Is the iPad launch really delayed?
Peter Misek, an analyst with Canaccord Adams, wrote in a note to clients on Monday that production problems could limit Apple's launch of the iPad. The production issues could be bad enough to even delay the launch for a month, according to a report on AppleInsider."The upcoming iPad launch may be somewhat limited as a manufacturing bottleneck has impacted production of Apple's newest device," Misek wrote. "An unspecified production problem at the iPad's manufacturer, Hon Hai Precision, will likely limit the launch region to the U.S. and the number of units available to roughly 300K in the month of march, far lower than the company's initial estimate of 1,000K units."While Apple is being quiet about the rumored production delays, Wired.com said an Apple spokeswoman told it that the "iPad will be available in late March." In other words, there is no change in the shipping schedule.Apple representatives were not immediately available when contacted for comment by CNET.It's hard to tell if the iPad is facing any challenges or not. One analyst claims to have knowledge of production problems, but Apple says everything is on track. We have less than 30 days to know for sure.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Is Apple trying to bury Microsoft under a product avalanche-
Is Apple trying to bury Microsoft under a product avalanche?
Can Microsoft crawl out from under the stack of Apple products announced today?I don't think I'm the only one stunned by the crush of new Apple products.What, a fourth-generation iPad already? New Mac Minis? Then the new iMacs on top of the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro?Apple seemed to throw everything but the kitchen sink out there today. But that's only because the rest of the kitchen sink -- the new iPhone and iPod -- was already out there. Maybe Apple just felt it was time to do a mega-upload of new products.Or maybe, just maybe, Apple wants to crush Microsoft and Surface and Windows 8.So far, though, that's not happening.As I look at my news feed Tuesday evening, Windows 8 product news is dominating.(Though Microsoft Surface reviews are not very positive).And count me among those just as focused on Windows 8 as Apple. Products like HP's Envy x2 hybrid or laptops with gorgeous touchscreens like the Spectre XT TouchSmart have got my attention. Not to mention Microsoft Surface. (I'm holding out for the next Surface, i.e., the Intel-based Surface Pro.) And, come to think of it, my "new" Retina iPad -- as CNET's Roger Cheng aptly pointed out -- is now obsolete, thanks to the newer fourth-generation iPad.October 26 is almost here.Related storiesCNET's Microsoft Surface review.
Can Microsoft crawl out from under the stack of Apple products announced today?I don't think I'm the only one stunned by the crush of new Apple products.What, a fourth-generation iPad already? New Mac Minis? Then the new iMacs on top of the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro?Apple seemed to throw everything but the kitchen sink out there today. But that's only because the rest of the kitchen sink -- the new iPhone and iPod -- was already out there. Maybe Apple just felt it was time to do a mega-upload of new products.Or maybe, just maybe, Apple wants to crush Microsoft and Surface and Windows 8.So far, though, that's not happening.As I look at my news feed Tuesday evening, Windows 8 product news is dominating.(Though Microsoft Surface reviews are not very positive).And count me among those just as focused on Windows 8 as Apple. Products like HP's Envy x2 hybrid or laptops with gorgeous touchscreens like the Spectre XT TouchSmart have got my attention. Not to mention Microsoft Surface. (I'm holding out for the next Surface, i.e., the Intel-based Surface Pro.) And, come to think of it, my "new" Retina iPad -- as CNET's Roger Cheng aptly pointed out -- is now obsolete, thanks to the newer fourth-generation iPad.October 26 is almost here.Related storiesCNET's Microsoft Surface review.
Is Apple putting the arm on ultrabook contract manufacturers-
Is Apple putting the arm on ultrabook contract manufacturers?
MacBook AirAppleThe Asus Zenbook looks enough like the MacBook Air that Apple is pressuring a contract manufacturer to cease production of the Zenbook, an Asia-based report claims. Taipei-based Pegatron, an original equipment manufacturer, will not make the Zenbook for Asus due to pressure from Apple, according to a report in the Chinese-language Commercial Times. Asus did not respond to a request for comment. The report couches Apple's demand as a choice: either stop making the Zenbook or lose Apple as a customer.Pegatron has been assembling iPhones since last year and would prefer to keep that business, according to the report. Pegatron's production run for the Zenbook will end as soon as March, forcing Asus to source the ultrabook from Compal or Wistron, the paper said. Apple announced the original MacBook Air design in January of 2008 and revamped the design in October of 2010 (see photo above). This report raises the obvious question, is Apple becoming uneasy about the crush of Windows ultrabooks hitting the market? It's possible, as some appear to take design cues from the Air.And more models coming out this year will be priced well below the least expensive Air. Via Digtimes
MacBook AirAppleThe Asus Zenbook looks enough like the MacBook Air that Apple is pressuring a contract manufacturer to cease production of the Zenbook, an Asia-based report claims. Taipei-based Pegatron, an original equipment manufacturer, will not make the Zenbook for Asus due to pressure from Apple, according to a report in the Chinese-language Commercial Times. Asus did not respond to a request for comment. The report couches Apple's demand as a choice: either stop making the Zenbook or lose Apple as a customer.Pegatron has been assembling iPhones since last year and would prefer to keep that business, according to the report. Pegatron's production run for the Zenbook will end as soon as March, forcing Asus to source the ultrabook from Compal or Wistron, the paper said. Apple announced the original MacBook Air design in January of 2008 and revamped the design in October of 2010 (see photo above). This report raises the obvious question, is Apple becoming uneasy about the crush of Windows ultrabooks hitting the market? It's possible, as some appear to take design cues from the Air.And more models coming out this year will be priced well below the least expensive Air. Via Digtimes
Is a 15-inch MacBook Air on the way-
Is a 15-inch MacBook Air on the way?
After dropping the plastic MacBook in favor of the entry-level, 11.6-inch MacBook Air with last week's round of Mac hardware updates, Apple could be planning to fill out its notebook line numbers with yet another ultralight model, according to a new report.Macrumors suggested this afternoon that Apple is cooking up a 15-inch "ultra-thin Mac notebook," that will come in slimmer than the company's existing 15-inch MacBook Pro model, presumably with the nixing of the optical drive and perhaps even the hard drive as well. The blog is not offering up whether it will be a part of Apple's Air or Pro family. Apple's current MacBook Air lineup includes an 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch model, going up to 13.3-, 15-, and 17-inch models on the Pro line. TUAW offers up its own anonymously sourced addition: that Apple is working on an Air-like 17-inch model as well, due out ahead of the holiday shopping season.Apple completely overhauled its MacBook Air line in October of last year, doubling down with both a 13.3-inch and smaller 11.6 model. At the time, Apple CEO Steve Jobs described the machines as "the future of notebooks."The company's MacBook Pro line has not seen a massive external overhaul since the company switched to its unibody design in 2008. An iLounge rumor in February suggested that Apple planned to give that line a big face-lift sometime next year.
After dropping the plastic MacBook in favor of the entry-level, 11.6-inch MacBook Air with last week's round of Mac hardware updates, Apple could be planning to fill out its notebook line numbers with yet another ultralight model, according to a new report.Macrumors suggested this afternoon that Apple is cooking up a 15-inch "ultra-thin Mac notebook," that will come in slimmer than the company's existing 15-inch MacBook Pro model, presumably with the nixing of the optical drive and perhaps even the hard drive as well. The blog is not offering up whether it will be a part of Apple's Air or Pro family. Apple's current MacBook Air lineup includes an 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch model, going up to 13.3-, 15-, and 17-inch models on the Pro line. TUAW offers up its own anonymously sourced addition: that Apple is working on an Air-like 17-inch model as well, due out ahead of the holiday shopping season.Apple completely overhauled its MacBook Air line in October of last year, doubling down with both a 13.3-inch and smaller 11.6 model. At the time, Apple CEO Steve Jobs described the machines as "the future of notebooks."The company's MacBook Pro line has not seen a massive external overhaul since the company switched to its unibody design in 2008. An iLounge rumor in February suggested that Apple planned to give that line a big face-lift sometime next year.
iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini rumors afoot
iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini rumors afoot
It's no surprise that the Apple rumor mill is already churning this year, with iLounge reporting a few tidbits today about the next iPhone, iPad, and iPad Mini.iLounge cited an unnamed source who said he or she "suspects" the reported iPhone 5S will have an upgraded rear camera featuring Sony's 13-Megapixel sensor, along with an improved processor. The source also said Apple plans to release the phone in July and that the code names for its prototypes are N51 and N53.The source didn't have as many details on Apple's iPads. The next iPad -- iLounge calls it an iPad 5 -- has the code name of J72 and a release date of October, the source said, adding that the next iPad Mini, codenamed j85, is also scheduled for an October release. Speculators are saying the Mini won't change much, but that it will have a Retina screen -- Apple's name for a screen that squeezes in more pixels for crisper words and images.Rumors over the next generation of Apple's most popular products started shortly after Apple announced its new line in late October.
It's no surprise that the Apple rumor mill is already churning this year, with iLounge reporting a few tidbits today about the next iPhone, iPad, and iPad Mini.iLounge cited an unnamed source who said he or she "suspects" the reported iPhone 5S will have an upgraded rear camera featuring Sony's 13-Megapixel sensor, along with an improved processor. The source also said Apple plans to release the phone in July and that the code names for its prototypes are N51 and N53.The source didn't have as many details on Apple's iPads. The next iPad -- iLounge calls it an iPad 5 -- has the code name of J72 and a release date of October, the source said, adding that the next iPad Mini, codenamed j85, is also scheduled for an October release. Speculators are saying the Mini won't change much, but that it will have a Retina screen -- Apple's name for a screen that squeezes in more pixels for crisper words and images.Rumors over the next generation of Apple's most popular products started shortly after Apple announced its new line in late October.
iPhone, iPad thefts jump 40 percent in NYC
iPhone, iPad thefts jump 40 percent in NYC
To deal with the rise in iPhone and iPad thefts, New York City police have been running sting operations to catch people fencing stolen devices. Acting as decoys, police officers have also been able to arrest iPhone thieves riding on the subway.Apple offers its own "Find My iPhone" app that can track down lost or stolen devices. As part of Operation ID, officers have been handing out information on how to install and set up that app. And they've been tapping into other Apple technology.Earlier this year, police officers with iCloud-enabled iPhones were able to track down stolen iPhones and arrest the thieves.Ultimately, people should always be aware of their surroundings, especially when carrying an iPhone or other expensive device out in the open."Individuals alert to their surroundings are less likely to become victims of thefts of iPhones and other handheld devices," New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said in a statement.Update, 10:30 a.m.: Adds information directly from the NYPD.
To deal with the rise in iPhone and iPad thefts, New York City police have been running sting operations to catch people fencing stolen devices. Acting as decoys, police officers have also been able to arrest iPhone thieves riding on the subway.Apple offers its own "Find My iPhone" app that can track down lost or stolen devices. As part of Operation ID, officers have been handing out information on how to install and set up that app. And they've been tapping into other Apple technology.Earlier this year, police officers with iCloud-enabled iPhones were able to track down stolen iPhones and arrest the thieves.Ultimately, people should always be aware of their surroundings, especially when carrying an iPhone or other expensive device out in the open."Individuals alert to their surroundings are less likely to become victims of thefts of iPhones and other handheld devices," New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said in a statement.Update, 10:30 a.m.: Adds information directly from the NYPD.
Smaller Apple TV box hinted at in FCC filing
Smaller Apple TV box hinted at in FCC filing
A new regulatory filing suggests Apple is readying a fourth-generation Apple TV set, one that looks a whole lot like the last two models, but with one minor difference.That difference is size. The new version, which Engadget spotted in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission today, is 93.78mm around versus the current model's 98mm. It also carries the model number A1469, which differs from the current model's A1427 designation.The filing comes on the heels of a reference to an unreleased Apple TV model inside of iOS 6.1, which Apple released to the public yesterday after months of testing. Like the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, the Apple TV also runs iOS, though differs in various ways -- specifically a lack of touch interface and the capability to install and use third-party applications. Apple updated the Apple TV's hardware last March with a third-generation model that added 1080p playback. Since then, Apple has put out a handful of interim software updates that added new features, including compatibility with iTunes Match and more recently Bluetooth keyboards. The company is still expected to roll out a full-fledged TV set, possibly as soon as this fall, putting any interim hardware releases under closer scrutiny.
A new regulatory filing suggests Apple is readying a fourth-generation Apple TV set, one that looks a whole lot like the last two models, but with one minor difference.That difference is size. The new version, which Engadget spotted in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission today, is 93.78mm around versus the current model's 98mm. It also carries the model number A1469, which differs from the current model's A1427 designation.The filing comes on the heels of a reference to an unreleased Apple TV model inside of iOS 6.1, which Apple released to the public yesterday after months of testing. Like the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, the Apple TV also runs iOS, though differs in various ways -- specifically a lack of touch interface and the capability to install and use third-party applications. Apple updated the Apple TV's hardware last March with a third-generation model that added 1080p playback. Since then, Apple has put out a handful of interim software updates that added new features, including compatibility with iTunes Match and more recently Bluetooth keyboards. The company is still expected to roll out a full-fledged TV set, possibly as soon as this fall, putting any interim hardware releases under closer scrutiny.
Restore the traditional sidebar view in iTunes 11
Restore the traditional sidebar view in iTunes 11
A seemingly minor user interface change in iTunes 11 is sure to drive some users crazy.Apple has removed the the traditional sidebar view from this latest version of iTunes. Previously, if you wanted to switch between your music and movie libraries, you did so in the sidebar. The same went for playlists, the iTunes Store, and connected iOS devices -- all of which were found in the sidebar. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETTo access the same features in iTunes 11, you'll need to click on buttons along the top of iTunes. The Library and iTunes Store buttons are always present, but the device's button is only visible when a device is connected. Apple might have suspected there'd be some confusion among users, so it included an option to show the sidebar. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETYou can show the sidebar by pressing Option-Command-S on a Mac or Control-S on Windows. Alternatively, you can open the View option from the menu bar and select Show sidebar. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETVoila! Navigating iTunes is just like it used to be, only now it has a different skin on it. 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
A seemingly minor user interface change in iTunes 11 is sure to drive some users crazy.Apple has removed the the traditional sidebar view from this latest version of iTunes. Previously, if you wanted to switch between your music and movie libraries, you did so in the sidebar. The same went for playlists, the iTunes Store, and connected iOS devices -- all of which were found in the sidebar. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETTo access the same features in iTunes 11, you'll need to click on buttons along the top of iTunes. The Library and iTunes Store buttons are always present, but the device's button is only visible when a device is connected. Apple might have suspected there'd be some confusion among users, so it included an option to show the sidebar. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETYou can show the sidebar by pressing Option-Command-S on a Mac or Control-S on Windows. Alternatively, you can open the View option from the menu bar and select Show sidebar. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETVoila! Navigating iTunes is just like it used to be, only now it has a different skin on it. 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
One million beta testers for Joost, but have they stuck around-
One million beta testers for Joost, but have they stuck around?
The founders of online television start-up Joost, who also count Skype and Kazaa as bullet points on their resumes, have announced that the service now has one million users. Still in beta and technically invite-only (though invitations are now easy to find), Joost was one of the most-talked-about tech products of last year. Originally known by the Bond-worthy codename "The Venice Project," Joost was widely touted as a "YouTube killer" before people really knew what it was--in truth, the service is a slick interface for free, ad-supported video content on-demand. No cat videos there.Joost co-founder Niklas Zennstrom made the announcement while at a Skype press conference in the Eastern European high-tech hub of Tallinn, Estonia.The catch is that one million beta testers absolutely doesn't translate to one million active beta testers. I've been playing with Joost since the early days, and I tend to agree with much of the feedback I've heard about the start-up: amazing interface, effective peer-to-peer architecture, but a noticeable lack of worthwhile content. Last I checked, the most worthwhile draws were still National Geographic documentaries, a few CNN talk shows, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force. (I'm in Boston right now. Will I get in trouble for saying that?)Right now, my beta account lies fallow, and I'm sure at least a handful of the other million users could say the same. But when Joost starts offering an impressive lineup of the stuff that I've been either recording on my DVR or buying from the iTunes Store--right now, for the record, my current must-watch is AMC's Mad Men--then I'll start tuning in again.
The founders of online television start-up Joost, who also count Skype and Kazaa as bullet points on their resumes, have announced that the service now has one million users. Still in beta and technically invite-only (though invitations are now easy to find), Joost was one of the most-talked-about tech products of last year. Originally known by the Bond-worthy codename "The Venice Project," Joost was widely touted as a "YouTube killer" before people really knew what it was--in truth, the service is a slick interface for free, ad-supported video content on-demand. No cat videos there.Joost co-founder Niklas Zennstrom made the announcement while at a Skype press conference in the Eastern European high-tech hub of Tallinn, Estonia.The catch is that one million beta testers absolutely doesn't translate to one million active beta testers. I've been playing with Joost since the early days, and I tend to agree with much of the feedback I've heard about the start-up: amazing interface, effective peer-to-peer architecture, but a noticeable lack of worthwhile content. Last I checked, the most worthwhile draws were still National Geographic documentaries, a few CNN talk shows, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force. (I'm in Boston right now. Will I get in trouble for saying that?)Right now, my beta account lies fallow, and I'm sure at least a handful of the other million users could say the same. But when Joost starts offering an impressive lineup of the stuff that I've been either recording on my DVR or buying from the iTunes Store--right now, for the record, my current must-watch is AMC's Mad Men--then I'll start tuning in again.
iPhone Dev Team releases 2.2 jailbreak
iPhone Dev Team releases 2.2 jailbreak
The team of hackers on Saturday posted to its blog QuickPwn for 2.2 and PwnageTool for 2.2 for Windows and Macintosh machines, along with instructions on how enable iPhone 3Gs with the 2.2 firmware to accept third-party applications.The blog also includes a word of caution about baseband, the chip that controls the connection between the phone and the mobile-phone network:Think of it like a cable modem or other peripheral that is attached to your home PC that needs occasional updates. When a software update is released and presented to you within iTunes, the baseband is sometimes updated (to fix bugs or add new features). The 2.2 update for the iPhone 3G contains such an update, so running the vanilla updater straight away with iTunes will reprogram and update the baseband. This could be bad for certain people, depending on your ultimate aim.The iPhone Dev Team is still working to unlock the iPhone 3G, but it has proven a tough nut to crack, mostly because of the baseband technology. You can unlock your iPhone 3G to use it on another carrier by modifying the SIM card, but what the iPhone Dev Team is trying to accomplish is a software-based unlock that you would just download and install.
The team of hackers on Saturday posted to its blog QuickPwn for 2.2 and PwnageTool for 2.2 for Windows and Macintosh machines, along with instructions on how enable iPhone 3Gs with the 2.2 firmware to accept third-party applications.The blog also includes a word of caution about baseband, the chip that controls the connection between the phone and the mobile-phone network:Think of it like a cable modem or other peripheral that is attached to your home PC that needs occasional updates. When a software update is released and presented to you within iTunes, the baseband is sometimes updated (to fix bugs or add new features). The 2.2 update for the iPhone 3G contains such an update, so running the vanilla updater straight away with iTunes will reprogram and update the baseband. This could be bad for certain people, depending on your ultimate aim.The iPhone Dev Team is still working to unlock the iPhone 3G, but it has proven a tough nut to crack, mostly because of the baseband technology. You can unlock your iPhone 3G to use it on another carrier by modifying the SIM card, but what the iPhone Dev Team is trying to accomplish is a software-based unlock that you would just download and install.
HP announces DVD program so you can watch Barry Bonds over and over and over
HP announces DVD program so you can watch Barry Bonds over and over and over
At this week's Print 2.0 conference in New York, HP's Digital Entertainment Services group announced a new program called NextDayTV, which will make local TV coverage, events, broadcast programs, and televised sports games available on DVD soon after their original air dates. The inaugural partnership for the program is a deal with Major League Baseball, and you can now purchase a DVD of the game in which Barry Bonds hit his legendary 756th home run at San Francisco Giants Dugout stores as well as online at the Wal-Mart, Major League Baseball, FYE, and Suncoast Web sites.Still to come are more partnerships, so that NextDayTV will be able to create DVDs on demand, as well as offer more "broadcast TV shows and sporting events that have high relevancy in specific geographic markets or with specific consumer segments" within a few days of their original air dates. Many of these, a release from HP stressed, would never make it to DVD for weeks or months (if ever).This is obviously designed as a competitor to DVR services (some of which can burn programs to DVDs--others, like the one I have, can't) and digital marketplaces like the iTunes Store. But it seems a little bit counterintuitive for a company to be creating a video content program that uses DVDs rather than digital downloads; presumably the NextDayTV market will be those consumers who aren't jumping onto the video-on-demand and digital-download bandwagon. You know, like your mom.
At this week's Print 2.0 conference in New York, HP's Digital Entertainment Services group announced a new program called NextDayTV, which will make local TV coverage, events, broadcast programs, and televised sports games available on DVD soon after their original air dates. The inaugural partnership for the program is a deal with Major League Baseball, and you can now purchase a DVD of the game in which Barry Bonds hit his legendary 756th home run at San Francisco Giants Dugout stores as well as online at the Wal-Mart, Major League Baseball, FYE, and Suncoast Web sites.Still to come are more partnerships, so that NextDayTV will be able to create DVDs on demand, as well as offer more "broadcast TV shows and sporting events that have high relevancy in specific geographic markets or with specific consumer segments" within a few days of their original air dates. Many of these, a release from HP stressed, would never make it to DVD for weeks or months (if ever).This is obviously designed as a competitor to DVR services (some of which can burn programs to DVDs--others, like the one I have, can't) and digital marketplaces like the iTunes Store. But it seems a little bit counterintuitive for a company to be creating a video content program that uses DVDs rather than digital downloads; presumably the NextDayTV market will be those consumers who aren't jumping onto the video-on-demand and digital-download bandwagon. You know, like your mom.
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