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.
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.
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