2048: attack of the clones
Threes! is a puzzle game by a tiny, two-man independent studio. The game has you pushing same-numbered blocks together to try to reach the highest number possible, on a little four-by-four grid. Each number has its own personality, and the game itself â€" released for AU$2.49 on iOS and AU$2.22 on Google Play is beautifully designed, with a clean interface and a satisfying mechanic.It took 14 months to design and build. It took three weeks to clone in the form of a game called 1024.Then, 31 days after its launch on the iTunes app store, a game by young Italian web developer Gabriele Cirulli arrived. Called 2048, it took the basic principle of Threes!, mixed up the gameplay and the visual design a little and â€" perhaps most unfortunately for Sirvo â€" was free to play on the web. It took Cirulli two days to build, and skyrocketed in popularity.Meanwhile, Sirvo was working on porting its game to Android; but another clone called Fives had already arrived on Google Play.(Screenshot by Michelle Starr/CNET Australia)2048, in turn, inspired clones of its own, including a customiser that allowed users to put their own content into the boxes. Cirulli remained adamant that he wasn't going to either make an app for or profit off 2048, and to his credit he hasn't; but others have, as evidenced by a version of 2048 â€" not made by either Cirullu or Sirvo â€" currently sitting at the top of Apple's free app charts.And most players of 2048, we'd warrant, have never even heard of Threes!, even though Cirulli had put a link to his inspiration at the bottom of his page. This is something Sirvo also found."It's all in good fun, at least we'd like to think so, but try as our logical brains might, we still got the same 'cloning feeling'," Sirvo's Asher Vollmer and Greg Wohlwend wrote in a blog post about the clone phenomenon. "Especially when people called Threes!, a game we pored over for nearly a year and a half, a clone of 2048. Others rifled off that they thought 2048 was a better game than Threes!. That all stung pretty bad. We know Threes! is a better game, we spent over a year on it. And obviously, Threes! is the reason 2048 exists."Threes! is a better-made game. It has a much more considered approach, and a slower progression â€" but the satisfaction when you hit the high points is the better for it. 2048 is all about instant gratification.But Cirulli and 2048 aren't necessarily the problem here. Cirulli was just mucking about, experimenting with designing a web interface. He never intended his game to become as popular as it did, he refuses to profit from 2048 and he has been making sure that he credits Sirvo as much as possible.To take a look at the real problem, take a look at the top app charts. Do a search on Google Play or the iTunes app store using the terms "threes" or "2048". Clones are blossoming like bruises. Keep a careful eye on new apps, where you might find as many as 10 Flappy Bird clones in the last two hours (as we have at time of writing).If the original game was getting equal or greater attention, perhaps this sort of opportunistic copycatting wouldn't be so problematic. Annoying, sure, but easily dismissed. But when it's harming developers who have worked hard bring a concept to fruition, gamers should stand up and take note.This is unlikely to mean much to the majority of gamers out there, who only know that they're having a good time. However, it should matter. Firstly, a flood of clones lowers the overall quality of the app marketplace. Secondly, a flood of clones could discourage genuinely creative and interesting developers away from the app marketplaces.No one can be forced to think ethically about the games they play. However, if you played and enjoyed one of the multitudinous Threes! clones out there, have a think about downloading the original game, just to show your appreciation for the hard work that brought it to life.
How to install iOS 6
How to install iOS 6
You have two methods for downloading and installing iOS 6. You can simply update your iOS device over the air via the device's Settings, or you can connect it to your computer and use iTunes.Method 1: Over the airThe easier of the methods is to grab your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch and update wirelessly. Before doing so, however, it's wouldn't be a bad idea to sync your device with iTunes if you haven't done so in a while. There have been instances with past iOS updates where users have reported the new iOS didn't install correctly, bricking their phone and forcing them to restore their phone before trying again. So, if your iOS device has talked to iTunes recently, go ahead and go toSettings > General > Software Update.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETYou should see iOS 6 listed, with a Download and Install button below it. Tap the button, agree to Apple's terms and conditions, and either heed or ignore Apple's advice to connect your device to a power source during the download to save battery.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETAfter iOS 6 installs, your device will restart, which was a rather lengthy process in my experience (20 minutes or so, after the roughly 45 minutes it took to download and install). After restarting, you'll be greeted by a shiny, new iOS 6 lock screen. Slide to open your device and click through the following four setup screens:Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETMethod 2: Update via iTunesIf you are near your computer with iTunes, it might be faster to update this way. In my experience, updating my iPad 2 via iTunes was faster than updating my iPhone 4S over the air. The first order of business is to update iTunes to version 10.7. Open iTunes and then click iTunes > Check for Updates to install the latest version.Once iTunes is up-to-date, connect your iOS device. Click on your device under the Devices header in the left-hand column and click Check for Update.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETA pop-up window will appear, alerting you that a new iOS version is available for your device. Click the Download and Update button. (Or, if you are going to need your phone in the near future, opt for the Download Only button to download it now and install later. iOS 6 is a 626MB download for the iPhone, which could take an hour or more, depending on your connection and the amount of traffic hitting Apple's servers.)Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETClick through two more setup screens that show you iOS 6's many new features and Apple's terms and conditions to start the download.Once the download is complete, keep your iOS device connected until it restarts. After restarting, you will need to hop through four setup screens before you are off and running with iOS 6. On my iPad 2, the process looked like this:Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETScreenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETTo learn about all the new features iOS 6 ushers in, check out Jason Parker's full review of iOS 6. You can also read our complete guide to iOS 6.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.Play
You have two methods for downloading and installing iOS 6. You can simply update your iOS device over the air via the device's Settings, or you can connect it to your computer and use iTunes.Method 1: Over the airThe easier of the methods is to grab your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch and update wirelessly. Before doing so, however, it's wouldn't be a bad idea to sync your device with iTunes if you haven't done so in a while. There have been instances with past iOS updates where users have reported the new iOS didn't install correctly, bricking their phone and forcing them to restore their phone before trying again. So, if your iOS device has talked to iTunes recently, go ahead and go toSettings > General > Software Update.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETYou should see iOS 6 listed, with a Download and Install button below it. Tap the button, agree to Apple's terms and conditions, and either heed or ignore Apple's advice to connect your device to a power source during the download to save battery.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETAfter iOS 6 installs, your device will restart, which was a rather lengthy process in my experience (20 minutes or so, after the roughly 45 minutes it took to download and install). After restarting, you'll be greeted by a shiny, new iOS 6 lock screen. Slide to open your device and click through the following four setup screens:Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETMethod 2: Update via iTunesIf you are near your computer with iTunes, it might be faster to update this way. In my experience, updating my iPad 2 via iTunes was faster than updating my iPhone 4S over the air. The first order of business is to update iTunes to version 10.7. Open iTunes and then click iTunes > Check for Updates to install the latest version.Once iTunes is up-to-date, connect your iOS device. Click on your device under the Devices header in the left-hand column and click Check for Update.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETA pop-up window will appear, alerting you that a new iOS version is available for your device. Click the Download and Update button. (Or, if you are going to need your phone in the near future, opt for the Download Only button to download it now and install later. iOS 6 is a 626MB download for the iPhone, which could take an hour or more, depending on your connection and the amount of traffic hitting Apple's servers.)Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETClick through two more setup screens that show you iOS 6's many new features and Apple's terms and conditions to start the download.Once the download is complete, keep your iOS device connected until it restarts. After restarting, you will need to hop through four setup screens before you are off and running with iOS 6. On my iPad 2, the process looked like this:Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETScreenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETTo learn about all the new features iOS 6 ushers in, check out Jason Parker's full review of iOS 6. You can also read our complete guide to iOS 6.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.Play
Amazon sidesteps battle over Dan Brown book
Amazon sidesteps battle over Dan Brown book
The Kindle version of "The Lost Symbol" was in limbo since Amazon first placed the hardcover version on its site for preorder.Its publisher, Random House, was concerned with releasing a Kindle version on the same day as the hardcover version.The company reasoned that with such a low price ($9.99 on the Kindle) compared with the hardcover version, which Amazon is currently offering for $16.17, that Kindle sales would cannibalize hardcover sales.Random House's issues set the stage for what could have been a major battle between Amazon and publishers.Dan Brown's book promises to be a bestseller the day it's released.Random House might have had some leverage.But after entering into discussions with Amazon, Random House announced last week that it had approved a Kindle version."Now that all of our security and logistical issues surrounding the e-book of 'The Lost Symbol' have been resolved, the e-book will be released simultaneously with the hardcover on September 15," the publisher announced.It didn't elaborate on what those issues were.Amazon followed up that statement with its own confirmation this week.It's interesting that Amazon felt the need to write its own press release to announce the book's Kindle availability.It underlies the importance of Brown's book and perhaps of Amazon's desire to show other publishers that Random House is allowing one of the biggest books of the year to hit the Kindle at a reduced price on the same day it's offered as a hardcover in stores.Stephen King's next book, "Under the Dome," which is slated for a November 10 release, could potentially challenge Kindle policy if its publisher, Simon & Schuster, decides to press the issue.Publishers are wary of some aspects of the Kindle.AmazonAmazon will continue to face those discussions as long as publishers only worry about their hardcover sales. Publishers believe that if people can buy a book on the Kindle store for $10, they will have no reason to buy a hardcover version for $16--or more.Amazon's troubles are quite similar to Apple's battles with the music industry.Publishers are set in their ways. They don't necessarily welcome e-books, and they're deathly afraid of Amazon building too much power in the space through both hardcover and Kindle sales.The larger the Kindle's following, the less leverage they will have, they believe.Apple can relate.It has been forced to deal with a wary music industry since its iPod started becoming the dominant force in the industry.The music industry is scared of iTunes and Apple.Book publishers don't want to put themselves in the same position with the Kindle and Amazon.But it's possible that they are.Random House has already backed down.Simon & Schuster is up next to challenge Amazon and its Kindle.It will be interesting to see whether it goes to battle or follows Random House's example.In either case, its decision will set a precedent.Disclosure: Simon & Schuster is owned by CBS. CNET News is published by CBS Interactive, a unit of CBS. Check out Don's Facebook profile, Twitter stream, and FriendFeed.
The Kindle version of "The Lost Symbol" was in limbo since Amazon first placed the hardcover version on its site for preorder.Its publisher, Random House, was concerned with releasing a Kindle version on the same day as the hardcover version.The company reasoned that with such a low price ($9.99 on the Kindle) compared with the hardcover version, which Amazon is currently offering for $16.17, that Kindle sales would cannibalize hardcover sales.Random House's issues set the stage for what could have been a major battle between Amazon and publishers.Dan Brown's book promises to be a bestseller the day it's released.Random House might have had some leverage.But after entering into discussions with Amazon, Random House announced last week that it had approved a Kindle version."Now that all of our security and logistical issues surrounding the e-book of 'The Lost Symbol' have been resolved, the e-book will be released simultaneously with the hardcover on September 15," the publisher announced.It didn't elaborate on what those issues were.Amazon followed up that statement with its own confirmation this week.It's interesting that Amazon felt the need to write its own press release to announce the book's Kindle availability.It underlies the importance of Brown's book and perhaps of Amazon's desire to show other publishers that Random House is allowing one of the biggest books of the year to hit the Kindle at a reduced price on the same day it's offered as a hardcover in stores.Stephen King's next book, "Under the Dome," which is slated for a November 10 release, could potentially challenge Kindle policy if its publisher, Simon & Schuster, decides to press the issue.Publishers are wary of some aspects of the Kindle.AmazonAmazon will continue to face those discussions as long as publishers only worry about their hardcover sales. Publishers believe that if people can buy a book on the Kindle store for $10, they will have no reason to buy a hardcover version for $16--or more.Amazon's troubles are quite similar to Apple's battles with the music industry.Publishers are set in their ways. They don't necessarily welcome e-books, and they're deathly afraid of Amazon building too much power in the space through both hardcover and Kindle sales.The larger the Kindle's following, the less leverage they will have, they believe.Apple can relate.It has been forced to deal with a wary music industry since its iPod started becoming the dominant force in the industry.The music industry is scared of iTunes and Apple.Book publishers don't want to put themselves in the same position with the Kindle and Amazon.But it's possible that they are.Random House has already backed down.Simon & Schuster is up next to challenge Amazon and its Kindle.It will be interesting to see whether it goes to battle or follows Random House's example.In either case, its decision will set a precedent.Disclosure: Simon & Schuster is owned by CBS. CNET News is published by CBS Interactive, a unit of CBS. Check out Don's Facebook profile, Twitter stream, and FriendFeed.
Report- Motorola, Verizon prepping media tablet
Report: Motorola, Verizon prepping media tablet
Motorola and Verizon are working together to produce a tablet specifically for watching television content, according to a report in the Financial Times on Tuesday.The tablet is said to have a 10-inch screen and will use Google's Android operating system. The premier feature of the tablet will be the ability to access Verizon's FiOS cable service from it, according to the FT's anonymous sources. The tablet is said to be "thinner and lighter than the iPad," and will allow tethering. It will also support Adobe Flash, according to the report. There will also be two cameras, one front-facing for video conferencing, and another on the back for photos.Though the report did not have the name of the device or a price, it could be for sale this fall in the U.S.Verizon declined to comment.Motorola has talked of a tablet in the past, and there was even a demonstration ofa prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year. But there were several Android tablets announced at the same show, though very few have yet to hit stores shelves. Archos was the first in late 2009, and Dell introduced its Streak last week, though that's more of a phone than a tablet.Since Apple's iPad went on sale in early April, the company has had trouble keeping up with demand for it. Apple said in late July that it has sold more than 3 million of the devices in about four months. Seeing the response from consumers to the device has led several other consumer electronics companies to talk of making competing media tablets, including Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and most recently, BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion.Motorola-Verizon's would certainly stand out in one way: being able to access pay TV service from the device directly from a provider like Verizon. Movies and TV shows can be downloaded to the iPad from Apple's iTunes desktop software and the iTunes iPad app, as well as streamed through video applications from Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu.Though not for lack of trying, Apple has not yet been able to procure any kind of all-you-can-eat subscription plan deal from the major content owners. An Apple cloud-based streaming video service is in the works, though it's not clear how soon it will be ready.
Motorola and Verizon are working together to produce a tablet specifically for watching television content, according to a report in the Financial Times on Tuesday.The tablet is said to have a 10-inch screen and will use Google's Android operating system. The premier feature of the tablet will be the ability to access Verizon's FiOS cable service from it, according to the FT's anonymous sources. The tablet is said to be "thinner and lighter than the iPad," and will allow tethering. It will also support Adobe Flash, according to the report. There will also be two cameras, one front-facing for video conferencing, and another on the back for photos.Though the report did not have the name of the device or a price, it could be for sale this fall in the U.S.Verizon declined to comment.Motorola has talked of a tablet in the past, and there was even a demonstration ofa prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year. But there were several Android tablets announced at the same show, though very few have yet to hit stores shelves. Archos was the first in late 2009, and Dell introduced its Streak last week, though that's more of a phone than a tablet.Since Apple's iPad went on sale in early April, the company has had trouble keeping up with demand for it. Apple said in late July that it has sold more than 3 million of the devices in about four months. Seeing the response from consumers to the device has led several other consumer electronics companies to talk of making competing media tablets, including Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and most recently, BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion.Motorola-Verizon's would certainly stand out in one way: being able to access pay TV service from the device directly from a provider like Verizon. Movies and TV shows can be downloaded to the iPad from Apple's iTunes desktop software and the iTunes iPad app, as well as streamed through video applications from Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu.Though not for lack of trying, Apple has not yet been able to procure any kind of all-you-can-eat subscription plan deal from the major content owners. An Apple cloud-based streaming video service is in the works, though it's not clear how soon it will be ready.
Has Apple banned sexual content from App Store-
Has Apple banned sexual content from App Store?
The app is currently not available in the App Store.The removal of the app doesn't seem to be an isolated incident. On Friday morning, I searched the App Store for several adult-themed applications to see whether they were still available. In the vast majority of cases, they were not.The most notable removals include applications from Grindhouse Mobile, the developer behind the first "porn star apps" in the App Store. The applications, which were approved in September and did not show any nudity, are still listed as available in Apple's App Store on the Grindhouse Web site. But after clicking their direct links, a message generated by the App Store reads that the applications are no longer available.Grindhouse Mobile confirmed the app's removal with me on Friday and said it will comment more later in the day.Although several applications have seemingly been removed, it's worth noting that a slew of sexually charged apps still remain in the App Store--including the e-reader app that Apple originally rejected because it provided access to the Kama Sutra.For its part, Apple is staying tight-lipped. The company wouldn't tell me that it has changed its App Store policy. Instead, a representative responded to my query on the issue by stating that customer complaints play a role when Apple decides to remove an application."Whenever we receive customer complaints about objectionable content we review them," the Apple representative wrote to me in an e-mail. "If we find these apps contain inappropriate material we remove them and request the developer make any necessary changes in order to be distributed by Apple."But that doesn't answer the question. Is Apple banning sexual content from the App Store? Judging by its response and the company's history of staying tight-lipped on App Store regulations, we may never exactly know for sure.Updated at 7:40 a.m. PST with comment from Grindhouse.
The app is currently not available in the App Store.The removal of the app doesn't seem to be an isolated incident. On Friday morning, I searched the App Store for several adult-themed applications to see whether they were still available. In the vast majority of cases, they were not.The most notable removals include applications from Grindhouse Mobile, the developer behind the first "porn star apps" in the App Store. The applications, which were approved in September and did not show any nudity, are still listed as available in Apple's App Store on the Grindhouse Web site. But after clicking their direct links, a message generated by the App Store reads that the applications are no longer available.Grindhouse Mobile confirmed the app's removal with me on Friday and said it will comment more later in the day.Although several applications have seemingly been removed, it's worth noting that a slew of sexually charged apps still remain in the App Store--including the e-reader app that Apple originally rejected because it provided access to the Kama Sutra.For its part, Apple is staying tight-lipped. The company wouldn't tell me that it has changed its App Store policy. Instead, a representative responded to my query on the issue by stating that customer complaints play a role when Apple decides to remove an application."Whenever we receive customer complaints about objectionable content we review them," the Apple representative wrote to me in an e-mail. "If we find these apps contain inappropriate material we remove them and request the developer make any necessary changes in order to be distributed by Apple."But that doesn't answer the question. Is Apple banning sexual content from the App Store? Judging by its response and the company's history of staying tight-lipped on App Store regulations, we may never exactly know for sure.Updated at 7:40 a.m. PST with comment from Grindhouse.
Rumor- Mac App Store launching December 13
Rumor: Mac App Store launching December 13
The Mac App Store could be launching as early as next week, a report from Apple enthusiast blog Appletell claims.Citing an "inside source," Appletell is reporting that Apple plans a December 13 launch of its Mac App Store, which will allow people to download both paid and free applications to their Mac computers. The blog claims that developers were told by Apple to "have their software prepared for a launch as early as [today]." However, the publication's source said that Apple launching the marketplace today seemed unlikely.It's important to note that Appletell's story is very much a rumor at this point and that Apple has not confirmed a date for the launch of its planned store.If the store does launch next week, it would be way ahead of schedule.When Apple CEO Steve Jobs first unveiled plans for the Mac App Store in late October, he said that it would be available to Snow Leopard users in "90 days," indicating that the store would launch at the end of the January. Moreover, Apple started reviewing applications for the store last month. It may need more time to get the store up and running with a number of apps that it feels comfortable offering.Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment on when it plans to officially launch its Mac App Store. And until Apple does confirm, consider every launch-day claim, like this one, nothing more than a rumor.
The Mac App Store could be launching as early as next week, a report from Apple enthusiast blog Appletell claims.Citing an "inside source," Appletell is reporting that Apple plans a December 13 launch of its Mac App Store, which will allow people to download both paid and free applications to their Mac computers. The blog claims that developers were told by Apple to "have their software prepared for a launch as early as [today]." However, the publication's source said that Apple launching the marketplace today seemed unlikely.It's important to note that Appletell's story is very much a rumor at this point and that Apple has not confirmed a date for the launch of its planned store.If the store does launch next week, it would be way ahead of schedule.When Apple CEO Steve Jobs first unveiled plans for the Mac App Store in late October, he said that it would be available to Snow Leopard users in "90 days," indicating that the store would launch at the end of the January. Moreover, Apple started reviewing applications for the store last month. It may need more time to get the store up and running with a number of apps that it feels comfortable offering.Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment on when it plans to officially launch its Mac App Store. And until Apple does confirm, consider every launch-day claim, like this one, nothing more than a rumor.
Rumor- Apple to release new Final Cut Studio this spring
Rumor: Apple to release new Final Cut Studio this spring
Hardmac reports that two versions of Final Cut Studio are currently in beta. One version is for users running Mac OS X 10.6.5 Snow Leopard, whereas the other will be for users running the next version of Mac OS X, 10.7 Lion."Some new features will only be available on Lion's version, due to the changes made on QuickTime layer."-->In September, Hardmac reported that although it had originally expected the newest version of Final Cut Studio in 2010, the development process had suffered setbacks. Namely, the concept of having an integrated and unified user interface between all the Studio applications was causing development hassles.It was also reported that engineers were pulled off the Final Cut Studio development team to assist with the iOS development updates that brought us iOS 4.2.1 in November.As details become clearer about features and release dates for Final Cut Studio, we will be sure to let you know. What features are you hoping to see in the new Final Cut Studio? Let me know in the comments!Be sure to follow MacFixIt on Twitter and contribute to the CNET Mac forums.
Hardmac reports that two versions of Final Cut Studio are currently in beta. One version is for users running Mac OS X 10.6.5 Snow Leopard, whereas the other will be for users running the next version of Mac OS X, 10.7 Lion."Some new features will only be available on Lion's version, due to the changes made on QuickTime layer."-->In September, Hardmac reported that although it had originally expected the newest version of Final Cut Studio in 2010, the development process had suffered setbacks. Namely, the concept of having an integrated and unified user interface between all the Studio applications was causing development hassles.It was also reported that engineers were pulled off the Final Cut Studio development team to assist with the iOS development updates that brought us iOS 4.2.1 in November.As details become clearer about features and release dates for Final Cut Studio, we will be sure to let you know. What features are you hoping to see in the new Final Cut Studio? Let me know in the comments!Be sure to follow MacFixIt on Twitter and contribute to the CNET Mac forums.
Apple CarPlay comes to Pioneer NEX car stereos via firmware update
Apple CarPlay comes to Pioneer NEX car stereos via firmware update
First announced way back in May, Pioneer is finally bringing Apple CarPlay to a dashboard near you via an update for its 2014 NEX series of multimedia receivers. The new software makes Pioneer the first to the aftermarket with a CarPlay compatible receiver and, so far, the only way to get the technology short of buying a new Ferrari FF.Current NEX owners will be able to download the new firmware and flash it via the receiver's USB input with the aid of a portable memory device. Compatible receivers in the US are the AVIC series 8000NEX, 7000NEX, 6000NEX, and 5000NEX and the AVH series 4000NEX -- ranging from $700 to $1,400. (Check this Pioneer page for models available outside of the US.) Users who aren't comfortable with doing it themselves can bring their car to an authorized Pioneer dealer -- for example, Best Buy's Geek Squad -- to have the CarPlay firmware to updated for them by a professional installer.Updated receivers will be able to connect via USB to lightning cable to an iPhone 5 or later, including the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, running the latest version of iOS to display and interact with the Apple CarPlay interface on the NEX receiver's large color touchscreen. CarPlay also includes access to Siri voice control for calls, text messaging, Apple Maps navigation, and access to music libraries, podcasts and iTunes Radio.Users will be able to transition seamlessly between the Pioneer NEX's onboard software and their iPhone's CarPlay software.Antuan Goodwin/CNET"CarPlay enriches the iPhone experience in the vehicle by providing a safer way to access the iPhone features they want to use most while driving," said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "With Pioneer's implementation, CarPlay can now be integrated into millions of vehicles already on the road."No official announcement has been made regarding whether we'll eventually see an update to support Google's similar and upcoming Android Auto mode for Android phones, but Android devices (as well as iPhones predating the iPhone 5) will still retain compatibility with the AVIC and AVH NEX receivers via the old App Mode app mirroring system.
First announced way back in May, Pioneer is finally bringing Apple CarPlay to a dashboard near you via an update for its 2014 NEX series of multimedia receivers. The new software makes Pioneer the first to the aftermarket with a CarPlay compatible receiver and, so far, the only way to get the technology short of buying a new Ferrari FF.Current NEX owners will be able to download the new firmware and flash it via the receiver's USB input with the aid of a portable memory device. Compatible receivers in the US are the AVIC series 8000NEX, 7000NEX, 6000NEX, and 5000NEX and the AVH series 4000NEX -- ranging from $700 to $1,400. (Check this Pioneer page for models available outside of the US.) Users who aren't comfortable with doing it themselves can bring their car to an authorized Pioneer dealer -- for example, Best Buy's Geek Squad -- to have the CarPlay firmware to updated for them by a professional installer.Updated receivers will be able to connect via USB to lightning cable to an iPhone 5 or later, including the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, running the latest version of iOS to display and interact with the Apple CarPlay interface on the NEX receiver's large color touchscreen. CarPlay also includes access to Siri voice control for calls, text messaging, Apple Maps navigation, and access to music libraries, podcasts and iTunes Radio.Users will be able to transition seamlessly between the Pioneer NEX's onboard software and their iPhone's CarPlay software.Antuan Goodwin/CNET"CarPlay enriches the iPhone experience in the vehicle by providing a safer way to access the iPhone features they want to use most while driving," said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "With Pioneer's implementation, CarPlay can now be integrated into millions of vehicles already on the road."No official announcement has been made regarding whether we'll eventually see an update to support Google's similar and upcoming Android Auto mode for Android phones, but Android devices (as well as iPhones predating the iPhone 5) will still retain compatibility with the AVIC and AVH NEX receivers via the old App Mode app mirroring system.
Apple breaks up Palm Pre-iTunes lovefest
Apple breaks up Palm Pre-iTunes lovefest
This post was updated at 2:56 p.m. PDT with a comment from Palm.Oh dear. We can't say this was a complete surprise, but it looks like Apple made good on its earlier warning and put an end to the Palm Pre-iTunes synchronization with the release of iTunes 8.2.1.In the release notes, Apple states that "iTunes 8.2.1 provides a number of important bug fixes and addresses an issue with verification of Apple devices." Not wanting to believe the news, we bit the bullet and downloaded the latest version of Apple's music software to our PC and sure enough, the romance is dead.Just as before, we connected the smartphone to our laptop and selected the Media Sync option on our Pre, but this time, it didn't automatically launch iTunes. Instead, it was only recognized as a mass storage device, and manually launching iTunes did not surface the Pre either (*tears*). When asked for comment, Palm replied with the same response it had when Apple first issued its warning: Palm's media sync works with iTunes 8.2. If Apple chooses to disable media sync in iTunes, it will be a direct blow to their users who will be deprived of a seamless synchronization experience. However, people will have options. They can stay with the iTunes version that works to sync their music on their Pre, they can transfer the music via USB, and there are other third-party applications we can consider. Obviously, this isn't the best news for Pre users, but there are alternative ways to keep the iTunes-Pre synchronization alive. For one, you could just not update to iTunes 8.2.1, or as PreCentral.net points out, there are other third-party solutions, such as doubleTwist and The Missing Sync for Pre, that will allow to sync the smartphone with iTunes. Anyone else have recommendations or thoughts on this little battle between Palm and Apple? Please share below.
This post was updated at 2:56 p.m. PDT with a comment from Palm.Oh dear. We can't say this was a complete surprise, but it looks like Apple made good on its earlier warning and put an end to the Palm Pre-iTunes synchronization with the release of iTunes 8.2.1.In the release notes, Apple states that "iTunes 8.2.1 provides a number of important bug fixes and addresses an issue with verification of Apple devices." Not wanting to believe the news, we bit the bullet and downloaded the latest version of Apple's music software to our PC and sure enough, the romance is dead.Just as before, we connected the smartphone to our laptop and selected the Media Sync option on our Pre, but this time, it didn't automatically launch iTunes. Instead, it was only recognized as a mass storage device, and manually launching iTunes did not surface the Pre either (*tears*). When asked for comment, Palm replied with the same response it had when Apple first issued its warning: Palm's media sync works with iTunes 8.2. If Apple chooses to disable media sync in iTunes, it will be a direct blow to their users who will be deprived of a seamless synchronization experience. However, people will have options. They can stay with the iTunes version that works to sync their music on their Pre, they can transfer the music via USB, and there are other third-party applications we can consider. Obviously, this isn't the best news for Pre users, but there are alternative ways to keep the iTunes-Pre synchronization alive. For one, you could just not update to iTunes 8.2.1, or as PreCentral.net points out, there are other third-party solutions, such as doubleTwist and The Missing Sync for Pre, that will allow to sync the smartphone with iTunes. Anyone else have recommendations or thoughts on this little battle between Palm and Apple? Please share below.
Apple bolstering privacy by ending developer access to UDIDs
Apple bolstering privacy by ending developer access to UDIDs
The unique string of numbers that individually identifies each iOS device has typically been used by developers as a way to track their app installations across Apple's user base. About six months ago, Apple warned developers that their ability to access and use UDIDs would be severely limited and they should begin the process of getting away from UDID usage. Most developers would expect about a year to comply with a major change such as this, but Apple seems to be feeling a bit antsy right now.Many developers are reporting that apps that continue to use UDIDs are being outright rejected by Apple's App Store approval process. Because the UDID is most commonly used for analytics, gaming networks, and ad placements in apps, many companies and developers are being affected by the swift changes being made by Apple.According to Tech Crunch, Playhaven, a company that specializes in monetizing apps, is reporting that several of its customers have already been rejected. The challenge for developers moving forward will be to find a way to retain unique identification of their app installations so they can continue to serve ads, connect users, and collect analytics properly.For now, the rejection process is rolling out slowly. Only 2 of the 10 app review teams are rejecting apps for UDID usage. In a week, 4 of the 10 teams will be doing it, ramping up to all 10 teams shortly thereafter, according to Tech Crunch."This is a problem," developer Chris Adamson wrote in a blog post, "because we've all had about six months to get off of UDID, and while that's surely enough to get a simple app migrated -- indeed, I have cases where switching it out is a five-line fix -- it is not necessarily the case that everyone can be expected to have already done this."Blame it on the excessive media coverage of privacy issues or pressure from Congress to ensure that mobile devices are not tracking users. But, whether it's been enough time or not, it's happening.
The unique string of numbers that individually identifies each iOS device has typically been used by developers as a way to track their app installations across Apple's user base. About six months ago, Apple warned developers that their ability to access and use UDIDs would be severely limited and they should begin the process of getting away from UDID usage. Most developers would expect about a year to comply with a major change such as this, but Apple seems to be feeling a bit antsy right now.Many developers are reporting that apps that continue to use UDIDs are being outright rejected by Apple's App Store approval process. Because the UDID is most commonly used for analytics, gaming networks, and ad placements in apps, many companies and developers are being affected by the swift changes being made by Apple.According to Tech Crunch, Playhaven, a company that specializes in monetizing apps, is reporting that several of its customers have already been rejected. The challenge for developers moving forward will be to find a way to retain unique identification of their app installations so they can continue to serve ads, connect users, and collect analytics properly.For now, the rejection process is rolling out slowly. Only 2 of the 10 app review teams are rejecting apps for UDID usage. In a week, 4 of the 10 teams will be doing it, ramping up to all 10 teams shortly thereafter, according to Tech Crunch."This is a problem," developer Chris Adamson wrote in a blog post, "because we've all had about six months to get off of UDID, and while that's surely enough to get a simple app migrated -- indeed, I have cases where switching it out is a five-line fix -- it is not necessarily the case that everyone can be expected to have already done this."Blame it on the excessive media coverage of privacy issues or pressure from Congress to ensure that mobile devices are not tracking users. But, whether it's been enough time or not, it's happening.
Apple begins $6.6M overhaul on NYC 'cube' store
Apple begins $6.6M overhaul on NYC 'cube' store
Apple has begun work on an overhaul to the facade of its iconic New York City store on Fifth Avenue that will involve taking apart and putting back together the glass cube to make renovations. Work began on the store last night, the details of which were pulled up by Apple retail tracking blog ifoAppleStore. According to permits acquired by the site (PDF), the cost of the project tops $6.6 million, and is slated to be completed by November. Before getting too excited, you should know the work being done is mostly behind the scenes as opposed to making any dramatic changes to the store itself. Apple is renovating part of the drainage system in the square above the store, as well as replacing paving when done. Iconic Apple stores around the world (ph...See full gallery1 - 4 / 18NextPrevApple opened up its Fifth Avenue store in May 2006, and since then it's gone on to become one of the most photographed spots in the city. Apple designed the underground store to be open 24 hours a day and support foot traffic from one of the city's busiest retail areas.While Apple does not disclose how much its individual stores make, a report from 2009 suggested that Apple was pulling down $440 million a year in sales there, making it one of the most profitable businesses per square foot (during a recession no less).Apple went with a similar below-ground store design in the Pudong district of Shanghai, which opened last year, though that store features a glass cylinder instead of a cube, a design that Apple applied to be trademarked in 2010.
Apple has begun work on an overhaul to the facade of its iconic New York City store on Fifth Avenue that will involve taking apart and putting back together the glass cube to make renovations. Work began on the store last night, the details of which were pulled up by Apple retail tracking blog ifoAppleStore. According to permits acquired by the site (PDF), the cost of the project tops $6.6 million, and is slated to be completed by November. Before getting too excited, you should know the work being done is mostly behind the scenes as opposed to making any dramatic changes to the store itself. Apple is renovating part of the drainage system in the square above the store, as well as replacing paving when done. Iconic Apple stores around the world (ph...See full gallery1 - 4 / 18NextPrevApple opened up its Fifth Avenue store in May 2006, and since then it's gone on to become one of the most photographed spots in the city. Apple designed the underground store to be open 24 hours a day and support foot traffic from one of the city's busiest retail areas.While Apple does not disclose how much its individual stores make, a report from 2009 suggested that Apple was pulling down $440 million a year in sales there, making it one of the most profitable businesses per square foot (during a recession no less).Apple went with a similar below-ground store design in the Pudong district of Shanghai, which opened last year, though that store features a glass cylinder instead of a cube, a design that Apple applied to be trademarked in 2010.
Apple beefs up new MacBook Airs with Ivy Bridge, from $999
Apple beefs up new MacBook Airs with Ivy Bridge, from $999
Apple's new MacBook Airs are getting a dose of Ivy Bridge and a few other upgrades, but no Retina Display.Announced at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference today, the new MacBook Airs will be equipped with the latest Intel Ivy Bridge chips, offering up to a 2.0 Ghz dual-core i7 processor. But the added Turbo Boost can bump the processor speed up to 3.2GHz.Other options include a 512GB solid-state drive with a read speed of 500MBps, faster than any other hard drive, according to Apple. Also on the feature list is 8GB of 1600Mhz memory. And Apple has made the move to Intel's HD Graphics 400, which Apple says will boost the graphics speed by 60 percent.Apple's WWDC 2012: iOS 6, Mountain Lion,...See full gallery1 - 4 / 27NextPrevAnd not one, but two USB 3.0 ports will be part of the package. Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller said that other PC makers have added USB 3.0 to their machines, but sometimes they add one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0. Apple, however, is adding two ports that work for both technologies, Schiller said.A FaceTime HD 720-pixel camera is on the front, so MacBook Air owners can chat via video with iPhone and iPad users.One possible negative, though -- no Retina Display for the MacBook Airs. The 11-inch MacBook Air still offers a resolution of 1,366x768 pixels, while the 13-incher is sticking with a 1,440x900-pixel resolution.Prices? The 11-inch edition will sell for anywhere from $999 and $1,099, depending on the configuration, while the 13-inch model will run anywhere from $1,199 to $1,499.Commenting on the flood of ultrabooks hitting the market, Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller said of the MacBook Air at WWDC today that "everyone is trying to copy it, but they find it's not so easy."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.Play
Apple's new MacBook Airs are getting a dose of Ivy Bridge and a few other upgrades, but no Retina Display.Announced at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference today, the new MacBook Airs will be equipped with the latest Intel Ivy Bridge chips, offering up to a 2.0 Ghz dual-core i7 processor. But the added Turbo Boost can bump the processor speed up to 3.2GHz.Other options include a 512GB solid-state drive with a read speed of 500MBps, faster than any other hard drive, according to Apple. Also on the feature list is 8GB of 1600Mhz memory. And Apple has made the move to Intel's HD Graphics 400, which Apple says will boost the graphics speed by 60 percent.Apple's WWDC 2012: iOS 6, Mountain Lion,...See full gallery1 - 4 / 27NextPrevAnd not one, but two USB 3.0 ports will be part of the package. Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller said that other PC makers have added USB 3.0 to their machines, but sometimes they add one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0. Apple, however, is adding two ports that work for both technologies, Schiller said.A FaceTime HD 720-pixel camera is on the front, so MacBook Air owners can chat via video with iPhone and iPad users.One possible negative, though -- no Retina Display for the MacBook Airs. The 11-inch MacBook Air still offers a resolution of 1,366x768 pixels, while the 13-incher is sticking with a 1,440x900-pixel resolution.Prices? The 11-inch edition will sell for anywhere from $999 and $1,099, depending on the configuration, while the 13-inch model will run anywhere from $1,199 to $1,499.Commenting on the flood of ultrabooks hitting the market, Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller said of the MacBook Air at WWDC today that "everyone is trying to copy it, but they find it's not so easy."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.Play
Apple bans hackers from App Store
Apple bans hackers from App Store
After a long battle with hackers who have been successful at jailbreaking the iPhone from one version of the OS to another, Apple is now taking a more personal approach to locking down the device. It's been reported that known iPhone jailbreaking/unlocking hackers have had their Apple IDs banned from Apple's App Store.The capability to run apps in the background is one of the reasons why many people look to jailbreak the iPhone.Screenshot by Dong Ngo/CNETOne of those hackers is Sherif Hashim, who recently found an exploit in the latest iPhone OS version 3.1.3 that could unlock the baseband version 05.12.01. Sherif now gets a message saying that his Apple ID is banned for "security reasons" each time he tries to access the Apple's App Store.Baseband is the component that controls the connection between the phone and the mobile network; when unlocked, it allows the phone to work with any GSM carrier. Apple tends to release updated firmware for this chip specifically in order to relock iPhones that have previously been unlocked. The exploit hasn't been released yet, though it has been confirmed that it works by DevTeam, a group of hackers that develop methods to jailbreak and unlock Apple's handheld devices. Other hackers have also reported that their Apple IDs have been banned. It seems that this action of Apple's is merely a warning, as these hackers can always just create another Apple ID and access the App Store that way. It would be a lot harsher if Apple decided to ban their devices. The latest firmware of the iPhone OS, version 3.1.3, apart from relocking any jailbroken phones, doesn't seem to offer much improvement. Instead, it has a few battery and sync issues.
After a long battle with hackers who have been successful at jailbreaking the iPhone from one version of the OS to another, Apple is now taking a more personal approach to locking down the device. It's been reported that known iPhone jailbreaking/unlocking hackers have had their Apple IDs banned from Apple's App Store.The capability to run apps in the background is one of the reasons why many people look to jailbreak the iPhone.Screenshot by Dong Ngo/CNETOne of those hackers is Sherif Hashim, who recently found an exploit in the latest iPhone OS version 3.1.3 that could unlock the baseband version 05.12.01. Sherif now gets a message saying that his Apple ID is banned for "security reasons" each time he tries to access the Apple's App Store.Baseband is the component that controls the connection between the phone and the mobile network; when unlocked, it allows the phone to work with any GSM carrier. Apple tends to release updated firmware for this chip specifically in order to relock iPhones that have previously been unlocked. The exploit hasn't been released yet, though it has been confirmed that it works by DevTeam, a group of hackers that develop methods to jailbreak and unlock Apple's handheld devices. Other hackers have also reported that their Apple IDs have been banned. It seems that this action of Apple's is merely a warning, as these hackers can always just create another Apple ID and access the App Store that way. It would be a lot harsher if Apple decided to ban their devices. The latest firmware of the iPhone OS, version 3.1.3, apart from relocking any jailbroken phones, doesn't seem to offer much improvement. Instead, it has a few battery and sync issues.
Apple awarded stocking full of patents, including heart monitor
Apple awarded stocking full of patents, including heart monitor
The US Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday granted Apple 23 patents, including one for an embedded heart-rate monitor that might just be of interest to those on the watch for all things iWatch.The most notable of the bunch -- which range from Apple Store display stands to data storage management -- is the patent for a "seamlessly embedded heart rate monitor." That seems like something that would be used in the much-anticipated and so-called iWatch.In the patent, Apple points out that the heart rate monitor might be integrated into an accessory: "In some embodiments, an accessory coupled to the electronic device could be used to detect a user's heart rate. For example, the leads could be located in one or more earbuds or in a headset, for example."We have to tip the (Santa's) hat to Patently Apple for noticing the patents on this Christmas Eve. (Update: Apple Insider -- we've since learned -- spotted the patents first.) Interest in wearable computers has swelled in recent months as reports trickled out that Apple was creating a smartwatch that would run on its iOS mobile operating system. Later reports suggested that Apple went on a hiring spree for its iWatch effort.And just Monday, Apple CEO Tim Cook told employees in a memo that the company has "big plans that we think customers are going to love" in 2014. We're certainlyexpecting lots of wearable gadgets to debut next month in Las Vegas at CES. Perhaps this patent is key to one in the distant future from Apple.Here you can view the full list of patents awarded to Apple today.
The US Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday granted Apple 23 patents, including one for an embedded heart-rate monitor that might just be of interest to those on the watch for all things iWatch.The most notable of the bunch -- which range from Apple Store display stands to data storage management -- is the patent for a "seamlessly embedded heart rate monitor." That seems like something that would be used in the much-anticipated and so-called iWatch.In the patent, Apple points out that the heart rate monitor might be integrated into an accessory: "In some embodiments, an accessory coupled to the electronic device could be used to detect a user's heart rate. For example, the leads could be located in one or more earbuds or in a headset, for example."We have to tip the (Santa's) hat to Patently Apple for noticing the patents on this Christmas Eve. (Update: Apple Insider -- we've since learned -- spotted the patents first.) Interest in wearable computers has swelled in recent months as reports trickled out that Apple was creating a smartwatch that would run on its iOS mobile operating system. Later reports suggested that Apple went on a hiring spree for its iWatch effort.And just Monday, Apple CEO Tim Cook told employees in a memo that the company has "big plans that we think customers are going to love" in 2014. We're certainlyexpecting lots of wearable gadgets to debut next month in Las Vegas at CES. Perhaps this patent is key to one in the distant future from Apple.Here you can view the full list of patents awarded to Apple today.
Apple expanding in Texas with $304 million investment
Apple is planning a major investment in Texas, the governor's office has announced.According to Gov. Rick Perry, Apple plans to drop $304 million into a new campus in Austin. The new facility, the governor's office said Friday, will create over 3,600 jobs in the state over the next decade and double the size of Apple's workforce across Texas. The state didn't divulge too many details but did say the facility will be used to expand "customer support, sales, and accounting functions."Apple's major investment might lend a bit more credence to the company's claims earlier this month that it has been a key source of jobs across the U.S. Citing a survey from Analysis Group, Apple said it has either "created or supported" 514,000 positions across the U.S. Out of that, 47,000 people are actually employed by the company. "We've created or supported more than 500,000 jobs for U.S. workers: from the engineer who helped invent the iPad to the delivery person who brings it to your door," Apple said at the time.To help sweeten the pot for its latest deal, Apple was given $21 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund. The fund, which is used to close deals that bring companies to the state, has awarded over $443.4 million to firms since its inception in 2003. Perry's office claims these companies have created over 62,000 new jobs and more than $15.4 billion in capital investment for the state.
Apple envy? Microsoft exec cites MacBook Air design
At least one Microsoft executive believes that Apple designs are good enough to cite as a yardstick. After revealing that Windows Blue would officially be called 8.1 at the JP Morgan Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference on Tuesday, Microsoft Chief Marketing Officer Tami Reller moved on to the topic of tablets, convertibles, and detachables. "The HP envy x2 is a classic example of a beautiful detachable.When the tablet and base are together it looks like a MacBook Air competitor," she said. How good is the Envy x2's design? "This 11-inch ultraportable laptop is cute, well-constructed in largely brushed aluminum, and, yes, pretty sexy," said CNET Reviews.Related storiesCNET's HP Envy x2 reviewAnd it definitely trumps the Air in one respect: it's a true hybrid. As Reller said, it can be both a standalone tablet (it weighs in at 1.5 pounds as a tablet) and laptop. But not all the comparisons are favorable. The Envy uses a relatively slow Intel Atom processor (the Air packs a faster Ivy Bridge chip) and in laptop mode it weighs 3.1 pounds versus the comparable 11.6-inch Air, which weighs 2.4 pounds. Some might also dispute a comparison to the MacBook Air on aesthetic grounds. That said, HP is on to something.The Envy x2 with Intel's upcoming quad-core Bay Trail Atom chip -- a complete redesign of the Atom micro-architecture -- might be worth a closer look. MacBook Air.Apple
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