CNET's ongoing iPad 2 review
On the day the Apple iPad 2 goes on sale, CNET Senior Editor Donald Bell will be live-blogging his full review. Follow along for his complete analysis of the design, features, and performance. Updates will be added throughout the day.The competition must really hate Apple. The Apple iPad wasn't just a successful tablet computer in 2010--it was the tablet computer. In one fell swoop, Apple created the new tablet market and sold tens of millions of iPads in spite of a global economic downturn and considerable skepticism.The same, only betterWith the iPad's second go-around, Apple sticks to its successful formula. The iPad 2 is thinner, faster, and includes two cameras. Otherwise, the iPad stays the same: size, price, capacity, and features all carry over.Oh, except for color. Apple now offers both white and black versions of the iPad 2 in every price and configuration. The base model starts at $499, giving you 16GB of storage and a Wi-Fi connection to the Internet.If you want more storage for all your apps, photos, music, and videos, you can jump up to the 32GB ($599) or 64GB ($699) models.The freedom to surf the Web over a 3G cellular connection costs an extra $130 over any of the three capacities mentioned above, plus monthly carrier fees. Unlike for the original iPad, you now have a choice of two carriers (Verizon and AT&T). Choose carefully, though, since the Verizon version of the iPad can't be made to work on AT&T, and vice versa.The hardwareThe iPad 2 is thin--so thin, in fact, that it feels like a different device. Measuring just 0.34 inch, it's thinner than the iPhone 4 and a third thinner than the original iPad. Despite the thinner design, its construction quality is no less rugged than the original's. The back of the iPad is still made from a durable, single slab of aluminum machined to fit the iPad's internal components like a glove. The face of the iPad is covered in the same scratch-resistant glass, with a home button at the bottom of the screen and a new front-facing camera at the top. Otherwise, the iPad 2 sticks to familiar iPad routines. The iPad's sleep/wake buttons and headphone jack are right up top, just as on the original, as are the volume rocker and mute/rotation lock switch on the right edge. On the bottom you'll find the iPad's universal dock connection and the internal speaker. The speaker's perforated grille now wraps around the back, giving it more surface area and noticeably better sound quality.For the iPad 2, Apple has avoided compatibility shenanigans. With the exception of any original iPad cases, the device works with first-gen accessories (docks, adapters, speakers, video cables, chargers), though first-gen docks don't fit like a glove. An updated standard dock for the iPad 2 is available. For keyboard support, Apple now recommends its Bluetooth wireless keyboard.The iPad 2 accessory that's really getting all the attention is Apple's new Smart Cover. An answer to all the bulky, overdone third-party cases made for the first iPad, Apple's unique hinged cover comes in two types--leather ($59) and polyurethane ($39)--and multiple colors. It attaches magnetically to the left or right edge of the iPad 2 using two aluminum hinges embedded with impressively strong rare-earth magnets. Magnets within the cover are also used to detect when the cover is open or shut, which allows the iPad 2 to automatically wake or sleep. It works, but you also have the option in Settings to bypass the automatic wake feature and use the button manually. As accessories go, the Smart Cover is nifty--not so much for the protection it offers, but for the convenient stand it provides when rolled up. If, on the other hand, you are seriously concerned about protecting your investment, keeping the iPad 2 in a traditional wraparound case is still the best way to go.Apple iPad 2 and Smart Cover (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 17NextPrev(Update, 1:50 p.m. PT) Features: New stuffThe iPad 2 isn't a radical departure from the original, but it does have a few new tricks up its sleeve. The banner feature for the iPad 2 is the addition of two cameras, both able to record video or snap photos. The camera on the back is located in the upper-right corner where it isn't likely to be covered by your hand (in portrait orientation, at least). It looks just like the chrome-ringed lens on the iPhone 4 and is similarly blessed with 720p video capture. There's no camera flash, however, and the camera sensor is a far cry from the one used on the iPhone 4. Just like the fourth-generation iPod Touch, the iPad 2 takes what are essentially video stills. Even if Apple had gone the route of using a Zeiss lens and a 10-megapixel sensor, the iPad 2 just isn't a replacement for a camera or smartphone. Having tested camera quality on tablets over the past year, we can't stress enough how silly you feel shooting videos or photos with a tablet in public. It's like taking a picture with a cutting board. Your grandfather's camera was less conspicuous. You get looks, and they're not the envious kind.Really, the cameras are there as a way to support Apple's FaceTime video chat application, which is now available for Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad 2. If you've been waiting for the Jetsons' video phone, FaceTime on the iPad gets you pretty close. Unlike smaller devices, the iPad's 9.7-inch screen can present faces at life size. We've seen this before with desktop- and laptop-based video calling, but it can be uncanny to actually hold someone's life-size face in your hands. FaceTime still remains a Wi-Fi-only feature, however, so in-car iPad video calls are an elusive capability (probably to humanity's advantage).Other iPad 2 apps designed by Apple include GarageBand and iMovie, which must be purchased separately for $4.99 each. The iPad is the last of Apple's iOS devices to be blessed with iMovie (and the camera required for it), but is the first to receive GarageBand. We have separate write-ups of both GarageBand for iPad and iMovie for iPad available for more depth. Under the hood, the iPad 2 has plenty to brag about. The new spec uses a dual-core A5 processor that promises to be twice as fast with nine times the graphics performance. Another feature sure to burn the competition is full HDMI audiovisual output compatibility. Using a $39 dock cable, the iPad can now mirror its output to a TV over a standard HDMI connection. The supported resolution goes up to 1080p, though video playback and most apps never break out of 720p. Unlike previous video-out solutions for the iPad, this cable no longer limits you to video playback or presentations only. Everything you see on the screen can be mirrored on your TV, including video, photos, games, and the home screen.Competitors such as RIM's PlayBook and the Motorola Xoom have been pointing to HDMI compatibility as a key advantage over the iPad. Now they have one fewer bragging point.The iPad 2 also adds the same three-axis gyroscope sensor shared by the iPhone 4 and iPod Touch, giving the device a more detailed sense of its orientation in space, similar to the feeling of holding a Nintendo Wii remote. The gyro's appeal is mostly for gaming, allowing for more precise motion control and realistic navigation within virtual environments. In a first-person shooter game like N.O.V.A., for instance, you can tilt the iPad 2's screen up, down, left, or right to explore the game's surroundings, just like a window into the game's universe.(Update, 2:15 p.m. PT) Features: Oldies but goodiesCameras and gyros are nice, but let's not forget all the features that made the original iPad unbeatable. If you've ever used an iPhone or iPod Touch, the iPad 2 will feel immediately familiar. Out of the box, you get many of the iPhone's capabilities, including Apple-designed applications (apps) for Web browsing, e-mail, maps, photos, music, video, YouTube, and more. More apps can be installed using the built-in App Store software or by connecting the iPad to iTunes via your computer using the included cable. If you already own apps purchased for an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can transfer these apps to the iPad, as well.The original iPad made its debut with iOS 3.2. That operating system's limitations seem prehistoric today. You couldn't bounce between applications with multitasking. You couldn't organize applications into folders. And support for document printing and AirPlay streaming of music, videos, and photos didn't arrive until November of 2010.At launch, the iPad 2 comes with iOS 4.3, bringing a host of important new features and improvements. There are new apps for PhotoBooth (a dedicated portrait-taking app), and FaceTime video chat. The Safari Web browser gets a speed boost under the hood for improved JavaScript rendering. The iPod app now includes a Home Sharing option for streaming media over your home network from local computers. And for those of you who want flexible control over the function of the switch above the iPad's volume buttons, iOS 4.3 hands over the reigns and allows you to designate it as either a rotation lock or a mute button for system alert sounds (such as incoming FaceTime calls).One sticking point that Apple hasn't addressed from the original iPad is Adobe Flash support for its Safari Web browser. Apple seems dead-set against supporting Adobe's popular tool for presenting video and graphics on the Web, and without it, many corners of the Internet are inaccessible on the iPad or present a Swiss cheese of broken content. For the most part, though, the iPad's Web browsing experience is the best you'll find on a tablet. Navigation is responsive, zooming in and out of text is fluid, and managing multiple open pages is a cinch.The iPad's device features, such as Bluetooth 2.1 (A2DP, EDR), Wi-Fi 802.11 n, 3G, and 10 hours of battery life, are all here, and in many cases are still the bar by which other tablets are judged.Wi-Fi versus 3G?For road warriors or those who just get a little itchy at the idea of not being connected to the Internet, Apple offers a version of the iPad with an integrated 3G cellular data connection. Aside from a negligible added heft of 0.1 pound and the fact that buyers are paying an extra $130 for the 3G capability (compared with Wi-Fi-only models), there's no downside to owning a 3G-compatible model. Unlike the data plans for most smartphones, the iPad doesn't come with any long-term contractual obligations. If you don't end up using the iPad's 3G capability, you can cancel the data plan at any time.If you decide to go with the 3G option for the iPad 2, you have your choice of two carriers: AT&T or Verizon. Data plans and fees differ between the two carriers (and are always subject to change), and the 3G cellular technologies under the hood differ as well. The AT&T iPad model uses a GSM modem and a MicroSIM card slot, allowing you to easily swap in compatible MicroSIM cards from foreign carriers when overseas. Verizon's iPad uses a CDMA 3G modem and lacks the SIM-swapping feature of AT&T's GSM modem, making it a poor choice for international jet-setters.As far as data plans go, AT&T offers two options: $15 a month for 250MB of data, or $25 a month for 2GB. Each option can be prepaid for a month in advance and AT&T's plans do not include an activation fee.Verizon's plans are a little steeper, but more generous with data. There's a 1GB plan for $20, 3GB for $35, 5GB for $50, and a whopping 10GB for $80. There's an initial $35 activation fee, however, which you run the chance of paying each time you let your account lapse for longer than three months.To our eyes, AT&T's plans seem more consumer-friendly and its GSM technology more flexible for travelers. That said, the plans from both carriers seem reasonable and data quality and coverage should be your first concern. Before making the plunge, do some research to see which carrier provides the better coverage in your area, as well as in the places you frequently travel.Another advantage to iPad 2 models enabled with 3G is the added capability of assisted-GPS, allowing you to accurately pinpoint your location on a map and take advantage of navigation and location-aware apps. The Wi-Fi-only models of the iPad can use rudimentary Wi-Fi hot-spot triangulation techniques to guess locations, but are much less accurate and consistent.If you have no plans to regularly use the iPad outside of your home, you'd do just as well to save some money and stick with a Wi-Fi model. (Update, 3:30 p.m. PT) iPad 2 as e-readerWhen Apple pitched the original iPad and then-new iBooks app as the quintessential e-book reader, we were skeptical. Apple had only a handful of publishers, and the device was as thick as two Kindles put together. We were skeptical.A year later, the iPad has legitimately seized the attention of the publishing industry. Apple claims to have passed its 100 millionth iBook download. Meanwhile, competitors such as Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Kobo, have all jumped on board with apps for the iPad. Mainstream magazines, including The New Yorker, Wired, Vanity Fair, and others, all have iPad-specific editions. Even specialty publications, such as comic books, test prep, and sheet music have found their way onto the iPad. As far as content goes, the iPad has you covered.In terms of hardware, the iPad is still a little beefy at 1.3 lbs, compared to the Kindle 3's 0.55 lbs. And in spite of the iPad's otherwise excellent IPS LED-backlit display, there's no beating e-ink displays when it comes to outdoor readability. Also, a product like the Kindle DX promises up to four days of reading without a recharge, whereas the iPad will only get you 10 hours.Despite the criticism, the iPad has already proven itself a success as an e-reader. There are certainly cheaper options out there, but none with the breadth of features offered by the iPad. Plus, with the iPad 2's dramatically thinner design, Apple is in much better shape than it was last year.What the iPad still isn'tWe have plenty of kind things to say about the iPad, but there is a limit to its "magic." Tablets, in general, sit between the practicality of laptops and the convenience of smartphones, but stop short of actually replacing either device. The iPad 2 is not a laptop replacement. After spending a year with the original iPad, we've come to appreciate laptops more than ever. In most cases, laptops and netbooks offer a more natural typing experience, and there's still nothing like a tried-and-true mouse or trackpad when it comes to editing and navigating documents and spreadsheets. Also, if you're really a stickler for the full Adobe Flash-enabled Web experience, traditional laptop and desktop computers are still your best bet, offering more flexibility and compatibility for all of the web's many formats (especially when it comes to video content and games). The iPad 2 isn't a smartphone replacement, either. To point out the obvious, the iPad simply doesn't fit in your pocket. Today's smartphones do more than connect us to the world--they're extensions of us. If it doesn't fit in your pocket, it's not going to stay with you all day, and it will never be as personal.It's also worth mentioning that the iPad is not a 4G device, meaning that it doesn't take advantage of the latest generation of high-speed cellular data networks. Several manufacturers, including Motorola, Samsung, LG, and RIM, are promising 4G-network-compatible tablets in 2011. Will 4G be the feature that gives iPad alternatives the edge they need to oust Apple as the top tablet maker? Honestly, we don't know yet, but it seems to be the bet the competition is making.Apple's acesThe App Store built into every iOS device is Apple's secret weapon. Any tablet can offer a fun experience right out of the box, but it takes a steady stream of interesting, affordable apps and games to keep people glued over the long haul. When Apple debuted the iPad in 2010, it also gave developers the tools and guidelines needed to create a new breed of larger, tablet-optimized apps. Since then, more than 65,000 apps have been made just for the iPad. By contrast, competitors such as Google, RIM, and HP are just now starting to create their catalogs of tablet-optimized apps, and the chances of them catching up are slim.For the end-user, the quality and selection of apps made for the iPad represent a kind of fountain of youth for the device, imbuing it with new uses and capabilities whenever you tire of the old ones. It also helps that Apple's App Store, iTunes Store, iBooks Store, and iTunes software all run off a common user ID, making account set-up and purchases just about as effortless as it can get.The main menu app for Apple's iTunes store is also one of these "sleeping giant" features we take for granted. Here you have one-touch access to what is now the #1 music retailer in the world. The world. On top of music selections, you also get movie and TV downloads as well as rentals priced as low as 99 cents. Podcasts, university lectures, music videos--it's all there, and no other competitor has it, or anything close.To be fair, when it comes to core features such as e-mail, Web browsing, media playback, maps, and contacts, many of Apple's competitors (most notably Google and its Android Honeycomb tablets) are quickly matching the iPad. If third-party apps, games, and media downloads aren't your thing, there are many competent tablets on the market worth considering and more on the horizon. On the other hand, if apps and media aren't your thing, you may want to consider skipping a tablet altogether.Stay tuned for more to come!
Research supports longer iTunes song samples
Research supports longer iTunes song samples
Song samples are no trivial matter, say researchers from Robert Morris University. Consumers are more likely to buy songs if allowed to sample the music for about 60 seconds and if provided access to a "high-quality" version of the music, said professor Min Lu and assistant professor Yanbin Tu. "Our empirical tests show the current stingy online digital music sampling [of 30 seconds] is not optimal," the researchers wrote in their in their 28-page report. Apple is expected to announce, during its media event on Wednesday, that it will boost the length of iTunes' music samples, sources with knowledge of the decision told CNET. The sources said iTunes users will most likely be given up 90 seconds to try out a song, up from the traditional 30 seconds. Although it remains the overwhelmingly dominant music retailer in the land, Apple is increasingly taking a backseat in the song-purchasing process, according to music industry sources. Other digital music retailers, such as Amazon, also offer 30-second samples. What has happened in the last few years is that for many consumers, music discovery begins with Pandora, a popular free online radio service, or sites that feature music videos, such as YouTube and Vevo. Most of these sites offer full-length songs. But offering songs in their entirety may not be the answer to whetting a consumer's appetite, according to Yu and Lu's report.Writing in the International Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising (available for purchase), the researchers said little has been written about the effects of music sampling on song sales. They set out to answer such questions as, how do consumers behave toward digital music sampling and what determines a consumer's music evaluation and willingness to pay? They studied 90 college-age subjects, since that age group does most of the music listening and buying in this country. Not surprisingly, they found that the longer the sample the greater the risk the sample will satisfy a consumer's interest in the music. When offering full-length samples, the risk of attracting "free riders," people who will listen to the sample instead of purchasing the song, skyrockets. What's important to note is that the test subjects didn't need to listen to entire songs to make decisions. The subjects made up their minds about a tune typically around the 60-second mark. Song samples present an opportunity for iTunes and other music retailers, according to the researchers. They determined that most of their subjects discovered songs via a friend's recommendation (71 percent). That was followed by radio (67 percent), familiarity with an artist (64 percent), music TV (39 percent), and online music sampling (34 percent)."Online digital music sampling is ranked as [No. 5], implying that online digital music sampling has not yet been fully utilized as an effective product evaluation channel," the researchers wrote.And when it comes to learning about new artists, song samples are critical, according to the report. Naturally, consumers are wary about plunking down money on an unknown artist. The researchers concluded increasing sample size is "an effective way for consumers to reduce new product risk."
Song samples are no trivial matter, say researchers from Robert Morris University. Consumers are more likely to buy songs if allowed to sample the music for about 60 seconds and if provided access to a "high-quality" version of the music, said professor Min Lu and assistant professor Yanbin Tu. "Our empirical tests show the current stingy online digital music sampling [of 30 seconds] is not optimal," the researchers wrote in their in their 28-page report. Apple is expected to announce, during its media event on Wednesday, that it will boost the length of iTunes' music samples, sources with knowledge of the decision told CNET. The sources said iTunes users will most likely be given up 90 seconds to try out a song, up from the traditional 30 seconds. Although it remains the overwhelmingly dominant music retailer in the land, Apple is increasingly taking a backseat in the song-purchasing process, according to music industry sources. Other digital music retailers, such as Amazon, also offer 30-second samples. What has happened in the last few years is that for many consumers, music discovery begins with Pandora, a popular free online radio service, or sites that feature music videos, such as YouTube and Vevo. Most of these sites offer full-length songs. But offering songs in their entirety may not be the answer to whetting a consumer's appetite, according to Yu and Lu's report.Writing in the International Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising (available for purchase), the researchers said little has been written about the effects of music sampling on song sales. They set out to answer such questions as, how do consumers behave toward digital music sampling and what determines a consumer's music evaluation and willingness to pay? They studied 90 college-age subjects, since that age group does most of the music listening and buying in this country. Not surprisingly, they found that the longer the sample the greater the risk the sample will satisfy a consumer's interest in the music. When offering full-length samples, the risk of attracting "free riders," people who will listen to the sample instead of purchasing the song, skyrockets. What's important to note is that the test subjects didn't need to listen to entire songs to make decisions. The subjects made up their minds about a tune typically around the 60-second mark. Song samples present an opportunity for iTunes and other music retailers, according to the researchers. They determined that most of their subjects discovered songs via a friend's recommendation (71 percent). That was followed by radio (67 percent), familiarity with an artist (64 percent), music TV (39 percent), and online music sampling (34 percent)."Online digital music sampling is ranked as [No. 5], implying that online digital music sampling has not yet been fully utilized as an effective product evaluation channel," the researchers wrote.And when it comes to learning about new artists, song samples are critical, according to the report. Naturally, consumers are wary about plunking down money on an unknown artist. The researchers concluded increasing sample size is "an effective way for consumers to reduce new product risk."
The 404 725- Where everybody calls in sick (podcast)
The 404 725: Where everybody calls in sick (podcast)
With Jeff too sick to come in this morning, Dan Ackerman and Scott Stein from CNET's Digital City Podcast jump into the studio with me to record today's show.And don't worry, this will NOT be a repeat of the infamous "Cheese Stands Alone" episode, so big thanks to Dan and Scott for coming to my rescue!We spoke briefly about Google Chrome OS on yesterday's show, but I'd be a dummy not to ask two of our laptop editors about it while I have a chance.At Tuesday's Chrome OS launchevent, Google unveiled the Cr-48 Chrome Netbook that has a 12.1-inch display, a full-size keyboard, embedded 3G access and 802.11n Wi-Fi, an SSD, and a battery rated to eight hours of continuous use, and more than eight days of standby time.The laptop won't be available to purchase until the final one rolls out at the end of next year, but Google's Chrome pilot program gives anyone the chance to be a beta tester for the hardware and software.To apply, start by filling out this form, but hurry because quantities are limited and some lucky geeks already received theirs today! Speaking of laptops, Dan brings in the Dell Inspiron Duo for show and tell. The creative design marries the traditional folding clamshell laptop computer with a hinge in the middle of the lid that flips the screen 180 degrees, transforming the device into a tablet PC.You can also purchase an optional speaker dock for higher-quality media playback, and we like that there's a built-in Web cam for video chats, but it's built into part of the screen bezel so it disappears when the display is flipped into tablet mode- doh!A good portion of the show is also dedicated to a prototype of a new prosthetic arm shaped like a tentacle, but you'll have to tune in to get the full story.Thanks again to Scott and Dan for coming in this morning, and send your best wishes to Jeff for a quick recovery! Seriously, the show can't go on without at least 2/3 hosts!Episode 725PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
With Jeff too sick to come in this morning, Dan Ackerman and Scott Stein from CNET's Digital City Podcast jump into the studio with me to record today's show.And don't worry, this will NOT be a repeat of the infamous "Cheese Stands Alone" episode, so big thanks to Dan and Scott for coming to my rescue!We spoke briefly about Google Chrome OS on yesterday's show, but I'd be a dummy not to ask two of our laptop editors about it while I have a chance.At Tuesday's Chrome OS launchevent, Google unveiled the Cr-48 Chrome Netbook that has a 12.1-inch display, a full-size keyboard, embedded 3G access and 802.11n Wi-Fi, an SSD, and a battery rated to eight hours of continuous use, and more than eight days of standby time.The laptop won't be available to purchase until the final one rolls out at the end of next year, but Google's Chrome pilot program gives anyone the chance to be a beta tester for the hardware and software.To apply, start by filling out this form, but hurry because quantities are limited and some lucky geeks already received theirs today! Speaking of laptops, Dan brings in the Dell Inspiron Duo for show and tell. The creative design marries the traditional folding clamshell laptop computer with a hinge in the middle of the lid that flips the screen 180 degrees, transforming the device into a tablet PC.You can also purchase an optional speaker dock for higher-quality media playback, and we like that there's a built-in Web cam for video chats, but it's built into part of the screen bezel so it disappears when the display is flipped into tablet mode- doh!A good portion of the show is also dedicated to a prototype of a new prosthetic arm shaped like a tentacle, but you'll have to tune in to get the full story.Thanks again to Scott and Dan for coming in this morning, and send your best wishes to Jeff for a quick recovery! Seriously, the show can't go on without at least 2/3 hosts!Episode 725PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Palm Pre- Where's the music-
Palm Pre: Where's the music?
I wrote something like this about RIM's BlackBerry Storm and got some heat for it, but still...where's the music? I don't mean that the Pre won't play music--of course it will. Palm even announced a deal with Amazon.com to let users buy music downloads without any intervention (cooperation? interference?) from the carrier, Sprint. But let's recap why the iPhone became the first smartphone to capture the consumer imagination. Sure, its design had a lot of pleasant "just works" surprises, from the bright touch screen to the way the keypad autocorrects for big fingers. But a large reason is because Apple branded it as an extension of the iPod, which has become synonymous with mobile music. When music fans were looking to consolidate from two devices (MP3 player, phone) to a single one, the "i" brand reassured them that they wouldn't get a second-class music experience.Equally important: iTunes, the software with which every iPod user was already familiar. It's not perfect. I know people who hate it, particularly on the PC. But compare it with the proposed Pre experience, as covered by PC Magazine: 9.) How do you get music and video onto the Pre?You can drag and drop it over from your PC using USB mass storage, or buy songs on the device using a built-in Amazon MP3 Store client. My immediate reaction upon reading those three little words, "drag and drop"? Yecch. No sync? No library? No rating system? No playlists, preset or automatic? No way to view and change information about songs?Here's the thing: without iTunes, there's no iPhone. And without the iPhone, there's no consumer smartphone audience. I don't doubt that Palm (and RIM, for that matter) understand mobile communications and information management, and there's certainly a lot of room for improvement in business phones. But if I'm going to replace my MP3 player with a phone, these phones won't cut it.That's why Microsoft's recent justification for the Zune--it helped the company learn how to build music management software and an online store--didn't ring as false to me as it did to some other folks. The device might be a failure. But whenever Microsoft rolls out its next-generation mobile-phone platform, at least it has a reasonable story for managing and buying music.Follow Matt on Twitter.
I wrote something like this about RIM's BlackBerry Storm and got some heat for it, but still...where's the music? I don't mean that the Pre won't play music--of course it will. Palm even announced a deal with Amazon.com to let users buy music downloads without any intervention (cooperation? interference?) from the carrier, Sprint. But let's recap why the iPhone became the first smartphone to capture the consumer imagination. Sure, its design had a lot of pleasant "just works" surprises, from the bright touch screen to the way the keypad autocorrects for big fingers. But a large reason is because Apple branded it as an extension of the iPod, which has become synonymous with mobile music. When music fans were looking to consolidate from two devices (MP3 player, phone) to a single one, the "i" brand reassured them that they wouldn't get a second-class music experience.Equally important: iTunes, the software with which every iPod user was already familiar. It's not perfect. I know people who hate it, particularly on the PC. But compare it with the proposed Pre experience, as covered by PC Magazine: 9.) How do you get music and video onto the Pre?You can drag and drop it over from your PC using USB mass storage, or buy songs on the device using a built-in Amazon MP3 Store client. My immediate reaction upon reading those three little words, "drag and drop"? Yecch. No sync? No library? No rating system? No playlists, preset or automatic? No way to view and change information about songs?Here's the thing: without iTunes, there's no iPhone. And without the iPhone, there's no consumer smartphone audience. I don't doubt that Palm (and RIM, for that matter) understand mobile communications and information management, and there's certainly a lot of room for improvement in business phones. But if I'm going to replace my MP3 player with a phone, these phones won't cut it.That's why Microsoft's recent justification for the Zune--it helped the company learn how to build music management software and an online store--didn't ring as false to me as it did to some other folks. The device might be a failure. But whenever Microsoft rolls out its next-generation mobile-phone platform, at least it has a reasonable story for managing and buying music.Follow Matt on Twitter.
For longer battery life, change these iOS 7 settings
For longer battery life, change these iOS 7 settings
Background app refreshing This welcomed feature finally lets background apps stay active while you multitask. The trouble is that by default all apps are set to refresh, uselessly stealing precious battery life.To fix that, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Here, you can choose to disable the setting altogether, or just turn it off for the apps that don't need refreshing.Automatic updates A time-saver no doubt, iOS's automatic updates keep your apps up-to-date so you don't have to. According to Apple, it's designed to be power-conscious, but if you know you'll be without a charger for a long time, it's best to disable it. To do so, head to Settings > iTunes and Apple Store, and disable the Updates option. Just don't forget to check the App Store for new app versions.Frequent Locations (and other location services) A huge battery hog for any device is the use of location-based apps and services. Usually, that applies to mapping apps, but hidden in your Settings are a slew of location services that could be doing more harm than good.Head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Scroll down and choose System Services. Some of these options are designed to improve your experience, but they come at the cost of your privacy (and battery). Disable any options you don't actually need, like iAds. Then, head to the Frequent Locations feature, and disable that, too. Spotlight Being able to search for almost anything in your device is a big productivity-booster, but that means Spotlight is constantly crawling for new data, then indexing it. You guessed it: it's a battery drain.Those who rely heavily on Spotlight should skip this option, but if you can live with only a partially indexed phone, un-index some items.Go to Settings > General > Spotlight Search, and uncheck the items you don't absolutely need indexed.
Background app refreshing This welcomed feature finally lets background apps stay active while you multitask. The trouble is that by default all apps are set to refresh, uselessly stealing precious battery life.To fix that, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Here, you can choose to disable the setting altogether, or just turn it off for the apps that don't need refreshing.Automatic updates A time-saver no doubt, iOS's automatic updates keep your apps up-to-date so you don't have to. According to Apple, it's designed to be power-conscious, but if you know you'll be without a charger for a long time, it's best to disable it. To do so, head to Settings > iTunes and Apple Store, and disable the Updates option. Just don't forget to check the App Store for new app versions.Frequent Locations (and other location services) A huge battery hog for any device is the use of location-based apps and services. Usually, that applies to mapping apps, but hidden in your Settings are a slew of location services that could be doing more harm than good.Head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Scroll down and choose System Services. Some of these options are designed to improve your experience, but they come at the cost of your privacy (and battery). Disable any options you don't actually need, like iAds. Then, head to the Frequent Locations feature, and disable that, too. Spotlight Being able to search for almost anything in your device is a big productivity-booster, but that means Spotlight is constantly crawling for new data, then indexing it. You guessed it: it's a battery drain.Those who rely heavily on Spotlight should skip this option, but if you can live with only a partially indexed phone, un-index some items.Go to Settings > General > Spotlight Search, and uncheck the items you don't absolutely need indexed.
For labels, Apple's iRadio deal could be sweeter than Pandora
For labels, Apple's iRadio deal could be sweeter than Pandora
What's unknown, however, is whether people will click through the app to buy songs that they can stream, and how successful Apple will be at pulling off the ad part of the business. Though Apple serves ads on mobile apps via iAds, the sources said that what the company is proposing to the labels is something different -- a full-on, multinational sales force that would sell audio ads akin to what Pandora serves up for listeners to its free service."The only thing concrete in the contract is the per-play rate," said someone familiar with the terms. "If you end up having no ad revenue, that's still zero. And we won't know what the buying habits will be. Will people streaming still take the time to buy from iTunes?"These sources said Apple and the labels are still hammering out what the revenue share of the ads would be but that the labels are pressing for generous terms -- possibly between 35 percent and 45 percent -- if they are to agree to a small portion of the per-stream revenue.Related storiesApple's iRadio service said to be delayed into summer, or longerApple's streaming music service could debut in 2013 -- analystHidden 'radio' buttons discovered in Apple's iOS 6.1Reports that Apple has been working on a streaming or subscription music service have lingered for years. Apple owns nearly two thirds of the legal music market, something that adds extra scrutiny to the possibility of a new service, or a change to its existing business model.Apple already has Internet music streaming inside of iTunes for desktops, as well as on its Apple TV devices, but not on iOS. The feature taps into streaming Internet stations maintained by third parties, and doesn't connect with Apple's iTunes Store in case a user wants to purchase a song. Users also can't record or save anything they hear. Adding intrigue to the possibility is a set of buttons and code referencing "radio" that were spotted in an update of Apple's iOS software in February. These features were not active or available on the software itself, but nestled in some code strings.CNET Senior WriterJosh Lowensohn contributed to this report.
What's unknown, however, is whether people will click through the app to buy songs that they can stream, and how successful Apple will be at pulling off the ad part of the business. Though Apple serves ads on mobile apps via iAds, the sources said that what the company is proposing to the labels is something different -- a full-on, multinational sales force that would sell audio ads akin to what Pandora serves up for listeners to its free service."The only thing concrete in the contract is the per-play rate," said someone familiar with the terms. "If you end up having no ad revenue, that's still zero. And we won't know what the buying habits will be. Will people streaming still take the time to buy from iTunes?"These sources said Apple and the labels are still hammering out what the revenue share of the ads would be but that the labels are pressing for generous terms -- possibly between 35 percent and 45 percent -- if they are to agree to a small portion of the per-stream revenue.Related storiesApple's iRadio service said to be delayed into summer, or longerApple's streaming music service could debut in 2013 -- analystHidden 'radio' buttons discovered in Apple's iOS 6.1Reports that Apple has been working on a streaming or subscription music service have lingered for years. Apple owns nearly two thirds of the legal music market, something that adds extra scrutiny to the possibility of a new service, or a change to its existing business model.Apple already has Internet music streaming inside of iTunes for desktops, as well as on its Apple TV devices, but not on iOS. The feature taps into streaming Internet stations maintained by third parties, and doesn't connect with Apple's iTunes Store in case a user wants to purchase a song. Users also can't record or save anything they hear. Adding intrigue to the possibility is a set of buttons and code referencing "radio" that were spotted in an update of Apple's iOS software in February. These features were not active or available on the software itself, but nestled in some code strings.CNET Senior WriterJosh Lowensohn contributed to this report.
The MacBook Air wedge aesthetic- Now an Apple patent
The MacBook Air wedge aesthetic: Now an Apple patent
MacBook Air.AppleA new Apple patent may signal legal wrangling ahead for the Windows laptop wedge design crowd -- which means pretty much every major PC maker on the planet. Apple's patent No. D661,296 Sis described as "the ornamental design for an electronic device" and shows about a dozen images (PDF) of wedge-shaped Apple MacBook Air-like designs. Apple's wedge aesthetic: patent No. D661,296 S.The Verge/United States Patent and Trademark OfficeThe patent documentation states that "the broken lines are for the purpose of illustrating portions of the electronic device and form no part of the claimed design," as The Verge points out. So that seems to exclude aspects of a laptop's external design that are not material to the wedge contour itself such as a unique hinge component. Of course, all this hinges on (pun intended) how aggressively Apple defends its patent: the wedge design is really an imperative for any ultrabook maker because the tapered design allows a laptop to be thicker where it needs to be -- e.g., the back hinge -- and thinner at the front, economizing weight and average thickness. And there are degrees of likeness to the wedged MacBook Air.Someultrabooks have more of a likeness to the MacBook Air than others.Also, don't forget that it's the newer MacBooks announced back in 2010 that have the most pronounced wedge design.Earlier versions of the Air had much more subtle tapering and "wedge" was not typically used to describe those 2008 and 2009 designs.Asus UX31 ultrabook.Asus
MacBook Air.AppleA new Apple patent may signal legal wrangling ahead for the Windows laptop wedge design crowd -- which means pretty much every major PC maker on the planet. Apple's patent No. D661,296 Sis described as "the ornamental design for an electronic device" and shows about a dozen images (PDF) of wedge-shaped Apple MacBook Air-like designs. Apple's wedge aesthetic: patent No. D661,296 S.The Verge/United States Patent and Trademark OfficeThe patent documentation states that "the broken lines are for the purpose of illustrating portions of the electronic device and form no part of the claimed design," as The Verge points out. So that seems to exclude aspects of a laptop's external design that are not material to the wedge contour itself such as a unique hinge component. Of course, all this hinges on (pun intended) how aggressively Apple defends its patent: the wedge design is really an imperative for any ultrabook maker because the tapered design allows a laptop to be thicker where it needs to be -- e.g., the back hinge -- and thinner at the front, economizing weight and average thickness. And there are degrees of likeness to the wedged MacBook Air.Someultrabooks have more of a likeness to the MacBook Air than others.Also, don't forget that it's the newer MacBooks announced back in 2010 that have the most pronounced wedge design.Earlier versions of the Air had much more subtle tapering and "wedge" was not typically used to describe those 2008 and 2009 designs.Asus UX31 ultrabook.Asus
The Alpine iXA-W404 complicates a good thing
The Alpine iXA-W404 complicates a good thing
Our experiences with Alpine's "mechless" car audio receivers have been mostly positive. So, when we received the iXA-W404, which ups the ante with the inclusion of a larger display and touch sensitivity, we naturally assumed that bigger would be better.During testing, we found that everything that we liked about Alpine's single DIN mechless units was still intact in the W404, such as the snappy high-speed USB/iPod connection that allowed us to quickly scrub through large digital-audio collections using the double-action encoder. We also liked that the W404's larger screen and dedicated iPod video cable allowed the playback of movies and video podcasts from capable iPods. However, the touch-screen interface is unintuitive at times, relying on an iTunes CoverFlow-like paradigm to navigate its menus. The additional eye candy of the interface seems to have adversely affected the Alpine's menu responsiveness when compared with its simpler siblings.The unit features the capability to add modules to expand its admittedly limited feature set, but doing so can be prohibitively expensive. For example, it costs about $500 to add navigation ($300 for the GPS module and $200 for an adapter cradle to connect it) and $230 to add Bluetooth wireless, bringing your total investment to about $1,280. At that point, you may as well be looking at Alpine's superior IVA-W505/P1, which packs more functionality into a single box, without the need for additional modules.If you want a simple, "mechless" receiver and can live without iPod video playback, we'd suggest you look at Alpine's single-DIN iDA-X305.Read the full review of the Alpine iXA-W404.
Our experiences with Alpine's "mechless" car audio receivers have been mostly positive. So, when we received the iXA-W404, which ups the ante with the inclusion of a larger display and touch sensitivity, we naturally assumed that bigger would be better.During testing, we found that everything that we liked about Alpine's single DIN mechless units was still intact in the W404, such as the snappy high-speed USB/iPod connection that allowed us to quickly scrub through large digital-audio collections using the double-action encoder. We also liked that the W404's larger screen and dedicated iPod video cable allowed the playback of movies and video podcasts from capable iPods. However, the touch-screen interface is unintuitive at times, relying on an iTunes CoverFlow-like paradigm to navigate its menus. The additional eye candy of the interface seems to have adversely affected the Alpine's menu responsiveness when compared with its simpler siblings.The unit features the capability to add modules to expand its admittedly limited feature set, but doing so can be prohibitively expensive. For example, it costs about $500 to add navigation ($300 for the GPS module and $200 for an adapter cradle to connect it) and $230 to add Bluetooth wireless, bringing your total investment to about $1,280. At that point, you may as well be looking at Alpine's superior IVA-W505/P1, which packs more functionality into a single box, without the need for additional modules.If you want a simple, "mechless" receiver and can live without iPod video playback, we'd suggest you look at Alpine's single-DIN iDA-X305.Read the full review of the Alpine iXA-W404.
That rumored 'iPad Pro' could be more than just a big iPad
That rumored 'iPad Pro' could be more than just a big iPad
If supply chain and analyst chatter is accurate, the rumored "iPad Pro" could marry the MacBook Air with the iPad. That's what Evercore Partners analyst Patrick Wang thinks, according to a report at Barron's. Arriving in fall '14, Apple goes Enterprise with an 12" iPad. Powered by the A8 chip...this expands ARM's reach and, once again, transforms the traditional notebook market as we know it. Expect a 2-1 hybrid -- think iPad + MBA -- similar to how most iPads are used in the workplace and in the same spirit of MSFT's Surface. That he thinks Apple would try to, more or less, emulate Wintel's (Microsoft-Intel's) current 2-in-1 laptop-plus-tablet strategy for enterprise (corporate) customers is telling.And he cites Microsoft's Surface, no less, as an example. But the thrust of Wang's comments in the Barron's report are centered on the threat to Intel.Along with the arrival of the new hybrid, will come Apple's new "quad-core" A8 processor, he said. "This would hit Intel in an area of strength -- enterprise [laptops]," he wrote, impacting Intel's business model.Evercore's bill of materials chart shows the cost of a processor in the high-end iPad Air (128GB) coming to only 4 percent of the total. In stark contrast to the iPad Air, the MacBook Air's Intel chip claims 22 percent of the cost. Of course, this is all just speculation, but it's food for thought as reports roll in-- including one from the Wall Street Journal-- pointing to a larger iPad.
If supply chain and analyst chatter is accurate, the rumored "iPad Pro" could marry the MacBook Air with the iPad. That's what Evercore Partners analyst Patrick Wang thinks, according to a report at Barron's. Arriving in fall '14, Apple goes Enterprise with an 12" iPad. Powered by the A8 chip...this expands ARM's reach and, once again, transforms the traditional notebook market as we know it. Expect a 2-1 hybrid -- think iPad + MBA -- similar to how most iPads are used in the workplace and in the same spirit of MSFT's Surface. That he thinks Apple would try to, more or less, emulate Wintel's (Microsoft-Intel's) current 2-in-1 laptop-plus-tablet strategy for enterprise (corporate) customers is telling.And he cites Microsoft's Surface, no less, as an example. But the thrust of Wang's comments in the Barron's report are centered on the threat to Intel.Along with the arrival of the new hybrid, will come Apple's new "quad-core" A8 processor, he said. "This would hit Intel in an area of strength -- enterprise [laptops]," he wrote, impacting Intel's business model.Evercore's bill of materials chart shows the cost of a processor in the high-end iPad Air (128GB) coming to only 4 percent of the total. In stark contrast to the iPad Air, the MacBook Air's Intel chip claims 22 percent of the cost. Of course, this is all just speculation, but it's food for thought as reports roll in-- including one from the Wall Street Journal-- pointing to a larger iPad.
That $399 budget iPad 2 has precious silicon inside
That $399 budget iPad 2 has precious silicon inside
Think the new $399 iPad 2 is just a cheaper knockoff of the original? Think again. There's some premium silicon inside.The $399 Wi-Fi iPad 2 -- the only new iPad 2 that Apple now sells -- uses a more advanced version of the dual-core Apple A5 series chip, according to chip review site Anandtech. That more advanced A5 chip is built on a cutting-edge Samsung manufacturing process, Anandtech says. Hardly a trivial difference. As a chip's geometries shrink -- going from 45-nanometer to 32-nanometer, for example --a lot of things can happen. All of them good.The die (the actual chip minus the packaging) can become smaller and the chip can get more power efficient and faster.New manufacturing processes can yield smaller, faster, or more power efficient chips.ChipworksIn this case, the $399 iPad 2 uses an A5 chip made on Samsung's advanced 32-nanomter manufacturing process as opposed to the previous A5 and current A5X, which are both made on an older 45-nanometer process."The interesting other question is whether iPad2,4 (the $399 iPad 2) owners have improved battery life compared to those with iPad2,1 (previous Wi-Fi model)," wrote Anandtech's Brian Klug.And Apple's use of the more advanced chip doesn't stop there.The chip is also used in the Apple TV, though it's a single-core version, meaning one of the processor cores is likely disabled, according to Chipworks. And this is probably just the beginning. It wouldn't be outrageous to expect that the iPhone 5 would use either the same chip as the new $399 iPad or a close cousin.
Think the new $399 iPad 2 is just a cheaper knockoff of the original? Think again. There's some premium silicon inside.The $399 Wi-Fi iPad 2 -- the only new iPad 2 that Apple now sells -- uses a more advanced version of the dual-core Apple A5 series chip, according to chip review site Anandtech. That more advanced A5 chip is built on a cutting-edge Samsung manufacturing process, Anandtech says. Hardly a trivial difference. As a chip's geometries shrink -- going from 45-nanometer to 32-nanometer, for example --a lot of things can happen. All of them good.The die (the actual chip minus the packaging) can become smaller and the chip can get more power efficient and faster.New manufacturing processes can yield smaller, faster, or more power efficient chips.ChipworksIn this case, the $399 iPad 2 uses an A5 chip made on Samsung's advanced 32-nanomter manufacturing process as opposed to the previous A5 and current A5X, which are both made on an older 45-nanometer process."The interesting other question is whether iPad2,4 (the $399 iPad 2) owners have improved battery life compared to those with iPad2,1 (previous Wi-Fi model)," wrote Anandtech's Brian Klug.And Apple's use of the more advanced chip doesn't stop there.The chip is also used in the Apple TV, though it's a single-core version, meaning one of the processor cores is likely disabled, according to Chipworks. And this is probably just the beginning. It wouldn't be outrageous to expect that the iPhone 5 would use either the same chip as the new $399 iPad or a close cousin.
Tethering app pops up on iTunes, then gets pulled
Tethering app pops up on iTunes, then gets pulled
The $14.99 app allowed iPhone customers to use their smartphone data plan to power the Internet connection for their PC or Mac through a USB cable. The app comes from Tether.Tether later released a statement confirming that Apple had pulled the aap because of concerns over the potential burden to the carrier networks. "Our team is very disappointed in Apple's decision; as we strongly believe we help carriers better monetize their data stream by pushing customers into new data tiers further increasing their bottom-line," the company said in a statement later posted on Macrumors. The company confirmed that those who downloaded the app can continue to use it. Its own website is down. Carriers have traditionally frowned upon these kinds of applications, which encourage heavy data usage. In times when they have offered these capabilities, usually in the form of a hot-spot feature, they charge a monthly fee. The iTether app was designed to work after just a onetime fee.Past tethering applications have either been rejected from the App Store or pulled quickly after they launch. The latter happened today to iTether, which is no longer available via the Apple service.The carriers have gone as far as to send warning notices to heavy users. Many of them have policies in place to slow down the connection of a user who is deemed an excessive bandwidth hog. The application was initially spotted by Engadget.Updated at 9:21 a.m. and 11:39 a.m. PT: to note that the application has since been pulled from iTunes and to add a statement from Tether.
The $14.99 app allowed iPhone customers to use their smartphone data plan to power the Internet connection for their PC or Mac through a USB cable. The app comes from Tether.Tether later released a statement confirming that Apple had pulled the aap because of concerns over the potential burden to the carrier networks. "Our team is very disappointed in Apple's decision; as we strongly believe we help carriers better monetize their data stream by pushing customers into new data tiers further increasing their bottom-line," the company said in a statement later posted on Macrumors. The company confirmed that those who downloaded the app can continue to use it. Its own website is down. Carriers have traditionally frowned upon these kinds of applications, which encourage heavy data usage. In times when they have offered these capabilities, usually in the form of a hot-spot feature, they charge a monthly fee. The iTether app was designed to work after just a onetime fee.Past tethering applications have either been rejected from the App Store or pulled quickly after they launch. The latter happened today to iTether, which is no longer available via the Apple service.The carriers have gone as far as to send warning notices to heavy users. Many of them have policies in place to slow down the connection of a user who is deemed an excessive bandwidth hog. The application was initially spotted by Engadget.Updated at 9:21 a.m. and 11:39 a.m. PT: to note that the application has since been pulled from iTunes and to add a statement from Tether.
App Store gets new design in iOS 6 update
Apple has brought its new App Store design to iOS 6.The company recently updated its iOS 6 beta with the new App Store design. As 9to5 Mac, which was first to report on the update, points out: the design boasts "cards" that display the app's icon, price, and rating, as well as a screenshot showing it in action. After searching for programs in the new App Store design, users will see the cards displayed in a grid-like format. Users can scroll down the page to see all of the apps. In addition, Apple has made the Genius Recommendations feature far more prominent in the App Store and surfaced the Purchased apps section to help users quickly redownload programs they've already bought.Related storiesiPhone 5: 15 most-wanted featuresRumor Has It, Ep. 23: The iPad is so close, we can taste it (podcast)What to expect in iOS 6Aside from an improved App Store, iOS 6 will deliver a host of new features, including more phone-answering options and a Passbook app for storing boarding passes, movie tickets, and other location-based goodies.Apple's iOS 6 isslated to launch this fall. However, it will likely launch in tandem with the iPhone 5, which is currently believed to be hitting store shelves on September 21, so the wait may not be all that long.
App finds iPad 2 stock in nearby stores
luck at local retailers. However, trying to find one specific color, in the capacity and connectivity of choice for the 18 possible variations, can be a hit-or-miss affair when shopping at nearby stores.Attempting to solve that, a new app called FindOne gathers stock information from Target and Wal-mart stores and lets users pick the specific models they want to see if they are available and where they can get them.The application makes use of your location to figure out how far away the stores are and provides store details like hours of operation, addresses, and phone numbers to get in touch to verify its information. Not supported are Apple stores, RadioShack, Best Buy, or Toys "R" Us retail locations, where iPad 2 models can also be found. On developer Debra Orton's support site, she says RadioShack and Toys "R" Us will be included in future updates.The app is free of charge, and only available for iOS devices. (via App Advice)
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