02/13, 12:00pm
ThinkGeek unveils iCade 8-Bitty at Toy Fair
ThinkGeek picked the American International Toy Fair to bring out the iCade 8-Bitty, a much more portable alternative to the iCade cabinet. The wireless iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch gamepad is conspicuously styled like (though not identical to) the original NES controller with four face buttons, Select and Start, although it also has two shoulder buttons. It works with the same iCade-friendly titles, such as Atari's Greatest Hits, as well as any others wanting to use the freely available support.
more
02/13, 9:55am
Apple volunteers for wide audits of factories
Apple on Monday took the step of asking the Fair Labor Association to orchestrate "special voluntary audits" of its last-stage suppliers. The investigations, which include Foxconn plants in Chengdu and Shenzhen, began the same day. They include both interviews with "thousands" of workers over conditions as well as inspections and document reviews.
more
02/12, 2:30pm
comScore shows shift to mobile in mail
As part of a larger study, comScore has shown that e-mail is making a large shift away from the web. Among teens and those aged 18 to 24, webmail use dropped by about a third in December from where it was one year earlier. Declines also appeared among the 35 to 44 set (down one point) and 55 to 64 (by seven points).
more
02/12, 12:30pm
Eddy Cue, Yo-Yo Ma tribute Jobs at Grammys
The Recording Academy in its annual pre-show ceremony gave Steve Jobs its promised Lifetime Achievement award. The posthumous award was accepted on behalf of Jobs and family by Apple Senior VP Eddy Cue. In the acceptance speech, Cue highlighted how music was a central part of Jobs' existence; he was an outspoken fan of The Beatles and Bob Dylan, and often made music a focus of Apple's work.
more
02/11, 12:55am
Spotify and Foursquare get special features
Two major mobile apps got updates for special features at the end of the week. Spotify on iOS (App Store) now has the option to both stream and sync audio at 320Kbps, the same quality as it exists on the desktop. While it requires either a more intensive Internet connection or extra storage for cached tracks, it puts the app's audio quality ahead of other on-demand music rivals.
more
02/10, 11:50am
Chitika claims iOS now used online more than Mac
New Chitika traffic data has seen Apple possibly cross a milestone for web use online. As of February, 8.15 percent of all web traffic being monitored was coming from an iOS device, passing the Mac for the first time with OS X share at 7.96 percent. The two platforms had been converging since October, with the Mac losing share mostly as Apple's other OS gained prominence.
more
02/09, 1:25pm
Apple hits symbolic stock value
An exceptional run on Apple stock over the past few days has made Apple's stock value worth more than either of its two most direct rivals combined. A comparison has shown that, as of mid-day Thursday, Apple's market cap of about $456 billion was greater than both those of Google ($198.9 billion) and Microsoft ($256.7 billion). As noted by AppleInsider, Apple was taking advantage of both Google missing targets and bruising its share as well as Microsoft's historic inability to excite shareholders.
more
02/08, 4:15pm
Tweetbot gets big overhaul with tablet version
Tapbots revamped its signature Twitter apps in large form on Wednesday, starting with the surprise release of Tweetbot for iPad ($3, App Store). The new version both adapts to the bigger canvas of the tablet and shares its support for creating multiple timelines from one account and gestures to save time. Likewise, it can save content for later through Cloudapp, Instapaper, and Read it Later.
more
02/08, 3:30pm
iOS 5.1 gets tentative launch window
New digging in the iOS 5.1 beta has given a possible clue as to Apple's target date for the OS. About 11 new carrier profiles all have references to an Apple diagnostic web address with "09Mar2012-Update" in the timeframe, suggesting to YourDailyMac's discoverer that the date was at least being kept in mind for a launch or a milestone. It touched on all existing iOS devices and at least five countries, pointing to a simultaneous release.
more
02/08, 12:35pm
Fixes regular complaints
Evernote has released a new version of its iOS notetaking app, v4.1.8. While relatively minor, the update does make two important changes. These include "predictive" note titles, which will give otherwise untitled items a label based on factors like time, location, and other pieces of contextual data.
more
02/08, 1:05am
Uses classic wristwatch design
Further taking advantage of the iPod nano's "clock face" watch app which has spawned an entire mini-industry of wrist straps for it, accessory maker Hex has expanded its own lineup of sixth-generation Nano wristbands to include the new Vision Classic Leather band, which uses genuine leather and top-stitched embroidered edges in the classic styling. It's available in four color choices: black white, British tan and gray, and also sports a patented clip-based, coated stainless steel plate for removing or inserting the Nano without scratching.
more
02/07, 9:05pm
Does not reflect possible iPad 3 screen upgrade
Apple has sent out notifications to iOS developers that future updates to apps now require higher-resolution, 960x640 (Retina Display) compatible screenshots or the apps will not be approved. The change is a minor one (previous guidelines suggested, but did not require, Retina Display-level screenshots) and reflects the company's burgeoning base of iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and fourth-generation iPod Touch users, all of whom have higher-resolution screens.
more
02/07, 6:30pm
Telus goes all-in on Optik console and mobile
Telus' Optik IPTV service got much more control over non-traditional viewing on Tuesday. Optik TV for Xbox 360 takes advantage of the fall Xbox 360 Dashboard update to use the console as the set-top box, including for remote DVR viewing if there's a traditional DVR on the same network. The support includes full Kinect motion control.
more
02/07, 5:20pm
Smart Audio aims to profit from others' audio work
Mostly unknown Smart Audio Technologies has hoped to skim profits from the audio industry after filing a low-key lawsuit late last week that was publicized Tuesday. The Delaware-based complaint accuses Apple, Creative Labs, and Philips of violating the same February 2001-era patent for car audio system with a random access player that supports playlists. Smart Audio isn't clear what products are violating its technology, although iOS and iPod devices are possible candidates.
more
02/07, 12:45pm
Refurbished Apple products.
Today at Apple's online store save on iPads, iMacs and more. A selection of refurbished iPads include the first generation 32GB iPad with Wi-Fi, now $399 after a $100 price cut. Also priced at $399 is the 16GB iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G. Currently iPad 2 models start at $419 for the 16GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi in black or white. A $100 price drop can also be found on the refurbished 64GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G, now $729.
more
02/06, 8:00pm
Replacement expected from within company
Apple's Vice President of iPhone and iPod Engineering David Tupman quietly exited the company at the end of 2011, sources say, and a replacement has not yet been named. Tupman, who reported directly to Senior Vice President of Hardware Bob Mansfield, has not updated his LinkedIn profile to reflect the change but is said to be taking up with a new startup operation. Apple is seeking a replacement for Tupman within its own ranks.
more
02/06, 7:00pm
Bug keeps messages flowing to stolen iPhones
A flaw in the iMessage protocol that causes it to continue to route messages to an iPhone even after its SIM has been removed and deactivated has gotten the attention of Apple in a very direct way: a customer demand to be compensated for the problem, which the company has allegedly done. TheNextWeb reports that an unnamed customer who had her iPhone stolen but which continued to receive iMessages has now received an iPod Touch as compensation.
more
02/06, 4:55pm
Pedal can be programmed using iPad, iPhone or iPod
Harman has started delivering its DigiTech iStomp programmable effects pedal. Users can program the the guitar stompbox using their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to make potentially any sound, not just distortion or other effects associated with filters. Twenty alternative sound effects are available for download.
more
02/05, 11:25pm
PS Vita on smooth track according to Sony
Sony in its results call Friday was confident that the PlayStation Vita was selling well so far. Having moved slightly more than 535,000 units in its first three weeks, according to Media Create data, company CFO Masaru Kato didn't see "any problems" with results so far. The comment came even after shipments had dipped to just over 18,000 in January and had been mostly steady since.
more
02/03, 7:00pm
Offers reviews as well as link to download
Yahoo has launched an app filtering tool to its search engine. Yahoo's main page now gives a user a tab for Apps as well as the traditional Web, Images, Video, Local and More. With it, users can get app only search results and filter them for either iOS or Android apps.
more
02/03, 3:40pm
Reduced prices on refurbished Apple items.
At Apple's online store today save on refurbished iPods, iMacs and more. The 8GB iPod nano in green, pink, yellow, blue, silver or black is available for $99 after a $30 price cut. For $119, after a $30 price cut, is the 16GB iPod nano in pink, silver, black or blue. A $120 price cut can be found on the refurb. 64GB iPod touch, now only $249.
more
02/03, 3:35pm
Crittercism shows app crash comparison
Crittercism has conducted a rare study of app stability that implied iOS apps might crash more than Android versions, although raising questions. Covering the top three quarters of popular apps downloaded in the first half of December, it found that iOS apps were slightly if noticeably more likely to crash. The relative gap diminished as researchers delved into less popular titles, although the sheer number of apps that crashed went up.
more
02/02, 4:50pm
Google details Bouncer and says
Google's Android engineering VP Hiroshi Lockheimer has detailed a process of screening for malware at Android Market that it has quietly been running for the past year. Known as Bouncer, it automatically scans both incoming and existing apps for recognizable malicious code. The routine also runs the apps themselves and checks for hostile behavior in practice, hoping to catch apps with suspicious behavior.
more
02/01, 3:35pm
Could allegedly release outside of fall schedule
The newly-leaked iPod nano images do indeed represent a camera-equipped prototype, but one about two months old, according to MIC Gadget. The site quotes "factory sources," who further describe the camera as using a 1.3 megapixel sensor, but with serious problems when it comes to image quality. In essence the unit produces overexposed images, with blurring and diffraction in bright conditions when the aperture is too small.
more
02/01, 11:45am
Images could still represent scrapped prototype
New photos could signal that Apple is still working on the idea of a modern, camera-equipped iPod nano. Images obtained by Apple.pro show a recent Nano casing design, but with a camera hole situated in the clip. Housing for a camera assembly, notably, fills the space between the hole and the main body of the Nano.
more
02/01, 11:10am
JVC outs first iOS dock that serves as nightstand
For those who like to make their electronics serve multiple purposes, JVC Japan has just introduced an iPod and iPhone dock that doubles as a nightstand. Called the N-BX3, it sports a glass top that measures 11.8 by 4.3 inches across and is nearly 20 inches tall. Two 30W satellite speakers reproduce sound, and a shelf pulls out for docking users' iOS devices.
more
01/31, 7:15pm
Save on refurbished Apple products
At Apple's online store today save on refurbished iMacs like the 21.5-inch iMac with a 3.06GHz Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, now $929 after a $170 price cut. For $1269 upgrade to a 27-inch iMac with a 3.2GHz Intel quad-core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive.
more
01/31, 4:35pm
Invites no longer equired
After a brief period of exclusivity, Valve has opened up the Steam Mobile beta to the general public. Previously just a select group of Steam users were allowed to try the beta, although invites handed out to testers gradually increased the userbase. Free Android and iPhone versions of the mobile client are available.
more
01/31, 4:10pm
Neil Young contends Jobs wanted better audio
Musician Neil Young in an interview at the D: Dive Into Media conference made the contentious claim that Apple's late chief Steve Jobs would have been pushing hard for improved audio quality. The "Needle and the Damage Done" creator claimed that Jobs, despite creating the iPod for digital music, preferred to listen to vinyl records at home. Apple's co-founder would have allegedly been working on higher quality devices, not just formats like Apple Lossless, to improve audio quality.
more
01/31, 3:30pm
Keeps logins, other data in sync across devices
Norton has begun a beta of a new cloud-based security service, Identify Safe. The technology is meant to save and sync private web form data across multiple browsers and devices, primarily logins and credit card information. So far the only computer platform to support the Identify Safe client is Windows, but test apps are already available for iOS and Android.
more
01/31, 12:15pm
ARM up based on iOS and Android success
ARM benefited from the surge in mobile Tuesday after it saw fall revenue surge 34 percent to the equivalent of $217 million. It credited the gain both to getting more royalties from existing deals as well as to having customers licensing ARM for the first time. Its profits were also up 47 percent.
more
01/30, 4:45pm
US plans unknown
Remastered versions of the first three Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney games are coming to iOS, reports say. Players assume the role of Wright, a defense attorney who must both investigate the facts of cases and then challenge prosecution during trial. The series is already present in the App Store, but the new ports will sport better graphics.
more
01/29, 5:15am
BSR partly corrects look into Apple supply chain
Corporate responsibility consultant firm Businesses for Social Responsibility (BSR) has published an open letter partly correcting the New York Times on its investigation of Foxconn factories. CEO Aron Cramer didn't object to the core of the article, which highlighted the problems Apple and others would have in improving supply chain work conditions, but did object to how it portrayed BSR. A BSR consultant was quoted several times but wasn't representing the whole company when he did, Cramer said.
more
01/27, 4:20pm
Scosche reVOLT c2 available for purchase
Enfocus has released Instant PDF 10, an update to its PDF creation tool. Version 10 includes one of the most frequently requested features, annotated error reporting, as well as support for OS X Lion and Adobe CS 5.5. In addition, the update uses Enfocus PitStop Library 10, which provides users with the same level of error identification and correction as the highest-end Enfocus application suites. A fully-functional trial version can be downloaded online, while single user licenses start at $300.
more
01/26, 5:55pm
Ultrasone intros $1,300 Signature Pro headphones
German high-end headphone maker Ultrasone has just unveiled one of its more advanced earpieces in the Signature Pro set. Meant for use by musicians, sound engineers and audiophiles, the handmade headphones sport a 40mm titanium-plated driver developed by Ultrasone engineers.
more
01/26, 3:25pm
Steam Mobile live for iOS and Android
Valve has partly fulfilled one of the most common wishes of gamers Thursday by posting Steam Mobile. Versions for both iOS (App Store) and Android (Market) lets users both keep up with their Steam chats and groups while away. They can go so far as to buy games for the Mac or Windows that they can start downloading immediately when they get home.
more
01/26, 12:45pm
New Sam & Max episode includes extra iOS content
Adventure developer Telltale Games has released two new titles for Apple platforms. One is the first iOS episode in a new Sam & Max season, Beyond Time and Space. In Episode 1: Ice Station Santa, Sam & Max face off against Santa Claus in a bid to save the world's children. Story and design are by the creator of the Sam & Max comics, Steve Purcell, and the iOS version includes a soundboard plus a "Whack da Ratz" minigame.
more
01/26, 6:15am
SpotON Radio out now for iPod touch, iPhone
The first app to take advantage of Spotify’s move to allow third-party app support to its mobile APIs has been made available on the iTunes store. SpotON Radio has been launched as a free app initially, although it may shift to a $2 asking price after its launch window. As expected, to access Spotify’s music library users must hold a Spotify Premium membership ($10/month) to use it.
more
01/25, 11:30pm
Apple has internal clash over China factories
Apple has faced both internal tension over as well as misleading statements from its Chinese suppliers, an in-depth investigation has uncovered. Focusing primarily on Foxconn, the New York Times spoke to numerous current and former Apple executives who said that, while there were improvements in the years since Apple began auditing factories, the company has so far stopped short of a hardline approach that would get a supplier like Foxconn to change.
more
01/24, 11:25pm
iOS hits 315m devices so far
Apple as part of its fall fiscal results revealed that a total of 315 million iOS devices had been activated in the platform's 4.5-year history. The marker included the over 62 million devices shipped just in the fall alone. Total 2011 iPhone sales by themselves were strong enough to outsell those from the previous four years combined.
more
01/24, 10:20pm
Obama State of the Union policies touch on Apple
President Obama during his 2012 State of the Union address directly touched on the importance of companies like Apple while also pointing towards policies that would change how Apple itself behaves. With Steve Jobs' widow Laurene in attendance, he wanted to foster an employment culture of talent and innovation that would create "the next Steve Jobs." Among the fixes were addressing the lack of engineers and scientists at a time when many were still looking for work.
more
01/24, 7:00pm
Refurbished iPads, iPods and more
At Apple's online store today save on a variety of refurbished Apple products from iPads and iPods to MacBook Pros. Starting at $399, after a $130 discount, is the refurb. 16GB iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G. The 32GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi is available as well in both white or black for $499. At the top of the iPad pricing scale is the refurb. 64GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G in black or white for $729 after a $100 price break.
more
01/24, 5:30pm
Apple retail rises 59 percent over Q1 2011
Coming alongside the formal announcement, Apple has published a detailed breakdown of its Q1 2012 financial results. The Americas and Japan saw the biggest regional surges in revenue, with the former up 92 percent year-over-year to $17.714 billion, and Japan up 148 percent to $3.55 billion. Europe was up 55 percent to $11.256 billion, while the Asia-Pacific region rose 54 percent to $7.697 billion, helped partly by a 58 percent surge in Mac sales to 814,000. Worldwide retail revenue grew 59 percent to sit at $6.116 billion.
more
01/24, 4:55pm
We follow Apple's fall 2011 finances live
Apple has posted blowout results for its fiscal first (calendar fourth) quarter with record iPhone, iPad, and Mac sales. It's holding a conference call to discuss the results and should have both more details as well as possible surprises. Check our live coverage page from 5PM Eastern for details as they arrive.
more
01/24, 4:40pm
Company achieves 'record' iPhone, iPad, Mac sales
Apple has announced the results of its first fiscal quarter, which ended December 31st. The company is reporting a massive $46.33 billion in revenue, with a net profit of $13.06 billion, or $13.87 per diluted share. In comparison, Apple achieved revenue of just $26.74 billion in Q1 2011, with a net profit of $6 billion, or $6.43 per diluted share.
more
01/24, 3:25pm
Audiobooks takes Netflix, Spotify cues
Audiobooks.com is hoping to shake up the e-book field by trying a business model similar to Netflix or Spotify just for its namesake audiobooks. A $25 flat rate gives access to the full catalog of 11,000 audiobooks, many of which are from major publishers. Like with other such services, continued access depends on a sustained plan, but it's potentially more economic for those who read two or more books every month.
more
01/24, 10:20am
AirPrint now with several printer manufacturers
Brother has expanded the number of its printers supporting Apple's AirPrint standard. Now included are a handful of all-in-one color inkjets: the MFC-J280w, MFC-J430w, MFC-J625dw, MFC-J825dw, and MFC-J5910dw. AirPrint allows an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to send content directly to a printer over Wi-Fi, rather than rely on a custom app, a card transfer, or sync with a computer.
more
01/23, 4:35pm
Pogo Sketch Plus uses a new Pro Tip for accuracy
Ten One Design has just released a new stylus for iOS devices, the Pogo Sketch Plus. It uses the company's Pro Tip technology for an increase in precision and sensitivity, while having less friction. This also enabled the tip itself to be made thinner.
more
01/23, 4:05pm
Rocketboost sound gets iOS and Android apps
Best Buy gave owners of its Rocketboost wireless audio system a way to steer it independently with both desktop and mobile apps. Both a Windows controller (above) and an iOS app (free, App Store) let users pipe audio from a Rocketboost host device to any Rocketboost audio system on the same local network, including Insignia TVs and soundbars. It lets users mix and match sources and destinations, also giving them a signal strength for each device to give a hint of how reliably it will play.
more
01/23, 1:00pm
Guides teachers, students through process
Apple has opened up a new iTunes U support section on its website. The content is mostly aimed at educators, for instance guiding people through publishing, the Course Manager, and the Public Site Manager. Both students and faculty have access to forums, and instructions for dealing with settings and common problems.
more
