Report: Gaming might be coming to Apple TV
Gaming could be making its way to the Apple TV.According to Engadget, which received iOS 4.3 beta 3 code snippets from an anonymous tipster, two strings of code, dubbed "com.apple.appletv.play.live.thunder" and "com.apple.appletv.play.archive.thunder," provide the best evidence that video game support could be coming to the Apple TV. Other areas of the code mentioned "ATVThunder" and "ATVGames," Engadget is reporting.All told, "several references" to gaming on the Apple TV were found throughout the code that Engadget obtained.Apple released an updated version of its set-top box in September. The new Apple TV, which the company says isn't the "hobby" that its predecessor was, lacks internal storage and requires users to stream multimedia content to the device. It includes access to iTunes video content, as well as Netflix and Flickr. According to Apple, it hit the 1 million units sold mark in December.Prior to the launch of the latest Apple TV, some industry watchers thought that the device would feature some kind of gaming component. In 2009, an Apple patent was discovered that seemed to indicate that the company was thinking about allowing Apple TV owners to play casual games on the device. But companies file a slew of patents, and many of the products described in those filings never make it to store shelves.The discovery by Engadget's tipster is by no means a smoking gun. And as with any other Apple product, rumors about the Apple TV's upcoming features should be taken with a grain of salt. But if Apple is looking for other ways to improve its set-top box, games might just be the next logical space for the company to jump on. If that happens, just don't expect Xbox 360- or PlayStation 3-quality games. The Apple TV lacks the graphical prowess to match those consoles, which means it would probably only accommodate casual, online games.Apple did not immediately respond to request for comment.
Hands-on with Sony Ericsson's music phone
Hands-on with Sony Ericsson's music phone
We've had Sony Ericsson's W380i strapped to our heads for a fair while now and, while it's not quite as inveigling as Jaffa Cakes, it's given us numerous happy times. In fact, as clamshells go, it's pretty snazzy. True, it's a music phone that needs an adaptor just to use normal headphones, but it's still more enjoyable to use than, say, something like the Nokia N95, which sports a native 3.5-millimeter adapter.Aesthetics aside, the W380i is easy to use as an MP3 player--its dedicated Walkman button gives quick access to your music library, and side-loading MP3s to the removable Memory Stick is a piece of cake with either the bundled software or simple drag 'n' drop through Windows. There's no support for DRMed content from the likes of Napster or iTunes of course, but MP3s from 7digital or eMusic work just fine.Sound quality-wise, we weren't hugely impressed. Although Sony's MP3 Walkman range continually blows us away with stellar quality, the W380i does not. If you really don't have a critical ear, you won't take issue, as it's perfectly acceptable for a phone.But if you've invested in decent earphones and fancy this model as your sole MP3 player, we'd advise otherwise--music sounds a little flat, with less detail and power than we'd expect from even a dedicated player. There's a tiny element of distortion too, perhaps a result of the proprietary headphone adapter. Also, only MP3 is supported--there's no love for WMA or even gapless playback.Music aside, the phone's a treat. Large-ish flat buttons are easy to depress, meaning texting can be done in seconds. It's a responsive piece of kit, with no notable lag between button presses and system response--something that would otherwise anger the hell out of you as you try and blast out a quick e-mail on the train.You've also got a simple Web browser, RSS feed reader, 3D games support (for those of you who are so addicted to The Sims 2 you need to play it on a bus), a low-end 1-megapixel camera, FM radio, and a the usual office-esque apps you'd expect.Make sure your seat belts are fastened, as our full review will be with you very soon. For those of you already desperate for one, you can snag a W380i on a monthly contract or pay as you go from a number of networks right about now, funk soul brothers (and sisters).(Source: Crave UK)
We've had Sony Ericsson's W380i strapped to our heads for a fair while now and, while it's not quite as inveigling as Jaffa Cakes, it's given us numerous happy times. In fact, as clamshells go, it's pretty snazzy. True, it's a music phone that needs an adaptor just to use normal headphones, but it's still more enjoyable to use than, say, something like the Nokia N95, which sports a native 3.5-millimeter adapter.Aesthetics aside, the W380i is easy to use as an MP3 player--its dedicated Walkman button gives quick access to your music library, and side-loading MP3s to the removable Memory Stick is a piece of cake with either the bundled software or simple drag 'n' drop through Windows. There's no support for DRMed content from the likes of Napster or iTunes of course, but MP3s from 7digital or eMusic work just fine.Sound quality-wise, we weren't hugely impressed. Although Sony's MP3 Walkman range continually blows us away with stellar quality, the W380i does not. If you really don't have a critical ear, you won't take issue, as it's perfectly acceptable for a phone.But if you've invested in decent earphones and fancy this model as your sole MP3 player, we'd advise otherwise--music sounds a little flat, with less detail and power than we'd expect from even a dedicated player. There's a tiny element of distortion too, perhaps a result of the proprietary headphone adapter. Also, only MP3 is supported--there's no love for WMA or even gapless playback.Music aside, the phone's a treat. Large-ish flat buttons are easy to depress, meaning texting can be done in seconds. It's a responsive piece of kit, with no notable lag between button presses and system response--something that would otherwise anger the hell out of you as you try and blast out a quick e-mail on the train.You've also got a simple Web browser, RSS feed reader, 3D games support (for those of you who are so addicted to The Sims 2 you need to play it on a bus), a low-end 1-megapixel camera, FM radio, and a the usual office-esque apps you'd expect.Make sure your seat belts are fastened, as our full review will be with you very soon. For those of you already desperate for one, you can snag a W380i on a monthly contract or pay as you go from a number of networks right about now, funk soul brothers (and sisters).(Source: Crave UK)
Rich tweet- Icahn ups stake in Apple by $500 million
Rich tweet: Icahn ups stake in Apple by $500 million
Potter's not selling, he's buying, and so is Icahn -- buying Apple, that is, and in a big way.Investor Carl Icahn announced via a tweet on Tuesday that he had bought another $500 million worth of Apple stock, raising his overall ownership in the company to about $4.1 billion. Icahn's disclosure comes on the same day that traders dumped Apple shares following the company's disappointing quarterly financial results. Related storiesCarl Icahn selling off Yahoo sharesIcahn increases Motorola stakeIcahn pal Chapple to leave Yahoo's boardThis is the latest page in the involvement of the activist investor with Apple. Icahn, chairman of Icahn Enterprises, has been waging a public campaign to convince the company to buy back more stock, which presumably would lead to an increased share price. "My buying seems to be going neck-and-neck with Apple's buyback program, but hope they win that race," Icahn tweeted.During the company's conference call with analysts, CEO Tim Cook obliquely referred to the calls for the board to buy back more shares. "We've been buying back (shares) all year," he said, adding that has bought roughly $28 billion in stock of the $60 billion authorized to date. The company also announced a cash dividend of $3.05 a share which will get paid to shareholders of record on February 13.
Potter's not selling, he's buying, and so is Icahn -- buying Apple, that is, and in a big way.Investor Carl Icahn announced via a tweet on Tuesday that he had bought another $500 million worth of Apple stock, raising his overall ownership in the company to about $4.1 billion. Icahn's disclosure comes on the same day that traders dumped Apple shares following the company's disappointing quarterly financial results. Related storiesCarl Icahn selling off Yahoo sharesIcahn increases Motorola stakeIcahn pal Chapple to leave Yahoo's boardThis is the latest page in the involvement of the activist investor with Apple. Icahn, chairman of Icahn Enterprises, has been waging a public campaign to convince the company to buy back more stock, which presumably would lead to an increased share price. "My buying seems to be going neck-and-neck with Apple's buyback program, but hope they win that race," Icahn tweeted.During the company's conference call with analysts, CEO Tim Cook obliquely referred to the calls for the board to buy back more shares. "We've been buying back (shares) all year," he said, adding that has bought roughly $28 billion in stock of the $60 billion authorized to date. The company also announced a cash dividend of $3.05 a share which will get paid to shareholders of record on February 13.
Revenue for Android beats iPhone on ad network
Revenue for Android beats iPhone on ad network
Though still in third place, Research In Motion watched its ad requests rise 16 percent in September over the prior month and 143 percent since January.The results follow the trend found in Millennial's August report, which showed a surge in growth for Android and the iPad.In terms of the actual smartphone manufacturers, Apple stayed on top with a 30 percent share of ad impressions in September. Motorola surged past Samsung as the second largest device maker on Millennial's network, thanks in large part to the success of its Motorola Droid. Smartphones from RIM also accounted for five of the top 20 mobile phones, with the BlackBerry Curve holding onto its number 3 spot for the second consecutive month.Overall, smartphones continue to grow in adoption, now capturing 58 percent of all ad impressions on Millennial's network, a 7 percent gain from last month, compared with only 29 percent for feature phones, a drop of 4 percent since August.
Though still in third place, Research In Motion watched its ad requests rise 16 percent in September over the prior month and 143 percent since January.The results follow the trend found in Millennial's August report, which showed a surge in growth for Android and the iPad.In terms of the actual smartphone manufacturers, Apple stayed on top with a 30 percent share of ad impressions in September. Motorola surged past Samsung as the second largest device maker on Millennial's network, thanks in large part to the success of its Motorola Droid. Smartphones from RIM also accounted for five of the top 20 mobile phones, with the BlackBerry Curve holding onto its number 3 spot for the second consecutive month.Overall, smartphones continue to grow in adoption, now capturing 58 percent of all ad impressions on Millennial's network, a 7 percent gain from last month, compared with only 29 percent for feature phones, a drop of 4 percent since August.
Apple adding wireless podcast downloads to iPhone-
Apple adding wireless podcast downloads to iPhone?
Apple appears set to turn on over-the-air podcast downloads with the next version of the iPhone software, making it much clearer why it rejected a third-party application that did the same thing.A German blog called Flo's Weblog has published screenshots purportedly from the next release of Apple's iPhone OS, version 2.2. One of the new features in that software, along with additions like Google Street View, will allow iPhone or iPod Touch users to download podcasts directly to their devices without having to connect the device to their computers and go through iTunes.Sound familiar? That was the same feature offered by an iPhone application called Podcaster that was rejected from the App Store to much handwringing from the iPhone development community. Apple told the developer that the application duplicated a function found in iTunes, but at that time, iTunes wasn't able to send podcasts directly to a device over the air.Looks like that is about to change relatively soon. The rejection of Podcaster was one of the primary examples of the grumbling over Apple's policies for iPhone application development. Apple holds veto power over any application destined for the iPhone, and while there are quality control and security issues that help justify that stance, it also allows the company to kill any application that duplicates something it has on a future road map.And since Apple is unlikely to start sharing its iPhone software road map with the development community--when it hasn't even clarified exactly what the rules are for the App Store--developers who spend weeks or months adding a feature to the iPhone don't always know if they've been wasting their time. Not to mention the possibility that they could face the added insult of watching Apple roll out the same feature a few months later.
Apple appears set to turn on over-the-air podcast downloads with the next version of the iPhone software, making it much clearer why it rejected a third-party application that did the same thing.A German blog called Flo's Weblog has published screenshots purportedly from the next release of Apple's iPhone OS, version 2.2. One of the new features in that software, along with additions like Google Street View, will allow iPhone or iPod Touch users to download podcasts directly to their devices without having to connect the device to their computers and go through iTunes.Sound familiar? That was the same feature offered by an iPhone application called Podcaster that was rejected from the App Store to much handwringing from the iPhone development community. Apple told the developer that the application duplicated a function found in iTunes, but at that time, iTunes wasn't able to send podcasts directly to a device over the air.Looks like that is about to change relatively soon. The rejection of Podcaster was one of the primary examples of the grumbling over Apple's policies for iPhone application development. Apple holds veto power over any application destined for the iPhone, and while there are quality control and security issues that help justify that stance, it also allows the company to kill any application that duplicates something it has on a future road map.And since Apple is unlikely to start sharing its iPhone software road map with the development community--when it hasn't even clarified exactly what the rules are for the App Store--developers who spend weeks or months adding a feature to the iPhone don't always know if they've been wasting their time. Not to mention the possibility that they could face the added insult of watching Apple roll out the same feature a few months later.
Apple- 87 percent of mobile users now on iOS 7
Apple: 87 percent of mobile users now on iOS 7
If you're not using iOS 7 yet, you're in the extreme minority. About 87 percent of Apple mobile users have downloaded the company's newest operating system for iPhones and iPads, the company said on its developer site Monday. The figure is up from 83 percent a month ago, the time Apple introduced iOS 7.1. The update added new features such as CarPlay and fixed bugs. It also tweaked Apple's Siri voice assistant, iTunes Radio, and its Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The company streamlined the operating system to make it work better with the iPhone 4, made some user interface refinements, and included some stability and accessibility improvements.Related linksSorry devs, Apple's WWDC lottery is now closedApple's iOS 7.1 lands with CarPlay, improved fingerprint scannerCNET's take on iOS 7While most iPhones and iPads now run iOS 7, 11 percent of users run iOS 6, and 3 percent run earlier versions of the operating system. The updated figures come as Apple gears up for its developer conference in early June. The Cupertino, Calif., electronics maker closed the lottery for Worldwide Developers Conference registration earlier Monday. The conference, which takes place in San Francisco's Moscone Center West from June 2 to 6, usually sells out within minutes. This year, in an effort to open up the process, the company has opted for a lottery system. Chosen developers will be notified by 5 p.m. on Monday. Tickets cost $1,599.Apple is widely expected to reveal details about the new version of iOS -- likely called iOS 8 -- at its developer conference. The new software is expected to have a health-tracking bent, and iTunes Radio might be made into a standalone app in the new mobile OS. The update to iOS traditionally has been released along with new phones later in the year.For Apple, it's key to get users to adopt its newest software. The company's software has been an important differentiator from other mobile devices. iOS 7, which launched in September, underwent a complete design overhaul, with everything from the typography and color schemes getting an update. iOS 7 also added useful features like automatic updates to make everyday use easier, AirDrop, and iTunes Radio, as well as a new control center that gives quick access to most-used features. Apple iOS 7See full gallery1 - 3 / 3NextPrev
If you're not using iOS 7 yet, you're in the extreme minority. About 87 percent of Apple mobile users have downloaded the company's newest operating system for iPhones and iPads, the company said on its developer site Monday. The figure is up from 83 percent a month ago, the time Apple introduced iOS 7.1. The update added new features such as CarPlay and fixed bugs. It also tweaked Apple's Siri voice assistant, iTunes Radio, and its Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The company streamlined the operating system to make it work better with the iPhone 4, made some user interface refinements, and included some stability and accessibility improvements.Related linksSorry devs, Apple's WWDC lottery is now closedApple's iOS 7.1 lands with CarPlay, improved fingerprint scannerCNET's take on iOS 7While most iPhones and iPads now run iOS 7, 11 percent of users run iOS 6, and 3 percent run earlier versions of the operating system. The updated figures come as Apple gears up for its developer conference in early June. The Cupertino, Calif., electronics maker closed the lottery for Worldwide Developers Conference registration earlier Monday. The conference, which takes place in San Francisco's Moscone Center West from June 2 to 6, usually sells out within minutes. This year, in an effort to open up the process, the company has opted for a lottery system. Chosen developers will be notified by 5 p.m. on Monday. Tickets cost $1,599.Apple is widely expected to reveal details about the new version of iOS -- likely called iOS 8 -- at its developer conference. The new software is expected to have a health-tracking bent, and iTunes Radio might be made into a standalone app in the new mobile OS. The update to iOS traditionally has been released along with new phones later in the year.For Apple, it's key to get users to adopt its newest software. The company's software has been an important differentiator from other mobile devices. iOS 7, which launched in September, underwent a complete design overhaul, with everything from the typography and color schemes getting an update. iOS 7 also added useful features like automatic updates to make everyday use easier, AirDrop, and iTunes Radio, as well as a new control center that gives quick access to most-used features. Apple iOS 7See full gallery1 - 3 / 3NextPrev
Apple App Store hits 15 billion downloads
Apple App Store hits 15 billion downloads
Over 15 billion applications have been downloaded from Apple's App Store, the company announced today."Thank you to all of our amazing developers who have filled [the App Store] with over 425,000 of the coolest apps and to our over 200 million iOS users for surpassing 15 billion downloads," Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, Phil Schiller, said in a statement.The App Store's growth over the last few years has been nothing short of astounding. It took Apple nine months to hit 1 billion downloads, and its store finally hit 5 billion downloads in June 2010. In January of this year, Apple's store tallied 10 billion app downloads. The company celebrated the feat by giving away a $10,000 App Store gift card to the person who downloaded the 10 billionth application.All those downloads have helped developers cash in. According to Apple, it has paid developers more than $2.5 billion since its App Store launched.At 15 billion downloads, Apple's mobile marketplace is far ahead of the Android Market. In May, Google announced that there have been 4.5 billion applications downloaded from the Android Market so far.However, the Android Market is hot on Apple's heels. According to Google, its store hits another billion downloads every 60 days.On a separate front, Apple is engaged in a legal battle with Amazon over the use of the term "Appstore." Yesterday, a judge denied Apple's request for a preliminary injunction to squelch Amazon's use of the term, saying that, although the term isn't purely generic, Apple had not established the likelihood of confusion between the competing brands.In Europe, meanwhile, a quartet of tech heavyweights--Microsoft, HTC, Nokia, and Sony Ericsson--have filed formal applications to get Apple's trademarks for "App Store" and "Appstore" declared invalidRelated stories:• Apple loses bid for injunction against Amazon• Google touts Android adoption• Microsoft, others fight Apple's EU 'App Store' trademark
Over 15 billion applications have been downloaded from Apple's App Store, the company announced today."Thank you to all of our amazing developers who have filled [the App Store] with over 425,000 of the coolest apps and to our over 200 million iOS users for surpassing 15 billion downloads," Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, Phil Schiller, said in a statement.The App Store's growth over the last few years has been nothing short of astounding. It took Apple nine months to hit 1 billion downloads, and its store finally hit 5 billion downloads in June 2010. In January of this year, Apple's store tallied 10 billion app downloads. The company celebrated the feat by giving away a $10,000 App Store gift card to the person who downloaded the 10 billionth application.All those downloads have helped developers cash in. According to Apple, it has paid developers more than $2.5 billion since its App Store launched.At 15 billion downloads, Apple's mobile marketplace is far ahead of the Android Market. In May, Google announced that there have been 4.5 billion applications downloaded from the Android Market so far.However, the Android Market is hot on Apple's heels. According to Google, its store hits another billion downloads every 60 days.On a separate front, Apple is engaged in a legal battle with Amazon over the use of the term "Appstore." Yesterday, a judge denied Apple's request for a preliminary injunction to squelch Amazon's use of the term, saying that, although the term isn't purely generic, Apple had not established the likelihood of confusion between the competing brands.In Europe, meanwhile, a quartet of tech heavyweights--Microsoft, HTC, Nokia, and Sony Ericsson--have filed formal applications to get Apple's trademarks for "App Store" and "Appstore" declared invalidRelated stories:• Apple loses bid for injunction against Amazon• Google touts Android adoption• Microsoft, others fight Apple's EU 'App Store' trademark
Apple announces 2012 Design Award winners
Apple announces 2012 Design Award winners
What were the prettiest, or otherwise design-centric apps made on Apple's platforms this year?The results are in.Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference continues through the rest of this week, though the annual Apple Design Awards show is in the can. This is the event where the company recognizes the achievements of developers who created particularly well-designed software, be it in looks or overall functionality.Among some of the winners are popular games like Halfbrick's Jetpack Joyride and Playdead's Limbo, alongside creation apps like Bohemian Coding's Sketch for the Mac, and Paper for the iPad by FiftyThree. Apple began its annual design awards program in 1997 under the moniker the "Human Interface Design Excellence," changing to its current name just a year later. Those who win get promotion on Apple's developer site, as well as a cube-shaped award that glows when picked up. The design for that cube, which has been made by Palo Alto, Calif.-based Sparkfactor Design since 2003, was once put through a CT scanner by an award winner to see how it worked.A full list of winners from this year's show is below. All links lead to those apps in their respective App Stores.iPhone WinnersApp: Disney's Where's My Water. Company: DisneyApp: Jetpack JoyrideCompany: Halfbrick StudiosApp: National Parks by National GeographicCompany: National Geographic Society / Rally InteractiveiPad winnersApp: Paper Company: FiftyThree IncApp: Bobo Explores Light Company: GameCollageApp: DM1 - The Drum MachineCompany: Fingerlab Student winnersApp: DaWindci (iPad)Company: Reality Twist GmbH, Mimimi Productions, Mediadesign Highschool of Applied Sciences App: Little Star (iPad)Company: BiBoBox Studio, Dalian Nationalities University Mac winnersApp: Deus Ex: Human Revolution Ultimate EditionCompany: Feral Interactive LtdApp: LimboCompany: Playdead ApSApp: SketchCompany: Bohemian Coding
What were the prettiest, or otherwise design-centric apps made on Apple's platforms this year?The results are in.Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference continues through the rest of this week, though the annual Apple Design Awards show is in the can. This is the event where the company recognizes the achievements of developers who created particularly well-designed software, be it in looks or overall functionality.Among some of the winners are popular games like Halfbrick's Jetpack Joyride and Playdead's Limbo, alongside creation apps like Bohemian Coding's Sketch for the Mac, and Paper for the iPad by FiftyThree. Apple began its annual design awards program in 1997 under the moniker the "Human Interface Design Excellence," changing to its current name just a year later. Those who win get promotion on Apple's developer site, as well as a cube-shaped award that glows when picked up. The design for that cube, which has been made by Palo Alto, Calif.-based Sparkfactor Design since 2003, was once put through a CT scanner by an award winner to see how it worked.A full list of winners from this year's show is below. All links lead to those apps in their respective App Stores.iPhone WinnersApp: Disney's Where's My Water. Company: DisneyApp: Jetpack JoyrideCompany: Halfbrick StudiosApp: National Parks by National GeographicCompany: National Geographic Society / Rally InteractiveiPad winnersApp: Paper Company: FiftyThree IncApp: Bobo Explores Light Company: GameCollageApp: DM1 - The Drum MachineCompany: Fingerlab Student winnersApp: DaWindci (iPad)Company: Reality Twist GmbH, Mimimi Productions, Mediadesign Highschool of Applied Sciences App: Little Star (iPad)Company: BiBoBox Studio, Dalian Nationalities University Mac winnersApp: Deus Ex: Human Revolution Ultimate EditionCompany: Feral Interactive LtdApp: LimboCompany: Playdead ApSApp: SketchCompany: Bohemian Coding
Apple and Samsung could make nice in patent wars
Apple and Samsung could make nice in patent wars
With lawsuits filed against each other in countries around the world, Apple and Samsung could be headed toward a truce with one another, according to a new report.In a detailed history of Apple's legal battles with mobile-device competitors including the likes of HTC and Samsung, Bloomberg suggests that Apple and Samsung's top leadership could be looking to strike a settlement. "People familiar with the situation, however, note that top-level executives at both Apple and Samsung have communicated lately about potential settlement options," the report today says."Apple CEO Tim Cook does not seem to share his predecessor's passion about laying all foes to waste," it adds. "Cook appears to view litigation as a necessary evil, not a vehicle of cosmic revenge."In Walter Isaacson's authorized biography on Steve Jobs released last year, the late Apple co-founder viewed Google's Android operating system as a "stolen" product, making it a personal mission to wipe it out."I will spend my last dying breath if I need to, and I will spend every penny of Apple's $40 billion in the bank, to right this wrong," Jobs told Isaacson. "I'm going to destroy Android, because it's a stolen product. I'm willing to go thermonuclear war on this."As Bloomberg points out in its story, the company began that odyssey indirectly, filing suit not at Google, but first at HTC, and later expanding its efforts to Samsung. The story focuses on the oddity of that effort given that Apple remains Samsung's biggest customer, and that its components have been the distinctive features of Apple's products, including the latest iPad. Apple has struck cross-licensing agreements with foes in the past. That includes a patent deal with Microsoft as part of its investment in Apple in 1997, as well as one with Nokia in 2011 that gave the both companies the option to license certain patents from one another.
With lawsuits filed against each other in countries around the world, Apple and Samsung could be headed toward a truce with one another, according to a new report.In a detailed history of Apple's legal battles with mobile-device competitors including the likes of HTC and Samsung, Bloomberg suggests that Apple and Samsung's top leadership could be looking to strike a settlement. "People familiar with the situation, however, note that top-level executives at both Apple and Samsung have communicated lately about potential settlement options," the report today says."Apple CEO Tim Cook does not seem to share his predecessor's passion about laying all foes to waste," it adds. "Cook appears to view litigation as a necessary evil, not a vehicle of cosmic revenge."In Walter Isaacson's authorized biography on Steve Jobs released last year, the late Apple co-founder viewed Google's Android operating system as a "stolen" product, making it a personal mission to wipe it out."I will spend my last dying breath if I need to, and I will spend every penny of Apple's $40 billion in the bank, to right this wrong," Jobs told Isaacson. "I'm going to destroy Android, because it's a stolen product. I'm willing to go thermonuclear war on this."As Bloomberg points out in its story, the company began that odyssey indirectly, filing suit not at Google, but first at HTC, and later expanding its efforts to Samsung. The story focuses on the oddity of that effort given that Apple remains Samsung's biggest customer, and that its components have been the distinctive features of Apple's products, including the latest iPad. Apple has struck cross-licensing agreements with foes in the past. That includes a patent deal with Microsoft as part of its investment in Apple in 1997, as well as one with Nokia in 2011 that gave the both companies the option to license certain patents from one another.
Apple announces 2011 Design Award winners
Apple announces 2011 Design Award winners
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference continues through the rest of this week, though the annual Apple Design Awards show is now in the can. This is the event where the company hands out awards to developers with particularly well-designed software, be it in looks or overall functionality. This year's edition, which wrapped up last night, was notable in that it was the first to require that Mac OS software apps were in the Mac App Store, a requirement Apple made when announcing the conference in March. Previously any application was eligible, as long as it was on the platform.Apple began its annual design awards program in 1997 under the moniker the "Human Interface Design Excellence," changing to its current name just a year later. Those who win get promotion on Apple's developer site, as well as a cube-shaped award that glows when picked up. The design for that cube, which has been made by Palo Alto, Calif.-based Sparkfactor Design since 2003, was once put through a CT scanner by an award winner to see how it worked.A full list of winners from this year's show is below. All links lead to those apps in their respective App Stores. You can also take a quick look at what each of these apps looks like in our slideshow.iPhoneWinner: Infinity BladeCompany: Chair Entertainment GroupWinner: Golfscape GPS RangefinderCompany:Shotzoom Winner: Cut the RopeCompany:Chillingo / Zepto LabStudent Winner: Grades 2 Company: Tapity / Jeremy OlsoniPadWinner:Djay for iPadCompany:algoriddim GmbHWinner:Osmos for iPadCompany:Hemisphere GamesWinner:Our ChoiceCompany: Push Pop Press / Al GoreStudent Winner: Pennant Company: Vargatron / Stephen VargaStudent Winner: Pulse News Reader Company: Alphonso Labs / Akshay KothariMacWinner: CapoCompany: SuperMegaUltraGroovyWinner: PixelmatorCompany: Pixelmator TeamWinner:Anomaly Warzone EarthCompany:11 bit studios
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference continues through the rest of this week, though the annual Apple Design Awards show is now in the can. This is the event where the company hands out awards to developers with particularly well-designed software, be it in looks or overall functionality. This year's edition, which wrapped up last night, was notable in that it was the first to require that Mac OS software apps were in the Mac App Store, a requirement Apple made when announcing the conference in March. Previously any application was eligible, as long as it was on the platform.Apple began its annual design awards program in 1997 under the moniker the "Human Interface Design Excellence," changing to its current name just a year later. Those who win get promotion on Apple's developer site, as well as a cube-shaped award that glows when picked up. The design for that cube, which has been made by Palo Alto, Calif.-based Sparkfactor Design since 2003, was once put through a CT scanner by an award winner to see how it worked.A full list of winners from this year's show is below. All links lead to those apps in their respective App Stores. You can also take a quick look at what each of these apps looks like in our slideshow.iPhoneWinner: Infinity BladeCompany: Chair Entertainment GroupWinner: Golfscape GPS RangefinderCompany:Shotzoom Winner: Cut the RopeCompany:Chillingo / Zepto LabStudent Winner: Grades 2 Company: Tapity / Jeremy OlsoniPadWinner:Djay for iPadCompany:algoriddim GmbHWinner:Osmos for iPadCompany:Hemisphere GamesWinner:Our ChoiceCompany: Push Pop Press / Al GoreStudent Winner: Pennant Company: Vargatron / Stephen VargaStudent Winner: Pulse News Reader Company: Alphonso Labs / Akshay KothariMacWinner: CapoCompany: SuperMegaUltraGroovyWinner: PixelmatorCompany: Pixelmator TeamWinner:Anomaly Warzone EarthCompany:11 bit studios
Apple and Samsung -- the odd couple of the tech world
Apple and Samsung -- the odd couple of the tech world
Apple and Samsung are arch-rivals in the mobile market and in the courtroom but they still need each other to do business.A story from Monday's Wall Street Journal highlights the co-dependency between the two competitors, pointing out that neither company can truly afford to upset that tenuous fruit cart.Apple reportedly reached an agreement last month to shift more of its chip production away from Samsung in favor of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). The deal was described by DigiTimes as one "whereby TSMC replaces or supplements Samsung, the incumbent supplier of Apple processors." In recent, years, Apple has also been buying display screens and flash memory from other manufacturers.However, Samsung will remain Apple's primary chip supplier through next year, according to a TSMC executive. Why?Samsung is still the world's largest provider of the processors, memory chips, and screens that Apple needs for its devices. The two also have a history together in which Samsung has been creating custom chips for the iPhone maker, the Journal noted. That working relationship is difficult to establish elsewhere from scratch. On its end, Samsung depends on Apple for a hefty chunk of business. Apple is one of Samsung's largest component customers, and cutting off that supply would dig into Samsung's earnings."If Samsung loses Apple as a client, it will have an impact because Apple represents a large portion" of Samsung's sales of non-memory chips, Mark Newman, an analyst at Sanford Bernstein in Hong Kong, told the Journal.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM At the same time, the relationship between the two has grown dicier. Samsung's rise in the mobile market has challenged Apple's once-dominant position. And the two companies have kept the legal system busy by flinging countless lawsuits at each other.Apple is clearly striving to untether itself more and more from Samsung. But the two seem destined to remain joined at the hip for the foreseeable future.
Apple and Samsung are arch-rivals in the mobile market and in the courtroom but they still need each other to do business.A story from Monday's Wall Street Journal highlights the co-dependency between the two competitors, pointing out that neither company can truly afford to upset that tenuous fruit cart.Apple reportedly reached an agreement last month to shift more of its chip production away from Samsung in favor of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). The deal was described by DigiTimes as one "whereby TSMC replaces or supplements Samsung, the incumbent supplier of Apple processors." In recent, years, Apple has also been buying display screens and flash memory from other manufacturers.However, Samsung will remain Apple's primary chip supplier through next year, according to a TSMC executive. Why?Samsung is still the world's largest provider of the processors, memory chips, and screens that Apple needs for its devices. The two also have a history together in which Samsung has been creating custom chips for the iPhone maker, the Journal noted. That working relationship is difficult to establish elsewhere from scratch. On its end, Samsung depends on Apple for a hefty chunk of business. Apple is one of Samsung's largest component customers, and cutting off that supply would dig into Samsung's earnings."If Samsung loses Apple as a client, it will have an impact because Apple represents a large portion" of Samsung's sales of non-memory chips, Mark Newman, an analyst at Sanford Bernstein in Hong Kong, told the Journal.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM At the same time, the relationship between the two has grown dicier. Samsung's rise in the mobile market has challenged Apple's once-dominant position. And the two companies have kept the legal system busy by flinging countless lawsuits at each other.Apple is clearly striving to untether itself more and more from Samsung. But the two seem destined to remain joined at the hip for the foreseeable future.
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