Apple TV's new user interface: Hands-on
The new Apple TV is getting 1080p, but the redesigned user interface is coming to both new Apple TV models and existing 2nd-gen models. The software update for 2nd-gen Apple TV boxes is already available today, so I installed the update and was able to take the new interface for a spin.Not everyone realizes that the Apple TV actually runs on the same iOS software that powers the iPad and iPhone, but this latest update make it a lot more obvious. Gone is the "list"-type menus from the old interface, replaced with a grid of icons that makes your TV look a little like a giant iPad. It's a much more colorful look, but the giant grid of icons looks a little less organized to our eyes. At the very top of the main screen is cover art of "top content" that changes depending on what media type is selected (movies, TV shows, music).The new interface betrays its iOS originsSarah Tew/CBS InteractiveIf you jump into the iTunes Store for either movies or TV shows, the interface has also been somewhat updated. Along the top is a carousel of popular content, followed by the traditional grid of cover art underneath. Once you select a movie, the summary page looks identical, although that's not a bad thing since it's the best presentation we've seen on a streaming video box. While you've been able to re-stream purchased TV shows for quite some time, the same functionality has also been added for movies, with a new "Purchased" menu options running along the top.The iTunes store features prominent content as well as Genius recommendationsSarah Tew/CBS Interactive Related storiesAll iPad coverage from CNETFirst Take: Apple's new iPadApple iPad with Retina Display makes its debutApple's new iPad gets 4G LTEApple TV announced, with 1080pApple iOS 5.1: First TakeThe other new feature in the top menu bar is "Genius", which is Apple's recommendations engine for content. It's easy to to see this as a ho-hum feature, especially since recommendations are such an integral part of Netflix already, but it's a needed addition to the content browsing experience. I'd have to use it quite a bit more to see if the suggestions are consistently worthwhile, but the initial picks for TV shows (based on the fact that I bought an episode of "Louie") seem on the mark: "Party Down", "Parks and Recreation", "The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret", "Wilfred", "Bored to Death" and "Running Wilde".The Genius system appears to work quite well with useful recommendationsSarah Tew/CBS InteractiveBeyond the main user interface, the update is only skin deep. Services like Netflix and MLB.TV have the same user interface as before, which is a bit of a disappointment, especially for Netflix, since I prefer the more visual interface available on other devices like the Roku LT, Sony PS3 and countless Blu-ray players. The iTunes Match interface is also the same and it's a little surprising that you still can't purchase music from the iTunes Store on an Apple TV.While the new interface supports resolutions up to 1080p, it's locked to 720p on the existing modelSarah Tew/CBS InteractiveI've only spent about an hour or so with the new user interface, but there doesn't seem to be much more beyond that. I'll be doing a full review with the new hardware when it become available next Friday, but right now it seems like the major advantage to the new hardware will be the 1080p interface and 1080p content (both Netflix and iTunes Store). (Perhaps higher resolution AirPlay mirroring will be available too, but I haven't seen confirmation of that yet.) If you have a 2nd-gen Apple TV already, that's not much of an incentive to upgrade.Apple's new Apple TV hands-on (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 9NextPrev
MP3 Mailbox Monday- JetAudio and server-based music
MP3 Mailbox Monday: JetAudio and server-based music
A:If you're looking for something for basic digital audio playback that's a pretty light application, I like JetAudio.It plays a huge variety of audio formats and offers some appealing extras, such as CD burning and conversion between audio formats. There are also several skins available for personalization, cross-fade capability, a feature that lets you create your own Internet radio station, and sound effects such as X-Bass and reverb. It's a fun little application that's pretty simple to learn. Windows Media Player comes standard on all Windows machines and is just fine for MP3/WMA playback and CD ripping/burning, as well as some video playback. Personally, I use Rhapsody, but that's mostly because of the service aspect and for transferring to my MP3 player.Q: Is there a reasonably simple solution for this challenge described below?Different members of our family have different MP3 players, and we have been trying to discover the best way for everyone to be able to share tunes, all from home. It seems that when we use either iPods, or Zunes, they lockdown the music files on the PC you manage the MP3 player from.Recently, I migrated from an older desktop, and trying to move the Zune stuff was a wrestling match--the winner has still to be identified.I've considered MS Home server, or just having everyone not purchase (if this can be done) their music through each player's service provider, and keeping a separate but shared file folder.Haven't tried it yet, but something tells me that as soon as you identify the folder to share, the respective MP3 player will lock it down. We have several different iPods, a Zune, and another less-well-known brand MP3 player. -- Jay, via e-mailA: Well, your issue is two-fold. The first part has to do with the players that you use, and the second applies to how you get your music. Any music that is ripped from CD or was purchased in the unprotected MP3 format--which more and more stores are starting to sell, even iTunes and the Zune Marketplace--should be able to live on a server, with the networked computers pinging it when necessary. This should work just fine for those that use the iPods (and iTunes) and the less-well-known brands. However, I have heard of the Zune Software having problems when it comes to music stored on a server.However, an update just came out that might have fixed it.Now, if you have people purchasing protected AACs from iTunes or protected WMAs from Zune Marketplace, you'll probably have some issues with the server method. The songs from both stores can be authorized on up to five computers (and an amount of players deemed "reasonable for personal use"), but I believe they have to live on each computer that is authorized if you want to keep transfers to portable devices relatively hassle-free. Of course, it'd be easiest if none of the players were iPods or Zunes, since closed software relationships tend to want to "lock things down" as you mentioned, but it might be tough to convince your family members on that logic.CNET Networks/<br />Corinne Schulze" /> MP3 Mailbox Monday is a recurring feature where I answer a selection of questions about MP3 players and accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and music services and software. Check back often to see if the advice presented here might be of some use to you, or send your questions directly to me. (Note: We never include last names, but if you prefer to remain completely anonymous, please state as much in your e-mail.)
A:If you're looking for something for basic digital audio playback that's a pretty light application, I like JetAudio.It plays a huge variety of audio formats and offers some appealing extras, such as CD burning and conversion between audio formats. There are also several skins available for personalization, cross-fade capability, a feature that lets you create your own Internet radio station, and sound effects such as X-Bass and reverb. It's a fun little application that's pretty simple to learn. Windows Media Player comes standard on all Windows machines and is just fine for MP3/WMA playback and CD ripping/burning, as well as some video playback. Personally, I use Rhapsody, but that's mostly because of the service aspect and for transferring to my MP3 player.Q: Is there a reasonably simple solution for this challenge described below?Different members of our family have different MP3 players, and we have been trying to discover the best way for everyone to be able to share tunes, all from home. It seems that when we use either iPods, or Zunes, they lockdown the music files on the PC you manage the MP3 player from.Recently, I migrated from an older desktop, and trying to move the Zune stuff was a wrestling match--the winner has still to be identified.I've considered MS Home server, or just having everyone not purchase (if this can be done) their music through each player's service provider, and keeping a separate but shared file folder.Haven't tried it yet, but something tells me that as soon as you identify the folder to share, the respective MP3 player will lock it down. We have several different iPods, a Zune, and another less-well-known brand MP3 player. -- Jay, via e-mailA: Well, your issue is two-fold. The first part has to do with the players that you use, and the second applies to how you get your music. Any music that is ripped from CD or was purchased in the unprotected MP3 format--which more and more stores are starting to sell, even iTunes and the Zune Marketplace--should be able to live on a server, with the networked computers pinging it when necessary. This should work just fine for those that use the iPods (and iTunes) and the less-well-known brands. However, I have heard of the Zune Software having problems when it comes to music stored on a server.However, an update just came out that might have fixed it.Now, if you have people purchasing protected AACs from iTunes or protected WMAs from Zune Marketplace, you'll probably have some issues with the server method. The songs from both stores can be authorized on up to five computers (and an amount of players deemed "reasonable for personal use"), but I believe they have to live on each computer that is authorized if you want to keep transfers to portable devices relatively hassle-free. Of course, it'd be easiest if none of the players were iPods or Zunes, since closed software relationships tend to want to "lock things down" as you mentioned, but it might be tough to convince your family members on that logic.CNET Networks/<br />Corinne Schulze" /> MP3 Mailbox Monday is a recurring feature where I answer a selection of questions about MP3 players and accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and music services and software. Check back often to see if the advice presented here might be of some use to you, or send your questions directly to me. (Note: We never include last names, but if you prefer to remain completely anonymous, please state as much in your e-mail.)
Auris Skye adds AirPlay and DLNA to 30-pin speaker docks (hands-on)
Auris Skye adds AirPlay and DLNA to 30-pin speaker docks (hands-on)
If you've been vested in the iDevice ecosystem for a while, you probably own a speaker dock that has a 30-pin connector -- one that is now incompatible with your current-generation iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Those newfangled Lightning ports make docking out of the question.So, what happens to that perfectly good speaker? Craigslist? Garage sale? Landfill?! (Horrors.) If it's a higher-end speaker that you want to keep using, consider giving it a wireless makeover. The Auris Skye is a small receiver that endows 30-pin speaker docks with AirPlay, DLNA, and Wi-Fi Direct capabilities.If that sounds familiar, you might be thinking of the Dolry HiFi Stone, a similiar product. But the Skye promises at least two advantages over the Stone, including versatility and price.About the size of a matchbook, the Skye slips onto the 30-pin connector, which powers the receiver. From there you run through a pairing process via the Auris Skye app, after which your speaker appears as an AirPlay device -- easy-peasy.Well, in theory. I had trouble with my initial AirPlay pairing, as the app (which was and still is in beta) kept asking me for my Wi-Fi network password, even though it doesn't have one. What's more, I found it difficult to see the tiny status LED atop the Skye, which isn't very bright (perhaps because it's emanating from a tiny hole). Ultimately I had to reset the unit by inserting a paperclip into that hole. Thankfully, after that the Skye setup went smoothly, and I was able to stream tunes from both my iPhone and iTunes on my PC.Unfortunately, I had problems getting the gizmo to work with DLNA sources. Windows Media Player (in Windows 8) could detect the Skye, but any attempts to play music resulted in error messages about media compatibility. (I was testing with ordinary MP3 files.) Likewise, I tried several Android apps that offer DLNA features, including 2Player 1.0, BubbleUPnP, and Streambels. The results, respectively, were total failure to play; sporadic playback; and the same error as Windows Media Player. Auris recommends using iTunes (and AirPlay) if you want to stream music from your PC and could offer no remedies for the issues I encountered.Your mileage may vary, but if you're purchasing the Skye expressly for use as a DLNA receiver, I would advise against it.But as an AirPlay receiver, it works quite well. And there are a couple advantages to choosing this over, say, a Bluetooth receiver that plugs into your speaker's line-in jack. For one thing, audio fidelity: Bluetooth relies on compression to transmit audio, while AirPlay does not. For another, range: While Bluetooth has an effective range of about 30 feet, AirPlay keeps the music playing so long as both your device and your receiver are within range of your router. That means you can easily move between rooms without the music cutting out.The Skye is available now for preorder, with an expected ship date of January 2014. (Backers of the original Kickstarter project can expect theirs next month.) The price is set at $73.99, though you can get two for a slight discount of $139.98.Your thoughts? Would you like being able to convert an old speaker dock to AirPlay? If so, is this a reasonable price to make that happen?
If you've been vested in the iDevice ecosystem for a while, you probably own a speaker dock that has a 30-pin connector -- one that is now incompatible with your current-generation iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Those newfangled Lightning ports make docking out of the question.So, what happens to that perfectly good speaker? Craigslist? Garage sale? Landfill?! (Horrors.) If it's a higher-end speaker that you want to keep using, consider giving it a wireless makeover. The Auris Skye is a small receiver that endows 30-pin speaker docks with AirPlay, DLNA, and Wi-Fi Direct capabilities.If that sounds familiar, you might be thinking of the Dolry HiFi Stone, a similiar product. But the Skye promises at least two advantages over the Stone, including versatility and price.About the size of a matchbook, the Skye slips onto the 30-pin connector, which powers the receiver. From there you run through a pairing process via the Auris Skye app, after which your speaker appears as an AirPlay device -- easy-peasy.Well, in theory. I had trouble with my initial AirPlay pairing, as the app (which was and still is in beta) kept asking me for my Wi-Fi network password, even though it doesn't have one. What's more, I found it difficult to see the tiny status LED atop the Skye, which isn't very bright (perhaps because it's emanating from a tiny hole). Ultimately I had to reset the unit by inserting a paperclip into that hole. Thankfully, after that the Skye setup went smoothly, and I was able to stream tunes from both my iPhone and iTunes on my PC.Unfortunately, I had problems getting the gizmo to work with DLNA sources. Windows Media Player (in Windows 8) could detect the Skye, but any attempts to play music resulted in error messages about media compatibility. (I was testing with ordinary MP3 files.) Likewise, I tried several Android apps that offer DLNA features, including 2Player 1.0, BubbleUPnP, and Streambels. The results, respectively, were total failure to play; sporadic playback; and the same error as Windows Media Player. Auris recommends using iTunes (and AirPlay) if you want to stream music from your PC and could offer no remedies for the issues I encountered.Your mileage may vary, but if you're purchasing the Skye expressly for use as a DLNA receiver, I would advise against it.But as an AirPlay receiver, it works quite well. And there are a couple advantages to choosing this over, say, a Bluetooth receiver that plugs into your speaker's line-in jack. For one thing, audio fidelity: Bluetooth relies on compression to transmit audio, while AirPlay does not. For another, range: While Bluetooth has an effective range of about 30 feet, AirPlay keeps the music playing so long as both your device and your receiver are within range of your router. That means you can easily move between rooms without the music cutting out.The Skye is available now for preorder, with an expected ship date of January 2014. (Backers of the original Kickstarter project can expect theirs next month.) The price is set at $73.99, though you can get two for a slight discount of $139.98.Your thoughts? Would you like being able to convert an old speaker dock to AirPlay? If so, is this a reasonable price to make that happen?
The 404 1,092- Where we wake up screaming (podcast)
The 404 1,092: Where we wake up screaming (podcast)
The Sleep Doctor Michael Breus is back in the studio to solve all our snooze-related questions, and he also brings us a new toy! He's showing off the Renew SleepClock by Gear4, a sleep management tool that knows when you're sleeping and takes careful measurements to record your sleep patterns.It also works as a tailored alarm clock that wakes you up at the lightest moment in your sleep cycle, so you'll arise super refreshed. Dr. Breus also gave us one to give away on a future show, so be sure to tune in to find out how to win.As usual, the Doctor also answers questions from our listeners. Today he'll respond to inquiries about the correlation between memory and sleep, and whether or not we can learn things like languages and facts just by sleeping.With the London summer Olympics upon us, Dr. Breus also explains the palpable link between levels of daytime sleepiness and a player's overall success in baseball and football -- according to his article in the Huffington Post, athletes that adhere to a sensible sleep regiment at night are more likely to have longer careers and stay with the teams that originally drafted them. The opposite is also true for those that experience sleep deprivation during the day.We're always learning new things when Dr. Breus swings by the studio, and one listener wrote in to tell us about his own experience:"Thanks to your previous advice on this show, my dad got tested for sleep apnea, and the doctor told him he had one of the worst cases he had ever seen. He now uses a special sleep mask/machine and it's made a huge difference, thanks!"See? Contrary to popular belief, you CAN learn something by listening to our show. Big thanks to Dr. Breus for joining us today!For more sleep advice, check out Dr. Breus' Web site.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayEpisode 1,092PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff Bakalar
The Sleep Doctor Michael Breus is back in the studio to solve all our snooze-related questions, and he also brings us a new toy! He's showing off the Renew SleepClock by Gear4, a sleep management tool that knows when you're sleeping and takes careful measurements to record your sleep patterns.It also works as a tailored alarm clock that wakes you up at the lightest moment in your sleep cycle, so you'll arise super refreshed. Dr. Breus also gave us one to give away on a future show, so be sure to tune in to find out how to win.As usual, the Doctor also answers questions from our listeners. Today he'll respond to inquiries about the correlation between memory and sleep, and whether or not we can learn things like languages and facts just by sleeping.With the London summer Olympics upon us, Dr. Breus also explains the palpable link between levels of daytime sleepiness and a player's overall success in baseball and football -- according to his article in the Huffington Post, athletes that adhere to a sensible sleep regiment at night are more likely to have longer careers and stay with the teams that originally drafted them. The opposite is also true for those that experience sleep deprivation during the day.We're always learning new things when Dr. Breus swings by the studio, and one listener wrote in to tell us about his own experience:"Thanks to your previous advice on this show, my dad got tested for sleep apnea, and the doctor told him he had one of the worst cases he had ever seen. He now uses a special sleep mask/machine and it's made a huge difference, thanks!"See? Contrary to popular belief, you CAN learn something by listening to our show. Big thanks to Dr. Breus for joining us today!For more sleep advice, check out Dr. Breus' Web site.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayEpisode 1,092PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff Bakalar
Kill the Snowden interview, congressman tells SXSW
Kill the Snowden interview, congressman tells SXSW
A member of the House Intelligence Committee, Mike Pompeo, published anopen letter to South by Southwest Interactive conference organizers onFriday demanding that they rescind their invitation to Edward Snowden.Related storiesApple's SXSW iTunes Festival app doesn't require iOS 7.1FreedomPop's 'Snowden phone' encrypts your calls and dataEdward Snowden to speak at South by Southwest Pompeo, R-Kan., said he was "deeply troubled" by the scheduled videoappearance of Snowden, whom he described as lacking the credentials toauthoritatively speak on issues pertaining to "privacy, surveillance,and online monitoring." Snowden is scheduled to speak by video conferencing on Monday at 11 a.m.CT with Christopher Soghoian, a privacy advocate and principaltechnologist at the American Civil Liberties Union, who will be onstageatSXSW inAustin, Texas. Moderated by Ben Wizner, the director of the ACLU'sSpeech, Privacy, and Technology Project, Snowden is expected to answeraudience questions. The panel, "A Virtual Conversation with Edward Snowden," will focus on the impact of the NSA spying revelations and how technology can be used to protect privacy. Snowden's "only apparent qualification," Pompeo wrote, "is hiswillingness to steal from his own government and then flee to thatbeacon of First Amendment freedoms, the Russia of Vladimir Putin."Representing Kansas' fourth district, Pompeo has been critical ofSnowden's whistle-blowing. He described Snowden as a "traitor" in thepress release announcing the SXSW letter, and said that the documentsleaked by Snowden are "now in the hands of other countries."Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo (R).pompeo.house.gov Snowden and the reporters to whom he leaked the NSA documents have denied that accusation, saying he gave all his copies of the documents to reporters.Snowden denied giving the documents to other governments. "There's azero percent chance the Russians or Chinese have received anydocuments," he said last October. Snowden fled the US before leaking the documents, and eventually settled in Russia, which granted him asylum for one year. Neither Rep. Pompeo nor SXSW returned requests for comment. CNET will update the story when we hear back from them.
A member of the House Intelligence Committee, Mike Pompeo, published anopen letter to South by Southwest Interactive conference organizers onFriday demanding that they rescind their invitation to Edward Snowden.Related storiesApple's SXSW iTunes Festival app doesn't require iOS 7.1FreedomPop's 'Snowden phone' encrypts your calls and dataEdward Snowden to speak at South by Southwest Pompeo, R-Kan., said he was "deeply troubled" by the scheduled videoappearance of Snowden, whom he described as lacking the credentials toauthoritatively speak on issues pertaining to "privacy, surveillance,and online monitoring." Snowden is scheduled to speak by video conferencing on Monday at 11 a.m.CT with Christopher Soghoian, a privacy advocate and principaltechnologist at the American Civil Liberties Union, who will be onstageatSXSW inAustin, Texas. Moderated by Ben Wizner, the director of the ACLU'sSpeech, Privacy, and Technology Project, Snowden is expected to answeraudience questions. The panel, "A Virtual Conversation with Edward Snowden," will focus on the impact of the NSA spying revelations and how technology can be used to protect privacy. Snowden's "only apparent qualification," Pompeo wrote, "is hiswillingness to steal from his own government and then flee to thatbeacon of First Amendment freedoms, the Russia of Vladimir Putin."Representing Kansas' fourth district, Pompeo has been critical ofSnowden's whistle-blowing. He described Snowden as a "traitor" in thepress release announcing the SXSW letter, and said that the documentsleaked by Snowden are "now in the hands of other countries."Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo (R).pompeo.house.gov Snowden and the reporters to whom he leaked the NSA documents have denied that accusation, saying he gave all his copies of the documents to reporters.Snowden denied giving the documents to other governments. "There's azero percent chance the Russians or Chinese have received anydocuments," he said last October. Snowden fled the US before leaking the documents, and eventually settled in Russia, which granted him asylum for one year. Neither Rep. Pompeo nor SXSW returned requests for comment. CNET will update the story when we hear back from them.
Apple's Mac Pro fairly easy to repair, says iFixit
Apple's Mac Pro fairly easy to repair, says iFixit
Yearning to take apart your new $3,000 Mac Pro? The journey through its innards shouldn't be too taxing, according to a teardown from the folks at iFixit.Hiking and hacking through the interior of the entry-level late 2013 Mac Pro, iFixit found its design closer to that of an aluminum soda can than a trash can, to which it's been ignominiously compared. Opening the cylindrical casing requires but a snap of the lock switch, thereby exposing the first layer of cards and components.The RAM modules are easily accessible and replaceable, says iFixit, so users can max out the memory to 64GB without too much sweat. Removing the solid-state drive entails just a turn of a screwdriver, revealing the flash storage and flash controller. But coaxing off the data connectors for the graphics card pulls iFixit's special spudger tool into duty.The dual AMD FirePro D300 graphics cards are held in place by a clamp and four screws. The iFixit team did note: "While this stacks up fairly well for current Apple GPU offerings, the proprietary nature, and lack of an elegant external GPU option, may age this device before its time." Diving deeper, iFixit discovers that the logic board, the dual graphics cards, and the I/O port board all connect to a single disc-shaped "daughterboard." Placed between the logic board and I/O board, the power supply proves a bit tough to remove but comes off with help from a Torx screwdriver. Finally, users who want to upgrade from the entry-level processor can dig through the components to swap out the CPU.Despite a few small obstacles, the quest to take apart the new Mac Pro proved relatively carefree. The computer's design is "surprisingly modular and easy to disassemble," according to iFixit. But the site does have one bit of advice: "With some proprietary new connectors and tight cable routing, working on this $3,000 device without a repair manual could be risky."The final grade: 8 out of 10 on the repairability scale (10 being the easiest to repair).
Yearning to take apart your new $3,000 Mac Pro? The journey through its innards shouldn't be too taxing, according to a teardown from the folks at iFixit.Hiking and hacking through the interior of the entry-level late 2013 Mac Pro, iFixit found its design closer to that of an aluminum soda can than a trash can, to which it's been ignominiously compared. Opening the cylindrical casing requires but a snap of the lock switch, thereby exposing the first layer of cards and components.The RAM modules are easily accessible and replaceable, says iFixit, so users can max out the memory to 64GB without too much sweat. Removing the solid-state drive entails just a turn of a screwdriver, revealing the flash storage and flash controller. But coaxing off the data connectors for the graphics card pulls iFixit's special spudger tool into duty.The dual AMD FirePro D300 graphics cards are held in place by a clamp and four screws. The iFixit team did note: "While this stacks up fairly well for current Apple GPU offerings, the proprietary nature, and lack of an elegant external GPU option, may age this device before its time." Diving deeper, iFixit discovers that the logic board, the dual graphics cards, and the I/O port board all connect to a single disc-shaped "daughterboard." Placed between the logic board and I/O board, the power supply proves a bit tough to remove but comes off with help from a Torx screwdriver. Finally, users who want to upgrade from the entry-level processor can dig through the components to swap out the CPU.Despite a few small obstacles, the quest to take apart the new Mac Pro proved relatively carefree. The computer's design is "surprisingly modular and easy to disassemble," according to iFixit. But the site does have one bit of advice: "With some proprietary new connectors and tight cable routing, working on this $3,000 device without a repair manual could be risky."The final grade: 8 out of 10 on the repairability scale (10 being the easiest to repair).
Apple's Mac App Store to launch January 6
Apple's Mac App Store to launch January 6
Apple will be launching its anticipated Mac App Store on January 6.The store will be available in 90 countries at launch, and like its mobile counterpart, it will feature access to both paid and free apps across several categories, including education, productivity, and games, among others, Apple announced today. Users will be able to download the Mac App Store through Software Update.The Mac App Store experience will be familiar to those who currently have iOS-based devices such as the iPhone. The marketplace's users will be able to get information about apps prior to downloading them, as well as see customer ratings and reviews. Updates to apps users have installed will be available through the Mac App Store, Apple said."The App Store revolutionized mobile apps," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs in a statement. "We hope to do the same for PC apps with the Mac App Store by making finding and buying PC apps easy and fun." Developers who choose to offer paid apps will be able to keep 70 percent of the revenue generated from their programs, while Apple will take the remaining 30 percent. In addition, those who offer free apps will not be charged by Apple to offer their programs in the Mac App Store.Apple did not immediately respond to request for comment on how many apps would be available in its marketplace at launch.The Mac App Store's January 6 launch date is perhaps a bit ahead of schedule. When Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the Mac App Store in October, he indicated that it would be available to Mac OS X users within 90 days, prompting some to believe the store would launch at the end of January.The Mac App Store will only be available to Mac OS X Snow Leopard users at launch. It will also come with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, which is expected to be released next summer.
Apple will be launching its anticipated Mac App Store on January 6.The store will be available in 90 countries at launch, and like its mobile counterpart, it will feature access to both paid and free apps across several categories, including education, productivity, and games, among others, Apple announced today. Users will be able to download the Mac App Store through Software Update.The Mac App Store experience will be familiar to those who currently have iOS-based devices such as the iPhone. The marketplace's users will be able to get information about apps prior to downloading them, as well as see customer ratings and reviews. Updates to apps users have installed will be available through the Mac App Store, Apple said."The App Store revolutionized mobile apps," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs in a statement. "We hope to do the same for PC apps with the Mac App Store by making finding and buying PC apps easy and fun." Developers who choose to offer paid apps will be able to keep 70 percent of the revenue generated from their programs, while Apple will take the remaining 30 percent. In addition, those who offer free apps will not be charged by Apple to offer their programs in the Mac App Store.Apple did not immediately respond to request for comment on how many apps would be available in its marketplace at launch.The Mac App Store's January 6 launch date is perhaps a bit ahead of schedule. When Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the Mac App Store in October, he indicated that it would be available to Mac OS X users within 90 days, prompting some to believe the store would launch at the end of January.The Mac App Store will only be available to Mac OS X Snow Leopard users at launch. It will also come with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, which is expected to be released next summer.
Apple's Mac App Store hits 10,000 apps benchmark
Apple's Mac App Store hits 10,000 apps benchmark
Apple's Mac App Store now contains more than 10,000 applications, according to two different third-party estimates.French outlet MacGeneration today posted its estimate of the tally based on its own data. Macrumors later pointed to its Appshopper site that pulls App Store data and currently lists the store's total at 10,334 apps.Apple launched the store on January 6, 2011, as a means of distributing software for Mac the same way it did with success on the iOS platform. In December, Apple said it passed 100 million application downloads by users, while making the claim that it was the "fastest growing PC software store in the world." To put the benchmark -- which an Apple spokesperson declined to confirm -- in context, it took Apple's App Store for iPhone (and later iOS) less than half a year to reach 10,000 apps.At the same time, that store had pulled in more than 300 million downloads, Apple said. Worth pointing out though, is that the App Store is the only way to officially get software on the iOS platform, whereas Mac users can install from other sources.That said, Apple is setting up the Mac App Store to have more importance in future versions of the Mac OS. In February the company announced Mountain Lion, the next major version of the Mac OS due out in "late summer." One of its key features is Gatekeeper, technology that's been designed to keep users from installing malware with an option that can be turned on to keep new app installations limited to the Mac App Store.
Apple's Mac App Store now contains more than 10,000 applications, according to two different third-party estimates.French outlet MacGeneration today posted its estimate of the tally based on its own data. Macrumors later pointed to its Appshopper site that pulls App Store data and currently lists the store's total at 10,334 apps.Apple launched the store on January 6, 2011, as a means of distributing software for Mac the same way it did with success on the iOS platform. In December, Apple said it passed 100 million application downloads by users, while making the claim that it was the "fastest growing PC software store in the world." To put the benchmark -- which an Apple spokesperson declined to confirm -- in context, it took Apple's App Store for iPhone (and later iOS) less than half a year to reach 10,000 apps.At the same time, that store had pulled in more than 300 million downloads, Apple said. Worth pointing out though, is that the App Store is the only way to officially get software on the iOS platform, whereas Mac users can install from other sources.That said, Apple is setting up the Mac App Store to have more importance in future versions of the Mac OS. In February the company announced Mountain Lion, the next major version of the Mac OS due out in "late summer." One of its key features is Gatekeeper, technology that's been designed to keep users from installing malware with an option that can be turned on to keep new app installations limited to the Mac App Store.
Apple's M&A chief reportedly met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk
Apple's M&A chief reportedly met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk
Apple may have been kicking the tires on Tesla, according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, which reported that the company's chief of mergers and acquisitions met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk last year.Adrian Perica met with Musk and "probably" Apple CEO Tim Cook at Apple's Cupertino headquarters last spring, according to the report, which cited a source whose identity was concealed to protect business relationships. "While a megadeal has yet to emerge (for all of its cash, Apple still plays hardball on valuation), such a high-level meeting between the two Silicon Valley giants involving their top deal makers suggests Apple was very much interested in buying the electric car pioneer," the report said. This isn't the first time an Apple acquisition of Tesla has been suggested. Adnaan Ahmad, an analyst with German investment bank Berenberg, caused a media stir last October when he penned an open letter to Cook and Chairman Arthur Levinson that made a case that acquiring Tesla could give Apple long-term revenue growth that is unavailable from smartphones and tablets."I know this is radical and potentially 'transformative' but this would radically alter Apple's growth profile," Ahmad wrote. "In Elon Musk, you could strike up a partnership and obtain a new iconic partner to lead Apple's innovation drive."Apple already has made inroads with the automobile sector. At WWDC 2013, Apple announced plans to better integrate iOS into car dashboard screens. The company also has a partnership with Ferrari; Apple created an infotainment system for the luxury car maker via its Siri-based Eyes Free voice-command system and two iPad Minis for the use of passengers.Tesla declined to comment on the report. CNET also contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.
Apple may have been kicking the tires on Tesla, according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, which reported that the company's chief of mergers and acquisitions met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk last year.Adrian Perica met with Musk and "probably" Apple CEO Tim Cook at Apple's Cupertino headquarters last spring, according to the report, which cited a source whose identity was concealed to protect business relationships. "While a megadeal has yet to emerge (for all of its cash, Apple still plays hardball on valuation), such a high-level meeting between the two Silicon Valley giants involving their top deal makers suggests Apple was very much interested in buying the electric car pioneer," the report said. This isn't the first time an Apple acquisition of Tesla has been suggested. Adnaan Ahmad, an analyst with German investment bank Berenberg, caused a media stir last October when he penned an open letter to Cook and Chairman Arthur Levinson that made a case that acquiring Tesla could give Apple long-term revenue growth that is unavailable from smartphones and tablets."I know this is radical and potentially 'transformative' but this would radically alter Apple's growth profile," Ahmad wrote. "In Elon Musk, you could strike up a partnership and obtain a new iconic partner to lead Apple's innovation drive."Apple already has made inroads with the automobile sector. At WWDC 2013, Apple announced plans to better integrate iOS into car dashboard screens. The company also has a partnership with Ferrari; Apple created an infotainment system for the luxury car maker via its Siri-based Eyes Free voice-command system and two iPad Minis for the use of passengers.Tesla declined to comment on the report. CNET also contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.
Apple's Lion hits 1 million copies sold
Apple's Lion hits 1 million copies sold
Apple today announced that it sold more than 1 million copies of Lion, the latest version of its Mac OS on its first day of availability.The software, which went on sale early yesterday, made its debut back in October during the company's "Back to the Mac" event. In today's release, the company noted that customers are buying Lion "faster than any other OS release in Apple's history.""Lion is off to a great start, user reviews and industry reaction have been fantastic," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, in a statement. "Lion is a huge step forward; it's not only packed with innovative features but it's incredibly easy for users to update their Macs to the best OS we've ever made."Related links• Mac OS X Lion pounces• Read CNET's Lion review• Five quick Lion tips to make the transition easier• 5 hidden, awesome Lion features• Five things to do before installing LionLion is the first version of Apple's Mac OS to be offered as a digital download through the Mac App Store. The company plans to let customers buy it on a USB stick for $69, more than double the software's $29.99 digital price tag, sometime next month.Apple says Lion packs in "over 250 new features." Some of the headliners include support for full-screen applications, more multitouch gestures, system resume, auto save for app data, AirDrop file transfer, and a feature called "Launchpad" that mimics the icon-based app launcher in iOS.So far the new operating system has amassed 9,376 user ratings on the Mac App Store, along with 2,091 written reviews. All told, that averages out to a 4.5-star rating (out of 5 stars).This is the first time Apple's boasted about sales numbers for one of its OS updates since releasing Leopard back near the end of 2007. That version of the OS sold more than 2 million copies in its first weekend on sale.
Apple today announced that it sold more than 1 million copies of Lion, the latest version of its Mac OS on its first day of availability.The software, which went on sale early yesterday, made its debut back in October during the company's "Back to the Mac" event. In today's release, the company noted that customers are buying Lion "faster than any other OS release in Apple's history.""Lion is off to a great start, user reviews and industry reaction have been fantastic," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, in a statement. "Lion is a huge step forward; it's not only packed with innovative features but it's incredibly easy for users to update their Macs to the best OS we've ever made."Related links• Mac OS X Lion pounces• Read CNET's Lion review• Five quick Lion tips to make the transition easier• 5 hidden, awesome Lion features• Five things to do before installing LionLion is the first version of Apple's Mac OS to be offered as a digital download through the Mac App Store. The company plans to let customers buy it on a USB stick for $69, more than double the software's $29.99 digital price tag, sometime next month.Apple says Lion packs in "over 250 new features." Some of the headliners include support for full-screen applications, more multitouch gestures, system resume, auto save for app data, AirDrop file transfer, and a feature called "Launchpad" that mimics the icon-based app launcher in iOS.So far the new operating system has amassed 9,376 user ratings on the Mac App Store, along with 2,091 written reviews. All told, that averages out to a 4.5-star rating (out of 5 stars).This is the first time Apple's boasted about sales numbers for one of its OS updates since releasing Leopard back near the end of 2007. That version of the OS sold more than 2 million copies in its first weekend on sale.
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