Apple TV: The case for waiting
The first reviews of Apple TV are hitting the Web today, and there are, for the most part, no big surprises. (As for the CNET review: Apple has indicated that our review sample will be arriving on September 30; we'll have a full hands-on review with video soon after.) As expected, the new Apple TV delivers largely the same experience as the previous model, with the addition of an all-streaming rental service and Netflix compatibility, all crammed into a much smaller design. But it's the $99 price tag that's the real attraction here: at that price, the device is likely to become an impulse buy in a way its $229 predecessor never was.That's the idea, anyway. Unlike the weak competition the first Apple TV faced in 2007, the new one will be entering a far more mature market for Internet TV, with everything from game consoles to Blu-ray players to TiVo DVRs offering the same sort of video-on-demand functionality. Add to that the forthcoming Logitech and Sony products offering Google TV, and the long-awaited Boxee Box product. Already going head-to-head with the Apple TV, meanwhile, is a refreshed line of Roku boxes, with models available at an even cheaper $59 and $79.Roku got a big boost earlier today with the news that the Hulu Plus subscription service will soon be available on all of the company's existing and forthcoming models. On the surface, that strengthens Roku's pitch as an Apple TV alternative with far more choices. Roku lacks iTunes, of course, but it matches Apple TV's Netflix and Flickr support, plus adds Hulu, Amazon, Pandora, and MLB.TV--in addition to dozens of other, more niche-y "channels" available on its ever-growing roster.Roku: Up to $40 cheaper than Apple TV, and with Hulu Plus.Sarah Tew/CNETHulu Plus promises to deliver all current-season episodes of most ABC, Fox, and NBC shows (and quite a bit of legacy content) for a flat $9.99 monthly fee. That means--assuming you're interested in shows from those networks--that the Roku could save you a bundle versus Apple TV, where your best-case scenario (aside from Netflix) is to buy shows a la carte. Assuming a price of 99 cents, that's just 10 episodes on iTunes (say, two to three a week) versus an unlimited number on Hulu during the same month.Meanwhile, for shows not available on Hulu Plus, Roku users could rent or buy them on Amazon's service, which has matched Apple's 99-cent pricing on ABC and Fox shows. (We're leaving out a discussion of the Roku versus Apple hardware costs, and Netflix subscription is identical--if not less, if you opt for one of the cheaper Roku boxes. That's at least a wash between these two options.) So, game, set, match Roku, right?Maybe, maybe not.Apple starts with a huge brand advantage that the far more obscure Roku just doesn't have. But that's only the beginning of the story. The big wild card in the Apple TV equation is the forthcoming iOS 4.2 update--currently slated for November--that's scheduled to add AirPlay compatibility to iOS devices (iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touch models). As demonstrated during Steve Jobs' September 1 press conference--and highlighted on Apple's Web site--AirPlay is an evolution of the existing Apple Remote app that lets iOS devices control the Apple TV. But instead of just duplicating the features of a dedicated remote, AirPlay lets users stream media from their iPad or iPhone to the Apple TV. In other words, AirPlay could well be the killer app for the Apple TV. But the problem is that we still don't know the details, and they could make or break a feature like AirPlay. Is it a content-agnostic "screen scraper" that works with all iOS-based media, or is it only compatible with iTunes content? Does it stream the content directly from the iPad/iPhone, or does it merely "hand off" the viewing of a cloud-based source from the handheld product to the Apple TV? Will third-party app providers need to update their apps to be AirPlay compatible--and will the primo content providers like Hulu Plus, ABC, and Pandora be onboard with adding that functionality?That's a lot of question marks, to be sure. But if Apple sticks to its November time frame for the 4.2 update, we should have the answers in just a few weeks. And those weeks will be eventful indeed. During the same time, we'll be seeing the Google TV products from Logitech and Sony (neither of which currently have final pricing or availability details) as well as the $200 Boxee Box.In other words, the Internet TV space is more fluid than ever, with new services, options, and products sometimes only a firmware update away. Even at these tempting prices, we suggest sitting back and waiting a month or two, until we get a more informed picture of how this Internet TV battle royale is shaping up.That said: Have you already made up your mind? Are you buying an Apple TV or a Roku? Or are you holding out to see what Google TV and Boxee have to offer? Share your thoughts below.
More iPhone problems- Freezes, missing App Store categories, and charging issues
More iPhone problems: Freezes, missing App Store categories, and charging issues
After Apple introduced iPhone OS 3.1.3, complaints surfaced about the iPhone battery and problems with playlist syncing. Now, users are encountering a new set of problems and airing their complaints in Apple Discussions.Random freezes or shutdownsRandom freezes and shutdowns were a major complaint for some users after upgrading to iPhone OS 3.1 last fall. The problem was the source of heated discussions within a huge Apple discussion thread containing nearly 900 posts. This problem now seems to be making a comeback, although it may be less widespread this time.The problem seems to manifest itself whenever the iPhone goes to sleep, the user locks the display, or just randomly. The next time the user tries to use the phone, he or she will find it completely unresponsive--the display remains blank and pressing buttons won't wake it. The only recourse for the user is to perform a reset by holding down the sleep and home buttons until the Apple logo appears and releasing both buttons.Missing Categories content in App Store appUsers in countries outside of the U.S. have been complaining that their iPhone App Store app is no longer displaying content in categories including Games, Entertainment, Utilities, and Social Networking. These complaints appeared in three separate threads:App Store problemCannot browse the App Store by Category !! Can you please help?Categories tab in app store is not populating dataApp Store app Utilities categoryScreenshot by David MartinThe problem, according to users, is not happening in all regions. One user-suggested fix involves creating a new iTunes Account in the U.S. iTunes Store. Though this is a feasible workaround, it isn't without problems; if you inadvertently make a purchase under the new account you could end up with two accounts with recorded purchases. We think you're better off calling Applecare and hoping that Apple fixes the problems with your local App Store. So far, however, this problem hadn't been resolved, and calls to Apple haven't been returned. Unresponsive iPhone issues linked to chargingSome users are reporting that their iPhones are unresponsive after long-term use and especially when the battery charge is very low. The iPhone OS is designed to warn you when battery life reaches 20 percent charge. We strongly recommend that you heed this warning and place your iPhone on a charger as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, the iPhone's battery power will drop and it may reach a point where the iPhone will not start or even be recognized by a computer.At this point, many users panic, thinking that their iPhone is dead. It generally isn't, but it will appear to be so until it has had a chance to charge for at least 10 minutes. You can learn more about iPhone battery charging by reading iPhone and iPod Touch: Charging the battery on Apple's support Web site.
After Apple introduced iPhone OS 3.1.3, complaints surfaced about the iPhone battery and problems with playlist syncing. Now, users are encountering a new set of problems and airing their complaints in Apple Discussions.Random freezes or shutdownsRandom freezes and shutdowns were a major complaint for some users after upgrading to iPhone OS 3.1 last fall. The problem was the source of heated discussions within a huge Apple discussion thread containing nearly 900 posts. This problem now seems to be making a comeback, although it may be less widespread this time.The problem seems to manifest itself whenever the iPhone goes to sleep, the user locks the display, or just randomly. The next time the user tries to use the phone, he or she will find it completely unresponsive--the display remains blank and pressing buttons won't wake it. The only recourse for the user is to perform a reset by holding down the sleep and home buttons until the Apple logo appears and releasing both buttons.Missing Categories content in App Store appUsers in countries outside of the U.S. have been complaining that their iPhone App Store app is no longer displaying content in categories including Games, Entertainment, Utilities, and Social Networking. These complaints appeared in three separate threads:App Store problemCannot browse the App Store by Category !! Can you please help?Categories tab in app store is not populating dataApp Store app Utilities categoryScreenshot by David MartinThe problem, according to users, is not happening in all regions. One user-suggested fix involves creating a new iTunes Account in the U.S. iTunes Store. Though this is a feasible workaround, it isn't without problems; if you inadvertently make a purchase under the new account you could end up with two accounts with recorded purchases. We think you're better off calling Applecare and hoping that Apple fixes the problems with your local App Store. So far, however, this problem hadn't been resolved, and calls to Apple haven't been returned. Unresponsive iPhone issues linked to chargingSome users are reporting that their iPhones are unresponsive after long-term use and especially when the battery charge is very low. The iPhone OS is designed to warn you when battery life reaches 20 percent charge. We strongly recommend that you heed this warning and place your iPhone on a charger as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, the iPhone's battery power will drop and it may reach a point where the iPhone will not start or even be recognized by a computer.At this point, many users panic, thinking that their iPhone is dead. It generally isn't, but it will appear to be so until it has had a chance to charge for at least 10 minutes. You can learn more about iPhone battery charging by reading iPhone and iPod Touch: Charging the battery on Apple's support Web site.
At WWDC, more clues for those watching for Apple wristwear
At WWDC, more clues for those watching for Apple wristwear
Contrary to some expectations, an iWatch software development kit was not announced this week at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference.Alas.Even if such an SDK exists or is in the works, providing information about it would simply be too big a hint to drop in advance of hardware that might ship in the fall. However, more features and core technologies were announced at WWDC that could come into play in an Apple watch. These included: HealthKit and the Health app. The release of an OS function and attendant app to aggregate information from multiple vitals-monitoring devices such as the Jawbone UP may seem to indicate Apple is leaving this niche to third parties. However, it may be helpful to remember that the company originally introduced iTunes as a music hub, in part, to handle the transfer of music between the Mac and contemporary devices such as the pioneering Diamond Multimedia Rio and Creative Nomad Jukebox prior to the introduction of the iPod.While that device virtually wiped out the presence of competitors from iTunes (as well as in the market generally), HealthKit would likely accept input from an Apple wearable as well as from third parties. First off, one must remember that the iPhone itself is now a capable pedometer. If steps were all that Apple wanted to track, it wouldn't need HealthKit. Regardless of what an Apple watch might measure (the Basis watch provides some possible clues), it certainly won't measure something like food intake (at least precisely) or likely be able to measure multiple exercises by using devices in tandem like Moov bands. HomeKit. In addition to reaching out to any number of sensors on our person, Apple also announced its initiative to reach out to controls all around the home with HomeKit. The initiative promises to allow control of multiple objects around the house via an iOS device such as an iPhone or iPad, putting further pressure on high-end home control vendors such as Crestron.What might this have to do with a watch? Not much per se, but it was during this portion of its presentation that Apple divulged it would enable the control via Siri. This -- combined with the news that Siri would be able to be activated hands-free by calling out, "Hey Siri" -- would obviate the need to scroll through a complex iPhone app in order to turn down the thermostat and set up an Apple watch to handle that and other tasks. We can expect Google Now to play a similar role on Android Wear and Cortana on a Microsoft smartwatch, should rumors about its existence prove true. New widgets and notification manager. When Apple introduced Dashboard, the idea of lightweight mini-apps in the tradition of Desk Accessories from the early days of Mac OS seemed like the kind of functionality ideal for a wearable device with a small display. Despite widgets being touted as a feature of the original iPhone, these were really just simple iPhone apps. Now, though, the move of widgets from dashboard to the notification area (with a striking resemblance to Windows Vista's sidebar "gadgets") has paved the way for them to show up on the iPad, the iPhone, and the iWatch. Similarly, the ability to take quick actions in response to notifications -- in part a competitive response to a similar Android feature -- would greatly improve the utility of notifications on Apple wristwear. Apparently, we'll have to use another device to mark time until the fall, when the new software may finally come to support the kind of new category that CEO Tim Cook has promised Apple will enter.
Contrary to some expectations, an iWatch software development kit was not announced this week at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference.Alas.Even if such an SDK exists or is in the works, providing information about it would simply be too big a hint to drop in advance of hardware that might ship in the fall. However, more features and core technologies were announced at WWDC that could come into play in an Apple watch. These included: HealthKit and the Health app. The release of an OS function and attendant app to aggregate information from multiple vitals-monitoring devices such as the Jawbone UP may seem to indicate Apple is leaving this niche to third parties. However, it may be helpful to remember that the company originally introduced iTunes as a music hub, in part, to handle the transfer of music between the Mac and contemporary devices such as the pioneering Diamond Multimedia Rio and Creative Nomad Jukebox prior to the introduction of the iPod.While that device virtually wiped out the presence of competitors from iTunes (as well as in the market generally), HealthKit would likely accept input from an Apple wearable as well as from third parties. First off, one must remember that the iPhone itself is now a capable pedometer. If steps were all that Apple wanted to track, it wouldn't need HealthKit. Regardless of what an Apple watch might measure (the Basis watch provides some possible clues), it certainly won't measure something like food intake (at least precisely) or likely be able to measure multiple exercises by using devices in tandem like Moov bands. HomeKit. In addition to reaching out to any number of sensors on our person, Apple also announced its initiative to reach out to controls all around the home with HomeKit. The initiative promises to allow control of multiple objects around the house via an iOS device such as an iPhone or iPad, putting further pressure on high-end home control vendors such as Crestron.What might this have to do with a watch? Not much per se, but it was during this portion of its presentation that Apple divulged it would enable the control via Siri. This -- combined with the news that Siri would be able to be activated hands-free by calling out, "Hey Siri" -- would obviate the need to scroll through a complex iPhone app in order to turn down the thermostat and set up an Apple watch to handle that and other tasks. We can expect Google Now to play a similar role on Android Wear and Cortana on a Microsoft smartwatch, should rumors about its existence prove true. New widgets and notification manager. When Apple introduced Dashboard, the idea of lightweight mini-apps in the tradition of Desk Accessories from the early days of Mac OS seemed like the kind of functionality ideal for a wearable device with a small display. Despite widgets being touted as a feature of the original iPhone, these were really just simple iPhone apps. Now, though, the move of widgets from dashboard to the notification area (with a striking resemblance to Windows Vista's sidebar "gadgets") has paved the way for them to show up on the iPad, the iPhone, and the iWatch. Similarly, the ability to take quick actions in response to notifications -- in part a competitive response to a similar Android feature -- would greatly improve the utility of notifications on Apple wristwear. Apparently, we'll have to use another device to mark time until the fall, when the new software may finally come to support the kind of new category that CEO Tim Cook has promised Apple will enter.
The 404 1,070- Where we fatten them up and move them out (podcast)
The 404 1,070: Where we fatten them up and move them out (podcast)
We've arrived at the last episode of The 404 Minority Report, so we have an extra long show for you today starting with a long overdue discussion about Mayor Bloomberg's proposed ban of 16 ounce sugary drinks in New York. He started with banning smoking in beaches and parks, then moved onto limiting trans fat in restaurant, and now he hopes to enact large-scale portion control of any sweet drinks more than16 ounces in bodegas and street carts.No word yet on how this will affect Big Gulps at the 100 7-11 stores opening up in the city this year, but we have questions about who will enforce the laws, how it will (or won't) change dietary habits, and whether or not Joseph will still have access to his 25.4 ounce Gatorade.Last week we talked about a restaurant in Berkeley using active noise cancelling to lower the ambient volume, and now cooling manufacturer Noctua hopes to port the same idea over to the loud whirring sounds in desktop computers. As CNET's resident computer doctor and unapologetic tinkerer, Joseph give us a summary of the current trends in liquid cooling and the viability of signal processing in internal fans. We'll also take a look at a new Web site hoping to bank on desperate social networkers by offering to "like" your Facebook status, watch your YouTube video, and follow you on Twitter...for a price, of course. Finally, we can't end this week without a brief history of sneakers culminating in Kanye's Yeezy 2s selling for an incredible $90,000 on eBay even before they were released!Quick programming note: We won't have a live 404 show on Monday due to a special WWDC report from Brian Tong and Donald Bell, but check your feeds later in the day for the recorded episode. All the WWDC fun starts Monday 9 a.m. PT!Bathroom break video: English bulldog wants in!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 1,070Listen 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
We've arrived at the last episode of The 404 Minority Report, so we have an extra long show for you today starting with a long overdue discussion about Mayor Bloomberg's proposed ban of 16 ounce sugary drinks in New York. He started with banning smoking in beaches and parks, then moved onto limiting trans fat in restaurant, and now he hopes to enact large-scale portion control of any sweet drinks more than16 ounces in bodegas and street carts.No word yet on how this will affect Big Gulps at the 100 7-11 stores opening up in the city this year, but we have questions about who will enforce the laws, how it will (or won't) change dietary habits, and whether or not Joseph will still have access to his 25.4 ounce Gatorade.Last week we talked about a restaurant in Berkeley using active noise cancelling to lower the ambient volume, and now cooling manufacturer Noctua hopes to port the same idea over to the loud whirring sounds in desktop computers. As CNET's resident computer doctor and unapologetic tinkerer, Joseph give us a summary of the current trends in liquid cooling and the viability of signal processing in internal fans. We'll also take a look at a new Web site hoping to bank on desperate social networkers by offering to "like" your Facebook status, watch your YouTube video, and follow you on Twitter...for a price, of course. Finally, we can't end this week without a brief history of sneakers culminating in Kanye's Yeezy 2s selling for an incredible $90,000 on eBay even before they were released!Quick programming note: We won't have a live 404 show on Monday due to a special WWDC report from Brian Tong and Donald Bell, but check your feeds later in the day for the recorded episode. All the WWDC fun starts Monday 9 a.m. PT!Bathroom break video: English bulldog wants in!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 1,070Listen 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
Jay-Z raps on in 10 exclusive ringtones
Jay-Z raps on in 10 exclusive ringtones
With sales for digital singles outpacing CD sales, it's hard to imagine an artist overlooking any avenue of digital distribution and revenue. Yet with the exception of a handful of tracks, American rap icon Jay-Z has resisted releasing his 100-song catalog as ringtones--until last week. That's when most of the remaining tracks streamed into the digital media marketplace. Most. Through August, ten of the artist's smash singles have been earmarked for only one site.Starting Monday, those hidden hits, including 'Can I Get A', 'IZZO (H.O.V.A.)', and 'Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)', became exclusively available on Thumbplay.com. Thumbplay, a mobile content company with an estimated worth of $400 million, now carries 101 prepackaged Jay-Z ringtones, including the coveted 10 (see the exclusive titles below.) But will ringtones continue to sell in a hobbled economy? Mitch Rotter, Thumbplay's Vice President of Content Acquisition & Merchandising, thinks they will. Ringtones are about social expression, he said in an interview. To a youth demographic, "they're a fashion accessory," and therefore a worthy buy for teens proving their cool to peers within earshot. Thumbplay's Jay-Z titles:1-900-Hustler, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)-Can I Get A, Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life (1998)-Encore, The Black Album (2003)-Excuse Me Miss, The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse (2002)-Girls, Girls, Girls, The Blueprint (2001)-Heart Of The City (Ain't No Love), The Blueprint (2001)-IZZO (H.O.V.A.), The Blueprint (2001)-Jigga What, Jigga Who, Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life (1998)-Roc Boys (And The Winner Is), American Gangster (2007)-S. Carter, Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter (1999)
With sales for digital singles outpacing CD sales, it's hard to imagine an artist overlooking any avenue of digital distribution and revenue. Yet with the exception of a handful of tracks, American rap icon Jay-Z has resisted releasing his 100-song catalog as ringtones--until last week. That's when most of the remaining tracks streamed into the digital media marketplace. Most. Through August, ten of the artist's smash singles have been earmarked for only one site.Starting Monday, those hidden hits, including 'Can I Get A', 'IZZO (H.O.V.A.)', and 'Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)', became exclusively available on Thumbplay.com. Thumbplay, a mobile content company with an estimated worth of $400 million, now carries 101 prepackaged Jay-Z ringtones, including the coveted 10 (see the exclusive titles below.) But will ringtones continue to sell in a hobbled economy? Mitch Rotter, Thumbplay's Vice President of Content Acquisition & Merchandising, thinks they will. Ringtones are about social expression, he said in an interview. To a youth demographic, "they're a fashion accessory," and therefore a worthy buy for teens proving their cool to peers within earshot. Thumbplay's Jay-Z titles:1-900-Hustler, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)-Can I Get A, Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life (1998)-Encore, The Black Album (2003)-Excuse Me Miss, The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse (2002)-Girls, Girls, Girls, The Blueprint (2001)-Heart Of The City (Ain't No Love), The Blueprint (2001)-IZZO (H.O.V.A.), The Blueprint (2001)-Jigga What, Jigga Who, Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life (1998)-Roc Boys (And The Winner Is), American Gangster (2007)-S. Carter, Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter (1999)
Apple's iPhone 4 wins best mobile device award
Apple's iPhone 4 wins best mobile device award
BARCELONA, Spain--A host of hot new Android phones from Samsung, LG Electronics, HTC, Sony Ericsson made their debut at Mobile World Congress 2011 here this week, but it was the relatively venerable iPhone 4 from Apple that was named the show's best mobile device.The iPhone 4 is months old and early on suffered notable reception problems. Its maker didn't even come to the show. But the influence of Apple, reaching all the way from Silicon Valley to this cosmopolitain event, was clear.The iPhone 4 was lauded by judges for its "great screen, sharp design, fantastic materials, and phenomenal ecosystem for app developers. In a tight race, the iPhone 4 built on the success of its predecessors to set the pace for smartphones," according to a Spanish-language Apple forum site.Problems with the antenna in the iPhone 4 could not be solved with a software fix and the company told angry customers they would have to buy a special case to remedy the situation. Meanwhile, Apple has been sued by users of iPhone 3G and 3GS phones who say that the iOS 4 operating system broke their phones. The antenna problem prompted Consumer Reports to decline to recommend the phone. It's not clear who picked up the award for Apple at the awards ceremony this week, given that the Cupertino, Calif.-based company declines to participate in the trade show, as is also the case with the Consumer Electronics Show and now even Macworld.(There were no press passes for the Mobile World Congress awards show.)Last year, the HTC Hero won the best mobile device award.This time around, HTC won the award for device manufacturer of the year, and the best app overall and best app for the iPhone was the game Angry Birds, which has sales of more than 50 million apps. Google Maps was named the best Android app.The full list of award winners is here.
BARCELONA, Spain--A host of hot new Android phones from Samsung, LG Electronics, HTC, Sony Ericsson made their debut at Mobile World Congress 2011 here this week, but it was the relatively venerable iPhone 4 from Apple that was named the show's best mobile device.The iPhone 4 is months old and early on suffered notable reception problems. Its maker didn't even come to the show. But the influence of Apple, reaching all the way from Silicon Valley to this cosmopolitain event, was clear.The iPhone 4 was lauded by judges for its "great screen, sharp design, fantastic materials, and phenomenal ecosystem for app developers. In a tight race, the iPhone 4 built on the success of its predecessors to set the pace for smartphones," according to a Spanish-language Apple forum site.Problems with the antenna in the iPhone 4 could not be solved with a software fix and the company told angry customers they would have to buy a special case to remedy the situation. Meanwhile, Apple has been sued by users of iPhone 3G and 3GS phones who say that the iOS 4 operating system broke their phones. The antenna problem prompted Consumer Reports to decline to recommend the phone. It's not clear who picked up the award for Apple at the awards ceremony this week, given that the Cupertino, Calif.-based company declines to participate in the trade show, as is also the case with the Consumer Electronics Show and now even Macworld.(There were no press passes for the Mobile World Congress awards show.)Last year, the HTC Hero won the best mobile device award.This time around, HTC won the award for device manufacturer of the year, and the best app overall and best app for the iPhone was the game Angry Birds, which has sales of more than 50 million apps. Google Maps was named the best Android app.The full list of award winners is here.
Apple's iPad tallies up 3 billion app downloads
Apple's iPad tallies up 3 billion app downloads
Apple iPad users have been pretty busy downloading apps.Since the launch of the original iPad in April 2010, 3 billion apps have been downloaded for the hit tablet, ABI Research announced today.It took the iPhone two years to hit the 3B mark, ABI said, while it took the iPad just a year and a half. In contrast, the market researcher said, 440 million apps have been downloaded so far for Android tablets.The disparity in downloads further illustrates the dominance that the iPad holds in the tablet market, where its rivals have fought one other for the position of distant second place. The difference is also largely due to the larger library of applications available on the iPad. As of the third quarter, there were 120,000 iPad-specific apps in the App Store, ABI said. "Discounting all those apps that were originally developed for Android smartphones, Android still trails greatly behind the iPad in terms of its tablet app offerings," said ABI analyst Lim Shiyang.The contrast is stark. An NPD study showed sales of 1.2 million units of non-Apple tablets from January through October. Apple, in comparison, shipped 11.1 million iPads in the prior quarter alone.Of course, the roll out of Android tablets is just getting started. The study didn't include Amazon's Kindle Fire, which has been a popular holiday gift. The move to Android 4.0, or Ice Cream Sandwich, could also help tablet sales because the operating system is intended to allow apps to be simultaneously built for both the smartphone and tablet. ABI expects Android app downloads to eventually overtake the iPad, just as Android smartphone sales have long surpassed the iPhone. Annual app downloads for Android smartphones are expected to hit 58 billion by 2016, compared with 27 billion for the iPhone.
Apple iPad users have been pretty busy downloading apps.Since the launch of the original iPad in April 2010, 3 billion apps have been downloaded for the hit tablet, ABI Research announced today.It took the iPhone two years to hit the 3B mark, ABI said, while it took the iPad just a year and a half. In contrast, the market researcher said, 440 million apps have been downloaded so far for Android tablets.The disparity in downloads further illustrates the dominance that the iPad holds in the tablet market, where its rivals have fought one other for the position of distant second place. The difference is also largely due to the larger library of applications available on the iPad. As of the third quarter, there were 120,000 iPad-specific apps in the App Store, ABI said. "Discounting all those apps that were originally developed for Android smartphones, Android still trails greatly behind the iPad in terms of its tablet app offerings," said ABI analyst Lim Shiyang.The contrast is stark. An NPD study showed sales of 1.2 million units of non-Apple tablets from January through October. Apple, in comparison, shipped 11.1 million iPads in the prior quarter alone.Of course, the roll out of Android tablets is just getting started. The study didn't include Amazon's Kindle Fire, which has been a popular holiday gift. The move to Android 4.0, or Ice Cream Sandwich, could also help tablet sales because the operating system is intended to allow apps to be simultaneously built for both the smartphone and tablet. ABI expects Android app downloads to eventually overtake the iPad, just as Android smartphone sales have long surpassed the iPhone. Annual app downloads for Android smartphones are expected to hit 58 billion by 2016, compared with 27 billion for the iPhone.
Apple's iPad Smart Cover targeted in patent lawsuit
Apple's iPad Smart Cover targeted in patent lawsuit
The design of Apple's Smart Cover accessory for its second- and third-generation iPads is not so original, according to a new lawsuit filed against the company this week.In a complaint filed in Colorado yesterday, and picked up by PaidContent, local resident Jerald Bovino claims Apple is infringing on a patent he owns for a "portable computer case" with its Smart Cover accessory. The complaint also sets sights on retailer Target for selling the case with Apple's iPad in its stores. In return, Bovino seeks damages from both companies and royalties from Apple.Bovino filed for the patent in mid-2003, and was later issued it in December, 2005. According to its summary, the design in question is a ruggedized case to protect against wear and tear, but that also includes a strap for carrying:The present invention is directed to a portable computer having an integral case that incorporates a resilient material to protect the portable computer from wear and tear encountered when transporting and/or using the portable computer. The integral case also includes a retractable strap means that can be utilized to facilitate the transporting of the portable computer. The integral case for the portable computer also includes an identification pocket on the exterior surface of the integral case for incorporating identification documents for the portable computer.By comparison, Apple's Smart Cover is a single-sided cover that protects the front, but not the back of the iPad, and attaches with magnets.The day before this particular complaint was filed, Apple was granted some 25 new patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, including one for its Smart Cover. However unlike Bovino's, the one Apple was awarded is a design patent.Bovino's "portable computer case" patent design.USPTO
The design of Apple's Smart Cover accessory for its second- and third-generation iPads is not so original, according to a new lawsuit filed against the company this week.In a complaint filed in Colorado yesterday, and picked up by PaidContent, local resident Jerald Bovino claims Apple is infringing on a patent he owns for a "portable computer case" with its Smart Cover accessory. The complaint also sets sights on retailer Target for selling the case with Apple's iPad in its stores. In return, Bovino seeks damages from both companies and royalties from Apple.Bovino filed for the patent in mid-2003, and was later issued it in December, 2005. According to its summary, the design in question is a ruggedized case to protect against wear and tear, but that also includes a strap for carrying:The present invention is directed to a portable computer having an integral case that incorporates a resilient material to protect the portable computer from wear and tear encountered when transporting and/or using the portable computer. The integral case also includes a retractable strap means that can be utilized to facilitate the transporting of the portable computer. The integral case for the portable computer also includes an identification pocket on the exterior surface of the integral case for incorporating identification documents for the portable computer.By comparison, Apple's Smart Cover is a single-sided cover that protects the front, but not the back of the iPad, and attaches with magnets.The day before this particular complaint was filed, Apple was granted some 25 new patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, including one for its Smart Cover. However unlike Bovino's, the one Apple was awarded is a design patent.Bovino's "portable computer case" patent design.USPTO
Apple's iPad nabs Netbook market share
Apple's iPad nabs Netbook market share
While DisplaySearch said that the low price of Netbooks have made them an attractive alternative to standard laptops, the iPad and other tablets should continue to make inroads into this market segment that has been based on more traditional office suite applications."With the emergence of the iPad and other slates, this segment of the market is transitioning from devices that, though smaller and less expensive, followed typical PC market trends that are built upon Office suite applications and content creation to devices that provide the ability to create content (and) is more focused on an a la carte method for selecting the software capabilities (apps) of the device andcontent consumption." The firm went so far to say that the first quarter of 2010 may be the beginning of the end to the Netbook."The last quarter of 2007 heralded the birth of the mini-note PC (netbook). Q1'10 signaled the birth of the slate PC, and possibly by extension, the beginning of the end of the mini-note PC (netbook)." But the end, if it indeed comes, is not here yet.Netbooks continued to sell well in Latin America and Asia-Pacific."The positive Y/Y (year-to-year) revenue growth in Q1'10 was a result of very strong mini-note PC/slate growth in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific, as well as continued growth in China and North America," DisplaySearch said.And notebook sales overall are robust.Revenue for the total notebook PC market grew to $31.1 billion, the largest single quarter since the third quarter of 2008."Shipments of portable class notebook PCs surged Y/Y in Asia-Pacific, China, and Latin America, easily passing average market growth rates for the segment. Shipments of desktop replacement class notebook PCs surged Y/Y in Europe/Middle East/Africa and Japan."
While DisplaySearch said that the low price of Netbooks have made them an attractive alternative to standard laptops, the iPad and other tablets should continue to make inroads into this market segment that has been based on more traditional office suite applications."With the emergence of the iPad and other slates, this segment of the market is transitioning from devices that, though smaller and less expensive, followed typical PC market trends that are built upon Office suite applications and content creation to devices that provide the ability to create content (and) is more focused on an a la carte method for selecting the software capabilities (apps) of the device andcontent consumption." The firm went so far to say that the first quarter of 2010 may be the beginning of the end to the Netbook."The last quarter of 2007 heralded the birth of the mini-note PC (netbook). Q1'10 signaled the birth of the slate PC, and possibly by extension, the beginning of the end of the mini-note PC (netbook)." But the end, if it indeed comes, is not here yet.Netbooks continued to sell well in Latin America and Asia-Pacific."The positive Y/Y (year-to-year) revenue growth in Q1'10 was a result of very strong mini-note PC/slate growth in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific, as well as continued growth in China and North America," DisplaySearch said.And notebook sales overall are robust.Revenue for the total notebook PC market grew to $31.1 billion, the largest single quarter since the third quarter of 2008."Shipments of portable class notebook PCs surged Y/Y in Asia-Pacific, China, and Latin America, easily passing average market growth rates for the segment. Shipments of desktop replacement class notebook PCs surged Y/Y in Europe/Middle East/Africa and Japan."
Apple's iPad Mini goes on sale overseas
Apple's iPad Mini goes on sale overseas
Right on schedule, Apple's latest pair of tablets are on store shelves. Around the world, that is.Retail sales of the iPad Mini and fourth-generation iPad began in New Zealand -- where it's already well into Friday -- and are now rolling into other countries.The launch is Apple's biggest yet for an iPad at 34 countries, up from the 10 that got the company's third-generation model in mid-March.CNET Australia, which captured some of the early sales action, described the number of shoppers as "far fewer" than for the iPhone 5, with any signs of a queue disappearing within an hour of the store opening.Related storiesiPad Mini launch expected to match product's nameiFixit tears into iPad Mini, finds assembly a lot like iPod TouchApple: The iPad Mini has stereo speakersThe device goes on sale in the U.S. at 8 a.m. local time. Despite its lower price, Apple expected to sell fewer units in its opening weekend than the more expensive, third-generation iPad did earlier this year. An estimate from analyst firm Piper Jaffray this morning pegged Apple's opening iPad Mini weekend numbers at 1 to 1.5 million units, down from the 3 million full-sized iPads Apple sold in March. Nonetheless, analysts are looking beyond the launch weekend, which is likely to be dampened in New York and other parts of the East Coast affected by Hurricane Sandy, saying the product will eventually outsell the full-sized iPad. That trend was backed up some by strong pre-orders for the device, which sold out in about an hour."In our view, this is a very strong statement from consumers and we believe iPad mini will eventually surpass sales of the iPad over the next two to three years," said Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White in a note earlier today.You can read CNET's reviews of both devices here:CNET review: iPad miniCNET review: Fourth-generation iPad
Right on schedule, Apple's latest pair of tablets are on store shelves. Around the world, that is.Retail sales of the iPad Mini and fourth-generation iPad began in New Zealand -- where it's already well into Friday -- and are now rolling into other countries.The launch is Apple's biggest yet for an iPad at 34 countries, up from the 10 that got the company's third-generation model in mid-March.CNET Australia, which captured some of the early sales action, described the number of shoppers as "far fewer" than for the iPhone 5, with any signs of a queue disappearing within an hour of the store opening.Related storiesiPad Mini launch expected to match product's nameiFixit tears into iPad Mini, finds assembly a lot like iPod TouchApple: The iPad Mini has stereo speakersThe device goes on sale in the U.S. at 8 a.m. local time. Despite its lower price, Apple expected to sell fewer units in its opening weekend than the more expensive, third-generation iPad did earlier this year. An estimate from analyst firm Piper Jaffray this morning pegged Apple's opening iPad Mini weekend numbers at 1 to 1.5 million units, down from the 3 million full-sized iPads Apple sold in March. Nonetheless, analysts are looking beyond the launch weekend, which is likely to be dampened in New York and other parts of the East Coast affected by Hurricane Sandy, saying the product will eventually outsell the full-sized iPad. That trend was backed up some by strong pre-orders for the device, which sold out in about an hour."In our view, this is a very strong statement from consumers and we believe iPad mini will eventually surpass sales of the iPad over the next two to three years," said Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White in a note earlier today.You can read CNET's reviews of both devices here:CNET review: iPad miniCNET review: Fourth-generation iPad
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