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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)