Apple's MacBook Air goes into Intel i5 hyperdrive
Where a Core 2 Duo--introduced way back in 2006--was, the new MBAs house spanking new Sandy Bridge chips.Intel's newest design is two generations removed from the Core 2 Duo.And that means you get nice design extras like processors that overclock automatically when applications demand bursts of speed. Intel calls this turbo frequency.So what's under the hood specifically? The i5-2467M (11.6-inch model) and i5-2557M (13.3-inch) processors, running at 1.6GHz (with turbo speeds up to 2.3 GHz) and 1.7GHz (can turbo up to 2.7 GHz) respectively. There is also an option for an 1.8GHz Core i7 (add $100), which by all appearances is an i7-2677M that turbos to 2.9GHz. The i7 has a slightly larger cache, 4MB versus 3MB for the i5s. A larger cache typically means better performance. And these processors deliver on performance--in tandem with fast solid-state drives. CNET Reviews' Dan Ackerman has run some initial tests (below) that are indeed impressive. (Also see CNET Reviews' product pages here and here.)The Multimedia Multitasking and Adobe Photoshop CS3 show impressive gains for both 2011 MBA models. And Apple iTunes encoding results show that we're talking about more than a small performance uptick.The i5s and i7 used in the ultra-skinny Air are not gas-guzzlers.They're Intel's most power-efficient i series chips--what Intel used to refer to as ULV or ultra-low-voltage. All are rated at a cool 17 watts, rather the 25 or 35 watts for mainstream Intel laptop processors. Intel's HD Graphics 3000 is also built into the chip. Nvidia's graphics chipset is no more.But there is no performance hit to speak of.And, besides, in the MBA enclosure's cramped quarters, the Intel-only layout apparently makes room for Thunderbolt-related circuitry, according to iFixit's teardown. And for those willing to crack open an Air, the solid-state drive (ranging up to 256GB) is not soldered on the logic board, iFixit said.So it's user upgradable. That said, you're out of luck if you need extra RAM. Apple MacBook Air Summer 2011 performance charts: initial benchmark scores.(Note: A full review with complete benchmarking and battery life scores will come later at CNET Reviews.) Multimedia Multitasking test (in seconds) (Lower numbers indicate better performance)Apple Macbook Air 13.3-inch (Summer 2011): 233 Apple Macbook Pro 13.3 inch 2.3GHz Core i5 (2011): 239 Apple Macbook Air 11.6-inch (Summer 2011): 253 Apple Macbook Air 11.6-inch (2010): 719 Samsung Series 9 NP900X3A: 1094 Samsung Series 9 NP900X1A: 1436 Adobe Photoshop CS3 image-processing test (in seconds)(Lower numbers indicate better performance)Apple Macbook Pro 13.3 inch 2.3GHz Core i5 (2011): 78 Apple Macbook Air 13.3-inch (Summer 2011): 85 Apple Macbook Air 11.6-inch (Summer 2011): 103 Samsung Series 9 NP900X3A: 139 Apple Macbook Air 13.3-inch (2010): 149 Apple Macbook Air 11.6-inch (2010): 199 Samsung Series 9 NP900X1A: 264 Apple iTunes encoding test (in seconds)(Lower numbers indicate better performance)Apple Macbook Air 13.3-inch (Summer 2011): 98Apple Macbook Pro 13.3 inch 2.3GHz Core i5 (2011): 99 Apple Macbook Air 11.6-inch (Summer 2011): 110Apple Macbook Air 13.3-inch (2010): 176 Samsung Series 9 NP900X3A: 226 Apple Macbook Air 11.6-inch (2010): 266 Samsung Series 9 NP900X1A: 321 System configurations: Apple Macbook Air 13.3-inch - Summer 2011OS X 10.7 Lion; 1.7GHz Intel Core i5-2557M; 4GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz; 384MB (Shared) Intel HD 3000; 128GB Apple SSDApple Macbook Air 11.6-inch - Summer 2011OS X 10.7 Lion; 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-2467M; 2GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz; 256MB (Shared) Intel HD 3000; 64GB Apple SSD Apple Macbook Air 13.3-inch OS X 10.6.6 Snow Leopard; 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo; 2GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce GT 320M; 128GB Apple SSDApple Macbook Air 11.6-inch OS X 10.6.4 Snow Leopard; 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo U9400 (ULV); 2GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 320M; 128GB Apple SSDSamsung 9 Series Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit); 1.4GHz Intel Core i5-2537M; 4096MB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz; 64MB(Dedicated) Intel GMA HD; 128GB Samsung SSDSamsung Series 9 NP900X1A Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) w/ SP1; 1.33GHz Intel Core i3-380UM; 2GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz; 64MB(Dedicated) Intel GMA HD; 64GB Samsung SSDApple Macbook Pro - Core i5 SandyBridge 13.3 inch - 2.3GHz OS X 10.6.6 Snow Leopard; 2.3GHz Intel Core i5; 4096MB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz; 384MB (Shared) Intel HD 3000; 320GB Hitachi 5,400rpm Updated on July 22 at 12:30 a.m. PDT: with additional chart data and system configurations.
New apps bring speed reading to iOS
New apps bring speed reading to iOS
Time is a precious commodity, arguably the most precious. Reading is one of the best ways to spend that time, so it stands to reason you'd want to squeeze in as much of it as possible. Earlier this year, a speed-reading technology called Spritz debuted for Android, promising to help you consume text much faster via rapid series visual presentation. Now there's an iOS e-reader that incorporates the technology, and a similar app for consuming Web content. Get ready to turbocharge your reading.ReadMe! is the first iOS app to include Spritz. It's an e-reader that supports DRM-free ePub books, meaning you're limited primarily to public-domain works; no Kindle or iTunes stuff. But it's a good way to get a taste of the technology (and enjoy some classic Twain or Conan Doyle in the process). The app costs $1.99.I wasn't able to test that one, but I did try ReadQuick, which aims to help you read faster by flashing one word at a time in a fixed position, just like Spritz. The difference: ReadQuick works with Web content, not e-books.ReadQuick's browser lets you navigate to any Web site and speed-read whatever you find.Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNETThe app has a built-in browser so you can navigate to a Web site (say, CNET.com), tap an article, then "clip" it for speed-reading. It can also link with your existing Instapaper, Pocket, and Readability accounts, a great way to speed-read content you've already clipped.Looking for other reading material? Tap the Featured button for a handful of sources (The Morning News, GigaOM, and so forth), then choose a story that sounds interesting.Speed-read settings are just a swipe away.Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNETRegardless of where the story originates, ReadQuick works like this: Double-tap the screen to start the presentation, double-tap again to stop. If you swipe right, you can use a slider to adjust the display speed (from 50 words per minute all the way up to 1,000), switch between day and night modes, and toggle small/large print.All told, it's very easy to learn and use, and definitely an interesting (sorry) glimpse at this style of speed-reading. I found I could comfortably consume nearly 450 words per minute, which seems pretty quick; various sources peg the average reading speed at anywhere from 200 to 300 WPM.That said, I'm not yet sold on using this full-time. Call me old-school (if not old-fashioned), but I like seeing printed pages. I like taking "natural" pauses while I read; the app feels like it's strong-arming words down my brain unless I manually pause them. And I definitely think you can lose an author's voice when you speed-read, especially when it's something funny or poignant that merits laughter or consideration.Of course, my chief complaint in life is that I don't have enough time to read, so I'll definitely be spending more time with apps like these. Maybe they're best for consuming news, blog posts, and the like, as opposed to works of fiction. Your thoughts?By the way, if you're not an iOS user, check out these three Spritz-like speed-reading apps for Android.
Time is a precious commodity, arguably the most precious. Reading is one of the best ways to spend that time, so it stands to reason you'd want to squeeze in as much of it as possible. Earlier this year, a speed-reading technology called Spritz debuted for Android, promising to help you consume text much faster via rapid series visual presentation. Now there's an iOS e-reader that incorporates the technology, and a similar app for consuming Web content. Get ready to turbocharge your reading.ReadMe! is the first iOS app to include Spritz. It's an e-reader that supports DRM-free ePub books, meaning you're limited primarily to public-domain works; no Kindle or iTunes stuff. But it's a good way to get a taste of the technology (and enjoy some classic Twain or Conan Doyle in the process). The app costs $1.99.I wasn't able to test that one, but I did try ReadQuick, which aims to help you read faster by flashing one word at a time in a fixed position, just like Spritz. The difference: ReadQuick works with Web content, not e-books.ReadQuick's browser lets you navigate to any Web site and speed-read whatever you find.Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNETThe app has a built-in browser so you can navigate to a Web site (say, CNET.com), tap an article, then "clip" it for speed-reading. It can also link with your existing Instapaper, Pocket, and Readability accounts, a great way to speed-read content you've already clipped.Looking for other reading material? Tap the Featured button for a handful of sources (The Morning News, GigaOM, and so forth), then choose a story that sounds interesting.Speed-read settings are just a swipe away.Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNETRegardless of where the story originates, ReadQuick works like this: Double-tap the screen to start the presentation, double-tap again to stop. If you swipe right, you can use a slider to adjust the display speed (from 50 words per minute all the way up to 1,000), switch between day and night modes, and toggle small/large print.All told, it's very easy to learn and use, and definitely an interesting (sorry) glimpse at this style of speed-reading. I found I could comfortably consume nearly 450 words per minute, which seems pretty quick; various sources peg the average reading speed at anywhere from 200 to 300 WPM.That said, I'm not yet sold on using this full-time. Call me old-school (if not old-fashioned), but I like seeing printed pages. I like taking "natural" pauses while I read; the app feels like it's strong-arming words down my brain unless I manually pause them. And I definitely think you can lose an author's voice when you speed-read, especially when it's something funny or poignant that merits laughter or consideration.Of course, my chief complaint in life is that I don't have enough time to read, so I'll definitely be spending more time with apps like these. Maybe they're best for consuming news, blog posts, and the like, as opposed to works of fiction. Your thoughts?By the way, if you're not an iOS user, check out these three Spritz-like speed-reading apps for Android.
Bloom.fm- Apple banned us from iAd because we're 'a threat'
Bloom.fm: Apple banned us from iAd because we're 'a threat'
Bloom.fm, a London-based streaming-music service that offers everything from access to free radio to song borrowing, believes Apple is scared of its operation. Speaking to CNET on Friday, a Bloom.fm spokesman confirmed that the company's ad-spend on Apple's mobile-advertising platform iAd has been banned by the iPhone maker. The only suitable reason for that, the spokesman argues, is that Apple views its service as a threat. "We were surprised at Apple's decision to ban us from their iAd network as their iTunes Radio service isn't even available in the UK," the spokesman told CNET. "Bloom.fm gives you 22 million tracks for £1 a month -- the price of a single download on iTunes -- so I can see why they'd want to protect their business." Apple's online radio service, iTunes Radio, has quickly gained ground in the US since its launch last September, but it remains far behind the current leader in streaming radio, Pandora. iTunes Radio is not currently available in the UK, but is expected to launch in thatmarket sometime this year. Apple's Bloom ouster might be priming thepump for its eventual iTunes Radio launch.Related storiesApple reportedly mulling revamp of iTunes music storeRhapsody tells (almost) all to get you listeningAmanda Palmer confronts the 'current nightmare of the modern musician' (Q&A)Spotify beautifies Bloom is a lesser-known streaming provider in the UK. The company provides free access to streaming radio stations and includes everything from playlist support to full iTunes Radio-like streaming. The company also has a borrowing feature that lets users borrow up to 20 songs per month for £1. After the month is up, they can no longer listen to the tracks without "borrowing" them again. Bloom spent £2,000 per month on Apple's iAd network, promoting its service to iPhone, iPod, and iPad owners, according to a Guardian report. On Wednesday, however, Apple said that it could no longer advertise through its network. Bloom announced the news on its Twitter page, saying that Apple called its offering "a competitive service to iTunes Radio and it is against Apple policy." By banning Bloom, however, Apple might have given the service more notoriety than it otherwise had. Bloom has a million registered users, making it substantially smaller than services like Pandora or Spotify. But Apple has put Bloom in front of more people, which could help the service grow. Not surprisingly, Bloom seems pleased by the attention it's getting. On Wednesday, the company sarcastically tweeted that Apple's move must mean the company is "big time now." The company told CNET on Friday that the iAd ban is "flattering." "[Apple's] decision isn't going to affect our growth and it's actually quite flattering they see us as such a threat," the spokesman said. The iAd ban might not affect Bloom's own advertising budget. Depending on the company's plans, it's possible that the Bloom ads could come back to Apple devices through alternative mobile-ad services like Google's AdMob. CNET has contacted Apple for comment on Bloom. We will update this story when we have more information.
Bloom.fm, a London-based streaming-music service that offers everything from access to free radio to song borrowing, believes Apple is scared of its operation. Speaking to CNET on Friday, a Bloom.fm spokesman confirmed that the company's ad-spend on Apple's mobile-advertising platform iAd has been banned by the iPhone maker. The only suitable reason for that, the spokesman argues, is that Apple views its service as a threat. "We were surprised at Apple's decision to ban us from their iAd network as their iTunes Radio service isn't even available in the UK," the spokesman told CNET. "Bloom.fm gives you 22 million tracks for £1 a month -- the price of a single download on iTunes -- so I can see why they'd want to protect their business." Apple's online radio service, iTunes Radio, has quickly gained ground in the US since its launch last September, but it remains far behind the current leader in streaming radio, Pandora. iTunes Radio is not currently available in the UK, but is expected to launch in thatmarket sometime this year. Apple's Bloom ouster might be priming thepump for its eventual iTunes Radio launch.Related storiesApple reportedly mulling revamp of iTunes music storeRhapsody tells (almost) all to get you listeningAmanda Palmer confronts the 'current nightmare of the modern musician' (Q&A)Spotify beautifies Bloom is a lesser-known streaming provider in the UK. The company provides free access to streaming radio stations and includes everything from playlist support to full iTunes Radio-like streaming. The company also has a borrowing feature that lets users borrow up to 20 songs per month for £1. After the month is up, they can no longer listen to the tracks without "borrowing" them again. Bloom spent £2,000 per month on Apple's iAd network, promoting its service to iPhone, iPod, and iPad owners, according to a Guardian report. On Wednesday, however, Apple said that it could no longer advertise through its network. Bloom announced the news on its Twitter page, saying that Apple called its offering "a competitive service to iTunes Radio and it is against Apple policy." By banning Bloom, however, Apple might have given the service more notoriety than it otherwise had. Bloom has a million registered users, making it substantially smaller than services like Pandora or Spotify. But Apple has put Bloom in front of more people, which could help the service grow. Not surprisingly, Bloom seems pleased by the attention it's getting. On Wednesday, the company sarcastically tweeted that Apple's move must mean the company is "big time now." The company told CNET on Friday that the iAd ban is "flattering." "[Apple's] decision isn't going to affect our growth and it's actually quite flattering they see us as such a threat," the spokesman said. The iAd ban might not affect Bloom's own advertising budget. Depending on the company's plans, it's possible that the Bloom ads could come back to Apple devices through alternative mobile-ad services like Google's AdMob. CNET has contacted Apple for comment on Bloom. We will update this story when we have more information.
The 404 397- Where Justin's back, and so are the glasses
The 404 397: Where Justin's back, and so are the glasses
After getting mauled by a bear in Yosemite (where's the app for THAT?), I'm back, and much to Jeff, Wilson, and everyone else's dismay SO ARE THE GLASSES! That's right suckers, a little Krazy Glue goes a long way, but I'm not sure how long these things will last, so please continue to e-mail us submissions for the contest to choose my next frames. I'm not gonna lie, I've missed the show dearly and it's great to be back!The first half of today's show has a lot of movie talk, starting with us talking all sorts of garbage on the new "G.I. Joe" movie. The movie won't be prescreened to critics, and we suspect it has something to do with the trailer receiving so much backlash from justifiably angry fans of the original television series. Jeff also gives us his take on the trailer for "District 9", the new science fiction movie based on the short film Alive in Joburg. Go check that out and let "G.I. Joe" go the way of the buffalo!The second half just gets nuts, that's all I'll say. OK, well, without giving too much away, it all starts with the Get It Guy, a fake Australian accent, and a very steamy call from SadaCori in the chatroom (a must listen!), but then we get a surprise knock from Motherboard herself, who has something very special to show us...something that NOBODY HAS SEEN BEFORE, so be sure to check out the video for all the details. After that, we dredge up a claim about racism in Resident Evil 5 and it all devolves from there. Trust us, it's the last time you'll hear about it!As always, feel free to leave us a voicemail at 1-866-404-CNET or get in touch with us on Twitter or at the404[at]cnet[dot]com!EPISODE 397PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
After getting mauled by a bear in Yosemite (where's the app for THAT?), I'm back, and much to Jeff, Wilson, and everyone else's dismay SO ARE THE GLASSES! That's right suckers, a little Krazy Glue goes a long way, but I'm not sure how long these things will last, so please continue to e-mail us submissions for the contest to choose my next frames. I'm not gonna lie, I've missed the show dearly and it's great to be back!The first half of today's show has a lot of movie talk, starting with us talking all sorts of garbage on the new "G.I. Joe" movie. The movie won't be prescreened to critics, and we suspect it has something to do with the trailer receiving so much backlash from justifiably angry fans of the original television series. Jeff also gives us his take on the trailer for "District 9", the new science fiction movie based on the short film Alive in Joburg. Go check that out and let "G.I. Joe" go the way of the buffalo!The second half just gets nuts, that's all I'll say. OK, well, without giving too much away, it all starts with the Get It Guy, a fake Australian accent, and a very steamy call from SadaCori in the chatroom (a must listen!), but then we get a surprise knock from Motherboard herself, who has something very special to show us...something that NOBODY HAS SEEN BEFORE, so be sure to check out the video for all the details. After that, we dredge up a claim about racism in Resident Evil 5 and it all devolves from there. Trust us, it's the last time you'll hear about it!As always, feel free to leave us a voicemail at 1-866-404-CNET or get in touch with us on Twitter or at the404[at]cnet[dot]com!EPISODE 397PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Married with iPods, Part 2- One library to rule them all
Married with iPods, Part 2: One library to rule them all
Last week, I showed you a technique for keeping your music collections separatefrom one another in a communal iTunes library. This week, I'll try and help out those of you with the opposite problem--people with fractured iTunes libraries across multiple user profiles who want to pool their family's media together.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayThe root of the problem is that unlike Windows Media Player, Winamp, or nearly any other multimedia jukebox application, there's no way to get iTunes to actively monitor multiple folders on your computer and add new content automatically. In a perfect world,you could tell iTunes to create its library based on the music stored in all the "My Music" folders of every user on your computer. Unfortunately, iTunes doesn't work that way.You can, however, make it so that any media added to any instance of iTunes on your PC is copied to a single, central location that all users can access. Pointing every installation of iTunes on your computer to a common library is as easy as holding down the shift button when you launch the application. The hardest part, often, is archiving and merging all the separate media collections each user has been amassing up until this point. Click to see our step-by-step tutorial on merging iTunes libraries across multiple user accounts.We've made another step-by-step guide that walks you through the back-up, redirecting, and restoring of a single iTunes library that pulls content from every user account on your computer. For extra inspiration, you can also take a look at the Insider Secrets video I shot, that outlines the steps for this iTunes tip and last week's. With any luck, you can use both these tips together to pool all your family's media and iTunes purchases together, and still maintain some sanity-saving restrictions on what content is copied to your individual iPod or iPhone.If you have any other tips to share, please include them in the comments section.
Last week, I showed you a technique for keeping your music collections separatefrom one another in a communal iTunes library. This week, I'll try and help out those of you with the opposite problem--people with fractured iTunes libraries across multiple user profiles who want to pool their family's media together.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayThe root of the problem is that unlike Windows Media Player, Winamp, or nearly any other multimedia jukebox application, there's no way to get iTunes to actively monitor multiple folders on your computer and add new content automatically. In a perfect world,you could tell iTunes to create its library based on the music stored in all the "My Music" folders of every user on your computer. Unfortunately, iTunes doesn't work that way.You can, however, make it so that any media added to any instance of iTunes on your PC is copied to a single, central location that all users can access. Pointing every installation of iTunes on your computer to a common library is as easy as holding down the shift button when you launch the application. The hardest part, often, is archiving and merging all the separate media collections each user has been amassing up until this point. Click to see our step-by-step tutorial on merging iTunes libraries across multiple user accounts.We've made another step-by-step guide that walks you through the back-up, redirecting, and restoring of a single iTunes library that pulls content from every user account on your computer. For extra inspiration, you can also take a look at the Insider Secrets video I shot, that outlines the steps for this iTunes tip and last week's. With any luck, you can use both these tips together to pool all your family's media and iTunes purchases together, and still maintain some sanity-saving restrictions on what content is copied to your individual iPod or iPhone.If you have any other tips to share, please include them in the comments section.
Developer coaxes Siri to raise, lower his temperature
Developer coaxes Siri to raise, lower his temperature
The prospect of asking Apple's Siri to control items besides your iPhone is starting to look a whole lot more real.A developer known only as Pete, or @plamoni on Twitter, has created a special proxy server through which he can issue voice commands to the iPhone 4S voice assistant, who can then perform tasks outside of the iPhone. The first target: his thermostat.Tapping into a hack set up last week by developer Applidium that lets people add more functionality to Siri, Pete managed to create a plugin to control a Wi-Fi thermostat by voice. In the video demo seen below, he was able to not only ask Siri to report the room temperature but also to change it.The steps required to convince Siri to change the temp and perform other actions demand a fair knowledge of security certificates and OpenSSL, according to Pete. So it's not likely something the average person could do. But he held out the possibility of creating some automated scripts to help people try to duplicate his achievement.Applidium's initial hack potentially opens the door for Siri to work on devices other than the iPhone 4S, but Pete's bit of proxy trickery doesn't by itself achieve that goal. He did say that his process could help in that regard but cautioned people about the risks involved without making sure the proper authentication is in place.Related storiesSiri's security sabotaged, developer releases crack toolsApple muting Siri on older devices?Siri now flirting with older iPhones--for realSince Siri made its debut more than a month ago, developers and hackers have been striving to expand its use beyond the iPhone 4S. And the hacks developed by Applidium and others show that Siri is quite capable of moving beyond her original programming.But some of this progress could be short-lived. Apple is not the type of company to sit idly by and let other people fiddle around with its products and technologies. As Pete said, "Apple could do things to block this kind of behavior if they want." So it'll be interesting to see if and how Apple attempts to turn off these sorts of developments.
The prospect of asking Apple's Siri to control items besides your iPhone is starting to look a whole lot more real.A developer known only as Pete, or @plamoni on Twitter, has created a special proxy server through which he can issue voice commands to the iPhone 4S voice assistant, who can then perform tasks outside of the iPhone. The first target: his thermostat.Tapping into a hack set up last week by developer Applidium that lets people add more functionality to Siri, Pete managed to create a plugin to control a Wi-Fi thermostat by voice. In the video demo seen below, he was able to not only ask Siri to report the room temperature but also to change it.The steps required to convince Siri to change the temp and perform other actions demand a fair knowledge of security certificates and OpenSSL, according to Pete. So it's not likely something the average person could do. But he held out the possibility of creating some automated scripts to help people try to duplicate his achievement.Applidium's initial hack potentially opens the door for Siri to work on devices other than the iPhone 4S, but Pete's bit of proxy trickery doesn't by itself achieve that goal. He did say that his process could help in that regard but cautioned people about the risks involved without making sure the proper authentication is in place.Related storiesSiri's security sabotaged, developer releases crack toolsApple muting Siri on older devices?Siri now flirting with older iPhones--for realSince Siri made its debut more than a month ago, developers and hackers have been striving to expand its use beyond the iPhone 4S. And the hacks developed by Applidium and others show that Siri is quite capable of moving beyond her original programming.But some of this progress could be short-lived. Apple is not the type of company to sit idly by and let other people fiddle around with its products and technologies. As Pete said, "Apple could do things to block this kind of behavior if they want." So it'll be interesting to see if and how Apple attempts to turn off these sorts of developments.
Deutsche Telekom accepting iPhone 5 reservations
Deutsche Telekom accepting iPhone 5 reservations
Deutsche Telekom is already giving customers a way to reserve Apple's next iPhone ahead of it having actually been announced, according to multiple reports.Bloomberg reports that the European carrier is handing out coupons for the device to customers who ask for it without actually calling the device the iPhone 5. A company spokesperson told the outlet the move is based on expectations of the phone being hard to get once it's released.A follow-up report by German language news site Focus.de (as picked up by AppleInsider) notes that this pre-ordering process is being intentionally kept low profile, with no mention of it in advertising or its online store. Instead, customers will need to go into the carrier's retail stores and request a reservation for the device.Deutsche Telekom did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation of the program.Apple and its carrier partners received more than 600,000 pre-orders for the iPhone 4 last year, resulting in a number of hiccups for those trying to reserve the device for purchase on its first day of availability. Apple then had trouble keeping up with demand, with new orders taking weeks to ship out to new buyers and causing customer lineups at Apple's retail stores and carriers that were selling the device.Deutsche Telekom became the second European sales partner for Apple following the launch of the original iPhone in 2007. The two companies proceeded to launch the handset on Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile network in early November.Apple's next iPhone is expected to be released in October, marking a departure from the company's longstanding tradition of a summer release. The timing also coincides with when Apple typically holds its annual event to spruce up its lineup of iPods and The Apple TV.
Deutsche Telekom is already giving customers a way to reserve Apple's next iPhone ahead of it having actually been announced, according to multiple reports.Bloomberg reports that the European carrier is handing out coupons for the device to customers who ask for it without actually calling the device the iPhone 5. A company spokesperson told the outlet the move is based on expectations of the phone being hard to get once it's released.A follow-up report by German language news site Focus.de (as picked up by AppleInsider) notes that this pre-ordering process is being intentionally kept low profile, with no mention of it in advertising or its online store. Instead, customers will need to go into the carrier's retail stores and request a reservation for the device.Deutsche Telekom did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation of the program.Apple and its carrier partners received more than 600,000 pre-orders for the iPhone 4 last year, resulting in a number of hiccups for those trying to reserve the device for purchase on its first day of availability. Apple then had trouble keeping up with demand, with new orders taking weeks to ship out to new buyers and causing customer lineups at Apple's retail stores and carriers that were selling the device.Deutsche Telekom became the second European sales partner for Apple following the launch of the original iPhone in 2007. The two companies proceeded to launch the handset on Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile network in early November.Apple's next iPhone is expected to be released in October, marking a departure from the company's longstanding tradition of a summer release. The timing also coincides with when Apple typically holds its annual event to spruce up its lineup of iPods and The Apple TV.
Details of redesigned 21-inch iMac surface in China
Details of redesigned 21-inch iMac surface in China
Apple may be getting ready to introduce a new iMac with a redesigned body with a thinner profile.Photos of what is purported to be the new iMac's logic board and other internal components surfaced earlier this month on a forum thread to the Chinese site WeiPhone (Google translation).The poster claims that the image was captured by his or her brother-in-law, who allegedly works in the factory where production is occurring.The new iMac design is said to include a profile that when viewed from end to end, you "almost cannot see the new iMac's thickness." The poster compared the profile to water droplets and said it included "tetragonal" elements.It appears the display is glued to the machine's front glass rather than a separate assembly, although the post doesn't mention whether this will be a Retina display. The post also wrote that the iMac will retain the familiar "chin" below the display.The post suggests that the 21-inch model may be the first to be updated, with the 27-inch iMac coming later.It also claims a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro is definitely in the works and already in production in "Mexico and other places" but is experiencing thermal issues. The new model is codenamed D1in keeping with the D2, which turned out to be the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro.DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim has been telling CNET for a while now that a 13.3- pixel density display and be unveiled in the coming weeks -- after an iPad Mini announcement.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple may be getting ready to introduce a new iMac with a redesigned body with a thinner profile.Photos of what is purported to be the new iMac's logic board and other internal components surfaced earlier this month on a forum thread to the Chinese site WeiPhone (Google translation).The poster claims that the image was captured by his or her brother-in-law, who allegedly works in the factory where production is occurring.The new iMac design is said to include a profile that when viewed from end to end, you "almost cannot see the new iMac's thickness." The poster compared the profile to water droplets and said it included "tetragonal" elements.It appears the display is glued to the machine's front glass rather than a separate assembly, although the post doesn't mention whether this will be a Retina display. The post also wrote that the iMac will retain the familiar "chin" below the display.The post suggests that the 21-inch model may be the first to be updated, with the 27-inch iMac coming later.It also claims a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro is definitely in the works and already in production in "Mexico and other places" but is experiencing thermal issues. The new model is codenamed D1in keeping with the D2, which turned out to be the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro.DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim has been telling CNET for a while now that a 13.3- pixel density display and be unveiled in the coming weeks -- after an iPad Mini announcement.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Despite legal battle, Apple keeps Samsung inside iPhone
Despite legal battle, Apple keeps Samsung inside iPhone
Those key parts include the iPhone 5's expected main processor, the A5, as well as system memory and flash memory--components that together make up the electronic core. Sources who track the chip industry say that Apple must stick with Samsung for the time being.Some rumors had claimed that Apple would switch to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for a so-called "shrink" (smaller version) of the A5 for the iPhone 5.That's simply not doable, sources tell CNET. TSMC has not perfected the advanced manufacturing processes needed to make an A5 for the iPhone and, maybe more importantly, it's prohibitively difficult to jump to a different manufacturer for the same chip design."They don't have a choice. They can't switch [from Samsung] at this stage," said one source, familiar with the dynamics of the cell phone chip industry supply chain, referring to the A5. A report yesterday in the Korea Times also said that Samsung will supply the A5 and memory components. (And another report claims to show a photo of the iPhone 5 or iPhone 4s' internals. While a second report claims to show the iPhone 4s.) The same Korea Times report said Samsung Electronics is seeking a "complete ban" on sales of the Apple iPhone 5 in Korea, in retaliation to patent lawsuits by Apple against Samsung. Because of legal wrangling like this, Apple is expected in the future to turn to TSMC, and possibly other chip manufacturers, for chips beyond the A5, such as the A6.And the report in the Korea Times goes on to make an interesting claim. The iPhone 5 will include silicon for near-field communication (NFC), a technology that allows wireless payments, enabling an iPhone to serve as an electronic wallet, among other uses.But other reports say NFC may not appear until a later version of the iPhone.Other expected iPhone 5 features include better graphics silicon inside the A5, such as the Imagination PowerVR SGX543 graphics used in the iPad 2, and an 8-megapixel camera, an improvement over the 5-megapixel camera in the iPhone 4.Updated at 11:40 p.m. PST: with possible photo of iPhone 4s from Macpost.
Those key parts include the iPhone 5's expected main processor, the A5, as well as system memory and flash memory--components that together make up the electronic core. Sources who track the chip industry say that Apple must stick with Samsung for the time being.Some rumors had claimed that Apple would switch to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for a so-called "shrink" (smaller version) of the A5 for the iPhone 5.That's simply not doable, sources tell CNET. TSMC has not perfected the advanced manufacturing processes needed to make an A5 for the iPhone and, maybe more importantly, it's prohibitively difficult to jump to a different manufacturer for the same chip design."They don't have a choice. They can't switch [from Samsung] at this stage," said one source, familiar with the dynamics of the cell phone chip industry supply chain, referring to the A5. A report yesterday in the Korea Times also said that Samsung will supply the A5 and memory components. (And another report claims to show a photo of the iPhone 5 or iPhone 4s' internals. While a second report claims to show the iPhone 4s.) The same Korea Times report said Samsung Electronics is seeking a "complete ban" on sales of the Apple iPhone 5 in Korea, in retaliation to patent lawsuits by Apple against Samsung. Because of legal wrangling like this, Apple is expected in the future to turn to TSMC, and possibly other chip manufacturers, for chips beyond the A5, such as the A6.And the report in the Korea Times goes on to make an interesting claim. The iPhone 5 will include silicon for near-field communication (NFC), a technology that allows wireless payments, enabling an iPhone to serve as an electronic wallet, among other uses.But other reports say NFC may not appear until a later version of the iPhone.Other expected iPhone 5 features include better graphics silicon inside the A5, such as the Imagination PowerVR SGX543 graphics used in the iPad 2, and an 8-megapixel camera, an improvement over the 5-megapixel camera in the iPhone 4.Updated at 11:40 p.m. PST: with possible photo of iPhone 4s from Macpost.
Demand dichotomy- PCs down, iPad up
Demand dichotomy: PCs down, iPad up
Intel, Advanced Micro Devices, and Nvidia--three of the leading PC chip stocks--have taken a beating in the last two days, largely driven by reports from Wall Street analysts, such asJ.P. Morgan's Christopher Danely, who warned investors that PC orders are "falling off a cliff."Barclays Capital also had dour things to say about overly optimistic predictions by Intel and AMD--who together supply processors for virtually all of the world's PCs--when the two companies announced earnings last month.In general, analysts are citing a weaker outlook for consumer and corporate computer spending worldwide. Seemingly immune to all of this is the iPad. Shipment forecasts for Apple's 10-inch class mobile device continue to get raised, with analysts now predicting that well over 10 million iPads will ship this year (one analyst at Robert W. Baird is now predicting up to 15 million).And this explosive growth, to some degree, is eating into low-end laptop sales.And maybe equally worrisome for PC chip suppliers is that the iPad is not powered by a traditional laptop processor. It uses Apple's A4 chip, which also powers Apple's new iPhone 4. So PC chipmakers are not tied in any way to the the iPad's phenomenal shipment numbers. Indeed, Apple has a unique market-making opportunity, as no major computer makers are currently shipping 10 inch-class tablets that rival the iPad, which went on sale April 3.That said, tablet competition will likely heat up later this year or next year when Android and Windows-based tablets are expected to come to market in force.Windows tablets are expected to be powered by Intel chips.
Intel, Advanced Micro Devices, and Nvidia--three of the leading PC chip stocks--have taken a beating in the last two days, largely driven by reports from Wall Street analysts, such asJ.P. Morgan's Christopher Danely, who warned investors that PC orders are "falling off a cliff."Barclays Capital also had dour things to say about overly optimistic predictions by Intel and AMD--who together supply processors for virtually all of the world's PCs--when the two companies announced earnings last month.In general, analysts are citing a weaker outlook for consumer and corporate computer spending worldwide. Seemingly immune to all of this is the iPad. Shipment forecasts for Apple's 10-inch class mobile device continue to get raised, with analysts now predicting that well over 10 million iPads will ship this year (one analyst at Robert W. Baird is now predicting up to 15 million).And this explosive growth, to some degree, is eating into low-end laptop sales.And maybe equally worrisome for PC chip suppliers is that the iPad is not powered by a traditional laptop processor. It uses Apple's A4 chip, which also powers Apple's new iPhone 4. So PC chipmakers are not tied in any way to the the iPad's phenomenal shipment numbers. Indeed, Apple has a unique market-making opportunity, as no major computer makers are currently shipping 10 inch-class tablets that rival the iPad, which went on sale April 3.That said, tablet competition will likely heat up later this year or next year when Android and Windows-based tablets are expected to come to market in force.Windows tablets are expected to be powered by Intel chips.
Unlock your Mac using Touch ID on your iOS device
With the launch of iOS 8, Apple introduced a new feature called Handoff. The feature connects your nearby iOS and OS X devices to each other, making it possible to seamlessly switch between devices while not having to worry about losing your place or work.
One feature missing from Handoff is the ability to share Touch ID from an iOS device to a Mac. A pair of developers are trying to bring Touch ID capabilities to OS X with a new app called KeyTouch.
In its current form, KeyTouch will use Touch ID on a nearby iPad or iPhone lock and unlock your Mac, along with enter your password when prompted. There's two parts to the making this work, an iOS app ($0.99) and a free Mac app.
Various screens of KeyTouch on iOS.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
After installing both apps, you go through a quick setup process and a few minutes later you'll have Touch ID linked to your Mac. Admittedly, the process to use the service is a bit cumbersome right now. In lieu of typing in your password, you unlock your iOS device, launch the app, tap the screen, then place your finger on the home button.
The developers, however, are aware of the issue and are working on spending up the process. Additionally, the team is also working on an API for website developers to implement. This would allow KeyTouch users to potentially log into sites and services on a Mac using Touch ID from iOS.
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