Apple tablet may get iTunes LP, cloud locker
With Apple's tablet unveiling just a week away, more rumors are bubbling to the surface regarding the mythical product's capabilities as an eReader and all-around life changer.Both personally and professionally, I'm most intrigued to figure out what the Apple tablet will deliver in terms of music and media playback. Will it run a full version of iTunes, or act more like an iPod or iPhone as an extension of your personal media collection?We aren't going to know the concrete details for sure until next week, but the rumor mill is at least getting some good speculative grist.First up, we have a rumor from Electronista and Digital Music News pointing to iTunes LP support on the tablet. Currently, the interactive LP format Apple launched last September can only be viewed through your computer, and is not supported by mobile products such as the iPhone and iPod Touch. I think the iTunes LP has been a misfit format on the computer, and I'm glad to hear that it might break out of the box. As a fan of vinyl LPs, a big part of my retro obsession is being able to hold and appreciate the album artwork from the comfort of my living room chair. Sitting in front of a computer and pointing and clicking around iTunes just doesn't offer the same relationship with the media. Now, whether or not people care about albums anymore still remains to be seen. But if iTunes LPs do make it onto the tablet, I expect that will spur more interest in the format for both consumers and record labels. The Apple tablet will undoubtedly be the "show-off" product of 2010, and users will find it hard to resist downloading at least a few iTunes LPs just for thethrill of impressing friends.The second important tablet rumor music fans should be aware of comes from a TechCrunch interview with Michael Robertson, CEO of the music locker site MP3tunes. Michael seems certain that Apple is working on an iTunes update that will take advantage of the music-upload and fingerprint technology from Apple's recent acquisition, Lala. Like Lala's own music-scanning tool, the new iTunes feature would examine your music collection, upload any material it doesn't already have in its vast library, and give you the capability to stream your music from Apple's servers to any of your iTunes compatible wireless devices. What the TechCrunch article doesn't point out is the unlikelihood that Apple would provide this iTunes cloud service free of charge. It makes more sense that this would get rolled out as a feature of Apple's existing MobileMe service. At $99 a year, MobileMe doesn't come cheap. But if the service promised music fans the ability to have a central, cloud-based back-up of all their music files, plus the ability to stream everything to their iPhone, iPod Touche, tablet, PC, or Mac, then it could solve some very real issues for people. For example, a cloud-based iTunes music library solves the problem of storage, especially for users with music collections that run in the hundreds of gigabytes. Even users with modest music libraries may be able to leverage the MobileMe service to offload music playback to the cloud, and get by with a lower-cost, lower-capacity iPhone (8GB), thus expanding the appeal of the iPhone and seemingly lowering the cost of entry.It could also solve the problem of the scattered music collections most users have between the multiple computers in their lives, by automatically linking them all to a master collection, or perhaps syncing media across computers via the cloud. Considering that many iTunes users are already at a breaking point when it comes to syncing media across their iPods and iPhones, it makes sense that Apple would want to address the problem before throwing a completely new type of device (a tablet) into the mix.
Meta's Space Glasses apps- No code, but ideas
Meta's Space Glasses apps: No code, but ideas
Hackathons are a great way to drum up interest and get some exposure for a new or existing platform. TechCrunch held a hackathon over the weekend with more than 264 entrants coding over a 24-hour period. But if your hardware prototypes and software development kit aren't available, there isn't much to hack. Startup Meta, which is developing Space Glasses that combine the power of a laptop and smartphone in spectacles that map virtual objects into the physical world, is trying to overcome the lack of hardware and software problem to hack as it develops its new platform. The company has launched an online app store with nothing to sell, but it is fronting a contest for the best app ideas and allowing people to rank them. "Take the social site Reddit and add it to iTunes, and you get the Space Glasses apps," said Meta spokesperson Matt Kitchales. Meta plans to get code for its apps by shipping prototype hardware and a software development kit to 250 Kickstarter funders at the end of this month and to 750 more developers who have expressed interest in the platform in January 2014. Meta is also developing apps, and plans to have 15 available later this month with the release of its glasses prototype. In addition, the company is working with a few external partners to create apps, includingGamedraw, a 3D sculpting app from MXDTech.So far, 300 app ideas have been submitted, the company said. "When the glasses are shipped, the apps with the most votes will be on the front page of the app store," Kitchales said.The No. 1 app idea so far is "Emergency Medical Technician/Military Medic Application for emergency and war zone first responders."With the use of marker points placed at key locations on a patient's body, the glass' camera system and the Internet, the first responder can immediately relay crucial information to a standard or mobile hospital unit. The placement of marker points can assist with offsite emergency surgery, tourniquet placement, pressure points, injury data collection, pulse, as well as post-op care, and directions with map for evacuation. In short, a guiding hand in a moment when your surroundings could be unsafe or even hostile. Some of the other submissions are more conventional, such as gaming apps, including an "augmented reality app that simulates the blade of a light saber in your hands [that] would allow you to battle your friends or slay invisible foes." Meta doesn't have much code yet, but it hopes to have more than just text for its idea entries. The company has hired a designer to help would-be developers create sketches and images to fill out their product ideas. Meta expects to have stylish, lightweight Space Glasses available to consumers by the end of September 2014. By that time, some of the developer ideas in the Meta app store could be turned into running code. In the meantime, Meta is busy raising money to fund its vision of wearable computing that replaces the physical smartphone. Correction: This story was edited to correct the timing for the availability of Meta's 15 apps and the company's collaboration with a few external developers.
Hackathons are a great way to drum up interest and get some exposure for a new or existing platform. TechCrunch held a hackathon over the weekend with more than 264 entrants coding over a 24-hour period. But if your hardware prototypes and software development kit aren't available, there isn't much to hack. Startup Meta, which is developing Space Glasses that combine the power of a laptop and smartphone in spectacles that map virtual objects into the physical world, is trying to overcome the lack of hardware and software problem to hack as it develops its new platform. The company has launched an online app store with nothing to sell, but it is fronting a contest for the best app ideas and allowing people to rank them. "Take the social site Reddit and add it to iTunes, and you get the Space Glasses apps," said Meta spokesperson Matt Kitchales. Meta plans to get code for its apps by shipping prototype hardware and a software development kit to 250 Kickstarter funders at the end of this month and to 750 more developers who have expressed interest in the platform in January 2014. Meta is also developing apps, and plans to have 15 available later this month with the release of its glasses prototype. In addition, the company is working with a few external partners to create apps, includingGamedraw, a 3D sculpting app from MXDTech.So far, 300 app ideas have been submitted, the company said. "When the glasses are shipped, the apps with the most votes will be on the front page of the app store," Kitchales said.The No. 1 app idea so far is "Emergency Medical Technician/Military Medic Application for emergency and war zone first responders."With the use of marker points placed at key locations on a patient's body, the glass' camera system and the Internet, the first responder can immediately relay crucial information to a standard or mobile hospital unit. The placement of marker points can assist with offsite emergency surgery, tourniquet placement, pressure points, injury data collection, pulse, as well as post-op care, and directions with map for evacuation. In short, a guiding hand in a moment when your surroundings could be unsafe or even hostile. Some of the other submissions are more conventional, such as gaming apps, including an "augmented reality app that simulates the blade of a light saber in your hands [that] would allow you to battle your friends or slay invisible foes." Meta doesn't have much code yet, but it hopes to have more than just text for its idea entries. The company has hired a designer to help would-be developers create sketches and images to fill out their product ideas. Meta expects to have stylish, lightweight Space Glasses available to consumers by the end of September 2014. By that time, some of the developer ideas in the Meta app store could be turned into running code. In the meantime, Meta is busy raising money to fund its vision of wearable computing that replaces the physical smartphone. Correction: This story was edited to correct the timing for the availability of Meta's 15 apps and the company's collaboration with a few external developers.
Apple's proposed Web radio service is no certainty
Apple's proposed Web radio service is no certainty
Apple is working hard to convince the major record companies to buy into its plan for a Web radio service, but some at the labels don't like what they're hearing. Bloombergreported this afternoon that Apple's negotiations with the three top labels have "intensified" over an ad-support Web radio service that Apple hopes to launch early next year. But music industry executives who spoke with CNET said that some decision makers at the big record companies want Apple to sweeten the offer. Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)The 404 Podcast 498: Where Jeff battles the TriadBuzz Out Loud Podcast 1145: China to Google: Suck itNutsie brings iTunes to Android via the cloudThe Real Deal 193: Road Test - CES edition (podcast)The negotiations are ongoing so the terms could change, but the sources said Apple has offered to pay a lower royalty rate than Pandora pays even though it wants to provide iTunes users with the ability to do more with the music than Pandora's customers enjoy. Pandora, the leading Internet radio service, pays a statutory rate set by Congress. Under the terms of this rate, Pandora must limit the way users interact with songs, such as capping the number of times they can listen to the same song or an individual artist. In exchange for this greater flexibility with songs, Apple is offering a percentage of the ad sales generated by the service. CNET's sources say that some of the sector's leaders don't believe the cut Apple put on the table is big enough. Others in the music industry, however, argue it's good for the overall business if Apple takes on Pandora. Pandora has become a behemoth in Internet radio and the labels favor seeing multiple competitors in each of its distribution categories. One source said iTunes' can easily market a Web radio service to its humongous audience and the company can also figure out the best way to use iRadio, the unofficial name given to the service by those in the music industry, to boost download sales, which are flat.Apple owns 64 percent of the legal music market and in addition to the leverage this kind of market share provides Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, the top labels must also consider what happens if Apple is prevented from getting a deal. Some music industry insiders speculate that Apple could conceivably throw in with Pandora and help get the Internet Fairness Radio Act passed. That's the name of legislation introduced into Congress this year that seeks to reduce the royalty rates Web radio services must pay for music. The sources said that to date, Apple has not made any threats of joining forces with Pandora. The big record companies are planning to fight tooth and nail against the bill becoming law. CNET has learned that the top record companies plan to quietly gather next week to discuss their strategy for fighting the legislation. In addition to the representatives from the top three labels, invitations were sent this week to some of the music industry's top music managers.
Apple is working hard to convince the major record companies to buy into its plan for a Web radio service, but some at the labels don't like what they're hearing. Bloombergreported this afternoon that Apple's negotiations with the three top labels have "intensified" over an ad-support Web radio service that Apple hopes to launch early next year. But music industry executives who spoke with CNET said that some decision makers at the big record companies want Apple to sweeten the offer. Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)The 404 Podcast 498: Where Jeff battles the TriadBuzz Out Loud Podcast 1145: China to Google: Suck itNutsie brings iTunes to Android via the cloudThe Real Deal 193: Road Test - CES edition (podcast)The negotiations are ongoing so the terms could change, but the sources said Apple has offered to pay a lower royalty rate than Pandora pays even though it wants to provide iTunes users with the ability to do more with the music than Pandora's customers enjoy. Pandora, the leading Internet radio service, pays a statutory rate set by Congress. Under the terms of this rate, Pandora must limit the way users interact with songs, such as capping the number of times they can listen to the same song or an individual artist. In exchange for this greater flexibility with songs, Apple is offering a percentage of the ad sales generated by the service. CNET's sources say that some of the sector's leaders don't believe the cut Apple put on the table is big enough. Others in the music industry, however, argue it's good for the overall business if Apple takes on Pandora. Pandora has become a behemoth in Internet radio and the labels favor seeing multiple competitors in each of its distribution categories. One source said iTunes' can easily market a Web radio service to its humongous audience and the company can also figure out the best way to use iRadio, the unofficial name given to the service by those in the music industry, to boost download sales, which are flat.Apple owns 64 percent of the legal music market and in addition to the leverage this kind of market share provides Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, the top labels must also consider what happens if Apple is prevented from getting a deal. Some music industry insiders speculate that Apple could conceivably throw in with Pandora and help get the Internet Fairness Radio Act passed. That's the name of legislation introduced into Congress this year that seeks to reduce the royalty rates Web radio services must pay for music. The sources said that to date, Apple has not made any threats of joining forces with Pandora. The big record companies are planning to fight tooth and nail against the bill becoming law. CNET has learned that the top record companies plan to quietly gather next week to discuss their strategy for fighting the legislation. In addition to the representatives from the top three labels, invitations were sent this week to some of the music industry's top music managers.
The 404 1,025- Where hey, you gonna finish that dime- (podcast)
The 404 1,025: Where hey, you gonna finish that dime? (podcast)
Be extra careful on the Internet if you live in Arizona, the local legislators may soon make it a Class 3 felony to be a "troll."House Bill 2549 has already made its way through both houses and is waiting for the signature of Governor Jan Brewer. If passed, a minimum sentence of 2.5 years will be handed down to non-dangerous offenders that use any electronic device in a lews or lascivious act." Head over to Governor Brewer's Facebook page and send a message of protest!After we chat about the mischievous adventure of our youth, Jeff and I will dive into a chat about file sharing and why law professor Stuart Green doesn't consider illegal downloading to be a legitimate form of "theft," at least colloquially. Check out this video for a summary of Green's position.Finally, we'll look at a dubious story about how iPads and other electronic devices are stealing the tears of our youth. Literally, kids are suffering drier eyes than ever before in history thanks to hours of staring at screens."Normal" people blink about 12-15 times a minute, but intense focus on, say, an iPad can slice that down to about seven or eight, which means that we may soon Apple-branded solutions...called...iDrops? Too easy.Bathroom break video: Fifa goalie gets violated.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.PlayEpisode 1,025Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff Bakalar
Be extra careful on the Internet if you live in Arizona, the local legislators may soon make it a Class 3 felony to be a "troll."House Bill 2549 has already made its way through both houses and is waiting for the signature of Governor Jan Brewer. If passed, a minimum sentence of 2.5 years will be handed down to non-dangerous offenders that use any electronic device in a lews or lascivious act." Head over to Governor Brewer's Facebook page and send a message of protest!After we chat about the mischievous adventure of our youth, Jeff and I will dive into a chat about file sharing and why law professor Stuart Green doesn't consider illegal downloading to be a legitimate form of "theft," at least colloquially. Check out this video for a summary of Green's position.Finally, we'll look at a dubious story about how iPads and other electronic devices are stealing the tears of our youth. Literally, kids are suffering drier eyes than ever before in history thanks to hours of staring at screens."Normal" people blink about 12-15 times a minute, but intense focus on, say, an iPad can slice that down to about seven or eight, which means that we may soon Apple-branded solutions...called...iDrops? Too easy.Bathroom break video: Fifa goalie gets violated.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.PlayEpisode 1,025Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff Bakalar
iTunes Pass lets you add money to your account in Apple stores
iTunes Pass lets you add money to your account in Apple stores
Apple has unveiled a new feature in Japan that lets you use Passbook to deposit money in your iTunes account at an Apple retail store.Dubbed iTunes Pass, the feature lets you buy credit good for purchases in iTunes, the App Store, or the iBookstore directly through your friendly, neighborhood Apple store, according to 9to5Mac. A store employee simply scans the code generated by iTunes Pass to process your payment. The money you deposit is then immediately available for you to spend.Related storiesLeaked iPhone 6 sapphire screen tough, but not unbreakableChina calls Apple's iPhone a national security threatApple gains store-design trademark in EUApple patent describes all-glass casing for devicesThe goal behind the new feature seems to be to use Passbook to eliminate the need to buy physical gift cards, use a credit or debit card, or keep track of redemption codes to buy your favorite App Store and iTunes items. The feature is also likely the next step in Apple's slow but growing evolution in the world of mobile payments. Apple took its first baby steps in mobile payments in 2012 with its Passbook app but hasn't done a great deal since then to expand the technology.The feature could also be part of an initial step in an iTunes-based mobile payments service. Apple is reportedly prepping such a service that would tie in with Passbook and the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, sources have told 9to5Mac.iTunes Pass is available just in Japan right now. Here's how it works, at least based on the rough translation of Apple's Japanese iTunes Pass webpage:Use the iTunes Pass, you can now deposit directly to the account of the App Store or iTunes Store you. Go to the iTunes Store in the iOS device you have, if you tap "Use iTunes Card / Code" button and scroll down, you can get the iTunes Pass. Please tell specialist that then, the Apple Store near you, you want to deposit into account. When you open the iTunes Pass from the Passbook, specialists will scan it, and accepts the payment. Balance is updated on the fly, available immediately.Why is the feature accessible only in Japan? Apple may simply be testing it in a single region before rolling it out globally. CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story with any further details.
Apple has unveiled a new feature in Japan that lets you use Passbook to deposit money in your iTunes account at an Apple retail store.Dubbed iTunes Pass, the feature lets you buy credit good for purchases in iTunes, the App Store, or the iBookstore directly through your friendly, neighborhood Apple store, according to 9to5Mac. A store employee simply scans the code generated by iTunes Pass to process your payment. The money you deposit is then immediately available for you to spend.Related storiesLeaked iPhone 6 sapphire screen tough, but not unbreakableChina calls Apple's iPhone a national security threatApple gains store-design trademark in EUApple patent describes all-glass casing for devicesThe goal behind the new feature seems to be to use Passbook to eliminate the need to buy physical gift cards, use a credit or debit card, or keep track of redemption codes to buy your favorite App Store and iTunes items. The feature is also likely the next step in Apple's slow but growing evolution in the world of mobile payments. Apple took its first baby steps in mobile payments in 2012 with its Passbook app but hasn't done a great deal since then to expand the technology.The feature could also be part of an initial step in an iTunes-based mobile payments service. Apple is reportedly prepping such a service that would tie in with Passbook and the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, sources have told 9to5Mac.iTunes Pass is available just in Japan right now. Here's how it works, at least based on the rough translation of Apple's Japanese iTunes Pass webpage:Use the iTunes Pass, you can now deposit directly to the account of the App Store or iTunes Store you. Go to the iTunes Store in the iOS device you have, if you tap "Use iTunes Card / Code" button and scroll down, you can get the iTunes Pass. Please tell specialist that then, the Apple Store near you, you want to deposit into account. When you open the iTunes Pass from the Passbook, specialists will scan it, and accepts the payment. Balance is updated on the fly, available immediately.Why is the feature accessible only in Japan? Apple may simply be testing it in a single region before rolling it out globally. CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story with any further details.
Apple's A6 processor appears faster than previously thought
Apple's A6 processor appears faster than previously thought
The silicon powering the new iPhone 5 appears to be more powerful than previously thought.The A6 processor found in Apple's next-generation smartphone has been clocked at 1.3GHz by a new version of iOS benchmarking software Geekbench, faster than the 1.02 GHz previously reported.The new version of Geekbench, which landed today at the App Store, "features a dramatically improved processor frequency detection algorithm, which consistently reports the A6's frequency as 1.3GHz," Primate Labs John Poole told Engadget. Earlier results posted by Geekbench suggested the A6 was roughly twice as fast as any chip in an existing iOS product, beating the dual-core A5 and A5X processors in the iPhone 4S and third-generation iPad, respectively. However, Poole said the previous software version wasn't measuring the clock speed properly."Earlier versions of Geekbench had trouble determining the A6's frequency, which lead to people claiming the A6's frequency as 1.0GHz as it was the most common value Geekbench reported," he saidThe new results appear to support Apple's claims that the A6 is "up to twice as fast compared with the A5 chip."Thought to be the first Apple chip made on Samsung's new 32-nanometer manufacturing process, the A6 is more efficient at processing instructions. Chips moving to a more advanced manufacturing process tend to benefit by exhibiting faster speeds and more efficient power usage.
The silicon powering the new iPhone 5 appears to be more powerful than previously thought.The A6 processor found in Apple's next-generation smartphone has been clocked at 1.3GHz by a new version of iOS benchmarking software Geekbench, faster than the 1.02 GHz previously reported.The new version of Geekbench, which landed today at the App Store, "features a dramatically improved processor frequency detection algorithm, which consistently reports the A6's frequency as 1.3GHz," Primate Labs John Poole told Engadget. Earlier results posted by Geekbench suggested the A6 was roughly twice as fast as any chip in an existing iOS product, beating the dual-core A5 and A5X processors in the iPhone 4S and third-generation iPad, respectively. However, Poole said the previous software version wasn't measuring the clock speed properly."Earlier versions of Geekbench had trouble determining the A6's frequency, which lead to people claiming the A6's frequency as 1.0GHz as it was the most common value Geekbench reported," he saidThe new results appear to support Apple's claims that the A6 is "up to twice as fast compared with the A5 chip."Thought to be the first Apple chip made on Samsung's new 32-nanometer manufacturing process, the A6 is more efficient at processing instructions. Chips moving to a more advanced manufacturing process tend to benefit by exhibiting faster speeds and more efficient power usage.
Apple's 1976 marketing plan included Apple Stores
Apple's 1976 marketing plan included Apple Stores
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- Apple opened its first retail stores in May 2001, but it turns out the idea for the tech giant's shopping hubs came 25 years earlier.Regis McKenna, the legendary Silicon Valley marketing guru, talked about his first meeting with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak back in 1976, during a fireside chat Thursday at the Computer History Museum here. The pair came in looking for someone to help market the Apple II. During the meeting, McKenna rubbed Woz the wrong way and hit it off with Jobs. McKenna initially turned down Apple's business and showed them the door."Steve [Jobs] called back probably 40 times that night," McKenna said. Jobs and McKenna had dinner and talked about what the future of Apple could look like, and McKenna signed on. Eventually McKenna drafted an eight-page marketing plan in December 1976. Lo and behold, what was written under "Distribution Channels"? Apple stores. "I had actually presented this to Apple a couple of times," he said. "I had talked about putting them in different parts of the country."At first, the company's stores were to be meant for big customers, and serve as centers for corporate sales and training, located in office parks, he said. Then they would gradually move to retail. Now there are more than 400 Apple retail stores all over the world.McKenna was the marketing mastermind behind many of the tech industry's most iconic companies during their formative years. To name a few, he handled marketing for companies like Intel, Silicon Graphics, America Online and Electronic Arts. McKenna was also feted by the San Jose Mercury News as being one of the 100 people to make Silicon Valley what it is today.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- Apple opened its first retail stores in May 2001, but it turns out the idea for the tech giant's shopping hubs came 25 years earlier.Regis McKenna, the legendary Silicon Valley marketing guru, talked about his first meeting with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak back in 1976, during a fireside chat Thursday at the Computer History Museum here. The pair came in looking for someone to help market the Apple II. During the meeting, McKenna rubbed Woz the wrong way and hit it off with Jobs. McKenna initially turned down Apple's business and showed them the door."Steve [Jobs] called back probably 40 times that night," McKenna said. Jobs and McKenna had dinner and talked about what the future of Apple could look like, and McKenna signed on. Eventually McKenna drafted an eight-page marketing plan in December 1976. Lo and behold, what was written under "Distribution Channels"? Apple stores. "I had actually presented this to Apple a couple of times," he said. "I had talked about putting them in different parts of the country."At first, the company's stores were to be meant for big customers, and serve as centers for corporate sales and training, located in office parks, he said. Then they would gradually move to retail. Now there are more than 400 Apple retail stores all over the world.McKenna was the marketing mastermind behind many of the tech industry's most iconic companies during their formative years. To name a few, he handled marketing for companies like Intel, Silicon Graphics, America Online and Electronic Arts. McKenna was also feted by the San Jose Mercury News as being one of the 100 people to make Silicon Valley what it is today.
Apple's 128GB iPad- Here's how much the bump really costs
Apple's 128GB iPad: Here's how much the bump really costs
Apple's long been at the top of the heap when it comes to making money on one key aspect of its portable devices: storage. That trend continued with this morning's announcement of a 128GB model of the iPad, a device that costs just a steak dinner short of a full-blown Mac notebook. The new models ring in at $799 for the Wi-Fi only, or $929 for the version with 4G LTE connectivity. That's $100 more than the 64GB model, which is $100 more than the 32GB model, which is -- you guessed it -- $100 more than the 16GB iPad. The end result is that Apple can make a healthy profit on those buying the top-of-the-line model, with nearly all of it coming from the storage.The timing on the new model is no accident. NAND flash, which is what Apple uses in the iPad, costs far, far less than what it did a year ago, says IHS' Andrew Rassweiler."Apple's cost per GB in NAND flash is currently around $0.55/GB. Last year it was closer to $0.90/GB," Rassweiler said in an e-mail to CNET. "So it's clear that pricing has eroded to the point that Apple can afford to offer 2X memory configurations while maintaining the kind of incremental profit margins they were making on the memory upgrades a year ago."That means Apple's spending about $35.20 more for an upgrade that it's charging buyers $100 for, Rassweiler says. And that's on top of what people are already spending over the two other storage upgrades from the base model.The new model comes as analysts arewatching Apple's margins closer than ever, with fears that the iPhone, iPad, and Mac maker is losing its touch when it comes to maintaining high margins on its products. That's been especially true with iPads, with Apple's newer, less-expensive iPad Mini bringing in less profit per device than its bigger brother. So will this new, high-end iPad fix that? Not necessarily. In announcing the product this morning, Apple was keen to note that this device is good for "enterprises, educators and artists," as opposed to the standard consumer. That's a lucrative group to sell to, but far removed from the millions snapping up the entry-level model.
Apple's long been at the top of the heap when it comes to making money on one key aspect of its portable devices: storage. That trend continued with this morning's announcement of a 128GB model of the iPad, a device that costs just a steak dinner short of a full-blown Mac notebook. The new models ring in at $799 for the Wi-Fi only, or $929 for the version with 4G LTE connectivity. That's $100 more than the 64GB model, which is $100 more than the 32GB model, which is -- you guessed it -- $100 more than the 16GB iPad. The end result is that Apple can make a healthy profit on those buying the top-of-the-line model, with nearly all of it coming from the storage.The timing on the new model is no accident. NAND flash, which is what Apple uses in the iPad, costs far, far less than what it did a year ago, says IHS' Andrew Rassweiler."Apple's cost per GB in NAND flash is currently around $0.55/GB. Last year it was closer to $0.90/GB," Rassweiler said in an e-mail to CNET. "So it's clear that pricing has eroded to the point that Apple can afford to offer 2X memory configurations while maintaining the kind of incremental profit margins they were making on the memory upgrades a year ago."That means Apple's spending about $35.20 more for an upgrade that it's charging buyers $100 for, Rassweiler says. And that's on top of what people are already spending over the two other storage upgrades from the base model.The new model comes as analysts arewatching Apple's margins closer than ever, with fears that the iPhone, iPad, and Mac maker is losing its touch when it comes to maintaining high margins on its products. That's been especially true with iPads, with Apple's newer, less-expensive iPad Mini bringing in less profit per device than its bigger brother. So will this new, high-end iPad fix that? Not necessarily. In announcing the product this morning, Apple was keen to note that this device is good for "enterprises, educators and artists," as opposed to the standard consumer. That's a lucrative group to sell to, but far removed from the millions snapping up the entry-level model.
Apple's 64-bit A7 chip not quad-core, says chip expert
Apple's 64-bit A7 chip not quad-core, says chip expert
Smartphones with quad-core processors are the future, right? Well, not so fast. Apple's spanking-new 64-bit A7 is dual-core, according to Anandtech, a widely-read chip review site. It's seems that Apple is bucking a trend here. "The tools that count cores query the [operating system] and the OS returns the number of logical CPUs and they only returned two," said Anand in a brief phone interview, referring to the central processing unit.And he contends that there are more ways to skin the performance cat."The quad-core card was kind of forced," Anand said. "It's definitely not the only way to arrive at the ideal performance-power for a phone." He continued."These days outside of the Apple space, it's kind of difficult to sell a flagship phone without four cores."But Apple has seemed to pull it off without a hitch.In CNET's review of the iPhone 5S, there was nothing slow about the A7. "Based on every benchmark we could find, the iPhone 5S and its new A7 processor seem at least twice as fast as the 5 and its A6," CNET said. "The dual-core A7 is now the fastest [system-on-a-chip] we've tested under SunSpider, even outpacing Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 and ARM's Cortex A15," wrote Anand. He expanded on the dual-core vs. quad-core argument in his iPhone 5S review. As we saw in our Moto X review however, two faster cores are still better for most uses than four cores running at lower frequencies. Nvidia forced everyone's hand in moving to 4 cores earlier than they would've liked. And remember, the A7 is the first 64-bit ARM-based design for smartphones. That should help in games and other apps that have been optimized for 64-bit.But Apple also has other tricks to make it faster, including an improved graphics engine. Anandtech believes Apple's A7 "is the first shipping mobile silicon to integrate [Imagination Technology's] PowerVR Series 6 GPU or graphics processing unit.Apple did not respond to a request for comment. iPhone 5S benchmarks. The A7 screams.CNET
Smartphones with quad-core processors are the future, right? Well, not so fast. Apple's spanking-new 64-bit A7 is dual-core, according to Anandtech, a widely-read chip review site. It's seems that Apple is bucking a trend here. "The tools that count cores query the [operating system] and the OS returns the number of logical CPUs and they only returned two," said Anand in a brief phone interview, referring to the central processing unit.And he contends that there are more ways to skin the performance cat."The quad-core card was kind of forced," Anand said. "It's definitely not the only way to arrive at the ideal performance-power for a phone." He continued."These days outside of the Apple space, it's kind of difficult to sell a flagship phone without four cores."But Apple has seemed to pull it off without a hitch.In CNET's review of the iPhone 5S, there was nothing slow about the A7. "Based on every benchmark we could find, the iPhone 5S and its new A7 processor seem at least twice as fast as the 5 and its A6," CNET said. "The dual-core A7 is now the fastest [system-on-a-chip] we've tested under SunSpider, even outpacing Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 and ARM's Cortex A15," wrote Anand. He expanded on the dual-core vs. quad-core argument in his iPhone 5S review. As we saw in our Moto X review however, two faster cores are still better for most uses than four cores running at lower frequencies. Nvidia forced everyone's hand in moving to 4 cores earlier than they would've liked. And remember, the A7 is the first 64-bit ARM-based design for smartphones. That should help in games and other apps that have been optimized for 64-bit.But Apple also has other tricks to make it faster, including an improved graphics engine. Anandtech believes Apple's A7 "is the first shipping mobile silicon to integrate [Imagination Technology's] PowerVR Series 6 GPU or graphics processing unit.Apple did not respond to a request for comment. iPhone 5S benchmarks. The A7 screams.CNET
Apple's 7-inch tablet will be named iPad Mini, says report
Apple's 7-inch tablet will be named iPad Mini, says report
Apple's much-rumored iPad Mini will in fact be called the iPad Mini.At least, that's the latest from Apple blog site Macotakara. Citing info from an "Asian source," the Japanese site said the 7.85-inch tablet is expected to sport the familiar iPad logo on the back.If true, this means that news reports and blogs speculating about the tiny tablet actually got the name right. Apple sometimes surprises its audience with its choice of names. Those of us expecting an iPad 3 earlier this year were treated simply to the iPad or the new iPad, perhaps not the ideal name but certainly unexpected.The purported iPad Mini will pop up in October, according to a report in AllThingsD. Citing several unnamed sources, ATD's John Paczkowski said that Apple will host two separate product launches for its newest devices.The iPhone 5 is expected to debut on September 12, ATD says, with actual sales to start September 21. Apple will then announce the new iPad the following month.That report contradicts earlier rumors pointing to a single September 12 launch event for both the new iPhone and iPad Mini. But holding separate events would make sense as it gives both products their moment to shine.Related storiesiPad Mini to launch in October, says reportAlleged iPad Mini cases reveal spot for rear cameraWhy you should wait for the iPad MiniImagining the iPad Mini: Mockups multiplyThough the attention is on the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini, the iPod lineup may also be up for a refresh.The iPod Nano will receive Wi-Fi connectivity and support for a cloud-based iTunes service, according to Macotakara's source. The next iPod Touch also sports a "mysterious hole" next to its iSight camera, which Macotakara speculates could be used for near-field communication, or NFC.
Apple's much-rumored iPad Mini will in fact be called the iPad Mini.At least, that's the latest from Apple blog site Macotakara. Citing info from an "Asian source," the Japanese site said the 7.85-inch tablet is expected to sport the familiar iPad logo on the back.If true, this means that news reports and blogs speculating about the tiny tablet actually got the name right. Apple sometimes surprises its audience with its choice of names. Those of us expecting an iPad 3 earlier this year were treated simply to the iPad or the new iPad, perhaps not the ideal name but certainly unexpected.The purported iPad Mini will pop up in October, according to a report in AllThingsD. Citing several unnamed sources, ATD's John Paczkowski said that Apple will host two separate product launches for its newest devices.The iPhone 5 is expected to debut on September 12, ATD says, with actual sales to start September 21. Apple will then announce the new iPad the following month.That report contradicts earlier rumors pointing to a single September 12 launch event for both the new iPhone and iPad Mini. But holding separate events would make sense as it gives both products their moment to shine.Related storiesiPad Mini to launch in October, says reportAlleged iPad Mini cases reveal spot for rear cameraWhy you should wait for the iPad MiniImagining the iPad Mini: Mockups multiplyThough the attention is on the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini, the iPod lineup may also be up for a refresh.The iPod Nano will receive Wi-Fi connectivity and support for a cloud-based iTunes service, according to Macotakara's source. The next iPod Touch also sports a "mysterious hole" next to its iSight camera, which Macotakara speculates could be used for near-field communication, or NFC.
Why Do Most Frankenstein Movies Ignore the Source Material
In the impending disaster that is I, Frankenstein (sorry, Aaron Eckhart), the title monster is taken to the near future, where he battles gargoyles and tries to prevent the apocalypse... or something. The trailer earns chuckles and grimaces from both casual and seasoned filmgoers alike because they know one thing: that scarred action hero engaging in all kinds of CGI derring-do isn;t Frankenstein;s monster. We know Frankenstein and that is no Frankenstein. Well, at least people think they know the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. They know the mad, raving doctor with his lab in the castle on the top of a mountain. They know his hunchbacked assistant. They know the monster himself, a mute, awkward and violent thing with bolts protruding from his neck. They know that Frankenstein later builds his creation a bride. They know this because it is the popular image of the Frankenstein story. But it couldn;t be more different from what author Mary Shelley wrote in the original novel of Frankenstein in 1818. In fact, the vast majority of Frankenstein movies stray so far from the original text that you can;t help but think the original book must be a tough nut to crack. It must be too dense or complicated. It must not be very cinematic. It must look like a lousy movie as written. And yet that couldn;t be further from the truth. As written, Shelley;s original Frankenstein remains as chilling as ever, its sprawling narrative more fit for the movies than any of the so-called adaptations that strayed from the material. For some reason, Frankenstein movies seem to have routinely rejected the book that created the character in the first place, ignoring a version of the story that;s better than any of the character;s countless reinventions. This may sound blasphemous to fans of classic horror cinema, but the iconic take on Frankenstein that we;ve been watching for decades is just as much a bastardization as I, Frankenstein is. So, how did the common version of the Frankenstein story come to pass? We can trace all of the cliches -- Lightning storm! Hunchback! -- to Universal;s 1931 adaptation, but it cannot be solely blamed for throwing away Shelley;s work (nor should it, since it;s still pretty fantastic). The real blame can be thrust upon the stage version of the book that the film was based on... which was, itself, based on another stage play which was only loosely based on the book. As you can imagine, the finer points of the story were lost in translation over the course of 100 years. But here;s the important thing: Universal;s Frankenstein was a huge, massive hit and its effect can still be felt in horror cinema today. It has been rereleased countless times. It has been a television staple for decades. Kids still wear Frankenstein costumes during Halloween. The Hollywood version of Frankenstein is an unavoidable cornerstone of culture and we literally grow up knowing the story. Sure, some people get around to reading the original novel in high school or college, but it;s always going to be easier to accept the common picture of something than read the excellent-but-dated novel that started it all. In short, Frankenstein movies tend to ignore the source material because the source material has stopped being the story of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The original book is so alien to our perception of the story that following the book would only generate confusion. It;s a sad state of affairs, but your average moviegoer would probably be just as baffled by an accurate adaptation than he would be by dreck like I, Frankenstein. An accurate Frankenstein wouldn;t be familiar and it probably wouldn;t be as instantly popular and it probably wouldn;t do the same kind of business. The end. Although Kenneth Branagh attempted to stick to the source material with 1994;s abysmal Mary Shelley;s Frankenstein, his own grandiose storytelling decisions completely derail the movie before the third act arrives, abruptly throwing away the book and deciding to indulge in some truly awful Hollywood habits. While that version may have poisoned the well, it;s time to try again. Audiences have shown in recent years that they can embrace complicated, morally grey heroes. They have shown a high tolerance for long films that ask big questions in between the set pieces. It may be time to try Frankenstein again and to do it properly. When people think of Frankenstein, they think of a mad scientist and a monster. They should be thinking about a decade-long revenge story about a spurned son dismantling the life of his father, piece by piece. They should be thinking about a story where the creator and the creation are both equally sympathetic and monstrous. They should be thinking about what it is arguably the greatest piece of horror fiction ever written. Hollywood may have spent nearly a century ignoring the book behind Frankenstein, but in the age of reboots and reinventions, the freshest take of them all would be to go back to the roots.
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