News Archive for 12/09/07

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Security firm VirusTotal snapped up by Google

09/07, 8:16pm

Terms of deal not disclosed, existing partnerships untouched

Startup cybersecurity firm VirusTotal has been acquired by Google, in a move likely to assist in protecting its Internet services from attack. The security aggregator's software runs every available protection software suite on a questioned document, then distributes the results, allowing for a broad cross-section of industry analysts to examine the findings in as rapid a manner as possible.

Deadline extensions requested in Apple versus Motorola cases

09/07, 7:58pm

Both parties need additional time for workload, additional products

Motorola and Apple are continuing their legal battles in two different venues, but have agreed on something for the first time. Yesterday, both companies asked the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit for 60 additional days to file their initial pleadings. In a separate filing in the Southern District of Florida, the pair also asked for additional time for filings in that case.

LaCie adds USB 3.0 to 2big, 4big desktop storage lines

09/07, 7:12pm

Reworked storage gives alternative to Thunderbolt-only versions

LaCie has revealed two reworked additions to its desktop storage line. The 2big Quadra and 4big Quadra use a combination of high capacity RAID arrays and USB 3.0 ports, which LaCie has re-engineered to be optimized for computers that support the faster connection, and is a high-speed alternative to the company's Thunderbolt-only equivalents.

American, Delta, Virgin all confirm support for Passbook

09/07, 7:00pm

Other airlines expected on board after official rollout

American Airlines and United, along with Virgin and now Delta, have all confirmed in various press reports that they are either already supporting or preparing to implement support for Apple's Passbook application, a program that is expected to debut with iOS 6 sometime this month. Representatives have anonymously acknowledged to MacNN and other news outlets the upcoming support following reports in Australia of a user running a developer build of iOS 6 discovering the feature already implemented.

Apple dominates J.D. Power smartphone satisfaction survey

09/07, 6:14pm

Eighth consecutive victory for iPhone in survey

Apple has, for the eighth consecutive survey, topped the J.D. Power and Associates rankings for consumer satisfaction with smartphones -- fending off ever-increasing competition from rivals such as Samsung, HTC, Motorola and Google. Apple's score of 849 out of a possible 1,000 earned it a five-star rating from the group, categorizing it as the clear winner in consumer satisfaction. The report was compiled from 8,736 smartphone owners, based on a survey performed between January and June 2012.

Samsung to court: Apple multitouch 'better than Android'

09/07, 5:00pm

Claims iOS system far simpler than used by Android

Samsung is claiming Apple's multitouch is better than the same feature in Android, in a desperate bid to avoid a sales injunction on devices that infringe Apple's patent on the technology. Lawyers for the Korean company made the claim in the Court of the Hague today in the hope that a recall and ban on Samsung Android devices in the Netherlands due to patent infringement can be avoided. The company was recently found guilty of wide infringement after suffering a sweeping defeat against Apple in related patent battles in the US.

Pandora stock takes a beating on Apple music service rumor

09/07, 4:31pm

Three months of Pandora stock price gains lost in one day

Following a report that Apple was planning its own streaming music service, shares of Pandora Music have plummeted more than 16 percent, with most of the losses happening overnight following the wide distribution of the rumor. According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple has been in negotiations with record labels to license music for a service that would play songs based on listener's genre or artist selection.

FedEx expecting heavy shipping volume September 21-24

09/07, 3:30pm

Shipper expects large volume of 'small, lightweight packages'

Courier FedEx is bracing itself for a period of heavy shipping activity called a "surge volume," likely tied to Apple's impending new iPhone release. The period of September 21-24 has been identified by various sources, placing it nine days after Apple's planned iPhone announcement. FedEx had similar periods 10 days after the iPhone 4S announcement, and eight days after the iPhone 3GS presser.

Korea investigates Samsung amid Apple antitrust accusations

09/07, 2:57pm

Legal war continues to expand

South Korean authorities have reportedly opened in investigation into Samsung's business practices, following antitrust complaints from rival Apple. The iPhone maker has accused its Korean rival of abusing its dominant position in the wireless technology market.

Sept. 12th to see iPod touch, nano, shuffle updates

09/07, 1:38pm

Touch, Nano may see major revisions

Beyond the iPhone 5, Apple's September 12th event will also see updates to the iPod touch, nano, and shuffle, according to 9to5Mac sources. The Touch lineup is thought to be getting some of the more interesting changes; while there will still be three models, the sources say that the cheapest one will be a tweaked version of the current-generation design, while the other two will be more substantially altered. The latter are linked to $299 and $399 pricetags, and are expected to come in several variations, though what that means isn't explained. It could imply real color options, instead of just black or white.

Blackmagic Design outs camera body with MFT lens support

09/07, 1:31pm

Cinema Camera gets passive Micro Four Thirds version, same price

Blackmagic Design has just added a version of its Cinema Camera that supports Micro Four Thirds lenses. The older camera will get an EF suffix to differentiate the two. The new camera will accept Passive Micro Four Thirds lenses with a manual iris and focus, though adapter rings will allow mounting other types of lenses as well.

Apple refurbs: 5 Macs $999 or less

09/07, 1:23pm

5 Macs $999 or less

At Apple's online store today save big on a variety of refurbished Macs, all under $999. At the bottom of the price list is the refurb. Mac mini with a 2.5GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, now $699. For $749 is the refurbished 11.6-inch MacBook Air with a 1.6GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 2GB of RAM and 64GB of Flash storage.

DealNN roundup: MagSafe power adapters and more

09/07, 1:21pm

MagSafe power adapters and more

This week at DealNN find savings on monitors, MagSafe power adapters and more. The LG 24-inch LED HD monitor is available today from JR.com for the reduced price of $199.95, even with the $10 shipping fee this is the lowest price we have seen offered anywhere. This monitor features built in speakers, an aspect ratio of 16:9, 1080 resolution, and LED backlighting. A one year warranty from LG is also included.

Forum roundup: installing a SSD in a MacBook Pro

09/07, 1:18pm

Installing a SSD in a MacBook Pro

This week in the MacNN forums, members discuss installing a new SSD in a MacBook Pro that is a couple of years old, read more and join in here. Yesterday Professional Poster shifuimam started a discussion about gradient banding on monitors after a recent monitor purchase.

Mediawave's MW6110 is an upgradeable, small form factor PC

09/07, 12:43pm

Mediawave`s Ultra Small Media Player supports Intel`s Core i7, i5, i3 chips

Mediawave has just introduced its latest product, the MW6110. It's dubbed as an Ultra Small Media Player by its maker, though its capabilities are more advanced than that description suggests. The device can accommodate Intel's Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 CPUs, as well as up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage space.

Apple going with NFC-less 'N42' version of iPhone 5

09/07, 11:57am

Three price tiers set

The iPhone 5 that will be showing up at Apple's September 12th event is an "N42" model first identified in May, sources tell 9to5Mac. The unit is said to have features like a 4-inch, 1136x640 display and upgraded processors and RAM. The N42 was reportedly picked over an N41 design, which had NFC technology; recent reports have claimed that the shipping iPhone 5 will indeed skip NFC.

Nokia Lumia 920 said to arrive in stores this November

09/07, 11:56am

Lumia 920 will be priced similar to the Samsung Galaxy SIII in Europe: sources

Nokia's just-introduced Lumia 920 flagship smartphone may go on sale this November, according to sources at European telecommunications operators. At the official unveiling, Nokia didn't release official launch dates or prices, with many criticizing it for this oversight. Nokia is late to the smartphone game and is relying on a relative newcomer for its choice of operating system in the Microsoft-developed Windows Phone 8.

New iMacs imminent, Fox sources say

09/07, 10:55am

Use of Retina displays still matter of debate

Apple is on the verge of updating the iMac lineup, several sources tell Fox News. The news agency doesn't elaborate on the claims, but does note that Amazon is out of 27-inch iMacs, while Apple is low on stock of them; 21-inch iMacs are still said to be widely available. When Apple might announce the new computers is unknown, but Fox's Clayton Morris says that he isn't holding his breath for it to happen at a rumored October iPad mini event. Apple sometimes updates its desktop computers outside of press events.

D-Link Cloud Storage 4000 creates 16TB 'personal cloud'

09/07, 10:41am

Usable as web server, secure FTP, network video recorder

D-Link has added another network-attached storage device designed for home use to its networking catalog. The ShareCenter Cloud Storage 4000 can hold up to 16 terabytes of data over four 3.5-inch SATA drives, and can also take advantage of dedicated mobile apps for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Blackberry to allow remote access to files through a personal Cloud portal.

Briefly: iPhone glow mod, Grove iPhone 5 case pre-orders

09/07, 9:32am

Grove accepting pre-orders for iPhone 5 case

DesignMYi has started performing a new iPhone mod that lights up the entire back of the device. The mod involves adding an LED light array behind the iPhone's back glass plate and using a colored acrylic case to create different glow effects. The brightness of the lights is controlled by the screen brightness setting, and according to DesignMYi, results in no noticeable battery drainage.

LG ships 84-inch 4K TVs to the US, retailers in October

09/07, 7:52am

Magic remote capable of four-mode input

LG is gearing up to release its 84-inch 4K TV in the US. Already released in South Korea in limited numbers, the US 84LM9600 will be made available to American customers in the near future, a move that mirrors Sony's recent release announcement for its own 84-inch 4K TV, although at a far higher price point.

HTC ‘Accord’ WP8 specs, photo, name leak out

09/07, 7:45am

HTC Accord to be called Windows Phone 8X

HTC’s mid-range ‘Accord’ Windows Phone 8 handset has had its official specs leak out, as well as press shot of the device thanks to Paul O-Brien. Also confirmed is that the device will be known as the Windows Phone 8X when it goes on sale in October. It will run a 1.2 GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor matched with 1GB of RAM, instead of the previously rumored 1.5 GHz processor.

Nokia Luna Bluetooth headsets bring NFC, wireless charging

09/07, 7:05am

Nokia Luna Bluetooth headsets bring NFC, wireless charging

Nokia’s procession of integrated accessories for its just-announced Windows Phone 8 devices, the Lumia 820 and Lumia 920 keep rolling out. The latest accessory to surface is the new Luna Bluetooth headset that comes in the same colorful colors as Nokia’s new handsets. In addition to supporting Qi wireless charging, the devices also include NFC technology quick and settings-free device pairing.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD confirmed running Ice Cream Sandwich

09/07, 6:34am

Amazon Kindle Fire

Amazon’s new Kindle Fire HD tablets have been confirmed to run Android 4.0 ‘Ice Cream Sandwich’ by Amazon representatives. Amazon has steered away from listing the operating system in its specifications list, possibly because the device uses a much more heavily customized (or forked) version of the operating system than most competing devices. Unlike nearly every other Android tablet on the market, Amazon has removed all visible references to Google and uninstalled all the standard Google apps including the Google Play store.

Boarding pass support for Passbook discovered early

09/07, 1:35am

Australian man gets offer to save boarding pass

An Australian man running a developer preview of iOS 6 discovered when he checked in for a Virgin Australia flight using the airline's website on his iPhone that Passbook -- a forthcoming feature that is meant to "store" digital passes, tickets and membership cards -- had detected the checkin and offered to save the boarding pass. The discovery indicates the development on the new feature is already in an advanced state, with support from existing partners or the ability of the software to detect some types of check-in and act on them.

Audience noise reduction chip reportedly cut from new iPhone

09/07, 1:16am

Apple suspected of building its own noise reduction processor

Audience Inc, a voice quality chip manufacturer for Apple's iPhone, has said that its technology is unlikely to be used in the newest model from Apple, triggering a stock slide. The chips, which filter out background noise, are supplied to Apple manufacturers including Foxconn and Protek. Audience has been supplying chips to Apple since 2008, and the sales have accounted for up to 37 percent of its total revenue.

Wikipad gaming tablet preorders commence, ships October 31

09/07, 12:23am

Detachable controller, Tegra 3 processor improvements post-CES

A heavily changed version of the Wikipad gaming tablet is slated for release at Gamestop. The PlayStation Certified 10.1-inch tablet now sports a 1.4Ghz Tegra 3 processor with 1 GB of RAM, 16 or 32GB of storage, and has a MicroSD slot for expansion. Most importantly, a deal signed with gaming service Gaikai is still being honored despite the streamer having been purchased by Sony.