Richard Dreyfuss reads the iTunes EULA
Update 4:17 p.m. PT: Want to remix these audio files? We've made downloads available. Go to the end of the post.This Friday's Reporters' Roundtable is on a topic that vexes us all: why are end user license agreements and terms of service so long and convoluted?To get ourselves in the mood for this show, we asked CNET fan (and Academy Award winner) Richard Dreyfuss if he'd help us out by doing a dramatic reading of the Apple EULA. He said yes. So, without further ado, we present to you,Dramatic readings from the iTunes EULAby Richard DreyfussPlease read:Your responsibility:Damages:This one's our favorite:Effective until:Don't miss Reporters' Roundtable live on Friday at noon Pacific at CNET Live. Or catch the recording afterward on the Reporters' Roundtable blog. Our guest for this great discussion will be Gabriel Ramsey, a writer of EULAs and a partner at the San Francisco and Silicon Valley law firm Orrick. Click the Remind Me button here to set up a NudgeMail reminder for this podcast (button will launch your default e-mail app).If you have questions on this topic, send them to roundtable@cnet.com or drop a note in the comments below.In addition to his acting career, Richard Dreyfuss is head of The Dreyfuss Initiative, a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort to reform civics education in America. The views expressed in these recordings or the Reporters' Roundtable podcasts do not necessarily reflect hisopinions.Downloads!By popular request and with Richard Dreyfuss' blessing, we are releasing these audio files under the Creative Commons Attribution license. So if you want to remix these dramatic readings, go for it. Please link back to this post if you do so. Have fun!Please readResponsbilityDamagesEffective Until
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Friday, April 17, 2015
How the Grinch iPhone game stole my $1.99
How the Grinch iPhone game stole my $1.99
Maybe I'm feeling extra Grinchy today because stupid iTunes keeps timing out when I sync my iPhone, but I don't like Grinchmas.In this new game from Oceanhouse Media, you're a disembodied Grinch hand that flings snowballs--or presents, if you're in more of a "Merry Grinch" mood--at houses down in Whoville.And that's it. The challenge, if you can call it that, lies in flinging accurately: you have to swipe at just the right speed and in just the right direction to score a hit.If I'm any indication, grown-up players will tire of this in about 18 seconds. The littler Whos in your house might enjoy it for longer--the game skews cute, colorful, and Seussian--but ultimately, Grinchmas works so hard at being "casual" that it forgets to be fun. Skip it.Give your snapshots a fun, Grinch-ian makeover with Dr. Seuss Camera.Oceanhouse MediaThe real Dr. Seuss-inspired fun lies in Dr. Seuss Camera: The Grinch Edition, which uses the iPhone camera to create whimsical, Grinchy holiday cards you can share with friends.Start by choosing from 20-plus different cards, then point your iPhone camera (sorry, Touch users) at the kids, the dog, cranky Uncle Fred, etc.Each card has either a face cutout area or an empty space alongside a Grinch-related character (if not the ol' meanie himself).After you snap the photo, you can decorate it further with stamps and borders, then save it to your Camera Roll and/or e-mail it to friends and family.It's a cute little app, easy to use, and a perfect slice of holiday fun. Here's hoping that "The Grinch Edition" subtitle means there are other versions in the works. (I've always wanted a photo of myself next to Horton the Elephant.)
Maybe I'm feeling extra Grinchy today because stupid iTunes keeps timing out when I sync my iPhone, but I don't like Grinchmas.In this new game from Oceanhouse Media, you're a disembodied Grinch hand that flings snowballs--or presents, if you're in more of a "Merry Grinch" mood--at houses down in Whoville.And that's it. The challenge, if you can call it that, lies in flinging accurately: you have to swipe at just the right speed and in just the right direction to score a hit.If I'm any indication, grown-up players will tire of this in about 18 seconds. The littler Whos in your house might enjoy it for longer--the game skews cute, colorful, and Seussian--but ultimately, Grinchmas works so hard at being "casual" that it forgets to be fun. Skip it.Give your snapshots a fun, Grinch-ian makeover with Dr. Seuss Camera.Oceanhouse MediaThe real Dr. Seuss-inspired fun lies in Dr. Seuss Camera: The Grinch Edition, which uses the iPhone camera to create whimsical, Grinchy holiday cards you can share with friends.Start by choosing from 20-plus different cards, then point your iPhone camera (sorry, Touch users) at the kids, the dog, cranky Uncle Fred, etc.Each card has either a face cutout area or an empty space alongside a Grinch-related character (if not the ol' meanie himself).After you snap the photo, you can decorate it further with stamps and borders, then save it to your Camera Roll and/or e-mail it to friends and family.It's a cute little app, easy to use, and a perfect slice of holiday fun. Here's hoping that "The Grinch Edition" subtitle means there are other versions in the works. (I've always wanted a photo of myself next to Horton the Elephant.)
Shipments for all iPad Minis with Wi-Fi pushed back 2 weeks
Shipments for all iPad Minis with Wi-Fi pushed back 2 weeks
Consumers ordering an iPad Mini will need to wait a couple more weeks to get their hands on the device.Apple's store currently lists all iPad Minis with Wi-Fi as shipping in two weeks. Preorders on the tablet kicked off Friday and promised a November 2 shipment. But very quickly, the white iPad Mini showed a two-week delay for new orders. The black models were still available at the time. But now all models are listed as shipping in two weeks.Apple's iPad Mini comes with a 7.9-inch screen. The Wi-Fi only model, which starts at $329, will launch Friday. Apple plans to ship an iPad Mini with LTE service toward the end of November. It had been rumored that the iPad Mini with LTE would be available two weeks after the Wi-Fi-only model, but reports last week suggested that the launch date might be pushed back.Meanwhile, the iPad Mini is apparently a costly product to manufacture. At his company's earnings call last week, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer said the "iPad Mini's gross margin is significantly below the corporate average." He went on to tell shareholders and analysts that his company is "going to work to get down the cost curves and be more efficient in manufacturing."This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Consumers ordering an iPad Mini will need to wait a couple more weeks to get their hands on the device.Apple's store currently lists all iPad Minis with Wi-Fi as shipping in two weeks. Preorders on the tablet kicked off Friday and promised a November 2 shipment. But very quickly, the white iPad Mini showed a two-week delay for new orders. The black models were still available at the time. But now all models are listed as shipping in two weeks.Apple's iPad Mini comes with a 7.9-inch screen. The Wi-Fi only model, which starts at $329, will launch Friday. Apple plans to ship an iPad Mini with LTE service toward the end of November. It had been rumored that the iPad Mini with LTE would be available two weeks after the Wi-Fi-only model, but reports last week suggested that the launch date might be pushed back.Meanwhile, the iPad Mini is apparently a costly product to manufacture. At his company's earnings call last week, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer said the "iPad Mini's gross margin is significantly below the corporate average." He went on to tell shareholders and analysts that his company is "going to work to get down the cost curves and be more efficient in manufacturing."This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
See an iPad being built at a Foxconn factory
See an iPad being built at a Foxconn factory
Ever want to see an iPad being made?Rob Schmitz, the public radio journalist who exposed Apple commentator Mike Daisey's fabrications regarding working conditions at a Chinese electronics factory, recently got a first-hand look at how the iPad is made.Schmitz, the bureau chief of Marketplace Shanghai, is only the second Western journalist to have access to the factory floor since Daisey's falsified report about hazardous working conditions suffered by employees at a Foxconn factory in China. Schmitz has been filing reports for public radio as well as writing a blog on his experience at Foxconn. During one visit, Schmitz took a film crew on a tour of Foxconn's Longhua facility in the city of Shenzhen, where Apple's iPad is produced. Schmitz's video tour (see below) takes us from construction of the device's motherboard to installation of its touch screen, as well as testing of each unit's gyroscope.His video also shows people lined up outside the factory, hoping for a chance to get a job, which pays $14 a day to start.
Ever want to see an iPad being made?Rob Schmitz, the public radio journalist who exposed Apple commentator Mike Daisey's fabrications regarding working conditions at a Chinese electronics factory, recently got a first-hand look at how the iPad is made.Schmitz, the bureau chief of Marketplace Shanghai, is only the second Western journalist to have access to the factory floor since Daisey's falsified report about hazardous working conditions suffered by employees at a Foxconn factory in China. Schmitz has been filing reports for public radio as well as writing a blog on his experience at Foxconn. During one visit, Schmitz took a film crew on a tour of Foxconn's Longhua facility in the city of Shenzhen, where Apple's iPad is produced. Schmitz's video tour (see below) takes us from construction of the device's motherboard to installation of its touch screen, as well as testing of each unit's gyroscope.His video also shows people lined up outside the factory, hoping for a chance to get a job, which pays $14 a day to start.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Apple expands iBooks Textbooks around the world
Apple expands iBooks Textbooks around the world
Apple has aimed two of its educational offerings at more schools, teachers, and students throughout the world.iBooks Textbooks and iTunes U Course Manager have both rolled out to new markets in Asia, Latin America, and Europe, Apple said on Tuesday. iBooks Textbooks is now available in 51 countries, including Brazil, Italy, and Japan. iTunes U Course Manager can be found in 70 countries, now including Russia, Thailand, and Malaysia.Related stories:Apple launches iBooks 2 digital textbooksHow to figure out the new iTunes UiBooks Textbooks offers iPad users interactive textbooks with straight text, animations, videos, rotating 3D diagrams, and photo galleries, all of which can be updated when new information is available. Almost 25,000 textbooks are available from such publishers as Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press, according to Apple."Oxford University Press is using iBooks Author for Headway, Oxford's all-time best-selling English language series, to create engaging iBooks Textbooks for iPad," Peter Marshall, managing director of the ELT Division at Oxford University Press, said in a statement. "In releasing 13 new iBooks Textbooks, including 'Headway Pre-Intermediate,' the best-selling level in the series, we are enriching the language learning experience for students around the world."iTunes U Course Manager lets teachers and others create their own course material for the iPad. They can combine their own documents with content from the Internet, other iTunes U collections, and iOS apps to design their own courses. Teachers can then distribute those courses to their own classrooms or post them via iTunes U for the public to access.
Apple has aimed two of its educational offerings at more schools, teachers, and students throughout the world.iBooks Textbooks and iTunes U Course Manager have both rolled out to new markets in Asia, Latin America, and Europe, Apple said on Tuesday. iBooks Textbooks is now available in 51 countries, including Brazil, Italy, and Japan. iTunes U Course Manager can be found in 70 countries, now including Russia, Thailand, and Malaysia.Related stories:Apple launches iBooks 2 digital textbooksHow to figure out the new iTunes UiBooks Textbooks offers iPad users interactive textbooks with straight text, animations, videos, rotating 3D diagrams, and photo galleries, all of which can be updated when new information is available. Almost 25,000 textbooks are available from such publishers as Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press, according to Apple."Oxford University Press is using iBooks Author for Headway, Oxford's all-time best-selling English language series, to create engaging iBooks Textbooks for iPad," Peter Marshall, managing director of the ELT Division at Oxford University Press, said in a statement. "In releasing 13 new iBooks Textbooks, including 'Headway Pre-Intermediate,' the best-selling level in the series, we are enriching the language learning experience for students around the world."iTunes U Course Manager lets teachers and others create their own course material for the iPad. They can combine their own documents with content from the Internet, other iTunes U collections, and iOS apps to design their own courses. Teachers can then distribute those courses to their own classrooms or post them via iTunes U for the public to access.
Apple- Don't make nuclear weapons using iTunes
Apple: Don't make nuclear weapons using iTunes
I've been feeling a little crabby this week.People have been annoying me for seemingly no good reason. But it hasn't yet gotten to that stage where I want to build a nuclear weapon and set it upon them.I mention this only because, should I reach that demented level, I cannot use iTunes in the manufacture of that weapon.You see, I have an iTunes account. And, thanks to the diligent Jim Dalrymple at The Loop, I now realize that I have already agreed not to design or produce nuclear weapons with the help of Apple's melodious software.The warning in the End User License Agreement comes after a warning that you mustn't export or re-export to "anyone on the U.S. Treasury Department's Specially Designated Nationals List or the U.S. Department of Commerce Denied Persons List or Entity List." I am not sure if this includes Edward Snowden.This same Paragraph G goes on to say: "You also agree that you will not use these products for any purposes prohibited by United States law, including, without limitation, the development, design, manufacture or production of nuclear, missiles, or chemical or biological weapons."I know that quite a few scientifically minded people read this blog. And, judging by the comments, there are also a few irascibly minded people too. Perhaps, therefore, someone might suggest how on earth one could possibly use iTunes for such nefarious purposes.Naturally, this revelation might also cause many to wonder whether they've agreed not to create genetically modified exploding marsupials using Microsoft Word.It could be that, in some flickering, hurried moment, you've also agreed not to produce stealth bombers with the help of Instagram. Or even laser guns using Twitter.The possibilities are truly limitless. (I have embedded a CNET recording of Richard Dreyfuss reading some of the Apple License Agreement, to relax you.)That's why we have lawyers -- to protect us from other people, of course. But most of all, to protect us from ourselves.
I've been feeling a little crabby this week.People have been annoying me for seemingly no good reason. But it hasn't yet gotten to that stage where I want to build a nuclear weapon and set it upon them.I mention this only because, should I reach that demented level, I cannot use iTunes in the manufacture of that weapon.You see, I have an iTunes account. And, thanks to the diligent Jim Dalrymple at The Loop, I now realize that I have already agreed not to design or produce nuclear weapons with the help of Apple's melodious software.The warning in the End User License Agreement comes after a warning that you mustn't export or re-export to "anyone on the U.S. Treasury Department's Specially Designated Nationals List or the U.S. Department of Commerce Denied Persons List or Entity List." I am not sure if this includes Edward Snowden.This same Paragraph G goes on to say: "You also agree that you will not use these products for any purposes prohibited by United States law, including, without limitation, the development, design, manufacture or production of nuclear, missiles, or chemical or biological weapons."I know that quite a few scientifically minded people read this blog. And, judging by the comments, there are also a few irascibly minded people too. Perhaps, therefore, someone might suggest how on earth one could possibly use iTunes for such nefarious purposes.Naturally, this revelation might also cause many to wonder whether they've agreed not to create genetically modified exploding marsupials using Microsoft Word.It could be that, in some flickering, hurried moment, you've also agreed not to produce stealth bombers with the help of Instagram. Or even laser guns using Twitter.The possibilities are truly limitless. (I have embedded a CNET recording of Richard Dreyfuss reading some of the Apple License Agreement, to relax you.)That's why we have lawyers -- to protect us from other people, of course. But most of all, to protect us from ourselves.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Apple could make 22 million iPhones next quarter
Apple could make 22 million iPhones next quarter
In an investor's note released yesterday, Kumar said the next iPhone, expected to launch in October, could account for almost 25 percent of the total volume in the fourth quarter, leaving the iPhone 4 to grab the lion's share of Apple smartphone customers over the rest of the year.Rumors have run rampant as to whether the iPhone 5 would represent a major upgrade over the iPhone 4, or sport just a few changes but retain the same basic features as its predecessor. Some reports have suggested that Apple could even unveil two phones--one a new and improved iPhone 5; the other a lower-cost version of the iPhone 4.Kumar's opinion is that the new iPhone would be an "upgrade and not a complete redesign," and that the iPhone 4 would then be sold as a less expensive device, starting in October. The analyst believes that Apple could then continue to sell the iPhone 4 until a completely redesigned iPhone hits the market sometime next year.Although many Apple users have been eagerly awaiting the debut of the next iPhone, the iPhone 4 continues to see strong demand as the best-selling smartphone at both AT&T and Verizon Wireless, Kumar added.Manufacturing 22 million iPhones certainly isn't out of reach, as long as the supply chain can handle it. Apple sold 18.65 million iPhones in its fiscal second quarter and 20.34 million iPhones in its fiscal third quarter, which ended June 25. Ironically, 22 million is also the number of iPads that investment analyst Jason Schwarz thinks Apple will sell in the fourth quarter.Related stories:• iPhone 5 rumor roundup• Could we have two new iPhones this year?• iPhone 5 now rumored to launch October 7• Sprint to sell iPhone 5 in October, report says• T-Mobile to get iPhone 5 as well, report saysThe rumor mill about the next iPhone continues to run hot and heavy. Some of the latest stories suggest that both Sprint and T-Mobile will pick up Apple's flagship phone.
In an investor's note released yesterday, Kumar said the next iPhone, expected to launch in October, could account for almost 25 percent of the total volume in the fourth quarter, leaving the iPhone 4 to grab the lion's share of Apple smartphone customers over the rest of the year.Rumors have run rampant as to whether the iPhone 5 would represent a major upgrade over the iPhone 4, or sport just a few changes but retain the same basic features as its predecessor. Some reports have suggested that Apple could even unveil two phones--one a new and improved iPhone 5; the other a lower-cost version of the iPhone 4.Kumar's opinion is that the new iPhone would be an "upgrade and not a complete redesign," and that the iPhone 4 would then be sold as a less expensive device, starting in October. The analyst believes that Apple could then continue to sell the iPhone 4 until a completely redesigned iPhone hits the market sometime next year.Although many Apple users have been eagerly awaiting the debut of the next iPhone, the iPhone 4 continues to see strong demand as the best-selling smartphone at both AT&T and Verizon Wireless, Kumar added.Manufacturing 22 million iPhones certainly isn't out of reach, as long as the supply chain can handle it. Apple sold 18.65 million iPhones in its fiscal second quarter and 20.34 million iPhones in its fiscal third quarter, which ended June 25. Ironically, 22 million is also the number of iPads that investment analyst Jason Schwarz thinks Apple will sell in the fourth quarter.Related stories:• iPhone 5 rumor roundup• Could we have two new iPhones this year?• iPhone 5 now rumored to launch October 7• Sprint to sell iPhone 5 in October, report says• T-Mobile to get iPhone 5 as well, report saysThe rumor mill about the next iPhone continues to run hot and heavy. Some of the latest stories suggest that both Sprint and T-Mobile will pick up Apple's flagship phone.
Apple could integrate projectors directly into iOS devices
Apple could integrate projectors directly into iOS devices
Your future iPhone or iPad could come with its own projector.Granted to Apple on Tuesday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, a patent called "Projected display shared workspaces" envisions a technology that would integrate small projectors into iOS devices and give users the ability to control their presentations with gestures.The technology would rely on the built-in camera to detect the shadows and silhouettes created through gesturing at the projected areas. The projector technology also could work among multiple displays from multiple devices. Again using gestures, users could share and swap images from one projected display to another.As the patent describes it:In one embodiment, electronic devices each may include a projector that produces a projected display and a camera that detects gestures made with respect to the projected displays. The electronic devices may interpret gestures on the projected displays to identify image sharing commands for sharing images between the projected displays. The electronic devices may be connected through a communication link that allows the electronic devices to share image data for producing images on any of the projected displays included within the shared workspace.There are gadgets on the market right now that can turn your iPhone into a mini projector. But Apple's integrated invention could take the technology a few steps further with its gesture-based image-sharing features.(Via PatentlyApple)
Your future iPhone or iPad could come with its own projector.Granted to Apple on Tuesday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, a patent called "Projected display shared workspaces" envisions a technology that would integrate small projectors into iOS devices and give users the ability to control their presentations with gestures.The technology would rely on the built-in camera to detect the shadows and silhouettes created through gesturing at the projected areas. The projector technology also could work among multiple displays from multiple devices. Again using gestures, users could share and swap images from one projected display to another.As the patent describes it:In one embodiment, electronic devices each may include a projector that produces a projected display and a camera that detects gestures made with respect to the projected displays. The electronic devices may interpret gestures on the projected displays to identify image sharing commands for sharing images between the projected displays. The electronic devices may be connected through a communication link that allows the electronic devices to share image data for producing images on any of the projected displays included within the shared workspace.There are gadgets on the market right now that can turn your iPhone into a mini projector. But Apple's integrated invention could take the technology a few steps further with its gesture-based image-sharing features.(Via PatentlyApple)
Apple could include LinkedIn for deep iOS 7 integration
Apple could include LinkedIn for deep iOS 7 integration
Even though Twitter has been Apple's pick of social networks to be integrated into iOS 7, it's looking like LinkedIn could also make it to the chosen circle.Developers have found code-based references to deep LinkedIn integration in the beta version of iOS 7, which was supplied by Apple, according to 9to5Mac. This code shows that a single sign-on system is in the works for the professional social network -- much like how iOS currently works with Facebook and Twitter.The developer that supplied 9to5Mac with the code sheets said that certain bits of code are missing for the integration to be activated. This could mean that Apple and LinkedIn are still currently in talks about the possible integration. According to 9to5Mac, Apple has tossed social networks from iOS integration before. For instance, iOS 4 tested Facebook integration, but it didn't happen until iOS 6. What exactly does deep integration mean? Well, for Twitter on iOS 7, it means a lot. Besides the social network being included in Shared Links, searches, and linked with Siri, there will also be a featured music station on Apple's iTunes Radio that plays tracks trending on Twitter. For now, Facebook is only being integrated with iOS 7 -- not deeply integrated.When Apple announced the debut of iOS 7 at WWDC last week, it heralded many of the operating system's new features, but it also left out some details. An initial beta of iOS 7 was released to developers last week, in what is expected to be the first of several ahead of its release. Over the last few days, several developers have been posting various tricks, updates, and features that they've discovered and believe will come with the new operating system.Apple has not provided an exact date for its release, short of this fall, when the company is also expected to introduce its next iPhone. There are still no beta versions of iOS 7 available for iPads, just the iPhone and latest-generation iPod Touch.
Even though Twitter has been Apple's pick of social networks to be integrated into iOS 7, it's looking like LinkedIn could also make it to the chosen circle.Developers have found code-based references to deep LinkedIn integration in the beta version of iOS 7, which was supplied by Apple, according to 9to5Mac. This code shows that a single sign-on system is in the works for the professional social network -- much like how iOS currently works with Facebook and Twitter.The developer that supplied 9to5Mac with the code sheets said that certain bits of code are missing for the integration to be activated. This could mean that Apple and LinkedIn are still currently in talks about the possible integration. According to 9to5Mac, Apple has tossed social networks from iOS integration before. For instance, iOS 4 tested Facebook integration, but it didn't happen until iOS 6. What exactly does deep integration mean? Well, for Twitter on iOS 7, it means a lot. Besides the social network being included in Shared Links, searches, and linked with Siri, there will also be a featured music station on Apple's iTunes Radio that plays tracks trending on Twitter. For now, Facebook is only being integrated with iOS 7 -- not deeply integrated.When Apple announced the debut of iOS 7 at WWDC last week, it heralded many of the operating system's new features, but it also left out some details. An initial beta of iOS 7 was released to developers last week, in what is expected to be the first of several ahead of its release. Over the last few days, several developers have been posting various tricks, updates, and features that they've discovered and believe will come with the new operating system.Apple has not provided an exact date for its release, short of this fall, when the company is also expected to introduce its next iPhone. There are still no beta versions of iOS 7 available for iPads, just the iPhone and latest-generation iPod Touch.
Apple could drop iPhone 3GS next week, says report
Apple could drop iPhone 3GS next week, says report
The introduction of the iPhone 5 is expected to shake up the overall iPhone lineup.Apple will hold a launch event on Wednesday, September 12, at which it will probably unveil the next-generation iPhone. Several reports say that the iPhone 5 will go on sale the following Friday, September 21.The new model means that Apple could curtail the aging iPhone 3GS, leaving the 8GB version of the iPhone 4 as the entry-level edition, says the Telegraph. If so, that model iPhone 4 would probably be offered for free by Apple and other vendors when paired with the usual $30-per-month contract.Sources close to retailers also told The Telegraph that Apple may even launch an 8GB version of the iPhone 4S.Related storiesiPhone 5 prepares to take flight: Will it soar above rivals?iPhone 5 sales could hit 10 million in first weekiPhone 5 on shopping list of majority of iPhone 4 ownersiPhone 5 rumor roundupThree versions of the iPhone 5 will be offered with different storage options, according to the publication, probably sticking with the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB variations available with the iPhone 4S.If true, this tidbit from the Register isn't a huge surprise since Apple typically carries three generations of the iPhone at a time, with the earliest model usually going for free.The 8GB iPhone 4 is currently selling for $99, while the iPhone 3GS is available free with the usual contract.And an 8GB iPhone 4S could easily serve as another alternative to budget-conscious consumers.(Via MacRumors)
The introduction of the iPhone 5 is expected to shake up the overall iPhone lineup.Apple will hold a launch event on Wednesday, September 12, at which it will probably unveil the next-generation iPhone. Several reports say that the iPhone 5 will go on sale the following Friday, September 21.The new model means that Apple could curtail the aging iPhone 3GS, leaving the 8GB version of the iPhone 4 as the entry-level edition, says the Telegraph. If so, that model iPhone 4 would probably be offered for free by Apple and other vendors when paired with the usual $30-per-month contract.Sources close to retailers also told The Telegraph that Apple may even launch an 8GB version of the iPhone 4S.Related storiesiPhone 5 prepares to take flight: Will it soar above rivals?iPhone 5 sales could hit 10 million in first weekiPhone 5 on shopping list of majority of iPhone 4 ownersiPhone 5 rumor roundupThree versions of the iPhone 5 will be offered with different storage options, according to the publication, probably sticking with the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB variations available with the iPhone 4S.If true, this tidbit from the Register isn't a huge surprise since Apple typically carries three generations of the iPhone at a time, with the earliest model usually going for free.The 8GB iPhone 4 is currently selling for $99, while the iPhone 3GS is available free with the usual contract.And an 8GB iPhone 4S could easily serve as another alternative to budget-conscious consumers.(Via MacRumors)
Apple could blend in Siri with future smart docks
Apple could blend in Siri with future smart docks
You may one day be able to chat with your iPhone or iPad docking station courtesy of Apple's Siri.A patent application -- dubbed "Smart dock for activating a voice recognition mode of a portable electronic device" and published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office -- scopes out plans for a dock a bit more advanced than today's models.Key to the new dock would be integration with Siri. Rather than including Apple's voice assistant, the dock would tap into Siri on your mobile device. You'd activate Siri simply by speaking or making a noise, such as clapping your hands or snapping your fingers. You could then ask Siri to perform an array of tasks through your dock, such as playing a song, sending and viewing e-mail, listening to voice mail, setting an alarm, checking the weather, and browsing the Web.Moving beyond Siri, the dock would have its own display screen, touch interface, remote control, and Wi-Fi, as well as a speaker and microphone. Apple also envisions room for external accessories, such as a removable hard drive and a GPS sensor.Apple describes the technology in typical patent verbiage:A dock for a portable electronic device including a housing, a connector extending from the housing to connect the portable electronic device to the dock, a microphone integrated within the housing, and a processor. The processor is operatively coupled to receive audio input from the microphone, and in response to the audio input, transmit a message to the portable electronic device via the connector to activate a voice recognition mode of the portable electronic device.Samsung and other companies already sell smart docks that can turn your mobile device into a small computer by connecting a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories. But Apple's concept offers the added twist of Siri, letting you use your dock simply through the sound of your voice.(Via AppleInsider)
You may one day be able to chat with your iPhone or iPad docking station courtesy of Apple's Siri.A patent application -- dubbed "Smart dock for activating a voice recognition mode of a portable electronic device" and published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office -- scopes out plans for a dock a bit more advanced than today's models.Key to the new dock would be integration with Siri. Rather than including Apple's voice assistant, the dock would tap into Siri on your mobile device. You'd activate Siri simply by speaking or making a noise, such as clapping your hands or snapping your fingers. You could then ask Siri to perform an array of tasks through your dock, such as playing a song, sending and viewing e-mail, listening to voice mail, setting an alarm, checking the weather, and browsing the Web.Moving beyond Siri, the dock would have its own display screen, touch interface, remote control, and Wi-Fi, as well as a speaker and microphone. Apple also envisions room for external accessories, such as a removable hard drive and a GPS sensor.Apple describes the technology in typical patent verbiage:A dock for a portable electronic device including a housing, a connector extending from the housing to connect the portable electronic device to the dock, a microphone integrated within the housing, and a processor. The processor is operatively coupled to receive audio input from the microphone, and in response to the audio input, transmit a message to the portable electronic device via the connector to activate a voice recognition mode of the portable electronic device.Samsung and other companies already sell smart docks that can turn your mobile device into a small computer by connecting a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories. But Apple's concept offers the added twist of Siri, letting you use your dock simply through the sound of your voice.(Via AppleInsider)
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