Behind 10 eyebrow-raising App Store rejections
CastCatcher Internet Radio was enjoying its placement in Apple's App Store until the company decided to release version 1.3.The new iteration was rejected by Apple for a strange reason.Apple wrote in a letter to CastCatcher's developer, Amro Mousa, that the application's update was rejected because it transferred "excessive volumes of data over the cellular network."Mousa was a little perplexed by Apple's decision to suddenly deny the application access to the store, considering that the new version of the app didn't transfer more data than previous, approved versions.Worst of all, Mousa said, his app was using the same amount of data as competing streaming-radio applications.Current status: Eventually, Mousa and Apple were able to reach a middle ground, and new versions of the application were allowed into the App Store.CastCatcher 1.4.4 is currently offered in Apple's store for $1.99.EucalyptusEucalyptus, an e-book reader app, was denied access to Apple's App Store after the company found that it allowed users to read the Kama Sutra.The ancient book on sexuality was downloaded from Project Gutenberg, which the app used to acquire books.In a letter sent to Eucalyptus developers, Apple said that the app was denied because it gave users access to "objectionable" material.If the developers removed the Kama Sutra from its book listings, Apple would have allowed the app into the Store.Current status: After having some discussions with Apple, a Eucalyptus developer wrote on the company's blog that Apple had relented and would allow the full version of the app, Kama Sutra and all, into the App Store.It's currently available for $9.99.FreedomTimeFreedom Time takes on former President Bush.Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNETIn a political statement, a group of developers created an application called FreedomTime, to count down the days left until former President George W. Bush has been out of office.The app featured President Bush on an analog clock as it counted down until President Barack Obama's inauguration.When users clicked on the President's body, it played so-called "truthisms," clips from speeches President Bush had given about leaving office.Apple rejected the application on the grounds that it was "defaming, demeaning, or attacking political figures."That's an App Store no-no, evidently.Current status: FreedomTime is still not available in the App Store.In its place, a Web site has been built to countdown the number of days former President Bush has been out of office.Google VoiceGoogle Voice is an application that allows users to to assign a single number to their home, office, and mobile phones.It was denied access to Apple's App Store, along with already-approved third-party applications that used Google Voice to work.In one fell swoop, a Web firestorm erupted.Journalists started questioning why Apple would reject the app.Consumers felt disenchanted.And the Federal Communications Commission decided to investigate.Current status: The events surrounding Google Voice's absence from the App Store are still unclear. AT&T says it was not involved in an approval decision, and Apple said it didn't actually reject the application from the store.In a statement, the company said its review of the app is still under way. It doesn't look like this will be over any time soon.NetSharePrior to the release of the iPhone 3GS, one of the most requested iPhone features was tethering, or using the phone's wireless connectivity to connect another device to the Internet.Nullriver's NetShare application provided the modem-like functionality last year.Nullriver's NetShare app was here and gone.Mac-AddictAt first, the application was made available in the App Store for $9.99.But Apple promptly removed the application from its store.NetShare's removal is suspected to be related to wireless carrier AT&T's agreement with Apple over use of its data network.Current status: Nullriver's NetShare is not available in the App Store and will likely never make its way to the store. Internet tethering is a feature that's built into the iPhone's latest system software and will be made available to AT&T customers later this year, meaning that NetShare would be duplicating existing functionality--another App Store no-no.Nine Inch NailsNine Inch Nails front man Trent Reznor has embraced technology and the social Web unlike many other artists in the music industry.Perhaps that's why it was so shocking that his band's iPhone app update was denied access to the App Store for, what Apple called, "objectionable content."The objectionable content Apple was referring to came from "The Downward Spiral," a 1994 Nine Inch Nails album, which was played in the app.That album contains explicit mentions of sexual activity.Although that might be enough for some to agree with Apple, it's worth noting that the same exact album, unedited, was already available in the iTunes Store.Current status: The Nine Inch Nails update was eventually allowed into the App Store after Apple realized its double standard.The full, unedited content is available in the Store.NinjawordsNinjawords is (finally) in the App Store.Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNETIf there is a record for the number of times an application can be rejected by Apple, Ninjawords might have a shot.The dictionary app was denied access three times due to "objectionable" words users could find in its dictionary.After Ninjawords' developers worked out some design issues, which Apple requested, the company rejected the application again, after finding that the dictionary contained vulgar words that "could be found objectionable by iPhone or iPod Touch users."Ninjawords' developers were desperate to get their app into the store, so they removed as many objectionable words as possible within a reasonable time frame.Their app was rejected again for containing fewer, but still some offensive, words.Current status: The application was allowed access to the App Store after removing any word that might be construed as objectionable.It's currently on sale for $1.99 in the App Store.PodcasterPodcaster was an app that allowed users to download their favorite podcasts without using iTunes to do it.After submitting the app to the store, Podcaster developers received notice that their app was denied access because it "duplicates the functionality of the Podcast section of iTunes."The rejection led to outcry on the Web, as comparisons were drawn between software bundled with Mac OS X and those applications that users can install on their Macs that mimic or improve those bundled applications.To some, there was no difference.Current status: Although Podcaster is still not available in the App Store, a Podcaster-like application called RSS Player Podcast Client currently allows users to download more than 10,000 podcasts.That said, it doesn't let users search for podcasts through the app (another Apple request).It costs 99 cents.Pull My FingerCatalog this under the Apple-needs-to-find-humor-in-apps-to-accept-them category.Pull My Finger was sophomoric, for sure.The app allowed users to "pull its finger."When they did, it played a sound mimicking flatulence.Apple blocked the application from entering the App Store because it had "limited utility" to the community.It seemed believable.But when one considers that the store is filled with absurd applications, Pull My Finger might have fit in quite well.Current status: After realizing that it allows at least several useless applications into its store, Pull My Finger was eventually accepted and offered in Apple's Store.It's currently on sale for 99 cents.South Park"South Park" might be an extremely popular animated television show, but it just doesn't have what it takes to make it into the App Store.Apple didn't reject the South Park iPhone app once; it rejected it twice because of "potentially offensive" content included in the app.The application featured several clips from the long-running show.Boing Boing reported that Apple did tell South Park's creators that it might eventually allow the application into its store, since its policies have evolved in the past.According to the company, it didn't originally allow explicit lyrics into iTunes, but it now does.Current status: It's available on your television, and it has won an Emmy, but you won't find "South Park" on your iPhone because of its "offensive" content.Yikes.South Park won't see the App Store.South Park StudiosLessons learnedAlthough this is just a short list of many applications that have been denied access to the App Store, there's a common thread among the rejections: Apple wants nothing to do with apps that can be found "objectionable," have functionality similar to Apple-built features, or might conflict with a contract it has established with AT&T or other partners.But in the end, determining what Apple will allow into its App Store isn't an exact science.Developers want better direction from Apple on what types of applications will get approved for--and remain in good standing with--its App Store. Until the parameters are clearer, and the approvals and rejections are consistent, they will continue to face the risk of seemingly arbitrary rejection.
PayPal chief wants to mobilize e-commerce
PayPal chief wants to mobilize e-commerce
SAN FRANCISCO -- Eventually, mobile will be everything, according to PayPal President David Marcus.That might have been a bold statement a year or even six months ago. But based on traffic and ad revenue figures experienced by some other tech giants lately (see Yahoo and Facebook, for starters), perhaps it's just stating the obvious at this point.During a sitdown conversation with ReadWrite Editor-in-Chief Owen Thomas on Tuesday evening, Marcus reiterated a prediction made one year ago that within five years, consumers in dense metro areas in North America, Europe, or Asia will be able to complete all payment transactions with a phone versus carrying a physical wallet.He quipped that there are still four years left to make that happen, remaining steadfast in the ambitious forecast."Mobile is the territory where we want to lead and be best in class across the board," Marcus said, stressing a need to put developer needs first in this sector too.Marcus implied that PayPal was able to overcome numerous competitors by making strides to tap into all of these different platforms. Just one example: Marcus asserted that PayPal was the first to be able to integrate itself into Apple Safari and utilize the iPhone camera to scan bar codes to enable purchase power."It's considerably harder to do payments in an ecosystem that you don't control," Marcus explained in trying to differentiate PayPal's approach to digital payment infrastructures from Google Play and Apple iTunes.Related storiesPayPal performance drives eBay's 4th quarterStopBadware goes nonprofit with funding from Google, othersBotnet sends fake SSL pings to CIA, PayPal, othersRead the fine print: Internet reseller switches lesser LG BD370 for BD390PayPal suspends service in India Nevertheless, Marcus defended that he is "all for competition," positing that competition gives way to the best experience possible for customers.Marcus showed some humility too, arguing that while PayPal is "shipping more experiences" for online shoppers, he admitted that some of the products were developed either in "catchup" mode or simply "outdated." (The latter referred to Marcus' assessment of the de facto checkout process.)Yet PayPal is experimenting with some technologies that are a bit of a stretch from its desktop channel and mobile apps.Marcus didn't go into too many details, but he did note while reflecting on the recent Target security breach that PayPal is looking into EMV chip technologies, which are used by payments providers worldwide but have yet to catch on in the United States.But Marcus seemed wary about EMV usage, commenting he doesn't see it working in the long run in the digital app age.Marcus' comments also suggested that PayPal doesn't dramatically refresh its interfaces and infrastructures -- compared to some other e-commerce and even social media companies -- in consideration of its merchant base. The PayPal chief honed in on small business owners especially, noting the number of priorities and risks that they are concerned with while balancing smaller budgets and workforces.Such an argument reflects a common trend (and even roadblock) for mobile and digital payments over the past few years: Merchants just can't afford the time or money to invest routinely in new technologies, especially when they can't be certain that customers will respond.Thus, we'll likely see more digital payment strategies and options from PayPal, but don't expect anything too out of the ordinary on a regular basis.This story originally appeared as "PayPal chief on the state of digital payments: Mobile is everything" on ZDNet.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Eventually, mobile will be everything, according to PayPal President David Marcus.That might have been a bold statement a year or even six months ago. But based on traffic and ad revenue figures experienced by some other tech giants lately (see Yahoo and Facebook, for starters), perhaps it's just stating the obvious at this point.During a sitdown conversation with ReadWrite Editor-in-Chief Owen Thomas on Tuesday evening, Marcus reiterated a prediction made one year ago that within five years, consumers in dense metro areas in North America, Europe, or Asia will be able to complete all payment transactions with a phone versus carrying a physical wallet.He quipped that there are still four years left to make that happen, remaining steadfast in the ambitious forecast."Mobile is the territory where we want to lead and be best in class across the board," Marcus said, stressing a need to put developer needs first in this sector too.Marcus implied that PayPal was able to overcome numerous competitors by making strides to tap into all of these different platforms. Just one example: Marcus asserted that PayPal was the first to be able to integrate itself into Apple Safari and utilize the iPhone camera to scan bar codes to enable purchase power."It's considerably harder to do payments in an ecosystem that you don't control," Marcus explained in trying to differentiate PayPal's approach to digital payment infrastructures from Google Play and Apple iTunes.Related storiesPayPal performance drives eBay's 4th quarterStopBadware goes nonprofit with funding from Google, othersBotnet sends fake SSL pings to CIA, PayPal, othersRead the fine print: Internet reseller switches lesser LG BD370 for BD390PayPal suspends service in India Nevertheless, Marcus defended that he is "all for competition," positing that competition gives way to the best experience possible for customers.Marcus showed some humility too, arguing that while PayPal is "shipping more experiences" for online shoppers, he admitted that some of the products were developed either in "catchup" mode or simply "outdated." (The latter referred to Marcus' assessment of the de facto checkout process.)Yet PayPal is experimenting with some technologies that are a bit of a stretch from its desktop channel and mobile apps.Marcus didn't go into too many details, but he did note while reflecting on the recent Target security breach that PayPal is looking into EMV chip technologies, which are used by payments providers worldwide but have yet to catch on in the United States.But Marcus seemed wary about EMV usage, commenting he doesn't see it working in the long run in the digital app age.Marcus' comments also suggested that PayPal doesn't dramatically refresh its interfaces and infrastructures -- compared to some other e-commerce and even social media companies -- in consideration of its merchant base. The PayPal chief honed in on small business owners especially, noting the number of priorities and risks that they are concerned with while balancing smaller budgets and workforces.Such an argument reflects a common trend (and even roadblock) for mobile and digital payments over the past few years: Merchants just can't afford the time or money to invest routinely in new technologies, especially when they can't be certain that customers will respond.Thus, we'll likely see more digital payment strategies and options from PayPal, but don't expect anything too out of the ordinary on a regular basis.This story originally appeared as "PayPal chief on the state of digital payments: Mobile is everything" on ZDNet.
Netflix grabs 20 percent of peak time U.S. traffic
Netflix grabs 20 percent of peak time U.S. traffic
Prime time is Netflix time, apparently.Netflix is driving one-fifth of all fixed network downstream traffic at the time of day that the largest number of Americans are on the Web, according to network equipment and software provider Sandvine."In the United States, Netflix represents more than 20 percent of downstream traffic during peak times," Sandvine wrote in a statement highlighting its "Fall 2010 Global Internet Phenomena" report. The company said that Netflix's traffic is heaviest (20.61 percent, to be precise) between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. local time--the venerable prime time for people to sit back, relax, and enjoy some programming.Although general Web surfing is tops at peak traffic times--it accounts for 22.7 percent of all downstream traffic--Netflix is easily besting its competitors. According to Sandvine, YouTube tallies 9.85 percent of downstream traffic during downtime. It's followed by BitTorrent and Flash content across the Web, which capture 8.39 percent and 6.14 percent of downstream traffic, respectively. Apple's iTunes platform accounts for just 2.58 percent of traffic.Netflix's achievement arises from the popularity of its streaming service. The company's offering boasts a slew of movies, television shows, and documentaries, available on device including all the major game consoles, the new Apple TV, TiVo DVRs, and some HDTVs.Seeing the writing on the wall, Netflix has embraced that growth. Speaking during an earnings call with investors earlier this week, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said that the one-time DVD rental company is now "a streaming company that also offers DVD-by-mail." During the last quarter alone, Netflix added 2 million subscribers to its service, pushing its total to 16.9 million. A year ago, it had just 11 million subscribers.The vast majority of those subscribers are streaming Netflix content. According to the company, 66 percent of its subscribers watched at least 15 minutes of streaming content during the third quarter.
Prime time is Netflix time, apparently.Netflix is driving one-fifth of all fixed network downstream traffic at the time of day that the largest number of Americans are on the Web, according to network equipment and software provider Sandvine."In the United States, Netflix represents more than 20 percent of downstream traffic during peak times," Sandvine wrote in a statement highlighting its "Fall 2010 Global Internet Phenomena" report. The company said that Netflix's traffic is heaviest (20.61 percent, to be precise) between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. local time--the venerable prime time for people to sit back, relax, and enjoy some programming.Although general Web surfing is tops at peak traffic times--it accounts for 22.7 percent of all downstream traffic--Netflix is easily besting its competitors. According to Sandvine, YouTube tallies 9.85 percent of downstream traffic during downtime. It's followed by BitTorrent and Flash content across the Web, which capture 8.39 percent and 6.14 percent of downstream traffic, respectively. Apple's iTunes platform accounts for just 2.58 percent of traffic.Netflix's achievement arises from the popularity of its streaming service. The company's offering boasts a slew of movies, television shows, and documentaries, available on device including all the major game consoles, the new Apple TV, TiVo DVRs, and some HDTVs.Seeing the writing on the wall, Netflix has embraced that growth. Speaking during an earnings call with investors earlier this week, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said that the one-time DVD rental company is now "a streaming company that also offers DVD-by-mail." During the last quarter alone, Netflix added 2 million subscribers to its service, pushing its total to 16.9 million. A year ago, it had just 11 million subscribers.The vast majority of those subscribers are streaming Netflix content. According to the company, 66 percent of its subscribers watched at least 15 minutes of streaming content during the third quarter.
Leaked photos of alleged dock connector point to iPad refresh
Leaked photos of alleged dock connector point to iPad refresh
Newly leaked photos seem to support reports that in addition to the much-rumored iPad Mini, Apple will be unveiling a new iPad 4 at its media event on Tuesday.The photos show what is purportedly the Lightning dock connector for an iPad 4, comparing it with the dock for the iPad Mini, according to Boy Genius Report, which published the images. The new dock suggests a new-generation iPad is being redesigned to accommodate a wide range of new components.While much of the public's attention has been focused on Apple potentially unveiling a 7.85-inch tablet, the company is also rumored to be debuting a refreshed 9.7-inch Retina iPad on Tuesday. The new iPad is expected to get a Lightning connector like the iPhone 5 and will retain the same price points as its predecessor, according to a 9to5Mac report on Friday.The updated 9.7-inch Retina iPad could address issues with the first-generation Retina product. That includes making it lighter and improving the LED backlight apparatus, according to a previous CNET report, based on comments from Richard Shim, a DisplaySearch analyst. "We are seeing [Apple] work with panel makers to come out with a display that enables a thinner overall [product] with longer battery life," Shim told CNET in September. Apple is expected to announce the iPad Mini and other products at a special event Tuesday, which CNET will be live-blogging. Catch CNET's live coverage of Apple's October 23 event here. We'll be starting at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET.
Newly leaked photos seem to support reports that in addition to the much-rumored iPad Mini, Apple will be unveiling a new iPad 4 at its media event on Tuesday.The photos show what is purportedly the Lightning dock connector for an iPad 4, comparing it with the dock for the iPad Mini, according to Boy Genius Report, which published the images. The new dock suggests a new-generation iPad is being redesigned to accommodate a wide range of new components.While much of the public's attention has been focused on Apple potentially unveiling a 7.85-inch tablet, the company is also rumored to be debuting a refreshed 9.7-inch Retina iPad on Tuesday. The new iPad is expected to get a Lightning connector like the iPhone 5 and will retain the same price points as its predecessor, according to a 9to5Mac report on Friday.The updated 9.7-inch Retina iPad could address issues with the first-generation Retina product. That includes making it lighter and improving the LED backlight apparatus, according to a previous CNET report, based on comments from Richard Shim, a DisplaySearch analyst. "We are seeing [Apple] work with panel makers to come out with a display that enables a thinner overall [product] with longer battery life," Shim told CNET in September. Apple is expected to announce the iPad Mini and other products at a special event Tuesday, which CNET will be live-blogging. Catch CNET's live coverage of Apple's October 23 event here. We'll be starting at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET.
Leaked iPhone 6 sapphire screen tough, but not unbreakable
Leaked iPhone 6 sapphire screen tough, but not unbreakable
Earlier this week, I nearly had an anxiety attack over the prospect that the expected iPhone 6 would sport a sapphire screen impervious to even the most creative methods of torture-testing, which has became a passionate hobby of mine in recent years.This excited panic was brought on by a video showing a purported iPhone 6 sapphire screen taking all sorts of abuse from big blades without showing so much as a scratch. Frequent Apple leaker Sonny Dickson also posted a video earlier this week that allegedly shows a rather flexible sapphire crystal display destined for the iPhone 6. Related StoriesPhone 6 leaks show a device begging for extreme torture-testingApple iPhone 6 sapphire display rumors flyApple eyes future devices with flexible displaysI envisioned having to journey to the ends of the Earth or get reacquainted with the harsh handshake of battery acid in order to really push Apple's next big thing to its limits. (Check out my previous pondering post on the iPhone 6 screen to understand what I'm rambling about. )A new video surfaced Thursday, this one apparently out of Hong Kong, that appears to show iPhone 6 screen panels standing up to similar forms of torture, including a direct flame. Eventually the video show a sapphire screen shattering when driven over with a car tire -- reminding us that an iPhone 6 sapphire screen would be tough but not invincible. You can watch this latest torture test below. Assuming these videos are accurate, which an expert recently said could be possible, I'm open to heading to Hawaii or Guatemala to do an extremeheat test on one of these with the help of a local volcano. Let me know how else in the comments you'd like to see a rumored iPhone 6 sapphire screen stretched to its limit.
Earlier this week, I nearly had an anxiety attack over the prospect that the expected iPhone 6 would sport a sapphire screen impervious to even the most creative methods of torture-testing, which has became a passionate hobby of mine in recent years.This excited panic was brought on by a video showing a purported iPhone 6 sapphire screen taking all sorts of abuse from big blades without showing so much as a scratch. Frequent Apple leaker Sonny Dickson also posted a video earlier this week that allegedly shows a rather flexible sapphire crystal display destined for the iPhone 6. Related StoriesPhone 6 leaks show a device begging for extreme torture-testingApple iPhone 6 sapphire display rumors flyApple eyes future devices with flexible displaysI envisioned having to journey to the ends of the Earth or get reacquainted with the harsh handshake of battery acid in order to really push Apple's next big thing to its limits. (Check out my previous pondering post on the iPhone 6 screen to understand what I'm rambling about. )A new video surfaced Thursday, this one apparently out of Hong Kong, that appears to show iPhone 6 screen panels standing up to similar forms of torture, including a direct flame. Eventually the video show a sapphire screen shattering when driven over with a car tire -- reminding us that an iPhone 6 sapphire screen would be tough but not invincible. You can watch this latest torture test below. Assuming these videos are accurate, which an expert recently said could be possible, I'm open to heading to Hawaii or Guatemala to do an extremeheat test on one of these with the help of a local volcano. Let me know how else in the comments you'd like to see a rumored iPhone 6 sapphire screen stretched to its limit.
Leaked '64GB iPhone 4' prototype not the full story
Leaked '64GB iPhone 4' prototype not the full story
If one can say anything about Apple rumors and so-called "leaks," they're usually more bark than bite. And the latest iPhone-related leak is more of the same.A China-focused technology blog called M.I.C. Gadget claims it has secured an "engineered prototype" of the iPhone 4 that, it says, features 64GB of storage. The publication says that after testing the iPhone, it believes the device, purportedly leaked from a Foxconn facility in Shenzhen, China, is "the real thing." It posted a video showing the storage capacity on the device--59.1 GB at boot up--as well as some photos to corroborate its claim.The blog's findings, assuming they're real, are notable because Apple only sells 16GB and 32GB versions of its iPhone 4. And in typical Apple rumor mill fashion, M.I.C. Gadget couldn't help but ask if the device it found is really "the next iPhone."However, the folks over at Macrumors have analyzed the serial number of the iPhone in the M.I.C. Gadget story and found that the device was actually produced at the beginning of 2010, which means it was floating around for quite a while before the iPhone 4 was officially announced and launched last year. In other words, Apple might have been thinking about offering more capacity with its iPhone 4, but at some point in the process, nixed the idea.Will an eventual iPhone 5 actually launch with more storage? There's no telling. And as one might expect, Apple won't say. But if anything is certain, it's that this latest iPhone 4 leak doesn't provide any more evidence that more storage will be coming to Apple's next smartphone.File this one away as yet another in a long line of Apple rumors.
If one can say anything about Apple rumors and so-called "leaks," they're usually more bark than bite. And the latest iPhone-related leak is more of the same.A China-focused technology blog called M.I.C. Gadget claims it has secured an "engineered prototype" of the iPhone 4 that, it says, features 64GB of storage. The publication says that after testing the iPhone, it believes the device, purportedly leaked from a Foxconn facility in Shenzhen, China, is "the real thing." It posted a video showing the storage capacity on the device--59.1 GB at boot up--as well as some photos to corroborate its claim.The blog's findings, assuming they're real, are notable because Apple only sells 16GB and 32GB versions of its iPhone 4. And in typical Apple rumor mill fashion, M.I.C. Gadget couldn't help but ask if the device it found is really "the next iPhone."However, the folks over at Macrumors have analyzed the serial number of the iPhone in the M.I.C. Gadget story and found that the device was actually produced at the beginning of 2010, which means it was floating around for quite a while before the iPhone 4 was officially announced and launched last year. In other words, Apple might have been thinking about offering more capacity with its iPhone 4, but at some point in the process, nixed the idea.Will an eventual iPhone 5 actually launch with more storage? There's no telling. And as one might expect, Apple won't say. But if anything is certain, it's that this latest iPhone 4 leak doesn't provide any more evidence that more storage will be coming to Apple's next smartphone.File this one away as yet another in a long line of Apple rumors.
Leaked 13-inch Retina MacBook pics show ports, not much else
Leaked 13-inch Retina MacBook pics show ports, not much else
More photos claiming to depict the parts, and in fact, a working version of Apple's unannounced 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, have surfaced. MacRumors points to a forum post on Chinese technology site WeiPhone that features a slew of inside and outside of shots of what is said to be the smaller notebook. What is said to be the inside collection of batteries (yeah, this is the full size of the photo).WeiPhoneToday's additions show the configuration of six battery packs arranged within the inside of the machine (see the photo on the right), as well as the left- and right-hand sides of the assembled computer. These sides may not be all that exciting, but they suggest that the smaller version of the notebook will sport the same dual Thunderbolt I/O connectors, as well as an SD card slot and HDMI out port found on the bigger model.The images come on the heels of a report from blog 9to5Mac, which earlier today claimed the 13-inch Retina model would start at $1,699, a full $500 less than the 15-inch model, though $500 more than the entry-level, non-Retina MacBook Pro. Apple has not announced a smaller version of the Retina-equipped Pro, but is expected to at its event next Tuesday, where it may also debut a smaller version of the iPad, a refreshed Mac Mini, and new iMac desktops. Production on the 2,560x1,600-pixel display -- which purportedly appears in two of the photos on the WeiPhone forum -- began in August, NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim told CNET. CNET's live coverage of Apple's event next Tuesday
More photos claiming to depict the parts, and in fact, a working version of Apple's unannounced 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, have surfaced. MacRumors points to a forum post on Chinese technology site WeiPhone that features a slew of inside and outside of shots of what is said to be the smaller notebook. What is said to be the inside collection of batteries (yeah, this is the full size of the photo).WeiPhoneToday's additions show the configuration of six battery packs arranged within the inside of the machine (see the photo on the right), as well as the left- and right-hand sides of the assembled computer. These sides may not be all that exciting, but they suggest that the smaller version of the notebook will sport the same dual Thunderbolt I/O connectors, as well as an SD card slot and HDMI out port found on the bigger model.The images come on the heels of a report from blog 9to5Mac, which earlier today claimed the 13-inch Retina model would start at $1,699, a full $500 less than the 15-inch model, though $500 more than the entry-level, non-Retina MacBook Pro. Apple has not announced a smaller version of the Retina-equipped Pro, but is expected to at its event next Tuesday, where it may also debut a smaller version of the iPad, a refreshed Mac Mini, and new iMac desktops. Production on the 2,560x1,600-pixel display -- which purportedly appears in two of the photos on the WeiPhone forum -- began in August, NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim told CNET. CNET's live coverage of Apple's event next Tuesday
Latest Steve Jobs action figure may pose legal trouble
Latest Steve Jobs action figure may pose legal trouble
As expected, the $99 posable figure resembling late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs now appears to be following the same legal path as its predecessors.The Telegraph today reports that Apple sent In Icons--the figure's creators--a cease and desist note, claiming the company is breaking the law by creating a product that "resembles the technology company's logo, person's name, appearance or likeness of its products." The figure, which made waves earlier this week, closely resembles Jobs, including his well-known wardrobe of a black turtleneck and jeans, and frameless glasses. Among the other things included in the kit that went on pre-sale this month were a holdable apple and a chair that could be used to pose the figure, as well as backdrop sporting the familiar "one more thing" catch phrase synonymous with Apple product launches.Similar legal efforts took down previous Jobs action figures, which were briefly sold by China's MIC Gadget. The first product shipped out to customers up until November 2010, unlike this one, which has gone on sale but isn't slated to ship out next month. MIC Gadget later followed up with a rejiggered version that had Jobs dressed up as a ninja, with which Apple also took offense.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation on whether it had sent any correspondence to In Icons, nor did the Hong Kong-based company reply on its plans to continue sales.It remains unclear how many of the figures have been purchased and if the company will attempt to go ahead with shipping it out, or end up refunding early buyers. In an interview with ABC News yesterday ahead of any news of legal action, In Icons head Tandy Cheung said that "Apple can do anything they like," and "I will not stop, we already started production."
As expected, the $99 posable figure resembling late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs now appears to be following the same legal path as its predecessors.The Telegraph today reports that Apple sent In Icons--the figure's creators--a cease and desist note, claiming the company is breaking the law by creating a product that "resembles the technology company's logo, person's name, appearance or likeness of its products." The figure, which made waves earlier this week, closely resembles Jobs, including his well-known wardrobe of a black turtleneck and jeans, and frameless glasses. Among the other things included in the kit that went on pre-sale this month were a holdable apple and a chair that could be used to pose the figure, as well as backdrop sporting the familiar "one more thing" catch phrase synonymous with Apple product launches.Similar legal efforts took down previous Jobs action figures, which were briefly sold by China's MIC Gadget. The first product shipped out to customers up until November 2010, unlike this one, which has gone on sale but isn't slated to ship out next month. MIC Gadget later followed up with a rejiggered version that had Jobs dressed up as a ninja, with which Apple also took offense.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation on whether it had sent any correspondence to In Icons, nor did the Hong Kong-based company reply on its plans to continue sales.It remains unclear how many of the figures have been purchased and if the company will attempt to go ahead with shipping it out, or end up refunding early buyers. In an interview with ABC News yesterday ahead of any news of legal action, In Icons head Tandy Cheung said that "Apple can do anything they like," and "I will not stop, we already started production."
Apple picks up Redmatica for audio push, maybe
Apple reportedly has purchased Italy-based music software company Redmatica.A report from Italian blog Fanpage, and picked up by TechCrunch, says Apple has bought the company, which specializes in audio software tools.A regulatory filing with the Italian Authority for Communications Guarantees, which was dug up by Fanpage, suggests the deal was approved earlier this week.CNET has reached out to both Apple and Redmatica for more information, and will update this post when we know more.Redmatica makes four pieces of audio software, including tools for sampling, editing, and library management. Its primary product is KeyMap Pro, a sampled instruments editor that runs on Apple's OS X.Apple has acquired several digital music companies in the past. That includes SoundJam MP, which went on to become iTunes. Apple also picked up Emagic the company behind Logic Pro, as well as streaming music service LaLa.com, the latter of which was shelved in 2010.
Apple patent hints at 'find my iPhone' enhancements
What is potentially a more interesting tidbit to be gleaned from the application is that this system can record phone calls and other information from a device that has been put into lock-down mode if it's been marked as being compromised. The patent describes a system where the user of that device will see that this is the case, and any information and recordings from those actions are sent to a server so that a recovery of the device isn't needed to obtain those records.Apple's "find my iPhone" feature turned two years old last week. The service was originally introduced as a component of the paid MobileMe service, with Apple later deciding to make it a free and integrated feature of iOS. This time last year Apple also released an iOS app for the service, which lets users keep an eye on and administrate other iOS devices without having to use a computer. The feature has since been ported over to the upcoming version of Apple's Mac OS, which is being released next month.
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