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.)