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
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.
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