Chromebook, Netbook, iPad: Which would you rather spend $500 on?
What would you rather spend $500 on?What would you rather spend $500 on?Yesterday's formal introduction of Chromebooks marked yet another category of portable computing gadget in a landscape that's starting to feel overrun.For $499, the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook has its work cut out for it--namely, because tablets and "high-end" 11- and 12-inch laptops and Netbooks (some with faster processors) have already occupied the same landscape.It's a question we've been pondering for a while now, writ again: what truly constitutes the perfect small-screen portable? Suddenly, instead of one or two OSes to consider, there are four: Windows 7, Apple's iOS, and Google's Android and Chrome.While the high end of the computer spectrum remains relatively stable (desktops, laptops), the increasingly fertile (or, perhaps, unstable) ground between laptops and smartphones has bred a variety of tech forms that all, in some way, are portable. Options have never been more diverse, or confusing.Which one would you rather spend about $500 on? Well, let's see what you get.SamsungChromebook: Samsung Series 5 (3G)Price: $499Screen: 12.1 inchesProcessor: Dual-core Intel Atom N570 (1.66GHz)Storage: 16GB SSD OS: ChromeWeight: 3.3 poundsUpside: Thin (0.79 inch); quick bootup (8 seconds); built-in 3G with an included 100MB per month of free data for two years; SD card slot; solid-state storage.Downside: Browser-based OS reliant on Google's to-be-determined app strategy and offerings; extremely low amount of onboard storage compared with laptops; slower Intel Atom processor; not really a bargain next to comparable Windows laptops; requires near-ubiquitous broadband access.Outlook: Slim size and quick boot time could make it a MacBook Air alternative, but a cheaper price tag and more versatile feature set would help it stand out from excellently valued Windows Atom-powered Netbooks.Read CNET's first take on the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook.HPLaptop: HP Pavilion dm1zPrice: $449Screen: 11.6 inchesProcessor: AMD E-350 dual-core (1.6GHz)Storage: 320GB hard driveOS: Windows 7 Home PremiumWeight: 3.4 poundsUpside: Faster-than-an-Atom AMD E-350 processor; runs Windows 7 Home Premium; large, fast 7,200rpm hard drive; all the benefits of a laptop at a smaller size; SD card slot; HDMI port.Downside: Slower bootup; no 3G; Windows 7 is full-featured, but comparatively clunky; the heaviest of the four devices.Outlook: Getting what amounts to a complete laptop for less than $500 makes the Pavilion dm1z the most efficient use of your money, but it offers no quick-start apps or benefits that tablets and other devices offer, and it's bulkier than any of the other options.Read the CNET review of the HP Pavilion dm1z.CNETiPad: Apple iPad 2 (16GB, Wi-Fi)Price: $499Screen: 9.7 inchesProcessor: 1GHz dual-core A5Storage: 16GB flashOS: iOS 4.3Weight: 1.32 poundsUpside: Incredibly thin (0.34 inch); long battery life; huge library of apps, plus Apple iTunes media store; solid-state storage; crisp IPS display; multitouch screen; front- and rear-facing cameras.Downside: Doesn't run Flash; iOS limited to apps in the App Store; expensive peripherals are required for SD, USB, and HDMI compatibility; 3G and larger flash storage bump up the price; no hard keyboard; extremely limited peripheral connectivity.Outlook: Nothing can beat the iPad 2 on its ultraportable form and impressive app library, but you have to work within the limitations of the iPad's hardware and iOS.Read the CNET review of the Apple iPad 2.CNETAndroid Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1Price: tbdScreen: 10.1 inchesProcessor:Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-coreStorage: 16GB flashOS: Android HoneycombWeight: 1.24 poundsUpside: About as thin as the iPad 2, and even lighter; bright IPS display; customizable Google Honeycomb OS; runs Flash; access to Android's extensive apps; multitouch screen; better camera than the iPad 2.Downside: Android's Tablet Market offers fewer apps than Android Phone Market and iOS App Store; same lack of ports as the iPad 2; the tablet experience, by nature, has its limits.Outlook: Android offers a more complete app experience right now than Chrome, but any 3G Galaxy Tab offering will likely be considerably more expensive than the equivalent Chromebook.Read the CNET first take of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.Final verdict: Right now, I'd go with either the iPad 2 or the HP dm1z, simply because they're both excellent pieces of hardware and they use operating systems that feel fleshed out. Without a doubt, Android smartphones are a force to be reckoned with; when it comes to Android tablets, however, products feel a little less well-defined. And Chromebooks...well, until we see one in person, it's pretty hard to judge.Another consideration: would it be worth your while to spend even less? Chromebooks actually start as low as $349 (the Acer Chromebook), as do Windows laptops (your average $299 Atom Netbook) and Android tablets (such as the Archos 101). The iPad 2 starts at $499, but you can always get a refurbished first-generation iPad for about $349, too.What about you--what would you spend your $500 on? Or, would you rather get a smartphone or a cheap, larger laptop? Respond to our poll above, and share your comments below.
Report- Apple tablet is a shared media device
Report: Apple tablet is a shared media device
On Wednesday night, the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple's newest gadget could be a hub for all kinds of media: magazines, newspapers, books, text books, music, games, and video. All of that has been speculated about before, but the target demographic and the primary use for the device--which falls somewhere between a smartphone and a laptop--has been more of a mystery. Now it seems we're starting to have a clearer picture: the device has been purposely designed to be shared between members of a household as easily as possible, according to one of the Journal's unnamed sources.Apple has "put significant resources into designing and programming the device so that it is intuitive to share," including the idea of "virtual sticky notes" that can be left for others, and a built-in camera that can tell who is using it, says the Journal's source.The content, however, seems like it will be the key to the tablet. It was reported earlier that Apple has been talking with book and magazine publishers about porting their content to the device, but it wasn't clear who exactly was involved. Apple has been in discussion with The New York Times Co., Conde Nast Publications, and HarperCollins Publishers over content deals, and is apparently also negotiating with TV networks such as CBS and Walt Disney for monthly subscription deals, according to the report. (CBS is the parent company of CNET.)The Journal's report also mentions the idea of an iTunes.com streaming music service that would allow purchase of iTunes content from places other than directly through iTunes, launching sometime in June. CNET's Greg Sandoval reported earlier Wednesday that Apple is talking to all four major music labels about a free streaming service that would be designed to boost download sales.If this is the strategy Apple is pursuing, it's setting itself up to be the gatekeeper of all kinds of "old" media through its iTunes Store and connected devices by finding ways to continue to grow its share of music and video sales in addition to worming its way into electronic books, textbooks, and video games. It will be interesting to see who gets on board since both the music industry and film and TV studios have chafed at Apple's gatekeeping practices in the past. One of the Journal's sources--someone who worked with him previously--does say that Steve Jobs is "supportive of the old guard and (he) looks to help them by giving them new forms of distribution."The Journal's report also included other details, some of which have already been reported elsewhere:• It will have a virtual keyboard.• Apple is talking to Microsoft not only about using Bing as the default search engine in the iPhone, but also as the default mapping service.• Electronic Arts is in discussions with Apple about showing off the gaming abilities of the tablet--which explains why the gaming press was invited to the event next week.• Apple is toying with changing "conventional payment structures," for content on the device.
On Wednesday night, the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple's newest gadget could be a hub for all kinds of media: magazines, newspapers, books, text books, music, games, and video. All of that has been speculated about before, but the target demographic and the primary use for the device--which falls somewhere between a smartphone and a laptop--has been more of a mystery. Now it seems we're starting to have a clearer picture: the device has been purposely designed to be shared between members of a household as easily as possible, according to one of the Journal's unnamed sources.Apple has "put significant resources into designing and programming the device so that it is intuitive to share," including the idea of "virtual sticky notes" that can be left for others, and a built-in camera that can tell who is using it, says the Journal's source.The content, however, seems like it will be the key to the tablet. It was reported earlier that Apple has been talking with book and magazine publishers about porting their content to the device, but it wasn't clear who exactly was involved. Apple has been in discussion with The New York Times Co., Conde Nast Publications, and HarperCollins Publishers over content deals, and is apparently also negotiating with TV networks such as CBS and Walt Disney for monthly subscription deals, according to the report. (CBS is the parent company of CNET.)The Journal's report also mentions the idea of an iTunes.com streaming music service that would allow purchase of iTunes content from places other than directly through iTunes, launching sometime in June. CNET's Greg Sandoval reported earlier Wednesday that Apple is talking to all four major music labels about a free streaming service that would be designed to boost download sales.If this is the strategy Apple is pursuing, it's setting itself up to be the gatekeeper of all kinds of "old" media through its iTunes Store and connected devices by finding ways to continue to grow its share of music and video sales in addition to worming its way into electronic books, textbooks, and video games. It will be interesting to see who gets on board since both the music industry and film and TV studios have chafed at Apple's gatekeeping practices in the past. One of the Journal's sources--someone who worked with him previously--does say that Steve Jobs is "supportive of the old guard and (he) looks to help them by giving them new forms of distribution."The Journal's report also included other details, some of which have already been reported elsewhere:• It will have a virtual keyboard.• Apple is talking to Microsoft not only about using Bing as the default search engine in the iPhone, but also as the default mapping service.• Electronic Arts is in discussions with Apple about showing off the gaming abilities of the tablet--which explains why the gaming press was invited to the event next week.• Apple is toying with changing "conventional payment structures," for content on the device.
Facebook's payment platform changes its currency
Facebook's payment platform changes its currency
Facebook made a simple announcement today -- its virtual currency, "credits," is to become real currency, such as dollars, pounds, or rupees. Despite this being a seemingly straightforward notice, a lot can be read into this plan.It points to the social network looking for additional ways to make money besides advertising and it shows the company's goal to grow as a payment platform embarking on a similar path to Apple with its iTunes store. The idea of Facebook credits were first debuted in 2008 when the social network changed the monetary units for its "gifts" into "credits," rather than U.S. dollars. Then, throughout 2009 and 2010, the company rolled out a way for developers to work credits into their apps on Facebook's platform. These credits can be used on hundreds of games and apps available on Facebook, such as Farmville, and be spent at select retailers, like Target. According to The New York Times, Facebook takes 30 percent of sales, which brought it 15 percent of its revenue last year.Here's an explanation of the currency change that Facebook announced on its developer blog today:By supporting pricing in local currency, we hope to simplify the purchase experience, give you more flexibility, and make it easier to reach a global audience of Facebook users who want a way to pay for your apps and games in their local currency. With local pricing, you will be able to set more granular and consistent prices for non-US users and price the same item differently on a market-by-market basis.In addition to changing the currency, which may help entice developers to sell their apps via Facebook, the social network also announced today that developers can initiate monthly payment plans, rather than just a one-time payment. Here's what Facebook wrote on the blog:Many developers successfully monetize their apps with one-time purchases of virtual items. Beginning in July, we are launching subscriptions as another way for you to build your businesses on Facebook. With subscriptions, you can establish a recurring revenue stream and offer updated content or premium experiences for a monthly fee.Related storiesFugitive who teased police on Facebook caughtCNET News Daily Podcast: What Google wins, loses by leaving ChinaSmartphones to dominate PCs in Gartner forecast Ever since Facebook went public last month, investors have been concerned about plummeting share prices and ways for the social network to monetize its growth. In response to these worries, the company has been openly exploring mobile advertising. It seems Facebook is also looking to show initiative for money-making by changing its currency from credits and offering the app subscription model. According to the Facebook blog, the currency changes are slated to happen in July and will be available on mobile as well as the Web.
Facebook made a simple announcement today -- its virtual currency, "credits," is to become real currency, such as dollars, pounds, or rupees. Despite this being a seemingly straightforward notice, a lot can be read into this plan.It points to the social network looking for additional ways to make money besides advertising and it shows the company's goal to grow as a payment platform embarking on a similar path to Apple with its iTunes store. The idea of Facebook credits were first debuted in 2008 when the social network changed the monetary units for its "gifts" into "credits," rather than U.S. dollars. Then, throughout 2009 and 2010, the company rolled out a way for developers to work credits into their apps on Facebook's platform. These credits can be used on hundreds of games and apps available on Facebook, such as Farmville, and be spent at select retailers, like Target. According to The New York Times, Facebook takes 30 percent of sales, which brought it 15 percent of its revenue last year.Here's an explanation of the currency change that Facebook announced on its developer blog today:By supporting pricing in local currency, we hope to simplify the purchase experience, give you more flexibility, and make it easier to reach a global audience of Facebook users who want a way to pay for your apps and games in their local currency. With local pricing, you will be able to set more granular and consistent prices for non-US users and price the same item differently on a market-by-market basis.In addition to changing the currency, which may help entice developers to sell their apps via Facebook, the social network also announced today that developers can initiate monthly payment plans, rather than just a one-time payment. Here's what Facebook wrote on the blog:Many developers successfully monetize their apps with one-time purchases of virtual items. Beginning in July, we are launching subscriptions as another way for you to build your businesses on Facebook. With subscriptions, you can establish a recurring revenue stream and offer updated content or premium experiences for a monthly fee.Related storiesFugitive who teased police on Facebook caughtCNET News Daily Podcast: What Google wins, loses by leaving ChinaSmartphones to dominate PCs in Gartner forecast Ever since Facebook went public last month, investors have been concerned about plummeting share prices and ways for the social network to monetize its growth. In response to these worries, the company has been openly exploring mobile advertising. It seems Facebook is also looking to show initiative for money-making by changing its currency from credits and offering the app subscription model. According to the Facebook blog, the currency changes are slated to happen in July and will be available on mobile as well as the Web.
The 404 695- Where basically, we hide your wife (podcast)
The 404 695: Where basically, we hide your wife (podcast)
Jay, Josh, and Danny from BeenVerified are back in The 404 studio to show off their brand new sex offender locator app for the Android and iPhone! For some reason, it keeps going off during the show...DragCloseThis 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.BeenVerified is an online service that makes it easy to do quick, thorough background checks on people, and it's a lot easier than simply Googling someone's name. The instant search not only gives public access to legal databases for criminal records and phone numbers; it's also an excellent source for monitoring sex offenders in your neighborhood.Their latest Sex Offender Tracker App uses augmented reality to display graphical overlays on your phone that help you locate registered sex offenders in your area, and can you believe it? They got ANTOINE DODSON to be their spokesperson in the commercial!Keep listening if you're unaware of Mr. Dodson, but with a successful single that has gotten 35,000 YouTube hits so far and his own Halloween costume, you should really know this guy already.The Sex Offender Tracker app is available for the iPhone and Android for $1.99, and 5 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (Rainn), an anti-sexual-assault organization.The guys stick around after the break for the following batch of video voicemails:DeeJay shows us how an 8-bit beat is made with a simple drum machine!Mass from Phil the Mailguy hopes we have a wonderful day!Episode 695PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Jay, Josh, and Danny from BeenVerified are back in The 404 studio to show off their brand new sex offender locator app for the Android and iPhone! For some reason, it keeps going off during the show...DragCloseThis 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.BeenVerified is an online service that makes it easy to do quick, thorough background checks on people, and it's a lot easier than simply Googling someone's name. The instant search not only gives public access to legal databases for criminal records and phone numbers; it's also an excellent source for monitoring sex offenders in your neighborhood.Their latest Sex Offender Tracker App uses augmented reality to display graphical overlays on your phone that help you locate registered sex offenders in your area, and can you believe it? They got ANTOINE DODSON to be their spokesperson in the commercial!Keep listening if you're unaware of Mr. Dodson, but with a successful single that has gotten 35,000 YouTube hits so far and his own Halloween costume, you should really know this guy already.The Sex Offender Tracker app is available for the iPhone and Android for $1.99, and 5 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (Rainn), an anti-sexual-assault organization.The guys stick around after the break for the following batch of video voicemails:DeeJay shows us how an 8-bit beat is made with a simple drum machine!Mass from Phil the Mailguy hopes we have a wonderful day!Episode 695PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
NPD- Cable dominates Web in VOD rentals
NPD: Cable dominates Web in VOD rentals
Cable companies accounted for 48 percent of all on-demand movie rentals for the first half of the year, research firm NPD said in a press release Monday. NPD said that the fastest growing segment in VOD are telcos, which grew 24 year-over-year. Telcos outpaced Internet video-on-demand rentals, which saw a 15 percent increase. Paying an upfront fee for an individual movie rental is different from services like Netflix and Amazon's Prime service, which offers unlimited renting for a flat monthly price. Grain of salt time: NPD notes that its numbers are strictly for VOD and did not include subscription services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Netflix has over 24 million domestic customers and is among the frontrunners in delivering movies. Related storiesCNET News Daily Podcast: What Google wins, loses by leaving ChinaWhat we Craved this week: Nexus One, Netflix to Wii, bear country1.1 million new subscribers boost Netflix earningsCNET News Daily Podcast: Good financial news for three tech companiesWSJ: Amazon may again be mulling Netflix buyNonetheless here's why the VOD rental category might be important. Netflix isn't getting the same level of movies it once did. That means there's plenty of demand for these movies that Netflix can't satisfy. For Internet distributors, who do rent on a VOD basis, so far they've struggled to compete with their cable and satellite rivals, according to NPD. Of the total paid video rental transactions, Comcast accounted for 23 percent and is the sector's leader, NPD said. Satellite TV provider DirectTV came in second with 14 percent and Time Warner Cable was a distant third with 9 percent. Apple's iTunes came in fourth with 8 percent and after that it was Verizon and Dish Network. NPD didn't event mention other Web distributors such as Vudu, or Google Play. Correction at 7:22 a.m. PT October 1: This story erred in reporting which segment saw a 24 percent increase in VOD movie rentals for the first half of the year. The correct category was telcos.
Cable companies accounted for 48 percent of all on-demand movie rentals for the first half of the year, research firm NPD said in a press release Monday. NPD said that the fastest growing segment in VOD are telcos, which grew 24 year-over-year. Telcos outpaced Internet video-on-demand rentals, which saw a 15 percent increase. Paying an upfront fee for an individual movie rental is different from services like Netflix and Amazon's Prime service, which offers unlimited renting for a flat monthly price. Grain of salt time: NPD notes that its numbers are strictly for VOD and did not include subscription services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Netflix has over 24 million domestic customers and is among the frontrunners in delivering movies. Related storiesCNET News Daily Podcast: What Google wins, loses by leaving ChinaWhat we Craved this week: Nexus One, Netflix to Wii, bear country1.1 million new subscribers boost Netflix earningsCNET News Daily Podcast: Good financial news for three tech companiesWSJ: Amazon may again be mulling Netflix buyNonetheless here's why the VOD rental category might be important. Netflix isn't getting the same level of movies it once did. That means there's plenty of demand for these movies that Netflix can't satisfy. For Internet distributors, who do rent on a VOD basis, so far they've struggled to compete with their cable and satellite rivals, according to NPD. Of the total paid video rental transactions, Comcast accounted for 23 percent and is the sector's leader, NPD said. Satellite TV provider DirectTV came in second with 14 percent and Time Warner Cable was a distant third with 9 percent. Apple's iTunes came in fourth with 8 percent and after that it was Verizon and Dish Network. NPD didn't event mention other Web distributors such as Vudu, or Google Play. Correction at 7:22 a.m. PT October 1: This story erred in reporting which segment saw a 24 percent increase in VOD movie rentals for the first half of the year. The correct category was telcos.
Favorit fixes some of Google Reader's shortcomings, adds own
Favorit fixes some of Google Reader's shortcomings, adds own
Besides the comments and popular stories, Favorit has taken a nice open approach to sharing stories with others. Like Google Reader you get your own RSS feed of shared stories. You can also add other users' shared story boxes (called "slices") where you can add stories you think they'd like or set it up to automatically grab stories using Boolean values--it's like setting up a smart playlist in iTunes. Additionally Favorit incorporates several popular social publishing mediums, letting you post stories straight to Twitter, WordPress, Blogger, and LiveJournal. While I found Favorit to be a little less user friendly than Google Reader when it comes to adding feeds, the reading system is off to a good start. Browsing stories is very user friendly, and Google Reader users will feel right at home with similar keyboard shortcuts and tools to discover new feeds. Where the system currently falls apart is the OPML importing, and subscribing to feeds--the latter of which is nowhere to be seen. You can find feeds by searching for them and browsing the directory, but there's not a clear and easy subscribe button anywhere--something I hope will be amended.The service is in private beta for the time being, although the creators were kind enough to provide us 200 invites for Webware readers. To manage this we've set up a form after the break and will be giving the first 200 to sign-up access.Update: Invitations are now used up. Thanks to everyone who signed up. We'll be delivering your invites early next week, so keep an eye on your inbox.Update 3/6: Invitations have been sent out to everyone who registered on the form. The handy bulk inviter let me know that a bunch of you already got your invites from elsewhere. Be sure to check your spam box in case you're wondering where yours are.
Besides the comments and popular stories, Favorit has taken a nice open approach to sharing stories with others. Like Google Reader you get your own RSS feed of shared stories. You can also add other users' shared story boxes (called "slices") where you can add stories you think they'd like or set it up to automatically grab stories using Boolean values--it's like setting up a smart playlist in iTunes. Additionally Favorit incorporates several popular social publishing mediums, letting you post stories straight to Twitter, WordPress, Blogger, and LiveJournal. While I found Favorit to be a little less user friendly than Google Reader when it comes to adding feeds, the reading system is off to a good start. Browsing stories is very user friendly, and Google Reader users will feel right at home with similar keyboard shortcuts and tools to discover new feeds. Where the system currently falls apart is the OPML importing, and subscribing to feeds--the latter of which is nowhere to be seen. You can find feeds by searching for them and browsing the directory, but there's not a clear and easy subscribe button anywhere--something I hope will be amended.The service is in private beta for the time being, although the creators were kind enough to provide us 200 invites for Webware readers. To manage this we've set up a form after the break and will be giving the first 200 to sign-up access.Update: Invitations are now used up. Thanks to everyone who signed up. We'll be delivering your invites early next week, so keep an eye on your inbox.Update 3/6: Invitations have been sent out to everyone who registered on the form. The handy bulk inviter let me know that a bunch of you already got your invites from elsewhere. Be sure to check your spam box in case you're wondering where yours are.
Facebook tied into Apple's iOS 6, report says
Facebook tied into Apple's iOS 6, report says
The next major version of iOS will be getting a lot more social, according to a new report. TechCrunch says it's heard Apple's iOS 6 -- which is expected to be unveiled at Apple's annual developers conference in a little less than a week and a half -- will have built-in connections to Facebook.According to the report, the integration will give app makers an easier way to let users log in with their Facebook account, presumably without kicking them out to Facebook's app, which is how the behavior is presently treated.What's not mentioned is whether Facebook will get included in the sharing options alongside Twitter, which was added as part of iOS 5 last year, and set to be a built into OS X Mountain Lion when it's released this summer. This is not the first such time Facebook has been rumored to be headed to iOS. Earlier this year, tech site iMore claimed iOS 5.1 -- a supplemental update to last October's iOS 5 -- would add connections to the social network. That evidence came from a beta version of the software delivered to developers. Pre-dating that, a report from Business Insider in early 2010 claimed Facebook contact syncing would make it into iOS 4.0. Of note, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently said to "stay tuned" on the company's relationship with Facebook. During an interview at the D10 conference on Tuesday, Cook said he has "great respect" for the social networking giant, and that "I think we can do more with them." Related storiesIn iOS 5, what derailed deep Facebook integration?iOS 5.1 to bring Facebook integration to your iDevice?Facebook amends IPO filing: Mobile a growing problemApple famously yanked planned support for Facebook in Ping, the company's lackluster social music sharing network built into iTunes, at the very last minute. According to an interview with then-Apple CEO Steve Jobs, Facebook had demanded "onerous terms." Facebook itself has since said one of its biggest weaknesses is mobile advertising, something it could hope to bolster by getting more users signed up, and making it easier to integrate on other platforms, including Apple's.Apple is expected to fully detail iOS 6 at WWDC, which kicks offon June 11 at 10 a.m. Pacific. CNET will be there to bring you all the news, as it happens. Stay tuned for more details on that.
The next major version of iOS will be getting a lot more social, according to a new report. TechCrunch says it's heard Apple's iOS 6 -- which is expected to be unveiled at Apple's annual developers conference in a little less than a week and a half -- will have built-in connections to Facebook.According to the report, the integration will give app makers an easier way to let users log in with their Facebook account, presumably without kicking them out to Facebook's app, which is how the behavior is presently treated.What's not mentioned is whether Facebook will get included in the sharing options alongside Twitter, which was added as part of iOS 5 last year, and set to be a built into OS X Mountain Lion when it's released this summer. This is not the first such time Facebook has been rumored to be headed to iOS. Earlier this year, tech site iMore claimed iOS 5.1 -- a supplemental update to last October's iOS 5 -- would add connections to the social network. That evidence came from a beta version of the software delivered to developers. Pre-dating that, a report from Business Insider in early 2010 claimed Facebook contact syncing would make it into iOS 4.0. Of note, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently said to "stay tuned" on the company's relationship with Facebook. During an interview at the D10 conference on Tuesday, Cook said he has "great respect" for the social networking giant, and that "I think we can do more with them." Related storiesIn iOS 5, what derailed deep Facebook integration?iOS 5.1 to bring Facebook integration to your iDevice?Facebook amends IPO filing: Mobile a growing problemApple famously yanked planned support for Facebook in Ping, the company's lackluster social music sharing network built into iTunes, at the very last minute. According to an interview with then-Apple CEO Steve Jobs, Facebook had demanded "onerous terms." Facebook itself has since said one of its biggest weaknesses is mobile advertising, something it could hope to bolster by getting more users signed up, and making it easier to integrate on other platforms, including Apple's.Apple is expected to fully detail iOS 6 at WWDC, which kicks offon June 11 at 10 a.m. Pacific. CNET will be there to bring you all the news, as it happens. Stay tuned for more details on that.
Samsung says it's still supplying LCD panels to Apple
Samsung says it's still supplying LCD panels to Apple
Samsung refuted claims that its display business plans to end its LCD panel supply agreement with Apple, saying the report from a Korean publication was incorrect. The Korea Times, citing an unnamed senior Samsung source, said Samsung was taking the step by the end of this year because it "believes its American partner is no longer a cash-generator due to the iPhone maker's stiffer supply-chain management structure."However, a Samsung spokesman told CNET that the Korea Times post was 100 percent false regarding the comments about dropping Apple as a panel customer. "Samsung Display has never tried to cut the supply for LCD panels to Apple," the spokesman said. He added that Samsung is asking the Korea Times to revise its story. We've reached out to Apple and will update this report when it responds. Apple and Samsung have had a strained relationship of late, to put it mildly. They have been suing each other seemingly nonstop, with each accusing the other of ripping off its designs. At issue is control of the booming smartphone and tablet markets, areas that are vital for continued growth at electronics makers. Apple, which previously relied on Samsung to supply many components for its products, has been reducing its reliance on the company. The Cupertino, Calif., company has been sourcing displays from companies like Sharp and LG, and it reportedly plans to have its chips manufactured by a company other than Samsung. Updated at 6:30 p.m. PT with background information.
Samsung refuted claims that its display business plans to end its LCD panel supply agreement with Apple, saying the report from a Korean publication was incorrect. The Korea Times, citing an unnamed senior Samsung source, said Samsung was taking the step by the end of this year because it "believes its American partner is no longer a cash-generator due to the iPhone maker's stiffer supply-chain management structure."However, a Samsung spokesman told CNET that the Korea Times post was 100 percent false regarding the comments about dropping Apple as a panel customer. "Samsung Display has never tried to cut the supply for LCD panels to Apple," the spokesman said. He added that Samsung is asking the Korea Times to revise its story. We've reached out to Apple and will update this report when it responds. Apple and Samsung have had a strained relationship of late, to put it mildly. They have been suing each other seemingly nonstop, with each accusing the other of ripping off its designs. At issue is control of the booming smartphone and tablet markets, areas that are vital for continued growth at electronics makers. Apple, which previously relied on Samsung to supply many components for its products, has been reducing its reliance on the company. The Cupertino, Calif., company has been sourcing displays from companies like Sharp and LG, and it reportedly plans to have its chips manufactured by a company other than Samsung. Updated at 6:30 p.m. PT with background information.
Samsung says it will drag iPhone 5 into legal war
Samsung says it will drag iPhone 5 into legal war
It appears that Apple's iPhone 5 isn't going to escape the ongoing legal battle with Samsung Electronics.Samsung said it would add the recently unveiled smartphone -- which has already seen record pre-sale figures and which will hit stores tomorrow -- to a list of products accused of violating its patents, according to Reuters, citing U.S. court documents.Samsung confirmed to CNET that it would pursue the iPhone 5.Based on information currently available, Samsung expects that the iPhone 5 will infringe the asserted Samsung patents-in-suit in the same way as the other accused iPhone models. Samsung plans to file a motion to amend its infringement contentions to address the iPhone 5 as soon as it has had a reasonable opportunity to analyze the device. The two companies are in the midst of a bitter legal war over intellectual property. Apple recently scored a big victory over Samsung in a Federal court in San Jose, Calif., but the two companies have several existing lawsuits going on in different countries around the world.Hands-on with the sharp, slim iPhone 5 (...See full gallery1 - 4 / 24NextPrevSamsung has already taken its case to consumers; the South Korean conglomerate released an ad yesterday slamming the iPhone 5 and people waiting in line for Apple products. Analysts, meahwhile, believe that the iPhone 5 could be poised for record sales spurred by pent-up demand from consumers who skipped the last refresh, the iPhone 4S.CNET has contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when the company responds.Below is the filing from Samsung:Samsung filing
It appears that Apple's iPhone 5 isn't going to escape the ongoing legal battle with Samsung Electronics.Samsung said it would add the recently unveiled smartphone -- which has already seen record pre-sale figures and which will hit stores tomorrow -- to a list of products accused of violating its patents, according to Reuters, citing U.S. court documents.Samsung confirmed to CNET that it would pursue the iPhone 5.Based on information currently available, Samsung expects that the iPhone 5 will infringe the asserted Samsung patents-in-suit in the same way as the other accused iPhone models. Samsung plans to file a motion to amend its infringement contentions to address the iPhone 5 as soon as it has had a reasonable opportunity to analyze the device. The two companies are in the midst of a bitter legal war over intellectual property. Apple recently scored a big victory over Samsung in a Federal court in San Jose, Calif., but the two companies have several existing lawsuits going on in different countries around the world.Hands-on with the sharp, slim iPhone 5 (...See full gallery1 - 4 / 24NextPrevSamsung has already taken its case to consumers; the South Korean conglomerate released an ad yesterday slamming the iPhone 5 and people waiting in line for Apple products. Analysts, meahwhile, believe that the iPhone 5 could be poised for record sales spurred by pent-up demand from consumers who skipped the last refresh, the iPhone 4S.CNET has contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when the company responds.Below is the filing from Samsung:Samsung filing
Samsung says iPhone's battery is embarrassing
Samsung says iPhone's battery is embarrassing
I thought that after all the legal battles, they'd sat down over a bottle of chenin blanc and decided to be friends.But, no, just as Independence Day approaches, Samsung has decided to recommence its mocking onslaught on the powerless, penned-in paeans who own iPhones.In a new ad released Thursday, we are at the airport. There are hordes of people sitting on the floor. Are these merely the people who only have the financial power to fly coach? No, these are the people who have an iPhone 5S, and therefore lose battery power with the constancy of a Facebook privacy breach, Samsung says.They are, according to Samsung, "tethered to the wall." Yes, even in public bathrooms.More Technically IncorrectFacebook is always trying to alter people's behavior, says former data scientist'Bong With Friends'? Stoner dating site offers budding romanceWoz: Samsung Galaxy Gear is 'worthless'They can't grab a drink. They can't share a laugh with their co-workers. Because their co-workers are among the enlightened who own a Galaxy S5, whose battery lasts beyond what you normally see in a pink bunny. It evenhas an interchangeable battery.Samsung, though, isn't content just to mock the current iPhone. One poor hipsterish man sitting on the floor mutters: "I hear there's a new iPhone coming out soon.""Hope it has a better battery," muses another man off camera. There are those who are hoping it has a bigger screen, too. Oh, the trials of handling something beautiful, but imperfect. Some call it love.
I thought that after all the legal battles, they'd sat down over a bottle of chenin blanc and decided to be friends.But, no, just as Independence Day approaches, Samsung has decided to recommence its mocking onslaught on the powerless, penned-in paeans who own iPhones.In a new ad released Thursday, we are at the airport. There are hordes of people sitting on the floor. Are these merely the people who only have the financial power to fly coach? No, these are the people who have an iPhone 5S, and therefore lose battery power with the constancy of a Facebook privacy breach, Samsung says.They are, according to Samsung, "tethered to the wall." Yes, even in public bathrooms.More Technically IncorrectFacebook is always trying to alter people's behavior, says former data scientist'Bong With Friends'? Stoner dating site offers budding romanceWoz: Samsung Galaxy Gear is 'worthless'They can't grab a drink. They can't share a laugh with their co-workers. Because their co-workers are among the enlightened who own a Galaxy S5, whose battery lasts beyond what you normally see in a pink bunny. It evenhas an interchangeable battery.Samsung, though, isn't content just to mock the current iPhone. One poor hipsterish man sitting on the floor mutters: "I hear there's a new iPhone coming out soon.""Hope it has a better battery," muses another man off camera. There are those who are hoping it has a bigger screen, too. Oh, the trials of handling something beautiful, but imperfect. Some call it love.
Samsung reveals Passbook rival called Wallet
Samsung reveals Passbook rival called Wallet
Samsung is taking its cue from Apple for a new mobile app.Dubbed Wallet, the app is basically Samsung's version of Apple's Passbook. As described on the app's API page for developers, the app "allows users to store and manage event tickets, boarding passes, membership cards, and coupons all in one place."The app lets providers integrate their apps with Samsung Wallet so that mobile device users can add their electronic tickets and coupons. Those tickets display bar codes that can then be scanned at terminals. Demoing the app at Mobile World Congress today in Barcelona, Spain, Samsung showed how a person could add an electronic airplane ticket from a provider such as Lufthansa into the Wallet app.Like Passbook, Wallet uses push notifications to alert people when they're in the right location to use one of their stored coupons or tickets. Wallet users can also receive updates to their boarding passes and membership card points.So far, Samsung has signed up Walgreens, Major League Baseball, Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com and Lufthansa as Wallet partners. The API (application programming interface) for developers is still in beta and available only to select partners. But Samsung will open up the playing field to everyone starting in May.Samsung Wallet doesn't support near-field communications, so mobile tap-to-pay payments aren't part of the picture, at least not yet. The company told the Verge that it decided not to include an NFC option as retailers still prefer bar codes because no additional hardware is needed. But Samsung didn't rule out the feature for some future date.Below is a video about Samsung Wallet:(Via The Next Web)
Samsung is taking its cue from Apple for a new mobile app.Dubbed Wallet, the app is basically Samsung's version of Apple's Passbook. As described on the app's API page for developers, the app "allows users to store and manage event tickets, boarding passes, membership cards, and coupons all in one place."The app lets providers integrate their apps with Samsung Wallet so that mobile device users can add their electronic tickets and coupons. Those tickets display bar codes that can then be scanned at terminals. Demoing the app at Mobile World Congress today in Barcelona, Spain, Samsung showed how a person could add an electronic airplane ticket from a provider such as Lufthansa into the Wallet app.Like Passbook, Wallet uses push notifications to alert people when they're in the right location to use one of their stored coupons or tickets. Wallet users can also receive updates to their boarding passes and membership card points.So far, Samsung has signed up Walgreens, Major League Baseball, Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com and Lufthansa as Wallet partners. The API (application programming interface) for developers is still in beta and available only to select partners. But Samsung will open up the playing field to everyone starting in May.Samsung Wallet doesn't support near-field communications, so mobile tap-to-pay payments aren't part of the picture, at least not yet. The company told the Verge that it decided not to include an NFC option as retailers still prefer bar codes because no additional hardware is needed. But Samsung didn't rule out the feature for some future date.Below is a video about Samsung Wallet:(Via The Next Web)
Samsung remains No. 1 handset maker, Apple closes in on LG
Samsung remains No. 1 handset maker, Apple closes in on LG
Samsung and the Android operating system continued to dominate the U.S. mobile market in the third quarter, according to a study by ComScore, but Apple posted the biggest quarter-over-quarter gains.ComScore, which surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. mobile subscribers, found Samsung to be the top handset maker (both smartphones and non-smartphones) with 26 percent market share in the September period, up a bit from the June quarter's 25.6 percent. Related stories:CNET's live coverage of the iPad Mini launchiPhone users get less loyaliOS growth outpaces Android in the U.S. and U.K., but not elsewhereApple closed in on becoming the second-biggest handset maker, lagging LG by only 0.2 percentage points. LG's hold on the market slipped 1.1 percentage points to 17.7 percent while Apple's rose 2.1 percentage points to 17.5 percent.Google's Android operating system, meanwhile, remained the top smartphone platform with 52.5 percent share, up nearly 1 percentage point from the second quarter. Apple came in No. 2 with 34.3 percent, up 1.9 percentage points. RIM, Nokia's Symbian, and Microsoft's Windows Phone, meanwhile, all lost share. The report echoes findings from other researchers, which have shown Apple and Samsung widening the gap with other rivals. The two companies control the bulk of the industry's profits, and their newest flagship devices -- the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3 -- are helping them dominate and squeeze rivals like Motorola while low-cost handset makers like ZTE are applying pressure on the low end. Here's a closer look at ComScore's results:ComScore's mobile data for the September quarterComScoreComScore's smartphone OS data for the September quarterComScore
Samsung and the Android operating system continued to dominate the U.S. mobile market in the third quarter, according to a study by ComScore, but Apple posted the biggest quarter-over-quarter gains.ComScore, which surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. mobile subscribers, found Samsung to be the top handset maker (both smartphones and non-smartphones) with 26 percent market share in the September period, up a bit from the June quarter's 25.6 percent. Related stories:CNET's live coverage of the iPad Mini launchiPhone users get less loyaliOS growth outpaces Android in the U.S. and U.K., but not elsewhereApple closed in on becoming the second-biggest handset maker, lagging LG by only 0.2 percentage points. LG's hold on the market slipped 1.1 percentage points to 17.7 percent while Apple's rose 2.1 percentage points to 17.5 percent.Google's Android operating system, meanwhile, remained the top smartphone platform with 52.5 percent share, up nearly 1 percentage point from the second quarter. Apple came in No. 2 with 34.3 percent, up 1.9 percentage points. RIM, Nokia's Symbian, and Microsoft's Windows Phone, meanwhile, all lost share. The report echoes findings from other researchers, which have shown Apple and Samsung widening the gap with other rivals. The two companies control the bulk of the industry's profits, and their newest flagship devices -- the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3 -- are helping them dominate and squeeze rivals like Motorola while low-cost handset makers like ZTE are applying pressure on the low end. Here's a closer look at ComScore's results:ComScore's mobile data for the September quarterComScoreComScore's smartphone OS data for the September quarterComScore
SXSW Announces Midnighters from the Directors of 'Inside,' 'Blair Witch,' 'Legend of Beaver Dam,' 'Last Exorcism' and More
If you;re a hard-core genre fan, the below list of movies just announced for the SXSW Midnight program is probably going to make you drool just a little bit. It;s the kind of roster that should light up the eyes of anyone who actively seeks out genre movies from all over the world. If you;re only a casual horror fan (and that;s totally okay), let;s give a little context to a few of the world premieres before we even get to the plot descriptions and cast lists. 13 Sins - Directed by Daniel Stamm (The Last Exorcism), a remake of the twisted Thai film 13: Game of Death. Among the Living - The latest from the mad Frenchmen who gave the world Inside. Exists - A horror movie about Bigfoot from the director of The Blair Witch Project and Altered. Late Phases - The English-language debut of the director of Penumbra and Cold Sweat, about an old man defending his retirement community from... something. Stage Fright - The feature-film debut of Jerome Sable, whose The Legend of Beaver Dam is one of the most entertaining horror shorts we;ve ever seen. And that doesn;t even include wildcard movies like Home, Honeymoon and Starry Eyes, each of which we have a feeling will surprise a lot of people when they world premiere at SXSWthis coming March. And then there are the non-world premieres, The Guest (from the team who made You;re Next) and Oculus (from the director of Absentia). Between ;em all, it;s looking like this is one of the most interesting lineups of midnight movies SXSW (or any festival, really) has had in years. Check out the full details below. 13 Sins Director/Screenwriter: Daniel Stamm, Screenwriter: David Birke A cryptic phone call sets off a dangerous game of risks for Elliot, a down-on-his luck salesman. The game promises increasing rewards for completing 13 tasks, each more sinister than the last. Cast: Mark Webber, Rutina Wesley, Devon Graye, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Richard Burgi, Tom Bower, Ron Perlman (World Premiere) Among The Living (France) Director/Screenwriter: Julien Maury, Alexandre Bustillo After horror favorites Inside and Livid, Maury and Bustillo pair up again for a horror-thriller at the cross roads between Stand by Me and Friday the13th. Cast: Anne Marivin, Béatrice Dalle, Francis Renaud, Fabien Jegoudez, Nicolas Giraud (World Premiere) Exists Director: Eduardo Sánchez, Screenwriter: Jamie Nash Five friends on a camping weekend in the remote woods of East Texas struggle to survive against a legendary beast that is stronger, smarter and more terrifying than they would have ever believed exists. Cast: Chris Osborn, Dora Madison Burge, Roger Edwards, Denise Williamson, Samuel Davis (World Premiere) The Guest Director: Adam Wingard, Screenwriter: Simon Barrett A soldier on leave befriends the family of a fallen comrade, only to become a threat to all around him when it’s revealed he’s hiding dangerous secrets from his past. Cast: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Leland Orser, Lance Reddick, Sheila Kelley Home Director/Screenwriter: Nicholas McCarthy When a realtor is asked to sell a vacant home, she and her sister cross paths with its previous tenant: a teenage girl who sold her soul to the devil. Cast: Naya Rivera, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Ashley Rickards, Wyatt Russell, Ava Acres (World Premiere) Honeymoon Director/Screenwriter: Leigh Janiak, Screenwriter: Phil Graziadei Young newlyweds find their honeymoon spiraling mysteriously into chaos. Cast: Rose Leslie, Harry Treadaway, Ben Huber, Hanna Brown (World Premiere) Late Phases Director: Adrián García Bogliano, Screenwriter: Eric Stolze When deadly attacks from the forests beset a secluded retirement community, it is up to a grizzled veteran to figure what the residents are hiding. Cast: Nick Damici, Ethan Embry, Erin Cummings, Tom Noonan, Lance Guest (World Premiere) Oculus Director/Screenwriter: Mike Flanagan, Screenwriter: Jeff Howard As children, two siblings witnessed their parents; harrowing descent into madness and death. Now, as adults, they reunite to expose and destroy the supernatural entity responsible: the Lasser Glass - a legendary mirror their parents owned. Cast: Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaites, Rory Cochrane, James Lafferty, Katee Sackhoff (U.S. Premiere) Stage Fright Director: Jerome Sable Stage Fright tells the story of a snobby musical theater camp terrorized by a bloodthirsty masked killer who despises musical theatre. Scream meets Glee in this genre-bending R-rated horror-musical. Cast: Allie MacDonald, Douglas Smith, Brandon Uranowitz, Kent Nolan, Melanie Leishman (World Premiere) Starry Eyes Directors/Screenwriters: Dennis Widmyer, Kevin Kolsch In the city of dreams, a desperate actress will do whatever it takes for the role of a lifetime… no matter what the cost. Cast: Alexandra Essoe, Amanda Fuller, Fabianne Therese, Noah Segan, Shane Coffey (World Premiere) Check out a list of all the other previously announced films for SXSW 2014 here. And for a list of all the short films playing, head here
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