Original Apple I from 1976 sold for $365,000 at auction - 
A fully-functional Apple I original computer known as the "Ricketts Apple I" after the original owner, has sold at auction at Christie's for less than expected, fetching $365,000 rather than the estimated $400,000-600,000 range. The unit was the only known Apple I sold directly by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to an individual from his Los Altos family home. Another working Apple I was recently sold to the Henry Ford foundation last October for $905,000. While there are thought to be some 50 surviving Apple I units, only six are known to be functional ...
Friday, December 12, 2014
Original Apple I from 1976 sold for $365,000 at auction
Apple online store now accepting payment via PayPal
Apple online store now accepting payment via PayPal - Ahead of the busy holiday shopping season, Apple has made shopping from its online store that much easier. According to a report from Re/Code, Apple's online store for U.S. and U.K. based customers now accepts payment via PayPal ...
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Apple's iOS devices accounted for 78% of record setting Cyber Monday mobile sales
Apple's iOS devices accounted for 78% of record setting Cyber Monday mobile sales - Revenues from online shopping on "Cyber Monday" surged 15.4 percent higher than last year, setting a new all time peak in U.S. ecommerce, with online mobile sales overwhelmingly driven by customers wielding Apple devices.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Review: iDrive cloud backup and sync service
Review: iDrive cloud backup and sync service - 
There are a lot of cloud services out there, and nearly all of them can be used for backing up key files and folders. A few dedicated services are focused on backing up nearly everything the user has, and thus offer large quantities of space needed for the task, but are expensive and slow. Others, like Dropbox, offer far less space but allow instant access to files across a range of devices. IDrive appears to have hit on a good middle ground: offer lots of space at a very reasonable sum, while providing a lot of configuration options, full data encryption, instant sync, multi-platform support ...
13 Cat-Approved Gifts for Fabulous Felines (And Their Humans)
13 Cat-Approved Gifts for Fabulous Felines (And Their Humans) -
It's not like I just sit around licking myself all day. I have opinions about things. I've got a Pinterest page. Come the holidays, I would prefer to not be forgotten.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Thursday, November 13, 2014
SanDisk launches portable storage drive with built-in Lightning connector
SanDisk launches portable storage drive with built-in Lightning connector - SanDisk on Thursday announced the new iXpand Flash Drive, the company's first USB flash drive designed specifically for Apple's iPhone and iPad, featuring a dedicated Lightning connector for transferring files on the go.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Amazon and Hachette settle bitter e-book dispute
Amazon and Hachette settle bitter e-book dispute - The end to a public fight between the publishing industry and the massive e-book distributor could spell relief for authors. It also gives Amazon customers access, finally, to Hachette titles.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Apple TV Starter Guide
Thinking of getting an Apple TV? Good for you! It’s only $99 and you deserve it. My family and I have enjoyed using ours for years, and if the wife and kids had to choose, they’d probably ditch me before giving up the easy access to HBO GO, Netflix, and Disney Junior. (I don’t take it personally.) Setting up an Apple TV is dead easy, but I’ve whipped up this quick guide to make sure you get the most out of your little black box. Come meet the new star of your living room!
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Need a better flash for your iPhone or Android camera? Here’s a thin wireless one
Need a better flash for your iPhone or Android camera? Here’s a thin wireless one - If the True Tone flash on your iPhone doesn't quite cut it for you in every lighting situation, this $60 wireless accessory might help. The Nova Flash has 40 LEDs, an app to control the lighting and a Bluetooth radio to work with your camera.
Need a better flash for your iPhone or Android camera? Here’s a thin wireless one originally published by Gigaom, © copyright 2014.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
Mr. Coffee just released an iPhone-controllable 'Smart Coffee Maker'
Mr. Coffee just released an iPhone-controllable 'Smart Coffee Maker' - The list of "Things That We Probably Don't Need Smart Versions Of But We Got Them Anyway" gets a little bit longer today with the announcement and release of the Mr. Coffee Smart Coffee Maker, an iPhone-controllable appliance that lets you initiate...
Get a Jawbone Up fitness band for $45.95
Get a Jawbone Up fitness band for $45.95 - Originally $129.99, this popular wrist-companion monitors your movements and sleep, then supplies you with a wealth of analytic data.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Flat tire? Mapquest iPhone app now offers roadside assistance
Flat tire? Mapquest iPhone app now offers roadside assistance - You can now get membership-free towing and other services via the app, but you'll have to pay for the work itself, of course.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Elon Musk confirms ambitions to launch Internet satellites
Elon Musk confirms ambitions to launch Internet satellites - SpaceX CEO reveals the company is in the early stages of building micro-satellites intended to deliver low-cost Internet access around the world.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Beautiful Polar Photos Tell a Haunting Story About Climate Change
Beautiful Polar Photos Tell a Haunting Story About Climate Change -
When Camille Seaman started photographing icebergs and other arctic wonders, she wasn’t thinking about climate change. She simply found the frozen landscape and white vistas visually stunning. Still, you can’t help but associate her images with the ongoing conversation about climate change. Seaman, 45, says she too sees her work as directly connected and aptly ...
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Next Office for Mac due in first half of 2015 with Retina support
Next Office for Mac due in first half of 2015 with Retina support - 
Following up on an earlier glimpse at a new Outlook, Chinese site cnBeta has produced even more information on Microsoft's plans for Office on the Mac. Leaked presentation slides suggest that it will ship in the first half of 2015, and that all apps will include full Retina support as well as an aesthetic matching OS X Yosemite. At the same time, the suite should more closely hew to the "look and feel" of Office for Windows. One such change is the use of the Quick Access Toolbar throughout the suite ...
Monday, October 27, 2014
How Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Compares to Other Streaming Dongles
How Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Compares to Other Streaming Dongles -
Today, Amazon got into the streaming-stick game with the announcement of the $39 Fire TV Stick. Here's how it compares to other popular HDMI streaming sticks.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Teardown of iPad Air 2 by iFixit confirms 2GB RAM, smaller battery
Teardown of iPad Air 2 by iFixit confirms 2GB RAM, smaller battery - 
A new teardown of the iPad Air 2 has confirmed much of what was speculated about the device, but has also revealed some minor surprises. The team at iFixit have rated the new iPad a "two" on a scale of 10, with 10 being the most repairable. The company says that while the new "fused" display is better visually, and sturdier when opening up the iPad, it will also increase the cost of repair for a cracked screen. The teardown also revealed that the latest full-size iPad features a smaller battery and more RAM ...
NASA's new Soundcloud album: Listen to the exploration of space
NASA's new Soundcloud album: Listen to the exploration of space - NASA has created an album of sounds on Soundcloud, including rocket launches, recordings from space shuttle missions and even a song about water on the moon.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Cook sends memo to employees on third anniversary of Jobs' death
Cook sends memo to employees on third anniversary of Jobs' death - 
As he has done each year since taking over as CEO, Tim Cook has written a memo to all Apple employees reflecting on the death of co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs. In this latest note, Cook says he will be thinking of Jobs on Sunday, the third anniversary of his passing. He thanks employees for "helping carry Steve's legacy into the future," and notes that even projects that were begun after Jobs's death still carry his "unmistakeable" influence ...
FCC: Marriott blocked guests' personal Wi-Fi, charged for Net access
FCC: Marriott blocked guests' personal Wi-Fi, charged for Net access - Federal Communications Commission fines Marriott $600,000 after deciding it illegally interfered with conventiongoers' hot spots in Nashville. Marriott says it did nothing wrong.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Pebble cuts smartwatch prices by $50, adds activity tracking
Pebble cuts smartwatch prices by $50, adds activity tracking - 
Pebble, the Kickstarter-funded smartwatch, has been updated with some new functionality, and new prices. An incoming update for the smartwatch will enable activity tracking functionality for the first time, with the manufacturer dropping the price of both the standard Pebble and the Pebble Steel by $50, bringing them to $99 and $199 respectively ...
A look at the TextExpander keyboard for iOS 8
A look at the TextExpander keyboard for iOS 8 - 
I've used TextExpander on my Mac for years and it has saved me hours of typing time. If you frequently use TextExpander on your Mac or if you used it on your iOS device before iOS 8 allowed third-party keyboards, you are in luck.
Windows 10 arriving -- here's a look at 30 years of Windows
Windows 10 arriving -- here's a look at 30 years of Windows - Come with us on a 30-year trip through time to see how Bill Gates' baby took over the world.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Chromecast challenger Matchstick beats Kickstarter goal
Chromecast challenger Matchstick beats Kickstarter goal - The streaming-media dongle reaches its $100,000 funding goal in just one day. But how will it do against similar devices from Google, Roku and others?
(Via CNET News.com.)
Incredible Close-Up Drone Video of an Erupting Volcano in Iceland
Incredible Close-Up Drone Video of an Erupting Volcano in Iceland -
This epic video isn’t a CGI outtake from Lord of the Rings. It’s proof that a guy with a quadcopter managed to get very, very close to an erupting Icelandic volcano---close enough to melt the face of the GoPro camera that shot the video.
The post Incredible Close-Up Drone Video of an Erupting Volcano in Iceland appeared first on WIRED.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Ultimate Guide to iOS 8 Keyboards
Ultimate Guide to iOS 8 Keyboards -
For the first time with iOS 8, Apple is letting users replace the system-wide keyboard with third-party alternatives. Most people will be perfectly happy with the standard option, which is better than ever thanks to the time-saving new predictive-text feature. But if you'd like to take a walk on the wild side, we’ve collected six keyboards that each offer something Apple doesn’t, from unique typing methods to animated GIF libraries. Let’s go keyboard crazy!
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Canon launches five models in new Maxify inkjet line, with AirPrint
Canon launches five models in new Maxify inkjet line, with AirPrint - 
Digital imaging company Canon announced today five models in the new Maxify series of Wireless Inkjet printers. Released today are the Maxify MB5320 Wireless Inkjet Small Office All-In-One (AIO) printer, the MB5020 Wireless Inkjet Small Office AIO printer, MB2320 Wireless Inkjet Home Office AIO printer, MB2020 Wireless Inkjet Home Office AIO printer, and iB4020 Wireless Inkjet Small Office printer. All five models are aimed at at the small office or home user, and feature an array of mobile and cloud printing options ...
Need a better flash for your iPhone camera? iBlazr will brighten your day (and night)
Need a better flash for your iPhone camera? iBlazr will brighten your day (and night) - Is the puny iPhone flash not quite enough for your stills or video capture? Check out iBlazr, a $50 attachment that plugs into your phone's headphone jack and adds 4 bright LEDs for your photos; it can even sync with the iPhone's native flash.
Need a better flash for your iPhone camera? iBlazr will brighten your day (and night) originally published by Gigaom, © copyright 2014.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
iOS 8.0.2 in 'next few days;' bent iPhone 6 Pluses may get replaced
iOS 8.0.2 in 'next few days;' bent iPhone 6 Pluses may get replaced - 
The promised fix for iOS 8.0.1 will come in the form of an v8.0.2 download "as soon as it's ready in the next few days," according to a new Apple support document. In the meantime, the webpage offers instructions on how to downgrade to iOS 8.0 using iTunes and direct download links for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus versions of the firmware. "The Health app won't work in iOS 8 after these steps. It will be fixed in our upcoming iOS 8.0.2 software update," the company continues ...
Apple Pulls iOS 8.0.1 Patch After Causing More Bugs; Here's the Fix
Apple Pulls iOS 8.0.1 Patch After Causing More Bugs; Here's the Fix -
Yesterday we passed along a rumor that iOS 8.0.1 would be released soon to patch up a number of bugs, and, sure enough, Apple released it this morning. But the word from multiple sources is that the patch is a buggy mess than causes more problems than it solves, and Apple actually pulled the patch from its download servers not long ago. On the bright side, the update reportedly fixed the issues with HealthKit, so that's something, right?
These are serious bugs we're talking about, too, although they're apparently limited to owners of the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Many users who downloaded it this morning, for instance, reported that their phones lost all cellular connectivity, and that the phone simply displayed a "No Service" message. Touch ID was widely reported to have lost all functionality.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Amazon Takes A Big Step Toward Competing Directly with UPS
Amazon Takes A Big Step Toward Competing Directly with UPS -
Over the past year, Amazon has been quietly building out its own capacity to do more of what the big carriers do---a logistics upgrade that takes the company one step closer to taking over the entire delivery process for itself.
The post Amazon Takes A Big Step Toward Competing Directly with UPS appeared first on WIRED.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Watch a speed test of every iPhone from 6+ to 2G
Watch a speed test of every iPhone from 6+ to 2G - It's that time again. That's right, it's time to test the new iPhone against every previous generation. The fine folks at the YouTube channel EverythingApplePro have posted a new video showing a test between all ten versions of the iPhone. The...
Saturday, September 20, 2014
How iOS 8 can help you take control of your iPhone’s battery life
How iOS 8 can help you take control of your iPhone’s battery life - Seasonal issues concerning battery life have become a expected part of each new iOS release. But with iOS 8, Apple has included at least one new feature that will make battery performance issues much easier to diagnose.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
Google petitions FCC for NM desert testing of broadcast-capable drones
Google petitions FCC for NM desert testing of broadcast-capable drones - 
Google has filed a plan to test broadcast drones in the skies of New Mexico. A filing with the US Federal Communications Commission, one of the regulatory agencies that needs to be involved with such an endeavor, points to a test site south of Santa Fe, NM and south of Las Vegas. The tests are likely a practical test of remote Internet delivery technologies, and some of the largest tests that Google has run yet, utilizing Titan Aerospace's technology ...
Friday, September 19, 2014
How to install a third-party keyboard on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 8
How to install a third-party keyboard on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 8 - With iOS 8 now available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, users can for the first time ever install third-party keyboards that can be utilized system-wide for new ways of inputting text and other characters.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Goodbye, Camera Roll: Where to find your photos in iOS 8
Goodbye, Camera Roll: Where to find your photos in iOS 8 - Apple has reimagined the way photos are stored on your devices with iOS 8, but it has become a source of confusion for users and causes compatibility problems with some third-party apps. AppleInsider took a look at where your photos have gone and how to find them again.
(Via AppleInsider.)
4 Tips for Installing iOS 8
A lot of Apple fans have already upgraded to iOS 8 following the recent release of Apple's latest mobile operating system, but for those of you that haven't, here are a few quick tips to make the experience easier.
1. Backup Your iOS Device!
Theoretically it's perfectly safe to upgrade your operating system, but you never know when something is going to go wrong. Connect your iOS device to iTunes on your computer and perform a full backup by pressing the "Back Up Now" button before you begin the upgrade process. If the worst happens, it could save you a lot of heartbreak. Should something go wrong, you'll just have to restore your iOS device from the backup to get things running again, and you won't lose any of your precious photos in the process.
2. Upgrade via iTunes
While you're already in iTunes on your computer, you might as well use it to perform the system update. For one thing, this method tends to be more reliable than updating your iPhone or iPad over the air; for another, it means you won't have to clear out nearly 6GB of free space on your device to perform the installation (which can be especially important if you have a 16GB device). After selecting your iOS device in iTunes, press the Check for Update button, then press "Download" or "Download and Update" to begin the upgrade process. If you choose "Download," you'll be able to come back later to finish the actual installation process.
3. Software Update
If you don't want to (or can't) go through iTunes on your computer, you can do it through the settings menu on your iOS device. A lot of people wait to update until they receive a notification from Apple (expect one soon if you haven't receieved one already), but you don't have to wait until then. Just go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your device will check for updates and then allow you to perform the upgrade.
4. If You Have an Older Device, Wait!
iOS 8 should work great if you have a newer Apple device. But if you have an iPhone 4S or an iPad 2, you should probably hold off for now. iOS 8 is not optimized for older devices, and is likely to give you a notable big performance hit. Hopefully, Apple will improve performance for these devices with a future update.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
15 Insanely Great Tricks to Master Apple’s iOS 8
15 Insanely Great Tricks to Master Apple’s iOS 8 -
So, you just downloaded iOS 8. Looks pretty familiar, right? But there are a bunch of differences, and not all of them will be immediately obvious. Let us show you.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Saturday, September 13, 2014
How much did Apple pay to give U2's new album away for free?
How much did Apple pay to give U2's new album away for free? - 
Apple and U2 have had a close relationship for a long time, and to help top off Apple's iPhone and Watch media event this past Tuesday, the band flew in from across the Atlantic to play a set for attendees at the Flint Conference Center. Even more ...
Details on Apple Pay revealed: 'safer' system, Apple gets 0.15 percent
Details on Apple Pay revealed: 'safer' system, Apple gets 0.15 percent - 
Some of the details of Apple's new mobile payment system, Apple Pay, have been revealed in a report by Britain's The Financial Times. As briefly alluded to by CEO Tim Cook, Apple does get a small commission on sales made using Apple Pay, to the tune of 0.15 percent (15 cents on every $100 spent), though this does not affect the purchase price ...
Spotify can never replace my iPod, but it can ease the pain
Spotify can never replace my iPod, but it can ease the pain - Commentary: The quiet demise of Apple's iPod Classic prompts CNET's Nick Statt to reflect on the time before streaming services -- when music was first set free.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Using Smartphones to Track Our Everyday Moral Judgments
Using Smartphones to Track Our Everyday Moral Judgments -
Our lives are surprisingly packed with morally loaded experiences. We see others behaving badly (or well), and we behave well (or badly) ourselves. In a new study, researchers used a smartphone app to track moral and immoral acts committed or witnessed by more than 1,200 people as they went about their days. It's one of the first attempts to quantify the moral landscape of daily life, and it contains some interesting hints about how people are influenced by the behavior or others, as well as by their own political and religious leanings.
The post Using Smartphones to Track Our Everyday Moral Judgments appeared first on WIRED.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Apple's free U2 album perplexes, annoys some
Apple's free U2 album perplexes, annoys some - The album may appear on your iPhone or iPad whether you want it or not, a move that apparently is ticking off a number of iTunes users.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Macworld lays off most staff, will end print edition
Macworld lays off most staff, will end print edition - 
Long-standing Apple-themed publication Macworld has laid off much of its staff, and is closing down its print edition, according to blog and Twitter posts, as well as USA Today. Former editor-in-chief Jason Snell mentioned the information in a blog post, and staff from the company, including Dan Miller and Roman Loyola, have taken to Twitter to deny that Macworld is closing entirely, while acknowledging job cuts. In his post, Snell adds that he's leaving the publication to focus on other projects. Miller says he will be with the company for another month to help with the transition ...
Lefties, Rejoice: You Can Wear the Apple Watch, Too
Lefties, Rejoice: You Can Wear the Apple Watch, Too -
If you're left-handed and you were worried that you wouldn't be able to wear the fancy new Apple Watch, fear not. One of the benefits of its digital UI is that it's reportedly easy to change the orientation of it in Settings as needed, which should also come in handy if you ever need to sell the thing.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Sunday, September 7, 2014
How to enable Apple's secure two-step verification for your iCloud & iTunes accounts
How to enable Apple's secure two-step verification for your iCloud & iTunes accounts - Last week's celebrity photo leaks were a stark reminder of what can happen to internet users that fail to follow basic security precautions, like enabling two-factor authentication when it's available. With Apple's own security practices under the microscope, AppleInsider shows you how to enable Cupertino's own implementation.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Three Essential Steps to Make Yourself More Hack-Proof
Three Essential Steps to Make Yourself More Hack-Proof - Though you can't ever protect yourself 100 percent from malicious data theft, you can at least put a better lock on your door than the one your neighbor has.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Tech Time Warp of the Week: Watch Steve Ballmer Laugh at the Original iPhone
Tech Time Warp of the Week: Watch Steve Ballmer Laugh at the Original iPhone - When Apple unveils some sort of computerized mega watch in Cupertino next week—inside the same venue where Steve Jobs unveiled the original Macintosh 30 years ago—most of the world will ooh and ahh. Over and over again. Those with a more nuanced view of the universe will question whether a smartwatch is really what ...
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Apple Announces Livestream for 9/9 Event
Apple Announces Livestream for 9/9 Event -
Worried about keeping up with all the Apple news from next week's big Sept. 9 event? Worry no more — Apple has officially announced it will be livestreaming the event at 10AM Pacific time directly from Apple.com.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
New High-Res Satellite Sees Through Smoke to Image Fires
New High-Res Satellite Sees Through Smoke to Image Fires - Mapping major fires from above makes a lot of sense, but it’s often complicated by smoke obscuring what is happening on the ground. However, satellites with special infrared sensors can essentially see through the smoke to the fire, and a new satellite launched last month can do this at the highest resolution yet. These images ...
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Friday, August 29, 2014
Shares of Apple end week at all-time high with 'iPhone 6' & 'iWatch' hype at fever pitch
Shares of Apple end week at all-time high with 'iPhone 6' & 'iWatch' hype at fever pitch - Apple stock reached an all-time high in trading on Friday, and also finished the day at its highest-ever closing price, as investors and customers alike are clamoring to see what the secretive company has up its sleeve for a Sept. 9 media event.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Apple Co-Founder 'Woz' Thinks Wearables Like iWatch Will Be A 'Hard Sell'
Apple Co-Founder 'Woz' Thinks Wearables Like iWatch Will Be A 'Hard Sell' -
So what does Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, think of the "wearables" category of technology, which the so-called "iWatch" will join when it's presumably announced on September 9? "I feel that wearables are a hard sell," he says. "Woz" explained his beliefs further in a recent interview with Cnet shortly after word leaked that we would probably be seeing the long-awaited smartwatch next month after all.
Wearable pieces of technology like the iWatch, he says, are simply "go-betweens for your smartphone, but are an extra piece and need special advantages that the smartphone doesn’t have, in my opinion. If they are just a Bluetooth go-between then it could wind up in the category of Bluetooth headsets: Fun to wear and show off for a day."
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Monday, August 25, 2014
Google debuts Slides app for iOS, updates Docs and Sheets
Google debuts Slides app for iOS, updates Docs and Sheets - 
Google is today launching a new iOS app, Slides. Much like Microsoft PowerPoint, Slides lets people create and edit presentations. Because these files are stored in the cloud, users can start work on one device and continue on another, including via the Slides web app. Collaboration features let several people work on a presentation simultaneously; any changes to a file are saved automatically, and the app can work both on and offline. Offline changes are uploaded after reconnection ...
Leica M-P 24MP rangefinder camera doubles memory buffer of Leica M
Leica M-P 24MP rangefinder camera doubles memory buffer of Leica M - 
Premium camera producer Leica has revealed an upgraded version of its Leica M rangefinder. The Leica M-P houses a full-frame 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, accompanied by a 2-gigabyte memory buffer double the size of the Leica M version, allowing it to be not only twice as fast, but also capable of up to 24 images in a burst mode at a speed of 3 fps ...
Android Phones Hit by ‘Ransomware’
Android Phones Hit by ‘Ransomware’ -
Nicole Perlroth, reporting for the NYT:
You are guilty of child porn, child abuse, zoophilia or sending out bulk spam. You are a criminal. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has locked you out of your phone and the only way to regain access to all your data is to pay a few hundred dollars.
That message — or variations of it — has popped up on hundreds of thousands of people’s Android devices in just the last month. The message claims to be from the F.B.I., or cybersecurity firms, but is in fact the work of Eastern European hackers who are hijacking Android devices with a particularly pernicious form of malware, dubbed “ransomware” because it holds its victims’ devices hostage until they pay a ransom.
Seems like some apps do get written for Android first.
(Via Daring Fireball.)
SpaceX rocket explodes. ('Rockets are tricky,' says Elon Musk)
SpaceX rocket explodes. ('Rockets are tricky,' says Elon Musk) - After a malfunction during a test flight, a Falcon 9 Reusable rocket built by Musk's firm explodes over McGregor, Texas.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Napa's earthquake, as measured by Jawbone Up
Napa's earthquake, as measured by Jawbone Up - Seismologists aren't the only ones culling data from the 6.0-magnitude quake that hit Northern California early Sunday. The fitness-tracking bracelet maker is sharing its info on who woke up, where and when.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Napa's earthquake, as measured by Jawbone Up
Napa's earthquake, as measured by Jawbone Up - Seismologists aren't the only ones culling data from the 6.0-magnitude quake that hit Northern California early Sunday. The fitness-tracking bracelet maker is sharing its info on who woke up, where and when.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Napa's earthquake, as measured by Jawbone Up
Napa's earthquake, as measured by Jawbone Up - Seismologists aren't the only ones culling data from the 6.0-magnitude quake that hit Northern California early Sunday. The fitness-tracking bracelet maker is sharing its info on who woke up, where and when.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Apple Offers Limited Replacement Program for Faulty iPhone 5 Batteries
Apple Offers Limited Replacement Program for Faulty iPhone 5 Batteries -
Some owners of the iPhone 5 have been experiencing trouble with the device's battery, and Apple today launched a replacement program to remedy the problem. Apple claims that the faulty devices were sold between September of 2012 and January of 2013 and suffer from shorter battery life and the need for frequent charges.
Only a "limited serial number range" was affected by the problems, according to the Cupertino company, and you can see if your device is listed among them by entering your serial number over at Apple's replacement site. Should you find that your serial number qualifies, you can exchange your device's battery at Apple Authorized Service Provider, an Apple Retail Store, or via Apple Technical support.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Inside the Magical Room Where the Best Headphones in the World Are Made
Inside the Magical Room Where the Best Headphones in the World Are Made - Smart people know that Sunset Park is where you get the best Chinese food in Brooklyn. Really smart people know it's also where you get great headphones—some of the best in the world. The Grados have been making audiophile-grade cans in the same building since 1955. What was the family produce mart is now ...
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
LG Introduces the Next Generation of Unattainably Expensive TVs
LG Introduces the Next Generation of Unattainably Expensive TVs - Now that 1080p OLED TVs are borderline affordable, it’s time to turn your lust to a new unattainably expensive type of set. For your consideration, LG has just unveiled two new big-screen Ultra HD (4K) TVs that are also OLED panels. Although 4K OLEDs were practically everywhere at CES in January, these will be ...
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Monday, August 4, 2014
How to use Google as your universal translator
How to use Google as your universal translator - The search giant offers a variety of tools for translating websites and text from one language to another. Here's how you can tap into Google when you need a decent translator.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Gorgeous astrophotography video shows heavens from Earth
Gorgeous astrophotography video shows heavens from Earth - Photographer Gavin Heffernan turns his lens on the night skies from two US national parks to make an awe-inspiring video that looks like something out of a fantasy novel.
(Via CNET News.com.)
How to increase security and privacy on your Android or iOS device
How to increase security and privacy on your Android or iOS device - If you're concerned about your privacy and security while using a mobile device, here are a few tips.
How to increase security and privacy on your Android or iOS device originally published by Gigaom, © copyright 2014.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
Mobile Home adds a Siri button to any car
Mobile Home adds a Siri button to any car - 
I love using Siri in my car, but sometimes trying to find the Home button so that I can press it and talk to Siri is a real bother, especially if I just tossed my iPhone onto the passenger seat. So wouldn't it be nice to have a Home button that you ...
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Forums: SuperDuper vs. Time Machine
Forums: SuperDuper vs. Time Machine - 
Today in the MacNN forums, Dedicated MacNNer "akent35" started a thread defending SuperDuper as a backup solution because every time this has come up in the past it starts a "war," and this time he believes he has reasonable evidence to prove this is a superior way to do backups. Yesterday Moderator "andi*pandi" was trying to figure out why Siri seems to have forgotten how to access contact information ...
‘Now Batting for the Yankees, Number 2, Derek Jeter. Number 2.’
‘Now Batting for the Yankees, Number 2, Derek Jeter. Number 2.’ -
This whole spot from Nike is just terrific, but opening it with Bob Sheppard’s player intro for Jeter is just perfect. Nice tribute site here, too.
(Via Daring Fireball.)
Forums: SuperDuper vs. Time Machine
Forums: SuperDuper vs. Time Machine - Today in the MacNN forums, Dedicated MacNNer "akent35" started a thread defending SuperDuper as a backup solution because every time this has come up in the past it starts a "war," and this time he believes he has reasonable evidence to prove this is a superior way to do backups. Yesterday Moderator "andi*pandi" was trying to figure out why Siri seems to have forgotten how to access contact information ...
Paul McCartney Releases Five Classic Albums as iPad Apps
Paul McCartney Releases Five Classic Albums as iPad Apps -
Album prices on iTunes got you down? If you're a Paul McCartney fan, Billboard reports, the former Beatle's got you covered. The legendary songwriter today released five albums from his solo career as standalone iPad apps, allowing music connoisseurs to pick them up for just $7.99 each (compared to the $9.99 or so they cost as standard iTunes albums).
The albums in question are Band on the Run, McCartney, McCartney II, RAM, and Wings Over America. One benefit of purchasing the music this way is that you get much more than just the songs, as the interactive apps also include archival video footage, photos, interviews, and remastered audio tracks.
It seems like a comparatively awkward method of listening to music, but other artists have successfully taken the app route in the past. Björk, for instance, released her Biophilia album as an app in 2011 and earned recognition for its minigames and interactive tools. The effort involved was enough to earn the project a spot as the first app in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
During the same year, Lady Gaga released a free companion app for her ARTPOP album, which allowed users to create their own artistic creations (often in the form of GIFs) and share them with friends.
Follow this article's writer, Leif Johnson, on Twitter.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Tips to help you optimize your Wi-Fi network
Tips to help you optimize your Wi-Fi network - 
Dave Hamilton of Mac Observer talked this week with Alf Watt, former Apple engineer and creator of iStumbler WiFI utility, on the latest Mac Geek Gab podcast. The conversation focused on ways you can improve your WiFi connection in your home or ...
The popular iTranslate iOS app comes to the Mac
The popular iTranslate iOS app comes to the Mac - 
iTranslate is a favorite tool of mine on iOS. Today iTranslate has made it to the Mac and has appeared in the Mac App Store at an introductory price U$4.99, half of what it normally costs.
iTranslate supports more than 80 languages and is accessible ...
National Federation of the Blind says "Apple has done more for accessibility than any other company"
National Federation of the Blind says "Apple has done more for accessibility than any other company" - On Friday, the president of the National Federation of the Blind clarified the group's recent resolution calling on Apple to collaborate with the group's efforts to expand accessibility among third party apps, noting a "good relationship" despite a "provocative and poorly reported article" on the subject released by Reuters.
(Via AppleInsider.)
National Federation of the Blind says "Apple has done more for accessibility than any other company"
National Federation of the Blind says "Apple has done more for accessibility than any other company" - On Friday, the president of the National Federation of the Blind clarified the group's recent resolution calling on Apple to collaborate with the group's efforts to expand accessibility among third party apps, noting a "good relationship" despite a "provocative and poorly reported article" on the subject released by Reuters.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Roku beats Apple TV -- again -- on usage, purchases
Roku beats Apple TV -- again -- on usage, purchases - Roku is No. 1 for set-top-box purchases and usage, and the gulf between it and No. 2 Apple is widening, a study says -- but opportunity may rouse the sleeping giant.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Here’s How to Draw With 400,000 Volts of Electricity
Here’s How to Draw With 400,000 Volts of Electricity - Luke Evan uses the principles of xerography to paint with electricity.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Monday, June 23, 2014
Nobody would bother stealing your iPhone if you had this case
Nobody would bother stealing your iPhone if you had this case - 
There's a lot of talk these days about ways to prevent smartphone theft. The iPhone's kill switch feature seems to be doing a pretty good job of curbing iPhone thefts, and that's definitely a good thing, but I have a feeling this creepy case from ...
Remembering Tony Gwynn - By the Numbers
The Late Tony Gwynn’s Incredible Hitting Numbers -
Jayson Stark on Tony Gwynn, who died of cancer last night at age 54:
• Gwynn had six straight seasons (and eight altogether) in which he struck out fewer than 20 times. Did you know there were 97 hitters in the big leagues who whiffed at least 20 times just last month?
• Finally, what does it mean to have piled up a .338 batting average over a 20-year career, over 9,288 at-bats? It means Tony Gwynn would have had to go 0-for-his-next-1,183 to get his average to fall under .300 (and even then, it would have “plummeted” to a mere .29997). We kid you not.
So sad. Gwynn was everything: an amazing athlete, great competitor, and a nice guy.
(Via Daring Fireball.)
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Apple isn't going to abandon the 3.5mm headphone jack
Apple isn't going to abandon the 3.5mm headphone jack - 
There's been some wild speculation by a certain business journal lately that Apple might abandon the standard 3.5mm headphone jack and replace it with Lightning connector headphones that would allow for 48kHz digital sound for the first time. Before ...
Amazon integrates Audible narration in its Kindle app for iOS, Android
Amazon integrates Audible narration in its Kindle app for iOS, Android -
Choosing between reading an ebook on your own or having it read to you just got a little easier: Amazon updated its Kindle reading app with Audible integration on Tuesday. You’ll have to pay a little extra for the professional narration but you won’t have to switch between the Kindle and Audible apps if you want to hear your book aloud. Amazon’s Whispersync for Voice function keeps track of your place regardless of whether you or an in-app narrator is reading. Amazon says the updated Kindle app is now available for both iOS and Android devices.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
Crappy Netflix Playback? Here’s How to Test Your Streaming Speed
Crappy Netflix Playback? Here’s How to Test Your Streaming Speed - In addition to calling them out when it thinks they're the problem, Netflix also provides a handy-dandy ISP speed index so you can see which provider in your country offers the best Netflix experience.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Jurassic Park Turns 21: A Look Back at How It Revolutionized Special Effects
Jurassic Park Turns 21: A Look Back at How It Revolutionized Special Effects - As of this week, Jurassic Park is officially 21 years old. And more than two decades after it hit theaters in 1993, Steven Spielberg's dinosaur flick is still talked about as a landmark of movie-making because it revolutionized how movie's handled visual effects.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
eBay hacked, requests all users change passwords
eBay hacked, requests all users change passwords - eBay confirms users' passwords were compromised but says there's no evidence any financial information was accessed.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Thursday, May 15, 2014
FCC Proves Yet Again That It’s Out to Kill Net Neutrality
FCC Proves Yet Again That It’s Out to Kill Net Neutrality - FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, despite weeks of backlash, still wants to allow Internet Service Providers like Comcast and Verizon to "offer" different levels of service to internet companies, although he refused to call them a "fast lane" and a "slow lane” and refused to recognize how those arrangements up the food chain affect consumers and a neutral internet. He is refusing to recognize reality.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Why your iOS device may be a better cable box than the Apple TV
Why your iOS device may be a better cable box than the Apple TV -
When choosing which cable provider to sign a contract with, you will undoubtably check the channel guide to see which channels are included in the package to which you are about to subscribe. You may even go a bit further and check to see if includes the HD version of your favorite channels. What you likely will not do is check to see how many channels have allowed the cable provider to access their shows from within an app on the App Store.
Despite having a growing number of channels to choose from — 189 channels on average — Nielsen data shows that most homes view just 17 different channels. Using a list of broadcast networks, the 20 most watched cable networks of 2013, and some of the top premium channels, you will find that each and every one of the top 20 networks has an iOS app in the app store. The problem is that many of them may be of no use to you as some of your favorite channels’ content will not be accessible to you at all.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
Why does Apple want Beats? No one really seems to know
Why does Apple want Beats? No one really seems to know - Apple’s rumored $3.2 billion takeover of the trendy music brand has left many scratching their heads.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Thursday, May 8, 2014
MLB asks Apple to pull team-themed baseball podcasts from iTunes
MLB asks Apple to pull team-themed baseball podcasts from iTunes - 
Major League Baseball has asked Apple to pull a number of team-based podcasts from iTunes, reports say. These include shows like Pirates Prospects, Mets Musings, It's About the Yankees Stupid, and two Twins podcasts, Talk to Contact and Gleeman and the Geek. The latter, significantly, is hosted by NBC Sports' Aaron Gleeman ...
For the iPod-loving secret agent
For the iPod-loving secret agent - 
Sure you love your iPod, but you can't exactly keep your EarPods in all the time -- especially at fancy dress affairs. These iPod cufflinks will let everyone know that you adore Apple's fancy music player, even when you're wearing that sharp ...
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Best. Bumper Sticker. Ever
Best. Bumper Sticker. Ever - 
Don't you just love this vintage bumper sticker? Apple should bring these back -- I know I would buy one for every car I own and a few more for my friends. Photograph by Damian Ward of Flickr.
Anti-virus 'is dead' says Symantec VP, company to change direction
Anti-virus 'is dead' says Symantec VP, company to change direction - 
Symantec's senior vice president of information Brian Dye says that anti-virus "is dead" in a recent article from The Wall Street Journal. The company plans to shift their outlook of security away from anti-virus software to take on the ever evolving world of cyber attacks and malware. The intent will be to follow the new protection mindset that focus on less of preventing and more on containing the damage ...
Steve Jobs' wise decision to avoid Blu-ray
Steve Jobs' wise decision to avoid Blu-ray - 
With Blu-ray sales losing steam, Apple's decision to avoid the format altogether seems smarter than ever.
Just last week, Sony warned shareholders that revenue from the company's 2013 fiscal year would be much lower than previously anticipated ...
Apple Now the Second-Biggest Online Retailer Behind Amazon
Apple Now the Second-Biggest Online Retailer Behind Amazon - When it comes to selling things online, it’s no surprise that the top dog is Amazon, which moved some $67.8 billion worth of products in 2013 and derives all of its income from digital storefronts. However, there’s a new #2 in town, and according to trade publication Internet Retailer (via The Wall Street Journal), that’s none other than Apple.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Polio Declared An International Health Emergency
Polio Declared An International Health Emergency - In a move that is simultaneously discouraging, urgent and deeply unusual, the World Health Organization has declared that the resurgence of polio is a “public health emergency of international concern.” It’s an extraordinary statement, coming less than four months after India — once considered a place where polio might never be vanquished — was ...
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
iWatch already in production in small numbers, sources claim
iWatch already in production in small numbers, sources claim - 
Apple suppliers have already begun small-scale production of the iWatch, claim supply chain sources for the China Times. It's said that Apple expects to launch the watch in the second half of 2014, but a more precise date isn't mentioned. It is however indicated that the device will use system-in-package chip design instead of printed circuit boards, saving space but potentially slowing down production. If a SIP component fails tests, the entire chipset has to be tossed out with it ...
1Password 4.5 Review
The recent Heartbleed bug managed to turn even the most secure Internet passwords into a potential security risk, but for those smart enough to invest in good password management software, the situation appears considerably less dire. 1Password is hands-down the best such solution, and we’d go so far as to recommend it as a required purchase for anyone with a Mac or iOS device. Although iCloud Keychain offers some of the same basic functionality on Safari, 1Password is a far more full-featured, cross-platform tool (with Windows and Android apps also available) capable of generating unique passwords for each site, managing credit card data, and securing notes, reward programs, and other sensitive data.
With the latest version for iOS, 1Password is also a more gorgeous experience as well. The app has always been stylishly attractive, but AgileBits dramatically overhauled the user interface while adding support for iOS 7 services like AirDrop, which allows users to share items between devices. More importantly, search is now prominently placed everywhere you need it—a godsend to users with more logins and secure data than organizational skills.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Mac Pro ship times improve, drop to 3-5 weeks for all configurations
Mac Pro ship times improve, drop to 3-5 weeks for all configurations - 
On Tuesday, Apple surprised analysts by noting a modest increase in Mac sales in the March quarter, improving them by some 100,000 units over the year-ago quarter. The feat was impressive, as the PC market generally has suffered a major decline in demand which has also affected Mac sales. Though it was the company's MacBook line that lead sales, one factor that may have played a significant role was the demand for the company's latest Mac Pro ...
iWatch May Ultimately Replace iPod, No iPod Updates Expected in 2014
iWatch May Ultimately Replace iPod, No iPod Updates Expected in 2014 - A research note (via Barrons) from Christopher Caso, an analyst with Susquehanna Financial Group, reiterates previous analyst reporting about the iWatch, saying Apple is looking to enter production with a pair of screen sizes in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Caso says Apple has production targets of 5-6 million units, but believes the iWatch will "essentially replace the iPod in the consumer portion of AAPL's product lineup" and will see lowered iPod sales as a result of customers choosing the iWatch instead. The note says the iPod is not expected to be updated this year.
Apple announces 20M Apple TVs sold since debut
Apple announces 20M Apple TVs sold since debut - As the tail end of Apple's quarterly conference call, Apple CEO Tim Cook threw out a somewhat surprising statistic, saying the company has sold some 20 million Apple TV units since the unit launched in 2007.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Kindle for iOS finally gets X-Ray Smart Look-Up
Kindle for iOS finally gets X-Ray Smart Look-Up - 
Amazon's Kindle app is a wonderful alternative to Apple's iBookstore, and its latest update has introduced two incredibly useful new features. The most basic improvement is quick access to a book's table of contents in the app's left-hand navigation ...
Opera Coast: Simple and enjoyable browsing on an iPhone or iPod touch
Opera Coast: Simple and enjoyable browsing on an iPhone or iPod touch -
Tired of tabs in your browser? Try Opera Coast, now available for iPhone and iPod touch in the iTunes App Store. The new browser launched on Thursday for smaller iOS devices, having been available on the iPad since last September, and has a very minimalist but effective interface for immersive web surfing.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
The death of an iPod
The death of an iPod - 
Apple's gadgets even die in the most adorable ways. Let's have a moment of silence for this fallen musical soldier.
Netflix won't even reveal 'House of Cards' audience numbers to show's creator
Netflix won't even reveal 'House of Cards' audience numbers to show's creator - Beau Willimon, creator of Netflix series "House of Cards," says even he doesn't know how many people watch the show, and he's happy that way.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Amazon: Prime fee hike not stopping membership growth
Amazon: Prime fee hike not stopping membership growth - The company says it's "encouraged" by week-over-week subscriber growth over the last several weeks.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Amazon said to be testing its own shipping network
Amazon said to be testing its own shipping network - Going up against the likes of UPS and FedEx, the Internet retailer is reportedly looking to boost its delivery game.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Friday, April 18, 2014
Michael's craft store chain hit by massive, long-running data breach
Michael's craft store chain hit by massive, long-running data breach - 
Craft store chain Michael's Stores and affiliated Aaron Brothers has confirmed details of a massive security breach including between May 8, 2013 and January 27, 2014. The analysis conducted by the company shows that approximately 2.6 million cards may have been impacted, which represents about seven percent of payment cards used at Michael's stores in the US during the time period ...
- ..- .- .-- presents 5 apps for World Amateur Radio Day
- ..- .- .-- presents 5 apps for World Amateur Radio Day - 
We'll bet you didn't know that today is World Amateur Radio Day, which is celebrated by radio amateurs on April 18th to commemorate the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) in Paris in 1925. In honor of WARD, here are five apps...
How to turn a dead iPod into an upgraded budget music player
How to turn a dead iPod into an upgraded budget music player - 
When a beloved piece of technology dies, it's often hard to let go. We've all seen basements and closets cluttered with the corpses of burned-out hardware that once served us well. Perhaps you've got a drawer somewhere with your dead USB sticks or an ...
Get your hands on NASA software code
Get your hands on NASA software code - Science fans and space junkies alike can now access code for a range of NASA projects. Who knows? It could help you accomplish your next mission.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Vinyl Freaks Show Off Their Epic Collections in Beautiful New Photo Book
Vinyl Freaks Show Off Their Epic Collections in Beautiful New Photo Book - The idea for the coffee-table tome is simple: The author traveled around the world, photographing record collectors in their homes with their vast libraries.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Check out this astronaut's-eye view of the Grand Canyon
Check out this astronaut's-eye view of the Grand Canyon - The Grand Canyon is still spectacular when seen from the International Space Station.
(Via CNET News.com.)
How to Put a Mustang on Top of the Empire State Building
How to Put a Mustang on Top of the Empire State Building - To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang, Ford recreated a publicity stunt it pulled in 1964 when it placed a Mustang convertible on the observation deck of the Empire State Building.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
What Umpires Get Wrong
Brayden King and Jerry Kim:
In research soon to be published in the journal Management Science, we studied umpires’ strike-zone calls using pitch-location data compiled by the high-speed cameras introduced by Major League Baseball several years ago in an effort to measure, monitor and reward umpires’ accuracy. After analyzing more than 700,000 pitches thrown during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, we found that umpires frequently made errors behind the plate — about 14 percent of non-swinging pitches were called erroneously.
What I want to know is how come the umps always have it in for the Yankees?
(Via Daring Fireball.)
Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter makes any speaker wireless
Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter makes any speaker wireless - 
What do you do with that old pair of expensive speakers you purchased back in college now that everything is going wireless? Logitech has an answer for that -- just get one of their new Bluetooth Audio Adapters (US$39.99) and you'll be streaming ...
Amazon Launches 'Fire TV' Media Streaming Box with Voice Search, Game Support, and More
Amazon Launches 'Fire TV' Media Streaming Box with Voice Search, Game Support, and More - In line with earlier rumors, Amazon today announced the Fire TV, a new media streaming device that will compete with the Apple TV, Google Chromecast and the new Roku Streaming Stick.
The Fire TV is set-top box with a bluetooth remote that supports voice search. Internal hardware includes a quad-core processor with a dedicated graphics processor and 2GB of RAM. It supports 1080p via HDMI and features dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi with MIMO for fast video downloads. Amazon claims it Fire TV hardware is three times as powerful as its competitors.
The Fire TV streams Amazon Prime Instant Video titles as well as content from third-party providers such as Netflix and Hulu. Owners can browse through popular movies and TV shows on Amazon Instant Video, with personalized recommendations and a watchlist making it easy to find and save content. A new ASAP (Advanced Streaming and Prediction) feature learns what movies and shows you enjoy and gets them ready for you to watch. The more you use the Fire TV, the better it gets at predicting your media choices.
Setting it apart from its competition, Amazon also bundles games into the Fire TV device with support for a $39 wireless Fire game controller. Well-known gaming studios such as Disney, Gameloft, EA, Sega, Ubisoft and Double Fine are partnering with Amazon to bring their titles to the Fire TV device. Amazon also is launching its own gaming studio, with the tower defense game Sev Zero debuting as the studio's first official game.
Extras packaged into the Fire TV include photos with slide shows and X-Ray that provides IMDB details for movies and TV shows on a second screen device like the Kindle Fire HDX. Music services such as Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and Amazon's own Music service will debut on the Fire TV starting next month with support for X-Ray, which will display song lyrics.
Not just for adults, Amazon added its FreeTime service, which offers parental controls and personalized profiles for children. A $2.99 monthly option for a FreeTime Unlimited subscription adds unlimited access to programming from Nickelodeon, Sesame Street, PBS Kids and more.
The Fire TV will ship today from Amazon with a $99 price tag.
Apples and Oranges: Amazon moves into the Apple TV space
Apples and Oranges: Amazon moves into the Apple TV space - 
Those of us who have been waiting for an Amazon Prime channel to finally show up on their Apple TV now have an explanation as to why it never arrived. Today Amazon introduced FireTV (US $99), an Amazon set-top box that seems perfectly situated to ...
Amazon launches Fire TV media streamer, starts shipping today
Amazon launches Fire TV media streamer, starts shipping today - 
Amazon has launched its new streaming media player, the Fire TV, at its New York media event today. Part of the retailer's push into the streaming video marketplace and building upon the success of its Kindle tablets, the Amazon Fire TV is a small set-top box that allows users access to TV shows and movies watch video from Amazon's Instant Video, as well as other services ...
Amazon fireTV launch 'aggressively' highlights need for Apple TV revamp, Piper Jaffray says
Amazon fireTV launch 'aggressively' highlights need for Apple TV revamp, Piper Jaffray says - Analyst Gene Munster, who has long held out hope for a more fully functional Apple TV and even a full television set from the company, believes that Wednesday's launch of the Amazon fireTV should serve as further motivation for Apple to make major moves in the television space.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Amazon Fire TV exec: Other boxes are 'self-important'
Amazon Fire TV exec: Other boxes are 'self-important' - Amazon VP Peter Larsen, who unveiled Fire TV today, tells CNET that flawless performance was his team's chief objective. Other boxes, he says, are "self-important" for expecting consumers to settle.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Cap'n Crunch is staring at your kid for a reason
Cap'n Crunch is staring at your kid for a reason - Cornell researchers studying "cereal box psychology" say the tempting gazes of all those sugar-hawking characters are carefully angled right at your tykes.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Amazon Fire TV as game console: will it succeed where others failed?
Amazon Fire TV as game console: will it succeed where others failed? - Amazon's move into living-room gaming could be a big moment, or just an afterthought. Which path depends on whether Fire TV will dodge the mistakes of console alternatives of the past.
(Via CNET News.com.)
This is what happens when a plane lands on only its rear wheels
This is what happens when a plane lands on only its rear wheels - The pilot of a Fokker 100, due to land in Brasilia, realizes that his front wheels are a no-go. So he goes for it anyway.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Amazon Fire TV heats up battle for living room
Amazon Fire TV heats up battle for living room - Get a quick overview of Amazon's new set-top box, the Fire TV. Video games may help this media box compete in a crowded market against Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Amazon Debuts Fire TV Streaming Box to Rival Roku and Xbox
Amazon Debuts Fire TV Streaming Box to Rival Roku and Xbox - At an event in New York City today, Amazon showed off a new streaming set-top box, Amazon Fire TV for $99.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Microsoft Changes Its Tune With Free Version of Windows
Microsoft Changes Its Tune With Free Version of Windows - Microsoft took an enormous step forward this morning. It unveiled a free version of its Windows operating system.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Monday, March 31, 2014
Watch a Time-Lapse of Every Storm That Hit the East Coast This Winter
Watch a Time-Lapse of Every Storm That Hit the East Coast This Winter - Watch the clouds roll serenely over the East Coast in this new time-lapse and you might almost forget how bitterly cold and snowy it was.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Apple to Move Production of iPhone Batteries to Automated Lines
Apple to Move Production of iPhone Batteries to Automated Lines - 
Apple is set to begin producing all iPhone batteries on automated production lines starting later this year, according to a report from DigiTimes. The move is being done to reduce manpower demand and to allow the company to shift its supply chain resources towards production efforts on other parts.
Apple has already automated its Mac Pro and iMac production lines. Other than materials and final assembly, manpower is not required for the rest of the manufacturing.The move will likely help Apple with iPhone production going forward, as company supplier Pegatron will reportedly be starting production on the iPhone 6 in the second quarter of this year at its new Kunsahn, China plant. Moving the production of iPhone batteries to automated lines may also help Apple avoid manufacturing defects like ones found in a small number of iPhone 5s last year.
Apple's next-generation iPhone will likely be unveiled in the fall, and has been rumored to launch with two different models including one with a 4.7-inch display and one with a 5.7-inch display. The iPhone 6 could also feature a durable sapphire display, with other rumors pointing to a thinner chassis and bezel-free design.
Apple's state-of-the-art, ground-breaking, game-changing... cassettes?
Apple's state-of-the-art, ground-breaking, game-changing... cassettes? - 
It's hard to believe, what with modern Macs abandoning even SuperDrives en masse, but way, way back in the late 1970s, programs on the original Apple II came on these. My, how far we've come.
[Photo credit: Jim Abeles]
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