would you put out a Windows RT tablet and then follow it up with a "real" Windows 8 tablet a few months later that does run legacy Windows software?I actually think the Surface hardware is nice -- and so did our reviewer, Eric Franklin -- but I'm not itching to run out and buy one since it doesn't offer a unique, killer feature that makes it seem better than the competition. Oh, and I'd rather wait for a real Windows 8 tablet that costs the same as an iPad. 3. Overpricing the Surface Pro tabletWhen Microsoft unveiled its tablets several months back without revealing the pricing for them, a lot of folks assumed the higher-end model, the "real" Windows 8 tablet, the so-called Surface Pro, would be pretty pricey. They were right. Recently, Microsoft said the Surface Pro would start at $899 without a keyboard (the keyboard costs $100). Why wouldn't I just buy an ultrabook with a touch-screen and twice the battery life for around the same price?4. The confusion over touch-screen vs. non-touch-screen Windows 8 laptopsA few friends have e-mailed asking me which Windows 8 laptop to buy. I tell them we here at CNET are recommending that folks buy a Windows 8 notebook with a touch screen. I've played around with a few Windows 8 notebooks and our laptop gurus, Dan Ackerman and Scott Stein, have reviewed several models. They both think touch-screen is the way to go -- and so do I. With its tile-based Metro interface, Windows 8 simply lends itself to being a touch-screen interface.Touch and go: Editor Dan Ackerman using the Acer Aspire S7 (click to enlarge).Sarah Tew/CNETNeedless to say, this creates some confusion for consumers. I keep watching these Windows 8 ads on TV and I'm seeing a Sony and a Dell and some other machines (we like the Lenovo Yoga and Acer Aspire S7). I have no idea which machine to buy, so I think to myself, "I'll wait for the dust to settle and hold out for next-generation Windows 8 devices to hit the market in 2013 before I'll seriously consider buying one." (Side note: I own both Macs and Windows machines and I'm writing this article on a Windows machine at work. I'm in the market for a new Windows machine at home because my young kids use only Apple devices and I want them to be exposed to Windows before they completely succumb to Apple.)At this point, it's hard to justify putting the resources forward to develop for their smartphones and tablets. We can't make any money.5. Failure to have developers buy inOn the same day the New York Times cited those NPD numbers, it posted an article titled "Microsoft Faces 'Year of Reckoning in Mobile Software,' IDC says." It cited an IDC survey where 33 percent of developers who replied to the survey said they were very interested in writing applications for Windows 8 tablets and 21 percent for Windows Phone 7 software. (Why they were polling for Windows Phone 7, and not Windows Phone 8, I don't know.) That's compared with 85 percent of developers who were interested in writing programs for the iPhone (83 percent for iPad) and 76 percent for Android phones (66 percent for Android tablets). Needless to say, the numbers looked bleak for BlackBerry devices. As part of the study IDC opined that, "Mobile platforms that fail to crack the 50 percent barrier of developers who are 'very interested' in developing apps for them will be on a gradual track to demise."In other words, unless Microsoft does a better job getting developers on board fast, it's looking at a downward slope, and not the good kind. On that note, I spoke to a major developer who was completely unimpressed by Microsoft's Windows 8 launch in New York City."They pretty much just showed their apps," said the developer, who didn't want to be quoted by name in this article. "And when we met with them, they just didn't provide any real monetary incentives for us to develop apps for them. At this point, it's hard to justify putting the resources forward to develop for their smartphones and tablets. We can't make any money." 6. Not seeding enough influencers with Windows phones and tabletsIn recent years Microsoft has spent millions of dollars on expensive advertising campaigns. That's fine. That's what big companies with lots of money do, even if they sometimes yield lackluster results. However, I would argue that Microsoft's media outreach has been suspect in recent years. Of course, it depends on which media you talk to, but I personally have had little to no contact with Microsoft's PR folks (they have two agencies) and couldn't tell who does what for them. I've barely used any of their mobile devices except in passing. Granted, I'm not very important, but I have written a lot of articles about Apple's, Amazon's, and Google's products.Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at the Windows 8 launch event in New York.Sarah Tew/CNETThis is just anecdotal evidence, but it's also worth noting that we never got a Surface tablet in CNET's New York office (we have one in the San Francisco office). We do a lot of video here at CNET and several of our editors regularly appear on TV, particularly during the holiday season. It's pretty hard to show or talk about a product if you don't have it.Consider Microsoft's big Windows 8 launch event in New York City on October 25. A lot of folks were expecting an "Oprah moment" for media attendees, with Steve Ballmer promising Surface tablets for all. Instead, journalists got a redundant walkthrough of the new OS. In the meantime, Samsung is doing big events in New York for its Galaxy phones (S3, Note II) and doling out hundreds of review samples for the press to try out. The same goes for Google, which routinely showers Google IO attendees with the latest Nexus tablets or phones. Apple did it with the iPod. And Amazon did it with the Kindle, too. It may sound crass, but that's how it's done. No, it's not about "buying off" the press with free stuff. It is about letting key influencers -- journalists, bloggers, college students -- live with these radically new operating systems for weeks, not just a few minutes at a press conference. Microsoft needs to get more people using the devices -- and evangelizing them -- before developers will truly buy into the platform. And the company won't get that with traditional advertising.7. No 'hero' phone for Windows 8Apple has always had the advantage of coalescing around one phone, the iPhone, whatever generation it is. Yes, the Android market is fragmented, but some of the Motorola models have stood out early, and now the Samsung Galaxy S3 is a true Android star.As for Nokia delivering a killer Windows 8 phone, that hasn't quite happened yet. The Lumia 920 is appealing, but it just doesn't have the pizzazz or a strong enough ecosystem to lift it past rivals in such a competitive market. Microsoft needs its iPhone 5 or Galaxy S3 to have a chance -- and it just doesn't have it yet.8. Missing the opportunity to expand Xbox brandMicrosoft has built a great brand with the Xbox and has been very successful in conquering the living room, with a huge core of loyal users. But Microsoft has failed to build on the Xbox brand across other platforms.As my colleague Jason Hiner has argued, Microsoft's smartphone should have been the xPhone, not a Windows product (ironically, Windows 8's tile-based interface has its roots in the Xbox's interface). Microsoft's been spending all this money trying to make Windows devices look hip and cool when the Windows brand just isn't that hip and cool, and I'm not sure it ever will be. You can argue over what it stands for now, but I don't think "hip" would make the top five in a Family Feud survey.Xbox, on the other hand, has an identity more closely tied to the audience Microsoft seems to be going after today. I would have gone with the xPhone. But what do I know?
How to disable or limit in-app purchases in iOS
How to disable or limit in-app purchases in iOS
Worried about your kids running up a big bill for in-app purchases on an iPhone or iPad? You can avoid sticker shock by disabling or limiting those purchases.The parental controls that limit in-app purchases aren't new. They've been around since Apple added them in iOS 4.3 in 2011. But the option is worth revisiting in light of Apple's recent reaction to the legal trouble caused by the in-app purchasing process.You must enter your iTunes password to confirm an in-app purchase. But by default, that password is good for 15 minutes. Make additional in-app purchases during that grace period, and no password is required. That grace period triggered a class-action lawsuit and a Federal Trade Commission complaint after parents complained that their kids were able to ring up lots of in-app purchases during that 15 minute span.Apple eventually settled the class-action suit and the FTC complaint with promises of some hefty financial compensation. In iOS 7.1, Apple also now flashes a warning when you make an in-app purchase that such purchases can go on for 15 minutes without requiring the password.That warning itself won't do anything to stop an in-app-purchase happy kid. But that's something you can do yourself. Here's how:On the iOS device, open the Settings screen. Tap General, and then tap Restrictions.Tap the option to Enable Restrictions. Enter and then re-enter a Restrictions passcode.By default, all of the apps and services are allowed. To disallow in-app purchases, tap on its button. In iOS 7 or higher, the button background for in-app purchases then turns from green to white.Now when you try to make an in-app purchase on that device, you're blocked and told that such purchases are not allowed.Okay, but what if you need to make an in-app purchase but simply want to disable that pesky 15-minute window? No problem.Head back to the Settings screen. Tap General, and then tap Restrictions. Type your Restrictions passcode.Tap the button for in-app purchases to turn them back on. Scroll down the Restrictions screen until you see a Require Password option that's currently set to 15 minutes. Tap that option and change the setting to Immediately.Tap the Restrictions link to go back to the previous screen and you'll see the setting now says Immediately.Now when you make an in-app purchase, you'll have to enter your iTunes password for each one. That restriction also applies to other types of purchases, so this just might help trim your future iTunes bills.
Worried about your kids running up a big bill for in-app purchases on an iPhone or iPad? You can avoid sticker shock by disabling or limiting those purchases.The parental controls that limit in-app purchases aren't new. They've been around since Apple added them in iOS 4.3 in 2011. But the option is worth revisiting in light of Apple's recent reaction to the legal trouble caused by the in-app purchasing process.You must enter your iTunes password to confirm an in-app purchase. But by default, that password is good for 15 minutes. Make additional in-app purchases during that grace period, and no password is required. That grace period triggered a class-action lawsuit and a Federal Trade Commission complaint after parents complained that their kids were able to ring up lots of in-app purchases during that 15 minute span.Apple eventually settled the class-action suit and the FTC complaint with promises of some hefty financial compensation. In iOS 7.1, Apple also now flashes a warning when you make an in-app purchase that such purchases can go on for 15 minutes without requiring the password.That warning itself won't do anything to stop an in-app-purchase happy kid. But that's something you can do yourself. Here's how:On the iOS device, open the Settings screen. Tap General, and then tap Restrictions.Tap the option to Enable Restrictions. Enter and then re-enter a Restrictions passcode.By default, all of the apps and services are allowed. To disallow in-app purchases, tap on its button. In iOS 7 or higher, the button background for in-app purchases then turns from green to white.Now when you try to make an in-app purchase on that device, you're blocked and told that such purchases are not allowed.Okay, but what if you need to make an in-app purchase but simply want to disable that pesky 15-minute window? No problem.Head back to the Settings screen. Tap General, and then tap Restrictions. Type your Restrictions passcode.Tap the button for in-app purchases to turn them back on. Scroll down the Restrictions screen until you see a Require Password option that's currently set to 15 minutes. Tap that option and change the setting to Immediately.Tap the Restrictions link to go back to the previous screen and you'll see the setting now says Immediately.Now when you make an in-app purchase, you'll have to enter your iTunes password for each one. That restriction also applies to other types of purchases, so this just might help trim your future iTunes bills.
64-bit Vista, memory, and you
64-bit Vista, memory, and you
Last month's desktop announcement from Gateway showed us two things: one, that desktop memory is now more affordable than ever; and two, that the 64-bit software era is upon us in full force.Each of the four desktops Gateway announced that day comes with 64-bit Vista, and they also all have either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. Considering the decidedly mainstream $550 to $1,150 price range for those PCs, all of a sudden those exotic features don't seem so exotic any more. But then we got our hands on one of those new Gateways for a review. What we found surprised us.What we learned in our recent review of the $1,150 Gateway FX4710 is that 6GB of RAM actually made almost no difference in current applications. We became suspicious when we compared its scores with the 4GB-equipped Gateway FX7026. To be sure, we ran our complete desktop benchmark suite (minus Crysis, which was acting weird) on the FX4710 three times, with 2GB, 4GB, and 6GB of RAM installed. As you can see in the charts below, moving from 2GB to 4GB in 64-bit has a definite performance impact, in some cases, especially in Photoshop and on our multimedia multitasking test, both of which handle large amounts of data at once. But going from 4GB to 6GB got us much less of a boost.Adobe Photoshop CS3 image-processing test (in seconds)(Shorter bars indicate better performance)4GB Gateway FX7026106 4GB Gateway FX4710108 6GB Gateway FX4710108 2GB Gateway FX4710143 Apple iTunes encoding test (in seconds)(Shorter bars indicate better performance)4GB Gateway FX7026142 6GB Gateway FX4710144 4GB Gateway FX4710149 2GB Gateway FX4710150 Multimedia multitasking test (in seconds)(Shorter bars indicate better performance)4GB Gateway FX7026523 6GB Gateway FX4710524 4GB Gateway FX4710529 2GB Gateway FX4710548 Cinebench (Longer bars indicate better performance)Rendering Multiple CPUs  Rendering Single CPU  6GB Gateway FX471010,767 3,009 4GB Gateway FX471010,628 2,975 4GB Gateway FX702610,306 3,008 2GB Gateway FX47109,343 2,682 Unreal Tournament 3 (in frames per second)(Longer bars indicate better performance)1,920x1,200  1,280x1,024  6GB Gateway FX471083 141 2GB Gateway FX471082 135 4GB Gateway FX471082 135 4GB Gateway FX702679 123 Gateway is not the only vendor guilty of selling more memory than is necessary at the moment. HP also has options for 6GB and even 8GB of RAM on some of its desktops. And to both vendors' credit, at least they offer 64-bit Vista. Dell still doesn't.This is also not to say that 6GB and higher will never have an impact. We just need new versions of Photoshop and other applications to come out that can support those higher memory allotments. But right now, you'd be smarter to spend your money on a faster CPU or graphics card, or some added features before boosting a 64-bit Vista system with more than 4GB of memory.
Last month's desktop announcement from Gateway showed us two things: one, that desktop memory is now more affordable than ever; and two, that the 64-bit software era is upon us in full force.Each of the four desktops Gateway announced that day comes with 64-bit Vista, and they also all have either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. Considering the decidedly mainstream $550 to $1,150 price range for those PCs, all of a sudden those exotic features don't seem so exotic any more. But then we got our hands on one of those new Gateways for a review. What we found surprised us.What we learned in our recent review of the $1,150 Gateway FX4710 is that 6GB of RAM actually made almost no difference in current applications. We became suspicious when we compared its scores with the 4GB-equipped Gateway FX7026. To be sure, we ran our complete desktop benchmark suite (minus Crysis, which was acting weird) on the FX4710 three times, with 2GB, 4GB, and 6GB of RAM installed. As you can see in the charts below, moving from 2GB to 4GB in 64-bit has a definite performance impact, in some cases, especially in Photoshop and on our multimedia multitasking test, both of which handle large amounts of data at once. But going from 4GB to 6GB got us much less of a boost.Adobe Photoshop CS3 image-processing test (in seconds)(Shorter bars indicate better performance)4GB Gateway FX7026106 4GB Gateway FX4710108 6GB Gateway FX4710108 2GB Gateway FX4710143 Apple iTunes encoding test (in seconds)(Shorter bars indicate better performance)4GB Gateway FX7026142 6GB Gateway FX4710144 4GB Gateway FX4710149 2GB Gateway FX4710150 Multimedia multitasking test (in seconds)(Shorter bars indicate better performance)4GB Gateway FX7026523 6GB Gateway FX4710524 4GB Gateway FX4710529 2GB Gateway FX4710548 Cinebench (Longer bars indicate better performance)Rendering Multiple CPUs  Rendering Single CPU  6GB Gateway FX471010,767 3,009 4GB Gateway FX471010,628 2,975 4GB Gateway FX702610,306 3,008 2GB Gateway FX47109,343 2,682 Unreal Tournament 3 (in frames per second)(Longer bars indicate better performance)1,920x1,200  1,280x1,024  6GB Gateway FX471083 141 2GB Gateway FX471082 135 4GB Gateway FX471082 135 4GB Gateway FX702679 123 Gateway is not the only vendor guilty of selling more memory than is necessary at the moment. HP also has options for 6GB and even 8GB of RAM on some of its desktops. And to both vendors' credit, at least they offer 64-bit Vista. Dell still doesn't.This is also not to say that 6GB and higher will never have an impact. We just need new versions of Photoshop and other applications to come out that can support those higher memory allotments. But right now, you'd be smarter to spend your money on a faster CPU or graphics card, or some added features before boosting a 64-bit Vista system with more than 4GB of memory.
Reclaim storage space on your iOS device with PhoneClean
Reclaim storage space on your iOS device with PhoneClean
PhoneClean is available only for Windows, so Mac users looking to give it a whirl will need to find a friend's PC. I sync my iPad with iTunes on a MacBook Pro, but I was able to use PhoneClean on a Windows 7 laptop I have in house for another assignment without needing to sign into iTunes. (You need iTunes installed, however.) After connecting my iPad and launching PhoneClean, I was presented with a simple three-step process: connect, scan, clean.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETPhoneClean recognized my iPad and how much free disk space remained: only 668MB. Before clicking the big blue Start Scan button, you may wonder about the check box below for "I'd like to keep off-line files." If you check this box, you might as well not use PhoneClean, at least in my experience. These offline files are apparently what PhoneClean seeks to eradicate. I checked the box and after scanning my iPad, PhoneClean reported a cleaning would save me exactly zero bytes. (I scanned my iPhone with the box checked, and it found two files from the Huffington Post app that would save me a whopping 49KB.) With the box unchecked on my iPad, I would save 357MB. Granted, that's not a ton of disk space, but it's more than half of the remaining space I have left, so I hit the Clean button.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETSince its digital colonic, my iPad appears to be operating normally. My iPhone is too valuable to me to submit it to a PhoneClean cleaning, but if my iPad doesn't sprout horns this week or exhibit other odd behaviors, I might give it a go on my iPhone the next time I see this message:Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETHave you tried PhoneClean? If so, please report any problems with the app below in the comments. PhoneClean success stories, too, are welcomed. Before we part, allow me one last word of advice: it's never a bad idea to back up your iOS device before letting a largely unknown application such as PhoneClean get its hooks into it.
PhoneClean is available only for Windows, so Mac users looking to give it a whirl will need to find a friend's PC. I sync my iPad with iTunes on a MacBook Pro, but I was able to use PhoneClean on a Windows 7 laptop I have in house for another assignment without needing to sign into iTunes. (You need iTunes installed, however.) After connecting my iPad and launching PhoneClean, I was presented with a simple three-step process: connect, scan, clean.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETPhoneClean recognized my iPad and how much free disk space remained: only 668MB. Before clicking the big blue Start Scan button, you may wonder about the check box below for "I'd like to keep off-line files." If you check this box, you might as well not use PhoneClean, at least in my experience. These offline files are apparently what PhoneClean seeks to eradicate. I checked the box and after scanning my iPad, PhoneClean reported a cleaning would save me exactly zero bytes. (I scanned my iPhone with the box checked, and it found two files from the Huffington Post app that would save me a whopping 49KB.) With the box unchecked on my iPad, I would save 357MB. Granted, that's not a ton of disk space, but it's more than half of the remaining space I have left, so I hit the Clean button.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETSince its digital colonic, my iPad appears to be operating normally. My iPhone is too valuable to me to submit it to a PhoneClean cleaning, but if my iPad doesn't sprout horns this week or exhibit other odd behaviors, I might give it a go on my iPhone the next time I see this message:Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETHave you tried PhoneClean? If so, please report any problems with the app below in the comments. PhoneClean success stories, too, are welcomed. Before we part, allow me one last word of advice: it's never a bad idea to back up your iOS device before letting a largely unknown application such as PhoneClean get its hooks into it.
Google+ Hangouts come to posts and mobile devices
Google+ Hangouts come to posts and mobile devices
Google is making one of the most talked-about features of Google+, its Hangouts videoconferencing service, easier to find and use.Now users can launch a Hangout directly from a Google+ post, starting a conversation with the person who posted the item."Certain posts act as kindling for face-to-face interaction," Google Senior Vice President Vic Gundotra wrote in a blog post announcing the new features.So if a friend mentions taking a new job or a sibling announces their engagement on the social network, users can quickly launch a video chat to offer congratulations.Google is also adding the ability to quickly launch Hangouts on mobile phones as well. Over the next few days, Google will launch a new Google+ app for devices that run its Android mobile operating system that will let users tap a new Hangout icon in Google+ Messenger to start a face-to-face chat. The company said the updated iTunes version of the app is "coming soon" to the App Store.Google is also making the broadcast version of Hangouts, dubbed Hangouts On Air, more widely available. In September, it debuted the service, which lets Google+ users with big followings broadcast a Hangout to anyone who wants to tune in, with a Hangout On Air featuring Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am.Hangouts On Air won't yet be available for everyone. But Google is opening it up to "hundreds more public figures, celebrities and other Google+ users with large followings." It's also making Hangouts On Air completely self-service, giving those Google+ users the tools to set up a broadcast whenever they want, rather than relying on help from Google. And Google is integrating the service with its YouTube business, uploading recordings of Hangouts On Air, which users can set for private viewership, once the session ends.And Google has added a new Easter egg to Hangouts. Last month, it let users put digitally placed moustaches on their faces during a Hangout in recognition of Movember, a moustache-growing event held during November to raise funds and awareness for men's health issues. For the holidays, Google+ users can don a set of digital antlers during a Hangout. And Gundotra wrote that the company will soon let developers create their own effects using the Hangouts API.Here is a new ad for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, featuring the new Google+ Hangout on mobile devices:
Google is making one of the most talked-about features of Google+, its Hangouts videoconferencing service, easier to find and use.Now users can launch a Hangout directly from a Google+ post, starting a conversation with the person who posted the item."Certain posts act as kindling for face-to-face interaction," Google Senior Vice President Vic Gundotra wrote in a blog post announcing the new features.So if a friend mentions taking a new job or a sibling announces their engagement on the social network, users can quickly launch a video chat to offer congratulations.Google is also adding the ability to quickly launch Hangouts on mobile phones as well. Over the next few days, Google will launch a new Google+ app for devices that run its Android mobile operating system that will let users tap a new Hangout icon in Google+ Messenger to start a face-to-face chat. The company said the updated iTunes version of the app is "coming soon" to the App Store.Google is also making the broadcast version of Hangouts, dubbed Hangouts On Air, more widely available. In September, it debuted the service, which lets Google+ users with big followings broadcast a Hangout to anyone who wants to tune in, with a Hangout On Air featuring Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am.Hangouts On Air won't yet be available for everyone. But Google is opening it up to "hundreds more public figures, celebrities and other Google+ users with large followings." It's also making Hangouts On Air completely self-service, giving those Google+ users the tools to set up a broadcast whenever they want, rather than relying on help from Google. And Google is integrating the service with its YouTube business, uploading recordings of Hangouts On Air, which users can set for private viewership, once the session ends.And Google has added a new Easter egg to Hangouts. Last month, it let users put digitally placed moustaches on their faces during a Hangout in recognition of Movember, a moustache-growing event held during November to raise funds and awareness for men's health issues. For the holidays, Google+ users can don a set of digital antlers during a Hangout. And Gundotra wrote that the company will soon let developers create their own effects using the Hangouts API.Here is a new ad for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, featuring the new Google+ Hangout on mobile devices:
Report- Apple will bring text-to-speech conversion to Notes
Report: Apple will bring text-to-speech conversion to Notes
Apple has filed for a patent for a forthcoming feature that could convert text to speech in its Notes application.Related storiesIs sapphire Apple's next product material?Apple wins 41 new patents, including hand-gesture controlsApple the top target for patent trolls in past 5 yearsAccording to Patently Apple, the tech giant filed for the patent in Europe. In the filing that Patently Apple discovered, Apple said it planned a new version of its iOS Notes app that would allow users to first translate text into one of several other languages, and then convert it to speech."In the future, Apple's current invention will enable a user to select, from among multiple languages, a language to be used for performing text-to-speech conversion," Patently Apple wrote. "In some embodiments, multiple languages may be displayed to the user. The user may then select a particular language to be used from the multiple languages. The user-selected language may then be used to generate speech for text to be converted to speech."The "speak" option that is part of the filing would not necessarily be available to users as soon as the language translation tool.
Apple has filed for a patent for a forthcoming feature that could convert text to speech in its Notes application.Related storiesIs sapphire Apple's next product material?Apple wins 41 new patents, including hand-gesture controlsApple the top target for patent trolls in past 5 yearsAccording to Patently Apple, the tech giant filed for the patent in Europe. In the filing that Patently Apple discovered, Apple said it planned a new version of its iOS Notes app that would allow users to first translate text into one of several other languages, and then convert it to speech."In the future, Apple's current invention will enable a user to select, from among multiple languages, a language to be used for performing text-to-speech conversion," Patently Apple wrote. "In some embodiments, multiple languages may be displayed to the user. The user may then select a particular language to be used from the multiple languages. The user-selected language may then be used to generate speech for text to be converted to speech."The "speak" option that is part of the filing would not necessarily be available to users as soon as the language translation tool.
Report- Apple music, TV event set for Sept. 7
Report: Apple music, TV event set for Sept. 7
We're hearing a lot about what might be announced by Apple at its now-annual September music event--but when will it be held?On Tuesday, in a story about forthcoming 99-cent TV show rentals on iTunes, Bloomberg reported that Apple would hold an event September 7."Apple plans to hold a San Francisco event September 7, two weeks ahead of the start of the new prime-time TV season," according to the report, "to unveil the service and a refreshed line of entertainment products." That's the same week Apple usually holds the event, but there's always a question about when, exactly, the event--usually focused on iPods and iTunes--will take place. Apple typically sends out invitations to the press conference about a week ahead of time. Earlier this month, AllThingsD reported that it might take place closer to mid-September.Apple isn't offering any clues as to the exact date though. An Apple representative said Tuesday, "We don't comment on rumors and speculation."Besides new pricing for some iTunes content, Apple is also expected to unveil a $99 reworked version of Apple TV, new iPods, including an iPod Touch with "retina" display and front-facing camera, and FaceTime calling.
We're hearing a lot about what might be announced by Apple at its now-annual September music event--but when will it be held?On Tuesday, in a story about forthcoming 99-cent TV show rentals on iTunes, Bloomberg reported that Apple would hold an event September 7."Apple plans to hold a San Francisco event September 7, two weeks ahead of the start of the new prime-time TV season," according to the report, "to unveil the service and a refreshed line of entertainment products." That's the same week Apple usually holds the event, but there's always a question about when, exactly, the event--usually focused on iPods and iTunes--will take place. Apple typically sends out invitations to the press conference about a week ahead of time. Earlier this month, AllThingsD reported that it might take place closer to mid-September.Apple isn't offering any clues as to the exact date though. An Apple representative said Tuesday, "We don't comment on rumors and speculation."Besides new pricing for some iTunes content, Apple is also expected to unveil a $99 reworked version of Apple TV, new iPods, including an iPod Touch with "retina" display and front-facing camera, and FaceTime calling.
Amazon warns iOS users to not update Kindle app due to glitch
Amazon warns iOS users to not update Kindle app due to glitch
Amazon pissed off a few iOS-based Kindle users today. The online retail giant this morning warned iOS users not to download the latest update to its Kindle app because of a glitch that wiped an existing customer's entire library from the device. However, Amazon had released another update by this afternoon that resolved the issue. After downloading the initial update, existing Kindle users were logged out of their accounts, and everything they had downloaded was deleted from their devices. They also lost bookmarks and other settings, according to angry comments on iTunes. Users then had to log back in to Kindle and redownload their books from the cloud. Some complained that they had to delete the app entirely and download it again. Here's the warning, which was posted on the mobile app and in the online iTunes App Store: "Note: There is a known issue with this update. If you are an existing Kindle for iOS user, we recommend you do not install this update at this time."While the Kindle app came with a warning, it was easy for users to overlook. It was posted in the area where the "What's New" information was included. Some apps are updated so frequently and changes are so minor that users don't even bother reading the details about what's included before they hit download. Kindle user ShannonNoel posted on iTunes this morning that the update erased all saved settings. "Now I have to go through my hundreds of books to find the ones I haven't read and change all of my screen settings," the user wrote. An Amazon spokeswoman told CNET earlier today that the company had identified the issue with the app update that caused the app to become deregistered. She noted that to register again, users had to enter their Amazon account e-mail address and password and all content would be available in the cloud.At that time, she said the company had submitted an update fix for the issue and was working with Apple to release it.The glitch had been resolved by this afternoon, with the Kindle update most recently saying that it included a "fix for registration issue" and "various bug fixes and security fixes."Updated at 7:20 a.m. PT with comment from Amazon and again at 3 p.m. PT with details about the app being fixed.(Via Tuaw)
Amazon pissed off a few iOS-based Kindle users today. The online retail giant this morning warned iOS users not to download the latest update to its Kindle app because of a glitch that wiped an existing customer's entire library from the device. However, Amazon had released another update by this afternoon that resolved the issue. After downloading the initial update, existing Kindle users were logged out of their accounts, and everything they had downloaded was deleted from their devices. They also lost bookmarks and other settings, according to angry comments on iTunes. Users then had to log back in to Kindle and redownload their books from the cloud. Some complained that they had to delete the app entirely and download it again. Here's the warning, which was posted on the mobile app and in the online iTunes App Store: "Note: There is a known issue with this update. If you are an existing Kindle for iOS user, we recommend you do not install this update at this time."While the Kindle app came with a warning, it was easy for users to overlook. It was posted in the area where the "What's New" information was included. Some apps are updated so frequently and changes are so minor that users don't even bother reading the details about what's included before they hit download. Kindle user ShannonNoel posted on iTunes this morning that the update erased all saved settings. "Now I have to go through my hundreds of books to find the ones I haven't read and change all of my screen settings," the user wrote. An Amazon spokeswoman told CNET earlier today that the company had identified the issue with the app update that caused the app to become deregistered. She noted that to register again, users had to enter their Amazon account e-mail address and password and all content would be available in the cloud.At that time, she said the company had submitted an update fix for the issue and was working with Apple to release it.The glitch had been resolved by this afternoon, with the Kindle update most recently saying that it included a "fix for registration issue" and "various bug fixes and security fixes."Updated at 7:20 a.m. PT with comment from Amazon and again at 3 p.m. PT with details about the app being fixed.(Via Tuaw)
Amazon to sell used ebooks
Amazon to sell used ebooks
In news that made us double-, then triple-take, Amazon is seeking to create a marketplace for second-hand ebooks.It's not as far-fetched as it sounds; a service called ReDigi, which has been around since October 2011, already allows you to sell (that is, transfer) the licences for purchased iTunes music.Essentially, Amazon's software will operate in a similar manner â€" transferring the DRM of a digital object from one user to another, presumably at a cost reduced from that of the "new" ebook; so what the users are selling is the licence, not the content itself, as per Amazon's Terms of Use:Kindle Content is licensed, not sold, to you by the Content Provider.We're of two minds. While on the one hand, it offers a solution to one of the cited "cons" of ebooks over physical books â€" that is, the ability to resell when you are finished with it â€" as well as cheaper ebooks, since there's no such thing as wear and tear on a digital file, on the other, it cuts the author out of the profits.ReDigi has responded to the patent by calling the legality of Amazon's system into question, saying:As ReDigi understands Amazon's patent, it is for a marketplace that employs a seller to buyer "copy and delete" mechanism, in which a user sells a "copy" of a digital good to another user while both the buyer and seller simultaneously own the copy (even if only for an instant in time), and then supposedly/subsequently the seller's copy is "deleted". ReDigi takes no position on the legality of this technique under copyright law, but simply notes that it has been central to the music and publishing industries' scepticism and opposition to a "used" digital marketplace, and that the ReDigi Marketplace does not use this technique.It is worth noting that while ReDigi announced its intention to introduce ebooks into its marketplace in July of last year, Amazon's patent was filed in 2009.You can read Amazon's full patent for a secondary market for digital objects here.
In news that made us double-, then triple-take, Amazon is seeking to create a marketplace for second-hand ebooks.It's not as far-fetched as it sounds; a service called ReDigi, which has been around since October 2011, already allows you to sell (that is, transfer) the licences for purchased iTunes music.Essentially, Amazon's software will operate in a similar manner â€" transferring the DRM of a digital object from one user to another, presumably at a cost reduced from that of the "new" ebook; so what the users are selling is the licence, not the content itself, as per Amazon's Terms of Use:Kindle Content is licensed, not sold, to you by the Content Provider.We're of two minds. While on the one hand, it offers a solution to one of the cited "cons" of ebooks over physical books â€" that is, the ability to resell when you are finished with it â€" as well as cheaper ebooks, since there's no such thing as wear and tear on a digital file, on the other, it cuts the author out of the profits.ReDigi has responded to the patent by calling the legality of Amazon's system into question, saying:As ReDigi understands Amazon's patent, it is for a marketplace that employs a seller to buyer "copy and delete" mechanism, in which a user sells a "copy" of a digital good to another user while both the buyer and seller simultaneously own the copy (even if only for an instant in time), and then supposedly/subsequently the seller's copy is "deleted". ReDigi takes no position on the legality of this technique under copyright law, but simply notes that it has been central to the music and publishing industries' scepticism and opposition to a "used" digital marketplace, and that the ReDigi Marketplace does not use this technique.It is worth noting that while ReDigi announced its intention to introduce ebooks into its marketplace in July of last year, Amazon's patent was filed in 2009.You can read Amazon's full patent for a secondary market for digital objects here.
And now for the alleged iPhone 6 extreme sandpaper test
And now for the alleged iPhone 6 extreme sandpaper test
Torture, supposedly, brings out the truth.So ever since rumors emerged that the iPhone 6 (coming, um, soon) would have a sapphire crystal screen, intrepid YouTube video makers have been seeing how indestructible it might be.At the forefront is Marques Brownlee (aka MKBHD), who obtained what he alleges is the type of screen Apple is currently inserting into its (probably) larger phone.First, he raked a knife over it. But knives are, in the vast screen of things, soft. Now, Brownlee is back with what he says is an even truer test of the screen's durability.In a new YouTube video, he takes two types of sandpaper and rakes them over the screen. He also explains that with the iPhone 5S, the home button is already pure sapphire, so raking over that would help too.That's where he starts, using garnet sandpaper. The home button of the 5S, which he says is pure sapphire, is left pristine. The screen of the alleged iPhone 6 shows some scratches.More Technically IncorrectCop uses own GoPro to film traffic stop of lieutenant, suspendedSamsung: Here's proof Galaxy S5 users aren't wall-huggersSamsung: Galaxy Tab S saves marriages (iPad doesn't)But then he goes for the big one -- the emery sandpaper. It wrecks the iPhone 5S's Gorilla Glass. The sapphire screen does better, but is still, in Brownlee's words "not indestructible."Brownlee's conclusion is that the alleged screen of the alleged iPhone 6 is allegedly a sapphire composite, not the pure thing. This allows for flexibility, as well as durability. "As long as you're not carrying high-quality sandpaper in your pocket, you should be good," is his charming conclusion.Having bathed in all this reassurance and knowing that even if you're a carpenter you'll keep your sandpaper well clear, Brownlee's video ends with one more torture test.Now this one is just plain mean.
Torture, supposedly, brings out the truth.So ever since rumors emerged that the iPhone 6 (coming, um, soon) would have a sapphire crystal screen, intrepid YouTube video makers have been seeing how indestructible it might be.At the forefront is Marques Brownlee (aka MKBHD), who obtained what he alleges is the type of screen Apple is currently inserting into its (probably) larger phone.First, he raked a knife over it. But knives are, in the vast screen of things, soft. Now, Brownlee is back with what he says is an even truer test of the screen's durability.In a new YouTube video, he takes two types of sandpaper and rakes them over the screen. He also explains that with the iPhone 5S, the home button is already pure sapphire, so raking over that would help too.That's where he starts, using garnet sandpaper. The home button of the 5S, which he says is pure sapphire, is left pristine. The screen of the alleged iPhone 6 shows some scratches.More Technically IncorrectCop uses own GoPro to film traffic stop of lieutenant, suspendedSamsung: Here's proof Galaxy S5 users aren't wall-huggersSamsung: Galaxy Tab S saves marriages (iPad doesn't)But then he goes for the big one -- the emery sandpaper. It wrecks the iPhone 5S's Gorilla Glass. The sapphire screen does better, but is still, in Brownlee's words "not indestructible."Brownlee's conclusion is that the alleged screen of the alleged iPhone 6 is allegedly a sapphire composite, not the pure thing. This allows for flexibility, as well as durability. "As long as you're not carrying high-quality sandpaper in your pocket, you should be good," is his charming conclusion.Having bathed in all this reassurance and knowing that even if you're a carpenter you'll keep your sandpaper well clear, Brownlee's video ends with one more torture test.Now this one is just plain mean.
Android 3.2 rolling out on Xoom, Motorola says
Android 3.2 rolling out on Xoom, Motorola says
Motorola is beginning to roll out Android Honeycomb 3.2 for its Xoom tablet. The Google update includes a couple of key enhancements that will also roll out to other Android tablets in the near future."Google has started rolling out Android 3.2, in phases, to Motorola Xoom users," a Motorola representative confirmed for CNET today.The update will introduce a new viewing mode, referred to as "zoom to fill," and fully enable SD card slots. Motorola will be the first tablet vendor to get this update, according to Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch."Imagine viewing your app at the size of a phone screen then zooming in about 200 percent," says the Android Developers blog. Stretch-to-fill is the standard layout resizing, while zoom-to-fill screen is the new screen compatibility mode, according to the blog.The new zoom-to-fill option for Android Honeycomb.Android Developers BlogOther improvements include optimizations for 7-inch designs, such as Huawei's 7-inch MediaPad, and support for Qualcomm chips--not just those from Nvidia, which have been the standard so far for tablets like the Xoom, Acer's Iconia Tab 500, Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1, and Toshiba's Thrive. Huawei's tablet, for instance, uses a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.A bunch of other tweaks and improvements are also expected, which may include performance optimizations, according to reports. In related news, refurbished Xooms (32GB, Wi-Fi) are now being offered for $399.
Motorola is beginning to roll out Android Honeycomb 3.2 for its Xoom tablet. The Google update includes a couple of key enhancements that will also roll out to other Android tablets in the near future."Google has started rolling out Android 3.2, in phases, to Motorola Xoom users," a Motorola representative confirmed for CNET today.The update will introduce a new viewing mode, referred to as "zoom to fill," and fully enable SD card slots. Motorola will be the first tablet vendor to get this update, according to Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch."Imagine viewing your app at the size of a phone screen then zooming in about 200 percent," says the Android Developers blog. Stretch-to-fill is the standard layout resizing, while zoom-to-fill screen is the new screen compatibility mode, according to the blog.The new zoom-to-fill option for Android Honeycomb.Android Developers BlogOther improvements include optimizations for 7-inch designs, such as Huawei's 7-inch MediaPad, and support for Qualcomm chips--not just those from Nvidia, which have been the standard so far for tablets like the Xoom, Acer's Iconia Tab 500, Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1, and Toshiba's Thrive. Huawei's tablet, for instance, uses a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.A bunch of other tweaks and improvements are also expected, which may include performance optimizations, according to reports. In related news, refurbished Xooms (32GB, Wi-Fi) are now being offered for $399.
Analysts mull how many iPhones Verizon will sell
Analysts mull how many iPhones Verizon will sell
How many iPhones could Verizon sell now that the long-awaited device has hit the shelves? As expected, that question has prompted the usual collection of analysts to gaze into their crystal balls, as reported by Bloomberg and other news sources.Looking at the short term, Verizon Wireless could sell more than 1 million units in the first week beginning today, forecasts analyst Mike Abramsky of RBC Capital Market, a number that he believes may even cause the carrier to run out of stock, according to Barron's.Focusing on the current quarter, projections vary. Analysts Rick Franklin from Edward Jones, Jennifer Fritzsche at Wells Fargo Securities, and Ashok Kumar from Rodman & Renshaw, all are forecasting that Verizon may sell 2 million iPhones from now until March 31, according to Bloomberg.In a phone call with CNET, Kumar confirmed the 2 million number for the current quarter. But Abramsky is looking for more, says Barron's, projecting that as many as 3 to 4 million Verizon iPhones could fly off the shelves by the time the quarter ends.For 2011 as a whole, Kumar told CNET that he's estimating sales of around 8 million iPhones from Verizon. But again, Abramsky upped the figure, eyeing sales of at least 9 million iPhones and as many as 11 million as forecast by Verizon, according to a January 25 conference call. Abramsky also noted that the company believes it could sell even more barring any supply issues.Verizon Wireless is selling the 16GB iPhone for $199.99 and the 32GB model for $299.99. CNET reporter Maggie Reardon is camped out in a frigid New York City today to cover the launch of the iPhone and the crowds braving the 20-degree temperatures to get their first shot at it.
How many iPhones could Verizon sell now that the long-awaited device has hit the shelves? As expected, that question has prompted the usual collection of analysts to gaze into their crystal balls, as reported by Bloomberg and other news sources.Looking at the short term, Verizon Wireless could sell more than 1 million units in the first week beginning today, forecasts analyst Mike Abramsky of RBC Capital Market, a number that he believes may even cause the carrier to run out of stock, according to Barron's.Focusing on the current quarter, projections vary. Analysts Rick Franklin from Edward Jones, Jennifer Fritzsche at Wells Fargo Securities, and Ashok Kumar from Rodman & Renshaw, all are forecasting that Verizon may sell 2 million iPhones from now until March 31, according to Bloomberg.In a phone call with CNET, Kumar confirmed the 2 million number for the current quarter. But Abramsky is looking for more, says Barron's, projecting that as many as 3 to 4 million Verizon iPhones could fly off the shelves by the time the quarter ends.For 2011 as a whole, Kumar told CNET that he's estimating sales of around 8 million iPhones from Verizon. But again, Abramsky upped the figure, eyeing sales of at least 9 million iPhones and as many as 11 million as forecast by Verizon, according to a January 25 conference call. Abramsky also noted that the company believes it could sell even more barring any supply issues.Verizon Wireless is selling the 16GB iPhone for $199.99 and the 32GB model for $299.99. CNET reporter Maggie Reardon is camped out in a frigid New York City today to cover the launch of the iPhone and the crowds braving the 20-degree temperatures to get their first shot at it.
Analysts- 'iPad 3' display presents a challenge
Analysts: 'iPad 3' display presents a challenge
Two analysts contacted by CNET today said that they don't expect a new version of the iPad, dubbed the iPad 3, until next year because of high-resolution display supply constraints.And a report today from Digitimes made similar claims. "We have heard that panel makers have had trouble manufacturing panels at efficient yields with the resolutions that Apple is requesting," said Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch."There's even been discussion of lowering the resolution to get better yields."A 9.7-inch tablet display with 2,048x1,536 resolution "has been under development for some time," Rhoda Alexander, an analyst at IHS iSuppli, said in reply to an e-mail query. Alexander said iSuppli has built its projections on a 2012 introduction of an iPad with this kind of very high-resolution display.Apple's iPad 2, announced back in March, has a 9.7-inch display with a resolution of 1,024x768. Alexander's conclusion is that the iPad 3 will not appear before the first quarter of 2012 because the "higher performance panels present a number of challenges...the panel yields are likely to be substantially lower than that of the iPad 2's panel. It makes no sense for Apple to introduce a supply constrained product in its heaviest demand quarter (third quarter) of the year," Alexander said. Alexander continued. "The backlight issue presents a substantial challenge as well, both in integrating the higher performance requirements within the form factor requirements and managing the additional power requirements." The issues described above affect all tablet suppliers, forcing other makers to delay their plans for models with higher resolutions displays too, according to the report in Digitimes. Earlier this month, Ashok Kumar, an analyst at Rodman & Renshaw, said that Apple had begun production on an incremental upgrade for the iPad 2--and iPad 2 "Premium" for professionals. This is expected to also have a high-resolution screen. It is still possible that Apple brings out a professional model this year because the necessary production volumes for a high-end version of the iPad 2 would be low, Kumar said today.
Two analysts contacted by CNET today said that they don't expect a new version of the iPad, dubbed the iPad 3, until next year because of high-resolution display supply constraints.And a report today from Digitimes made similar claims. "We have heard that panel makers have had trouble manufacturing panels at efficient yields with the resolutions that Apple is requesting," said Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch."There's even been discussion of lowering the resolution to get better yields."A 9.7-inch tablet display with 2,048x1,536 resolution "has been under development for some time," Rhoda Alexander, an analyst at IHS iSuppli, said in reply to an e-mail query. Alexander said iSuppli has built its projections on a 2012 introduction of an iPad with this kind of very high-resolution display.Apple's iPad 2, announced back in March, has a 9.7-inch display with a resolution of 1,024x768. Alexander's conclusion is that the iPad 3 will not appear before the first quarter of 2012 because the "higher performance panels present a number of challenges...the panel yields are likely to be substantially lower than that of the iPad 2's panel. It makes no sense for Apple to introduce a supply constrained product in its heaviest demand quarter (third quarter) of the year," Alexander said. Alexander continued. "The backlight issue presents a substantial challenge as well, both in integrating the higher performance requirements within the form factor requirements and managing the additional power requirements." The issues described above affect all tablet suppliers, forcing other makers to delay their plans for models with higher resolutions displays too, according to the report in Digitimes. Earlier this month, Ashok Kumar, an analyst at Rodman & Renshaw, said that Apple had begun production on an incremental upgrade for the iPad 2--and iPad 2 "Premium" for professionals. This is expected to also have a high-resolution screen. It is still possible that Apple brings out a professional model this year because the necessary production volumes for a high-end version of the iPad 2 would be low, Kumar said today.
Analysts- Intel seeks chip business at Apple
Analysts: Intel seeks chip business at Apple
''Based on a number of inputs, we believe Intel is...vying for Apple's foundry business,'' wrote Gus Richard, an analyst with Piper Jaffray & Co., in a research note, according to a report in EE Times. Foundry refers to contract manufacturing.Samsung is currently the foundry for Apple's A4 and A5 processors, which are used in the iPhone 4 and iPad 2. This may be a golden opportunity for Intel, according to another analyst. "Given the strained relationship between Apple and Samsung over IP (intellectual property) issues, there is a window where Intel can become the foundry of choice for Apple," said Ashok Kumar, an analyst with Rodman & Renshaw, in a phone interview.Though Intel is relatively new to the foundry business, it already has one customer on record, Achronix Semiconductor.But it also has at least two more confidential customers, according to a source familiar with Intel's foundry business.That said, gaining Apple as a customer would move Intel into the contract manufacturing big leagues with the likes of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)--also rumored to be a future Apple foundry.In fact, Intel isn't there yet."It's not the sort of thing that could happen easily or quickly," said the source. But it could happen.And if it did, Apple would be tapping into the resources of the world's premier chip manufacturer. "Intel would be more of a preferred supplier than TSMC," said Kumar. "Intel simply has superior [manufacturing] process technology," according to Kumar. And Intel, via its flash chip manufacturing venture with Micron Technology, is one of the world's largest suppliers of flash memory and solid-state drives--for which Apple also has a voracious appetite.Intel said it does not comment on speculative analyst reports. Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
''Based on a number of inputs, we believe Intel is...vying for Apple's foundry business,'' wrote Gus Richard, an analyst with Piper Jaffray & Co., in a research note, according to a report in EE Times. Foundry refers to contract manufacturing.Samsung is currently the foundry for Apple's A4 and A5 processors, which are used in the iPhone 4 and iPad 2. This may be a golden opportunity for Intel, according to another analyst. "Given the strained relationship between Apple and Samsung over IP (intellectual property) issues, there is a window where Intel can become the foundry of choice for Apple," said Ashok Kumar, an analyst with Rodman & Renshaw, in a phone interview.Though Intel is relatively new to the foundry business, it already has one customer on record, Achronix Semiconductor.But it also has at least two more confidential customers, according to a source familiar with Intel's foundry business.That said, gaining Apple as a customer would move Intel into the contract manufacturing big leagues with the likes of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)--also rumored to be a future Apple foundry.In fact, Intel isn't there yet."It's not the sort of thing that could happen easily or quickly," said the source. But it could happen.And if it did, Apple would be tapping into the resources of the world's premier chip manufacturer. "Intel would be more of a preferred supplier than TSMC," said Kumar. "Intel simply has superior [manufacturing] process technology," according to Kumar. And Intel, via its flash chip manufacturing venture with Micron Technology, is one of the world's largest suppliers of flash memory and solid-state drives--for which Apple also has a voracious appetite.Intel said it does not comment on speculative analyst reports. Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
Analyst- Competitors can't catch up to iPad
Analyst: Competitors can't catch up to iPad
A slew of upcoming iPad competitors won't be able to match Apple's tablet anytime soon, Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore said in a recent note to investors."We believe Apple's lead in the tablet market will prove difficult to close by the onslaught of competing products coming over the next several quarters," Whitmore said Monday in a research note obtained by Fortune. "Ultimately, we expect the slew of upcoming competition to fall flat from a user-experience standpoint while struggling to materially undercut the iPad on price."Apple's lead is quite substantial, Whitmore asserts. In terms of content, he said, Apple is leading competitors by 12 to 18 months. The iPad is two or more years ahead of rivals in terms of media integration, he said, thanks to iTunes, he said. And the iPad's success has helped it gain the upper-hand on component costs with touch-screen makers and NAND flash producers--that alone could prove troublesome for competitors trying to match the iPad's price.Overcoming the iPad's lead means getting devices to store shelves sooner rather than later. Yet several of the iPad's top contenders could still be months away from release.Part of that is due to Google Android OS 2.2's limitations for tablets. LG has reportedly delayed its tablet until Google offers a version of Android better suited for tablets. LG is likely waiting for Android 3.0, which is expected to be released next year. Research In Motion's PlayBook, also considered a viable contender to the iPad, is scheduled to launch next year.
A slew of upcoming iPad competitors won't be able to match Apple's tablet anytime soon, Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore said in a recent note to investors."We believe Apple's lead in the tablet market will prove difficult to close by the onslaught of competing products coming over the next several quarters," Whitmore said Monday in a research note obtained by Fortune. "Ultimately, we expect the slew of upcoming competition to fall flat from a user-experience standpoint while struggling to materially undercut the iPad on price."Apple's lead is quite substantial, Whitmore asserts. In terms of content, he said, Apple is leading competitors by 12 to 18 months. The iPad is two or more years ahead of rivals in terms of media integration, he said, thanks to iTunes, he said. And the iPad's success has helped it gain the upper-hand on component costs with touch-screen makers and NAND flash producers--that alone could prove troublesome for competitors trying to match the iPad's price.Overcoming the iPad's lead means getting devices to store shelves sooner rather than later. Yet several of the iPad's top contenders could still be months away from release.Part of that is due to Google Android OS 2.2's limitations for tablets. LG has reportedly delayed its tablet until Google offers a version of Android better suited for tablets. LG is likely waiting for Android 3.0, which is expected to be released next year. Research In Motion's PlayBook, also considered a viable contender to the iPad, is scheduled to launch next year.
What Cult Movies Have You Never Understood the Appeal Of
The whole idea of a cult film is that not everyone loves it. And yet there is a kind of broader popularity for that idea overall. What I mean is that most of us have a lot of love for at least one movie of cult status. Maybe that movie is technically more like a guilty pleasure or a piece of romanticized nostalgia from our youth than a definite cult classic, but it;s still something that we like that;s not even close to being enjoyed by the mainstream. But we;ve all got different cult-film favorites. So, it;s interesting to consider where we overlap with some people and don;t overlap with others. Today is the 25th anniversary of Teen Witch, a movie that came out while I was still pretty young and enjoying just about everything. Yet I could never get into this one particular fantasy teen movie, which stars Robyn Lively as a magical high schooler who is basically a female version of Michael J. Fox in Teen Wolf (it was initially meant to be a kind of spin-off). It;s badly written, badly acted and has dance numbers that are almost as laughable as the one in Mac and Me.I just don;t see how it has genuine fans. I could understand the ironic pleasure of it in retrospect, but Teen Witch has a serious following and has for decades. A lot of the more popular cult films are those that I think I purposefully reject as a teenager. For instance, Rocky Horror Picture Show was too much of a mainstream phenomenon for it to be alternative for me. Today I almost have the same feeling towards The Room, though my main objection for that one is that I don;t tend to like watching movies in order to enjoy how bad they are. Similarly, I can;t enjoy anything by Ed Wood, and I don;t even want to get started on my hate for most of the movies intended to be cult films, like Snakes on a Plane and Sharknado. There is a good amount of cult classics that I;ve really, really, really wanted to be a fan of and just never could. These include The Advenures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension, Earth Girls Are Easy, Serenity, Spring Breakers and anything by John Waters. But my inability to love them doesn;t mean I can;t sorta see why others do. If I have to pick one cult movie for which I;ll never, ever understand the appeal, it;s The Boondock Saints. It;s just terrible, and not in a fun way. The documentary about it, though, is amazing. What cult movie have you never understood the appeal of? Here are some responses received so far via Twitter: @thefilmcynic #shade — Katie Walsh (@katiewalshstx) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Kill List. Good moments and performances, but that ending just felt like shock for shock;s sake. — Christopher Runyon (@CGRunyon) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Love, Actually. — john lichman (@jlichman) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic RHPS. I watched it once and it was...okay? — Underground Woman (@SKEdman) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic anything from Troma. It;s not funny. It;s not cute. It;s not sweet. It;s just bad. — Derek Deskins (@DerekDeskins) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Do Studio Ghibli movies count? I don;t like those. — Boro Y Boi (@ayobobun) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic dirty dancing — Shawn Wildermuth (@ShawnWildermuth) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic sorry cult movie... Eraserhead — Shawn Wildermuth (@ShawnWildermuth) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic The Goonies. — Jenni Miller (@msjennimiller) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic PRIMER. Cool concept, but there;s nothing more to the movie than that. — Josh Rosenfield (@JoshRosenfield) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic The Boondock Saints. — William Goss (@williambgoss) April 28, 2014 The Boondock Saints. RT @thefilmcynic: POLL: In honor of Teen Witch turning 25, what cult film have you never understood the appeal of? — Stephen Watson (@RealMattDamon) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Donnie Darko. Will never figure out that ending — Andrew E Plotkin (@andreweplotkin) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic I don;t know if it counts, but I think Donnie Darko is a garbage movie that accidentally gets some things right. — Audiences Everywhere (@WeTalkMovies) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Kick-Ass. but everyone should hate it, it;s not just me ;not understanding it; — abba versus (@Camera_Angel) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Napoleon Dynamite — Noah Gittell (@ReelChanger) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Crank. — Laya Maheshwari (@lazygarfield) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Birdemic. Seriously, why is it popular? — Keith Adams (@BigBrother1988) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Monster Squad. Although to be fair I only saw it about 6 years ago for the first time, so maybe if I;d seen it way back when. — Andy Rattinger (@Rattinger) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Most 90s kids; flicks that have adult fans. SPACE JAM, JINGLE ALL THE WAY, HOCUS POCUS, 3 NINJAS. Terrible junk. — John Gholson (@gholson) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Gummo and the entire filmography of Harmony Korine. — justin robinson (@TheJSRobinson) April 28, 2014 @thefilmcynic Showgirls, mostly. The rest is noise. — Daniel Walber (@DSWalber) April 28, 2014 Join in the next discussion: and
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