Starbucks' augmented reality app gets all lovey dovey
Starbucks is giving its augmented reality mobile app a little bit more love. Literally.As part of a new update, users of the company's Cup Magic app can now point their phones at Starbucks Valentine's Day-themed cups to see new, love-themed effects that appear to be happening on the cup itself.Starbucks originally launched its Magic Cup app last November on both iOS (iTunes) and Android (Market) to coincide with the coffee chain's annual run of holiday-themed cups. Users would point their smartphone's camera at one of the seasonal cups and it would pull up an augmented reality scene that matched up with whatever character was on the cup. This new addition is a little more limited, with the company only using one type of cup that will be carried in its stores through February 16. Related storiesBlippar's mobile augmented reality app (video)Augmented reality comes to mobile phonesPew, pew! Xappr brings laser tag to smartphonesBesides looking neat, there is--of course--a business hook to get you to buy more than a cup of something for yourself. The app lets users buy and send digital Starbucks gift cards to friends that can be delivered on Valentine's Day, as well as providing a way to send messages that require the recipient actually head to a Starbucks, buy a beverage, and aim it at one of the limited cups to see what was written. Starbucks is just one of a handful of food and beverage companies to develop their own augmented reality applications. It's joined by burger joint The Krystal Co., which last year put out an app to let customers see its penguin mascot dancing on cups and boxes. There's also the more useful implementation by Dominos, which recently put up billboards in the U.K. that let customers view and order pizza from an augmented reality menu using their phones.Here's a demo of what it does, followed by the original holiday version:
iPhone OS 3.1.3 users unable to download new apps
iPhone OS 3.1.3 users unable to download new apps
iPhone owners still running OS 3.1.3 are apparently bumping into trouble trying to download new apps from Apple's App Store.Several users of the older OS have chimed in on Apple's Support Communities reporting that they can update existing apps and sync apps from iTunes to their phones, but they can't install new apps directly to their devices.One commenter described the problem in part as follows:Whenever I go into a specific app in the app store, none of the buttons work properly. 1) clicking on the price no longer downloads the app, 2) the ratings button does nothing, 3) the 'tell a friend' and 'git this app' buttons jump back to the top of the app window, 4) pictures usually don't show up...The issue seemed to start around December 15 and apparently is still causing headaches.The glitch affects both iPhone and iPod Touch units running OS 3.1.3 and, in some cases, earlier versions of 3.x. However, at least one user reported the same issue with an iPhone 4S. And CNET Senior Editor Bridget Carey also ran into this problem on her iPhone 4S, explaining that she had to back up her phone and then restore it to get the app downloads to work again.But a restore doesn't necessarily do the trick for those with older devices.Two forum commenters said they went through a factory restore but were still unable to download new apps. Several users also confirmed that their previously downloaded apps now show prices instead of the Installed button when viewed in the App Store, leading them to pin the blame on an incompatibility between the latest App Store version and OS 3.1.3.Tech news site Engadget was also able to confirm the issue by testing one of its devices.Some forum users who contacted Apple said they were advised to upgrade their operating system. But those with older iPhones and iPod Touches are stuck with version 3.1.3 since iOS 4.x and 5.x support only newer devices.Another user reportedly received a response from an Apple rep who said that he had not "received any news stating that there was an issue with iOS 3.1.1, and accessing the application store."We contacted an Apple representative, who said the company is looking into the matter and promised to get back to us with more information.
iPhone owners still running OS 3.1.3 are apparently bumping into trouble trying to download new apps from Apple's App Store.Several users of the older OS have chimed in on Apple's Support Communities reporting that they can update existing apps and sync apps from iTunes to their phones, but they can't install new apps directly to their devices.One commenter described the problem in part as follows:Whenever I go into a specific app in the app store, none of the buttons work properly. 1) clicking on the price no longer downloads the app, 2) the ratings button does nothing, 3) the 'tell a friend' and 'git this app' buttons jump back to the top of the app window, 4) pictures usually don't show up...The issue seemed to start around December 15 and apparently is still causing headaches.The glitch affects both iPhone and iPod Touch units running OS 3.1.3 and, in some cases, earlier versions of 3.x. However, at least one user reported the same issue with an iPhone 4S. And CNET Senior Editor Bridget Carey also ran into this problem on her iPhone 4S, explaining that she had to back up her phone and then restore it to get the app downloads to work again.But a restore doesn't necessarily do the trick for those with older devices.Two forum commenters said they went through a factory restore but were still unable to download new apps. Several users also confirmed that their previously downloaded apps now show prices instead of the Installed button when viewed in the App Store, leading them to pin the blame on an incompatibility between the latest App Store version and OS 3.1.3.Tech news site Engadget was also able to confirm the issue by testing one of its devices.Some forum users who contacted Apple said they were advised to upgrade their operating system. But those with older iPhones and iPod Touches are stuck with version 3.1.3 since iOS 4.x and 5.x support only newer devices.Another user reportedly received a response from an Apple rep who said that he had not "received any news stating that there was an issue with iOS 3.1.1, and accessing the application store."We contacted an Apple representative, who said the company is looking into the matter and promised to get back to us with more information.
Xbox Music taps into Gracenote to tag your tunes
Xbox Music taps into Gracenote to tag your tunes
Xbox Music users now can identify their music and listen to it across different PCs and mobile devices courtesy of Gracenote.Buying a $10-per-month Xbox Music Pass entitles you to tap into the new service, which can identify albums and songs you already own and unlock your music online. All of your music can be unlocked, including songs bought through Amazon or Apple as well as those ripped from your CDs.Gracenote, which is owned by Sony, also lets you edit the metadata for your Xbox Music collection and add missing album art. Finally, you can stream your tunes to a variety of platforms, including Windows 8 and RT, Windows Phone 8, iOS, Android, and the Xbox 360 and Xbox One."A big frustration for music fans is having to completely rebuild their collections when switching between streaming or download services," Gracenote president Stephen White said in a statement."Gracenote music recognition and data will make it easy for Xbox Music users to migrate their collections to the cloud without searching, repurchasing, or even uploading."Microsoft rolled out Xbox Music last year in an effort to compete with iTunes, Pandora, and other online music providers. Initially cooked into Windows 8, the service has since expanded to mobile devices and Microsoft's Xbox One console.
Xbox Music users now can identify their music and listen to it across different PCs and mobile devices courtesy of Gracenote.Buying a $10-per-month Xbox Music Pass entitles you to tap into the new service, which can identify albums and songs you already own and unlock your music online. All of your music can be unlocked, including songs bought through Amazon or Apple as well as those ripped from your CDs.Gracenote, which is owned by Sony, also lets you edit the metadata for your Xbox Music collection and add missing album art. Finally, you can stream your tunes to a variety of platforms, including Windows 8 and RT, Windows Phone 8, iOS, Android, and the Xbox 360 and Xbox One."A big frustration for music fans is having to completely rebuild their collections when switching between streaming or download services," Gracenote president Stephen White said in a statement."Gracenote music recognition and data will make it easy for Xbox Music users to migrate their collections to the cloud without searching, repurchasing, or even uploading."Microsoft rolled out Xbox Music last year in an effort to compete with iTunes, Pandora, and other online music providers. Initially cooked into Windows 8, the service has since expanded to mobile devices and Microsoft's Xbox One console.
WWDC 2011- There's an app for that
WWDC 2011: There's an app for that
Ahead of next week's Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple has published a full schedule of the show, along with a special iOS application for those who are attending.The application (iTunes), which works on both iPhones and iPads has a full conference schedule, which users can bookmark to create their own itineraries. It also has maps of San Francisco's Moscone West (where the conference is being held) so that attendees can find their way around. Additionally the app has a reservation tool that can get attendees a slot at one of the various developer labs, just like they'd book an open slot at the Genius Bar withthe company's retail store app.More interesting features include a photo viewer with official images from the show, and a news reader that reads like Apple's Mail application.Having a special app for a conference is not unusual these days, in fact Apple did the very same thing last year. And like last year, this one is also limited to registered attendees. Apple ran out of tickets for this year's show in less than 12 hours. By comparison, it took last year's show eight days.WWDC kicks off on Monday with a keynote address from Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The company has said it's showing off iOS 5, along with detailing more of Lion, the next version of the Mac OS. Apple will also take the wraps off iCloud, what it's only described so far as a "cloud services offering." (via Macworld)Apple's WWDC app.Apple
Ahead of next week's Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple has published a full schedule of the show, along with a special iOS application for those who are attending.The application (iTunes), which works on both iPhones and iPads has a full conference schedule, which users can bookmark to create their own itineraries. It also has maps of San Francisco's Moscone West (where the conference is being held) so that attendees can find their way around. Additionally the app has a reservation tool that can get attendees a slot at one of the various developer labs, just like they'd book an open slot at the Genius Bar withthe company's retail store app.More interesting features include a photo viewer with official images from the show, and a news reader that reads like Apple's Mail application.Having a special app for a conference is not unusual these days, in fact Apple did the very same thing last year. And like last year, this one is also limited to registered attendees. Apple ran out of tickets for this year's show in less than 12 hours. By comparison, it took last year's show eight days.WWDC kicks off on Monday with a keynote address from Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The company has said it's showing off iOS 5, along with detailing more of Lion, the next version of the Mac OS. Apple will also take the wraps off iCloud, what it's only described so far as a "cloud services offering." (via Macworld)Apple's WWDC app.Apple
Did EA drop the ball with Madden NFL 25 for iOS-
Did EA drop the ball with Madden NFL 25 for iOS?
Madden NFL 25 made its iOS debut yesterday, with a price tag that probably caused some initial elation among fans of the series: it's free. The last Madden title cost $6.99 for the iPhone version and $9.99 for iPad, and previous games in the series were similarly priced.Turns out Madden NFL 25 isn't free, but freemium: unless you're willing to pony up for in-game cash (by way of in-app purchases, or IAP), you'll have a limited playbook for solo games and almost no chance of winning multiplayer matches against better-equipped players.Indeed, the game is less about making plays on the gridiron than it is about building your roster, playbook, and energy level -- all of which require cash. Prices for EA's bundles start at $1.99 for 8 game dollars and soar to $99.99 for 700 game dollars.Purchasing players and plays is optional; in theory you can compete without any extras, but you need energy in order to play -- not an entire game, but each drive. You're given 10 energy points from the start; once you've burned through them (completed 10 drives), you have to wait 30 minutes before you can continue -- unless you've earned enough coins or spent enough cash to buy more energy.Needless to say, this freemium model has generated considerable controversy. App-review site TouchArcade gave Madden NFL 25 one star, dinging its "excessive freemium elements" and calling it "an experience that all but the most hard-core fans should avoid."Meanwhile, the roughly 200 reviews on iTunes, which currently average three stars out of five, reveal some seriously perturbed players. "This game is a travesty," wrote user "MrKupka." "A freemium Madden title that nickel-and-dimes you with unavoidable IAP even for the ability to run certain basic plays in your playbook."Added user "SeanZu": "Whatever happened to pay $9.99, download game and enjoy Madden football? Gotta pay $ to have the plays or players one needs."For me, the fun of a football game (preferably one played in the backyard on grass) is making great plays, not constantly dealing with money. But what are your thoughts on this? Do you think the freemium model is a good one for a game like this? Is Madden NFL 25 for iOS fun enough that it's worth the cost? Let's hear from you in the comments.In the meantime, be sure to check out Scott Stein's review of Madden 25 for consoles.
Madden NFL 25 made its iOS debut yesterday, with a price tag that probably caused some initial elation among fans of the series: it's free. The last Madden title cost $6.99 for the iPhone version and $9.99 for iPad, and previous games in the series were similarly priced.Turns out Madden NFL 25 isn't free, but freemium: unless you're willing to pony up for in-game cash (by way of in-app purchases, or IAP), you'll have a limited playbook for solo games and almost no chance of winning multiplayer matches against better-equipped players.Indeed, the game is less about making plays on the gridiron than it is about building your roster, playbook, and energy level -- all of which require cash. Prices for EA's bundles start at $1.99 for 8 game dollars and soar to $99.99 for 700 game dollars.Purchasing players and plays is optional; in theory you can compete without any extras, but you need energy in order to play -- not an entire game, but each drive. You're given 10 energy points from the start; once you've burned through them (completed 10 drives), you have to wait 30 minutes before you can continue -- unless you've earned enough coins or spent enough cash to buy more energy.Needless to say, this freemium model has generated considerable controversy. App-review site TouchArcade gave Madden NFL 25 one star, dinging its "excessive freemium elements" and calling it "an experience that all but the most hard-core fans should avoid."Meanwhile, the roughly 200 reviews on iTunes, which currently average three stars out of five, reveal some seriously perturbed players. "This game is a travesty," wrote user "MrKupka." "A freemium Madden title that nickel-and-dimes you with unavoidable IAP even for the ability to run certain basic plays in your playbook."Added user "SeanZu": "Whatever happened to pay $9.99, download game and enjoy Madden football? Gotta pay $ to have the plays or players one needs."For me, the fun of a football game (preferably one played in the backyard on grass) is making great plays, not constantly dealing with money. But what are your thoughts on this? Do you think the freemium model is a good one for a game like this? Is Madden NFL 25 for iOS fun enough that it's worth the cost? Let's hear from you in the comments.In the meantime, be sure to check out Scott Stein's review of Madden 25 for consoles.
Apple TV a no-show, in any respect, at iPhone event
Apple TV a no-show, in any respect, at iPhone event
A lot of big names showed up at Apple's event Tuesday -- Al Gore, Marissa Mayer, Elvis Costello -- but one that was conspicuously missing was Apple TV. Apple held an event at its Cupertino, Calif., home base Tuesday. Headlining the presentation was its introduction of a new budget smartphone, the iPhone 5C, and its new flagship iPhone 5S, as it seeks to attract more customers and revitalize interest in its devices.Related stories:Apple's new announcements (pictures)Apple to release iOS 7 on Sept. 18Apple by the numbers: 700M iOS devices shippedA look at the iPhone 5C announcement (pictures)Apple launches iPhone 5CiPhone 5C First TakeDueling reports last week first stoked anticipation that Apple had a new set-top box on deck for Tuesday's event after long neglecting the device in terms of any significant refresh. But later, the company's TV plans for the event were said to be limited to a simple software update that might, among other things, let one person's Apple-purchased content stream on another person's Apple TV. After starting out as a glorified Netflix streaming box, Apple TV has bulked up with some desirable channels, recently adding Hulu Plus, HBO Go, Watch ESPN, and Sky News. Though the addition of HBO Go in June made good on one content stream that was rumored to be in the offing, Apple has also been said to be working on a deal for Time Warner Cable channels, and CW President Mark Pedowitz earlier this year said the network would be on Apple TV imminently -- but an app for the channel had yet to materialize. And neither did updates -- to hardware, software, or otherwise -- for the device itself Tuesday.This is a developing story. Follow our CNET live blog, check out the latest on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, and see all of today's Apple news.
A lot of big names showed up at Apple's event Tuesday -- Al Gore, Marissa Mayer, Elvis Costello -- but one that was conspicuously missing was Apple TV. Apple held an event at its Cupertino, Calif., home base Tuesday. Headlining the presentation was its introduction of a new budget smartphone, the iPhone 5C, and its new flagship iPhone 5S, as it seeks to attract more customers and revitalize interest in its devices.Related stories:Apple's new announcements (pictures)Apple to release iOS 7 on Sept. 18Apple by the numbers: 700M iOS devices shippedA look at the iPhone 5C announcement (pictures)Apple launches iPhone 5CiPhone 5C First TakeDueling reports last week first stoked anticipation that Apple had a new set-top box on deck for Tuesday's event after long neglecting the device in terms of any significant refresh. But later, the company's TV plans for the event were said to be limited to a simple software update that might, among other things, let one person's Apple-purchased content stream on another person's Apple TV. After starting out as a glorified Netflix streaming box, Apple TV has bulked up with some desirable channels, recently adding Hulu Plus, HBO Go, Watch ESPN, and Sky News. Though the addition of HBO Go in June made good on one content stream that was rumored to be in the offing, Apple has also been said to be working on a deal for Time Warner Cable channels, and CW President Mark Pedowitz earlier this year said the network would be on Apple TV imminently -- but an app for the channel had yet to materialize. And neither did updates -- to hardware, software, or otherwise -- for the device itself Tuesday.This is a developing story. Follow our CNET live blog, check out the latest on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, and see all of today's Apple news.
Apple- Trial win means more than money or patents
Apple: Trial win means more than money or patents
Complete coverage: Apple v. Samsung, a battle over billionsApple v. Samsung: The verdictJury awards Apple more than $1B, finds Samsung infringedApple's big win over Samsung -- what does it mean?Samsung defeat a 'back to the drawing board' momentApple's $1,051,855,000 victory: Google, don't tread on meSamsung: Verdict is 'loss for American consumer'Apple wins big in Samsung patent battle: Did you call it? (poll)How qualified is the Apple-Samsung jury? We found outApple-Samsung jury really wanted to go sailing this weekendApple v. Samsung: What's the worst that could happen?Samsung's infringing devices: The scorecardFull coverage: Apple v. SamsungApple is celebrating its patent lawsuit win today and said the verdict sends a clear message that "stealing isn't right."Samsung may have to pay more than $1 billion in damages, after a jury found the South Korean company infringed on Apple's patents for multiple devices. And Apple is saying justice has been served.The Cupertino company issued a statement, saying the suit wasn't about the money or the patents, it was about values:"We are grateful to the jury for their service and for investing the time to listen to our story and we were thrilled to be able to finally tell it. The mountain of evidence presented during the trial showed that Samsung's copying went far deeper than even we knew. The lawsuits between Apple and Samsung were about much more than patents or money. They were about values.At Apple, we value originality and innovation and pour our lives into making the best products on earth. We make these products to delight our customers, not for our competitors to flagrantly copy.We applaud the court for finding Samsung's behavior willful and for sending a loud and clear message that stealing isn't right."Samsung issued a statement today as well, saying the verdict is a loss for the American public and meant more-expensive phones and less innovation.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Complete coverage: Apple v. Samsung, a battle over billionsApple v. Samsung: The verdictJury awards Apple more than $1B, finds Samsung infringedApple's big win over Samsung -- what does it mean?Samsung defeat a 'back to the drawing board' momentApple's $1,051,855,000 victory: Google, don't tread on meSamsung: Verdict is 'loss for American consumer'Apple wins big in Samsung patent battle: Did you call it? (poll)How qualified is the Apple-Samsung jury? We found outApple-Samsung jury really wanted to go sailing this weekendApple v. Samsung: What's the worst that could happen?Samsung's infringing devices: The scorecardFull coverage: Apple v. SamsungApple is celebrating its patent lawsuit win today and said the verdict sends a clear message that "stealing isn't right."Samsung may have to pay more than $1 billion in damages, after a jury found the South Korean company infringed on Apple's patents for multiple devices. And Apple is saying justice has been served.The Cupertino company issued a statement, saying the suit wasn't about the money or the patents, it was about values:"We are grateful to the jury for their service and for investing the time to listen to our story and we were thrilled to be able to finally tell it. The mountain of evidence presented during the trial showed that Samsung's copying went far deeper than even we knew. The lawsuits between Apple and Samsung were about much more than patents or money. They were about values.At Apple, we value originality and innovation and pour our lives into making the best products on earth. We make these products to delight our customers, not for our competitors to flagrantly copy.We applaud the court for finding Samsung's behavior willful and for sending a loud and clear message that stealing isn't right."Samsung issued a statement today as well, saying the verdict is a loss for the American public and meant more-expensive phones and less innovation.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple toughens iCloud backup security
Apple toughens iCloud backup security
Apple is beefing up iCloud's security following promises by CEO Tim Cook to take stronger measures in the aftermath of the high-profile breaching of accounts belonging to celebrities who use the service.Apple quietly reactivated two-factor authentication for iCloud on Tuesday, according toMacRumors.com, after the feature was initially tested but then disabled in June. Two-factor authenticationoffers another layer of security. It works by requiring users to prove their identity by entering a second form ofauthentication in addition to a password to access accounts. Many onlineservices, including Google, Twitter and Facebook, will text your phone arandomly generated four-digit code as your second factor every time youtry to log in. Then you enter the code to get into your account.Since March 2013, Apple has hadtwo-factor authentication for its Apple ID account,which is used to make purchases from iTunes and the App Store and makechanges to account details. Apple has pledged to increaseawareness of two-factor authentication. The two-factor authentication requires users who log in to iCloud.com to enter in a onetime code sent to their iOS device before being allowed to access the site. An email follows the login attempt, providing an extra notification that iCloud has been accessed. One exception is the Find My Phone service, which can be reached with only your Apple ID credentials, because if your phone is missing, you won't be able to get the second, randomly generated login.
Apple is beefing up iCloud's security following promises by CEO Tim Cook to take stronger measures in the aftermath of the high-profile breaching of accounts belonging to celebrities who use the service.Apple quietly reactivated two-factor authentication for iCloud on Tuesday, according toMacRumors.com, after the feature was initially tested but then disabled in June. Two-factor authenticationoffers another layer of security. It works by requiring users to prove their identity by entering a second form ofauthentication in addition to a password to access accounts. Many onlineservices, including Google, Twitter and Facebook, will text your phone arandomly generated four-digit code as your second factor every time youtry to log in. Then you enter the code to get into your account.Since March 2013, Apple has hadtwo-factor authentication for its Apple ID account,which is used to make purchases from iTunes and the App Store and makechanges to account details. Apple has pledged to increaseawareness of two-factor authentication. The two-factor authentication requires users who log in to iCloud.com to enter in a onetime code sent to their iOS device before being allowed to access the site. An email follows the login attempt, providing an extra notification that iCloud has been accessed. One exception is the Find My Phone service, which can be reached with only your Apple ID credentials, because if your phone is missing, you won't be able to get the second, randomly generated login.
Apple tops PC market, but lead shrinks, says Canalys
Apple tops PC market, but lead shrinks, says Canalys
Apple still has a commanding lead of the global PC market but has lost ground to Lenovo, according to Canalys, which includes tablets in its quarterly ranking of PCs. Apple remained the top PC vendor in the second quarter, but its share fell more than 2 percentage points to 17.1 percent due a drop iniPad shipments, the market researcher said Tuesday.This reflects tablet numbers released in a report from Canalys last week showing that Android tablets had made gains on Apple. Desktop and notebook shipments accounted for only about 20 percent of Apple's total PC shipments. While Lenovo had a strong showing in traditional PCs, its tablet shipments have grown too, racking up around 1.5 million units in the quarter, according to Canalys."Lenovo is on an upward curve with its tablets, expanding in mainland China and Latin America, where there is little competition from the likes of Google or Amazon," Canalys Analyst James Wang said in a statement. And Hewlett-Packard overtook Samsung to regain third place in the quarter. HP has now launched two Android tablets: the $140 Slate 7 and the $480 SlateBook x2 hybrid. "HP has a broad enterprise portfolio, channel relationships and global reach that others still cannot match," said Canalys Analyst Pin-Chen Tang. To maintain its solid lead in the global PC market, Apple needs new models, which are rumored, by the way, to be coming this fall."With tablet vendors attacking Apple on price it must bring fresh innovation to future generations of its iPad range if it is to maintain the lead it has built in the PC market," Canalys said. Canalys
Apple still has a commanding lead of the global PC market but has lost ground to Lenovo, according to Canalys, which includes tablets in its quarterly ranking of PCs. Apple remained the top PC vendor in the second quarter, but its share fell more than 2 percentage points to 17.1 percent due a drop iniPad shipments, the market researcher said Tuesday.This reflects tablet numbers released in a report from Canalys last week showing that Android tablets had made gains on Apple. Desktop and notebook shipments accounted for only about 20 percent of Apple's total PC shipments. While Lenovo had a strong showing in traditional PCs, its tablet shipments have grown too, racking up around 1.5 million units in the quarter, according to Canalys."Lenovo is on an upward curve with its tablets, expanding in mainland China and Latin America, where there is little competition from the likes of Google or Amazon," Canalys Analyst James Wang said in a statement. And Hewlett-Packard overtook Samsung to regain third place in the quarter. HP has now launched two Android tablets: the $140 Slate 7 and the $480 SlateBook x2 hybrid. "HP has a broad enterprise portfolio, channel relationships and global reach that others still cannot match," said Canalys Analyst Pin-Chen Tang. To maintain its solid lead in the global PC market, Apple needs new models, which are rumored, by the way, to be coming this fall."With tablet vendors attacking Apple on price it must bring fresh innovation to future generations of its iPad range if it is to maintain the lead it has built in the PC market," Canalys said. Canalys
Apple tops Samsung as world's largest chip buyer in 2013
Apple tops Samsung as world's largest chip buyer in 2013
Apple handily outspent Samsung to become the world's largest buyer of chips in 2013, though Samsung's spending surged last year. In a repeat performance of 2012, Apple and Samsung were the top semiconductor spenders in 2013 among original equipment manufacturers (OEM) creating more than $1 billion in revenue, according to an IHS Technology research note released Thursday. Apple took the top spot with chip spending of $30.3 billion, surpassing second-place Samsung's $22.2 billion. The South Korean electronics giant, however, saw the largest spending increase on chips of any top 10 OEM last year, up almost 30 percent from 2012 levels, compared to a smaller expansion of 17 percent on the part of Apple, IHS said. And future market dynamics could be more favorable to Samsung, said Myson Robles-Bruce, an IHS analyst."Samsung's...intention to use flexible active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display technology on its product offerings could also be a future differentiator from products made by Apple," Robles-Bruce said.Apple favors LCD tech for displays. "If OLED technology catches on with consumers, Apple could start to suffer, which would be reflected in the California maker's prodigious chip-buying powers," he said.Other OEMs in the top five were Hewlett-Packard, in third place, with $10.1 billion in spending; Lenovo in fourth, with $9.2 billion; and Dell in fifth, with $7.7 billion. Wireless accounted for almost one-third of total OEM chip spending, followed by computer platforms at 22 percent and consumer devices, at 16 percent.IHS noted that the served available market (SAM) metric it used counts only expenditures that an OEM made as an external agent. "SAM does not factor in spending by manufacturers for chip buying done at their own internal divisions -- as can happen with entities like Samsung, whose internal customers within the vast Samsung family of companies compete with external clients in sourcing Samsung-made semiconductors."
Apple handily outspent Samsung to become the world's largest buyer of chips in 2013, though Samsung's spending surged last year. In a repeat performance of 2012, Apple and Samsung were the top semiconductor spenders in 2013 among original equipment manufacturers (OEM) creating more than $1 billion in revenue, according to an IHS Technology research note released Thursday. Apple took the top spot with chip spending of $30.3 billion, surpassing second-place Samsung's $22.2 billion. The South Korean electronics giant, however, saw the largest spending increase on chips of any top 10 OEM last year, up almost 30 percent from 2012 levels, compared to a smaller expansion of 17 percent on the part of Apple, IHS said. And future market dynamics could be more favorable to Samsung, said Myson Robles-Bruce, an IHS analyst."Samsung's...intention to use flexible active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display technology on its product offerings could also be a future differentiator from products made by Apple," Robles-Bruce said.Apple favors LCD tech for displays. "If OLED technology catches on with consumers, Apple could start to suffer, which would be reflected in the California maker's prodigious chip-buying powers," he said.Other OEMs in the top five were Hewlett-Packard, in third place, with $10.1 billion in spending; Lenovo in fourth, with $9.2 billion; and Dell in fifth, with $7.7 billion. Wireless accounted for almost one-third of total OEM chip spending, followed by computer platforms at 22 percent and consumer devices, at 16 percent.IHS noted that the served available market (SAM) metric it used counts only expenditures that an OEM made as an external agent. "SAM does not factor in spending by manufacturers for chip buying done at their own internal divisions -- as can happen with entities like Samsung, whose internal customers within the vast Samsung family of companies compete with external clients in sourcing Samsung-made semiconductors."
Apple to pull plug on social music network Ping on September 30
Apple to pull plug on social music network Ping on September 30
Apple has announced the last waltz for Ping, its social music network, after adding greater social-networking integration to iTunes.The company will shut down Ping on September 30, Apple announced the closure today on the Ping channel on iTunes. The company also announced today that iTunes 11 -- the software's next major release -- adds more sharing options for Facebook and Twitter, including showing music likes and recent purchases.An Apple representative noted that any playlists users made within Ping will be converted to iMixes, the company's publishable playlist format. However, the feature will become unavailable, and users will lose any followers, or people they were following, come September 30. The Ping page already redirects to the main iTunes page.Ping lets users post music tracks and albums to a feed to which other users can subscribe, viewing them from within iTunes on the desktop and on iOS devices. However, the launch of Apple's music-centric social network within iTunes 10 was largely considered one of Apple's recent missteps. Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at Ping's demise in June during an interview at the D10 conference. Whileadmitting that he did not want to be questioned about the service, Cook noted that the company's customers found it lackluster."We tried Ping, and I think the customer voted and said this isn't something that I want to put a lot of energy into," Cook said. "Will we kill it? I don't know; I'll look at it."
Apple has announced the last waltz for Ping, its social music network, after adding greater social-networking integration to iTunes.The company will shut down Ping on September 30, Apple announced the closure today on the Ping channel on iTunes. The company also announced today that iTunes 11 -- the software's next major release -- adds more sharing options for Facebook and Twitter, including showing music likes and recent purchases.An Apple representative noted that any playlists users made within Ping will be converted to iMixes, the company's publishable playlist format. However, the feature will become unavailable, and users will lose any followers, or people they were following, come September 30. The Ping page already redirects to the main iTunes page.Ping lets users post music tracks and albums to a feed to which other users can subscribe, viewing them from within iTunes on the desktop and on iOS devices. However, the launch of Apple's music-centric social network within iTunes 10 was largely considered one of Apple's recent missteps. Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at Ping's demise in June during an interview at the D10 conference. Whileadmitting that he did not want to be questioned about the service, Cook noted that the company's customers found it lackluster."We tried Ping, and I think the customer voted and said this isn't something that I want to put a lot of energy into," Cook said. "Will we kill it? I don't know; I'll look at it."
Apple to 'overhaul' most products in 2012, report says
Apple to 'overhaul' most products in 2012, report says
Apple's product line is set to get some big makeovers next year, if a new report is to be believed. Citing sources in "the upstream supply chain," tech news site Digitimes says that Apple plans to "overhaul" its iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air and iMac during the course of next year.Presumably that means brand new designs of those products, whereas most of the company's additions during the past year could be classified as tweaks to existing models.As far as timing goes, Digitimes offers that Apple will roll out a new iPad in March, with new versions of the iPhone and iMac coming in "the second half of 2012." Missing from the list is Apple's Mac Pro, the company's most expensive product, and the highest end of its desktop class, a type of computer that's been diminishing in popularity with consumers who crave portability. A report earlier this week suggested that its future was in limbo, and its absence from this list is telling.Of note is the iPad, which the outlet suggests would be broken up into two distinct models, released at separate times of the year, with the latter one being a more dramatic shift for the product."Sources revealed that internally Apple does not view the new iPad product as iPad 3, but rather an upgraded iPad 2 and the real iPad 3 will not be launched until the third quarter of 2012 at the earliest," Digitimes says.To make that happen, Digitimes' source suggests that Apple's asking manufacturers to begin creating display components for two different iPad prototypes. Like all technology companies, Apple regularly updates its hardware to the point of considering it a new generation, yet its schedule for such iterations is not easy to predict. That's been seen most recently with the iPhone 4S, which came some four months later than previous models, and a lack of big changes to the iPod line, which had become an annual tradition. For that reason alone, it's worth taking these claims with a grain of salt.
Apple's product line is set to get some big makeovers next year, if a new report is to be believed. Citing sources in "the upstream supply chain," tech news site Digitimes says that Apple plans to "overhaul" its iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air and iMac during the course of next year.Presumably that means brand new designs of those products, whereas most of the company's additions during the past year could be classified as tweaks to existing models.As far as timing goes, Digitimes offers that Apple will roll out a new iPad in March, with new versions of the iPhone and iMac coming in "the second half of 2012." Missing from the list is Apple's Mac Pro, the company's most expensive product, and the highest end of its desktop class, a type of computer that's been diminishing in popularity with consumers who crave portability. A report earlier this week suggested that its future was in limbo, and its absence from this list is telling.Of note is the iPad, which the outlet suggests would be broken up into two distinct models, released at separate times of the year, with the latter one being a more dramatic shift for the product."Sources revealed that internally Apple does not view the new iPad product as iPad 3, but rather an upgraded iPad 2 and the real iPad 3 will not be launched until the third quarter of 2012 at the earliest," Digitimes says.To make that happen, Digitimes' source suggests that Apple's asking manufacturers to begin creating display components for two different iPad prototypes. Like all technology companies, Apple regularly updates its hardware to the point of considering it a new generation, yet its schedule for such iterations is not easy to predict. That's been seen most recently with the iPhone 4S, which came some four months later than previous models, and a lack of big changes to the iPod line, which had become an annual tradition. For that reason alone, it's worth taking these claims with a grain of salt.
Apple to open yet another retail store in China
Apple to open yet another retail store in China
Apple will open another retail store in China on Saturday.The company announced on its China Web site today that it will open a new store in the Nanshan District of Shenzhen on Saturday. The store will be open for business at 9 a.m. on Saturday to celebrate its grand opening. From then on, the store will open at 10 a.m. each day.The Shenzhen location is the latest in a string of Apple stores to come to China. Earlier this month, Apple touted a new Beijing store in the Wangfujing district. At that event, Apple senior vice president of retail John Browett announced plans for the Shenzhen store, and said that his company's goal is to serve "every customer in every city."Just a few weeks before that announcement, Apple opened a store in Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.China is an integral component in Apple's long-term success. The country is watching its middle class boom in size, giving companies like Apple a larger customer base to capitalize on. In earlier discussions on China, Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that the country is Apple's second-most-important market. Apple's Asian revenue has soared in recently years, particularly since the iPhone's launch in China in 2009. This Apple store in Shanghai, along the well-traveled Nanjing Road, is frequently packed.Jay Greene/CNETApple's revenue from its China operations for the entire fiscal year ending September 30 was $23.8 billion, accounting for more than 15 percent of total sales. Cook said theiPhone 5 will become available in China in December. "I feel great about where we are on the manufacturing ramp," he said. "The supply output is significantly higher than October." The iPhone has been available for purchase in China since late 2009.
Apple will open another retail store in China on Saturday.The company announced on its China Web site today that it will open a new store in the Nanshan District of Shenzhen on Saturday. The store will be open for business at 9 a.m. on Saturday to celebrate its grand opening. From then on, the store will open at 10 a.m. each day.The Shenzhen location is the latest in a string of Apple stores to come to China. Earlier this month, Apple touted a new Beijing store in the Wangfujing district. At that event, Apple senior vice president of retail John Browett announced plans for the Shenzhen store, and said that his company's goal is to serve "every customer in every city."Just a few weeks before that announcement, Apple opened a store in Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.China is an integral component in Apple's long-term success. The country is watching its middle class boom in size, giving companies like Apple a larger customer base to capitalize on. In earlier discussions on China, Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that the country is Apple's second-most-important market. Apple's Asian revenue has soared in recently years, particularly since the iPhone's launch in China in 2009. This Apple store in Shanghai, along the well-traveled Nanjing Road, is frequently packed.Jay Greene/CNETApple's revenue from its China operations for the entire fiscal year ending September 30 was $23.8 billion, accounting for more than 15 percent of total sales. Cook said theiPhone 5 will become available in China in December. "I feel great about where we are on the manufacturing ramp," he said. "The supply output is significantly higher than October." The iPhone has been available for purchase in China since late 2009.
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