Spotify sets new limits on free music
Spotify, the online music service that has attracted more than 10 million users in Europe in part by offering free-of-charge access to millions of songs, may cap the number of times users can listen to the same song and limit the total number of hours that existing users would have access to its free service, the sources said. Last May, Spotify capped access to free music for the first time. As part of an offering called Spotify Open, new users were given 20 hours of free song listening per month. If they wanted more they had to upgrade to Spotify Unlimited, which offers all-you-can-eat listening for a monthly fee.Whatever changes Spotify makes would go into effect sometime in May, said the sources. A Spotify spokesman was not immediately available for comment. Spotify is perhaps best known in the United States as the music company that has had trouble launching in this country. The company has penned U.S. licensing deals with two of the four major record companies but can't seem to lock down music rights from Universal Music and Warner. Related links• Spotify wouldn't offer as much free music here• Hey iTunes, here comes Google Music, Spotify• Don't expect Spotify in U.S. this holiday seasonIf and when it does launch here, managers have already agreed to limit the amount of free music it offers, sources told CNET in February. The limits on free music appear to be designed to push people into paying for music. Ad-supported music services have struggled to generate profits and prove their business model. Even Pandora, the online radio service that started out paying the bills primarily through ad sales, has placed caps on free music. Still more ad-supported services flamed out and shut their doors, including Ruckus, SpiralFrog, and Imeem. For all of Spotify's notoriety and big European following, the company has not been able to show that it's able to generate big revenue or profits.
iPhone 5 on sale in Russia's gray market for $3,700, report says
iPhone 5 on sale in Russia's gray market for $3,700, report says
Apple's iPhone 5 won't be going on sale in Russia anytime soon, but that doesn't mean the country's gray market won't be hawking it.According to Bloomberg, Web stores in Russia are currently pricing the iPhone 5 as high as 115,000 rubles (about $3,700). Customers who purchase the device at that price will be able to get their hands on the smartphone shortly after its September 21 launch date in the U.S. and other countries.The 115,000 rubles for the iPhone 5 is a far cry from the current Russian price on the iPhone 4S. According to Bloomberg, the 64GB version is available for only 39,990 rubles. The 5 arrives CNET's iPhone 5 review Apple out to prove it's still king Pictures: Apple's big iPhone 5 reveal Ho-hum. iPhone 5 won't wow anyone iPhone 5: What we didn't get Comparing the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S3 vs. Lumia 920 Poll: Will you buy the iPhone 5? An awful dock-connector change Start your iOS 6 downloads September 19 iOS 6 hits major marks Apple reworks, simplifies iTunes New iPod Touch: Siri and a 4-inch screen Full coverage: The iPhone 5 arrives Apple announced the iPhone 5 yesterday. The device comes with a 4-inch display, 4G LTE service, and an improved camera, among other enhancements. The device is launching in nine countries on September 21 and will be followed up by 22 more countries on September 28. By December, Apple hopes to have it available in 100 countries, making it the fastest iPhone rollout in its history.The problem for Russian consumers is that their country isn't included in the first two launch cycles. And although it's possible Russia might get the iPhone in October or November, that's apparently too long a wait for some.So, for those desperate to have the iPhone 5, paying a significant premium might actually be an option.
Apple's iPhone 5 won't be going on sale in Russia anytime soon, but that doesn't mean the country's gray market won't be hawking it.According to Bloomberg, Web stores in Russia are currently pricing the iPhone 5 as high as 115,000 rubles (about $3,700). Customers who purchase the device at that price will be able to get their hands on the smartphone shortly after its September 21 launch date in the U.S. and other countries.The 115,000 rubles for the iPhone 5 is a far cry from the current Russian price on the iPhone 4S. According to Bloomberg, the 64GB version is available for only 39,990 rubles. The 5 arrives CNET's iPhone 5 review Apple out to prove it's still king Pictures: Apple's big iPhone 5 reveal Ho-hum. iPhone 5 won't wow anyone iPhone 5: What we didn't get Comparing the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S3 vs. Lumia 920 Poll: Will you buy the iPhone 5? An awful dock-connector change Start your iOS 6 downloads September 19 iOS 6 hits major marks Apple reworks, simplifies iTunes New iPod Touch: Siri and a 4-inch screen Full coverage: The iPhone 5 arrives Apple announced the iPhone 5 yesterday. The device comes with a 4-inch display, 4G LTE service, and an improved camera, among other enhancements. The device is launching in nine countries on September 21 and will be followed up by 22 more countries on September 28. By December, Apple hopes to have it available in 100 countries, making it the fastest iPhone rollout in its history.The problem for Russian consumers is that their country isn't included in the first two launch cycles. And although it's possible Russia might get the iPhone in October or November, that's apparently too long a wait for some.So, for those desperate to have the iPhone 5, paying a significant premium might actually be an option.
What if Apple really opened up the iPhone-
What if Apple really opened up the iPhone?
Miner uses the Microsoft licensing and open-source models to make his case. "When you have devices out there from Motorola, HTC, Samsung, and so on, there's a much larger potential market on Android than for the iPhone," Miner said. In other words, having a mostly closed device (except to the iPhone hackers)--with one manufacturer and one carrier per country, as well as applications tied to the Mac OS--is not a formula for creating massive demand. Apple will sell in the tens of millions in a market for smart communications devices that is in the billions. It's the same dilemma Apple has faced over the years. Should the Mac OS be licensed to any reasonably qualified manufacturer? Clearly, Steve Jobs has proven that he can create a great PC business with 5 percent market share.The Open Handset Alliance contingent of Google's Android is really going after the business of Microsoft, Research In Motion, and Symbian with its open-source mobile-software stack and applications platform, which makes Miner's remarks about the iPhone unsurprising. Any one of the big players can beat the iPhone in market share, if Apple continues with its proprietary approach.What if Apple does free the iPhone software and touch technology? Would it become the dominant mobile-device operating system and application platform? Talk among yourselves.
Miner uses the Microsoft licensing and open-source models to make his case. "When you have devices out there from Motorola, HTC, Samsung, and so on, there's a much larger potential market on Android than for the iPhone," Miner said. In other words, having a mostly closed device (except to the iPhone hackers)--with one manufacturer and one carrier per country, as well as applications tied to the Mac OS--is not a formula for creating massive demand. Apple will sell in the tens of millions in a market for smart communications devices that is in the billions. It's the same dilemma Apple has faced over the years. Should the Mac OS be licensed to any reasonably qualified manufacturer? Clearly, Steve Jobs has proven that he can create a great PC business with 5 percent market share.The Open Handset Alliance contingent of Google's Android is really going after the business of Microsoft, Research In Motion, and Symbian with its open-source mobile-software stack and applications platform, which makes Miner's remarks about the iPhone unsurprising. Any one of the big players can beat the iPhone in market share, if Apple continues with its proprietary approach.What if Apple does free the iPhone software and touch technology? Would it become the dominant mobile-device operating system and application platform? Talk among yourselves.
What audio products need to be invented-
What audio products need to be invented?
How about a great-sounding subwoofer that doesn't transmit bass to the rooms below, above, or to the sides of the room the sub is in? That would be great.High-resolution portable players with TBs of storage? I guess, but I don't really understand the desire to play high-quality audio in the noisy world--in cars, buses, planes, trains, offices. Resolution mostly refers to the music's quiet details, like when the guitarist's last note dissolves into silence, the subtle sense of place you hear from good live recordings, that sort of thing. You'll never hear that stuff in your car or on a plane. High-resolution audio is something you can only really appreciate at home. Most of all, I'd love a speaker that perfectly re-creates the sound of live music. We'd also need a perfect amplifier that doesn't add or take anything away from the signal, but despite all the advances in playback technology, recorded music just keeps getting worse and worse. Older recordings were imperfect, but they sounded considerably more realistic than most of today's hyper-compressed and processed releases. So by the time the perfect speaker is finally unveiled, recorded music will probably be even more disconnected from the sound of human beings playing instruments or singers singing. Even perfect speakers might not be able to correct crappy-sounding recordings.What audio products have yet to be invented? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
How about a great-sounding subwoofer that doesn't transmit bass to the rooms below, above, or to the sides of the room the sub is in? That would be great.High-resolution portable players with TBs of storage? I guess, but I don't really understand the desire to play high-quality audio in the noisy world--in cars, buses, planes, trains, offices. Resolution mostly refers to the music's quiet details, like when the guitarist's last note dissolves into silence, the subtle sense of place you hear from good live recordings, that sort of thing. You'll never hear that stuff in your car or on a plane. High-resolution audio is something you can only really appreciate at home. Most of all, I'd love a speaker that perfectly re-creates the sound of live music. We'd also need a perfect amplifier that doesn't add or take anything away from the signal, but despite all the advances in playback technology, recorded music just keeps getting worse and worse. Older recordings were imperfect, but they sounded considerably more realistic than most of today's hyper-compressed and processed releases. So by the time the perfect speaker is finally unveiled, recorded music will probably be even more disconnected from the sound of human beings playing instruments or singers singing. Even perfect speakers might not be able to correct crappy-sounding recordings.What audio products have yet to be invented? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Crave readers imagine their dream Apple product
Crave readers imagine their dream Apple product
Our first winner, Josh Pitta of Fresno, Calif., wrote us a rather lengthy e-mail describing his dream Apple product: a souped-up iPod Nano watch with several futuristic features like wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or NFC), and a smaller version of Apple's iOS with aesthetics similar to iOS 5's Notification Center. A primary reason for iOS integration in the Nano, according to Pitta, revolves around being able to utilize apps like iCloud, iTunes Match, and so on.Related storiesWhat's your dream Apple product?The 'Starck' truth about Apple's 'revolutionary' productPitta also mentions Siri integration into an iPod Nano, perhaps our favorite aspect about the fictional superwatch. He enthusiastically describes the ideal scenario for this application: "How cool would it be to get a text while driving, be notified by the buzzing on your wrist, press a button or the touch screen to see what it was, have it read to you by Siri, then reply to it?"A rear-facing camera built on the Nano watch would offer the user FaceTime (or Skype) video-calling capabilities, with audio supported by a pair of iPhone-esque earbuds or Bluetooth communication accessories.A pair of headphones with gesture recognition would mean less time spent fiddling with controls.Apple, Christopher MacManus/CNETOur second winner, D'Andre Gooden of Hartford, Conn., wrote a rather brief description, but it stood out to us: "Apple Air phones." The headphones would allow the user to control media playback with gestures (similar to the Sony Ericsson MH907 headphones of old), such as "swiping your finger across the side of the headphones" to turn up the volume. Gooden even suggested integrating a basic form of Siri into the Air phones so the user could simply say "play" to access music on the go.Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all who submitted ideas.
Our first winner, Josh Pitta of Fresno, Calif., wrote us a rather lengthy e-mail describing his dream Apple product: a souped-up iPod Nano watch with several futuristic features like wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or NFC), and a smaller version of Apple's iOS with aesthetics similar to iOS 5's Notification Center. A primary reason for iOS integration in the Nano, according to Pitta, revolves around being able to utilize apps like iCloud, iTunes Match, and so on.Related storiesWhat's your dream Apple product?The 'Starck' truth about Apple's 'revolutionary' productPitta also mentions Siri integration into an iPod Nano, perhaps our favorite aspect about the fictional superwatch. He enthusiastically describes the ideal scenario for this application: "How cool would it be to get a text while driving, be notified by the buzzing on your wrist, press a button or the touch screen to see what it was, have it read to you by Siri, then reply to it?"A rear-facing camera built on the Nano watch would offer the user FaceTime (or Skype) video-calling capabilities, with audio supported by a pair of iPhone-esque earbuds or Bluetooth communication accessories.A pair of headphones with gesture recognition would mean less time spent fiddling with controls.Apple, Christopher MacManus/CNETOur second winner, D'Andre Gooden of Hartford, Conn., wrote a rather brief description, but it stood out to us: "Apple Air phones." The headphones would allow the user to control media playback with gestures (similar to the Sony Ericsson MH907 headphones of old), such as "swiping your finger across the side of the headphones" to turn up the volume. Gooden even suggested integrating a basic form of Siri into the Air phones so the user could simply say "play" to access music on the go.Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all who submitted ideas.
Cover Orange- Best game since Cut the Rope-
Cover Orange: Best game since Cut the Rope?
Last October I called Chillingo's Cut the Rope the best game since Angry Birds. And it appears the world agreed with me, as evidenced by its current number-three spot on the iTunes Top Paid Apps chart.If you're looking for the next big thing in Cutesy Physics Puzzlers (or CPPs, as I like to call them), look no further: it's Cover Orange.Weird title, I agree, but it's the literal explanation of the gameplay. In each level, you must shelter (i.e. cover) one or more oranges against the "poison rain" that pours in from an angry cloud.To accomplish this, you're given one or more tools (it varies from level to level) to drop strategically. In an early, easy level, for example, you simply have to drop a box so it lands directly over the orange. Later on, you'll work with things like wagon wheels, dropping them on windmills to make them spin (and fling your orange to a safe spot).Dropping/placing your last tool triggers the cloud, and there's no going back--your setup either worked or failed. Fortunately, there's a restart icon right in the corner for quick (and unlimited) do-overs.The game is relentlessly cute, from the insidiously peppy theme music to the manically expressive oranges, which shake in fear as the cloud passes overhead and then chuckle giddily after realizing they're safe.The levels vary widely in difficulty, often swinging from easy to near-impossible and back again. And some rely a bit on the luck of when and how your tools drop--meaning even if you do everything exactly right, your oranges might get fried.But no matter. Cover Orange is instantly accessible, wholly addictive, and thoroughly entertaining--just like Angry Birds and Cut the Rope. You'll inevitably find yourself saying, "Just one more level." In my book, that's the mark of a CPP champ.The game sells for 99 cents; the iPad HD version runs $1.99 (and there's a free trial version of that as well, though not yet for iPhone/iPod).Do you think Cover Orange has the makings of a CPP superstar? Share your thoughts about the game (and others like it) in the comments.
Last October I called Chillingo's Cut the Rope the best game since Angry Birds. And it appears the world agreed with me, as evidenced by its current number-three spot on the iTunes Top Paid Apps chart.If you're looking for the next big thing in Cutesy Physics Puzzlers (or CPPs, as I like to call them), look no further: it's Cover Orange.Weird title, I agree, but it's the literal explanation of the gameplay. In each level, you must shelter (i.e. cover) one or more oranges against the "poison rain" that pours in from an angry cloud.To accomplish this, you're given one or more tools (it varies from level to level) to drop strategically. In an early, easy level, for example, you simply have to drop a box so it lands directly over the orange. Later on, you'll work with things like wagon wheels, dropping them on windmills to make them spin (and fling your orange to a safe spot).Dropping/placing your last tool triggers the cloud, and there's no going back--your setup either worked or failed. Fortunately, there's a restart icon right in the corner for quick (and unlimited) do-overs.The game is relentlessly cute, from the insidiously peppy theme music to the manically expressive oranges, which shake in fear as the cloud passes overhead and then chuckle giddily after realizing they're safe.The levels vary widely in difficulty, often swinging from easy to near-impossible and back again. And some rely a bit on the luck of when and how your tools drop--meaning even if you do everything exactly right, your oranges might get fried.But no matter. Cover Orange is instantly accessible, wholly addictive, and thoroughly entertaining--just like Angry Birds and Cut the Rope. You'll inevitably find yourself saying, "Just one more level." In my book, that's the mark of a CPP champ.The game sells for 99 cents; the iPad HD version runs $1.99 (and there's a free trial version of that as well, though not yet for iPhone/iPod).Do you think Cover Orange has the makings of a CPP superstar? Share your thoughts about the game (and others like it) in the comments.
Apple sued over multitouch patent
Apple sued over multitouch patent
A Taiwanese chipmaker is suing Apple over the use of multitouch technology in several products, including the iPhone, iPod Touch, and forthcoming iPad.Elan Microelectronics filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission Tuesday, accusing Apple of violating an Elan-owned patent that covers "touch-sensitive input devices with the ability to detect the simultaneous presence of two or more fingers."Elan claims the iPhone, iPod Touch, MacBook, and Magic Mouse are in violation of Elan's patent, No. 5,825,352, and when the iPad goes on sale this Saturday, it will be too. Elan has asked the ITC to ban the import of all five devices into the U.S."We have taken the step of filing the ITC complaint as a continuation of our efforts to enforce our patent rights against Apple's ongoing infringement. A proceeding in the ITC offers a quick and effective way for Elan to enforce its patent," the company said in a statement Tuesday.Apple did not respond to a request for comment. Elan says it is seeking to enforce its patent because it's "a fundamental patent to the detection of multi-fingers that allows for any subsequent multi-finger applications to be implemented."The chipmaker has had some success defending this same patent before. In 2008, it sued Synaptics in U.S. District Court and several Synaptics touch-sensitive products were found to be in violation of Elan's patent. In the end, the two companies agreed on a licensing deal. There's some irony to Apple getting sued over a multitouch patent, since the iPhone maker just sued another handset maker for similar reasons. Apple filed suit against HTCand lodged a complaint with the ITC over 20 patents related to the iPhone's graphical interface and software.
A Taiwanese chipmaker is suing Apple over the use of multitouch technology in several products, including the iPhone, iPod Touch, and forthcoming iPad.Elan Microelectronics filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission Tuesday, accusing Apple of violating an Elan-owned patent that covers "touch-sensitive input devices with the ability to detect the simultaneous presence of two or more fingers."Elan claims the iPhone, iPod Touch, MacBook, and Magic Mouse are in violation of Elan's patent, No. 5,825,352, and when the iPad goes on sale this Saturday, it will be too. Elan has asked the ITC to ban the import of all five devices into the U.S."We have taken the step of filing the ITC complaint as a continuation of our efforts to enforce our patent rights against Apple's ongoing infringement. A proceeding in the ITC offers a quick and effective way for Elan to enforce its patent," the company said in a statement Tuesday.Apple did not respond to a request for comment. Elan says it is seeking to enforce its patent because it's "a fundamental patent to the detection of multi-fingers that allows for any subsequent multi-finger applications to be implemented."The chipmaker has had some success defending this same patent before. In 2008, it sued Synaptics in U.S. District Court and several Synaptics touch-sensitive products were found to be in violation of Elan's patent. In the end, the two companies agreed on a licensing deal. There's some irony to Apple getting sued over a multitouch patent, since the iPhone maker just sued another handset maker for similar reasons. Apple filed suit against HTCand lodged a complaint with the ITC over 20 patents related to the iPhone's graphical interface and software.
Apple sued over iPad overheating in sunlight
Apple sued over iPad overheating in sunlight
Most gadget owners know that leaving any piece of electronic equipment in the direct sunlight isn't a great idea. Now an iPad owner, who claims their touch-screen tablet overheats and turns off when left in the sunlight, is suing Apple.Bloomberg reported Tuesday that the complaint was filed Friday in federal court in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit is seeking class-action status and asks for unspecified damages because the device "overheats so quickly under common weather conditions." The suit says Apple's iPad "does not live up to the reasonable consumer's expectations created by Apple.It's not the first time we've heard the iPad overheating complaint. Not long after the first iPads went on sale in early April some new owners reported the issue. PC Magazine editor Zach Honig said on Twitter that he took his iPad out in the sun on a warm day in New York City, and 10 minutes later, it shut down with the message: "iPad needs to cool down before you can use it." Honig said he stuck his iPad in the fridge and it was back to normal a few minutes later.The Atlantic's blog also compiled known overheating issues, and The Next Web discovered that the iPad's operating temperature is 32 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit when running, or up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit when off. Still, Apple's been selling iPads at a pretty fast clip. The company said it has sold 3.3 million of the touch-screen tablets between April and June.
Most gadget owners know that leaving any piece of electronic equipment in the direct sunlight isn't a great idea. Now an iPad owner, who claims their touch-screen tablet overheats and turns off when left in the sunlight, is suing Apple.Bloomberg reported Tuesday that the complaint was filed Friday in federal court in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit is seeking class-action status and asks for unspecified damages because the device "overheats so quickly under common weather conditions." The suit says Apple's iPad "does not live up to the reasonable consumer's expectations created by Apple.It's not the first time we've heard the iPad overheating complaint. Not long after the first iPads went on sale in early April some new owners reported the issue. PC Magazine editor Zach Honig said on Twitter that he took his iPad out in the sun on a warm day in New York City, and 10 minutes later, it shut down with the message: "iPad needs to cool down before you can use it." Honig said he stuck his iPad in the fridge and it was back to normal a few minutes later.The Atlantic's blog also compiled known overheating issues, and The Next Web discovered that the iPad's operating temperature is 32 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit when running, or up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit when off. Still, Apple's been selling iPads at a pretty fast clip. The company said it has sold 3.3 million of the touch-screen tablets between April and June.
Apple sued over EarPods product name
Apple sued over EarPods product name
A new lawsuit claims Apple's latest headphones could be confused with a line of hearing aids bearing a similar, trademarked name.In a complaint filed late last week, Randolph Divisions and Hearpod Inc. said Apple's EarPods headphones infringe on its trademark for "Hearpods." Randolph Divisions filed for the name in February 2005, and ended up using the name in its line of hearing aids. "Both Plaintiffs' Goods and Defendant's Goods are similar in nature in that, among other things, they are inserted into the ears of their users and are used to facilitate and enhance the transmission of sounds to the users," the complaint argues.The lawsuit, which was filed in a district court in Hawaii, also says Hearpod Inc. spent more than $625,000 promoting the products bearing that name, and pulled in more than $1.7 million in sales. As a result, the companies want Apple to stop selling EarPods, and pay damages.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the complaint. Related storiesApple's EarPods headphones torn apart for scienceApple ships mic-less EarPods with new iPod TouchApple reworks earbuds with EarPodsApple introduced EarPods alongside the iPhone 5 and latest batch of iPods at an event in September. It's the latest in a series of headphone designs from the company, though the first to get its own brand name.Apple still sells older versions of its headphones in some of its lower-end products.This isn't the first time Apple has been sued on an issue related to headphones. A complaint filed last year sought $3 million from Apple for allegedly infringing on a patent related to transferring audio signals. Apple was also sued in early 2006 over the volume levels of its iPods and pack-in headphones, action that resulted in a software-based volume limiter being added to Apple's products. The complaint was spotted earlier today by The Next Web.
A new lawsuit claims Apple's latest headphones could be confused with a line of hearing aids bearing a similar, trademarked name.In a complaint filed late last week, Randolph Divisions and Hearpod Inc. said Apple's EarPods headphones infringe on its trademark for "Hearpods." Randolph Divisions filed for the name in February 2005, and ended up using the name in its line of hearing aids. "Both Plaintiffs' Goods and Defendant's Goods are similar in nature in that, among other things, they are inserted into the ears of their users and are used to facilitate and enhance the transmission of sounds to the users," the complaint argues.The lawsuit, which was filed in a district court in Hawaii, also says Hearpod Inc. spent more than $625,000 promoting the products bearing that name, and pulled in more than $1.7 million in sales. As a result, the companies want Apple to stop selling EarPods, and pay damages.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the complaint. Related storiesApple's EarPods headphones torn apart for scienceApple ships mic-less EarPods with new iPod TouchApple reworks earbuds with EarPodsApple introduced EarPods alongside the iPhone 5 and latest batch of iPods at an event in September. It's the latest in a series of headphone designs from the company, though the first to get its own brand name.Apple still sells older versions of its headphones in some of its lower-end products.This isn't the first time Apple has been sued on an issue related to headphones. A complaint filed last year sought $3 million from Apple for allegedly infringing on a patent related to transferring audio signals. Apple was also sued in early 2006 over the volume levels of its iPods and pack-in headphones, action that resulted in a software-based volume limiter being added to Apple's products. The complaint was spotted earlier today by The Next Web.
Apple sued over alleged iMac screen dimming issues
Apple sued over alleged iMac screen dimming issues
Apple's previous generation iMac is the target of a new lawsuit that accuses the company of making and selling a faulty product.A lawsuit filed last week by an Idaho resident named Corbin Rasmussen says Apple's 2009 to 2011 27-inch iMac has a widespread hardware issue that renders half of the screen dim or darkened, and that the company is not fixing it for free outside of its standard warranty period. Rasmussen's complaint points to Apple's support forums, online press coverage, and his own experience with a late-2011 model as proof of the issue. The complaint also goes on to say that Apple introduced an updated model in 2010, knowing that there was an issue."Apple refuses to acknowledge the display dimming defect and has left many consumers to either foot the bill for costly display replacements or with iMacs with severely diminished functionality," the complaint, which was spotted by GigaOm, reads. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on the complaint. The suit, which was filed in the US District Court in the Northern District of California, seeks class action for other customers who bought the 27-inch model of the computer on or before November 30 last year. This isn't the first time Apple's been hit with a lawsuit over allegedly defective iMac displays. A Florida man sued the company in January 2009 over iMacs sold between 2006 to 2008, saying they began developing issues with vertical lines. That case was eventually tossed by a California judge, who thought there wasn't enough evidence in the original claim.Here's the whole complaint: iMac class action.pdf by jeff_roberts881
Apple's previous generation iMac is the target of a new lawsuit that accuses the company of making and selling a faulty product.A lawsuit filed last week by an Idaho resident named Corbin Rasmussen says Apple's 2009 to 2011 27-inch iMac has a widespread hardware issue that renders half of the screen dim or darkened, and that the company is not fixing it for free outside of its standard warranty period. Rasmussen's complaint points to Apple's support forums, online press coverage, and his own experience with a late-2011 model as proof of the issue. The complaint also goes on to say that Apple introduced an updated model in 2010, knowing that there was an issue."Apple refuses to acknowledge the display dimming defect and has left many consumers to either foot the bill for costly display replacements or with iMacs with severely diminished functionality," the complaint, which was spotted by GigaOm, reads. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on the complaint. The suit, which was filed in the US District Court in the Northern District of California, seeks class action for other customers who bought the 27-inch model of the computer on or before November 30 last year. This isn't the first time Apple's been hit with a lawsuit over allegedly defective iMac displays. A Florida man sued the company in January 2009 over iMacs sold between 2006 to 2008, saying they began developing issues with vertical lines. That case was eventually tossed by a California judge, who thought there wasn't enough evidence in the original claim.Here's the whole complaint: iMac class action.pdf by jeff_roberts881
Apple storing iCloud data in China, report says
Apple storing iCloud data in China, report says
Apple has started to store some Chinese users' personal data on servers in China owned by China Telecom, Reuters reported on Friday. Apple told Reuters in a statement that China Telecom, the country's third-largest wireless carrier, has been added to the company's "list of data center providers." Apple said the decision was made to improve its iCloud service, which lets users store and access photos, music, and other data from multiple devices. With data stored closer to the iCloud users, it can be delivered more quickly and reliably, Apple told Reuters.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the report. We will update this story when we have more information.Apple's decision to store data in China is at odds with some other tech companies', most notably Google, refusals to store data in China over censorship and privacy concerns. Google had a public spat with China in 2010 over censoring search results that eventually led to the Internet giant moving its servers to Hong Kong.China continues to be an epicenter of controversy over user data. China has been charged with hacking foreign governments and corporate servers to steal information. The country is also notorious for wanting user data stored in its borders. The Chinese government claims it's part of its rules and regulations, but critics have said it gives China easy access to people's personal information.For its part, Apple has thrown cold water on any indication that storing data on China Telecom's servers will invade the privacy of its users. Apple said the data is heavily encrypted and not accessible by China Telecom or any other party, according to Reuters. An unidentified source told Reuters that Apple has stored the encryption keys for that data offshore.It's also worth noting the physical location where data is stored doesn't necessarily protect it from prying governments. For example, a US federal judge last month ordered Microsoft to hand over a customer's email-account data being stored in Dublin, Ireland. So, while Apple has started storing data in China, it may not mean user data is more accessible.
Apple has started to store some Chinese users' personal data on servers in China owned by China Telecom, Reuters reported on Friday. Apple told Reuters in a statement that China Telecom, the country's third-largest wireless carrier, has been added to the company's "list of data center providers." Apple said the decision was made to improve its iCloud service, which lets users store and access photos, music, and other data from multiple devices. With data stored closer to the iCloud users, it can be delivered more quickly and reliably, Apple told Reuters.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the report. We will update this story when we have more information.Apple's decision to store data in China is at odds with some other tech companies', most notably Google, refusals to store data in China over censorship and privacy concerns. Google had a public spat with China in 2010 over censoring search results that eventually led to the Internet giant moving its servers to Hong Kong.China continues to be an epicenter of controversy over user data. China has been charged with hacking foreign governments and corporate servers to steal information. The country is also notorious for wanting user data stored in its borders. The Chinese government claims it's part of its rules and regulations, but critics have said it gives China easy access to people's personal information.For its part, Apple has thrown cold water on any indication that storing data on China Telecom's servers will invade the privacy of its users. Apple said the data is heavily encrypted and not accessible by China Telecom or any other party, according to Reuters. An unidentified source told Reuters that Apple has stored the encryption keys for that data offshore.It's also worth noting the physical location where data is stored doesn't necessarily protect it from prying governments. For example, a US federal judge last month ordered Microsoft to hand over a customer's email-account data being stored in Dublin, Ireland. So, while Apple has started storing data in China, it may not mean user data is more accessible.
2010- The year Apple also became a chip company
2010: The year Apple also became a chip company
"The competitive state of affairs remained very much the same two-horse race it has been for more than 20 years, with Intel firmly in the lead and AMD a distant second," IHS iSuppli said in a research note today.Intel finished 2010 with an 81 percent share of global microprocessor revenue, up a scant 0.4 percentage points from its 80.6 percent in 2009. Meanwhile, AMD ended the year with an 11.4 percent share, down 0.8 points from 12.2 percent in 2009, keeping it in second place, iSuppli said. With that out of the way, we have the much more interesting rise of Apple."The year 2010 was marked by the rise of a new platform: the media tablet, led by Apple's iPad, which employed a [chip] at its heart designed by Apple," said iSuppli.Though the Apple A4 processor and recently announced A5 chip are made by Samsung Electronics, that's no different than, for instance, Qualcomm-branded chips, which are fabricated by Asia-based contract chip manufacturers. The note continues."IHS believes unit shipments of media tablets soared to 17.4 million in 2010, up from zero in 2009, with levels expected to grow to more than 240 million units in 2015."240 million is a very big number and portends seismic shifts in the chip market--a lot of that potentially coming at the expense of Intel and AMD, which make chips primarily for PCs. iSuppli also noted that most Intel and AMD chips in 2010 included built-in graphics circuitry, a trend that will continue in 2011 and beyond.
"The competitive state of affairs remained very much the same two-horse race it has been for more than 20 years, with Intel firmly in the lead and AMD a distant second," IHS iSuppli said in a research note today.Intel finished 2010 with an 81 percent share of global microprocessor revenue, up a scant 0.4 percentage points from its 80.6 percent in 2009. Meanwhile, AMD ended the year with an 11.4 percent share, down 0.8 points from 12.2 percent in 2009, keeping it in second place, iSuppli said. With that out of the way, we have the much more interesting rise of Apple."The year 2010 was marked by the rise of a new platform: the media tablet, led by Apple's iPad, which employed a [chip] at its heart designed by Apple," said iSuppli.Though the Apple A4 processor and recently announced A5 chip are made by Samsung Electronics, that's no different than, for instance, Qualcomm-branded chips, which are fabricated by Asia-based contract chip manufacturers. The note continues."IHS believes unit shipments of media tablets soared to 17.4 million in 2010, up from zero in 2009, with levels expected to grow to more than 240 million units in 2015."240 million is a very big number and portends seismic shifts in the chip market--a lot of that potentially coming at the expense of Intel and AMD, which make chips primarily for PCs. iSuppli also noted that most Intel and AMD chips in 2010 included built-in graphics circuitry, a trend that will continue in 2011 and beyond.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)