AirWeb puts a browser on your Apple TV

AirWeb puts a browser on your Apple TV - Let's get this out of the way right now -- this post is not about a web browser app for your Apple TV. Apple doesn't have one of those yet, as the company still doesn't allow open access to third-party apps on the little black box. But AirWeb ...

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Here's how to check your Apple TV's Netflix bandwidth using a hidden built-in tool

Here's how to check your Apple TV's Netflix bandwidth using a hidden built-in tool -

Having problems with Netflix on Apple TV, or simply want to know how much bandwidth is available to your on-demand movie portal? Well lucky for you: There's a built-in video quality tool that you can use to see exactly how many kilobits per second ...

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Evernote for iOS update brings business card contact scanning

Evernote for iOS update brings business card contact scanning - Popular notetaking app Evernote saw an update on Thursday, bringing it to version 7.2.0. The new version of Evernote gives users limited access to a Premium feature with the ability to scan business cards into their iOS devices and have the app automatically log the information on the card as a contact. Added contacts can then be synced to a user's LinkedIn, Facebook, or Address Book ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Apple TV Roundup: Apple's Plans for Television

Apple TV Roundup: Apple's Plans for Television - Following last week's addition of an iPhone 6 roundup, MacRumors today is publishing a new Apple TV roundup covering not only Apple's current set-top box and rumors for future enhancements, but also long-running rumors of a dedicated Apple television set.

While Apple has been busy increasing the amount of content available through the current Apple TV, there is still uncertainty about timing for new television-related hardware from the company. A dedicated Apple television set has been rumored for a number of years, with Steve Jobs having been quoted in his 2011 biography as saying "I finally cracked it" with regard to a television interface concept, but signs continue to suggest that release is not yet imminent.

Apple has also been rumored to be working on Kinect-like motion control for the Apple TV, and Apple's acquisition of PrimeSense, the company behind the original Microsoft Kinect motion control technology, last month has continued to fuel that speculation. But whether that technology will make its way into the next Apple TV as part of a radical revamp or if the next-generation box will primarily be an iterative update based on improved internals remains to be seen.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

The first 6 things you need to do with your new Android tablet

The first 6 things you need to do with your new Android tablet - Here's a look at the first six things you should do with your tablet right after purchase.

(Via CNET News.com.)

How These 5 Dirtbags Radically Advanced Your Digital Rights

How These 5 Dirtbags Radically Advanced Your Digital Rights - Bad facts make bad law, the saying goes. But sometimes, bad people make good law.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Apple Remembers Nelson Mandela on Its Homepage

Apple Remembers Nelson Mandela on Its Homepage - Apple has removed all product placements on its homepage tonight and has instead replaced them with an image of Nelson Mandela, honoring the late South African president's life a day after he passed at the age of 95.


Apple executives had previously commented on Mandela's death on Twitter, with SVP Phil Schiller tweeting a quote from Mandela. CEO Tim Cook also tweeted a quote, but offered thoughts on the passing of Mandela as well:

Amazing human being. Champion of freedom and human dignity. He set an example for all of the world. RIP Nelson Mandela. We miss you already.

This is one of the few times Apple has honored someone's life on its homepage, with the others being people such as Rosa Parks, board member Jerry York and Steve Jobs.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

More than 1 million apps are now available on the US App Store

More than 1 million apps are now available on the US App Store -

Apple's US App Store now has more than 1 million apps available for download, according to app-discovery platform Appsfire and confirmed by AppShopper (via MacRumors). As of the time of this writing, there are now 1,006,557 iOS apps available for download in the US, with 473,000 of those optimized for the iPad.

Back in October, Apple announced it had more than 1 million apps in its worldwide App Store catalog, but this is the first time the number of apps available in the United States App Store has hit the seven-figure mark. As MacRumors notes, its sister site AppShopper, which tracks all iOS apps, says that there have been a total of 1,439,451 iOS apps approved by Apple since the launch of the App Store back in 2008.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Square credit card reader loses weight, gains accuracy

Square credit card reader loses weight, gains accuracy -

The Square credit card reader is already a huge hit with small businesses, so an upgrade to the hardware is definitely cause for a little early holiday celebration. The company revealed an all-new version of its iconic register peripheral today, showing off a sleeker design that cuts its width by 45 percent. The company also boasts that the new reader is more accurate than any previous model.

As always, small businesses and anyone else that need an easy way to take mobile payments can score a free card reader by signing up with Square online, but the newest model won't be available in retail stores until 2014.

[via Engadget]

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Pandora for iOS Gets Alarm Clock Mode, iOS 7 Facelift

Pandora for iOS Gets Alarm Clock Mode, iOS 7 Facelift -

To its great credit, Pandora refuses to go gentle into that good night despite the recent competition from iTunes Radio (not to mention other competitors such as Google Play Music). To that end, the venerable streaming music site updated its iOS app today to support using Pandora stations as alarm clocks rather than the default tones you get with the iPhone.

Numerous apps already support the option to play music from your library as an alarm clock, but this marks the first time that we've seen it through Pandora's own widely used service. For my part, I find that a little bit of unpredictability helps me get up earlier in the morning, and Pandora's new option should allow me to wake with the former ease I once knew from the bygone days when I used a traditional alarm clock with built-in radio to wake up.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

How Apple's Lightning-Plug Guru Reinvented Square's Card Reader

How Apple's Lightning-Plug Guru Reinvented Square's Card Reader - Jesse Dorogusker is used to working tiny.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Obama Says Everyone Should Learn How to Hack

Obama Says Everyone Should Learn How to Hack - President Barack Obama kicked off Computer Science Education Week on Monday with a simple message: "Don't just play on your phone. Program it."

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Review: MoWeather - Forecast and Temperature Planner

Review: MoWeather - Forecast and Temperature Planner - I finally found a weather app that isn't just more of the same. MoWeather (free) for iOS is a graphically compelling weather app with all the usual stuff you want to see, along with a 15-day forecast. The weather background is nicely animated, like the Apple weather app, and it does my favorite Yahoo Weather app one better -- rather than finding a canned photo that reflects my location and weather, MoWeather provides a page of user-submitted photos that show the current weather at your location.

You can snap pictures and submit them all within the app. MoWeather also has a very nice idea built in -- with a click, you can email or text a map of your location and the current conditions to a friend.

The app also supports gestures. You can swipe vertically to update the current conditions, or swipe left to see your locations list.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Great iOS apps for planning Thanksgiving dinner

Great iOS apps for planning Thanksgiving dinner - Whether you're running the kitchen on the big day or just bringing a side dish or wine, I've got the perfect apps to make your holiday dinner better.

(Via CNET News.com.)

First Apple-Sanctioned Wearable Tech Could Be Hearing Aids, Not the 'iWatch'

First Apple-Sanctioned Wearable Tech Could Be Hearing Aids, Not the 'iWatch' -

So far, almost of all the discussion of wearable tech associated with Apple has centered on the so-called "iWatch," Apple's take on the current interest in smart watches that recently failed to ignite with the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Gear. But according to a new report from Reuters, that's not the first form of wearable tech partly designed by Apple that we'll see. What is? Believe it or not, a hearing aid.

This could be big. The hearing aid industry is worth around $15 billion, which, as Cult of Mac notes, is around one-third of the money wrapped up in the global tablet market. Apple is working with Denmark's GN Store Nord, the world's fourth largest maker of hearing aids, to develop a device called the ReSound LiNX with technology similar to Bluetooth that will stream voice and music from iPhones without the need for another device.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

Google BBS Terminal

Google BBS Terminal -

Speaking of links gleaned via Coudal (this one from Michele Seiler), here’s what Google would have looked like in the ’80s.

(Via Daring Fireball.)

Trimming Apple Mail to prevent iCloud storage from getting full

Trimming Apple Mail to prevent iCloud storage from getting full - So, as a paid user of MobileMe, Apple provided you with 20 GB of iCloud storage. Suddenly, in October ’13, Apple removed 15 GB of that, and you’re getting messages from Apple that your iCloud storage is getting full, or even the dreaded message, “Your iCloud storage is full You can no longer send or receive messages with your iCloud email address ” Apple is strongly encouraging you to buy more storage. Do you have any other options?

As Apple suggests, go to System Preferences > iCloud > Manage > Mail. At that point, Apple recommends, “To free up storage used by Mail, erase messages in the Junk and Trash folders.”

That’s a good start, but that’s not nearly enough. If that shows that Mail really is the culprit in hogging your iCloud storage, try deleting the attachments from your received and sent mail! That can reduce your iCloud storage tremendously. (That alone cut mine down from about 4.8 GB to 1.2 GB).

To find your mail with attachments, in Apple Mail, you ca ...

(Via MacOSXHints.com.)

Apple updates iWork iCloud beta with new collaboration tools

Apple updates iWork iCloud beta with new collaboration tools -

The ongoing beta of Apple's iWork for iCloud received an update today that delivers new features aimed at improving collaboration. New features for Keynote, Numbers and Pages in iCloud are fully explained when you first activate the apps on iCloud.com, but we've got a list of what you can expect. Most of the feature additions are largely the same across the whole suite.

Each app now has the following new features:

• Collaborator list: View the list of collaborators currently in a document.
• Collaborator cursor: See cursors and selections for everyone in a document.
• Jump to collaborator: Instantly jump to a collaborator's cursor by clicking their name in the collaborator list.
• Collaboration animation: Watch as images and shapes animate as others move them around.
• Print: Print your documents and presentations directly from the Tools menu.
• Folders: The ability to organize documents into folders.

In addition, the beta for Numbers is now able to reorder sheets in a spreadsheet from the browser and add hyperlinks. Keynote beta users are also getting an extra feature; the ability to right-click any slide in the navigator to skip it during playback.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Eight amazing quotes from experts who were sure the iPhone would flop

Eight amazing quotes from experts who were sure the iPhone would flop -

The iPhone is a success -- there is no argument to be made that it's not -- but prior to its debut, various upgrades, redesigns and record-breaking sales figures, there were plenty of folks who thought it would flop.

Now that we've seen the release of eight different iPhones, let's take a look back at some of the most ridiculous things that eight "experts" have said about Apple's original foray into the smartphone market.

• "This is not a great phone. It's an interesting design." -- Rob Enderle, analyst with the Enderle Group
• "That virtual keyboard will be about as useful for tapping out emails and text messages as a rotary phone. Don't be surprised if a sizable contingent of iPhone buyers express some remorse at ditching their BlackBerry when they spend an extra hour each day pumping out emails on the road." -- Seth Porges, CrunchGear
• "Apple will sell a few to its fans, but the iPhone won't make a long-term mark on the industry." -- Matthew Lynn, columnist at Bloomberg
• "I'm more convinced than ever that, after an initial frenzy of publicity and sales to early adopters, iPhone sales will be unspectacular." -- David Haskin, Computerworld
• "Implementing a cellphone is absolutely more difficult than anything Apple's done to date. Go out and buy an iPod and hold it at waist level and drop it. That's the end of the iPod. I don't think Apple's going to be a big player in this at all." -- Edward Snyder, analyst with Charter Equity Research
• "There is no reason to have an 8GB iPod on the phone. Give us a 2GB capacity so we can put our favorite stuff on it and listen when we want, cut the price to $299 and you may have something." -- Todd Sullivan, Seeking Alpha
• "[The iPhone] will have very little impact on the business community." -- Avi Greengart, analyst with Current Analysis
• "Sales for the phone will skyrocket initially. However, things will calm down, and the Apple phone will take its place on the shelves with the random video cameras, cellphones, wireless routers and other would-be hits." -- Michael Kanellos, editor at CNET

Yes, hindsight is 20-20. That said, you are now encouraged to point at these quotes and laugh maniacally.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

iFixit opens up iPad mini with Retina display

iFixit opens up iPad mini with Retina display -

The diminutive powerhouse known as the iPad mini with Retina display has just been pulled apart by the evil geniuses at iFixit. In one of its patented teardowns of new Apple technology, the team took Apple's latest iPad mini and subjected it to a mock autopsy, looking at each and every component and determining how the device is put together -- ostensibly for the purpose of learning how repair shops will (or will not) be able to fix the mini.

Some of the highlights of the surgery include finding out that the new mini is 0.3 mm thicker than the original model, that the Retina display is made by LG and that a lot of the components are identical to those used in the iPad Air.

Of course, the iFixit teardowns all come down to one thing: the repairability score. The new iPad mini gets a dismal score of 2 out of 10 for repairability -- it should be noted that the quite similar (in size and capability) Kindle Fire HDX received a 7 out of 10 score. As usual, iFixit offers a lot of comments, fascinating insights and links to humorous YouTube videos, so be sure to get yourself to its website for a quick look.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Google's Android Eclipses Apple to Become the MS-DOS of Our Time

Google's Android Eclipses Apple to Become the MS-DOS of Our Time - Apple may have shipped a record number of iOS devices during the most recent quarter. But it's Android that's looking like another famous operating system from an earlier era.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

iPad mini with retina display tipped for November 21 release date

iPad mini with retina display tipped for November 21 release date -

When Apple announced the iPad mini with retina display, it didn’t set a firm release date, stating only that the tablet would become available at some point in November. Now, on the eve of the iPad Air’s release, MacRumors has noted that a product listing on Target’s website shows a release date for the new iPad mini of November 21.

It’s possible that November 21 is just an educated estimate on Target’s part. But it also makes sense for Apple to release the tablet a week before Thanksgiving and the big Black Friday holiday shopping rush. The only thing I question is that November 21 is a Thursday, and Apple typically releases its new products on Friday. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the tablet appear on either November 21 or the day after.

Apple has reportedly held back the release date for the new iPad mini due to manufacturing issues, and when it is release, supplies are believed to be “ridiculously tight.” So no matter when Apple releases the new tablet, it might be difficult to find if you’re planning to buy one in time for the holiday season.

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

The iPad's dramatic effect on special education

The iPad's dramatic effect on special education -

Teachers far and wide have already warmly embraced Apple's tablet for its wealth of educational possibilities, but a new VentureBeat article shows us a glimpse at how the iPad can be particularly beneficial for special needs students as well. Neil Virani, a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, received a grant that helped him put an iPad into the hands of every one of his students, and it's paying off.

Virani uses the iPads to provide more flexibility in how he teaches. Using a wireless camera along with the TabCam app, he can carry out lessons anywhere and have the video streamed directly to each students' tablet. Using this, he can stream lessons from around his classroom or even outside, which previously would not have been possible, being the sole instructor in class.

The content is stored and shared to video sites like YouTube where students can review parts they may have missed or didn't fully understand. Virani now has more time during class hours to carry out hands-on projects and lets the students view lecture material at home. Virani's method of teaching seems to be paying off, as he notes that every one of his students has shown improvement since being introduced with the iPad.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Samsung's Smart Watch Commercial Pays Homage to Early Apple iPhone Ad

Samsung's Smart Watch Commercial Pays Homage to Early Apple iPhone Ad - This weekend, Samsung began running new television ads for its Galaxy Gear smart watch. The ads, which have received positive feedback from critics, pay homage to the first ads from another revolutionary device: the iPhone.

The ad from Samsung uses movie clips from "Star Trek", "Dick Tracy", "Knight Rider", and others with actors using their watches to communicate. The clip ends with a normal person using their Samsung Galaxy Gear, referencing a long-running pop culture fascination with wrist phones.

Six years ago, Apple used a similar ad to introduce the iPhone during the 2007 Academy Awards, stringing together movie clips of characters answering the phone.


Apple is rumored to have a smart watch in development that would compliment existing iOS devices with biometrics and other feature integration. It is expected to be released sometime late next year.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

The Jony Ive-designed limited edition Leica M for (RED) camera

The Jony Ive-designed limited edition Leica M for (RED) camera -

Last month we told you that Jony Ive was working on a limited edition Leica M camera to be auctioned off for The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Well, that very limited edition camera -- there is only one -- has been unveiled.

According to Leica's Google+ post, the camera took 85 days to create and required a total of 561 models and nearly 1,000 prototype parts. Ive was assisted by his good friend and fellow designer Marc Newson on the project.

The camera "features a laser-machined aluminum body and an anodized aluminum outer shell," and has "a full-format CMOS sensor, high performance processor and new Leica APO-Summicron -M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens."

Provided you have very deep pockets, you can participate in the auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 and the one-of-a-kind camera could be yours.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

1Password 4.0 for Mac: TUAW hands-on video review

1Password 4.0 for Mac: TUAW hands-on video review -

Whenever I get asked by my friends, family or clients for app recommendations, one of my longstanding go-to answers is 1Password by AgileBits. For those who are unfamiliar with this app, 1Password is a cross-platform, cross-device password and sensitive information management tool. This amazing application just got better with a complete overhaul that goes way deeper than simple cosmetics and frilly feature add-ons.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

The Things We Loved This Week: Amazon's New Kindle Fire and a Turntable With a Floating Platter

The Things We Loved This Week: Amazon's New Kindle Fire and a Turntable With a Floating Platter - We don't know much, but we know we love these items. And that may be all we need to know.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Caturday: "So you think you're going to get some work done? Think again."

Caturday: "So you think you're going to get some work done? Think again." -

Park Junior is obviously in control of the situation here. By strategically placing his furry little body on the trackpad and keyboard, and confronting his human Theresa with that stare, he's made darned sure that she's not going to get any work done. Theresa says that "he was very displeased that I wasn't spending all of my time playing with him."

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Hotel Wi-Fi Sucks: Create Your Own Hotspot Using the Room's Ethernet Connection

Hotel Wi-Fi Sucks: Create Your Own Hotspot Using the Room's Ethernet Connection - Instead of dealing with spotty Wi-Fi connections and speeds that resemble early '90s dialup, use the hotel's ethernet connection.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Amazon's Set-Top Box Competitor to Apple TV and Roku Launching Before Holidays

Amazon's Set-Top Box Competitor to Apple TV and Roku Launching Before Holidays - Amazon is developing a set-top box to compete with the Apple TV and Roku boxes, reports The Wall Street Journal. The box would be aimed primarily at users of its Amazon Prime Video streaming video service and could launch in time for the holiday season.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

NASA vet weighs in on 'Gravity': 'Spectacular realism'

NASA vet weighs in on 'Gravity': 'Spectacular realism' - Mark Uhran, a 28-year NASA veteran with the International Space Station, outlines his thoughts on "Gravity," the terrifyingly realistic new film about free drifting in space starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Dropbox for Mac adds 'Import from iPhoto,' more features

Dropbox for Mac adds 'Import from iPhoto,' more features -

Dropbox has released version 2.4 of its OS X desktop client that adds a number of new features including the ability to import photos directly from iPhoto into your Dropbox. The "Import from iPhoto" feature is only supported with iPhoto 7.0 or later. The feature prompts a notification to appear in the Dropbox menu if you have photos in your iPhoto library. You can then set iPhoto Events to be imported automatically into a folder called "Photos from iPhoto" with subfolders for each event.

In addition to the Import from iPhoto even, Dropbox 2.4 also adds:

• Screenshot to Dropbox: any screenshots taken on your Mac will be automatically saved in your Dropbox.
• Move to Dropbox: a contextual menu item that will show up for most files or folders outside of your Dropbox enabling you to quickly move them to your Dropbox.
• Support for OS X 10.9 Mavericks.
• Much faster upload/download speeds for large files.

Dropbox 2.4 can be downloaded here.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Mariano Rivera Leaves the Mound at Yankee Stadium

Mariano Rivera Leaves the Mound at Yankee Stadium -

It’s been rough year for the Yankees, but they know how to do things like this right. What a great send-off.

(Via Daring Fireball.)

Apple Has Raised $65 Million for (Product) RED Fight Against AIDS

Apple Has Raised $65 Million for (Product) RED Fight Against AIDS - U2 singer Bono, who heads up the (Product) RED charity Apple has collaborated with since 2006, today announced (via TechCrunch) Apple has raised more than $65 million to fight AIDS in Africa.

Since it first debuted a special edition (Product) RED iPod nano in 2006, Apple has released a number of (RED) devices, including several iPod nanos and shuffles. The company has also produced a (RED) iPad Smart Cover, iPad mini Smart Cover, and an iPhone Bumper, along with a new (RED) iPhone 5s case. For every (RED) product bought, Apple donates a portion of the purchase price to the charity.

(RED) works with companies like Apple to fight for an AIDS-free generation by 2015 by creating (PRODUCT) RED merchandise. A percentage of gross profits from the sale of those products goes to the Global Fund to help fund AIDS programs in Africa.

(Product) RED is affiliated with several other companies in addition to Apple, including Starbucks, Nike, and American Express, raising more than $200 million to date.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

Square prompts iOS 7 users to allow microphone access for its reader

Square prompts iOS 7 users to allow microphone access for its reader -

Square has sent an email out to its users noting that they may have to make some slight settings changes if they want to continue using the Square credit card reader on their iPhone. The changes come from a new security setting in iOS 7 in which the user needs to grant each app access to the microphone or else the app will not be able to use it -- or anything that's plugged into it, like the Square reader.

The email lays out the steps users must take to approve Square Register for microphone access:

When you update your Apple device to iOS 7, you may need to adjust your microphone in order to swipe payment cards with your card reader.

If you have already updated to iOS 7, please allow Square Register to access the microphone. Here's how:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone
2. Turn on the Square Register slider
3. Relaunch Square Register and swipe away!

If you have not yet updated to iOS 7, your app will function normally. When you do update, follow the prompt to allow microphone access the first time you open Square Register.

Though this email addresses how to approve Square Register, you follow the exact same steps for any other app that needs microphone access. You'll only have to go through these steps for existing apps on your iPhone that were on it before you updated to iOS 7. Any new apps you download will prompt you to give them access to your microphone the first time you launch them.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Images From Space Confirm Pakistan Earthquake Created New Island

Images From Space Confirm Pakistan Earthquake Created New Island - We now have confirmation from space that a new island has formed off the coast of Pakistan. Yesterday, NASA sent their Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite to check on the situation, and it took the picture on the right above (and below). The island is most likely a pile of mud from the ocean floor that erupted as a mud volcano shortly after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck northwestern Pakistan.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Amazon Introduces 7" and 8.9" Kindle Fire HDX at $229 and $379, Kindle Fire HD Now Starts at $139

Amazon Introduces 7" and 8.9" Kindle Fire HDX at $229 and $379, Kindle Fire HD Now Starts at $139 - With Apple expected to introduce a new line of iPads in the coming months including a thinner, lighter full-sized iPad and an iPad mini with Retina display, Amazon has refreshed its Kindle Fire line, headlined by the redesigned, 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX with a resolution of 1900x1200 at 323 pixels-per-inch (PPI) and the new 8.9 inch Kindle Fire HDX tablet with a resolution of 2560x1600 at 339 PPI.

As noted by The Verge, both of the Android-based tablets feature a new quad-core 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, Dolby Digital Plus audio, a 720p front-facing camera, and a new Adreno 330 GPU, with up to 11 hours of battery life, or an extended 17 hours of battery life for strictly-reading use. Both tablets also feature the new Fire OS 3.0 “Mojito”, and an on-screen “Mayday” button, which enables live on-device tech support. Specifically, the feature allows for an Amazon technical support advisor to walk users through any feature with 24/7 one-way video support, enabling tech agents to draw on the screen and even remote control the device for support purposes.

The standard 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX is priced at $229 with 16GB, but Amazon is also offering a $329 version of the model with 4G LTE connectivity. Meanwhile, the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX starts at $379 for the 16GB model, but also has an LTE option priced at $479. The 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX ships on October 18, with the LTE option shipping on November 14. The non-LTE 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX ships on November 7, with the LTE configuration of the model shipping on December 10.

Finally, Amazon has also updated the 16GB 7-inch Kindle Fire HD with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and is now selling it at a new lower price of $169, down from the previous price of $199. Like the two higher-end Kindle Fire tablets, the Kindle Fire HD also features the new Fire OS 3.0 Mojito, which contains new features such as multi-tasking, speed enhancements, new content management options, and additional accessibility features. Additionally, a new 8GB model of the Kindle Fire HD is retailing for $139, with both models scheduled to ship on October 2.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

Apple now offering older iOS device owners 'last compatible version' of apps

Apple now offering older iOS device owners 'last compatible version' of apps -

Apple has begun offering owners of older iOS devices the "last compatible version" of apps that will run on their device, as noticed by Reddit members. For example, if an iPhone 3G owner tries to download the latest Twitter app, a dialog box will pop up alerting them that the most recent version of the app is not compatible with their device, but they can opt to download the last version that will run.

As Engadget notes:

We've successfully installed an older version of Instagram to an iPhone 3GS with iOS 4.3.3 and Twitter to an iPhone 3G running iOS 4.2.1. Although Instagram was "out of date," the last compatible version of Twitter (featured above) was version 4.3.2, and hit the App Store back on August 18th, 2012.

It's a smart move, as older iPhones are resold around the world and often stay in use years after Apple stopped selling the device. This allows those owners to have access to apps that run efficiently on those devices, which helps with the overall user experience and Apple's ecosystem.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

iOS 7 Quick Guide: Back up now!

iOS 7 Quick Guide: Back up now! -

It may not be "World Backup Day" by the letter of the law, but it might as well be in spirit. iOS 7 is due to drop tomorrow, and we at TUAW would gently like to remind you to perform a backup before the new firmware is released.

You'll want a clean, recent copy of all your files (especially all those levels you so laboriously earned and all your precious media like the pics of your pets and kids, not to mention those awesome barista swirls).

We recommend connecting your iPhone to a computer and using the manual "Back Up Now" option, so you can be sure that all your data and all your media is safely copied.

Happy upgrades everyone!

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Amazon’s Instant Video iOS app now lets you stream to Apple TV via AirPlay

Amazon’s Instant Video iOS app now lets you stream to Apple TV via AirPlay -

Amazon’s Instant Video iOS app, which allows users to watch video content purchased from Amazon and stream Prime Instant Video content, will now work better with Apple devices: In an update on Tuesday, Amazon added the ability to stream content from the app to Apple TV via AirPlay.

The update was a long time coming: The Instant Video iOS app was first released in July 2012. On iTunes, the app had garnered thousands of negative reviews for its lack of compatibility with AirPlay.

Apple TV still doesn’t have a native Amazon Instant Video app (Roku does), but this might be a step toward that.

The update also included more integration with IMDB, which is owned by Amazon.

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

Take a tour of Abbey Road Studios

Take a tour of Abbey Road Studios - A tour around the historic, epic, and incredible Abbey Road Studios. [Read more]

(Via CNET News.com.)

Office for Mac 2011 14.3.7 makes bugfixes, minor upgrades

Office for Mac 2011 14.3.7 makes bugfixes, minor upgrades - Microsoft has released a new patch for Office for Mac, v14.3.7. The code is primarily a maintenance release, cleaning up bugs in the software. It does however add a collection of improvements to Outlook, such as pane navigation, item sort order in the View menu, and the ability to insert images via the Format menu ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Bob Geldof will be first rock-n-roller to blast into space

Bob Geldof will be first rock-n-roller to blast into space - The Boomtown Rats frontman and Live Aid mastermind is scheduled to be a passenger on a commercial flight to go see the cosmos up close and personal.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Microsoft releases fixes, critical security update for Office 2011

Microsoft releases fixes, critical security update for Office 2011 -
Microsoft has pushed out an update to Microsoft Office 2011 that fixes numerous issues with the suite as well as addresses a critical security flaw. The Office for Mac 2011 14.3.7 fixes a long list of bugs, most notably several with Outlook:

• Improves opening and checking out a file from SharePoint in Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that may sometimes cause Mac Office to crash when you try to open Office documents from a SharePoint site.
• Improves access to customer's spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes Excel to randomly crash when a file contains several drop-down macros.
• Improves message browsing using screen reader software in Outlook for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes certain information in the navigation pane and message list to not be read by screen reader software.
• Adds item sort order to the View menu in Outlook for Mac
• This update includes functionality that lets you change the sort order of Outlook items in the Outlook item list through the View menu. Menu items are located in the Arrange By submenu.
• Includes pane navigation functionality in Outlook for Mac
• This update includes functionality that lets you move quickly through the navigation pane, the reading pane, and the Outlook item list using the View menu, the Previous Pane keyboard shortcut, and the Next Pane keyboard shortcut.
• Improves message and meeting viewing and composing using screen reader in Outlook for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes certain message and meeting information to not be read by screen reader software.
• Improves the Contacts Search panel in Outlook for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes action buttons for search results to not be keyboard-accessible.
• Adds an Insert Image command to the Format menu in Outlook for Mac
• This update includes functionality that lets you insert images into Outlook items though the Format menu.
• Improves the ability to move through meeting attendee free/busy information using screen reader software in Outlook for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes free/busy information in the Scheduling Assistant to not be read by screen reader software.
• Improves the ability to add and edit accounts using screen reader software in Outlook for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes certain account information to not be read by screen reader software.

The Office for Mac 2011 14.3.7 update is recommended for all users and can be downloaded by running Microsoft AutoUpdate on your Mac or via the Microsoft Download Center here.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Apple adds $59 AppleCare+ for iPod Classic and iPod touch

Apple adds $59 AppleCare+ for iPod Classic and iPod touch -

Apple has quietly added a US$59 AppleCare+ plan for the iPod Classic and iPod touch. Like other products eligible for AppleCare+ plans, the iPod Classic and iPod touch can now get an additional one year of warranty coverage, a total of two years of phone support, and two incidents of repair or replacement due to accidental damage (with an additional $29 fee to cover accidental damage when it occurs).

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Dyson Accuses Samsung of Vacuum Cleaner Design Rip-Off

Dyson Accuses Samsung of Vacuum Cleaner Design Rip-Off -

Jennifer Rankin, reporting for The Guardian:

“This looks like a cynical rip-off by the giant Korean company Samsung,” said company founder, Sir James Dyson. “Although they are copying Dyson’s patented technology, their machine is not the same. Samsung has many patent lawyers so I find it hard not to believe that this is a deliberate or utterly reckless infringement of our patent.” Samsung dismissed the claims as “groundless”.

Shocker.

(Via Daring Fireball.)

Amazon warns users to update iOS Kindle app before installing iOS 7

Amazon warns users to update iOS Kindle app before installing iOS 7 -

Readers of Kindle books, take note: Amazon has issued a critical update to its Kindle app on iOS, warning users to install the latest update before upgrading to iOS 7 or risk losing their Kindle libraries. The company pushed out the Kindle 3.9.2 update last night to the App Store. In the app's release notes, the company states:

This is a fix for a Kindle issue with the upcoming iOS 7 OS upgrade that may cause customers to have to re-register and re-download books from Amazon. Please download and install - this is a required update before upgrading to iOS 7.

Without Amazon explicitly stating what the problem is, it's not clear whether the fault lies in the Amazon app itself or in some code in iOS 7. Should users fail to update the app before they install iOS 7, they will have to re-register and then re-download all their Kindle books, but that's as far as their troubles would go; there's no suggestion from Amazon that failure to do so would produce dire consequences, like losing all their Kindle books across multiple devices.

Amazon warns users to update iOS Kindle app before installing iOS 7 originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 09 Sep 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Source | Permalink | Email this | Comments

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Rumor Roundup: 'Apple likely to (verb) (product) in (year)'

Rumor Roundup: 'Apple likely to (verb) (product) in (year)' -

Here's what we know for certain about the upcoming September 10 event:

A new Apple product of some kind will be announced. Probably an iPhone.

Here's what we suspect will be announced at the September 10 iPhone event, based on the few credible rumors skimmed from the meniscus layer of a deep ocean of BS:

The next-gen iPhone will probably be called the iPhone 5S. With few exceptions, it will look externally identical to the iPhone 5. It will likely have a faster CPU. It may have an improved camera, including a dual flash. It may or may not have a fingerprint sensor.

Alongside this, the iPhone 5C is likely to be announced. This is an iPhone with a plastic backside that will be available in multiple colors. In most other respects, including the internal components, it appears similar to the iPhone 5. This may or may not be the long-rumored "cheap iPhone" that's been the object of endless speculation for years; the biggest unanswered question about this supposed low-cost product is just how low that cost will be.

Definitely not showing up at the September 10 event:

• New iPads
• Apple HDTV (sorry, Gene)
• iWatch

If Apple has any surprises up its sleeve, it's successfully managed to keep them hidden from the eagerly drooling jaws of the rumor blogs. Speaking of which, let's see what they've been up to this week.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Apple Announcement Event Tomorrow: Where to Watch

Apple Announcement Event Tomorrow: Where to Watch -

Tomorrow's the big day. Apple's holding its September 10 announcement event, and rumors suggest that we'll see the announcement of the iPhone 5S, the low-cost iPhone 5C, the "gold" iPhone 5S, and iOS 7 itself. As usual, we'll be covering the event and publishing articles online as we hear the news, but if you want to follow along yourself, we've provided a few links to help.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

Counting down the iPod's days

Counting down the iPod's days -

Ars Technica Editor-at-Large Jacqui Cheng offered up an opinion on Thursday on "Why the days are numbered for the legacy iPod." The original iPod with scroll wheel was introduced in October 2001. The currently selling iPod classic was introduced in September 2008 (the earlier version from 2007 was discontinued with the introduction of the newer model).

Cheng offers the continuous decline since 2009 in sales of the whole iPod category as evidence that it's time to retire the product line or at the very least some of the iPod models. She notes that in the third quarter over the past five years alone, the sales drop is significant: Apple "sold 4.57 million iPods during Q3 ... In Q3 2012, Apple sold 6.75 million iPods; in Q3 2011, Apple sold 7.54 million; and in Q3 2010, Apple sold 9.41 million." She predicts a showing of less than 4 million units sold in Q4 2013.

She also takes into account how Apple retires products with old technology. With the charging cable update from the 30-pin rectangle to the new Lightning connector in iOS devices, she seems to doubt that the iPod products will receive that upgrade. While she implies that some of the iPod products could be retired this year, she does clarify that they are still making money, so maybe Apple will wait to put them on the chopping block. The Ars Technica article's comments section includes messages from many people who don't seem to agree with Cheng's opinion and presents an interesting read.

Related Stories

Happy anniversary to the venerable iPod touch, by Victor Agreda, Jr. (9/5/13)

Create a bootable iPod classic, Steven Sande (9/5/13)

Six cool upgrades for an old iPod, Kelly Hodgkins (3/15/13)

Steve Jobs reportedly says "no plans" to discontinue iPod Classic, Megan Lavey-Heaton (3/23/11)

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Google introduces Chrome app launcher for Mac

Google introduces Chrome app launcher for Mac -

This past July, Google released a Chrome app launcher for Windows. Today, Mac users can finally get in on the fun, as Google has released a developer preview of the app launcher for Mac. The Chrome app launcher allows you to open your favorite Google apps like Gmail and Drive right from your dock.

Using the app launcher is simple. Click on the dock icon and a popup menu opens showing the apps you currently have installed. Each app will open in its own window outside of Chrome, just like any normal desktop program.

Most apps are streamlined for use, meaning you're free from normal tabs, buttons and text boxes that might normally distract you from your work. They're also connected to the cloud, silently updating themselves and your work without the hassles of hitting save. Your apps are also synced across your devices, allowing you to pick up your work regardless of where you last left off.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Kindle MatchBook to offer cheap, free ebooks from past Amazon orders

Kindle MatchBook to offer cheap, free ebooks from past Amazon orders - Amazon has announced a new program that will provide Kindle owners digital copies of books they already own. Kindle MatchBook will allow Amazon customers to get an ebook version of physical versions bought through the retailer in the past, with titles either being offered at no charge or for between $0.99 and $2.99 each ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

This watch-like recording device is always listening

This watch-like recording device is always listening - Kapture, a new hardware project launched Tuesday on Kickstarter, is just waiting for you to tell it when to save the last 60 seconds of whatever was said. Scary? Cool? Maybe both.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Neil Young's high-def music format Pono due next year

Neil Young's high-def music format Pono due next year - Rocker says new audio format will debut in early 2014, along with a portable music player and a library of music in the format.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Amazon's New Kindle Paperwhite Gets Official

Amazon's New Kindle Paperwhite Gets Official - The new Kindle Paperwhite has better contrast, an updated built-in light, and a faster processor than its predecessor. It also gets Goodreads integration and Amazon's new Kindle Page Flip feature.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Lava Lamp's 50 Years of Gooey Light

Lava Lamp's 50 Years of Gooey Light - Invented by British accountant Edward Craven-Walker, the first Lava Lamp appeared in stores 50 years ago today.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Kindle Fire sales continue at Amazon as hype builds for Apple's next iPads

Kindle Fire sales continue at Amazon as hype builds for Apple's next iPads - In recent weeks, Amazon has held a number of sales on its Kindle Fire lineup, and on Thursday the company's refurbished 8.9-inch model was discounted by $60, as the online retailer continues its efforts to carve away market share from Apple's iPad.

(Via AppleInsider.)

Kodak bankruptcy emergence accepted by court; shareholders get nothing

Kodak bankruptcy emergence accepted by court; shareholders get nothing - A plan slashing $4.1 billion dollars of debt in order for Eastman Kodak to emerge from bankruptcy has finally been approved by the court. Judge Allan Gropper approved the plan, but at a cost -- the judge said in his ruling that despite the approval, "this is on a day when many are losing retirement benefits, when many are finding that their recovery as a creditor is just a minute fraction" of what was originally promised by the fallen giant ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Canon debuts four new PowerShot digital point and shoot cameras

Canon debuts four new PowerShot digital point and shoot cameras - Digital imaging solutions provider Canon today announced the release of four new PowerShot digital cameras: the PowerShot G16, PowerShot S120, PowerShot SX510 HS and PowerShot SX170 IS. All four cameras feature DIGIC imaging technology to deliver the best possible image quality in compact digital camera bodies. In addition, all models have the ability to achieve faster autofocusing speeds than was possible with previous PowerShot models. The PowerShot G16 and S120 also feature the new Star mode to help users capture a starry night sky, while the new Background Defocus mode allows users to soft...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Best Buy Is Back — Or Is It Just the Walking Dead?

Best Buy Is Back — Or Is It Just the Walking Dead? - Wall Street seems to think Best Buy has come back to life after all the signs pointed to its inevitable demise. But is a true resurrection really possible?

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Apple releases iTunes 11.0.5 with bug fixes

Apple releases iTunes 11.0.5 with bug fixes -

Apple has released a small update to iTunes that fixes playback and iCloud issues. According to the description accompanying the update, the iTunes 11.0.5 release:

corrects an issue with iTunes in the Cloud, where some purchases may download or play unexpected items.

The update is available on the Mac via Software Update and on Windows by selecting "Check for Updates" from the menu bar ...

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Restoring Orson Welles’s ‘Too Much Johnson’

Restoring Orson Welles’s ‘Too Much Johnson’ -

Short video of Eastman House film preservationists regarding the restoration of Orson Welles’s 1938 film Too Much Johnson — which for decades was thought to be utterly lost. Tremendously exciting find for movie lovers.

Update: More information in Eastman House’s press release.

(Via Daring Fireball.)

Roku update allows iOS app to stream content to its boxes

Roku update allows iOS app to stream content to its boxes -

Roku has added a new feature to its iOS app that will make the streaming service more attractive to users trying to pick between it and an Apple TV. Version 2.3 updates the Play on Roku service, giving users the ability to stream videos directly from an iOS device to their television.

Play on Roku debuted last September and allowed users to stream pictures and music from their tablet and smartphone to their TV set, but was sorely lacking video support. The move brings Roku closer in line with the functionality of Apple TV, though there are a few important differences.

The Roku service still doesn't allow users to stream TV shows or movies they've synced with their iOS devices or allow third-party video apps to be streamed to the box. Roku's new iOS features work on Roku 3, Roku 2, Roku HD, and Roku Streaming Stick. You can find the app update in the iTunes store now.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Olloclip's Telephoto + Circular Polarizing Lens: Up close and personal

Olloclip's Telephoto + Circular Polarizing Lens: Up close and personal -

For iPhone photography, the Olloclip 3-in-1 lens kit (US$69.99) has no peer. The kit includes high quality wide-angle, fisheye, and macro lenses ... but no telephoto lens. That hole in the Olloclip line has now been filled with the addition of the new Telephoto + Circular Polarizing Lens ($99.99) kit. This lens and filter combo is available for order now, and was scheduled to ship in late July, 2013 -- that date, of course, has come and gone, and the Olloclip website is still showing that the telephoto can only be pre-ordered.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Apple Stores gain new Philips Hue Bloom & LightStrips lighting options

Apple Stores gain new Philips Hue Bloom & LightStrips lighting options - Apple's online and retail stores will become the exclusive home of Philips' latest iPhone-connected Hue lights this week: the Bloom portable LED bulb and stick-able LightStrips, both of which do not require a standard light socket.

(Via AppleInsider.)

Apple Introduces 'Takeback Program' to Replace Knockoff USB Power Adapters

Apple Introduces 'Takeback Program' to Replace Knockoff USB Power Adapters -

Apple probably could have gotten away with shrugging its shoulders at the recent news that a Chinese woman died from an electrocution allegedly caused by a faulty knockoff iPhone charger, but today 9to5Mac reported that the Cupertino company is taking a far more nobler stance. Later this month, it'll allow customers to bring in their old USB power adapters and receive new, Apple-designed ones for a lower price via a "takeback program."

To take advantage of the offer, simply bring in your old power adapter for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod after August 16 (either third-party or designed by Apple) to your local Apple Store or authorized retailer, and the staff will dispose of it for you "in an environmentally friendly way." If you did so, you can then purchase a new one for just $10, although Apple's announcement also states that this offer will only be available until October 18.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

Evernote for iOS updated with Skitch support, Shortcuts, Related Notes

Evernote for iOS updated with Skitch support, Shortcuts, Related Notes - In a substantial upgrade to both free and premium level iPhone and iPad apps, note syncing service Evernote adds synced shortcuts, integration with Skitch for marking up images and PDFs, and a new related notes tool.

(Via AppleInsider.)

Update to Apple Store app will offer free iTunes, App Store content -- report

Update to Apple Store app will offer free iTunes, App Store content -- report - New version of Apple Store app for iPhone and iPod Touch, to be released July 23, will promote Apple's content apps, with some content offered free for a limited time, according to a report.

(Via CNET News.com.)

10 tips to better secure your privacy on an Apple device

10 tips to better secure your privacy on an Apple device -

Taking control of the security of your data and retaining privacy in today’s connected age is not an easy task. Thinking about this in its simplest form, there are two scenarios you need to consider when it comes to your personal devices: how things like apps and data get on and off your devices. For every app you allow can potentially access and send data off of your device.

With Apple’s iCloud breaking down the data barriers between OS X and iOS, you need to think about security on every device in your Apple ecosystem. The following 10 tips will help you manage not only how your information flows to and from your phone, tablet or computer, but also who has access to it.

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

The Best Space Images Ever Were Taken by Apollo Astronauts With Hasselblad Cameras

The Best Space Images Ever Were Taken by Apollo Astronauts With Hasselblad Cameras - The most iconic photos from the manned exploration of space come from the monumental Apollo project. But something you may not know is that nearly every single famous photo from that program was taken using cameras from one company: Hasselblad. In honor of the 44th anniversary of Apollo 11's historic landing, here we present a gallery of some of the most breathtaking Hasselblad-assisted shots that astronauts took from the moon and space.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Writer's Studio is an amazingly complete authoring tool for iOS

Writer's Studio is an amazingly complete authoring tool for iOS -

Got a desire to produce your own personal e-book? Need to create an eye-catching presentation on your iOS device? Writer's Studio may be just the ticket. This US$1.99 app, currently on sale for $0.99, has many more features than I expected.

You start with a blank page and then pick a color or a background photo. Next add some text in your choice of size, font, color and style. Add graphics with a variety of paintbrush tools, or add shapes in colors that can also be filled.

If you're not an artist, try the built-in clip art, or you can find even more in the cloud from the server provided by the developers. Some of the features are very advanced. Drop in or import a graphic, and text flows around it.

Gallery: Writer's Studio

You can add your own music, record your own narration or let the e-book read your text with a text-to-speech tool.

When you are done, share your creation via email or YouTube. You can output a .mov file, a PDF or even play it to AppleTV via AirPlay.

I tried the app over the weekend, and it is very powerful, packing a lot of tools that are amazing at this price. There is help built in, but this is not the kind of app where you just start exploring and things happen as expected. With many of the features, there is a bit of a learning curve, but it is not punishing. I found I had to create some projects, and experiment to make sure I understood how each tool is used and what some of the icons represented. On a third-generation iPad, I found the app sometimes a bit slow to respond, but it is doing a lot of rendering.

Writer's Studio isn't an app that will let you publish to Apple's App Store for wide distribution. Apple has iBooks Author for that. But if you want to create some personal, rich media e-books or presentations, Writer's Studio is a good call.

The app is universal, although it'll feel cramped on an iPhone. Writer's Studio requires iOS 4.3 or greater and is optimized for the iPhone 5.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Report: half of streaming boxes sold are Apple TVs

Report: half of streaming boxes sold are Apple TVs -

Apple executives seem to have a thing for referring to the Apple TV as nothing more than an interesting hobby. That little hobby, however, seems to be attracting more and more users with each passing quarter.

During Apple's 2012 holiday quarter, for example, the company sold more than 2 million Apple TV units, representing a nearly 43% sales increase compared to the 2011 holiday quarter. Cumulatively, Tim Cook revealed during this year's All Things D conference that Apple has, to-date, sold over 13 million Apple TV units. Even more impressive is that Cook noted that "about half of those" sales took place in 2013.

Suffice it to say, Apple TV may still only be a hobby in Apple's eyes, but sales of the device seem to accelerating with each passing year.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Here's What It Looks Like When You Replace Photographers With iPhone-Wielding Reporters

Here's What It Looks Like When You Replace Photographers With iPhone-Wielding Reporters - Earlier this year the Chicago Sun-Times made national headlines when it purged its photo staff and replaced them with iPhone-wielding reporters. To try and track what many suspected would be a decline in the paper's visual coverage, Chicago freelance photographer Taylor Glascock started a Tumblr.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Best Buy offering $200 gift cards for older generation iPads

Best Buy offering $200 gift cards for older generation iPads -

All Things D is reporting that Best Buy this weekend will be offering an iPad trade-in program whereby consumers can get a $200 gift card in exchange for bringing in either an iPad 2 or third-generation iPad.

While the trade-in must take place at an actual brick-and-mortar location, the resulting gift card can be used either in-store or redeemed via Best Buy's website. Note that the trade-in program excludes the original iPad and the iPad mini.

In some cases, the amount may be more than $200, depending on the model and condition of the iPad.

...

Best Buy said it decided to launch this promotion based on the success of its iPhone trade-in event last month. Though Best Buy wouldn't disclose how many people participated in the program, the company said there was an "overwhelming response" and that its initial June 1 event was the single biggest day for its trade-in business.

The trade-in program starts on Friday and runs through Saturday, so if you have an old iPad lying around, Best Buy is the place to be.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Best tablets under $200 right now

Best tablets under $200 right now - New versions of popular tablets will soon be released and now's your chance to take advantage of price drops for last year's models.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Super-Smart Weather App Shows Forecasts as Infographics

Super-Smart Weather App Shows Forecasts as Infographics - Weathertron's data-first UI isn't just handsome--it's also packed with just the right amount of forecast info.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Square Stand credit card terminal to be sold at Apple Stores

Square Stand credit card terminal to be sold at Apple Stores -

Square is now in a partnership with Apple to bring its new Square Stands to Apple retail stores.

The Square Stand will convert an iPad into a full point-of-sale system that pairs with cash drawers, receipt printers, barcode scanners and credit card readers.

The US$299 device begins shipping this week and will be available at the same time at Apple retail stores, Best Buy and other select retailers.

The Square Stand only works with 2nd and 3rd generation iPads because of the 30-pin dock connector. A Lightning-connector model will be available later this year.

[via Electronista]

How to make your Bluetooth speaker sound better

How to make your Bluetooth speaker sound better - Try the Audiophiliac's simple experiments, and you might get better sound. It's easy to do and it's free. [Read more]

(Via CNET News.com.)

Apple patents flexible batteries that would fit nicely in an iWatch

Apple patents flexible batteries that would fit nicely in an iWatch -

For sure, Apple patents a lot of innovative technology that never sees the light of day. However, sometimes certain patents stand out due to current technology trends and stronger signs that Apple may indeed be working on a new iDevice. One such example that fits that description is a patent for an Apple invention that allows for flexible battery packs. The patent was published by the US Patent & Trademark Office yesterday and discovered by Patently Apple. As PA notes ...

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Top tablets with expandable storage

Top tablets with expandable storage - Who wins the storage wars for best tablet with expandable memory options?

(Via CNET News.com.)

Minnesota Twins Give Mariano Rivera a Chair Made of Broken Bats

Minnesota Twins Give Mariano Rivera a Chair Made of Broken Bats -

Best gift yet on the Rivera farewell tour.

(Via Daring Fireball.)

Samsung buys Apple TV competitor Boxee for $30 million

Samsung buys Apple TV competitor Boxee for $30 million - Samsung may be looking to take its rivalry with Apple to another level, as a new report has the South Korean tech giant buying streaming media startup Boxee in a move that will bring it into even more direct competition with the Apple TV.

(Via AppleInsider.)

First look: Keynote for iCloud

First look: Keynote for iCloud - Yesterday we took a look at the Pages for iCloud beta and were highly impressed by what Apple has achieved with its word processing and publishing application. It looks and works very much like a desktop application and pushes the envelope for what has previously been achieved with an entirely web-based app. Keynote is the next of the three iWork for iCloud beta apps in our short series looking at Apple's new iWork for iCloud suite of web apps. Is it possible to recreate a presentation app in the cloud with the full power of a desktop presentation app? It doesn't seem likely, but then it didn't ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Hide apps on the Apple TV

Hide apps on the Apple TV - As the Apple TV gains new apps, some users may find that the device's home screen is getting a bit cluttered. For example, I don't care to watch sports on my Apple TV, and it'd be nice if I didn't have to see those apps.

David Chartier, writing on Finer Things in Tech, has pointed out an easy way to clean up excess apps. Go to Settings > General > Parental Controls, turn on Parental Controls if it's not already activated (you'll be asked to enter a 4-digit PIN), then scroll down and click on the apps you want to hide to toggle their visibility.

David also points out, in his article, how to move apps around on the Apple TV's home screen.

(Via MacOSXHints.com.)

From Kickstarter to retail: Pebble smartwatch comes to Best Buy

From Kickstarter to retail: Pebble smartwatch comes to Best Buy -

Although the Pebble smartwatch was the most successful Kickstarter project ever, raising $10.2 million, many mainstream consumers haven’t heard of it. That’s about to change thanks to an exclusive deal to put the Pebble on Best Buy retail shelves. The wireless wearable in a Jet Black color can be had now for $149.99 at Best Buy’s online store and in Best Buy locations starting July 7.

If you’re not familiar with Pebble, it’s a smartwatch that works with iPhones and select Android devices, wirelessly connecting to them via Bluetooth. Once paired with your phone, Pebble receives text messages, emails, Facebook status updates and incoming calls so you can decide to respond or take action on your phone.

The watch has a built-in backlight and also functions as a remote control for music and other media playing on the phone. You can customize the watch face with dozens of choices. Third-party apps are also available for the watch, allowing you to track your exercise or use the watch as a GPS caddy on the golf course.

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn announces iPhone-compatible smart watch

Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn announces iPhone-compatible smart watch - Hon Hai Precision, better known as Foxconn, revealed on Wednesday that it will be releasing a smart watch that can interface with Apple's iPhone.

(Via AppleInsider.)

Square Takes on eBay with New Online Market Service for Small Business

Square Takes on eBay with New Online Market Service for Small Business -

Are you a small business with excess inventory you'd love to unload? Before you click on that eBay "Sell" link, Square wants you to know that it's now a player in the online commerce business.

Square announced the launch of Square Market today, billed as "an online marketplace for businesses to sell everything from handmade jewelry, housewares and merchandise, to yoga lessons and beauty services."

The service is aimed at local businesses across the United States and offers free listings and a flat low fee of 2.75 percent per item sold. Square Market skips the costly web development and inventory management of other services, and items can be posted to Twitter for discovery and sharing.

“We’re focused on making easy-to-use tools for merchants that create an incredible experience for their customers -- no matter where they are," explains Ajit Varma, Square’s Director of Discovery. "Creating an online marketplace is our next step in making commerce easy for everyone. Square Market makes local businesses accessible to customers down the block and across the country.”

The service is likely to appeal to small businesses already using Square as their key method of payment -- item libraries sync straight across from Square Register, and setup takes only minutes.

Follow this article’s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter

 

(Via Mac|Life all.)

20 Great Image-Editing Apps for Mac and iOS

20 Great Image-Editing Apps for Mac and iOS -

One name dominates digital photo editing, and that’s Adobe. Its flagship Photoshop software is the industry standard — it’s used to help make the website you’re reading now, and it costs $699. Happily, there are alternative applications that won’t break the bank and that can do everything the photography enthusiast could ever need. The following is an overview of your top options, as well as a few interesting plugins and narrower-purpose apps we recommend.

(Via Mac|Life all.)